Belmonte urges youth: Be more protective of environment

MANILA, Philippines — Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte has urged the youth to be more protective of the environment.

“It is time to start becoming responsible citizens with regards to looking after the environment because sustainable development means that we will protect the environment for future generations,” she said in her speech during the 24th Police Community Relations Month celebration at the Quezon City Police District headquarters at Camp Karingal on Monday.

Belmonte said she hopes the youth would take the lead in improving the environment.

“Kami sa henerasyon ko sa tingin ko we failed miserably kaya ngayon wala ng isda sa ating mga ilog (I believe we failed miserably, that’s why our rivers have no more fish),” the mayor said.

She said the youth can contribute in their own little way by properly throwing their trash, practicing segregation and using eco-friendly straws when drinking beverages.

Belmonte lamented that pollution has taken a toll on the environment and proof of this is the unpredictable weather conditions in the country.