ANGELES CITY -- Environmentalists belonging to several organizations in Central Luzon gathered in this city the other day in a bid to work for an agenda on environmental protection.
The groups, led by Auxiliary Bishop Pablo David and former Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) chairman Felicito Payumo, formed a coalition during a symposium at the Holy Rosary Parish.
Various environmental concerns were raised by the groups including the presence of open dumpsites, massive cutting of trees, pollution of rivers and creeks, and others.
Members of various groups vowed to address the growing problem on the environment in the region.
The meeting was initiated by Subli taya ing Upaya, Bie at Leguan ning Indung Kapampangan (Subli), said Alliance for the Development of Central Luzon (ADCL) president Sonny Dobles.
David lauded Dobles and other Subli members who helped in inviting environmental groups in the region.
"Matagal na naming pangarap na magconvene ang mga environmentalists sa Gitnang Luzon," Bishop David said.
David, a known environmentalist priest, led the "Sagip Sapang Balen" project in 2011.
The project's aim was to clean up Angeles City's creek that had become a garbage disposal area for local residents.
Some of the groups that participated in the convention were Ako Pro-Pinoy from Tarlac, Center for Environment and Development Services from Bulacan, United Methodist Church members, Sagip and Alpha Beta Gamma members, among others.
Dobles presented the situation of solid waste management in Pampanga.
He showed some of the illegal dumpsites in the province which is a violation of Republic Act No. 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2001.
Payumo, for his part, said he, together with other groups, fought and worked for the preservation of the Bataan National Park.
The environmentalists have also signed a manifesto to support the cause of the coalition.