THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Pampanga shifted to a virtual celebration of the 2020 Philippine Environment Month to ensure public safety, while the annual event is continually observed amid the emerging threats of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19).

From the traditional month-long celebration that involved public gatherings, forum and regional competitions, the DENR will maximize all digital and online platforms in adherence to safety guidelines and health protocols to keep everyone safe from the virus, said Donaver Guevarra, information officer of the DENR-Central Luzon.

"Despite the emerging public health crisis, we cannot forego celebrating our annual environment month. Nature is sending us a clear message during this pandemic and it is high time to take action to protect our environment," he said, adding that this year's celebration is an opportune time to realize the importance of a cleaner and healthier environment to mitigate the threats of Covid-19.

The DENR regional office has lined up activities for the 32nd Philippine Environment Month, which bears the theme "Protect nature. Sustain our future, #WeHealNature4OurFuture," with focus on the critical role of nature in providing the essential infrastructure that supports life on Earth and human development.

These include the conduct of an online environment fun quiz and learning games, which will feature the natural wealth of Central Luzon, and a region-based poetry writing contest, where winners may bring home cash prize and e-certificates.

According to Guevarra, the DENR, in partnership with the United States Agency for International Development (USAid) Protect Wildlife project, will also feature important plants and animals in the region at their official social media page (@DENR3Official) every Monday and Wednesday dubbed as "Wild and Alive" to promote protection of biodiversity and to combat illegal wildlife trade.

The DENR will also preview an online storytelling for kids led by the DENR-Central Office on June 12 that will feature "Basura Monster" and the premier of the animated video "Ang Paglalakbay ni Niño at Niña," based on the storybook of the same title about the climate phenomena El Niño and La Niña.

"We encourage Central Luzon residents to support and participate in all our environmental activities because it is time for nature. Part of the 'new normal' that we have to embrace are changes as to how environmental events are observed," Guevarra added.

Philippine Environment Month is celebrated every June of each year under Proclamation 237 signed in 1988, while the World Environment Day is observed every June 5.