CamSur receives commendation for environmental initiatives

By Ana-liza Macatangay

The provincial government of Camarines Sur has received a commendation from the Environmental Management Bureau in Bicol (EMB) for its exemplary environmental initiatives.

Environment, Disaster Management, and Emergency Response Office (EDMERO) chief Lucena Bermeo received the award during the “Recognition of Stakeholders with Best Environmental Initiatives” held on June 29 at the EMB Bicol office conference room in Legazpi City.

Camarines Sur was the sole provincial government that received the acclamation under the local government unit category. Other awardees in the same category were the cities of Legazpi, Iriga, Naga, and Tabaco.

The province received the commendation for its compliance with environmental laws of facilities/ projects implemented by Camarines Sur, the establishment of a laboratory to cater to water quality testing of the EMB, and strict implementation of its Water Quality Management programs such as priority water bodies and classification.

It also consistently pushed for strengthened partnership on water quality monitoring.

EMB Regional Director Maria Socorro A. Abu, extended her congratulations to all the awardees as EMB spearheaded the celebration of the Philippine Environment Month under the theme “Aksyon para sa Natatanging Mundo, #OnlyOneEarth.”

EDMERO has been implementing environmental programs as part of its mandate. It takes the lead in orienting environmental organizations, especially its youth members, encourages them to actively participate in community activities and conducts training to increase environmental awareness, among others.

Other awardees include the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA) for School Category. Under the Power Plants/Industry category, the Energy Development Corporation/Bacon-Manito Geothermal Plant got the award and the Bicolandia Environmental Testing and Consultancy Services as the only environmental training institution in the region.

EMB, which is under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, cited that the nominees were identified, and the screening/selection process was made by the six Provincial Environment and Management Units (PEMUs) of this Office together with the four sections of the Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division. (PIA5/Camarines Sur with reports from EDMERO, EMB)