Green group to test local candidates’ knowledge on environmental issues
AN ADVOCACY group is launching a survey that will test the knowledge and stand of candidates for local positions in Davao City on environmental issues.
Non-government organization Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS), Inc. will conduct the survey, dubbed Green Vote 2022, among aspirants for mayor, vice mayor, councilors, congressional representatives.
Results of the survey will be published in April to help voters make an informed decision relating to environmental protection.
“IDIS launched the Green Vote 2022 Survey for us to know what are the environmental and sustainability plans of our local candidates,” IDIS Executive Director Mark T. Peñalver says.
“Also, this survey aims to provide Dabawenyos information about who among these candidates have the passion and commitment to address the environmental challenges we are facing right now,” he said.
The survey questions will include localized issues on watershed protection, solid waste management and zero-waste lifestyle, urban livability, good agricultural practices, sustainable and clean energy, policy bottlenecks, and good governance.
Among the specific concerns that will be tackled are the proposed waste-to-energy facility, Samal Island-Davao City bridge, cutting of old-growth trees at declared conservation zones such as those in Mt. Makabol-Alikoson and Kalatong, and quarrying and mining.
“It is important that we know where our candidates stand in terms of environmental protection and sustainability as these candidates will lead us either to the path where we all enjoy life without threat from the effects of climate change or to drown us because they fail to protect us from pressing environmental challenges,” Mr. Peñalver said.
IDIS program coordinator Lemuel Manalo stressed that the Green Vote 2022 initiative is not intended to endorse any candidate. — Maya M. Padillo
