AS THE country’s newly elected local officials assume office today, civil society groups are urging them to take the lead in upholding every Filipino’s right to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment.
“We urge our elected public servants in all local government units to fully utilize their powers and resources to deliver the best devolved basic services that will protect public health and the environment, especially amid the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change and biodiversity loss,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition. “We expect them to engage citizens as they fulfill their responsibilities under major environmental laws such as Republic Acts 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), 8749 (Clean Air Act), 9275 (Clean Water Act), and 9729 (Climate Change Act).”
The Mother Earth Foundation (MEF), Partnership for Clean Air (PCA) and Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) likewise called on LGUs to strictly enforce RA 9003 to prevent and reduce the volume and toxicity of waste generated by households, institutions and businesses.
Sonia Mendoza, MEF Chairperson, emphasized the need for proper implementation of solid waste management ordinances, local bans on single-use plastics, and strict penalties to encourage compliance.
PCA President Rene Pineda called for enforcing RA 9003 to the letter, forming cooperatives to support social enterprises related to waste management like urban gardening, and conducting public audits of waste management budgets for greater accountability.
Neneng Lava of the PRRM urged LGUs to strengthen local efforts on waste segregation, improve collection efficiency, ensure Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) are functional, reduce plastic use, and institutionalize reuse strategies.
Groups in other regions echoed these calls. Cebu-based Action for Nurturing Children and Environment (ANCE) called for strict waste segregation, regular garbage collection, support for recycling, and sanctions against open dumping. Resource collectors’ associations in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro City, and Mintal, Davao City also urged local councils to prioritize implementing solid waste management at the barangay level.
Carmela Marie Santos, Director of Ecoteneo at Ateneo de Davao University, urged LGUs to reject waste-to-energy incineration and adopt zero-waste programs beginning with plastic reduction. She also called for more livable and sustainable cities by increasing green spaces, creating walkable and bikeable streets, improving public transport, and restoring watersheds.
“Caritas Philippines urges newly elected LGU officials to prioritize ecological justice through strict implementation of zero-waste programs, protection of watersheds and coastal areas, and rejection of incineration and fossil fuel projects,” said Jing Rey Henderson, National Head of Integral Ecology at Caritas Philippines. “Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation and climate resilience must go hand in hand with promoting renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods.”
Henderson added that LGUs must protect the rights and safety of waste workers, environmental defenders and indigenous communities, stressing that inclusive governance, public participation and full transparency are key to accountability.
The groups, all members of the EcoWaste Coalition, expressed hope that the new local leaders will hit the ground running, serve with honesty, integrity and transparency, and always put people and the environment first. PR
