Kapamilya Para sa Kapaligiran: Lopez Group Celebrates World Environment Month 2024
by: Julian Bartolome and John Carlo Caoile
Pasig City, Philippines – The Rockwell Business Center Tower 3 in Pasig City buzzed with excitement on Tuesday, June 4, as the Lopez Group celebrated the "Kapamilya Para sa Kapaligiran" festival, an event kicking off the Lopez Group’s series of activities commemorating the Philippine Environment Month. The event, held from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM, brought together the various foundations, corporate CSRs, and partners to celebrate and promote environmental sustainability.
The day's festivities began with an inspiring welcome message from Ms. Mercedes Lopez-Vargas, President and Executive Director the Lopez Group Foundation Inc.(LGFI), setting the tone for a day dedicated to environmental awareness and action. Following this, Dr. Rodel Lasco of the Oscar M. Lopez Center and Chair of the Lopez Group Environment Cluster delivered a compelling message, emphasizing the importance of collaborative efforts in addressing environmental challenges.
Attendees were treated to insightful plenary sessions, starting with a discussion on the role of the private sector in protecting protected areas by Elpidio B. Gelera Jr., Senior Ecosystems Management Specialist of the National Parks Division of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Biodiversity Management Bureau. This was followed by Chief Sustainability Officer Agnes De Jesus’ session on First Philippine Holdings Corporation’s pathway to decarbonization, illustrating the company's commitment to reducing its carbon footprint. Finally, the last session focused on business engagement for nature-based solutions presented by International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Regional Director for Asia and Oceania Dr. Dindo Campilan, showcasing how businesses can integrate nature-based solutions into their business strategy and operations.
Meanwhile, the afternoon session featured the Greenflix Environmental Film Marathon, captivating audiences with thought-provoking films such as "Puno ng Buhay" and selected short films from the "Mga Kwento ng Klima" collection. These screenings featured various environmental issues and the urgent need for action, leaving a lasting impact on viewers.
Adding to the festive atmosphere were interactive activities like Knowledge Channel’s 'Knowledge on the Go' and other envi-themed games, designed to educate and engage participants in a fun and memorable way. Other Group members such as the Energy Development Corporation (EDC), the Oscar M. Lopez Center, and the ABS-CBN Foundation also hosted mini games for participants to take part in and win prizes.
The event also featured booths from various organizations under the Lopez Group and other partner organizations, each showcasing their products and advocacies related to the environment. Among those are the following:
The "Kapamilya Para sa Kapaligiran" - themed Lopez Envi Festival underscored the Lopez Group's unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development. By bringing together diverse organizations, the event fostered a spirit of collaboration in tackling environmental issues and promoting eco-friendly practices.
The celebration of World Environment Month through this festival marked a significant step towards a greener future, demonstrating the power of collective action and the vital role of the private sector in driving environmental sustainability.