The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol headed by OIC, Regional Executive Director Atty. Antonio A. Abawag spearheaded the celebration of 2021 Earth Day regionawide.
In Masbate, 100 Narra seedlings were planted at Tugbo Watershed Forest Reserve (TWFR) by PENRO Masbate and CENRO Mobo together with the members of Phoenix Mountain Bikers and Masbate City ENRO personnel. A CEPA about proper handling and planting of Narra (Pterocarpus indicus) seedlings were also conducted prior to the tree planting.
30 sacks of solid wastes comprising plastic bags and grocery packs were collected in a Cleanup Drive spearheaded by CENRO San Jacinto along the edge of Mangrove area at Sitio Fabmar, District No. II, San Jacinto Masbate. The activity was participated in by the Philippine National Police (PNP), Alpha Kappa Rho Fraternity and Sorority and Barangay local officials.
Further, 3,600 Bamboo propagules and 150 Dangkalan seedlings were planted by the PENRO Camarines Sur together with the CENROs of Iriga, Goa and Sipocot during the tree planting activity in celebration of the 2021 Earth Day. A Cleanup Drive was also conducted at Barangay Sooc, Lupi, Camarines Sur where 317 kilograms of plastic wastes were collected. A CEPA about the Earth Day and Republic Act (RA) 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act was spearheaded by CENRO Sipocot to the participants. Further, PENRO Camarines Sur attended a Webinar on Earth Day hosted by the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planers. The activities were participated in by the Local Government Units (LGUs) of Ocampo, Sipocot, Calabanga and Lupi, Camarines Sur. KABALIKAT members, Philippine National Police (PNP) 4th Battalion Camarines Sur, Build Back Better-Department of Social Welfare and Development (BBB-DSWD) and the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries were also present in the said activity.
In Sorsogon, a tree planting activity at Barangay Del Rosario, Pilar, Sorsogon City was conducted by PENRO Sorsogon with the Pilar Local Government Unit (LGU). Along with this is the conduct of Virtual Green Film Festival entitled, “Celebrating Earth Day: Protecting the Ocean from Surface to Bottom” which was initiated by the US Embassy in partnership with SM Cares.
Furthermore, PENRO Camarines Norte distributed free seedlings during the 2021 Earth Day celebration at Daet, Camarines Norte. The celebration was also participated in by the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) personnel, Sangguniang Kabataan, Barangay Environment Coordinators Association, Manuelito’s Restobar Personnel, Performing Artist Union of Camarines Norte (PAUCAN), Musika Publiko, and LODI Arts and Media Alliance.
Meanwhile, DENR Secretary Roy A. Cimatu through DENR Strategic Communication and Initiatives Service Director Hiro V. Masuda conveyed the State of the Philippine Environment during the virtual celebration of Earth Day 2021. “We have plenty of work ahead of us, even with the pandemic persisting as an obstacle. We are eager to do better this year, and in the years ahead,” Secretary Cimatu said. The DENR Chief cited outstanding improvements in the air and water quality of the country, solid waste management, as well as the increased reforested areas nationwide.
The 2021 Earth Day with the theme, “Restore our Earth” highlights the importance of taking action against environment degradation. This year’s celebration also encourages the public to unite in restoring the Earth through taking part in environmental activities which helps in the conservation and protection of the environment and natural resources.