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.