On the occasion of the 10th-year commemoration of the landfall of Yolanda, one of the most powerful tropical cyclones ever recorded, a sustainability think-tank raised concern that decarbonization has not advanced in Eastern Visayas even as it hosts ample renewable energy resources.

According to analysis from CEED, energy facilities in the Leyte-Samar grid produce 100% renewables from geothermal energy, yet power contracted in its 11 electric cooperatives comes largely from coal, the dirtiest fossil fuel. From 51% in 2013, coal’s share in contracted capacity jumped to nearly 90% in 2022, contradictory to the Yolanda tragedy’s biggest lesson of the need to move away from dirty energy. Meanwhile, off-grid areas are heavily dependent on diesel.

“Typhoon Yolanda left a trail of destruction at an unprecedented scale when it hit a decade ago. In its wake, it also left a hard-taught lesson: that we need to muster all political will and fight to the hilt against having such disasters as a fixture in the future. On this end, a radical reduction of greenhouse gas emissions from fossil fuels is necessary. It is thus unfortunate to see how a region that has experienced the worst so far of the climate crisis has yet to mark such lesson as learned,” said Gerry Arances, Executive Director of CEED.

With the rise of coal, the share of renewable energy in the total contracted supply in Eastern Visayas shrank from 49.21% RE to 10.25% in ten years, a far cry from the immense potential of the region to wean away itself away off coal and diesel.

Existing and planned renewable energy capacity in Eastern Visayas is more than enough for the region’s electricity needs with installed capacity in 2022 meeting peak demand by 3.3 times and planned capacity for 2030 projected to meet the region’s peak demand in the same year by 6 times, according to data. 

“Yolanda is forever etched in history as a tragic illustration of the wrath of the climate crisis. As we remember lives lost, we must also strive to protect and empower those that are living today and generations to come. A just and rapid shift to renewable energy in both generation and consumption in the region, both on and off-grid, will allow communities in the region to benefit from much more affordable and sustainable energy, contribute in climate solutions, and assist in strengthening climate resilience,” said Arances.

Siem Reap, Cambodia – More than 100 Indigenous youth from 12 Asian countries convened at the 4th International Indigenous Youth Conference (IIYC) in Siem Reap, Cambodia, from October 26 to 29, 2023. 

The event, organized by the Asia Young Indigenous Peoples Network (AYIPN) and the Int’l Indigenous Peoples Movement for Self Determination & Liberation (IPMSDL), in collaboration with Cambodia Indigenous Youth Association-CIYA, Land Rights Now, and Asia Indigenous Youth Platform – AIYP, aimed to strengthen solidarity among Indigenous youth organizations and communities.

After seven years since the last IIYC, and under the theme “Passing the Torch,” the 4th IIYC welcomed a new generation of Indigenous Youth leaders poised to continue the legacy of the network. 

Through youth-led activities, discussions, performances, and forums, participants highlighted the rich diversity of Indigenous cultures while addressing the unique challenges faced by Indigenous Peoples in their respective countries. 

The conference provided a platform for participants to discuss their specific Indigenous People’s situations and propose actionable solutions for the Indigenous Lands in Indigenous Hands campaign.

The AYIPN General Assembly also upheld the theme of Passing the Torch by seeing the selection of a new Council of Leaders and Executive Council. Fourteen Indigenous youth leaders were chosen to form the Council of Leaders, and subsequently, the Executive Council was appointed. Funa-ay Claver from the Philippines was elected as the new Secretary General, and Gunjal Ikir Munda from India was elected as Chairman, ushering in a new era of Indigenous youth leadership.

As part of the conference’s efforts to share victories and experiences in environmental and land protection, attendees visited the Champen Protected Area within the Kui Indigenous community. This visit served as an opportunity to exchange indigenous knowledge on environmental protection and learn from the community’s sustainable practices, fostering cultural understanding and environmental awareness.

The 4th International Indigenous Youth Conference stands as a testament to the resilience, unity, and determination of Indigenous Youth. International solidarity among the participating communities have definitely grown stronger and bigger through the conference, and it is projected to grow bigger still in the next years to come. As the conference concludes, the torch has been passed, igniting a new chapter of empowerment, advocacy, and solidarity among Indigenous Peoples across Asia.

We thank our partners for making this possible, Voice, Lush Cosmetics North America, Rights and Resources Initiative, Asia Indigenous Peoples Pact and The Samdhana Institute.

#IIYC4

#IndigenousYouth

INTERVIEWS AND QUESTIONS ARE MOST WELCOME:

Gunjal Ikir Munda, AYIPN Chair, gimunda@gmail.com
Funa-ay Claver, AYIPN Secretary General, mmclaver@up.edu.ph

LAOAG CITY, ILOCOS NORTE – The Social Security System (SSS) Laoag Branch and other regional government agencies recently participated in the launching of the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair at the Mariano Marcos State University.

“SSS Laoag is one with the national government in providing quality, fast and reliable services to our stakeholders and members. During the two-day fair, we set up our very own mobile service, the SSS eWheels, wherein we assisted our members and employers in using our online and mobile services,” SSS Laoag Branch Head Richard Raralio said.

Services available during the two-day caravan were verification of contributions, loans and claims; Member Data Change Request; issuance of Social Security (SS) Number; Payment Reference Number (PRN) generation; SSS web registration; My.SSS account password resetting; disbursement account enrollment; UMID inquiry; submission of benefit claims; employer verifications; and Annual Confirmation of Pensioners (ACOP) Program compliance.

“Most of our members came to our booth to verify their contribution and loan records so we introduced to them the convenience of having a My.SSS account and SSS Mobile App. We taught them how to navigate the two online services and showed them the various transactions they may avail from the two,” Raralio said. SSS Laoag served 294 members with 302 transactions during the two-day caravan.  The Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair is a national project by President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. that offers a one-stop-shop of government services readily available to the Filipino people. Together with Laoag City, Ilocos Norte, the Bagong Pilipinas Serbisyo Fair was simultaneously conducted in Nabua, Camarines Norte; Tolosa, Leyte; and Monkayo, Davao de Oro.

Innovative data-driven technologies are empowering Filipino coastal communities by enabling them to make better informed decisions on when and how to utilize marine resources.

An advocate of sustainable fishing practices, Dr. Aletta Concepcion T. Yñiguez of the UP Diliman College of Science’s Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) has been working closely with small-scale fishers and government agencies to help rural fisherfolk with technologies developed by UP scientists.

Yñiguez and her fellow MSI researchers created ARAICoBeH (A Rapid Assessment Instrument for Coastal Benthic Habitats), an inexpensive tool for taking underwater photos of endangered areas such as coral reefs without needing to dive. She also spearheaded HABhub (Harmful Algal Bloom Hub), an online platform that facilitates the detection and reporting of algal blooms, which could threaten both the lives and livelihoods of affected fisherfolk. HABhub also provides robust early-warning systems that would allow for more proactive mitigation and enhanced understanding of these phenomena.

These and other innovations and insights from Dr. Yñiguez were the focus of a recent iStories webinar, hosted by the UPD-CS.

“To ensure the sustainable utilization and management of ocean resources, it is critical that observational, monitoring and decision-support tools are in place to provide concrete, science-based information and management. But the technologies, tools and capacity for these are sorely lacking,” Dr. Yñiguez said at the event.

“Our present efforts help bridge this gap through interdisciplinary collaborations to develop cost-effective sensors that automate ocean observation, building ocean data repositories and models for understanding, forecasting and decision-support,” she added.

For her work, Dr. Yñiguez was bestowed The Outstanding Women in Nation’s Service (TOWNS) award in 2022. Given by the TOWNS Foundation, Inc., the prestigious award honors Filipinas 21 to 45 years old who have contributed greatly to Philippine society in their chosen fields.

iStories is a series of monthly innovation-themed talks, storytelling, and activities featuring local and international scientists. The initiative aims to ignite the creativity and inventiveness of young scientists not just from UPD-CS but from other institutes inside and outside UP.

For inquiries about iStories, please message adride_staff@science.upd.edu.ph

For interview requests and other media concerns, please contact media@science.upd.edu.ph 

CABANATUAN CITY—Joint Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and local police arrested a regional level drug suspect in a buy-bust operation in this city on Wednesday night.

PDEA Nueva Ecija identified the arrested as Kristoffer S. Concepcion, alias Usok, 41, from Purok Dimasalang II, Barangay Balite. He was nabbed in a a buy-bust operation in his place.

Seized from him were 6 grams of shabu worth 40,800 and the buy-bust money.

A charge for violation Section 5 (sale of dangerous drugs) of Republic Act 9165 will be filed against him.

CITY OF MALOLOS- Chinese investors have just poured in a nearly P14 billion (US$254 million) worth of four major investments in housing, aquatic materials, vehicles and heavy equipment in Bulacan beginning 2024.

Governor Daniel R. Fernando and Changsa County, Hunan Province, China led by Party Secretary of the CPC Changsha Municipal Committee Wu Guiying signed a business partnership on Sunday at the Capitol.

The business ventures include the Broad Group Philippines Government Affordable Housing Project worth $18 million; Import of Philippine Aquatic Products worth $40 million; Sales and Local Assembly of Foton Philippines Vehicles in 2024 worth $180 million; and Sales Contract for Excavator Equipment worth $16.82 million or P13,970,000,000.

The Chinese businessmen in the country–Hunan Chamber of Commerce, Sunward Philippines Inc., Zhongxin Guotai Construction Corporation, Zoomlion Heavy Industry Philippines Inc., Hon-Kwang Electric Philippines Inc., and Sany Philippines Inc. donated food and non-food items including 435 boxes of medicines, 165 boxes of diapers, 140 boxes of canned goods, 100 sacks of rice and 250 assistive devices to the province.

The donations will be distributed to 29 orphanages and homes for the elderly in the province through the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office.

According to Fernando, he is humbled and excited by the potential that the partnership holds, and looks forward to a future filled with successful collaborations and shared prosperity between the two provinces.

“Let us seize this opportunity to work together, building bridges that connect our regions and create new avenues for development. Together, we will write a chapter of success and cooperation that will be remembered for generations to come,” the governor said.

Meanwhile, Wu Guiying said that this year marks the 10th anniversary of President Xi Jinping’s joint construction of the “Belt and Road” initiative, and the Philippines is an important node country in it.

“We sincerely hope that both parties will seize the opportunity of the comprehensive implementation of RCEP, further expand practical cooperation in modern agriculture, biomedicine and other fields, promote the vigorous development of education, culture and tourism in the two places, and better achieve complementary advantages, mutual benefit and common development,” she said.

In 2018, the Province of Bulacan, Philippines and Hunan Province, People’s Republic of China signed the Letter of Intent on the Establishment of the Friendship Relationships between the two provinces.

Both parties agreed to make concerted effort on the basis of equality and mutual benefit to promote people to people friendly context and economic and trade interflow and actively carry out exchanges and cooperation in the field of economy, trade, science and technology, culture, sports, health, education, youth, administration, and the likes.

Fernando said the Chinese investments is just one of the bulk of macro-economic and business opportunities the P754 billion worth New Manila International Airport in Bulakan town is expected to bring to the province when it starts to operate a few years from now.

MANILA–The Commission on Human Rights, through its regional office in Region X, has launched a Quick Response Operation to conduct an independent motu proprio investigation of the violent attack resulting in the death of Juan Tumpag Jumalon, also known on-air as ‘DJ Johnny Walker,’ in Calamba town Misamis Occidental.

The said incident happened early Sunday morning, 5 November 2023, as Jumalon was broadcasting on radio station 94.7 Calamba Gold FM, similarly located in his residence at Brgy. Don Bernardo A. Neri. The attack, carried out by a lone unidentified perpetrator, was captured on the livestream of his programme. The attacker was also seen grabbing the gold necklace of Jumalon before fleeing. Jumalon was rushed to the hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.

According to news reports, the Calamba Municipal Police Station is also investigating the case and has initiated a dragnet operation and checkpoints to help apprehend the suspect.

CHR condemns this brazen act of arbitrarily depriving a person of their right to life. CHR expresses further concern as the victim was a journalist—fourth killing under the current administration and 199th since 1986. Our independent investigation also seeks to determine if the killing is work-related. We recognise, however, the chilling effect of this violent attack that continues to make the country a dangerous place for journalists.

We urge the government to not let this incident end up in impunity through an urgent investigation and apprehension of the perpetrator. Our investigation seeks to aid in the pursuit of justice, including other recommendations toward the protection of media welfare and rights.

New petition for ENIPAS protection also launched

The National Museum of Natural History launched its latest exhibit on Monday, featuring the Verde Island Passage (VIP), a maritime area considered to be a hotspot of biodiversity and the center of the center of marine shorefish biodiversity in the world. 
 
Organized by the Center of Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) and the Protect VIP, the exhibit entitled “Our VIP: Protecting a Paradise in Peril” was launched at the Upper and Lower Courtyard of the museum and featured photographs of the VIP which showcase the beauty and challenges faced by the maritime area. The photographs were taken by renowned underwater photographers of the country including Gutsy Tuason, Danny Ocampo, Boogs Rosales, Marivic Maramot, among others. 

 
“We thank the National Museum of Natural History for hosting this exhibit which we hope will inspire awe and action. Aside from the exhibit itself, today is also the launch of a new petition urging our national leaders to declare the VIP as a protected seascape under the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System Act, or ENIPAS. All museum visitors can scan a QR code and sign when the exhibition is opened to the public on November 7,” said Gerry Arances, CEED Executive Director and co-convenor of Protect VIP. 
 
The online petition mentions that the VIP, which covers the provinces of Batangas, Oriental and Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, and Marinduque, is home to 60% of shorefish species in the country, along with 300 coral species and reef formations. The VIP’s resources provide food and livelihood for more than two million Filipinos but are threatened by several threats including climate change, oil spills, shipping impacts, and the proliferation of fossil gas terminals and power plants in the surrounding area. 

 
“On February 28, 2023, more than 900,000 liters of industrial oil were leaked by the sinking of MT Princess Empress, for which no one is still held accountable. This tragedy prevented thousands of fisherfolk from fishing in the area and affected the economies of the towns that depend on fishing and tourism for their income. Despite the dangers of leaks from the passage of ships with toxic cargo, the government continues to encourage the building of gas power plants in the area which will naturally drive up ship traffic and increase chances of another, more serious accident,” said Father Edwin Gariguez, Lead Convenor of Protect VIP. 
 
“The loss of the biodiversity of VIP will spell disaster for the country. Not only do we lose an ecological treasure, but we would also lose a significant source of our food and tourism revenue from those who wish to see its natural wonders. ENIPAS is a legal instrument that must be immediately and urgently bestowed to the VIP and we hope that this exhibit will be the first step in achieving this goal,” he added.
 

National Museum Deputy Diretor General Jorell Legaspi harped on the importance of the exhibition to generate public awareness to protect the VIP. With the challenges facing the integrity of the VIP, we hope that this exhibition will not only increase public consciousness and positive reception of the VIP’s role in the country’s food security and in abating climate change, we are also looking forward to heighten the call to legally protect the VIP. As such, the NM supports the advocacy of protecting and conserving this important Passage where biodiversity is at its highest so that our upcoming generations will continue to have a secured future in terms of sustenance, health, and well-being,” he said. 
 
CEED and Protect VIP are encouraging the public to view the exhibit, featuring photographs donated by professional underwater photographers, and to sign the online petition via the QR code to be found in the exhibit.
 
“We invite everyone to see what the fisherfolk and communities of VIP are fighting for. We are not just fighting for natural beauty; we are fighting for the survival of our way of life. Come see the exhibit at the National Museum of Natural History. The exhibit will run for three months, so perhaps it can be one of your stops this coming Christmas break. Let’s see the paradise in peril before it is too late,” said Arances.

SM Supermalls in partnership with SM Cares and Toy Kingdom is proud to announce the 2023 BPOP Bears of Joy, an exciting initiative aimed at making a difference in the lives of children and contributing to a better future for the community.

These huggable plushies come in four designs: BPop Squad 2023, namely, Eya (the rapper), Bin (the dancer), Rina (the leader), and Ace (the vocalist). Whether you’re young or young at heart, these plushies are the perfect companions to bring comfort, joy, and warmth to your life.

What sets this campaign apart is the commitment to giving back. For every two pieces of bear purchased, one will be given to a community charity. This year, Bears of Joy will be donated to chosen beneficiaries in Bulacan on Christmas.

With the holidays approaching, these plushies make perfect gifts for friends and family. They not only bring joy to your loved ones but also make a meaningful impact on the lives of children in need.

SM encourages everyone to participate in this heartwarming campaign. Together, we can make a difference, one plushie at a time. Bears of Joy are available at the ground level of SM City Marilao and SM City Baliwag. For more information about the “Bears of Joy” campaign, please visit the Facebook page of SM Bulacan malls.

Rommel T. Juan

[Pasay, Nov] – The 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit has made history as the most successful and highly anticipated electric vehicle (EV) event in the country. Year after year, the summit proves to be the driving force behind the evolution of electric mobility, and this year was nothing short of a spectacular milestone.

The summit began on a powerful note, with captivating talks and unwavering commitments from some of the industry’s most influential figures. Department of Energy Secretary Raphael Lotilla, Deputy Commissioner of the Bureau of Customs Jet Maronilla, and Senator Sherwin Gatchalian, the visionary author of the EVIDA law, took center stage. Their presence emphasized the nation’s dedication to propelling the electric vehicle industry forward.

Moreover, Usec Fita Aldaba of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Director Patric Aquino of the Department of Energy (DOE) engaged in enlightening discussions about potential government incentives and the implementation of the Comprehensive Roadmap for Electric Vehicles (CREVI). These conversations exemplify the government’s active role in shaping an enabling environment for the electric vehicle sector.

This year’s summit assembled a remarkable roster of EV supporters, including experts, manufacturers, and industry leaders, igniting fresh perspectives and insightful ideas during two days of engaging panel discussions. Attendees left with minds fully charged and ready to take on the electrified future.

The exhibit area was nothing short of extraordinary, featuring the most diverse and impressive lineup of EV exhibitors ever seen at the summit. Highlights included AC Motors, featuring Kia and BYD, Nissan, Hyundai, Mitsubishi Motors Philippines Corporation, Chery Motors, Foton, Jetour, Autokid, Lotus, Weltmeister, Hongqi, Luxuriant, Asiatrends, Saic Motors, Diamond EV featuring Dongfeng, and even prestigious brands like Lotus, BMW, and Tesla. For EV 2-wheelers, there was VST- ECS (Sunra), NWOW, DECC, and Hatasu. The summit’s exhibit area could undoubtedly rival the world’s best international motor show exhibits.

Furthermore, this year’s summit welcomed a substantial increase in foreign delegates, particularly from the esteemed ASEAN Federation of Electric Vehicle Associations (AFEVA). Their presence reinforced the global relevance of the EV movement, positioning the Philippines as a frontrunner in this transformative industry.

As the 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit concludes, all eyes turn toward the road ahead, which is unmistakably electric. The Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) stands committed to building upon this year’s success, ensuring that the summit continues to be the vanguard of the electric vehicle revolution in the Philippines.

Rommel Juan, EVAP Chairman, expressed his optimism, saying, “The 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit has exceeded all expectations, and it’s inspiring to see the progress we’ve made. We have a bright future ahead as we work together to shape the electric mobility landscape in the Philippines.”

Edmund Araga, EVAP President, added, “This year’s summit has been a monumental success, and it’s a testament to the dedication and hard work of our team. We’re committed to maintaining this momentum and driving the electric vehicle movement forward.”

Get ready for an even bigger and better 12th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit, scheduled for October 24-27, 2024. It’s an event you won’t want to miss!