Eco-Products International Fair 2009 a Success

The Philippines went all green last March 19 – 22 as it hosted the fifth Eco-Products International Fair (EPIF) held at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The EPIF is a yearly activity of the Asian Productivity Organization (APO), a Tokyo-led group composed of 20 countries across the continent dedicated to the promotion of quality management and green productivity.

The Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) as the country’s National Productivity Organization (NPO) and representative to the APO, acted as the de facto host to this biggest environmental fair in Asia. The DAP was supported by the Philippine government, designating Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter B. Favila as chairman and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Jose L. Atienza, Jr. as Vice-Chairman. DAP was assisted in the management of the exhibit by the Philippine Convention and Visitors Corporation. The Philippine Business for the Environment, on the other hand, provided the much needed linkage with the private business sector.

During the first day of the four-day event, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita was the keynote speaker at the opening ceremonies of the EPIF. In his address, Sec. Ermita expressed the Philippine government’s pleasure to host the fifth EPIF. He said that the most pressing worldwide issue is not the global economic crisis but rather that of global warming, climate change, increased flooding and other environmental concerns that cannot be easily reversed and mitigated overnight.

President Gloria Macapagal – Arroyo graced with her presence the second day of the event. President Arroyo formally launched the DTI’s Bayong Development Project, a component of the government’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) under the Economic Resiliency Plan as response to the global economic crisis. This project aims to create a source of sustainable livelihood and to contribute in preserving the environment through bayong weaving.

Later in the evening, DENR Secretary Atienza hosted the DENR Night: Eco-Fashion Show for the Environment. The dinner featured innovative and breakthrough fashion creations from recycled and eco-friendly materials by the fashion design students of La Salle College International. Likewise, winners of the Young Miss Earth of Department of Education (NCR-Pasig City) paraded in gowns fashioned from recycled waste materials.

Part of the night’s program is the EPIF Handing Over ceremony from the Philippines to Indonesia, which is tasked to host the EPIF 2010. Indonesia’s Vice President for Industry, Technology and Maritime Affairs Rachnat Gobel received the EPIF flag from Secretary Atienza and DAP President Antonio Kalaw, Jr. in the presence of APO Secretary General Shigeo Takenaka and EPIF Preparatory Committee Chair Teisuke Kitayama.

The third day EPIF 2009 was highlighted by several activities including the Eco-QuizBee Competition with questions focused on environment and biodiversity. Twenty-one elementary students from public and private schools participated in the said event. After a grueling battle of brains, Diana Hina R. Breboneria of San Roque Elementary School emerged as Champion, while Joshua Vicente of St. Anthony School placed as first runner-up. St. Paul College’s Frances Ysabel Reyes was second runner-up.

After which, visitors were treated with the film showing of the movie, Donsol and a musical presentation by folk music artist Grace Nono.

As a gesture of goodwill to all those who supported the event, the DAP hosted a thanksgiving dinner to end the third day of the EPIF. APO Sec-Gen Takenaka congratulated the organizers of the EPIF ‘09 for a successful implementation. EPIF ‘09 Advisory Committee Chair and Former First Lady Mrs. Amelita Ramos led the Farewell Toast before the Philippines formally turned over the task of organizing the next EPIF to Indonesian Ambassador Prof. Irzan Tandjung.

EPIF 2009 was concluded with the showing of the film, Panahon: Ang Pinoy at ang Climate Change, product demonstration by Earth Asia Institute, thanking tour by the organizers, and a mini-concert.

The EPIF 2009 was designed to accomplish two things: the advocacy of green productivity among the citizens of its 20 member-states and the dissemination of environment friendly technologies, processes, and products developed by participating companies.