MANILA — President Rodrigo Duterte on Thursday marked Earth Day 2021 by reminding the public that a healthy nation depends on a healthy natural environment.

Earth Day "reminds us of our inherent responsibility to take care of our planet," Duterte said in a taped message played during a webcast.

He urged the public to "work with a new vigor" to make the Philippines "climate-resilient and climate-smart."

"As we recover from the adverse effects of COVID-19 pandemic on our lives and economy, let us always bear in mind that a healthy nation is anchored on a healthy and sound natural environment," he said.

Every year on April 22, Earth Day marks the anniversary of the birth of the modern environmental movement in 1970.

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The President's Earth Day message came just days after he lifted a 9-year embargo on new deals for mining projects.

Mining remains a controversial issue in the country due to past examples of environmental mismanagement, and only 3 percent of 9 million hectares identified by the state as having high mineral reserves is mined.

Duterte has repeatedly criticized miners for polluting rivers and destroying forests.

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The President has also pressed developed countries to cut carbon emission, a primary driver of climate change.

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In 2018, he ordered the rehabilitation of holiday island Boracay, followed by that of Manila Bay the next year.

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