May declared as "Earth Month"

CEBU, Philippines -  The world will be celebrating Earth Month in May in the aim to inspire and raise awareness and appreciation for the natural environment.

The provincial government of Bohol will be actively participating in the said celebration with an array of activities for the entire month with emphasis on education towards earth saving measures, said the organizers spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO) led by PENRO Nestor Canda and Leonilo Lafuente and the Bureau of Fishery and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) through its provincial head Cresencio Pahamutang.

Among the highlights of the celebration is the Dolphin Festival on May 31 that will showcase costume parade with photo and painting and mural contests. The organizers will give awards in Best in Photo, Best in Painting and Mural, and most of all, will give training on marine mammals rescue through the Bohol Rescue Unit for Marine Mammals (BRUMM).

The opening ceremonies for the month-long celebration will be held at Loon Cultural Center in Loon town. Loon Mayor Lloyd Peter Lopez will welcome participants to the event along with Canda during the opening program on May 2, 2011.

Gov. Edgar Chatto will also convey his message of commitment while Rep. Rene Relampagos will deliver his inspirational message.

Bohol Provincial Police Office will take part in the Coastal Law Enforcement and there will be discussions on the Climate Change Disaster Risk Reduction during the program's second part.

The month-long activities also include planning workshop on Marine Protected Areas at Panda Tea Restaurant on May 4 by Bohol Coastal Resource Management Task Force (BCRMTF) and partners; Mangrove planting in Guindulman town by Dugjan for Duero, Guindulman and Jagna towns MPA network; Coastal Clean-up at city port on May 6; BRUMM meeting to collect data on stranding on May 13 by Physalus and BRUMM members/partners; Coastal Clean-up in Anda town on May 14; Fun Run for the Ocean on May 28 from Plaza Rizal to Baclayon by BCRMTF and partners; excursion to Pamilacan Island for young students and movie showing and games on May 30. —/WAB (FREEMAN)