By CATHERINE NAZARRO CALUYA
www.nordis.net

BAGUIO CITY — In taking care of the environment, Baguio City observed Earth Day ’09, a worldwide annual event which aims to create awareness among city residents and push them into action for the earth’s protection.

This year’s Earth Day with the theme, “Lupa, Tubig Buhayin; Batas ay Tuparin,” dealt with serious issues about maintaining and balancing the ecological system. The decline of the environment is caused by the malpractice of mankind or public unawareness of the cosequences of a deteriorated ecology.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Cordillera Administrative Region (DENR-CAR) works closely with the city officials to convey policies concerning the environment.

Mayor Reinaldo Bautista proposed an alternative planting of trees that would replenish the deteriorated number of pine trees. Engineer Anthony Victor Lopez, officer-in-charge of the Research Services, said they conduct various researches about environmental issues particularly on solid waste management and prepare activities like training programs that could greatly help the people especially in management of waste materials.

Director Neoman dela Cruz of the Mines and Geo Sciences Bureau advised small scale miners must undergo the process of registration before they proceed to excavation. This includes permits, environmental work plans and avail documents for safety aspects.”

As part of the group campaign, a street painting was conducted along Session road joining both private and public sectors and also all interested environmental stewards. # nordis.net