BALANGA CITY — Department of Tourism (DOT) calls on local government units (LGUs) to strictly implement environmental laws and ordinances in tourism sites.
In his message during the 9th Ibong Dayo Festival in Balanga City, DOT Undersecretary Arturo Boncato Jr. disclosed that they are now visiting major tourist destinations around the country to ensure that LGUs are properly implementing environmental laws.
“We spoke to them (LGUs) and really engaged all of them to enforce laws and ordinances that they have set for themselves,” Boncato said.
These include the Philippine Clean Air Act and Water Code of the Philippines as well as ordinances on no smoking and no littering.
Boncato stressed that the private sector should also take part in the government’s thrust towards environmental sustainability.
“We also engaged (the) private sector. We asked them to really follow the law, to comply with the regulations of the Department of the Interior and Local Government and Department of Environment and Natural Resources before starting their business,” the official said.
“We also have partnerships with big corporations around the country like Cebu Pacific for instance. We have an advocacy called the Juan Effect teaching all of the travelers to take care of destinations they visit,” he furthered.
Boncato also cited the role of LGUs and private sector in the rehabilitation of Manila Bay.
“Whatever we do to rehabilitate the huge Manila Bay and the local governments and communities around it all the way to Central Luzon and CALABARZON will have a great impact,” he stressed. (CLJD/MJSD-PIA 3)