Mountain view in Tanay, Rizal. Photo by Peter C. Marquez, InterAksyon.com.
Forty-two years since then US Sen. Gaylord Nelson founded Earth Day, the global commemoration has become even more intense as real issues like global warming and climate change—once met with disbelief—has never been more real. The fight for a clean environment has only become more urgent, especially with the devastation brought about by climate change. In the Philippines, with Proclamation No. 1481, Aprill 22 is officially declared as Philippines’ Earth Day—a call for all Filipinos to think globally and act locally when it comes to helping save home we live in, our planet.
The outpouring of support to take a more active part in saving the earth has indeed been overwhelming. This year, Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc. the national secretariat of Earth Day in the country reports that over a billion people are expected to attend the celebrations. You, too, could relish celebrating Mother Earth by pledging to do a green act for the day with your family or attending any of the following events. Every little act goes a long way.
Attend a Forum
NMT Forum and Mapping Workshop
April 21, 1 to 5:30 p.m.
Ateneo ISO Conference Room
Ateneo campus, Katipunan Road, Quezon City
The Catalyzing New Mobility in Cities Project of Ateneo School of Government’s iBoP Asia Program aims is hosting Non Motorized Transport (NMT) Forum and Mapping Workshop on the afternoon of April 21, 2012 Saturday at the Ateneo ISO Conference Room 3 from 1-530pm.
It aims to bring together different NMT advocacy groups to share their experiences related to cycling and to identify the opportunities cycling presents in the improvement of public transportation. While this forum and workshop are focused on Non-Motorized Transport (NMT), representatives from government, business, academe, and NGOs are also invited.
The NMT Forum and Mapping Workshop will be held in cooperation with Firefly Brigade, CYCAD, BfP, Tiklop Society of the Philippines, and OpenStreetMap Philippines in support of the Earth Day celebration on April 22, 2012. More information can be found here: http://inclusivemobility.net/non-motorized-transport-forum-and-mapping-workshop/
Celebrate
“Earth Day, Everyday, Everywhere”
Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc.
April 22, 6 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Ayala Triangle, Makati City
Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc., the national secretariat of Earth Day in the Philippines, in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Makati City government, will hold a whole-day celebration beginning with a march along Paseo de Roxas and select streets in Makati for the E(nvironment)-Lakad.
A formal program will have DENR Secretary Ramon Paje deliver the annual State of Philippine Environment report along with different initiatives and actions undertaken. Roberto Guevarra, EDNPI chairman and president, shall deliver the civil society’s response. He will also unveil the water project of EDNPI, known as the Agos Ram Pump project that aims to install 100 ram pumps for upland communities nationwide.
There will be also an organic market that will sell organic meals as well as eco-friendly items. Other partners of the event will include Ayala Land, Inc. and the Ayala Foundation.
Earth Day Celebration
April 22, whole day activities beginning at 8 a.m.
Liwasang Kalikasan, CCP Complex
With the theme “Go Green. Save Our Planet. Celebrate Earth Day Everyday!”the celebrations offers various whole-day activities for families to enjoy.
Opening program is at 8 a.m. with a launching of CCP’s Art Installation; Environmental Heroes Cosplay/Mascot Performance from 9am-10am; Earth Talk: Gardening, 3R, Green Living (10am-11am); Organic and Raw Food Cook-out (11am-12nn); Special Performances (12nn-1pm); Eco Amazing Race (1pm-2pm); HeART for Nature Auction (2pm-3pm); Rock the Earth: Eco-Fashion Show and Music Jam (3pm-6pm); 3D Street Art / Best Exhibitor Booth Awarding (5pm-5:30pm).
Other activities include Picnic For The Planet; Eco-Market Zone: Organic Market, Vintage Finds, Local and Hand-made Fair. Highlights include “Kiddie Earth Warriors Bake Sale,” “Celebrity Ukay-Ukay,” “Make your own notebook,” and “Design your own eco-bag.” There will also be Rock Balancing; Doodle Earth Ecokids Zone with Face Painting, doodling, and mural painting; Waste to Art exhibit; iRecycle Zone; Waste Segregation and Composting Area; Larong Pinoy tournament and workshop; Eco-Solutions; Green Transport Exhibit; and bike workshop.
For more information: telephone number (+632) 975-1317 or (+632) 340-6709 or dr_lals@yahoo.com.
Visit www.facebook.com/EarthDayFest.
Plant a tree
Aroceros Forest Park, Manila
April 21, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Winner Foundation, an NGO handling the protection and care of Aroceros Forest Park will hold a tree-planting session and Environmental and Food Fair. At 10 a.m. there will be an art contest for children and other activities that aim to raise consciousness about the park and love for Mother Earth. For details, contact Ms. Regina Paterno at (+632) 633-0946.
Kaangkan Park, Marikina City
April 21, 8 a.m.
To celebrate Earth Day 2012, Senator Loren Legarda will lead a ceremonial tree-growing activity on April 21 at Kaangkan Park in Marikina City. Legarda said that the event was organized by Luntiang Pilipinas, which she founded, in partnership with the Sangguniang Kabataan National Federation, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the City Government of Marikina.
“This tree-growing activity we organized is a sign of our continued commitment to contribute to the preservation of our environment, protection of our planet, and to mitigate the effects of climate change,” the Senator stressed.
She noted that the Philippines is one of the most active countries involved in the worldwide environmental campaign A Billion Acts of Green by the Earth Day Network. The network has recorded more than 12 million acts of green from the Philippines as the result of the country’s massive tree plantings, water conservation projects, coastal cleanups, recycling drives, school greenings, and other related environmental programs.
Shop
Earth Matters
April 21 to 22, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
UP Bahay ng Alumni, Quezon City
A green market event celebrating Earth Day, the bazaar will be held at the Art Circle inside UP Bahay ng Alumni. Buy beautiful handcrafted items from independent artisans and DIY crafters.
Among the participants is What If, a craft and novelty shop by Tita Boluso-Rimando and Melody Chua-Chan. Both used to be part of the corporate world but are now using their expertise to promote handmade items and to support women and communities involved with local crafts.
My Tree design, Sabit bag accessory created by What If. Photo source: http://whatifhandmade.multiply.com/
RunÂ
Earth Day Festival 2012
April 22, 6 a.m.
Liwasang Kalikasan
CCP Complex
This year’s festival also includes a run that aims to raise environmental awareness through various fun activities and is for the benefit of Greenpeace. Titled “Family Run for the Planet,” organizer of the run is the Philippine Dental Association-Pasig Pateros Taguig Chapter. It will feature calisthenics by the Philippine Dragon Boat Team plus cooling down with tai chi.
The run begins at Liwasang Kalikasan and will be within the CCP Complex. Categories include the 500-meter dash (Eco Banner) for kids 10 years old and below; 1K Family Run (for Pairs, 1 adult and 1 child between 4 to 10 years old); and the 3K Costume Run using recycled materials. Registration ended April 15 but you may still want to try on that day. Participants pay Php400 per head (all categories) and will receive a certificate for adopting a mangrove tree as well as free entrance to the Earth Day Festival 2012.
NatGeo Earth Day Run 2012
April 22, 5 a.m.
Bonifacio Global City
Organized by the National Geographic Channel, registration ended last April 15 but if you want to cheer for the runners—gun starts at 6:30 a.m. for 3K racers; 6 a.m.
5K – 6:00AM
10K – 5:30AM
21K – 5 a.m. for 21K racers, 5:30 a.m. for 10K; 6 am. for 5K; and 6:30 a.m. for 3K racers.
Save the Marikina Watershed (Del Run)
April 22, 5 a.m.
Assembly at Marikina Sports Center
Organized by the city government, led by its Mayor Del De Guzman, and the Rotary Club of Marikina Zone, the run aims to raise funds for the Marikina watershed and its preservation. The race will take place in designated parts of the city. The race becomes even more special as 10 trees will be planted for every registration. The proceeds of the project will be used for a more massive tree planting at the watershed. Categories are 5K, 10K, and 21K. Registration fees are
Php 400 for 5K and 10k; and Php500 for 21K. Participants will gather at the Marikina Sports Center and the race starts at 5 a.m.
Listen
Earth Day Jam 2012
April 28, 6 p.m.
Bonifacio High Street
Music lovers unite for Mother Earth in this street musical party featuring bands like Radioactive Sago Project, Kjwan, Imago, Bloomfields, Sino Sikat, Peacepipe, and performers like Nina, Noel Cabangon, and Lou Bonnevie. Produced by Dimitri Productions.
In Baguio City
On April 21 at 6 p.m., singer-songwriter Dong Abay dedicates his concert to the endangered pine trees of Baguio City in his Earth Day concert titled “Dong Cut the Trees! I love Pine Trees” at the Baguio Auditorium.
Save Baguio's pine trees, let your voice be heard in Dong Abay's concert.
In Bacolod
On April 21, celebrations in the city begin with a 3K and 5K run at 5 a.m. with starting point in SM City Bacolod. The event is organized by Greek Kalinga (Erma Teodocio) together with the University of Negros Occidental-Recoletos, West Negros University, and Carlos Hilado Memorial State College.
Registration to the fun ride, “Ride for the Climate” spearheaded by Solargen (Andrea) and Federation of Bacolod Trisikad Operators and Drivers Associations (Helen Castro) begins at 4 p.m. on April 21 in SM City.
On April 22, a province-wide (all barangays) simultaneous community cleanup happens from 6 a.m. to 8 a.m. Primary objective of the activity is to gather the scattered plastic bags that clog the waterways and pollute the coastal areas.
The Green Alert Network will undertake tree growing activities in the Municipalities of E.B. Magalona, San Enrique and Don Salvador Benedicto. In the afternoon, Singles for Christ together with the Girl Scout of the Philippines and the 303rd Infantry Brigade are leading the “One Earth: A Walk for the Environment.” Registration for this event begins at 4 p.m. at the SM Activity Center. The organizers request donations from participants in the form of old books and school uniforms that will be distributed to deserving but poor school children.
The celebration will culminate with a closing program at SM Activity Center starting at 6 p.m. featuring local artists and talents.
In Cebu
On April 22, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Bluewater Resorts in Maribago, Sumilon, and Panglao will have a festival of arts, food, and music to celebrate Earth Day. The event will include learning activities such as demos and lectures by National Artist BenCab and fellow visual artist Benji Reyes, craft-making using recyclables, native games, green cuisine, and a bazaar. Maribago and Panglao day tour packages are priced at Php1,500 nett per person while the Sumilon day tour package is at Php2,500 nett per person. All packages include buffet lunch, use of resort facilities, and participation in Earth Day activities. For more details, visit www.facebook.com/maribagobluewater or www.bluewater.com.ph.
Meanwhile, students from the University of San Carlos in Cebu will hold “E-Couture,” a fashion exhibit featuring dresses made of recycled materials from the Mandaue Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The exhibit will run from April 20 to April 27 at the 3rd level of SM City Cebu.
