DepEd lauds youths active steps to protect the environment – Manila Bulletin

Leonor Briones, Education Secretary, acknowledged the contribution of the Filipino youth to the protection of the environment.

The Department of Education (DepEd), a department of Education, showcased the green efforts of Generation Z during this years Earth Day celebration.

Briones stated that we cannot underestimate the youth’s efforts to protect the environment.

Briones stated that Generation Z, also known as Gen Z, is a known supporter of movements such as cruelty-free products and zero-waste management.

Briones explained, “If they can do that, so can we.”

Organized by the Office of Assistant Secretary for Youth Affairs and Special Concerns (OAYASC) and the Youth Formation Division (YFD), the Earth Day virtual event highlights the theme Youth: Invest in our Planet which tackles the importance of “bayanihan” to protect and conserve the environment for future generations as the goal moves from restoring the earth to investing in it in sustainable ways in the light of climate change and growing number of environmental issues worldwide.

Briones called on everyone to be active in protecting the planet.

Briones stated that I urge everyone and every youth to be role models and to take care of Mother Earth and to be the bearers for change for a better future.

She said that although we cannot predict the future, we can invest in our planet every day by actively participating in environmental activities and endeavors.

Youth power

During the panel discussion, youth representatives presented their green initiatives such as the establishment of a vegetable garden, following sustainable food consumption practices like backyard gardening, steaming vegetables, Gulayan sa Paaralan Program (GPP), distribution of fruit-bearing tree seedlings, and Environmental-Friendly Purchase.

Davao Del Sur School of Fisheries SSG Vice President Ramzel Ivan Hugh Delloro shared the following tips for eco-friendly purchases: shop at eco-friendly stores, avoid impulse buying, buy local products, buy fruits and vegetables that are in season, reduce online order deliveries, buy recycled items, bring eco-shopping bags, avoid pre-washed groceries, and choose organic and natural products.Eco-friendly living can lead to cost savings from energy and water efficiency, less maintenance, enhanced air quality, a healthier lifestyle, increased property value, and positive impact chance in the community to help save the planet, Delloro said.

It is time to act

Juan Valeriano Respicio, DepEd Assistant Secretary for Youth Affairs & Special Concerns IV, observed that investing in something involves a certain amount sacrifice combined with hope. He encouraged learners to make a commitment to planet Earth and to help ensure the future of future generations.

Now is the right time to act. He advised us to sacrifice and to invest.

Respicio encouraged the youth to be more proactive and conscious of the environment and to be supportive.

He said, “Let us focus our attention to matters concerning climate change. We can be part of the solution for the ever-growing and changing challenges facing the environment.”