International Clean Up Day 2011 in Cebu

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!

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

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

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

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

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

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!