CITY OF KORONADAL — The South Cotabato Airshed Governing Board (SCAGB) successfully conducted a Capability Training and Deputation of Enforcers to some 30 members of its Technical Working Group (TWG) last April 20 – 22 at Villa Amor, this city.
DENR–EMB 12 Regional Director Socorro Lanto who graced the activity’s opening and closing programs disclosed the importance of the training to TWG members particularly on further enhancing their knowledge about Republic Act 8749 or the Philippine Clean Air Act, the law regulating the standard of air emission on vehicles and industries to minimize pollution in our country.
“Let’s think global but act local,” RD Lanto added, referring to the international community’s commitment to reduce air pollution in which the Philippines should also join as one of the signatories to environmental treaties..
The 3-day activity was divided into three (3) parts; presentation during the first day of the legal provision of the SCAGB and the Philippine Clean Air Act, the proposed South Cotabato Smoke Belching Ordinance and “hands-on” training of the Opacity Meter; In-House Vehicle Smoke Emission Testing at the PROTECH Center on the second day; and, lecture series during the last day on the Duties and Responsibilities of LTO with regards to Anti-Smoke Belching Unit, Depuration of Enforcers (Requirements and Qualifications) and Road Safety.
SCAGB/TWG members include City / Municipal ENROs and CSOs and its partner agencies in the capability training are Technical Education and Skills Development Authority and Land Transportation Office.
The activity also coincided on the celebration of Earth Day 2016 on April 22 with this year’s theme “Trees for the Earth.”
