“Music” to better understanding environmental issues

CEBU, Philippines - Amid the recent disasters that have struck the country which have been linked as effects of climate change, private groups particularly musicians are using their craft to push for the strengthened awareness of the public on environmental issues.

In a press conference yesterday, Earth Day Jam (EDJ) Foundation introduced to Cebu how they use music to push for a deeper understanding on environmental issues and concerns.

Singer and rocker Lou Bonnivie, president of EDJ, said that protecting the environment is not just the responsibility of the government but as well as of the public.

Bonnivie said that even for the past 13 years that EDJ has been holding concerts and events, they see that there are still a lot of things to do to call the attention of the public and raise awareness on the welfare of the environment.

Mark Escueta of Rivermaya said that the small things that people do, such as throwing away candy wrappers everywhere, already contribute to clogging of drainages, flash floods and other environmental problems.

EDJ, together with other public and private stakeholders, kicked off their first leg of the Earth Day Jam tour yesterday at The Terraces of Ayala Center Cebu.

The activity was led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7.

Isabelo R. Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director said the department is very supportive on the goal of the program which is to create awareness of environmental concerns through music and entertainment and gather people from all walks of life to join in a “critical campaign to save the planet.”

DENR also opened booths featuring various programs and projects geared towards the protection of the environment.

“The call for environmental conservation, preservation and of course protection has been and will always be the leading priority of the DENR,” he added.

The program featured ethnic, reggae and alternative artists Bambu Spliff, Dance With Me Kris and Kaliftra with Rivermaya, Nina, Lou and her band, Noel Cabangon and Karel Marquez.

“Environmental advocacies and campaigns like this one will always be a welcome opportunity for the DENR to convey a very important message to the people on what can we do to protect our environment, in order to protect ourselves as well,” said Montejo in a statement.  (FREEMAN)