KORONADAL CITY – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Thursday urged students to engage in environmental protection advocacy and to use their knowledge for social change as the impact of climate change is becoming prevalent.
Nilo Tamoria, DENR-12 Regional Director, made the call during a school-visit at Kings College of Marbel Incorporated (KCMI) where 40 students from Senior High School and first year college students were briefed on the basics of Climate Change.
Tamoria earlier said that it is important to engage the students and the millennials in propagating environmental advocacy programs in Region 12.
Tamoria stressed the importance of information dissemination and advocacy programs that would lead to behavioral change.
“It is very much important to involve students so that they can be our allies in sharing to the millennials and to other people to spread the word on environmental protection and conservation,” Tamoria said.
Forester Benjamin Alangca, climate change focal person, presented the current realities on environment during the school visit.
“The Philippines is currently one of the countries in the world at risk from climate change disasters making it vulnerable to its effects,” Alangca said.
He then asked the commitment of students as major force in improving environment by making small steps that could bring huge change.
“Tulungan natin ang kalikasan para tulungan tayo. (Let us help nature to help us),” Alangca added.
“Start where you are. As a student, internalize what you can do for the sake of our environment. You may join in the organized environmental groups and engage on tree planting activities. Use what you have. You may involve in environmental conversation using social media and do what you can as student,” Alangca told the students.
Dr. Erlinda Baterbonia, KCMI school director for research, lauded the DENR for visiting their school to remind the students on how to enrich their minds and hearts in caring for Mother Earth.
Concepcion Valdez, DENR-12 regional public affairs officer, said they are eyeing to visit more schools in the region so that more students will help spread the words on climate change and environmental advocacies.
“Our office will strive to re-instill environmental consciousness among pupils and students. We are open to other schools who would want to take part in this advocacy,” Valdez said, advising school administrators and student organizations across the region to get in touch with the DENR regional office through telephone number (083) 228-9816 or through email at denr12.rscis @gmail.com.”
Region 12, also known as SOCCSKSARGEN, is composed of the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sultan Kudarat, Sarangani and the cities of Cotabato, Kidapawan, Tacurong, Koronadal and General Santos. (Edwin Fernandez/PNA)
