DENR to hear people's environmental concerns

CEBU - To give immediate response to issues and concerns of stakeholders from different provinces and community, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently launched the “Regional People’s Hour” in all corners of the country.

With the primary goal to provide the people better access to programs and services, environment Secretary Lito Atienza said the RPH is a series of no-barred dialogue between stakeholders and DENR that will be conducted every Tuesdays of the week.

The DENR recognizes stakeholders as partners in ensuring environmental rehabilitation, protection and preservation, said DENR 7.

Stakeholders include non-government organizations, people’s organizations, the academe, civil society, business and industry and the church, among others.

In Cebu province, the tentative RPH schedule is on October 28 while Cebu City will have it on November 4. Toledo City shall gather on November 11 while separate schedules were set for Carmen and Argao in Cebu; Talibon and Tagbilaran City in Bohol; Ayungon, Siquijor and Dumaguete City.

In a press release, DENR 7 said it believes that these people has the right to be involved in things that concern them the most, which are things involving the environment

This recognition of people’s right and responsibility in the environment is enshrined under Section 23 of the Constitution which says that the state shall encourage non-governmental, community-based or sectoral organizations that promote the welfare of the nation. 

All Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Offices and Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices shall conduct RPH in their respective areas of jurisdiction taking into account the real issues and concerns on the ground.

This is to undertake an appropriate and reasonable intervention and to provide pro-active activities.

All regional directors and regional technical directors shall conduct RPH before its schedule with Atienza so that quick response will be conveyed right away.

“I have initiated the People’s Hour precisely to facilitate decisions and hasten actions pertaining to the environment and other related issues,” Atienza explained. — Jessica Ann Pareja/WAB  (THE FREEMAN)