SP LA UNION ENACTS ORDINANCE MANDATING PROTECTION OF COASTAL, AQUATIC RESOURCES
By: Rhea Matilde A. Ballesteros, GPC-SP | Photos Credits: Mark Andrew G. Sanchez, SP | Date: March 18, 2021
SPM Geraldine R. Ortega, Chairperson of the SP Committee on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources and principal author of Ordinance Providing Protection, Conservation and Management of Coastal and Aquatic Resources in the Province of La Union moves for its approval on 2nd Reading during the Regular Session of the 22nd Sangguniang Panlalawigan on third and final reading on January 19, 2021. In her sponsorship speech, she said that the ordinance will further enhance the protection, conservation and management of coastal and aquatic resources in the province.
To address problems confronting the coastal areas in the province, the 22nd Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed on third and final reading the ordinance providing for the protection, conservation and management of coastal and aquatic resources in the provincial waters.
The ordinance declared that it is the policy of the province to protect, conserve, restore and ensure sustainable development of the coastal resources not only for today but for the future generations. Likewise, it provides for the development of Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) Program wherein the LGUs shall act as the frontline agencies in the formulation, planning and implementation of ICM programs in their respective coastal and marine areas. It also includes provisions for the protection and conservation of mangroves, seagrasses and coral reefs; regulation on the construction and operation of fish corals/fish pens and prohibition of beach mining; protection and conservation of aquatic habitat; and promotion of aquaculture.
In addition, the ordinance will recognize the local government units for their efforts in the protection and management of Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through the Provincial MPA Award Program for the best managed MPA.
Penalties on the violation of this ordinance are set to P2,000.00 for the first infraction; 3,000.00 for the second infraction; and for the third and succeeding infractions, P5,000.00 or imprisonment of not more than one year or both in the discretion of the court.
Environmental and Agricultural Officers of the component LGUs, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office, Provincial Agricultural Office and other concerned individuals were consulted in the crafting of the ordinance through a Public Hearing on December 22, 2020 spearheaded by SP Committee on Agriculture and Aquatic Resources, Chaired by SPM Geraldine R. Ortega and also the principal author of the said ordinance.
The passage of the ordinance is also in support of the #KalikasanNaman advocacy of Gov. Francisco Emmanuel “Pacoy” R. Ortega III which aims to protect, conserve and manage the rich, healthy and wonderful natural resources the province is blessed with.
Sangguniang Panlalawigan votes unanimously affirmative to the passage of Ordinance Providing Protection, Conservation and Management of Coastal and Aquatic Resources in the Province of La Union on February 2, 2021. The enactment of the ordinance will address several issues confronting the provincial waters and ensure the protection, conservation and sustainable development of the coastal resources.
