The Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Energy in the Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (MENRE-BARMM) has awarded Wednesday environmental compliance certificates (ECCs) to three local government units (LGUs) and three business firms in the region.

During the awarding rites held at the BARMM government center here, Environment Minister Abdulraof A. Macacua awarded the ECCs to representatives of the Cotabato Light and Power Company in Cotabato City, and also the Eka Salam Agriventures Corporation, and Delinanas Development Corporation, both in Maguindanao. Also given ECCs were the LGUs of Parang, Maguindanao; and Wao, Lanao del Sur, and received their commendation for the establishment of sanitary landfills.

Maguindanao province, for its part, was given a plaque for having 50 percent of their municipalities with approved and legitimized 10-year solid waste management plan.

“All of these acts are mandated under the Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000,” Macacua said in an interview with the PNA here Thursday.

“Environmental protection is our responsibility. Our participation in this endeavor is both our moral and social obligation,” he added.

MENRE Senior Consultant Alindatu K. Pagayao also recognized the efforts that the entities exerted to ensure their environmental compliance and encouraged them to continue doing so.

“Let us perform this act of service to our environment sincerely, and not just for mere compliance and good image. Firstly, we owe it to nature that we protect it,” Pagayao said.

Last month, the MENRE’s Environment Management Services (EMS) office has visited companies and municipalities in BARMM to check, monitor, and evaluate their performance and commitment in terms of their implementation, or the lack thereof, of environmental laws.

Macacua said the ECC awarding is in connection with the annual celebration of June as Philippine Environment Month.