BACOLOD City – The provincial government of Negros Occidental conducted its first provincial Pollution Control Officers (PCOs) Convention at the Capitol Social Hall on October 28, aiming to strengthen environmental governance and enhance the capabilities of PCOs in ensuring compliance with environmental laws and standards.
Gov. Eugenio Jose Lacson led the event, joined by Provincial Administrator Atty. Rayfrando Diaz, both of whom expressed full support for the initiative, highlighting the critical role of PCOs in promoting sustainable and environmentally responsible governance across the province.
Participants included employees from the Hospital Operations Department, Allied Services Offices, and the Economic Enterprise Development Department, all of whom emphasized that building the capacities of PCOs is essential to ensuring that provincial government operations — particularly hospitals and other facilities — adhere to environmental regulations.
The convention reaffirmed the provincial government’s commitment to protect public health, preserve natural resources, and foster a culture of environmental accountability in all offices and hospitals.
PCOs play a vital role in monitoring compliance, overseeing environmental permits, and ensuring the proper handling and disposal of waste materials, according to a statement from the provincial capitol’s social media page. Hazardous wastes from hospitals, including infectious materials and chemical residues, are collected and transported by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-accredited haulers to licensed treatment facilities. These facilities use approved methods to safely treat and dispose of the wastes, safeguarding both public health and the environment.
By equipping PCOs with the knowledge and tools to perform their duties effectively, the provincial government aims to ensure that all its operations align with environmental standards and contribute to sustainable development./PN
