In Bacolod City, the provincial government of Negros Occidental has pledged to enhance its environmental management, setting a benchmark for local government units (LGUs) across the province. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson announced this commitment during the concluding session of the week-long Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG)-Environmental Management (EM) Governance Area Learning Event for Negros Island, held at the SMX Convention Center.
Governor Lacson emphasized the importance of leading by example and encouraging all LGUs to aim for similar accolades. He stressed the need for collaboration among LGUs, national agencies, and stakeholders to build a robust framework for sustainable environmental governance in Negros Occidental.
The province has consistently been recognized by the SGLG, receiving an award in 2024 alongside 18 of its 31 LGUs. The SGLG, awarded annually by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), evaluates LGUs on ten governance aspects, including environmental management.
This year, the SGLG will incorporate stricter environmental safeguards to enhance the protection of local green spaces and natural resources. The learning event, spanning from January 23 to 28, facilitated discussions among officials from various agencies and LGUs on integrating these safeguards into both the SGLG and LGU development plans, aiming to attract more financial support for biodiversity conservation.
Previously, the SGLG’s environmental management section focused on solid waste management and disaster preparedness. In 2023, it expanded to include the maintenance of public parks and green spaces, as well as the sustainable management of wetlands such as coasts, rivers, and lakes.
DILG-NIR Director Lailyn Ortiz highlighted the importance of embedding environmental sustainability into governance to facilitate disaster risk reduction, climate change adaptation, and resource preservation for future generations.
The learning event saw participation from officials and representatives of 22 LGUs in Negros Occidental and 20 LGUs in Negros Oriental. The event aims to help these LGUs meet the SGLG’s new biodiversity requirements and develop toolkits to assist both the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and DILG in supporting participating LGUs.
Undersecretary for Luzon and Visayas Field Operations Juan Miguel Cuna affirmed the DENR’s commitment to providing guidance, resources, and technical assistance to help LGUs meet the new environmental indicators.
Anabelle Plantilla, national project manager of the United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative, expressed hope that the workshops would enable all LGUs nationwide to meet SGLG standards and enhance their capacity to protect their natural resources. She also noted that LGUs meeting the new SGLG standards would receive a special budgetary allotment.