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News

GOD SPEED ODETTE! Paying a Tribute to a True Environmentalist
By: Tony Olizon

(Editor’s Note: Odette Alcantara, founder of the Mother Earth Philippines an outspoken environmentalist and friend of PWPA passed away last September 22, 2009. This article is our humble tribute to her.)

Odette Alcantara, environmentalist par excellence, you will be missed. You who demonstrated a passion for the truth and for what is right—instead of what’s convenient or easy. And such passion rubbed off on many, both the simple, the influential and powerful.

We have been together through so many events— from the Earth Day Celebration at Smokey Mountain, visit at the BASECO Compound in Tondo, Manila, to the Climate Change Forum in Legaspi City and Angat Dam; as well your joining us on many other simple occasions like visiting the PWPA Nursery at the National Bilibid Prison in Muntinlupa City—where we witnessed your sarcasm yet down right honest and fearless dig at a prison inmate who happened to be both rich and powerful.

Thank you for coming to our PWPA-ADB-DENR-SFF Philippine Forestry Development Forum at the Asian Development Bank in Mandaluyong City where your convictions pierced through every participant’s psyche.

And you got our association involved in a lot of your environmental projects, not only in planting trees but even in waste disposal/management and climate change issues. You were always the perfect host, warmly welcoming us to your Blueridge abode on many occasions. Who else could pull what you did—bringing four cabinet secretaries (of which 2 are not really the best of friends) in one occasion?

When you invited the President of the country to environmental events, she came— even if the place was not as imposing as the PICC or the Cultural Center. PGMA was right there with us at Smokey Mountain! You were a mover and a shaker with direct access to those whose opinions mattered much like Cardinal Rosales.

The PWPA family—especially my colleagues Ferdie (Lu) and your favorite Ramon (Uy), Ding Angeles, Maila Vasquez and Regie Serafico—will surely miss you.

It would have been ideal if you didn’t leave so early, especially during these critical times for the environment. No worries, though. You left behind a dedicated group. The list of names is so long I dare not put it in writing because some may be missed.

Maybe, just maybe, heaven is green and our big BOSS, the CREATOR of the original lovely earth we used to know, wanted you in that beautiful place earlier than most of us—your bonus for having been so dedicated and passionate about His creation.

Many more things must be said about you and the environment but I will stop here.

You may have gone ahead but surely you left a legacy. Among the many things you taught us, your passion for the environment will continue to be aflame within us. For now, we find bliss in the assurance that you’re forever enjoying that perfect place where you now rest in His bosom.

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Other NEWS

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PWPA Joins Philippine Business Climate Summit
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