The month of June is Environment Month in the province of Negros Occidental. Now in its 30th year, the celebration adopted the theme, “Only One Earth” recognizing the truth that this planet is our only home. This theme also highlights the need to live sustainably in harmony with nature by bringing transformative changes – through policies and our choices – towards cleaner and greener lifestyles.
One of the highlights of the month-long celebration is the 1st Youth Environment Summit organized by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) in partnership with Panggas and the Diocese of Bacolod Social Action Center which was held earlier today at the Social Hall of the the Provincial Capitol Building. This was attended by student leaders from different public and private schools, as well as members of various environmental groups and networks in the province. Representatives from LCC Bacolod were incoming student leaders for the next academic year, Krishna Marie Michaela M. Rollo (JHS), Nathaniel David M. Mallari (SHS) and Rachelle Angela O. Principe (College). They were accompanied by Mr. Adryan J. Valiao, coordinator of the Institutional Environmental Advocacy Program (IEAP).
The said summit included an information session on Laudato Si, an encyclical letter by Pope Francis on environmentalism, the state of Negros environment, issue mapping, Panggas briefing and presentation of provincial environment programs. It was then followed by a workshop and plenary session on the organization of Climate Leaders for Environment Action in Negros (CLEAN) which focused on the crafting of CLEAN’s vision and mission and making action planning. The activity is aimed at mobilizing students and various youth environment groups to take collective action on pressing environmental issues and together work towards a sustainable Negros environment.