MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Nov. 19 (PIA) – A program on environmental protection was launched here Thursday, November 14.
The launching of the program dubbed “ECOWATCH” was spearheaded by the Office of the Regional Vice Governor in partnership with Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) and the Bangsamoro Youth Affairs (BYA).
ARMM Vice Governor Haroun Alrashid A. Lucman said the program aims to promote awareness on the protection of Lake Lanao and the environment.
He said it is also an avenue for the government to provide support to the youth for a wider advocacy on environmental protection.
“Alam namin ang ganitong advocacy ay mahirap isulong kapag walang supporta ang mga kabataan so the challenge entirely defends on you whether you will response positively on this challenge”, Lucman said to the different youth groups who participated in the launching held in Marawi Resort Hotel, Mindanao State University (MSU) main campus.
Regional Environment Secretary Kahal Q. Kedtag said the DENR-ARMM, since the very beginning, pledge to support the reform agenda of the regional governor Mujiv Hataman which includes environment protection.
He also said that they are working hand in hand with other line agencies of the government to ensure that their programs and projects are environmentally friendly and sound.
“Our mandate of ensuring sustainable development of the region and the promotion of environment sustainability and protection remains to be at the fore front of our programs and projects”, reiterated Kedtag.
He said he is happy that the Office of the ARMM Regional Vice Governor of took the step in bridging the youth to the environment and instilling in the mindset of youth that they have also the responsibility towards the environment.
During the launching, lectures on climate change and tree planting, as well as, the state of Lake Lanao and related issues and concerns were presented by name DENR Provincial Director Cosain Abbas and PENRO Pipalawan Naga, respectively.
Dr. Asnawil Ronsing, professor and director of Shariah Center of MSU-Main Campus, also tackled the Islamic perspective in preserving the environment.
The ECOWATCH launching was attended by 190 advocates of environmental protection comprising of students, youth leaders, and civil society organizations in the province. (Mohammad Nassif M. Elias/APB/PIA-10)
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