Highlights of the 2nd National Integrated Waste Management Exhibition

Highlights of the 2nd National Integrated Waste Management Exhibition - 2016 Environmental Summit

- June 27, 2016

Earth is a generous planet wherein human being savored the fruits of life in terms of natural resources in water, air and land. Our biodiversity in the Philippines shows how wealthy our country is. So, in exchange, Filipino's should be responsible in protecting environmental threats and degradation. Every citizens should value, conserve and rehabilitate our environment for sustainable growth in our country.

However, The 2nd National Integrated Waste Management Exhibition - 2016 Environmental Summit was held at the Megatrade Hall 1 & 2, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City last June 21-24, 2016, with the theme, “Fostering Shared Responsibility in Integrated Waste Management.” This event was held in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), Climate Change Commission (CCC), National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA), and the local government units (LGUs). The four-day summit and exhibition showcased the programs and projects aimed to reduce air, land, and water pollution, and the ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Also, Senator Loren Legarda, a notable environmental advocate and author/co-author of several environmental laws in the country, graced the event as the keynote speaker. Other distinguished guests and officials from DENR, selected members of traditional media and online media participated in the opening ceremony.

Thats is why,when I received an email as an invitation in Environmental Summit 2016. Immediately, I comply and attended this wonderful and earth saving event.

As a GreenPeace advocate, I know the importance of having a clean air, good water system, proper garbage disposal strategy and effects of climate change for all humans. This Environmental Summit is one way to widen people's knowledge to be more aware of their surroundings. Be involved , an Eye Opener to each Filipino's to see the effects of our actions to our archipealago. To see the dangers and cause of climate change in our land. Any management, strategy and willingness to participate to any Gov't Agency plan towards Solid Waste Management or Clean Air act will be beneficial to our country.

Meanwhile, DENR Secretary Ramon Paje also gave a speech and urged everyone to see the exhibition. He said “I am sure visitors will find this most instructive, fruitful, and truly worthwhile. I commend the organizers, exhibitors, and sponsors of this exhibition. Let us strengthen our shared responsibility in integrated waste management. Only collaboration and greater public awareness and support can effectively address the challenge posed by improper waste management and environmental pollution.” DENR Assistant Secretary, Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna, also encouraged students from different schools and universities to attend the said summit so that they will become environmentally aware about waste management at a young age. He said, “Let’s start them young.”

I strongly agree that our millenials today should take part and be aware of the hazardous waste materials that contribute in increasing mortality and dreadful illnesses that greatly affects the health of a person. So, Solid Waste Management should be implemented well in various community as well as good landfill to reduce great impact to health and environment.

Furthermore, Environmental advocates and educators discussed during the summit emerging technologies and new inventions to address and manage today’s important environmental concerns, specifically solid waste, water quality, air quality and hazardous waste and toxic substances. To address these concerns, “we need to build and strengthen mechanism of partnership and collaborations among government, LGUs, non-government organizations, business and industry, sectoral organizations and organized local communities and raise public awareness on the need to protect our environment, reduce emissions and manage waste at source, and adopt 3Rs (Reduce, Reuse, Recycle) towards mitigating global warming and climate change,” said by the EMB-National Capital Region Director Minda Osorio.

Indeed, another highlight of this exhibition was the fashion show during the opening ceremony. Models walked in the runway wearing the fabulous indigenous and recycled creations of some of the talented fashion designers from the Fashion Designers Association of the Philippines (FDAP). Ms. Digna Rosales, President of FDAP, was also present during the said event.

Fabulous and unique Gown creations paraded the runway using some recycled mirrors, coconuts, plastic spoons, plastic bags, fish nets and many more. Truly, those designers are so inspiring and genius on their fashion artistry.

To sum it up, I love going out of town, swimming in the beach, trekking in the mountains and sight seeing of wonderful landscapes & blue skies. I'm simply a nature lover who appreciates all the beauty that surrounds me. It energize my soul and it stimulate my spirit and well-being.

As a nature enthusiast, I will continue to protect and take care of my environment by putting all my waste into right place, respect to all nature's creations in the oceans,lakes or even in the mountain. I will teached my niece and other children the cause and effect of every action we made into our surroundings. I know Filipino's are diligent & open minded, can easily be teached and adapt to changes. All we need to learn is the right management and strategy in implementing our solid waste management rules and regulations for a safe and clean air. Citizens should value and protect our home, our planet called Earth. Thru this Environmental Summit 2016, we will worked as one to lessen the effect of Climate Change in the World.

The 2016 Environmental Summit was managed by Artistespace, which specializes from planning to executing events and digital marketing solutions.