ITOGON, March 20 – A public hearing was held at the Fianza Memorial Gymnasium, where local government officials, mining associations, and community members discussed two proposed ordinances aimed at addressing environmental concerns. The ordinances focus on air and water pollution in the municipality.
The first ordinance, sponsored by Municipal Councilor Hon. Lison Latawan Jr., is the Clean Air Ordinance of Itogon. The ordinance aims to reduce air pollution by limiting carbon emissions and promoting a balanced ecosystem in the municipality.
The second ordinance, sponsored by Municipal Councilor Hon. Albino Diego, seeks to amend Ordinance No. 66 S. 2024, which mandates monthly river clean-up drives. The amendment proposes scheduling the clean-up drives for the first week of each month and designating a responsible body to oversee the program.
During the open forum, Barangay Kagawad Jerome Dasi of Tinongdan raised concerns about including poultry farms and piggeries in the Clean Air Ordinance. Gerard Cornel, head of the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office, supported Dasi’s concerns.
Other barangay officials suggested aligning the clean-up drive with the existing monthly clean-up drives of the barangay local government units. Councilors Latawan and Diego assured the public that all suggestions would be considered in future discussions of the Sangguniang Bayan on the said ordinances.
The ordinances aim to reduce pollution and create a cleaner, healthier environment for Itogon. The public hearing provided an opportunity for community input, allowing residents to actively participate in shaping these environmental initiatives.
WORDS & PHOTOS | Jay Ralph Galunza, BSU Intern
