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PUERTO PRINCESA CITY: The Philippines celebrated World Environment
Day on Wednesday in what has been acknowledged as the country’s
“most environment-friendly city” to epitomize the universal
campaign for environmental conservation and sustainable development.
Delegates from various parts of the country led
by Ed Aurelio Reyes, World Environment Day Chair Emeritus,
participated in the four-day event which is being celebrated
simultaneously around the world under the global theme,
“Handshakes and Hugs (Around the World) for Earth Synergy in the
New Millennium.”
The Puerto Princesa celebration of World
Environment Day was the country’s contribution and commitment to
join the global community to put into focus the oneness of all
peoples who live in seven continents of the globe; that there are
“no foreigners” as we are all citizens of this one planet we
call Earth; to take responsibility for the environmental destruction
that man has done to it; and to urgently implement measures “to
rescue and heal, conserve and exalt our Mother Earth.”
British Ambassador Peter Beckingham, who in his
message before leaving Puerto Princesa City after a two-day working
visit expressed optimism over the country’s holding of World
Environment Day, said, “It is very appropriate on World
Environment Day that Puerto Princesa in particular is supporting
this initiative.”
Puerto Princesa City Mayor Edward Hagedorn,
World Environment Day co-Chair Emeritus, conveyed the great sense of
pride and honor of its residents and stakeholders for the choice of
the city as venue of the World Environment Day celebration. “It
was in 2003 when we first hosted this very important event, and many
great things have happened in our city since then. I truly believe
that whatever good deed we do for our Mother Earth, she gives it all
back to us in countless ways,” Hagedorn said.
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