Bacolod city: Pollution control officers (PCOs) in Negros and Siquijor will convene in the first PCO summit in the Negros Island Region (NIR) next month.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Inc. (PCAPI) announced on Friday that the summit, themed "Unmasking Tomorrow for a Cleaner, Brighter, Sustainable Negros Island Region," will be hosted by the highly urbanized Bacolod City on October 15 and 16.

"It will explore emerging challenges, practical solutions, innovative technologies and the evolving role of the PCO in building a cleaner and more sustainable future for Negros Island," the PCAPI said.

The two-day summit will gather pollution control officers, environmental practitioners, industry representatives, regulatory experts, and environmental solution providers from Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Siquijor, and Bacolod City.

Participants can expect expert insights, regulatory updates, industry experience, and emerging environmental trends, as well as meaningful networking and knowledge exchange among PCOs and environmental practitioners.

The sessions will tackle practical solutions, technologies, and best practices through the solution marketplace.

Other features include interactive case discussions, challenge room sessions, and practical approaches to real-world compliance challenges.

"Participants can identify actionable ideas and solutions to bring back to your organizations," the PCAPI said.

As a recognized PCO training organization/institution by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau, PCAPI is "working hand in hand with the government in the protection of the environment, prevention, abatement, and control of land, air, and water pollution."