FILIPINOS JOIN GLOBAL CAMPAIGN TO CLEAN UP THE WORLD
Filipinos from all over the country gathered last weekend (15-16 September) to do their share for the Philippines as part of the Clean Up the World Weekend. An estimated 35 million people participated in more than 120 countries. This year’s theme, “Our Climate, Our Actions, Our Future,” saw volunteers take part in activities to raise awareness on the impact of climate change and encourage activities such as planting trees, water recycling and conservation.
Clean Up the Philippines (CUP), the local arm of Clean Up the World, together with the Australian Embassy, Mandaluyong City Government and The Podium, opened the weekend with “BisiKalikasan- A Bike-A-Thon Against Climate Change” which attracted more than 100 cycling enthusiasts. The activity, led by Australian Embassy Counsellor for Political-Economic and Public Affairs Pablo Kang (left) and Mr Jimmy Isidro, head of the Public Information Office of Mandaluyong City, aimed to encourage individuals to use alternative modes of transportation to reduce carbon monoxide emissions. The event was followed by a city-wide clean up which included the Pasig River, garbage segregation and tree-planting activities lead by Mandaluyong City Mayor Ben Hur Abalos.
Based in Sydney, Clean Up the World global environment campaign is an Australian initiative created in the wake of the successful Clean Up Australia Day, first held in 1990. It was the brainchild of Australian yachtsman and builder, Ian Kiernan, to help mobilise millions of volunteers in more than 100 countries around the world to undertake a range of environmental activities.