Baguio Journalists Revitalize Children’s Environmental Program

BAGUIO – Local journalists are rejuvenating a decades-old children’s environmental awareness program, volunteering as facilitators and guides in an initiative recently adopted by the local government.

According to Philippines News Agency, president of the Baguio Correspondents and Broadcasters Club Inc. (BCBCI) and publisher-editor of ‘Amianan Balita Ngayon’, the program, originally launched in 1992 as Lucky Summer Visitor (LSV) and later rebranded as Eco Walk, aims to foster environmental consciousness among the youth. The initiative had been recognized with the Galing Pook award in 1995 and included in the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) ‘Global 500’ in 2002, but lost momentum under previous administrations. During the program’s relaunch at the Busol Watershed, Picaña expressed gratitude for the sustained commitment of local journalists and stressed the importance of continuing environmental stewardship efforts.

Arthur Joel Tibaldo, a retired government worker and original member of the program, shared the backstory of Eco Walk, which began as a project under the Baguio Regreening Movement led by Bishop Ernesto Salgado. The program initially aimed to teach children about environmental protection through hands-on activities and has since expanded to include educational tours and tree planting. Aileen Refuerzo, the current Baguio City Public Information Office chief, highlighted that the program offers more than just planting activities; it involves educational games and a ‘forest classroom’ where children learn about ecosystem connectivity.

The program continues to recruit volunteers among media practitioners to expand its reach and impact, aiming to instill a deeper appreciation for environmental conservation in the next generation. Community involvement and the importance of local watersheds like Busol were emphasized, with local water authorities explaining the watershed’s role in supplying the city’s water and the ongoing efforts to protect it.