President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday called on Filipinos to join government efforts to achieve a “climate-smart” Philippines amid the prevailing Covid-19 pandemic.

“I join the entire nation and the global community in celebrating Earth Day 2021. This occasion reminds us of our inherent responsibility to take care of our planet,” Duterte said in his Earth Day message broadcasted over the PINASiglang Mundo webcast.

Duterte emphasized the importance of joining government projects and programs pushing for a greener Philippines.

“This Earth Day, let us work with renewed vigor to engage our people, our local communities, our industries, and all other stakeholders in our efforts to achieve a climate-resilient and climate-smart Philippines,” he said.

He said a healthy natural environment can actively impact a nation’s health.

“As we recover from the adverse effects of Covid-19 pandemic on our lives and economy, let us always bear in mind that a healthy nation is anchored on a healthy and sound natural environment,” he added.

In a Palace press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque also reminded Filipinos to properly dispose of used face masks and face shields to prevent the further spread of Covid-19 and reduce the negative impact on the environment.

“Sa panahon ng pandemya, makakatulong ang lahat kahit sa munting paraan tulad ng pagtatapon ng wasto ng pinaggamitan na face masks at face shields. Gawin natin ito at ituro sa mga bata (At the time of a pandemic, we can help in little ways by properly disposing of used face masks and face shields. Let us do this and teach this to our children),” he added.

He also reminded the public that the Philippines is extremely vulnerable to the effects of climate change.

“Ang Pilipinas ang isa sa most vulnerable na bansa sa epekto ng climate change. Dahil dito, ang issue ng climate change ay relevant sa Pilipinas (The Philippines is one of the countries most vulnerable to the effects of climate change. Because of this, the issue of climate change is relevant to the Philippines),” he added.

Duterte, in his speech at the High-Level Debate of the 75th United Nations General Assembly in September last year, stressed the need to address climate change as urgently as the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The same urgency needed to fight Covid-19 is needed to address the climate crisis. This is a global challenge that has worsened existing inequalities and vulnerabilities from within and between nations,” Duterte said.

Earth Day is an annual event on April 22 to raise awareness on efforts to protect the planet from pollution and deforestation.

Considered the largest civic observance in the world, over 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day activities each year. (PNA)