The envoys selected were Maila Beniera of West Visayas State University, Maria Angela N. Flores of UP Los Baños, Albert L. Genato of Nueva Vizcaya State University, Celso H. Jucutan of Don Mariano Marcos State University, and Joseph Jeffrey Uy of Ateneo de Davao University.
The five envoys representing Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao were chosen based on their Action Plans on environmental protection and preservation, which they presented before a distinguished panel of judges from the media, government, the United Nations, and youth and non-governmental organizations.
Earlier this week , all the 13 envoys attended an eco-camp in Subic Bay on September 18-22, 2004. They had an opportunity to learn from multi-sectoral speakers, who shared their knowledge and experience on the various sustainable development issues, as well as their contributions to the environment. They also went on a jungle environmental survival training experience, snorkelled in Subic Bay, planted mangrove trees and fed fishes in a fish sanctuary, all within Subic Bay Nature Park area. These outdoor activities gave the envoys practical exposure to the beauty of nature and the value of preserving the environment.
MEET THE ENVOYS
Maila Q. Beniera is a BS-Biological Science student of West Visayas State University, Iloilo City. She was the chairperson of the "Save the Mother Earth Movement" (Esperanza Council) and a member of the organizing committee for Ecological Tour 2003. She led the winning group in environmental Set-up Contest during the university’s Science Week 2003. She also placed second in an Extemporaneous Speaking Contest, where she delivered a piece on sustainable environmental practices. Her project plan is a program where usable recyclable solid waste from the university are channeled to four barangays, where they will be processed into useful products or composted. The finished product can be promoted through a marketing program.
Maria Angela N. Flores is a BS-Development Communication student of University of the Philippines-Los Baños (UPLB). She is active volunteer in the Worldwide Fund for Nature Philippines. She was also a member of the Women and the Environment, where she conceptualized the WWW Kiddie Club. Her project plan is to provide environmental education to underprivileged children in Los Baños. She hopes to have at least 50 of such children undergo workshops and environmental activities by end 2005.
Celso H. Jucutan is a BS-Environmental student of Don Mariano Marcos State University, Bacnotan, La Union. He is currently the president of the Young Earth Savers Society, where he spearheaded the implementation of environmental programs at the university and nearby communities. Celso has received two awards from the Environmental Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Region 1. His project plan is to establish initiatives to conserve the coastal resources in her town. He hopes to so by establishing mangrove sanctuary, developing eco-tourism and introducing alternative forms of livelihood. He hopes these initiatives will reduce the community’s dependence on coastal resources.
Albert L. Genato is a BS-Environmental Science student of Nueva Vizcaya State University-Bayombong. He is currently the president of the school’s Organization of the Environmental Science Department of the College of Forestry, where he implemented environmental activities like the Solid Waste Management Program on and off campus. Albert is also the editor-in-chief of the official student publication of the University. His project plan seeks to make the Magat river pollution free. He hopes to get the university students and army cadets to clean up the river. He also wants to introduce environmental education programs for the residents.
Joseph Jeffrey S. Uy is a BS Industrial Engineering student of Ateneo de Davao University. He was part of a Department of Science and Technology project where 200 seedlings of different trees were planted. He also came in second place in the Vis-Min IE Congress Quizbowl of the Philippine Institute of Industrial Engineers. His project plan seeks to introduce a collection program for household toxic waste in Davao City. He hopes to institute a collection scheme and facility for household toxic waste, and promote this program to students and people associated with the university.
The five envoys will be joining their student counterparts from Asia, Latin America and Europe for a field trip to Germany to observe environmentally sound practices in a highly developed country like Germany. The study program to Germany will for the first time be expanded to include close to 50 envoys from 12 countries (Philippines, Thailand, Singapore, India, China, Korea, Indonesia, Ecuador, Venezula, Brazil, Columbia and Poland) across three continents.
The Bayer Young Environmental Envoy Program seeks to educate the youth in the global efforts to save and protect the environment, and is a flagship initiative of the Bayer and United Nations Environment Program’s global partnership for youth environmental projects.
