Oro mayoral, congressional bets bare plans on climate change
MAYORAL and congressional candidates in Cagayan de Oro City presented on Monday their platforms and programs to combat climate change once elected this coming May elections.
The forum, dubbed as "Kalambuan para sa Kalambagohan: Local Candidates Forum" was attended by stakeholders at the Xavier University Covered Courts on Monday.
City Mayor Oscar Moreno started his 15-minute speech by highlighting the need for cheap and renewable energy in Mindanao. He stressed how Mindanao, specifically Cagayan de Oro, still lacks power reserves prompting power interruptions which last three to four hours.
"We have to look for ways to really gain enough power for electricity generation, at these times, we also see the need to support the rehabilitation of Agus and Pulangi hydroelectric power complexes which we highly depend on," he said.
Moreno also shared how his administration, despite the lack of support from the city council, still managed to work on the rehabilitation and transfer of the open dumpsite in Zayas landfill at Barangay Carmen.
Disaster prevention, mitigation
Representative Rufus Rodriguez of the 2nd district vows to strengthen the city's disaster prevention, mitigation, response and rehabilitation program which he is also pushing at the House of Representatives as the incumbent congressman of the city's 2nd district.
Rodriguez said there is a need to fill the gap and link disaster programs and climate change adaptation.
Congressional candidates also bared their programs for climate change issue on Monday.
For the 2nd district bets, Liberal Party's Edgar Cabanlas said people should not feign ignorance on the effects of climate change.
If elected, Cabanlas vows to implement good projects and amend provisions concerning environmental problems.
He also stressed the need to establish greener highways and highlighted the importance of tree planting for a “cooler Cagayan de Oro.”
Centrist Democratic Party's Maxie Rodriguez also showed before stakeholders his plans to build more river dikes for flood control.
Rodriguez said that climate change should be a part of the school curriculum to let students learn and focus on its ill-effects.
He also promises to give livelihood projects to farmers which he said are the most affected sector when dry spells hit the city.
"We should always be guided by Poe Francis' principles especially on his ‘Laudato Si’ or to care for our Common Home which is our one and only Mother Earth. We have nothing else to live for so we should all invest our efforts to save it," he said.
Meanwhile, Padayon Pilipino's Ramon Tabor cited key environmental issues in the city which he said had been neglected by government officials.
Drainage system, implementation of solid waste management, polluted bays and rivers, and lack of green spaces are among this city's decade-long problems.
He said barangays should be empowered and tasked to collect their own garbage wastes citing this as a social responsibility for each of the barangays.
Tabor also throws his support for renewable energy and told stakeholders to block large-scale mining as well as corporate companies which brings harm to nature.
"When I get elected, I assure you I will bring true and honest environment advocacy in the Congress," he added.
Meanwhile, candidates for the 1st district were not able to present their platforms on climate change.
City Councilor Candy Darimbang, who is vying for a seat in the Congress for 1st district, arrived late but failed to disclose her platforms since his lone rival, incumbent 1st district Representative Rolando 'Klarex' Uy was also absent.