Southern Leyte town seeks to apply Mandaue’s environmental initiatives

CEBU, Philippines — The Municipality of Padre Burgos in Southern Leyte is looking to adopt some of Mandaue City’s environmental practices after its officials visited the city for a benchmarking activity.

The delegation visited Mandaue on September 30 to study its approaches to environmental protection, solid waste management, and the enforcement of local environmental ordinances.

The Mandaue City Environment and Natural Resources Office (MCENRO) presented several of the city’s programs, including partnerships with recycling facilities, the Eco-Enforcers Transformation Program, and coordination with the Department of Education (DepEd) Mandaue to integrate solid waste management into school curricula.

The Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod also shared Mandaue’s ordinances and legislative measures supporting environmental protection and other local government programs.

The Padre Burgos delegation was led by Councilor Engr. Sam Michael Demeterio, chairman of the Committee on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources.

Demeterio said they hope to adopt some of the practices they learned from Mandaue, particularly those involving legislation and solid waste management.

“We have learned a lot especially for our legislative body and the solid waste management program. Gamay ra mi nga munisipyo but we are growing. Ang framework nga inyong na-establish diri, we could also adopt in our municipality,” he said.

He also thanked the city government for accommodating their delegation despite the short notice of their visit.

Councilor Atty. Carlo Fortuna welcomed the delegation and said Mandaue is willing to share its experiences and practices with other local government units (LGUs).

“Kami sa Dakbayan sa Mandaue andam moalagad ug abli gayod ang siyudad para makatabang pud sa atong mga kaubanang mga lungsod,” Fortuna said.

Also present during the benchmarking activity were councilors Atty. Joel Seno and Ben Basiga, Sangguniang Panlungsod Secretary Frelyn Mabanag, and MCENRO personnel led by Assistant Department Head Chinette Bulanon. — (FREEMAN)