Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. called on Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials and the youth sector to contribute to the government’s environmental protection and conservation efforts.
Abalos, in a news release Thursday, said the youth could help in environmental preservation efforts through tree planting and reforestation, advocating for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and the implementation of the 4Rs – Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle.
“Ang importante, andito ang magdadala ng adbokasiyang ito (on environmental sustainability), ang ating mga kabataan (What is important is those who would push for this advocacy are here, the youth). We collaborate, importante ito (this is important). The government cannot do it alone; it’s being proactive,” he said during the 6th National Youth Environmental Summit in Baguio City on April 22.
The event was attended by SK officials, and representatives of national government agencies (NGAs), local government units, the academe, and youth and civil society organizations.
Abalos said collaboration is essential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that among all the SDGs, the country has the most minor initiative on SDG 13, which concerns climate action.
He also touted the DILG’s initiatives, such as the KALINISAN Program that promotes the “bayanihan” spirit in maintaining cleanliness, and Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay sa Barangay (HAPAG) for food security.
Abalos likewise shared his experience as Mandaluyong City mayor when he launched the Green Building Project in 2012, which was conceptualized based on the country’s experience with Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) and the looming threat of climate change.
He said they aimed to optimize building efficiency by maximizing natural resources, which would contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and mitigate the harmful effects of buildings on the environment and public health.
Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, meanwhile, told the youth to unite and strive for innovative solutions for a sustainable future. (PNA)
