President Noynoy Aquino, himself a resident along the polluted waters of the Pasig River, has called for the strict implementation of the law that penalizes river litterbugs with a 15 day-community service along with a fine of as much as P1,000, in an effort to stop the abuse of the country's waterways.

At the Bayer Young Environmental Envoy (BYEE) awarding ceremonies held in Makati City last Thursday night, Aquino said he is convinced that the country has a lot of environmental problems as what the Pasig River reminds him when he wakes up in the morning.

"We do have a lot of environmental problems. Everytime when I wake up, I face the Pasig River and I know how bad the (condition of the) Pasig River is. And I look forward to the implementation of the law so that those who pollute our rivers will be given a fine that will range from P300 to P1,000 but I look more forward to the 15 days  ofcommunity service that will be imposed on those who have abused our rivers," Aquino said before ending his speech.

He was referring to Section 48 of Republic Act (RA) 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which states that it is an environmental offense to dump waste matters in public places such as roads, sidewalks, canals, sewerage, parks and establishments.

"Violators upon conviction may be fined P300 to P1,000 or render one to 15 days of community service, or both, according to the Implementing Rules and Regulations."

Aquino said that he is banking on the Filipino youth to lead campaigns for the protection of the environment through the use of the worldwide web and mobile phones.

"Your youth is your greatest resource. You have the ability to respond quickly to problems and find creative ways to solve them. You have the ability to access and understand different kinds of information. Age may be a state of mind, but knowing my nieces and nephews, it’s the multitasking  that often amazes me. So use the Internet, mobile phones and social networking sites at your disposal. Use them to empower others like you who are also interested in making a difference in their own imaginative way. Do it all the time, in real time, even as you do other things," Aquino said.

He noted that "close to one-third of our total population belongs to the youth." "This figure redounds to 27.8 million young people who can be partners of the government in taking care of the environment; 27.8 million advocates for ending poverty; 27.8 million law-abiding citizens; 27.8 million proud Filipinos devoted to nation-building."

"Where we go as a country is dependent on our collective action, and everyone, most especially the youth, should do their part. Your responsibility is much greater than those who have come before you. You stand on the shoulders of teen years of young achievers. Ten years from now, you will be well on your way to standing where I am today. Ten years from now, I will be a retired public official. So I ask you to keep on doing what earned you recognition today."