DENR, environmentalists urge use of digital technologies to boost climate action

Logo of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources inside the DENR main office in Quezon City. FILE PHOTO

MANILA, Philippines — Environment advocates from the government and private sectors urged the adoption of digital technologies to transform industries and government bureaucracies into sustainable enterprises during a virtual Earth Day forum on Thursday.

DENR Undersecretary for Finance, Information Systems, and Climate Change Atty. Analiza Rebuelta-Teh said that information communication technology can accelerate the country’s climate action.

“ICT is very relevant in climate monitoring. Information pertaining to climate, weather, precipitation, pollution, and disasters is critically important in understanding climate change and its impact on the environment,” she said.

Meanwhile, Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship convenor Dr. Carlos Primo David said that businesses possess the same characteristics that are required to solve environmental and societal problems.

“We encourage the private sector to further expand their sustainability efforts, work with the government, and directly address the sustainability of the country and of the entire planet,” David said.

At the same time, Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute (ADRi) president Prof. Dindo Manhit noted that innovative technologies will create a sustainable economic culture.

“The synergy of good policy, all-sectoral cooperation, and innovative technologies will create a sustainable economic culture that will build inclusive prosperity by responsibly harnesses our natural resources, effectively controlling pollution, integrating energy-efficient infrastructures, and administered under good governance and upright social values,” Manhit said.

“The Philippines must pursue a “green” and sustainable economy that would harness new innovations and strategies for economic growth, environmental stewardship, climate resilience, and public health,” he added.

In 2008, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signed Proclamation No. 1481, celebrating Earth Day every April 22. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is tasked as the main convenor of the celebration.

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