Land Management Bureau (LMB) initiated DENR’s “Run vs Plastics” fun run event in celebration of Earth Day 2024
In celebration of Earth Day 2024, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), initiated by the Land Management Bureau (LMB), gathered its employees for the “Run vs Plastics” fun run at Ninoy Aquino Parks and Wildlife Center in Quezon City on April 21, 2024. Organized in partnership with Maynilad Water Services, Inc. and the MVP Group of Companies, the event aims to raise awareness of the fight against plastic pollution in the environment and promote sustainable practices to mitigate it. This event is aligned with DENR’s goal of fostering a cleaner, plastic-free, and sustainable environment.
Nearly 1,000 participants participated in “Run for Plastics,” featuring race categories of 2KM, 4KM, and 6KM distances. Implemented within the venue is the banning of single-use plastic items like water bottles, cups, and straws, to ensure a plastic-free event that can heighten public awareness of the environmental impact of plastic pollution and motivate individuals to participate actively in the environmental conservation efforts, fostering a sense of responsibility towards the planet.
LMB Director Emelyne Talabis officially opens the fun run activity, highlighting the importance of the event and setting the stage for a lively and engaging activity. The fun run started per batch, starting with the runners of 6KM distance, followed by the runners of 4KM, and lastly the 2KM distance runners. The first 200 finishers of the 2KM race were awarded and given a finisher shirt, as well as the 50 first finishers of the 4KM and 6KM races.
To formally close the event, DENR Assistant Secretary for Human Resources, Strategic Communication and Sectoral Initiatives Hiro Masuda delivered his speech focusing on the importance of our fight against plastics and stating that the fun run activity is not just for the sake of the program, but for everyone to have accountability, to be sincere, and to have commitment in the fight for the well-being of our environment. Asec Hiro emphasized, “Hindi lang po tayo dapat empleyado ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources, kundi tayo rin po ay steward ng ating kalikasan at ng ating kapaligiran. Lagi niyo po tatandaan na malaki man o simple ang ginagawa natin para sa ating kalikasan, may malaking epekto po ito para sa ating mga anak, sa ating mga apo, sa ating mga susunod pang henerasyon. Kaya nga po, lagi niyo po tatandaan, environment for life.” Asec Hiro also highlights the President’s words that the preservation of our environment is the preservation of life. Thus, the environment should be sustainable and should last forever.
The fun run event commemorates Earth Day by demonstrating a commitment to environmental sustainability and celebrates the importance of our planet. “Run vs Plastics” on Earth Day 2024 represents a significant opportunity to unite individuals, communities, and organizations in a shared mission to combat plastic pollution and promote a sustainable future for all. Together, a tangible difference in safeguarding the health and well-being of our planet and its inhabitants is possible.