CEBU, Philippines - The province of Cebu, particularly its coastal municipalities, has failed to show improvements on the maintenance of marine sanctuaries, according to the initial result of a compliance assessment conducted by an environmental impact monitoring body.
Based on the second Environment Compliance Audit conducted by the Environment Team of the Ombudsman Manila among local government units of coastal municipalities surrounding the Visayan Seas last June, the municipalities of Sta. Fe, San Remegio, Daanbantayan, Bantayan Island, Madridejos and Medellin remained non-compliant with the mandate of Republic Act 8550 or “An act Providing for the Development, Management and Conservation of the Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.”
Francine Faith Longid-Dalumpines, Ombudsman Graft Investigator and Prosecution Officer II, said that prior to the first environmental compliance audit, they educated the local chief executives first of their given tasks, as being appointed officials, on implementing environmental laws like the RA 8550 and RA 9003.
After informing or reminding them of their job, the first environmental compliance audit was done on November 2008 where the Ombudsman found a low level of compliance.
Longid said that at the time, officials limited themselves up to creating ordinances but did not really implement them.
The second audit conducted last June has initially found Masbate as the only LGU improving when it comes to marine protection.
The Province of Cebu, remained stagnant or incompliant because municipalities audited focuses more on the solid waste management or installation of Material Recovery Facilities.
Longid said that LGUs are always making excuses like they are having a hard time catching illegal fishers who are damaging marine sanctuaries they initially put up.
Some are saying they have no budget for the MRF or the maintenance but Longid argued that these are clear excuses because if they ask these LGUs of their plans, they could not give any.
“They do not understand what is needed of them,” Longid said. Environment lawyer Gloria Ramos said “It is their job that’s why they are given the budget. They are having a hard time implementing the laws because they do not invite public participation.”
Longid said that there will be two more audits before the second quarter of next year.
Before earth day on 2010, the Ombudsman environment team will give recognition to LGUs that will be able to show compliance. Those who will fail to comply will be subjected to legal actions.
Longid said that protection and maintenance of the marine sanctuary is very important in ensuring a protected marine ecosystem and sustained marine resources for the people who depend on the seas to ear their living. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/WAB (THE FREEMAN)