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The Eco Sustainability Institute has been requested by the Sagip Pasig Movement (SPM) to assist in the documentation of the nationwide multi-stakeholder consultations covering the 20 main river basins as part of the 2nd National Rivers Summit. This documentation support is primarily focused on drawing out the recommendations for elements of a national river basin legislation. The summit will be held in March 14 while the island-region Round Table Discussion (RTDs) will be held on February 21 for Visayas in Cebu City, February 24 for Mindanao in Cagayan de Oro City and February 28 for Luzon & NCR in Manila.

QC YOUTH REPS JOIN KALIKASAN CAMP ‘09.

By Bike Catibog

2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee for Environment Mr. Ma Jun of China

2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awardee Ma Jun visited Pasig River and observed how efforts on its restoration  is being undertaken by different institutions. Hosted by the Sagip Pasig Movement (SPM) in paretnership with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC). Unilever Philippines, Inc and the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Ma Jun got a glimpse of how the government, NGOs, river-based industries and academic institutions work together in making Pasig River back to like.

Starting at the Unilever Philippines compound, Ma Jun was presented with Unilever’s corporate activities  that do not pollute. SPM Executive Director Meth Jimenez  said,  “We undertake public disclosure to warn river-based industries on polluting the River. While we give mock awards “Lason Sa Pasig” to polluting companies, we gave Unilever the “Dangal Ng Pasig” for its effective waste treatment management.” SPM also acknowledged the presence of Jollibee Food Corporation  Corporate Affairs Manager Carina Agarao, GMA Special Assistant to the President Rod Cornejo, and DOJ Asst. Solicitor General Karl Miranda.

Ma Jun also met with the members of the Estero-based communities  organized by the SPM, and shared to him their projects on household waste processing, skills-building and public information drives. They said that they now realized how important the waterway is so they must help work for its protection.

He was also treated to a Ferry Tour along Pasig River, starting at the Plaza Mexico Terminal in Intramuros and finally docking at the PUP compound. He saw the linear parks along the river banks which are all being managed by the PRRC. However, he said that the murky waters had to be immediately addressed.

Mr. Ma with the PUP Green Scholars

At PUP, Ma Jun met with Dr. Pastor Malaborbor, VP for Research and Development of the PUP. Then, he met the first batch of 100 Shell Green Scholars, which is the first environment-based scholarship program in the country. Presently, their main concern is to be the “River Ambassadors” who will promote the restoration and conservation of the Pasig River. Ma Jun hailed this innovative move, as countries need more environment-conscious citizenry.

Mr. Ma Jun with the Green Scholars

“The Philippines is doing bold and unique moves in river conservation. As I also worked extensively in public information and advocacy in addressing water pollution crisis in China, I’m happy to know that we share the same dream -  to see our country with clean waterways again.”

He thanked the Ramon  Magsaysay Foundation for giving him the recognition, so he can share to the world how the power of information can move even mountains in addressing difficult issues like water pollution. As  industrialization and modernization bring environmental problems, he challenged everyone to work for its protection for the future generation.

By Bike Velasco- Catibog

Asia’s equivalent to the Nobel Prize, the Ramon Magsaysay Awards, has six (6) laureates for this year who will be arriving in Manila on August 25, 2009, in time for the Awards Presentation Ceremonies on August 31, 2009 at the Cultural Center of the Philippines. Among the main activities is a press conference, wreath-laying to Pres. Magsaysay’s tomb, and the special lecture series conducted by each of the awardee. The Ramon Magsaysay Awards Foundation (RMAF) has also lined up special trips of each awardee to their “point of interests”, for them to witness related work done by Filipino counterparts.

Ma Jun of China

Among the 2009 Ramon Magsaysay awardees, Honorable Laureate Ma Jun from China has extensive experience in using eco-technology and a strong public information and advocacy in addressing China’s water pollution crisis. He succeeded in mobilizing pragmatic, multi-sectoral and collaborative efforts to ensure sustainable benefits for China’s environment and society.

In the Philippines, Sagip Pasig Movement’s CRZ literacy mission hopes to scale up public awareness on the state of the Pasig River by mobilizing the river-based communities. It aims to create pressure for industries to follow effluence standards, and lobby for the implementation of environmental laws. Recognizing these various efforts, the RMAF has then contacted and invited SPM to host Mr. Ma Jun on August 28, 2009 to showcase Filipino ingenuity in community-based river rehabilitation. (See letter sent to SPM:    http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/1663/rmaf.jpg)

Hosting Mr. Ma Jun for a CRZ tour is a great opportunity for SPM for technology and information exchanges. Chinese culture being so similar to Filipinos, Mr. Ma Jun can see how communities are empowered for sustainable river restoration. SPM can also show how its innovative ways to reduce household and domestic wastes, thru a sound waste management program and technology. Moreover, SPM can showcase its academe-based projects in promoting CRZ literacy. Finally, SPM can open the doors for international support, so that more and more stakeholders can join in and synergize all water conservation undertakings.

for more information on the Ramon Magsaysay Awards, visit their website at:  http://www.rmaf.org.ph/

Poster Announcement for the 2009 Ramon Magsaysay Awards

by Bike Velasco-Catibog

“I don’t know how many good years I still have left, but whatever I can do at this time, I really want to be able to continue not only for the cause of democracy, but also to help in bringing about a better Filipino.”  – Cory Aquino

Symbolic locking of yellow ribbons representing Unity for Cory

As the first president after the Marcos dictatorship, Cory Aquino’s administration succeeded in laying the grounds for a new democratic government. She started off with the ratification of the Constitution, brought back the Presidential form of government and then reconstructed the economy and socio-political status. Several resistances tried to overthrow these bold moves, both from the left and ultra right forces. But her commitment to democratic principles, guided by her husband’s legacy, Cory emerged as the grand slam queen by being the first woman President of the Philippines, the first Filipina to be Time Magazine’s Woman of the Year and the first Filipino to speak before the Joint US Senate and Congress Assembly at the White House. These remarkable achievements in the name of democracy restoration is the main focus of Bantayog ng mga Bayani’s tribute for the Philippine icon of People Power Revolution.

Nanette Matulac provided an intermission number

A novena prayer and ceremonial tribute to Cory was conducted by the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani Foundation, in recognition of Cory’s contribution to democracy. For nine evenings (August 1 to 9) every 6 pm, held at the Amb. Yuchenco Auditorium of the Bantayog ng Mga Bayani building along Quezon Avenue, several groups conducted individual tributes for the former president each night.  SPM started off their tribute last August 3, 2009, with its SPM Board of Directors, members of their community-based organizations like SAEC and ROTCHNA, as well as PUP Green Scholars as audience. Pintig Pasig of Payatas, presented a cultural production number, and presented the GMA 7 documentary on Cory’s life. For the following days, there were Bantayog staff and Board of Directors, SDK and the last day (August 9, 2009) was presented by the Concerned Artists of the Philippines. Messages from Sen. Jovito Salonga, Loretta Ann Rosales, Pete Lacaba and other political figures were given in the nine-day tribute.

Part of the audience for SPM night of Tribute for Cory

by Fani Velasquez

Barangay Payatas in Quezon City is widely known as Metro Manila’s Waste Basket. As a dumpsite, most of the residents earn their daily living from wastes, where junk shops, garbage trucks, piles of wastes and the filthy smell are the main “attractions” of this poor and highly-populated Barangay. For politicians, Payatas is a haven for that much needed “pogi points”, and thus, many government assistances are pouring in. But in spite of such feat, Payatas residents remain passive and insensitive, especially when it concerns on the proper handling their wastes being dumped in their esteros that leads to Marikina River, which is a major tributary of the Pasig River.

Area 2 residents of Payatas attended the CRZ Project Orientation for CBWMP

But with SPM’s community organizing strength, the Sagip Kalikasan Dangal ng Dos (SAKADA DOS) was formed to initiate the CRZ program in community-based river rehabilitation. In order to reduce wastes being dumped into the esteros, the SAKADA DOS vowed to hold rigid public information campaigns on waste segregation, and install their own MRF to collect recyclables and process collected organic wastes into useful compost and vermiculture products. This early, they have planned to impose a “no collection” policy for unsegregated wastes for participating households.

SAKADA DOS has sought the help of SPM for the seed money to start off the buying of recyclables. SPM agreed and immediately has released an initial P10,000 as starting capital, based on their submitted Operational Plan.  In this Operation Plan, they have elected officers who will also be the main operators of the MRF. Eco-aides will be hired to help the officers manage the waste collection. They will buy the materials and equipments needed in the MRF while the remaining money will be used to buy the recyclables from residents.

SPM ED Meth Jimenez discussing the plans for the MRF installation in Payatas

The installation of SAKADA DOS’ MRF and its community-based waste management program brings another hope to Payatas so that this place will no longer be known as a waste dump. Through SPM’s principles, they will be guided in their goal to save the esteros and creeks of Payatas, and make the Quezon City CRZ a place to be.

SAKADA DOS members with SPM secretariat during the Action Planning Activity

by Bike V. Catibog

In the spirit of Gawad Kalinga’s signature unity , the strong rains and bad weather last Saturday, August 1, 2009 didn’t stop the kapitbahayan groups to troop to their Community Center  to attend the General Assembly of the GK Baseco in Port Area, Manila. A total of 446 representatives out of the total 859 registered households attended the Community-Based Waste Management Project (CBWMP) Orientation facilitated by the Sagip Pasig Movement (SPM). Those who presented for the Project Orientation were Tony Banay, the SPM Board of Director who explained on waste segregation and Meth Jimenez, the SPM Executive Director who conveyed to the General Assembly the SPM organizational profile and the need to implement RA 9003 at the GK Baseco level.

Meth said, “ GK Baseco plays an important role in the Clean River Zone (CRZ) map because you are located in the mouth of the Pasig River.” She added that when GK Baseco joins SPM, they will be given capability build up to manage the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and earn from recyclables as well as products made from wastes. In response, Jun Valbuena, the GK Baseco Project Manager, accepted SPM’s support for teaching them how to manage their wastes, and help in the CRZ advocacy at the Barangay Bagong Pag-Asa. Also present in the Gen. Assembly were two Kagawad representatives from the Barangay Council who expressed their support for the project. They reported that the Barangay will be installing their MRF soon, and requested the GK to help them in the public information drive on proper waste management.

Junnel Esguerra, a long-time SPM volunteer, presented the enterprise development component of the CBWMP under the CRZ program. He stressed that income from wastes can become sustainable and beneficial if properly managed, and the implementors should have the strong grasp on environmental awareness, conservation and protection.

After the fruitful General Assembly, the 16 heads of the Kapitbahayan met again for the scheduling of the Project Planning for which the Project Management Committee (PMC) will also be set up. The PMC will be the main implementing body in charge of the operations of the MRF, composting, vermiculture and urban gardening activities.  Unilever Philippines, Inc , SPM’s long-time industrial partner in promoting the CRZ ,  will be sponsoring this Project Planning activity to be held at their Heritage Center sometime later this month.

by Carl Erick Rowan

Outgoing President, KATAGA

 

Presenting the year’s organizational accomplishments, orienting its new members and electing its new set of officers, the Kapatiran ng Talino at Galing (KATAGA) – PUP Honors’ Society held its “Iskolars’ General Assembly” at the Bulwagang Bonifacio, Ninoy Aquino Library and Learning Resource Center  of the Polytechnic University of the Philippines, Sta Mesa last July 3. Dr. Juan Viron, VP for Student Services, Prof. Merlita Tamayo, Chief of the Office of Scholarship and Financial Assistance (OSFA), and Carl Erick Rowan, outgoing KATAGA President, each gave inspiring messages to the general assembly. A guest participation of Ms. Myrna Jimenez of the Sagip Pasig Movement added a more directional feel for the event when she presented the core programs of the organization, and invited KATAGA to join their environmental advocacy.

Guests of Honors during the KATAGA Assembly at PUP

In a freshman orientation during the morning session, Ms. Jimenez said, “Let us all  work together for the restoration of our River of Life, the Pasig River, where PUP sits along its banks. Let your young blood and fresh ideas flow among its waters, so that it would be brought back to life,” She added, “The Green Scholars Program is just the start of our CRZ Literacy Mission, and the development for an institutional environmental advocacy program is our main, and most important task.” She then presented video clips and powerpoint presentations, and opened the eyes and hearts of the scholars on the real scenario of our environment. Though there are environmental problems, the presentation remarked that there are things we can still do. Having the concrete game plans, the SPM encouraged voluntarism and bayanihan to students, for them to become part of the advocacy of cleaning the environment. Enthusiasm pictured the general response, who all desired to join SPM in their environmental advocacy.

With upperclassmen in the afternoon session, Dr. Viron challenged the scholars to aim high grades but equally involved in the university’s various programs. He also stressed that scholars should involve themselves in community development, and that the scholars have an important role in building a better environment in the university and in gearing towards a total university. He then talked about the legacy that each scholars can accomplish while staying in the university.

The morning assembly discussion primarily focused on orienting the scholars on what to expect on their entire stay as a college student, facilitated by Joey Espinosa, incoming KATAGA President. After the orientation, the election of the Junior Board officers is executed. The college with most number of attendees is from the College of Accountancy followed by the College of Engineering.

part of the 2,500-member KATAGA Honors Society

In the afternoon, the accomplishment and financial report was presented, which were facilitated by Carl Erick Rowan and Gerwin Ortega, outgoing Treasurer. Election of KATAGA Executive Board followed. #

by Bike Velasco- Catibog

In its unwavering commitment to mobilize people’s active participation in community-based waste management program (CBWMP) along the Pasig River basin, the Sagip Pasig Movement (SPM) instituted two Gawad Kalinga (GK) villages to engage in the Clean River Zone (CRZ) concept. In partnership with GK’s “Green Kalinga” program, SPM would oversee waste management projects in GK Concepcion Village in Brgy.Buwayang Bato, Mandaluyong City, and in GK Baseco located in Baseco Compound, Brgy 694 in Port Area, Manila.

Exec. Director Meth Jimenez giving Project Orientation to GK Buwayang Bato

At the initial Project Orientation Meeting with officers of GK Concepcion Village headed by Project Manager Phil De Guzman, and 5 Barangay officials of Buwayang Bato, SPM committed to provide them educational trainings and study tours to build their capability and knowledge on proper waste management technologies and practices. Since this GK community was already highly-organized, SPM would form them into a Conferential Body (CB) and establish a Project Management Committee (PMC) which will implement the waste management project.

GK Project Manager Phil De Guzman (left) expresses support for the CBWMP

Phil De Guzman said that they would find ways to look for sponsors who would give them funds for the building of their own Material Recovery Facility (MRF), and scout for efficient “Eco-Aides” who will collect the wastes in each home.

AO Bike Catibog giving Project Brief to GK Baseco Kapitbahayan Group

Meanwhile, GK Baseco Project Manager Jun Valbuena gathered 10 of his 16 kapitbahayan groups for the Project Orientation Meeting last June 30, 2009. They were highly interested in the entrepreneurial component of the waste management project, having opportunities to earn from organic wastes- like producing fertilizer (vermiculture) for urban gardening. They are also keen in River Patrollers, who will be their watch dogs for the “pasaways” who dump wastes in the Pasig River.

GK Baseco Proj. Manager Jun Valbuena with his officers showing site map

They reasoned out that this will give them the authority to talk with non-GK residents especially the informal settlers living in the Pasig River rim, not to throw human and animal manure in the waters. This early, they also plan to collect at least P1 per day from each of the 859 households for the collection of organic wastes.

By Bike Velasco-Catibog

Taking the pioneering lead in adopting the Clean River Zone (CRZ) strategy in community-based river restoration along the Pasig River, the Sagip Pasig Movement , in partnership with the Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation (PSPC) and the Pasig River-based academic institution Polytechnic University of the Philippines has launched the “Green Scholars” program in a formal ceremony held at the Bulwagang Balagtas, Ninoy Aquino Learning Resource Center, PUP campus in Sta Mesa, last Monday,  June 22. Attending in this event were PSPC President and Country Chairman Edgardo Chua together with his VP for Corporate Communications Roberto Kanapi, PUP President Dr. Dante Guevarra and EVP Dr. Victoria Naval, and Board Chairman Severino Galindo and Executive Director Myrna Julieta Jimenez for SPM. Highlights of the ceremony were the awarding of the certificates, pins and the official Green Scholars’ jackets to the scholars. A ceremonial  Mass Signing of the Agreement was also done after the presentation of the scholars in each of PUP’s colleges, accompanied by their respective Deans.

PSPC Country Chairman and President Ed Chua

In his key note speech, CC Ed Chua stressed, “You are the first Green Scholars in the country, and much is expected from you to be our River Ambassadors.” SPM’s Executive Director Meth Jimenez then explained that the main feature of the project is that these scholars are expected to work with river-based communities under SPM’s CRZ Literacy programs. They will be trained and learned under the CRZ Institute (CRZI) of the Resource Center for Philippine Rivers (RCPR), to be housed at the   29-classroom Old Food Tech Building of the PUP. SPM partners like Education for Life Foundation (ELF) has committed to help in the faculty and curriculum development, while Hands-On-Manila Foundation (HOM) has promised to train the scholars in volunteer work.

SPM Executive Director Meth Jimenez

The Green Scholarship, given to the top one hundred (100) academic entrance scholars of PUP, is part of SPM’s CRZ Literacy Mission to undertake comprehensive advocacy and information campaigns for the rehabilitation of the historic river. Under this scholarship project, PSPC will provide the funds for the full scholarship (free tuition and miscellaneous fees, book allowance and stipend) of the 100 academic scholars for 3 years. SPM, as secretariat, will take care of the maximum of 58 hours community work requirement, which will be credited to the students’ Citizens Training and Welfare Service (CWTS) of their National Service Training Program (NSTP). Since this is first and foremost an academic scholarship, a weighted average of 1.75 per semester will be required on each scholar.  PUP’s Office of Scholarship and Financial Assistance (OSFA), and Community Relations Office (CRO) will be the lead university offices to handle the green scholarship program.

Green Scholars of the College of Engineering

GMA 7 Network Special Assistant to the President  Rod Cornejo was also present to show support. He also seats as one of the Board of Commissioners of the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission. (PRRC). Likewise, the parents of the scholars were commended, being all present to witness the symbolic event. Popular Environmentalist-Artist Noel Cabangon rendered inspiring songs as well as PUP’s pride, the Bagong Himig Sereneta.