The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will be celebrating Earth Day 2024, under the theme: "Planet vs. Plastics," in an effort to address the global problem of plastic pollution.
This year’s theme aims to spread awareness about the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on humans and the environment. As the world marks this significant day dedicated to environmental awareness, DENR, along with its Line Bureaus, is leading the charge of rallying communities nationwide to confront the pressing challenges of plastic waste through conducting a week-long series of events and activities.
Below is the schedule of the activities for this year's Earth Day Celebration:
According to statistics, the Philippines faces a serious environmental problem with 61,000 metric tons of solid waste produced every day, a large amount of it coming from plastics. There is an urgent need for comprehensive waste management plans in line with the global Sustainable Development Goals — especially those concerning the preservation of terrestrial and aquatic ecosystems.
The DENR, through the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in collaboration with the mining companies, local communities, and other stakeholders, will launch “PLASTIKalikasan: Mining Communities Clean-Up Program” on April 22, 2024. The said activity shall serve as a long-term cleanup program for the mining industry to minimize the generation of plastic waste in the mine sites as well as in the host and neighboring communities. To ensure continuity, waste management strategies under PLASTIKalikasan shall be integrated into the Annual Environmental Protection and Enhancement Program of all mining and mineral processing companies, with appropriate and sufficient budget allocation. Companies are also enjoined to closely coordinate with their concerned Local Government Units and the host and neighboring mining communities for possible partnerships and collaborations in this endeavor.
Moreover, recognizing the importance of public awareness and education in driving behavioral change, MGB, in partnership with the Philippine Youth Association for Responsible Mining and Natural Resources (YAMAN Philippines), will be hosting the “PLASTIKarunungan” —a nationwide symposium on plastic waste management. Series of seminars will be spearheaded on April 23-29, 2024 by the different host universities and organizations: SLU Mining Engineering Society from Saint Louis University, Baguio (Luzon), PSEM - Visayas Student Chapter from Cebu Institute of Technology Cebu (Visayas), Guild of Mining Engineering Students from Mindanao State University - Iligan Institute of Technology (Mindanao), and the Association of Geologists and Geological Engineers of Mapua from Mapua University Manila (NCR). These seminars will delve into critical topics surrounding plastic waste management, mining practices, and cutting-edge research on environmental protection and conservation. The program aims to enhance students' understanding of the environmental impact of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health and to instill a sense of environmental stewardship in students by promoting sustainable practices that reduce plastic waste.
Below is the schedule for each Universities:
The conduct of the above-mentioned activities is in line with DENR’s designation as the government's lead agency in the commemoration of April 22 as "Philippine Earth Day" pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 1481, which was issued by President Gloria Arroyo in 2008. On this day each year, millions of people come together to honor the wonders of the world, spread awareness of environmental issues, and support progressive change.
The official hashtags for the Earth Day Celebration 2024 are:
#EarthMonth2024 #ProtectOurPlanet #EnvironmentForLife #DENRInAction #DENRNews