Arya Residences Cut Energy Use by 14% for Earth Hour

Driven by the common goal of attaining ecological sustainability, green developer ArthaLand recently partnered with the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines).

(Representatives from WWF-Philippines and ArthaLand concretize the alliance in this file photo dated 13 June. From left to right – WWF-International Board Member Vince Perez, WWF-Philippines CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, ArthaLand Corporation President and CEO Angela De Villa-Lacson, ArthaLand Corporation Chairman Jaime Gonzalez and ArthaLand Corporation Vice Chairman Ricardo Po Sr. Image by Kimberly Ang)

The project, Arya Residences, being a LEED registered (aiming for a Gold certification) development, has in place various measures and facilities to allow its households to save as much as 14% in energy consumption and as much as 40% in potable water usage. With proper maintenance and the conscientious use of these resources, these savings may be enjoyed for over a year.

Climate Change Adaptation Programme for Island Garden City of Samal Launched

Imagine the rhythmic lapping of waves on a powdered ivory shoreline, punctuated by the occasional rustling of coconut fronds, given life by the sea breeze. The Samal Island of today still boasts of unspoiled beaches, productive coral reefs and verdant forests. As we face a climate-defined future, however, the Samal Island of tomorrow may be a very different place.

Renowned not just for its unique name but for the extensive wealth of its natural resources, the Island Garden City of Samal (IGACOS) faces a promising future. The ballooning population of Davao City promises millions in revenues from tourism. Unfortunately, destructive development, agricultural runoff and climate change effects have already begun to assail IGACOS’ beaches, reefs and forests – negating its differential advantage as a tourism destination.

To address this, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) with its Philippine national organization known as Kabang Kalikasan ng Pilipinas Foundation, Inc., and the local government of IGACOS are embarking on an ambitious four-year program to build-up the resilience of the region’s coastal ecosystems while identifying and reducing potential climate change-related vulnerabilities – all to improve the lives and livelihoods of native Samaleños.

Be an eco friendly shopper use WWF Shopping Bag

One thing I admire with Quezon Province, Muntinlupa, and other municipalities here in the Philippines is that they advocate is minimizing the usage of styrofoam and plastic among their residents. Eco Bag or green bag in other establishments is becoming a fad in everyone. I have some of those at home and one with my “name” on it and I am talking about the SM Green Bag that has “Flow” on it.

Right now, WWF is now selling their own version of their eco bag aside from the pins, and bag tags. This is their option to raise funds for their activities such as workshops and seminars, marine life conservation and rescue, and others. Their shopping bag cost P300/pc and it can be ordered by sending email to pandashop@wwf.org.ph. Buyers can pick up their orders by dropping by at the WWF-Philippines office during office hours at Basement 2, Ayala Tower 1, Ayala Avenue, Makati City or it can be shipped to them via LBC with corresponding shipping fee.

Starbuck @ Dialogues presents Going Beyond Earth Hour with WWF-Philippines

After the celebration of the annual Earth Hour event last March 23 at SM Mall of Asia, Starbucks @ Dialogues brings Lory Tan the CEO of WWF-Philippines to talk about the campaign of Going Beyond Earth Hour. The said discussion will tackle realities of climate change and the message of 2011 Earth Hour on what others can do on the said environmental issue.

1554 Cities and Towns in the Philippines joins the Switch Off for Earth Hour 2011

When the clock struck 8:30PM last night, the Philippines was again engulfed in 60 minutes of darkness. A record-breaking 1554 Filipino towns, cities and municipalities joined the rest of the world in taking a stand against climate change. Reinvigorated by its new ‘60+’ logo, Earth Hour 2011 aimed to make its effects felt not for a mere 60 minutes – but for an entire year. Organizers are elated by the immense outpouring of support from the government, private corporations and individuals.

Earth Hour 2011: The quest to save Mother Earth begins with US

Last March 27, in SM Mall of Asia Ground was my third Earth Hour event with WWF-Philippines. With all government sectors, students and their organizations, supporters and advocates joined this annual switch off that originated in Australia in 2004 and now all over the world they are now doing this activity yearly to switch off their lights from 8:30PM – 9:30PM to symbolically show the world the importance of conserving all the resources for the future generation at the same time taking part of caring for the environment.

Earth Hour: Beyond the Switch Off

It’s been 4 years since I am actively advocating and supporting Earth Hour, it was in 2008 when I did a blog entry about the annual switch off that started in Australia in 2004. The Earth Hour activity happens every March and it was done by a symbolical switching off of lights of different establishments and areas to symbolize the importance of energy conservation and what life would be if we don’t manage the use of energy properly.

Earth Hour 2011: Moving beyond the switching off

Now in its fourth year in the Philippines, Earth Hour again aims to engulf the entire country – from Batanes to Tawi-Tawi – in darkness. The hour-long event, which was birthed in Australia in 2007 and embraced by the Philippines in 2008, was created to empower people to address climate change via a 60-minute switch-off. Earth Hour 2011 differs from all previous observances by focusing on what citizens can do beyond the switch-off.

“Earth Hour is a simple act that emphasizes both the ease and importance of adopting energy-efficient practices and lifestyles,” says Earth Hour National Director Atty. Gia Ibay, who also leads the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) Climate Unit. “Given ever-increasing energy demands, we must be mindful of the need to control human-induced global warming by adopting smarter and more responsible energy practices.”

EDC, WWF Lead Initiative to Accelerate Geothermal Development in Asia

Geothermal leader Energy Development Corporation (EDC) and the World Wide Fund for Nature, Philippines (WWF-Philippines) joined forces to accelerate geothermal development in Asia, starting with the Philippines and Indonesia, via the landmark ‘Ring of Fire’ project.

The Ring of Fire initiative aims to replicate the Philippines’ global success in sustainable geothermal production for Indonesia’s largely untapped geothermal energy resources. The Philippines gets 17 percent of its electricity supply from geothermal power plants and is the second largest geothermal energy producer in the world, next to the US while Indonesia holds approximately 40 percent of the world’s conventional geothermal reserves.

 (WWF Climate Change Director Gia Ibay, WWF Asia-Pacific Energy Policy Coordinator Raf Senga, EDC President and COO Richard Tantoco, WWF Vice-Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, EDC SVP Agnes de Jesus and WWF-International Board Member Vince Perez concretize the partnership.)

The ‘Ring of Fire’ is in line with and in support of WWF’s 100 percent by 2050 Renewable Energy Vision and has the ultimate goal of increasing installed geothermal capacity in the region by 150 percent in 2015 and 300 percent by 2020. On top of increasing geothermal production, the project will also address issues on environmental sustainability, energy security and climate change.

To achieve this, the two partners will establish a Gold Standard Geothermal Showcase project at EDC’s 50-MW Mindanao 3 geothermal project in North Cotabato as a benchmark for all geothermal projects. As the Philippines’ largest producer of geothermal energy and a consistent champion of environmental stewardship, all of EDC’s geothermal sites are models of sustainable geothermal development. It’s Mindanao 3 geothermal project make an ideal Gold Standard geothermal showcase for the Asia Pacific region and is a testament to EDC’s 35 years of industry experience and expertise.

Through the Gold Standard Showcase project that will demonstrate the economic, social and environmental benefits of geothermal energy, EDC and WWF expect to build broad stakeholder support for accelerated geothermal development in the region.

“The activities of WWF within the Ring of Fire programme will focus on helping reform the energy sector in the direction of a more sustainable market, supportive of geothermal sources,” explains WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo P. Tan.

“We will work with EDC to create an enabling environment in Indonesia, taking off from our successful partnership to pass the Renewable Energy Act of 2008 in the Philippines. We will also work on the sustainability aspects, energy financing and economic issues, and on capacity building and awareness-raising.”

WWF notes the high economic potential of geothermal to support the creation of a green and innovative energy sector. Geothermal plants provide 2.5 times more jobs than their coal counterparts. Furthermore there is potential – especially for the Philippines – to market knowledge and experience in the field. Large geothermal developments also lead to substantial green investments in both actual production and in surrounding communities, as well as enabling access to carbon markets.

EDC President and COO Richard B. Tantoco says, “EDC recognizes the importance of collaborative efforts to promote greater use of geothermal and other renewable energy resources for energy development. The Ring of Fire Initiative is consistent with our policy to support national efforts to achieve energy security and to contribute to the global effort to address climate change issues. Relative to this, we will actively participate in the Indonesian Geothermal Round Table Discussion to share our expertise and help address relevant policy, awareness, capacity and financing issues affecting the industry.”

For WWF, a 50-year veteran of developing partnerships for the environment, working with EDC was the natural step to achieve its goals for the Ring of Fire Initiative. Having successfully collaborated with EDC for the passage of the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, WWF-Philippines is assured of a strong and committed partner in the Ring of Fire Initiative, which is part of its continued pursuit of achieving the goals stated in the RE Act.

The Ring of Fire Initiative is one of two Iconic Energy Projects currently being implemented by WWF, the other one being the Mediterranean Solar Hotspot being implemented in North Africa, Southern Europe and the Middle East. Other Iconic Projects in the pipeline will promote wind energy, address energy poverty and build Low Carbon Cities.

With a renewed direction towards developing low carbon solutions, as working models, the partnership between WWF and EDC presents a good roadmap that others will not only be able to emulate, but develop further to substantially address the climate problem.


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Join the Earth Hour Campaign on March 26

It’s the time of the year again, where we all turn off our lights and join the campaign of WWF in showing the importance of energy conservation. This year’s Earth Hour event will happen on March 26, 8:30 PM all over the world. By turning the lights for 60 minutes we join WWF and advocates in showing the importance of energy preservation and consumption to all.




(Sample Earth Hour 2011 banner) 
In line with the countdown for the Earth Hour celebration, there will be banners for the online advocates that they can embed in their websites and blogs (http://www.earthhour.org/tools/banners/Banners.aspx). With the banners it encourages their readers to join the campaign and signing up for the pledge that they will be turning off their lights on March 26. But more than the turning off on that day is the pledge that they will be taking part of energy conservation.

(With WWF-Philippines CEO Lory Tan during Earth Hour 2010)

Earth Hour begins in 2007 in Sydney Australia, where they decided to turn off their lights for one hour to show the world of what we can do if we unite in turning of the lights and it happen where all nations join this campaign in 2008 until now. Earth Hour is a global call to action to every individual, every establishments and every community though out the world. It helps us to contemplate in the darkness to raise awareness on the climate change issue.

Join the Earth Hour on March 26, 8:30PM.Visit http://www.earthhour.org for more information.


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Earth Hour 2011: growing beyond the hour

100 days out from the annual ‘lights out’ event, Earth Hour Philippines 2011 prepares to showcase a growing Filipino community committed to taking environmental actions that go beyond the hour.

From its inception as a single-city initiative in 2007, Earth Hour has grown into a global movement where hundreds of millions of people from every continent join together to acknowledge the importance of protecting our planet.

Inspired by thousands of stories of people going beyond the hour, Earth Hour 2011 will ask individuals, businesses and governments the world over to add more to the annual switch off by showcasing how they are taking action to preserve their environment.

Earth Hour 2011 asks people from all countries to:

• Switch off your lights for Earth Hour at 8.30pm, Saturday 26 March 2011 and celebrate your commitment to the planet with the people of the world.
• Sign up and Share stories of your actions that benefit the planet on earthhour.org.
• Sustain your actions beyond the hour.

“Earth Hour’s rapid growth over four years has proven that hundreds of millions people want to do more to protect their planet.” said Andy Ridley, Co-founder and Executive Director of Earth Hour.

“Whether it’s a child changing a classroom or a president changing a country, people, organizations and governments everywhere are invited to switch off their lights for Earth Hour 2011 and commit to taking action beyond the hour,” Ridley said.

In February, earthhour.org will launch a platform enabling participants to share stories of what they’re doing or plan to do to make a real difference to their environment in the year ahead, showing that, no matter how big or small, together our actions add up.

Earth Hour 2010 was the largest voluntary action for the environment in history with lights going out across 128 countries and over 4500 cities worldwide. Earth Hour 2011 will again see hundreds of millions of people across all continents come together to celebrate an unambiguous commitment to the planet by switching off their lights for one designated hour.

The 100-day countdown to Earth Hour 2011 has begun, the iconic ‘lights out’ event that has seen some of the world’s most recognized landmarks, including the Forbidden City, Eiffel Tower, Buckingham Palace, Golden Gate Bridge, Table Mountain, Christ the Redeemer statue and SM Mall of Asia switch off in a global celebration of the one thing that unites us all – the planet.

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IEA joins the dots on climate action and energy security

London: Today’s World Energy Outlook, keynote annual publication of the international Energy Agency, shows the continuing mainstreaming of the view that effective climate action is clearly linked to future sustainable energy security WWF commented today.

“While we don’t necessarily endorse all the detail, WWF is highly gratified with the IEA’s growing emphasis on energy efficiency and renewable energy to enhance effective carbon abatement regimes,” said Dr Stephan Singer, Director of Global Energy Policy for WWF International.

“We are pleased that they highlight the need to overcome the approximate annual $US700 billion in fossil fuel subsidies. This money, about one per cent of global GDP, needs to go to support renewable and energy conservation and help the poor.”

“We are also pleased with the strong push by the IEA that eradicating energy poverty for more than one third of the world’s population is a major development issue, with clean renewables best placed to deliver cost effective, equitable and sustainable solutions.”

WWF will shortly be issuing a detailed analysis of the World Energy Outlook, both in the run up to the Cancun UN climate conference commencing later this month and its own forthcoming analysis of energy prospects and possibilities
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WWF-Philippines Chair Joins Pictet Clean Energy Fund Board

WWF-Philippines Chairman and WWF-International Board Member Vince Pérez has just joined the Advisory Board of the Pictet Clean Energy Fund, one the world’s largest alternative energy funds, which invests worldwide in companies that will profit from the transition to clean energy.

The Pictet Clean Energy Fund is managed by Pictet Asset Management, the investment management arm of Pictet & Cie. Founded in Geneva in 1805, Pictet & Cie is today one of Switzerland's largest private banks, with assets under management and custody totalling US$ 384 billion and employing more than 3000 people worldwide.

Pérez was invited to the Advisory Board in recognition of his industry experience ‘in the clean energy space,garnered from positions of leadership in the Philippine government and in the private sector ... and recognized as an innovative strategist with sound entrepreneurial skills.” Pérez also chairs Merritt Partners, an energy advisory firm and serves as CEO of Alternergy Partners, a renewable power company.

Lory Tan, Vice Chairman and CEO of WWF-Philippines, says “We welcome the membership of Vince Pérez in the Pictet Clean Energy Fund advisory board, which compliments WWF’s corporate engagements on sustainability in the Philippines.”

Pérez served as a Philippine Energy Minister from 2001 to 2005, boosting energy self-sufficiency, promoting clean indigenous energy and crafting an ambitious renewable energy policy framework. Prior to 2001, Pérez specialized in Latin American debt restructuring at Mellon Bank and later in capital markets, and private equity in emerging countries at Lazard in London, New York and Singapore. He became General Partner of the New York investment bank Lazard Frères as head of its Emerging Markets Group. He was Managing Director of Lazard Asia in Singapore from 1995 until 1997.

Pérez then founded Next Century Partners in 1997, a private equity firm based in Singapore. In 2000 he founded Asian Conservation Company which acquired El Nido Resorts. In 2006 he invested in Northwind Power, the first commercial wind farm in Southeast Asia. He is also a member of the advisory board of the Yale Centre for Business and Environment. Based on his clean energy background, he has consulted for ADB and IFC on renewable energy policy, and is a member of the Philippine National Renewable Energy Board.

The Pictet Clean Energy Fund currently has US$650 million under management, making it one of the largest alternative energy funds. In 2009, the fund was awarded the ‘Best of the Best Performance Awards’ in the ‘Clean Resources’ category by Asia Asset Management. In 2008 and 2009, the fund also won the ‘Best Alternative Energy Fund’ category. This UK-based award recognizes funds that invest in new technologies which create solutions to the climate change issue.

Launched in May 2007, the Pictet Clean Energy Fund invests in companies that contribute to and profit from the world’s transition to less carbon-intensive energy. The fund has a concentrated portfolio of 60-80 stocks that operate in the fields of carbon-free energy resources and technology such as solar, wind and hydro, and in energy efficiency.

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Advanced Maps to Save the Davao Gulf Unveiled

With a shared interest to conserve the Davao Gulf’s marine biodiversity and to promote sustainable development for local communities, WWF-Philippines and the Davao Gulf Management Council (DGMC) have conducted a comprehensive Environmental Sensitivity Index (ESI) mapping exercise to assess the gulf’s sensitivity to oil spills, soil leaching and other environmental disturbances.

Funded by the Hong Kong and Shanghai Banking Corporation (HSBC) and launched in 2007, the Davao Gulf ESI maps will serve as tools in land use planning, oil spill or marine pollution response operations as

well as the proper use of agro-chemicals. Founded on the concept and methodology of ESI mapping, it examines two of the country’s pressing environmental issues – oil spill incidence and the potential for groundwater contamination.

A Haven for Life

Davao Gulf ranks as one of the priority conservation areas of the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Eco-region. It is a breeding and nursery ground for small and large pelagic species, with frequent sightings of whale

sharks, dugongs and leatherback turtles, among the list of species cited in the Convention on the International Trade of Endangered Species (CITES).

Beneath the waters of the gulf lies a paradisiacal abode of brimming tropical marine species. Davao has long bragged of its coral reefs, making it a favorite among divers, tourists, investors, business opportunists, scientists and conservationists alike.

Beset by Pollution & Development

Sadly, the Davao Gulf is being threatened by the very economic activities it supports. Seen along the coast are ports, oil depots, factories and other capital-intensive industries that are perceived to exert pressure on the quality of the water, the natural habitats and the productivity of its fisheries.

Environmental exploitation by humans gradually surfaced as local communities sank deeper into crevices of poverty – an effect of a growing population. Fish yields decreased, leading many to adopt destructive fishing methods in order to survive. A 2006 study revealed that less than 20% of the gulf’s coral reefs remain in good condition. People are now pinning their hopes on the aquaculture industry, which produces seaweeds, milkfish and tilapia to compensate for ever-decreasing fish yields. Pollution is another major menace: fertilizers and pesticides used by various plantations as well as mine tailings often contaminate groundwater and other bodies of water through run-off or leaching. Oil tankers and vessels traversing the gulf threaten it as well with the possibility of oil or chemical spills.

The gulf’s myriad industrial plants also spew out sewage. Local wastes from communities plus oil sludge frequently place marine life in danger. Progress for the Davao Gulf usually means urban development –

at great cost to the environment. Says DGMC Chairman Leo Avila, “Over three million people in four cities and 18 municipalities live around the gulf: thousands rely on it for food and livelihood. Reduced productivity will have dire consequences so we should concentrate on protecting what assets remain.”

Pioneering Tomorrow’s Solutions, Today

Climate change is the most serious and pervasive threat to humanity. Amongst the most practical ways of dealing with it is to strengthen the resilience of natural resources - this means preparing Philippine coasts, mountains and cities for unexpected impacts, such as oil spills and floods.

As a top ecological solutions-provider, WWF-Philippines has long pioneered ESI mapping for oil spills, developing the country’s first ESI map in Batangas. WWF and the Philippine Coast Guard also conducted community-based oil spill response training and workshops for the Davao Gulf.

Further initiatives include a ‘Going Green’ campaign - a toolkit to encourage owners and operators of coastal businesses in the tourism sector to adopt sustainable practices, plus a competition to award businesses with environment-friendly management practices.

Says WWF Vice-Chair and CEO Lory Tan, “Technology has progressed at an astonishing pace: ESI maps can serve as vital tools to help us cope with climate impacts. If used properly, the maps we make today can protect the lives of thousands in the future.”

The creation of comprehensive sensitivity maps for other vulnerable sites is now being considered to prepare the country not just for oil spills – but floods, storms and other telltale impacts of global climate change.

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The Correspondents enumarates the effects of Climate Change

Even the most guarded and cared for creations of humanity are not exempted from the effects of climate change.

This Tuesday (Mar 30) on “The Correspondents,” Abner Mercado revisits the Timbac Cave to see the effects of the sun’s strong heat to the mummies. He will also explore the destruction brought about by the hot weather to one of the wonders of the world - the Banaue Rice Terraces.

Cordillera is known to be home to many indigenous people, collectively called Igorots. They are famous for their creation and preservation of the Banaue Rice Terraces and the mummies created from their traditional death rituals. However, due to the changing climate and the summer season, the sun produces intense heat that destroys a lot of things in our environment.

Don’t miss this episode of “The Correspondents,” with Abner Mercado on Tuesday (Mar 30), right after “Bandila” on ABS-CBN.

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10 Ways to Spend Earth Hour 2010

Tomorrow, 27 March, the Philippines joins the rest of the global community in making a symbolic call for united action against climate change through Earth Hour, as households, communities and public and private institutions turn off their lights from 8:30PM to 9:30PM.

Since 2008, Earth Hour Philippines has become a celebration of climate change solutions. It is important to bear in mind that Earth Hour does not end when the lights are switched back on. The switchoff signifies the start of a very personal and lasting lifestyle change to minimize our ecological impacts and to do our bit for a more sustainable planet. Personal pledges can take many forms, from upgrading to energy-efficient appliances to planting and stewarding a small grove of native trees. Here are ten ways to help you make a difference during and after Earth Hour 2010:

1 – Document Your Earth Hour Celebrations

If you’re planning to join one of the Earth Hour celebrations around town, whip out those DSLRs and point-&-shoots! It’s time to snap up photos and videos of your Earth Hour celebrations in your locality! You may even win DVD players, cellphones and other prizes. For more information, simply log on to: wwf.org.ph/earthhour/2010/03/a-contest-earth-hour-photovideo-documentation

2 - Host an Outdoor Evening Party

If you plan to stay in your neighborhood, get the barkada together for an Earth Hour eco-party. Set-up the front yard or go to the village park. Fire up the flashlights or headlamps, dine on organic food and have your resident musikero provide the acoustics. Talk to your friends about how you’re each reducing your environmental footprint and share ideas and solutions for saving more energy, cash and carbon dioxide.

3 – Encourage Kids to Play Outdoors

Earth Hour is a perfect time to talk to your kids about the Philippine environment and why we need to protect our planet from the dangers of climate change. Remember the good old days of Patintero, Taguan and Luksong Baka? Ever explored that old creek a block away? How about an afternoon spent birdwatching? Encourage your kids to unplug all electronics and rediscover the joys of outdoor play.

4 - Do a Recyclables Hunt

Get your flashlights and scour your cabinets and shelves for cans, bottles and boxes that you don't normally recycle. Make a list of all the non-recyclable containers you’re using now (like plastic shopping bags) and figure out ways to reduce your consumption of items that end up in our local landfills. A fun tip: get reusable grocery bags ... and reuse them!

5 - Green That Workspace!

Working the graveyard shift at a local call center? Even if you can’t turn off all the office lights, look around and see what you can unplug, turn down or use less of (like consuming less paper by printing double-sided). Every day millions of computer screens and speakers are left on overnight - shut ‘em off! And talk to your fellow employees about what they can do to help make a difference too.

6 - Involve Your Local Leaders

If your village or barangay isn't already hosting an Earth Hour event, ask your local government to set up a community "green" discussion in a public building from 8:30 to 9:30PM on 27 March. Help organize attendance by reaching out to local environmental and community groups, and come prepared to ask your leaders what they’re doing to make your area greener.

7 - Clean Up Your Street

Grab a flashlight and walk down your house street, picking up trash and recyclables as you go. It's a great chance to do some stargazing too! What’s more, a walk under the stars brims with romantic potential.

8 - Unplug and Just Chill Out

Most of our daily activities like watching TV and texting require loads of electricity, but do we really need to do so much stuff all the time? Stay home, minimize carbon emissions from your car and just have an hour of steady time. Turn off the screens, shut off the beloved cellphone and just take some "you" time to reflect, read or talk to your family. After all, why should you do more when you can do less?

9 - Give Yourself an Energy Makeover

Use Earth Hour as a reason to make your home more energy efficient: Replace those cruddy old incandescent bulbs with newer and more efficient CFL bulbs. Install power strips to turn computers and electronics on and off more easily, since appliances on standby mode are still at about 30% consumption.

10 - Make a Pledge for the Planet

Earth Hour shouldn't end at 9:31PM — it's a chance to take a first step toward lowering your overall impact on the environment. So use part of that hour to make a personal pledge to do more — recycle, take public transportation, remember to turn off or unplug electronics, and beyond. The only way we're going to stabilize our climate is if we make real changes in our everyday lives. You’ll hit two birds with one stone by saving on both cash and carbon emissions.

Remember: Turn off your lights from 8:30PM to 9:30PM on 27 March

But the first step is to turn off your lights on 27 March from 8:30PM to 9:30PM as part of the world’s largest social mobilization event. Tomorrow, around one billion people across time zones all over the world are expected to take part in this massive display of solidarity for the planet.

In 2009, the Philippines ranked first among 88 nations in terms of local participation in Earth Hour. Over 10 million Filipinos in 647 cities and municipalities switched off their lights during Earth Hour, saving an estimated 611MWh of electricity - equivalent to a temporary shutdown of a dozen coal-fired power-plants. This year, the event organizers - WWF, the Department of Energy, Green Army Network Foundation and SWITCH Movement - aim to mobilize 15 million Filipinos in 1000 towns, cities and municipalities to take a symbolic stand against climate change.

1000 Cities and Municipalities Breached

As of 1930H of 25 March, a running total of 1041 Philippine cities and municipalities have confirmed participation. More are expected to pledge support before the global switchoff tomorrow.

The public is invited to the main switchoff event at the SM Mall of Asia from 7PM onwards. The program will include entertainment numbers from Arnel Pineda, Moymoy Palaboy, Princess, Ballet Philippines and the Philippine All Stars. Ayala is also spearheading several Earth Hour events, including a street party at the Bonifacio High Street. Similar celebrations will take place in many other cities and towns across the country.

Official Earth Hour 2010 partners include Ipanema, Motolite, SM Malls, Ayala Malls, Bonifacio Global City, the Century Pacific Group, Sustagen, Philips, Meralco, Arthaland, Shell, First Gen, Energy Development Corporation, McDonald's, Jollibee, Shangri-La Hotels, ECC International, GMA-7, ABS-CBN, Net-25, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Infinit-1 Communications, FocusMedia Audiovisuals, Leo Burnett, Radio Veritas, Sonshine Radio, ECC International, Dig It All, Friendster, Discovery Channel and the National Geographic Channel.

Groups that have pledged commitments are the Archdiocese of Manila, Archdiocese of Cebu, Diocese of Kaloocan, Diocese of Parañaque, University of the Philippines, Technological University of the Philippines, Manila Doctors College, Silliman University, Adamson University, Asian College of Science and Technology, Colegio de Santa Catalina de Alexandria, Foundation University, St. Paul University Dumaguete, Ayala Foundation, Ms. Earth Foundation, Ms. Teen Earth and Ms. Kids Earth, REACT, Philippine Business for Social Progress, Ortigas Foundation, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, Manila Jaycees, Hotel and Restaurant Association of the Philippines, Outdoor Advertising Association of the Philippines, Philippine Science Centrum, World Youth Alliance, Habitat for Humanity Philippines, Iglesia ni Cristo and Gawad Kalinga.

Other companies which have pledged support include BPI, HSBC, Coca-Cola, Tetra Pak, Starbucks, Canon, Abenson, Chowking, Unilever, Globe, PLDT, SMART, BME, PhilBIO, Piandré, ATP, Toyota, the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Ascott Group, Dusit Thani Manila, Hilton Cebu, Robinsons Malls, Chevron, SGV & Co and Ricoh Philippines.

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What happened in Copenhagen Summit last year?

March 17, Crowne Plaza, Ortigas Center – In the Second Forum on Climate Change: A Post-Copenhagen Debriefing and Prognosis on the Way Forward, Bernarditas de Casto-Muller, senior negotiator on climate change and South Centre advisor, discussed what really happened on Copenhagen Summit last December 2009 that frustrates all environmentalists and advocates. According to the news, the summit that happened in Denmark was a failure, because there were no clear directions from the world leaders to lessen carbon emissions and other environmental hazards. The biggest disappointment though was that US President Barack Obama didn’t give any clear stand on the issue that developing countries are waiting.

According to Muller, in the 12th Conference of the Parties to the Climate Change Convention (COP 12) in Bali, Indonesia, there’s a comprehensive process to enable the full, effective and sustainable implementation of the Convention through a long-term cooperative action, now, up to beyond 2012, in order to reach an agreed outcome and adopt a decision at the fifteen session. This was indicated in the Bali Action Plan and the Ad Hoc Working Group on Long-term Cooperative Action (AWG-LCA) of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. She mentioned that there were five key points/elements that summarized the idea of COP12: shared vision, mitigation, adaptation, technology development and transfer, and provision of financial resources. The ultimate objective of COP was stabilization of greenhouse gas concentrations at a level that would prevent dangerous anthropogenic interference with the climate change. In the case of the Philippines, its meant to limit below 2 degrees Celsius temperature increase. Unfortunately, it is too late to prevent the 2 degree Celsius limit of increase. The only thing that we can do now is adaptation through the use of technology and proper financing for mitigation plans.

According to Muller, the perceptions on COP 15 in Copenhagen, Denmark were:

* Had numerous routes and byways: G8/MEF; G20; bilateral meetings; “vulnerable countries”; the “circle commitment”; funded “consultants” of developing countries

* Waiting for the US

* Killing Kyoto?

* Developed countries stalling at negotiating tables

* Myth and message to media: “G77 is blocking the negotiations”

* Block negotiations and if everything else fails “Blame China”

According to Muller the reasons on the failure of Copenhagen were:

* A travesty of the intergovernmental process with no respect for the sovereign of States

* Exclusion of Parties: Climate change affects all countries, and most of all, poor, developing countries: given one hour to decide their future

* No transparency of procedures

* Made a parody of negotiations

* Ministers, & in particular Presidents, do not negotiate

* Nobody can act for all countries but only their own

The COP decision to “take note of” of the accord:

* Recognizes “scientific view” of limit of temperature increase below 2 C

* Only “pledge and review” of emissions reductions for the developed countries

* Disconnect between pledges and achievement of “scientific view”

* Denial of historical responsibilities means denial of commitments on financing and technology, the hey to the balance of common but differentiated responsibilities

(The objective of COP15)

The implications of the Copenhagen Accord to the developing countries showed that there was no clarity between supported and enabled nationally-appropriated mitigation actions. It also showed that financing has unclear procedures for its allotment and disbursement, and according to Muller financing is not new, not sure and not even be there.

Muller strongly claimed that the developing countries are experiencing the effect of climate change and also the developed countries. In the case of COP, it is hard for a leader to decide for the whole world because he or she can only speak for his or her country and that is the dilemma in COP. However, Muller remained is positive for the COP16 at the Cancun, Mexico on November 29 to December 10, 2010 which would continue to undermine the inter-governmental process and work out agreements at the bilateral, regional, or issue-focused meetings to strengthen the accord on adaptation, mitigation, financing and technology transfer. Climate Change falls on the category of United Nation Millennium Developmental Goal # 7: Environmental Sustainability.

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Join Earth Hour on March 27, 8:30 PM

Our fight against climate change doesn’t end in the Copenhagen Summit in Denmark last December 2009 where the outcome disappoints us. There is no concrete decision done in Copenhagen despite of the effects that all nations experience because of Climate Change including the Philippines. The issue on climate change falls on United Nation Millennium Development Goal’s # 6: Sustainable Environment. If we recall world leaders formulated and decided on the MDGs last 2000 and will last on 2015 the year that they proposed to be the deadline. Unfortunately we haven’t seen a solid stand on our leaders last December on the UN Climate Change summit in Copenhagen.

Like what Lory Tan of WWF Philippines mention during our discussions about climate change he mention that Copenhagen is not the ending of our battle but it’s the beginning where people saw the effect and started to know their responsibility and take on this challenge.



On March 27, 8:30 PM we will give one hour of our lives for Mother Earth by switching off our lights the activity is called Earth Hour. This campaign started in Sydney Australia last 2007, by 2008 nations all over the world sees its worth and participate on this advocacy, and last 2009 the Philippines emerges as the most participating country on this project. Earth Hour is a global call to action to every individual, every establishments and every community though out the world. Turning our lights off on March 27, 8:30 PM (local time) shows our support in the celebration and contemplation to our planet. It is done to raise the awareness on the climate change issue. Beyond the switching off lights every year on Earth Hour has a deeper meaning and that is giving people a voice on the future our planet and working together to create a sustainable low carbon future for Mother Earth. Earth Hour is organized by WWF. Show your support now by visiting www.EarthHour.org.

More entries on Climate Change here.

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Join the Flash Mob for Universal Primary Education on Trinoma Activity Center on January 22

Aided by Web 2.0 tactics, silence and spectacle, Manila’s socially conscious youth will take part in a Flash Mob for the Future at the Trinoma Mall Activity Center on Friday (January 22) 6PM to highlight their disappointment with the slow progress in providing Universal Primary Education, which is part of the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), a set of goals committed to by world leaders in September 2000. With the motto, “Maki-alam, makialam!” the participants will be asking that more attention be given to achieving MDG 2.

Flash Mobs, performances meant as disruptions, came into being in New York in 2003. A product of new social formations brought about by Web 2.0, Flash Mobs have been used extensively in the West as symbols of nonconformity with societal norms. People meet and make plans over social media, such as Facebook, with stealth as one of the main pre-requisite actions. On January 22, participants from ten youth organizations, including the Far Eastern University of the Philippines’ Dance Company and Young Public Servants (YPS), who are part of the iMDG online community of MDG youth activitists, will come together in a show of unity. Other iMDG members will be organizing events and communicating with one another at www.asiapacific.endpoverty2015.org/imdg.

iMDG, a project of the UN Millennium Campaign, is undertaken in the Philippines by Youth Vote Philippines (YVote), a seven-year project comprising a 5-year monitoring and reporting on the candidates’ positions and actions on the MDGs . The Flash Mob for the Future will send the message that iMDG members are aware of the problem on Universal Primary Education and will be voting in May on the basis of the strength of candidates’ programs on the acceleration of the MDGs, particularly on Education.

With a such a high rate of literacy in the Philippines, standing at 93.9 percent (one of the highest in Southeast Asia), it is surprising that only just over 70 percent of those enrolled in grade 1 will reach grade 5. In the past 20 years there has been a 7 percent increase in Universal Primary Education (MDG 2), just under half the increase needed for the achievement of MDG 2 by 2015.

For Manila’s youth in Manila this situation is an indication that politicians are failing the next generation of Filipinos. Members of the iMDG community will continue to pressure politicians on this point in the months following the Flash Mob. A large multimedia mass will highlight the benefits of meeting MDG promises back in 2000. A multimedia petition will be handed to politicians in April of this year, which expects to elicit formal public statements on a Breakthrough Plan to accelerate MDG progress from 2010-2015.

Other events involving the media include Pictures for Politicians, a challenge for photographers to capture in an artistic manner the many reasons for reaching the MDGs. In the Artwork for MDGs young elementary school children and professionals will be given the freedom to choose the medium of their liking and display what they see as the benefit of achieving the MDGs. Lastly, a forthcoming Films for Change contest will ask budding videographers to produce a short video that will showcase the importance of achieving of MDG 2.

To find submission dates and event guidelines and obtain other information, youth are invited to join the iMDG community at www.asiapacific.endpoverty2015.org/imdg where more information can be found

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Join the QC Climate Change Poster Painting Contest

The Quezon City Poster Painting Contest on Climate Change is open to all high school and college students of Quezon City, as part of the Serbisyong Bayan project of QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte and the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) where eight participants (four from High School level and four from College level) can win P20, 000 as support to their tuition fee.

Ang theme ng QC Poster Painting Contest: “Every Day is Earth Day in Quezon City”, na kung saan naging traumatic para sa mga kababayan natin sa Luzon ang dumaang dalawang bagyong Ondoy at Pepeng noong 2009. Kabilang ang Quezon City sa mga nasalanta ng bagyong ito. Ayon kay QC Mayor Sonny Belmonte na ang mensahe ng mga nakaraang bagyo ay isang paalala na ang problema ng climate change ay totoo, narito na at nararanasan na ng lahat. “Its effects are expected to get worse in the days ahead, if we don’t act now!”, ito ang panawagan ni Mayor Belmonte sa lahat na huwag maging lax sa issue ng climate change kundi kailangan ay kumilos na ang lahat.

Sa pamamagitan ng Climate Change Poster Painting Contest na proyekto ng municipality ng Quezon City at EPWMD ay magkakaroon ng awareness ang mga kabataan regarding sa responsibility nila sa kanilang kapaligiran at ang mga epekto ng pagiging pabaya ng iba. With the theme Every Day is Earth Day in Quezon City, ipinapakita nito na kahit hindi Earth Day na kung saan ipinagdidiwang natin every April ay gawin pa ring araw araw ang Earth Day na kung saan kailangan natin magmalasakit sa kapaligiran natin.

Para sa participants ng Climate Change Poster Painting Contest ay available ang mga entry forms sa mga principal and dean’s offices sa lahat ng mga schools both private and public sa Quezon City. And for the artwork kailangan i-submit ang entry sa 11 x 14 inches poster format (1/8 illustration board size) at nasa participant na ang diskarte kung paano niya idra-drawing or paint ang entry nila in short in any form of media like paint, oil, acrylic, watercolor, crayon, colored pencil, pastel, charcoal, etc. and pwede rin gamitin ang kahit anong uri ng paper or biards as long as masunod ang required poster size at kailangan makita rin sa artwork ang theme na contest na “Every Day is Earth Day in Q.C.”.

All original entries will be accepted and must be submitted on or before January 29, 2010 (Friday) with the complete entry form sa Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) office located at Gate 6, Kalayaan Ave., Quezon City Hall Complex, Diliman, Q.C.

Ang lahat ng entries na nanalo ay ire-reproduce at ikakalat sa lahat ng mga baranggay, major establishments, at sa mga areas na maraming tao at madaling makakita sa mga winning entries including mga schools sa Quezon City.

For further inquiries, visit the Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department (EPWMD) office or call tel. nos. 920-8319 and 924-1539.

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