Cong. Edgar Chatto is part of the panel of speakers invited by the School of Environmental Science and Management, University of the Philippines Los Baños (SESAM-UPLB) for SESAM ExChanges 12.
The Continuing Education and Training Division (CETD) of SESAM-UPLB organized the forum entitled “Environmental Governance of Natural Monuments: The Case of Chocolate Hills”.
The discussion, that will be streamed live on the SESAM Facebook page on April 11, will take on current and emerging environmental issues of international, national, and local relevance; cross-cutting policies on management of natural resources; as well as programs, technological breakthroughs, and policy recommendations as basis in moving forward.
Earlier, Chatto had expressed that the preservation of the Chocolate Hills and other declared protected areas is of paramount importance.
He also called for transparency in the investigation results and recommendations of the DENR as well as other agencies including the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Local Government Units (LGUs).
“It is an opportune time to revisit of all related policies that touch on practical issues like ownership, development, and land use,” he said and cited the importance of compliance to regulations, effective implementation of existing laws, and the strong relationship of agencies and the LGUs who have key roles in the implementation and enforcement of laws.
The environmental challenges and seminar series, an environmental awareness and advocacy, is aimed at allowing a better appreciation and articulation of the national position with respect to global standing in relation to sustainable development specifically in the balancing of the protection and conservation of environmental and natural resources and the pursuit of economic development.