Abalos urges youth to help gov’t protect the environment
LOCAL Government Secretary Benhur Abalos encouraged the youth to be more active in helping the government in its effort to promote environmental protection and conservation.
Speaking at the 6th National Youth Environmental Summit in Baguio City, Abalos called on Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) officials, representatives from various government agencies, local government units, the youth and civil society organizations to be part of this advocacy.
He made special mention the young bloods through the SK which could help in the environmental preservation by initiating the planting of more trees and reforestation.
The youth is also urged to advocate for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and the implementation of 4Rs or Refuse, Reuse, Reduce and Recycle.
“Ang importante, andito ang magdadala ng adbokasiyang ito on environmental sustainability, ang ating mga kabataan,” he said.
Abalos also underscored that collaboration is essential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that among all the SDGs, the country has the most minor initiative on SDG 13, which concerns climate action.
“We collaborate, importante ito. The government cannot do it alone; it’s being proactive,” he stressed.
During the summit, the DILG chief also mentioned some of the Department’s initiatives, such as the KALINISAN Program that promotes the bayanihan spirit in maintaining cleanliness, and Halina’t Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa Barangay for food security.
Abalos likewise shared his experience as Mandaluyong City mayor when he launched the Green Building Project in 2012, which was conceptualized based on the country’s experience with supertyphoon Yolanda and the looming threat of climate change.
Their goal then was to optimize building efficiency by maximizing natural resources, which would contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate the harmful effects of buildings on the environment and public health.
Meanwhile, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong asked the young participants to unite and strive for innovative solutions for a sustainable future.
