BAGUIO CITY – The proposed environment code in the city council is up for scrutiny from the citizenry as it is finalized for approval.
The 135-page draft could be viewed at council.baguio.com.ph, posted at conspicuous places; city hall, library, post office, Health Services Office, City Public Market; and soft copies requested fromcomsec_spbaguio@yahoo.com.
The seventh generation from the introduction of the code is considered, thus the need to “prevent risk and irreversible damage to the environment at economically acceptable cost,” and corrective action at cost. The code also states that costs to prevent, reduce or combat pollution must be borne by polluter. In the matter of participation, access to information must be accorded to the public, the code states.
The city’s “unique ecological, historical and socio-cultural characteristic” shall be maintained through the implementation of sustainable development, conservation, preservation, possible remedial action, continuing information and education campaign as to relevant environmental legislation, policies, and avenues for active involvement of the general public against air, land, water, visual and noise nuisance and hazards, as comprehensively stated in the proposed code.
The draft code contains provisions as to its legal bases: the constitution, Republic Acts, Presidential Decrees, Presidential Proclamations, Executive Orders, the building code, zoning code, fire code, approved and proposed ordinances, city land use plan, wildlife articles and other related documents.
The City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) is mandated in the code to monitor and accomplish reports as to enforcement of its provisions as the City Planning and Development Office integrates all gathered plans and reports.
As to offenses, penalties and fines is accorded to citizens and aliens who may commit such. Corporations represented by their executive officers, and local officials and employees may face administrative cases.
The code has detailed matters as to air, land, water, visual, noise and hazards; chemical substances, toxic and hazardous waste, which may need input and ideas for improvement.
Land matters include mineral claims, parks, sanctuaries, reserves, heritage sites, ancestral lands, skylines, landscapes and building management including green building policy and urban agriculture.
As for water matters, rain capture, water harvesting, waste water treatment, recycling, sewage disposal, plumbing and water pollution programs are discussed. Solid waste management include segregation, disposal, processing and resource recovery for industrial, chemical, nuclear, and hazardous wastes.
Tree planting, environmental education, earthballing and tree replacement are also discussed. Graffiti, considered as visual pollution; smoking and smoke-belching; noise-producing occasions; climate change, disaster and risk reduction management are also part of the proposed environment code.
Private groups, government agencies, non-government organizations, business groups and manufacturers, religious and the academe are enjoined to participate in the finalization of the code.
Incentives for participation, the promotion and use of appropriate environment-friendly and cost-effective technology are part of the code; as with the adoption of environment best practices in workplace, investments and measures to localize solution to global environmental challenges and concerns.
The code includes Baguio, and municipalities of La Trinidad Itogon Sablan Tuba and Tublay (BLISTT) for the management of resources for the use of each area.
