In the face of a growing energy crisis and surging global waste generation, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) plans to utilize waste-to-energy technology as a renewable energy source in the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone, in line with its goal of fostering smart and sustainable development. The BCDA is conducting a study for a proposed waste-to-energy facility in an optimal location in Tarlac, which is being eyed to boost power supply and serve the requirements of locators and investors in Clark. This was after the BCDA identified waste-to-energy as a sustainable alternative to landfills, especially amid the continuous increase in waste generated in the country and around the globe. “The BCDA is committed to adopting smart and green innovations to push for the sustainable development of our properties. Utilizing waste-to-energy technology, in particular, will modernize solid waste management and promote green energy, helping usher Clark’s transition towards a circular economy,” BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang said. According to the World Bank’s 2018 study, “What a Waste 2.0:  A Global Snapshot of Solid Waste Management to 2050,” global annual waste generation is projected to jump to 3.4 billion tonnes by 2050. Carbon dioxide-equivalent emissions from solid waste treatment and disposal, primarily driven by open dumps and landfills without gas collection systems, reached 1.6 billion tonnes in 2016, and is anticipated to increase to 2.6 billion tonnes by 2050. “With waste-to-energy technology, the BCDA can do its part in reducing greenhouse gas emissions, while also addressing the energy requirements of our community,” Engr. Bingcang said.   The BCDA’s waste-to-energy study will include site selection, as well as technical, environmental, social, legal, financial, and economic analysis for the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the facility. Once the study is completed, the BCDA will open the project for public bidding. The project is intended to be structured and undertaken pursuant to Republic Act 11966 or the Public Private Partnership Code of the Philippines and its implementing rules and regulations. The waste-to-energy project is in line with the Marcos administration’s thrust to bolster solid waste management initiatives in the country. It will also complement the government’s Kalinisan sa Bagong Pilipinas Program, which calls for investment in programs, projects, and activities on solid waste management and ecological practices.          

By Julie G. Fianza   BAGUIO CITY — As part of the Saleng/Pine Tree Festival celebration and for the environmental renewal program of the city, a total of 3,198 seedlings were planted last year by various groups in different locations. Said number surpassed the target of 10,000 seedlings for planting set by the Urban Forestry Management Division by in-charge Floro Bastian and as reported to City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Atty. Rhenan Diwas and Assistant head Engr. Marivic Empizo. Eighteen Baguio elementary, secondary and tertiary schools; 21 local and national offices/agencies, 7 companies and some home-grown businesses, 25 private and professional organizations and 54 barangays participated with 10,251 participants. Coffee, citrus, cherry guava, ice cream bean, and other fruit-bearing trees were planted, as with Pine tree, Calliandra, bottle brush, Norfolk Pine, Ipil-ipil and Paper bark tree seedlings were propagated and made available to the public for planting. The trees were planted in backyards, school grounds, parks and gardens, watersheds, in Irisan Eco-park and Diplomat hotel, and barangay-owned areas. There were also seedlings planted in the neighboring municipality of La Trinidad and notably, 250 pine seedlings were given to partners in Gataran, Cagayan. In addition, 500 seedlings for planting in city dwellers’ backyards and private lots were also distributed during the 7th and Christmas version of the Environmental Waste Management and Sustainability Fair, Dec. 15, 2024 at Session Road and Malcolm Square. According to Bastian, quarterly monitoring of the trees planted starts this month, with an ideal survival expectancy of 80%. With a monthly sustainability fair targeted starting January 2025, 400 seedlings every month may be distributed to interested city dweller planters. Bastian also said their office’ basic functions of planting, monitoring, nurturing and tree care point towards environmental protection, one of the city’s sustainable goals. (With reports from the Urban Forestry Management Division)  

By Julie G. Fianza   BAGUIO CITY — The 7th and Christmas version of the Environmental Waste Management and Sustainability Fair last Sunday, Dec 15, along Session road and Malcolm Square yielded positive results from the participant-exhibitors, and the community as a whole. This was contained in the assessment report submitted to City Environmental and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) head Atty. Rhenan Diwas and Assistant head Marivic Empizo which focused among others, on slient points; IEC, electronic waste collection, reforestation efforts and vehicle testing. The fair featured an information, education and communication (IEC) campaign conducted on air, water, and climate change including distribution of flyers to 50 participants on handling, segregating and disposing of electronic and hazardous waste. The role of the community in protecting the environment and human health is emphasized in the activity, Empizo noted. For the Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE) booth manned by Wastewater and Hazardous Waste Management Division (WHWMD) head Engr. Wilbur Suanding and his team, 46.55 kilograms of e-waste was collected. Among these is a washing machine, radio, radio with cassette player, electric fan, headlights, electric stove, induction cooler, antenna; several cable cords, cellphones, flashlights and an electric hair brush with cord.   The special wastes shall be turned-over to the e-waste collection center at Bakakeng Central for segregation and proper disposal in an approved facility. For the tree distribution program; 400 pine, 50 cherry guava and 50 cypress seedlings were distributed through the efforts of Urban Forestry Management-in-charge Floro Bastian and his personnel. As to records, the seedlings shall be planted in backyards and privately-owned lots. The promotion of local reforestation, biodiversity promotion and carbon sequestration are expected to be achieved through the free tree seedling activity, Empizo also said. For the Roadside Inspection, Testing and Monitoring (RITM), Engr. Sofronio Pascua of the Environmental Management Division – City Environment and Parks Management Office (EMD-CEPMO) reported that from the 40 vehicles inspected, 26 passed, 13 failed and one was not tested due to damaged motor. The smoke-belching test last Sunday was conducted for free and Voluntary Emission Certificates (VEC) good for a month were issued to compliant vehicle owners. Tingi Station, which sells portions of healthy food, pet care products and household materials fared well, according to proprietor Elke Kyle Cadangen. A seed and book exchange, household donation/exchange and repair booths as well as composting, start-up projects, and upcycled/recycling products were also featured in the fair. The sustainability fair highlights the need to protect and restore the environment with collective community efforts with continued environmental stewardship, Empizo further said. Meanwhile, Mayor Benjamin Magalong supports the circular economy’s thrust towards production and consumption utilizing the model for refuse, rethink, reduce, reuse, repair, refurbish, remanufacture, repurpose, recycle and recover, instead of the usual linear economy which features the manufacture, use and waste pathway.    

Cebu City, Philippines – NUSTAR Resort Cebu is proud to announce the installation of cutting-edge Electric Vehicle (EV) charging stations in partnership with Supernova Innovation Inc., a pioneer in electric vehicle (EV) charging solutions. As one of the first EV charging facilities in Cebu City, this initiative highlights the city’s commitment to sustainable innovation and positions NUSTAR as a leader in green-forward initiatives within the region. The partnership between NUSTAR and Supernova marks the latest effort to make EV charging more accessible and user-friendly in emerging markets. With the new installation of 7 kilowatt EV charging stations, the partnership sets a milestone and paves the way for Cebu to become a hub for clean, sustainable transportation, offering convenience and reliability to EV owners. Seamless, cost-effective EV charging solution NUSTAR’s EV chargers are fully compatible with Type 2 (EU-standard) electric vehicles, ensuring hassle-free charging for a wide range of EV models. Additionally, the Supernova mobile app enhances the charging experience by offering users a seamless and convenient way to manage their sessions. With a simple wallet load in the app, users can easily start or stop charging remotely, putting control at their fingertips. The app also supports secure payments via GCash, debit or credit cards, PayMaya, and online banking, ensuring a smooth and flexible payment process. In addition, NUSTAR’s EV chargers offer an affordable and transparent rate of ₱25 per kilowatt-hour (kWh), providing a cost-effective solution for electric vehicle owners. This competitive pricing ensures drivers can efficiently charge their vehicles without breaking the bank, making EV adoption more accessible. Powering accessibility “Our installation at NUSTAR Resort Cebu is a game-changer for EV adoption in Cebu,” said Mr. Demry Cheng, CEO of Supernova Innovation Inc. “This collaboration underscores our mission to simplify and promote EV charging accessibility while helping local communities transition toward greener, cleaner alternatives.” The EV charging stations stand out as some of the most accessible in the region, catering to both locals and visitors with a seamless user experience. Located at one of Cebu’s premier destinations, the integration of EV infrastructure in a high-profile venue like NUSTAR not only addresses the growing demand for clean transportation but also inspires other organizations to adopt sustainable practices. NUSTAR’s EV charging stations offer a simple yet powerful solution to one of the key challenges of early-stage EV adoption such as – OPTIMIZED CHARGING SPEED which is better than level 1 EV chargers, COMPATIBILITY that supports most electric vehicles (EVs) on the market and in compliance with the Government mandated EV charging standards, COST-EFFECTIVENESS wherein NUSTAR and Supernova provides cheaper EV charging for the public, FUTURE – PROOFING whereas these chargers can handle most EV battery capacities on the market today and for the foreseeable future, and the USER-FRIENDLY FEATURES of the mobile app that promotes convenient and safe payment. By bringing accessible EV charging stations to Cebu, NUSTAR and Supernova Innovation Inc. are bridging the gap for EV users around Cebu seeking efficient and convenient solutions.      

LA TRIIDAD, Benguet — The La Trinidad Indigenous Peoples Organization (LTIPO) expressed their continued support for Hedcor’s 4.5-MW Bineng 3 Hydroelectric Power Plant during the signing of the Free and Prior Informed Consent – Memorandum of Agreement (FPIC MOA), recognizing the company’s contribution to sustainable development within their ancestral domains. Hedcor, AboitizPower’s renewable energy asset manager, has operated the plant for more than 25 years as part of its portfolio of run-of-river hydro and solar power assets. With the IP communities’ consent, the company will continue to manage Bineng 3 and contribute to the community’s development for another 25 years. The National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) played a crucial role in facilitating the process, as outlined in the 2012 Guidelines on Free and Prior Informed Consent. Moreover, the NCIP will guide the IP communities in formulating Community Royalty Development Plans and will monitor Hedcor’s commitments, ensuring the growth and sustainability of ancestral domains while improving the lives of Indigenous Peoples. “With Hedcor’s dialogue-driven approach, we see an opportunity to develop our ancestral domain, which will empower us, the IPs, to improve our living conditions and preserve our cultural heritage and identity to pass on to the next generations,” said Marcelo Abela, La Trinidad’s first Indigenous Peoples Mandatory Representative (IPMR) and one of the elders in Barangay Alapang, La Trinidad, Benguet. He emphasized that the existing partnership would achieve mutual environmental, economic, and cultural sustainability goals, illustrating how inclusivity and community engagement can create lasting impacts. “For the Ibaloy, Kankanaey, and other IPs in the Cordillera, Hedcor’s project represents hope for a more sustainable and prosperous future in their ancestral lands,” Abela said. Enhanced Livelihood and Social Services In La Trinidad, Hedcor undertakes various community development projects—from medical and dental missions to livelihood assistance and education programs—all focused on improving the well-being of local residents. Margarita Batokil, a local resident from Brgy. Bineng, recalled how Hedcor’s social services have improved their living conditions. “We have been benefiting from the partnership because it helps with our health services, dental missions, and provides free medicine. There are children who can now go to school, receive scholarships, and finish their education. Our livelihoods have improved, adding income for us, the host communities, and beneficiaries,” she said. Another community member, Maria Sudaypan, noted the previous lack of work opportunities. “Before, it was difficult; there were no jobs. Now, with Hedcor’s help, we are receiving much-needed support. At first, we didn’t fully understand what could be offered, but after discussions and consultations between the community and them, we gradually began to see the benefits,” she said. Sudaypan also shared that the partnership paved the way for their children to reach their full potential through scholarship grants and access to job opportunities. Continued community development and ‘cleanergy’ generation With this support from La Trinidad’s IP community, Hedcor is positioned to continue harnessing the power of run-of-river hydro and help the La Trinidad community in different development initiatives. Hedcor President and COO Rolando G. Pacquiao shared, “Our commitment to drive the Philippines’ energy transition with our expertise in managing renewable assets while empowering communities is unwavering. We extend our gratitude to LTIPO for their continued trust and support for Hedcor, as we achieve our goals of delivering ‘cleanergy’ and building a brighter future for our host communities.” Hedcor is an Aboitiz Power renewable energy asset manager with over 40 years of experience in delivering reliable energy. It manages the largest fleet of renewable assets in the Philippines, supporting the country’s energy transition goals.      

Cebu Pacific (PSE: CEB), the Philippines’ leading carrier, has strengthened its commitment to decarbonizing its operations by powering two of its major facilities with 100 percent renewable energy (RE). In partnership with ACEN Renewable Energy Solutions (ACEN RES), one of Asia Pacific’s fastest-growing energy platforms, CEB has transitioned its APlus and AirJuan buildings to be powered entirely by RE. “This shift to clean energy is an important component of further reducing our emissions, in this case, those generated from the use of electricity in our buildings and facilities. Partnering with ACEN also allows us to take advantage of the benefits of the Green Energy Option Program of the Department of Energy including cost savings for Cebu Pacific and supporting the country’s goal to boost renewable energy supply,” said Felix Lopez, CEB Chief Human Resources Officer. The APlus and AirJuan buildings are essential to CEB’s daily operations, housing its maintenance, ground handling, and catering operations. Shifting these facilities to RE complements the airline’s broader decarbonization strategy which includes transitioning to a modern and fuel-efficient all-NEO fleet, implementing fuel-efficient practices, optimizing flight routes, and electrifying its ground support equipment. ACEN RES expressed its enthusiasm for the partnership, with Sheila Mina, Vice President and Head of Account Management, stating, “We are delighted to partner with Cebu Pacific to support their commitment to sustainable aviation. By providing renewable energy solutions, we are enabling Cebu Pacific to reduce its carbon emissions and operate more efficiently. This partnership aligns with our mission of making renewable energy accessible for businesses across the Philippines.” As 2024 comes to a close, CEB continues its sustainability leadership in the domestic aviation sector, setting a benchmark for the industry and advocating sustainable air travel.            

The Baguio Water District was commended and congratulated by the city government of Baguio for being recognized as one of the World’s Climate Smart Utilities for the Achiever Category during the 3rd International Water Association (IWA) World Water Congress and Exhibition 2024 held last August 11-15, 2024 in Toronto, Canada. Mayor Benjamin Magalong, Vice Mayor Faustino Olowan, and city council members awarded the framed copy of Resolution Numbered 599 (Series of 2024) during the Monday Flag Raising Ceremony at the Baguio City Hall grounds. By Neil Ongchangco    

The Aboitiz Future Leaders, the college scholarship program of Aboitiz Foundation,  went on a learning visit to AP Renewables Inc. MakBan Geo, one of the geothermal powerplants managed by the Aboitiz Power Corporation on November 9. Organized by Aboitiz Foundation, the activity is an opportunity for the scholars to see firsthand the operations of a key player in the Philippine energy industry. The activity is also a part of the learning sessions provided by the Foundation to its scholars. One of the scholars who joined the plant tour is Lance Esrac Matthew Calamiong, an Aboitiz Future Leader – Impact Team Intern and a graduating mechanical engineering student from the University of the Philippines, Diliman. Lance has always been captivated by the energy sector, believing the massive influence and impact it holds over the country. “One of the sectors I am really interested in joining is the energy sector. I have always wanted to serve the Filipino people and positively influence the lives of those living here in the country. As an engineer, what better way to impact the lives of the Filipinos than to help facilitate the electricity that aids the country’s continuous development,” Calamiong said. The chance to navigate and survey a geothermal power plant is a chance that a mechanical engineering student cannot miss. Before the tour, a mandatory briefing was conducted, which included a safety orientation and an overview of the MakBan Power Plant – its history, operation, and importance. The bulk of the plant visit was conducted via a guided bus tour, where the scholars explored the inner workings of the geothermal facility. The scholars were also able to enter the control room of one of the generators. They were able to see up close massive infrastructure and equipment that they might one day be able to operate. “I am really happy with the tour. It was a great experience to be able to personally see the things that were taught to me in class. The equipment is a lot more massive than I thought – the cooling towers are as big as advertised but the scale of the turbines is bigger than I expected.I felt like a kid that was finally able to see up close and understand the reality of the stories that my teachers kept telling me about,”  Calamiong added. Being an Aboitiz Future Leader, Lance is very thankful for the overwhelming support and encouragement the Aboitiz Foundation has given their scholars. He is extremely grateful for the opportunities they have continuously provided him. “I have always appreciated the effort that the foundation has put forth in ensuring that their scholars are presented with opportunities they would not have found elsewhere. And I am truly blessed to be a part of a program where they are never reluctant to give you that window of opportunity.”   “The Aboitiz Future Leaders learning visit to the MakBan Geothermal Power Plant is more than just a tour; it’s an immersive experience that bridges academic knowledge with real-world applications. By witnessing the operations of a geothermal facility, our scholars gain invaluable insights into renewable energy and sustainability, inspiring them to think critically about their role in building a better future for the country,” said Jowelle Ann Cruz, Aboitiz Foundation’s Impact Lead for Education. The Aboitiz Future Leaders college scholarship program is a gateway to a brighter future for young, talented individuals with exceptional leadership potential. Beyond covering tuition fees, the Aboitiz provides personal and professional development opportunities to help Aboitiz  scholars become future leaders.                    

  Subic Bay Freeport – The Green Wheels 2024: Environmental Compliance On-the-Go caravan, a project of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) Central Luzon of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), opened at the Harbor Point Ayala Mall on Wednesday. The two-day event featured aOne-Stop Shop area, where clearances and permits of Subic Bay Freeport investors were processed, as well as the conduct of a briefing on the necessary requirements and new laws that were passed for environmental compliance. Green Wheels also featured an Information Education and Communication (IEC) caravan that provided technical assistance with the application for EMB compliance, and information on the new mandates of the bureau. SBMA acting-Deputy Administrator for Administration Vicente A. Evidente Jr. and EMB Clearance and Permitting Division ChiefEngr. Raldy R. Pagador graced the IEC Caravan on Thursday, with around 100 participants. Evidente and Pagador joined Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement Division (EMED) Engr. Nesty Mendiola and SBMA Ecology Center’s Policy and Monitoring Division Chief Rossell Abuyo in the ribbon-cutting ceremony in formally opening the caravan. The officials, as well as the participants, also signed the commitment wall as Advocates for Environmental Policies. Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) documents required were Certificate of Non- Coverage, Permit to Operate Air, Wastewater Discharge Permit, Pollution Control Officer Accreditation, and Hazardous Waste Generator Registration Certificate.