CEBU CITY, May 31 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) announced that the Philippine environment month celebration will start on June 1, bared Dr. Eddie Llamedo, DENR-7 Information Officer.
Llamedo added that DENR-7 will have series of campaign programs and activities with a theme “Raise your voice, not the sea level.”
He added that the theme this year aims to encourage greater awareness to help protect small islands and islets in the face of growing risks and vulnerabilities, particularly as a result of climate change.
The theme is in support of the United Nations (UN) designation of 2014 as the International Year of Small Island Developing States (SIDS), said Llamedo.
On the other hand, DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo R. Montejo said, the focus for this year’s drive is to raise a call for solidarity with all the islands around the world, with their communities to work hand in hand to keep them safer against the impacts of climate change.
Activities lined up for this year’s environment month include the first run for the environment dubbed as “Dagan para sa Kalikupan,” on June 1 at 5:00 a.m. Llamedo said.
The run will start at Parkmall, Mandaue City with the Cebu Climate Change Association Inc. Participants are urged to bring at least, one seedling to be used for planting.
Llamedo also said that there will be a simultaneous mangrove planting on June 5 which is world environment day or WED, to happen in 14 coastal areas in the provinces of Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental and Siquijor.
On June 10, a climate change communication plan with the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 7 will be launched, bared Llamedo.
On June 17, 18 and 19, An Environmental Stewardship Forum which aims to advocate, promote and call to action on environmental issues will be conducted in Negros Oriental State University-Guihulngan City Campus, Bohol Island State University and Cebu Technological University, Argao Campus.
On June 22, the 2nd Cebu Run for the rivers will also be held so as to help rehabilitate certain rivers, creeks and other water bodies in Cebu.
The Run is a joint project of the DENR 7, Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) 7 and the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI), said Llamedo.
On June 25, a regionwide simultaneous tree planting will be held to highlight the Arbor Day celebration of said day.
There will be roadside random emission testing every week in June in some busy hubs within Metro Cebu that will be conducted by EMB 7, in cooperation with the Land Transportation Office (LTO-7).
A cleaning up of about 10 water bodies including creeks with partner industries will also be held.
On June 26, a facilitated mine tour and responsible mining symposium is arranged by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 at Solid Earth Development Corporation and Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc., in San Fernando, Cebu.
Llamedo bared further that other activities include a national greening program (NGP) site visit to feature best practices or success stories on June 9 to 13 in some plantations in the northern part of Cebu; Coral Triangle Initiative (CTI) day on June 9, DENR anniversary on June 10; Department of Tourism-DENR Regional Ecotourism Council Strategic Planning will be slated on June 17 to 18.
For the past years the Philippines has been celebrating the month of June as Environment Month in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 237. Then and now, the aim of the celebration is to foster public awareness on the urgency of preserving the environment and natural resources.
As Montejo said, the celebration will focus on public attention and encourage government, organizations, communities to actively engage in activities that address challenges of our fragile environment.” (mbcn/jsme/PIA7-Cebu with reports from Ed Llamedo/DENR7)