The youth sector plays an important role in being one with the government in initiating measures that will protect and conserve the country’s environment, Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Benjamin “Benhur’’ Abalos Jr. insisted.
Through tree planting and reforestation, advocating for stricter enforcement of environmental laws and “the implementation of the 4Rs: Refuse, Reuse, Reduce, and Recycle,’’ Abalos pointed out that the youth could provide valuable assistance in environmental preservation efforts.
“Ang importante, andito ang magdadala ng adbokasiyang ito (on environmental sustainability), ang ating mga kabataan (What is important is, those who will carry this advocacy, our youth),’’ Abalos explained.
Further, Abalos cited that collaboration is essential in achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), noting that among all the SDGs, the country has the most minor initiative on SDG 13, which concerns climate action.
“We collaborate, importante ito. The government cannot do it alone; it’s being proactive,” he stressed.
Abalos noted the DILG’s initiatives, such as the KALINISAN Program that promotes the bayanihan spirit in maintaining cleanliness, and Halina't Magtanim ng Prutas at Gulay (HAPAG) sa Barangay for food security.
The DILG chief also stated his experience as Mandaluyong City mayor when he launched the Green Building Project in 2012, which was conceptualized based on the country’s experience with supertyphoon Yolanda and the looming threat of climate change.
“Their goal then was to optimize building efficiency by maximizing natural resources, which would contribute to global efforts to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and mitigate the harmful effects of buildings on the environment and public health,’’ Abalos said.
Earlier, Abalos met with representatives from the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK), national government agencies (NGAs), local government units, academe, and youth and civil society organizations during the recent 6th National Youth Environmental Summit in Baguio City.