To Governor Pam from Cebu CSOs-eco-partners:Integrated statement of concerns/recommendations

“Today, our shared ecosystems continue to face severe degradation, threatening the sustainable future of our children and their children.

To ensure a thriving/safe/just Cebu, we can collectively address the critical intersections of environmental sustainability/community vulnerability/social inequities.

In the spirit of constructive collaboration/shared governance, we, Cebu's CSOs and Eco-Partners, respectfully present these overarching concerns/strategic proposals:

I. Environmental Governance/Ecosystem Protection/Youth Inclusion: we propose a shift toward holistic/ecosystem-based governance/transformative institutional leadership/and inclusive oversight.

Leadership for Change/Humanizing Higher Education: we call for- a structural shift toward a values-driven "leadership for change" that honors harmony/the natural rhythm of our environment.

- partnering with local academic institutions to humanize higher education/to actively respond to ecological calls to action.

This transformative learning model must consciously challenge dominant corporate narratives that drive hyper-materialism/unsustainable consumer habits, fostering instead a deep stewardship for our shared home.

Holistic Ecosystem Management: we recommend transitioning provincial planning to an integrated-"Ridge-to-Reef-" approach that protects connected watersheds/forests/coastal zones.

Transparent Resource Oversight: we call for

-  strict review of environmental permits

-  dedicated seats for CSOs in provincial monitoring/regulatory bodies.

Protection and Youth Empowerment: we encourage creation of supportive mechanisms for environmental defenders/formal inclusion of youth representation/funding within provincial conservation councils.

II. Economic Empowerment/Social Safety Nets/Support for Low-Income Sectors and Women in Crisis: we propose strengthening provincial support systems/creating pathways to economic independence.

Livelihood Support/Market Access: we recommend expanding local economic programs through seed capital/skills training/establishing dedicated public trading spaces/ regular markets for producers from marginalized sectors.

Targeted Recovery for VAWC Survivors: we call for dedicated/localized interventions—specialized job-readiness workshops/targeted livelihood endorsements—to pave a safe path toward independence for survivors of violence.

Comprehensive Assistance and Housing: we urge the province to streamline access to vital social safety nets/healthcare benefits/free civil legal aid/priority placement in socialized housing initiatives.

III. Sustainable Agriculture/Food Security: to protect public health/enhance farmer livelihoods/secure our food systems, we propose a province-wide transition toward sustainable farming practices/strategic investments in rural infrastructure.

Organic Agriculture Education: we recommend launching province-led educational campaigns to train farmers on the long-term profitability/health benefits/high yields achievable through organic farming methods.

Capacity Building/Technical Support: we propose providing farming cooperatives with necessary training/equipment for organic fertilizer production/lowering production costs/building self-reliance.

Production/Post-Harvest/Processing Support: we urge the allocation of provincial resources for key agricultural interventions - essential production inputs/post-harvest facilities for yellow corn production/ dryers/hauling facilities/processing equipment for sorghum silage to bolster local livestock support/feed security.

Policy Shifts/Green Logistics: we encourage the Provincial Government/LGUs to actively incentivize organic agriculture/establish progressive frameworks to reduce dependency on harmful chemical fertilizers/pilot sustainable agricultural logistics, like an electric bus for the school to support eco-friendly community transport.

IV. Waste Management/Circular Economy/Just Transition

To eliminate pollution/build a resource-efficient province, we recommend advancing community-led circular economy initiatives that integrate environmental protection with economic dignity for waste workers.

Empowerment/Recognition of Waste Workers: we call for the provincial implementation of DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2025-012,formally integrating waste pickers/recyclers/junk shop operators into local solid waste systems/upgrading their access to social protections/occupational safety/ decision-making platforms.

Strengthening Waste Diversion/Infrastructure: we propose increased provincial investments in segregation at source/composting/community-based Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) that turn waste diversion into local livelihood opportunities.

Reduction of Plastic Pollution: we advocate for comprehensive provincial policies that reduce single-use plastics/actively promote reusable/refillable alternatives across schools/ business hubs/government offices.

Community-Led Alliances/Green Jobs: we encourage stronger provincial partnerships with barangays/youth groups/worker associations to sustainably implement Republic Act 9003/simultaneously expanding climate-resilient green jobs for low-income families/informal waste sectors.

Governor Baricuatro, the choices we make today will shape Cebu's landscape for generations to come.

We stand ready to walk hand in hand with all to transform these strategic recommendations into sustainable policies that protect both our environment/our people.

Thank you for your dedicated service.

Kuyog Tang TanansaPaglihokAlangsaKatawhanug Kina-iyahan.

#Lihokna/Karon Na!!!”