PWDs, elderly to lead Earth Day celebration

CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines – Persons with disabilities (PWDs) and senior citizens will lead the celebration of Earth Day at environment and natural resources offices in Central Luzon today.

“Everyone, even those who are physically impaired, as well as senior citizens and youngsters, can play a vital role in saving Mother Earth,” Tirso Parian Jr., acting regional director of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said yesterday.

Parian said they have lined up a number of activities for the event with the theme “Step up and Deliver, Green Environment Gawing Forever.”

A covenant to save the environment will be signed by the PWDs, the Office of the Senior Citizens Association and other stakeholders.

Parian said this year’s programs are focused on conserving trees amid the threat of global warming and climate change.

Parian said DENR employees would conduct cleanup of waterways, barangay roads and office premises while PWDs and senior citizens would take part in soil potting – mixing and potting compost in containers – in preparation for a tree planting activity in June.

Proclamation 1482 signed by former president Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in 2008 declares April as “month of planet Earth.”