New Officials Urged to Prioritize Environmental Health, Justice

As newly elected local officials begin their terms, civil society groups have called on them to uphold the human right to a clean, healthy, and sustainable environment by enforcing key environmental laws and engaging their communities.

The EcoWaste Coalition, along with partner organizations, issued the appeal during the turnover of local leadership on June 30, emphasizing the urgent need for action amid what the United Nations terms the “triple planetary crisis” of pollution, climate change, and biodiversity loss.

“We urge our elected public servants in all local government units (LGUs) to utilize their powers and resources to the fullest to provide their constituents with the best of the devolved basic services that will protect their health and the environment,” said Aileen Lucero, national coordinator of the EcoWaste Coalition.

Lucero emphasized the importance of implementing Republic Acts 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), 8749 (Clean Air Act), 9275 (Clean Water Act), and 9729 (Climate Change Act), among other laws designed to prevent pollution and environmental degradation.

Partner organizations echoed this call by urging LGUs to fully enforce RA 9003 and reduce the toxicity and volume of waste generated by homes, businesses, and institutions.

Sonia Mendoza, chair of the Mother Earth Foundation, stressed the need for strict implementation of ecological solid waste management (ESWM) ordinances, including bans on single-use plastics and enforcement of fines for violations.

Rene Pineda, president of the Partnership for Clean Air, said LGUs should institute waste-related social enterprises such as urban gardening, support cooperatives, and conduct public audits of ESWM funds to ensure accountability.

Neneng Lava of the Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement called for better waste segregation, functioning Materials Recovery Facilities (MRFs), and programs that reduce plastic use while promoting reuse strategies.

Cebu-based Action for Nurturing Children and Environment (ANCE) encouraged local officials to support recycling, regular garbage collection, and penalize open dumping.

In Mindanao, resource collectors’ associations in Cugman, Cagayan de Oro, and Mintal, Davao City urged barangay councils to prioritize ESWM enforcement at the grassroots level.

Carmela Marie Santos of Ecoteneo, Ateneo de Davao University’s environmental office, urged LGUs to reject incineration projects and instead invest in zero-waste programs, green infrastructure, and urban biodiversity.

She also proposed increasing green spaces to 70–80 percent of city land, developing walkable streets, and restoring watersheds to improve water quality.

“Caritas Philippines urges newly elected LGU officials to prioritize ecological justice through strict implementation of zero-waste programs, protection of watersheds and coastal areas, and rejection of incineration and fossil fuel projects,” said Jing Rey Henderson, national head of integral ecology for Caritas Philippines.

“Ensuring access to clean water, sanitation, and climate resilience must go hand in hand with promoting renewable energy and sustainable livelihoods,” she added.

Henderson also called for the protection of waste workers, environmental defenders, and indigenous communities, stressing the need for inclusive governance and full transparency in all environmental actions.

The groups, all members of the EcoWaste Coalition, expressed hope that LGUs will serve with integrity, transparency, and a firm commitment to public and environmental welfare.