ANGELES CITY -- Auxiliary Bishop Pablo “Ambo” David of the Holy Rosary Parish Church urged the people to elect candidates who care for the environment.
David issued the statement during a press conference set by the Subli Taya in Upaya, Bie, at Leguan ning Indung Yatu (Subli) which highlighted the launching of infomercial on environmental consciousness at the Kamalig restaurant here Thursday.
“Environment is a political issue,” David said.
The voting populace should select leaders that have good track records in terms of preservation of the environment, according to David.
A good leader should at least display sincerity and goodwill towards implementing programs on environment and enforcement of environment laws, the bishop added.
David also urged local government units -- province, municipal/city, and barangay -- to their respective responsibilities provided under the local government code and Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
According to David, these three levels of government have different duties: the barangay is in charge of the recycling and segregation of garbage produce by households; city or municipality is responsible for residual waste which will be transferred to sanitary landfills; and the province should handle hazardous (hospital) and toxic waste.
David said that some are still operating illegal dumpsites despite warnings by the non-government organizations and government agencies including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
He clarified that the group is not an enemy but a partner of local government units particularly on protecting the environment.
“There should be a concerted effort on education and law enforcement,” he said.
Subli is committed on educating the people on environmental protection, according to him.
The environment infomercial, which was shot in an Aeta village, aims to draw support from various sectors and environment awareness.
“Ing objective mi keni gisingan ya ing corporate social responsibility da reng miyayaliwang kumpanya,” David said.
The bishop stressed that they do not want to complicate the environment issue. “Environment issue is very simple. This is the mission and vision of Jesus Christ. It is the summary of the Lord’s Prayer Thy Kingdom Come Thy Will Be Done on Earth As it is in Heaven,” he said.
A balanced ecology will bring a paradise to mankind on earth, David added.
The bishop also lauded the assistance of universities and schools to the campaign. He said the group is now monitoring hospitals’ disposal of waste.