Manila Bulletin, Philippines : Las Piñas observes International Earth Day

08/04/2003

Las Piñas observes International Earth Day

By Ed de Leon

Mayor Vergel Aguilar of Las Piñas City directed the city’s Environment and Sanitation Center (ESC) and the Clean and Green Council to intensify the citywide clean-up operation and zero-waste campaign in celebration of the International Earth Day this month.

Aguilar also called on the city residents to contribute their share in making Las Piñas clean and livable by keeping their surroundings clean and to observe proper waste management through segregation.

Las Piñas City is a United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) awardee and included in the prestigious Global 500 Roll of Honor for Environmental Achievement for the year 2000 in Adelaide, Australia.

Every year, UNEP gives recognition to individuals and organizations throughout the world for outstanding achievements in the protection and improvement of the environment.

Prior to the UN award, Las Piñas was adjudged as Metro Manila’s cleanest and greenest city for three consecutive years (1997, 1998, and 1999) and elevated to its Hall of Fame.

Stressing his great concern for the environment, Aguilar emphasized the city’s cleanliness and environmental protection is on top of his administration’s agenda.

“In Las Piñas, every day is Earth Day. We see to it that our city, which we proudly call our home, is clean and healthy to make it conducive for living,” Aguilar stressed.

The city’s Clean and Green Council headed by Mrs. Mel Aguilar, the mayor’s wife, has been of great contribution to the successful implementation of Las Piñas’ environmental program.

Mrs. Aguilar spearheaded the campaign for a clean Las Piñas by organizing and mobilizing more than 1,000 clean and green volunteers for the landscaping and beautification of the entire community. (JC)