DAVAO CITY – An advocacy group has expressed disappointment over the low turnout from among the 55 local candidates on a survey that seeks to rate their level of concern for the environment.
“We have various environmental problems in our city that need to be resolved such as waste in watershed areas, deforestation in uplands, clogged drainages, fight for additional green spaces, and wetlands protection, Mark Penalver, Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) executive director, said Friday.
Penalver claimed that the IDIS’ Green Vote Survey only received 20% feedback from the 55 candidates it invited.
“We hope that the next leaders of the City will tackle these issues as soon as they take their offices on July 1, 2022,” he said,
Eleven of the 55 candidates who responded were first legislative district representative candidate Mags Maglana, vice mayoral candidate Melchor Quitain Jr., first district aspiring councilors Luna Acosta, Lydon Banzon, and Pilar Braga; second district councilor candidates Jonard Dayap, Marissa Abella, and Bong Batenga; and 3rd district councilor hopefuls Myrna Dalodo-Ortiz, Wilberto Al-ag, and Alberto Ungab.
Penalver said that the lukewarm response suggests that most candidates don’t prioritize the environment in their plans or programs.
“We are aware that climate change is real and leaders must have concrete plans to address it and support sustainability. He said that leaders must listen to their constituents and be the voice of the voiceless.
The Green Vote Survey was launched in February to highlight candidates’ platforms on environmental management, and their views on various environmental problems in the city.
IDIS stated that the survey addressed local environmental issues like the cutting of old-growth trees in conservation zones, such as Mt. Makabol – Alikoson and Kalatong and the rising wastes and pollution at the sanitary dump.
It also asked questions about the proposed waste to-energy (WTE), resumption aerial and chemical-based spraying of mono-crop plantations, mining, quarrying and extraction of resources.
The majority of the 11 respondents agree with the benefits of environmental protection as a result of issues regarding watersheds, forest land, wildlife, ancestral domains, urban livability, and watersheds.
However, many other respondents supported developments with high environmental impact and pollution, such as the WTE facility which was favored eight times; mining operations, six times; and the continuation of coal-fired energy plants, two times.
A large portion of respondents expressed interest in solid waste management and urban sustainability/livability such as green spaces and sustainable transportation.
However, low interest was noted for food security and coastal management. These must be prioritized, the survey indicated.
Penalver also urged Dabawenyos not to ignore the positions, perspectives, and responses of the candidates.
“We also urge them to vote for the candidates who have genuine plans for every aspect of the City’s livability and sustainability,” he said.
Ivan Cortez is the city planning and office coordinator. He stated that the city government currently has a multibillion investment in various infrastructure projects that would help reduce flooding.
With the help of growth partners like the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), Cortez said the completion of the city’s mega drainage facility—one of the proposed measures to mitigate flooding problems—is set to be expedited. (PNA)
