PIA Press Release
2008/07/15
by JMD Abangan
Tagum City (15 July) -- Davao del Norte is putting the finishing touches before finally passing its Environment Code.
Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Felix Abangin Thursday (July 10) said that a series of public hearing will be conducted starting next week before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan will pass an ordinance providing for Environment Code of Davao del Norte.
The public hearing is set to take off on July 15 in San Isidro that will be followed on July 22 in B.E, Dujali; July 24, Kapalong; July 29, Sto. Tomas; July 31, Tagum City; August 5, Asuncion; August 7, Island Garden City of Samal; August 12, Talaingod; August 13, Carmen; August 19, New Corella; August 21 in Panabo City.
Guesting in Kapihan sa Kapitolyo, Board Member Leopoldo Monteroso, chair of the SP Committee on Environment and Natural Resources called on sectors to take part in the public hearing so they could provide inputs to further improve it.
He asked everyone to cooperate as the Code is envisioned to provide a wholistic answer to environmental problems including the much criticized "illegal logging".
Abangin said the proposed code provides in Section 115 the creation of the Provincial Sustainable Development Council which shall establish policy guidelines and recommend policy reforms to the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the sustainable development of Davao del Norte.
Other than local and national line agencies, the council will also embrace members from the private, academe, church, among other sectors.
Abangin explained this as a democratic, inclusive and participative mechanism of addressing environment concerns.
Under the scope of the proposed environment code is the preservation and conservation of forest resources, mineral resources, water resources, and coastal resources.
It also covers integrated waste management, air and noise pollution management, and promotion of eco-tourism. (PIA)
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