‘Green belts’ proposed in Cebu code

CEBU CITY—“Green belts” in towns and cities in Cebu will be created under a proposed environment code for the province aimed at regulating development to ensure a sustainable environment for communities.

The proposed code, authored by Board Member Thadeo Ouano, also seeks the promotion of continued research, development and application of scientific and technological advances to improve the use of resources, productivity and quality of life of the Cebuanos.

It encourages the construction of sewage treatment plants that would render sewage and domestic sludge acceptable to water bodies.

Environmentalist Vince Cinches, head of the ecology group 350.org, lauded the measure but noted that it needed a lot of work.

He suggested that specific provisions on energy be included in the code. It should develop an “intensive mechanism” under the renewable energy law and also in cognizance with the international agreement with United Nations, he pointed out.

If it could be developed through the help of all sectors, Cinches foresaw a stronger code than those crafted in other areas.

The proposal also covers coastal resource management, easement zones, wildlife protection, climate change, land use, solid waste management and management of forests, marine and other resources.

A technical working group, composed of personnel from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Department of  Energy, and the Environmental Management Bureau pooled their efforts with groups, such as Uniting for Sustainable Water and Coastal Conservation and the Education Foundation, in providing inputs to the planned environmental code.