The Department of Environment and Natural Resources continues to encourage Filipinos to participate in an environmental campaign that will help and contribute to preserving the country’s natural resources and environment.
Last April 2019, the DENR, led by its secretary Roy Cimatu, introduced its nationwide environmental campaign “Tayo Ang Kalikasan,” that aims to strengthen collaborative efforts among the government, locals, and stakeholders “to protect the natural resources and maintain the ecological balance for the future generation.”
“I believe that our people are capable of change for the better, if not the best. I believe that from being part of the problem, our people can become the solution. I believe too that people care for clean air, clean water, healthy habitat, and a productive environment,” said Cimatu.
In the same month, the agency also partnered with Couples for Christ, a Philippine-based Catholic movement, to lead an initiative of planting one million trees under the Expanded National Greening Program, the government’s national reforestation effort project.
The partnership is committed to planting one million forest trees from 2019 to 2021. It also includes maintaining and protecting the seedlings during the said period.
In 2018, DENR said that 125,214 hectares of forest lands were rehabilitated as part of the ENGP. Some 144.8 million native and tree species were raised from January until November.
Three months ago, the Environment department also launched an information campaign about responsible mining in the Philippines.
Dubbed as the #MineResponsibility campaign, it aims to have a clearer perception and image of the mining industry in the country.
“Moving forward, our goal is to harness this mineral wealth for progress and development and the key to that is responsible mining,” said Cimatu.
Among the priorities of the department is to improve the quality of air and water and address the solid waste issues in the country.
Also in 2018, DENR has approved the 10-year solid waste management plans of 20 local government units, per Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
A province, city or municipality, through its local solid waste management boards, shall prepare its respective 10-year solid waste management plans, consistent with the 19 National Solid Waste Management Framework.
These are just a few of the several programs of the agency where Filipinos can participate in and contribute to preserving the environment.