Baguio among choice testing areas for environment rights

August 19, 2019 Metro BLISTT

BAGUIO CITY — The Summer Capital is one of the four local government units chosen by the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) as a pilot testing area for its module on Environmental Rights in Good Local Governance, along with Wack-Wack barangay in the National Capital Region, and the provinces of Pampanga and Palawan.

CHR Central Office staff Vicenta Basilio said the LGUs were selected for the human rights mechanisms established in the areas and the active participation of the local government and concerned organizations in the promotion of human rights.

She added that Baguio was specifically chosen as a pilot area due to the establishment of its city human rights action team currently chaired by city administrator Bonifacio dela Peña.

The CHR Central and Cordillera offices conducted a seminar on the module at the Dominican Heritage Hill function room here Thursday and Friday with around 60 participants composed of barangay officials, government and police personnel, representatives from non-government organizations, and more.

The two-day session included lectures on the current situation of the country’s environmental problem, the rights that are being affected, the obligation of the state, private sectors, individuals, and the youth in preserving, protecting and upholding environmental rights.

Benjie Macadangdang, executive assistant to Mayor Benjamin Magalong, said the local government is fully committed in protecting the city’s environment as this is one of the Mayor’s core priorities. He appealed for the cooperation of various sectors and organizations to help the city in coming up with solutions to maintain and enhance its environment that will benefit both residents and visitors.

Macadangdang also stressed the importance of the support and cooperation of barangay officials to the success of the city government’s continuing drive to preserve, protect and enhance the environment.

“We should all strive to follow rules and regulations on the environment and all other laws as well, for a better Baguio,” he said.

Gaby Keith-PIO Baguio/ABN