TACLOBAN CITY- The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-8) leads in the Philippine Environment Month celebration this month underscoring on a more heighten environmental protection. DENR-8 Regional Director Leonardo Sibbaluca, in an interview said that this year’s theme for the environment month of June celebration is “Raise Your Voice, Not the Sea Level.” He added that the theme recognizes the remarkable resilience of small islands to climate change. “Small islands contribute little to the problem of climate change yet they are especially vulnerable to the changing climate,” Sibbaluca said. He also said that this year’s observance of the World Environment Day and the Philippine Environment Month is geared towards increasing climate change awareness and an understanding of environmental preservation. “As we observe this month-long celebration, let us all join hands in trying to combat the ill-effects of climate change. Everyone’s participation is important, let’s all keep in mind that Environment Month is every year, everywhere, and it is for everyone,” Sibbaluca said. He said that to mark this event, DENR-8 in partnership with the Philippine Information Agency will conduct a simultaneous launching of climate change advocacy campaign with a distinct theme of “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na para Magbago.” In launching the campaign, a mangrove tree planting will be held at the mangrove rehabilitation project site with 1,000 participants from various sectors including national government agencies, non-government organizations, private sector, media, and the academe to join the event, he added. He also said that DENR-8 will also conduct a multi-sectoral forum on climate change, alongside the awarding of environment and natural resources champions from the local government units (LGUs) and DENR employees. (RESTITUTO CAYUBIT)
