Environmentalists, leaders converge for eco summit

• Source: http://old.philstar.com/cebu-news/2018/02/18/1788996/environmentalists-leaders-converge-eco-summit
• Monday, February 19, 2018

By May B. Miasco (The Freeman)

CEBU, Philippines — Cebu City is set to host the country's biggest gathering that will tackle prominent issues confronting the environment.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) officials, executives of prominent environmental groups, national and local leaders are among those expected to attend the activity.

In a press release, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu is expected to report on the accomplishments and priorities of the agency as he will deliver his keynote address on the first day of the three-day summit.

“Hopefully, through this summit, our partners from Green Convergence and elsewhere will be guided by our priorities and find further impetus to contribute for the benefit of fellow Filipinos and the environment,” he said.

The national event is organized by DENR, in partnership with Green Convergence Philippines, which is a large coalition of environmental and developmental organizations, networks, faith-based groups and individuals campaigning for food safety, healthy environment and sustainable economy.

DENR announced recently that the second run of the summit will be held at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel from December 20 to 22.

This year’s theme carries, “Mainstreaming Innovations for Sustainable Development.”

Several officials and pro-environment advocates are also expected to gather coming from the religious and non-government organizations to civil society groups.

Among the resource speakers invited to the summit are Senator Grace Poe and Deputy Executive Secretary Bradnee Chambers of the United Nations Convention on Migratory Species.

Local leaders that are expected to attend are Cebu Archbishop Jose Palma and Cebu Governor Hilario Davide III, who will welcome the delegates, and Angelina Galang from Green Convergence Philippines.

During the three-day summit, the mornings will consist of plenary sessions while five parallel breakout sessions are set in the afternoon.

On the second day, morning sessions include the talk of Fr. Daniel Franklin Pilario, Dean of St. Vincent School of Theology, on Pope Francis’ encyclical letter named “Laudato Si,” which is subtitled “On Care for Our Common Home.”

DENR Undersecretary Jonas Leones, on the other hand, will discuss on the sustainable development goals of the agency, and the environmental aspects of the Philippine development plan.

Deputy Ombudsman Gerard Mosquera will present the many challenges in enforcing environmental laws, while Development Bank of the Philippines First Vice-President Paul Lazaro will tackle on financing environmental investments.

The last day of the summit will have Chambers and Poe taking the stage. Chambers will talk about migratory species and the impacts of climate change, while Poe will speak on the right of every Filipino to a safe environment and food.

A video message of former United States Vice President and now Climate Reality Project founder and chair Al Gore will be played, citing the significant strides in the climate change movement.

The summit will culminate with the symbolic signing of three partnership agreements, including the management of Butuanon River Watershed in Cebu.

The first environmental summit was held in Pasay City last 2016, wherein among the highlights were the discussions on “Laudato Si” and the 2015 Paris Agreement on Climate Change.