Time to take environment seriously, Legarda to LGUs

Legarda made the statement following the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss Malay town Mayor Ceciron Cawaling over his negligence in the management of Boracay, which resulted in the island’s environmental problems. (File Photo: Senator Loren Legarda/Facebook)

MANILA — Senator Loren Legarda said Thursday it is about time local government units take the environment seriously and adopt sustainable management of natural resources by implementing the country’s environmental laws.

Legarda made the statement following the Office of the Ombudsman’s decision to dismiss Malay town Mayor Ceciron Cawaling over his negligence in the management of Boracay, which resulted in the island’s environmental problems.

The senator noted that the main problem in Boracay Island was the weak enforcement of and non-compliance with the country’s environmental laws.

“The previous problem of Boracay is also the problem of many ecotourism areas and other communities in the country, which is why the government must strictly enforce environmental laws, while residents and business establishments should also comply with our laws,” she said.

Legarda said the Ombudsman’s decision should prompt LGUs to enforce the environmental laws in the country.

“I laud the Ombudsman for siding with the people, who are the victims of environmental degradation due to local governments’ non-compliance (with) the country’s environmental laws,” she said.

“With this action of the Ombudsman to dismiss officials for environmental violations, I am confident that more LGUs will be encouraged, if not compelled, to take up their responsibility of implementing all our environmental laws to ensure clean, resilient and sustainable communities,” Legarda added.

She cited that the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act could help address solid waste disposal issues, while the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act would ensure ecosystem balance and environmental sustainability in protected areas and critical biodiversity areas.

“Boracay’s successful rehabilitation is an example of political will, strong leadership, and cooperation among stakeholders. It is still a work in progress and much still has to be done, but it is a good start. We should also strengthen the protection of all other ecotourism areas in our country,” Legarda said.