THOUGH they are backing road, river and creek clearing activities in Negros Occidental, businessmen have urged local government units (LGUs) in the province to be mindful of environment protection and conservation.

Frank Carbon, chief executive officer of Metro Bacolod Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MBCCI), said road clearing eases traffic congestion and prevents vehicular accidents.

Carbon said river and creek clearing as flash flood and landslide prevention measure, on the other hand, saves lives.

It also prevents destruction of livelihoods including crops and livestock animals, as well properties, he said.

The business leader said government financial institutions like the Development Bank of the Philippines and Land Bank of the Philippines have funds for LGUs to mitigate and adapt to changes in the environment brought about by climate change.

"But, we should be mindful of the basic and vital concepts on environmental preservation and conservation," Carbon said, stressing that "we should improve our knowledge of the environment."

Some LGUs in the province, especially in the north, have started dredging activities and other clearing works following the massive flooding incidents earlier this month.

The recent flash floods hit thousands of families and left at least P80 million worth of damage and losses to the agro-fishery sector including livestock and poultry animals.

"Let's try to learn some lessons from this [flooding] in the northern Negros Occidental," Carbon said.