Estrada cites need to protect environment

President Estrada has cited the need to protect the environment, urging the people to support "natural resource protection and environmental nurturing."

In a message on the occasion of Earth Week which the House of Representatives is observing until tomorrow, the President stressed the "urgency of protecting the environment, preserving the fragile ecosystem, restoring the balance of nature, and saving our planet Earth from further degradation."

"The observance of this occasion is a means to heighten people's consciousness on the need to preserve and protect our environment. Needless to say, caring for Mother Earth entails the widest support not only from among us Filipinos but from all the peoples of the world," the President said.

He also lauded the unveiling of the Peace Pole monument at the House in Quezon City yesterday. The ceremony was led by First Lady Luisa Ejercito.

"The Peace Pole planting ceremony in Congress for the UN Year for a Culture of Peace will be most remembered, for it will remind each one of us that caring for the environment also means caring for the future generation of Filipinos," he said.

The House, in Resolution 1349, has declared April 10 to 16 as Earth Week.

The resolution was authored by Rep. Heherson Alvarez (Lakas, Isabela) who led congressmen in observing the occasion. Alvarez has always espoused the protection of the environment.

Alvarez said the Peace Pole, a 17-foot-tall structure designed by National Artist Napoleon Abueva, symbolizes non-violence and sustainable development.

It will be a permanent fixture at the Batasan grounds, he said.

As part of the observance of Earth Week, five trees representing peace among the world's five continents -- Asia, Africa, Europe, North America, and South America -- and a Jubilee Year tree were planted by diplomats and other guests.