DENR moves to protect coastal areas and seas
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI is now stepping up the implementation of Environmental Laws for coastal areas and seas through a collaborative effort with concerned government agencies.
The collaboration was made possible through a one-day Orientation on Standard Protocols on Shipping and Environmental Laws conducted by the Protected Area and Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Services of the DENR led by Regional Technical Director Arlene T. Dalawis held at the Grand Hotel, Iloilo City on May 31, 2007 that culminated the celebration of the Month of the Ocean.
Participants included the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina), Philippine Coast Guard, Shipping Industries, John B. Lacson Foundation Maritime University, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police, Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and other stakeholders. Some of the laws that were given emphasis were the R.A. 9003 known as the Solid Waste Management Act of 2000; the Clean Air Act, The Clean Water Act; Hazardous Waste Act; Wildlife Act, and Coastal Resource Management Program. They were also briefed about the causes of climate Change and activities of the DENR to address or mitigate the problem according to the Protocol Convention.
Presenters were Mr. Damaso Fuentes who tackled the Wildlife Act, Vilma Limates on the Coastal Resource Management Program, and Engr. Samson Guillergan on Hazard Waste and the Clean Water Act.
According to DENR Regional Executive Director Lormelyn E. Claudio, this is the first time that DENR had ventured to penetrate the shipping industries and other government agencies concerned with navigation by making them active partners in enforcing the Environmental laws pertinent to activities at sea.
"With the experience we had on facing two big oil spill disasters here at Region VI, I feel there is a need to orchestrate all our actions so that we will be able to save time, money, and effort in addressing all these problems besetting our coastal areas and the sea," Claudio stressed.
At the end of the session the participants were made to sign a covenant of support for the protection of the coastal areas and the seas.
(rac/RPAO)