Youth participants pledge stewards of environment

PLEDGE --- Some 130 participants of a recent youth forum organized by the DENR XII pledged to be stewards of environment. (KBBenpolok/RPAO/DENR XII - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)

KORONADAL CITY---  In an attempt to have a meaningful celebration of Environment Month 2017, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) XII - Youth Desk conducted a Youth Forum on Environmental Awareness with the theme: “Empowering the Youth towards Environmental Stewardship”held lastJune 14 at the SM Mall Activity Center in General Santos City.

A total of one 130 participants composed of Youth for Environment (YES – O) in school organizations, student officers with their science advisers,and youth leaders in the region participated in the forum  aimed at widening the youths’ awareness and strengthening their roles and support on environmental programs as earth stewards.

Regional Public Affairs Office – Senior Comm. Development Officer Concepcion G. Valdez gave the opening remarks, while National Youth Desk Officer (YDO) – Central Office Maria Magnolia Q. Danganan sent a letter of inspirational message read by DENR XII YDO Khadija B. Benpolok.

Various topics were discussed: DENR Youth Desk and 2017 Activities relayed by Ms. Benpolok; Enhanced National Greening Program with Emphasis on Environmental Stewardship discussed by Ms. Valdez followed by an activity on Ecological Solid Waste Management given by YDO – Environmental Management Bureau XII Ruth Jean Y. Maratas.

Department of Education(DepED) XII’s science coordinator, Regional Education Program Supervisor, Josie Teofila N. Quijano, gave a brief message to all the attendees during the first part of the program.

Further, Cirilo A. Lagnason, Jr. of the Coastal Resources and Foreshore Management Section lectured on Coastal and Marine Life Resources, YDO – Mines and Geosciences Bureau XII Marilyn D. Dicierto with John Mikel Ansao who expounded the Importance and Benefits of Mining and Geohazard.

The last speaker, Professor Harold B. Lipae from the Mindanao State University -- General Santos City discussed Climate Change Impacts, Adaptation and Mitigation.

Towards the end, the participants signed their names on a tarpaulin manifesting their Pledge & Promise for the Environment.

Attendees came from DepED Divisions of South Cotabato, Sarangani, and Cotabato, and Sultan Kudarat provinces and the cities of Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal, Cotabato, and General Santos.(KBBenpolok/RPAO/DENRXII - MINDANAO EXPOSE’)