DIRECTING ALL CONCERNED GOVERNMENT AGENCIES TO PLAN, PREPARE, AND CONDUCT ACTIVITIES IN OBSERVANCE OF THE SAVE SIERRA MADRE DAY PURSUANT TO PROCLAMATION NO. 233 (S. 2011)

WHEREAS, Proclamation No. 233 (s. 2011) declared 26 September 2011 as Save Sierra Madre Day;

WHEREAS, the continuous destruction,
deforestation, and deterioration of the Sierra Madre area has worsened
flooding as can be seen in the devastation brought about by Typhoon
Ondoy;

WHEREAS, ecological and environmental groups laud
and commend the efforts of the government in protecting and preserving
the Sierra Madre region through the proclamation of Save Sierra Madre
Day;

WHEREAS, there is a need to raise the awareness
of the general public about environmental issues and problems that
plague the Sierra Madre area in order to preserve and protect the
ecological balance of the forests and ecosystems and to prevent
tragedies and calamities brought about by climate change and man-made
activities; and,

WHEREAS, the government must do its part in
protecting the environment by helping raise public awareness about the
threat of climate change and environmental degradation and to lead the
public in the preservation of the rich biodiversity of the country, in
particular the Sierra Madre area.

The concerned government agencies are directed as follows:

SECTION 1. Preparations for Save Sierra Madre
Day. The following concerned government agencies are hereby directed to
plan, prepare, and conduct activities in the observance of Save Sierra
Madre Day:

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)

Department of Education (DepEd)

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)

Climate Change Commission (CCC)

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)

The concerned government agencies shall conduct activities such as but not limited to the following:

a) Harmonize all related environmental programs and activities of government agencies in observance of Save Sierra Madre Day;

b) Conduct information, education, and awareness campaigns in
schools and for the general public on climate change adaptation and
mitigation and environmental protection in relation to the Sierra Madre
area;

c) Institute strategic awareness on disaster preparedness and prevention;

d) Mobilize local participation through consultations and
dialogues with concerned stakeholders, other government agencies, civil
society and the private sector on the problems and challenges affecting
the Sierra Madre area; and,

e) Formulate plans and conduct program of activities aimed at promoting environment awareness, protection and preservation.

SECTION. 2. Collaborating Agencies. Other
government agencies, such as but not limited to government media and
information offices and local government units (LGUs), are hereby
enjoined to assist and coordinate in the conduct of activities for Save
Sierra Madre Day.

SECTION. 3. Coordination and Participation of
Civil Society and Non-Government Organizations. All concerned government
agencies are hereby directed to coordinate and ensure the participation
of civil society (CSO) and non-government organizations (NGOs) in the
conduct of activities for Save Sierra Madre Day. Full cooperation and
assistance shall be given to CSOs and NGOs in the observance of this
day.

SECTION. 4. Funding. Subject to prescribed
budgetary guidelines and government auditing rules and regulations, all
government agencies concerned are directed to allocate funds from
available sources to cover the operational requirements for the conduct
of activities in compliance with this Circular.

SECTION. 5. Separability Clause. If any provision
of this Circular is declared invalid or unconstitutional, the other
provisions unaffected shall remain valid and subsisting.

SECTION. 6. Effectivity. This Circular shall take effect immediately.

DONE, in the City of Manila, this 26th day of September, in the year of our Lord, Two Thousand and Eleven.

	By Authority of the President:
	(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA, JR.
	Executive Secretary