RP Earth Day this Wednesday

CEBU, Philippines - This coming Wednesday the country will be celebrating the Philippine Earth Day, in consonance with Proclamation No.1481 dated April 10, 2008 and Proclamation No. 57 dated January 9, 1999, declaring April 22 of every year as the Philippine Earth Day, and the Month of May as the Month of the Ocean in the Philippines, respectively.

In this regard, the Department of Interior and Local Government called on local chief executives to undertake meaningful activities to celebrate Earth Day and Ocean Month.

For this year, the Office of the Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change is leading a week-long celebration from April 19 to 25, 2009, which will revolve around the theme “Earth Survival: Climate Change Solutions”.

The highlights of the week-long celebration are awarding of the 2009 Fr. Neri Satur Environmental Heroism Award and the launching of the Carbon Cutting Coalition Flag Campaign.

Through Memorandum Circular No. 2009-045, DILG enjoined the local chief executives to participate in the celebration of Earth Day and Ocean Month by undertaking meaningful activities.

Among the suggested activities is the hoisting of the Carbon-Cutting Coalition Flag, aside from the Philippine flag, during the flag ceremonies for the months of April and May.

A copy of the flag or logo will be provided by the OPACC.

Another activity is the Pledging of the Panata ng Bayan sa Kalikasan during the Flag Ceremonies.

CD’s and print out copies will be distributed by the OPACC.

Furthermore, the local government units are enjoined to display the Ten Earth Saving Commandments entitled “Earth Survival: Climate Change Solutions on bulletin boards and office lobbies.

Posters will be provided by OPACC. — Johanna T. Natavio/BRP (THE FREEMAN)