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)
Saturday, March 21, 2009
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)
RP has second-dirtiest seas, report says
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20090315-194252/RP-has-second-dirtiest-seas-report-says
RP has second-dirtiest seas, report says
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 08:23:00 03/15/2009
Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Pollution
MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines ranks second in the world for most trash recovered from its oceans, an international conservation group has revealed.
The US-based Ocean Conservancy reported that 1,355,236 items of trash were recovered from the country’s shorelines, ocean surface and underwater during the International Coastal Cleanup conducted by the group in September 2008, which involved nearly 400,000 volunteers around the world.
The results of the cleanup were presented in a report by the group titled “A Rising Tide of Ocean Debris” was released on March 10 and available on the group's website.
Topping the list of trash items were plastic bags (679,957 pieces), paper bags (253,013) and food wrappers (103,226). Also recovered were 38,394 pieces of clothing and shoes, 55,814 tobacco-related items including cigarette butts (34,154), lighters and wrappers, and 11,077 diapers.
The United States topped the list of countries with the most trash recovered, with 3,945,855 items. In third place was Costa Rica with 1,017,621 items.
Ocean Conservancy said it collected 11.4 million pieces of trash from 6,485 sites in 104 countries, including the Philippines.
“We are all connected to the ocean. The disheartening amount of trash afloat in the sea, littering beaches and piling up on the sea floor affects the earth’s life support system, the ocean and all the living things in it," the report said.
"Marine debris is more than a blemish on nature, it is a potential threat to our food supply, to tourism and economic activity, to marine wildlife and ecosystems, and to our personal health. It even relates to the impacts of climate change,” it added.
Because of the study, local waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition called on the public to help restore the health of Philippine waters.
On World Consumer Rights Day on Sunday (March 15), the coalition called for more awareness, responsibility and action to save the oceans and waterways, particularly from plastic garbage.
“We urge local and national authorities to fully enforce Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to stop the dumping of trash in the canals and esteros that eventually find their way into the marine ecosystem,” said Manny Calonzo, EcoWaste Coalition president.
To prevent garbage from entering the marine environment, the coalition urged consumers to adopt basic practices in ecological waste management, including waste prevention, reduction, separation at source, recycling reuse and composting.
In 2006, the group together with Greenpeace conducted a joint discards survey of Manila Bay which showed that 76 percent of the garbage in the bay was made of plastic and 51 percent was plastic bags, Calonzo said.
The coalition also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and National Solid Waste Management Commission to do something about the trash in the oceans.
RP has second-dirtiest seas, report says
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 08:23:00 03/15/2009
Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Pollution
MANILA, Philippines -- The Philippines ranks second in the world for most trash recovered from its oceans, an international conservation group has revealed.
The US-based Ocean Conservancy reported that 1,355,236 items of trash were recovered from the country’s shorelines, ocean surface and underwater during the International Coastal Cleanup conducted by the group in September 2008, which involved nearly 400,000 volunteers around the world.
The results of the cleanup were presented in a report by the group titled “A Rising Tide of Ocean Debris” was released on March 10 and available on the group's website.
Topping the list of trash items were plastic bags (679,957 pieces), paper bags (253,013) and food wrappers (103,226). Also recovered were 38,394 pieces of clothing and shoes, 55,814 tobacco-related items including cigarette butts (34,154), lighters and wrappers, and 11,077 diapers.
The United States topped the list of countries with the most trash recovered, with 3,945,855 items. In third place was Costa Rica with 1,017,621 items.
Ocean Conservancy said it collected 11.4 million pieces of trash from 6,485 sites in 104 countries, including the Philippines.
“We are all connected to the ocean. The disheartening amount of trash afloat in the sea, littering beaches and piling up on the sea floor affects the earth’s life support system, the ocean and all the living things in it," the report said.
"Marine debris is more than a blemish on nature, it is a potential threat to our food supply, to tourism and economic activity, to marine wildlife and ecosystems, and to our personal health. It even relates to the impacts of climate change,” it added.
Because of the study, local waste and pollution watchdog EcoWaste Coalition called on the public to help restore the health of Philippine waters.
On World Consumer Rights Day on Sunday (March 15), the coalition called for more awareness, responsibility and action to save the oceans and waterways, particularly from plastic garbage.
“We urge local and national authorities to fully enforce Republic Act No. 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, to stop the dumping of trash in the canals and esteros that eventually find their way into the marine ecosystem,” said Manny Calonzo, EcoWaste Coalition president.
To prevent garbage from entering the marine environment, the coalition urged consumers to adopt basic practices in ecological waste management, including waste prevention, reduction, separation at source, recycling reuse and composting.
In 2006, the group together with Greenpeace conducted a joint discards survey of Manila Bay which showed that 76 percent of the garbage in the bay was made of plastic and 51 percent was plastic bags, Calonzo said.
The coalition also urged the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and National Solid Waste Management Commission to do something about the trash in the oceans.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
Forum to tackle pros and cons of renewable energy
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=445651&publicationSubCategoryId=108
Forum to tackle pros and cons of renewable energy
Updated March 05, 2009 12:00 AM
CEBU, Philippines - Aimed at making the public and multi-faceted stakeholders in the community more aware on the potentials as well as the limitations of different options of renewable energy sources, organizers of the upcoming Renewable Energy Forum gave a bird’s eye view of the event during the recently held 888 News Forum.
The upcoming forum, which will be held at Waterfront Hotel and Casino in Lahug this March 6, highlights the importance of understanding both the limitations and the advantages of alternative sources of energy.
One of the event organizers, Rene Alburo said that among the topics that will be discussed in the forum would include issues on the power shortage, renewable energy potentials, green architecture, hydro- power, solar energy, biomass or waste energy, wave power and other environmental issues such as global warming, waste management and among others.
“Renewable energy offers a lot of potential benefits but it also has its serious limitations as well so we need to understand this to fully make use of the technologies and options that are alternative,” said Alburo.
He said that alternative energy can help address our problems on projected energy shortage as well as the worsening problem on waste and global warming.
Alburo said that alternative energy can be used to lessen the cost and spending on fuel and energy.
He made mention of Tayud Consolacion’s use of biomass system in the thermal applications to make egg trays which has lessened its consumption of 600 liters of diesel fuel.
“We are going to have workshops in the afternoon which can identify where and how to reduce the thirst for power of some establishments,” said Alburo.
Meanwhile, environmental activist and executive director of Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center (FIDEC) Vince Cinches said that the forum will be their venue to enlighten the multi-faceted segment of the community about advocacies that concern the environment and options that they can do to help.
“We are going to invite representatives from local government units, governing boards, civil societies, business sector and people from neighboring provinces so that they can replicate similar efforts and start the ball rolling,” he said.
Cinches added that the forum will also be a platform where they can get commitments from different sectors such as the business and the academe which are one of the major consumers of power.
Among the big firms that confirmed to attend the forum include SM City Cebu, Cebu Holdings and schools like the University of San Carlos, among others. —Rhia de Pablo
Tuesday, January 27, 2009
Metro Cebu Airshed board meets
http://globalnation .inquirer. net/cebudailynew s/news/view/ 20090121- 184652/Metro- Cebu-Airshed- board-meets
Metro Cebu Airshed board meets
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 12:18:00 01/21/2009
Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Environmental pollution, Local authorities
CEBU CITY, Philippines - The country's first airshed governing board, the Metro Cebu airshed Governing Board, was convened on Tuesday with local chief executives agreeing to be involved in joint efforts to improve the quality of air in the Metro Cebu area and protect territorial jurisdiction.
Environmental lawyer Benjamin Cabrido, who provided the rationale for the governing board, said the effects of climate change are felt throughout Cebu especially along the coastal areas.
“With the sea level rise, in five years, a portion of Mandaue will be lost. After 10 years, what would happen in Mactan Island. We are here to convene the airshed governing board also to save territorial jurisdictions,” he said.
He also said that the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 requires the creation of airshed governing boards that are tasked to formulate policies, prepare a common action plan, coordination of functions among its members and submit and publish an annual Air Quality Status Report for each airshed.
The airshed are areas that have a similar climate, meteorology and topology which affect the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere or areas which share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects or problems.
The Metro Cebu Airshed was created under Department Administrative Order No. 2002-21, which was signed by Heherson Alvarez, then secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The airshed governing board would aid the DENR in checking air quality, setting up emission standards, determining penalties for violators in a particular airshed, as well as drawing up anti-pollution programs suited for a given area, which may vary from one airshed to another.
The board passed four resolutions that were all approved after Atty. Luego, the board secretary during the meeting, declared that a quorum has been reached.
Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival proposed a resolution to “create, activate and establish the Metro Cebu Airshed Governing Board on January 20, 2009.”
He added that members of the Board shall be composed of the DENR Secretary as chairman represented by the DENR regional executive director Leonardo Sibbaluca, provincial governor of Cebu and mayors of the cities and towns of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Naga, Minglanilla, Cordova, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion and Minglanilla, including representatives from government organizations, private sector and nongovernment organizations and academe.
Another resolution suggested by Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez required each local government unit to submit individual action plans within 60 days after the convening of the board.
Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes proposed for the board to have a regular meeting every first Monday of every first quarter of the year.
Consolacion Mayor Avelino Gungob proposed the resolution “to authorize each local chief executive of Metro Cebu to designate a permanent representative to the board through a special power of attorney, in his or her absence, to ensure their representation in the board.”
Environmentalists and stakeholders said the Board would mean that there would be more clear actions by local government units to save the environment.
“We can not deny the reality of climate change and the impact this has on Cebu,” said Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. executive director Vince Cinches.
“We can't wait for another year before we take action. The move to convene the Board is an indication of consciousness on the environmental impact of climate change,” he added.
Metro Cebu Airshed board meets
By Ma. Bernadette A. Parco
Cebu Daily News
First Posted 12:18:00 01/21/2009
Filed Under: Environmental Issues, Environmental pollution, Local authorities
CEBU CITY, Philippines - The country's first airshed governing board, the Metro Cebu airshed Governing Board, was convened on Tuesday with local chief executives agreeing to be involved in joint efforts to improve the quality of air in the Metro Cebu area and protect territorial jurisdiction.
Environmental lawyer Benjamin Cabrido, who provided the rationale for the governing board, said the effects of climate change are felt throughout Cebu especially along the coastal areas.
“With the sea level rise, in five years, a portion of Mandaue will be lost. After 10 years, what would happen in Mactan Island. We are here to convene the airshed governing board also to save territorial jurisdictions,” he said.
He also said that the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999 requires the creation of airshed governing boards that are tasked to formulate policies, prepare a common action plan, coordination of functions among its members and submit and publish an annual Air Quality Status Report for each airshed.
The airshed are areas that have a similar climate, meteorology and topology which affect the interchange and diffusion of pollutants in the atmosphere or areas which share common interest or face similar development programs, prospects or problems.
The Metro Cebu Airshed was created under Department Administrative Order No. 2002-21, which was signed by Heherson Alvarez, then secretary of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).
The airshed governing board would aid the DENR in checking air quality, setting up emission standards, determining penalties for violators in a particular airshed, as well as drawing up anti-pollution programs suited for a given area, which may vary from one airshed to another.
The board passed four resolutions that were all approved after Atty. Luego, the board secretary during the meeting, declared that a quorum has been reached.
Cebu City Councilor Nestor Archival proposed a resolution to “create, activate and establish the Metro Cebu Airshed Governing Board on January 20, 2009.”
He added that members of the Board shall be composed of the DENR Secretary as chairman represented by the DENR regional executive director Leonardo Sibbaluca, provincial governor of Cebu and mayors of the cities and towns of Cebu, Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu, Talisay, Naga, Minglanilla, Cordova, Compostela, Liloan, Consolacion and Minglanilla, including representatives from government organizations, private sector and nongovernment organizations and academe.
Another resolution suggested by Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez required each local government unit to submit individual action plans within 60 days after the convening of the board.
Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes proposed for the board to have a regular meeting every first Monday of every first quarter of the year.
Consolacion Mayor Avelino Gungob proposed the resolution “to authorize each local chief executive of Metro Cebu to designate a permanent representative to the board through a special power of attorney, in his or her absence, to ensure their representation in the board.”
Environmentalists and stakeholders said the Board would mean that there would be more clear actions by local government units to save the environment.
“We can not deny the reality of climate change and the impact this has on Cebu,” said Central Visayas Fisherfolk Development Center Inc. executive director Vince Cinches.
“We can't wait for another year before we take action. The move to convene the Board is an indication of consciousness on the environmental impact of climate change,” he added.
Friday, December 5, 2008
Environmentalists support the demands of small islands countries on global carbon emissions
Philippine Climate Watch Alliance
#26 Matulungin St. Central District, Diliman, Quezon City
Tel.: +63 2 9248756 fax: +63 2 9209099 email:philclimatewa tch@gmail. com
Press Release
December 5, 2008
Environmentalists support the demands of small islands countries on global carbon emissions
Philippine Climate Watch Alliance (PCWA) support the demand of the 43 small islands states, the Philippines included, for industrialized nations to cut their greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions by more than 40 percent below 1990 levels by 2020 and by more than 95 percent by 2050.
"It is a positive thing that the Philippine delegation to Poznan is united with other developing nations on the level of GHG emissions reduction industrialized nations should take, " said Meggie Nolasco, spokesperson of the Philippine Climate Watch Alliance (PCWA).
The alliance is comprised of representatives of people's organizations, non-government organizations, community organizations, scientific community and environmental groups that seeks to address and discuss the issue of climate change here in the Philippines.
According to Dr. Giovanni Tapang, chairperson of the militant scientist group AGHAM and co-convenor of PCWA, "Achieving more than 40% global carbon emission cut below 1990 level by 2020 may avert the feared 2 degrees Celsius increase of global temperature, which many scientists believed will be catastrophic if not prevented. It is a realistic goal and the world has no choice if we want to avoid global disaster."
In a statement of PCWA , they urged the 43 developing countries, especially the Philippine delegates, to hold their ground as developed countries, especially the US, have tried to evade responsibility in the past.
The US, the largest emitter of GHG in the world, is the only industrialized country, which did not sign the 1998 Kyoto Protocol. Its President-elect Obama promises to reduce their carbon emission down to their 1990 levels by 2020 and 80% below 1990 level by 2050. The European Union is negotiating a 20% cut below 1990 levels by 2020.
"It should be expected that industrialized countries, particularly the United States, will impose smaller carbon emission reduction in the pre-text of protecting their economies, as they have done in the past. They might also claim that higher carbon cut targets are unrealistic," Nolasco warned.
The alliance held that industrialized nations would want to continue to exploit and consume fossil fuels in their greed for profit. This is in view of the fact that industrialized nations were the ones historically and primarily responsible in the emission and rise of greenhouse gases (GHG).
Although developed countries already gave their word to cut back on emissions, Nolasco insisted that, "Cutting back on emissions is not enough. Any genuine move to resolve the problem of global warming must critically recognize and address the larger socio-economic context in which it occurs."
"As we criticize the policies and offenses of industrialized nations, especially the US, as exacerbating the problem of global warming, the Philippine government also lacks genuine policies and programs to mitigate climate change and help communities adapt to its impacts." Nolasco pointed out.
She further expressed that, "The position of the Philippine government in the Conference of Parties in Poznan contradicts the policies of the Arroyo administration in relation to carbon emissions. The Arroyo government's economic policies such as in mining and energy, agriculture and forest is geared towards in producing and consuming more carbon-based fuels such as large-scale mining projects, coal-fired power plants, oil and gas extraction projects."
"The solution to global warming goes beyond carbon emission reduction. We should address the root cause of it, which is the unsustainable extraction and use of our natural resource particularly of fossil fuels. For a start, we can address the problem if we can oppose and stop the globalization policies of the Arroyo administration which is putting our country and people more at risk and vulnerable to climate change," Dr. Tapang ended.
Reference: Meggie Nolasco, PCWA spokesperson, 09163733275
support fishersfolks' fight against off-shore mining
Dear friends,
Warm greetings!
On 20th – 23rd October 2008, an international fact finding mission (IFFM) was organized by PAN AP, PCFS and FIDEC in Central Visayas, Philippines to look into the effects of off-shore oil and gas exploration. The IFFM team was composed of various organisations' representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
The findings of the IFFM team prove that off-shore mining activities have destroyed the marine ecosystem and have greatly affected the lives and economic activities of the communities, who are greatly dependent on the marine resources for their daily existence.
As a result of the IFFM, the team recommends for the government to immediately stop the off-shore oil and gas exploration activities. According to their joint manifesto, these extractive activities violate the economic, social, and cultural rights of the Visayan people, especially the right to food and food sovereignty.
A full documentation of the IFFM is published in the Speak Out and can be downloaded from http://www.foodsov.org/resources/hungerplunder.pdf .
A photo essay can be viewed at http://www.foodsov.org/html/gallery.htm .
We urge everyone to support the struggle of the Visayan fishing community by signing on to the online petition letter found at http://www.foodsov.org/html/petition10.php. This letter will be automatically sent to the concerned offices and individuals.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
PCFS Secretariat
===================================
Pesticide Action Network (PAN) is a global network working to eliminate the human and environmental harm caused by pesticides and to promote biodiversity based ecological agriculture. PAN Asia and the Pacific is committed to the empowerment of people especially women, agricultural workers, and peasant and indigenous farmers. We are dedicated to protect the safety and health of people, and the environment from pesticide use and genetic engineering. We believe in a people-centered, pro-women development through food sovereignty, ecological agriculture and sustainable lifestyles.
Warm greetings!
On 20th – 23rd October 2008, an international fact finding mission (IFFM) was organized by PAN AP, PCFS and FIDEC in Central Visayas, Philippines to look into the effects of off-shore oil and gas exploration. The IFFM team was composed of various organisations' representatives from Malaysia, Indonesia, Thailand and the Philippines.
The findings of the IFFM team prove that off-shore mining activities have destroyed the marine ecosystem and have greatly affected the lives and economic activities of the communities, who are greatly dependent on the marine resources for their daily existence.
As a result of the IFFM, the team recommends for the government to immediately stop the off-shore oil and gas exploration activities. According to their joint manifesto, these extractive activities violate the economic, social, and cultural rights of the Visayan people, especially the right to food and food sovereignty.
A full documentation of the IFFM is published in the Speak Out and can be downloaded from http://www.foodsov.org/resources/hungerplunder.pdf .
A photo essay can be viewed at http://www.foodsov.org/html/gallery.htm .
We urge everyone to support the struggle of the Visayan fishing community by signing on to the online petition letter found at http://www.foodsov.org/html/petition10.php. This letter will be automatically sent to the concerned offices and individuals.
Thank you for your support.
Sincerely,
PCFS Secretariat
===================================
Pesticide Action Network (PAN) is a global network working to eliminate the human and environmental harm caused by pesticides and to promote biodiversity based ecological agriculture. PAN Asia and the Pacific is committed to the empowerment of people especially women, agricultural workers, and peasant and indigenous farmers. We are dedicated to protect the safety and health of people, and the environment from pesticide use and genetic engineering. We believe in a people-centered, pro-women development through food sovereignty, ecological agriculture and sustainable lifestyles.
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