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Siquijor Steps Up Crafting of Environment Code

Siquijor steps up crafting of environment code

PIA Press Release

Siquijor (14 November)

By Rizalie A. Calibo

The province of Siquijor is set to finish the crafting of environment code (E code) in six months.

This came out as the e code framers vow to speed up crafting during the orientation on the formulation of the E code conducted recently at the La Costa Cafe, Larena, Siquijor.

In July this year, Provincial Governor Orlando A. Fua Jr. is heard rushing the crafting of the province's E code to properly address some environmental challenges besetting the province particularly on the issues of allowing mining industry and "sand quarrying".

A Provincial Steering Committee for the E code Formulation has been created through an executive order signed by the governor. In such, the committee is tasked to initiate and prepare activities necessary for the formulation of the E code at the provincial and municipal levels; provide technical assistance to the local government units as necessary; and disseminate information to create awareness and encourage involvement of all stakeholders for the successful conduct of the activities.

A steering committee meeting was initially conducted with the governor urging on officials from concerned agencies and offices to work on the code. It was then followed by an orientation spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) where relevant data for the formulation of the province's E code were initially gathered.

The participants came up with several issues and concerns as well as measures to be incorporated in the formulation. "We will be conducting an environment summit later to gather more inputs and polish them in order to come up with a workable environment code," Provincial Director Dominica Lacuesta of the DILG here said.

During the orientation, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Oscar M. Magallones presented the environmental situation of the province.

He said Siquijor represents a rich diversity of biological resources yet limited economic options that is common among all small islands.

He, however cited the province's edge in eco-tourism based on its environmental and cultural characteristics and the people's way of life that calls for an environmental code to blend with the people's dream for development along with a healthy environment.

"The serenity of the province makes it ripe for perfect gateway," Magallones said while boasting of the island's highest speak, the Mount Bandilaan, colorful coral reefs, stretches of whiter sandy beaches surrounding the island and the number of beach resorts that matches in beauty with the country's best. The PENRO's statement echoes that of President Arroyo's during the meeting with the Filipino-American elected officials and community leaders at the Grand Ballroom, Hyatt Regency O'Hare Chicago, Illinois, U.S.A last November 11

The President said, "the reason why we are so strong in tourism is not only because we have so many beautiful beaches, so many beautiful reefs, so many beautiful mountain vistas but also because aside from our beautiful beaches, we have the beautiful smiles of our people, and you bring those beautiful smiles here also to the Midwest United States."

But the PENRO said, "We can never protect our environment and conserve our natural resources unless we know what we still have and where they are. Our policies, plans and programs will all be guessing game unless we know where we are starting from and from there, where we want to go."

He asked everyone to cooperate as the Code is envisioned to provide a wholistic answer to environmental problems.

Under the scope of the proposed environment code is the preservation and conservation of forest resources, mineral resources, water resources, coastal resources.

It also covers integrated waste management, air and noise pollution management, and promotion of eco-tourism.