By Alma L. Tingcang
MOLAVE, Zamboanga del Sur – An Advocacy Forum on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation was held here on Sept. 11 at Molave Vocational Technical School attended by officers of the Supreme Student Government (SSG) and 2nd Year Bachelor of Science in Education (BSE) students Major in Social Studies from the Western Mindanao State University, Molave Campus.
Nilo C. Villarubia, SSG adviser said the young leaders will re-echo and share what they have learned from the forum, as advocates and members of the “I am a Climate Change-Resilient Youth” group.
“Education is the key to the kind of life you want to live and the kind of person you want to be,” quoted Dr. Regina A. Menioria as saying. She represented the school principal, Mr. Samson V. Acapulco.
She lauded the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for sharing valuable insights on climate change adaptation and mitigation measures.
Roservirico A. Tan, chief of DENR-9’s Regional Public Affairs Office (RPAO) said: “We are hoping to reach more people to become our partners in advocating adaptation and mitigation measures for us to build climate change- resilient communities.”
“Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para Magbago,” the joint advocacy and social mobilization campaign of PIA and DENR has been heightened and is gaining momentum with the youth joining the bandwagon.
“We should change our ways, put some disciple in our life. We need to act now because our climate is changing. We need to practice proper waste management. If we see “basura” (garbage) on the way, pick it up parang instinct na, you don’t need to be told to pick the garbage,” Tan told the participants.
He said climate change affects food security, health and wildlife and we should protect our environment for the future generation. It is everybody’s concern, not just of DENR.
Junard Lexter S. Vale, a 4th year student of MVTS declared, “I learned that we should not throw garbage everywhere. Do not cut trees and do not burn plastics to prevent climate change. I will be an advocate through radio and social media to share my learnings about climate change to my family, classmates, friends, neighbors and even to my teachers.”