Environment Month promotes natural resources conservation

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is celebrating the "Environment Month" this June with the theme "Pasiglahin ang Matamlay na Kapaligiran (PAMANA sa Kapaligiran)" and with various activities to promote the conservation of natural resources.

Isabelo Montejo, regional training director of DENR-7's Forest Management Services division, said that, "the agency aims to make the stakeholders of the environment - the people - actively participate in the activities for the betterment of the environment."

The celebration kicked off last June 1, where a Holy Mass was held with the announcement of the environment month activities and the opening of the agency's sports festival. A signing of a memorandum of agreement was also held between representatives from the different mining companies.

Last June 2, an information caravan was held at the municipality of Carmen in coordination with the Association of Government Information Officers-7 and the Philippine Information Agency-7.

Current trends and directions of DENR about the mining issues and concerns were tackled during a radio program "Ikaw ug ang Mina." DENR explained on the agency's regulations about mining.

An activity enlisting the business sectors, community, schools, and other government agencies to integrate programs that would pursue aggressive rehabilitation of the Butuanon river was held on June 4 with the theme "Sapa sa Butuanon, Atong Buhion." A roadside tree growing and mangrove planting was also held on the same day in Carmen, Argao, Sibonga, Naga, and in the Talibon group of islands. A coastal cleanup was also held in the towns of Bindoy, San Jose and Ayungon, Negros Oriental.

Up and coming events would include tree nurturing activities and environment fora on various dates involving the different schools in the region. Issues concerning the protection of natural resources towards sustainable development would be tackled.

DENR would open its gates on June 9 to forge meaningful engagement with the stakeholders. The activities for the day would include a covenant signing, opening of exhibits on environment-friendly products, solid waste technologies, clean air technology, best environmental practices, product display, and partnership exhibits. A film showing on Apo, Malapascua and Olango islands; and Buhisan Watershed and Forest Reserve would also be held.

Another information caravan would be held for the residents of the municipality of San Remigio on June 9. On June 12, the importance of freedom from air pollution through the promotion of clean air initiatives would be highlighted in a biking activity entitled "Padyak sa Kalikasan".

The beauty and significance of watersheds would be explored in a watershed tour on June 14. The diversity of the Tabunan forest would be discovered, as it would be trekked on June 16.

The Recyclables Collection Event would be launched at the grounds of the Ayala Center on June 17 to address the waste problem through materials recovery and recycling. The economic benefits of recycling would be promoted. A patent distribution in different parts of the region would also be held on the same day with DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes.

Discussions on the salient environmental and social provisions of Republic Act 7942, or the Mining Act, would be done on June 22 in a mining and environment symposium aiming to decrease the level of misconceptions against mining.

The Arbor Day on June 25 would be celebrated with a tree planting activity as part of the urban greening for clean air program at a still to be determined venue. The theme of the activity would be "Lakbayan Para sa Luntiang Kapaligiran." On June 26, the final judging for the cleanliness and beautification contest among DENR employees is going to be held.

The Environment Month would culminate with a Family Day to be held at the Family Park where activities and parlor games would be done. The awarding of environmental awards for companies, groups, and individuals in advocating environmental protection excellence and other similar parameters to be determined by the regional directors and regional training directors in their respective offices in the fields of forestry, protected area, lands, mining, research and development, and environment would also be held on the same day. The DENR retirees shall also be presented with plaques and certificates of recognition. - Noreen B. Napoles