By Aileen P. Refuerzo   BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – Baguio City has been chosen as one of the city beneficiaries of the Green and Resilient Cities Project, a global project that aims to “advance integrated and systems-based approaches to enhance biodiversity and promote nature-based solutions and low-carbon urban development.” Mayor Benjamin Magalong announced this development on Feb. 11, 2026 after receiving confirmation from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB) Assistant Director Mariglo Rosaida Laririt. Laririt, in a letter to the mayor, said the Global Environment Facility (GEF) Council has approved the Green and Resilient Cities Project under its 8th Replenishment Cycle, with an overall project cost of approximately USD 13 million. The project, which will be implemented by the United Nations Development Programme and executed by the BMB, aims to promote integrated and systems-based approaches to biodiversity conservation, nature-based solutions and low-carbon urban development in selected Philippine cities, including Baguio City. Laririt noted the City Government’s active participation in stakeholder consultations and follow-up meetings during the project development phase which she said helped shape the project design and ensure its responsiveness to local needs and priorities. The mayor expressed his appreciation for the city’s inclusion in the project saying it will help set in motion the nature-based solutions that the city has conceived to address environmental and biodiversity issues.\ “This is a big boost to our efforts towards attaining sustainability and resiliency and ultimately increase our carrying capacity and stunt urban decay which has been our ultimate objective,” the mayor said. He tasked the City Environment and Parks Management Office, City Planning Development and Sustainability Office and City Administrator’s Office to coordinate with the BMB and UNDP to ensure the successful implementation of the Green and Resilient Cities Project. The Global Environment Facility (GEF) is a multilateral environmental fund that provides grants and blended finance for projects related to biodiversity, climate change, international waters, land degradation, persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and other environmental causes.        

Globe continues to lead the way in sustainability, not only cutting carbon emissions but also earning regional recognition for its innovative energy efficiency projects. This commitment to operational excellence and climate action was recently recognized at the ASEAN Energy Awards 2025 in Kuala Lumpur, where Globe secured the winning prize. Notably, Globe was the only Filipino company to win among the entries for ASEAN Best Practices for Energy Efficient Buildings (EEB). According to the Philippine Department of Energy in their press release, “Among the awardees, Globe Telecom, Inc. was named Winner in the Energy Efficient Building – Special Submissions (Cutting-Edge Technology) category, recognized for deploying advanced solutions and system enhancements that improved energy performance across its operations…” “Energy Secretary Sharon S. Garin congratulated the Philippine awardees and emphasized the importance of translating best practices into scalable solutions that can be replicated across industries and communities.” Globe won this award with its innovative Chiller Optimization (EDD-RT) project at the Valero Telepark facility, which uses External Digital Demand-Response Technology to intelligently adjust the facility’s cooling system and significantly reduce energy use while maintaining critical cooling levels. According to Yoly Crisanto, Globe’s Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, the journey to Net Zero is about redefining how the company operates and invests for the future. She noted that winning the ASEAN Energy Award validates the company’s approach to integrating sustainability, from large-scale clean energy adoption to cutting-edge efficiency projects is world-class, emphasizing that progress for customers must also mean progress for the planet. Globe’s decarbonization strategy is driven by a twin approach that focuses on implementing energy-saving innovations alongside a major shift to renewable energy. As of November 2025, the company has significantly increased its use of clean energy, powering thirty-seven large facilities, such as data centers and offices, through Renewable Energy Power Purchase Agreements under the Philippine government-initiated Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) and Green Energy Option Program (GEOP). Furthermore, the company is utilizing the Energy Regulatory Commission-initiated Retail Aggregation Program, which will help transition more than 3,000 cell sites to source renewable energy by 2028. These energy-saving initiatives and the shift to renewable energy have led to substantial operational efficiencies while strengthening the reliability of Globe’s network. These efforts reduce the company’s exposure to fuel shortages and price fluctuations, marking solid progress toward its goal of a 42 percent cut in emissions by 2030 and eventual Net Zero.   PHOTO CAPTION:

Subic Bay Freeport, Philippines – In its effort to encourage healthy eating habits, Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc., a Japanese electronics manufacturer here, donated two units of Hydroponic Systems to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. Director Yosuke Takeuchi explained that these Hydroponic System units grow fresh, chemical-free vegetables in a safe and healthy environment, while they are being tested in real-world scenario with the government agency as a test bed. The two units installed at Building 255 are currently growing Black Rose Lettuce which will be distributed to SBMA employees once ready for harvest. Takeuchi, along with Sanyo Denki Philippines Inc. President and CEO Hirokazu Takeuchi, presented the two units to SBMA Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño on January 22, 2026. Aliño expressed his gratitude to the two officials, acknowledging that these Hydroponic System units can be adapted to the planned dormitory and residential areas proposed for Freeport employees to ensure augmented food security. “With the buildings of the SBMA running on solar power, electricity for these Hydroponic System units will not be an issue. I hope that the testing of these units would become successful so that companies inside the Subic Freeport would adopt it for the sake of their employees,” Aliño said. The Hydroponic System introduced by Sanyo Denki Philippines uses San Ace fans, a product made by the company itself. The two units have Black Rose Lettuce currently being grown, with the capacity to grow leaf radish, parsley, Mizuna, coriander, romaine lettuce, green and iceberg lettuce. The Hydroponic System is a Deep Flow Technique type that has dimensions similar to a large cabinet and weighs 61 kilograms without water. The system uses 220-volt electricity, which consumes approximately 0.3 kilowatt-hour, has a capacity for 90 plants, and a water tank capacity of 60 liters. The lettuce grown in the Hydroponic System may be harvested after 20 days.           PHOTO CAPTIONS:   [1-2] Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Eduardo Jose L. Aliño receives a briefing from Sanyo Denki officials who presented two units of Hydroponic System installed at Bldg. 255, which are being tested in a real-world scenario with the government agency as a test bed.   [3] Hydroponic System units grow Black Rose Lettuce and is also capable of growing from fresh, chemical-free vegetables such as leaf radish, parsley, Mizuna, coriander, romaine lettuce, green and iceberg lettuce.  

  NEW CLARK CITY, Philippines — In line with the national government’s renewable energy agenda and efforts to draw more foreign investments into the country, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has signed a has signed a USD200-million agreement with Saudi Arabian firm ACWA Power to bring clean, reliable, and affordable energy to New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. The agreement — signed at the InvestPhilippines Business Pavilion during the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland on 21 January 2026 — marks a key step in advancing climate-resilient and future-ready developments through low-cost power solutions that combine innovation with long-term value. BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang emphasized that the project goes beyond providing affordable energy and employment opportunities, serving as a strategic step toward achieving long-term energy independence. “Together with partners such as ACWA Power, we can maximize New Clark City’s clean energy potential and show that sustainability can be a powerful driver of economic growth in Central Luzon,” Engr. Bingcang said. Through this initiative, ACWA Power plans to develop a large-scale renewable energy project spanning around 500 hectares in New Clark City, enhancing the city’s competitiveness as a sustainable destination for business and innovation. The project will leverage advanced solar photovoltaic technology, with possible battery energy storage integration, to ensure stable and cost-efficient power supply, subject to detailed technical studies, site validation, and applicable approvals. ACWA Power, a Saudi-listed company based in Riyadh, manages US$114.6 billion in assets across 15 countries in the Middle East, Africa, Central Asia, and Southeast Asia. With a contracted capacity of 93 GW of power and 9.3 million cubic meters of water per day, the company provides sustainable, reliable energy and water solutions around the world This partnership aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision for a sustainable and resilient energy future for the Philippines. Also present during the signing were ACWA Power CEO Marco Arcelli; H.E. Manuel A.J. Teehankee, Ambassador and Permanent Representative to the World Trade Organization, Hon. Deputy Speaker Ferdinand Hernandez; SSS President and CEO Robert Joseph M. De Claro; Berthaphil, Inc, President Peter Herman; Race to Net Zero Philippines CEO Dawn Cabigon; Nanay Partylist Representative Hon. Florabel Yatco; CSC Commissioner Atty. Luis Meinrado C. Pañgulayan; and BCDA Officer-in-Charge for Conversion and Development Group Engr. Mark P. Torres.          

By Ruben A. Veloria   ZAMBALES, Philippines – Electricity is something most of us take for granted up until it goes out. For households, businesses, and industries, power interruptions are more than just an inconvenience; they can spoil goods, halt production, and disrupt social services. In Central Luzon, particularly in Zambales province, this reality has hit especially hard during extreme weather events. The impact of these climate-related disruptions became starkly evident when Super Typhoon Uwan (Fung-wong) caused unscheduled power interruptions across Subic, Castillejos, San Antonio, and San Narciso, leaving households and businesses in the dark. Neighboring Olongapo City was also affected by these power outages. Economic costs Many fail to see that beyond the immediate disruptions, power interruptions take a toll on the economic performance of a community. Anne Estorco Montelibano, President of the Philippine Independent Power Producers Association Inc., explained: a five-hour nationwide power outage can cost the country over ₱500 million pesos in economic losses. “In 2020, the country’s VoLL was at ₱20.65 per kilowatt hour (kWh). To put this into perspective, for every five hours of no electricity, our country loses about 500 megawatts, which equates to ₱556 million in economic losses. It’s a hefty amount to lose for a developing country,” Montelibano said. The Value of Lost Load (VoLL), a monetary indicator that measures the economic cost of electricity interruptions, helps quantify the substantial impact power outages have on the economy. Ensuring reliable supply Power loss in the Philippines stems from several factors. Major interruptions often caused by congested and aging power lines, and equipment failure. Beyond these infrastructure challenges, extreme weather conditions and insufficient supply – where electricity demand from homes and industries exceeds capacity – continue to exert pressure on the power system. As both economic activity and climate volatility intensify, ensuring a reliable electricity supply has become an imperative. Data from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) illustrates the delicate balance of supply and demand. As of December 22, 2025, the Luzon grid’s peak demand was 11,831 MW, with an operating margin of 2,755 MW. While supply may currently meet demand, unforeseen events such as typhoons, equipment failures, or surges in consumption can quickly shrink that margin and increase the chances of brownouts in Central Luzon. Against this backdrop, Renewable Energy (RE) has emerged not only as a cleaner alternative but as a crucial source of power when the grid needs it most. As of July 31, 2025, Luzon’s grid had 2,609 MW of solar installed capacity forming part of a total 6,600 MW of renewable capacity, including wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass. For a tropical country like ours, solar energy is highly compelling. It also stands out among renewables, not because of its constancy, but because of its predictability, speed of deployment, and its ability to add capacity quickly to a grid that is under pressure. Solar to lead Luzon energy push in 2026 According to the Department of Energy, an additional 7,060.20 megawatts (MW) will come online to the grid in 2026. Of this, 6,710.20 MW will be generated from RE with solar energy accounting for 5,097.14 MW or over 70% of the total new capacity. Meanwhile, wind energy capacity will add 1,580.84 MW; hydropower, 23.69 MW; geothermal, 5.65 MW; and biomass, 2.88 MW. On top of this, 1,070.16 MW of energy storage systems is expected to be operational in 2026. Luzon will have the lion’s share of 2026’s newly installed capacity at 6,065.64 MW with the contributions from a mix of renewables and non-renewables, and most notably, solar energy strengthening the region’s grid. The time has come for solar Solar has emerged to this point where it is no longer supplementary and has now become a core contributor to grid reliability. As Pete Maniego, former chairman of the National Renewable Energy Board, has pointed out: practical solutions already exist given today’s technologies: expanding rooftop solar and upgrading and optimizing existing solar farms that add capacity quickly and responsibly. Not just experimental anymore, solar power has proven approaches that can deliver immediate relief to a grid under pressure. With current technologies, solar development has moved beyond old trade-offs, from land conversion to land optimization – solar power and agriculture coexisting and even reinforcing each other. Maniego adds, these practical, high-impact measures won’t just prevent blackouts; they create jobs, attract private investment, and strengthen energy security, while remaining socially and environmentally responsible. Solar today is no longer just about clean energy; it is about smart, scalable infrastructure that carries real weight in powering the country forward.        

In pursuit of a more sustainable and energy-secure future, BDO Unibank, Inc. (BDO) anchored the ₱50-billion financing that enabled Prime Infra to acquire a 60% controlling stake in the gas assets of First Gen Corporation (FGen). The transaction marks one of the country’s most significant energy sector deals in recent years, supporting the Philippines’ long-term goal of ensuring affordable, reliable, and cleaner power. BDO financed 60% of the total loan facility under a 10-year term. BDO Capital & Investment Corporation (BDO Capital) served as Mandated Lead Arranger, while BDO Trust Investments Group acted as Facility Agent and Collateral Trustee—demonstrating the Bank’s full support for high-impact and transformational projects. “BDO’s role in Prime Infra’s investment supports our broader push to scale the country’s natural gas infrastructure. These investments are essential in strengthening energy security and supporting the Philippines’ transition to a cleaner and more reliable power system,” said Prime Infra President and CEO Guillaume Lucci. “This landmark deal highlights BDO’s commitment to providing strategic financing solutions for critical infrastructure—projects that power national development and shape the Philippines’ evolving energy landscape,” stated Ed V. Francisco, President of BDO Capital. Prime Infra described the acquisition as a pivotal step in expanding the Philippines’ natural gas value chain. Its partnership with FGen aims to deliver greater value to consumers and further strengthen the country’s gas sector. The Clean Energy Complex in Batangas contributes over 2,000 megawatts of generation capacity, helping in the country’s push to achieve a 35% renewable energy mix by 2030 and 50% by 2040 under the government’s Philippine Energy Plan 2023-2050.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines – The Environment Management Bureau- Cordillera that between 12 midnight and 4 am on December 31 to January 1, the Burnham Park air quality monitoring station recorded a steady and significant rise in PM₂.₅ and PM₁₀ levels, reaching the Emergency and Very Unhealthy categories of the Philippine Air Quality Index. This increase was largely due to the heavy use of fireworks during the New Year celebration. Because nighttime air has very little movement and almost no wind, the smoke and particles released from fireworks stayed close to the ground, causing the polluted air to remain in the area longer than usual. Although the pollution levels gradually decreased after 4 AM, the poor air quality persisted into the early morning hours before conditions slowly improved. PM₁₀ and PM₂.₅ are tiny particles produced by burning materials such as fireworks. PM₁₀ can irritate the nose, throat, and lungs, while PM₂.₅ is even smaller and can travel deep into the lungs and even into the bloodstream, making it more harmful. These particles can trigger coughing, breathing difficulties, asthma attacks, and other respiratory problems—especially among children, senior citizens, pregnant women, and those with existing heart or lung illnesses. Fireworks release a large amount of these particles in just a short time, and with calm air during the early hours of the morning, they accumulate and create thick pollution that takes hours to disperse. This is why the air quality remained unsafe even after the fireworks had stopped. To safeguard the health of every household and community, EMB‑CAR strongly urges the public to avoid the use of fireworks and to choose cleaner, safer alternatives for celebrations. Avoiding fireworks not only protects vulnerable groups but also prevents sudden spikes in pollution that place unnecessary stress on families and the environment. Staying indoors during poor air quality events, wearing protective masks when necessary, and monitoring official advisories are simple actions that can greatly reduce exposure. EMB‑CAR appeals to every family, every barangay, and every community leader to make responsible choices that put health and safety first. Let us welcome the New Year—and every celebration—with practices that honor our environment and protect the well‑being of our people. 𝘊𝘭𝘦𝘢𝘯 𝘢𝘪𝘳 𝘪𝘴 𝘢 𝘨𝘪𝘧𝘵 𝘸𝘦 𝘢𝘭𝘭 𝘴𝘩𝘢𝘳𝘦, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘪𝘵𝘴 𝘱𝘳𝘰𝘵𝘦𝘤𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯 𝘣𝘦𝘨𝘪𝘯𝘴 𝘸𝘪𝘵𝘩 𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘰𝘧 𝘶𝘴. 𝘛𝘰𝘨𝘦𝘵𝘩𝘦𝘳, 𝘭𝘦𝘵 𝘶𝘴 𝘣𝘶𝘪𝘭𝘥 𝘢 𝘩𝘦𝘢𝘭𝘵𝘩𝘪𝘦𝘳, 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦𝘳, 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘮𝘰𝘳𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘴𝘪𝘭𝘪𝘦𝘯𝘵 𝘊𝘰𝘳𝘥𝘪𝘭𝘭𝘦𝘳𝘢 𝘧𝘰𝘳 𝘧𝘶𝘵𝘶𝘳𝘦 𝘨𝘦𝘯𝘦𝘳𝘢𝘵𝘪𝘰𝘯𝘴.

BAGUIO CITY, Philippines — The city’s public and private schools shall be given six months to transition from being connected to the city’s Sewage Treatment Plant (BSTP) to having their own wastewater treatment facility. This was discussed during a meeting between Environment Management Bureau (EMB-CAR) Regional Director Jean Borromeo, City Environment and Parks Management Office (CEPMO) Assistant Head Engr. Marivic Empizo and academic officials, Friday, Dec. 12, at the BSTP, Sanitary Camp. This is in compliance with RA 9275 or the Clean Water Act, which states that structures with a wastewater volume of 12 cubic meters per day, and Section 149 of the Baguio Environment Code, that voluminous wastewater generators, including schools, to construct their own sewage treatment plant (STP). The school authorities present during the meeting shall submit their compliance action plan (CAP) in January 2026, which contains details of the program; (school) population, water consumption, sewage treatment status and system, proposed STP budget, timetable of construction, and transition period. For big universities, with classification as large wastewater generators, there should be immediate compliance to have their own STP. RD Borromeo mentioned the exceedance of river quality parameters in Baguio City as compared to DENR standards, which call for water and sanitation measures. The school authorities, however, saw challenges such as the absence of space for an STP, property lines, and budgetary constraints, such that the Department of Education (Dep-Ed) Schools Division of Baguio needs to look over funding needs for STPs in public schools. According to CEPMO assistant head Engr. Empizo, other commercial establishments such as hotels and restaurants shall be invited during the first quarter of 2026 to discuss the requirements of compliance with the Clean Water Act and the Baguio Environment Code. Atty. Mary Jane Onogon and Engr. Lowell Barton, Jr, from EMB-CAR and Waste Water and Hazardous Waste Management Division (WHWMD – CEPMO) Head Engr. Wilbur Suanding was also present during the meeting. -jgfianza, with reports from CEPMO  

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Philippines  – The Provincial Government of Pangasinan, led by Governor Ramon V. Guico III, has initiated the River Rehabilitation and Flood Mitigation Project with a dredging operation at the Limahong Channel in Lingayen on December 24. The project targets river mouths clogged with silt and sediment, which slow water flow and cause flooding in nearby areas. A vessel will temporarily operate at sea to clear the accumulated soil and sand, The project has secured approvals from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), EMB, and Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) after meeting technical and financial requirements. The project is seen as a long-term solution to Pangasinan’s recurring flooding, aiming to protect lives and livelihoods. It can be recalled that the provincial government launched the project on August 22, 2025, as a collaborative effort with DENR, MGB, congressional districts, and local government units. The desiltation process is funded by private partners at no cost to the government, per DENR Administrative Order No. 2020-07. Also, the provincial government enacted Ordinance No. 349-2025 to regulate river reforestation and established the Provincial Flood Mitigation and Management Office to oversee activities. Governor Guico has assured that the project will be implemented in accordance with all existing environmental laws. Aside from the Limahong Channel, the project will also cover the rehabilitation of the Agno River, Sinucalan River, Cayanga River, and Pantal River. “We will rehabilitate and revive our rivers so that waters, including floodwaters, can flow continuously to the sea, far from where we live,” the governor earlier said. (Ruby F. Rayat | PIMRO)