LAOAG CITY, June 15 — The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Ilocos Norte celebrates ‘Environment Month’ this June with various activities to intensify public awareness on environmental protection and preservation.
The agency has lined-up various activities for the whole province to synchronize with the national event on environmental protection gearing towards attainment Millennium Development Goal of ensuring environmental sustainability.
“These activities are aimed at environmental protection and preservation at the same time to increase public awareness and support,” PENRO chief Juan delos Reyes said.
This year’s theme “Green Economy” Does it include you?” calls on the public to intensify actions in the protection and preservation of the environment to counter the ill-effects of environmental abuse to economic supply, social equity and safety.
Last June 8, PENRO on its opening salvo, conducted a water quality testing and environmental assessment of households adjacent to the Paoay Lake National Park in the town of Paoay. The PENRO also conducted an animal survey in the said town and distributed free dewormers and multivitamins for the animals.
Later on June 18, members of environment organizations, NGAs, religious groups, LGUs and other environment advocates will join the ‘Eco Walk,’ a walk-for-case, from the town of San Nicolas to Laoag City to increase public awareness and support on environmental protection and preservation.
Environment supporters will also come together on June 23 for a clean-up drive to preserve Padsan River, Laoag City’s main river. The river is important to the life and economy of the city as it is a major source of water supply and also a rich source of mineral deposit and component for cement production.
Furthermore, a tree planting activity enjoining various NGAs, NGOs, socio-civic and business groups, academe and media will be conducted at Barangays Nangguyudan and Sungadan in Paoay. Coinciding with Arbor Day and PENRO’s silver anniversary, the activity aims to help preserve the environs of Paoay Lake where the barangays are located.
For its culminating activity on June 28, PENRO will give awards of recognition to individuals and groups from various sectors for their achievements in protecting and preserving the environment. Plaques of appreciation will likewise be handed out to those who actively participated for the success of Environment Month celebration.
The ‘Environment Month’ celebration is mandated under Proclamation No. 237 in 1988 to focus public attention to the protection and conservation of the country’s natural resources. (JCR/CJDG-PIA 1 Ilocos Norte)
