LGUs need to address climate issues
By Garry A. Cabotaje
AN official of a fisher-folk group has lamented that most of the local government units (LGUs) in Cebu have not acted on the threat of climate change.
“The problems on climate change are already here, but most of the LGUs in Cebu have not done anything yet to cushion the impact of this global phenomenon,” said Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fisher Folk Development Center Inc.
Cinches participated in a climate change forum and workshop at the Talisay City Hall last Monday. The forum hosted by Talisay City is in line with the ongoing international conference on climate change in Copenhagen.
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Cinches recommended that the LGUs tie up with other sectors to implement programs aimed at minimizing the disastrous effects of climate change.
He said that local officials should not take lightly the effects of climate change because more than 100 state leaders have been discussing ways to address its worldwide ill effects.
Christine Homez, city planning and development coordinator, said Talisay City has to come up with measures as it is vulnerable to floods and landslides.
When typhoons and a southwest monsoon hit Talisay two months ago, more than 50 families in the coastal villages of Mohon and Poblacion were rendered homeless by big waves.
Homez said the storms served as a wake-up call for the city to initiate plans against natural calamities and disasters.
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has declared some of the city’s upland villages as landslide-prone, while areas near the riverbanks are also prone to flooding based on past incidents.
Homez lamented, though, that the P500,000-budget for the City Planning and Development Office’s (CPDO) comprehensive land use plan (CLUP) was removed from the newly-approved 2010 budget of P437.6 million.
The budget, she said, was supposed to be used for the CLUP’s “climate change sensitive” program.
Homez, also the city disaster coordinating council officer, said her office needs to identify disaster-prone areas in Talisay to prepare them for any eventualities.
She said the CPDO needs devices like the global positioning system and a geographic information system for the disaster mapping project. The CPDO has requested the mayor’s office to provide funds for the project.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on December 20, 2009.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Monday, December 14, 2009
Friday, December 11, 2009
FIDEC Inc. Won the Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan Award for Organizations
Awards for unsung environmental heroes launched
In its 20th year, the Center for Environmental Concerns-Philippine s launched the Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan and presented the awards to the seven remarkable individuals and organizations who have launched notable actions and programs to defend the environment, lives, and rights of Filipino people.
"Gawad Bayani ng Kalikasan is our way of honoring the natural nurturers of the environment and promoting the kind of environmentalism that sees the oneness of the environment with the political, economic and cultural aspects of society." said Ms. Frances Quimpo, executive director of CEC-Phils.
The Gawad sa mga Indibidwal (Award for Individuals) are awarded to individuals who have demonstrated extraordinary ability and effort to uphold the environment and people’s welfare, whether in the form of advocacy, campaigns, education, research, technology development, community services, mass media or cultural work. The recipients of the awards are:
* · Datu Guibang Apoga of Davao del Norte, a tribal chieftain who united 83 Ata-Manobo villages within the Talaingod ancestral land to fight the commercial logging operations in their province.
* · Professor Margarita dela Torre-dela Cruz, an educator, researcher and development worker committed to the promotion of quality education, research and development, and community service.
* · Emmanuel Calonzo head of EcoWaste Coalition and promotes environmental justice in the country and helps communities to uphold their rights to a clean, toxic-free environment and future.
The Gawad sa mga Organisasyon (Award for Organizations) are awarded to top peoples' and community organizations and institutions that have demonstrated unity in upholding the welfare of the people and of the environment by exemplary actions and advocacy, campaigns, education, research, technology development, community services, mass media or cultural work. The recipients of the awards are:
* · Cordillera Poeple's Alliance (CPA), an independent federation of progressive peoples organizations, most of them grassroots-based organizations among indigenous communities in the Cordillera Region, Philippines that is committed to the promotion and defense of indigenous peoples’ rights, human rights, social justice, and national freedom and democracy.
* · Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center, Inc. (FIDEC) that was conceived and organized, with the primary role of assisting in the organizing process and alliance formation of fishing communities in the Visayas.
* · SEAMANCOR Eco-Devopers, Inc, manages a 112 hectare natural mangrove forest and rehabilitated another 267 hectares of mangrove plantations whose reforestation efforts contributed to the preservation of the natural flora and fauna of Sorsogon.
The Natatatanging Gawad (Most distinguished award) is awarded to either an individual or organization in recognition of being an inspiration and example to the Filipino people for offering time and talents for the defense of the environment and advancement of the people’s welfare. The award went to Eliezer "Boy" BIllanes, a staunch anti-mining activist in South Cotabato who was killed for his convictions and activities making him, the 20th anti-mining activist killed under the Arroyo administration.
The CEC-Phils also hopes to promote a strand of environmentalism that views environmental problems in the context of the struggles of communities for equal rights to the protection and wise utilization of the natural resources and the analysis that the current Philippine environmental crisis is just a reflection of the social inequalities that beset the nation.
"The Philippines has become a haven for massive natural resource extraction and toxic waste dumping by local and largely foreign corporations facilitated by our own government's economic programs without a solid blueprint on how this sale of our national patrimony will develop the country and improve people’s marginal lives. " Ms. Quimpo explained.
She furthered that hopefully through the GBK, people may be inspired to be heroes of the environment and the people and take part in the environmental movement whose ultimate vision is for the majority of the Filipino people to enjoy access and control of the resources and the fruits of their toil, instead of being enjoyed only by a few foreign corporations and the local elite.
A 2-day lecture series by the GBK awardees was held from December 8-9 at the UP Balay Kalinaw and capped by the awards ceremonies on December 10 at the Bantayog ng mga Bayani.
Reference: Frances Quimpo, Executive Director, CEC-Phils., 09178846325.
Saturday, November 21, 2009
Sangtuwaryo: A fisherfolks’ tale
We are selling this film.
Sangtuwaryo: A fisherfolks’ tale
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
Cebu Daily News First Posted 15:05:00 08/16/2009 Filed Under: Cinema
In three weeks of summer, a cast of fishermen and Bantayan folk who had never acted in their life took direction for a one-of-a-kind movie.
In the premiere of “Sangtuwaryo” (sanctuary) last Friday at SM Cinema 1 in Cebu City, some of the actors went up on stage to receive applause from an audience who rose to their feet, after 80 minutes through a film that invited tears, bursts of laughter, and deep silences with the story of a poor family’s struggle with dynamite fishing in an islet village of Cebu.
“These, ladies and gentlemen,” said environment lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. “are naturals.”
The actors hope to drive home the message that community effort is needed to revive and nurture the seas that have been long abused by illegal fishing techniques and human neglect.
“I was enthusiastic about the project because of my tatay,” said Archie Modequillo, the director.
“My father (Adelaido) was a fisherman. Using a baroto, Tatay would go out to sea at night and in the morning we would have sud-an (viand) for the whole day,” he told CEBU DAILY NEWS.
Modequillo, who hails from Borbon town in north Cebu, is a film director and a correspondent filmmaker for the National Geographic Channel in Southeast Asia. He finished his Master's degree on Film Making in the United States.
He said his father would have learned more about caring for the environment if a similar film had been made years ago.
“But he would remind us not to destroy the pagatpat (mangrove seedlings),” said Modequillo.
The project set out to be a documentary film on marine resource conservation. It delivers a full-length drama with family love and quarrels, death and second chances.
Copies of the film, a joint production by the Law of Nature Foundation, Visayan Sea Squadron and the School of the SEAs (Sea and Earth Advocates), will be shared with schools and other organizations as a takeoff for discussion about marine sanctuaries and conservation.
The Department of Tourism helped finance the film, produced on a shoestring budget of P300,00. The first P100,000 was donated by Antique Gov. Sally Saldivar–Perez.
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, who attended the premier with Saldivar-Perez, said he wanted the Cebuano language film dubbed in Tagalog and English so it could be entered in international film fests.
The film revolves around the life of a family living in Duyong, a poor fishing village on an islet.
Lito, a fisherman, doesn't resort to blast fishing despite its rampant practice in the village because his own father died in a blast fishing accident.
He and wife Gaya have two boys and a baby girl.
But one day, Lito’s youngest child, Inday, gets sick with dengue and has to be taken to the hospital in the town.
Cash is a big problem among the people in the village. Lito is torn between holding to his ideals or getting quick cash through blast fishing to buy medicines.
“I asked the producers who was the target audience. I said the people may not be ready for this,” Modequillo recalled.
Fund sources were limited and came in slowly. But this didn’t dampen the the enthusiasm of partners, who included veterans in radio-TV drama and theater who accepted the modest compensation.
Modequillo handled the camerawork.
“If we hired a cameraman that would mean paying him P3,000 per day. We did not have a monitor, which I would need to review the shots because that would cost us at least P2,500 per day,” he said.
The crew and cast ended up having to act and do production work at the same time.
Cora Rosales-Jayma, the script writer, also played the mother of the leading man. She’s a veteran in radio-TV drama in GMA 7. Her daughter, a former teleseries actor now working abroad, played the role of Gaya. A grandson, played the role of the fisherman’s wide-eyed youngest son.
Paolo Mercado, a director of a TV network, was the film’s community organizer. A major role was played by 35-year-old Cloyd Anthony Ribo, whose experiences include playing Jesus Christ at the Holy Week play of Buhing Kalbaryo and was Lapu-Lapu at one production of Kadaugan sa Mactan.
“I was once a fisherman, so I know the kind of life they live,” said Ribo, who essayed the role of “Makoy” the dynamite supplier in Duyong village. He was chosen during auditions in Madridejos town.
Ribo was also the film's props man and assistant director in charge of preparing the small roles or extras.
The leading man, Aljoy Sayson, the tall, deeply tanned, serious fisherman in the film was the project’s biggest discovery.
He was playing basketball when the director pulled him aside and asked him to read some lines of the script.
His “quiet dignity” and even voice convinced Modequillo he had found the right “Lito”.
Melino Potong, described as the “best and bravest” blast fisher in Sta. Fe town on Bantayan Island, had a cameo role.
Potong, together with Adriano Ilustrisimo, Rosendo Rosalejos, and Edgar Desabille are all on probation after they were caught in 2005 by the Bantay Dagat for illegal fishing. The group now works as fish wardens and assist at Oposa’s School of the SEAs.
“Blast fishing disturbs the fish, the people on the island. Today, nobody uses blast fishing. Especially after we got caught,” he said in Cebuano.
The other actors include Sta. Fe native Jessie Batiancila and his wife Nelly; Ligaya Yuliongsio also appeared with her son Vincent – who played the role of a gay and worked as the make up artist and costume assistant.
As director, Modequillo said he wondered about the quality of the film they had finished.
“When we finished editing it I purposely did not watch the film. I watched it again after a few days, and I cried,” he said.
To the movie audience, Modequillo said there is a world begging for our attention and love.
“I hope the film can move us to do our share and respond to that call,” he said. With Eileen Mangubat
Sangtuwaryo: A fisherfolks’ tale
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
Cebu Daily News First Posted 15:05:00 08/16/2009 Filed Under: Cinema
In three weeks of summer, a cast of fishermen and Bantayan folk who had never acted in their life took direction for a one-of-a-kind movie.
In the premiere of “Sangtuwaryo” (sanctuary) last Friday at SM Cinema 1 in Cebu City, some of the actors went up on stage to receive applause from an audience who rose to their feet, after 80 minutes through a film that invited tears, bursts of laughter, and deep silences with the story of a poor family’s struggle with dynamite fishing in an islet village of Cebu.
“These, ladies and gentlemen,” said environment lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr. “are naturals.”
The actors hope to drive home the message that community effort is needed to revive and nurture the seas that have been long abused by illegal fishing techniques and human neglect.
“I was enthusiastic about the project because of my tatay,” said Archie Modequillo, the director.
“My father (Adelaido) was a fisherman. Using a baroto, Tatay would go out to sea at night and in the morning we would have sud-an (viand) for the whole day,” he told CEBU DAILY NEWS.
Modequillo, who hails from Borbon town in north Cebu, is a film director and a correspondent filmmaker for the National Geographic Channel in Southeast Asia. He finished his Master's degree on Film Making in the United States.
He said his father would have learned more about caring for the environment if a similar film had been made years ago.
“But he would remind us not to destroy the pagatpat (mangrove seedlings),” said Modequillo.
The project set out to be a documentary film on marine resource conservation. It delivers a full-length drama with family love and quarrels, death and second chances.
Copies of the film, a joint production by the Law of Nature Foundation, Visayan Sea Squadron and the School of the SEAs (Sea and Earth Advocates), will be shared with schools and other organizations as a takeoff for discussion about marine sanctuaries and conservation.
The Department of Tourism helped finance the film, produced on a shoestring budget of P300,00. The first P100,000 was donated by Antique Gov. Sally Saldivar–Perez.
Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, who attended the premier with Saldivar-Perez, said he wanted the Cebuano language film dubbed in Tagalog and English so it could be entered in international film fests.
The film revolves around the life of a family living in Duyong, a poor fishing village on an islet.
Lito, a fisherman, doesn't resort to blast fishing despite its rampant practice in the village because his own father died in a blast fishing accident.
He and wife Gaya have two boys and a baby girl.
But one day, Lito’s youngest child, Inday, gets sick with dengue and has to be taken to the hospital in the town.
Cash is a big problem among the people in the village. Lito is torn between holding to his ideals or getting quick cash through blast fishing to buy medicines.
“I asked the producers who was the target audience. I said the people may not be ready for this,” Modequillo recalled.
Fund sources were limited and came in slowly. But this didn’t dampen the the enthusiasm of partners, who included veterans in radio-TV drama and theater who accepted the modest compensation.
Modequillo handled the camerawork.
“If we hired a cameraman that would mean paying him P3,000 per day. We did not have a monitor, which I would need to review the shots because that would cost us at least P2,500 per day,” he said.
The crew and cast ended up having to act and do production work at the same time.
Cora Rosales-Jayma, the script writer, also played the mother of the leading man. She’s a veteran in radio-TV drama in GMA 7. Her daughter, a former teleseries actor now working abroad, played the role of Gaya. A grandson, played the role of the fisherman’s wide-eyed youngest son.
Paolo Mercado, a director of a TV network, was the film’s community organizer. A major role was played by 35-year-old Cloyd Anthony Ribo, whose experiences include playing Jesus Christ at the Holy Week play of Buhing Kalbaryo and was Lapu-Lapu at one production of Kadaugan sa Mactan.
“I was once a fisherman, so I know the kind of life they live,” said Ribo, who essayed the role of “Makoy” the dynamite supplier in Duyong village. He was chosen during auditions in Madridejos town.
Ribo was also the film's props man and assistant director in charge of preparing the small roles or extras.
The leading man, Aljoy Sayson, the tall, deeply tanned, serious fisherman in the film was the project’s biggest discovery.
He was playing basketball when the director pulled him aside and asked him to read some lines of the script.
His “quiet dignity” and even voice convinced Modequillo he had found the right “Lito”.
Melino Potong, described as the “best and bravest” blast fisher in Sta. Fe town on Bantayan Island, had a cameo role.
Potong, together with Adriano Ilustrisimo, Rosendo Rosalejos, and Edgar Desabille are all on probation after they were caught in 2005 by the Bantay Dagat for illegal fishing. The group now works as fish wardens and assist at Oposa’s School of the SEAs.
“Blast fishing disturbs the fish, the people on the island. Today, nobody uses blast fishing. Especially after we got caught,” he said in Cebuano.
The other actors include Sta. Fe native Jessie Batiancila and his wife Nelly; Ligaya Yuliongsio also appeared with her son Vincent – who played the role of a gay and worked as the make up artist and costume assistant.
As director, Modequillo said he wondered about the quality of the film they had finished.
“When we finished editing it I purposely did not watch the film. I watched it again after a few days, and I cried,” he said.
To the movie audience, Modequillo said there is a world begging for our attention and love.
“I hope the film can move us to do our share and respond to that call,” he said. With Eileen Mangubat
Monday, October 26, 2009
cebu for 350
SINULOG FOR CLIMATE CHANGE AND 350 UNLIGHTED CANDLES!
What is this about?
This is a creative action to inspire local and international community. We have representatives from Fardec, GLACC, Visayas Action Network, human rights organization, and fisherfolk groups to show we’ve joined 350.org. This means we representatives press for an International climate treaty that lowers atmospheric carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million. We also support local action that decreases Visayas’ fossil fuel dependency and vulnerability to climate change. The Visayas Climate Action Network is a Cebu-based network of various schools, universities, and other civil society organizations. It supports climate change re-skilling, environmental law enforcement, business partnerships, alternative policy development.
This is one of the many actions we take to tackle fossil-fueled commerce.
Why 350? This is the number that leading government-supported climatologists say is the safe upper limit for atmospheric carbon dioxide. As it stands our global atmosphere is concentrated with 390 parts per million.
Why do we hold posters saying Abandon Coal and offshore mining ? Because VCAN supports environmental law enforcement. And local coal and offshore mining do not comply with environmental laws. We do not reward large scale polluters. VCAN and its constituent orgs support suits against large scale polluters who endanger public health and again bring us farther from attain a safe upper limit of 350ppm. We honor data from real-world observation, climate models and international studies that conclude the more we burn COAL, OIL AND GAS the more damaging climate change will be. Visit 350.org or contact VCAN at visayas.can@gmail.com / 2561365 if you want to learn more about climate change.
Climate change will only compound the individual drivers of environmental disasters and injustice. If we don’t aim for 350ppm, you can expect more unexpected droughts, threatened access to water supply, declining crop yields, rising sea levels, severe storms, and the public’s permanent displacement.
Again, this is one of the many actions Visayas Climate Action Network supports. We invite you to research climate change for yourself. We invite the diversity of alternatives to tackle to climate crisis. We also invites all environmental groups, schools, labor groups, businesses and their form of climate change resistance. We’re interested in your food security strategies, policy alternatives, sustainable business practice, and environmental law enforcement. We invite you, your skills and knowledge to build communities resilient, not vulnerable, to climate change disasters.
Thank you.
JOIN US AND CONTACT US. Visayas.can@gmail.com 2561365 350.org/cebu
VISAYAS CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK – GLACC, FIDEC, FARDEC, SIBAT, CERNET, FPE, UC COLLEGE OF LAW, UP POLITICAL SCIENCE
What is this about?
This is a creative action to inspire local and international community. We have representatives from Fardec, GLACC, Visayas Action Network, human rights organization, and fisherfolk groups to show we’ve joined 350.org. This means we representatives press for an International climate treaty that lowers atmospheric carbon dioxide to 350 parts per million. We also support local action that decreases Visayas’ fossil fuel dependency and vulnerability to climate change. The Visayas Climate Action Network is a Cebu-based network of various schools, universities, and other civil society organizations. It supports climate change re-skilling, environmental law enforcement, business partnerships, alternative policy development.
This is one of the many actions we take to tackle fossil-fueled commerce.
Why 350? This is the number that leading government-supported climatologists say is the safe upper limit for atmospheric carbon dioxide. As it stands our global atmosphere is concentrated with 390 parts per million.
Why do we hold posters saying Abandon Coal and offshore mining ? Because VCAN supports environmental law enforcement. And local coal and offshore mining do not comply with environmental laws. We do not reward large scale polluters. VCAN and its constituent orgs support suits against large scale polluters who endanger public health and again bring us farther from attain a safe upper limit of 350ppm. We honor data from real-world observation, climate models and international studies that conclude the more we burn COAL, OIL AND GAS the more damaging climate change will be. Visit 350.org or contact VCAN at visayas.can@gmail.com / 2561365 if you want to learn more about climate change.
Climate change will only compound the individual drivers of environmental disasters and injustice. If we don’t aim for 350ppm, you can expect more unexpected droughts, threatened access to water supply, declining crop yields, rising sea levels, severe storms, and the public’s permanent displacement.
Again, this is one of the many actions Visayas Climate Action Network supports. We invite you to research climate change for yourself. We invite the diversity of alternatives to tackle to climate crisis. We also invites all environmental groups, schools, labor groups, businesses and their form of climate change resistance. We’re interested in your food security strategies, policy alternatives, sustainable business practice, and environmental law enforcement. We invite you, your skills and knowledge to build communities resilient, not vulnerable, to climate change disasters.
Thank you.
JOIN US AND CONTACT US. Visayas.can@gmail.com 2561365 350.org/cebu
VISAYAS CLIMATE ACTION NETWORK – GLACC, FIDEC, FARDEC, SIBAT, CERNET, FPE, UC COLLEGE OF LAW, UP POLITICAL SCIENCE
Saturday, October 24, 2009
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Tañon unlike any worldwide
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/ta%C3%B1-unlike-any-worldwide
Tañon unlike any worldwide
By Liberty A. Pinili
THERE’s another reason to protect Tañon Strait.
American marine biologist Kent Carpenter said Tañon Strait, the narrow stretch of sea between the southern end of Cebu and Oriental Negros, may offer answers on why and how certain marine organisms are resilient to climate change.
Aside from this, Tañon Strait’s geology can be considered the “most unique in the world” as it was formed when two islands—Cebu and Negros—which used to be far from each other, moved closer.
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“Over 55 million years ago, Cebu started to move from where Papua New Guinea is now while Negros came from the opposite direction. The strait must have accumulated an extremely unique group of marine organisms,” said Carpenter, who has studied the Philippines’ marine waters for about 30 years and has declared the seas around the Visayas to be the richest in biodiversity.
He said that during the Ice Age, the Tañon Strait was cut off from other seas so organisms in the area must have evolved differently.
Too special
“It’s too special a place to tamper with,” he said, reacting to plans to explore oil in the Tañon Strait. He added that the strait needs to be considered as a national heritage.
He said he plans to conduct a study on the species of marine organisms in the strait. He plans to start the study within a year or two.
Carpenter noted that while the Tañon Strait has been declared a national protected area, enforcement of protection laws has been wanting.
Still, he commends the Philippines for having the most number of marine protected areas in Asia. In Cebu, he cited the marine protected areas (MPAs) off Gilutongan Island in Cordova, Sam-boan, Sumilon (Oslob) and Moalboal.
“But only a small percentage of Philippines MPAs are well-managed. It’s not perfect but I’m hopeful that some environments will be preserved over a long period of time,” he said.
He stressed the importance of establishing a network of MPAs and strict enforcement of laws against destructive fishing practices.
Economic sense
He said communities and local governments tasked to manage MPAs should use the fees collected from divers to finance maintenance and protection measures.
He stressed that protecting the country’s marine environment also makes economic sense with long-term benefits.
Carpenter was in Cebu last week to talk to students in different universities about the importance of protecting the biological diversity of marine life in the Philippine seas.
His talks with Cebu students were part of the Coral Triangle Initiative, a joint project of six countries (Indonesia, Malaysia (Sabah), Papua New Guinea, Philippines, Solomon Islands and Timor-Leste), their neighbors (Australia, Fiji, New Caledonia and Vanuatu) and partners, including the United States, United Kingdom and the World Wildlife Fund.
The initiative aims to come up with national and regional (within the Coral Triangle) action plans to protect and manage the marine diversity in the Coral Triangle.
Scientists report that the Coral Triangle is home to more than 500 species of corals and 3,000 fish species. It holds 53 percent of the world coral reefs and has the greatest extent of mangrove forest than any region in the world.
Carpenter is one of the scientists assessing the threatened species list for the Coral Triangle area.
His visit to Cebu was part of the assistance pledged by the US to the Coral Triangle Initiative.
The United State’s Bureau of East Asian and Pacific Affairs and the US Agency for International Development have committed a total of $4.35 million to the initiative.
The initiative involves strategies to enhance the capabilities of seascapes; an ecosystem approach to fisheries management, where fisherfolk are given alternative livelihood; establishment and protection of marine protected areas; climate change adaptation; and threatened species assessment.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Groups eye Naga plants
Groups eye Naga plants
http://globalnation.inquirer.net/cebudailynews/news/view/20091020-231121/Groups-eye-Naga-plants
CEBU-based environmental groups recently joined an international campaign aimed at curtailing the effects of climate change by reducing greenhouse gas emissions.
Vince Cinches, Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. (Fidec) executive director, said their commitment to the group 350.org, consists of campaigning against coal-fired plants like those being set up in Naga City.
“An additional power plant would produce two parts per million (ppm) of carbon dioxide which is a type of greenhouse gas into the atmosphere,” Cinches said.
He said the country's carbon dioxide level now stands at 387 ppm.
Monday, October 19, 2009
Groups vow to push fight vs. power firms
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/groups-vow-push-fight-vs-power-firms
FOUR environmental groups said they will expand their opposition against the construction of two coal-fired power plants of the Korean Electric Company-SPC Power Corp. (Kepco-SPC) consortium.
The move showed the groups were unfazed by the rally in the City of Naga last week, where about 1,000 people expressed their support to the projects.
The Global Legal Action against Climate Change (GLACC), Fisherfolk Development Center (Fidec), Farmers Development Center (Fardec)) and the Naganhong Parokyano alang sa Kaluwasan sa Banay sa Naga (Nagpakabana Naga) said they will not only block the entry of Kepco-SPC but will also work on having the existing plants shut down.
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The four groups will hold a press conference today to announce a series of mass protests and actions related to offshore mining, climate change and the Balili Beach Resort controversy.
The groups will hold the conference in celebration of the International Day of Climate Action.
Fidec executive director Vince Cinches said the Balili issue was accidentally discovered because they questioned why Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia entered into an agreement with Kepco for Capitol to dispose of the toxic waste of the Korean firm.
Paid
He said they received reports from their supporters in Naga that those who joined the rally were paid by somebody who is close to Kepco at P150 each.
“The Naga people who are pro-environment reported that to us. We are investigating it,” Cinches said.
But Naga Mayor Valdemar Chiong refused to comment on the matter. He said no amount of explanation can change the mind of Cinches and the others because they have another agenda.
Inoboran, Naga Barangay Captain Rodolfo Tomada Sr. said he and his constituents joined the rally in favor of Kepco because nobody has died of pollution-related diseases in Naga and Kepco will improve the town’s economy.
Lawyer Benjamin Cabrido of GLACC said they are now polishing their petition to the Supreme Court for the High Tribunal to stop the construction of coal-fired plants in Cebu.
Published in the Sun.Star Cebu newspaper on October 19, 2009.
Friday, October 2, 2009
Immediate Climate Action Needed to Prevent Future Destruction
Typhoon Ketsana Highlights Vulnerability of Developing Countries
Immediate Climate Action Needed to Prevent Future Destruction
Nature will not wait for Copenhagen.
This situation was made more clear as Typhoon Ketsana left widespread flooding in many countries, unleashed unprecedented rainfall in Metro Manila and caught a lot of people unprepared both in the Philippines and Vietnam.
In the face of increasing frequency and strength of these weather events, the lack of proper infrastructure and planning in cities and towns of developing countries puts their urban population at risk. Developing countries lack the capacity to adapt to climate change induced rains and flooding. Their food security is threatened as their crops are destroyed by typhoons and their lives and homes destroyed by landslides, flooding and strong winds.
Climate change already aggravates other environmental problems that communities have to face as a result of globalization's ever increasing destruction of our ecology. The poor communities that have long been struggling economically are unable to cope with this threat.
The foot-dragging of the UNFCC in the intercessional meeting currently being held in Bangkok must stop. It is no longer a question that human activity has produced dangerous climate interference. The member countries of the UN, especially those from the developing countries, should not let the US and the G8 sabotage the negotiations for their benefit. Our goal should be to avoid catastrophic effects that could affect more than half of the world's population that are most vulnerable to climate change.
Immediate climate action is needed now. We should insist that emitter nations, such as the US and other industrialized countries, indemnify communities and nations like ours so that we may be able to adapt to extreme weather events and other disasters that may come in the future.
We should strive for a post-Kyoto climate agreement that will truly contain scientific and real solutions away from market based mechanisms to address global warming and climate change related concerns of the people of the world.
We should strengthen our people's movements and mobilize our communities not only to adapt to the effects of climate change but to reject the current world system that brought us here in the first place.
International League of People’s Struggle (ILPS)* Ibon International*APWLD *350.org* ECOT* Kalikasan PNE* SDF* Peace for Life*AGHAM* Roots for Equity* AGHAM* PAN-AP* APRN* AIPP* Asian Peasant Women’s Network* CANGO* FIDEC* COP* EILER* KMP* NGO COD* SEA OilWatch* TCJWG
Pacc.secretariat@gmail.com /Tel. Nos. 0890683517
Wednesday, September 30, 2009
FISHERFOLKS APPEALED FOR A GENUINE AND BINDING CLIMATE POLICIES AT UNFCCC TALKS
PRESS STATEMENT
September 29, 2009
APPEAL FOR A GENUINE AND BINDING CLIMATE POLICIES AT UNFCCC TALKS
We fisherfolks coming from different organizations in Sri Lanka, India, Philippines, and Thailand are here in front of United Nation ESCAP to dramatize our plight caused by the worsening impacts of climate change to marine ecosystems and our communities.
Climate change has drastically altered our fishing ground. Our life is becoming harder and more miserable as we experience declining fish catch and production in our region.
We are already experiencing the impacts affirmed by the Fourth Assessment Report of the UN-IPCC, that the unprecedented concentration of Global warming gasses is causing the rise of global ocean temperature leading to coral bleaching, calcification and death of marine species abundant I various waters found in our regions.
Rising global temperatures does not only affect our food sources but is also making the sea level to rise, Millions of us are force out of our communities to seek higher grounds and in order to protect ourselves from frequent storm surges.
Based on recent scientific data from various institutions, million hectares of coastal areas in Asia and South-East Asia such as India, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Vietnam, including the Coral Triangle consisting of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippine archipelago considered as the center of global marine biodiversity will be heavily impacted by climate change related disasters.
Worst irony of all, national governments in these regions, like the Philippines failed to protect its fishing communities and marine ecosystem and is accelerating the destruction of our lives and livelihood by pursuing globalization. This thrust is making fishefolks among the poorest in the country and most vulnerable to the impacts of climate change.
Fisherfolk leaders who were present at the protest action at UN agreed that “Climate negotiation should always put first the needs and rights of poor people like the fisherfolks in Southeast Asia and not the interest of northern rich countries like the United States, European Union and Japan. National governments in the region should learn from its experience in pursuing globalization policies like liberalizing the fishery sector does not lead to economic development but to widespread poverty and devastated environment.”
The UNFCCC intersessional meeting here in Bangkok should lead to an international agreement that will genuinely address climate change and stop marine degradation in the region. In order to do this national governments should unite in opposing carbon intensive globalization policies in the region.
FIDEC Inc.
Sri Lankan Fisherfolks Federation
Southern Thailand Fisherfolks Federation
National Association of Fishermen Andhra
PAMALAKAYA Philippines
Students Federation of Thailand
Philippine Climate Watch Alliance
Sunday, September 27, 2009
BALILI ISSUE, COAL DEPENDENCE WILL BE OUR CENTRAL AGENDA AT BANGKOK UNFCC MEETING
Press Release
September 27, 2009
BALILI ISSUE, COAL DEPENDENCE WILL BE OUR CENTRAL AGENDA AT BANGKOK UNFCC MEETING
Cebuano environmental activist and the Executive Director of FIDEC Inc. in an emailed statement said that he will personally enure that the issue of coal-fired power plant construction in Cebu province will be included in various climate meetings in Bangkok, Thailand, including one inside the mini session of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change starting tomorrow.
Vince Cinches one of those nominated to sit as observer in the negotiation said that “We already requested meetings with negotiators to discuss with them proposed ways to cut our country’s GHG emission drastically.”
“Our presence in Bangkok will ensure that Philippine Government’s representatives will toe the line of truth, and counter any of their moves for more coal-fired power plants in our Country that they are passing as climate friendly technology.”
He added that a discussion on KEPCO and EDC coal-fired power plants is co-organized by Thai environmental activists, including the corruption issue involving the provincial government. “Climate Change has various contributors, one of which is corruption such as the Balili Issue in the Municipality of Naga.”
He warned that Philippines will see more destruction and catastrophe greater than the one brought by Typhoon Ondoy. “at the center of this problem is the fossil-fuel centered policy of the national government and the Department of Energy, they are the culprit why the nation is suffering”
“ I left the Philippines with a heavy heart knowing a lot of Filipinos are dead and displaced due to global warming induced Typhoon Ondoy, we cannot afford more extreme weather events to kill our population, we need to aggressively cut our GHG Emissions, we need to stop our addiction to fossil fuel and chose the path toward renewable and sustainable energy. “
According to the Fourth Assessment Report of United Nations – Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, Philippines will be among the many countries in South East Asia to be greatly affected by the changing climate.
“ We will push for a more binding global climate policy, by putting in place the voices of the poor who are the most vulnerable, having no capacity to respond to climate change. Climate Change is making the poor becoming poorer. If our government cannot act in behalf of the nation because their hands are tied to trans-national and multinational oil and coal corporations, then we in the civil society will do it.”
According to the website of UNFCCC, the Bangkok meeting is the first part of the ninth session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Further Commitments for Annex I Parties under the Kyoto Protocol (AWG-KP) and the first part of the seventh session of the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action under the Convention (AWG-LCA) and will take place between Monday 28 September and Friday 9 October 2009 at the United Nations Conference Centre (UNCC) of the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UNESCAP), Rajdamnern Nok Avenue, Bangkok, 10200 Thailand .
Released by:
Ghianne Rada
Education and Training officer
FIDEC Inc.
256-1365
Monday, September 21, 2009
Casting the Net for Sustainable Development: An NGO’s Work and Experience in the Fisherfolk Sector of Central Visayas
(An excerpt from Ms. Kareen Kristeen Valmoria's paper on FIDEC)
SUMMARY
In a region that straddles four major fishing grounds in the Visayas (Tanon Strait, Cebu Strait, Camotes Sea and Bohol Sea, the existence of FIDEC-CV in the last 22 years has proven to be invaluable not only to the fisherfolk but also for the broader segment of the population. Not only has the NGO been able to effectively campaign for the rights of the fisherfolk to their livelihood and for protection of the local marine resources and ecology, it has also managed to educate other sectors and united them with the fisherfolk on and beyond local social and environmental issues.
The long history of successful campaigns and projects is particularly attributable to comprehensive social investigation and study of the sector being serviced, establishment of highly-organized and independent fisherfolk organizations capable of managing local projects and campaigns, and a clear direction that unifies all programs and projects. This is most embodied in FIDEC-CV’s mission for a fisherfolk sector that is empowered to defend their rights and work around the objective of sustainable development.
In its latest campaign against offshore mining, this thrust towards sustainable development particularly stands out. Beyond demanding the immediate recourse to fisherfolk whose livelihood is heavily affected through financial assistance and subsidies, FIDEC-CV has united broader sections of society in the fight against long-term ecological damage to Tanon Strait and nearby bodies of water which are also being targeted for oil exploration and offshore mining.
However, because of the particular characteristics of the Philippine economic and political structure, the NGO also has an equally long experience with harassment from the state’s agents and armed forces.
The red-scare tactics (labeling as communist) has often proved to make the work of area organizers and coordinators more difficult. Conservative sections easily get intimidated especially because people peddling this black propaganda are police and military agents or assets.
This does not shut down or discourage the staff and organizers of FIDEC though. It’s record of enduring through 22 years of painstaking advocacy work among the fisherfolk is notable.
CONCLUSIONS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
The Philippines purportedly has the “largest NGO density” in the entire world (Hilhorst, 2003). According to the Securities and Exchange Commission, from 23,800 in 1984, the number of NGO’s rose to 70,200 in 1995. However these figures include those that do not engage in development work. In 1995, when the Caucus of Development NGO Networks (CODE-NGO), the largest NGO alliance in the country, made a survey and counted 7,000 NGO’s all over the country. This does not even take into account the thousands of people’s organizations (PO’s) which form the social networks that the NGO’s work with.
FIDEC-CV is one of these NGO’s and, as its contemporaries have, has moved into development work that is directed towards sustainable development for its beneficiary sector. According to Broad and Cavanagh in a study they conducted on Philippine NGO’s in 1993, most NGO’s in the Philippines define their vision for equitable and sustainable development as an “environmental movement that is a struggle for equity in the control and management of natural resources”. This is because the Philippine model for development is one that is rooted in inequality, with the perpetrating enterprises and individuals having strong political and military connections. For FIDEC-CV, this includes the large commercial fishing enterprises, tourism projects, and lately foreign oil and petroleum companies.
In Central Visayas, as well as the rest of the Philippines, environmentalist agenda is always a political agenda for this reason. The marginalized sectors, in this case the fisherfolk, face opponents holding enough power to ignore or bypass laws or even twist them according to their whims. In order to effectively engage them, NGO’s in development work should always have as its closest allies the peoples’ organizations (PO’s). Throughout the long history of FIDEC-CV, it has always upheld that sustainable development is a participatory development. As is obvious by now, NGO work in this country ultimately illustrates the situation that a class society is daily mired in: a struggle for better access to wealth, power, and prestige.
According to Dutch researcher Dorothea Hilhorst in her book ‘The Real World of NGO’s’ (2003, Ateneo de Manila University Press), the arena of NGO’s in development work has been traditionally held by the Philippine left since the Martial Law years and in fact many of the NGO leaders and staff went underground at the height of the Philippine communist insurgency in the 1980’s. All throughout the bloody military campaigns that political regimes waged against the insurgency since Aquino’s, NGO’s in development work have been raided and ransacked by state troops, its officers and staff harassed and murdered, and its allied people’s organizations subjected to intensive militarization.
“To become an active environmentalist in the Philippines is to risk one’s life.” (Broad and Cavanagh, 1993). This is because FIDEC-CV and similar NGO’s are challenging the most powerful elements of Philippine society. Groups and individuals who are moved to partner with them are therefore increasingly convinced that to fight for the environment is to fight for basic and democratic rights. This has been put forward many times by development workers and leaders: the struggle for sustainable development in the Philippines is intricately linked with the struggle for peace and human rights.
The communist tag and red scare tactics adopted by the state to stop marginalized communities from forming PO’s and aligning with NGO’s is actually ineffective if countered with sustained education on social and environmental issues. Organizers and staff of FIDEC-CV and other NGO’s in development work must be able to clearly articulate the bigger social picture to the beneficiary communities. They must be able to explain in logical and simple terms how they are inextricably connected to the struggle to protect the environment and similarly to the struggle for peace and human rights.
However, NGO’s must give particular attention to socio-economic projects because beneficiaries, though convinced of the issues at hand, cannot sustain without some form of alleviation to their poor economic power. In large scale campaigns like the one against offshore mining, FIDEC-CV must be able to provide solutions and alternatives to the loss of livelihood. This should not be too hard once it has expanded its influence and alliances to sectors with better access to economic resources. This should be high on the list of the agenda for discussion in its Save The Tanon Strait Citizens’ Movement.
Former development worker and social welfare secretary Dinky Soliman said in an interview with Broad and Cavanagh that a balance should be struck with long-term goals for sustainable development and the here and now. The fisherfolk affected by development projects require immediate assistance.
Area development is a painstaking step-by-step process. We cannot expect the people to be able to take control of local resources without a reaction from the powers-that-be from the bureaucracy and their allied foreign and local capitalist enterprises. Most of FIDEC-CV’s successful campaigns in the last two decades have been, at their best, partial victories. Without extensive and intensive changes in the economic and political structure of the country, all the stumbling blocks in the way of sustainable development will stay in place.
However, as a final note in this research, let me just point out that the Philippine NGO sector has been noted to be one of the most dynamic in the whole world. As FIDEC-CV has proven, it has learned its lessons in development work. As long as this culture for improvement is maintained, through even marginal or partial victories, development work in the Philippines will continue to get closer to its vision of equitable and sustainable development.
As we know, even ecologically-destroyed and depleted seas and rivers can be restored through sustained protection policies and campaigns. One day, the fishermen of Central Visayas will cast their nets and find that they are hauling in victories for themselves and for their nation.
REFERENCES
Broad, Robin and Cavanagh, John. 1993. From Plunder to Sustainability. Plundering Paradise: The Struggle for the Environment in the Philippines. pp. 133-157. Berkeley: University of California Press.
Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center. 2007. Documents, including Annual Report, Operations Manual, Brief History of FIDEC, and Student Internship Program.
Cinches, Vince. Powerpoint presention on the Save Tanon Strait Citizens’ Movement at forum in University of San Carlos, Cebu City, March 2008.
Hilhorst, Dorothea. 2003. The Politics of NGO-ing. The Real World of NGOs. pp. 1-27. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
Olofson, Harold and Tiukinhoy, Araceli. 1992. Plain Soldiers: Muro-ami fishing in Cebu. Philippine Studies 40 (1): 35-52.
Seki, Koki. 2004. Maritime Migration in the Visayas: A Case Study of Dalaguetenon Fisherfolk in Cebu. Ateneo de Manila University Press.
Friday, September 18, 2009
Fisherfolks group seeks coal-fired plants’ moratorium
Fisherfolks group seeks coal-fired plants’ moratorium
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco, Editorial Assistant
A NON-GOVERNMENT organization for marginalized fisherfolks is seeking a moratorium on coal-fired power plants because the adverse effects of climate change also affects the marginalized society.
The group, Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center (Fidec) Inc., also called on the government to instead harness the country's renewable energy sources.
The call came amid the expanding campaign of different groups across the country for a moratorium on coal-fired plants.
“It is high time for a moratorium especially at this time when we feel the worsening effects of climate change that threatens, in particular, the food security of our country,” said Vince Cinches, Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. executive director.
He cited the construction of power plants in Cebu, specifically two 400- megawatt power plants operated by Salcon Power Corporation and another plant under construction, which owned by Korean Electric Power Corporation – SPC both in Naga City, Cebu.
Cebu Daily News tried to get the side of KSPC, but as of press time there was no official statement released by the company.
“To think that the Philippines is the second in the world in terms of capacity to produce geothermal energy. The government is not harnessing the country's renewable energy sources. The government is promoting activities that accelerate the effects of climate change,” said Cinches.
Cinches said the members of the Philippine Climate Watch Alliance (PCWA) from South Korea had issued a warning against the proliferation of coal-fired project plants in the country.
Meggie Nolasco, PCWA spokesperson, said the Arroyo administration was pursuing at least nine coal-fired power plant projects in the country.
These were the 300 megawatt (MW) expansion in Pagbilao, Quezon; 100 MW in Concepcion, Iloilo; 165 MW in Iloilo City; 200 MW each in Naga and Toledo Cities in Cebu; 300 MW expansion in Masinloc, Zambales; 300 MW in Olongapo, Zambales; 150 MW in Sultan Kudarat; and 200 MW in Saranggani.
The government also issued 44 coal mining contracts in the country.
Nolasco called the Arroyo government as the major promoter of pollutive technologies and dirty source of energy in the country because coal has been identified as the dirtiest source of energy and a major contributor to pollution and global warming.
“It is thus alarming that majority of the power plants that are poised to be constructed in the country are coal-fired, at the same time the government is very generous in issuing coal mining permits to private corporations,” said Nolasco.
She said there is an expanding campaign from the moratorium on coal power plants in the Philippines.
The campaign included the rally launched in Sarangani province yesterday, the recent solidarity mission in Cebu, the environmental investigative mission in Iloilo, and the planned protest action in Catanduanes this week.
She said there will also be a signature campaign to show the ire of the people against the environmentally disastrous projects.
Dr. Giovanni Tapang, of science activist group AGHAM, said coal power plants are now being packaged as a clean technology.
“Contrary to many scientific studies and research, coal proponents are promising that these plants are environmentally safe and pose no dangers to public health. But the fact is coal emits large volume of air pollution and produces toxic chemicals that can enter the environment and the food chain,” he said.
Thursday, September 3, 2009
Government's Climate Program
An overview: Climate change and its impact under RP settings
By Reynaldo L. Lanuza / Ecosystems Research and Development Service DENR-7 (The Freeman) Updated September 03, 2009 12:00 AM
Major threats and challenges, management gaps
CEBU, Philippines - Climate change is defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a change of climate attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere. It is a climate variability observed globally over a considerable period of time. The adverse effects of climate change indicate alteration of the environment which has significant detrimental effects on the composition, flexibility or productivity of natural and managed ecosystems.
The Philippines is one of the developing countries expected to suffer most of the negative effects of climate change. Indeed, climate change is threatening the biophysical environment as manifested by increasing air temperature, rising sea levels, diminishing water tables, and unpredictable weather such as El Niño induced droughts, changing rainfall pattern, frequency and intensity of typhoons resulting to occurrence of flash floods and landslides, surges, biodiversity loss, and losses of properties and lives.
Moreover, the effects of climate change also include significant decrease in crop productivity due to incidence of new disease strains and unpredictable climate. Consequently, this will intensify socio-economic problems due low income, high price of basic commodities and may ultimately result to civil unrest.
The government is now confronted with great challenges in developing measures and strategies to slow down the effects of climate change. These challenges include the generation of information and development of information systems, intensification of information, education and communication (IEC) campaign, innovation and advancement of environment-friendly technologies, adequate financial support, formulation of effective plans and programs, good legislative agenda, and strong and persistent political will.
The management gaps are as follows: a) institution of measures to mitigate the impacts on the most vulnerable areas on the social, economic and ecological systems, and b) sustainability of food production and people’s livelihood.
Role of DENR and Institutional Framework on National Policy
DENR is the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources. Its mission is to serve as driving force in the pursuit of sustainable development, enabling the stakeholders’ participation in the protection, conservation and management of environment and natural resources for the present and future generations. DENR is adopting the eco-governance concepts and strategies such as transparency, accountability and participation.
The Research, Development and Extension (RDE) framework of DENR deals on the conduct of vulnerability assessments, carrying capacity determination, rehabilitation of degraded areas, production of good quality planting materials, biomass and carbon sequestration, ecotourism, biosafety/biosecurity and biotechnology, biofuels and alternative source of energy, and effective technology transfer activities.
International experts in climate change recommended the intensification of reforestation of degraded forestlands as one of the measures to sequester carbon from the atmosphere thereby reducing the impacts of climate change.
Moreover, the government, through the DENR, should also consider a policy framework for financing climate change adaptation and mitigation mechanism that will address the following: a) capital build-up of a forestry fund for financing people-based restoration activities that are supportive to social and economic infrastructure; b) administration of forestry fund by DENR with multisectoral Board of Trustee; c) establishment of an efficient fund allocation system; and d) institution of a payback system on fund investments.
Strategies in combating climate change
With the current threats and challenges, there is a dire need to refocus and prioritize research, development and extension activities. There are two ways to address climate change, namely, adaptation and mitigation.
Consequently, the current interests will focus on these two ways. Adaptation is characterized by preparedness, increase resilience, employment of coping mechanisms and capitalizing on opportunities. On the other hand, mitigation refers to action that aims to reduce emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere through emission avoidance or enhancing carbon sinks and sources.
While various initiatives and interventions have been done in line with the improvement of environmental conditions, appropriate mitigation measures to reduce the impacts of climate change may require the generation, application and adoption of methodological and technological innovations. - THE FREEMAN
By Reynaldo L. Lanuza / Ecosystems Research and Development Service DENR-7 (The Freeman) Updated September 03, 2009 12:00 AM
Major threats and challenges, management gaps
CEBU, Philippines - Climate change is defined by the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) is a change of climate attributed directly or indirectly to human activity that alters the composition of the global atmosphere. It is a climate variability observed globally over a considerable period of time. The adverse effects of climate change indicate alteration of the environment which has significant detrimental effects on the composition, flexibility or productivity of natural and managed ecosystems.
The Philippines is one of the developing countries expected to suffer most of the negative effects of climate change. Indeed, climate change is threatening the biophysical environment as manifested by increasing air temperature, rising sea levels, diminishing water tables, and unpredictable weather such as El Niño induced droughts, changing rainfall pattern, frequency and intensity of typhoons resulting to occurrence of flash floods and landslides, surges, biodiversity loss, and losses of properties and lives.
Moreover, the effects of climate change also include significant decrease in crop productivity due to incidence of new disease strains and unpredictable climate. Consequently, this will intensify socio-economic problems due low income, high price of basic commodities and may ultimately result to civil unrest.
The government is now confronted with great challenges in developing measures and strategies to slow down the effects of climate change. These challenges include the generation of information and development of information systems, intensification of information, education and communication (IEC) campaign, innovation and advancement of environment-friendly technologies, adequate financial support, formulation of effective plans and programs, good legislative agenda, and strong and persistent political will.
The management gaps are as follows: a) institution of measures to mitigate the impacts on the most vulnerable areas on the social, economic and ecological systems, and b) sustainability of food production and people’s livelihood.
Role of DENR and Institutional Framework on National Policy
DENR is the primary government agency responsible for the conservation, management, development and proper use of the country’s environment and natural resources. Its mission is to serve as driving force in the pursuit of sustainable development, enabling the stakeholders’ participation in the protection, conservation and management of environment and natural resources for the present and future generations. DENR is adopting the eco-governance concepts and strategies such as transparency, accountability and participation.
The Research, Development and Extension (RDE) framework of DENR deals on the conduct of vulnerability assessments, carrying capacity determination, rehabilitation of degraded areas, production of good quality planting materials, biomass and carbon sequestration, ecotourism, biosafety/biosecurity and biotechnology, biofuels and alternative source of energy, and effective technology transfer activities.
International experts in climate change recommended the intensification of reforestation of degraded forestlands as one of the measures to sequester carbon from the atmosphere thereby reducing the impacts of climate change.
Moreover, the government, through the DENR, should also consider a policy framework for financing climate change adaptation and mitigation mechanism that will address the following: a) capital build-up of a forestry fund for financing people-based restoration activities that are supportive to social and economic infrastructure; b) administration of forestry fund by DENR with multisectoral Board of Trustee; c) establishment of an efficient fund allocation system; and d) institution of a payback system on fund investments.
Strategies in combating climate change
With the current threats and challenges, there is a dire need to refocus and prioritize research, development and extension activities. There are two ways to address climate change, namely, adaptation and mitigation.
Consequently, the current interests will focus on these two ways. Adaptation is characterized by preparedness, increase resilience, employment of coping mechanisms and capitalizing on opportunities. On the other hand, mitigation refers to action that aims to reduce emission of greenhouse gases into the atmosphere through emission avoidance or enhancing carbon sinks and sources.
While various initiatives and interventions have been done in line with the improvement of environmental conditions, appropriate mitigation measures to reduce the impacts of climate change may require the generation, application and adoption of methodological and technological innovations. - THE FREEMAN
Thursday, August 20, 2009
Cebu fishermen join protest vs NY dinner
Cebu fishermen join protest vs NY dinner
By Iste Sesante Leopoldo
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 01:32:00 08/19/2009
Filed Under: Food, Restaurants & catering, Government, Travel & Commuting, Protest
CEBU CITY, Philippines—At least 20 members of a militant fisherman’s group shared a set of meal that could be their daily fare but which Tuesday became a symbol of their protest against allegedly excessive spending by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her US trip.
Members of the Panaghugpong Sa Gagmayng Mangingisda sa Sugbo (Alliance of Small Fisherfolk in Cebu) ate lunch of rice and dried fish in a protest action in front of the Malacañang sa Sugbo here.
“How can they manage to spend lavishly on their meals when the whole country, especially the marginalized sector, cannot afford to have a meal three times a day?” said Victor Lapaz, Pamana Sugbo chair.
He said the meal that his group ate was the fishermen’s usual fare.
He said fishermen usually skip breakfast and dinner because of extreme poverty.
“It’s okay if they don’t have breakfast or dinner as long as they can have lunch so they will have enough energy for work,” Lapaz said.
The National Statistical Coordinating Board has identified the fishing sector as among the poorest in the country.
The board said a family of five needs P6,274 a month to survive.
Saturday, August 8, 2009
UN takes cognizance over oil explorations in Visayas seas
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=494161&publicationSubCategoryId=107
UN takes cognizance over oil explorations in Visayas seas
(The Freeman) Updated August 08, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - The Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. warned local government units and other authorities supporting off-shore mining operation that the international community is now aware of the plight of fisher folk affected by the explorations attempts.
Vince Cinches, executive director of Fidec, said that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has responded to the online petition posted last year on the People’s Coalition on Food Sovereignty website.
The petition letter on “hunger and plunder in the seas of central Philippines” was addressed to officials of the government, including the president, as well as the international organization for the protection of the environment. It gained thousands of signatories from supporters around the world.
The response from the UN states that “the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right food, Mr. Oliver De Schutter, has received information on the oil and gas exploration projects in the Tañon Strait region in the Philippines. As he examines this information, we would be most grateful if you could provide us with some clarifications.”
Ciches said the UN and Fidec are presently coordinating with each other and sharing information on the case. Information is being held confidential until the UN makes it move on the issue.
PCFS and Fidec are seeking explanation from the concerned parties over the findings of a recent International Fact-Finding Mission by the Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific on the effects of off-shore oil and gas exploration activities in the protected seascape of Tañon Strait and Cebu-Bohol Strait in Central Philippines.
The authors of the petition said Tañon Strait is one of the world’s most unique and important centers for marine biodiversity, a breeding ground for 14 species of cetaceans. Cebu-Bohol Strait, meanwhile, hosts nearby the Danajon Double Barrier Reefs Bank, one of only six double barrier reefs in the world.
“However, due to service contracts awarded by the Philippine government to the Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd. (Japex) and the Australia-based NorAsia Energy Ltd., environmentally-destructive seismic surveys and drilling operations have been conducted in the area even without prior consultation with local communities and government officials,” the petition reads.
Fish catch reportedly declined by 70 to 80 percent, causing hunger and displacement of thousands of small fisher folk in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental.
“They have been banned from fishing while exploration activities were ongoing and thus denied of their constitutional rights over municipal waters and their basic right to food and livelihood. A scientific study also indicates that these activities have disturbed the natural habitat of dolphins and whales,” the letter stated further. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)
UN takes cognizance over oil explorations in Visayas seas
(The Freeman) Updated August 08, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - The Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. warned local government units and other authorities supporting off-shore mining operation that the international community is now aware of the plight of fisher folk affected by the explorations attempts.
Vince Cinches, executive director of Fidec, said that the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights has responded to the online petition posted last year on the People’s Coalition on Food Sovereignty website.
The petition letter on “hunger and plunder in the seas of central Philippines” was addressed to officials of the government, including the president, as well as the international organization for the protection of the environment. It gained thousands of signatories from supporters around the world.
The response from the UN states that “the United Nations Special Rapporteur on the right food, Mr. Oliver De Schutter, has received information on the oil and gas exploration projects in the Tañon Strait region in the Philippines. As he examines this information, we would be most grateful if you could provide us with some clarifications.”
Ciches said the UN and Fidec are presently coordinating with each other and sharing information on the case. Information is being held confidential until the UN makes it move on the issue.
PCFS and Fidec are seeking explanation from the concerned parties over the findings of a recent International Fact-Finding Mission by the Pesticide Action Network Asia and the Pacific on the effects of off-shore oil and gas exploration activities in the protected seascape of Tañon Strait and Cebu-Bohol Strait in Central Philippines.
The authors of the petition said Tañon Strait is one of the world’s most unique and important centers for marine biodiversity, a breeding ground for 14 species of cetaceans. Cebu-Bohol Strait, meanwhile, hosts nearby the Danajon Double Barrier Reefs Bank, one of only six double barrier reefs in the world.
“However, due to service contracts awarded by the Philippine government to the Japan Petroleum Exploration Co. Ltd. (Japex) and the Australia-based NorAsia Energy Ltd., environmentally-destructive seismic surveys and drilling operations have been conducted in the area even without prior consultation with local communities and government officials,” the petition reads.
Fish catch reportedly declined by 70 to 80 percent, causing hunger and displacement of thousands of small fisher folk in Cebu, Bohol, Negros Oriental, and Negros Occidental.
“They have been banned from fishing while exploration activities were ongoing and thus denied of their constitutional rights over municipal waters and their basic right to food and livelihood. A scientific study also indicates that these activities have disturbed the natural habitat of dolphins and whales,” the letter stated further. — Jessica Ann R. Pareja/JMO (THE FREEMAN)
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Environmentalists: Study long-term effects of coal ash
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=493485&publicationSubCategoryId=107
CEBU NEWS
Environmentalists: Study long-term effects of coal ash
(The Freeman) Updated August 06, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Environmentalists, in a forum yesterday, gave further explanation on coal ash and other hazardous wastes that contribute to greenhouse gases, emphasizing the “need to delve first into the long-term effects of coal ash to public health, being a worthwhile investment.”
Francis de la Cruz of Greenpeace, who tackled on the topic “Coal: Anything but clean,” explained that despite the reports saying that coal-fired power plants will be securing the energy supply of the province, its long-term effects on the health of the people should not be taken lightly.
He said that there are always other ways to produce energy from all over the country and conserve it without harming the environment and risking the health of the people.
Health implications of these said wastes and coal ash was also discussed by Dr. Romeo Quijano, a toxicologist and a professor of UP, explaining further how high toxicity is found in wastes that could effect to diseases such as in the heart, brain and kidney.
Quijano said that people may experience the effect of the toxins immediately or may show in a few years depending on how the person has closely been contaminated by wastes and the allergic reactions these may cause.
Lito Vasquez of the Freedom from Debt Coalition-Cebu discussed on the investments made that have added to environmental damage. He stressed on the current issue of the loan asked by the Korea Electric Power Corporation-Salcon Power Corporation to the Asian Development Bank which is said to be approved on August 18.
Vasquez said that they will be passing within this week a petition to the bank seeking a stop to the granting of loans. The petition would be signed by various groups.
The changes and the negative effects of coal ash produced by coal-fired power plants in the communities, especially those near the plants were also highlighted to raise public awareness on the effects of toxins to public health.
Vince Cinches of the Fisherfolk Development Center discussed this to the group citing an area in Toledo City, as an example, where “coal ash is found all over.”
The Global Legal Action on Climate Change led by lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, other leading environmental groups, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines initiated the forum participated in by students who mostly are taking up law at the University of the Philippines, University of San Jose-Recoletos, and the University of San Carlos. — AJ de la Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)
CEBU NEWS
Environmentalists: Study long-term effects of coal ash
(The Freeman) Updated August 06, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Environmentalists, in a forum yesterday, gave further explanation on coal ash and other hazardous wastes that contribute to greenhouse gases, emphasizing the “need to delve first into the long-term effects of coal ash to public health, being a worthwhile investment.”
Francis de la Cruz of Greenpeace, who tackled on the topic “Coal: Anything but clean,” explained that despite the reports saying that coal-fired power plants will be securing the energy supply of the province, its long-term effects on the health of the people should not be taken lightly.
He said that there are always other ways to produce energy from all over the country and conserve it without harming the environment and risking the health of the people.
Health implications of these said wastes and coal ash was also discussed by Dr. Romeo Quijano, a toxicologist and a professor of UP, explaining further how high toxicity is found in wastes that could effect to diseases such as in the heart, brain and kidney.
Quijano said that people may experience the effect of the toxins immediately or may show in a few years depending on how the person has closely been contaminated by wastes and the allergic reactions these may cause.
Lito Vasquez of the Freedom from Debt Coalition-Cebu discussed on the investments made that have added to environmental damage. He stressed on the current issue of the loan asked by the Korea Electric Power Corporation-Salcon Power Corporation to the Asian Development Bank which is said to be approved on August 18.
Vasquez said that they will be passing within this week a petition to the bank seeking a stop to the granting of loans. The petition would be signed by various groups.
The changes and the negative effects of coal ash produced by coal-fired power plants in the communities, especially those near the plants were also highlighted to raise public awareness on the effects of toxins to public health.
Vince Cinches of the Fisherfolk Development Center discussed this to the group citing an area in Toledo City, as an example, where “coal ash is found all over.”
The Global Legal Action on Climate Change led by lawyer Gloria Estenzo Ramos, other leading environmental groups, and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines initiated the forum participated in by students who mostly are taking up law at the University of the Philippines, University of San Jose-Recoletos, and the University of San Carlos. — AJ de la Torre/MEEV (THE FREEMAN)
Wednesday, July 8, 2009
Ecology lawyers question Naga ash waste deal
Ecology lawyers question Naga ash waste deal
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco, Editorial Assistant
Why did the province of Cebu pay P100 million to buy land in Naga town that is partly submerged in water? And what are the health safeguards of using it as a dumping site for ash from coal-fired power plants to be built in Naga?
These questions were raised by environmental lawyers following the Cebu provincial government's announced plan to install a coal ash waste facility there and to reclaim five hectares of the 25-hectare Balili beach resort using the waste ash of Kepco’s power plants once they operate in 2011.
“Only alienable land of public domain may be conveyed into private ownership,” said lawyer Benjamin Cabrido in a press conference. He was referring to the beach resort bought from the late Engr. Luis Balili last year.
Cabrido said they were informed that 40 percent of the property is submerged in water.
“That property which includes a mangrove area cannot be titled at all. Why did the province pay P100 million when this is land in the public domain?” he asked.
The health risks of coal-fired plants were also raised by the lawyers.
“This is not ordinary ash that you get when you burn firewood. This is a fossil-based fuel coal,” said Cabrido.
Vince Cinches, Center for Fisherfolk Development executive director, said they measured the volume of heavy metals found in coal ash in Toledo City and Naga town in Cebu.
The coal ash contained 1.70 ppm (parts per million) of arsenic, 1.00ppm of chromium, 2.30 ppm of lead and 0.07 ppm of mercury.
Arsenic, lead and mercury are toxic heavy metals.
Lawyers Cabrido and Gloria Estenzo-Ramos sent a letter of complaint to Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia, Vice Gov. Gregorio Sanchez and Provincial Board members yesterday.
PB Majority Floor Leader Victor Maambong said they received the “open letter” before yesterday's session and will hold a caucus to discuss its concerns.
In the letter, the lawyers sought a copy of the signed Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the Cebu provincial government and Kepco and all pertinent documents in the agreement.
Cabrido said they asked for a copy of the Environmental Compliance Certificate or ECC, the Deed of Sale and a copy of the Statements of Income and Expenditures of the province for the past three years.
The lawyers also asked Cebu officials to disclose what programs they implemented to protect the environment in accordance with such laws as the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act and the Fisheries Code of the Philippines.
Under the Local Government Code, LGUs should prioritize funds for health, sanitation and environment, said Ramos.
“People living near coal-fired power plants have a very high incidence of cancer. The plants produce carbon and other greenhouse gases that contribute to global warming. The water is contaminated with heavy metals,” she said.
“Has the government purchased equipment to measure the quality of air, water and sea where coal power plants and polluting activities are located?” Ramos asked.
With Reporter Doris C. Bongcac
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Fishermen send rotten fish to protest oil explorations
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=482412&publicationSubCategoryId=107
Fishermen send rotten fish to protest oil explorations
Updated June 30, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines – A group of fishermen yesterday delivered rotten fish to Department of Energy Regional Director Antonio Labios to protest the oil explorations in the waters of Cebu and Bohol, which they said is the cause of the deteriorating catch in recent days.
Labios reportedly received the fish, which was placed in a brown envelope.
Isaias Angco, Vice Chairman of Pamana Sugbo, said the rotten fish symbolizes how the department is “slowly killing” the fishes and fishermen after it allowed the oil explorations in Tañon Strait and in the seas of Argao and Sibonga towns.
“Sila man unta ang naa sa authority nga mu-protektar sa kinaiyahan, sila naman hinuon ang nag-daot,” Angco said.
The fishermen who joined yesterday’s rally at DOE said their catch has reportedly decreased since the oil explorations commenced.
The group will also hold a lightning rally to cap the observance of environment month this June.
“Ang amo lang kay dili lang ta nila hilabtan ang panginabuhi sa mga mangingisda,” Angco said, adding, that they hope authorities will realize the damage the oil explorations are giving the environment and the people.
Angco said the protests will continue until the government stops the explorations.
Angco said they already sent position papers to the office of the Ombudsman and the Commission on Human Rights on the issue. — AJ A. de la Torre/JMO (THE FREEMAN)
Friday, June 5, 2009
Legal petitions to mark Env’t Day today
http://cdn.ph/photostore/news_details.php?id=2695
Legal petitions to mark Env’t Day today 6/5
By Ma. Bernadette Parco, Editorial Assistant
THE CELEBRATION of the United Nations’ World Environment Day today will be marked by the announcement of pro-environment legal petitions filed in different parts of the country.
An umbrella group of environmentalists, Global Legal Action against Climate Change (GLACC), aims to check the extent of the implementation of environmental laws by government agencies, local government units and public officials.
“This (kind of celebration) is an opportunity for communities suffering from environmental problems to stand up and do something. This is a commitment of Cebuanos in coordination with lawyers,” said Vince Cinches, executive director of the Central Visaysas Fisherfolk Development Center, a member of GLACC.
“We would like to start to put an end to environmental problems experienced by Cebuanos,” he added.
Cinches said that in Cebu, environmental issues include the rehabilitation of the Lagundi Reef in Talisay City, pollution caused by coal-fired power plants, reclamation projects in Cordova and Lapu-Lapu City, privatization of water bodies, off-shore mining and deforestation.
He also said there is an urgent need to curtail the effects of climate change by promoting an environment-friendly lifestyle among Cebuanos as well as ensure proper implementation of environmental laws.
Cinches said the inconsistent weather is one result of bad environmental care.
“In other parts of the country, people are experiencing the rainy season but in the Visayas it seems like it is still summer,” he said.
“We have classified the petitions under five areas of concern: land, air, water, energy and sea. These are our basic life support system that we are also destroying,” he said.
Legal petitions to mark Env’t Day today 6/5
By Ma. Bernadette Parco, Editorial Assistant
THE CELEBRATION of the United Nations’ World Environment Day today will be marked by the announcement of pro-environment legal petitions filed in different parts of the country.
An umbrella group of environmentalists, Global Legal Action against Climate Change (GLACC), aims to check the extent of the implementation of environmental laws by government agencies, local government units and public officials.
“This (kind of celebration) is an opportunity for communities suffering from environmental problems to stand up and do something. This is a commitment of Cebuanos in coordination with lawyers,” said Vince Cinches, executive director of the Central Visaysas Fisherfolk Development Center, a member of GLACC.
“We would like to start to put an end to environmental problems experienced by Cebuanos,” he added.
Cinches said that in Cebu, environmental issues include the rehabilitation of the Lagundi Reef in Talisay City, pollution caused by coal-fired power plants, reclamation projects in Cordova and Lapu-Lapu City, privatization of water bodies, off-shore mining and deforestation.
He also said there is an urgent need to curtail the effects of climate change by promoting an environment-friendly lifestyle among Cebuanos as well as ensure proper implementation of environmental laws.
Cinches said the inconsistent weather is one result of bad environmental care.
“In other parts of the country, people are experiencing the rainy season but in the Visayas it seems like it is still summer,” he said.
“We have classified the petitions under five areas of concern: land, air, water, energy and sea. These are our basic life support system that we are also destroying,” he said.
Sunday, May 10, 2009
FISHERFOLKS AND CLIMATE ACTIVISTS TO DEMAND MORE ACTIONS AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
Philippine Climate Watch Alliance
#26 Matulungin St. Central District, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel.: +63 2 9248756 fax: +63 2 9209099 email:philclimatewatch@gmail.com
FISHERFOLKS AND CLIMATE ACTIVISTS TO DEMAND MORE ACTIONS AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
UP Dilliman, Quezon City - A few days after the Supreme Court concluded their forum on environmental justice, fisherfolks from all over the Philippines who attended the 1st National Grassroots Conference on Climate Change organized by Philippine Climate Watch Alliance (PCWA) are worried about the accelerating impacts of warming planet.
Vince Cinches the Executive Director of Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Inc. (FIDEC INC.) one of the many convenors of Philippine Climate Watch alliance in their paper presented during one of the workshops in the conference on the impacts of climate change to coastal communities, fisheries and fisherfolks, said that “Climate Change becomes an additional and more sustained burden of poor fisherfolks nationwide. Even before we felt the impacts of climate change, we have been marginalized by off-shore mining, commercial fishing, privatization of sea waters, reclamation projects, and fishery laws among others. We should remember that such projects are carbon intensive that contributes to increase in global warming gasses”
“Climate change has further marginalized the poor coastal people, through massive decline of fish catch, rising cost of fishing, and collapse of ecosystem among others, being poor diminishes capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change, the change in climate is accelerating, the community cannot keep up with the pace.”
“What is alarming on the other hand is that the warming planet has opened up new fronts of vulnerability in the community, we have stronger and frequent storm surges, seas are inundating our homes because of rising sea level, breeding grounds of marine species are collapsing because of acidity and warm waters. We no longer have potable waters to drink because of salt water intrusion.”
Fernando Hicap, the National Chairperson of the activist fishers group PAMALAKAYA said“Governments and their cohorts in big monopoly businesses are the main culprits why the planet is ailing and we the poor are paying dearly since we don’t have the capacity to adopt and respond to climate change. The poor should rely on each other to rescind anti-people and anti-environment policies.”
“This grassroots meeting is an important venue for us not just to strongly register the position of community people in the current discourse regarding global warming but to consolidate our ranks and turned it into a decisive force in making culprits accountable while dramatically reducing our carbon footprint”
Mr. Vince Cinches, executive director of FIDEC and convenor of PCWA said that the conference is not just first in the country but in the whole Southeast Asia as well.
He added that the conference is an important contribution of the Filipinos in the ongoing global initiatives against climate change especially that the Kyoto Protocol will soon end and will undergo renegotiation. “We wanted to ensure that the provisions of international policies regarding climate change should have more teeth against polluters, have more binding policies and responsive to the needs of the poor people around the world.”
On April 22, Earth Day, the group will hold a protest action to demand accountability from government and corporations and to demand real actions against the specter of climate change.##
Released by: Ghianne Rada ,
Program Officer,
FIDEC inc.
09069048009
#26 Matulungin St. Central District, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel.: +63 2 9248756 fax: +63 2 9209099 email:philclimatewatch@gmail.com
FISHERFOLKS AND CLIMATE ACTIVISTS TO DEMAND MORE ACTIONS AGAINST CLIMATE CHANGE
UP Dilliman, Quezon City - A few days after the Supreme Court concluded their forum on environmental justice, fisherfolks from all over the Philippines who attended the 1st National Grassroots Conference on Climate Change organized by Philippine Climate Watch Alliance (PCWA) are worried about the accelerating impacts of warming planet.
Vince Cinches the Executive Director of Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Inc. (FIDEC INC.) one of the many convenors of Philippine Climate Watch alliance in their paper presented during one of the workshops in the conference on the impacts of climate change to coastal communities, fisheries and fisherfolks, said that “Climate Change becomes an additional and more sustained burden of poor fisherfolks nationwide. Even before we felt the impacts of climate change, we have been marginalized by off-shore mining, commercial fishing, privatization of sea waters, reclamation projects, and fishery laws among others. We should remember that such projects are carbon intensive that contributes to increase in global warming gasses”
“Climate change has further marginalized the poor coastal people, through massive decline of fish catch, rising cost of fishing, and collapse of ecosystem among others, being poor diminishes capacity to respond to the impacts of climate change, the change in climate is accelerating, the community cannot keep up with the pace.”
“What is alarming on the other hand is that the warming planet has opened up new fronts of vulnerability in the community, we have stronger and frequent storm surges, seas are inundating our homes because of rising sea level, breeding grounds of marine species are collapsing because of acidity and warm waters. We no longer have potable waters to drink because of salt water intrusion.”
Fernando Hicap, the National Chairperson of the activist fishers group PAMALAKAYA said“Governments and their cohorts in big monopoly businesses are the main culprits why the planet is ailing and we the poor are paying dearly since we don’t have the capacity to adopt and respond to climate change. The poor should rely on each other to rescind anti-people and anti-environment policies.”
“This grassroots meeting is an important venue for us not just to strongly register the position of community people in the current discourse regarding global warming but to consolidate our ranks and turned it into a decisive force in making culprits accountable while dramatically reducing our carbon footprint”
Mr. Vince Cinches, executive director of FIDEC and convenor of PCWA said that the conference is not just first in the country but in the whole Southeast Asia as well.
He added that the conference is an important contribution of the Filipinos in the ongoing global initiatives against climate change especially that the Kyoto Protocol will soon end and will undergo renegotiation. “We wanted to ensure that the provisions of international policies regarding climate change should have more teeth against polluters, have more binding policies and responsive to the needs of the poor people around the world.”
On April 22, Earth Day, the group will hold a protest action to demand accountability from government and corporations and to demand real actions against the specter of climate change.##
Released by: Ghianne Rada ,
Program Officer,
FIDEC inc.
09069048009
Saturday, April 25, 2009
LGUs urged to endorse sustainable investments
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=68294
LGUs urged to endorse sustainable investments
Updated June 18, 2008 12:00 AM
With the influx of high net worth investments in the province posing high social impacts to the immediate locality, civil groups call for the local government units to enhance their evaluation process to only approve sustainable investments amenable to the community.
“It will be much more responsible for LGUs in the province to seek out sustainable investments, environmentally sound projects and at the same time responsive to the community’s needs,” said Vince Cinches, Executive Director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolks Development Center Inc. and one of the advocates of the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement.
He said that non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil groups in Cebu are very much active because the local government still has several things to improve especially in addressing the basic needs of the community and in their evaluation process of projects.
“There should be a change of mindset for government officials so they can adopt a more appropriate concept of sustainable development. Development is not only physical infrastructure but social and political infrastructure should first be in place,” he stressed.
Cinches argued that the local government sector has seemingly adopted a backward concept for progress because of its continued pursuit for destructive projects, which is rather opposite to that of the public’s increasing understanding and awareness on sustainable development.
He said that example of destructive project recently pursued by the government include the contested Tañon Strait Oil exploration by the Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX). After constant vigilance from some social and environmental organizations which was led by the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement, the JAPEX operation has been successfully blocked.
However Cinches’ group is now lamenting over another possible threat in the face of a new potential investor called as NorAsia, an Australian oil and gas explorer.
He said that if NorAsia will be given required endorsements by the provincial board to operate in Argao, it will surely pose possible threat to our natural environment.
“We hope the provincial board will not endorse the project. We should learn from the Japex experience. There should be clear-cut feasibility studies to come up with an objective and informed decision so to avoid gray areas in its implementation,” he further added.
He also stressed that participation of people in policy making is very important to empower communities.
At the moment, social organizations still have very limited engagements with the public sector. But he argued that if both parties will be able to renew their processes, engagements could take place even outside the Regional and Provincial Development Council, Cinches said.
The development council is a decision-making body for different economic development undertakings composed of the government sector as well as representatives from multi-segmented stakeholders in the community.
“We are very willing to sit down and help the public sector become a model of “responsive development.” Partnership could be a very effective means to bridge agreement and there are a lot of social organizations that can be tapped to draft guidelines in projects and identify inherent problems within our locality,” underscored Cinches.
— Rhia de Pablo
LGUs urged to endorse sustainable investments
Updated June 18, 2008 12:00 AM
With the influx of high net worth investments in the province posing high social impacts to the immediate locality, civil groups call for the local government units to enhance their evaluation process to only approve sustainable investments amenable to the community.
“It will be much more responsible for LGUs in the province to seek out sustainable investments, environmentally sound projects and at the same time responsive to the community’s needs,” said Vince Cinches, Executive Director of the Central Visayas Fisherfolks Development Center Inc. and one of the advocates of the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement.
He said that non-government organizations (NGOs) and civil groups in Cebu are very much active because the local government still has several things to improve especially in addressing the basic needs of the community and in their evaluation process of projects.
“There should be a change of mindset for government officials so they can adopt a more appropriate concept of sustainable development. Development is not only physical infrastructure but social and political infrastructure should first be in place,” he stressed.
Cinches argued that the local government sector has seemingly adopted a backward concept for progress because of its continued pursuit for destructive projects, which is rather opposite to that of the public’s increasing understanding and awareness on sustainable development.
He said that example of destructive project recently pursued by the government include the contested Tañon Strait Oil exploration by the Japan Petroleum Exploration Co., Ltd. (JAPEX). After constant vigilance from some social and environmental organizations which was led by the Save Tañon Strait Citizens Movement, the JAPEX operation has been successfully blocked.
However Cinches’ group is now lamenting over another possible threat in the face of a new potential investor called as NorAsia, an Australian oil and gas explorer.
He said that if NorAsia will be given required endorsements by the provincial board to operate in Argao, it will surely pose possible threat to our natural environment.
“We hope the provincial board will not endorse the project. We should learn from the Japex experience. There should be clear-cut feasibility studies to come up with an objective and informed decision so to avoid gray areas in its implementation,” he further added.
He also stressed that participation of people in policy making is very important to empower communities.
At the moment, social organizations still have very limited engagements with the public sector. But he argued that if both parties will be able to renew their processes, engagements could take place even outside the Regional and Provincial Development Council, Cinches said.
The development council is a decision-making body for different economic development undertakings composed of the government sector as well as representatives from multi-segmented stakeholders in the community.
“We are very willing to sit down and help the public sector become a model of “responsive development.” Partnership could be a very effective means to bridge agreement and there are a lot of social organizations that can be tapped to draft guidelines in projects and identify inherent problems within our locality,” underscored Cinches.
— Rhia de Pablo
Cebu gov hit over oil, gas exploration pact
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090424-201202/Cebu_gov_hit_over_oil,_gas_exploration_pact
Cebu gov hit over oil, gas exploration pact
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:39:00 04/24/2009
Filed Under: Mining and quarrying, Protest, Agreement (general)
MANILA, Philippines—Militant fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya, National Forces of the Fishers’ Movement of the Philippines) has questioned an agreement between the Cebu local government and an Australian mining firm to explore the Cebu-Bohol Strait for oil and gas.
Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said on Thursday the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by officials of the Australian offshore mining group NorAsia Limited and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia last April 15 was “a recipe for tragedy and a memorandum for destruction of Cebu-Bohol Strait.”
He added that the agreement went against the livelihood and interest of Cebuano and Boholano fisherfolk and that Garcia committed “a heinous crime against the environment and against the fisherfolk.
“This is totally revolting and extremely reprehensible. The MOU is a recipe for an across-the-strait destruction of people’s environment and livelihood in Cebu-Bohol Strait. The Governor of Cebu, her bosses in Malacañang and the Department of Energy, including NorAsia should be held responsible and accountable for whatever damage and destruction their offshore mining stint would create,” the Pamalakaya leader said.
Pamalakaya said the far-reaching effects of oil and gas explorations even during its exploratory or prospecting stage prior to production and extraction would be detrimental to the marine environment and to the fisherfolk’s livelihood.
The group said many studies showed that offshore mining could cause a significant amount of air pollution. Each offshore oil platform generates approximately 214,000 pounds of air pollutants each year. An average exploration well for natural gascould generate 50 tons of nitrogen oxides, 13 tons of carbon monoxide, six tons of sulfur dioxide and five tons of volatile organic hydrocarbons, according to studies cited by Pamalakaya.
In addition, oil and gas drilling operations produce huge amounts of water waste ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 metric tons of highly toxic water waste materials per drilling. The seismic tests, which are part of the exploration stage, damage the hearing organs of marine species, cause hemorrhage in body tissues, and damage their reproductive organs.
Pamalakaya said seismic blasting could cause behavioral modifications and reduce or eliminate available habitat for breeding, spawning, foraging and migration. Seismic noises can alter fish distribution by tens of kilometers and can elicit physiological stress on neural-immune responses in marine organisms.
“Recent findings also revealed that oil and gas exploration activities could lead to massive production of other toxic waste materials such as cadmium which causes lung cancer; lead which causes gastrointestinal diseases, blood and kidney disorders, mental retardation and affects the nervous system; chromium which causes lung and liver cancers, kidney and other respiratory illness,” the militant group added.
The group also said the offshore mining in Cebu-Bohol Strait and other parts of the Visayan basin would affect the livelihood of not less than 100,000 small fishermen and 500,000 dependents.
Hicap said they have been consulting with lawyers on available legal remedies to nullify the agreement.
The agreement allows the Australian company to explore 7,400 square kilometers of marine waters encompassing the Cebu-Bohol Strait, a narrow sea strait separating the island provinces of Cebu and Bohol, and parts of Leyte in the East Visayan basin.
The group’s leader also scoffed at the P500,000 assistance fund provided by NorAsia for the fisherfolk and residents of Argao and Sibonga, two of the affected municipalities in Cebu, where the exploration has been set to take place.
In 2008, leaders of Pamalakaya wrote Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd requesting the Australian prime minister to persuade its’ offshore mining company—NorAsia Energy Limited to back off from oil and gas exploration project in Cebu-Bohol Strait. But the premier did not act on the matter, the group said.
Cebu gov hit over oil, gas exploration pact
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 12:39:00 04/24/2009
Filed Under: Mining and quarrying, Protest, Agreement (general)
MANILA, Philippines—Militant fisherfolk alliance Pambansang Lakas ng Kilusang Mamamalakaya ng Pilipinas (Pamalakaya, National Forces of the Fishers’ Movement of the Philippines) has questioned an agreement between the Cebu local government and an Australian mining firm to explore the Cebu-Bohol Strait for oil and gas.
Pamalakaya national chair Fernando Hicap said on Thursday the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) signed by officials of the Australian offshore mining group NorAsia Limited and Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia last April 15 was “a recipe for tragedy and a memorandum for destruction of Cebu-Bohol Strait.”
He added that the agreement went against the livelihood and interest of Cebuano and Boholano fisherfolk and that Garcia committed “a heinous crime against the environment and against the fisherfolk.
“This is totally revolting and extremely reprehensible. The MOU is a recipe for an across-the-strait destruction of people’s environment and livelihood in Cebu-Bohol Strait. The Governor of Cebu, her bosses in Malacañang and the Department of Energy, including NorAsia should be held responsible and accountable for whatever damage and destruction their offshore mining stint would create,” the Pamalakaya leader said.
Pamalakaya said the far-reaching effects of oil and gas explorations even during its exploratory or prospecting stage prior to production and extraction would be detrimental to the marine environment and to the fisherfolk’s livelihood.
The group said many studies showed that offshore mining could cause a significant amount of air pollution. Each offshore oil platform generates approximately 214,000 pounds of air pollutants each year. An average exploration well for natural gascould generate 50 tons of nitrogen oxides, 13 tons of carbon monoxide, six tons of sulfur dioxide and five tons of volatile organic hydrocarbons, according to studies cited by Pamalakaya.
In addition, oil and gas drilling operations produce huge amounts of water waste ranging from 1,500 to 2,000 metric tons of highly toxic water waste materials per drilling. The seismic tests, which are part of the exploration stage, damage the hearing organs of marine species, cause hemorrhage in body tissues, and damage their reproductive organs.
Pamalakaya said seismic blasting could cause behavioral modifications and reduce or eliminate available habitat for breeding, spawning, foraging and migration. Seismic noises can alter fish distribution by tens of kilometers and can elicit physiological stress on neural-immune responses in marine organisms.
“Recent findings also revealed that oil and gas exploration activities could lead to massive production of other toxic waste materials such as cadmium which causes lung cancer; lead which causes gastrointestinal diseases, blood and kidney disorders, mental retardation and affects the nervous system; chromium which causes lung and liver cancers, kidney and other respiratory illness,” the militant group added.
The group also said the offshore mining in Cebu-Bohol Strait and other parts of the Visayan basin would affect the livelihood of not less than 100,000 small fishermen and 500,000 dependents.
Hicap said they have been consulting with lawyers on available legal remedies to nullify the agreement.
The agreement allows the Australian company to explore 7,400 square kilometers of marine waters encompassing the Cebu-Bohol Strait, a narrow sea strait separating the island provinces of Cebu and Bohol, and parts of Leyte in the East Visayan basin.
The group’s leader also scoffed at the P500,000 assistance fund provided by NorAsia for the fisherfolk and residents of Argao and Sibonga, two of the affected municipalities in Cebu, where the exploration has been set to take place.
In 2008, leaders of Pamalakaya wrote Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd requesting the Australian prime minister to persuade its’ offshore mining company—NorAsia Energy Limited to back off from oil and gas exploration project in Cebu-Bohol Strait. But the premier did not act on the matter, the group said.
A whale of a difference
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/whale-difference
A whale of a difference
A PETITION filed on behalf of sea mammals before the Supreme Court, in relation to the 2007 search for oil in the Tañon Strait, will stretch the limits of the law.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno said so himself, in a speech at the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City last April 16. The forum focused on environmental justice.
In Puno’s speech, a copy of which was sent toSun.Star Cebu, the chief justice discussed the implications of the novel case involving the “resident sea mammals of the Tañon Strait, which include toothed whales, dolphins, porpoises and other cetacean species,” suing a Japanese company and government agencies in relation to the oil exploration off the shores of Pinamungajan town.
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“The intriguing issue is whether a dolphin or whale can sue an oil exploration firm. If I cite this case, it is only to stress the ongoing attempts to further open the doors of courts to plaintiffs who are non-humans alleged to be entitled to a healthy environment,” Puno said in his speech.
The forum, “Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology,” aimed to draft recommendations for better actions on environmental issues brought before the Supreme Court.
This gave Puno, the keynote speaker of the event, a chance to talk about locus standi, or standing, in terms of filing cases.
He recalled the “benchmark” case of Oposa versus Factoran, where unborn children and “future generations” were given a locus standi to sue, especially in cases involving the environment.
“We recognized the budding principle of inter-generational equity, which assures each generation the right to receive the planet in no worse a condition than received by the previous generation, and views the environmental and resource conservation obligations of the present generation from that perspective,” said Puno.
In the case of the mammals, it is still ongoing.
The petition was for certiorari with mandamus and injunction, filed in a bid to stop offshore explorations by the Japan Petroleum Exploration Company Ltd. (Japex).
How far?
Japex ended the oil exploration by early 2008. They never made it to a full-blown oil drill, with the company saying the available oil was not of commercially viable volumes.
Government agencies were impleaded in the Supreme Court petition for allowing the exploration to happen in the first place.
Oil explorations, said the petitioners, would damage their habitat. The mammals were represented by lawyers Gloria Estenzo-Ramos and Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio, acting as their guardians.
“Exactly how far the rule on standing is to be liberalized is the question,” Puno said in Thursday’s speech.
The chief justice noted, though, that relaxing the rule on locus standi has its disadvantages.
“Fears are expressed that this will open the floodgates to environmental litigation, many of which may be groundless, especially those filed by bounty hunters. They can drive away investment companies and they can contribute to the overclogging of our green court dockets,” Puno also said.
Environmental champions may even be sued for damages for initiating complaints to discourage them from pursuing it.
“Our task is to craft a rule that will strike the proper balance between the need to encourage citizens’ suits and the danger that unregulated citizen’s suits may bring about nuisance cases,” Puno said.
Some environmentalist-lawyers who attended a related forum in Iloilo City expressed optimism in the Tañon Strait mammals’ case.
They attended the “Forum on Environmental Justice: Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology” in Iloilo City, an event the Supreme Court organized.
“This activity encourages us to actively pursue more actions to protect our environment. Truly the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Puno now remains as the only institution who stood by the people, under attack by oppressive anti-environment policies of the government,” said Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fisherfolks’ Development Center (Fidec) Inc.
In a press statement released by Ghianne Rada, Fidec described the forum as “most welcome in a time where global climate change is wreaking havoc on our lives.” (JGA/EOB)
A whale of a difference
A PETITION filed on behalf of sea mammals before the Supreme Court, in relation to the 2007 search for oil in the Tañon Strait, will stretch the limits of the law.
Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato Puno said so himself, in a speech at the University of the Cordilleras in Baguio City last April 16. The forum focused on environmental justice.
In Puno’s speech, a copy of which was sent toSun.Star Cebu, the chief justice discussed the implications of the novel case involving the “resident sea mammals of the Tañon Strait, which include toothed whales, dolphins, porpoises and other cetacean species,” suing a Japanese company and government agencies in relation to the oil exploration off the shores of Pinamungajan town.
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“The intriguing issue is whether a dolphin or whale can sue an oil exploration firm. If I cite this case, it is only to stress the ongoing attempts to further open the doors of courts to plaintiffs who are non-humans alleged to be entitled to a healthy environment,” Puno said in his speech.
The forum, “Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology,” aimed to draft recommendations for better actions on environmental issues brought before the Supreme Court.
This gave Puno, the keynote speaker of the event, a chance to talk about locus standi, or standing, in terms of filing cases.
He recalled the “benchmark” case of Oposa versus Factoran, where unborn children and “future generations” were given a locus standi to sue, especially in cases involving the environment.
“We recognized the budding principle of inter-generational equity, which assures each generation the right to receive the planet in no worse a condition than received by the previous generation, and views the environmental and resource conservation obligations of the present generation from that perspective,” said Puno.
In the case of the mammals, it is still ongoing.
The petition was for certiorari with mandamus and injunction, filed in a bid to stop offshore explorations by the Japan Petroleum Exploration Company Ltd. (Japex).
How far?
Japex ended the oil exploration by early 2008. They never made it to a full-blown oil drill, with the company saying the available oil was not of commercially viable volumes.
Government agencies were impleaded in the Supreme Court petition for allowing the exploration to happen in the first place.
Oil explorations, said the petitioners, would damage their habitat. The mammals were represented by lawyers Gloria Estenzo-Ramos and Rose-Liza Eisma Osorio, acting as their guardians.
“Exactly how far the rule on standing is to be liberalized is the question,” Puno said in Thursday’s speech.
The chief justice noted, though, that relaxing the rule on locus standi has its disadvantages.
“Fears are expressed that this will open the floodgates to environmental litigation, many of which may be groundless, especially those filed by bounty hunters. They can drive away investment companies and they can contribute to the overclogging of our green court dockets,” Puno also said.
Environmental champions may even be sued for damages for initiating complaints to discourage them from pursuing it.
“Our task is to craft a rule that will strike the proper balance between the need to encourage citizens’ suits and the danger that unregulated citizen’s suits may bring about nuisance cases,” Puno said.
Some environmentalist-lawyers who attended a related forum in Iloilo City expressed optimism in the Tañon Strait mammals’ case.
They attended the “Forum on Environmental Justice: Upholding the Right to a Balanced and Healthful Ecology” in Iloilo City, an event the Supreme Court organized.
“This activity encourages us to actively pursue more actions to protect our environment. Truly the Supreme Court under Chief Justice Puno now remains as the only institution who stood by the people, under attack by oppressive anti-environment policies of the government,” said Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fisherfolks’ Development Center (Fidec) Inc.
In a press statement released by Ghianne Rada, Fidec described the forum as “most welcome in a time where global climate change is wreaking havoc on our lives.” (JGA/EOB)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
Lava Island reclamation residents fear project's effects on the environment
http://www.philstar .com/Article. aspx?articleId= 450556&publicationSubCateg oryId=107
Lava Island reclamation residents fear project's effects on the environment
Updated March 21, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Residents and environmentalists who attended yesterday’s public hearing on the proposed 60-hectare reclamation project on Lava Island, Cordova raised concerns on the possible effect of the project to the environment.
One of the participants to the public hearing said the proponent of the project should include in its environmental impact assessment the protection of the seabeds, corals and other marine specie because many of the local residents are dependent on fishing as their means of livelihood.
The project has seven components that include causeway reclamation, golf course, villa, clubhouse, hotel, dredging and electrical.
Engr. Fe Walag, one of the invited speakers, said one of the aspects for the success of reclamation project is the water supply, and external effect of the reclamation should be needed.
Based on the project rationale presented, she assured that the project would have no negative impact on the environment.
For his part, Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fishermen’s Development Center asked about the possible social impact and social dimension of the project that the proponents failed to address. He suggested they should be included also in the study.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy said the proposed reclamation project, which will feature a golf course as its main tourism facility, said the development is a municipal project that would be funded by a private entity. “Wa’y usa ka daku nga makuha sa munisipyo,” he added.
The municipality has received an unsolicited proposal to develop Lava Island from the private firm Golfsalang Phil. Inc. The project will be covered by a 20-year period contract, which is assumed as the project’s lifespan.
Present during the public hearing were local officials from Cordova, provincial government headed by Board Member Victor Maambong, chairman of the PB committee on environmental conservation and natural resources, Dr. Danilo Largo of the office of the research of the University of San Carlos, environmentalist and lawyer Benjamin Cabrido, residents and fisherfolk of the town. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)
Lava Island reclamation residents fear project's effects on the environment
Updated March 21, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Residents and environmentalists who attended yesterday’s public hearing on the proposed 60-hectare reclamation project on Lava Island, Cordova raised concerns on the possible effect of the project to the environment.
One of the participants to the public hearing said the proponent of the project should include in its environmental impact assessment the protection of the seabeds, corals and other marine specie because many of the local residents are dependent on fishing as their means of livelihood.
The project has seven components that include causeway reclamation, golf course, villa, clubhouse, hotel, dredging and electrical.
Engr. Fe Walag, one of the invited speakers, said one of the aspects for the success of reclamation project is the water supply, and external effect of the reclamation should be needed.
Based on the project rationale presented, she assured that the project would have no negative impact on the environment.
For his part, Vince Cinches, executive director of the Fishermen’s Development Center asked about the possible social impact and social dimension of the project that the proponents failed to address. He suggested they should be included also in the study.
Cordova Mayor Adelino Sitoy said the proposed reclamation project, which will feature a golf course as its main tourism facility, said the development is a municipal project that would be funded by a private entity. “Wa’y usa ka daku nga makuha sa munisipyo,” he added.
The municipality has received an unsolicited proposal to develop Lava Island from the private firm Golfsalang Phil. Inc. The project will be covered by a 20-year period contract, which is assumed as the project’s lifespan.
Present during the public hearing were local officials from Cordova, provincial government headed by Board Member Victor Maambong, chairman of the PB committee on environmental conservation and natural resources, Dr. Danilo Largo of the office of the research of the University of San Carlos, environmentalist and lawyer Benjamin Cabrido, residents and fisherfolk of the town. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Lawyers, groups eye action vs. local authorities
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/lawyers-groups-eye-action-vs-local-authorities
Lawyers, groups eye action vs. local authorities
LAWYERS and nongovernment organizations are “outraged” over the way government agencies handled the case involving
a vessel that ran aground and damaged the protected fish sanctuary in Talisay City.
Government agencies will be held accountable, said lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines–National Environmental Action Team (IBP – Neat).
“We will take the lead, we will make them accountable,” she said in a press conference yesterday.
Ramos and lawyer Benjamin Cabrido wrote a letter to Talisay City as well as the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Coast Guard and the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) to ask why the mv United was not apprehended.
“There was no marine protest or inquiry or determination,” said Cabrido.
He said they are contemplating on filing a case for damages against the BOC, CPA and the Coast Guard. Since they could not sue the vessel’s owners or operators anymore, which left the Philippine waters, they will go after the agencies that allowed the ship to sail.
The foreign cargo ship mv United ran aground off Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City last March 5, damaging Lagundi Reef’s seabed and corals. The ship is an Athens, Greece-based carrier of Kamtchuka International Limited.
The groups sought Talisay City’s answers to at least 11 questions, including its acceptance of the US$10,000 donation from the ship owner for the immediate rehabilitation of Lagundi Reef.
“Are you aware that considering the circumstances, the act of receiving the amount is a possible violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act?” the group’s letter said.
“Is that some sort of settlement for destroying Lagundi Reef?” Vince Cinches of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. (Fidec) said.
Marine scientist Danilo Largo said the amount is not even enough to rehabilitate the coral reefs, which is a life support system.
“Why was the vessel allowed to leave when no assessment of the extent of the damage was done?” was another question for the city officials.
IBP-Neat, Fidec, the Knight-Stewards of the Sea and a youth group also asked Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to form Task Force Lagundi, which will investigate last week’s incident.
“We need an independent and multi-sectoral body to look into the incident (and) the scope of responsibilities of the different government agencies,” read the letter addressed to Garcia.
“The mishandling of the destruction of the coral reefs at the Lagundi Reef is, likewise, a telling revelation of the lack of capacity and will of local government units to manage and appreciate the significance or our coasts and marine resources and its failure to coordinate immediately with national government agencies,” the group’s statement also read.
Even Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has joined the call to protect marine resources through a public service announcement that the group showed reporters yesterday.
“We are outraged, we are angry. You don’t like us when we’re angry because this is our passion, it is not about money,” Cabrido warned.
Earlier, concerned Talisay City residents have also asked Garcia to create a task force that will look into the destruction of the Lagundi Reef.
In their letter-appeal, the residents urged Garcia, who is also the Provincial Marine Protection Council chairperson, to create an independent and multi-sectoral body that will probe the incident.
Sought for comment, Capitol information consultant lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda said Talisay City has the primary jurisdiction over the issue. But he said they will coordinate with the city authorities “and move from there.”
The captain of the 31,643-gross ton ship, Chen Guangming, was charged with reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property.
Underwater photos show corals reduced to rubble by the ship’s propeller, the group said. Sun.Star Cebu. (JGA/GMD)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=448377&publicationSubCategoryId=107
Lagundi reef destruction: Environment lawyers eye legal action vs Talisay government
Updated March 14, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Members of several environmental groups disclosed yesterday that they will file a case in court against those who are responsible for the destruction of Lagundi Reef.
Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, chairperson of the National Environment Action Team (NEAT)-Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu chapter, said the local government of Talisay City, together with the Cebu Ports Authority and other agencies should be made accountable for allowing the cargo ship and its crew to leave Cebu without being made to answer for the damage it had cause to the reef when it recently ran aground in the seawaters of Talisay City.
“It is high time for the people to exact accountability on those mandated to protect our life support system. Enough is enough,” Ramos said.
The NEAT-IBP, together with the Global Legal Action on Climate Change-Cebu and Save Tañon Strait Citizens’ Movement with other stakeholders yesterday held a press conference to announce their legal action against those who are responsible for the destruction of Lagundi Reef.
Environmentalists said Talisay City should be made legally accountable for accepting money from the Chinese crew of the foreign vessel and allowing it to leave Cebu without having filed a case against it.
Capt. Chen Guangming of M/V United Majuro was released after undergoing inquest proceedings and paying a P5,000 fines for violating a city ordinance that regulates activities within the Lagundi Reef and giving the city government another $10,000 as donation.
In a manifesto, the environmentalists said they are saddened and perplexed at the way the incident involving the MV united Majuro’s destruction of the corals at the Lagundi Reef was handled by the Talisay City government and pertinent government agencies.
“It is indeed unfortunate that we do not really put a premium on resources conservation and protection,” it said. “Obviously, GMA’s EO 774 on mainstreaming conservation, protection and restoration of the natural world does not make a dent on her executive agencies, including the LGUs.”
They said it is very sad and unfortunate that, as the mishandling of the Lagundi Reef destruction and the reclamation projects that are sprouting, people do not really put a premium on resources conservation and protection.
Atty. Ramos added that amid the climate crisis and its dire implications on survival, people should not solely rely on government to protect the natural heritage as there will be nothing left for the future generations.
The group also requested Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to form a multi-sectoral body that will conduct investigation into the Lagundi Reef incident. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)
Lawyers, groups eye action vs. local authorities
LAWYERS and nongovernment organizations are “outraged” over the way government agencies handled the case involving
a vessel that ran aground and damaged the protected fish sanctuary in Talisay City.
Government agencies will be held accountable, said lawyer Gloria Estenzo-Ramos of the Integrated Bar of the
Philippines–National Environmental Action Team (IBP – Neat).
“We will take the lead, we will make them accountable,” she said in a press conference yesterday.
Ramos and lawyer Benjamin Cabrido wrote a letter to Talisay City as well as the Bureau of Customs (BOC), the Philippine Coast Guard and the Cebu Port Authority (CPA) to ask why the mv United was not apprehended.
“There was no marine protest or inquiry or determination,” said Cabrido.
He said they are contemplating on filing a case for damages against the BOC, CPA and the Coast Guard. Since they could not sue the vessel’s owners or operators anymore, which left the Philippine waters, they will go after the agencies that allowed the ship to sail.
The foreign cargo ship mv United ran aground off Barangay Poblacion, Talisay City last March 5, damaging Lagundi Reef’s seabed and corals. The ship is an Athens, Greece-based carrier of Kamtchuka International Limited.
The groups sought Talisay City’s answers to at least 11 questions, including its acceptance of the US$10,000 donation from the ship owner for the immediate rehabilitation of Lagundi Reef.
“Are you aware that considering the circumstances, the act of receiving the amount is a possible violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act?” the group’s letter said.
“Is that some sort of settlement for destroying Lagundi Reef?” Vince Cinches of the Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. (Fidec) said.
Marine scientist Danilo Largo said the amount is not even enough to rehabilitate the coral reefs, which is a life support system.
“Why was the vessel allowed to leave when no assessment of the extent of the damage was done?” was another question for the city officials.
IBP-Neat, Fidec, the Knight-Stewards of the Sea and a youth group also asked Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia to form Task Force Lagundi, which will investigate last week’s incident.
“We need an independent and multi-sectoral body to look into the incident (and) the scope of responsibilities of the different government agencies,” read the letter addressed to Garcia.
“The mishandling of the destruction of the coral reefs at the Lagundi Reef is, likewise, a telling revelation of the lack of capacity and will of local government units to manage and appreciate the significance or our coasts and marine resources and its failure to coordinate immediately with national government agencies,” the group’s statement also read.
Even Cebu Archbishop Ricardo Cardinal Vidal has joined the call to protect marine resources through a public service announcement that the group showed reporters yesterday.
“We are outraged, we are angry. You don’t like us when we’re angry because this is our passion, it is not about money,” Cabrido warned.
Earlier, concerned Talisay City residents have also asked Garcia to create a task force that will look into the destruction of the Lagundi Reef.
In their letter-appeal, the residents urged Garcia, who is also the Provincial Marine Protection Council chairperson, to create an independent and multi-sectoral body that will probe the incident.
Sought for comment, Capitol information consultant lawyer Rory Jon Sepulveda said Talisay City has the primary jurisdiction over the issue. But he said they will coordinate with the city authorities “and move from there.”
The captain of the 31,643-gross ton ship, Chen Guangming, was charged with reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property.
Underwater photos show corals reduced to rubble by the ship’s propeller, the group said. Sun.Star Cebu. (JGA/GMD)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=448377&publicationSubCategoryId=107
Lagundi reef destruction: Environment lawyers eye legal action vs Talisay government
Updated March 14, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Members of several environmental groups disclosed yesterday that they will file a case in court against those who are responsible for the destruction of Lagundi Reef.
Atty. Gloria Estenzo Ramos, chairperson of the National Environment Action Team (NEAT)-Integrated Bar of the Philippines-Cebu chapter, said the local government of Talisay City, together with the Cebu Ports Authority and other agencies should be made accountable for allowing the cargo ship and its crew to leave Cebu without being made to answer for the damage it had cause to the reef when it recently ran aground in the seawaters of Talisay City.
“It is high time for the people to exact accountability on those mandated to protect our life support system. Enough is enough,” Ramos said.
The NEAT-IBP, together with the Global Legal Action on Climate Change-Cebu and Save Tañon Strait Citizens’ Movement with other stakeholders yesterday held a press conference to announce their legal action against those who are responsible for the destruction of Lagundi Reef.
Environmentalists said Talisay City should be made legally accountable for accepting money from the Chinese crew of the foreign vessel and allowing it to leave Cebu without having filed a case against it.
Capt. Chen Guangming of M/V United Majuro was released after undergoing inquest proceedings and paying a P5,000 fines for violating a city ordinance that regulates activities within the Lagundi Reef and giving the city government another $10,000 as donation.
In a manifesto, the environmentalists said they are saddened and perplexed at the way the incident involving the MV united Majuro’s destruction of the corals at the Lagundi Reef was handled by the Talisay City government and pertinent government agencies.
“It is indeed unfortunate that we do not really put a premium on resources conservation and protection,” it said. “Obviously, GMA’s EO 774 on mainstreaming conservation, protection and restoration of the natural world does not make a dent on her executive agencies, including the LGUs.”
They said it is very sad and unfortunate that, as the mishandling of the Lagundi Reef destruction and the reclamation projects that are sprouting, people do not really put a premium on resources conservation and protection.
Atty. Ramos added that amid the climate crisis and its dire implications on survival, people should not solely rely on government to protect the natural heritage as there will be nothing left for the future generations.
The group also requested Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia to form a multi-sectoral body that will conduct investigation into the Lagundi Reef incident. — Johanna T. Natavio/WAB (THE FREEMAN)
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