QC to hold anti-pollution summit

The Quezon City government will host the 2nd Pollution Summit on Dec. 12, when 50 owners of high-risk industries and establishments are expected to renew their commitment to support the city’s anti-pollution drive.

The summit, mounted by the city’s environmental protection and waste management department (EPWMD), is expected to provide an opportunity for the business sector and local permit offices to explore strategies to integrate all regulatory requirements to simplify the process of securing environmental permits to operate.

“More businesses in Quezon City are now operating in an environmentally sound manner. The issuance of environmental clearance to an increasing number of establishments is a stamp of compliance to the standard,” EPWMD head Frederika Rentoy said.

The EPWMD has invited experts from different national agencies and local government offices to discuss pollution control programs and environmental regulatory requirements.

The city government prescribes environmental inspection fees for all industrial and commercial establishments whose activities are potential sources of land, air and water pollution.

Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. said maintaining cleanliness is not the sole responsibility of the government, but it is the duty of every citizen and resident of Quezon City to keep his or her surroundings clean. – Perseus Echeminada