(Stakeholders’ Consultation Participants along with C4II Technical Committee

Collaborative Push for Climate Action: Stakeholders’ Consultation on Ecolabelling Criteria of Refrigerators and Freezers

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As part of the Second Phase of the Cool Contributions Fighting Climate Change (C4II) Project, stakeholders recently gathered to participate in the revision of ecolabelling criteria for refrigerators and freezers. This initiative aims to align with Republic Act 11285 and the Philippine Energy Labeling Program (PELP), supporting the government’s mission to enforce Minimum Energy Performance Standards (MEPS) and promote voluntary ecolabels. Through these standards, the C4II project strives to encourage the adoption of energy-efficient, eco-friendly products that help reduce the carbon footprint of refrigeration equipment in the Philippines. (Frederic Tesfay, GIZ) The program was opened by Mr. Frederic Tesfay of the German Agency for International Cooperation (Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit) sharing his insights and visions regarding the progress and future of the C4II project. This was followed by the introduction of the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development (PCEPSDI) along with Green Choice Philippines. (Brenda Hazel Butardo, Programme Officer, Green Choice Philippines) Ms. Brenda Hazel Butardo of the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. and the current Programme Officer of Green Choice Philippines, presented the revised draft of technical criteria for refrigerators and freezers to the stakeholders. This was followed by a panel discussion and open forum, allowing stakeholders to voice their insights and suggestions. Esteemed panelists represented a range of influential institutions, including the Department of Energy – Energy Utilization Management Bureau (DOE-EUMB), Department of Energy – Energy Research and Testing Laboratory Services (DOE-ERTLS), Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Climate Change Services (DENR-CCS), Department of Trade and Industry – Bureau of Philippine Standards (DTI-BPS), International Institute for Energy Conservation (IIEC), Omni Solid Services Inc., and the Philippine Appliance Industry Association (PAIA). (Technical Committee Members: From left, Mr. Arturo M. Zabala, Daniel Vincent P. de Guzman, Avelino Molina Jr., Johnny Quinto, John Paulo Barbosa, & June M Alvarez) (Technical Committee Members: From the left, Mr.Gilbert Maximo, Onofre Escota, Isagani Soriano & Aaron Premacio) The event was attended by a diverse array of stakeholders, including representatives from prominent organizations such as Philippine Green Building Code, RACTAP,  PAIA, and EcoWaste Coalition, alongside key industry players like LG Electronics Philippines Inc., Panasonic Manufacturing Philippines Corporation (PMPC), and Kolin Philippines International, Inc. SGS Philippines Inc., RBIEL, Services OPC, TUV-Rheinland Phils., and Duinus Smart Tech inc. Their involvement reflects a strong collaborative effort between government agencies, private industry, and consumer groups, all working together to champion sustainable practices in the Philippines. Through this stakeholder consultation, the National Ecolabelling Programme – Green Choice Philippines (NELP-GCP) is poised to make substantial strides in encouraging climate-friendly refrigeration equipment. With robust participation from multiple sectors, this initiative underscores a shared commitment to climate action and sustainable economic growth. Together, stakeholders are taking vital steps toward a greener, energy-efficient future for the Philippines.

PCEPSDI AND MITSUBISHI POWER PARTNERS FOR ENVIRONMENTAL AWARENESS SESSION1

[T4S] STRENGTHENING PARTNERSHIP TOWARDS A GREENER FUTURE

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On November 14, 2024, The Mitsubishi Power Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd. Phillippines held an environmental awareness session as part of the company’s Environment Health and Safety (EHS) Month. Led by Mitsubishi Power Philippine Branch Head, Mr. Shinya Ichimaru, this event was conducted to further integrate environmental awareness and concern to its staff and promote environmental responsibility and consciousness within the workplace that aligns with Mitsubishi’s environmental commitment for Net Zero goal of the country. As the company recognizes the impacts of climate change and continuously promotes modern technologies to ensure reliability of power supply while promoting lower carbon options to provide energy for people and the planet. With continuous partnership with the Philippine Center for Environmental Awareness and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI), led by Mr. June Alvarez, President and Executive Director, shared the environmental status of the past, the present, and the future; with how climate issues emerge through time due to intensity of anthropogenic activities. Mr. Alvarez highlighted the importance of cumulative actions to mitigate impacts of climate change and other environmental issues and empowered individuals and Mitsubishi Power’s commitment towards a sustainable future. Mitsubishi Power was also recognized as one of the sponsors and one of the participating environmental driven companies on Trees 4 Sustainability (T4S) 2024: PUNO ang SOLUSYON ceremonial planting last August 24, 2024 in Siniloan Forest Park, Siniloan Laguna. The Environmental Awareness Session initiated by Mitsubishi Power showcases the company’s unwavering commitment for sustainability, support for environmental driven solutions, and active involvement towards a greener future together.

T4S 2024 Comeback:”Puno ng Polusyon Puno and Solusyon”

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The Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI) has officially launched its tree planting campaign, “PUNO ANG SOLUSYON” as part of the Trees 4 Sustainability (T4S) Program – one of the tree nourishing programs in the country. The Trees 4 Sustainability – Nourishing Trees for Nurturing Nature (T4S) Programme is a transformative initiative dedicated to revitalizing Philippine forests. With four key pillars, T4S addresses climate change (SDG 13), supports biodiversity (SDG 15), safeguards watersheds, and fosters sustainable livelihoods. By planting trees, we create carbon sinks, provide homes for diverse species, and protect vital watersheds. This initiative aligns with the Sustainable Development Goals, promoting life on land (SDG 15), life below water (SDG 14), and climate action (SDG 13), ensuring a more resilient and prosperous future for all. As the highest environmental activity, tree planting remains crucial, yet the tree population continues to dwindle. With a focus on four major issues – watershed protection, carbon dioxide absorption for climate change mitigation, biodiversity conservation, and promoting livelihood in forestry – T4S aims to popularize the concept of trees as renewable resources.  The tree-nourishing program was launched in 2019 at Mt. Pamitinan, Sitio Wawa, Brgy. San Rafael, Rodriguez (Montalban) on August 17, 2019, with 177 participants coming from various sectors was able to plant 1,000 native trees by the end of October, with our partners from Quanta Paper Corporation and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Rizal (PENRO-Rizal). Plaques of appreciation were also awarded to the Forest Landscape donors, Prestige Hotels & Resorts Inc. (Richmonde Hotel Ortigas & Eastwood Richmonde Hotel), and EDSA Shangri-La Hotel Manila. With the “PUNO ANG SOLUSYON” Campaign, T4S is thrilled to announce the COMEBACK of the tree nourishing program – T4S this coming August 2024 in Siniloan, Laguna. This year, the T4S program aims to plant 10,000 indigenous trees as part of the Siniloan Forest Park project of the Municipality. The Forest Park is said to be part of the Sierra Madre mountain ranges – the “backbone of Luzon” which plays an integral part in typhoon mitigation and in biodiversity conservation.  Through the Trees 4 Sustainability Program, planting and nourishing trees is planting and nourishing a sustainable future for the next generation. PUNO ANG SOLUSYON! TAYO ANG SOLUSYON! Be part of the solution by being a Sponsor, Donor, and or Volunteer!

UNDP ACE Project Closing

UNDP ACE Project Closing

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UNDP Accelerating Nationally Determined Contribution through Circular Economy in Cities (ACE) Project UNDP ACE Project GPP Workshop UNDP ACE Project Awareness Session UNDP ACE Project Awareness Session Cebu UNDP ACE Project Awareness Session CBO-LGU UNDP ACE Project Awareness Session NCR UNDP ACE Project Awareness Session NCR- The Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI) is one with the United Nations Development Programme in celebrating the success of the ACE Project.  The ACE Project aimed to increase awareness and capabilities to strengthen the need for the continuous development of policies for climate change, with the evolving prioritization of green initiatives such as Green Public Procurement (GPP) that serve as a tool and mechanism towards the promotion of circular economy, and ultimately mitigate and reduce climate change impacts. PCEPSDI served as a partner of the UNDP in promoting a circular economy through GPP and helped partner local government units (LGUs), specifically, Caloocan City, Cotabato City, City of Manila, and Pasig City, in deepening their understanding of their roles in achieving circularity and sustainability in their cities.  On March 21, 2024, the UNDP hosted a Stocktaking Workshop, with the theme, “A Look Back to Move Forward,” wherein project partners came together to assess the outcomes of the project and solidify their commitments to the continuity of their strides toward CE. A day after, on March 22, the project’s culminating event, entitled “Alliances for Circular Economy Activity”, was held to formally close the ACE Project.  These engagements we attended by PCEPSDI, represented by none other than the organization’s President and Executive Director, Mr. June Alvarez, and its Programmes and Projects Director, Engr. Maureen Grace Lebria. Present in these events as well were Business Development and Communications Officer, Rain Borican, and GPP Officer, JP Argana. PCEPSDI joined other participants from national government agencies, development partners, local government units (LGUs), representatives from the private sector, and other LGUs from the upcoming European Union-Green Economy Programme of the Philippines (EU-GEPP).  As an environmental organization, PCEPSDI will still stand firm with pride in continuing the advocacy for a more circular economy through sustainable consumption and production; a big leap towards a more sustainable future! Photo Credit: UNDP Philippines

Transport & Logistics Philippines Expo 2023

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PCEPSDI participates on the Transport & Logistics Philippines Expo 2023 In order to promote the advancement of logistics and supply chain practices in the Asia Pacific market, Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI) took part on the Transport & Logistics Philippines Expo 2023 on August 17-19. Mr. June Alvarez, the President and Executive Director of PCEPSDI, joined the the Panel Discussion on Driving Sustainability through a Robust Supply Chain Ecosystem. Mr. Alvarez discussed on how greening the supply chain can help the nation to achieve the Global Net Zero emissions target by 2050. Furthermore, he emphasized that in order to reach this target, the business sector especially the logistics should commit to reduce their carbon footprint by reinforcing sustainability on their daily operations especially today that carbon offsetting is ringing a bell in the industry. Mr. Alvarez likewise added that it is necessary to have reduction policies and activities which can be initiated on the government level. As an environmental organization, PCEPSDI is still firm on its stand in forwarding greening the supply chain and circular economy through a multi-sectoral approach.   The said event was organized by LogiSYM and Global-link MP Events International, which is currently held at the World Trade Center.

TVC, WWF-Philippines address effects of plastic usage in environment through a webinar

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TVC, WWF-Philippines address effects of plastic usage in environment through a webinar 21 December 2022 In relation to the issues faced by the environment, the Transforming Tourism Value Chains (TVC) program, in collaboration with the World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines (WWF-Philippines), highlighted the essence of proper plastic usage through a webinar on Beating Single-Use Plastics in the Tourism Industry: Results from the Transforming Tourism Project conducted on October 21, 2022, via Zoom Meetings. “What we really wanted to point out is when we talked about policy guidelines, policy recommendations, we have to be a bit more realistic and a bit more straightforward,” Mr. Jonas M. Dumdum, Senior Consultant, TVC – PCEPSDI, said during his discussion on Policy Recommendations and Guidelines to Address Single-Use Plastics in the Tourism Sector. “But, of course, having those concepts in mind, we also have to make sure that there is like a smooth flow or a smooth guidance transition to everything,” he added. Mr. Dumdum has likewise noted the stakeholders’ connection and process in the policy-making, which includes the Tourism Sector, Local Government Units (LGUs), and National Government. Furthermore, Ms. Andrea Go, Project Officer -Transforming Tourism Value Chains – Philippines, PCEPSDI, highlighted the Background and Overview of IFVC and Transforming Tourism Project, which aims to be able to reduce GHG emissions and improve resource efficiency. Ms. Go also underscored the National Roadmap for Sustainable Tourism, wherein she stated the Sustainable food value chains, Sustainable events, Zero pollution from tourism and Sustainable energy. Moreover, she showcased the initiatives and best practices in the Campaign to Phase Out Problematic Single Use Plastics (SUP) from the Hospitality Sector to promote tourism and environmental sustainability further. Ms. Czarina Constantino-Panopio, National Lead – No Plastics in Nature, World Wide Fund for Nature – Philippines (WWF-Philippines), talked about Key Findings of the Design-Thinking Workshop and Technical Working Group Meetings. In her presentation, Ms. Constantino-Panopio explained the current solid waste management system wherein she pointed out the practices of the different companies in getting rid of their plastic waste and provided solutions moving forward to address the issue. The said webinar was attended by Hotels, Homestays, Resorts, MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) Businesses, Tourism Offices and Associations, and Digital Technology Developers representatives.

TVC promotes certification among tourism industry to ensure readiness of hotels, MICE

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In line with the celebration of World Ecolabel Day, the Transforming Tourism Value Chains (TVC) conducted a webinar on Certifications and Standards: Raising the Bar for Sustainable Tourism last October 13, 2022, via Zoom Meetings. The program’s primary aim is to introduce certification schemes, which offer a wide array of criteria and standardization programs for different businesses such as hotels, MICE(Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) establishments, and restaurants. “Moving forward, I would like to welcome everyone here to the Zoom meeting. Thank you very much for participating. Let’s work hard toward sustainable tourism. Of course, in the hotels, in the restaurant sector, what we do is we try to make sure that all planning for sustainable tourism is being implemented,” Ms. Mary Ann Darroca-Matiling, Iloilo Hotel Restaurants & Resorts Association President, said in her message of support. Ms. Darroca-Matiling also noted that they have been partnering with the Department of Tourism and the Department of Agriculture to ensure that the products the hotels are selling are quality assured. Climate Change Division Chief of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Mr. Albert Magalang opened the program by talking about Aligning with the Glasgow Declaration: Climate Action in Tourism. Moreover, Ms. Susan Santos de Cárdenas, President & CEO of the Society for Sustainable Tourism & Development Inc. (SSTDI), discussed the Green Destinations & Good Travel Awards Certification Program. Ms. Michelle Lapiz, the Programme Officer of Green Choice Philippines gave an overview of the Certifying Restaurants and Foodservices with Green Choice Philippines. For the final lecture, Ms. Alexis Bautista, the Sustainability and Quality Manager of the SMX Convention Center focused on highlighting Sustainable Dining Experiences at Café Veranda. Furthermore, the focus of the webinar is to introduce the TVC project and highlight the existing opportunities and benefits that the hotels and MICE businesses can leverage in joining the project, and how this can be aligned with international commitments such as the Glasgow Declaration and Global Plastic Tourism Initiative (GTPI).

PCEPSDI Hosts “Sustainable Meetings and Functions” Training Webinar for the MICE Industry

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As a key player in the tourism industry of the Philippines, and as part of the beneficiary sectors of the Transforming Tourism Value Chains (TVC) project, the Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Events (MICE) sector drives industries and societies in the Philippines by generating business and fostering innovation. It provides both MSMEs and large companies the avenue to position themselves in the market. The MICE sector also plays a huge role by providing a space for different sectors and agencies to learn from each other and collaborate on solutions and strategies that can help tackle climate change. The sector is also one of the hardest hit sectors by the COVID-19 pandemic, with gatherings restricted as the cases fluctuate in the country.  With the aim of assisting the sector to recover sustainably, the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI), in collaboration with the Philippine Association for Convention/Exhibition Organizers and Suppliers (PACEOS), a member of the Philippine Stakeholders Advisory Group on Sustainable Tourism, which oversees the TVC project, hosted a knowledge-sharing session on “Organizing Sustainable Meetings and Functions” on December 15, 2021. The event was attended by around 70 representatives from the tourism industry, from the private, academe, and government sectors, keen on getting a comprehensive overview of COVID-19 impacts on the MICE sector, learning about government programs in supporting the sector, and its international importance to the Sustainable Development Goals, and finally considering how to incorporate climate action into MICE operations.  Moderated by Mr. Jonas Marie Dumdum, Project Coordinator from PCEPSDI, the event had two panels, the first of which started off by Atty. Maria Anthonette Velasco-Allones, Chief Operating Officer of the Tourism Promotions Board, who presented the TPB’s plans on recalibrating the MICE Roadmap of 2030. The four pillars of this recalibration looks at infrastructure, upskilling and reskilling human resource, marketing, and aligning with national and local government programs.  The second speaker of Panel A was SMX Convention Center’s (SMXCC) sustainability champion, Ms. Alexis Bautista, Food Hygienist, who expounded on their business’ Safety Protocols. Ms. Bautista also shared their strategies on keeping SMXCC operations environmentally-friendly, in line with SM Hotels and Convention Centers (SMHCC)’s Sustainability Program. Some of these measures are: serving one plant-based and/or local menu during lunch, using plastic-free alternatives such as water pitchers and minimizing sachets, conducting the Trash to Cash program, and monitoring GHG emissions (in collaboration with PCEPSDI).  Mr. Joel Pascual, President of PACEOS was the third speaker of Panel A, who shared his insights on how MICE Organizers are operating safely and sustainably in the new normal. Some of the measures he shared are: online/ digital payments, hybrid events, using sustainable materials, rethinking gifts and recognitions/awards, and reusing of booth setup.  Panel B showcased presentations from the NGO sector, starting with the recorded presentation of Ms. Shelley Carbonel, Program Manager from Mother Earth Foundation, who talked about hosting zero waste events based on their experiences in holding their annual Zero Waste Fairs. One of the suggestions from Ms. Carbonel was to choose sustainable vendors or caterers by partnering with the local community. She also suggested hosting events that encouraged public/local transportation. Following Ms. Carbonel’s presentation was Mr. Kiko Velhagen, Project Officer of the TVC project from PCEPSDI. Mr. Velhagen talked about how to incorporate climate action in the MICE sector, by first presenting the project’s collaboration with the Department of Tourism in developing their Sustainable Events Checklist, which aims to guide event organizers in implementing sustainability, promoting efficiency in resource consumption and mitigating carbon emissions in most aspects of the event. The Checklist also includes leveraging the Resource Efficiency (RE) Tool of the project, which can help organizers track their emissions per delegate and in operations. Using the Checklist and the RE Tool helps MICE businesses be more qualified to be signatories of international initiatives such as the Global Tourism Plastics Initiative and the Net Zero Carbon Events Pledge.  Closing the program was a recorded message of support from Usec. Verna Esmeralda Buensuceso, from the Tourism Development Planning division of the DOT. Usec. Buensuceso shared the significance of all of the programs and projects being undertaken since they are in alignment with the recalibration of the MICE Roadmap 2030, where sustainability is embedded to crisis-proof the industry. She also shared that the MICE sector is exceptionally placed to see the COVID-19 as a learning opportunity to strategize and plan for the eventual resumption of MICE in a sustainable manner.  For inquiries about this event, please contact:  Kiko Velhagen, Project Officer, tvc4relcd@gmail.com Andrea Go, Project Assistant, andrea.go@pcepsdi.org.ph

Roadmap Workshop 3: Prioritization and Shortlisting of Solutions in the Packaging Sector

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The Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, INC. (PCEPSDI), through its Sustainable Packaging Towards Marine Litter Reduction Project, held a Training Webinar entitled “Development of a Private Sector Roadmap for Sustainable Packaging Workshop 3: “Prioritization and Shortlisting of Solutions in the Packaging Sector” on October 29, 2021. The webinar aims to aid the development and serve a strategic document that will guide stakeholders to make the packaging value chain more sustainable. In order to gather such data, a first workshop was conducted last August 4, 2021 with stakeholders to map out and verify social and environmental impacts of the packaging value chain, and identify the challenges and barriers to address these impacts. A second workshop was conducted last September 15, 2021 to identify and prioritize environmental hotspots and create an initial long list of solutions that can address these hotspots. These solutions will be prioritized and shortlisted during a third workshop according to certain factors such as cost, time to implement, need for other stakeholders, among other indicators. The summary of the first and second workshop was presented by PCEPSDI, Project Assistant, Ms. Andera Go, she shared first the Sustainable Packaging Towards Marine Litter Reduction Project’s three main objectives, and presented the recap of the first and second workshop. Mr. Kiko Velhagen, Project Consultant heading the development of the Private Sector Roadmap, presented the longlist of solutions as a result of the second workshop. A total of 15 solutions were listed and discussed under four main private sector solution themes, The webinar is then proceeded intro breakout sessions in where the participants exchanged solutions, and information in their respective sectors. PCEPSDI Project Officer, Ms. Nicole Gomez, concluded the workshop and provided a summarized report of all the break out session rooms. All information gathered from the three workshops are valuable inputs to the development of a Private Sector Roadmap, and as the study is nearing the end, Ms. Gomez thanked everyone who took time and shared their experiences, expertise, and insights for this study. The contents of this post are the sole responsibility of GCP and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union, the BMZ, GIZ or Expertise France.

Green Choice for Green Products: An Awareness Seminar on the National Ecolabelling Programme – Green Choice Philippines

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The “Development of Voluntary Guidelines on Sustainable Packaging Towards Reduction of Marine Litter and Promoting Packaging from Alternative Materials Through Market Based Approach” project implemented by the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI), also dubbed as the “Sustainable Packaging toward Marine Litter Reduction” aims to reduce marine litter by promoting packaging for reuse and from alternative materials using market-based instruments. This project is in partnership with the ‘Rethinking Plastics – Circular Economy Solutions to Marine Litter’ project of the European Union and the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ). ‘Rethinking Plastics‘ is implemented by the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH and Expertise France. Due to the growing global concern for environmental protection, market demand for “green” products shows significant increase as producers, retailers, governments and consumers seek to expand their sustainable production and green purchasing. However, along with the increased awareness and rising demand on environmentally friendly products is the increasing concern on “greenwashing”. Thus, PCEPSDI administers the National Ecolabelling Programme – Green Choice Philippines (NELP-GCP), a voluntary, Type 1 ecolabelling program following the guidelines of ISO 14024. NELP-GCP provides criteria for environmentally sound and preferable products and services through life cycle consideration. Its mission is to guide the Filipino society in choosing which products and services being produced and distributed in the country pose the minimum risks to environmental health and welfare; while envisioning that environmentally preferable products are being produced and distributed all throughout the country. This seminar is an opportunity for businesses and other stakeholders to understand ecolabelling, a viable solution for promoting sustainable choices. As a company, SM seeks to make sustainable choices accessible to every Filipino, but this is a big challenge. Because of this, SM reaches out to many partners, one of which is PCEPSDI, to further advance sustainability. SM partners with PCEPSDI and the NELP-GCP, through its hotels, malls, and retail segments, to step up its sustainability initiatives, and helps out its suppliers in the journey towards becoming green. The seminar was started by a welcome message from Ms. Marimar “Mai” Baitculon, AVP of the SM group Sustainability office from SM Investments Corporation. Followed by the introduction of DTI’s programs on sustainable consumption and production (SCP), and its other initiatives for consumer protection by Atty. Ann Cabochan. The recently accomplished toolkit is a DTI-led project proponent in cooperation with ACCP ASEAN Secretariat, funded under the Japan-ASEAN Integration Fund (JAIF) 2.0 and managed by the Competition, Consumer Protection and Intellectual Property Rights Division (CCPID) of the ASEAN Secretariat together with DTI. Atty. Ann Cabochan emphasizes the promotion of its consumer advocacy on Sustainable Consumption and Production together with the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development INC. through its flagship programme which is the National Ecolabelling Programme – Green Choice Philippines by picking products and services that are certified green. To provide the fundamentals of ecolabelling in the Philippines, Ms. Grace Lebria presented the different types of environmental performance labelling, NELP-GCP main activities, and its milestones. Ms. Lebria also mentioned that the ISO 14020 series was developed to avoid misleading labels. There are three types of labels, namely: (1) Type I which establishes criteria based on the product/service lifecycle, applied for third-party verification; (2) Type II for self-declared environmental claims; (3) Type III for specific aspects of products using a life-cycle approach which defines a reporting format for quantifiable life cycle data. To provide the fundamentals of ecolabelling in the Philippines, Ms. Grace Lebria presented the different types of environmental performance labelling, NELP-GCP main activities, and its milestones. Ms. Lebria also mentioned that the ISO 14020 series was developed to avoid misleading labels. There are three types of labels, namely: (1) Type I which establishes criteria based on the product/service lifecycle, applied for third-party verification; (2) Type II for self-declared environmental claims; (3) Type III for specific aspects of products using a life-cycle approach which defines a reporting format for quantifiable life cycle data. The seminar was then ended by testimonials by NELP-GCP certified products.

Transforming Tourism Value Chains – Newsletter June – Sept 2021

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The Transforming Tourism Value Chains project is a 4-year global initiative that was launched in 2017 by theUnited Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). It supports the countries in reducing greenhouse gasemissions and improving resource efficiency in key tourism sector value chains with high resource use, i.e.accommodation, food & beverage, and meetings, incentives, conferences and events (MICE). Transforming thesector to low carbon, resource efficient operations, requires an increase in sustainable consumption andproduction (SCP) practices by businesses and tourists through more coherent actions in countries.

Enhancing Solid Waste Management and Advancing Sustainable Packaging

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The Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, INC (PCEPSDI), through its Sustainable Packaging Towards Marine Litter Reduction Project, held an Online Policy Dialogue entitled: “Enhancing Solid Waste Management and Advancing Sustainable Packaging” on October 26, 2021. The event aims to present the results of the roundtable discussion in Iloilo City and Bacolod City, to deliver challenges, opportunities, and areas of improvement on solid waste management & promotion of sustainable packaging, and to provide an avenue on open discussion in solid waste management and sustainable packaging.  The first speaker for the webinar was Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI) Project Consultant, Dr. Maria Angela Zafra, who talked about Market Supply and Demand for sustainable packaging where she presented the market readiness study. She discussed that sustainable packaging should be effective, efficient, cyclic, and safe. Biodegradable Reusable and Compostable Packaging, which are alternative packaging to single-use plastics, are also introduced. The Project Assistant of Philippine Center or Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development Inc. (PCEPSDI), Ms. Kim Castillo, presented the results of the roundtable discussion in Bacolod City and Iloilo City. The 10-year Solid Waste Management Plans of the two municipalities, as well as the challenges and recommendations in the resource regeneration & protection, improvement of solid waste management, promotion of alternative packaging products, and public awareness on solid waste management was presented. There would be a Policy Recommendation Guidelines that contains the results of the research and policy dialogue between the two municipalities, which will be endorsed to the LGUs to provide policy recommendations on Solid Waste Management and Sustainable Packaging with key aspects on SCP. The Policy Dialogue proper was moderated by Prof. Edmond “Macky” Maceda, the Sustainability Director for Enderun Colleges, and Sustainable officer for the United Nations. He introduced the panelist: Mr. Bert Guevarra of Green Solutions 128, Ms. Nikki Sevilla of EcoNest, Mr. Marian Ledesma of Greenpeace Philippines, and Dr. Sonny Domingo of the Philippine Institute for Development Studies. The policy dialogue consisted of presentations from the panelists, such as the 5-point philosophy and 4-level waste diversion scheme to solid waste disposal and recovery, design & manufacturing to alternative packaging, and the areas of improvement for policy makers in setting the right regulation to solid waste management. Best practices of LGUs like increasing the number of Materials Recovery Facilities, enactment and regulation of single-use plastic ordinances, partnership of LGUs to manufacturers of Eco bricks, and the National Ecology Center was also commended.

Adopting Sustainable Procurement in the Tourism Sector | Case Studies of Consumer Information and Capacity Building

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For the last week in our Sustainable Procurement Awareness Series, we’ll be highlighting two case studies on: consumer information and tools, capacitating stakeholders. CONSUMER INFORMATION The role of certifications and consumer information is key to support the adoption of sustainable procurement practices, as they guide consumers and procurers to make better choices and recognize progress made in offering more sustainable options. An example of a tourism business using consumer information is the TUI Group, A German multinational travel and tourism company, who wanted to set clear targets on improving and monitoring sustainability performance for its hotels.  By giving priority to local and fair-trade suppliers, and those with environmental certification, TUI experienced higher customer satisfaction overall, on top of 10% lower carbon emissions per guest night, 24% lower waste volume per guest night, and 9% higher employment rate of national employees.  CAPACITY BUILDING  Capacity building initiatives on sustainable and circular procurement solutions should aim to:  Develop and disseminate generic tender specifications Develop gender-based capacity building opportunities Train staff on food waste prevention  Develop and disseminate technical guidance to procure more efficient cooling equipment  For Radisson Hotel Group, the company wanted to ban single-use plastics in meetings and events, and raise awareness among corporate guests and inspire similar initiatives. By amending brand standards accordingly, training employees to source alternative solutions, and replacing plastic water bottles with glass bottles, the Radisson Hotel Group was able to implement their solutions globally and reduce their carbon footprint by 3.2 tons.  For more case studies like this one, feel free to check out the full report Transforming Tourism through Sustainable Procurement at https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/resource/transforming-tourism-through-sustainable-procurement ***** We hope that these insights and learnings on Sustainable Procurement have inspired your businesses to look further into transforming your value chains to be more environmentally, socially and economically beneficial to all stakeholders involved. Should you have any questions regarding this Awareness Series, or wish to apply such concepts in your businesses, please do not hesitate to reach out to us to receive online training on Sustainable Procurement, or Greenhouse Gas Monitoring, for the hospitality sector. 

PCEPSDI conducts webinar on Sustainable Food Farms in Hotels and Restaurants

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Part of practicing sustainable tourism is maximizing the localization of food supply chains. This includes partnering with local suppliers and supporting local products and services and including their products and/or services as part of tourism business offerings. Hotels, restaurants and other tourism businesses can also opt to grow their own fresh fruits and vegetables. This not only lessens emissions from transporting the goods; it can also reduce waste generated from packaging.  In order for more tourism businesses to be engaged in more “farm to table” activities, the Philippine Center for Environmental Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI), through the Transforming Tourism Value Chains (TVC) project, collaborated with International Institute of Rural Reconstruction (IIRR) and Humane Society International (HSI) to conduct a webinar on this topic. The online training, “Sustainable Food Farms for Hotels & Restaurants” took place via Zoom on September 22, 2021. The training, attended by 26 participants from the tourism field, promoted nutrition-sensitive agriculture and sustainable food value chains through simple food production that prioritizes local vegetables and food products.  Providing the opening remarks was Project Officer Kiko Velhagen of PCEPSDI, who gave a brief introduction to the TVC project. He shared how the training supported the Roadmap for Low Carbon and Resource Efficient Tourism in the Philippines through sustainable food value chains, specifically introducing the concept of sustainability in food and strengthening sustainable procurement policies.  The online training was moderated by Ms. Joanna Dalusag, Program Associate for Food Security and Resilient Livelihoods at IIRR. It was able to cover topics through a series of interactive sessions such as lectures, trivia games, and video presentations. Ms. Shiela Anunciado, Program Officer for Agriculture, discussed topics from preparatory activities for bio-intensive gardens (BIG), seed and seedling management, crop and pest management, to proper harvesting of crops.  A segment on the benefits of using indigenous vegetables was also prepared by HSI. This included showing a recipe video using indigenous vegetables, recorded by Chef Marie Isabelle Tomas, HSI Plant-based Chef, and Plant-based Recipe Developer and Chef of Vegano Manila. Mr. Jake Brandon Andal, RND, HSI Plant-based Nutritionist and Public Relations Officer of the Philippine Society of Nutritionists-Dietitians, Inc., also gave a lecture on the nutritional benefits of using such vegetables.  After a lively open discussion with the participants, the organizers encouraged businesses to submit their action plans in developing their “food farms”, in order to be qualified to be part of a possible one-year “Farm to Table” program in 2022, wherein pilot businesses will receive free technical assistance in building their own small gardens from which to procure fruits and vegetables. Participants were also encouraged to post photos of their own food farms or any preparatory activities for their farms, in order to inspire not just tourism businesses but also citizens as well in growing their own food supply.  As a final message to the participants, Ms. Emilita M. Oro, Country Director of IIRR, emphasized that the hospitality industry can play a significant role in promoting good nutrition and good food. She encouraged everyone to join the #gulayan and #GoodFood movement for the sake of both our health and the environment. For any concerns regarding this event, please contact:  Kiko Velhagen, Project Officer tvc4relcd@gmail.com Andrea Go, Project Assistant andrea.go@pcepsdi.org.ph

Adopting Sustainable Procurement in the Tourism Sector | Case Studies of Cooperating with Stakeholders

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For the last two weeks in our Sustainable Procurement Awareness Series, we’ll be showing some examples of businesses, both local and international, who have successfully adopted sustainable procurement in their operations.  This week, we highlight two businesses in Palawan who have successfully maximized impact by working together with relevant stakeholders in the tourism value chain: Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort, and El Nido Resorts Ten Knots Development Group.  Daluyon Beach and Mountain Resort was able to save on costs in the long term because of procuring energy-efficient equipment. The challenge was reducing environmental impacts of the resort operations by choosing energy-efficient solutions, decreasing the dependence on fossil fuels without compromising guest comfort and satisfaction.  Using the 3R Strategy – Reduce, Replace and Redesign – the resort was able to save on significant savings, such as monthly energy cost savings of PhP 1,166 (per tubular light) and annual energy savings of Php 204,078 by installing louver roof ventilation and water sprinklers. The challenge of El Nido Resorts of Ten Knots Development Corporation was to address an increasing food demand due to the increase of tourists arrivals and local population, while creating opportunities for the local communities to generate income and engage throughout the food value chain.  By guaranteeing that at least one ton of vegetables per week is supplied by local farmers, who underwent training sponsored by El Nido Resorts and even in cooperation with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), El Nido Resorts were able to reduce 20% of overall food costs in 2016, as well as transportation costs and therefore GHG emissions as well. They were also able to create local businesses by engaging the local communities.  For more case studies like these, feel free to check out the full report Transforming Tourism through Sustainable Procurement at https://www.oneplanetnetwork.org/resource/transforming-tourism-through-sustainable-procurement Stay tuned for more posts about this topic on our Facebook page here.