Eco-friendly campaign
(Subtext) IDIS urges for 2023 BSKE
THE Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability, Inc. (IDIS) is once again taking a stand for eco-conscious campaigning, as the 2023 local elections in the Philippines approach. As the campaign season kicks off on October 19, 2023, in anticipation of the election day on October 30th, IDIS is urging local candidates to prioritize ecologically friendly campaign strategies.
It is anticipated that the next election season would see a notable increase in campaign materials, particularly campaign banners and disposable paraphernalia. This surge in materials has the potential to exacerbate our existing predicaments related to waste management, plastic pollution, and climate change.
IDIS calls upon the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and the Local Government Units to champion policies and practices geared towards safeguarding our environment from further degradation due to the proliferation of political campaign activities. Furthermore, IDIS encourages all candidates, voters, and newly elected officials to consider the following environmentally conscious guidelines during local elections:
Pre-Campaign Phase
Eco-Friendly Materials: IDIS strongly advocates for candidates to strive for a zero-waste approach in their campaign efforts. Candidates are strongly urged to choose environmentally friendly alternatives to minimize the use of paper and plastic waste such as utilizing social media platforms to engage with voters as well as multimedia strategies like political jingles, performances, and other campaign methods.
In a study conducted by the EcoWaste Coalition, it was found that PVC (PolyVinyl Chloride) tarpaulins contain high levels of Endocrine Disrupting Chemicals (EDC) especially phthalates which are extremely carcinogenic to human health. This recommendation is in accordance with IDIS's commitment to mitigating plastic waste and endorsing eco-friendly alternatives.
Prioritizing Local Environmental Issues: IDIS advocates for the integration of local environmental issues into the campaign planning and policy agendas of political candidates. The use of this proactive approach ensures that environmental factors are appropriately considered and taken into account throughout the political process.
Campaign Period and Election Day
Appropriate Locations for Campaign Materials: Candidates are reminded to refrain from directly affixing posters to trees or other natural features. IDIS remains steadfast in its commitment to safeguarding our natural environment throughout the entirety of the campaign period. This is in reference to Republic Act (RA) 3571 which prohibits the cutting, destroying, or injuring of planted or growing trees, flowering plants, and shrubs or plants of scenic value along public roads, in plazas, parks, school premises, or any other public ground.
Responsible Voting: Voters are strongly urged to exercise educated and careful decision-making while choosing their Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. It is essential to carefully consider people who have a strong environmental awareness and an unwavering dedication to sustainability. This entails moving beyond conventional political discourse and scrutinizing a candidate's historical performance, actions, and proposed policies pertaining to environmental matters.
Litter Prevention: Candidates and voters are reminded not to leave campaign materials as litter. Candidates are expected to take responsibility for the appropriate disposal of their materials, while voters are implored to be vigilant and responsible citizens by refraining from contributing to littering.
Post-Election and Restoration
Proper Disposal: Candidates are strongly urged to conduct thorough cleanup activities and ensure the proper collection and disposal of their campaign materials, including flyers and posters. This was emphasized in Executive Order 15 Series of 2022, “An order for all local candidates to create their respective teams to retrieve, re-use, and recycle all local and national election paraphernalia in the city of Davao on May 10, 11, and 12, 2022,” signed by former Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio and released on April 27, 2022.
IDIS also strongly recommends that the current administration consider issuing a similar Executive Order for this year's barangay election, further reinforcing the commitment to environmental stewardship.
Priority on Environmental Protection: Newly elected barangay officials should prioritize local environmental protection in their agendas, policies, and development plans. This commitment to sustainability ensures that our communities remain green and healthy for future generations.
IDIS strongly asserts that the implementation of these recommendations is crucial in promoting a more sustainable electoral process that forwards environmental preservation and conscientious citizenship. Moreover, the need to foster sustainability at the grassroots level is paramount in the endeavor to construct a society that is both resilient and environmentally aware. PR