By CESAR JOLITO III
A multi-sectoral coalition has called for urgent government action to address mounting environmental threats and food security concerns across Negros Island, outlining key reforms aimed at protecting critical ecosystems and strengthening sustainable agriculture systems.
In their manifesto, participants and stakeholders examined ecological interconnections and promoted climate-resilient farming practices, including so-called “green carbon” initiatives, following a two-day summit dubbed “Panguma” that brought together farmers, youth leaders, environmental advocates, and civil society groups.
“We stand for the protection of our ecosystems, the empowerment of our communities, and the future of food security in Negros,” the group said in a unified statement.
The activity was held in Negros Occidental’s Talisay City and Bacolod City, with field engagements conducted in upland areas such as Sitio Campuestuhan in Barangay Cabatangan and a local farm in Barangay Alangilan.
Key environmental threats flagged
Stakeholders cited persistent challenges such as weak enforcement of environmental laws, illegal land conversion in protected zones, and insufficient support for local farming communities.
They also raised concerns over gaps in disaster preparedness and the gradual erosion of traditional agricultural knowledge.
The coalition identified major ecological zones — including the Northern Negros Natural Park, Mount Kanlaon Natural Park, and Mount Talinis — as critical to the island’s water supply, food production and climate resilience.
However, they warned that these ecosystems are increasingly under threat from unauthorized developments and land-use changes, which could undermine long-term environmental stability.
Eight-point reform agenda
The Panguma manifesto outlined eight priority actions directed at national and local government agencies.
Among the most urgent is a call to suspend Environmental Compliance Certificate approvals in protected areas until ancestral land claims are resolved through the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP).
The group also urged stricter enforcement of key environmental laws, including Republic Act 11038 (Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System), Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act), Republic Act 8749 (Clean Air Act), and Republic Act 9275 (Clean Water Act).
Other recommendations include expanding support for organic agriculture, rejecting genetically modified organisms, investing in community-based irrigation systems, and promoting ecotourism initiatives managed by local communities.
The coalition further called for a comprehensive anti-hunger program integrating efforts from agencies such as the Department of Agrarian Reform, Department of Agriculture, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and Department of Education.
Push for policy action and accountability
Beyond programmatic reforms, the group is advocating for legislative measures, including the passage of local ordinances to declare rivers, caves and forests as protected areas, and a congressional inquiry into alleged illegal developments within key conservation zones.
They also expressed support for the proposed “Right of Nature” Bill and opposition to House Bill 621, which seeks to transfer ancestral domain authority from the NCIP to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.
The manifesto likewise raised concerns over the operations of the Energy Development Corporation in Kanlaon Volcano, citing unresolved issues related to energy commitments, environmental impact and community displacement.
The coalition said the manifesto will be formally submitted to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., along with cabinet officials, local government leaders and barangay authorities./CJ, WDJ