Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR)

PGMA launches 'carbon cutting coalition' to fight climate change

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo formally launched the "Carbon Cutting Coalition" in rites held at the former Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City Friday during the weekly climate change briefing for the President.

The Chief Executive received a symbolic flag - the Carbon Cutting Coalition Flag - from Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change Secretary Heherson T. Alvarez.

"We are at war, fighting for the survival of the Earth. The Coalition was formed to find solutions to the pressing problem of global warming and climate change. The flag, featuring the official logo of the coalition, will be the country's official 'seal of good housekeeping' in as far as climate change solutions are concerned," Alvarez told the President.

As climate change stake holders and friends of the environment, the Coalition is asking government agencies, LGUs, all sectors of society, and the general public as well, to disseminate and fly the flag as a badge of honor and proof of commitment that they are supporting or engaging in programs that help mitigate climate change.

The Coalition, initially composed of the 17 Task Group member-agencies of PTFCC, and several environmental NGOs, is urging the public to join this movement for a "carbon-neutral community" by logging on to www.carboncuttingcoalition.tk or email opacc_gov@yahoo.com.

A nationwide launching of the "Carbon Cutting Coalition" has been set at the Malacanang Palace on April 20, in Cebu on April 22, in Davao on April 23, and in various government agencies during the Earth Day celebration from April 19 to 25.

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Panata ng Bayan sa Kalikasan

By Heherson T. Alvarez

Sumusumpa ako

Sa ngalan ng bukas

Na ipagtatanggol ko ang kalikasan

Mamahaling tapat

Upang tayong lahat ay magtamasa ng biyaya ng Maykapal

Bawat hakbang nitong sumpa

Ay aking gagawin

Sa salita, sa isip at gawa

Nang ang pagtatanggol ng kalikasan

Ay maging taos-pusong panata ng bayan

Chorus:

Sumusumpa akong aalagaan ko

Sumusumpa akong kakalingain ko

Ang kalikasan at kapaligiran ko

At pagmumulan ito ng bagong pag-asa

Back-up: Bagong pag-asa at tunay na pag-unlad

Pledge:

Sumusumpa ako

Ngunit ang aking tinig ay nais kong marinig

Ng buong sambayanan

Upang ang sumpang ito ay maging panata ng buong sambayanan

Isang sumpang maghahatid ng bagong pag-asa

At pagmumulan ng tunay na pag-unlad

Tulungan nawa ako ng Maykapal