PREPARATIONS are underway for the holding of the first multi-sectoral summit on water and environment for Pangasinan next month.

The summit, with the theme, “Hurdling Roadblocks to Sound/Sustainable Environment,” is geared towards reconciling systems approaches and methodologies in planning and implementing programs for a sustainable environment, according to Sally Navata, head of a non-government organization that is spearheading the event in cooperation with the UP Social Action and Research Development Foundation (UPSARDF).

The event will be staged in coordination with the provincial government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Kalikasan Foundation. It is expected draw some 300 leaders of various NGOs, local government units (LGU’s), educational institutions, religious and business sector and women organization of Pangasinan.

Navata said the summit secretariat is also inviting manufacturing, utility service and power generation-based groups, including tourism-related enterprises, for a wider and more comprehensive discussion on matters related to the protection and preservation of a balanced ecology.

Among the topics for discussion are the principles of ecologically sustainable development, water coastal and forest resource management, solid waste disposal management system, land use and renewable energy programs.

The summit, Navata said, is designed to support a proposed measure being deliberated upon in the Sangguniang Panlalawigan to codify the implementation of environment programs in the province.

It will be recalled SP Member Alice J. Pulido, Chairperson of the SP committee on environment and Natural Resources filed in September, last year a resolution seeking the adoption of an environment code for Pangasinan. The measure is now on second reading.

Pulido noted that Bulacan, Batangas, Cebu, Iloilo and other key provinces in southern Philippines are surging ahead in economic growth because “these provinces have codified their environmental undertakings.”

“Being itself a potential regional growth hub, Pangasinan with its vast territory and rich natural resources, needs a comprehensive environmental regulatory measure that will served as guidepost to any development and growth venture,” Pulido stressed in calling for the adoption of the proposed code.