BY: FAYETTE C. RIÑEN
CEBU CITY, June 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources marks the observance of June as environment month with various activities lined up to promote environmental protection and preservation.
DENR employees, its partners and the media planted mangrove propagules and had a coastal clean-up drive in barangay Inoburan in Naga City, Cebu in celebration of World Environment Day (WED) today, June 5 with this year’s theme “Raise your awareness, not the sea level.”
It was followed with a short briefing on the importance of mangroves especially in mitigating the impact of storm surge. Similar activities were also done in 14 coastal areas within the four provinces of the region initiated by DENR's provincial offices.
DENR-7 regional director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said almost every day of this month, there will be activities aimed at raising the consciousness of the public to the importance of the environment not only for food security but also to prevent or ease the impact of natural calamities.
“We need to remind the people the essence of preserving the environment for the next generations to come,” said Montejo.
On June 9, Montejo said the country will also celebrate the Coral Triangle Day which calls for ocean and marine life preservation highlighting the significance of coral reefs for the survival and healthy proliferation of marine species.
A five-day site visit in northern Cebu is also slated to showcase the best practices on the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) starting June 9 to 13.
On June 10, the DENR will celebrate its 27th year anniversary which will kick off with a Holy Mass followed by an awarding of retirees, games and bingo socials to foster camaderie and teamwork among employees at the DENR-7 grounds.
Environmental Stewardship Fora are scheduled on June 17 at the Negros Oriental State University in Guihulngan City, Negros Oriental while on June 18 at the Bohol Island State University-Main Campus and the following day at the Cebu Technological University in Argao, Cebu.
Balancing development and environment will also be further strengthened by crafting eco-tourism plans and programs in a two-day strategic planning workshop this month with the members of the Department of Tourism - Regional Eco-Tourism Council. Members of the council come from the local government units, regional line agencies and other stakeholders.
On June 22, the 2nd Cebu Run for the Rivers is set that calls for the rehabilitation of rivers, creeks and other water bodies in Cebu.
From June 23 to 30, an Arts and Environment Exhibit will be conducted at Ayala Center Cebu while a Mine Plant Tour and symposium on June 26 is set at Solid Earth Development Corporation -Taiheyo Cement Philippines Inc. in San Fernando, Cebu. Discussion during the symposium will center on the current policies and trends in responsible mining.
The whole month of June however, will witness the advocacy on the ‘Green Schools’ campaign in public elementary and secondary schools in the whole region.
Objective of the campaign is to involve the schools to practice proper solid waste management, tree growing and other environment-friendly activities.
For the culmination of the Environment Month celebration, the DENR-7 will give recognition and award to companies, groups and individuals in advocating environmental protection, conservation and maintenance. The awarding ceremony will be done at The Terraces of Ayala Center, Cebu.
Montejo further said that they are also intensifying their pro-environment campaign through media briefings, interviews and guesting. (mbcn/FCR/PIA7 with reports from Mary Jane G. Conciliado, intern)