Over 1,000 mangroves planted in habitat of marine life
San Jose, Antique -- A total of 1,100 Bakau-an Bato (mangrove) propagules were planted at the shorelines of Barangay Liya-liya, Laua-an, in central Antique on Monday to celebrate Earth Day.
Jesse L. Vego, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of DENR Antique during the short program said that the observance of the Earth Day was to remind everyone to take care of Mother Earth by protecting and conserving the environment for the future generations.
Vego further explained that Earth Day celebration started in April 22, 1970 where 20 million people in the United States joined the festivities. It was later adopted by other countries, which eventually led to the national legislation on Clean Air and Clean Water Act.
With the theme "Stewardship in Action", the 37th Earth Day Celebration in Laua-an was spearheaded by the officials and employees of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Municipal Government of Laua-an and residents of Barangay Liya-liya said Beverly Salvan, Information Officer of CENRO-San Jose.
Emmanuel Vengano, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer of San Jose also said during the program that the celebration is a fitting tribute to Mother Earth as the only place to live and the people need to safeguard its natural resources.
Planting of propagules at the shorelines will not only serve as habitat of marine life but also protect the coastline from strong surge of current during bad weather while growing of trees will help restore back the green lands and help reverse the damaging effect of global warming.
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo reiterated the importance of implementing the Green Philippines Environmental Plan to stem the adverse effects of environmental pollution as the country moves to achieve a First World status in 20 years.
According to the President, the scope of Green Philippines Environmental Plan is four-fold: reforestation, preservation of reefs and waterways, scrubbing of the land and air of pollutants that danger the health of citizens and energy independence.
PGMA also lauded the non-government organizations and private sector champions of environment such as advocacy groups, outstanding "clean and green" barangays, junk shop owners and eco-aide members for their invaluable help in keeping the environment and surroundings clean and trash-free.
(PIA)