Step back then move forward.
This statement represents the World Wide Fund for Nature Philippines’ (WWF-Philippines) vision to confront the present state of the environment by studying the mistakes of the past then focusing on building a greener future and keeping the Earth a living planet.
Humanity is currently using 50% more resources than the Earth can provide. We are living as if we have two planets at our disposal. What better way to secure a more sustainable future than to invite tomorrow’s stewards – the youth – to join WWF-Philippines’ conservation efforts?
On July 22, WWF-Philippines will hold the Reverse Run at the SM Mall of Asia to launch the Reverse the Bad Student Program, a year-long membership program developed for high school and college students who want to amplify their commitment to protect the environment.
As suggested by its name, WWF’s Reverse Run will entail race participants to run in reverse as a symbolic way of joining the organization’s mission to stop and eventually reverse the degradation of nature. Participants will backpedal through the course for 200 meters and will then run forward.
Everyone is invited to join in the Reverse Run. As an added treat, students who register for the run are automatically enlisted as members of the WWF Reverse the Bad Student Program.
There will be registration fee of PHP 500 for those running the 3-kilometer and 6-kilometer course, and PHP 600 will be asked for those taking the 12-kilometer route.
Reverse the Bad Student Program
Proceeds of the Reverse Run will go to the Reverse the Bad Student Program and WWF’s other programs on environmental sustainability, biodiversity conservation, and climate change adaptation.
The creation of the student program is in response to growing calls from youngsters who want to take a more direct and proactive role in helping protect the environment. Through this program, WWF wants to create young stewards to help us secure a better future.
“This program creates platforms for concrete action designed specifically for young persons. There is only one way to deal with a problem, and that is, to solve it. Start with simple, every day things. Stick to it. Scale up rapidly. Live the solutions. Participate,” says WWF-Philippines CEO and Vice Chair Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan.
The Reverse the Bad Student Program aims to empower and educate students on the different ways their choices affect the environment and instill the notion of making sustainable choices for the future.
As a member, students are entitled to regular areas of dialogue, exclusive invites to WWF-Philippines forums and activities, discounts from partners through their WWF Reverse the Bad membership card.
Concludes Reverse the Bad Student Program Head Marie Bretaña: “We encourage all students out there who want to protect the environment, or even those who just want to learn more about conservation to join the Reverse the Bad Student Program by taking part in this July’s Reverse Run.
“This is a wonderful and fun opportunity for you to support WWF-Philippines and take that first step towards becoming a steward of a better future,” adds Bretaña.
Interested participants can sign up at Chris Sports (SM Mall of Asia, SM Manila, Glorietta 3 branches) and Skechers (Trinoma, Market-Market, Festival Mall Alabang branches).