Green Cebu

International Clean Up Day 2011 in Cebu

2011-09-10T19:21:00.000-07:00

There will be an upcoming International Clean Up Day 2011 in Cebu, specifically in the MACTAN Area. The International Clean Up Day 2011 Cebu is organized by the Cebu Yacht Club. The International Clean Up Day 2011 Cebu is supported and sponsored by the companies shown in the poster. :D

Sikat II to compete in world solar car challenge

2011-08-10T04:19:00.003-07:00

Students of De La Salle University has done multiple test runs like recently in the North Luzon Expressway in preparation for the 2011 World Solar Challenge in Australia in October. The Philippine Solar Car Challenge Society Inc. (PSCCSI) is preparing for the World Solar Challenge 2011.

Also, Jan H. Kierulf, executive director for research and development of Victory Liner, a Luzon based bus company, stressed during the launch of “Victory Against Climate Change” program in Quezon City that a partnership initiative between the bus company and the Climate Change Commission (CCC) found the necessity for lawmakers to pass a measure that will “legalize” electric powered vehicles, or e-vehicles and allow the Land Transportation Office to set-up specifications and establish safety standards for such types of vehicles.

Federico Lopez, PSCCSI Chairman and Chief Executive said that Sikat II is a testament to Filipino Ingenuity, talent and technological capability in tapping clean and natural sources of energy such as solar power.

About Sikat II:
Sikat II boasts many improvements in design & mechanical features compared to its predecessors namely Sinag and Sikat I. It sports a sleek and aerodynamic body made of lightweight carbon fiber honeycomb composite. Faster than its predecessors, Sikat II can run at top speed of 110-kilometers per hour with its 2-kilowatt motor that weighs less than 180 kilograms, which is 10kg lighter than Sinag.

When running on its 4000 watt-hour Lithium Ion battery and solar array power at a speed of 85Km/Hr, Sikat II can travel more than 800 Kilometers. It is powered by solar energy harvested and converted into electricity by photovoltaic cells. The solar panels are from Sunpower Philippines, a leading manufacturer of high-efficiency solar cells in the world. These solar cells are proudly made in the Philippines-made and manufactured by Sunpower in their Batangas and Laguna Plants.

10 Lapu Lapu Students to serve as ecology police

2011-08-10T04:19:00.001-07:00

At least ten public elementary and high school students in Lapu Lapu City will be deployed to the different barangays in the city to check whether barangays comply with environmental laws. Lapu Lapu City Mayor Paz Radaza said the ten students were picked from around 3,000 children who are in Grade 4 and Grade 5 and second year and fourth year who will later undergo training before citation tickets will be issued to them.

She said students will be told to issue citation tickets to ordinary individuals as well as barangay officials who violate these laws.

The Lapu Lapu City government signed a memorandum of agreement with the University of San Jose Recoletos College of Law for the implementation of environmental laws in the city.

Boost Tourism by protecting nature

2011-08-09T04:17:00.000-07:00

The tourism industry in any city grows if its ecology is protected. Puerto Princesa Mayor Edward Hagedorn said one way his city kept tourism sustainable is by maintaining a state of the art landfill facility. The Mayor was a guest speaker and awardee during the 888 News Forum at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel. Hagedorn lauded Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama for his implementation of the No-segragation No-collection policy.

Cebu City is scouting private waste facilities as Rama is set to close the Inayawan Sanitary Landfill by October 1 following the implementation of the segregation policy last april. Also, Hagedorn said that together with his city government, strictly monitored forests and made sure that development did not draw illegal settlers. Since settlers would affect tourism, they also implemented socialized housing that already benefited 9,000-20,000 beneficiaries. We are also aiming for zero squatters by 2013.

Hagedorn also urged Cebuanos to vote for the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the search for the seven new wonders of the world. The river is currently ranked 15th among the nominees and need more votes. To vote, visit www.new7wonders.com.

Aboitiz Plants 35,000 seedlings in nationwide tree planting

2011-08-08T04:16:00.000-07:00

Team members of Aboitiz Group Companies planted an estimated 35,000 seedlings in different areas nationwide during their annual simultaneous tree planting last July 23. In Cebu, more than 500 volunteers braved the muddy and sloping terrain in Barangay Pung-ol Sibugay in Cebu City to plant approximately 17,000 seedlings of indigenous trees on a nine-hectare land.

Other sites of the tree planting included Laguna, Rizal, Compostela Valley, Agusan del Norte, Manila, Subic, Davao, Albay and Maguindanao.

The company plants these trees not for the sake of planting but to support local-indigenous tree planting to support and complement local flora and fauna for a healthier ecosystem. PBSP who was also present during the event, also supported such an initiative and even endorses integrated watershed management projects to its members as a strategy to combat climate change and to reverse loss of natural resources. The Aboitiz Group and PBSP have been partners in implementing various social development projects.

The simultaneous tree planting is part of AEV-Sustainability Team’s Aboitiz Passion for Reforest and Agrofest to keep (APARK), a group wide biodiversity enhancement program that seeks to plant 3 million trees nationwide by 2015. Partners have reported 90-95% survival rate for trees in Aloguinsan in 2009 and Barangay Sayaw in 2010.

Ronda town joins Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines

2011-07-16T08:42:00.000-07:00

Around 650 folks from Ronda, Cebu braved the early morning cold winds to participate in the recently held Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines by running and planting native tree species in their town. Led by Ronda Mayor Mariano Blanco III, participants—municipal officials and employees, teachers, parents, students, and volunteer-professionals—came in green shirts. They gathered at the town hall at 5 a.m. and ran to the planting site in Barangay Butong to plant some 3,200 native tree species and fruit tree seedlings.

“We want to contribute to the sequestration of carbon dioxide by developing forests in this part of the country and promote a healthier environment for the next generation. We are collaborating with the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Cebu Provincial Government to develop real forests. This is why we joined the Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines,” Municipal Agricultural Officer Lilibeth Montaño said.

The Municipality of Ronda will be coordinating with RAFI in monitoring the planted native tree seedlings and ensuring that they develop into vibrant forests. At the same time, the municipality will continue to support the Provincial Government’s greening efforts by executing the town’s solid waste management system.

The Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines is an initiative under the GREENIN Philippines (Generation REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines) Program of RAFI. The program’s strategies and approaches are holistic, focusing more on tree-growing and post-planting activities to ensure the survival of the native trees planted and the growth of vibrant forests.

GREENIN Philippines Program is a program under the Integrated Development focus area of RAFI, addressing the foundations needed to develop successful communities. Its other focus areas include Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Culture & Heritage, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education.

For more information about the GREENIN Philippines Program, please contact 418-7234 loc. 519 and look for Neil Papas or Myryl Mendoza.

USC, Company pursue diaper recycling project

2011-07-13T05:14:00.000-07:00

There is a planned facility that will deal with 8 tons of waste in Cebu City Daily. In waste disposal areas, it’s mostly the diapers that stink. This and the need to reduce wastes, has prompted two institutions to work together in an effort to recycle used diapers.

The University of San Carlos (USC) and the FDRCon Co. Inc. recently signed a memorandum of agreement to develop a treatment facility for diapers and napkins. Diapers constitute two to three percent of wastes generated everyday, said lawyer Ervin Estandarte, FDRCon vice president for operations. He said diapers need to undergo treatment because these contain both organic and inorganic substances.

The FDRCon runs Cebu’s first integrated resource recovery facility in Barangay Pangdan, Naga City. The facility, established in March last year, enables a systematic collection, recovery, recycling and treatment of municipal solid waste.

Dr. Evelyn Taboada, professor at the USC Department of Chemical Engineering, said they will develop a technology that will yield biogas, compost and recyclable inorganic materials from diapers. “We are helping LGUs solve their problems (on garbage),” Estandarte said in an interview.

Estandarte said about eight tons of diaper wastes are generated in Cebu City every day. Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, mandates local governments to establish a solid waste management plan that emphasizes garbage reduction, re-use, recycling and composting. Whatever cannot be recycled, re-used should be dumped in a sanitary landfill.

Taboada said graduating chemical engineering students of the USC will help in the research and experiment during the first phase of the project. “We have the technology to do it,” she added. Under the agreement, the FDRCon will provide funding, facility and sample of diaper wastes, while the USC will do the experiment dn develop the technology.

Taboada said the second phase of the project will be the actual implementation of the facility and some fine-tuning of the technology.

When things are working, we hope to expand it to different LGUs. Taboada said the USC has had partnerships with several companies on different concerns, including pesticides and energy.

“Our task is to transmit knowledge. Update knowledge and useful knowledge. It must be useful not only to an individual but to the society at large as well, said Fr. Dionisio Miranda, SVD, who being the president, signed in behalf of USC.”

The MRF, which sits on a 7 hectare property in Pangdan, started operating in June last year, Today, the facility processes 50 tons of wastes everyday, a big chunk of which are sold to recyclers, about 20 percent are processed into biofuel, while some are made into compost.

Mandaue reveals ‘secret garden’ to push for natural urban farming

2011-07-13T04:24:00.000-07:00

HIDDEN from public view, a vegetable garden thrives on the rooftop of the old Mandaue City public market. Among the plants grown in the garden are tomatoes, okra, eggplants, squash and tangkong. The soil is fertilized using biodegradable waste from the market’s vegetable section.

The garden was established around 2 months ago when the city started reinforcing its waste segregation policy. The rooftop used to be where the biodegradable wastes from the market’s vegetable section were disposed of. Health advocates also pushed for organic or natural farming which they said is cheap and yields safer and more nutritious products.

In Barangay Canduman, officials have put up a facility where biodegradable solid waste materials are converted to compost heap, and then used as fertilizer for backyard gardening. Mayor Cortes, an agriculture graduate has pushed for composting and backyard gardening to enhance food production and improve solid waste management.

Plants also are important in achieving ecological balance, as they produce oxygen and absorbs carbon dioxide.

Mandaue Buys 4 electric cars

2011-07-12T04:23:00.000-07:00

China-made vehicles that cost Php695,000.00 each to transport customers of new public market. Some vendors and buyers have raised concern about the accessibility of Mndaue City’s new public market. The city has an answer to that: Electric Cars. The city is also considering a rerouting scheme to make new public market accessible, while reducing traffic in major roads. The Market is set to open before the year ends, but market administrator says there’s no opening schedule yet.

Market administrator Musoline Suliva said the city bough four 14-seater electric cars, that will help transport vendors and buyers to the new public market, located at the back of the Mandaue Sports and Cultural Complex in Barangay Centro. A ride in the electric vehicle will cost one Php5.00, if the proposed fare is approved that is. As of the moment, the City Council is in the process of passing an ordinance for the transfer to the new market building. The contractor has yet to turn over the facility to the city.

The old market building, occupied by some 500 legitimate vendors, got burned in 2002 and is now risky for vendors and buyers as well. Also safety is an issue since the old building now gets flooded during downpours which cause inconvenience.

The old market will remain and will still be used but will be limited to only Dry Goods and Mandaue Delicacies.

The new public market is a 10,000-square-meter structure that sits on a 16,460-square-meter lot with the remaining 6,640-square-meters is for the market’s road and parking, easement and mini-parks. Most of the funds used in the project are taken from the PHp379-million loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines and allotments from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). Market Officials have also put a vegetable garden on the rooftop of the old public market, in support of Mayor Jonas Cortes’ advocacy on backyard gardening and garbage segregation.

The rooftop used to be where the biodegradable wastes from the market’s vegetable section were disposed of. They decided to plant vegetables when the wastes turned into rich soil.

Sari-Sari Store Festival 2011 goes green

2011-07-11T08:44:00.000-07:00

Prince Warehouse Club will hold its 6th Sari-Sari Store Festival this July 29, 2011 8am-5pm at the Cebu International Convention Center - CICC, Mandaue City. Prince Warehouse Club also plans to make it more fun-filled with its sub theme: "Prince Warehouse Club Sari-Sari Store Festival 2011 Goes Green."

This year's theme is "Sari-Sari Store Festival 2011: Malambuong Negosyo ug Kagawasang Pinansyal." With its yearly success in this event, Prince Warehouse Club once again invites you to take a peek at what's in store for this year's greener and more entertaining Sari-Sari Store Festival.

Prince Warehouse Club President and CEO Robert Go emphasizes that the Sari-Sari Store Festival is their way of expressing their gratitude to the members for their continued support in sustaining and advancing their vision. Fabulous Prizes will be raffled off during the Festival. The organizers is thankful for the support that they get from their Sponsors for this year's Sari-Sari Store Festival.

About Prince Warehouse Club:

Prince Warehouse Club is a retail warehouse club chain with four branches in Cebu located in the North Reclamation Area, Old MCWD building, Danao City and Minglanilla. It provides exceptional value in both wholesale and retail for neighborhood stores, restaurants, institutions, resellers, and households. Prince Warehouse Club has also prescenes outside Cebu within Visayas Islands.

Charcoal maker earns by protecting tree seedlings

2011-07-08T05:09:00.001-07:00

From charcoal-making to guarding forests is not an easy transition for sure. The irony is not lost on Letty neap, 54, who maintains seedlings of native tree species planted at the Veco Reforestation Park in barangay tabunan, Cebu.

Nepa is a member of one of the 13 people’s organization mobilized by the Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) and the Visayan Electric Co. (Veco) to maintain and protect reforested areas within the Central Cebu Protected Landscape (CCPL). Nepa, who used to eke out a living by cutting trees and turning these into charcoal, is now part of a campaign to reforest Cebu.

She receives Php6,000.00 a month tending to tree seedlings, a far cry from the Php450.00 a week or Php1,800 a month from making and selling charcoal. She said the income she earned from making charcoal was not enough to feed her six children and 17 grandchildren. “Even when I’m sick, I have to continue making charcoal for my family,” she said. “I chip off from barks of trees to sell firewood when the land is wet and its difficult to burn wood for charcoal,” she added.

She became part Veco’s Php19.4million reforestation project when the Dulhogan People’s Association, a community based organization of which she is a member, was chosen by PBSP to raise native and indigenous tree species for the power distribution utility firm’s reforestation park.

CCPL covers the protected watersheds of Mananga, Kotkot-Lusaran and Buhisan, and the Central Cebu and Sudlon National Parks.

Veco adopted 540 hectares within the CCPL and undertook the responsibility of reforesting it. The firm plans to plant one million trees within the CCPL by 2015. By then, Veco also plans to have planted 100,00 magroves on 10 hectares of the foreshore off Mactan Islands.

Schools Ban smoking to dismiss violators

2011-07-08T04:26:00.000-07:00

SMOKING will never be tolerated in schools, and those who violate the policy can be suspended or dismissed, an education official warned. Department of Education (DepEd) 7 Director Recaredo Borgonia cited R.A.9211 or the Tobacco Regulation Act of 2003, which prohibits smoking in schools and other public places. He warned that students or teachers who smoke inside the school can be suspended or expelled.

DepEd Undersecretary Alberto Muyot recently issued a memorandum integrating the anti-smoking campaign into the Oplan Balik Eskwela program. “Habits are formed early in life,” Borgonia said. The government’s anti-smoking campaign is an inter-agency project of the DepEd, Department o Interior and Local Government, Department of Health and the Department of Trade and Industry.

R.A.9211 prohibits smoking in schools, youth hostels and recreational centers, elevators and stairwells, gas stations, hospitals, health centers, airports, ship terminals and bus terminals, among other places. Borgonia appealed to parents and local officials to help enforce the law.

Last year, the Cebu City Council passed an ordinance that prohibits smoking of cigarettes and other tobacco products in public conveyances and public facilities, including airport and ship terminals, bus stations, conference halls and even restaurants.

The measure provides for a designated smoking area, but it should be 10 meters away from entrances and exits of malls and commercial establishments, and should be enclosed and separate from the non-smoking areas.

Violating the ordinance could cost a smoker up to Php3,000.00 in penalties and imprisonment of up to six months. The DOH7 has reported that most of the people diagnosed with lung cancer are smokers.

Lung Cancer is one of the leading cancer deaths among men and women, and the steady increase in the number of people developing and dying from the disease reflects the delayed effects of increased smoking among Filipinos, according to the DOH.

At least 17,238 new cases of lung cancer are diagnosed each year, and over 15,000 deaths due to lung cancer are expected every year.

Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum 2011

2011-07-07T02:48:00.000-07:00

The Cebu leg of the Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum 2011 will be on July 26, 2011, Tuesday on 8:00AM to 6:00PM at Waterfront Cebu City Hotel & Casino. This is Energy Efficiency Forum spearheaded by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in partnership with the International Finance Corporation (IFC).

A technology showcase will be displaying the latest technologies in energy-efficiency products and services already available in the Philippines today. The event aims at focusing solely on energy efficiency from the business perspective of enterprises, such as utilities, buildings, commercial, and industrial and transport/logistics sectors.

The forum themed “Synergizing Partnerships for an Energy Efficient and Competitive Philippines” easily got the support from different big business organizations in Cebu, such as the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Canadian Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Cebu Business Club, and Mactan Island Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

PEEF’s main goal is to contribute to the national effort towards energy security and low carbon future through energy efficiency by:

Convening key decision makers and business leaders from the energy, commercial and industrial sectors and enlist top management commitment to implement energy efficiency programs at the enterprise level;
Strengthening partnerships and broadening alliances with various stakeholders in the private sector, government, civil society, academe and international organizations; and
Promoting greater visibility for innovative approaches and sustainable solutions to energy efficiency.

Investments in energy efficiency are a cost effective way to save money on energy bills and to reduce greenhouse gas emissions at the same time. Opportunities abound as companies and consumers seek for more energy efficiency solutions to lower their energy consumption, operational costs and carbon footprints. The Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum 2011 (PEEF) bridges the gap between these end-users looking for cost effective solutions and the technology and service providers promoting their service offerings.

It is the annual event for promoting closer cooperation among industry associations, business organizations, government agencies, international organizations and major industry players in the energy sector as well as other stakeholders in Philippine business.

“Platform for Knowledge and Best Practice Sharing, Benchmarking, Business Networking & Partnerships, Policy Dialogue, Investment and Finance Prospecting”

The PEEF is a platform for knowledge sharing, best practice, benchmarking, business networking, policy dialogue, investment and financing on energy efficiency.

Benefits of Energy Efficiency

Energy efficiency addresses the triple bottom-line of sustainable development resulting into economic, environmental and social co-benefits.
It is a key and cost-effective solution to climate change mitigation/adaptation, energy security, competitiveness and economic sustainability.
It considers the problem of escalating prices of fossil fuel and the growing pressure for global action on climate change; and
It helps reduce the cost of operations leading to increase global competitiveness of industries.
The Philippine Energy Efficiency Forum-Cebu is expected to draw at least 150 delegates and 30 exhibitors.

The PEEF 2011 is expected to draw conference participants, exhibitors, speakers, and representatives from media and the following sectors:

Appliance, electronic & equipment manufacturers
Building manufacturers & suppliers
Suppliers & developers of energy-efficient technologies
Electricity, Gas, Oil and other fuel suppliers
Infrastructure, alternative fuels & service suppliers
Government agencies
Academic institutions
Industry, environmental associations
Vehicle and equipment manufacturers
Financial institutions
Foreign Embassies

Agenda & Event Highlights
The format for the PEEF 2011 is designed to be compact and comprehensive, and provides plenty of opportunities for business and networking through the following outlets:

Plenary Sessions
International experts and key figures in the Philippine business, energy and environment scenes will discuss various topics:
Session 1: Public-Private Partnerships in Energy Efficiency: Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP), Milestones on the Energy Smart Program & EU Switch Asia Projects, Introducing National Energy Management Standard in the Philippines, ASEAN Energy Management Accreditation Scheme (AEMAS)
Session 2: Energy Management Technologies and Best Practices: Case studies on Energy Efficient Lighting), Philips Lighting Asia Pacific, Smart Grids, European Experience of White Certificate Scheme, Clean Fleet Management, Waste Heat Recovery & CHP-Combined Heat and Power, Energy Efficient HVAC Technologies, Energy Efficient Manufacturing Plants
Session 3: Financing Energy Efficiency Projects: Financing Energy Efficiency Projects through Banks, Financing through Performance Contracting /ESCO Service
Session 4: Energy Conservation and Water Conservation: The Energy and Water Foot prints - where do we go from here?
Open Forums - Moderated open forums will be conducted at the end of each session to provide venue for participants to raise questions and inquiries to the speakers.
Networking Lunch - Hosted by the International Finance Corporation, the Networking Lunch provides a relaxed venue for participants to expand their network and explore new business opportunities.
Technology Showcase - The “Technology Showcase” is an exhibition of the latest technologies in energy-efficient products and services and offers an exclusive opportunity for sponsors and exhibitors to:
Connect with businesses, investors, policymakers and other key decision makers in one location
Showcase your best products to customers, stakeholders and prospective clients
Build new partnerships and alliances as you highlight your organization’s strategy for developing energy efficiency solutions.

Private and pioneering companies featuring green technologies and services have also joined the bandwagon like the International Finance Corporation, Schneider Electric, Bank of the Philippine Islands, Pilipinas Shell, Greenworld LED Solutions, Inc. ABB, First Gen, Meralco and Phillips.

The event also hopes to make Cebu as the country’s leader in the implementation of energy efficiency strategies across industries.

RACE 2 REDUCE 2011

2011-07-04T04:26:00.000-07:00

This year, the aboitiz group who organizes this run will offer half-a-million pesos in cash prizes; Winners can get Php70,000 each! The run this year, is jointly organized by the Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV) and the Cebu Provincial Government, is among the highlights of the One Cebu Expo, a month long celebration of the Province’s 442nd founding Anniversary on August 6. The August 14 marathon, which will kick off at the Cebu International Convention Center.

The race to reduce run will have 21K, 10K, 5K and 3K divisions. Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia said that it’s about time the Province gets involved in the running boom. Aside from the formidable Kenyan runners, out-of-town delegates from Negros and Iloilo are also expected to be contending for the top prize. The second and third place winners will take home Php40,000.00 and Php20,000.00 respectively.

The top three finishers of the half-marathon will pocket Pho20m000.00, Php10,000.00 and Php5,000.00 while top finishers in the 10K will get Php5,000.00. Organizers say their event hast the most reasonable registration fee. Registration is ongoing at the One Cebu Expo Secretariat office at the Cebu Provincial Capitol, Runnr, Ayala, Toby’s SM Branch and the Cebu City Sports Center. Runners may also register online at www.aboitizpower.com.race2reduce.

Cebu is ill-eqiopped for disasters: OCD 7

2011-07-03T04:25:00.000-07:00

The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 7 said Cebu is a highly-urbanized city, yet in terms of calamity preparedness, it is ill-equipped. Neil Sanchez, of the OCD 7, asked the City Government and police officials to identify calamity-prone areas. He said the City has funds intended for disaster risk management, 70 percent of which must be spent on buying life-saving equipment and training rescuers.

The remaining 30 percent must be set aside for calamity response. Sanchez said calamity preparation must start at home.

“Every family must have a disaster kit that contains clothes, food and water good for three days, also medicine and the family’s important documents. In that way, when certain calamities strike, they may just have to take it easily without a hustle,” Sanchez said.

There are six rivers in Cebu that are closely monitored by OCD 7 as calamity prone. These are the Managa River in Talisay City, Indarohan River, Valladolid and Luan-luan river in Carcar City, Guadalupe River and Mahiga Creek in Mabolo, Cebu City. Recently, the Department of Health (DOH) conducted a disaster risk rescue presentation. The activity was participated in by the different agencies, such as the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Cebu Coastguard, Pagasa and the PNP.

The presentation was part of the celebration of July as Disaster Prevention month. There were 25 trainees from DOH conducting the training. They demonstrated how to respond to calamities. Sanchez said the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and local government units must check if they are properly equipped to respond to disasters.

He said the police play an important role in responding to calamities because they are in the field. Operatives from different police stations are encouraged to conduct activities that prepare them for disasters. Cebu City Police Office Director Melvin Ramon Buenafe said he is coordinating with various agencies on disaster response.

He said they are identifying high-risk areas in the city to prioritize in case of disasters. Buenafe said he is planning to request training for his personnel. He said they only have limited supplies and equipment for disaster response.

2 Renewable Energy Proposals for Cebu

2011-06-10T04:28:00.000-07:00

2 private entities have sought permission from the Department of Energy (DOE) to put up renewable energy sources in Argao and Toledo City, Cebu. Lawyer Marissa Cerezo, DOE Renewable Energy Management Bureau assistant director, said the department is evaluating the application of two investors in wind energy resources in two areas.

“The applications (of investors) are under evaluation for legal, technical and financial requirements,” she mentioned. She said investors have 30 days to fulfill all requirements or be disqualified.

Based on DOE Data, as of 2010, the country has a total renewable energy capacity of 5,400 megawatts (MW). The bulk of this comes from geothermal, biomass, solar, wind and hydro power. “Under the renewable energy program, we plan to triple the current capacity in 2030 or at least 15,000 megawatts nationwide,” she said. Eduardo Amante, DOE energy resource development and utilization division chief, said there are two solar power sites in Badian that produce a total of 750 Kilowatts. In Bantayan Island, wastes from poultry and pig farms are converted into biomass energy.

Energy from Biomass sources, however is only two kilowatts, said Amante, which is only enough for the farm owner’s energy requirement.

The Ginatilan municipal government on the other hand, is planning to develop renewable energy sources in its area and is gathering data to prove the feasibility of the project. Solar power potential sites were also identified on Camotes Island and at the Mactan Ecozone. In 2008, the DOE launched a program for the two-year development of a renewable energy database and enhancement of technical expertise of stakeholders.

Last year, it started implementing a five year project to promote renewable energy. The project includes the development of ocean energy from 2015 to 2030. “We are checking potential renewable energy sites in the Visayas. We have an aggressive plan to conduct a massive information and education campaign for stakeholders and probable investors.”

Painting Roofs white can fight sun’s heat

2011-06-10T04:21:00.000-07:00

Students identify a strategy to reduce cost of cooling buildings. Adapting to Climate Change can be done at home, using a paintbrush and white paint. Three biology students from the University of San Carrlos are leading a campaign to paint house roofs white to reduce heat in the surroundings. With the support of the Cebu City Government and Smart Communications Inc., the project was launched last Friday in barangay Luz, Cebu City which serves as the project’s pilot area.

While roofs on residences and commercial buildings can offer big benefits with regard to cooling, energy costs and air quality, said Kimberly Lucero, one of the project proponents.

Dubbed “Painting Roofs White for a Greener Tomorrow: A Response to Climate Change,” the project started as a proposal that won in the Youth Climate Change Project, which aims to make students develop household solutions to global warming.

Initiated by the Siliman University, the Youth Climate Change Project is funded by the World Bank and Smart Communications. “This student project is something that we can do in our won homes. We are very happy to be part of this experiment which, if proven effective, can really make a big impact among communities,” said lawyer Jane Paredes, Smart Visayas-Mindanao public affairs senior manager.

Borg dela Serna, a project volunteer said that 40 to 50 houses in barangay luz will have their roofs painted white using an environment-friendly and toxic free paint provided by NVIRO paint.

“The offset provided by the combined cooling of roofs may provide a significant delay in global warming, during which we can take further measures to improve energy efficiency and sustainability, therby mitigating climate change,” read the project proposal of Lucero, Geraldine Cercado and Ferdinand Zapata. They said painting roofs white is a “sustainable and cost-effective strategy against global warming.”

“We have embraced the idea that buildings can be designed or modified in such a way to directly combat global warming.” White roofs they pointed reflect up to 80 percent of sunlight, while dark-colored-roofs reflect only 10 to 20 percent. They also cited studies that show that on a global scale, if roofs in all urban areas are painted white, global temperature would drop by 0.6 Celsius.

Road Revolution Petition

2011-06-06T08:46:00.000-07:00

Shown below is the Road Revolution Petition for the upcoming Cebu Road Revolution which is to be held this coming June 12, 2011 - Philippines Independece Day; in line with that, we seek Freedom from Pollution!

Atty. Antonio Oposa, Jr. giving a short lecture on what will happen during the Road Revolution Cebu

A PEOPLE’S PETITION

TO REFORM THE ROAD SYSTEM

“Those who have less in wheels must have more in road.”[1]

To the Sangguniang Panlungsod (Bayan) of ______________

Dear Members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod __(or Bayan – if municipality)

We, Children and Registered Voters of the City of Cebu, hereby declare that that we are tired of the chaos, accidents, air pollution and injustice that prevails in the road system of the Philippines. The bias of the present road system for individualized motorized vehicles has caused and will continue to cause tremendous road congestion, serious air pollution, deadly accidents, waste of space, fuel, water, and public space for the convenience of a few, at a great cost to all.

It is time to turn this around.

For this purpose, we, the Filipino People, hereby initiate this Petition to promulgate a local ordinance to reform the existing road system. We ask that an ordinance be passed to convert all existing roads within our City to favor people instead of favoring motor vehicles. After all, towns and cities were made for people, not for motor vehicles.

For this purpose, we respectfully request that the existing roads be divided longitudinally into four parts:

All-weather side-walks and pathways — 30%

Bicycle lanes — 30%

Filipino-made collective and non-pollutive

transportation systems — 30%

Greenbelts for edible gardens — 10%

The ideal situation is depicted in the image below.

An efficient and effective transportation system will provide the constituents of our good City with a healthy and orderly alternative to the existing transportation system.

To support this initiative for local legislation, we hereby submit to your good Office the signatures of the voters of our good City pursuant to Law. We are joined by our children and grandchildren — many of whom will soon be of voting age – who are the most vulnerable to the dangerous conditions of the roads and to the worsening quality of the Air.

This People’s Petition is hereby submitted pursuant to Sec. 120 to 127 of the Local Government Code (Republic Act 7160).[2] Further, Executive Order 712 (2008)[3] and Executive Order 774 (2008)[4] call for the reformation of the road system to favor non-motorized, environment-friendly, and collective transportation systems.

Thank you in anticipation of your kind and expeditious action on the matter within the period provided by Law.[5] We look forward to working with you, your planners, and legislators to flesh out the details of our proposal. We trust that this letter finds you in good health and spirits.

Citizens of the Philippines

and

Residents of the City of Cebu

_______, 20__

Date filed

C:\Users\Tony Oposa Jr\Desktop\TRANSPORTATION REVOLUTION\FINAL DRAFT OF PETITION Road-Revolution 4rd Draft (AO) Nov 2, 2010.doc

[1] Paraphrase of a line from beloved President of the Philippines, circa 1950s who said that, “Those who have less in life must have more in law.”

[2] Sections 120-127 of the Local Government Code gives voters numbering 100 for municipalities and 1,000 for cities the power to submit a petition to the local council to propose legislation.

[3] Sec. 3 of Executive Order 712 (2008) states: The DOTC shall establish as National Land Transport Policy Framework, which shall facilitate the modernization of the land transport industry through the promotion of utility services which are environment-friendly and shall provide assistance to the land transport sector through lease-to-own programs, technical assistance, subsidies, and the encouragement of the use of alternative fuels and/or renewable energy, among others.

[4] Sec. 9 of E.O. 774 (2008) states: Task Group on Fossil fuels. – (a) To reduce the consumption of fossil fuels, the DOTC shall lead a Task Group to reform the transportation sector. The new paradigm in the movement of men and things must follow a simple principle: "Those who have less in wheels must have more in road." For this purpose, the system shall favour non-motorized locomotion and collective transportation system (walking, bicycling, and the man-powered mini-train).

[5] Sec. 120 (b) of R.A. 7160 states: If no favorable action thereon is taken by the sanggunian concerned within thirty (30) days from its presentation, the proponents, through their duly authorized and registered representatives, may invoke their power of initiative, giving notice thereof to the sanggunian concerned.

Stakeholders pose with the Signature Campaign documentation

Atty. Oposa of Law of Nature Foundation, Vince Cinces of 350.org, Atty Gloria Ramos of Philippine Earth Justice Center (PEJC), Atty Rafael Yap, acting Department head of CITOM, Shari Gonzales, Youth, Atty Tara Rama, Sec-Gen for Road Revolution with Mr. Brian Yuson of Saint James Academy of Skills Technology, Inc..shown above image.

You can download the petition here: http://roadrevolution.ph/wp-content/uploads/2011/06/PETITION-Road-Revolution.doc

"Those who less in wheels, should have more in road."

Cebu Road Revolution 2011

2011-06-04T08:47:00.000-07:00

Road Revolution: Filipinos' Declaration of Independence from Air and Traffic Pollution will be held on June 12, 2011. Walk, Run, Skate, Bike as long as it doesn't pollute. The Road Revolution will be along Osmeña Boulevard, Cebu City ~ 6am - 6pm.

The Road Revolution: Filipinos' Declaration of Independence from Air and Traffic Pollution will also have a petition signing! Together let us campaign for sidewalks, bike lanes and collective transportation system in Cebu City!

Freedom walk/bike will kick off at 5am from Cebu Provincial Capitol to Plaza Independencia-and then a Mass and Ceremonial Turnover of the petition will follow at the Plaza Independencia.

Make your stand and be part of the Road Revolution!

Barangay seeks to convert lot into green space

2011-06-01T04:28:00.000-07:00

Officials of Barangay Luz in Cebu City asked the Capitol for permission to develop a vacant provincial lot into a park and playground. In a letter to Vice Gov. Agnes Magpale, Barangay Captain Rian C. Tante said the barangay has no other open space except for the provincial lot at the back of the Pag-ibig building in Sitio Sto. Niño3. It covers 1,948 square meters.

Tante’s letter was referred to the committee of provincial and municipal properties headed by Provincial Board (PB) Member Alex Binghay.

The PB took up the matter in its session the other week. Binghay’s committee will submit its recommendation to the PB during the next session. The project will include an eco-park that will be named after Gov. Gwen Garcia. It will also house a waste conversion facility, a children’s learning center and a youth entrepreneurship center. Tante said the project is part of the barangay’s clean and green program.

He said they will present the entire program of works to the governor if the Capitol gives them the go-ahead. Tante said it has been the dream of the barangay to have its own park and playground. Parks and playground or any other green space will provide children with opportunities for fun and play.

Ensuring the youth’s physical health and mental alertness will have a resounding impact on the barangay’s development. “We are again knocking on the good heart of our Cebu Governor that the local government of Barangay Luz shall be allowed to develop and utilize the site,” an excerpt from the letter.

Experts to speak at green forum

2011-05-30T04:29:00.000-07:00

The organizer of Cebu Business Month (CBM) 2011 has invited experts to discuss environmental issues during the Environmental Business Industry forum recently at Harold’s Hotel Cebu. The environmental forum is one of the highlights of the CBM 2011, organized by the Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CCCI).

The experts are Edna Gapuz of the Development Academy of the Philippines who discussed waste-to-fuel projects; Maricon Encabo on converting plastic wastes to fuel; Dr. Araceli monsada of the Department of Science and Technology, on green technologies; and Edwin Ortiz of the Carbon Credit Financing Opportunities, who will tackle business opportunities from garbage. CCCI also invited Dr. Musjtaq Memon, Program Officer of the United Nations Environment Programme, who implemented projects on integrated solid waste management in India, Lesotho, People’s Republic of China and Sri Lanka.

The forum is meant to make investors and businessmen realize that garbage can be a source of new materials and should not be overlooked as a potential business opportunity, said Mario Panganiban, CCCI environment committee chairman.

There are many new technologies that businessmen are unaware of. We also hope to convince the public to minimize their wastes due to the closure of the landfill.

Project NOWtbuks in Schools

2011-05-23T09:12:00.000-07:00

I was invited and volunteered to join the Project NOWtbuks (NOW is the Time to Build Up Kids for Sustainability) of my college Alma mater CIT-University Industrial Engineering Department and IE Council. Project NOWtbuks happened last May 21, 2011 at Sitio Bonbonan and Sitio Callejon on how to turn scratch papers into notebooks.

Barangay Labangon Gymnasium

Notebooks and bookmarks

Games Games Games

Before the 1st leg of the series of events, I went ahead to donate some scratch/used paper and cartons for them to use as raw material. The objective of the Project is to tap the creativity and resourcefulness of the youth by transforming recyclable papers into usable notebooks thus helping them save money for their school materials.

Mga (DMD-Crazy) Industrial Engineers bow!

Happy Happy, Joy Joy!

It was good to once again, render some of my resources and time for the success of this activity; also to be back with the company of IE Faculty and students as well. Kudos to the Project NOWtbuks and IE Department and IE Council!

Kumbati IE! XD

GREENIN’ Philippines: beyond tree planting…creating real forests

2011-05-12T08:49:00.000-07:00

GREENIN’ Philippines: beyond tree planting…creating real forests is what should be done in our current situation today for Global climate change is a widespread and growing concern that has led to extensive international discussions and negotiations. Many of the activities we do every day such as turning the lights on, cooking food, or heating or cooling our homes rely on energy sources like coal and oil that emit carbon dioxide and other heat-trapping gases into the atmosphere.

We are taking millions of years worth of carbon, stored beneath the earth as fossil fuels, and releasing it into the atmosphere. By now the planet has 392 parts per million CO2 – and this number is rising by about 2 parts per million every year.

The world's leading climate scientists have now revised the highest safe level of CO2 to 350 parts per million. Unless we are able to rapidly return to below 350 ppm this century, we risk reaching tipping points and irreversible impacts that are detrimental to all lives existing on Earth.

One option for slowing the rise of greenhouse gas concentrations in the atmosphere, and thus possible climate change, is to increase the amount of carbon removed by and stored in forests. Aside from this, forests reduce flooding, improve water quality, improve air quality, preserve and increase the diversity of plants and animals and increase the beauty of the environment.

But over the years, the Philippines’ forest resources degenerated because of massive logging activities, fuelwood gathering and charcoal making, shifting cultivation and permanent agriculture. With continued deforestation, some species are now endangered or even extinct. In fact, the Philippines is one of the biodiversity ‘hot spots’ or areas of concern in the world.

The reasons for failure in reforestation efforts are legion, ranging from technical to social issues. Poor species-site matching, inadequate monitoring, corruption and social conflict are some of the major reasons. Addressing these problems in parallel with any environmental rehabilitation and protection undertakings can significantly increase our forest cover.

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) formed the Generation, REdemption, and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines (GREENIN’ Philippines) to provide effective ways to arrest degradation of forestlands with the end view of making the country greener and healthier.

About GREENIN:

The GREENIN’ Philippines is anchored on the lessons and insights gained from years of undertaking sound and viable environmental interventions. It is designed to enhance and/or maintain environmental integrity by restoring biodiversity. It seeks to develop, protect, enhance and co-manage denuded forestlands, brushlands and degraded residual natural forests. The program is expected to have more partners that will share its vision of rehabilitating the environment through the use of native trees. Moreover, in the next three to five years, there will be forest patches created throughout the Philippines brought about the initiatives undertaken by its stakeholders and partners. These forests, which shall be the future homes of wildlife, shall be carefully protected and managed to ensure a healthy population of the wildlife residing therein. It is also the hope of the Program that the Filipinos will be more assertive and responsive in addressing the important environmental issues that already have greatly affected us all.

The reforestation component of GREENIN’ Philippines deviates from the traditional tree planting activities in the country which have reportedly not reaped much success. GREENIN’ Philippines will orchestrate to make real forests in critical areas like watersheds and denuded forestlands by developing value-based capabilities of the Program’s stakeholders and partners to co-manage program implementation. Post-planting activities are performed to ensure that planted seedlings grow to become forests.

Native tree nurseries are maintained as support mechanism of the program. GREENIN’ Philippines strongly advocates the planting of native tree species as these species promote biodiversity restoration faster than exotic ones. These make GREENIN’ Philippines a different strategy from the rest.

The GREENIN’ Philippines has the Province of Cebu for its pilot area. Taking from the Cebu model, the Program shall be gradually implemented in the different regions of the country. This is to ensure that the Program will be properly managed and implemented while building up relevant lessons and best practices from those who have implemented the program ahead.

Run 2 Plant for GREENIN Philippines

2011-05-10T08:51:00.000-07:00

Putting its GREENIN Philippines Program’s advocacies into action, the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) will hold “Run 2 Plant for GREENIN Philippines” on June 25 in commemoration of the Philippine Environment Month and World Environment Day in June.

The run and plant event is organized in collaboration with the Cebu Provincial Government, local government units, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and various government institutions and corporate groups.

The Run 2 Plant for GREENIN Philippines is linked with the expanded Green and Wholesome Environment that Nurtures (eGWEN) Our Cebu Program’s environmental protection and enhancement component. eGwen Our Cebu Program is a joint development program of the Province of Cebu and RAFI with the aim of making Cebu an ideal place to live, work, play, invest and do business.

“The event has two segments, the running and the planting. This event is an approach to promote health among people by running and health of the environment by planting native tree species, thus benefitting both people and environment,” Neil Papas, program coordinator of the GREENIN Philippines Pogram, said.

The central event will be held in a 30-hectare forestland in Jaclupan, Talisay City. The area, which is within the critical Mananga watershed, shall be developed into a forest model through a co-management agreement among DENR, Cebu Provincial Government, Talisay City Government, Metro Cebu Water District, and RAFI.

Simultaneously, the other 50 municipalities and component cities of the Province of Cebu will hold the Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines in their respective jurisdictions, making the event a province-wide endeavor.

Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia has recently issued an executive order, mandating the implementation and institutionalization of the Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines throughout the province.

The Run 2 Plant for GREENIN Philippines targets to plant 160,000 native tree species simultaneously all over Cebu on the said date.

“The activity does not end on June 25. Through the eGWEN Our Cebu Program, the Cebu Provincial Government and RAFI will undertake post-planting activities in collaboration with DENR, various LGUs, partners and volunteers to ensure that the native tree seedlings planted will grow and become forests after a few years,” Papas added.

RAFI’s GREENIN Philippines Program, which stands for Generation REdemption and Expansion of Natural resources INitiatives in the Philippines Program, seeks to develop, protect, enhance and co-manage denuded forestlands, brush lands and degraded residual natural forests by planting native tree species.

Earlier, RAFI expressed support and committed its GREENIN Philippines Program to complement DENR’s National Greening Program developed under Executive Order No. 26 issued by President Benigno Aquino III last February 24.

RAFI is the only non-government organization being considered to undertake activities in support of the National Greening Program in Region 7 along with 16 government agencies, instrumentalities, and government-owned and controlled corporations.

For more information about the Run 2 Plant 4 GREENIN Philippines, please contact 418-7234 loc. 515 and look for Neil Papas or Myryl Mendoza.

Young Leaders attend eco-camp

2011-05-01T05:07:00.000-07:00

Aboitiz Power (AP) continues to engage the youth sector in its environmental protection and nature conservation programs. To raise awareness among the youth, AP organized eco camps in the Makiling-Banahaw area in Laguna and in Tiwi, Albay.

In April, a summer camp was organized by AP Renewables Inc. (Apri), a wholly owned subsidiary of AP, for its Makiling and Banahaw (MakBan) power plant’s host communities in Laguna.

Apri harnesses Cleanergy, the company’s brand for clean and renewable energy, particularly from geothermal sources. The Ecological Summer Youth Camps were participated in by 150 youth leaders from 10 public schools. The workshop was held from April 2 to 4, 2011 at the Royal Palm Resort in Barangay Puypuy Bay, Laguna.

The program aimed to help the young participants understand urgent environmental issues, such as global warming and climate change. The summer camp which is a part of the corporate social responsibility program of AP, includes the Eco-Action Planning Workshop and the Eco-tour at Makiling Botanic Garden in the University of the Philippines Los Baños. Apri senior vice president for corporate services Juan Alfonso was at the workshop to encourage the youth to become leaders in taking care of the environment.

AboitizPower and Apri are committed to make you leaders in your own schools and communities in our crusade to save our country and save our planet. We need all of you to succeed in making a difference for our environment.

Sin Tax on plastics producers, users

2011-05-01T04:22:00.000-07:00

An environmentalist is asking the Cebu City Council to impose a “sin tax” or charge a fee on establishments that will use and sell non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags in the city. During a public hearing on the proposal to ban plastics in Cebu City, lawyer Gloria Ramos of the Philippine Earth Justice Center Inc. said penalizing the use of plastics is long overdue.

“A tax or fee should be imposed for the use of plastic bags because its one way of changing the behavior of the people and it is within the authority of the Sangguniang Panlungsod in line with its police powers and taxation powers, she said.”

Ramos said that banning the use of plastics will reduce the volume of wastes the city produces. Under the RA 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, all local government units are mandated to divert 25 percent of the wastes thrown at disposal facilities. With the passage of this ordinance, we can comply with such mandate while at the same time mitigating the effects of climate change.

Councilor Edgardo Labella, who authored the proposed ordinance, said he will study ramos’ proposal and to perhaps clarify a possible double taxation. If approved by the City Council, the proposed measure will prohibit business establishments from using non-biodegradable materials.

Re-usable Bags will hopefully be the norm for business establishments to use in carrying or transporting their purchased products. Under the penalty clause of the proposed ordinance, business establishments found using and selling non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags will be fined Php2,000.00 in the 1st year of the implementation of the law. Violations committed in the succeeding years will have a corresponding penalty of Php5,000.00 and/or imprisonment of not more than 6 years. The business permits of the establishments will be revoked also for a year.

Help Young Eco-Warriors Rescue Toby!

2011-04-13T08:54:00.000-07:00

Please click on this link to vote: http://disney.go.com/projectgreen/explorevote.html. The Help Young Eco-Warriors Rescue Toby! program from PATH Foundation Philippines Inc. has been selected by The Walt Disney Company as a recipient of funding through Disney’s Friends for Change.

Help Young Eco-Warriors Rescue Toby! is among the five programs that have been chosen for their conservation efforts.

Disney’s Friends for Change inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world. Encourage the kids in your life to join and pledge to take simple everyday actions at www.disney.com/projectgreen

Beginning the week of April 11, kids can vote on the Friends for Change website to help Disney decide how this installment of its $1 million in annual donations will be distributed among the five programs. Help Young Eco-Warriors Rescue Toby! will receive a portion of this installment. The amount depends on the percentage of votes earned – first place gets $100,000, so tell the kids in your life to get involved and vote today!

About Disney’s Friends for Change

Disney's Friends for Change is a multiplatform initiative that helps inspire kids and families to join together and make a positive impact on their world (and the people and animals that live there). Through PSAs on-air and online tool-kits, the program aims to provide useful information to help kids make small changes that add up to big differences. As part of the program, Disney donates $1 million dollars annually to fund projects all around the globe and has funded over 41 projects that help the planet ranging from educational & community programs to species & habitat protection. Friends for Change currently has over 3 million actions taking place from kids in 33 countries throughout Europe, Latin America, Japan, India, and China. To take action, visit www.Disney.com/projectgreen .

About PATH Foundation Philippines, Inc.

PATH Foundation Philippines, Inc. is a private, charitable organization [501 (c) 3] whose mission is to improve health, conserve biodiversity and promote sustainable development in the Asia-Pacific region. PFPI's programs create unique opportunities for young people to become stewards of the environment and leaders of conservation initiatives in their communities. For more information, please click: http://www.pfpi.org/about.html

Please ask kids from USA and Europe to vote!
Please click on this link to vote: http://disney.go.com/projectgreen/explorevote.html

Celebrate EARTH HOUR at AYALA CENTER CEBU

2011-03-23T08:55:00.000-07:00

Ayala Center Cebu once again celebrates Earth Hour, the mall’s annual participation to the effort organized by WWF (World Wildlife Fund) that encourages households and businesses to turn off non-essential lights and other electrical appliances for 1 hour to raise awareness towards the need to take action on climate change.

Last year, Ayala Center Cebu , together with the Cebu Business Park , was able to save 3,661 kwh or an equivalent CO2 emission reduction of 702.55 kg for this initiative. Earth Hour 2011 will raise the bar and go beyond the hour by working hand in hand with the mall’s merchant partners for a year-long campaign for a sustainable environment. With this, Ayala Center Cebu has prepared various activities for all of us to join and pitch in our contribution to this cause.

To start with, let us support Earth Hour by SWITCHING OFF our own non-essential lights on March 26 from 8:30PM to 9:30 PM. The mall will SWITCH OFF again 70% of the lights at the common areas and some equipment such as elevators, escalators and water features. Restaurants can use alternative lights on the tables and are encouraged to place glow sticks or any glow in the dark items inside their stores.

Going beyond Earth Hour, Ayala Center Cebu encourages you to participate in there other activities as well:

Merchants Green efforts, March 16-25: A contest for all ACC merchants to share their innovative efforts in helping reduce environmental impact. Top five (5) best and most relevant efforts will be selected and awarded during the Earth Hour party on March 26. Each best entry will get P3,000 worth of eGC and Five (5) pcs. Ayala Cinema Passes.

Beyond the Hour Contest from March 18-25: Thru Ayala Center Cebu ’s Facebook Page (http://www.facebook.com/AyalaCebu) , shoppers can participate by posting their small acts for Mother Earth. It may be a simple text describing the act or effort or a photo which can be uploaded. Ten (10) best acts/efforts from both written and photo categories will be selected and awarded with Gift Certificates during the Earth Hour party.

Earth Hour Countdown at The Terraces, March 26: This will be led by CHI Management Heads, WWF Representative, ABCCI President, Business partners and the merchants. Glow-in-the-Dark I Commit to Go Beyond the Hour Wall, percussionists, fire dancers, Capoiera demonstrations, some games and prizes will be prepared for everybody.

Together our actions add up and we can make a difference. So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendars and have a meaningful and worthwhile Earth Hour Celebration only at Ayala Center Cebu as they celebrate Earth Hour beyond the hour!

Rockeoke Unplugged: Sing for Mother Earth

2011-03-22T08:55:00.000-07:00

The Rockeoke Unplugged: Sing for Mother Earth will happen on March 26, 2011 at the Persimmon Plus, Mabolo, Cebu City. Rockeoke Unplugged: Sing for Mother Earth is in line with this year's Earth Hour campaign and celebration: Going beyond the Hour (60+) which is organized by Aboitiz Power.

See more information about the Rockeoke Unplugged: Sing for Mother Earth on the Photo/Poster above. See you at the Rockeoke Unplugged: Sing for Mother Earth!!!

WFTO Asia Media launch

2011-03-10T08:59:00.000-08:00

March 8 is International Women’s Day. This year’s theme is, “Equal Access to education, training and science & technology: Pathway to decent work for women”; over 100 countries all over the world celebrated on this day the various contributions and achievements of women.

The mission and vision of World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO Asia) is to uplift the conditions of thousands of grassroots producers and workers in the poorest of Asian countries in which majority are composed of women. The WOMEN EMPOWERING WOMEN IN FAIR TRADE event is a celebration of the achievements and contributions of women in Fair Trade and in their respective communities. It showcased women in Fair Trade as leaders and change makers, highlighting the experiences of these women in helping other women that created a cycle of empowerment.

Ramona Ramos, Executive Director of WFTO Asia says, “At present, we have more than 90 member organizations and communities in 14 Asian countries, majority are women and women led, who supports women in creating sustainable livelihood solutions for her and her family.”

Simultaneously, WFTO Asia pre-launched its new regional consumer brand & logo with the tagline, “Shopping with a Conscience.” In connection, WFTO Asia will introduce its 2011 consumer campaign called “100% Guilt Free Shopper.”

The campaign aims to inform everyone, especially the consumers, what Fair Trade is and the 10 principles it represents. It aims to empower the consumers that by switching to Fair Trade by either buying (certified WFTO Asia Fair Trade products and/or the organization’s advocacy merchandise) or supporting the organization (Sponsoring/ Donating/ Fundraising, becoming a volunteer intern, and or participating in the organization’s events), they have the power to eradicate poverty, stop child and forced labor, advocate for gender equality, support sustainability and capacity building, safeguard the environment, promote equality in trade, and open opportunities for health and education.

“This campaign targets 1,000,000 switchers by the end of the year. 1,000,000 people in Asia who realized that thoughtless buying isn’t enough. 1,000,000 people who believes that they can use the power of their purchase to change the lives of millions of disadvantaged communities all over the world,” says Toni Zuniga, Business Development and Brand Officer of WFTO Asia

The ‘100% Guilt Free Shopper’ campaign will officially begin on April with the launch of WFTO Asia’s Regional 100% Guilt Free Shopping Ambassadors. These people will follow the footsteps of WFTO’s Global Ambassador Emma Watson in promoting WFTO and Fair Trade.

Photos taken from World Fair Trade Organization Asia (WFTO Asia) Fb Page.

Cebu Green Economy Series: Renewable Energy Summit 2011

2011-03-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

With issues of climate change and environmental degradation brought into the limelight, calls for a shift in policy frameworks, development paradigms and lifestyles become ever more urgent. Such issues highlight a global problem with increasingly felt local impacts: heavier rains, flashfloods, sea-level rise, spread of infectious diseases, scarcity of resources with heavy reliance on unsustainable fossil fuel for energy needs.

Taking in these concerns, there is growing international consensus on the urgency of developing low carbon, resource-efficient, and socially inclusive economies as expressed in an emerging “Green Economy” framework. This poses a critical challenge to existing development models that measure progress only by looking at the GNP and GDP as indicators, without considering the sustainability of societies. The message of the “Green Economy” model is simple: not all investments are good investments! In fact, most of our society’s economic wealth has been generated through the overexploitation and pollution of our environment, at the expense of the most vulnerable sectors which bear the brunt of the impacts. Taking sustainable development as a guiding principle, a “Green Economy” framework requires the strengthening of three inseparable pillars: economic development, social development and environmental protection.

The search for local solutions to these problems led to the formation of the Cebu Green Economy Series, a string of events that allows stakeholders to discuss relevant issues linking environment, society and economy. Its aim is to explore “rapid but low risk” alternatives to the destructive ways in which society has carried out developmental projects that exploit the environment and marginalized the poor. Under the Cebu Green Economy Series, we address themes such as: 1) clean and alternative energy; 2) green jobs and investments; 3) food security; 4) sustainable transportation; 5) sustainable waste management and resource conservation; 6) eco-friendly built environment and architecture, and 7) liveable cities and urban environment, to name a few.

To start the series, we are organizing a Renewable Energy (RE) Summit with the theme “Meeting the Challenges of Sustainable Energy development in Central Visayas” on March 7-8, 2011 at the SM City Cebu Trade Hall. Through this summit, we aim to achieve the following objectives: 1) to develop mechanisms and infrastructure for enabling a market for RE; 2) to map out resources and potentials for RE development in Central Visayas; and 3) to formulate an action plan for promoting RE as the best alternative to heavy and unsustainable reliance on fossil fuels for energy needs.

To meet these objectives, this multi-stakeholder event, involving local government units, civil society and business sectors, will provide a venue for plenary and panel discussions on topics such as the power situation of Central Visayas, the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, and public-private partnerships, within the larger framework of promoting “Green Economy”. There will also be a two-day exhibition highlighting best practices for the implementation of renewable energy programs in communities, LGUs and NGOs. Companies, banks and other organizations that have products and services that advance the development of renewable energy are welcome to join the exhibition. The activity will be capped by a keynote address to be delivered by Department of Energy Secretary Ruben Almendras and Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri. Details of the program will be disseminated.

ALTER SPACE: Environmental Awareness Facebook-Game

2011-02-18T09:13:00.000-08:00

Coming this February-March is the New Filipino-made Facebook App or game to Educate Public on how to reduce their carbon footprint. ALTER SPACE: Environmental Awareness Facebook-Game created by Aboitiz Equity Ventures. There has been so much rain the past few weeks and a couple of ridiculously scorching hot days. What better way to educate people who are addicted to facebook games than to make one that teaches them about environmental awareness at the same time!

The game is called Alter Space, and it is the first Philippine-made environmental awareness Facebook game that directly addresses the greater public about the ways with which they could do their share in proactively contributing to the preservation of the Earth’s resources.

Social games are a significant draw for social networking site users. As of this writing, a staggering 56 million Facebook users play daily and 290 million play monthly. Up to 265 million Facebook gamers, meanwhile, spend 210 minutes playing games. Twenty-percent of these game players even pay cash for in-game benefits. In the Philippines, 54 percent of social networking site users cite gaming as the reason they log on. There are currently 18,124,220 Filipinos on Facebook.

ABOITIZ, one of the Philippines’ leading companies is launching a Facebook game-application that is geared towards educating people about the concepts of carbon footprint and cleaner and renewable sources of energy and how being responsible and mindful of their activities could help achieve this end.

While many people talk about the importance of saving the environment, very few really take on the proactive role in addressing the issue. Not many of them, in fact, know that switching from disposable plastic bottles to reusable ones can create a big overall impact in preserving the resources of our planet.

While addressing the bigger issues of carbon footprint reduction and environmental preservation, Alter Space employs some uniquely Filipino features in doing so. The use of pamaypay (native fan), the playing of the game sungka, and eating what we call “dirty ice cream” are incorporated into the game for that distinct Filipino flavor.

About ALTER SPACE:

Alter Space is easy to use. Game players’ mission is to take care of their own little planet. They do this by keeping their carbon footprint levels low, while still keeping their Happiness levels up. They will have to accomplish fun tasks and challenges while their carbon footprint is measured.

Every choice they make affects their environment, and the game always gives feedback as to whether the player’s choice was environmentally sound or not. They can also invite friends to be their neighbors, and their over-all carbon footprint as a community will be calculated.

If they fail to make the cleaner and greener choice, their virtual planet will experience disasters like Smog, which cause their avatar to lose interaction, and Heat Wave, wherein they will have to perform extra tasks or pay a fee to bring their carbon footprint down.

Aside from the carbon footprint calculator, game players’ progress is also measured through their Happiness level, Current-cy, and Experience points.

Mini-games, meanwhile, provide game players an interactive way with which they could learn more about the different sources of cleaner and renewable energy. Harvesting alternative energy is how they earn points in their planet—a significant function of the game that encourages players to seek out and use alternative energy.

These mini-games include Solar, wherein they are tasked to catch as many sunbeams as they can; Geo, wherein they are asked to click the steam that goes out of the valves of hot spots; and

Hydro, wherein they create a passageway for the water to reach turbines.
Practical tips, trivia and other features guide players along as they strive to make their virtual planet a cleaner and greener one.

Alter Space is one social game to watch out for. It’s free and anyone with a Facebook account could easily play the game. And while they are kept entertained, they, too, learn how they could do their bit in reducing their carbon footprint and helping preserve environmental resources to help achieve a better future for both people and planet.

Alter Space will be available in Facebook February 28, 2011. You can join its fan page by visiting http://www.facebook.com/AlterSpaceGame

Let's reduce our carbon footprints and support Filipino works by playing Alter Space!

NGO in the Philippines wins BBC World Challenge!

2010-12-04T09:03:00.000-08:00

The NGO that won the BBC World Challenge was from the Philippines, specifically from Bacolod City. The local Philippine nongovernment organization won the top prize at the BBC World Challenge 2010 for its perfected model of a hydraulic ram pump that has brought water to remote villages in the Philippines and other parts of the world.

The Alternative Indigenous Development Foundation Inc. (AIDFI) based in Barangay (village) Mansilingan, Bacolod City, won the top prize of US$20,000, according to Hazel Stuart, a British national based in Bacolod City.

The awarding ceremonies for BBC's World Challenge was held in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, on Monday. Auke Idzenga of AIDFI won the whole thing out of 800 projects worldwide. It got down to 60, then 12, then the final three. What an amazing achievement for our Philippine NGO!

About World Challenge:

Now on its sixth year, the BBC World Challenge is a global competition aimed at finding projects or small businesses from around the world that have shown enterprise and innovation at grassroots level.

Other recognition/s:

Last November 18, AIDFI's entry "Running Water Uphill" also won the Community Initiative Award of the Energy Institute Awards held in London.

AIDFI has so far installed 170 ram pumps for about 50,000 beneficiaries. The AIDFI program centers around the locally perfected model of the old hydraulic ram pump, a device that can pump water to very high elevations without the use of electricity or fuel.

The awards ceremonies was broadcast last December 4 on the BBC World News and announced on the website on the same day. Visit the BBC World Challenge Site. Or see my campaign post for them HERE!

Nature's Legacy's Earth Week Celebration

2010-12-02T09:04:00.000-08:00

Nature's Legacy's Earth Week Celebration will be on December 8-11, 2010. Nature's Legacy Ex-Import will also be launching their I Volunteer to ♥ Earth campaign.

About Nature's Legacy:
Nature's Legacy is a rising global manufacturer of home furnishings and garden accessories based in the Municipality of Compostela in Cebu, the furniture capital of the Philippines. With its pioneering stonecast manufacturing process as its core competency, Nature's Legacy has become one of the prime movers in the stone casting industry.

The company was named Nature's Legacy because of the very nature of its design policy, which is to incorporate locally abundant raw materials into our product design, using its natural aesthetic values, while ensuring that these raw materials are responsibly sourced with careful consideration of the environment. Indigenous materials such as local stone, dead shrubs, and fallen twigs and branches are processed and combined with other mix media using fully integrated manufacturing methods to produce original innovative designs which are executed with superior quality craftsmanship that have been very well received in the world market. (Continue Reading...)

Illac Diaz & MyShelter Foundation

2010-11-10T09:14:00.000-08:00

Illac Diaz doing his Presentation

Former Actor/Model and now turned Social Entrepreneur Illac Diaz presented his advocacy through the Understanding Choices Forum part1: "Living on the Edge" which was made up of representatives from the government, NGOs, Academe and student to talk about the reality that we are all facing and the effects of climate change and what we can do about it.

One thing that struck me where he mentions that "We Filipinos have gained a preference to storms as if it is the same thing and we don't really have to do anything about it.We allocate millions of so-called Calamity funds but can we act before the storm? Wouldn't that be more cheaper?”

The Understanding Choices Forum of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) was held last October 29, 2010 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Studies Center. Through the talks, I was able to learn a lot about the Philippines' role in climate change, that we are in the front lines and we need to adapt and find our own local-innovative measures since what applies in the 1st world countries may not apply to our situation.

Illac with RAFI's Evelyn Nacario-Castro

GREENING is not our Focus.

Most corporate social responsibility campaigns are focused on greening, he says, which should not be the case. We should focus on protecting ourselves and let the first world countries deal with greening, he advises. “We have to be solutions-oriented” as we are the frontline of the effects of climate change like harsh winds, and extreme droughts. Typhoon Frank and Typhoon Ketsena showed our need to build adaptive communities more than ever.

“The people who are not emitting or contributing most to climate change are affected more like Philippines. We are experiencing cumulative, irreversible and global effects of climate change. We want adaptation, resiliency, less rebuilding and less deaths.”

MySHELTER FOUNDATION

He presented then the things he was working on about the MyShelter Foundation which showed the 50th school built using old Spanish techniques that have been used to build centuries old cathedrals. Together with a group of Architects and Engineers, they designed schools that could withstand up to 300 KM/hr winds with only simple materials and tools to use (new science to old technology).

What’s interesting is that what they use as one of their building materials is the1.5L bottles. Why bottles? Well, it is obviously abundant; lasts of up to 700 years of natural decomposition. An interesting substitute for hollow blocks. Another option for their bottle-school designs are what they call "Earth Bags," or use the ever resilient Bamboo.

Alternative technology doesn’t have to mean it’s risky.” They won four prestigious international design awards including AIM Youngest Honors and Prestige, Reader’s Digest Everyday Hero, MIT’s Humphrey Awardee.

It was really amazing and interesting to have heard Illac Diaz's Advocacy from himself as to reading it over the Internet or through reading materials. His passion for his craft and his drive to excellence and international standards has makes him very admirable and that he still continues to pursue and build disaster-resilient communities in an ever-changing climate of today.

“Climate Change is certain. Survivability is not.”

Climate Change and the Global Climate Politics Forum

2010-11-10T09:05:00.000-08:00

Climate Change and the Global Climate Politics entails a lot of thought and information that needs to be discussed, and you may have some questions:

What is global climate politics?

What has been the recent 'climate' on global climate politics?

What is the truth of the matter on the climate change reports and initiatives i.e. Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) marred with contoversies and debates?

What are the impacts on the failed negotiations, i.e. the last COP 15 in Copenhagen, Denmark failure to agree on a binding agreement for post-Kyoto negotiations and uncertainty of the upcoming COP 16 in Cancun, Mexico on December 2010 to the country and to each and every one of us?

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. (RAFI) is inviting you to the second part of the Living on the Edge Series: Climate Change Focus of the RAFI-EADSC's Understanding Choices Forum entitled Climate Change and the Global Climate Politics. The forum will will be held on November 15, 2010, Monday, 1:00 PM – 5:30 PM at Bryant George Hall, Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center of the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. The forum will highlight inputs from two international climate change negotiators for the Philippines, Atty. Antonio La Viña and Ms. Esperanza Garcia. The forum intend to facilitate and broaden understanding on the daunting issue of climate change, particularly on the international debates on climate change and related global initiatives and its impact to the country and to each and every citizen.

About the Speakers:

La Vina is the Dean of the Ateneo School of Government and Chairman of the United Nations Collaborative Initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Climate Change Conferences of Parties (UNFCC COP).

Garcia, Director of the Global Warming and Climate Change Initiatives for the International Youth Council and 'Climate Voice’ writer for Oxfam covering news for the UN General Assembly and Clinton Global Initiative. She is the founder of the Philippine Youth Climate Movement.

Eco Dash: The Bottle School Run

2010-10-29T09:07:00.000-07:00

The Eco Dash: The Bottle School Run will be on November 14, 2010 at 5:30AM, The Terraces, Ayala Center Cebu. Bring plastic bottles (2L, 1.5L) for the Eco Dash: The Bottle School Run to help build cebu's first bottle school!

Pledge your support guys! Help build the first bottle school here in Cebu! For the registration, please register at the Eco Dash Booth at the Ayala Active Zone :) And pls don't forget to bring your 1.5 or 2 litres PET bottles. Thanks for all the support!! :P

RAFI holds fora on Climate Change: Living on the Edge

2010-10-28T09:08:00.000-07:00

The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) will hold a two-part series of the Understanding Choices Forum on Oct. 29 and Nov. 15 at the Eduardo Aboitiz Development Studies Center, Lopez Jaena St., Cebu City.

Dubbed as Living on the Edge Series: Climate Change Focus, these series of forums are designed to provide a venue to heighten awareness, deepen understanding, and inspire participation and action on climate change, one of the pressing issues affecting the world today.

On Oct. 29, the first part of the series entitled “Disaster-resilient Communities in a Changing Climate” will provide the participants with the knowledge on the current approaches in responding to the climate challenge—from innovating disaster-resilient building structures to building a responsive and resilient community to mitigate impacts of climate change.

Speakers of the first forum are Illac Diaz, a former actor- and model-turned social entrepreneur, urban green planner, and founder of My Shelter Foundation, and San Francisco, Camotes Island former Mayor and incumbent Vice Mayor Alfredo Arquillano.

Diaz will present his innovative design of disaster-resilient building structures that is not just green but can also withstand the harsh elements of nature consequent to the effects of climate change as well as the framework and design of a resilient community.

Arquillano will share the experience of San Francisco, Camotes Island in implementing climate and disaster risk reduction-oriented projects in the island. San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu is one of the 79 cities in the world that has adopted the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction Making Cities Resilient Campaign.

On Nov. 15, RAFI will hold the second part of the Living on the Edge Series entitled “Climate Change and the Global Climate Change Politics,” which will highlight inputs from two international climate change negotiators for the Philippines, Atty. Antonio La Viña and Esperanza Garcia.

La Viña is the Dean of the Ateneo School of Government and Chairman of the United Nations Collaborative initiative on Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation at United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conferences of Parties (UNFCC COP).

He will talk about the daunting issues of climate change and how we are affected at the recent ‘climate’ of the global climate politics, particularly on the global debates and related international initiatives and negotiations being marred with controversies from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Kyoto protocol to the UNFCCC-COP 15 in Copenhagen Denmark that ended in failure, and the upcoming COP16 in Cancun, Mexico.

Garcia, Founder of the Philippine Youth Climate Movement, Director of Global Warming & Climate Change Initiatives for the International Youth Council and Filipino Youth Delegate to the UNFCCC COP Conference will share her experience as a global climate youth leader, the initiatives undertaken by the rest of global youth leaders and the continuing challenges.

The Living on the Edge Series, which will start at 1 p.m., will facilitate an exchange of ideas, inputs, and experiences on climate change measures and advance a basic framework of action and inspire contribution towards climate change adaptation, mitigation, and disaster risk reduction.

Participants of the forum will include key people from government, civil society and the private sector. They will also include local chief executives, local planners, members of the academe, youth sector, media, business sector, non-government organizations, and other public sector organizations, among others.

The two fora are open to the public and do not require any registration fees. Participation will be on a first-come first-serve basis.

The Understanding Choices Forum is a Knowledge Sharing & Advocacy capability of RAFI, one of the four capabilities in RAFI’s comprehensive approach to elevating lives and communities. Its other capabilities include Grants & Awards, Institutional Development & Planning, and Services & Facilities, which contribute to delivering the programs under the five focus areas—Integrated Development, Culture & Heritage, Micro-finance & Entrepreneurship, Leadership & Citizenship, and Education—of RAFI.

For more information about the fora, or to register, contact Catherine Margate at 418-7234 local 105.

Pledge to be Green Online

2010-09-17T09:10:00.000-07:00

Pledge to be Green Online. A campaign of Ayala Malls via Greenology. Make your pledge online and have a chance to win exciting prizes! Do your own Pledge to be green online now!

EARTHDANCE Cebu 2010

2010-08-17T23:59:00.000-07:00

This september, there will be a BIG Environmental Event which is Cebu EARTHDANCE 2010! The EARTHDANCE Cebu 2010 is one of the special Events in Cebu that aims to be a Global Festival for Peace and the Environment. In this local-global event, in 500 locations and 80 countries, EARTHDANCE will happen.

This Earthdance, a World Event, will be held on September 18-19, 2010 in Family Park Cebu City! If you attend Earthdance 2010, you will get to experience and know more about bike rally, environmental exhibits, green products, martial arts, yoga, art workshops, drum circles, massage, delicious whole foods, and much more!

About Earthdance:

A Global Collaboration Since 1997
Earthdance is the world's largest synchronized music and dance festival for peace. Since its inception, Earthdance has been held annually in over 500 locations in 80 countries with all events simultaneously joining together in the Prayer for Peace – a powerful moment of coherent intention. Each public Earthdance event commits 50% of its profits to a charity that falls into one of the following categories:

The Welfare of Children and Urban Youth
Indigenous Peoples and Cultures
International Relief and Development
Environmental Sustainability and Protection
Organizations that Promote Peace

Know more HERE!

Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge!

2010-08-14T08:02:00.000-07:00

The “race for the next gen” is part of the Aboitiz Group’s information campaign on its sustainability efforts. “We are not just promoting a healthy lifestyle, we want to leave a good home for the next generation,” said Sebastian Lacson, Aboitiz Equity Ventures Chief Reputation Officer.

Aboitiz companies groupwide are participating in an ongoing Race to Reduce Challenge, which encourages employees to reduce their consumption of power, water, and paper. During the Aboitiz Group simultaneous nationwide tree planting in October 2010, a tree will be planted on behalf of every runner who participated in the race.

The Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge: A Race for the Next Gen is also a fund-raising project for the Aboitiz Annual Christmas Outreach to be held in the first week of December. During this event, employees spend time with less fortunate children to spread Christmas cheer and joy.

Aboitiz Race to Reduce Details and Online Registration details:
Starting Gun Time: 5:30 am (21K); 5:45 am (10K) and 6:00 am (5K & 3K)
Registration Period: July12- August 14, 2010
Fees: 21K w/ timing chips - P450; 10K w/ Timing Chips - P350; 5K & 3K - P250
Click here for ONLINE REGISTRATION.

Manual Registration are also done on Runnr in Ayala Center Cebu, VECO in SM, Casa Ilongga in Robinson's Fuente, Cebu City Sports Complex - Abellana, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) Office. Distribution of Race Kits, Race Singlets and Race Bib will be at The Persimmon Plus, Mabolo, Cebu City from August 16 - 21, 2010.

Race for the NextGen: Aboitiz Race to Reduce Challenge is posted through the Event Geek's Effort for a better world, one special, local, cebu event at a time.

SM Eco Bags 2010 Launched!

2010-08-14T07:59:00.000-07:00

SM City Cebu, simultaneously with all the other SM malls in the Philippines launched last August 6, 2010, the second edition of SM's New line of Eco Bags! The new set comes in 4 collectible designs that depict the different elements of the earth - Fire (Spark), Water (Flow), Breathe (Air) and Earth (Renew).

The new designs deliver the environmental message with a more interesting look. It has adopted a more contemporary and a more collectible design that appeals to a younger market, while still maintaining its multi-functional form and, more importantly, promotes love for Mother Earth.

SM recognizes the important role of the youth in nation-building and through the new eco bags, the company hopes to imbibed in the four simple philosophies: Renew, Spark, Flow and Breathe - simple works that inspire a life change. RENEW our earth by reducing our waste. SPARK a revolution for smarter energy. Let's make our water FLOW with life. Let's BREATHE clean, pristine air once again.

Buy your very own SM Eco Bag today!

R.O.X's Bike Out! Save the Earth.Ride a Bike

2010-06-11T03:53:00.000-07:00

R.O.X's Bike Out! Save the Earth, Ride a Bike is part of the Bike Fest in the Active Zone Ayala Center Cebu happening from June 18-20.

R.O.X. (Recreational Outdoor eXchange) and the Active Zone of Ayala Center Cebu brings you Bike Out - A 16km Tour around Cebu City with the catchphrase Save the Earth. Ride a Bike. By June 20, 2010 R.O.X Bike Out! Save the Earth, Ride a Bike will kick off at 6:00 am at the Active Zone Entrance.

Invite your friends and family members as well. Bring your bike and helmet. R.O.X organized their own bike trip after the affair and take lunch out. Registration is free. The 1st 100 Registrants get a free t-shirt from R.O.X.

Register at R.O.X. Cebu - G/F Active Zone. For further information, contact the store at 032 - 4126247 / 032 - 2346003. Join R.O.X Bike Out! Save the Earth, Ride a Bike now!

Cebu Business Month Green Expo

2010-06-08T01:51:00.000-07:00

This Green Expo in Cebu will bring together multiple if not all sectors of the industry and of the government. The Cebu Business Month Green Expo will attract sectors such as local and international shareholders, government and other organizations.

The Cebu Business Month Green Expo which shall offer opportunity to learn more about green products and services all under one venue. The Green Expo Cebu will be on June 22, 2010 - June 24, 2010 starting from 9:00 a.m. - 9:00 p.m at the CICC (Cebu International Convention Center).

Kudos to the organizers Cebu Chamber of Commerce and Industry as they try to share and adopt a more active stance in the promotion of sustainable business practices. The Go Green Expo will show a wide array of eco-friendly products, services and technologies will be on display in one hall for three days. Shown below is an overview of the Go Green Expo:

*Green Entrepreneurship - will showcase micro, small and medium enterprises, cooperatives from government and nongovernment organizations, as well as international companies to boost their products such as jewelry, handicrafts and furniture using renewable materials in line with the growing green architecture and design in the world.

*Green Tourism - will display products and services from hotels and resorts, spas, restaurants, culinary arts, sports and adventures, green architectures, as well as products from the different municipalities of Cebu.

*Green is IT!- will showcase computer software and peripherals, telecommunication, IT service, e-logistics and retail technology, among others.

All this, only in Cebu through the Cebu Business Month's Go Green Expo!

Scorching Weather, Health Danger & power crisis in cebu

2010-06-02T01:20:00.001-07:00

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) in Mactan recorded a temperature of 37 degrees Celsius last Monday—just as residents had to deal with extended power cuts.

Add to that a power supply shortage in the Cebu which make things more scorching hot. As reported locally, since May 20, temperatures have been climbing, from 34.4 degrees Celsius to 36 degrees Celsius. And now 37 degrees @_@

The Department of Health (DOH) issued a statement that reiterated its call for the public to protect themselves from the heat to avoid suffering ailments, like heat stroke so that public needs to take precautions. Avoid being outdoors or direct exposure to the sun, especially during mid-morning until mid-afternoon.

We should also bring umbrellas or any protective gear and drinking water to avoid being dehydrated while traveling. And not to mention our Dams and plants are suffering too, why not make a greenhouse for them? These things could have been mitigated if all of us not just the government proactively prepare for such things and not just always be reactive.

Go Green Retailing Photo Contest!

2010-05-18T17:32:00.000-07:00

For photographers, Photo enthusiasts, Professional or amateur photographers, join the Go Green Retailing Photo Contest here in cebu and win great prizes!

MECHANICS:

Open to all earth-loving and photography-loving individuals (amateurs and professionals)

Photos must portray the Green Initiative of any Retail Business ( stores , shops, boutiques, dept stores, food and non-food alike, etc).

Green Initiatives maybe green products, the use of eco bags, various green campaigns, green practices etc..

There should be no BRAND visible in all the entries submitted.

All entries must be in 8” x 10” (8R), colored or B & W prints, not mounted and placed inside an envelope together with the film or raw and jpeg files in a CD

All entries must NOT have borders or watermarks.

Name of contestant must be written on the envelope.

Photos may be taken using either digital or conventional cameras; minimal digital enhancement is allowed

Photos must be taken from March 25-May 25, 2010. Date of formal awarding to be announced.

Winning entries will be on display during the 4th Regional Retail Conference at Cebu Parklane Hotel on June 29, 2010.

Each entry must be accompanied by an information sheet provided below.

Participants can send as many entries as possible.

The entry should not have been entered in any other competition and not have been published in any print media and internet websites.

PRA reserves the right to use the submitted pictures in our future EBC campaigns for all winning entries.

Registration is FREE

Criteria:

Composition 50%
Capturing the Essence of Green Retailing in Photo 30%
Overall Impact 20%
Total 100%

Winners will receive an official call from PRA-CEBU and shall be given specific instructions on how to claim the prize.

Deadline of submission: May 25, 2010

First Prize : P10,000 CASH

Second Prize : P 7,000 CASH

Third Prize : P 5,000 CASH

Fourth Prize : P 3,000 CASH

Fifth Prize : P 1,000 CASH

Send Entries To: PRA CEBU CHAPTER

c/o Ng Khai Office Bldg., Hernan Cortes Street , Banilad, Mandaue City
c/o Charry Samadan or any NGenius IT Hub branch
Contact: (32)346-2926

For questions, please contact Charry Samadan/Rio Calle or email pra_cebu@yahoo.com

Join the Go Green Retailing Photo Contest Now!

Moon and Venus gives us a SMILE

2010-05-18T08:26:00.000-07:00

If you happen to accidentally look up the sky or if your a stargazer or even just heard about it through text/SMS or facebook, all of us were treated to a rare celestial show last Sunday evening as the planet Venus aligned with a crescent moon, forming a "smiley face." This is a unique treat or rare natural occurrence in which few people understand and witness.

The last time this took place in Asia was in June 2007, and the next one will reportedly be on June 30, 2011. It is a rare phenomenon that is called an occultation. On the last recent post about a natural event which was the ring in the sky during the day, was also a rare event and now we are once again lucky to have witness another marvel of nature at night!

Truly it is rare for the Moon and Venus to give us a SMILE!

Photo Credit: Vernie Naraja

After Earth Day...

2010-05-13T03:33:00.000-07:00

Earth Day came and went without much notice in Metro Cebu, maybe because its election season but still you can differentiate it from Earth hour celenrations.

It's weird and ironic that some politicians who dare say that they are for the environment do something opposite to what they say. You can see political posters hammered into trees or ribbons wrapped all over plants.

Earth Day is celebrated to promote awareness and seek commitment from peoples around the world to do simple environment-friendly acts on that day and beyond. People’s resolutions included quitting smoking, taking public transportation and cutting down on electricity use.

Candidates gave the usual pledges to love and protect Mother Earth but the simple act of not hurting the trees was not among their commitments to the environment. Furthermore, they have spent A LOT in their campaign that would've been better used to immediate problems of the country.

Conserve water; plant indigenous trees and other plants; segregate waste, compost and recycle; do not burn waste, including agricultural waste; walk or bike when going short distances; collect and use rainwater; use reusable bags for grocery and market; buy organic food and environment-friendly products; and use mass transit including buses and jeepneys.

One would think candidates have learned not to hurt the trees in their campaigns after all their speeches about being “green” but evidence to the contrary is all around.

The Department of Environment had said in past election seasons that every nail or staple driven into a tree to promote a candidate is a stab into the city’s “lungs” as trees in metropolitan areas help people breathe easier.

These trees help offset the impact of greenhouse gases and mitigate their global warming and they also serve as food more some animals and shelter for birds. When will we learn?

"Operation Daybreak"

2010-05-13T03:27:00.000-07:00

Have you heard of "Operation Daybreak"? Perhaps this is the 1st time they have named this but the concept is that it is about catching Environmental Law Violators. The 1st time I saw this or something close to this is through the Santuwaryo: Cebuano Film Experience which was a documentary on Cebu's local fisheries in the province.

Daybreak:
SWIFT, painful and public.” This was the brief the Visayan Sea Squadron (VSS) took for itself when it geared up last weekend for what could be its biggest operation against illegal fishing.

The team is a composite of volunteer lawyers and citizens, backed by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) 7 and special operatives from the Philippine Navy.
For months now, the coastal residents of Sagay, Negros Occidental have been complaining of blast noise from the sea. There had been reports that fishers from the island of Lipayran in Bantayan, Cebu have been using explosives.

The area had long been in the red list of the VSS for a couple of years, so that when reports of dynamite fishing persisted and were confirmed by the NBI 7,
environmental lawyer and Ramon Magsaysay awardee Antonio Oposa Jr. and lawyer Ben Cabrido immediately sought permission from RTC Branch 23 Judge Generosa
Labra to allow the VSS to search the area.

The team was granted 12 search warrants, making the operation the biggest offensive against blast fishers in the country, says Oposa.

He branded the move as “Operation Daybreak” and customized caps for the whole fleet with exactly those words.

Scrapbook

Oposa also instructed a group of law students to make a scrapbook that will document the operation and turn it into a model for environmental law enforcement.

It would take note of every detail—from the checklist for dry box contents (“You don’t want plastic on land, but you definitely need plastic in the sea,” says Oposa) to ensuring the chain of custody for the material evidence.

On the eve of Operation Daybreak, the group finally knew the exact location. All respondents of the 12 search warrants were in the island of Lipayran. The squadron, whose members would approach from different points in the nearby islands, was scheduled to jump off at exactly 2 a.m. and converge in the sea to wait for daybreak.

Experiment

The plan seemed ironed out down to the last detail, the tides and sea currents included. That was to ensure the “swift” part of the operation, and it was “public” enough with the fleet having about 50 volunteers on board.

“We want to emphasize that this is a citizen-driven operation,” said Oposa.

But as with any experiment, it was not free of glitches. “Reminds me of Murphy’s Law,” says Oposa. “If anything can go wrong, it will.”

A bit past midnight, one of the navy boats could not leave because it did not have a “directive.” This was a minor setback, though, as the bigger gunship was well on its way from Cebu City carrying two bomb-sniffing canines. The Philippine Navy had also sent a patrol plane hovering in the vicinity.

The boat carrying the volunteers was stuck for some two hours in shallow waters and unable to put its engine on full throttle, as the tide was unusually low.

The third and final glitch came when, nearer the targeted island past 4 a.m., all the mobile networks’ signals proved elusive.

This left the rest of the group with no contact with the NBI, who, it was learned later, went on anyway with securing the area and conducted the search as early as 4 a.m., although not simultaneously serving all the 12 search warrants.

It should be a lesson learned, Oposa said.

He asked: If, along the way, the dogs will detect an explosive in a house that is not a subject of a search warrant, can the operatives break into the house"Testing Daybreak"

Simple Ring Around the Sun Today

2010-05-07T02:57:00.001-07:00

There is a Ring Around the Sun Today! While I was working and minding my own business in my workplace, a sudden commotion on the work chat rooms and those people near the windows caught my attention. They were talking about a Ring Around the Sun!

After like 15 to 20 minutes people were still going about it and I finally took my break then just out of curiosity had to look up the window as well. I just had to stop working and see the sun today. The sky looks blue and fantastic with the beautiful sun and its beautiful rainbow-ish, gray halo.

Have you ever looked up and noticed that there's a big ring around the Sun? Did you wonder about it for days? These rings are caused by ice crystals within thin cirrus clouds, and there several different kinds of sun rings you can see depending on the weather conditions.

When you're looking for halos, or rings around the Sun, make sure you always shield both eyes from the Sun. Even looking at the Sun for an instant can cause permanent eye damage.

Isn't our planet just beautiful? Many people wouldn't appreciate such beauty and magnificence. So take time to enjoy nature since they too are creations of GOD!

Photo Credit: Gina Malait

Eco-friendly condominium to rise in Asiatown IT Park

2010-04-26T03:59:00.001-07:00

The first green hybrid condominium in Cebu located across The Walk in Asiatown IT Park had its groundbreaking ceremony recently. This Eco-friendly condominium that will rise in Asiatown IT Park is Calyx Center, a flagship project of Innoland Development Corp., which offers an eco-friendly environment to its residents and retailers by incorporating living with nature through the use of rainwater, wind by its open channels in the building, and land by the provision of trees and greenery in the location.

The center is designed by architectural firm Aidea Philippines and aims to become one of the landmarks of Cebu through its green design. The center targets young entrepreneurs, young professionals and expatriates with Cebuano values. With Asiatown home to business process outsourcing firms, there is already a ready market, making the flagship project of Innoland strategically located. Innoland’s corporate office and showroom is on the 15th floor of TGU Tower in Asiatown.

Read more...

Source: Here

ALG commends SC for rules on environment cases

2010-04-25T04:49:00.001-07:00

The Alternative Law Groups (ALG) commended the Supreme Court for issuing the New Rules of Procedure for Environmental Cases just before the Earth Day celebration. The new rules of procedure for environmental cases, which will be effective on April 29, 2010, adhere to the basic principle of protection and advancement of the constitutional right of the people to a balanced and healthful ecology.

The rules provide simplified, speedy and inexpensive procedure for the enforcement of environmental right and duties recognized under the Constitution, existing laws, rules and regulations and international agreements. The rules introduce innovations and best practices in ensuring the effective enforcement of remedies and redress for violation of environmental laws and in enabling the courts to monitor and exact compliance with orders and judgments in environmental cases.

The new Environmental Rules is a product of a year-long consultation process that culminated in an Environmental Justice Forum that was held last year with the participation of ALG and its partners.

Read more..

About ALG:

The Alternative Law Groups is a coalition of non-government organizations with legal program components that adhere to the principles and values of alternative or developmental law. These organizations have distinct programs for developmental legal assistance that is primarily concerned with the pursuit of public interest, respect for human rights and promotion of social justice.

Source: Here

Why our planet is called EARTH

2010-04-24T04:46:00.001-07:00

Have you ever wondered Why our planet is called EARTH? As far as I can recall in all of my science subjects from Elementary up to college did not even tackle this. Well, I thought about it but we don't really have any subject relating to "Etymologies" and etymology does not really fit in a science discussion since it deals more with history and facts. So EARTH is just earth, everyone just accepted it.

Earth by the way is also the largest of the Solar System's four terrestrial planets. It is sometimes referred to as the World, the Blue Planet, or even Planet Earth or by its Latin name, Terra. The name Earth originates from the 8th century Anglo-Saxon word erda, which means ground or soil. In Old English the word became eorthe, then erthe in Middle English.

Earth was first used as the name of the sphere around the 1400s. It is the only planet whose name in English is not derived from Greco-Roman mythology. By that, EARTH stands out compared to the planets in our solar system wherein they are named after mythological Gods.

Now we know EARTH!

Happy Earth Day 2010!

2010-04-22T00:06:00.000-07:00

Happy Earth Day folks! Today, we celebrate mother earth’s beauty and glory, as we try to “discipline” ourselves to save our planet by ANY means necessary. I just recently came from the Bike and Hike Mother Earth Event and my feed is killing me!

Let us be reminded that we gave a beautiful planet, but it's dying and we're the ones killing it! let us think about the stories you've heard from your grandparents and some people that used to be abundant forests.

In the 1900's the Philippines was 70% olf growth, natural forest. Today, we have 6.6% forest cover,we have destroyed our forests, polluted our rivers, our ocrans - even the very air that we breathe. Where are we headed then? and what will our country or even the world look like in 10, 20 or even 30 years from now?

Will our country be still the Pearl of the Orient, a paradise for multiple animal and plant species or just a polluted and plain wasteland? It is not too late, now is the time for action and to CHANGE our ways.

Here are some things you could do right now. Make the decision. Decide now that you are going to reduce your plastic bag dependency.

Influence a stranger Take an extra bag shopping next time, and pass it on. Tell someone you're not happy with the way things are done..Let the supermarket, the stakeholders in your community or even your family, know that you'd like to see an end to plastic bags, and ask them what they are going to do about it.

Collect metals/plastics at home and sell them to local trash/plastic/scrap buyers. The plus side you get some money! Use rain water to wash your car or water your plants! These are just to name a few as to what we can do for our planet.

Don't Just say HAPPY EARTH DAY! Act and do something that can help our Beautiful country and our WORLD!

Celebrate Earth Day with a Starbucks coffee!

2010-04-20T22:24:00.000-07:00

On April 23 and 24, Starbucks will take P40 off the price of your beverage if you bring in your own travel mug or tumblers instead of using disposable cups. One Starbucks tumbler used in place of a disposable cup can help reduce millions in paper and plastic consumption.

Things to remember:
-Bottled water and pre-packed juices are not included in this campaign.
-While you don't have to use a Starbucks tumbler, it is recommended that you bring a tumbler that has proper insulation for cold and hot drinks.

Starbucks celebrates Earth Day by helping reduce the use of disposable cups. Let's share and help build a green nation. Bring your own Tumbler or Mug today at any Starbucks store in the Philippines for EARTH DAY! :)

Green Retail Agenda

2010-04-20T06:49:00.000-07:00

There will be a Green Retail Agenda on April 23, 2010, a day after Earth Day. The Environment Committee of SM City Cebu will hold the Green Retail Agenda at the Conference Hall AB from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.

This year for the Green Retail Agenda, invited speakers include Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival, Ocean Care executive director Mario Marababol and businessman Francis Dy. The Green Retail Agenda is held annually to provide environmental awareness and conservation among the mall tenants.

The speakers for the Green Retail Agenda will also present the latest issues and trends in green retailing focusing on conservation and enhancement of efficiencies.

Join and go to the location to participate the Green Retail Agenda!

Earth Day 2010 at Persimmon Plus

2010-04-17T04:25:00.001-07:00

Celebrate Earth Day 2010 at Persimmon Plus! Take Action. Make the Connection. Make the Commitment. This 3-day event was made possible by Environmental Coalition of Church and Civil Society in partnership with the Persimmon Plus!

Earth Day 2010 at Persimmon Plus will start at Earth Day itself with an Earth Bazaar from 5-10pm and Earth day mass at 5:30pm! On April 23 a day after Earth Day, the celebration continues with the continuation of the Earth Bazaar and then an Earth Day Music Jam at 7pm. And on the the 3rd day, to culminate the Earth day Celebrations, there will be a Kid's corner - Artwork and Poetry Reading at 4pm and then a thanksgiving mass at 5:30pm.

Be there at the Earth Day 2010 at Persimmon Plus!

Bike and Hike for Mother Earth

2010-04-15T04:10:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Earth Day, I encourage you to participate in the Bike
and Hike for Mother Earth. Bike and Hike for Mother Earth will be one of the highlight Earth Day in Cebu on April 22, 2010 when we celebrate Philippines' Earth Day! This is spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7), the activity signifies commitment in strengthening efforts in institutionalizing and mainstreaming climate change through the implementation of the Climate Change Act of 2009.

Bikers and ordinary individuals are urged to participate in the 'Bike and Hike' event as a way of raising public consciousness and soliciting wide massive public support to care for the environment and fight global warming.

On April 22, interested individuals who may want to join the activity will converge in Ayala Mall at the Cebu Business Park at 8:00 a.m. and together hike or bike towards SM City Cebu where the latter will host the two-day eco-fair dubbed the 'Green Expo.'

Over 25 industries will participate in the Green Expo to showcase their respective company's pro-environment efforts and initiatives such as waster water treatment and use of environment technologies.

Another featured activity for the Earth Day 2010 celebration in close coordination with SM City Cebu is the 10 Million Movement (10 mm) that intends to gather or collect 10 million acts or commitments for the environment.

A paper-based signing up booth has been put up in SM City Cebu since March 26 to gather the commitments and reach the 10 M target. One may choose among the 101 ways for a greener lifestyle for his/her environmental commitments. Another option is also to register and be counted through the worldwide web by logging on to www.10mm.ph or register by texting GREEN (space) REG (space) first name (slash) middle initial (slash) last name (slash) 10MM and send to 5777 (Example: GREEN REG Juan/C/De la Cruz/10MM.

A mangrove tree planting and coastal clean up will also be undertaken by DENR and its various partners on April 21 and 22 in Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary. Elementary and high school students in Olango Island are expected to join the activity.

Let us all do our part in taking care of our environment and the only livable planet we have. Join Bike and Hike for Mother Earth for Earth Day!

Source

Join the 10 Million Movement

2010-04-14T05:06:00.000-07:00

The 10 Million Movement was launched in line with the upcoming celebration for Earth Day. This year’s theme, as Ive already mention in my previous posts is “Hamon ng Panahon: Climate Change, Sampung Milyong Solusyon (Kilos na! Ngayon na!).

The 10 Million Movement, a campaign for each of us Pinoys to do something to help mitigate climate change. You may Visit the 10 Million movement webpage Here to register! Or you could also join through text. Register by texting GREEN (space) REG (space) first name (slash) middle initial (slash) last name (slash) 10 mm and send to 5777. Example: GREEN REG Jane/C/Masipag/10MM then send to 5777. Join na!

I’m encouraging you guys to register and declare your commitment in the 10 Million Movement Website! Have you? If you havent, please take time to register, and commit to even just one simple act.

So what’s it about? The Ten Million Movement is “an advocacy campaign to get Filipinos who care for the environment to commit to take action“. The website offers a selection of really, really simple “acts”:

-Conserve water
-Plant Indigenous Trees and other Plants
-Segregate waste, compost and recycle
-Do not burn waste, Including agricultural waste
-Walk or Bike when going short distances
-Collect and use rainwater
-Use reusable bags fore grocery and market
-Buy organic food and other environment-friendly product
-Use mass transit (mrt, lrt, buses, pujs)

The movement is like a franchise — a part of the global 1 Billion Acts to Combat Climate Change. The Philippines commits to do 10 million.

New Species of Giant Lizard found in the Philippines

2010-04-09T02:34:00.001-07:00

A New Species of Giant Lizard found in the Philippines, and I find it hard to believe too that they never discovered it until now.

"Biologists on Wednesday reported the spectacular discovery of a species of giant lizard, a reptile as long as a full-grown man is tall, and endowed with a double penis.

The secretive but brightly-coloured beast, a monitor lizard, is a close cousin of the Komodo Dragon of Indonesia.

But unlike the fearsone Dragon, it is not a carnivore, nor does it feast on rotting meat. Instead, it is entirely peaceable and tucks into fruit.

Dubbed Varanus bitatawa, the lizard measures two metres (6.5 feet) in length, according to the account, published by Britain’s Royal Society."

This discovery adds to the recognition of the Philippines as a global conservation hotspot and a regional superpower of biodiversity. This conservation efforts should not only aimed at the new species but also preserving the remaining forests of northern Luzon, which are rapidly disappearing under the pressure of expanding human population and deforestation.

Philippines' Earth Day Celebration and Presidential Proclamation No. 1481

2010-03-31T06:17:00.001-07:00

Philippines' Earth Day Celebration and Presidential Proclamation No. 1481. are 2 important things to remember every April 22, 2010. Philippines' Earth Day 2010 has the theme: “Hamon ng Panahon: CLIMATE CHANGE; 10 Milyung Solusyon (Kilos Na! Ngayon na!)”.

We just finished celebrating World Water Day which was quite timely since we are experiencing El Niño and then Earth hour (Which we have ironically have lots of power outages/rotating brown outs), now Earth day is coming up this April 22, 2010!

Earth Day was founded by former US senator Gaylord Nelson. He proposed the first nationwide environmental protest. The activity saw people on the streets fighting against various forms of environment degradation including oil spills, polluting factories, raw sewage, toxic dumps and pesticides. The first Earth Day also led to the creation of the United States Environmental Protection Agency.

It began with the Proclamation No. 553, issued on April 16, 1990 and signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino proclaimed April 22, 1990 as "Earth Day 1990" to raise the level of awareness on the gravity of environmental degradation and destruction in the country that threatens the very quality of life of many Filipinos; then, with Proclamation No. 1276, signed by President Gloria M. Arroyo and issued on April 20, 2007 declared April 22, 2007 as Philippines' Earth Day.

The Proclamation No. 1276 identified the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as the main convenor of the celebration and enjoined all agencies of the executive branch including but not limited to commissions, national government agencies, local government units (LGUs), state universities and colleges, government-owned and controlled corporations, in cooperation with other private sectors of society, i.e. the Church, Industry, Civil Society and other Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) to come up with environmental activities.

And then, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared April 22 as the Philippines' Earth Day, a permanent national environmental holiday, through Presidential Proclamation No. 1481.

What will you be doing this Earth Day?

Aboitizland's Persimmon Plus celebrates Earth Hour 2010 through a Sustainability Fair!

2010-03-14T04:56:00.000-07:00

Aboitizland, a part of the Aboitiz Group of Companies, will uniquely celebrate this year's EARTH-HOUR 2010 at The Persimmon Plus - Aboitizland's Urban Village, Mabolo Cebu City by a 'Passion for a Better World Sustainability Fair'. Acitivities will kick off March 24, 2010 and will end at 28th. Below are summary of 'Passion for a Better World Sustainability Fair' activities:

March 24-28 2010(3pm-9pm)

* Score Organic, Eco Fashionable finds and limited edition earth hour shirts.

* Kids will enjoy the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation interactive booth on biodiversity conversation.

* Reduce waste at the recycling market.

* Hand in your incandescent bulbs for CFL (compact flourescent light) bulbs at the VECO Switch booth.

March 27, 2010-Earth Hour

*Hourly lectures on practical ways to Conserve (9AM-6PM)

*Go vehicle-free for Earth Hour! Join the Abiotiz Walkathon from the Aboitiz Corporate Center in Banilad to The Persimmon Plus (assembly time at 4:30PM)
Earth Hour 2010 (6PM onwards): Be there for the countdwon and have a festive shut off experience

With Fire Dancers and Tribal/Acoustic Bands. Switch off with Ms Cebu 2010 and Ms Earth. Also be part of the Candlelight formation.

No one is too young or too old for positive change. And who says positive change can't be FUN? :) Visit the "Passion for A Better World" sustainability fair.

For inquiries, please contact Aboitizland Commercial Leasing at (032) 4116100

On March 27, the lectures end at 6PM and the Earth Hour party ends at 10:30PM!... See More

For those who wish to join our Earth Hour celebration, we encourage you to go vehicle-free with the rest of the Aboitiz employees from the Aboitiz Corporate Center in Banilad to The Persimmon Plus. Assembly time is at 4:30PM.

"Bike" or Bicycles Rulez!!!

2010-03-12T03:24:00.001-08:00

To be honest I have only attempted to learn or ride a bike twice. But living so far away from the city defeats the purpose in riding one. But someday I wanna take a bike to school, work and some random suroyx2 one day, but the reckless, crazy drivers from the south are scary and chances are they'r gonna roadkill me. Someday might be good or When bicycle roads arrive here in Cebu. That will be awesome!

World Water Day on March 22

2010-03-06T05:55:00.001-08:00

The theme of World Water Day 2010 on march 22 is: "Clean water for a healthy world." This them reaffirms that clean water is life, and our lives depend on how we protect the quality of our water.

Every year, 1,500 cubic kilometres of wastewater are produced globally. While waste and wastewater can be reused productively for energy and irrigation, it usually is not. In developing countries 80 percent of all waste is being discharged untreated, because of lack of regulations and resources. And population and industrial growth add new sources of pollution and increased demand for clean water to the equation. Human and environmental health, drinking and agricultural water supplies for the present and future are at stake, still water pollution rarely warrants mention as a pressing issue.

To do something about that UN-Water has chosen Clean Water for a Healthy World as theme for World Water Day 2010. The overall goal of the World Water Day on 22 March 2010 campaign is to raise the profile of water quality at the political level so that water quality considerations are made alongside those of water quantity.

Rotating Brownouts again?

2010-02-28T07:14:00.000-08:00

Rotating Brownouts again? Well I remember when I was little that brown outs are totally normal when there are typhoons or disasters but these days, it's just ridiculous.

So, what is rotating brownout? A power interruption that is evenly distributed to all the subscribers in a rotating schedule. That is to balance the load on all subscribers due to insufficiency of power supply.

Based from the articles I have read on newspapers, here in cebu, these are necessary due to "Power Plant Maintenance." Government Officials say there is more than enough power to go around but why is there even a brown out? That goes to show that we don't have any other back up power sources.

In the south, in naga we have supposedly clean coal power plants to rise and provide jobs and additional energy sources. But I have a question, since when did clean coal became clean? The residue may be cleaner or less harmful, but less harmful is still harmful. Why is it so hard for our officials to not just explore but implement alternative energy sources projects? Why has Ilocos Norte succeeded?

It is possible that politics and a bunch of excuses are in the way of this very good opportunity. We here in cebu remains locked in an obsolete carbon-based system.

Show your Support for Earth Hour 2010

2010-02-25T03:06:00.001-08:00

Show your Support forEarth Hour 2010. Mark your calendar! Earth Hour will take place on March 27, 2010 (8:30PM to 9:30PM).

"Earth Hour is a global call to action to every individual, business, school and community to take a stand against climate change."

In 2007, 2.2 million residents of Sydney, Australia participated in Earth Hour event by turning off all unnecessary lights and appliances in their household for 60 minutes. That was the very beginning of this campaign which was pioneered by WWF (World Wide Fund for Nature). It aims to increase awareness towards the need to take action on climate change. And by 2008, following Sydney’s lead, many cities around the world adopted the event.

Everyone can show their support. Check the following guidelines. (From Earth Hour’s Webpage)
1. Turning off your lights at 8.30PM on March 27
2. Showing your support and adding yourself to our world map
3. Adding Earth Hour widgets, logos and banners to your blog or website to help us spread the word
4. Talking about Earth Hour in your social network by updating your Facebook status, grabbing a Twibbon, tweeting about your support, and more
5. Get together with your friends and family, by hosting an Earth Hour party or holding your own candlelit affair
6. Rally your local council or community group to run an Earth Hour event for your community
7. Encourage your employer and workmates to take part in Earth Hour and make energy savings every day
8. Make an Earth Hour Lantern as a symbol of hope for the future
9. Be creative! Find a new way to mark Earth Hour and let us know all about it!

Acts of God and of MAN

2009-11-07T21:05:00.000-08:00

Acts of God and of Man, that is the statement I have heard in the news about the recent events happening in our country specifically about the recent typhoons. Our country is simply not prepared to cope with natural disasters. Most of our politicians are still too busy bickering about each others mistakes while the people that they swore to serve are suffering.

The UN has made a study and have identified that the Philippines is one of the VERY hot spots for climate change. Ironically even with that fact, our country was the last to ratify the ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response. And just recently the signing into law of the Philippine Climate Change Act of 2009.

The deadly trio was pointed out that worsens natural disasters are poor urban government, unstable rural livelihood and ecosystem decline. Add to that the current coping capacity for hazard evaluation, structural defenses, early warning systems, emergency response, insurance and disaster funds and reconstruction and rehabilitation planning.

We have rich natural resources and yet we still continue to take them for granted. money wise, pro activism, preparation and prevention cost much less than re activism and rehabilitation. When can we have leaders who cannot only understand this simple concept and at the same time have some action to back his/her words up. We have more than enough laws already, its high time we implement them fully and properly not just for the public servants but also the citizens.

Even though these things are all in luzon, should we here in the visayas worry? Most Definitely, we must stop living in denial that such a situation won't happen to us here in cebu. We must urge our leaders here to be prepared and ready for any natural disaster that may strike our community.

Trip to Inayawan Dumpsite/Landfill

2009-06-07T00:38:00.000-07:00

I visited the Inayawan dumpsite/landfill through our learning visit activity in Young Minds Academy-3 and we also went to many areas here in cebu. Literally “Inayawan,” the name of the town means “rejected” and people actually live in the garbage by creating some makeshift Tents.

This may be a dumpsite - but hundreds of poor families have to live here too. It is a sad reflection that the Philippines, and its goverment (National & Local) have done so little or anything to help these poor people. In a recent news article which says that the site is already full, perhaps the solution is to locate another “Dumpsite” but rather adopt and apply new and innovative green technologies which are being adopted by countries that are environment conscious. It will be an expensive endeavor but at least it would benefit us all in the long run.

Most of us are in denial because most of us cebuanos know of these information/problems but we simply let it get in one ear and exits in the next ear, as if it does not concern us. Everybody has problems and bad times, but we must not sacrifice the good times for those bad times. In any moment of decision, the best thing you can do is the right thing. The worst thing you can do is nothing.

There were children there too, they were excited and was full of energy. I guess it’s a rare sight for them to get visited. So if you think your life is miserable, or your job sucks, then simply think and put yourself in these peoples shoes. It really made me reflect and think on how blessed I am and how my daily problems were diminutive compared to theirs, if these people could smile, why can’t we? :P

Policy

2009-06-06T07:37:00.000-07:00

All data and information provided on this site is for informational purposes only. http://greencebu.blogspot.com/ makes no representations as to accuracy, completeness, currentness, suitability, or validity of any information on this site and will not be liable for any errors, omissions, or delays in this information or any losses, injuries, or damages arising from its display or use. All information is provided on an as-is basis.

In addition, my thoughts and opinions change from time to time…I consider this a necessary consequence of having an open mind and for my quest for excellence & continuous improvement. Opinions expressed within out-of-date posts may not be the same, or even similar to those of what I may hold today. This is my personal blog. The views expressed on these pages are mine alone and not those of my employer, commentators or any company or institution mentioned. This site contains links in which I hold no control, responsibility and may not have the same beliefs for the information provided by those individuals.

Please feel free to leave comments on my blogs - the more the merrier. I will always try and visit your blog but I will only leave a comment if it adds to your articles worth and if I find it interesting - please return the favor. Feel free to challenge me, disagree with me, or tell me I’m completely nuts in the comments section of each blog entry, but I reserve the right to delete any comment for any reason whatsoever (abusive, profane, rude, or anonymous comments) - so keep it polite, please.

Just in case. If I say something stupid in the future, it’s better to be able to point out that the stupidity is mine, and mine alone. My stupidity! You can’t have it! :)

About

2009-02-18T04:29:00.000-08:00

We live our lives as if we are detached from our environment and in effect, most of us think for ourselves. This effort to create a green or environmental awareness is not for the sake of joining a "cause" or a "Fad" these days but rather for a bigger picture of our reality.

Being green doesn't mean only that we need to save the environment and the animals because they need to be saved, but rather it is more on saving ourselves and our future generations. The Earth will heal itself, in time but we humans have only been here for only thousands of years while the earth millions. When we are gone the earth will still continue on living, existing..

All of us must do our share to ensure not only ourselves, our fellow countrymen but also for the future generations.

Only When the last tree has been cut down,

Only When the last river has been poisoned,

Only When the last fish has been caught,

Only then will you find out that money cannot be eaten

And being a cebu based blogger, I would like to contribute in my own little way in documenting my home's endeavors and battles against environmental degradation..Hence, GREEN CEBU!

If you want to know about me please visit my other blog here