The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) has partnered with the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP) for the creation of “environmental ambassadors” to help in the sustainable promotion of the environment and natural resources (ENR) of the country.
A memorandum of agreement (MOA) was signed last Aug. 19 by DENR-NCR Regional Executive Director Jacqueline Caancan and PUP President Manuel Muhi to jointly train and develop selected students of the university as ENR ambassadors.
The selected ENR ambassadors will assist DENR in its information, education, and communication (IEC) and advocacy campaigns on the protection, conservation, and sustainable use of the environment and natural resources of Metro Manila.
They are expected, in particular, to help educate their fellow students on various environmental issues affecting the region, such as pollution, resource degradation, and climate change, among others, and galvanize the support of the youth sector in the cleanup, rehabilitation, and protection of Manila Bay.
In return, DENR-NCR will provide the necessary assistance to the students for them to effectively function as ENR ambassadors and help them with their studies at the same time.
To help them fulfill their roles, the DENR has initially turned over 100 units of pocket WIFIs and tablets to the ENR ambassadors.
These communication devices will be used for online reporting and coordination with DENR.
It will also aid them with their studies under the “new normal” situation.
DENR Undersecretary Benny Antiporda emphasized that the project will be an eye-opener that the government needs the support and actions from Filipino people to protect the environment.
Antiporda said he is also looking forward to having more ENR ambassadors not just in Metro Manila but in other regions as well.