To promote the active participation of the business sector to invest in environmental protection and management in the province of South Cotabato, the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) conducted an Environmental Sustainability Investment Forum last June 30 with its theme “Connecting Business to Environment” as culmination activity of the month-long Philippine Environment Month celebration.
Siegfred Flaviano, Provincial Environment Management Officer, disclosed that awareness and appreciation among the business sector on the dynamics and sciences of environmental protection and management and climate change is important in the sustainability of their economic activities.
“That is why we need to present environmental principles, concepts, initiatives and models applicable as well as the existing environmental programs of the national and local government units, partner CSOs as options for partnership engagement and investment opportunity for them,” Flaviano added.
Resource Speakers and their respective topic include Environment Planner Ryan Vidanes of RD Group of Companies who talked about Global Warming and Climate Change; Dennis Librado of Tribal Leaders Development Foundation, Inc. – Allah Valley Protected Landscape; Forester Efren Hiballer – Mt. Matutum Protected Landscape; Rogelio Acosta – Allah Valley Landscape Development Alliance; Roel Ian Blannker – Ridge to Reef Project; Forester Mary Jane Manlisis – Provincial Government Environment Programs.
The half-day activity also included an Open Forum moderated by Atty. Marnito Cosep, PEMO Legal Desk Officer, where participants from the academe, business community and other stakeholders asked questions to Speakers.
SP Member Hilario de Pedro VI, SP Committee Chairperson on Environment, gave an inspirational message and assisted in the distribution of certificates of appreciation to Resource Speakers.
DENR-PENRO Radzak Sinarimbo also graced the occasion and delivered a message.
