QC government spearheads preparations for Earth Day

Environment-friendly Quezon City is again at the forefront among the country’s urban centers in the preparations to make the annual Earth Day celebration more meaningful this year.

The city’s Earth Day 2006 is set on April 21, but the preparations began early this year with the QC Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) and the Cultural and Tourism Affairs Office (CTAO) spearheading the groundwork for a bigger celebration this time.

As suggested by Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr., EPWMD head Frederika Rentoy has prepared, in coordination with departments and offices, a week-long schedule of activities to highlight the celebration.

Rentoy said other participants include the Araneta Center management and Dimitri Productions.

The main event, dubbed the Earth Day Jam 2006, is a music party of the Dimitri at the Times Square at the Araneta Center in Cubao on April 21 starting at 7 p.m. It is a free admission presentation led by Dimitri executive producer Lou Bonnevie and overall creative director Toto Gentica.

To take part in Earth Day Jam are the Akafellas, Ang 4, Barbie Almalbis, Brass Munkeys, Francis M., Gloc 9, Kitchie Nadal, K 24/7, Lou Bonnevie, Noelle Cassandra, Nolyn and Liza Cabahug, Paolo Santos, Pinikpikan, Pupil Radioactive Sago Project, Rocksteddy, Spirit of ’67, UP Dharma Down. The Miss Philippines Earth beauties and the VJs of MYX will also participate in this multimedia presentation.

Today, the city’s Earth Day 2006 observance will formally start with the signing of a memorandum of agreement at the QC Hall for the Halamanan sa Bakuran project. This will be followed by three-planting activities at QC Hall grounds the next day.

On April 19 and 20, the city anti-smoke beching unit will conduct the "Take a Pic for Clean Air" drive in partnership with the Integrated Bar of the Philippines. The unit will report apprehended vehicles to the IBP for possible filing of a citizen’s complaint if the drivers or owners refuse to comply with anti-smoke belching laws.

Also on April 19 until April 21, there will be a free smoke emission testing along P. Tuazon, EDSA, Aurora Boulevard and 15th Avenue. Interested vehicle owners can avail of this free service, the results of which may be used as one of the requirements for LTO registration.

Other activities lined up include a Lakbay Aral at the Liga ng mga Barangay Office, Payatas Controlled Dump Facility on April 18, Earth Day Exhibits and Barangay booths at the QC Hall Covered Walk on April 19 to 21, and a Redemption Center project on April 19 to 21 at the QC Football Field for the selling of recyclables to be participated in by barangays, QC Hall offices and environmentalist groups. On the last day, April 22, an on the spot poster-making contest will be held at the Amoranto Sports Complex. The theme of the contest is "Malinis na Kapaligiran, Magandang Kinabukasan para sa Taongbayan."