BAGUIO CITY (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Cordillera (DENR-CAR) is all set for the celebration of Environment Month this June.

DENR-CAR Regional Director Ralph Pablo, during the Kapihan on Wednesday (May 24), enjoined the public to take part in the various activities lined up for the month-long celebration.

 Pablo said  the  12 Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices in the region are producing 50,000 tree seedlings for distribution next month, in time for the start of the planting season.

"Walang bayad 'yun. Kung mahirapan kayo na kukuha, dadalhin namin 'yung seedling sa inyo para kukuha na lang kayo sa barangay ng mga seedlings na itatanim ninyo. What matters most is that you grow the seedlings that you are planting," Pablo said.

Other activities include the Forest Investment Roadmap Assessment on June 1, and the Media Tour Bicycle Caravan and documentation of success stories in Kalinga on June 2-5.
 
The DENR will also celebrate the World Environment Day on June 5 with a Green Day Concert at the SM Baguio Atrium, tree planting activities regionwide, and information education campaigns.

In observance of World Ocean Day on June 8 with the theme, "Planet Ocean: Tides are Changing", they will conduct tree planting activities and river clean-up drives.

On June 4-9 is the observance of the Philippine Eagle Week. Pablo said this aims to "strengthen public awareness on the significant role of the Philippine Eagle in the forests and ecosystem as a symbol of a unique heritage."

From June 8 to 15 is the conduct of the 'Sirok ti Kaykayo'. This is a trade fair that aims to promote, and provide a marketing opportunity for the products of community-based forest management stakeholders.

The DENR-CAR also  celebrates its 36th Anniversary on June 9 with the theme, "At 36: Serving with Excellence". Various services will be extended to the employees of the agency.

Other activities include the Arbor Day on June 25, the Environmental Summit in Tabuk City on June 26-28, and the "Basura Mo, Bawasan Mo" Environment Fair in Tuba, Benguet on June 28-30.

The monthlong celebration will culminate on June 30 with a program at the DENR Training Center.

June is declared as  the Environment Month but Pablo reiterated that it must be observed year-round as the environment plays a very important role in everyone's life.
 
"Let us remember the theme of the World Environment Day, 'Only One Earth'. It is our common home and let us protect our common home together," Pablo ended. (JDP/DEG-PIA CAR)