Davao Council reduces green space requirement
DAVAO CITY — Developers of horizontal housing projects here will no longer be required to set aside 10% of the total land area, with a minimum of one hectare, as “green space”, following the city council’s approval of an amendment to the local law. Majority of the councilors voted last Tuesday in favor of the amendment to the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) 2013-2022, which incorporates the 10% green space into the 30% open space intended for common facilities as well as roads and drainage facilities.
Davao’s ‘Lunhaw Awards’ for the environment opens
DAVAO CITY – Dabawenyos who advocate for environment-friendly practices are encouraged to join the 4th Lunhaw Awards that “recognizes more exemplary environmental initiatives” by the people who heed the environmental policies implemented in Davao City. In a statement, Interface Development Interventions, Inc. (IDIS) executive director Ann Fuentes said that she is hoping to receive more entries on the rainwater catchment systems (RCS) initiatives of the residents, communities, schools or businesses this year. “Since 2013, the city government has implemented a number of new environmental ordinances like the Rainwater Harvesting Ordinance which mandates the construction of rainwater catchment systems (RCS) for new buildings and residences. This year, we hope to recognize successful and best practices of RCS initiatives in residences, communities, schools or business establishments,” she said.
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.