Move to amend Davao City’s land use plan slammed
ENVIRONMENT advocates criticized the amendments over Davao City’s land use plan, which they claimed will result in the reduction of the open space requirement for development. In a statement emailed to Sun.Star Davao, Interface Development Intervention (Idis) director Ann Fuertes said the move is a “short-sighted response that will have long-term repercussions on the city’s response to climate change.” “We need more green spaces and not a cement. Green spaces perform an essential function and that it serves as urban storm water absorption and filtration for the city,” Fuertes said.
IDIS to Apo Agua: Obey EIS rules
The watershed advocacy group Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) reminded officials of the Apo Agua Infrastructura Inc. (AAII) to follow the protocols provided by the Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) law in conducting public consultations. In a statement IDIS said it has received information from their partner communities in Gumalang and Tawantawan barangays that Apo Agua went ahead with its public consultation regarding its Tamugan Bulk Surface Water Treatment project last November without informing the Watershed Management Council (WMC) secretariat or its representatives to join the consultation. In a report submitted by the Watershed Multipartite Monitoring Team (WMMT) to the WMC, it recommended that the Apo Agua “conduct consultations in all barangays covered by the project including the IP communities with proper narrative and photo documentation to ensure proper documentary evidence and with the presence of the WMMT.”
Walk the talk on renewable energy, ecologists dare P-Noy
DAVAO CITY—Local environmental groups challenged President Aquino to show his sincerity when he bragged about his administration’s push for renewable energy while inaugurating the first of a series of coal plants to be operating soon in Mindanao. “If the Aquino administration is sincere in its rhetoric of inclusive development, it should prioritize community-based renewable-energy solutions. It should be people-led and not corporate-driven,” said Dr. Jean Lindo, cochairman of the environmental network Panalipdan Mindanao. The group has been criticizing Malacañang for alleged “bias for corporate-led development, which favors projects like the coal-fired power plants.”
Coal still “clear, present threat” to Davao water
DAVAO CITY – An official of the Aboitiz Power dismissed the fears of environmentalist on the harmful effects of the newly inaugurated coal fired power plant here saying they will not do anything bad for the city. The 300 megawatts coal fired power plant was inaugurated yesterday in Barangay Binugao, Toril district. The event was graced by President Benigno Aquino III and other national and local officials. The power plant currently supplies power to more than 20 electric cooperatives and distribution utilities in Mindanao.
How to save water? Harvest rainwater
DAVAO CITY – An environmental group urges residents here to save water by harvesting rainwater and storing it for household chores. Mark Penalver policy advocacy specialist of the Interface Development Interventions (Idis) said “harvesting rainwater for domestic or industrial use will lessen our water utility bills since we won’t waste drinking water for flushing toilets, cleaning households or for watering gardens.” The local government passed a Davao City Rainwater Ordinance in 2009, mandating the establishment of rainwater catching systems (RCS) in newly built residences and buildings. The policy was formulated to promote the storage and usage of rainwater for non-potable use.
Groups launch 2016 Lunhaw Awards
DAVAO CITY – Groups from civil society, the academe and the local government launched Thursday an awards event recognizing outstanding green initiatives in Davao City. The “Lunhaw Awards aims to recognize and honor Davaoeños with commendable innovative initiatives in environmental management and sustainability.” The awards is in line with various events in an EcoFestival set from June 24-30.