By Nimfa Estrellado Environmental enforcers in Batangas City undergo ELE training for a four-day training in Basic Environmental Law Enforce...
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| Environmental enforcers in Batangas City undergo ELE training for a four-day training in Basic Environmental Law Enforcement (ELE) from May 9 to 12, 2023. (Photo from Batangas LGU) |
BATANGAS CITY - To equip the enforcers with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively enforce environmental laws and regulations, the city government here conducted a four-day training in Basic Environmental Law Enforcement (ELE) from May 9 to 12, 2023.
Participants in the training learned about various environmental laws, such as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, the Clean Air Act, and the Clean Water Act, among others.
The training's goal is to provide environmental law enforcers with sufficient knowledge and skills, as well as to teach the law's legal and proper implementation.
They also received hands-on training on conducting inspections, issuing notices of violation, and filing cases against violators. With this training, the city government hopes to strengthen its environmental
Some of the resource speakers on the first day of the training were the Policy and Governance Specialist of Conservation International-Philippines, Atty. Marina Rabe-Manuel.
Manuel discussed the mandates and roles of national government agencies and local government units in ELE. She said that this is a step toward addressing the capacity gap, challenges, and other needs identified by various law enforcement agencies.
DENR-PENRO Atty. Janice Gonzales explained the Green Environmental Laws, which include the Revised Forestry Code, as amended (PD 705, as amended) and the Chainsaw Act of 2002 (RA 9175), and provided participants with case scenarios to help them better understand such laws.
Gerry Peralta, Fishery Division Head of the City Veterinary Office, announced the Batangas City Local Fisheries Ordinance, which provides protection to the city's ocean and allows small fishermen from the city to fish for free in Batangas City waters.
A case study-workshop and presentation for additional training of the enforcers-participants were included as part of the training.
Wilbur Dee, who is the director of Natural Climate Solutions for Conservation International Philippines, also delivered his message on the importance of sustainable fishing practices and the role of local communities in preserving marine resources. He emphasized the need for collaboration among stakeholders to ensure the long-term viability of fisheries in Batangas City.
The municipal government of Batangas and the Climate Resilient Cities (CRC) program of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) collaborated to fund the ELE training , which aimed to equip local government officials and stakeholders with the necessary knowledge and skills to effectively manage and respond to environmental disasters. The training covered topics such as disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and ecosystem-based approaches to disaster management.
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