The Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-PCAARRD) joined the Summit on Clean Air and Climate Change held recently at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, Pasay City.
With the theme, Clean Air: Our Life, Our Future, the summit was organized by the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP) Human Resources Management (HRM) Foundation, Inc., in coordination with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Coalition of Clean Air Advocates of the Philippines.
Representatives from international organizations, national government agencies (NGAs), local government units (LGUs), non-government and church organizations, and private sector also attended the summit.
Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Undersecretary for Environment and International Environmental Affairs, Atty. Jonas R. Leones, represented DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje in his discussion about the challenges to the private sector in addressing the country’s global commitments to clean air and climate change.
Usec. Leones mentioned the mitigation measures that can be done in the industry, as well as in the energy and transport sectors. He also cited the important roles of people in waste management and forest protection and rehabilitation.
Meanwhile, Engr. Reynaldo L. Esguerra, Chief of the Environment and Biotechnology Division and officer-in-charge of the Office of the Deputy Director for R&D, Industrial Technology Development Institute of the DOST (DOST-ITDI), discussed the current and emerging technologies in mitigating climate change.
Esguerra pointed out that using new technologies and renewable energy sources, making older equipment more energy-efficient, and changing management practices and consumer behavior help in reducing or preventing emission of greenhouse gases (GHG).
Esguerra also mentioned that DOST’s efforts on clean air and in addressing climate change include the purification system for fuel-grade ethanol using molecular sieve; design of CO2 capture system utilizing molecular sieve membrane technology; utilization of nano-size materials in anaerobic digestion to enhance biogas production; and environmental technology verification (ETV) program through the Joint DENR-DOST Administrative Order (AO) No. 001-2006.
Aside from the presentations, individuals and organizations who contributed significantly to clean air and climate change mitigation in the country were recognized through the Bayani ng Kalikasan Awards.
The summit also served as venue for the launching of the Green Movers Movement, wherein all participants were named as green movers. As such, they will work towards achieving a clean and green place, a clean and safe workplace, clean air, clean food, a clean community, clean home, and clean living.