DENR National Capital Region will take part in the celebration of International Youth Day (IYD) 2021 on Thursday, 12 August 2021, through the conduct of online activities.

First in its line of activities is a webinar entitled “EnviYOUTHment: DENR-NCR Youth for Environment” to be participated by youth employees of the regional office.

The regional Youth Desk Office (YDO) and Regional Strategic Communication and Initiatives Group (RSCIG) of DENR National Capital Region will facilitate virtual learning activities in collaboration with the National Youth Commission (NYC) and GREENducation Philippines.

The activity aims to inform and increase the involvement of young employees of the regional office in environmental advocacy. 

According to Regional Executive Director Jacqueline A. Caancan, it is important that DENR employees, especially the young, are aware of their important role in environmental protection and conservation. “We must continuously educate and inspire our young employees and convince them that our work in DENR is important, not because it is our source of income but because we contribute to efforts to make life on earth sustainable and worth living”, Director Caancan explained.

In line with this, Director Caancan appeals to Filipino youth, especially here in Metro Manila, to be active stewards and protectors of the environment.

“I call on the youth—the millennials and Gen Z out there—to continue and intensify their involvement in environmental activities. And they can do so by simply practicing proper waste management and wise use of our resources like water and electricity at home. These acts will go a long way, especially in the ongoing cleanup and rehabilitation of Manila Bay. Likewise, we call on them to be active in sharing their passion for the environment, to utilize social media in informing and educating other people on the state of the environment and what we can collectively do,” she added.

Aside from the upcoming webinar, DENR National Capital Region has also entered into an agreement with the Schools Division Office (SDO) of Muntinlupa City on Urban Greening and Gardening as part of the program of activities for the celebration of IYD. Part of the agreement with SDO Muntinlupa is the conduct of environmental webinars with the students and parents of public schools in Muntinlupa, along with teaching and non-teaching personnel.

International Youth Day is commemorated every year on 12 August. It was first celebrated in 1985 following the designation of its designation as International Youth Year by the UN General Assembly. Here in the Philippines, Section 30 of Republic Act No. 10742, the Sanggunian Kabataan Reform Act of 2015 mandates the observance of Linggo ng Kabataan in every barangay, municipality, city, and province on the week when the 12th of August falls to coincide with the IYD. ###

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