Environment Management in Aklan

Atty. Florencio Gonzales discussing the effect of continued tree cutting in Aklan during the August 1 Kapehan. At his left is Mr. John Kenneth Almalbis

and Mr. Derlito Rico.

Environmental concerns about air, water and solid waste were emphasized at the weekly Kapehan on August 8, 2009. Panelists discussed the topic, "Environment Management". Invited speakers were Engr. John Kenneth C. Almalbis, AKENRO, Mr. Derlito C. Rico, PENRO and Atty. Florencio Gonzales, former SP member and environmentalist.

Atty. Ronquillo C. Tolentino cited Article 2, Section 16 of the 1987 Constitution that the State shall protect and advance the right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the harmony and rhythm of nature. He said "there have been drastic climatic changes in the country for the last 40 years with occurrence of El Niño in 1972, 1983 and 1997. Everyone is reeling from its impact because of magnitude, severity and frequency."

Engr. Almalbis said that DENR is responsible for the protection and conservation of natural resources particularly on the existing 49 percent forest cover and overseeing implementation of the proposed Environmental Code of Aklan.

The DENR office have community-based forest management project implemented by People’s Organizations (PO’s) and beneficiaries of Integrated Social Forestry (ISF). This is found in Ibajay, Tangalan, Makato, Nabas, and Libacao. ISF program was instituted in 1982 based on LOI 1260 where bonafide forest occupants are given stewardship certificates usually 3 – 5 has. for agro-forestry. Duration is 25 years subject to renewal according to Derlito Rico. Presently, 79 families have expired ISP contracts, hence on-going evaluation.

Atty. Gonzales lamented the deplorable condition especially the quality and the bio-diversity of Aklan rivers, lakes, seas and forest cover. He said, "bottom line of all these is greed". Citing facts, Aklan river has never cleared up since typhoon Frank last year. Rich fishing ground at the mouth of Aklan river has disappeared completely. Once abundant coral reef formation from New Washington down to Buruanga is nowhere to be found. Where once healthy stand of mangrove trees grow, are now replaced by fishponds. Now where do you think our hardwood lumber went?" he asked. "It’s found in homes of influential people."

Meanwhile, Atty. Allen S. Quimpo underscored the key to solving environmental problems lies with the people themselves. It is about attitudinal change and participatory approach. Kalibo’s Bakhawan project now covering 110 hectares is a sterling example of community mobilization. Just recently PGMA turned over a check of P336,000 as financial support for eco-tourism and livelihood projects.

Mr. Edwin Ramos, Info Officer, PIA reported that an average person produces 15-20 kilograms of carbon dioxide (CO2) per year. CO2 ­ is one of several lethal gases in the stratosphere that traps heat called greenhouse effect and causes earths’ tempe-rature to rise. Global warming spawns erratic weather like El Niño, La Niña, earthquakes and tornadoes. Ramos said that it is highly recommended that a minimum of 30 trees be planted by each person per year to mitigate global warming.

Issues and concerns are indifference and apathy on environment management by a large segment of the population. Solid waste generated by every person per day amounts to one half kilogram. This means a total of 247,561 kilograms of solid wastes daily produced by 500,000 Aklanons. Considering that 20 percent of these wastes, mainly non-biodegradable, are not properly collected and disposed, it invariably ends up into rivers, creeks, and drainage canals. In addition, all the 17 towns in Aklan do not have sanitary landfills as mandated by RA 9003.

Conversion of Kalibo’s 2.7 hectares dumpsite into state of the art sanitary landfill has a tab of P20 million. Now, where will other cash strap municipalities turn to for help?

Mr. Rico has vowed to put more teeth in the proposed Provincial Environment Code. Yet, there is lukewarm public acceptance and support given the limited logistics and trained manpower.

Undoubtedly, LGU Numancia is at the forefront in solid waste management where garbage is religiously segregated, recycled, reduced and re-used. One Town, One Product implemented by DTI is remarkable for converting biodegradable wastes into vermicast, an earthworm based organic fertilizer.

Sabah, Malaysia may have only a fraction of our 100 laws, decrees and ordinance, but her forest management is one of the world’s best. In that country, forest concessionaires dutifully observe their rights and responsibilities as stipulated in the memo-randum of agreement. For every harvestable tree logged, 17 forest tree seedlings are planted, cared and protected until next harvesting cycle of 25 years. Indeed, her program is profitable, sustainable and desirable.

We have similar forest concessions in the Philippines, but the DENR, PNP and LGU officials collude with illegal loggers to make a mockery of our forestry laws.

DENR data show that at the turn of the 20th century, 80 percent of our 30 million hectares were forested. Presently, what is left is merely 1.5 million hectares. Downward slide is triggered by illegal loggers also known as carabao logging, kaingeros, and firewood gatherers. Our forest destruction per day is 17 hectares while reforestation efforts is barely 3.0 hectares. With most of our forest gone, our endemic species of flora and fauna deteriorated. Younger generation may find them only in zoos and or museum as stuff animals.

Kalibo has one of longest, and natural comfort rooms in Aklan. Infamous area is Purok 1 to 4 where fecal matter is wrapped in plastic. Households living closed to Aklan river bank think it’s natural for them to do their thing and dispose other kinds of garbage. It is urgently necessary that 30 meters fallback ordinance on dwelling units be implemented by municipal government of Kalibo.

The provincial capital town is also known for its obnoxious comfort room at Pastrana Park. Perhaps charging service fee of P2.00 – P5.00 from each person who uses the comfort room is very reasonable for its upkeep and cleanliness.

Street drainage has been a growing problem in Kalibo as excess rainwater creates cesspools and gigantic carabao pools. Basically, old drainage canals are mangled beyond recognition by real estate owners. Dark fetid water moves at a snail pace in Andagao and New Buswang creeks. MMDA Chairman Bayani Fernando has cleared esteros of unwanted dwelling units and tons of garbage on waterways in Metro Manila which can also be done in Aklan.

Our forest laws are the best in the world but are not implemented. It is a big disappointment if illegal logging or mining exist and justice not meted out to violators. Mayor Edward Hagedorn of Puerto Princessa City was fined after he was found guilty littering.

Environment management thrives only when there is conscious collaborative effort to succeed. Critical issues like climate change, ecology, productivity, human health and tourism are inextricably link to environment. It is therefore necessary that priority and additional funding be instituted to address deplorable condition of the environment. /MP