The organizers of the Good Earth Day Festival, which is to be held on April 29 and 30 at Liwasang Balagtas in the historic district of Pandacan, Manila, are challenging the public to consider what they can contribute to the planet. There are many positive Filipino values starting with “M” that we can choose from; Makakalikasan is one of them.
The event aims to change the mindset of Manila residents from uncaring about the environment to become leaders in the fight against climate change due to environment degradation and human irresponsibility.
Environment protection groups, the environmentally conscious, and social entrepreneurs will set up exhibits, showcase organic products, and conduct talks on urban greening, proper waste management, climate change, and other environmental issues. There will be performances by local dance, music, and theater groups, showcasing Pandacan’s talent in music and the arts, and a Search for a “BulilitMutya ng Kalikasan.”
Among those who will perform are Teatro Balagtas, the community youth theater whose musical Bitan or Lamentation challenging President Rodrigo Duterte’s bloody war on drugs gained media and social media attention recently, Kaisahan ng Lahi Dance Ensemble, a cultural dance troupe with international fame, and the Brotherhood of United Filipino Magicians, who will open the program with a little bit of interactive magic.
This year, hilot therapists and acupuncturists from the Saint Clare Patronage of the Sick Poor, the former beaterio run by Franciscan nuns, will take part.
The program will include a river-cleaning activity: SAVE ILOG BEATA.
The Good Earth Day Festival is organized by Samahan ng Sining at Kultura ng Pilipinas (SSKPil), a non-government and non-profit coordinating and policy-making body for various art and cultural societies in the Philippines. Its projects include The Walking Tour of Pandacan or LakbayKamalaysayan. SSKPil is run and staffed by volunteers.
Those interested to participate as exhibitors or volunteers may contact SSKPil at 0917-450-2878, 0932-766-9969, +632 564 9031, or sskpil@yahoo.com. Booth participation is free but exhibitors are expected to purchase PHP200-worth of raffle tickets and donate an item for a raffle prize. SSKPil may also be messaged on https://www.facebook.com/pg/SSKPilipinas.
