WWF launches 'My 1 Thing' campaign

MANILA, Philippines - Environmental group World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) has launched a campaign to encourage Filipinos to commit to an act that will help preserve the environment. Dubbed as “My 1 Thing,” the campaign encourages the public to perform an act that will lessen their carbon footprint, fight climate change and ultimately, preserve the environment.

It is a part of WWF’s “60” project for environmental conservation.      

“Typhoon ‘Ondoy’ gave Filipinos a deadly foretaste of what climate change can bring and the deadlier floods and landslides that came with it simply confirmed that Mother Earth is warming up. One thing though, is sure, something must be done,” WWF-Philippines vice chairman and CEO Lory Tan said.          

In September 2009, typhoon Ondoy left Metro Manila and nearby provinces submerged in floodwaters.                

“We believe that everyone can do something for the environment and ‘My 1 Thing’ is a vehicle that enables Filipinos to contribute one thing, no matter how small, for the environment,” Tan said.

He said climate change is inevitable but “we can start fighting back by reducing the amount of carbon we throw back into our atmosphere and slow down climate change enough for us to adapt in time.”

WWF ambassadors Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez are hoping that everyone will be able to contribute to the Philippine effort in addressing the problem of global warming.

“Be it joining a carpool or riding a bike to work, your 1 Thing does not have to be big. These pledges put together will definitely make a big impact on the country’s environment,” Fernandez said.

To pledge to the cause, those who are interested are encouraged to log on to www.my1thing.com.ph. They may create a profile page on the website, share the one thing being done to fight climate change, and share it with friends and family.

WWF-Philippines, also known as Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas, has been working as a national organization of the WWF network since 1997. The organization implements conservation and development projects in 11 provinces and at least 15 project sites nationwide.                       

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources, meanwhile, has established a center that will educate local governments on environmental management and environmental laws.

Environment Secretary Ramon Paje said that with the establishment of the Environmental Compliance Assistance (ECA) Center, local government units (LGUs) may now avail of fast and reliable technical assistance for their environment-related concerns.

“LGUs are partners of the national government in enforcing environmental laws and regulations. We need to work closely with them to achieve significant and meaningful results in environmental protection and management,” Paje said.

He noted, however, that many LGUs are still not aware of their responsibilities as enforcers of environmental laws, and as operators of regulated establishments like hospitals, schools, slaughterhouses, public markets, ports, terminals, cemeteries, sports and convention facilities.

He also said that many of the country’s environmental regulations can be confusing to local officials.          

Through the ECA Center, the DENR can respond to their concerns. Technical personnel will be stationed at the center to assist them.                              

The ECA Center is located at the Environmental Management Bureau main building in Visayas Avenue, Quezon City. Its website www.emb.gov.ph/ecacenter containing information on environmental laws, regulations, and resolutions, will be launched on Nov. 18.             

The answers to frequently asked questions as well as information on the best available environmental technologies will also be provided on the website for the benefit of local government units.    

The DENR said details of the Environmental Impact Statement System such as the Environmental Compliance Certificate and Certificate of Non-Coverage will also be made available online.                                                   

Forms for permits and required reports as well as fines and penalties for non-compliance may also be downloaded from the website.

The ECA Center can be reached through telephone 920-2260 or through email address [email protected].