Plastic utensils, styrofoam and bags used for packed meals will be prohibited while the 17 delegations will be required to plant at least 15 trees endemic in the area.
The twin moves are in line with the plan of organizers of the 2013 Palarong Pambansa for a “cleaner and greener” edition starting this year of the annual competition for elementary and high school students which begins today in Dumaguete City.
Opening rites will begin at 3:30 p.m. with a parade by the athletes, coaches and officials of the 17 delegations from the famed Silliman University to the Mariano Perdices Stadium, which will serve as the main hub of action starting tomorrow.
Education Secretary Armin Luistro said he has directed officials, athletes and school administrators to promote environment-sound practices to instill values of protecting the ecology among the expected 7,000 young athletes.