THE Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) conferred on Governor Arthur Defensor, Sr. the Hall of Fame award for his laudable environmental initiatives particularly the Action for Re-greening and Transformation for Climate Change Adaptation (Art for CCA) program.
The award was given during the People's Organization Summit and Launching of Tayo ang Kalikasan for Visayas Cluster at Diversion 21 Hotel on Thursday, September 13, where DENR Undersecretary Rodolfo Garcia was guest of honor.
Defensor is the only governor in Western Visayas to earn the Hall of Fame Award.
The environment department noted that Defensor’s Art for CCA, which started in 2011, complemented the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) and encouraged various stakeholders to promote environmental conservation.
Through Art for CCA, the provincial government spearheads the planting of tree seedlings in the different areas of the province annually. The program also includes mangrove reforestation in coastal areas to make the re-greening complete “from ridge to reef.”
“I thank the DENR for recognizing our efforts towards reforestation and I would like to share this award to all the civic organizations, volunteers and national government agencies that join us every time we conduct tree planting and mangrove planting activities,” Defensor said.
The governor also vowed to continue with his advocacy towards environmental protection and conservation even if he is no longer in public office.
“All of us have to work hand in hand to save the Earth. Each one of us has to do our share for the sake of the future generation,” Defensor added.
In 2016, DENR conferred on Gov. Defensor the Kalikasan Award due to his dauntless commitment to champion environmental governance, protection and rehabilitation.
The following year 2017 Gov. Defensor was again cited by DENR as the most active Environmental Champion in Region 6 for his laudable efforts in mobilizing all stakeholders in environmental conservation through his ART for CCA program. (PR)