In celebration of the 2022 Philippine Environment this June, the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) is highlighting efforts towards the protection and sustainable use of the country’s natural resources through activities that call for collective and transformative action for the protection and restoration of the environment.
In the line with the Environment Month, PENRO conducts several activities, including Arbor Day, World Day to Combat Desertification, and Philippine Eagle Week which involved partner agencies such as Department of Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agriculture(DA), and local government units (LGUs) which were led by Modesto Cabata, Development Management Office Section Chief.
Arbor Day, promulgated under RA 10176, has been institutionalized to be observed throughout the nation by planting trees, ornamental plants and other forms of relevant activities. World Day to Combat Desertification focuses on turning degraded land into healthy land. Philippine Eagle Week, pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation no. 79 series of 1999, recognizes the country’s icon and specifically aims to strengthen public awareness on the significant role of the Philippine Eagle in the forest ecosystem and its importance as a symbol and unique heritage, among others.
As part of the celebration, team building is being conducted to adapt to the fast changes in the environment to promote gender sensitivity in the working environment.
“The objective of the program is to enhance the knowledge and information of people about the significance of the environment. The advantage of this is to widen the knowledge regarding the environment, not just for the knowledge but also involvement of the public to support the conservation and development of the environment,” said Khim Jones Motes, Officer-In-Charge Planning Chief of PENRO.
With the actions observed, youth members who participated in the activity also expressed appreciation of their activities especially that we are facing the climate crisis.
“The environmental programs are great idea, especially now that we’re dealing with climate change changes and environmental issues/ concerns. Now is the right time to start thinking about and prioritizing our environment. To renew and construct a new environment not only for ourselves, but also for the future generation,” expressed Daina Joy Lemic, Youth Mobile Force member of Regional Mobile Force Battalion.
Participants are from all agencies especially from Department of Natural Resources, Provincial and Central Natural Resource Office employees, national government agencies, state university, colleges and private companies.
This activity is also in pursuant to Proclamation No. 237 declaring the month of June every year as the Philippine Environment Month to give time and effort towards the protection and the development of the country’s environment.
By Arshlyne Songaben
