MANILA, April 20, 2013-As the world celebrates Earth Day on April 22, Sen. Loren Legarda urged Filipinos to make each day an "Earth day", stressing that taking action to protect the environment should not be limited to a day.
“It is not only the responsibility of government and concerned organizations to come up with policies and action plans in the fight against climate change and global warming. Individuals also have an equal obligation to protect Mother Earth and make this their daily mantra,” Legarda said.
She said people complain about the particularly hot weather this summer and of drought in certain provinces, yet also of the frequent flooding and destructive typhoons in the rainy season but may have never asked why.
“Yung mga maliliit na bagay na ginagawa natin gaya ng pagtapon ng basura kung saan saan; pag putol ng kahoy; paggamit ng smoke-belching na sasakyan at marami pang iba, lahat yan may masamang dulot sa ating kapaligiran at may epekto sa ating klima,” she said.
She said it is long overdue for people to finally face the issue and collectively do their share in preventing further deterioration of the environment.
“Climate change is no longer a remote and complex issue. It is here and its effects are real. Let everyday be 'Earth Day.' Let's not limit ourselves to celebrating it once or twice a year, during Earth Day and World Environment Day. We should live it because our survival depends on it. Our love for Mother Earth reflects our love for life, for our children and our families," Legarda stressed.
"Tree-growing is just one of the many ways by which we can contribute. We must protect our watersheds, clean our lakes and rivers, and practice solid waste management. We must preserve old trees while growing new ones, and create forest parks in every barangay,” she added.
The Senator also encouraged Filipinos to adopt an environment-conscious lifestyle to help protect the planet. Citizens can start within their own households by (1) patronizing local, plant-based, and in-season foods; (2) considering energy and cost-efficient transport modes like walking, biking, taking public transport and carpooling; (3) practicing traditional energy conservation measures such as using low-wattage appliances and unplugging electronics when not in use; (4) contributing to efficient waste management system by avoiding buying unnecessary goods and patronizing recycled products; and (5) practicing water conservation activities like gathering and storing rainwater or reusing laundry water for daily chores.
"Our commitment to save our planet and contribute to the sustainability of our nation will be best demonstrated when we make it our way of life, and there is no better day to begin than today," Legarda concluded.
