Carlos Hilado Memorial State University joined guests, partners, and other schools in the launching of the 31st Provincial Environment Month celebration at the Activity Center, Ayala Malls Capitol Central on June 5, 2023. Members of the United Seniors Organization (USO) and Director for Internationalization and External Relations Rhoderick K. Samonte represented the university during the event.
The month-long celebration is organized by the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) and bears the theme “Solutions to Plastic Pollution” adopted from the World Environment Day observance.
In her message, Atty. Julie Ann A. Bedrio, PEM Officer, highlighted the negative impact of plastic waste on the environment and the urgency to act on solutions. Bedrio mentioned that the activities in line with the celebration will involve different partners and stakeholders, especially the youth, and the 31 Local Government Units in Negros Occidental.
“There is a need for us to live sustainably – to live in harmony with nature in bringing transformative changes through policies and our choices towards cleaner, greener lifestyles,” Bedrio said.
During the program, guest speaker Checcs O. Orbida, In-Charge SWM Advocacy Peace Pond, shared the Peace Pond Blastik Project, a full-circle plastic bottle recycling initiative in the Municipality of Binalbagan. Orbida encouraged the audience, especially the students, to start by simply saying “no” to plastics and using reusable eco-bags.
Second guest speaker Lemar M. Ledesma, Co-Founder and Chief Business Development Officer, Subay Marketing, Inc., presented the activities of her zero plastic waste recycling company.
Atty. Rose Liza Eisma-Osorio, Acting Vice President, Oceana, discussed the importance of the Coastal Greenbelt and the contributions of mangroves in battling pollution. She also gave an overview of the Negros Coastal Greenbelt Photo Exhibit also displayed at the Activity Center.
For the intermission, CHMSU BS Psychology student Gino Abelido gave his rendition of the song “Colors of the Wind.”
The launching closed with the ribbon cutting of the exhibit and photo opportunity.
