DMMMSU, through the VPPRD Resource Development Unit (Environmental Management) together with the Young Earthsavers’ Society (YES), spearheaded an Environmental Policy Forum on 20 September 2023 at the International Convention Center – Hall B, Sapilang, Bacnotan, La Union.

The Forum aims to raise environmental awareness of the three policies, namely:

1. La Union Environmental Protection and Management Code (Provincial Ordinance No. 352-2021),
2. Single-Use and Other Reusable and Disposable Materials Code of La Union (Provincial Ordinance No. 342-2023), and
3. Extended Producer Responsibility Act (RA 10898) .

In addition, the INSPIRE Project of the Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI) was shared. 

Guests and participants were welcomed by Prof. Melchor D. Salom, Director for Business Affairs and Resource Development. Prof. Salom appreciated the initiative as it raises information on various environmental laws and encourages actions towards sustainability.

For. Jay-ar O. Laquidan, Environmental Management Specialist II (EMS II) of La Union – Environment and Natural Resources Office, discussed the salient features of Provincial Ordinance No. 352-2021. For. Raquedan said the Environment Code is a comprehensive policy for conserving, protecting, and managing La Union’s environment and natural resources.

In her discussion of Provincial Ordinance No. 342-2023, EnP Shereal Maala-Catbagan, Senior Environmental Management Specialist (SEMS) of the PGLU-ENRO, said that the policy aims to reduce plastic waste generation in La Union through the use of reusable and other environment-friendly packaging and products. 

“Plastic wastes, if improperly managed, affect our health and environment; thus, they need to be reduced, and an efficient waste management system has to be implemented. The ordinance will only be successful if everyone shifts their behavior on plastic use, from being a generator to an earth-conscious citizen,” she mentioned.”

Mr. Junero Rome Estolas, Environmental Management Specialist II from DENR-Environmental Management Bureau 1 – Solid Waste Management Section, discussed Republic Act 11898, otherwise known as the Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2022, amending RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act). EPR is an environmental policy approach that encourages plastic waste reduction through

1. the elimination of unnecessary plastic packaging of products,
2. the development of more environmentally – friendly and recyclable packaging design, and
3. the recovery of plastic packaging from the waste stream for recycling purposes.

For 2023, obliged enterprises (OE) – with a capitalization of 100 million and above must recover 20% of their plastic footprint based on 2022 data, which shall increase until they become plastic-neutral. The law also calls for medium-small-and-micro enterprises (MSMEs) to use plastic alternatives. Further, Local Government Units (LGUs) are encouraged to partner with the OEs, Civil Society Organizations (CSOs), and other groups to recover and appropriately manage plastics and other waste materials.

Ms. Corazon P. Sajonas of JVOFI discussed the “Strengthening Good Governance and Multi-Stakeholder Collaboration in Fishery Management Area (FMA) 6, Coastal and Marine Areas of the West Philippine Sea (WPS) Project”. Ms. Sajonas is the Project Leader of this 3-year USAID-funded project, which aims to strengthen good governance among stakeholders in the twelve coastal LGUs of La Union. She added that with concerted efforts of various sectors, including the youth, it intends to promote sustainable protection and management of coastal resources in the WPS.

Looking forward, Mr. Celso H. Jucutan, University Coordinator for Resource Development (Environmental Management), challenged the participants to embody their learnings from the Forum. Regardless of how simple it is, it will surely aid our nature in coping with its current stresses. Mr. Jucutan emphasized the need for collaboration and engagement among sectors across all levels in our pursuit of sustainable development.

To eliminate plastic waste, the organizers served the snacks (turon and banana) using banana leaves. The participants also used reusable cups and paper cups as juice containers.

Great appreciation is given to our partner organizations who made this event successful – Jaime V. Ongpin Foundation, Inc. (JVOFI), Fostering Education and Environment for Development, Inc. (FEED), Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) and Institute of Environmental Governance (IEG), the Provincial Government of La Union and DENR Environmental Management Bureau 1. (By Celso H. Jucutan)