ZAMBOANGA CITY — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-IX recently visited different schhols in Zamboanga Del Sur as part of its information campaign for the academe to be aware and concerned about environmental protection and natural resources conservation.

This marked the observace of the 41st World Wetlands Day (WWD).

The school visit has oriented about 549 high school students and teachers on 2012 WWD celebration; values, benefits and care for wetlands; awareness on Climate Change-mitigation and adaptation measures; Executive Order No. 26 or the National Greening Program (NGP) which seeks to plant 1.5 B trees in 1.5 M hectares of denuded lands of the public domain from 2011-2016; and invitation for them to participate in the Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly schools.

WWD is celebrated every 2nd day of February during the adoption of the convention of wetlands known as Ramsar Convention in the Iranian City of Ramsar on the shore of the Caspian seas. The Philippines is one of 159 Contracting Parties of the convention that are committed to the conservations and wise use of all wetlands.

Acting Dean Remedios C. Suarin, College of Teaching Education - Pagadian Capitol College expressed appreciation and grateful of DENR’s school visit which was anchored on the problem of climate change and moving on to improve the habits of the students and teachers towards care for wetlands. Thus, she committed to require graduating students to plant trees in Brgy Bulatoc, Pagadian City which supports the National Greening Program. They will also intensify the implementation of Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 or Republic Act 9003 within the school premises.

Nursing Dean Abegail Cabrales of Mendero College, Pagadian City expressed support for earth care by practicing waste reduction and segregation among students and teachers as well as the establishment of forest tree nursery through National Service Training Program (NSTP).

The heads of other schools visited also gave their commitments in stewardship of God’s creation. They are: Science Teacher Lorelie R. Barlita – Zbga. Del Sur National High School, San Pedro Annex, Pagadian City; Principal I Juselyn P. Valdez – Guipos National High School, ZDS; Principal Arnold O. Bagundol, Ph.D. – Betinan National High School, San Miguel, ZDS; Janice Uy – ZDS National High School, Sta. Lucia Annex, Pagadian City; and Principal Ma. Madelene Pontillas – Mituda, Ph.D.- Sta. Lucia Central Elem. School, Pagadian City.

The theme of this year’s WWD celebration is Wetlands and Tourism with a slogan: Wetland Tourism: A great experience. Responsible tourism supports wetlands and people, as its sub-slogan. (JPA/HAA/DENR 9/PIA-ZBST).