Measures in place to address concerns on environment

CEBU, Philippines - Measures are already in place to address the environmental concerns for Cebu that were raised by Department of Environment and natural Resources Secretary Elisea Gozun.

Speaking before the Philippine Rotary Concerns Forum in Cebu last week, Gozun warned that Metro Cebu faces the risk of flashfloods if the government continues to ignore the degradation of watersheds and if the local government units (LGUs) do not find ways to catch rainwater.

Gozun, the Presidential Assistant for Climate Change, suggested that LGUs in Metro Cebu should build water catchment facilities as a first line of defense against flashfloods.

Cebu Provincial Board Member Teddy Ouano said that the PB has just passed on first reading the proposed ordinance for the adoption of green building program and the giving incentives to developers.

“A green building will consider those issues raised by Ms. Gozun and will do more for environmental protection and safeguarding security and health of its residents,” Ouano said in a statement.

Gozun said that septic tanks must be cleaned every three to five years otherwise they might pose danger to people who drink water from underground sources.

This prompted the Metropolitan Cebu Water District to present the septage management program to LGUs as required by the DENR, Department of Health and the Clean Water Act of 2004.

Ouano said that the PB already passed a resolution in 2011 requesting all mayors of the province to establish a septage management program.

The Septage Management Program requires the regular cleaning of septic tanks and the safe transport and appropriate treatment of septage. 

Ouano said that related measures include the proposed ordinance creating the Provincial Water and Sanitation Authority, which is now on second reading.

The proposed ordinance provides guidelines for the utilization, conservation, protection of water resources in the province.

The PB has just passed the Environment Code of the Province of Cebu, which comprehensively covers water resources management, water pollution, storm water and drainage management, septage, watershed and river basin management, flood prevention and management programs. —(FREEMAN)