Editorial
Forgetting nature
THE 3rd State of the Province (SOPA) delivered by Gov. Amado Espino Jr. last week was impressive. As expected, he enumerated his administration’s accomplishments — of which there are indeed many and we give the governor due credit for that. The many bursts of applause while he was giving his speech were well-deserved for his programs related to improving the management and operations of the provincial government’s bureaucracy, health services, tourism, agriculture, peace and order, infrastructure and disaster response.
But we note with serious disappointment that the SOPA failed to mention significant efforts towards environmental protection. Besides gaining recognition for its outstanding coastal resources management and foreshore area delineation, nothing else was cited. This is particularly a big letdown because the governor was deputized as a Special Environment and Natural Resources Officer in August 2008 by then Secretary Lito Atienza. Failing to mention the environment, as a priority is a sad reflection of how the issues related to it seem to be.
We must never forget that the province’s economic, social and cultural progress is invariably linked with its environmental situation.
The good things that have been accomplished in the last two and a half years plus the plans for continued development that Mr. Espino talks about would all come to naught once calamities triggered by human negligence and indifference to the plight of mother nature would quickly destroy the touted infrastructures and facilities.
Environmental protection is a gargantuan work that requires the contribution of all sectors, it would take an ardent leader to bring that together and set the pace for continued and long-term implementation.
In saving and caring for the environment, Pangasinan’s governor must be able rally the province’s local government officials towards a common commitment to serve the most basic issues, i.e., closing of open dumpsites, planting more trees, stopping illegal quarrying, fishing and fish pens; and educating communities on recycling and proper disposal of wastes, among many other things. Short of these, only a few local government units and communities will likely survive the next onslaught by nature on our environment.
Without looking after our natural resources as a priority, Pangasinan could never hope to realize Mr. Espino’s vision, it being the best place to invest, work, live, and raise a family.
Share your Comments or Reactions
Powered by Facebook Comments
