COTABATO CITY — The military, police, the United States Institute of Peace, and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) in Basilan have strengthened ties to sustain peace in the province.
All 11 towns and the Lamitan City in Basilan, scenes of bloody clashes between Moro secessionist groups and government forces in decades past, had all been cleared from presence of the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group via joint peacebuilding programs of local government units, the police and the military’s Western Mindanao Command.
Radio reports in Cotabato City on Sunday stated that officials of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade, the Basilan Provincial Police Office and representatives of the joint Government-MILF Coordinating Committee agreed to continue cooperating on programs complementing the Mindanao peace process during a dialogue in Barangay Matatag in Lamitan City on Friday, Sept. 20.
Haroro J. Ingram, the Philippine country director of the United States Institute of Peace was present in the peace and security conference, where cooperation among key players in keeping the peace now in Basilan was discussed by participants.
Among the attendees were the commander of the Army’s 101st Infantry Brigade, Brig. Gen. Alvin V. Luzon, and Basilan provincial police director, Police Colonel Cerrazid A. Umabong.
Friday’s peace and security conference in Lamitan City reportedly delved partly on the need to maintain cohesion in peacebuilding activities of all sectors in Basilan, including the Government-MILF Coordinating Committee, the 101st Infantry Brigade, the provincial police and its component municipal police stations. — John Felix M. Unson
TABUK CITY, KALINGA — Y-Kalinga coffee growers and producers have linked up with the Kalinga provincial government and other government agencies to push the local coffee industry further to progress.
Kalinga Governor and Kalinga Provincial Coffee Council (KPCC) Chairman James S. Edduba said, the people of Kalinga do not greet their visitors with “Good Morning,” but instead offer them with overflowing coffee. He explained, it is a rich tradition of Kalinga, which the people are proud of.
During the First Kalinga Coffee Summit, themed “Brewing the Future and Sustainability of Kalinga Coffee,” representatives from different sectors led by the KPPC described it as a major milestone in the province’s efforts to propel its coffee industry and ensure its sustainability for future generations.
Summit participants pledged to unite as key stakeholders in their shared goal of promoting and protecting the unique heritage of Kalinga coffee.
Representatives of the different agencies of the government as well as the academe including the Department of Trade and Industry, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Department of Science and Technology, the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, and the Kalinga State University committed to be among the vital partners in boosting efforts to promote Kalinga coffee in the local and international markets.
Mr. Edduba further explained that the focus of this week’s summit is the sustainability of the local coffee industry and the preservation of the rich tradition of Kalinga coffee, while looking forward to address the impacts of climate change, market competition, and the challenges of agricultural innovation. — Artemio A. Dumlao
HEZBOLLAH MEMBERS raise their fists on the day of the funeral of three Hezbollah members, who were killed on Friday in an Israeli strike on Beirut’s southern suburbs, Lebanon, Sept. 21, 2024. — REUTERS
BEIRUT/CAIRO — Israel and Lebanon exchanged heavy fire into Sunday, with Israeli warplanes carrying out the most intense bombardment in almost a year of war across Lebanon’s south, while Hezbollah claimed rocket attacks on military targets in Israel’s north.
The Israeli military said it struck around 290 targets on Saturday including thousands of Hezbollah rocket launcher barrels and said it would continue to strike targets of the Iran-backed movement.
Israel closed schools and restricted gatherings in many northern areas of the country and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights early on Sunday.
Sirens sounded all night as multiple rockets and missiles were fired from Lebanon and Iraq, most of which were intercepted by Israeli aerial defense systems, the military said.
Israeli media reported that a number of buildings were hit directly or by falling missile debris, and ambulance services said they treated some lightly injured people. No serious casualties were reported.
Hezbollah said it targeted the Israeli Ramat David Airbase with dozens of missiles in response to “repeated Israeli attacks on Lebanon,” the group posted on its Telegram channel early on Sunday.
The successive barrages of rocket attacks launched by Hezbollah at Ramat David are the deepest strikes it has claimed since hostilities began.
Iran-backed Iraqi militants in a statement also claimed an explosive drone attack on Israel early on Sunday.
ESCALATING ATTACKS The escalating attacks come less than 48 hours after an Israeli airstrike targeting Hezbollah commanders killed at least 37 people in a suburb of the Lebanese capital, according to authorities.
Hezbollah, a powerful Iran-backed group, said 16 members including senior leader Ibrahim Aqil and another commander, Ahmed Wahbi, were among those killed on Friday in the deadliest strike in nearly a year of conflict with Israel.
Israel’s army said it hit an underground gathering of Aqil and leaders of Hezbollah’s elite Radwan forces, and had almost completely dismantled its military chain of command.
The attack leveled a multi-story residential building in the crowded suburb and damaged a nursery next door, a security source said. Three children and seven women were among those killed, according to Lebanon’s health ministry.
Friday’s strike sharply escalated the conflict and inflicted another blow on Hezbollah after two days of attacks in which pagers and walkie-talkies used by its members exploded.
The death toll in those attacks, widely believed to have been carried out by Israel, has risen to 39 with more than 3,000 injured. Israel has neither confirmed nor denied involvement.
In what it said was the initial retaliation for the attacks with the exploding devices, Hezbollah on Sunday posted on its Telegram channel that it had launched rockets at Israeli military-industry facilities.
US national security adviser Jake Sullivan said he was worried about escalation but that the Israeli killing of a top Hezbollah leader brought justice to the group, which Washington designates terrorists.
“While the risk of escalation is real, we actually believe there is also a distinct avenue to getting to a cessation of hostilities and a durable solution that makes people on both sides of the border feel secure,” Mr. Sullivan told reporters.
Lebanese Prime Minister Najib Mikati canceled a planned trip to the UN General Assembly in New York.
ISRAEL BRACES FOR RETALIATION Hezbollah has said it would keep fighting Israel until it agrees to a ceasefire in its war against Hamas in the Palestinian enclave of Gaza — triggered by a Hamas-led rampage in southern Israel on Oct. 7.
US officials say that is unlikely anytime soon. Israel wants Hezbollah to ceasefire and withdraw forces from the border region, adhering to a UN resolution signed with Israel in 2006, irrespective of any Gaza deal.
Anticipating retaliation, the Israeli military restricted gatherings and raised the alert level for residents of northern communities. The alert went as far south as the coastal city of Haifa, signaling Israel thought Hezbollah could strike deeper than it had since the war with Hamas began.
In southern Lebanon on Saturday, people described huge explosions that lit up the night sky and shook the ground as Israel carried out its latest strikes.
Israeli Defense Minister Yoav Gallant, who said last week Israel was launching a new phase of war on the northern border, posted on X: “The sequence of actions in the new phase will continue until our goal is achieved: the safe return of the residents of the north to their homes.”
Tens of thousands of people have left their homes on both sides of the Israel-Lebanon border since Hezbollah began firing rockets at Israel in October in sympathy with Palestinians in Gaza.
A communique from a US summit hosted by President Joseph R. Biden with the leaders of Japan, India and Australia stressed the need to prevent the Gaza war “from escalating and spilling over in the region” but did not specifically mention the Israel-Hezbollah conflict.
With at least 70 people killed in Lebanon over the past week, the conflict toll in the country since October has surpassed 740 during the worst Israel-Hezbollah flare-up since a 2006 war. — Reuters
A FRENCH national flag flies above the entrance of the Elysee Palace in Paris, France, Nov. 13, 2023. — REUTERS
PARIS — France unveiled a new government on Saturday that aims to strike a fine balance between right-wingers and centrists, as Prime Minister Michel Barnier hopes to break political deadlock following snap elections that delivered a hung parliament.
After 2-1/2 months of political uncertainty since centrist President Emmanuel Macron’s surprise decision to call early elections, Barnier has put together a cabinet he hopes will find cross-party support in the fragmented parliament.
With few political heavyweights, his team includes one of the leaders of the conservative party of former President Nicolas Sarkozy, Bruno Retailleau, who negotiated the coveted interior ministry as the price for support in parliament.
However, showing the government’s fragility, the prestigious job of finance minister was given to a little-known 33 year-old, Antoine Armand of Macron’s party, having been turned down by more senior politicians.
The public finances portfolios, shared with new Budget Minister Laurent Saint-Martin, will have the unenviable task of putting together a budget bill before January, at a time France is struggling to contain a spiralling budget deficit.
“We must cut public spending and make it more efficient,” Mr. Armand told the Journal du Dimanche newspaper in an interview published on Saturday. “If the solution was to raise taxes, France would have long been the world’s top superpower.”
‘CONCESSIONS AND MANEUVERING’ But despite the entry of 10 politicians from Mr. Barnier’s conservative Republicans (LR) party in cabinet, Mr. Macron kept a number of outgoing ministers in key posts. Only one left-wing politician joined cabinet, Didier Migaud as justice minister.
Jean-Noel Barrot, the outgoing Europe minister, was promoted to foreign minister.
Sebastien Lecornu will stay on as defence minister.
Mr. Macron named Mr. Barnier, the European Union’s former Brexit negotiator and a 73-year-old veteran politician, as prime minister earlier this month, but the lengthy talks he had to lead to pull together a team were an illustration of the tough tasks ahead.
The centrist and conservative parties managed to join forces, but will depend on others, and in particular Marine Le Pen’s far right National Rally (RN), to stay in power and get bills adopted by a very fractured parliament.
“The centrist government is de facto a minority administration,” Eurointelligence analysts said in a note. Its ministers “will not only have to agree amongst each other but also will need votes from opposition parties for its bills to pass in the assembly. This means offering even more concessions and maneuvering.”
The RN gave tacit support to Barnier’s premiership, but reserved the right to back out at any point if its concerns over immigration, security and other issues were not met.
“I’m angry to see a government that looks set to recycle all the election losers,” Mathilde Panot, who leads the hard-left LFI group of lawmakers, told TF1 television. — Reuters
TRIPOLI — Libya’s Internal Security Agency said on Saturday it had thwarted an attempt to smuggle 100 kg (220 lb) of gold and 1.5 million euros at Misrata international airport during a security check of an international flight.
The agency said on its verified Facebook page that the gold bars were found in three suitcases while the money was in one suitcase.
The suitcases were spotted during the security inspection process of a flight to Turkey, said the agency.
A number of pictures posted by the agency showing the confiscated suitcases containing gold bars and bundles of euro banknotes.
Misrata is a port city about 200 km (125 miles) east of the capital Tripoli.
The agency added that “those responsible for these suitcases were arrested.”
In May, the Tripoli-based attorney general said it ordered the arrest of director general of customs and other officials at Misrata international airport over conspiring to smuggle nearly 26,000 kg of gold.
Libya has had little peace since a 2011 NATO-backed uprising and it split in 2014 between eastern and western factions. — Reuters
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Mondelez International’s women leaders on being active in life and work
In today’s fast-paced corporate world, achieving a balance between professional obligations and personal wellness is essential. At Mondelēz International, this balance is not only encouraged but exemplified by leaders such as Aleli Arcilla, Managing Director; and Mae Corona, Senior Legal Counsel. Their stories reveal how a commitment to fitness and mindful snacking can support both work and life excellence.
Aleli Arcilla, Mondelēz International’s first woman Country Leader in over 15 years, began her journey into sports with running, driven initially by a personal goal to regain fitness after having her second child. “Running became a serious pursuit during my previous tenure as Marketing Manager for a sports drink brand, where I was introduced to numerous races. It started as a vanity project but evolved into a passion for maintaining a healthy lifestyle,” Ms. Arcilla explains. Today, her dedication to running has shaped her leadership style. “The discipline and resilience I’ve developed through sports directly influences my effectiveness as a leader,” she reflects.
Mae Corona, Senior Legal Counsel
Mae Corona, who is also a member of the Company’s senior leadership, has been actively involved in cycling and running. She began her journey with the goal of keeping up with her daughter’s energy. “Consistency and commitment to sports allow me to stay fit and create memorable experiences with my loved ones,” Ms. Corona says. Her daily routine includes early morning workouts, which help her stay energized and focused throughout the workday. “Starting my day with a physical activity clears my mind and prepares me to tackle work challenges effectively,” she notes.
Both leaders are also active participants in Mondelēz International’s ongoing Walk, Run, Bike, and Workout Challenge, a program designed to encourage being physically active among its employees. Conceived during the pandemic in 2021, the Challenge has provided a platform for employees to engage in various forms of physical activity, from walking and running to cycling and now workouts. “The Walk, Run, Bike, and Workout Challenge fosters a culture of wellness within our organization, making fitness both enjoyable and accessible for everyone,” Aleli states.
Aleli Arcilla
“Physical fitness and being active is important for us as a snacking company,” adds Aleli. “We believe that while consumers should be mindful of what they eat, they also need to be active in order to avoid lifestyle diseases. Studies have shown that to avoid obesity and diabetes, a balanced diet and being physically active are equally important.”
The challenge works by encouraging employees to log their steps, kilometers, and calories burned during workout sessions. Since its launch in August 2024, the challenge has engaged almost one hundred participants, achieving impressive results: over eight million steps, thousands of kilometers covered by runners and bikers, and hundreds of thousands of calories burned by the workout participants. The program will conclude at the end of September, with the top-performing employees being recognized during the company’s Purpose Day, a celebration of Mondelēz International’s anniversary as a snacks Company.
Mae Corona
Ms. Corona highlights the importance of such focus on employee well-being, stating that “Companies that value physical activities promote a positive work culture and boost overall productivity.”
Aleli adds, “Through initiatives like this challenge, we advocate not just fitness, but on making mindful lifestyle choices. It’s about encouraging each other to be our best — physically, mentally, and professionally.”
In addition to promoting physical fitness, Mondelēz International champions Mindful Snacking as its advocacy. This approach encourages employees to make thoughtful snack choices and behaviors that align with their health goals, emphasizing the importance of savoring each snack bite for greater satisfaction and fulfillment. By integrating Mindful Snacking into their routines, anyone can support their well-being alongside their fitness efforts. Anyone can practice Mindful Snacking — or in Filipino “Snack na Swak.” Here are some tips anyone can follow, by asking ourselves:
1. Why do I want to Snack?
Are you looking for energy, a pause in your day, or simply indulging in a treat? Understanding your motivation helps you choose a snack that meets your immediate needs.
2. What do I want for a Snack?
Whether you prefer something sweet or savory, or creamy or crunchy; portion out your snack and minimize distractions. This helps you enjoy your snack fully and determine if you are satisfied.
3. How can I savor my Snack?
Savor your snack using all your senses. Focus on the smells, tastes, textures, shapes, and colors to fully appreciate the experience. Checking in with yourself to see if you’re satisfied can enhance your enjoyment and support your well-being.
Through its comprehensive wellness programs and commitment to the well-being of its employees, Mondelēz International demonstrates that integrating physical activity and Mindful Snacking into daily routines can lead to a balanced and fulfilling lifestyle. By fostering an environment that supports both personal and professional growth, the company helps its employees achieve harmony between work, health, and overall well-being, making it truly one of the best places to work in the country.
About Mondelēz International
Mondelēz International, Inc. (Nasdaq: MDLZ) empowers people to snack right in over 150 countries around the world. With 2023 net revenues of approximately $36 billion, MDLZ is leading the future of snacking with iconic global and local brands such as OREO, belVita and LU biscuits; Cadbury Dairy Milk, Milka and Toblerone chocolate; Sour Patch Kids candy and Trident gum. Mondelēz International is a proud member of the Standard and Poor’s 500, Nasdaq 100, and Dow Jones Sustainability Index. Visit www.mondelezinternational.com or follow the company on Twitter at www.twitter.com/MDLZ.
About Mondelez Philippines
Mondelez Philippines, Inc. has been providing consumers with delicious snack products for the past 61 years — since 1963. Its product portfolio includes Tang powdered beverages, Eden cheese, mayonnaise and sandwich spread, Cheez Whiz spread, Oreo cookies, Tiger energy biscuits, as well as Toblerone and Cadbury Dairy Milk chocolates. The company employs about 450 people in the Philippines, with a manufacturing facility in Parañaque City. Visit https://ph.mondelezinternational.com/home.
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The visions of three “great” men about Doc PenPen and the making of the Philippines as the “Poetry Heart of the World”
The vision of William Shakespeare
The discovery of the Philippines by Ferdinand Magellan over 500 years ago marked a pivotal moment in history. Seventy-seven years later, according to Danny Gallardo, William Shakespeare—England’s great poet—prophesied in Sonnet 7 about a land in the “Orient.” Shakespeare’s words, some believe, may allude to the Philippines.
While Magellan’s voyage ended in the Philippines, it symbolized the start of a new kind of journey: the global spread of poetry. Leading this poetic circumnavigation is the “fair youth” Shakespeare referred to, identified by Gallardo as Dr. Epitacio Tongohan MD, also known as Doc PenPen Bugtong Takipsilim.
Starting in 2010, Doc PenPen has traveled the world—from Manila to Antarctica (through Dr. Lanka Siva Prasad)—carrying a vision of unity and love with the mantra “no colors, no races, all colors, all races, all loves, embraces.” His mission, “to heal, to inspire, and to awaken,” underpins the Pentasi B World Friendship Poetry movement he founded.
The vision of Dr. Jose Rizal
In his time, when there seemed little hope of Philippine freedom and progress, Jose Rizal (1861-1896) saw that a new Philippines was inevitable. But to hasten that day, he prescribed a positive break with the past.
He called on his countrymen to redeem themselves from a reputation for indolence, to acquire a new spirit for work, and to foster a new Filipino consciousness. There was no doubt in his mind about the requirements of progress: “In order that (the Filipino) may make progress, it is necessary that a revolutionary spirit, so to speak, should boil in his veins since progress necessarily requires change; it implies the overthrow of the sanctified past by the present, the victory of new ideas over the old accepted ones.”
This vision is worthy of aligning with the pioneering spirit of Doc PenPen’s democratization of poetry and creation of avant-garde poetry known as Pentasi B Poetry’s 5Ms concept: multilingual, multimodal, multiangular, multisensorial and multidimensional.
In the 1890s, Rizal saw the rise of “new men” and a “new social order” within a century. In 1968, the New Filipino and the New Filipinism came into being.
The vision of Ferdinand Marcos Sr.
In his fourth State of the Nation Address (SONA) in 1969, former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., father of the incumbent President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., envisioned a Metamorphosis and New Filipinism. Here is an excerpt from his 4th SONA:
“I shall describe more thoroughly our achievements last year in the next section of this report. Altogether, they signify both an end and a beginning. The year 1968 saw the end of frustration, resignation, cynicism, and indolence, of complacency, and of indifference—the chief obstacles to Philippine progress. On the other hand, the past year marked the beginning of purposive, concerted action for national progress—the beginning of our national metamorphosis. For in 1968, we began to shed the habits of the past and to install in their stead new attitudes, new frames of reference and new values. The result has been a widening of our vision, an expansion of our horizons, arising national strength. This transformation is essentially spiritual. It is a prophecy come true.”
In the 1890s, Rizal saw the rise of “new men” and a “new social order” within a century. In 1968, the New Filipino and the New Filipinism came into being.
The heart of metamorphosis
In a roaring declaration, Doc PenPen’s “yesssSSS!” boils and ripples across the literary landscape. Pentasi B’s unique, “liberamorphic” and “therapeunigmatic” poetry symbolizes the enduring legacy of humanity in the rapidly advancing world of AI, which is increasingly felt and observed as it takes over across all frontiers of life.
His works characterize “legahuman,” solidified by numerous prestigious national and international awards, exemplifying a life dedicated to the transformation of humanity through poetry. The distinctions of honors and respect from his peers as the “Father and King of Visual Poetry” have sealed his name globally, marking the Philippines’ pivotal role in literature and the arts.
Doc PenPen’s achievements stand as a testament to his poetic leadership, bringing to life the prophecies and aspirations of William Shakespeare, Dr. Jose Rizal, and Ferdinand Marcos Sr., aligned with visions of these three great men making the Philippines as the “Poetry Heart of the World.”
Major awards and recognitions for Doc PenPen
— Joe Lad Santos
About the Contributor: Jose Laderas Santos, also known as Joe Lad Santos, has done laborious research about the works of Doc PenPen.
Prof. Jose Laderas Santos is a former chair of the Komisyon sa Wikang Filipino and the National Commission for Culture and the Arts. He is also a past president of FAMAS and a former board member of the National Museum, as well as a former director of the MTRCB.
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Being a Smart Postpaid subscriber now comes with more than just a data-packed plan as Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) has further enhanced its postpaid plans with exclusive lifestyle perks, the latest cutting-edge gadgets, and exciting entertainment access to raise the bar for mobile experiences.
Available to new and existing subscribers on all Smart Postpaid Plans 999 and up, perks from different categories such as Dining, Travel & Leisure, Beauty & Wellness, and Shopping may instantly be redeemed on the Smart App without the need for points. This makes the postpaid lifestyle more rewarding and enjoyable for subscribers — whether they are young professionals, digital creators, homemakers, or even executives.
“Our enhanced Smart Postpaid Plans reflect our commitment to deliver more value to our subscribers on top of our superior mobile customer experience. By having a Smart Postpaid Plan, you get more than just a plan and enjoy a differentiated mobile experience that keeps you empowered, rewarded, and ahead of the curve,” said Kristine A. Go, Senior Vice-President for Smart Consumer Wireless Business.
Exclusive dining and lifestyle perks
Smart Postpaid subscribers on Plans 999 and up can now indulge in exclusive discounts and complimentary dining experiences at popular establishments including Abe, Abe’s Farm, Bistro Remedios, Café Adriatico, California Pizza Kitchen, Carmen’s Best, Fely J’s, House of Lasagna, Illo’s Home Buffet & Restaurant, Larry’s Café & Bar, Lorenzo’s Way, Sbarro, and Sourdough Café.
They can also get access to unique travel and leisure deals at Cauayan Island Resort and Nurture Wellness Village, or pamper themselves with premium beauty services and self-care experiences at discounted rates from select branches of Browhaus and Strip.
Subscribers can also upgrade their footwear and wardrobe with an exclusive 20% discount on all items at Capital, a premier store for sports and lifestyle footwear.
Premium entertainment on the go
Subscribers on Signature Plans+ 999 and up also enjoy a complimentary Netflix mobile subscription that comes with their plan. These subscribers have the choice to upgrade to higher Netflix subscription tiers (Basic, Standard, Premium) while still redeeming P149.00 special savings per month on their Netflix subscription, courtesy of Smart Postpaid.
Moreover, Smart Postpaid users can also enjoy P200 off on Cignal Play TV Box plus a three-month access to premium Cignal subscription.
Smart customers can look forward to having continued access to premium content and first dibs on major live events, including movie screenings, concerts, plays, and international sports events.
Easy access to the latest gadgets
Smart Postpaid also continues to offer data-packed plans with the latest flagship devices from global smartphone manufacturers, including Apple, Samsung, Huawei, OPPO, vivo, Xiaomi, and ASUS.
They can also look forward to more gadget add-ons aimed at empowering their lifestyle with the latest tech innovations.
Smart Postpaid makes it easier for customers to attain these devices with gadget amortization and more payment options via leading banks and financing partners.
“Expect Smart Postpaid to roll out more perks and partner brands for its subscribers. By offering exclusive deals, Smart customers receive more than just a mobile plan — they’re getting an upgraded lifestyle experience. As Smart continues to team up with more partners, subscribers can look forward to even more perks and rewards,” said Shing N. Dimagiba, VP at Smart.
Enjoy all these starting at Smart Postpaid Plan 999
Subscribers who want to enjoy these perks can get on-board starting at Smart Postpaid Plans+ 999, which comes with Unlimited 5G data for 12 months, Unlimited Calls & Texts to All Networks, Unlimited Landline Calls, and 20GB of open-access data.
Smart Postpaid is powered by Smart’s superior mobile network, recently recognized for delivering the Philippines’ Best 5G Coverage Experience by independent network analytics from Opensignal.
For a full listing and details of the exclusive perks for Smart Postpaid subscribers visit www.smart.com.ph/perks.
To sign up to a Smart Postpaid Plan that suit your lifestyle, visitsmart.com.ph/Postpaidor head to the nearest Smart Store.
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Speakers at the Race to Zero in the Philippines press briefing by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. | Patricia B. Mirasol
Solid waste management is one of the challenges to sustainability that has repeatedly surfaced among discussions, according to Florian Gottein, executive director of the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
“One of our members in the consumer industry shared that…the real difficulty lies in scope 3 emissions [or the greenhouse gases generated by business travel, employee commuting, and waste as part of company operations], particularly in managing waste generated by their distributors and consumers,” he said at a September 17 press briefing organized by the ECCP.
“Improper solid waste management poses serious risks to public health and biodiversity…the burning of waste, [moreover,] emits greenhouse gases that further accelerate climate change,” he added.
ECCP has an upcoming, community level project called The Race to Zero Waste: A Call for Collective Action for Sustainable Waste Management. It will build on RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act, and will continue to support and advocate for its effective implementation.
The power of consumption is the best way to dictate the future of the planet, according to Dr. Albert P. Dela Cruz, Sr., commissioner of the Climate Change Commission.
The Philippines’ losses amount to over P66 billion a year due to climate change, he said at the same event.
“The solution is the ecosystem. It’s a whole-of-humanity approach,” he said. “We won’t have total equilibrium if companies A, B, and C are zero carb, but companies D and E are not.”
During the press briefing, ECCP also announced its appointment as an official accelerator in the Philippines for Race to Zero. The worldwide campaign rallies over 14,500 non-state actors to act in halving global emissions by 2030 and reaching net zero by 2050.
Among the campaign’s aims is the raising of funds to support activities in line with the Race to Zero roadmap, including data mapping, impact measurement, and community initiatives.ECCP will align with Race to Zero’s 5Ps – Pledge, Plan, Proceed, Publish, and Persuade – to ensure that initiatives encourage stakeholders to meet these criteria. Its role as accelerator involves supporting businesses in setting and achieving their net zero business, as well as fostering innovation that drives sustainable solutions.
“As the only accelerator in the Philippines, ECCP is ready to take the lead in advocating for and coordinating meaningful climate action across the region,” Mr. Gottein told the briefing attendees.
“With over 830 diverse members, including small and medium-sized enterprises as well as multinational corporations, [the chamber] plays a pivotal role in bridging sustainable growth between Europe and the Philippines,” he said.
The Philippines is among the most vulnerable countries to climate-related weather events.
A September 18 report by Climate Central, a non-advocacy, non-profit science and news organization, showed that nearly all the Philippine, Singapore, and Vietnam populations were exposed to temperatures that represent a potential risk to human health for at least a week, which were made thrice as likely because of climate change.
Southeast Asia was also the region with the most people exposed to climate change-influenced temperatures for at least 60 days in June, July, and August.
An aerial view shows the storage tanks for treated water at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Okuma town, Fukushima prefecture, Japan August 22, 2023, in this photo taken by Kyodo. — KYODO VIA REUTERS
BEIJING – China and Japan reached a consensus in August on the discharge of radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Friday.
The two sides agreed on Japan establishing a long-term international monitoring arrangement and allowing stakeholders to conduct independent sampling and monitoring, the ministry said in a statement.
China stressed during talks that independent sampling should be conducted first before “gradually” resuming any imports of Japanese aquatic products, the statement added. – Reuters
