The Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) here approved a resolution last week declaring a “climate emergency.”
SP member Carl Lopez, who authored the resolution, said Bacolod becomes the first city in the country to declare a climate emergency.
“This resolution is the first regional collaboration on an immediate and just transition and emergency mobilization effort to restore a safe climate,” said Lopez. It was unanimously approved during the regular session of the city council on July 17.
“We will now take concrete steps spearheaded by the city government to be a model city in addressing climate change mitigation with the help of the Commission on Climate Change headed by secretary Emmanuel de Guzman,” he said.
Lopez is the chairman of the SP’s Committee on Environment and Ecology.
He will hold a summit within the year calling on all local government units in Negros Occidental for a concerted effort to address this declaration effectively.
“We will now prepare an action plan for immediate implementation in our city with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and City Environment and Natural Resources Office,” the councilor said.
Lopez added they will review the implementation of the past ordinances such as the Ground Water Protection, Clean River and Waterways, and Septage Management, to see if there is a need for amendments.
