DILG calls on GEM LGUs to step up waterway rehab, waste management

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday said it will assess the implementation of action plans submitted by local government units (LGUs) of five major tourist island destinations designated as green economy models (GEMs), amid ongoing environmental concerns.

The DILG is set to meet with local chief executives from El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Panglao, and Boracay — the so-called five GEMs — to discuss the concrete measures they have undertaken to address environmental and public health issues within their jurisdictions.

The department emphasized that LGUs must establish strategies to clean up, rehabilitate, and preserve the water quality of waterways and other bodies of water in their areas.

Earlier, the five GEMs submitted six-month rehabilitation action plans to the DILG, outlining strategies for liquid and solid waste management, tourism development, peace and order, and the handling of health-related concerns. Copies of the plans have been forwarded to relevant government agencies for appropriate action.

Since last year, the DILG has been working with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Tourism (DOT), Department of Health (DOH), and the LGUs to coordinate strategies that address the environmental challenges facing the five island destinations.

The initiative supports President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s directive to position the Philippines as a premier tourist destination in Asia.