Environmental group Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) rattled off programs and advocacies that they are expecting to be continued under the leadership of incoming Davao City Mayor Sebastian “Baste” Duterte.
Lemuel Manalo, program coordinator of IDIS, said topping the list is the managing of wastes and enforcement of the single-use plastic ban in Davao City. It can be recalled that the city government of Davao passed an ordinance last year banning single-use plastics in the city.
The group is also hoping for the continued protection and conservation of the forests particularly those in Marilog District, Baguio District, and Paquibato District to protect watersheds and have a sustainable water supply in Davao City.
IDIS has been pushing the need to manage the urban forest areas, referring to the development and maintenance of green and open spaces.
“Ug dili nata mag-build ug new residential projects especially at flood prone areas to decrease flood risks. Ang pinakadako nato na environmental issue is the denuding of the forests particularly in Marilog and also some areas in Baguio District and Paquibato. Daghan na nga mga expansions diri na areas,” Manalo said.
The group is also expecting that the incoming mayor will enforce the implementation of the Materials Recovery Facility (MRF) in every barangay as madnated in the Solid Waste Management Ordinance.
This is in line with the group’s push for the strict compliance to waste segregation and banning of single use plastic in Davao City.
The group is also hopeful for the continued implementation of the Watershed Code of Davao City in order to ensure the protection, conservation and sustainable management of the city’s watersheds.
“Ug ang watershed summit unta magpadayon,” Manalo said.
