Guiuan, Eastern Samar ─ Beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program vowed to support the call to action on climate change – launched by President Benigno S. Aquino and French President François Hollande – by taking a more active role in the cleanliness and development of their own communities.
They expressed their commitment during the visit of President Hollande, who is a staunch advocate of environmental protection.
“Pinaagi han amon tinalagudti na buhat, mabulig kami paghatag hin aksyon ha mga isyu parti han climate change, para han kinabubuwason han amun pamilya ngan bug- os na komunidad (In our own little way, we will help take action on the issues on climate change, for the future of our family and the entire community),” said Grace Rapada, 40, one of the parent-leaders of Pantawid Pamilya who attended the welcome activity for President Hollande.
Rapada, a Typhoon Yolanda survivor, shared that Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries are informed about climate change issues and taught about environmental protection and disaster preparedness during the conduct of Family Development Sessions (FDS). FDS is a venue where parents gather to discuss topics on home management and community participation.
Rapada encouraged her fellow beneficiaries to take care of the environment through proper garbage disposal. She also urged them not to engage in illegal logging, fishing, and mining.
“Magburubligay kita paglimpyo ngan pananum, ngan biskan hino ka man o hain ka man naukoy, kinahanglanon masunod kita han mando han gobyerno kay para man iton hit aton ikauupay (Let us help each other in cleaning and planting. Whoever you are, wherever you are, we should follow the government for our own safety and well-being),” she added.
On the other hand, another Pantawid Pamilya beneficiary, Letecia Salameda, 45, also pledged her support to the call to action saying, “Masosolusyunan an problema ha climate change pinaagi han pagbabag-o han aton mga gawi (We can help solve the problem of climate change if we reform our ways and attitude).”
DSWD Secretary Corazon Juliano-Soliman joined the state visit of President Hollande to Guiuan. They went to the municipal hall and to the Guiuan East Central School, where they expressed their solidarity with the townsfolk who welcomed them.
President Hollande admired the bravery, strength, and resiliency of the people.
The French President also stressed the need for stronger, more responsible, and more sustainable environmental programs.
He added that what he has seen in the ‘Yolanda’-affected areas would be an important input to the Climate Conference in Paris this December.
On the other hand, Mayor Christopher Gonzales expressed his gratitude for the momentous day and also conveyed his support to the Manila Call for Action on Climate Change.
“All stakeholders, local government units, business or private sector, civil society organizations, non-government organizations, academe, and all citizens should play their roles in reducing the impact of climate-related disasters,” Mayor Gonzales stated. ###
