What according to you is the biggest environmental threat today? How can it be overcome?

Well for me, the biggest environmental threat today is climate change. Global warming
due to CO2 emissions – which according to the UN have increased by almost 50% since 1990 –
is accelerating climate change and threatens the survival of millions of people, plant and
animals by causing meteorological events like droughts, fires and floods, which are becoming
increasingly frequent and more extreme. To overcome this, I think that policy makers should
increase the price of activities that emit greenhouse gases, for example through carbon taxes,
which will stimulate innovations in low-carbon technologies. And as an ordinary citizen you can
also help the fight against global warming by investing in energy-efficient appliances, buy better
bulbs and avoid backyard burning of garbage.

What inspired you to become an environmentalist?

Before I got to college, to be fairly honest with you I was not really giving so much
concern about environmental issues. I thought that environmental degradation or global
warming is just normal because of increasing population. However, later on when I took
geology program in college, I was exposed to various environmental seminars, lectures and
campaigns and what was instilled in my mind is that our planet earth needs help. When I was in
college, I learned many environmental laws and I realize that a lot of people are not abiding
these laws. So that what has inspired me, and applying as an Environmental Management
Specialist in the government is giving me the thought that I can help community in a wider
range through my knowledge and expertise.

What is Environmental Management Specialist?

Environmental Management Specialists are the ones who organize different

environmental initiatives to address various environmental issues that are affecting the
community. Environmental management looks at land, marine and atmospheric conditions,
such as global warming, marine-life preservation and deforestation. They conduct laboratory
and field inspections to monitor the environment and study causes of pollution. They work to
improve the condition of resources, alleviate pollution as well as other factors that affect the
condition of the environment.

 Design & implementation on Effective Environmental Waste and Management

System including Solid Waste Collection and Disposal
 Conduct regular monitoring and inspection of different industrial and business
establishment
 Design Pollution and waste management awareness program
 Design, improve and develop existing land fill area of the City Government
What do you think a commoner can do to help the environment?

If you’re an ordinary citizen, there are really things you can do to help the environment.
It is not just a task of professionals but rather a collective responsibility of all individuals. Just
simply do simple things like don’t throw off your waste anywhere, practice waste segregation,
avoid using single-use plastics, avoid burning your garbage wastes, reduce-reuse-recycle, save
your energy and teach young kids about environmental awareness. Spreading the word is the
key. If you see someone throwing plastics on the streets or leaving their wastes on the beach,
please educate them that it is not right.

What are some of the environmental projects you have taken up?

Well, during my training at a mining company I was exposed in the environment

department where I learned that environmental protection and mining can coexist. The
department has a project of rehabilitating the mined-out areas by conducting tree-planting
activity which I am a part of. Also, we’ve examined the rivers to ensure that the quality is not
detrimental to river and marine organisms. Other than that, I was also a consultant of the
Science Investigatory Project of Elementary students. The project is about the Ipil-ipil plant
which can be a potential herbicide as a substitution for commercial herbicide. And the other
one is the oleophilic effect of taro midribs – it is a potential absorbent of oil in case of some oil
spills in oceans.

Tell me about yourself

I am Lito Jay D. Antopuesto and I’m from Pantukan, Davao de Oro but currently I am
here in Davao City. I was a DOST scholar graduate and took Bachelor of Science in Geology at
University of Southeastern Philippines. I graduated last June 2019 and passed the licensure
exam last November 2019. I have had my work experience as a geology trainee at a mining
company where I was exposed in different departments namely Geology, Mining, Safety and as
well as Environment department. During my training there, it amazed me how a mining
company can support the economy but at the same time taking good care and not jeopardizing
the environment. So, this led me to apply for this position because what I’ve learned there
really makes me develop a passion and care towards the environment and ecosystem. In
addition to that, I just recently ended my contract as an exploration geologist for silica and
chromite mineral exploration in Misamis Oriental.

Why do you want to work with CENRO Davao?

I want to work for a government agency where the main function is protecting,
conserving and managing the environment and natural resources. When I read about your job
hiring for this position, I found out that my qualifications are matching with your requirements
where I can use my knowledge and personal skills. I am a geologist, I studied environmental
laws and I am very passionate about environment and conservation of natural resources, so
why not give it a go?

What are your career goals?

To establish a career in a government where my skills and knowledge in geology and

natural sciences will be put to best use. I am committed to continuous training and would like
to improve myself on the different aspects of the training that should be beneficial to my
profession.

What are your strengths?

I am hardworking, flexible, cooperative and self-motivated. Also since I am a geologist,

that means I am comfortable in conducting fieldworks therefore I am accustomed in working in
any extreme weather conditions such as sunny or rainy days and my experience as an
exploration geologist made me comfortable in engaging with different kinds of people be it-
professionals or locals. I also have excellent oral and written skills and report writing skills and
attentive to details. I am also an efficient team player with the ability to collaborate effectively
with diverse range of people.

What are your weaknesses?

I don’t really give a concern with the things I am not interested in. And also saying no
when someone ask for help, however now I am learning to say no.

Why Should I hire you?

Sir, I have a strong work ethic, I am fast learner and very enthusiastic about the job. Plus
me as a geologist who are used my passion about environmental protection, and also my
motivation and commitment will ensure that I quickly become productive and valued member
of CENRO-Davao.

Vision

The CENRO shall provide efficient and cost-effective environmental programs and
enforce policies towards the protection and conservation of natural resources in partnership
with all sectors of society.
Mission

The CENRO envision a clean and green city and the sustainable utilization of its natural
resources within the context of a balanced ecology and intergeneration equity.

Goals

 To ensure that Davao City has a clean, green and healthy environment
 To promote proper management and utilization of its natural resources
 To implement mitigating measures to prevent and control land, air and water
pollution coordination with government agencies and non-government
organizations
 To establish, maintain, protect and preserve communal forests, watersheds, tree
parks, mangroves, greenbelts and similar forest projects and commercial forests
like industrial tree farms and agroforestry projects.

What do you think is the main environmental problem our country is facing today?

Well, I read this headline a week ago stating “Philippine Rivers Dominated the Global
Top 10 List of Largest Plastic Emitting Rivers“. I was like “wow”. That is so alarming and
something that shouldn’t be proud of. Imagine the Philippines alone contribute about 1/3 of
the global total – much higher than those coming from the continents of Africa, North America,
South America, Europe, and Oceania combined. These rivers include Pasig, Tullahan,
Meycauayan, Rio Grande de Mindanao, you name it. Biggest factor of this is poor local waste
management practices. So I think we should improve our waste management facilities and
practices and also educate people. That is really the key.