AFP conducts 2nd Climate Change Summit

From the Philippine News Agency (Dec 4): AFP conducts 2nd Climate Change Summit

In line with the ongoing efforts to protect the environment, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted its second Climate Change Summit last Dec. 2.

The event was held at the AFP Theater in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City. An estimated 600 individuals from various government agencies, non-government organizations and private institutions participated in the activity.

“The summit is aimed at bringing together various sectors of the society to collaborate towards reducing climate change,” said AFP public affairs chief Col. Edgard A. Arevalo.

The Civil Relations Service AFP (CRSAFP) spearheaded the activity in partnership with various stakeholders.

Arevalo said the summit event is part of the month-long activities lined up in celebration of the 81st AFP anniversary this coming Dec. 21.

Newly-installed CRSAFP commander, Brig. Gen. Ronnie S. Evangelista said the AFP along with its partners “shall identify viable solutions and aim to institutionalize the roles that everybody shall perform in addressing the ill-effects of climate change.”

“The AFP will continue on fulfilling its mandate of protecting every citizen even from the threats that nature poses,” said AFP vice chief-of-staff Lt. Gen. Glorioso V. Miranda.

Among the invited agencies were the Climate Change Commission, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Department of Science and Technology.

Former Congressman and principal author of the Climate Change Act of 2009, Roilo Golez attended as one of the resource persons.

His discussion revolved around the imminent social problems and extreme weathers caused by the looming global threat.

“We are facing a war that has to be fought both by the military and civilian forces, I exhort that we act as one in addressing this important matter to ensure a safer, cleaner, and healthier community for ourselves, and much more for posterity,” Miranda said.

Other topics discussed were Smart Land Use for Sustainable Future, Analytics and Innovation for Climate Change Adaptation, and the Future of Climate Change.

At the end of their discussion, each resource person signed a pledge to help the AFP and other stakeholders to pot and create six million seedlings.

The “Race to Six Million Seedlings” is AFP’s answer to combat climate change in support to the National Greening Program of the government. This will be officially launched next year.

The AFP has been active in spreading awareness towards climate change and inter-societal cooperation.

Last year, it conducted the first AFP Climate Change Summit. It focused to raise awareness and unite the soldiers and civilians in exploring sustainable solutions against the global threat.

“We have embarked on numerous undertakings to ensure victory against the global phenomenon. Activities such as mangrove reforestation, coastal clean-ups, and tree-planting have been sought and maintained as staple actions to help make our country responsive to the worldwide call to curb greenhouse gasses,”said AFP chief-of-staff Gen. Ricardo R. Visaya.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=945545