THE Climate Reality Project Philippines has recognized the Negros Occidental Provincial Environment Management Office (Pemo) and its information officer Olive Seruelo for their contributions to the global campaign against climate change.
On Friday, April 21, Pemo Negros Occidental headed by Wilfred Ramon Peñalosa Jr. was granted the Allen Quimpo Collective Climate Leadership Memorial Award while Seruelo received the Miguel Magalang Climate Leadership Memorial Award during the 2017 Climate Reality Leadership Awards ceremony held at the Senate of the Philippines, GSIS Building in Pasay City.
The Climate Reality Project said the Negros Occidental Pemo was honored for its untiring commitment to climate action, especially of its Climate Reality Leaders, though Peñalosa’s leadership.
For her part, Seruelo was recognized for her inspiring numerous Acts of Leadership and amazing work.
On March 14 to 16, 2016, Seruelo attended the 31st Climate Reality Leadership Corps training held in Manila led by former United States vice president Al Gore, chairman of The Climate Reality Project.
Chosen Climate Reality Leaders, including Seruelo, were provided with the knowledge and tools to build public awareness of our global climate challenge and drive action for solutions worldwide.
Seruelo said she is overwhelmed by the recognition.
“I did not expect the award. After our training with Vice President Al Gore last year in Manila, I started integrating climate change concepts and issues, mitigation and adaptation strategies in my advocacy,” Seruelo added.
She said she did this during the training she led for students, teachers, local officials, and other stakeholders, adding that she was thankful to Negrenses for their commitment to help the campaign against climate change.
She also acknowledged her fellow Pemo personnel led by Peñalosa for their support that made her job easier.
According to The Climate Reality Project, the awards “immortalize” the legacies of Magalang of Marinduque, who pioneered local climate action and disaster risk reduction and management in grassroots communities and local government units, and of Quimpo of Aklan who organized and empowered his community to make a change and build a mangrove forest. (NLG)