“THE best and most effective way to implement environmental protection projects is to directly involve the people living in the community.”
Thus said Masantol town Councilor-Elect Liezle “Buday” Guintu as she disclosed her plans to create programs that will better ensure the preservation and protection of the environment once she assumes her post.
Guintu, who topped the councilor race during the recently-concluded local elections, cited the pressing need to strengthen environmental programs to minimize the effects of global warming.
Being a flood-prone municipality, Guintu said all sectors must be involved and united in the activities that will help mitigate flooding, one of which is proper waste management in the community.
In particular, Guintu wanted to strengthen the grassroots-based programs such as “Tapat Mo, Linis Mo” program, as well as educate the households and barangay officials on the importance of managing their garbage.
“Ang gusto ko sana sa mismong mga bahay pa lang ay alam na ng mga tao ang kanilang dapat gawin pagdating sa basura, at magkaroon ng kusa na linisin ang kanilang kapaligiran kahit sa simpleng pagwawalis lang,” she said.
Guintu, who is eyeing the chairmanship of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, also vowed to strengthen the clean-up drives conducted on Pampanga Riverbanks as part of the flood-mitigation projects.
To further encourage residents and barangay officials in maintaining the cleanliness of their areas, Guintu said she will award incentives to individuals who will actively participate in the program.
“Bibigyan natin sila ng bigas buwan-buwan kung nakikita natin na nagagawa nila ang kanilang tungkulin. Habang wala pang proper funding for the project, kahit sa personal kong pondo ay maglalabas ako para masiguro ang success ng project,” she said.