DEQ’s Expo draws over 530 students

Over 530 CNMI public school students trooped to the Chamolinian Cultural Village in Garapan for Tuesday’s Division of Environmental Quality Environmental Expo 2006.

Program officer Fran Castro said the DEQ organizing committee was overwhelmed with the turnout for the event as it had not expected such a high level of interest among the students.

Schoolchildren swarmed all over the more than 20 booths that participants had set up at the cultural village, almost falling over themselves to participate in the interactive displays.

They were also amazed by the display of turtles, a real brown tree snake at the DFW Brown Tree section booth, and the crash lessons about endangered sea turtles.

Other students were amused at how garbage in the CNMI is processed as part of waste management and how it ensures that the process is environmentally friendly. The presentation was conducted by the Department of Public Works Solid Waste Management group.

The Environmental Expo, organized by DEQ as part of the CNMI’s celebration of Environmental Awareness Week, attracted participants from both government and private sector.

From the government side, the Department of Lands and Natural Resources, Coastal Resources Management, Division of Fish and Wildlife, Department of Community and Cultural Affairs, Division of Historic Preservation, Department of Public Works, Commonwealth Utilities Corp., DPW Energy Office, Emergency Management Office, Department of Public Safety Fire Division and Explosive Response Team, Bureau of Environmental Health, CNMI Marine Monitoring Team, Public School System, Saipan Mayor’s Office, and the DEQ held demonstrations and presentations to students about the importance of preserving, maintaining, and protecting the environment.

Some private sector groups such as Pacific Pest Control, Joeten Ace Hardware, and Island Apparel also participated in the event.

The event also featured “Passport to Your Environment,” a game where all schoolchildren received a passport when they arrive. Prizes awaited the students as they visit each booth with their passports getting stamped as proof of their visits. The students had to visit at least 20 booths and obtain 20 stamps for the prizes.

A mini game-show was also staged called the “Expo-Nanza,” where students were tested on their knowledge of environmental protection as discussed in the booths they had just visited.

The booths will also be on display at the Garapan Street Market on April 20, from 6pm to 9pm. Environmental programs such as the Recycle Fashion Show and recognitions will also be held.