MAKATI CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- The local government capped its weeklong celebration of Earth Day 2014 last Sunday with its annual ‘Tigil Buga’ activity wherein motorists passing by the Ayala Triangle Gardens were encouraged by Miss Philippines Earth 2013 winners to switch off their engines for at least five minutes.
This has been a symbolic gesture practiced in the city that is aimed to promote the advocacy for reducing carbon emissions, which contribute to global warming that has caused extreme weather events in the country and around the world.
In a statement, Makati Mayor Junjun Binay thanked Miss Earth Foundation and the reigning Miss Philippines Earth beauties for accepting the city’s invitation to grace the event and position themselves at designated ‘choke points’ surrounding the Ayala Triangle Gardens, where they helped persuade motorists to join the five-minute engine switch off.
Cooperative motorists also got the chance to have their pictures taken with Miss Philippines Earth 2013 Angelee Claudett delos Reyes, Miss Philippines Air Nancy Leonard, Miss Philippines Water Alma Cabasal, Miss Philippines Fire Athina Karla Chia, and Miss Philippines Eco-Tourism Bernadette Aguirre.
Following the Tigil Buga, the city hosted a rap contest dubbed “Bigkasan para sa Kalikasan” organized by the Department of Environmental Services Office for young adult residents to express their support for the environment through rap music.
The week-long observance of Earth Day in Makati kicked-off last April 21 with the deputization of some 156 environmental police personnel by City Administrator Eleno Mendoza. The newly deputized enforcers underwent training last March and passed the evaluative examinations.
On April 22, DES through its Parks and Greens Division planted 250 tree seedlings along Osmeña Highway with the aim of reducing the carbon footprint and carbon emissions of the city.
Free emission testing was also conducted the next day in front of City Hall complex and in front of the University of Makati in West Rembo.
On April 24, the DES Solid Waste Management Division conducted clean-up operations along Tripa De Gallina creek together with staff from different departments of the city government.
At the Makati City Hall Quadrangle on April 25, a day-long recyclables fair was held, featuring bags, home furnishings, and organic toiletries created by participants in the 3B Fair held last December 2013.
The Earth Day celebration in Makati was held in cooperation with Ayala Land Inc., Ayala Property Management Corporation, Makati Commercial Estate Association, Makati Parking Authority, Manila Water, Miss Earth Foundation, and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. Other partners included the Makati Police Department, Liga ng mga Barangay, Makati Public Safety Department, and Makati Rescue. (ICRD/RJB/JCP/PIA-NCR)
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