DENR makes renewed call for LGUs on environmental vigilance

CEBU CITY, February 21 (PIA) — Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu called on local government units (LGUs) to be more vigilant against violators of environmental laws.

During the first day of the 2nd Philippine Environment Summit held at the Waterfront Cebu, Cimatu asked the over a thousand participants to help in the detection, apprehension, and prosecution of the violators.

“In places that are not declared as protected areas, such as metropolitan or urbanized centers, we depend on the LGUs at all levels, down to the barangay level, to be more vigilant,” Cimatu said.

He also called for the direct mass participation of the citizenry in accelerating reforestation, coastal cleanups, conserving energy, and in popularizing lifestyles that will reduce the carbon footprint and enhance the resilience.

“I must emphasize the need for people’s support. The DENR cannot be everywhere all the time, particularly in environmentally critical areas,” Cimatu said.

Despite this, DENR, he said, was able to exceed its targets three months before the end of 2017.

Dr. Angelina Galang, president of Green Convergence, said that the summit amplifies the call for partners in spreading environmental education.

“We have green schools, green buildings and soon, green churches. We need more partners,” Galang said.

Among the topics discussed in the breakout sessions for first day include Sustainable Plant-Based Manufacturing Industries, Healing the Earth through Environmental Technologies, Organic Agriculture, Effective Strategies for Advocacy, and Solid Waste Management Success Stories. (fcc/PIA7-Cebu)