ASEZ WAO, the young workers’ volunteer group of the World Mission Society Church of God, hosted a large-scale environmental forum on the 4th of August 2024. This forum titled, “Plant a Tree, Change Tomorrow,” was a place to encourage participation and raise awareness about tree planting in response to the deepening desertification and land degradation.
It was in line with the theme of this year’s Environment Day, “Land Restoration, Desertification and Drought Resilience,” and drew great interest from the international community and all walks of life. It was a great success, with approximately 400 people in attendance, including the representatives from Greenpeace Southeast Asia, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Office of Senator Cynthia Villar, and including environmental advocates from different organizations.
The event, which started at 1:00PM at the Church of God in Las Piñas City, continued until around 5:00PM. The atmosphere was lively with choir performances and a performance urging the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) prepared by ASEZ WAO.
ASEZ WAO and expert lectures followed. After the presentations on the “Mother’s Forest” project hosted by ASEZ WAO members, there were lectures by Ms. Virginia Benosa-Llorin, Senior Campaigner of Greenpeace Southeast Asia; Mr. Justine Albert De Ramos, Chief of the Coastal Resources and Foreshore Management Section of the Conservation and Development Division of DENR; and Dir. Elenida Basug, the Director of DENR Climate Change Service. Senator Cynthia Villar also delivered a congratulatory address for the efforts of ASEZ WAO and shared the best practices of the national government about environmental protection.
Mr. De Ramos, who gave a lecture titled “Biodiversity? Why Does It Matter?” shared the importance of the diversity of habitat and ecosystems in the world. He added that though the Philippines has one of the richest biodiversity in the world, it is the most threatened. He suggested that some of the ways to combat biodiversity loss is to plant native trees and protect habitats, among others. Director Elenida Basug emphasized the importance of forests in maintaining ecological balance and integrity and that there are opportunities for innovation and volunteerism to contribute to climate action. They also actively participated in signing the petition and supported ASEZ WAO’s environmental activities.
Senator Cynthia Villar said, “Let us be the changemakers who plant trees and cultivate a sustainable tomorrow. Remember, every small effort counts, and together, we can be a significant impact. The best time to plant a tree was 20 years ago; the second best time is now. I hope you will take the opportunity to work together for a greener, healthier future for all. Mabuhay po ang ASEZ WAO young adult volunteer group!”
Benedict Alcantara Tolentino, a member of ASEZ WAO said, “The youth is the hope of the future. So, we must be the ones who engage in these kinds of activities. In this digital age, we use many kinds of devices which somehow contribute to the carbon footprint of mankind. Let us act in the present time to become the ones who will carry out these kinds of endeavors.”
Last August 1, 2024, about 123 ASEZ WAO members planted 200 seedlings at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, taking the lead in preserving the marine ecosystem and promoting biodiversity. Then, on the 4th of August, about 180 people from Digos City, Davao del Sur, and Bacolod participated in an environmental cleanup campaign that took the lead in protecting the marine ecosystem and creating a healthy educational environment.
In addition to “Mother’s Forest,” ASEZ WAO is actively carrying out the “Blue Ocean Project” to save rivers, streams, and seas; “Green Earth” to purify cities, parks, and forests; and “No More GPGP” project to lead the way in reducing plastic with the message that we should no longer create plastic islands. Having been active in the Philippines for nearly 10 years, this year, they are also carrying out activities in various regions including Metro Manila, Cagayan Valley, Eastern Visayas, Central Visayas — the Blue Ocean Project in Cancabato Bay, Tacloban; the Green Earth Project in Calamba, Laguna; and the Mother’s Forest in Mariveles, Bataan.
In addition, through the “Green Workplace” project, an environmental protection activity carried out in the workplace, we actively participate in reducing greenhouse gases by continuing challenges such as riding a bicycle, using a handkerchief, and using double-sided paper, both online and offline. The altruistic actions of these young people are being met with awards such as a national congressional citation, a letter of appreciation from the governor of Leyte, and a letter of appreciation from the director of the Imus City Urban Environment and Natural Resources Office.