Business Opportunities in Biodiversity International Conference and Exhibition

In the world of business, where does biodiversity fit in? This question was answered at the "Business Opportunities in Biodiversity" international conference and exhibition held at the Bayview Park Hotel in Manila. The conference took place last October 8, 2010 while the exhibition was from October 6 to 8. The event aimed to raise the business sector's awareness on the values of biodiversity and encouraged business to raise its stake on biodiversity conservation.

Organized by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) in cooperation with the Philippines' Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the European Union, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), the Conference featured discussions and presentations on the impact of biodiversity on business sustainability. Media partners were BusinessMirror and the Global News Network.

The conference also focused on the current situation of biodiversity in the ASEAN region. Studies made by international organizations on business and biodiversity and actual business cases by selected corporations from Japan and Southeast Asian nations were presented.

Key speakers included Mr. Rodrigo U. Fuentes, executive director, ACB; Dr. Mario Tabucanon, visiting professor, United Nations University – Institute of Advanced Studies, and advisor, Executive Board, the Sirindhorn International Environmental Park Foundation; Dr. Naoki Adachi, executive director, Japan Business Initiative on Biodiversity ; Atty. Darwin Mariano, public affairs director – Philippines and Asia, CEMEX Asia Pte. Ltd.; Mr. Satoshi Nimura, chairman, Nimura Genetic Solutions, Japan; Mr. Jose Reaño, managing director, Broadchem Corporation; Mr. Atsuhisa Takahashi, president, Corporate Environmental Strategy Unit, Fujitsu Limited, Japan; Mrs. Srisurang Massirikul, social and environment division manager, PTT Public Company Limited, Thailand.

The conference highlighted the clear link between business and biodiversity. "At first glance, people do not recognize the crucial connection between business and biodiversity. Business is perceived to be detached from biodiversity. Biodiversity, however, knows no boundaries, cutting across all sectors – the business sector included," Director Fuentes of the European Union-funded ACB said.

For further inquiry on the event, do contact the Center for Philippine Futuristics Studies and Management, Inc. at (+632) 753-5350 or (+632) 753-1061 or visit http://www.aseanbiodiversity.org/.

Asian Bird Fair & Philippine Bird Fest

Davao City intensified its bid to become the country’s top eco-tourism destination as it played host to the 1st Asian Bird Fair and 6th Philippine Bird Festival that started September 24 to 26, 2010 at the Waterfront Insular Hotel.

Davao City is the first Mindanao city that hosted the two-day Philippine Bird Festival, the country’s premier avian conservation and eco-tourism event. Various cities and provinces in Luzon and Visayas, such as Puerto Princesa, Bataan, Cebu and Quezon City, already have hosted the said annual environmental event.

More than 30 foreign and local bird-watching organizations and thousands of students from all over the region participated in the event. Delegates were welcomed with a fiesta-themed dinner hosted by City Mayor Sara Duterte at Matina Town Square.

Activities, such as lectures, exhibits, film showing, workshop, story-telling, and interactive learning included in the event’s activity.

Various talks and presentations on bird-watching were also presented by the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Bird Conservation Nepal, Chinese Wild Bird Federation, Borneo Bird Club, World Wildlife Fund, Asian Raptor Research and Conservation Network, Hornbill Research Foundation, Philippine Eagle Foundation, among others. The controversial, Oscar -winning documentary, The Cove, was also shown for the first time in the city.

The festival sought to enrich eco-tourism through bird-watching and promoted the natural and cultural heritage of its host cities. It was also a significant occasion to draw attention to critical environmental preservation issues and find a common ground in protecting the birds in the region.

For further information, contact the Davao Tourism office at (6382)222-1956, telfax (6382)222-1957, email info@davaotourism.com, dabaw_madayaw@yahoo.com or visit the website http://www.davaotourism.com.

WEAP 5th Annual Convention

The Water Environment Association of the Philippines (WEAP) Inc., a member of the association of the Water Environment Federation (WEF) of the United States held its 5th Annual Convention last August 5 and 6, 2010 at the Waterfront Hotel & Casino Lahug, Cebu City.

This year’s theme is “Climate Change: Act Now for Future Generations.” Andrew T. Montalbo and Artemio F. Baylosis, WEAP president and president-elect respectively, welcomed delegates and the representatives from the various water districts, private companies, LGUs, manufacturers, environmental practitioners and pollution control officers that attended the event.

On the other hand, the technical sessions highlighted the following topics: “The Basics of Global Warming,” “The La Niña and El Niño Phenomenon,”“Sewerage and Sanitation: The Emerging Challenge,” “Combined Sewage and Septage Treatment: The FTI STP Experience,” “Renewable Energy: The Alternative Source of Energy”, and “Mitigation and Adaptation of Climate Change and The Green Design”.

For more inquiries, contact WEAP Secretariat, (632) 775-2030, email weaphil@yahoo.com, or visit the WEAP website http://www.weaphil.com.

Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers, Inc. 2010 Midyear National Convention

Proper sanitation is one of the keys to healthy living environments and lifestyles.

Focused on the theme “Working Together Towards a Clean, Safe, and Healthy Environment,” the Philippine Society of Sanitary Engineers, Inc. launched their 2010 Midyear National Convention last July 29–31 at the Hotel Stotsenberg in Clark Freeport Zone, Pampanga.

Lined up in the series of lectures/seminars were general subjects subdivided into specific topics: (1) Solid Waste Management (Updates on Health Care Management, Design Considerations of a Sanitary Landfills, and Updates on the Implementation of RA 9003); (2) Public Health Engineering (Water Safety Plans, The National Sustainable Sanitation Program, Household Water Treatment, and Floating Toilet); (3) Water and Wastewater Engineering (The National Sewerage and Sanitation Program, Septage Management Program, and Updates in Local Water Supply); and (4) Innovation and Updates in Building Systems, Fire Protection and the Green Building Technology.

For details and inquiries, please contact the secretariat at (632) 434-0591, email info@psense.org.ph or log on to the website www.psense.org.ph. You may also contact the convention chairman Engr. Ramil Gutierrez (convention chairman) at 0922-5621357, Engr. Noel Yumol (co-chairman) at 0922-8936988, or Engr. Ascencion Forte Jr. (national president) at 0915-4118560.

6th National Convention of Fisherfolks in Baguio City

The 6th National Convention of Fisherfolks was held in the beautiful mountain resort of Baguio city last June 4, 2010.

The convention focuses on discussing the current issues in the industry.  Specifically noted that the lucrative fishing industry still has a bright future in helping perk up the economic growth due to the availability of vast water resources which could be tapped for commercial fish production even at the height of the El Nino phenomenon or prolonged dry spell.

According to Gil Adora, Assistant Director for Technical Services of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), while rivers and lake are drying up due to the serious negative effects of the onslaught of El Nino in the country, the trend that must be adopted by the fisherfolks is to develop fish production areas in the vast track of salt waters in different parts of the country in order to sustain fish self-sufficiency in the coming years.

Moreover, Adora asserted that despite natural calamities, the country's fishing industry still has bright future and it should be tapped and supported by concerned agencies so that it will also make a difference in the country's economic growth. Official figure shows that the Philippines is the eighth top fish producer in the world with its coastline length of about 36,289 kilometers.

For more information, contact Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources at (632) 929-9597, 929-8074, email info@bfar.da.gov.ph or visit http://www.bfar.da.gov.ph.

The Land Sector Summit 2010

“Challenges for a Sector in Transition: Innovation and Opportunities.” This was the theme that fueled the 2010 Land Sector Summit held at the Heritage Hotel last May 28.

"Land is a very important natural resource. Under the environment of good governance and effective land administration system, land can serve as an important asset and a catalyst for poverty reduction and economic development," said Hon. Horacio Ramos, secretary of the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources (DENR), in his keynote speech for the event. Ramos also pointed out that inconsistent and outdated land laws in the country cause land disputes and double issuances or fake land titles.

Included in the government’s efforts to revitalize and reform the land sector is the launch of the Land Administration and Management Project (LAMP), with support from the World Bank and the Australian Agency for International Development (AUSAID).

Among the current achievements of the government in this endeavor are the introduction of innovations and development of technologies in land survey and titling; land valuation and land information management; improved capacity building in the land sector in terms of trainings, education, and research and development; and improved partnership with stakeholders.

Other speakers for the event were keynote speaker Hon. Margarito Teves, secretary of the Department of Finance; Mr. Tony Burns of Land Equity International; Mr. Ian Lloyd, TA team leader for LAMP2; Ms. Ma. Lourdes Ferrer, DENR-FASPO; Ms. Ma. Presentacion R. Montesa, Bureau of Local Government Finance executive director; Mr. Keith Bell, World Bank Task Leader for LAMP2; Mr. Gilbert Llanto, Mr. Aniceto Orbeta, and Mr. James Riddel of the AUSAID; Engr. Henry P. Pacis, Deputy Executive Director of LAMP2; and Atty. Allan Barcena, director of the Land Management Bureau.

For more information about the event, contact DENR at (632) 929-6626 or visit http://www.denr.gov.ph.

Bike Festival Asia 2010

Filipino bikers from all over the country will again push pedals during the Bike Festival Asia 2010 to be held on May 21 – 22, 2010 at Terrazas de Punta Fuego in Nasugbu, Batangas.

The event aims to boost tourism in Southern Luzon and promote wellness and active lifestyle. This annual event is co-presented by the Department of Tourism (DoT) and Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA) (formerly Philippine Tourism Authority).

Competition is open to all bikers age 18 - 55 years old. Interested participants may register at L.E.N. Plus Inc., Unit F, Lower Ground Floor, CT. Center Building, 520 Shaw Blvd., cor. Old Wack Wack St., Mandaluyong City. Breakfast, lunch, and afternoon barbeque will be provided for all registered participants. Registration starts on May 10 to May 17, 2010.

For more information, contact L.E.N. Plus, Inc., at (632) 532-9443 or email lenplus@pldtdsl.net.

4th Country Fair at Tagaytay City

Two days of wonderful summer art and nature were showcased at the beautiful gardens of The Flower Farm Corporation on its 4th Country Fair last May 1-2, 2010 in Tagaytay City.

The event’s special highlight was an exhibit of the “Vanishing Scenes” paintings by the late Lino Severino—the pilot-turned-artist brother of Ging delos Reyes. He is recognized of his valuable works that captures the Nostalgia of Negros Occidental’s grand ancestral homes. One of his best works is the “Paris of Negros” on canvas, was one of the highlight displays.

Two members of the Association of Mouth and Foot Painting Artist and local photo enthusiasts joined as new exhibitors in the said event. They presented on-the-spot painting, and showcased the Philippines’ most scenic spots by the association’s photographers in the events’ photo exhibit.

Apart from gallery displays and exhibits, visitors also enjoyed shopping in the garden bazaar where a variety of fresh flowers, fruits and vegetables, imported fabrics, garden accessories, and home décor items were available. Specialty Food items from Silay City are also offered, with the proceeds going to the Home for the Aged in Silay City, Negros Occidental. Via Mare, on the other hand, served sumptuous meals for everybody who needs their stomach after feeding their eyes and minds with beautiful displays of painting and photographs.

The Flower Farm Corporation can be reached through 815-6665 or email info@theflowerfarm.com.

Palanca’s 60th

The Carlos Palanca Awards for Literature (Palanca Awards) is now on its 60th year, categories include: English Division-Short story, Short story for children, Essay, Poetry, One-act Play, Full-length Play; Filipino Division-Maikling Kwento, Maikling kwentong pambata, Sanaysay, Tula, Dulang may Isang yugto, and Dulang Pampelikula; and Regional Languages Division-Short Story-Cebuano, Short Story-Hiligaynon, and Short Story-Iluko. New categories are Poetry Written for Children in the English Division and Tulang Isinulat Para sa mga Bata in Filipino Division.

Contestants, who have submitted the articles on April 10 deadline, submitted a maximum of one entry per category depending on their personal choice.

Palanca Awards is well-known all over the country for its aim to help develop Philippine Literature by providing incentives for writers to craft their most outstanding literary works and to be a treasury of the Philippine’s literary gems from our gifted writers and to assist in its eventual dissemination to our people, particularly the students.

On the other hand, in the Kabataan Division, a special division for young writers below 18 years old, the Essay theme in the English category is “What is in the environment that I can protect?” and in Filipino category, “Ano sa kalikasan ang aking kayang pangalagaan?”

The literary contest is open to all Filipino (or former Filipino) citizens, except current officers and employees of its organizing body, the Carlos Palanca Foundation, Inc. Contest rules and official entry forms are available at www.palancaawards.com.ph.

The Foundation’s office is located at 6/F, One World Square Bldg., 10 Upper Mckinley Road, Mckinley Hill Town Center, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City. Call 8560808; email cpawards@palancaawards.ph; www.palancaawards.com.ph.

Winners will be announced on Sept. 1, 2010.

RP Hosts Environment Meeting on Ozone Layer

The Republic of the Philippines, through the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources, hosted the 2010 Southeast Asia and the Pacific (SEAP) Network Meeting of Ozone-Depleting Substance Officers at the Dusit Thani Hotel, Makati City.

Held last April 26–29, the event saw to the attendance of at least 30 participants from 12 different countries, who discussed important policies, strategies, and action plans to enable countries to comply with obligations under the Montreal Protocol. Also included in the topics discussed in the four-day meeting were the sustainability of the phase out of chlorofluorocarbons (CFC), the hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC) phase out management plans, issues on ODS banks, and climate benefits of ODS projects, among others.

The Montreal Protocol on Substances the Deplete the Ozone Layer is an environmental agreement among 196 countries, where members have committed to reduce and eventually eliminate their production of ozone depleting substances (ODS) such as CFC and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFC), which are used as cooling agents and refrigerants.

Considered as the most successful international agreement to date, as it is the only one ratified by all 196 countries around the world, the Montreal Protocol was responsible for the 100% phase out of CFC production and consumption. The Protocol also has resulted to the avoidance of an equivalent to 135 billion gigatons of carbon dioxide equivalents between 1990 and 2010.

Participants included ODS officers from Brunei, Cambodia, Fiji, Indonesia, Lao PDR, Malaysia, Myanmar, Singrapore, Thailand, Timor Leste, and Vietnam.

The regional network was organized by the United Nations Environment Program under its Compliance Assistance for the Montreal Protocol, which conducts biannual meetings to facilitate the exchange of information among ODS officers, implementing agencies, and resource personnel.

Green Pinoy Expo 2010 at SM Megamall

As a response to the recent financial crisis and calamities that have visited the country in the past year, the Philippine Product Safety and Quality Foundation conducted the 1st Green Pinoy Expo 2010 at the SM Megatrade Hall 1 in SM Megamall last March 5 to 7.

The event aims to promote environment and eco-friendly products to drive an awareness campaign to save the environment. Moreover, the expo also hopes to create awareness in preserving our natural resources and in promoting and generating jobs through local patronage.

Exhibitors in the said event include appliances with energy saving features, construction materials that carry the green label or have sustainable environment practices, testing laboratories, and other consumer products.

Mr. Montri Maharplekpong, President and CEO of United Pulp and Paper Corporation, together with an urban planner Mr. Felino Palafox were the guest speakers on the first day of the event.

Sponsors and supporters of the successful Green Expo were: Mariwasa Siam Ceramics, Cemex Philippines, Philippine Wood Producers Association, and Flat Glass Alliance of the Philippines Inc.

PWJA Members meets up at 15th Annual Convention-Seminar and General Meeting

The Members of the Philippine Women Judges Association (PWJA) led by President Supreme Court Associate Justice Teresita J. Leonardo de Castro gathered together at the Historic Landmark Manila Hotel last March 4, 2010 for their 15th Annual Convention-Seminar and General Meeting. This was to focus themselves to their roles in protecting the environment.

The convention’s Keynote Speaker was Supreme Court Chief Justice Reynato S. Puno, the proponent of the historic and impending Writ of Kalikasan. Aside from the seminars, the Magistrates also visited the La Mesa Ecopark and took part in a tree planting activity to connive with their theme “Role of Lady Magistrates in the Protection of the Environment”.

International Association of Women Judges (IAWJ), a non-profit, non-governmental organization of more than 4,000 members at all judicial levels in more than 90 nations, had chosen PWJA in assisting them pursue the implementations of their projects. Since forming in 1991, the IAWJ has united women judges from diverse legal-judicial systems who share a commitment to equal justice and the rule of law.

The members of the PWJA have also advocated various other concerns, from the inviolable rights of every individual to the elimination of all forms of discrimination and violence, especially to the most vulnerable sector of the society – women and children.

The 15th Annual Convention-Seminar and General Meeting was made possible by the International Association of Women Judges or IAWJ.

For more information about the event, do contact PWJA through IAWJ’s contact information at the telephone number 202-223-4455, fax number at 202-223-4480, or e-mail at office@iawj.org.

WORLDBEX 2010 Goes Green

WORLDBEX 2010 has turned green into more than just a color—it has become a goal, a statement and a mission.

In its 15th year anniversary and its grandest show to date, WORLDBEX (Philippine World Building and Construction Exposition), the first and foremost international construction trade show in the country, has adapted the theme “Constructing the Future Green Communities through Efficient Technologies and Materials.” Here, the latest building materials and technology will be showcased from March 17 to 21, 2010 at the World Trade Center, and Philippine Trade Training Center in Pasay City to aid architects, engineers, contractors and interior designers in making better structures that will stand up to the elements.

While this annual world-renowned expo has become the source of the most premium local and international products and services in the construction industry, local architects and building specialists are also looking forward to it because it has become an indispensable source of information for the latest construction trends and developments. This is all because of the highly anticipated WORLDBEX Seminars.

Acclaimed speakers from different parts of the globe who will grace the event include Engr. Sipco de Jonge (Netherlands); Arch. Timothy Wong (Singapore); Arch. Tai Lee Siang (Singapore); Ken Witherell (USA); and Terry Waterhouse (UK).

Meanwhile, local green advocates and experts will tackle a variety of topics: from living stylishly and efficiently in small spaces (by interior design guru Leo Almeria), to proper urban planning that will avert possible disasters (Arch. Felino Palafox, Jr.). Each day from March 18 to 20 will feature four different speakers who will share their expertise.

Who says the Philippines cannot go green? The country’s top architecture practitioners such as Arch. Jun Palafox, Arch. Albert Yu, and Arch. Philip Recto as well as leading interior designers Leo Almeria, Natalia Benitez, Suzet Cocuaco, Lot Hilvano, Wilmer Lopez, Chat Fores Lozano, Roland Laurena, Michael Pizarro, Tessa Prieto Valdez, Maritess Magcase & Rosalie Si, and Hubilla Design Group will show a uniquely local twist to sustainable design at the WORLDBEX’s Architects and Interior Designers Gallery.

Another facet of WORLDBEX 2010 that proves that sustainable development is now a global concern and responsibility is its Grand Embassy Pavilion. With about 28 countries represented, the Grand Embassy Pavilion will include United States of America, Turkey, Thailand, Finland, Syria, Indonesia, Korea, and Malaysia, among others.

WORLDBEX 2010 is sponsored by Boysen Paint, Davies Paint, Hunter Douglas, HCG, Lepanto Tiles, Mariwasa Tiles, WilsonArt, Puyat Steel, Puyat Flooring, and Cubes International.

For more information about the event, contact the Worldbex Services International at (632) 531-6374; 531-6350; 531-5044; 533-6988, fax (632) 533-2026, email: info@worldbex.com or visit their website at www.worldbex.com

Flower and Garden Show in QC

Green is in. We have heard and witnessed different kinds and gimmicks in promoting care for the environment. We have participated and supported planting trees and voluntary waste management tours and lectures. But do you know that there are more than seeds and leaves that also cares for the environment?

Last January 30 to February 8, the Horti 2010 Flower and Garden Show parades and displays colorful and beautiful flower arrangements at the Manila Seedling Bank Foundation  in EDSA corner Quezon Avenue Q.C.

The show is composed of three sections: the exhibits of landscape and individual collection of plants that will make our world green; the lecture-demonstrations on how we can implement and maintain our environment beautiful through the green technologies; and the commercial section where one can shop for all the materials for the greening of our environment.

Some of the participants in the landscape design are King Louis Flowers and Plants, Jorge Mendoza, the Philippine Bonsai Society, Natural Stone Society, the Cactus and Succulent Society, Vic de Rona, Botchie Canicula, Constancio Basis, Lardy Abundo with Tess Baldonado, Rhea and Chito Luna, and the study groups on ferns, aroids and hoyas.

For more information about the show, you may call Buth Duque at 490-5239; Wendy Regalado at 0917-8417860; or Mett Metilla at 514-7223 or SMS 0917-8321352.

RPDEV Launches Eco-Mismo Conference Roadshow

In a timely initiative to raise environmental awareness, the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation (RPDEV) launched “Eco-Mismo”, a series of conferences on new and productive ways of protecting the environment through sustainable tourism development across the country.

A landmark road show project by RPDEV Chairman and former president Fidel V. Ramos, Eco-Mismo comes in the wake of Typhoon Ondoy, which triggered the most devastating flood in the capital over the past 40 years. According to experts, the Ondoy phenomenon ran in line with an observed abnormal pattern of unusually extreme weather conditions likely to prevail should climate change remain unaddressed.

With the theme “Ecotourism and Eco-Productivity: Best Practices and Challenges”, Eco-Mismo aims to help the country position itself as one of the top destinations for eco-tourism and the pioneer in eco-productivity. It is expected to bring together key players and stakeholders in the environment and tourism industry. The initiative is expected to gather more than a thousand individuals from the government, tourism industry, academe, media, church, business, and youth sectors.

Eco-Mismo paves the way for a cross-section of industry players and multi-sectoral stakeholders to discuss problems and map out solutions on matters concerning eco-tourism, eco-productivity, and sustainable development.

The first leg of Eco-Mismo was held in Manila last October 8, 2009 at the Carlos Romulo Auditorium of RCBC Plaza in Makati City. World Wildlife Fund Philippines Vice Chairman Lorenzo Tan delivered a presentation on the dire effects of changes to global temperatures and precipitation, entitled “The Challenges of Climate Change and Tourism”.

The road show is slated to make major stops across key cities in the country: January 22, 2010 at the Marco Polo Hotel in Cebu City in Cebu; January 23, 2010 at the Bohol Beach Club in Panglao Island, Bohol; February 19, 2010 in General Santos City, South Cotabato Province; and February 20 at Isla Parilla Resort in Alabel, Sarangani.

The conferences will tackle specific areas that will facilitate public and private sector cooperation in streamlining eco-tourism’s strategic directions as a key contributor to the local and national economy. It seeks to promote green travel through eco-productivity -- a practical solution that pushes efficient and productive use of resources, environmental protection, and poverty eradication.

Aside from Tan, conference speakers will include former President Ramos, Department of Tourism Secretary Ace Durano, Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Secretary Peter Favila, and Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Lito Atienza, as well as Asia Pacific Projects President Narzalina Lim; Cleanway Technology Corporation Chairman Herminio Esguerra; Ten Knots Development Corporation CEO Leigh Perez; and ABS-CBN Foundation’s Batay Kalikasan President Regina Paz Lopez.

Each of the provincial legs of Eco-Mismo conferences will concurrently feature a One Town, One Product (OTOP) exhibit under the DTI. The OTOP is a government program to promote entrepreneurship and spur job creation. Under the program, each city and municipality across the nation is to develop and promote a specific product or service that gives a competitive economic advantage to its locale.

Ultimately, Eco-Mismo hopes to provide a blueprint for tourism industry stakeholders in such areas as supply management, water resource management, energy efficiency, clean development mechanism, and solid waste management and community participation in sustainable development practices.

Eco-Mismo is in partnership with DOT and supported by DTI, DENR, Asia Productivity Organization – Development Academy of the Philippines and Asia Pacific Projects, Inc, in cooperation with Herma Group of Companies.

For more information about the event, contact the Ramos Peace and Development Foundation at (632) 8878964, fax (632) 8878966, email inquiry@rpdev.org or visit their website, http://www.rpdev.org.

Debating Environmental Issues in the First Cebu Energy and Environment Sustainability Forum

Climate change is a very real phenomenon that is steadily affecting the all aspects of living all over the world. What is causing the change? How can it affect us? What could we do as individuals and as a society to lessen the harm? Are there issues directly relevant to Cebu?

These and other questions were answered at the first E+E=Sustainability Energy and Environment Summit, held at the Marco Polo Plaza Hotel last Dec. 4. Guided by its objectives to debate and discuss key issues that surround Cebu’s unstable power supply sources, the province’s needs for economic growth, and the inescapable need to address climate change, the event was held a few days before the 15th Conference of the Parties on Climate Change in Denmark (COP15), where a replacement for the Kyoto Protocol was introduced.

The Cebu Business Club organized the summit, together with the United Nations Development Programme, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Global Legal Action on Climate Change, and the Cebu Leads Foundation.

The event is also supported by the Cebu Energy Development Corp., Aboitiz Power, the Visayan Electric Company, the Cebu Daily News, Pilipinas Shell, and Petron.

Interested parties may contact the Cebu Business Club at Rm. 305, Centro Maximo, Jakosalem St., Cebu City, or telephone numbers (032) 253-4441 or (032) 253-4427 (look for Perry of Glenda). You may also email your concerns to cbc_summit@yahoo.com.

Marikina hosted Zero Waste Conference

The Mother Earth Foundation and the Zero Waste International Alliance, in partnership with the National Solid Waste Commission, the Department of Environment and Natural, and the League of Municipalities in the Philippines launched the 6th Zero Waste International Dialogue from November 18 to 20, 2009.

Held at the Marikina Hotel and Convention Center, the event was participated by approximately 250 local government officials and 150 representatives from international and local non-government organizations and academic institutions. 

With the theme, "Zero Waste Solutions in the face of Climate, Chemical and Financial Crisis", the event aimed to illustrate the huge potential of zero waste solution in averting these crises through careful measures presented in plenary and skill share sessions.

The conference was divided in three discussion topics: Zero Waste as a Climate Mitigation and Adaptation Measure; Zero Waste as a Tool for Chemical Safety; and Zero Waste as a Job and Livelihood Solution. 

Eco tours in some provinces which include Rizal, Pangasinan, and Palawan was also included to showcase zero practices as well as the top tourist destinations in their area. 

Moreover, there was a a two-week long exhibit launched at the LRT Cubao Station from November 9 to 15, 2009 which presented the different zero waste practices around the world.

The dialogue was supported by other non-government organizations which include: Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP), Eco Waste Coalition, and the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternative (GAIA).

RP Hosts East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress 2009

The Philippines will host this year’s East Asian Seas (EAS) Congress, slated on November 23-27, 2009 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Manila.

With the theme, “Partnerships at Work: Local Implementation and Good Practices,” the EAS Congress 2009 focuses on real actions and initiatives from the local level that contribute to the achievement of international and regional environmental targets and objectives, as well as the issues that confront local governments, communities and other stakeholders. The 2009 Congress, organized by Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), will also serve as the venue to review and identify future actions pertaining to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA).

EAS Congress 2009 aims to highlight the initiatives and good practices at the local level covering wide area or issues on coastal and ocean management. This Congress emphasizes on-the-ground actions and innovations that contribute significantly in the achievement and meeting of regional and global environmental targets and commitments.

This year’s Congress will feature the Third Ministerial Forum, the International Conference on Sustainable Coastal and Ocean Development, the Third EAS Partnership Council Meeting, the Second EAS Youth Forum, an Environmental Exhibition on Good Practices and Innovative Technologies, Field Visits, and other side events.

The EAS Congress began in 2003 and has been held every three years to serve as a marketplace for knowledge and venue for partnership building contributing towards the vision of attaining the sustainable development of the East Asian Seas region.

EAS Congress 2009 is supported by the Global Environment Facility, United Nations Development Programme, United Nations Office for Project Services, and Coastal Management Center.

For more information on the EAS Congress, contact the EAS Congress Secretariat at (632) 929-2992, email congress@pemsea.org or visit the EAS Congress website at www.pemsea.org/eascongress

PSSN Holds 9th Annual Scientific Conference in Lanao del Norte

The Philippine Society for the Study of Nature, Inc. (PSSN) will be holding its 9^th Annual Scientific Conference on November 11 – 15, 2009 at the Mindanao State University – Iligan Institute of Technology (MSU-IIT) in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte.

The event will carry the theme, “Nature in Crisis: A Look at the Social Responsibility of Universities, Media, Government, private Sector, and Grass Roots”. The convention will feature interesting plenary topics that will be delivered by well-known personalities in the academe, media industry, government, and private organizations. Updates on the various fields of nature study will likewise be presented by researchers from all parts of the country. An exciting post-symposium tour to major tourist destinations in the area awaits every participant.

The first day of the convention will have activities to reach out to young high school and college researchers from all over the country. They will be presenting their research projects in the form of oral and poster research papers, films on nature in crisis, protection and conservation issues to be shared to all members and participants of the convention. Outstanding research projects of Philippine scientists will be competing for this year’s Best paper Awards.

The second day of the convention will feature plenary papers of invited speakers who are known personalities in the academe, conservation and protection of nature. The third day of the convention will feature the presentation of research papers and academic posters

For inquiries or details about the event, contact MSU-IIT at (063) 221-4050 loc 137, (0928) 996-0185, or visit the conference website at http://pssnposter.webs.com/

Environmental Films Showcased at First Green Film Festival

Four (4) films touching on planet-related issues were featured at The 1^st Green Film Festival held at SM North EDSA on September 23, 2009. The movies shown at Cinema 4 of SM The Block were a combination of American and Filipino films aimed at creating awareness about the serious problems our planet Earth is currently facing and what can people do about it.

Spearheaded by the SM Cares' SM Environment Committee, in partnership with Unico Home Entertainment, Solar Entertainment Corporation (official United International Pictures distributor in the Philippines), Warner Bros. Pictures, Magnavision and SM Cinema, the Green Film Festival highlighted environmental issues, such as climate change, scarcity of water, environmental decay, and the need for people and nations to work together for a sustainable future.

Joining the SM Environment Committee for the Green Film Festival are the embassies of France, Japan and The Netherlands which contributed films shown during the event.

Some of the films shown during the festival were:

• The 11^th Hour, which was released in 2007 and narrated by Leonardo di Caprio. The movie presented visionary and practical solutions to restore the planet’s ecosystems;
• Home, a depiction of how the Earth's problems are all interlinked;
• Penguin, Penguin Paano Ka Ginawa is the Filipino version of the French documentary March of the Penguins, narrated by Sharon Cuneta. It followed the journey of a penguin to its breeding spot in Antarctica; and
• Abong (Small Home), which is a Filipino-Japanese art and cultural film about the Igorots of Mt. Province.

The movies Home and The 11th Hour were also shown at SM Megamall last September 30 along with Al Gore’s documentary, An Inconvenient Truth, and British Broadcasting Corporation’s Planet Earth. Screenings were also held at SM Mall of Asia last October 7, 2009.

The 1^st Green Film Festival is a project of SM Prime Holdings, Inc. For more information, call (632) 292-0023 or (632) 294-4367.