A two-day intensive workshop was conducted to assess the effectiveness and impact of the Strategic Environmental Plan for Palawan Act (Republic Act 7611), also known as the SEP Law, in promoting sustainable development since its passage into law in 1992. The workshop was held on May 6-7, 2015 in Puerto Princesa City and was attended by PCSD Officials, PCSD Staff, National Government Agencies, Local Government Unit Officials, Non-Government Organizations, People’s Organizations, media, schools, civic and industry leaders, and other stakeholders of development in the province of Palawan.
This coming June 19, 2015, the SEP Law will be turning 23 years old already. The law’s administrative machinery, the Palawan Council for Sustainable Development and Staff, seeks to know if the same has been effective in promoting sustainable development in the province of Palawan, most especially if it has made an impact to the province’s over-all development, particularly on the state of the natural environment and the quality of life of its residents. The forum also focused on the gaps in the law, the lessons learned and the way forward for this landmark legislation and its lead implementing agency, PCSD.
To achieve the ends of this observance, a series of activities were conducted with different sectors who have been impacted by the SEP Law and the PCSD either as participants, respondents or resource persons. The PCSD Chairman and Palawan’s Governor, Jose Chavez Alvarez, urged the participants to to act together – openly discuss, constructively dialogue, and combine efforts and resources – toward one direction: protected environment, robust economy and an improved quality of life for every Palaweno.
“Help us chart our road for PCSD (and Palawan) for the next 20 years!” he said.
At the end of these activities, a publication or publications containing a comprehensive policy review, diverse set of perspectives, colorful case stories, lessons and recommendations shall be packaged and shared with the PCSD leadership, development partners and scientific advisory board in the hopes of generating broader, stronger support and partnerships. This will serve as a guide for future actions and the future of Palawan.