Puerto Princesa celebrates Earth Month through photo exhibit, painting contest at SM
The City Government of Puerto Princesa highlighted the city’s rich biodiversity through an exhibit of photographs during the Earth Month celebration from April 22-27, 2019 at SM City Puerto Princesa.
The City Environment and Natural Resources Office mounted a photo exhibit and initiated various activities like on the spot painting contest, presentation of research, film showing, etc. Among those featured during the exhibits were rare and endemic birds captured during the Bird Photography Race in various bird sites in the city.
The activity was conducted in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Pilipinas Shell Foundation and SM City Puerto Princesa.
Atty. Carlo B. Gomez, City Environment and Natural Resources Officer, said that the celebration’s theme is “Protect our Species and its habitat” while the world’s celebration theme is “Protect our Species”.
He explained that the habitat of our flora and fauna are significant in achieving and attaining ecological balance and this should also be included in our conservation goals.
One of the diminishing city’s natural resources is its urban forest and this should be properly acted upon. He said that there are areas within urban barangays where forested land were cleared and converted to other uses.
“Puerto Princesa is losing its urban forest. Gaya nyang sa Brgy. Sicsican na binu-bulldoze kaya ngayon ang init-init dyan. Gaano kaya kalaki ang nawala na ecosystem benefit?,” he said.
DENR-PENRO head Eriberto Sanoz said that being a steward of God’s creation is a noble responsibility.
During the opening program, he amused the audience by singing the environmental message found in the Pasyong Mahal.