MANILA, Dec. 11 ? Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Jose “Lito” Atienza today hailed Manny “Pacman” Pacquiao for renewing his commitment to protect the environment during the boxing hero’s courtesy call after returning from the United States where he had beaten Mexican Oscar ?The Golden Boy? De la Hoya.
Secretary Atienza, whom Pacquiao looks up to as his second father, was elated after the No. 1 world’s pound for pound boxing champion announced a donation of P100,000 for the Philippine Eagle Foundation (PEF) during his visit, his third after winning a boxing match abroad.
In his two previous victories over Mexican boxers Marquez and Barrera, Pacquiao also donated P100,000 each for the preservation of the Tarsier and to the PEF. Atienza said the return of the people?s champ to his Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) family also revitalized his dedication to inspire Filipinos to be more diligent in taking care of the country?s environment and natural wealth.
He said Task Force Ligtas Kinaiyahan (Visayan word for nature), an environmental organization founded by Pacquiao, has been mobilizing its members against illegal logging activities in the boxing champion?s hometown, General Santos City, and has been reforesting open areas in South Cotabato.
?Manny Pacquiao is the country?s no. 1 natural resource and a perfect defender of our natural wealth given his ability to reach out even to those waging armed struggle against the government,? Atienza said.
?He climbed the mountains to plant (trees), even in NPA-infested areas. Si Manny is acceptable to them,? Atienza pointed out.
During DENR’s traditional grand reception for Pacquiao, the boxing champion avoided talk of politics, saying ?we should rather talk about how we can contribute to the government?s efforts in solving poverty like promoting proper management of our natural resources.?
Last year, the DENR under Atienza?s leadership named Pacquiao ?Champion for the Environment.?
