3rd Saleng Festival calendar of activities unfurled
The calendar of activities for the four-month celebration of the 3rd Saleng Festival was unfurled by Mayor Benjamin Magalong and wife Arlene, City Human Resource Management Office (CHRMO) head Atty. Agustin Laban III, City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Atty. Rhenan Diwas, Pollution Control Officer Engr. Joseph Willy, and other personalities, last Tuesday afternoon at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center lobby.
The unfurling was done before the kick-off activity – the “Rhythm and Harmony of Nature” choral competition, at the same venue. The choir contest yielded winner Pines City National High School (PCNHS) from among five other Baguio-Benguet secondary school contenders.
Last Wednesday (June 7), a month-long real estate and development exhibit was launched at Malcolm Square with sustainable building practices displays such as ecocentrism and greenology. Support for a greener future is expected from the activity.
On June 8 (Thursday) to 11 (Sunday), the Green Business Expo, a four-day household event, happens at Melvin Jones, Burnham Park with a setting for learning, networking and shopping. The community is invited, as with the curious, for greener lifestyle support for local businesses through eco-friendly and sustainable household products.
From June to September, seminars are conducted for college students interested about how technology can be used to promote sustainable living. Dubbed as “Eco-consciousness and Technology, Exploring Sustainable Living in the Digital Era,” students have the opportunity to hear from experts in the field, engage in discussions about technology and sustainability; and acquire better understanding of practical knowledge for eco-conscious life decisions.
The CEPMO teams up with the local government unit and academe in this endeavor.
For four planting months, the community PanTREE project, with efforts from the local government unit (LGU) provides free Pine tree seedlings/saplings ornamentals and fruit bearing trees for locals to plant in chosen venues. This project aims to engage the community into active participation in re-greening, tree planting, care and nurturing.
Another project, The Breathe Easy with Saleng, a free emission testing program by the Environment Management Division (EMD) is conducted every Sunday from June to September; at chosen main thoroughfares. Voluntary Emission Certificates (VEC) are given to those who pass the test, while owners of vehicles that failed are given advice on how to reduce emissions and improve fuel efficiency.
HIRAYA: Celebrating beauty and promoting Environmental Action is a regional pageant anchored on environmental advocacy with core principles on being Aware, Advocative and Affirming. As the word is dissected, “hope” or “aspiration” comes to mind, emphasizing the need for environmental advocacy as well as promoting sustainable practices in the community.
On June 25, tree carts featuring miniature forests parade down Session road and are later exhibited at Malcom Square for judging. The mini-forests may be pine trees or of the mossy kind. As of date, interested individuals may still register with the CEPMO at city hall.
A fashion show dubbed as “Green Runway: Second Life Collection” is launched to highlight different design recycling or upcycling techniques to showcase possibilities of sustainable fashion. It also showcases sustainability, creativity and innovation.
One of the Third Saleng festival activities is the Wet and Wild Adventure; three days with participants tested on skills and endurance; while biking, paddle boat racing, mystery solving, wall climbing, horseback riding, treasure hunting and a food challenge. This is a thrilling event for adventure seekers in the city’s top tourist attractions.
Green Rhythms: Battle of the Bands aims to use music as a powerful tool to promote the connection between music and the environment. This is scheduled on July 29, at the Melvin Jones Grandstand.
The 2023 Saleng/Pine Tree Festival has the theme, “Saleng Festival: Amplifying Voices for Environmental Advocacy,” aiming to encourage people to advocate for the city, commit to protect Baguio’s natural beauty and promote sustainable living. All inquiries and registration may be done at the CEPMO, ground floor, city hall; or online at cepmobaguio@gmail.com. Inquiries may also be coursed through cp numbers 0917-4158-224 (globe) or 0910-5328-139 (smart). – JGFianza
