Ex-DENR secretary says environmental protection can solve poverty
Former Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environment Secretary Gina Lopez said on Wednesday, Nov. 8, that the preservation of natural resources in rural communities could provide jobs for people.
“We can get our country out of poverty if we take care of the resources that we have. You have to make sure that our resources are protected,” she said.
Lopez urged everyone to “love” the environment as many Filipinos suffer from different environmental problems.
“Love means taking care of what God has given us,” she added.
In line with her advocacy, her organization Investments in Loving Organizations for Village Economies aims to develop communities in the country through funding projects.
Lopez cited one of her successful investments which is the Ugong Rock, an 18 million-year-old rock formation in Puerto Princesa City. The preservation of the natural wonder boosted the tourism industry in the place and it helped the people with their livelihood.
“They put up their own clinic, sari-sari store, visitor center, photography shop,… The barangay captain there at Tagabinet said, ‘ma’am lahat ng tao dito may trabaho dahil sa Ugong rock.’ Magaling sila… mapagmahal and really honest,” she said.
Lopez reminded the students that whatever they are doing, improving people’s lives is the most important thing that they should remember.
The forum titled “Greeneration: An Environmental Law Seminar” was organized by the UST Legal Management Society. — B.L.
