The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Regional Office IV-A has called on barangays to join the national government’s efforts in addressing environmental problems in the country.
In his message during the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives and Awards regional awarding ceremony held on Wednesday, July 25, Regional Director Manuel Q. Gotis urged the punong barangays to proactively adopt measures for the prevention and control of proliferation of informal settlers in identified coastal areas and riverbanks in their communities.
The DILG IV-A chief said informal settlements along creeks, waterways, riverbanks, and shorelines is a violation of law and only barangays have the control to prevent informal settlers from dwelling in the said prohibited areas.
“Mabigat ang tungkulin ng barangay at ako ay naniniwala na walang makakapag-ayos ng mga informal settlers sa mga bawal na lugar na ‘yan kung hindi ang barangay,” says Gotis.
He said that the barangays share great responsibility with the city and municipal governments in ensuring environmental conservation and protection as prescribed by Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991.
Citing President Rodrigo Roa Duterte statement in his third State of the Nation Address, the Regional Director also called on the city and municipal mayors to provide assistance to Punong Barangays in addressing the proliferation of informal settlers.
“Noong SONA [State of the Nation Address] ay narining natin si President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at pansin na galit siya sa mga local governments na pinababayaan ang environment,” the Regional Director said.—R4A
