Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 26) — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. challenged Filipinos “to carry a deep sense of pride and ownership of the lands” for future generations.
Marcos made the call during the 160th anniversary of the Philippine Forestry Service coinciding with the Philippine Environment Month. The event was held at the central office of the Department of Environment and Natural resources in Quezon City.
“As long as people have a sense of ownership, as long as people have a sense of belonging, and being a part of that system, of preserving the forest and addition to that, that we are able to show an economic benefit, then I know Filipinos will do everything that they can to preserve our ecology, to preserve our forest land, to preserve our biodiversity,” the president said.
He added that the Philippines must be aware of the developments in the environment and act on saving the planet.
“Now, we are resigned to the one-and-a-half degrees Celsius increase in our global temperature — and perhaps, that might even reach two degrees Celsius if we don’t do something about it. That’s why we, in the Philippines, must be very, very conscious,” Marcos said.
To mark the celebration, the chief executive planted a molave seedling at the DENR central office, which DENR Secretary Antonia Loyzaga said is a reminder of how important it is to maintain ecological balance.“By beginning with the tree planting, we remind ourselves of the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and integrity in mitigating and adapting to climate change and to enhancing biodiversity,” she said.Loyzaga called on the public to be part of the reforestation and be conscious of paper usage, and pushed for recycling and reuse to contribute in protecting the country’s forests.She also urged parents to invest in the education of their children to learn about sustainability.
