Rotary Leaders To Protect Environment

Philippine Rotary leaders have agreed to work together to protect the environment, particularly to help put a check global warming.  In a meeting at Oasis Hotel, Angeles City, last April 12-13, 2008, they signed a Memorandum of Agreement to take the lead in organizing massive grassroots participation in Earth Hour 2009 and promote “green” packaging.

They are the District Governors Elect (DGE) of seven Rotary districts covering Metro Manila, Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao: Edgardo Limon (D3830), Jesus Nicdao (D3790), Lito Jose (D3770), Emma Nava (D3850), Billy Parilla (D3860), Ferdinand Fuentes (D3800) and Alex Cureg (D3780).  DGEs Rhia Rita Abalos (D3870) and Nogi Noguera (D3820) have also later signed the agreement, making the total number of Rotary districts to nine who are committed to the success of the project.

The leaders agreed that Philippine Rotary clubs will spearhead an Earth Hour observance from 8:00 to 9:00 p.m. on Friday, March 29, 2009.  A broader-based, more active citizen participation is being eyed to build on the modest success of this year’s Earth Hour observance last March 29. 

“Green” packaging initiatives will also be promoted by Philippine Rotary clubs.  This means working with supermarkets, groceries and retail outlets to discourage the further use of plastic bags that are non-biodegradable and clog waterways, causing floods and even damage to marine life.

The leaders were briefed on the Philippine environment situation by David Valdes, president of World Wildlife Fund (Philippines), Inc., which is chaired by Jaime Augusto Zobel de Ayala.