3M partners with Haribon Foundation in saving Philippine forests

Being nominated as one of the Top Ten Best Corporate Citizens of the World by Corporate Responsibility Magazine, 3M Philippines officially announced their support to Haribon Foundation for the Road to 2020 campaign. The project aims to restore 1 million hectares of rainforest in the country by 2020. Among the activities that Haribon rolled out are planting trees and to lessen carbon footprint, conserving the country’s biodiversity, and promote sustainability of resources for the future generation.

With this 3M Philippines commits to join the tree planting program of Haribon including the Adopt-A-Seedling wherein the company including the employees will be adopting 1,000 seedlings. Along with their partnership, 3M has stepped up to the plate to conserve the country’s forests and will conduct fun runs to raised awareness and funds that will be given to Haribon as part of their involvement to environmental protection.

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.

Coca Cola & WWF unveil the first “Plant Billboard” in the Philippines

In line with the Live Positively advocacy of Coca Cola, they unveil the first “Plant Billboard” in the Philippines in partnership with WWF-Philippines. The said billboard was uncovered last June 23 at the Northbound EDSA-Forbes in Makati City. Present in the unveiling were Coca-Cola Ambassador Enchong Dee, President and General Manager of Coca-Cola Philippines Guillermo Aponte and WWF Philippines CEO and Vice Chariman Lory Tan.

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.

Real Indigenous of Palawan says No to Mining in Brooke’s Point

In line with the intense campaign of no to mining in Palawan, there were alleged 30 “fake” indigenous people who support MacroAsia who wants to establish mining in Palawan. The said support showed by the so called tribal chieftains was opposite to the views of the majority of indigenous people in Brooke’s Point. But nine real indigenous people from Palawan visited Manila to file petition to the National Commission for Indigenous People (NCIP) on not issuing Certificate of Precondition to MicroAsia. The certificate in case awarded to the company, it will empower them to have Strategic Environmental Plan (SEP) from Palawan Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) to explore mining activities in Brooke’s Point which their primary plan.

WWF and SMART partner to preserve Davao Gulf

It’s another first for WWF to partner with SMART Communications Inc., a leading wireless services provider to raised funds through sms/texting service that will be used in protecting and rehabilitating Davao Gulf in Mindanao. They called this project Text-to-Donate service, the sms-based donation platform empowers more that 46 million SMART and Talk ‘N Text subscribers to send their contribution to WWF through their mobile phone anywhere they are and anytime they wanted. All they need to do is to text WWF (amount) and send to 4483; denominations accepted are 5, 10, 25, 50, 100, 300, 500 and 1,000. Donated amount will be deducted from the subscriber’s prepaid load or will be billed on postpaid accounts.

WWF Links Up With National Convergence Initiative

Infanta, Quezon – With 50 years of global experience in crafting and implementing a proven range of conservation solutions, the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) has committed its full support and expertise for the government’s National Convergence Initiative (NCI) – an ambitious drive to synergize efforts of the Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in the push towards a more sustainable economy, in a climate-defined future.

Top-level representatives of the three national government agencies, the Governor and Vice-Governor, plus two Quezon congressmen converged at a Social Center in Infanta, Quezon on 30 May to launch the newest phase of the NCI, which includes partnerships with both WWF-Philippines and Gawad Kalinga.

WWF: Holistic Solutions Needed to Stop Rape of RP Seas

The World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF-Philippines) yesterday released an official statement on what it termed the ‘rape and plunder’ of the country’s marine resources.

“Market refusal has worked in other countries, for a range of commodities,” says WWF-Philippines Vice-Chair and CEO Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan. “Beyond this single reaction, however, it is crucial that we think and move holistically, and in public/private convergence, to eliminate the root causes of this lingering problem. The challenge is both national and systemic. The response can be no less.”

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.

Apo Reef is the Jewel of Mindoro

This tale is fraught with sharks and treasure, pirates and poachers, with strife and solutions. So don your gear and dive with me, as we go on a little treasure hunt.

“Apo Reef is the Jewel of Mindoro,” said former Sablayan Mayor Godofreido Mintu over a seafood dinner the night before. “Perhaps you may come to realize just what its treasure is, but only after you dive.” Fuelled by a lifelong fascination with both pirate lore and bizarre quests, the old man’s words struck home.

AboitizPower: Energizing People and Communities for A Better Future

Almost two years has passed since AP Renewables, Inc. (APRI), a wholly owned subsidiary of AboitizPower Corp. won the bid for the 747-megawatt (MW) Tiwi-Makban geothermal power complex. Since then, a lot of people have benefited, not only the employees themselves, but also the host communities.

The development of APRI’s Tiwi-Makban geothermal power facilities, for the most part, could be credited to its talented workforce that is behind its entire daily procedures. These passionate workers have been distributed all over the country, being a huge part of AboitizPower’s generation group. AboitizPower believes in motivating its employees, enhancing their talents and distinguishing their worth as business partners. With the company’s world-class quality training programs, which are designed to nurture excellent employees; excellent results are also being reaped.

Discovery Channel releases The World Is Just Awesome (Boom De Yada) Philippine version

Discovery Channel in partnership with WWF-Philippines, released a Philippine version of the famous The World Is Just Awesome (Boom De Yada) featuring the different protected environmental areas in the country including the Hamilo Coast in Nasugbu Batangas, Apo Reef in Mindoro, and Donsol Sorsogon.

Here's the The World Is Just Awesome (Boom De Yada) Philippine version:

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.

Join Ecothings' Make Your Own Notebook on April 16 at the Rockwell Club

Jump-start summer with a fun and unique event called Make Your Own Notebook. During the activity, guests of all ages can create their very own eco-notebook from post-consumer recycled paper and recyclable materials. It will be on Saturday, April 16, 2011, from 1pm until 5pm, at The Rockwell Club.

It takes three simple steps to build a 100% eco-friendly notebook. First, choose your notebook’s cover—yellow, green, orange, white, and more—it might be the most difficult choice. Then decide how thin or thick you want your notebook to be. Third, head to the last station where the Ecothings team will ring-bind your creation!

Expedition of Sierra Madre to pay tribute to top botanist Leonard Co

Last November 15, while he was cataloguing plant species in the forests of Kananga, Leyte, Leonard Co was a killed in the crossfire between the military and suspected NPA rebels.

From April 19 to 25, family and friends of Leonard Co will traverse the Northern Sierra Madre to pay tribute to his life and work. The expedition intends to fulfill the wish of Co to have his ashes scattered in Palanan, Isabela where he conducted most of his pioneering work.

The expedition team of 30 trekkers will consist of scientists and members of the U.P. Mountaineers (UPM), the organization of which he was a part of and who awarded him the title of ‘Mountaineer of the Year’ last year.

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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