Misis Villar: Environmental issues are finally getting long-deserved attention

On Earth Day, former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar said she is glad that the environment is now getting all the attention as she calls on more people to get actively involved in supporting and fighting for environmental causes.

“It is long delayed actually, but it is good that more and more people are becoming more aware and actively involved in environmental issues. Everyone’s help counts. This is a universal issue and human concern that transcends political leanings or even personal interests. We should all be in this together because this is the only Earth we got,” said Villar, managing director of Villar Foundation, which has numerous environment-related programs and projects.

On its 21st year, the Villar Foundation’s first project was tree-planting to alleviate the effects of climate change and to date, it has planted nearly a million trees. In 2002, it launched the Sagip Ilog program or the Las Piñas river rehabilitation program with the goal of cleaning up the river to address two major concerns:  the worsening flood problem in Las Piñas and to allow aquatic life to thrive anew.

To make those environmental projects more sustainable, Villar incorporated a livelihood component. “Most environment-related projects fail because the people involved are not committed enough and community involvement and commitment are critical factors in ensuring the success of any environmental rehabilitation and conservation program. There should be something in it for them,” she cited.

Thus, the birth of Villar’s green social enterprises or livelihood projects out of wastes and garbage such as water hyacinths and coconut husks from her river rehabilitation program.  Villar Foundation’s water hyacinth basket weaving enterprise, coconet weaving enterprise, organic fertilizer making enterprise, handloom blanket weaving enterprise, citronella oil-making enterprise, among others have benefited more than 500 families in Las Piñas.

The livelihood projects have also been duplicated in 179 municipalities and cities all over the country. “We have built pilot centers nationwide. So far, we have only covered a little over 10 percent of the 1,600 towns and cities in the Philippines. My goal is to have one livelihood project in each one of them,” said Villar.

Villar’s other environmental advocacy is her stance against the planned 635.14-hectare Manila Bay reclamation project that will affect the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA), the most recent addition on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance. She filed a petition for Writ of Kalikasan on March 16 against the said project, which the Supreme Court granted on April 10 last year. The writ of kalikasan was issued but not a temporary environmental protection order or TEPO—without a TEPO, the contractor can still proceed with the projects. The court decision on this is yet to be released, but the hearings at the Court of Appeals were finished.
 
“I am concerned about the catastrophic effects that the proposed Manila Bay reclamation project will bring about—including the damage to the bird sanctuary as well as to the mangrove forest and marine habitat. The worst of which, is that it will cause severe flooding in 37 barangays in Bacoor, 11 in Paranaque and 17 in Las Piñas. Floods with a depth of as much as 5.12 meters or equivalent to a two-storey high building,” cited Villar.
LPPCHEA serves as a sanctuary to migratory bird species from as far as Siberia. According to the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, Metro Manila has 150 species of birds, 72 of which are found at LPPCHEA. It is the only bird sanctuary located in an urban setting, thus it is considered as the ‘last bastion’. Because of its biodiversity, LPPCHEA was declared as a critical habitat in 2007 by Proclamation No. 1412.

According to Villar, environmental problems need both legislative support and practical solutions. As a congresswoman for 10 years, she has authored and pushed for the passage of environmental bills also. And if and when elected as senator, environment is still among her key legislative agenda.

Misis Villar elated over inclusion of LPPCHEA on Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance

Former Las Piñas Representative Cynthia Villar said she is happy that the Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area (LPPCHEA) is included on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance.

“The inclusion of LPPCHEA on the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance is very good news indeed. We should be proud of the recognition, and at the same time, we are encouraged even more to protect it," said Villar.

LPPCHEA is the sixth Philippine site designated as ‘Wetlands of International Importance’, it was included on the list on March 15. 

The others on the list are: the Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park in Sulu (listed on December 11, 1999); the Agusan Marsh Wildlife Sanctuary (listed on December 11, 1999); the Naujan Lake National Park in Oriental Mindoro (listed on December 11, 1999); the Olango Island Wildlife Sanctuary in Cebu (listed on January 7, 1994); and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in Palawan (listed on June 30, 2012).

The Philippines joined the Ramsar Convention in 1994. Signatories to join the Convention agree to "include wetland conservation considerations in their national land-use planning," and commit to implement and promote "the wise use of wetlands in their territory."

The Convention on Wetlands—signed in Ramsar, Iran on 1971— is an intergovernmental treaty that embodies the commitments of its member countries to maintain the ecological character of their Wetlands of International Importance and to plan for the "wise use", or sustainable use, of all of the wetlands in their territories

"The international treaty organization has recognized LPPCHEA’s global importance to biodiversity and the need to give it special protection from various threats. LPPCHEA is the so-called 'last bastion' in Metro Manila and faces various threats" said Villar.

Ramcar Convention cited on its website that LPPCHEA “faces threats” such as “ongoing land reclamation projects and mangrove cutting”, and “waste from nearby cities (that) accumulates along the coast”

Despite being  declared as a critical habitat in 2007 by Proclamation No. 1412, there are existing plans to reclaim the area.

Villar is very vocal about her opposition on the planned 635.14-hectare Manila Bay reclamation project that will also affect LPPCHEA. She filed a petition for Writ of Kalikasan on March 16 against the said project, which the Supreme Court granted on April 10 last year. The writ of kalikasan was issued but not a temporary environmental protection order or TEPO—without a TEPO, the contractor can still proceed with the projects.

A series of hearings, which wrapped up only a few weeks ago, was held at the Court of Appeals. Villar herself took the court stand on October 12 as petitioner and witness. Villar’s group is aiming for the issuance of a permanent environmental protection order, so that the reclamation project will be junked altogether.  

“I have repeatedly talked about the catastrophic effects that the proposed Manila Bay reclamation project will bring about—including the damage to the bird sanctuary as well as to the mangrove forest and marine habitat. The worst of which, is that it will cause severe flooding in 37 barangays in Bacoor, 11 in Paranaque and 17 in Las Piñas. Floods with a depth of as much as 5.12 meters or equivalent to a two-storey high building,” cited Villar.

LPPCHEA serves as a sanctuary to migratory bird species from as far as Siberia. According to the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines, Metro Manila has 150 species of birds, 72 of which are found at LPPCHEA. It is the only bird sanctuary located in an urban setting, thus it is considered as the ‘last bastion’.

Manila Coastal Bay Clean-up led by Misis Cynthia Villar

In consonance with the forthcoming Earth Day celebration, Team PNoy senatorial candidate Cynthia Villar yesterday led the clean-up drive at Manila Bay in the Las Pinas-Paranaque Critical Habitat & Eco-Tourism (LPPCHEA), which was recently included in the Ramsar List of Wetlands of International Importance, an intergovernmental treaty on the conservation and sustainable use of natural resources.

“We have to care and protect our environment. We have to repay Mother Earth for providing us all the necessary materials we need to survive,” stressed Villar.

The clean-up activity at Manila Bay which started 7 am yesterday, Villar said, is their simple way of saying “thank you,” and “demonstrating our love to Mother Earth.”

However, she stressed that “caring and loving” our environment should not only be done during the Earth Day celebration.

“Everyday of our lives, we should all strive to protect Mother Earth,’ said Villar who has earned the moniker “Misis HanepBuhay” for giving jobs to Filipinos.

Villar was joined by students and volunteers from various sectors in last Friday’s clean-up activity, which was followed by a tour along the stretch of LPPCHEA aboard a banca around 7:30 a.m.

The activity ended with a boodle fight, also led by Villar. The three-term Las Pinas congresswoman said she feels happy with the improvement at the LPPCHEA since there are lesser garbage being collected.

“We can attribute this to our consistent clean-up efforts,” said Villar.

The Villar Foundation, where she sits as Managing Director, together with students and other volunteers, also conduct weekly cleanups.

“The more partners we work with, the better it will be for the environment,” she said.

The Villar Foundation had earlier inked a Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) with Manila Broadcasting Company (MBC) represented by radio station DZRH in its Manila Bay Cleanup drive.

“The Villar Foundation and DZRH agree that this is not only a joint cooperative undertaking, but more importantly, it is a major public service activity that would help contribute to the promotion of a livable, healthier and ecological sustainable Manila Bay,” read the MoA.

Villar noted there is more reason to protect the 175-hectare LPPCHEA area after it was listed in Ramsar along with the world-renowned Tubbataha Reefs National Marine Park and the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park (Underground River), both found in the Philippines.

“Ramsar has recognized LPPCHEA’s global importance to biodiversity and the need to give it special protection from various threats,” said Villar, adding that LPPCHEA is the so-called ‘last bastion’ in Metro Manila.

Based on Proclamation No. 1412, LPPCHEA is a critical habitat because to its global importance to biodiversity. It is a habitat for the survival of threatened, restricted-range and congregatory species.

But despite being a critical habitat, Villar lamented it faces threats of being reclaimed. In opposing the planned reclamation, Villar, a strong environmental advocate, noted that taking care of our environment will save us from disasters and calamities.

She maintains calamities would further burden the already poor Filipinos who are facing various problems due to difficult times.

Disasters like flooding, Villar said, can make one poorer if his properties are destroyed.

To avoid worst scenarios, Villar, who has earned the moniker “Misis Hanep Buhay” for giving jobs to Filipinos, underscored the need to clean our rivers, our creeks and other bodies of water especially Manila Bay.

“We can simply help protect the environment by not throwing our garbage into the sea, the rivers, the creeks. If we resort to indiscriminate throwing of garbages, these wastes will return to us during floodings. The garbages that we throw also caused massive floods,” warned Villar.

Honda Launches 1’M Blue Campaign

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI) in collaboration with partner-convenors today launches the 1’M Blue (an Eco-Safe Driving) Campaign, a new addition to its environmental and safety advocacy program.

1’M Blue (read as I’m blue) is the catchphrase for 1 Million Eco-Safe Drivers under the framework of Clean Fleet Management Program. 1’M Blue resonates Honda’s global environmental slogan, “Blue Skies for Our Children”, adopted to express its commitment to the realization of this environmental vision through expanded environmental initiatives. It represents a passionate and unwavering effort to help preserve our environment for the next generation.

With the growing concern over problem on global climate change, Honda, as a company pursuing a global mobility business, is striving to be the world's leader in environmental and energy technologies through its product development, production, and other activities.

Having embraced the goal of becoming a company that society wants to exist by sharing joy with the people of the world based on the Honda philosophy, Honda is pursuing a range of corporate activities in order to create new value, expand value, and fulfill our commitment to the future while cultivating the freedom of associates to seek out a better way, a willingness to rise to the challenges of the future, and a spirit of collaborative creativity.

By purposefully pursuing these directions in its activities, fulfilling social responsibility, and communicating effectively with all Honda stakeholders, including customers, dealers, suppliers, associates, shareholders, investors, and local communities, it is Honda’s intention to help bring about a sustainable society.

Utilizing CSR as the platform, Honda has launched and implemented in the Philippines the Eco-Safe Driving and Clean Fleet Management Program in October 2010 through the partnership of Honda Foundation, Inc., Philippine Business for the Environment, Clean Air Initiatives for Asian Cities and the Department of Energy. The said program has engaged more than 400 administration and fleet personnel from 43 Government agencies by providing them with classroom and hands on training on fuel-efficient and safe driving practices.

The program utilizes the Clean Fleet Management Toolkit developed by United Nations Environment Program (UNEP), designed to measure and evaluate the impact of vehicle fleets to the environment and health, and shows options on how practical corrective strategies can be implemented. Eco-safe driving lessons are integral part of the instruction as the program builds on ‘driving habits’ as one of the major factors to conserve fuel and avoid greenhouse gas emissions, while maintaining safety for all road users.

With the proponents’ outlook on the program to become even more impactful by further tapping the more than 6 million registered vehicles with the Philippine Land Transportation Office and therefore engaging a more significant number of drivers, the program has evolved into a mass-based campaign to encourage more people and organizations to practice eco-safe driving.

New partners who will reinforce the Eco-Safe Driving and Clean Fleet Management Program are the Climate Change Commission, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Transportation and Communications, Metro Manila Development Authority, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, PAC Fleet Solutions, Honda Safety Driving Center, and the GMA Network.

1’M Blue is objectively designed to influence driver and fleet behavior and consciousness on fuel efficiency and safety; generate individual and collective support for eco-safe driving; provide practical learning tools that will help create and sustain a positive behavioral change; and reduce vehicle-derived air pollutants and health impacts, fuel consumption, and CO2 emissions from vehicles.

The 1’M Blue Campaign seeks one million drivers who will commit to practice eco-safe driving in the Philippines to help address air pollution, climate change and energy sustainability.

To know more about the program, one may visit or log on to www.hondaphil.com/1mblue.php or www.facebook.com/1MBLUE.

Boracay forms human chain for environment protection

Boracay residents and tourists joined hands to form a human chain along its world-renowned white sand beach to celebrate the first anniversary of the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) last 23 September 2011. BBMP is a multi-sectoral initiative for the protection, sustainability, and enhancement of the island’s coastal and marine resources.

The anniversary program, led by Malay Mayor John P. Yap, was attended by Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje, Presidential Adviser on Environmental Protection Nereus Acosta, and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Rico Puno.

DENR Sec. Paje noted that with proper planning and development, Boracay could further evolve to accommodate more tourists while maintaining environmental sustainability. He also lauded the initiative of Mayor Yap in leading the dynamic private-public partnership that has successfully achieved significant improvements in coastal resources management, water and waste water management, solid waste management, watershed protection, hazard prevention, local governance, and information, education and communication.

Aside from the human chain, the anniversary program also included the launch of the Adopt-a-Tree program in Boracay, which aims to plant 30,000 seedlings in the island within one year. To jumpstart it, nearly 2,000 seedlings were distributed to Boracay high school students and foresters who pledged to plant these trees in their backyards and school grounds. This was followed by a clean-up drive to highlight Boracay’s anti-smoking and anti-littering campaign.

One of BBMP’s convenors, Petron Corporation, contributed to the environmental protection drive by providing free emission testing for public utility vehicles at the Petron service station. As witnessed by DENR Secretary Ramon Paje and Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Director Juan Miguel Cuna, Petron’s Carbon Flush product demonstration resulted in a dramatic reduction in smoke emission values from 3.753 to 0.399, or an improvement of almost 90%. Key members of the champion Petron Blaze Booster team, including most valuable player Arwind Santos, were on hand to add star power to this activity and the rest of the anniversary festivities.

Malu Erni, general manager of Petron Foundation, which introduced the globally-recognized Integrated Coastal Management to the BBMP, reaffirmed their organization’s commitment to provide resources and expertise for long-term sustainability.

To encourage the youth sector to strengthen its support for BBMP, San Miguel Corporation (SMC), another staunch supporter, introduced a star-shaped mascot to embody the slogan “Sali Ako Dyan!”, paving the way for the next stage of BBMP’s advocacy.

Petron and SMC, in partnership with the Province of Aklan, the Municipality of Malay, and the Boracay Foundation Inc. (BFI) launched the BBMP and the “Para Sa Boracay Ako! For Boracay I Will” advocacy in 2010 to engage the island’s various stakeholders in an integrated program that would ensure the island’s environmental sustainability.

Earth Day Participation

The campaign to conserve the environment continues to get stronger, especially with the help of top organizations that take the advocacy to heart by implementing concrete, replicable measures.

In the business sector, Unilever Philippines has been at the forefront of environmental campaigns, working with other groups to create a lasting “green” impact.

 In the recent Earth Day celebration, the multinational corporation’s Philippine office was recognized for its green projects. At the first Zero Basura Olympics—a competition that showcased the best “green” practices—it was one of two companies declared Grandmaster awardees. It was also declared the Green Technology Champion. The recognition came in light of Unilever’s pioneering effort of having shredded plastic packaging recycled into bricks and pavers that help build community homes.

 “Being a global business means recognizing our bigger role in caring for the environment. This is something all of us in Unilever will not compromise,” says Ali Gokcelik, Vice President for Supply Chain, Unilever Philippines. “Unilever aims to bring vitality to communities with [our] products and services…so the environmental agenda is a priority all the time… We commit to ensure that our operations do not pollute and [that our operations] encourage others in the community to do the same.”

 The Zero Basura Olympics aims to inspire more organizations to implement comprehensive programs that will positively impact the environment. It also aims to showcase such efforts so that the public may be aware of greener alternatives and help them make greener decisions. Following the declaration of winners for the business sector, the organizers will confer awards on local governments and NGOs. The Zero Basura Olympics is a project of the Philippine Business for Social Progress, Philippine Business for the Environment, Earth Day Network Philippines, Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, National Solid Waste Management Commission.

 Also awarded for their earth-friendly solutions were Ayala Center Association, Ayala Property Management Center, SM Prime Holdings Inc., Smart Communications, BDO Universal Bank, Coca-Cola Bottlers Philippines, Central Azucarera Don Pedro Inc., Meralco Management Leadership and Development Center Foundation Inc., Team Energy Corporation, Quezon Power (Phil) Limited Co., Sycip Gorres Velayo & Co., Bayer Cropscience Inc., The Cravings Group, Texas Instruments-Baguio, Yokohama Tire Philippines, Callang General Hospital and Medical Center, Atlantic Coatings Inc., United Pulp and Paper Company Inc.

 The award affirms Unilever’s commitment to caring for the environment through comprehensive, long-range and sustained efforts. Apart from the plastic sachet project, the company has been showcasing its concern for nature through long-standing multi-sectoral partnerships in various water initiatives .

Green allies

Every contribution is vital in the fight against climate change—this is the idea behind the 10 Million Movement (10MM) which Unilever supports. The advocacy hopes to encourage everyone—individuals and groups alike—to commit to doing something for the environment and register it online.

 “We really feel that we are running out of time. We cannot be waiting for one project to be fully successful before you launch the other. The idea is to have a layering of projects which will hopefully address most of these environmental concerns,” explains Chito Macapagal, Vice President for Corporate Affairs of Unilever Philippines. “Filipinos working together can actually make a difference and all we need is to focus on doing a few key things in a collective manner, regularly. That’s what the 10MM stands for.”

 Bebet Gozun, Executive Director of the Earth Day Network Philippines which spearheads the 10MM in the country - a project launched by 2009 Ramon Magasaysay Awardee and fellow Earth Day Network convenor Atty. Tony Oposa - is thankful for the support of the business sector: “They have shown that they are responsible companies who are going beyond corporate social responsibility and are actually integrating the environment into the way they are doing business.”

 Unilever is also working with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC), which aims to make the natural waterway relevant to Filipino lives once more. The commission is currently more than halfway done in making the river wider and more viable for public transport. It is also promoting its Pasig River Heritage Tour.

 “It’s the ecological lifeline for Laguna de Bay and Manila Bay. We cannot afford to have this river dead. We have to be able to resuscitate it, revive it,” enthuses Macapagal. “This used to be the gateway for trade in previous times. It can now become a transport hub for the people.”

 Apart from providing corporate support, the company is also providing inspiration for one of the PRRC’s projects. Images from Unilever’s River of Life coffee table book launched in 2000 will be used to adorn the ferry stations and help educate commuters about the glory of the Pasig River.

 “Unilever is an example of a private company that cares for the water,” says Architect Deogracias Tablan, Executive Director of the PRRC. “The company has always been behind us and our projects.”

 Saving the environment requires the concerted effort of everyone. Fortunately, Unilever’s approach to green campaigns provides an encouraging model for its consumers and partners to emulate.

 Macapagal adds: “Our vision is to add vitality to life and by that we mean bringing vitality to our products, our employees, to our communities and the environment. This is just our way of bringing that mission to life.”