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New LGU officials urged: Uphold the right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment

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DAVAO CITY (July 3) — As newly elected local government officials across the Philippines begin their terms, civil society organizations are calling on them to prioritize environmental governance and uphold the people’s right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment.

“We urge our elected public servants in all LGUs to use their powers and resources to provide constituents with basic services that protect public health and the environment,” said Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition. “This is crucial as we face the triple planetary crisis of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.”

Lucero emphasized that LGUs must fully implement key environmental laws, including:

  • RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act)
  • RA 8749 (Clean Air Act)
  • RA 9275 (Clean Water Act)
  • RA 9729 (Climate Change Act)
  • Other groups echoed the call:

Mother Earth Foundation (MEF) chair Sonia Mendoza stressed proper enforcement of local bans on single-use plastics and stricter penalties for violators.

Partnership for Clean Air (PCA) President Rene Pineda pushed for transparent audits of waste management funds and community-based recycling initiatives.

Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM) urged LGUs to make barangay-level Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs) fully functional and to reduce plastic use.

Local groups from Cagayan de Oro and Davao also voiced support for stronger grassroots implementation of waste management programs.

Ecoteneo’s Carmela Marie Santos urged LGUs to reject waste-to-energy incineration and instead push for zero-waste strategies, green space expansion, improved mass transport, and watershed rehabilitation.

Caritas Philippines called for ecological justice through zero-waste programs, protection of watersheds and coasts, and rejection of fossil fuel projects. “Putting people, planet, and accountability at the center of leadership can build healthier, more just, and pollution-free communities,” said Caritas’ Integral Ecology Head Jing Rey Henderson.

The EcoWaste Coalition and its partners expressed hope that new leaders will “hit the ground running”, serve with integrity and transparency, and prioritize the greater good of people and the planet.