Lawyer recognized for defense of environment

CEBU, Philippines – Atty. Antonio A. Oposa Jr., was recognized yesterday by the Federated Organization of Women Active and Responsive to Development and the Global Legal Action on Climate Change-Cebu for distinguished longstanding contributions to the development of International Environmental Law.

This after Oposa also became the first Asian to win the Center for International Environmental Law Award given by the prestigious US-based Center for International Environmental Law at Washington D.C last April 22, 2009.

Oposa said that the award given to him by CIEL is not for him alone but for all Filipinos.

He added Filipinos have a natural love for Nature, after all they live in one of the most beautiful countries on Earth.

Meanwhile, Oposa also said there are petitions ready for signing on June 5 in all regions and provinces around the country for the youths.

Yesterday also members of non-government organization, people’s organization, academe, professional and civic groups in Cebu signed a Declaration of Solidarity and Commitment.

Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos of GLACC-Cebu said that, they commit themselves to be a part, maintain and support Cebu’s environment network by strengthening their linkages for environment action with the government, business sector, non-government organizations, people’s organizations and international development institutions.

Those who signed the declaration included the Cebu permaculture initiatives, Central Visayas Farmers Development Center (FARDEC), Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center, Inc. (FIDEC), Coastal Conservation and Education Foundation (CCEF) Coastal Resources and Ecological Advancement Management Society and etc. – Johanna T. Natavio/BRP (THE FREEMAN)