By Alma L. Tingcang
Ms. Alna Lasala, head teacher of SLNHS, speaking in behalf of the principal, Mr. Ronald Uy, who was on official business in Zamboanga City said most of the students live near the sea. The school is also situated near the shoreline and prone to storm surge, tsunami and flooding.
She expressed her gratefulness to the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for sharing timely and valuable information on climate change, and the ways to adapt and mitigate its impact.
Information Center Manager Claro Lanipa said the forum calls for the cooperation and participation of students, the community and all sectors of society in the campaign for climate change adaptation and mitigation.
Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Serena Cabrera said: “Disasters happen because we have taken so much from Mother Earth and we are not giving anything back. But now we are aware of what is happening. Together we can do something great if we work hand in hand.”
CENRO Cabrera admitted that the task is enormous and the DENR cannot do it alone. This calls for a collective effort of national government agencies, local government units, peoples’ organizations, civil society groups and other concerned sectors of the community.
DENR also vowed to extend its support to whatever project the group would embark on most especially tree planting, cleanup drive, adopt-an-estero and the National Greening Program (NGP).
The students accepted the challenge by starting to practice the 3 Rs - Reuse, Reduce and Recycle - and proper waste management not only in school but especially in their homes.
Elected officers of “I am a Climate Change-Resilient Youth” group are: President – Elleonar Dubduban; Vice President – Jestoni Oculam; Secretary – Mary Jessa R. Empleo; Treasurer – Catherine Sario Fat; Auditor- Alfie M. Postanes; PIO – Ivy Dinopol; and Catherine C. Bali-os – Business Manager.
The newly elected officers took their oath of office before CENRO Serena Cabrera.