ENVIRONMENT WATCH

Mini-hydro to save Ifugao terraces

LAGAWE, Ifugao – Gov. Teddy Baguilat, Jr., Energy Sec. Angelo Reyes and Mitsuru Shimizu, project manager of e8, signed a memorandum of agreement for the construction of a mini-hydro in Ambangal, Kiangan town July 2 at the Dept. of Energy main office in Taguig.

The project was conceptualized in 2003 to preserve the rice terraces of Ifugao and provide cheaper source of electricity for the province. The project which features the development of a run-of-river hydropower plant (200 kW) is being funded and implemented by e8 through the Tokyo Electric Power Co. with the support of the DOE and the provincial government.

Community consultations and feasibility studies were conducted last year. The construction of the project is estimated to start third quarter of 2008 after the acquisition of the “free, prior and informed consent” from involved communities and will begin operation in 2009.

The e8 is a non profit organization composed of nine leading electricity companies from the G8 countries that promotes sustainable development through electricity sector projects and human capacity building activities in developing countries worldwide.

“The Ambangal mini-hydro is the lucky number 7 project of e8 and upon completion will create sustainable revenue to the terraces conservation.” said Toyoto Matsuoka of e8. Part of the revenues of the project’s power sales will finance a rice terraces conservation fund to be used in the rehabilitation of damaged rice terraces and communal irrigations, implementation of a reforestation project, and enhancement and promotion of traditional culture programs.

According to Sec. Reyes, “The terraces are in a rapidly deteriorating state of repair.

This project is well designed as it incorporates environmental, social, cultural, economic, and historical aspects. It provides livelihood and income to the community thus improving the way of life of the people and enhances one of the wonders of the world currently in danger of being enlisted from the heritage sites of UNESCO.”

“This project is a miracle not only for me but for the people of Ifugao. It will provide IFELCO (Ifugao Electric Coop.e) with cheaper source of energy.” said Baguilat. “The project once completed will serve as a stepping stone for other investors to invest on social enterprise projects in Ifugao. We will devote our time, effort, and logistics for the success of this project.” – Robie Halip


Baguio waste bins now a requirement

BAGUIO CITY – Owners of big establishments like shopping malls, hotels and restaurants here are now required to provide their own large garbage bins that would effect the segregation of wastes.

The city council has approved on final reading Ordinance No. 52 series of 2008 and authored by Vice Mayor Daniel Fariñas.

This was meant to compliment the city’s waste segregation policy since these establishments are also considered as major waste generators.

“It has been observed that although there are business establishments that are now complying with the solid waste segregation process some have their solid wastes accumulated at their vicinities while awaiting the garbage trucks to pick them up.

This kind of situation is not only an eyesore but there arises a tendency that these segregated garbage may be scattered by stray animals,” the ordinance noted.

“If there were big garbage bins sufficient to accommodate the accumulated garbage of each of these establishments, this kind of situation can be prevented, including the infestation by insects such as flies, cockroaches, and other vermins aside from the diseases that may arise from such.”

As per the ordinance, “proprietors, owners, and/or managers of large business establishments such as, but not limited to, hotels, restaurants, malls and the like, are hereby mandated to provide big garbage bins sufficient to accommodate the volume of their segregated garbage collections.