Environment, zoning violators face sanctions
LA TRINIDAD, Benguet- Days of environment and zoning violators in this capital town are numbered. Notice of Violation (NOV) will soon be issued by the local government against individuals, groups and owners of business establishments who disregard environmental and zoning laws.
The move is to sustain the town’s environmental protection and preservation efforts, said Arthur Pedro, municipal environment officer, whose recommendation was approved by Mayor Romeo Salda.
It also aimed to maintain the town’s honor and preserve for generations to come as Pedro vowed to meet environmental challenges through proper enforcement of environmental laws.
And strengthen the town’s environmental efforts –“Clean Up Drive”, Adopt A River/Forest.” Lack of discipline, indiscriminate dumping of waste especially in bodies of water—rivers, esteros/canals, and illegally built structures in forest/watersheds, posed the biggest problem in the sprawling town, sooner or later will become a city which every locals are hopeful.
In fact, La Trinidad,popularly known as “Salad Bowl” of the country,recently received “Gawad Kalikasan” honor from the Environment Management Bureau (EMB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Cordillera (DENR-CAR).
Through the leadership of Mayor Salda, the recognition was presented for their “invaluable leadership and quick response towards Environmental Law Enforcement and dedicated participation in environmental programs,thereby contributing to environmental awareness,protection and ecological stability,” the award states.
The local government unit of La Trinidad also took the First Place plum— in the Search for the Best EMB Funded Operating Materials Recovery Facility in the region.
The recognition highlighted the annual celebration of Environment Month nationwide. The honor demonstrated the cooperation of the town’s populace, barangay officials, and the untiring works of the men and women of the municipal environment (MENRO) and general service (GSO) offices, headed by Pedro and Dwight Dao-dao. Pedro pointed out the active support by private companies like HEDCOR.
Primo Agatep/ABN
