AN inter-government agency task force has been created to take up issues affecting the environment, specifically sewer problems, contaminated beach sites, pollution and protection of endangered species.
Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Thomas Pangelinan initiated the creation of the group last week, citing the need for coordinated efforts to address environmental issues.
Joaquin D. Salas, acting director of the Coastal Resources Management, said members of the group had been asked to identify their agencies’ proposed projects, to avoid overlapping of responsibilities.
“We got the group together to discuss and find ways to address problems relating to land and marine environment. The intent of the group is good, and we need to get more members,” Salas told Variety.
Aside from finding solutions to environmental problems, the group will also focus on public awareness and education campaigns.
In a separate interview, DLNR special assistant for correspondence Marianne C. Teregeyo said “it takes a lot of coordination to address environmental concerns like sewage problems.”
She said with the creation of the group, an entity will take the lead role and coordinate efforts with other agencies.
“The group will make sure that there’s collaboration among government agencies, and also to make sure that there’s no overlapping of responsibilities,” Teregeyo said.
Representatives from the Division of Fish and Wildlife, CRM, the Division of Environmental Quality, the Bureau of Environment Health and the Boating Safety Unit attended the group’s initial meeting last week.
Salas said he was asked by Pangelinan to host the next meeting of the group.
Pangelinan, however, had some reservations in calling the group a “task force,” according to Teregeyo. She did not elaborate.
