Environment advocates remain optimistic

• Source: http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cagayan-de-oro/local-news/2015/07/16/environment-advocates-remain-optimistic-419221
• Thursday, July 16, 2015

By Pamela Jay F. Orias

DESPITE the growing harm inflicted on the environment in Cagayan de Oro City, environment advocates remain optimistic that these continuing destruction could still be mitigated as interventions were discussed in a forum held at Liceo de Cagayan University on Tuesday, July 14.

Among the issues raised during the forum were dynamite fishing in bodies of water of the city, soil erosion, air pollution, illegal logging, mercury poisoning, illegal mining, and the open dump site in Zayas landfill that has been emitting foul smell to residents living nearby the dump.

Florencio Dominguez, of the Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Northern Mindanao, said they will do anything in its capacity to help address the multiplying dilemma to protect the natural resources.

"The focus on environmental issues is almost too late, but it has to happen," said Helen Kang, an environmental lawyer of the United States Embassy.

Although lacking in infrastructure, Kang pointed out the Philippines is a 'rich and beautiful country that needs to be “taken care of.”

"If you look at it from the plain, much of its part is still green, so I hope that it remains just like that," she said.

Jerlie Requerme, adviser of Liceo Legal Aid Center (LilLAC), said the public still has a long way to go in achieving a clean and green environment, “but as we say, ‘bring it on.'”

Requerme also encouraged future lawyers to consider becoming environmental attorneys to help combat the pressing environmental issues.

"We need brilliant minds and I think that we owe it to Mother Nature, we have to give back to her," she said.

Requerme cited Sendong and Pablo typhoons that destroyed many lives as the manifestation that people need to be attentive. "We need to refocus our attention into environment this time."

She also encouraged a spread of information dissemination to awaken people and be able to participate in mitigating illegal activities which damage the environment.