6th Regional YES-O Congress, A Success

by ELENITA M. REYES

Over 3,000 participants trooped to the town of Kalibo on February 8-10, 2013. They participated in the 6th Regional Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) Congress.

With the theme: “Kalikasan Kalingain, Batas Tuparin”, this year’s gathering of youth environmentalists was spearheaded by the YES-O Advisers Association of Region VI. Ms. Maria Magnolia Q. Danganan, DENR National Desk Officer served as keynote speaker. National and local bigwigs graced the opening program who are Aklan Governor Carlito S. Marquez, Vice Governor Gabrielle V. Calizo-Quimpo, Congressman Florencio T. Miraflores and Kasangga Partylist Representative Hon. Teodorico T. Haresco, Jr., Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica and DepEd Aklan Chief, Dr. Jesse M. Gomez.

In her speech, Ms. Danganan stressed to the participants the urgent need to transform their commitment into noble actions, which is the ultimate goal of the YES-O program. Gov. Marquez on his part extolled the organizers for coming up with the event which he referred to as a good avenue to teach students to come up with appropriate actions in response to global concern on climate change adaption. 

YES-O members on the other hand wore their best smiles when they were referred to as “Ambassadors of Nature” by Cong. Miraflores. Kasangga Partylist Rep. Ted haresco gave emphasis on the vital role of students in environmental conservation and preservation. Vice Gov. Calizo-Quimpo pointed out that the YES-O Congress is a good venue in educating the youth in terms of caring nature. 

Kalibo Mayor William S. Lachica welcomed the delegates. He talked about the local tourism industry as he promotes “Manggad It Kalibo”, the Ati-atihan Festival and Piña Weaving Industry. Dr. Gomez on the other hand, pointed out the use of multiple intelligence in advocating the care for the environment. 

YES-O Congress highlighted the many lined activities and contests which were dominated by YES-O Aklan contingent.

To recall, the Youth for Environment in Schools Organization came to life by virtue of Department of Education Memorandum No. 72, Series of 2003. The YES-O congress is expected to establish specific and doable programs, projects, and activities to address the important role of students in climate change adaptation, ecological protection and disaster preparedness. /MP