CEBU, Philippines - At least 18 barangay officials attended the Task Force Kalikasan refresher course which was held in the ABC Building at the Lapu-Lapu City Hall Compound.
The seminar was conducted June 5 and 6 and covered on environmental laws and ordinances, as well as in fishery-related ordinances and solid waste management.
Engineer Roderico Taga-an, Cebu Environment and Natural Resources Officer, said the TFK was formed around year 2011. It aims for implementation of environmental laws and ordinances through deputizing barangay officials, five TFK and two fish wardens.
Taga-an explained to The FREEMAN the refresher course is done yearly in order for the chosen barangay officials to remember environmental laws and their responsibility in protecting the nature.
The CENRO officer added that the seminar gave awareness to barangay officials in detecting fish catch from explosives, such as dynamites and cyanides. Fishery related ordinances were also introduced to inform locals of the proper size of fish nets to be used.
They were also told to manage solid wastes.
Basic first aid training was also given to barangay officials so that they will be informed on how to conduct first aid before the rescue team arrives.
The arresting techniques, investigation and intelligence aspects were also tackled down in order for them to take action responsibly.
Jackson Bagon, barangay captain of Caubian in Olango Island, said the TFK is one of the programs initiated by Radaza in coordination with the police.
Police Superintendent Virgil Ranes, executive officer of TFK, said 18 barangay officials from five barangays attended the seminar. At least four of them were from Barangay Basak, eight from Barangay Caubian, three from Barangay Tinggo, two from Barangay Buaya and one from Barangay Maribago.
After the seminar, the 18 officials in the barangay level were given certificates signed by the Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Paz C. Radaza. These would certify them as new TFK chairperson in their barangays.
The TFK group had its first seminar in Olango Island while the second one was conducted in the mainland which was split into two clusters.
Ranes said TFK will empower barangays to help protect Mother Earth and to prevent future or natural disasters in the future. (FREEMAN)