BY NAPOLEON OLASO and JIM CARLO BUTON/UM Interns
THE INTERFACING Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) presented the results of its Green Vote 2025 Survey in a public forum, urging local candidates to prioritize environmental issues in their political agendas.
Of the 96 candidates identified, 29 responded to the survey, stating their positions on 17 key environmental issues. Topics included watershed protection, quarry regulation, waste management, and the use of renewable energy.
Notably, none of the mayoral candidates, including former President Rodrigo Duterte and former Cabinet Secretary Karlo Nograles, responded to the environmental survey, leaving voters without insight into their environmental policies.
Among the vice mayoral candidates, only Richard ‘Marcos’ Alcebar responded to the Green Vote 2025 environmental survey, providing detailed positions on key issues.
In contrast, other candidates, including incumbent Mayor Sebastian ‘Baste’ Duterte and City Councilor Bernie Al-ag, did not participate.
A majority of candidates supported measures such as banning single-use plastics, establishing the Davao Bus System, and transitioning to renewable energy.
However, opinions varied on controversial projects like the Waste-to-Energy facility and the Samal-Davao bridge.
The forum also highlighted policy recommendations including the full implementation of environmental ordinances and institutionalization of grassroots efforts like the Bantay Bukid program.
IDIS also presented key policy recommendations, such as finalizing IRRs for existing ordinances, institutionalizing the Bantay Bukid program, and strengthening grassroots waste management efforts.
Atty. Romeo Cabarde urged the public to establish community monitoring mechanisms to hold elected officials accountable post-election.
The Green Vote 2025 initiative aims to ensure environmental issues are no longer sidelined in political discourse and that voters make informed, sustainable choices.
