The Philippines Celebrates Earth Day 2009

Manila, Philippines — The Philippines' Earth Day 2009 celebration carried the theme "Tubig at Lupa Buhayin, Hangin Linisin, Batas Tuparin" (Revive Water and Land, Clean the Air, Enforce Laws).The event kicked off with a welcome message by former Philippine Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary and current Chair of the Earth Day Network Philippines, Elisea G. Gozun. United States Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney, in her opening remarks, encouraged everyone to help protect Mother Earth. DENR Secretary Jose Atienza delivered the State of Philippine Environment address with a focus on actions to rehabilitate the Manila Bay.Performances from a rondalla group, a dance group and storytelling sessions by local TV personalities entertained the audience composed mostly of school children. The song "Let's Sing What is the Ozone Layer" also made its debut in the Filipino language, with mascot Ozzy Ozone leading the dance.PEMSEA participated in the celebration by leading an origami session during the fair and displaying a climate change-themed exhibit.