RP Promulgates Climate Change Act of 2009
Republic of the
Climate Change
Commission will draft the framework for the government’s program and action
plans related to climate change. An executive director to be appointed by The
President will head its technical staff. Three commissioners will also be
designated with the secretaries of agencies serving as members of the advisory
board. Representatives from the academe, business sector, non-governmental
organizations and the disaster risk reduction community will also be seated in
the advisory board.
Under RA 9729, the
National Framework Strategy and Program on Climate Change will be established
and mainstreamed into the government policy
formulation from the national government down to the local government units. In
accomplishing the program, municipal and city governments as well as barangays will be involved “in prioritizing climate change
issues and identifying and implementing best practices and other solutions, and
shall consider climate change adaptation as one of their regular functions”.
For its part and
quite early on, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), in a memorandum issued by
its General Manager on September 9, 2009, enjoined all Responsibility Center Heads to undertake “greening” projects in compliance
with PPA Memorandum Order No. 13-2009 on “Supplementary Guidelines on Waste
Management and other Environment-Friendly Practices in PPA”. In response, the
Port District Office of Southern Luzon, one of PPA’s
five district offices, submitted its proposed plans and programs towards the
attainment of eco-friendly ports. It likewise directed all port management
offices under its jurisdiction to undertake in their respective domains the
applicable proposed projects, some of which are as follows:
·
Establishment and
Maintenance of Marine/Fish Feeding Station – the objective of this project is
to preserve and maintain the quality of seawater surrounding the ports. It will
involve the construction along the bay of a floating fish feeding station
accessible only by riding a small boat or “banca”.
The level of healthiness of the surrounding waters will be gauged by observing
the number of fishes and other sea creatures that will respond to the fish
feeding program.
·
Conduct of
Seminar/Workshop on Ecological Waste Management – this project aims to empower
people through education and proper awareness on environment protection and
proper waste management. The
seminar/workshop is expected to guide the participants in the effective and
efficient implementation of measures concerning waste segregation, maintenance
of Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), and composting.
·
Implementation of
“Adopt a Tree” Program – this project is anticipated to be launched in
partnership with the local government offices, private organizations and port
users. This undertaking will necessarily commit an interested person or entity
to adopt a tree for a cost, aside from attending to its planting. The cost to
be incurred per tree will cover the total amount spent for the palm tree,
fabricated pot, painting materials and labor. For posterity’s sake, the name of the
adoptive person or entity will be painted on the plant pot. Port workers or
employees will take care of the adopted trees.
·
Promotion of
Mangrove/Tree Planting Activities – this activity is envisioned to encourage
community participation and underscore the importance of mangroves in the propagation
and sustenance of marine life. It is a common observation that adjoining areas
of ports have been stripped of mangrove covers which greatly affect the
ecological balance. In close coordination with the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR), local government units (LGUs),
and pertinent non-governmental organizations (NGOs), areas will be identified
for the planting of mangrove propagules and the
conduct of the planting activity will be properly scheduled.