CEBU, Philippines - Efforts of the Local Government Units in Cebu to protect the environment especially the coastal municipalities were recognized yesterday by US Ambassador to the Philippines Kristie Kenney.
During an interview with the media yesterday at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino during the 2nd conference of coastal municipalities of the Philippines, Kenney said that Cebu is doing well in terms of taking initiatives in protecting and cleaning the coasts and the environment in general.
Kenney said that through different activities conducted by various groups like the recently concluded earth day, cleanups, air tests and emission reduction, it is proof that the province is doing its share in protecting the environment.
She said that she finds Cebu very serious in solving the problems concerning the environment and commended it for being cautious in actions that would affect the environment.
Kenney said that conducting the conference in Cebu was also a good decision because it is a place that has shown a lot of progress and action for the welfare of the coastal municipalities.
Further, Kenney also said that since elections are coming up, decisions as to who to put into position will be very important.
Kenney said that it is a great time for the Philippines to look into issues that matter, like the environment.
“My hope would be that as people look at elections and make the choices they make, they would keep in mind someone that will manage environmental issues.”
She said that it is important to listen closely to the platforms of the candidates which would help in issues concerning the future.
Kenney commended the mayors who attended the conference who are members of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines for doing good in the past years since the 1st conference in 1999.
She said that for the past 10 years, a lot of the communities in the Philippines have done well.
Kenney said that it is good to have mayors willing to look beyond the boundaries and considers the whole country and not only in their respective areas of responsibility.
LMP through its program Movement for Responsible Fisheries conducted the three-day conference with the theme, “Sustaining Municipal Fisheries and Marine Biodiversity amidst Poverty, Food Security and Climate Change.” Partner organizers are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources of the Department of Agriculture- through its Fisheries Improved for Sustainable Harvest and the United States Agency for International Development.
The second conference is aimed at reviewing the progress of 15-point policy agenda for integrated coastal management, which was adopted during the first conference 10 years ago.It is also a way in recognizing successful practices in fisheries and integrated coastal management in different municipalities so that other municipalities that are just starting with their programs would have more idea.
Proposal of other policies and sectoral reforms for the said matter will also be made during the conference.
Five different sessions are also offered for the participants. There were on Alleviating poverty and Ensuring Food Security, Maintaining Marine Biodiversity, Adapting to Climate Change, Enforcing Coastal and Fishery Laws and Sustaining Financing for Fisheries Management. — AJ de la Torre/BRP (THE FREEMAN)