Policy Intervention

Policy intervention is just one of the many strategies that can be used for the cause of the environment. Since the government is a powerful agent of change, influencing its policies can have great impact. Just like many other issues, environmentalism has a political dimension. This does not necessarily require getting elected to a political position. Even ordinary citizens or groups can have a voice. YPEC is fortunate to be given the opportunity to have a voice to participate in the legislative process of Legazpi City.

For the past three months YPEC has been actively participating in the committee and public hearing deliberations of the Sangguniang Panlunsod on matters that have environmental significance. So far, YPEC has significantly contributed in drafting two proposed city ordinances. These ordinances are the Anti-Littering Ordinance and the River Protection Ordinance. The first proposed ordinance is now approved by the city council and has the full status of a local law. Meanwhile the second proposed ordinance is still undergoing a series of public hearings.

The participation of YPEC in local legislation is made possible through the help of Councilor Rolly Rosal. He has given the organization the privilege to be regularly invited to the city legislative deliberations. He also encouraged the organization to apply to the Legazpi City Planning and Development Council (LCPDC). On the other hand, the organization is also seeking representation to the provincial government through the environmental protection committee of the provincial board.

Aside from legislative participation, YPEC is also seeking to participate in the actual implementation of environment-related ordinances. For instance, the organization has arranged an appointment meeting with the city mayor to discuss the possibility of the organization being part of special taskforces created by the city chief executive. One of these taskforces is the Anti-Smoking Taskforce. YPEC seeks to participate as the monitoring and information-dissemination arm of the said taskforce.

YPEC is also actively involved in the issue of climate change. The organization was given the opportunity to be part of the organizing committee of the recently concluded First Scientists Round Table Conference on Climate Change held in Legazpi City. This privilege was granted by the Albay CIRCA (Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Change Adaptation).

The various participations of YPEC in government policy interventions is a proof that environmental activism does not necessarily entail protest rallies. The organization believes that participatory governance is the best way of pursuing environmental advocacies. Participating in government legislations and programs is far more effective than holding piquet lines or hoisting indignation streamers. Having a voice in government does not necessarily entail shouting indignations. YPEC considers the parliament of the streets only as a last resort.