“In the universe are billions of galaxies, in our galaxy are billions of planets, but there is only one Earth”- United Nations Environment Programme
This is a message which reminds people that nothing in this world matters when the environment is destroyed.
With the various environmental challenges and climate changes happening in the world, no one suffers more than us, humans.
This is why we celebrate Environment Day to continue the call for the global campaign on urgent environmental solutions for collective and transformative action to celebrate, protect and restore the planet.
In observance of this celebration, the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB)-Region 1 conducted an environmental fun run and Zumba fitness dubbed “EMBrace the Environment.”
“EMBrace” was coined from the agency’s acronym EMB and race which means competition in which competitors try to be the fastest to finish the run.
Engr. Maria Dorica Naz-Hipe, regional director of EMB-Region 1, said “Just as we embrace someone to show our love, our care, or the act of an embrace to protect and to shield, similarly, we must embrace the only one Earth we have.”
She said, “Let us protect and shield the only Earth we have from environmental degradation, pollution, resource depletion and other negative impacts from human activities.”
“The other aspect as depicted in today’s activity is to race for the environment, meaning we must act fast and act now. We must race against time and rectify the destruction we have caused to the environment and our resources if we want to have a truly sustainable life,” she added.
After her message, a Zumba fitness dance led by Mr. Jayson Aro came next, in which participants danced to the lively beat of the music.
The Zumba was made more fun with the presence of “Pinas: Basura Buster,” the EMB mascot.
The main activity was the three-kilometer race, where participants are instructed to go around the Poro Point Baywalk until they reached the finish line.
In exchange for the participants’ efforts, 16 of them – consisting of eight girls and eight boys – were given prizes.
The first racers in both girl’s and boy’s categories received P3,000 while the second placers got P2,000 and the third placers had P1,000.
The runners-up also received a token.
This event was participated by hundreds of representatives from different government agencies, who have shown their full support to the celebration of Environment Month.
The activity also aims to raise awareness about the imperative need to protect and conserve the environment as well as to promote a healthy lifestyle through regular exercise.
Environment Month is usually celebrated every month of June
This year’s theme, “No to Waste: Advancing Circular Economy to #BeatPlasticPollution” calls for immediate collective action to address plastic pollution.
A simple act of participation in environmental programs can make a contribution to the solutions, thus running for the environment will not only make you connected to nature but also makes you healthier. (JCR/AMB/KDM/PIA Region 1)
