Forest fire prompts call to set rules
Managers of tourist spots are urged to set guidelines and provide orientations to help tourists conserve the environment they’re exploring, or at least avoid damaging it.
Jayson Lozano, the new officer-in- charge of Cebu’s Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office ( PENRO), made this challenge when he was asked to comment about tourists who are not environmentally responsible. Last Saturday, a forest fire hit Mount Pulag in Benguet after a portable butane stove, brought there by hikers from out of town, exploded.
Trekking and hiking activities are suspended in Mount Pulag after hectares of land, including a campsite and peaks, were destroyed.
Lozano said that PENRO will coordinate with the Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) and other agencies to prevent such incidents from happening in the province.
“We are in the process of negotiating with other offices kay di raman kami ang in charge (we’re not the only office in charge),” Lozano said. He also said it is a not just the responsibility of their office but should be a collaboration of numerous offices.
Lots of waste
Lozano said permits and notices should be arranged by making a request or seeking permission from a governing body before entering a destination.
As this developed, a study revealed that Cebu Province collected more than one million kilograms of trash per day in 2017. That’s based on the Waste Analysis and Characterization Study (WACS) consolidated by the Solid Waste Management unit of PENRO.
Lozano said that his office will take action on environmental protection, climate change mitigation, and disaster risk management as part of the six key development agenda of Gov. Hilario Davide III.
According to the study, Cebu Province’s residents generated 1,212,418.48 kg. or 1,212 tons per day last year, of which 44 percent was biodegradable, 23 percent recyclable, 32 percent residual, and one percent, special waste.
Local action
Rhica Evilla, Solid Waste Management focal person of PENRO, said it was only this year that PENRO was able to consolidate data from all districts of the province, since last year only selected local government units (LGUs) were given technical assistance after requesting it from PENRO.
LGU representatives have been through a workshop and deliberation on the 10-year Solid Waste Management Plan, which Solid Waste Management Commission approved, Evilla said. Seven LGUs were approved and eight LGUs were partially approved, Evilla added. The seven LGUs approved are San Franciso, Ginatilan, San Remigio, Cordova, Consolacion, Madridejos, and Sogod. The eight with partially approved applications are Alegria, Ronda, Carmen, Boljoon, Tudela, Borbon, Pinamungahan, and Tabuelan.