MINES AND GEOSCIENCES BUREAU
REGION V - BICOL

MGB-V joins Environment Month Celebration

Daraga, Albay (June 29, 2004) - The whole month of June in the Philippines is observed as Environment Month and the theme for this year celebration is: Wanted! - Seas and Oceans – Dead or Alive?

According to the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), the theme calls on everyone to act, to make a choice how we want to treat the Earth’s seas and oceans whether we want them healthy and alive or polluted or dead?

This June, as in the previous years since 1987, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau V once again joined the DENR family (DENR-V proper and the Environmental Management Bureau-V), other government agencies, Non-Government Organizations, the business and industry sectors, community, academe and the media to renew the commitment to the protection and development of the environment – to keep the environment (seas and oceans) healthy and alive not polluted or dead.

Following the schedule of activities jointly prepared by the regional offices of the MGB, DENR and EMB in Bicol, MGB-V hanged in the façade of its regional office in Daraga, Albay the DENR prescribed streamer for the celebration from June 1 to 30, 2004; Joined the kick-off activity on June 1 held at the Peñaranda Park in Albay District in Legazpi City and Press Conference on June 4; Joined the coastal clean-up activity on June 5,2004 conducted at the coastal barangay of Puro in Legazpi City and in the re-launching of “Your Future Is In The Bag” project at the Gaisano Pacific Mall in Legazpi City in connection with the celebration of World Environment Day on the same day; Joined the clean-up, eco-challenge and fellowship at the Centennial Forest Park at the Mayon Volcano National Park in Barangay Lidong in Legazpi City in commemoration of the DENR Anniversary on June 10 and Joined the Environment Month Culminating Program on June 23 at the Alyssa Convention Hall in Legazpi City including the Tree Planting Activity on June 25 in Barangay Taysan in Legazpi City where some 50 narra seedlings were planted on both sides (400 meters span) of the Provincial Road.

The kick-off activity on June 1 was marked with a thanksgiving mass cum love offering for the environment month, a short program and a bicycle fun ride starting from the Peñaranda Park to the major streets in the Municipality of Daraga, Albay and Legazpi City and back to Peñaranda Park.

(Clockwise) Hanging of Streamer and MGB-V personnel join the Bicycle Fun Ride, the coastal clean up at Barangay Puro. the clean-up, eco-challenge and fellowship at the Centennial Forest Park at the Mayon Volcano National Park in Barangay Lidong in commemoration of the DENR Anniversary on June 10, 2004.

 
The Saringaya Awards and the Regional Eagle Quiz Contest Awards highlighted the culminating program. The former, Saringaya, is now on its 14^th year and recognizes individuals, government agencies, academe, institution, people’s organization, local government units and industries in the Bicol Region who have supported the DENR proper, EMB and the MGB through the establishment and implementation of program towards protection, conservation and safety on the environment. The Eagle Quiz aims to promote environmental awareness among Grade VI and 4^th year high school students. The Quiz is now on its 14^th year and its major sponsor is the Philippine Geothermal, Inc., (PGI).

Undersecretary for Management and Technical Services Rolando L. Metin was the culminating program’s guest speaker. (LDValdez)