Eco-friendly condominium to rise in Asiatown IT Park

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.

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Source: Here

ALG commends SC for rules on environment cases

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.

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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

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!

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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.