THE BEGINNING��

���� It was the growing list of environmental problems in 1978 affecting different areas in the country and the seeming lack of awareness and concern that a group of young people were imbued to call for an environment Congress to signify their concerns and involvement in the problems of the environment.�

���� The first Philippine Environmental Congress was held at the College of Forestry at the University of the Philippines at Los Ba�os on October 19-22, 1979. The participants in that congress decided to form a national federation of individuals and groups concerned with the environment, now known as the Philippine Federation for Environmental Concerns (PFEC).�

���� The PFEC is a loose network of concerned individuals, non-government organizations and people�s organizations concerned with environmental issues.� Established as the first and only environmental network in 1979, the PFEC was organized based on eight principles:�

1.����� A healthy environment is a basic and inalienable human right, and Humans are a part of Nature and not its Master.

2.����� Environmental problems must be met with an encompassing strategy and action and from a holistic perspective.

3.����� Development must be in harmony with the environment.

4.����� Benefits of the country�s natural resources must accrue to all Filipinos, thus environmental efforts must be responsive to their needs.

5.����� Environmental consciousness and efforts should be the task of all Filipinos and not just the elite.

6.����� Environmental actions must be performed collectively and with coordination.

7.����� Environmental action must involve the creative participation of people, independent of vested interest and external pressures.

8.����� Filipinos must join hands with people from other countries in seeking solutions to environmental problems.�

The PFEC is guided by the following objectives:�

����� 1.����� Promote and develop environmental consciousness among Filipinos;

����� 2.����� Unite and coordinate with local communities in their efforts for environmental protection and natural resources management; and

����� 3.����� Join in national and worldwide environmental action.