To Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Secretary Renato U. Solidum Jr., Undersecretary Leah J. Buendia, FPRDI Director Rico J. Cabangon, our distinguished partners from the DOST, my DBM colleagues, fellow public servants, ladies and gentlemen—good morning, and a meaningful Earth Day to all of us.
Tamang-tama dahil nagse-celebrate din tayo ng 90th Anniversary ng DBM, kaya palakpakan po natin ang DBM!
Before anything else, allow me to warmly welcome our partners from the DOST – Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI), our participating MSMEs, partner organizations, and exhibitors. Maraming salamat po sa inyong pakikiisa, at maligayang pagdating sa DBM Central Office.
Today, we celebrate Earth Day 2026 with a deeper sense of urgency and purpose. This year’s observance comes at a critical time—when the world is facing interconnected crises that directly affect our environment, our economy, and our daily lives.
Ramdam na ramdam natin ang epekto ng climate change. Mas tumitindi po ang init, mas nagiging pabagu-bago ang panahon, at mas lumalala ang panganib sa ating likas na yaman. Kasabay nito, nararanasan din natin ang pagtaas ng presyo ng langis na direktang nagpapabigat sa gastusin ng bawat pamilyang Pilipino.
These realities remind us that sustainability is no longer optional—it is a responsibility. And the actions we take today will determine the kind of future we leave behind.
From climate change to global energy uncertainties, the challenges before us are urgent and far-reaching. But they also present a clear call to action: that each of us has a role to play in protecting the environment and using our resources more wisely.
Kaya dito po sa DBM, even before the current energy crisis, we have already taken concrete steps to promote energy efficiency and conservation. This is because we recognize that good governance includes responsible stewardship of our resources.
Since 2024, the DBM has been recognized as a Champion of Energy Efficiency, affirming our commitment to lead by example in sustainable practices within government.
As early as January 2026, we implemented a four-day onsite and one-day work-from-home arrangement every Friday to improve productivity, reduce energy consumption, and lessen our environmental footprint.
We have also issued a Memorandum reinforcing strict energy conservation measures across the Department—such as turning off non-essential lights and equipment during breaks, maintaining a 24°C thermostat setting, limiting air-conditioning and lighting strictly to office hours, and maximizing virtual coordination to reduce travel and fuel consumption.
To ensure that these are not just policies on paper, we have designated an Energy Conservation Officer and are working closely with the Department of Energy to monitor and report our consumption on a monthly basis.
Because we are aware that every kilowatt saved, every resource conserved, and every conscious decision we make brings us one step closer to a more sustainable and resilient future.
Not only is it essential to efficiently use our resources during an economic crisis, but we must also become more conservant, considerate, and resourceful, ensuring that every key conservation measure becomes part of our daily actions to care for Mother Earth.
We also extend our sincere appreciation to the DOST-FPRDI for partnering with us in this three-day exhibit and trade fair.
Each product showcased here tells a powerful story. A story of innovation. They are proof that economic growth and environmental protection can go hand in hand.
To my DBM family, fellow public servants, and sustainability advocates, I encourage you to take time to visit the booths, support our local MSMEs, and be inspired by the possibilities of sustainable development.
This Earth Day, we acknowledge that the work ahead will not be easy. The changes we seek will not happen overnight. But what matters is that we begin—and that we remain committed.
Because protecting our planet is, yes, an environmental agenda, but more importantly, it is a moral responsibility, an economic necessity, and a shared duty for all of us.
I firmly believe that together, we can rise to this challenge.
Para po ito sa ating kapaligiran. Para po ito sa ating kaunlaran. At para po ito sa kinabukasan ng susunod na henerasyon ng mga Pilipino.
Maraming salamat po, at mabuhay tayong lahat!
