On April 22, over fifty organizations and institutions gathered at the La Mesa Eco-park to celebrate Earth Day 2017 organized by Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc. (ENDPI).The celebration began with around five hundred runners assembled before the starting line ready for the PRO Earth Run 2017: Forest Trail Edition. A few minutes before the gun start, a crowd of bikers surged into the eco-park after completing a bike parade from the Marikina City Hall. This was organized by the National Bike Organization (NBO). After the quick fun run, everyone was invited to cool their muscles down through a Sheng Zhen Gong by the International Sheng Zhen Society and a Mercy2Earth Examen by the Global Catholic Climate Movement-Pilipinas (GCCM-P).
The morning proceeded with a series of rituals and prayers by intercultural and interreligious groups such as the International Society for Krishna Consciousness (ISKCON), Zen Center, Shumei International, Pranic Healing Foundation, Brahma Kumaris, Baha’i Faith, KapatirangBromoki, Zen Center, FoGuang Shan and Institute of Islamic Studies at the University of the Philippines.
Simultaneous activities included bird watching and a tree walk facilitated by the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines and the Philippine Native Plants Conservation Society, Inc., respectively. Members of GUHIT, an organization of passionate artists, were stationed around the eco-park allowing the surroundings to lift their wrists across their canvas to create beautiful masterpieces. Several organizations prepared interactive booths at the Advocacy Fair which served as a gathering for various passionate organizations to showcase their specific environmental campaigns.
One of the much-awaited segments of the Earth Day Celebration at the La Mesa Eco-park was the arrival of the DENR Secretary, Sec. Gina Lopez.She joined the leaders of the different organizations in igniting incense and candles and dancing to the beat of the ethnic instruments of the Kontemporaryong Gamelan Pilipino. After a few minutes, she delivered her Earth Day message inviting everyone never to forget to have loved at the core of their service to Mother Earth. This was succeeded by messages from Mr. Patrick Alzona of the EPWMD office of Quezon City and from Mr. Isagani Serrano, President of Earth Day Network Philippines.
The afternoon program began with the staggering chorale performance by Serenata of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines. It was followed by a series of Advocacy Fair exhibitors presenting their campaigns for a sustainable environment. This simple afternoon program was joined by musical performances by the Majam Sisters and an enthusiastic dance number by the PNP women of Quezon City.
The Earth Day Celebration at the La Mesa Eco-park was indeed an entire day filled with numerous activities. Through this event, EDNPI aimed to converge all environment advocates, renew oneness with nature, raise awareness of environmental realities and empower of action for change.
About Earth Day Network Philippines: Earth Day Network Philippines, Inc. (EDNPI) is the local counterpart of the global Earth Day Network International. EDNPI is a non-stock and non-profit network organization with more than 2,000 members including private corporations, government agencies, non-government organizations, academic institutions, religious groups, and environmental advocates. EDNPI campaigns for responsible environmental citizenship, implementing multiple environmental programs in collaboration with its sponsors and partners. To learn more about ENDPI, please visit www.earthdayphilippines.org
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