The election is coming fast, and it will be pivotal in determining the future we want for our families, communities, country, and planet. Now, more than ever, we need the kind of leaders that will put environmental protection and climate justice as their priority focus. In line with this, the Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) Inc launched its version of the election survey dubbed as Green Vote 2022. With the theme #KinaiyahanNaman, this survey aims to know local aspiring candidates’ environmental stand and platforms in the upcoming election.
The survey form will be forwarded to all official candidates of the City Government of Davao, both legislative and executive branches, including Mayor, Vice Mayor, Representatives, and Councilors. After that, IDIS will consolidate their answers and publicly release the results in April 2022. The survey includes discussion on Watershed Protection, Solid Waste Management and Zero Waste Lifestyle, Urban Livability, Good Agricultural Practices, Sustainable/Clean Energy, Policy Bottlenecks and Good Governance.
This will also highlight candidates’ platforms on environmental management and their views and decisions on various environmental issues in the City. The survey will discuss local issues, such as the halting of the cutting of old-growth trees at declared conservation zones such as in Mt.Makabol-Alikoson and Kalatong, the increasing wastes, and pollution of the Sanitary Landfill, the proposed Waste-to-Energy Facility, resumption of Aerial and Chemical-based Spraying in mono-crop plantations, quarrying and extraction of resources, and the Samal-Davao Bridge and other large infrastructure projects affecting the environment.
“The Green Vote 2022 will not endorse a candidate or candidates but will serve as a guide for Dabawenyos in choosing whom to vote for this coming election. Diri nato mabal-an kinsa sa mga kandidato ang naay plataporma, mga plano para mapalig-on o mobarog sa mga balaod para sa kinaiyahan. After we released the results, our clamor to the public is to vote by prioritizing environmental protection in balance with the needs and health of communities rather than for-profit purposes. We envision for more champions for the environment, with strong policies than mere promises,” Enp Lemuel Manalo, the Program Coordinator of IDIS, said,
IDIS urges the local candidates to participate in the survey genuinely and set this as their avenue to present their commitment to addressing Davao City’s environmental challenges. The organization also encourages Dabawenyos to vote for appropriate politicians that will provide solutions to various environmental issues in the City. This sends a strong message about the kind of future they desire.