RDC Environment Committee endorses sustainable development priorities for Region I
The Regional Development Council’s Environment Committee 1 (EnviCom-1) endorsed key regional sustainability plans and tackled climate resilience and water quality concerns during its fourth-quarter meeting at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Office 1.
Chaired by DENR-1 Regional Executive Director Ronnel C. Sopsop, the committee approved the updated Region 1 Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) Catch-up Plan for 2026–2030, which targets 15 indicators showing regression through priority programs and projects. It also approved its 2027 work program and policy agenda to guide its activities and policy discussions next year.
Members reviewed the Risk Resiliency Roadmap, which seeks to align government investments with climate adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction priorities in high-risk provinces and urban areas. Under the National Adaptation Plan 2023–2050, Pangasinan is among 18 provinces identified as highly exposed to climate risks, while Ilocos Sur and La Union have medium-high exposure and Ilocos Norte has medium-low exposure.
Meanwhile, Pangasinan’s Resiliency Roadmap and Investment Portfolio for Risk Resilience is being developed and is expected to be finalized and endorsed by the Provincial Development Council early next year.
The committee also discussed data requirements for the environment chapter of the 2027 Regional Development Report and reviewed recommendations from the Region 1 Coastal Resilience and Biodiversity Protection Forum.
On water quality, members raised concerns over elevated phosphate and fecal coliform levels across all Water Quality Management Areas in the region. The committee referred the matter to its Technical Working Group on Sewerage and Sanitation for further assessment and appropriate action.
EnviCom-1 also endorsed the environment sector component of the third-quarter 2026 report of the Regional Project Monitoring and Evaluation System. The meeting featured updates from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Region 1 and the Environmental Management Bureau Region 1 on major programs and projects, including clean water and ecological solid waste management initiatives.
The committee said its initiatives aim to advance environmental sustainability, strengthen climate and disaster resilience, and promote evidence-based policymaking in support of Region 1’s long-term development.