COTABATO CITY—Forty-two (42) Pollution Control Officers (PCOs) from across the Bangsamoro region underwent a 2-day training focused on the implementation of existing Philippine Environmental Laws.
The Bangsamoro Government’s Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources and Energy – Environmental Management Services (MENRE-EMS) led the activity, in partnership with Al-Khalifa Environmental Consultancy Services, on Oct. 3 to 4 held in this city.
The event sought to capacitate Bangsamoro PCOs and increase their knowledge of environmental laws and regulations along with their application in respective areas of practice.
During the activity, MENRE Bangsamoro Director-General Atty. Badr Salendab told the participants: “environmental protection can’t be done by MENRE alone. The help from our stakeholders is much needed for this cause.”
“More than learning something from this training course, I pray that you will put into practice and application the environmental concepts and knowledge that was shared with you by our speakers,” the Director-General said.
Since most of the participants represented the health sector, Salendab urged the PCOs to maintain their environment clean to promote better health for everyone.
Meanwhile, EMS Director Jalani Pamlian emphasized the protection and conservation of the BARMM’s environment and natural resources.
The training featured Presidential Decree 1586 also known as “Act Establishing an Environmental Impact Statement System, including other environmental management-related measures and for other purposes”, and the Republic Act 9275 also known as “Clean Water Act” which provides for comprehensive water quality management which provides for the abatement and control of pollution from land-based sources and lays down water quality standards and regulations.
Also discussed was the Republic Act 6969 or the “Toxic Substances and Hazardous and Nuclear Wastes Control Act” which covers the sound and proper management of industrial chemicals and hazardous wastes in all aspects of their life cycle, from importation, manufacture, and disposal. (Johaira Sahidala/BIO)
