DENR honors environment champions for 2023
A small training session conducted three years ago is now part of the national government’s environmental program.
To raise climate awareness in the youth sector and capacitate young environmental advocates, a three-day training seminar was conducted by Department of Environment and Natural Resource-Climate Change Services, the De La Salle University Manila Physics Department and the Lasallian Institute for the Environment (LIFE) at the Armada Hotel in Manila last November 20-22.
Dubbed Institutionalizing Climate Leadership and Environmentalism Training (InCLine), the event was participated in by campus journalists, YES-O member students, and science-majors, and tackled a bevy of issues.
Among these topics are multi-sectoral approaches in promoting climate-friendly practices and programs such as air quality dispersion modeling, renewable energy transition; government contributions through programs of the Department of Transportation, Aviation and Airports; software technology for solid waste management; the importance of ICT; practices on single-use plastics; the enactment of the Extended Producers Responsibility Act; and Soil Health.
“The main programs of LIFE are focused on General Green Leadership concepts, school-based environmental advocacy practices and case studies, leadership through Science and Research, mastery in Climate Communication and proficient use of digital and social media, and integrating engineering and technology,” explained Mark Joseph Tinao, Director of LIFE.
Tinao is optimistic that the activity will be able to help “empower and equip the participants with the knowledge and tools needed to become effective climate advocates and young environment leaders,”
“By itself, the InCLine event, which started in 2019, has already attained its objective and has given its significant contribution to the environmental education community,” said Tinao, who also served as the activity’s lead module writer.
Local folk and rock icon Lou Bonnevie, one of the DENR’s environment advocates, performed during the final day, and challenged participants to contribute to the movement.
“We can take actions in addressing climate issues, even in our own little way,” Bonnevie said.
Champions for the environment
The DENR, in partnership with Globe Telecom, Inc., also recognized its 2023 Environment Champions who provided inspiring and good stories of environmental stewardship and commitment to climate and disaster resilience.
“This recognition award is our way of promoting awareness, inspiring collective responsibility for environmental conservation, and fostering action towards climate resilience,” said Director Elenida Basug of DENR Climate Change Service during the 2023 Mga Kwentong Klima-likasan Tungo sa Katatagan: A Climate and Disaster Resiliency Recognition Awards.
Awardees in the individual category are Paul Lester Dellosa from Legazpi City, Albay, First Place, “Environment and Sustainable Fashion”; and Nida A. Collado of San Vicente, Palawan, Second Place and the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Award for the “Macatumbalen Community-Based Forest and Coastal Management Association”. The innovative “NUVITRON Electronic Fuel Economizer,” by Perlito G. Cabauatan from Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya, claimed the Climate Technology for Resilience Award.
Winners in the group category are Sultan Kudarat State University’s “Kuwentong Klima-likasan”; and Jose “Boy” Tuason’s “Hijo Marine Protected Area – Seagrass Meadows of Trinity Project” from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, won First and Second Place, respectively while the Compostela Central Elementary School SPED Center in Compostela, Davao de Oro, received the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Award.
For their “Project Reef Enhancement through Ecosystem Fortification”, the City Government of Tagum in Davao del Norte received First Place in the local government category. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Palawan, representing the Provincial Local Government Unit of Palawan placed second, while the Local Government Unit of Kasibu in Nueva Vizcaya received the Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment Award.
“As we celebrate these remarkable initiatives, we envision many more years of inspiring a sustainable movement for the well-being of future generations. Let us also acknowledge that our journey towards a more resilient future is ongoing,” Director Basug emphasized. “But there is still a lot of ground to cover, a lot of minds to enlighten, and a lot of innovative solutions to develop.”
“Without a doubt, this activity is timely and relevant to the present condition of our planet, and it helps remind us that we all have something to offer, even in small ways,” shared Richmond Laureño, a science teacher from Ismael Mathay Sr High School. “I look forward to future collaborations.”