Provincial Board supports Integrated Coastal Management bid

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO - The Provincial Board, particularly the Environment Committee chaired by 4th District Board Member Nestor "Bay" Tolentino, expressed support to the proposed Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) that seeks to address issues on marine and coastal areas.

Tolentino, in response to the presentation made by Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) head Arthur Punsalan, said its approval would further promote the interest of the Kapampangans living in coastal villages.

The initiative is embodied in the proposed Provincial Environmental Code which is projected to be approved anytime this month.

ICM will provide a systematic process for managing the competing issues on coastal areas.

It is also aimed at increasing efficiency and effectiveness of coastal governance in terms of its ability to achieve the sustainable use of resources.

Tolentino opined that various services will be generated as a result of the environment protection effort, which may lead to economic development in the province.

The board member, meanwhile, asked Punsalan whether the municipal governments with coastal areas will be involved in the ICM.

"Yung mga municipalities na may coastal areas ay ire-require din natin na mag allot ng certain percentage mula sa kanilang budget para magamit natin sa coastal management, same with the provincial government," Punsalan said.

These towns include Lubao, Macabebe and Sasmuan.