Business sector can be stewards of environment with action plans

PRIVATE enterprises in Cebu City can be good stewards of the environment by submitting an Environmental Sustainability Action Plan upon securing a mayor’s permit as required under Ordi–nance 2243.

“Cebu City sees the need to encourage the business sector to create sustainable programs for the protection and preservation of the sources of life and reduction of global warming effects,” said Nida Cabrera, Cebu City councilor and chairperson of the committee on environment.

She emphasized the need for the private sector to submit an ESAP to help ensure environmental sustainability and economic development.

Cabrera was one of the speakers during the Understanding Choices Forum organized recently by the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center (EADSC) of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. in partnership with Kaabag sa Sugbo and the Cebu City government at the EADSC.

The forum, titled “Prosperity and planet: Engaging business as stewards towards sustainable Cebu,” presented a framework for sustainability and discussed the role of the business sector in ensuring sustainable development beyond boosting local economy.

It also served as venue for discussion on the development and compliance of ESAP, which will be one of the requirements in securing a business permit starting 2013.

Cabrera pointed out that businesses should implement a waste management system, which includes waste segregation, composting, recycling, plastic regulation and reuse of recyclables, among others.

She also encouraged activities related to tree growing, soil conservation and vegetation.