Vargas pushes bike, basura measures to combat El Nino
QUEZON City 5th District Rep. PM Vargas has pushed a legislation to combat the unfavorable effects of the harsh weather, including the looming El Niño.
Vargas, a stalwart of the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (CMD), said he puts confidence in localized initiatives as response to climate change by finding solutions at the community level.
Among the local efforts that Vargas pushes for is Rent-a-Bike Program for Every City and Municipality (HB 6834) as well as house bills to transform the barangays of the District into bike-friendly communities.
“Majority of our people are active members of the labor force who comprise the riding public. By providing them access to alternative transportation, we don’t only help them economically. We can also contribute to how the environment heal from all the pollution,” Vargas said.
The neophyte lawmaker also proposed for House Bill (HB) No. 4556 or the Basura to Ayuda Act, which intends to incentivize solid waste management recycling through exchange or rewarding of basic commodities such as rice, eggs, vegetables, canned goods, basic household consumer goods, other essential grocery items or even cash.
Cognizant to our universal need for safe and potable water, Vargas also pushed for the Potable Water Supply Act (HB 5807) to establish communal water supply system that will be equitably distributed to the provinces and municipalities and additionally HB 6142 or the Safe Water Drinking Act.
Vargas explained that “Climate change is not new. It has long been a challenge for policymakers even before my career as a legislator. In order to make a lasting impact, we should work together to reframe public mindset and eventually their practices relative to the environment.”
Speaking as representative of a highly urbanized district in Quezon City, Vargas has high hopes to achieve adequate green spaces, where Filipinos can move around freely, drink safer potable water and breath fresh air.
He also highlighted that the policies he champions for are all inspired by his predecessor and older brother, Councilor Alfred Vargas, who likewise pushed for high impact legislations to address climate change.
