US ambassador visits Cebu today

CEBU, Philippines - United States Ambassador Kristie Kenny will be in Cebu today to visit various environmental projects funded by the American government.

Cebu City acting mayor Michael Rama said he and Kenny would lead the launching of the Clean Air Youth Alliance (CAYA-Cebu) through a symbolic releasing of doves at the ground floor of the New Legislative Building at the City Hall this morning.

The launching is in line with the 10th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Clean Air Act.

The event, dubbed the “Flight of Doves,” symbolized the aspirations and dreams of the youth for a cleaner air.

During the event, children from various schools and organizations will read a statement on their aspirations for cleaner air. They will then tie the paper to the foot of the doves before the release of the birds.

The Philippine Clean Air Act or Republic Act 8749 was signed into law in November 1999 by then President Joseph Estrada.

The United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is one of the donors for the implementation of the law spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The other agencies instrumental to its implementation include Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) for the regulation of all motor vehicles and engines; Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for research and development programs; Department of Health (DOH) for the ban on incineration and the Department of Energy (DOE) for quality of fuels and additives. — Ferliza C. Contratista/LPM (THE FREEMAN)