Eco groups urge gov’t officials ‘to go green’

Local

AS NEWLY elected local officials assume office, a coalition of environmental organizations is urging them to immediately prioritize the protection of the environment and public health by fully implementing environmental laws and programs in their communities.

“We urge our elected public servants in all local government units (LGUs) to utilize their powers and resources to the fullest to provide their constituents with the best of the devolved basic services,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition.

The coalition, composed of groups such as the Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), Partnership for Clean Air (PCA), Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM), and Caritas Philippines, emphasized the urgency of addressing the country’s environmental challenges, especially the growing threats of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

These issues, they said, heighten the vulnerability of communities and must be confronted through decisive and transparent local governance.

In a statement sent to MyTV Cebu, among their key demands is the strict enforcement of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, which mandates waste segregation at source, recycling, composting, and the establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs).

The groups also urged compliance with other major environmental laws including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Climate Change Act.

Sonia Mendoza, chairperson of MEF, underscored the importance of local ordinances that ban single-use plastics, as well as the imposition of fines and penalties to ensure public compliance.

She stressed that effective law enforcement at the barangay level plays a crucial role in reducing both the volume and toxicity of waste.

Rene Pineda, president of PCA, advocated for the creation of cooperatives to support social enterprises related to waste management, such as urban vegetable gardening, and called for public audits of local government appropriations for waste management to promote fiscal transparency and accountability.

The PRRM, represented by Neneng Lava, called on LGUs to improve the efficiency of garbage collection, enhance waste segregation programs, and operationalize idle MRFs.

The group also urged the institutionalization of reuse strategies to minimize plastic use.

From the Visayas, Cebu-based Action for Nurturing Children and Environment (ANCE) echoed similar concerns, calling for the strict implementation of waste segregation, consistent garbage collection, and penalties for open dumping.

The group emphasized the importance of supporting recycling initiatives at the grassroots level.

Community-based organizations in Mindanao, including associations of resource collectors in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City and Mintal, Davao City, urged their local councils to prioritize solid waste management at the barangay level to protect public health and promote environmental sustainability.

Carmela Marie Santos, director of Ecoteneo based at Ateneo de Davao University, cautioned against the adoption of waste-to-energy incineration projects and instead pushed for zero-waste strategies starting with reducing plastic use.

She proposed local government initiatives that promote livable cities, including the development of walkable and bikeable streets, increased green spaces, restored watersheds, and improved mass transportation systems.

Caritas Philippines, through its National Head of Integral Ecology Jing Rey Henderson, called on local officials to uphold ecological justice by rejecting incineration and fossil fuel projects, promoting renewable energy, and protecting vital ecosystems like watersheds and coastal areas.

The group also emphasized the importance of ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and sustainable livelihoods for marginalized sectors.

The coalition further urged local officials to safeguard the rights of waste workers, environmental defenders, and indigenous peoples, and to guarantee inclusive governance, public participation, and full transparency in all environmental actions.

Initiatives in Cebu

Meanwhile, in Cebu City, Mayor-elect Nestor Archival Sr. is pushing for a return to anti-plastic policies by urging City Hall employees to bring reusable tumblers to work.

He will install water dispensers in offices and discourage single-use plastic bottles, which he said are often thrown away half-full.

Archival is also eyeing the distribution of tumblers to department heads to support the shift.

Also in Lapu-Lapu City, newly elected Mayor Cynthia “Cindi” Chan started her term by issuing two directives aimed at cutting down plastic waste in City Hall operations.

Under Memorandum No. 001-2025, all city government employees, regardless of employment status, must now use reusable water bottles, containers, and utensils during official activities.

The same rule applies to food vendors inside City Hall, who are required to shift from single-use plastics to eco-friendly packaging.(MyTVCebu)