A fluvial
parade at Manila Bay plus other events like contests and musical
presentations are some of the Earth Day activities today that
will culminate at the SM Mall of Asia.
Earth Day was first celebrated on April 2,
1970 in response to the proposal of US Senator Gaylord Nelson
for a nationwide protest to bring environment issues to the
national agenda. Since then, it has been the only event around
the world celebrated simultaneously around the globe by people
of all backgrounds, faiths and nationalities.
With this year’s theme, "Tubig ay Buhay:
Ating Pagyamanin at Linisin", the activities highlight the
importance of water, a priceless resource. Activities focused on
the need to conserve water and the need to rehabilitate and
manage the country’s water systems to ensure future water
supply.
A joint project of the Earth Day Network
Philippines, DENR and SM Supermalls together with
environmentally conscious groups, the celebration started last
March 24 with an Earth Day countdown last April 3.
Participants of the Philippine Earth Day will
converge at the Music Hall of the SM Mall of Asia. There will be
a fluvial parade of 100 boats from Baseco and Cavite on Manila
Bay. A group of bikers will travel from the DENR compound to the
Mall of Asia, distributing flyers and other event information.
Other highlights are the re-launching of the
Eco-Watch program as well as the presentations of the winners of
the National Search for Model Barangays for Eco-Waste Management
Systems.
Lou Bonnevie will perform for a cause in the "Bagat Hangin
Musikahan on Wheels." Vehicle owners can avail of free emission
tests using an opacimeter/gas analyzer, while public transport
operators and drivers can have free medical check-ups at the
public transport terminal of the SM Mall of Asia.
