Continuing its efforts for a sustained green environment, the municipal government of Binangonan, Rizal has formally passed a legislation that would engage the residents in protecting the environment.
By passing Ordinance No. 001 Series of 2023 or the “Municipal Ordinance for Green Infrastructure and Green Environment”, also called the “Luntiang Binangonan” (LB) Ordinance, the local government and all stakeholders will have a contribution in all efforts of the local government unit (LGU) on environment protection.
With the enactment of the measure, Binangonan has become the first municipality in the Philippines to adopt and promulgate a Green Infrastructure Ordinance after Quezon City, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Mandaue and Cebu City.
LB aims to protect the environment through the implementation of existing laws and regulations.
The legal basis of the LB Ordinance is under Republic Act 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991, which states that the LGUs shall ensure and support the promotion of health and safety, and enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology.
Among the scope and coverage of LB for urban development are tree and agricultural products, planting activities on public lands, as well as requiring private lands owned by real estate developers to dedicate an open space for parks and playgrounds.
Mayor Cesar Ynares, who is an engineer, said the implementation of the Green Building Code of 2016 (GB Code of 2016) is one of the highlights of this ordinance, which aims to regulate and provide guidelines to Real Estate Developers and Contractors for the design, construction management, and maintenance of buildings and houses whether private or public structures.
For private houses and structures, residential subdivisions not covered by the GB Code of 2016, the LGU shall provide guidelines for energy conservation and green materials management for developers based on the standards set by the DENR.
For public and private buildings, soon to rise and those undergoing renovation and retrofitting, are mandated to submit their plans that complies with the standard design, regulation, and process of construction as part of the Building and Occupancy permit approval.
Other stakeholders, including the public utility vehicle owners and operators, boat operators and business establishments are also being targeted to comply with the ordinance that was passed earlier this year.
During the launching of the LB Ordinance on Sept. 14, Mayor Ynares announced that compliant entities are entitled to receive awards such as tax credit and the so-called “BERDE Certification” from the LGU.
Meanwhile, violators shall be penalized with a fine of P1,000 to P2,500 or imprisonment of two to six months or both.
Administrator Russel Ynares told Manila Bulletin that part of the ordinance is the town's effort to boost the eco-tourism programs of the local government.
During the launching event, all stakeholders, including students, barangay leaders and personnel, academe, business owners, government officials and residents, recited an oath on environment protection.
Rizal Governor Nina Ricci Ynares, who also attended the event, congratulated the municipal government for its pro-ecological initiatives as she underscored the local government’s pro-active and sustained role in supporting the provincial government’s YES to Green Program (Ynares To Eco-System To Green Program).
