Publishing date: Tuesday, Apr. 01, 2008 (5:36 PM) |  Printer-friendly page  |

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Lito Atienza is expected to rally leaders of various sectors to commit for environmental protection as the Earth Day People's Caravan of the DENR-Luzon cluster culminates at the SM Mall in San Fernando, Pampanga this Friday (April 4).

The Earth Day People's Caravan is a 25-day information, education and communication (IEC) campaign launched by the DENR with a twin objective of making its programs and services known to the public, while enhancing public awareness and participation to environmental programs and activities.

“The government must continually inform our people of the many benefits that a well- protected environment and well-managed natural resources could bring to the country and to the people before they could fully appreciate our message of shared responsibility,” Atienza said. He added that public participation on various environmental programs and activities, whether these are initiated by the DENR, local government or by non-government organization, will be more enthusiastic.

Dubbed “Lakbay para sa Kalikasan! Para sa Buhay at Kinabukasan,” the caravan comprises of three parts. The Luzon cluster covers Regions 1, 2, 3, 4A, 5, 8, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the National Capital Region. The Visayas cluster comprises of Regions 4B, 6 and 7 while the Mindanao cluster includes all the regions in the island.

Atienza also said the department's strategy of bringing its services to local residents during the caravan's whistle stops like free emission testing, lectures on Handog Titulo progam, solid waste management, wildlife conservation, climate change, reforestation, to name a few, may well stimulate public interest to join in discussions affecting their local environment.

Starting off from various points in Luzon, the contingents of the various DENR regional offices will converge at around 3 o'clock in the afternoon at the SM Mall in San Fernando, Pampanga where they will be treated to fun and fanfare that will be highlighted by the signing of the pledge of commitment for the environment or Pangako sa Inang Kalikasan, by Atienza, Archbishop Paciano P. Aniceto and San Fernando Mayor Dennis Pineda; presentation of other pledges by local leaders that were earlier forged during the journey and a message, Hamon ng Bayan, from the DENR chief.

In the morning of April 4, SM Mall will undertake its recycling and composting event (RCE) where its partner recyclers will be around to accept, exchange or trade with the public their recyclable materials.

The public will also have the chance to view the DENR's photo exhibit on the country's water situation.