DANAO CITY, Cebu — The local government here announced on Tuesday that it has passed an ordinance to promote the development and protection of all its natural and man-made wetlands.

Ordinance 2023-17-018 or the Danao City Wetland Protection Ordinance of 2023 was signed by Mayor Thomas Mark Durano.

"Before we make major decisions, we always consider its effects and the good of both people and environment. Times are changing and climate change is a serious threat. We continue to make legislations — through the Sangguniang Panglungsod members — which will protect Danao City," said Durano in a statement.

The ordinance seeks to protect the city's wetlands including man-made ones that have a significant effect on the wildlife habitat.

It recognizes the role of wetlands such as streams, springs, ponds, lakes, mangroves, oceans and other habitats for various types of animals as it balances the ecosystem and can also be a source of food.

The ordinance — authored by City Councilor Don Roel Arias — also covers the conservation and wise usage of wetlands for sustainable development, inclusive growth, poverty reduction, food security, biodiversity conservation, climate change adaptation and mitigation and disaster risk reduction and management.

Danao City's LGU also tasked the City Environment and Natural Resources to be the lead agency in monitoring compliance with the ordinance which will require affected barangays to integrate and mainstream all their policies on the conservation of wetlands, in consultation with CENRO, Department of the Interior and Local Government and other concerned agencies.