Environmental, health and sanitation codes signed
LINGAYEN–Governor Amado T. Espino Jr. signed into law on Wednesday two major regulatory ordinances passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) that are expected to bolster the provincial government’s campaign for a balanced ecology that will ensure a healthy environment for Pangasinenses.
Signed in the presence of SP members led by Vice Governor Jose Calimlim Jr. were Provincial Ordinance No. 159-2012, the “Pangasinan Environment Code of 2012,” and Provincial Ordinance No. 162-2012, the “Health and Sanitation Code of the Province of Pangasinan.”
The Environment Code, authored by Second District Board Member Von Mark Mendoza, was passed by the SP on July 2 this year following a series of public hearings that drew an all-out support from local leaders and residents.
Mendoza, chair of the SP environment committee, said the environment code was first introduced by then board member Alice Pulido and Vice Gov. Marlyn Primicias-Agabas, now a congresswoman representing the province’s sixth district, six years ago but fine-tuned by this year.
The code delineates the limits and extent on the use of the province’s natural resources and provides the specific guidelines in “preserving the resilience of nature through a management system that will foster human dignity….”
It also strengthens the capability of the various local government units (LGUs) in protecting the environment while reconciling the modes of implementation of programs and activities aimed at promoting a sustainable and balanced ecology.
PECC
Another salient provision in the code requires proponents of environment-critical projects to secure a Provincial Environmental Certificate (PECC) in addition to the ECC being issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) before operating.
Mendoza said the PECC is being required to ensure that proponents will not disregard the environmental laws of the province.
Among the environment code’s objectives include: the promotion of principles of accountability, involvement, awareness and responsibility for sustainable development and protection of the environment among the province’s LGUs.
The code shall allocate the cost of environmental protection and restoration equitably.
“This is a monumental piece of legislation,” said 6th District Board Member Alfonso C. Bince Jr.
HEALTH, SANITATION
On the other hand, the health and sanitation code, authored by SP Members Jeremy Agerico Rosario, Angel Baniqued and Mendoza, will serve as the guidepost in regulating food-based industries, particularly agricultural and marine products, livestock, swine, poultry, water, among others.
The code, enacted on July 16, covers hospitals, hotel and recreation facilities, beauty clinics and parlors as well as burial grounds, sewerage and other establishments catering to the public.
Under the health and sanitation code, any person who wishes to work in the said establishments is required to secure a health certificate from the Local Health Office before employment.
Likewise, owners of food establishments and food manufacturers are required to secure sanitary permits and these should be posted inside the business establishment.
The code further prohibits smoking in all food establishments and food manufacturing establishments and provides for a solid waste management plan.
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