By Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, INQ7.net -
http://newsinfo.inq7.net/breakingnews/nation/view_article.php?article_id=8662
07/07/2006

CEBU CITY - A “Green Philippines (Berdeng Pilipinas)” is how President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo envisions the country to be in five years, even as she pursues her policy of inviting investors to exploit the country’s mineral resources.

Arroyo bared this vision at a joint meeting of the Cabinet and the regional development councils of the Central Philippines, one of four mega regions she has created to spur growth and investment in the regions.

She also said the Central Philippines will be both the center of the Green Philippines as well as the “tourism center” of the country.

“I want our tourism center to be also the center of the new Green Philippines o Berdeng Pilipinas, and I issue a call to action to make the new Green Philippines happen within the next five years,” she said.

In a news conference, local officials expressed support for Green Philippines, saying a clean environment could attract more tourists and investments.

Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines spokesman and Eastern Samar Governor Erico Aumentado (not president and Bohol Governor Erico Aumentado as posted earlier) said they will set aside part of of their internal revenue allotments to support efforts to achieve the Green Philippines vision and to move forward the goals of the mega regions.

Arroyo made the call for a Green Philippines even as she stood firm on allowing mining operations in the country so long as companies “operate responsibly.”

Amid calls by some environmental groups and bishops for the repeal of the law, the government remained bent on wooing investors in the mining industry.

To realize her “Green Philippines,” Arroyo said the people must “take back the forests and replenish fallen trees.”

She said villages and cities should be beautified and should be rid of trash, and more urban parks and recreation areas should be built.

She also ordered agencies to purify the water and clean up industrial sites that are eyesores and health risks.

“I want to turn our coral reefs and beaches, the wonders of the world, into national parks and international sanctuaries for eco-tourism and scientific research. We have the chance to develop our nation right from the start: clean, healthy, productive, and beautiful,” she said.

Arroyo also pushed anew for energy self-sufficiency by harnessing the sun, wind, and geothermal resource for the country to produce its own fuel supply.