LLDA launches public disclosure program

The Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA), an agency attached to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), launched recently a program aimed at creating pressure on industries and local government units (LGU) to comply with pollution control laws and effectively perform their roles as protectors of the environment.

Called Public Disclosure Program (PDP), the scheme hopes to enlist the support of media in exposing the polluters while applauding compliant industries. It will also showcase the innovative and best practices of local government units in conserving the lake’s resources.

Initially, the program will cover 51 industries and 61 local government units in the provinces of Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Rizal, Quezon, and Metro Manila. Quarterly monitoring and feedback-response system will be undertaken culminating in the disclosure of compliant and non-compliant industries and LGUs. Criteria and indicators are now in place, based primarily on pollution loading for industries and on existing local governance performance management system on environment for LGUs.

To ensure its effective implementation a multi-sectoral program monitoring group (PMG) was created to oversee the implementation of the PDP. The group is composed of representatives from LLDA, DENR-Environmental Management Bureau, LGUs, River Councils, non-government organizations, and representatives from the different industries. It shall perform policy and decision making function relative to the implementation of the PDP in the lake region. It will also ensure that reporting of environmental performance is national and unbiased.

LLDA-PDP is part of the Laguna de Bay Institutional Strengthening and Community Participation Project (LISCOP).

Related to this, the Rotary International D-3780 and the Laguna Lake Development Authority conducted a seminar on "Integrated Water Resource Management and Pollution Control" last Oct. 29 at the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) gymnasium, EDSA, Quezon City. Its objective was to generate a high level awareness, understanding and appreciation of Laguna de Bay as a rich ecosystem, ideal for domestic commercial and industrial use.

The seminar fea-tured speakers who shared the continuing commitment for the espoused sustainable development of the Laguna Lake and its watershed. Speakers enlightened the participants on the LLDA’s flagship programs which are: Environmental User Fee System, Zoning and Management Plan, River-Rehabilitation Program and Shoreland Management program which open business opportunities for interested groups of individuals.