City strengthens climate change adoption measurers
The City Environment and Parks management Office (CEPMO) reported that the city government continues to strengthen various climate change adaptation and environmental education measures to instill awareness among residents and visitors on the importance of sustaining environmental preservation and protection initiatives.
In a report during the regular Monday flag raising ceremony held at the City Hall grounds, the CEPMO said it organized and led climate change committee meetings, and aggressively conducted information and education activities promoting climate resilience, biodiversity conservation implementation and pollution control.
Further, CEPMO also continues to uphold regulations and protect the cityβs natural resources relative to environmental management and enforcement.
Under the inland waterways protection program or Salaknib ti Waig, CEPMO issued 150 notices of violation, conducted 314 inspections and mobilized 56,055 participants in community cleanup activities that resulted in the removal of 658 tons of waste from waterways and barangays.
The CEPMO sustained the conduct of roadside inspections and tested 940 motor vehicles with compression ignition engines while 2,890 vehicles underwent voluntary emission testing in compliance with Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) standards.
These efforts were supported by regular ambient air quality monitoring at four strategic locations across the city.On the other hand, CEPMO assisted DENR Watershed and Water Resource Research and Development Center in the artificial groundwater recharge project and inspected three deep wells to ensure water quality compliance.
Moreover, CEPMO inspected three small-scale mining sites, resolved 17 environmental complaints and issued three demolition orders covering encroachments on safeguarded lands.
CEPMO responded to 924 declogging and cleaning operations and resolved 51 sewer-related complaints relative to waste water monitoring.
Preventive maintenance covered 16,116 meters of sewer lines, including repair of 9 meters of sewer line, 13 manhole covers, fabrication of 2 new manhole covers and clearing of inverted intake facilities.
For regulatory compliance, CEPMO prepared and issued 498 waste water disposal certificates, 72 sewer connection permits and 131 occupancy permit endorsements.
Some 2,368 business permits were verified through the electronic business permit and licensing system.
Some 8,652.05 cubic meters of septage from mobile service providers were fully treated at the Baguio sewerage treatment plant that ensured compliance with environmental and public health standards.
Under hazardous waste management, CEPMO stated that some 127 hazardous waste generators, particularly from food service establishments were inspected and 8,329 kilograms of e-waste were collected and safely stored at the facility in compliance with Republic Act (RA) 6969 that helped prevent environmental contamination and safeguarding public health.
CEPMO also conducted information and education campaign activities on proper household hazardous waste disposal, along with continued education efforts on the anti-plastic ordinance through various sessions and barangay meetings. – Dexter A. See
