By Alma L. Tingcang
TAMBULIG, Zamboanga del Sur - “Climate Change is the ‘new normal.’ It is here to stay. What should we do? What will be your legacy to the future generation?”
These were some of the questions asked by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 9 Regional Director Noemi B. Edaga to participants in the climate change advocacy forum on adaptation and mitigation held in this town on Tuesday, Dec. 9.
“We have to protect the environment so that the environment will protect us. Grow more trees," she encouraged.
Zamboanga del Sur Information Center Manager Claro A. Lanipa lauded the local government unit of Tambulig under the leadership of Mayor Caridad B. Balaod for the support to climate change advocacy campaign on adaptation and mitigation measures.
Gilbert Colegado Jr., Municipal Administrator introduced forum participants from Josefina H. Cerilles State College, Tambulig National High School, San Isidro National High School and members of the Barangay Emergency Response Team (BERT).
BERT is organized to address the need for an on-time response during emergencies. A well-trained and well-prepared emergency response team will promptly and effectively respond to emergency situations brought about by natural or man-made calamities at any given time.
Participants pledged to support and contribute to the preservation of the environment through tree planting, water conservation, segregation of waste, and practice 3Rs: reduce, reuse, recycle, among others.
They also agreed that information should not be kept to themselves. As advocates, they need to share the information to their family, friends, loved ones, neighbors, classmates and to everyone.
It is important that we prepare for the effects of climate change, be able to adapt and mitigate its impact to avoid loss of lives. As people would often say, “Everyday should be a disaster-preparedness day.”
The forum was aired live over Tambulig LGU’s FM Radio Station, 94.9 Tambol.
