CLARK FREEPORT – A Supreme Court Justice lauded Gov. Lilia ‘Nanay’ Pineda’s program that focuses on the protection of the environment during the first Area-Based Management Summit for Cleaner Manila Bay held at Royce Hotel on Wednesday.
According to Justice Presbitero J. Velasco Jr, chairman of the Advisory Committee created by the Supreme Court to verify the compliance reports of the government agencies tasked in a recent Supreme Court decision to clean up the Manila Bay, the establishment of municipal materials recovery facilities (MRF) in Pampanga and the provision of garbage trucks for the transport of solid wastes should be replicated.
Velasco also emphasized during the summit the importance of the participation of local government units (LGUs) in clearing the Manila Bay Areas.
The Supreme Court Justice said LGUs should create an action plan that will require all establishments and homes to set up sewerage facilities or septic tanks.
Velasco added that LGUs should also inspect all factories, commercial establishments and private homes along the banks of the major river system that drains into the Manila Bay to prevent industrial wastes, sewage water, and human wastes from flowing into the waterways.
“Let us help save mother earth. Life is short. Make the best. Do something for the environment for our future development,” Velasco said.
For her part, Gov. Pineda said the unity of every local official is important in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
“I am grateful that we had a chance to meet and talk to unite and solve our problems. I hope that elected officials in every municipality, city and province will continue to work for the protection of our environment,” the governor said.
LIEZEL CAYANAN
