U.S. Embassy Photo Release

April 23, 2007

 

 

Ambassador Kenney Launches U.S.-Supported Environmental Programs

to Honor Earth Day:  Focus on Clean Air, Biofuels, and Education

 

 

 

 

Ambassador Kristie A. Kenney and the U.S. Embassy joined Filipino partners in marking Earth Day on April 22.  The American people are a dedicated partner in protecting the natural beauty of the Philippines, and contributing to better health for Filipinos. 

 

The U.S. is the largest foreign grant donor for the environment in the Philippines; providing nearly $10 million in grant funding each year to support these initiatives.  “The American people are proud to be active partner in Earth Day celebrations throughout the world, and in being at the forefront of conservation and environmentalism all year long,” said Ambassador Kenney.  “Filipinos are uniquely blessed by their natural environment, and Americans enjoy visiting the beautiful islands of the Philippines.  We must act now to protect these resources for future generations.”

 

            Ambassador Kenney was joined by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Angelo Reyes for the opening of a U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) photo exhibit celebrating local communities’ contributions to the environment.  Pictured above, Ambassador Kenney (center) cuts the ribbon to officially open the exhibit with (L to R) USAID Mission Director Jon Lindborg, USAID-EcoGov Project Chief of Party Ernesto Guiang; Secretary Reyes, and former DENR Secretary and United Nations 2007 Champion of the Earth Awardee Elisea "Bebet" Gozun.

 

To celebrate Earth Day, the U.S. Mission also joined in the launch of a U.S.-supported biofuels advocacy campaign.  USAID joined the Metro Manila Anti-Smoke Belching Association; the Integrated Bar of the Philippines; and the Partnership for Clean Air to launch the biofuels advocacy campaign, which includes emissions testing for vehicles, during an April 20 ceremony.  During the event, Ambassador Kenney gave remarks and assisted in the ceremonial blending of coco-biodiesel fuel in a passenger bus.   

 

The Ambassador spoke to students attending an Environmental Summer Camp created by USAID’s Sustainable Energy Development Program (SEDP) to teach children about environmental awareness and how they can contribute.  Ambassador Kenney read a short story about the importance of clean air.

 

            She also gave remarks at the opening of Baga’t Hangin Musikahan 2007, a family-oriented variety event sponsored by USAID, the DENR, the Department of Health (DOH), and the Lung Center of the Philippines.  Ambassador Kenney signed a Partnership Agreement with DENR Secretary Angelo Reyes and DOH Secretary Francisco Duque to collaborate on information, education, and communication activities to promote clean air and clean environment for good health.

 

         The U.S. Ambassador’s participation in Earth Day activities underscores ongoing assistance for the Philippine environment from the American People.  A number of U.S. Government agencies are partnering with Filipinos and the Philippine Government to help keep the environment healthy and support the Philippines’ goals of sustaining economic prosperity while taking good care of the environment. 

 

• USAID supports environmental programs throughout the country, working to improve management of coastal and forest resources; reduce air and water pollution, combat climate change, and improve waste management;
• Peace Corps Volunteers throughout Luzon and the Visayas work with local governments and communities in coastal resource management and environmental education;
• The U.S. Department of Energy helps promote cleaner, alternative and renewable energy;
• The U.S. Department of the Interior assists in strengthening environment law enforcement; and
• The U.S. Department of the Treasury helped to create the Philippine Tropical Forest Conservation Foundation, which will grant more than $8 million to local NGOs for forest conservation.

 

 

# # #