Teach risk reduction to elementary students

CEBU, Philippines - With the increasing number of environmental concerns, a local government official sees it timely to teach risk reduction management education to elementary students.

Known for his environmental concerns, San Francisco Camotes Island Vice Mayor Al Arquillano said one of the reasons why the effects of climate change are strongly felt is because there are still a number of people who are not fully aware of the causes and effects of not protecting the environment.

During the recent 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza, Arquillano stressed that this is why there is a need to strengthen information dissemination on environment care especially to young children.

Arquillano, a Sasakawa awardee, said that elementary students can already make a big difference in terms of mitigating climate change effects and further participating in activities with environmental causes.

The Sasakawa Award for disaster reduction by the United Nations is given to individuals or groups with active efforts to reduce disaster risks in their respective areas.

Arquillano said that it is high time already for the government and the public to make a collaborated effort against climate change considering the number of disasters like typhoons that have taken a lot of lives.

Also, Arquillano said that the intensifying heat of the sun should be taken as a signal that added effort should be put into protecting the environment.

Although he admitted that strengthening efforts to protect the environment would not be that easy, Arquillano said it would be best to start off with lessening carbon emissions.

More people should be encouraged to use bicycles especially in cities and the government should prioritize bicycle lanes as well, said Arquillano.

In Camotes Island, Arquillano said they have been amplifying the use of bicycles although he said that it was easier there since the island is smaller and bicycle owners do not have to compete with vehicle owners for the use of the roads.

With more support though, Arquillano said it can be achievable.

Meanwhile, Arquillano said they are currently working on concerns in the island affecting the tourism industry which has been steadily growing.

Arquillano admitted that they need more vessels to take tourists from the Danao Port to Camotes Island and back. He said tourists have expressed concern that more ferries and trips should be added.

Arquillano explained that especially on weekends, the number of tourists show a significant increase which cannot be accommodated by the current vessels traveling to and from Danao Port and Camotes Island.

But he said they have been working on it and have gotten positive feedback from vessel owners. He said they will also be opening ferry trips from Danao Port to Pilar, Camotes, so the latter and neighboring towns will also be explored.  (FREEMAN)