The Department of Trade and Industry’s Pangasinan Provincial Office (DTI-PPO), Negosyo Center, Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Council, and SME Roving Academy, in partnership with LGU-Bayambang, conducted a seminar titled “Sensitization and Orientation on Promotion of Green Economic Development (GED) cum Consumer Education and Advocacy” at the Balon Bayambang Events Center on Thursday, November 23.

Local Economic and Investment Promotion Officer Levin N. Uy explained that there are three important factors that should always be balanced and harmonized, namely economic, social, and environmental. He stated that “greening is important nowadays and we should start with ourselves,” adding that the less solid waste that we produce, the better our contribution is to solid waste management. He then proudly announced that Bayambang is number one in solid waste management in the whole of Pangasinan and it is the only town with a plastic compactor.

DTI Business Development Division Chief Natalia B. Dalaten explained that DTI organized the event because “all government branches should be involved in environment-friendly activities.” Dalaten talked about a variety of topics including the approaches and strategies in greening, its advantages, and why businesses should go green. The DTI Consumer Protection Division, headed by Chief Marjury E. Lorezco, discussed the salient features of the Consumer Act and the rights and responsibilities of consumers.

DTI introduced Bayambang to the bamboo industry, Uy said. Now, the town takes pride in the fact that it has the biggest bamboo nursery plantation in the entire Philippines. He also mentioned that Architect Felino ‘Jun’ Palafox, who is well-known for his environmentally-friendly designs, is now making plans for Bayambang. And if the architectural and engineering sectors are now taking steps towards a greener environment, he said, then the business sector should also follow suit.

Uy noted that Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao is making his own contribution to greening the environment by founding the company CS First Green with the theme “Inspiring Opportunities in Greening the Environment.”