DATE . 1 2 MAR 2019

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INT rriErF, NMNS7 S Strategic Communication and Initiative Service STRATEGIC THE PHILIPPINE UPPER PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON COMMUNICATION SIM STORY STORY wasseSIRRIn INITIATIVES PAGE SERVICE 1 2 MAR 2019

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Cimatu: Cut down on plastics that clog oceans By RHODINA VILLANUEVA eight million tons of plastic circulate in it. This contributes tures is either due to ingestion waste finding its way into to the loss of species and con- or entanglement. Environment and Natural oceans every year. tamination of the food chain. Citing a UnitEd Nations report, Resources Secretary Roy Cima- "The task of reversing this In the 2017 International Cimatu said the is one tu has called upon to issue is as big and wide as the Coastal Cleanup report, the of Top 5 contributors of plastic cut down on the use of plastics ocean, but small actions can top polluting items found waste in the world's oceans, ac- that often end up in oceans and make a huge difference," he in the oceans were cigarette counting for about half of the total threaten marine life. said as he urged people to be- butts, plastic bottles and caps, plastic leakage. Cimatu, who made the ap- come "stewards of marine life" straws and stirrers and plastic "We produce 2.7 metric tons peal during the department's by reducing the use of plastics. bags. It also indicated that such of plastic waste every year," celebration of World Wildlife According to Ocean Con- waste could harm one million Cimatu said. "Following this Day (WVVD) 2019, noted that servancy, at least eight million seabirds, 100,000 sea mammals trajectory of plastic produc- plastic pollution is one of the tons of plastic enter the ocean as well as marine turtles and tion and mismanagement, UN greatest threats to ocean health each year on top of the 150 mil- countless fish annually. The reports predict that by 2050, worldwide, with an estimated lion tons of plastic that already harm brought to these crea- Turn to Page 3

BMB director Crisanta Marlene Ro- driguez said that annually, the DENR "bestows official recognition to partners there would be more plastic in the oceans who have valuable contributions in the than there are fish." enforcement of wildlife laws, rules and Meanwhile, the DENR, through its regulations." Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB), "For the past five years, the DENR has gave out 44 medals during the 6th Wild- conferred the Wildlife Law Enforcement life Law Enforcement Awards to the men Awards on at least 365 men and women," and women who defended the "voiceless she said. wildlife species" against illegal collectors WWD 2019 carries the theme "Life and traders. below water: for people and planet," fea- The awardees consist of 21 officers from turing a formal awarding ceremony for the National Bureau of Investigation; 14 the recipients of grants from the United from the Bureau of Customs; six from the States Agency for International Devel- Philippine National Police; two from the opment (USAID) for graduate students city government of ; and one from pursuing further studies aligned with the the Department of Agriculture-Bureau of project's research priorities in conserving Animal Industry. biodiversity in the Philippines.

STRATEGIC EJ UPPER PAGE 1 BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON COMMUNICATION STORY STORY INITIATIVES 1(3 ea PAGE LOWER 4•..06600.sisio SERVICE Standardwa 1 2 MAR 2019 DATE TITLE: PAGE I/

Cut down on use of plastics—DENR ENVIRONMENT Secretary Roy Cimatu on Monday told Filipinos to be stewards of marine life and cut down the use of plastics that end up in the ocean and pose threat to marine life. He said plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats to ocean health worldwide with estimated eight million tons of plastic waste :aiding their way into the oceans. "The task of reversing this issue is as big and wide as the ocean, but small actions can make a huge difference," he said. The environment chief appealed to the public to join the rest of the world in celebrating the World Wildlifi Day 2019 with the theme "Life below water: for people and planet." According to Ocean Conservancy, eight million tons of plastic enter the ocean each year on top of the 150 million tons of plastic that already circulate in the ocean, contributing to loss of species and contamination of food chain. Rio N. Araja

I I I I UPPER PAGE 1 BANNER EURORIAL CARMON 4-/o PORT MORT PAGE LOWER viiiinvivnionnviAnar 1 2 MAR 2019 Department or Environment and Natural Resources ' essMirtor Bum STRATEGIC COMMUNICAI ION INITIATIVES SERViiiii Eici air( /Vitra DATE Bay rehab reveals Duterte's soft side character. President Duterte was firm in his directive in early Janu- ary to rehabilitate Manila Bay and warned establishments along the Manny B. Villar bay that he would not hesitate to order their closure if they chal- lenge his call. "Whether they like THE ENTREPRENEUR it or not, all of them, including the hotels, must put water treatment ANY Filipinos are now beginning to appreciate the soft for their waste discharge or else side of President despite his tough I will shut them down," said the Mstance on his war on drugs. Mr. Duterte, not to the sur- President. prise of many, also cares about the environment and its benefits Department of Environment and to the population, tourism and the economy in general. His initial Natural Resources Secretary Roy success in cleaning up Boracay Island gained the support of the Cimatu, meanwhile, is lucky to be Filipino people and was lauded here and abroad. It started the mo- given the opportunity by the Presi- mentum to rehabilitate other tourist attractions in the Philippines. dent to rehabilitate Boracay Island and Manila Bay. Mr. Cimatu may be rememberedintimeas thebest envi- President Duterte now faces the and that those deeds will speedup the ronment secretary ofthe Philippines most daunting task of all: the very momentum and lead to an irrevers- after receiving the full support of ambitious and long-delayed cleanup ible trend to finish the job, whoever President Duterte in implementing of Manila Bay. No past presidents of succeeds President Duterte. these rehabilitation projects. the republichave succeededinrestor- The Manila Bay rehabilitation Mr. Cimatu so fans implement- ing Manila Bay to its original state, will not be a success, of course, ing President Duterte's directive to where one can swim in its clean wa- without the support of his Cabinet the letter. He has urged 178 may- ters and enjoy its spectacular sunset members and the international ors of the cities and municipalities without the sight of filth and float- community, which has long urged surrounding Manila Bay to do their ing garbage. the Philippines to do the job soon. share in the bay's rehabilitation by Manila Bay will not be rehabili- The cleanup is also aperfect comple- cleaningup their rivers and esteros. tated in three years, or until the ex- ment to President Duterte's tough "We have to clean all 47 esteros piration of President Duterte's term stand against drugs, graft and cor- and all the rivers that contribute to in 2022. The more relevant question, ruption, the New People'sArmyand the pollution of Manila Bay. Nobody for me, however, is what canbe done terrorism. For me, the rehabilitation should be left alone, we will one by in three years? Jbelieve the govern- of Manila Bay represents the soft one ask them [to help]," he said. ment can accomplish many things side of the President. He reminded local officials to in deaning up Manila Bay, and Pasig But his soft side should not be implement environmental laws and River for that matter, in three years mistaken for a weakness in his clear thewaterways of squatters, and

Mr. Cirriatu has the full support of President Duterte, who minced no askedthemtoidentifythe sources of words in his early warnings against water pollution in their areas and do hotels and other commercial estab- something about it. lishments contributing to the pollu- "Once we dean the esteros and tion of Manila Bay. rivers, garbage will not go out to Ma- "Do not challenge me. If we do nila Bay. We'll make it a point that not have tourists, so be it. We arenot the water that reaches Manila Bay going to die without them. You do is clean," he said. "Even if it takes us somethingabout your waste there, or one, two or threeyears to clean these we will have you closed down. That's rivers, we have to do it." for sure," said the President. The absence of wastewater- IamconfidentPresidentDuterte's treatment facilities along the trib- directive to clean up Manila Bay will utaries and waterways of Metro be a success and set the tone for other Manila and nearby municipalities similar projects. A strong political is largely contributing to the high will and his high popularity ratings coliform content of the waters of are backing him up. Manila Bay. For comments, e-mail mbv.secretariat@gmail. corn or visitwww.mannyvillar.com.ph. STRATEGIC LII COMMUNICATION uPPER PAGE 1 BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON STORY STORY INITIATIVES PAGE LOWER SERVICE SEN1100.1.1.. 1 2 MAR 2019 PAGE 1/ DATE

Less catch in Manila Bay dredging, say fisherfolk A group of militant fish- the dredging part will not compassing portions of erfolk on Wednesday ex- result in reclamation and province, accord- pressed concern over the that the rights of the ing to Pamalakaya. potential economic and small fisherfolk would be In Bacoor, Cavite, the environmental impact of respected," added Hicap, local government has the dredging activities on a former Anakpawis par- partnered with Frabelle Manila Bay to the liveli- ty-list representative, ad- Fishing Corp. and Aboitiz hood of small fishermen dressing the Department for a 944-hectare recla- in surrounding areas. of Environment and Nat- mation project. "Dredging-zelated ural Resources (DENR). Another joint project stressors such as move- Hicap said he feared between the provincial ment of solid particles, that long-term dredging government and contro- the%discharge of toxic would affect the income versial businessman Wil- contaminants, and noise of small fisherfolk whose fredo Keng covers more pollution can effectively catch had been dwindling than 2,200 hectares. disrupt the movement of in recent years because of The reclamation pro- fish species and various environmental degrada- jects could affect 26,000 marine life in Manila tion. coastal families from Ba- Bay') said Fernando Hi- Fisherfolk used to coor, Noveleta, Kawit, cap, national chair of catch from 10 to 15 kilos a Rosario and Cavite City Pambansang Lakas ng day. That has now fallen through displacement Kilusang Mamamalakaya to 2 to 5 kilos, he added. and forcible ejectment, ng Pilipinas (Pa- Pamalakaya said the Pamalakaya warned. malakaya). government must provide Malacafiang earlier On Tuesday, the De- more livelihood and eco- said that the reclamation partment of Public Works nomic assistance to the projects would generate and Highways began fisherfolk who would be income for the govern- massive dredging activi- affected by the dredging. ment and bring in more ties in a 1.5-kilometer 43 pending projects jobs for Filipino workers. stretch of Manila Bay to The group also urged Although Interior remove more than the DENR to prevent "a Secretary Eduardo Afio 225,000 cubic meters of full-scale sellout of Mani- has said that all reclama- silt and garbage from the la Bay" to private devel- tion projects would be re- bay. opers, as it noted that viewed, he also clarified Respect rights there are over 43 pending that while his department "While we support a reclamation projects cov- could recommend genuine rehabilitation of ering more than 30,000 whether or not the pro- Manila Bay to restore its hectares of Manila Bay. ject should push through, ecosystem, the govern- Included in the pro- Malacafiang would have ment must assure us that ject are 4,900 hectares en- the last say. UPPER PAGET BANNER ITORIAL CARTOON eik n 4. I 1 ita_g_Fits) 10 STORY STORY WIallgle•S %pt.-- PAGE TOWER

Pepartmen( of Environment and Natural RESOUTCUS MANILAMLLETIN 2 MAR 2049 RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE THE NATION'S LEADING NEWSPAPER DATE

Garbage removal underway; ending pollution will take time

At the start of the cleanup, the Manila Zoo, por HE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Depart- along with several hotels and restaurants, were ment of Environment and Natural closed down for directly dumping their wastewater Resources (DENR) have started de- into sewers flowing into the bay Metro Manila's ploying amphibious excavators along the 1.5- two water concessionaires, which have been col- kilometer shoreline along Roams Blvd. between lecting funds from households to set up wastewa- the Manila Yacht Club and the United States ter treatment plants, expect close to 100 percent , Embassy. coverage of their areas by about 2037. At least 20 trucks will be used to transport the And this is only Metro Manila with its Pasig trash that the excavators are expected to raise River collecting waste water from heavily popu- from the waters close to the shore. There have lated towns along the way as well as from been occasional cleanup drives conducted by civic de Bay with its own set of towns and five river groups that collected trash on the shores of the systems that flow into it from Southern Luzon - the bay. This time, with the excavators, the DPWH Boso-boso river in , the Zapote river in Cavite, and the DENR intend to reach farther out into the San Cristobal river in Laguna, the San Juan the bay and remove the garbage dumped over so river in , and the Iyam-Dumacaa river many decades.. in The DENR said hundreds of hog farms The silt and garbage raised from the waters have long been disposing of their animal wastes of the bay will go through a waste segregation into these rivers. machine and the trash will be taken to a Navotas There are other river systems carrying their landfill while the mire and soil will be dumped in own pollution directly into Manila Bay from Bicutan, Taguig City. This dredging operation may in the west, and in the north, take three months. The goal is to remove all the and Cavite in the south. garbage that now covers the sand at the bottom All this pollution has made Manila Bay what it of the bay. is today, a body of water unsafe for swimming or It must be stressed, however, that this excava- any other form of "contact recreation." tion operation is only part of the rehabilitation The excavators deployed by the DPWH and plan for Manila Bay. The bigger part will be the DENR will remove the more visible garbage that elimination of the pollution that now flows into it now covers the sand along Roxas Boulevard. The with the waste water coming from the thousands real pollution is less visible - the bacteria thriving of homes and establishments in Metro Manila. in the wastewater from Metro Manila and Laguna Because of all these untreated wastes, the fecal de Bay, that can cause disease upon contact. coliform bacterial level in many parts of the bay We must not expect any quick solution to this is said to have reached 350 MPN (Most Probable long-neglected problem of Manila Bay. We can Number) per 100 milliliters, when the acceptable only be thankful that finally, the government is level is only 100 MPN. acting on it. UPPER PAGE 1 TANNER EDITORIAL CA 00N elk ID STORY STORY -LB ratiLli: PAGE LOWER

S 1 2 MAR 2919 lepartment of Environment mid Natio al Resources MANILAMILLETIN RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE THE NATION'S LADING NEWSPAPER DATE

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EDITORIAL Garbage removal underway; ending pollution will take time -riE Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and 1 Natural Resources (DENR) have started deploying amphibious excavators along the 15-kilometer shoreline along Roxas Blvd. between the Manila Yacht Club and the United States Embassy At least 20 trucks will be used to transport the trash that the excavators are expected to raise from the waters dose to the shore. There have been occasional deanup drives conducted by dvic groups that collected trash on the shores of the bay. This time, with the excavators, the DPWH and the DENR intend to reach farther out into the bay and remove the garbage dumped over so many decades. The silt and garbage raised from the waters of the bay will go through a waste segregation machine and the trash will be taken to a Navotas landfill while the mire and soil will be dumped in Bicuban, Taguig City. This dredging operation may take three months. The goal is to remove all the garbage that now covers the sand at the bottom of the bay. It must be stressed, however, that this excavation operation is only part of the rehabilitation plan . or Manila Bay. The bigger part will be the elimination of the pollution that now flows into it with the waste water coming from the thousands of homes and establishments in Metro Manila. Because of all these untreated wastes, the fecal coliform bacterial level in many parts of the bay is said to have readied 350 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 milliliters, when the acceptable level is only 100 MPN. - At the start of the deanup, the Manila Zoo, along with several hotels and restaurants, were dosed down for diretUy dumping their wastewater into sewers flowing into the bay. Metro Manila's two water concessionaires, which have been collecting funds from households to set up wastewatertreat- ment plants, expect dose to 100 percent coverage of their areasby about 2037. And this is only Metro Manila with its Pasig River collecting waste water from heavily populated towns along the way as well as from Laguna de Bay with its own set of towns and five river systems that flow into it from Southern Luzon — the Boso-boso river in Rizal, the Zapote river in Cavite, the San Cristobal !her in Laguna, the San Juan river in Batangas, and the Iyam-Dumacaa river in Quezon. The DENR said hundreds of hog farms have long been disposing of their animal wastes into these rivers. There are other river systems carrying their own pollution directly into Manila Bay from Bataan in the west, Pampanga and Bulacan in the north, and Cavite in the south. All this pollution has made Manila Bay what it is today, a body of water unsafe for swimming or any other form of "contact recreation." The excavators deployed by the DPWH and DENR will remove the more visible garbage that now covers the sand along Ro>as Boulevard. The real pollution is less visible — the bacteria thrhAng in the wastewater from Metro Manila and Laguna de Bay, that can cause disease upon contact We must not expect any quick solution to this long-neglected problem of Manila Bay. We can only be thankful that finally, the govemment is acting on it. UPPER PAGE 1 BANNER TFORIAL CARTOON ( 0 STORY STORY PAGE LOWER taarmiatatt•otte vataato

Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1 2 MAR 2 019

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EDITORIAL Tatanggalin na ang mga basura; ngunit matatagalan bago maihinto ang polusyon

CINIMLTLAN na ng Department of Public Works and Highways (DPVVH) at ng Department of °Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ang pag,tatalaga ng mga amphibious excavators sa 1.5 kilornetrong baybayin sa kahabaan ng Roxas Blvd. sa pagitan ng Manila Yacht Club at ng Embahadang Amerika. Hindi bababa sa 20 truck ang gagainitin upang ikarga ang mga basura na inaasahang mahuhukay ng mga excavators mula sa tubig in malapit sa baybayin. Nagkalcaroon ng mga panaka-nakang paglilinis sa baybayin ang ibast ibang grupo na nakakalikom ng mga basura sa baybayinng look. Sa pagkakataong ito, gamit ang mga excavators, pakay ng DPVVH at DENR na mas malayo ang maabot into sa look at matanggal ang mga basurang natambak na doon sa maraming nagdaang dekada. Mapupunta ang mga banlik at basura na maiaagat mula sa tubig ng Manila bay sa waste segregation machines at saka dadalhin sa Navotas landfill habang ang mga burak at lupa ay itatambak sa Bicutan, Taguig City. Maaaring abutin ng tatlong buwan ang paghuhukay na ito. Aug hangad ay ang matanggal ang lahat ng basura in ngayon ay tumatabon sa buhangin sa ilalim ng look. Gaytininan, kailangang bigyang,-diin na ang paghuhukay in ito ay bahagi famang rig planong rehabilitasyon para sa Manila bay. Ang mas malaking bahagi nito ay ang pagtanggal sapolusyon na ngayon ay dumadaloy dito sa mga maruruming tubig na nagmumula sa libu-libong kabahayan at establisyamento sa Metro Manila. Dahil sa lahat ng doming ito, sinasabing umabot na sa 350 MPN (Most Probable Number) per 100 milliliters, ang fecal colifdrm bacterial level sa maraming bahagi ng look, gayong nasa 100 MPN lamang ang katanggap-tanggap. Sa simula ng paglilinis, ipinag-utos ang pagsasara ng Manila Zoo, kasama ng ilang hotel at kainan na direktang nagtatapon ng kanilang dumi sa mga alkantarilya na dumadaloy patungong look. Ang dalawang water concessionaries ng Metro Manila na matagal nang nangongolekta ng pondo mula sa mga kabahayan upang magtayo rig Wastewater treatment plant, ay umaasang masasakop ang halos 100 porsiyento ng kanilang mga sakop na lugar bago ang 2037. Ito ay sa Metro Manila pa lamang kasama ng Hog Pasig na tumatanggap sa mga dumi na nagmumula sa siksikang bayan, gayundin sa Laguna de Bay kasama ng mga bayang nasa paligid nito at ang limang ilog na dumadaloy dito mula sa Katimugan ng Luzon — ang ilog rig Boso-boso sa Rizal, ang ilog ng Zapote sa Cavite, ilog San Cristobal sa Laguna, flog ng San Juan sa Batangas at ang flog ng Iyam-Dumacaa sa Quezon. Ayon sa DENR daan-daang babuyan ang nagtatapon ng kanilang mga dumi ng hay op sa mga ilog na ito. May iba pang mga ilog na direktang nagdadala ng kanilang sariling polusyon sa Manila Bay mula sa Bataan sa kanluran, Pampanga at Bulacan sa hilaga, at Cavite sa timog. Lahat ng polusyong ito ang nagluklok sa Manila bay SA kasalukuyang kalagayan nito, isang bahagi ng tubigna hindi ligtas na languyan o ng anumang uri ng "contact recreation." Tatanggalin ng mga excavators na ilalagay ng DPWH at DENR angrnga nakikitang basura na nagtataklob sa buhangin sa kahabaan ng Roxas blvd. Ngunit hindi gaanong nakikita ang tunay na polusyon —ang mga bacteria na dumarami mula sa rriadurning tubig ng Metro Manila at Laguna de Bay, na maaaring magdulotng sakit. Hindi tayo dapat umasa ng mabilis na solusyon sa matagal nang napabayaang problema ng Manila Bay. Tinging magagawa natin ay magpasalamat na sa wakas ay tinutugunan in ito ng pamahalaan. RAMER EUIIORIAL CARTOON STORY PAGE LOWER

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Estrada, who is running for reelection against his former vice mayor, Isko Moreno, and predecessor Alfredo Lim, felt that the incident was politically motivated. "Who would the people blame? Me, right? The public Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada will say there is no government —MARIANNE BERMUDEZ here in Manila," he said. He added that the incident was an insult to the city govern- ERAP HITS ment and residents. Manila's police chief, howev- er, did not agree with Estrada.

FOILED TRY TO No evidence "We are facts-based," said Chief Supt. Vicente Danao, DUMP WASTE Manila Police District (MPD) di- rector. "We don't have any in- By Aie Balagtas See formation on [his theory) yet." @ABSeeINQ According to the MPD, it has has yet to identify the truck As far as Manila Mayor Joseph driver and his helper, and what Estrada is concerned, the foiled exactly they dumped into the attempt to dump a truckload of canal. suspected human waste into A check of the surveillance one of the city's drainage canals camera's footage showed only was meant to make him look five of the six alphanumeric bad. characters on the truck's license "It's a demolition job," plate. INQ Estrada said on Monday during a press conference at city hall. He was referring to Friday's incident in which a surveillance camera caught two men alight- ing from a truck and dumping its contents into a drainage sys- tem in front of Century Hotel. A hotel security guard, how- ever, accosted the two men who fled in their truck. The incident happened in the middle of the national gov- ernment's widespread program to rehabilitate Manila Bay with the help of local officials. I=1 UPPER PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON STORY STORY LACE ER 1 2 MAR zoig Department of Environment and Natural Resources

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mom reward vs nagtapon ng dumi ng tao

Nag-alok ng P100,000 pabuya likod ng insidente, upatig sirairt ang ! si Manila Mayor Joseph Estrada kanyang kandidatura. sa sinumang malcapagbibigay ng "Siyempre, sasabihin ang dumi impomusyon para nuarestoang driver at ng Maynila, wala akong ginapawa. may-aring trudcna ginainitsa pagtatapon Pinupulitikeyang isyuna 'yam Mayhinata ng chuningtao sa isanglcanal sa Malate, na ako Laing, sinoangnasa fikodniyanpara noongnakaraang buwan. strain alco," aniEstrada. Ayonkay Estrada, sa kanyamismo "Sa alcinmanggagaling ang reward, manggagaling ang naturang reward ipangungutang Ico yanbasta masuntok at handa siyang doblehin pa ito kung ko tang. At kapag nasentensiyahan kakailanganin dodoblehinko, gagawin kong P200,000," Bataysa ulatPebrem4nangmagtapon anangallmlde. ng dumingtaoang truck sa isang kanalsa Samantala, sa panig naman ni Pablo Ocampo Street sa Malate. Manila Police District (MPD) Director Nakuhanan ng CCTV camera ang Chief Supt Vicente Danao, sinabi niyang pagparadang truck salugar atpaglatapon mas makabubuti na sumulco na lang nitong duming tao sa kanal, nadurnachloy ang driver ng trudc dahilmayroon nang sa Manila Bay, kaya malinawna paglabag iimbestigahan trucking company ang itosa Clean Water Act. pulisyana ang negosyoay may Icatignayan Ang truckna ginamitay may plalcang sa pagsApsip ngposo negro. ngunithindi nakuha angdulong "Kapag hindi sila sumuko, numeronito,dahil yupiumanoang dulong pahihirapan namin ang negosyo nila," bahagingplalca. babalani Danao. Hinala naman ni Estrada, posibleng ilang kalaban niya sa pulitika ang nasa Mary Ann Santiago STRATEGIC A UPPER GE 1 BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON e COMMUNICATION I STORY STORY

vs„...., INITIATIVES LOWER 'a°I.Nielif‘...... o., SERVICE 1 2 MAR 2019 I EXCUSE me po! TITLE Bumaligtad any sik- mum ng mga taga-Ma- late, Manila, partikular sa kanal ng Ocampo Street, nang may isang truck na nagtapon ng dumi ng tao sa kanila noong na- karaang Lunes. Eh mabut kung pa- MAGBABASURA rang utot lang any amoy nirn na sa Hang segun- NC DUNI NABULIN , do lang ay tnatangay na sinomang makainom ng multa at hanggang iota- ng hangin. tubig na may dumi ng tao. ong pagkabilanggo. Solid waste o mater- Baka may mamatay pa Ganyan kabigat ang yal na basura any dumi dahil sa lab's na pagsu- parusa sa mga nagta- ng tao na hangga't hindi suka, diarrhea at pagkaka- tapon ng basura sa kung natutunaw o mailagay coon ng sakit mula sa may saan-saan. sa tamang lalagyan ay sakit. Lab na kungtcodc ang mananatili any amoy sa 'Yun ngang maamoy mga basura at talaga lugar na pinagtapunan mo any isang diaper na namang nakatalason sa nito. tangay-tangay ng aso, eh, tao, sa tubig, sa hangin, Nakunan ng CCTV magkakasakit ka sa hindi halamanan at iba pa any trak ngunit hindi paghinga, eh 'di !along hanggang sa maaaring gaanong nakilala ito da- magkakasakit ka kapag magkasakit at mamatay hil nilagyan ito ng de- nainom mo any may ebak any mga tao, hayup at coy para magmukhang na drinking water? , halaman. isang delivery trak ito. Any pitong putakte tala- HABANG Pinahahanap na ng ga. Blt4ABASA pamahalaan ni Mayor AKSYON NO BAYAN Marami any hindi na- any trak at kompanya na Ang isang magandang kaaalam ng responsibi- may-ad nito pare mapa- nangyari sa Malate. Mayni- lidad sa hindi tamang nagot sa batas la, naging aktibo any mga pagtatapon ng basura. SA DIN mamamayan. Sa mga barangay, Hindi lang sa Mayni- Makaraang hindi pang- nakikita any mga karatu- la nagaganap any pag- karaniwan any galaw ng la kung paano tratuhin tatapon fly dumi ng tao tsuper at pahinante ng trak, any mga nagtatapon ng sa kanal, mga Bro. tumawag agad any mga basura kahit saan at na- Pagkatapos na pag- nakakita ng barangay ta- kabatay any mga ito sa katapos lang ng Kapas- nod para tingnan any gi- mga barangay ordinan- kuhan sa La Trinidad, nagawa ng mga ito. ca o municipal o city or- Benguet nitong naka- Nang makahalata any &mita- raang taon, bang trak ng mga nagtatapon ng dumi, Multa at community dumi ng tao any itinapon agad silang umalis at nai- service any nakikita ng sa isang kanal. wan nila any umaamoy mga tao na parusa. Anak ng tokwa, may Kung may kulong nang kanal. umaagos na tubig sa Napigilan any lubos na man, Hang araw lang. Pero panahon na ta- 'canal at dinala any dumi pagtatapon ng basura sa ng tao sa mga pinag- laga na makialam any lugar. kukunan ng inumin at At ngayon naman, pus- mga tao at alamin any panluto ng mga tao. pusang hinahanap rig pa- mga seryosong pagta- Umagos din any ma- nla mga basura na mahalaan ni Mayor Erap lancal.„....,,_ aiming tubig sa mga ta- any nagtapon ng dumi u'''''' at vs"— niman. Mabibigat any mga Petwisyo talaga any upang magawan ng ligal parusa, sa totoo lang, na aksyon. naganap. Katna rig Department of gaya ng nabanggit natin ' DELIKADO sa ltaas' SA MAMMA Environment and Natural Maganda Rung kahit Resources any pamaha- sa barangay level ay Delikado nn any pag- magbiga tatapon ng ebak sa May- laang Estrada laban sa y sina kapitan at nila. hindi tamang pagtatapon mga • kagawad my mga lpagpalagay nating ng basura. seminar laban sa bawal may dumi rig tao na ga- DALAWANG BATAS na Pagtatapon rig basu- ling sa maysakit na na- Maaaring dalawang ba- tal() rib. tas any pagmulan ng mga Bukod kasi sa mga o galing sa mga os- kaso sa nagtapon ng dumi ordinansang pambara- pital o punerarya any rig tao. Nay, dapat na ikonekta Ecological Solkl Waste ang mga ito sa mga Maimadyin ba ninyo, Management Act of 2000 pambansang batas at mga Bro. kung ano ang at Philippine Clean Water makatutulong any mga dub( nitong penvisyo sa Act of 2004. municipal environment kalusugan rig mga ma- Sa ilalim rig batas sa officer dito. mamayan? solid management, any gi- Hindi tatanggi afig 0 city enyirett. ANG LIM% nawa rig tarantado sa Ma- municipal HG TUBIG late ay maaanag maPeal- ment officer na magbi- , May mga tiny& ng tu- sahan rig P200,000 multa gay-kaalarnan at linaw big na matatagpuan sa at makulong rig hanggang sa mga pambansang mga kanal. taliong taon. batas ukol sa viva basu- Maaaring tumawid Mas mabigat any paru- ra se hangin, tubig at so- any mga ito sa kanal o sa sa ilafim ng Philippine lid waste. isinama sa karial. Clean Water Act dahil, de- o0o Paano kung may bi- panda sa kalalabasan rig Anomang realcsyon o tak any mga ito at puma- iffiheallgaern, maaarlog reklamo ay maaaring sok sa mga tubo any maparusahan any mga ipatating sa 0922840- mga dumi ng tao? bastirero ng P500,000- 3333 0 i_emait sa panti- Sakit arty eatrufin ng P3 rnilyon kada maw na pondpobaticascim , '

UPPER PAGE 1 RAMER EDITORIAL CARTOON .16 I SIORY STORY C(POOff Midir5CS,' Swot won PAGE ER

iepartment of Environment and Naitoal Resources MANILAVIVIALETIN 1 2 IviAkang

IRATEGIC COMMUNICAITON INITIATIVES SERVICE THE NATION'S LEADING NEWSPAPER DATE

PH now the second largest habitat of whale sharks DENR

By ALI G. MACABALANG The DENR-12, through its GenSan- based Task Force Butanding, forwarded KORANADAL CITY—Fourteen (14) corresponding data to the Large Marine whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) spot- Vertebrates (LAMAVVE) Research Insti- ted surface feeding in Bay tute for individual tagging of the 14 whale last March 9 has placed the Philippines sharks. in the map as the second largest habitat It said the new discoveries were of whale sharks. tagged as P1597, P1598, P1599, P1601, This is the second time that whale P1603, P1604, P1606, P1607, P1608, P1609, sharks were spotted in Sarangani Bay P1614, P1615, P1616, and P1605 in its since 2014 where two whale sharks continuous monitoring. The two whale were spotted. sharks earlier found were tigged as P640 "The recent documentation of whale and P641, the DENR added. sharks in Sarangani Bay made the Australia, which the LAMAWE named Philippines as the second largest krioWn earlier as the second largest habitat of population of whale sharks in the world, whale sharks, has been overtaken by the according to the Wildbook for Whale Philippines with the March 9 discovery Sharks, a global online library providing Mexico waters remain the world's top ' visual database of whale shark encoun- whale sharks habitat, the DENR state- ters around the world," the DENR-12 ment said. said in a statement. "The Philippines' (rise) to the 01'4

data that would help in the conservation 41 and protection of whale sharks. PH now the... Dr. Roy Operario Mejorada of the pCPC said his team's daily monitoring of number two spot highlights (its) global drive to the community on the presence of whale sharks in the area and the pro- whale shark sightings and documenting significance.. .for the endangered species their behaviors have drawn supportfrom and emphasizes the country as a conser- hibited acts as stipulated in Republic Act vation leader for the species in South East 9147 or the Wildlife Resources Conserva- various quarters. tion and Protection Act and other related General Santos City Councilor Asia," it added. Shandee Llido, Protected Area Superin- DENR-12 Regional Executive Direc- laws," Tamoria was quoted telling task force members. tendent Joy Ologuin and Dr. Rosalinda tor Nibo Tamoria commended members Cortez of the DENR-Saragani office are of the Task Fbrce Butanding Gensan for Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian-Solon ordered the Environmental Conservation reported to be working on another or- their latest feat. The task force is a com- dinance declaring General Santos City posite team responsible for the protection and Protection Center (ECPC) to lead the waters a critical habitat of the whale and conservation of whale sharks. research team together with DENR and "We should intensifyeur information local government units to gather relevant sharks. PAGE I TANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON STONY STORY town

Department of Environment and Natural Resources 11 2 LIAR nig

TRATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE DATE

'BUTANDING' SIGHTING WHALE SHARKS RETURN TO SARANGANI BAY; EXECS URGE STUDY TO PROTECT 'GENTLE GIANTS'

GENERAL SANTOS CITY—At were recently seen feeding in counters around the world. least 14 whale sharks (Rhincodon the waters off Barangay Silway "[We need to ensure] that typos), or "butanding," have been during the monitoring that these whale sharks should be seen feeding in Sarangani Bay started in late February. protected while they are still in since last month, prompting lo- our area ... There is a possibility cal and environment officials to Protection that they will be harmed if we appeal to coastal communities to The Task Force Butanding- will not act soon," Tamoria said protect these sea creatures. GenSan said this made the in a statement. Nib Tamoria, Department Philippines the second country, He said the task force, com- of Environment and Natural Re- after Mexico, with the most posed of different government sources (DENA) regional direc- number of whale sharks, quot- agencies, had tagged the whale tor in (South Cota- ing a report from Wildbook for sharks seen feeding on surface bato, , , Whale Sharks, a global online li- waters. Sarangani and General Santos) brary that provides a visual Sarangani Gov. Steve Solon said some of the butanding database of whale sharks en- instructed the province's Envi-

ronmental Conservation and Pro- the highly migratory whale help local governments draft tection Center (ECPC) to conduct sharks could have been drawn ordinances for the protection of research to boost efforts to con- to Sarangani Bay due to the whale sharks in the 211,913- serve and protect the butanding, abundance of sardine, locally hectare Sarangani Bay. also called "gentle giants" as they known as "lupuy." The Philippines, which has a pose little threat to humans. Roy Mejorada, ECPC chief, whale shark population of at Butanding sighting had been said the team had been conduct- least 1,600, dislodged Australia recorded in Sarangani as early ing daily monitoring also to docu- as the country with the second as 2006. ment the behavior of butanding. largest known population of "We want to understand why whale sharks in the world, ac- Food supply they are here so we can con- cording to a report this month In 2014, the DENR document- tribute to the scientific informa- of the Large Marine Vertebrates ed two whale sharks off the wa- tion on their biology," he said. Research Institute. —REPORTS ters of this city, the agency said. Mejorada said data that the FROM BONG S. SARMIENTO AND ED- According to the task force, team would gather would also WIN FERNANDEZ INQ PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON STORY STORY

PAGE LOWER 1 2 MAR 2019 Department of Environment and Natural Resources

TRATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE DATE

TUESDAY Mame U. 213/ W'XISTINQUIRER.N

Editor ' RoCe-T,awoveki

FEEDING TIME The abundance of food, particularly sardine, o lupuy," has drawn whale sharks to Sarangani Bay in Minds ao, according to a government task force.— OTOCOUETtSY 0F0ENR5A

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Whale sharks in Sarangani Bay up to 14 KORONADAL CITY—A total of 14 whale sharks (Rhincodon typus) were discovered and documented in Saran- gani Bay on Saturday. The Task Force Butanding Gensan disclosed that the recent documenta- tion of whale sharks in Sarangani Bay made the Philippines as the second largest known population of whale sharks in the world, according to the Wildbook for Whale Sharks, a global online library that provides a visual database of whale shark encounters around the world. These whale sharks or "butand- ing" were spotted surface feeding in the waters adjacent to Silway, Gen- eral Santos City which were officially tagged as P1597, P1598, P1599, P1601, P1603, P1604, P1606, P1607, P1608, P1609, P1614, PI615, P1616 and one in Kiamba, Sarangani (P1605). This is an addition to two whale sharks P-640 and P-641 that were documented in General Santos City by the Department of Environment of Environment and Natural Resources in Region XII and the City ENRO in the year 2014 making up a total num- ber of 16 whale sharks documented in Sarangani Bay. The documentation was forwarded to Large Marine Vertebrates Research Institute for individual identification. In a recent article from the LAMAVE Research Institute, Aus- tralia was once recognized as the sec- ond largest known population on the database, while Mexico remains the number one global hotspot.

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14 more whale sharks spotted off Sarangani Bay By ALI MACABALANG largest known population or whale gered species and emphasizes the task force members. • sharks in the world, according to country as a conservation leader Sarangani Gov. Steve Chiongbian- KORANADAL CITY — Fourteen the Wildbook for Whale Sharks, a for the species in South East Asia," Solon ordered the Environmental more whale sharks (Rhincodon global online library providing visual it added. Conservation and Protection Center typus) have been found in Saran- database of whale shark encounters The butanding has been spotted (ECPC) to lead the research team to- gani Bay, making the Philippines around the world," the DENR-12 in Donsol, ; Oslob, Cebu; gether with DENR and local govern- the second largest habitat of the statement said. Pintuyan, Southern ; and ment units to gather relevant data endangered marines species, lo- The DENR-12, through its GenSan Honda Bay in . that would help in the conservation cally called "butandingn. -based Task Force Butanding, for- DENR-12 Regional Executive and protection of whale sharks. The whales were discovered last warded corresponding data to the Director Nilo Tamoria commended Dr. Roy Operario Mejorada of March 9 in the waters off Silway Large Marine Vertebrates (LAMAWE) members of the Task Force Butand- the ECPC said his team's daily near General Santos City, that Research Institute for individual tag- ing Gensan for their latest feat. monitoring of whale shark sightings brought to 16 the total number of ging of the 14 whale sharks. The task force is a composite team and documenting their behaviors whale sharks spotted in Sarangani Australia, which the LAMAWE responsible for the protection and have drawn supports from various Bay since 2014, according to the named earlier as the second largest conservation of whale sharks. quarters. Department of Environment and habitat of whale sharks, has been "We should intensify our informa- General Santos City Councilor Natural Resources (DENR). overtaken by the Philippines with the tion drive to the community on the Shandee Llido, Protected Area Su- "The recent documentation of March 9 discovery. Mexico waters re- presence of whale sharks in the area perintendent Joy Ologuin and Dr. whale sharks in Sarangani Bay main as the world's top whale sharks and the prohibited acts as stipulated Rosalinda Cortez of the DENR-Sara- made the Philippines as the second habitat, the DENR statement said. in Republic Act 9147 or the Wildlife gani office were reported working "The Philippines' (rise) to the Resources Conservation and Protec- on another ordinance declaring the number two spot highlights (its) tion Act and other related laws," General Santos City waters as a criti- global significance.. for the endan- Tamoria was quoted as telling the cal habitat of the whale sharks.

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—nor repartment of Environment and Natural Resources MANILAVIMILLETIN 1 2 MAR 2019

'RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE THE NATION'S LEADING NEWSPAPER DATE

DENR halts 'tourism highway' project in due to environmental threat

By ARIEL AVENDANO any earth moving and cutting of trees stipulated on another written commu- iri the three-kilometer by-pass road nication dated October 23, 2018 but no BALER, Aurora - The provincial of- section which shall traverse the forest compliance has been made. fice of the Department of Environment zone in Barangay Dinadiawan, pending . In another letter dated December and Natural Resources (DENR) here the submission of an ECC which the 12, 2018, barely a day after the issuance disclosed yesterday that a Notice of regional office of the Department of of NoV against the construction firm, Violation (NoV) has been issued against Public Works and ifighways (DPHW) Merliza Torre, newly designated district the firm which is undertaking the first in Region 3 has yet to provide. DENR chief for Northern Aurora, again phase of the "tourism highway" con- In imposing the first NoV dated reminded newly designated Region 3 struction in Dipaculao town for failure December 11, 2018, Collado said that DPWH director Roseller Tolentino about to present Environmental Compliance then DPWH Region 3 director Antonio the same requirement for the project. Certificate (ECC) while conducting Molano, who is now DPWH undersec- A two-page Adminstrative Order earth moving and cutting of trees in retary, had already been advised by number 2018-16 signed by DENR Roy the project site. the community office of the DENR in Cimatu, reiterating the "Guidelines Alfredo Collado, DENR chief for Northern Aurora district to submit an on the issuance of permits on affected Aurora, said that the construction ECC on the affected "tourism highway" DPWH projects," was also attached to company was ordered to refrain from project as early as February 26,2018 as the letter to Tolentino. OPP PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON -CirjeffirfiliFrffit — "Eff> "71;C"---Thj-7-1 fabilitif—P STORY STORY PAGE LOWER .121111•IgesIOMISININ apartment of Environment and Natural Resources 11111111LAPBULLETIN 1 2 MAR 'RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INMATIVES SERVICE THE NATION'S LEADING NEWSPAPER laig

Mount Apo's Sta. Cruz trail to be closed April 1

By ANTONIO L. COLINA IV Magpet, and Makilala have already been closed for trekking, climbing, camping, DAVAO CITY — The Municipality of and tree planting activities starting Sta. Cruz will implement a temporary clo- March 7 to prevent possible cases of sure of its trail to the summit of Mt Apo, forest fires. the country's highestpeak, starting April Mt. Apo Natural Park-Protected Area 1, due to the El Nifio, Sta. Cruz Tourism Management Board (MANP-PAMB) officer Julius Paner said. passed a resolution on March 31, 2016, Paner said that there will be no defi- closing all six trails in ludapawan, Makila- nite date yet for the lifting of the closure la, and Magpet in North Cotabato, Digos, order as the local government would Sta. Cruz, and Bansalan in , have to depend on the advisory of the after it suffered from a massive fire that Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical started from its peak and later spread to and Astronomical Services Administra- other parts of the mountain, razing even tion (PAGASA) on the drought, which some century-old trees. is expected to hit several province§ in The "indefinite closure" of the Mt Mindanao. Apo was lifted on April 12,2017. The local government wants to imme- Paner said the Mt. Apo trail in Sta. diately implement the closure to prevent Cruz would be opened•for two days on another forest fire oh Mt Apo and protect April 13 and 14 for the Mt Apo Sky and the climbers from the impact of El Nifio, Vertical Race that is expected to attract he said. around 100 racers from different parts "We aLso have to look after the welfare of the world, including American and of the climbers. We want to avoid cases of European racers. heat stroke," he said, adding that climb- Racers will scale the peak of Mt Apo ers may not get water from the streams from beach line of Sta. Cruz, he said. due to the drought. He said the Mt. Apo Boulder Face Paner said the Sta. Cruz will still allow Challenge, an annual activity held during the remaining climbers who have already summer, has been suspended this year made their bookings to scale Mt Apo until "We're all set for the Sky Race. We are March 31,2019. in the stage of coordination with all the In a March 8 Facebook post of the stakeholders," he said, adding the race Department of Environment and Natural helped boost the tourism industry of Sta. Resources-SOCCSKSARGEN, all the Cruz by attracting visitors from different region's Mt. Apo trails in Kidapawan, countries to experience the Mt Apo. 11 PAGES BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON 0 STORY STORY ER 1 2 MAR 2019 Department of Environment and Natural Resources TRATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE orl DATE

BW FILEASDAVALA SOCCSKSARGEN: KIDAPAWAN CITY, COTABATO Mt. Apo Cotabato trails temporarily closed to prevent forest fires amld El Nino THE THREE trails in Cotabato going up to Mt. Apo have been temporarily closed to avoid forest fires amid the ongoing dry spell brought about by El Nino. The closure, which takes effect immediately, was approved by the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) in a meeting last March 8. The three trails have entry points from the towns of Makilala and Magpet, and Kidapawan City. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Re- gion 12 (DENR-12), in a statement, said all "trekking, climbing, camping and tree planting activities" will not be allowed until weather bureau PAGASA "lifts its advisory on El Nino in Western Mindanao." Based on PAGASA's El Nino Climate Outlook for Mindanao Adviso- ry No. 4, the dry spell will likely "continue until April- may-June 2019 season, and various climate models prediction still suggest the likely persistence of dry condition, dry spell and drought over most areas in Mindanao in March- April-May 2019, as Philippine climate move towards the dry season." Mt. Apo Natural Park, the country's highest peak, suffered forest fires in March 2016 and recently this month in some areas of Matalam, Cotabato. PAGE I RAPPER EDITORIAL CARTOON MORT SIORY

Department of Cnvtronmeril and Natural Resources :1 2 MAR Thy

TRATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE DAIE Alarm raised as forest fires hit Benguet towns taingin' blamed for blaze that razed is hectares of woodland in Itogon and Tuba

BAGUIO CITY—More than 15 hectares of forest in two adja- cent towns in Benguet province were destroyed by fire that raged for nearly to hours on Sunday until Monday. The blaze that started around 5:45 p.m. at Sitio Bisil in Barangay Gumatdang in Itogon town burned at least 5 ha and was placed under control at 4 a.m. on Monday, according to the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) in Itogon. It recorded three forest fires in January and February, MOUNTAIN INFERNO Firefighters took10 hours, from Sunday to Monday, to control the fire including the one that razed that hit a section of a forest at Barangay Gumatdang in Itogon, Benguet. —LEVY MANGILI/CONTRIBUTOR some 6o ha and killed five foresters of Philex Mining Corp. in February. of forest fires since January. lands or forests, according to been spared by forest fires. In nearby Tuba town, fire In , zo Chief Insp. Rogelio Nisos, the According to BFP data, also razed some to ha of forest forest fires were recorded in the province's fire marshal. there were over go forest and at Sitio Pitlawan in Barangay pant two months, including the He said fire authorities grass fires recorded in the re- Poblacion on Sunday, accord- one that struck the watershed were even scolded by residents gion in January and February, ing to the Tuba fire station. of Mt Amo that serves Tadian for putting out grass fires. compared to the 87 from Jan- The fire was reported at and Bauko towns. An elderly uary to March last year. 5:45 p.m. and was put out farmer was killed in the blaze. spared Mendoza asked farmers to around 11:40 p.m. Supt. Allan Emballar, Moun- recorded at least refrain from burning dry grass in tain Province fire marshal, said five forest fires. "The figures their farms and from practicing No rainfall the lack of rainfall since. Decem- are alarming," Senior Supt. "kaingin." She said uncontrolled Tuba fire officials blamed ber had also made the forests Maria Sofia Mendoza, BFP re- lcaingin was the main reason for the fire on "kainginero" (slash- "very susceptible to fire." gional • director, told a recent forest fires in the region. and-burn farmers). In Kalinga, grasslands were press briefing here. "Prevention is better than The BFP in Cordillera has being burned for graze land Of the six provinces in cure," Mendoza said. —KIMBER- raised the alarm over the series that had affected adjacent Cordillera, only Apayao has LIE QUITASOL INQ

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DATE PAGE I/ TITLE: Two forest fires hit Benguet

By Aldwin Quitasoi

BENGUET — Two forest fires struck damage to the greens of Benguet Province in close proximity early Sunday night. Members of the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) responded to the forest Turn to page 6

From page 1

fires in municipalities of Benguet in a less than two-hour gap. The first fire was reported at around 5:45 p.m. A duty personnel of the municipal police ettot Itogon

noticed smoke emanating from the mountain part of Sitio Bisil, Gumatdang in Rogan and alerted the BFP for immediate response. Volunteers, residents, barangay officials, BFP personnel and Itogon police are still in the area trying to contain the fire as of this writing.

An investigation is in progress to assess the damage. Then, at around 7 p.m., the BFP Tuba and Tuba police rushed to the scene of another forest fire at Sitio Pitlawan, Poblacion in Tuba, Benguet. The firemen and police were aided by barangay officials and

residents to help contain the conflagration. Initial investigation showed that the forest fire started in the middle of the forest. The burned portion was estimated at about a hectare. Benguet Fire Marshall Roberto

Aragon said 77 fire incidents have been recorded in the province from January to •5 March, 54 of these were forest and grass fires with more than 375 hectares razed. They have not apprehended a single suspect who may havi caused the fire. V STRATEGIC UPPER PA BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON COMMUNICATION 1-1 STORY STORY vsk...salelikald INITIATIVES ea PAGE LOWER 1000•0"lissir SERVICE "missiiosor Standard 1 2 MAR nig

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FOREST FLAMES. Fires are raging this week in Gumatdang, Itogon, Benguet as well as Dontogan, Tuba, Benguet, and what makes the scenes more frightful are the areas' inaccessibility due to the mountainous terrain which cannot be easily reached by firefighters. It is not yet clear how many areas have been gutted down, but firefighters and police are monitoring the inferno, which coincided with the celebration of Fire Prevention Month. PNP Itogon/Ceasar Cheong UPPER PAGE 1 BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON 1111alaga I I STORY STORY go, PAGE LOWER 0 ausolomr apartment of Environment and Natural Resources 1 2 MAR 2010 B RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE usiness DATE NWRB ready to commit more water to La Mesa

BY ANGELA LOPEZ DE LEON the Ipo Dam in Bulacan then flows into the La Mesa Dan. The Angat- NATIONAL Water Resources Ipci-La Mesa water system supplies Board (NWRB) Executive Direc- most of Metro Manila's water. tor Sevin° David Jr. yesterday said As long as the water reserve the agency is willing to increase of Angat "remains at a normal the flow of water from the Angat level," David said the NWRB will Dam in Bulacan to prop up the not reduce the water allocation for water level of La Mesa Dam in La Mesa. Quezon City. According to Dela Cruz, Angat's In a television interview, David water level at 6 a.m, yesterday was said La Mesa Dam currently has a at 200.59 meters, "still sufficient 48 cubic meter per second alloca- for the dam's purposes." tion of water from Angat. "Right now, Angat,has enough Water reserve at the La Mesa reserve to cover increased water Dam remained at a critical level supply for Metro Manila on top yesterday, according to the Philip- of its normal allocation for ir- pine Atmospheric Geophysical and rigation and power production," Astronomical Services Administra- he said. tion (PAGASA). Dela Cruz said that even without As of 6 an. yesterday, PAGASA rain, Angat can still supply water to hydrologist Edgar Dela Cruz said the La Mesa Dan until early June, water elevation at the darn stood when the wet or rainy season is at 68.93 meters, still below the expected to start. 69-meter critical low level. The Dela Cruz also appealed to the La Mesa Dam began to breach public to be responsible and wise its critical level of 69 meters on in utilizing water and "as much as Sunday afternoon. Water from Angat passes though See NWRB>. Page B3

NWRB In its Twitter account, the Manila Water has also apolo- Chief Presidential Legal Coun- Maynilad Water Services Inc. said gized to its customers for the unex- sel Salvador Panelo, concurrent possible to conserve water." the firm will have enough water pected water service interruptions. presidential spokesman, said, `We Apart from the extreme heat and supply to sustain the needs of its The firm said it has started to will respond to that (crisis). But the lack of rain, Dela Cruz attributed customers throughout the summer augment the supply in reservoirs problem is the water would come the significant drop in La Mesa's months as long as the NWRB does so it could bring back water service from the heavens. There is no rain, water level to the high domestic not reduce the allocation of raw to the affected areas. if there is no rain, how do we do water demand. water from the Angat. Makcafiang said there is a need to it. We might have to wait," he said. Due to the dwindling water level "Nevertheless, if the mild El improve the information drive about He said one measure that gov- in La Mesa, residents of Metro Ma- Nino brings down the water level at the water interruption and rationing ernment might pursue is cloud nila and parts of Rizal have been Angat and the NWRB is forced to schedules while government intensi- seeding in areas most affected by affected by water interruptions reduce allocation, Maynihd has pre- fies its efforts to cushion the impact the water crisis. — With Jocelyn since last Thursday. pared for this eventuality," it added. of the water crisis on the public Montemayor STRATEGIC I 1 BANNER EDITORIAL CARIOCIN Slk COMMUNICATION mon STORY INITIATIVES PAGE LOWER TiLEirwrersr SERVICE' 1 2 MAR 2019 DATE RAGE I/ WATER RATIONING COVERS 273 VILLAGES IN METRO MANILA, RIZAL AS SUPPLY DROPS

By Ronne! W. Domingo, Maynilad supplies water to Jaymee T. Gamil the west zone, which covers and Maricar Cinco mostly Manila, parts of Quezon @Teaminquirer City and Makati City, and Caloocan, Pasay, Paranaque, Las Water rationing in the service Pinas, Muntinlupa, Valenzuela, If we don't area of Manila Water Co. now Navotas and Malab on cities, and affects 273 barangays in 18 certain areas in Cavite province. regulate [the towns and cities in Metro Mani- Water level in Angat Dam current water la and Rizal province as the wa- was 200.59 meters on Monday ter level in La Mesa Dam contin- morning, still more than 20 me- supply], if we're ues to recede. ters above the critical level. not frugal, we can Manila Water said rationing in "Unless the National Water the east zone was needed so that Resources Board (NWRB) re- expect an even available supply would last over duces allocation for MWSS worse water the next two or three months. (Metropolitan Waterworks and Customers would get water Sewerage System), Maynilad shortage but at reduced volumes until should have enough supply to the rainy season, it said. sustain the needs of its cus- Elmer Caringal Manila Water gets most of tomers throughout the summer Pagasa hydrologist its supply from La Mesa Dam in months," said Jennifer Rufo, Novaliches, Quezon City. head of corporate communica- As of 6 am. on Monday, water tions at Maynilad. ty, she said. in the dam dipped to 68.93 me- "But assuming that water "From only 12 reservoirs in ters, falling below the "critical" level in the Angat Dam goes 2010, we now have 32," Rufo level of 69 meters and approach- down and the NWRB is forced to said. "This essentially gives us ing the last record low of 68.75 reduce allocation, Maynilad has more reserve water, assuming meters in 1998. mitigating measures in place," there is supply shortage from Rufo said. the source." Angat Dam water The Philippine Atmospher- Maynilad Water Services Inc. More reservoirs ic, Geophysical and Astronomi- said its supply was not affected Since El Nino of 2010—one cal Services Administration by the dry spell just yet as it was of the worst on record—Mayni- (Pagasa) expects the water level getting water directly from Angat lad had been working to im- in La Mesa to reach the record Dam in Bulacan province. prove its water storage capaci- low levels in 1998, especially

WATER RATIONING COVERS 273 VILLAGES IN METRO, RIZAL NEVIS I M

WATERLESS IN THE CITY As the lack of water becomes acute in certain Metro Manila areas due to El Nino, apartment owners queue to fill pails, jugs, containers and even plastic storage boxes with water Dorn a delivery truck inside a 25-building condominium complex in Mandaluyong City on Sunday night. —RosortawoessiLmarlo I I I NEESE PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON I I STORY STORY PAGE LOWER

I 2 IIAR 2fm Department or Environment and Natural Resources

TRATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE DATE

since the dry season has yet to try, to assess the best course He said the water was reced- officially begin. of action. ing at a rate of 0.3 meter a Pagasa hydrologist Elmer NWRB officials on Monday month. Caringal said the rainy season afternoon were meeting with MWSS Administrator Rey- that would boost the water sup- executives of MWSS, the gov- naldo Velasco asked consumers ply at La Mesa was expected to ernment agency that regulates to use water wisely. be delayed until August. private water concessionaires "Since we primarily source "If we don't regulate [the Manila Water and Maynilad. our water from Angat-Ipo-La current water supply], if we're Ipo Dam's water levels re- Mesa water system, we have to do not frugal, we can expect an mained healthy at 101.02 meters our share to help lessen the effect even worse water shortage" as of Monday. of El Milo not only on our need than the interruptions being for water in our households and implemented by the water con- Laguna Lake industries but also on agricul- cessionaires, Caringal said. Water level in Laguna Lake ture," Velasco said in a statement is likely to hit its critical low lev- Infusions from Angat el in two months' time, the La- Cloud seeding set Decreasing supply levels in guna Lake Development Au- Agriculture Secretary Em- dams are normal during the dry thority (LLDA) said. manuel Piiiol said he had direct- season, with abnormally low The 5o,000-hectare lake is a ed the Department of Agricul- water level in La Mesa usually major source of water for ture's regional offices to imple- addressed by infusions from Ipo households. Manila Water and ment cloud seeding operations. Dam, which in turn, gets an in- Maynilad draw a combined av- Pifiol said the department flow from Angat Dam. erage of 450 million liters daily would coordinate with the But Caringal said infusions from the lake. Philippine Air Force for cloud from Angat Dam were not As of Monday, the LLDA's seeding over Bulacan, Pampan- enough now, because demand water level monitoring showed ga and Rizal provinces in order was increasing. the water elevation at ii.i me- "to fill up La Mesa Dam." While increasing the limit ters, or just o.6 meter above the Presidential spokesperson may seem an obvious option, critical level. The critical low Salvador Panel° called on wa- the hydrologist said doing so level is 113.5 meters. ter service providers to im- may also risk Angat Dam's wa- "Right now we're still okay. prove information dissemina- ter level. But should there be no rains [in tion on the schedule of water Caringal deferred to the the coming weeks], the water interruptions in parts of Metro NWRB, the agency in charge of still may go down," said LLDA Manila. —WITH A REPORT FROM water resources in the coun- hydrologist Emil Hernandez. JULIE M. AURELIO INQ STRATIGIC LII UPPER PAGET R NER EDITORIAL CARTOON CONIMUNICATION SPORT STORY INITIATIVES PAGE LOWER SDRVICE 2 I1AR 2019

DATE Due PAGE 1/ PROVINCES II' STARTTO REEL FROM EL Nlisel0 STORY BY THE INQUIRER STAFF

By the end of March, 22 provinces are likely to experience dry conditions, 41 would have a dry spell and nine would suffer from drought, according to the weather bureau.

Early harvest By the Inquirer Staff At Laoag City in way below normal rainfall, so @Tearninquirer province, farmers have started below normal, only eight near harvesting crops such as corn normal, and three above normal. Things will get worse before earlier than scheduled before "Way below normal" means they get better, as the dry spell these are laid to waste due to a reduction of more than 6o is expected to deepen across the rising temperatures. percent from average rainfall, country. Some fishpond operators while "below normal" means a This early, the dry spell have also been harvesting 21- to 60-percent reduction. stemming from El Niiio is al- tilapia to avoid fishkill. Drought is declared after ready destroying crops, reduc- Farmers have resorted to three consecutive months of ing water supplies and endan- pumping water from the way below normal rainfall con- gering the health of millions of ground through shallow tube ditions or five consecutive Filipinos, according to officials. wells but acknowledge that the months of below normal rainfall. Abnormally low rainfall in volume is not enough. most parts of the country is ex- El Nifto conditions are expect- Cotabato crop damage pected this month, and dry spells ed to last until May, according to Solis identified the possible and drought are due in the com- Pagasa. The phenomenon is char- areas to be hit by drought this ing months until August, accord- acterized by unusually warm sea month as the provinces of Ilocos ing to the Philippine Atmospher- surface temperatures in the cen- Norte, , , Oc- ic, Geophysical and Astronomical t cidental Mindoro, Palawan, tral and eastern equatorial Pacific. Services Administration (Pagasa). , Zamboanga Pagasa has said weak El Nifio By the end of March, 22 Sibugay, and . conditions are prevailing over provinces are likely to experience the country since February, 41 likely to expe- dry conditions, warning the public of warmer- rience a dry spell, and nine to ex- than-average surface tempera- perience drought, Pagasa said. tures and a prolonged dry sea- In Zamboanga City, a state son in the months to come. of calamity has been declared amid the drastically reduced Climate outlook water levels in rivers and the In the March to August cli- Pasonanca watershed. mate outlook presented on "The city agriculture [office] Feb. zo, Pagasa climate monitor- also reported damage to crops, as ing and predictiqn section chief well as ill effects on health of the• Ana Liza Solis said that this city's constituents," Vice Mayor month, only southern Mindanao Cesar Iturralde said on Monday. and were likely to experience "near normal" rainfall, with the rest of the country to ex- perience below normal rainfall. . Solis said that this month, 22 provinces were likely to receive simmak. PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON COMMUNICATION STORY STORY

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Crops in hundreds of hectares San Roque Power Corp. of land in at least io villages in Despite the assurance from the town of Kabacan, Cotabato, San Roque Dam officials, the are suffering from the effects of provincial government contin- high temperatures, according to ued to install tube wells. its mayor, Herbo Guzman. The Ilo cos Norte govern- Guzman placed the initial ment will hold a water summit damage to rice and corn at P32.5 on March 15 to discuss mitigat- million in the villages of Aringay, ing measures during El Nino Pisan, Bangilan, Dagupan, Maga- and mobilize immediate assis- tos, Kayaga, Cuyapon, Ban- tance for affected towns. nawag, Nangaan and Katidtuan. More than 500 hectares in Magat Dam water these areas had become parched In , water in Magat due to lack of rainfall since De- Dam was still lo meters above cember last year, he said. the 160-meter critical level in its In Kidapawan City, Mayor catch basin on Sunday. Joseph A. Evangelista has or- The dam supplies water to dered the City Disaster Risk Re- 85,000 ha of rice farms in Isa- duction and Management Office bela, , and lit- to intensify information and ed- gao provinces, and provides wa- ucation campaign on grass fire. ter for power generation to the hydroelectric power plant. Vast grasslands in the city On Sibuyan island, Romb- have become dry due to intense lon, the Cantingas River, which temperatures, which also lowered powers the island's hydroelec- the water level of Nuangan River. tric plant, has receded from its normal level of 24 meters to Drop in crop harvest 1.70 meters, over the last two In eastern , rice weeks of February. farmers expect a drop of up to 50 In Bulacan province, the wa- percent in their harvest due to lack ter level in Angat Dam remained of irrigation water and rainfall high as of Monday at 200.55 me- "The palay (unmilled rice) ters. Its low critical level is 170 grains did not fully develop be- meters. cause of lack of water. Half of Angat Dam is a major source the grains we harvested are 'ipa' of potable water for Metro (empty)," Ponciano Onia said. Manila. Despite rising temperatures, In , the Provincial Dis- water in San Roque Dam in San aster Risk Reduction and Man- Manuel town, Pangasinan, is agement Office is conducting an sufficient for irrigation if El Ni- inventory of areas vulnerable to no hits the province, said Tom El Nino. Valdez, vice president for cor- Che Rebeta, Albay provincial porate social responsibility of agriculture offiee chief, said a team of farm technicians was still validating report that the dry spell was starting to affect the towns of Oas and Polangui. "Unlike and , the province [of Albay] ;would only experience moder- ate dry spell in the months of March and April and drought by May to June," Rebeta said. —REPORTS FROM JAYMEE T. GAMIL, JULIE ALIPALA, WILLAMOR MAGBAN- UA, YOLANDA SOTELO, GABRIEL CARDINOZA, LE1LANIE ADRIAN°, VIL- LAMOR VISAYA it, CARMELA REYES- ESTROPE AND MARS. ARGUELLES INQ STRATEGIC firA . IV= lea i UPPER PAGE 1 RA NER EDITORIAL CARTOON COMMUNICATION Sway STORY INITIATIVES PAGE LOWER SERVICE 11 2 MAR zoin DATE TITLE: PAGE 1/

DRYING UP Water in Laguna Lake has dropped to slightly half a meter above the critical level, the Laguna Lake Development Authority reported on Monday. But the agency said it was continuing to drop in the absence of significant rainfall. —JOEL mATARoicorrnuarroa

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iepartment of Environment and Natural Resources DIANILAVIULLETIN 1 2 MAR ,2019

'MIMIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE THE NATION'S LEADING NEWSPAPER, DA1E Water shortage may last till June La Mesa Dam breaches critical level; Manila Water to implement service interruptions

auwirti DE VERA-RUIZ and MADELAINE B. IMRAFLOR

a Mesa Darn in Quezon City Abelardo said that at around 6 a.m. breached its 69-meter critical Monday, La Mesa Dam reached 68,93 low water level on Monday meters, down from last Sunday's 69.02 Igiafter registering 68.93 meters, meters. Its normal high water level is just 0.18 meters short of its record-low 80.15 meters. 68.75 meters recorded in 1998. With the depleted water supply due Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysi- to El Nino, customers of Manila Water cal, and Astronomical Services Admin- Company, Inc. will continue to istration (PAGASA) hydrologist Ailerie experience low pressure to no

CREEPING DANGER - Thls aerial photo shows the La Mesa Dam, Monday, with its water level at 68.93 meters, below the critical level of 69 meters. The mime level of the dam Is 80 meters and the alarming state of the water. supply In Metro Manila has this boy (Inset photo) drawing water from a well at the Baseco compound In Tondo, Manila for his family's needs. (Mark Balmoresattar Danced) UPPER PAGE 1 BA NER EDITORIAL CARTOON C.16-170611iIrtir` !tharriF-176-0419-r---N If MOAT STORY slam — PAGE LOWER

Peportment of Environment and Not UI el nesources MANILAPBULLETIN 1 2 NM 2019. 'RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE THE NATION'S LEADING NEWSPAPER DATE

Water shortage may... 11 water service interruptions throughout of the most common impacts of an El the summer months. Nifio, and the country is currently af- "We will implement [scheduled water fected by a weak El Nifio event The 1997- service interruptions] until summer 1998 El Nino occurrence was also among months. That will be up to June or when the strongest events in history the rainy season begins," Dittie Galang, Abelardo pointed out that PAGASA Manila Water head of planning and tacti- has observed a significant reduction in cal development corporate communica- rainfall over the catchment area of La tions, said. Mesa Dam since September, 2018. "So Galang said her company would be in January this year, La Mesa Dam's implementing "operational adjustments" water level was at 74 to 75 meters, which in the way it will release its water supply is significantly lower than the previous to its customers. years," she said. Manila Water sources its water from With the dam's critical level, "there Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system. lb will be a limited" water source for a be specific, water from Angat passes portion of Metro Manila's water con- through Ipo Dam, from where it is re- sumers. leased to La Mesa Dam. While La Mesa Dam is now in criti- Unlike Manila Water, Maynilad Water cal level, Angat Dam - which supplies 97 Services, Inc. doesn't get water from La percent of Metro Manila's domestic water Mesa Dam, which is why the company needs and irrigation for 27,000 hectares of has not yet to issue scheduled supply farmlands in Bulacan and Pampanga - is interruptions, said Madeleine R. Zaide, "still high," Abelardo said. media relations manager at Maynilad. As of Monday, Angat Dam's water Manila Water, which currently has 6 level was 200.59 meters, or higher than million customers, provides water to 23 its low water level of 180 meters. cities and municipalities in Metro Manila PAGASA weather specialist Lanie and Rim!. These include Mandaluyong, Bitagtm said there is a low chance of Makati, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, rainfall in Metro Manila, and most parts Marikina, and parts of Quezon City and of Luzon and Visayas this Tuesday. Manila. The towns of Angono, Baras, Meanwhile, Presidential Spokesman Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jalajala, Salvador Panelo said the government is Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, Tanay, Thy- concerned about the situation, assuring thy, Teresa, San Mateo and Antipolo in that the government will do something to the province of Rizal are also part of the address the issue. East Zone. "We're always concerned with respect Maynilad, on the other hand, has 9 to any problem affecting the welfare of million customers from Manila (all but people," he said Monday portions of Sap Andres and Sta. Ana), "Yes, we will respond to that. Pero ang Quezon City (west of San Juan River, West problema ata yung tubig manggagaling Avenue, EDSA, Congressional, Mindanao sa langit Walang Wan. Pag walang ulan, Avenue, the northern part starting from paano? Baka mag-aantay tayo (But I the Districts of Holy Spirit and Batasan think the problem is there is no rain. We Hills), Malcati (west of South Super High- would have to wait if that's the case)," way), Caloocan, Pasay, Paratiaque, Las he added. Pihas, Muntinlupa., Valenzuela, Navotas Although he has not talked about the and Malabon, all in Metro Manila; the situation yet with the President, Panelo cities of Cavite, Bacoor and hnus, and the said one thing that aan be done is cloud- towns of Kawit, Noveleta and Rosario, all seeding or the spreading of chemicals in the Province of Cavite. into the clouds to promote rainfall. (With PAGASA said reduced rainfall is one a report from Argyll B. Geducos)

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Department of EnvIronment and Natural Resources 1 2 MAR 21319. TRATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE

La Mesa Darn water crisis will worsen

If you are a Manila Water Co. Inc. customer who lives in the farthest and highest area of its distribution network, brace yourself for a very serious wa- ter shortage in the coming days. Last weekend, the water lev- el at Manila Water's major reser- voir, La Mesa Dam, dipped be- low critical level (69 meters). It was at 68.90 m on Monday morning. I was floored by drone SHARP EDGES videos from the Quezon City JAKE J. MADERAZO government that showed a dry- ing water reservoir even before the start of summer. The scenario of a dried-up La Mesa Dam is forcing Manila Water to deal with a water crisis for its consumers in Mandaluy- ong, Pasig, San Juan, Marikina, Quezon City, Makati, Taguig and Pateros as well as parts of Rizal province. • Maynilad Water Services Inc., on the other hand, is not yet in crisis mode since it gets its supply directly from Angat Darn where the water level is at zoo m, still far from the critical level of i8o m. Maynilad also has zto differ- ent reservoirs and 30 pumping stations all over its west zone franchise area. When the water at Angat Darn breached critical level in zolo, re- sulting in a drought, Maynilad suffered the most It was forced to resort to water rationing. At that time, Manila Water's La Mesa Dam reservoir saved the day for its east zone cus- tomers. The situation has been re- versed now. When I inter- viewed her on my radio pro- gram, • Dittie Gthang of Manila Water said that we should pray for an early rainy season. gib UP PAGE 1 RANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON STORY STORY

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Department or Environment and Natural Resources .1 2 MAR 7019 .TRATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE Maynilad ready for dry spell amid mild El Nilio

MWSS Administrator Reynaldo V. Velasco earlier called on consumers By Victor V. Saulon sub-Editor to save water and help cushion a water shortage as the weather phenomenon could result inthe delayed onset of the MAYNILAD Water Services, Inc. has rainy season. downplayed the impact of El Nifio The agency had said that as a rule, on the water it supplies to Metro Ma- discharge for potable water supply nila's west zone, saying the previous becomes the priority during droughts, dry spell early in this decade left the reducing water releases for irrigation company prepared for a similar inci- and power generation. dent. Water for Metro Manila is primar- "Since 2010 — the big El Nifio, re- - member — we built a couple of reser- ily sourced from the Angat-IpoLa voirs all across our networkto prevent Mesa water system.Water fromAngat any service-affecting interruption to passes through Ipo Dam where it is our customers in the event of a strong then released to La Mesa Dam. According to Philippine Atmo- ElNino," said Maynilad President and Chief Executive Officer Ramoncito S. spheric, Geophysical and Astro- nomical Services Administration Fernandez in a chance interview. Aside fromthe reservoirs, the com- (PAGASA), La Mesa Dam has a pany has also invested in technology 47-cubic-meter-per-sec0nd alloca- to monitor the water situation in its tion of water from Angat Dam, higher than the 44 cms the government sets service area, "We've invested in a central control aside for La Mesa Dam during the dry room. You can see the entire network season. Maynilad serves certain portions remotely in our head office and also in Arroceros (in Manila). Those are of Manila, Quezon City and Makati. the major investments — automation, It also covers Caloocan, Pasay, Para- fiaque, Las Pifias, Muntirdupa, Valen- additional reservoirs," he said. Maynilad, the country's largest zuela, Navotas and Malabon in Metro

water concessionaire in terms of cus- Manila.Outside the Philippine capital, tomers, is an agent and contractor of the Metropolitan Waterworks and it serves the cities of Cavite, Bacoor and Imus, and the towns of Kawit, Sewerage System (MWSS). Asked whether the supply in the Noveleta and Rosario, all in Cavite additional reservoirs could last province. until June, when the weather bu- ' Metro Pacific Investments Corp., reau expects the "weak" El Nifio whichhas majority stake in Maynilad, to persist, Mr. Fernandez said: "I is one ofthreePhilippineunits ofHong believe, as long as MWSS gets the Kong-based First Pacific Co. Ltd., the 46 cmps (cubic-meter-per-second) others being Philex Mining Corp. and from Angat it looks like we won't be PLDT Inc. Hastings Holdings, Inc., a unit of PLDT Beneficial Trust Fund too worried)." "There are still things to worry subsidiary MediaQuest Holdings, Business World about but I don't think it willbe worse Inc., has interest in than 2010. That's what we're seeing," through the Philippine Star Group, which it controls. he said,

-1-blitoiRfirrosi5X PAGE' BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON 413,3XP__-_,OrlIti----01-ri STORY STORY MINE - PAGE vos40.00"""*.° "Paelii.""hr apartment of Environment nod Natural Resources MANILAMULLETIN 12 MAR 2019 'RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INMATWES SERVICE THE NATION'S LEADING NEWSPAPER DATE

Observe proper use of water — Tolentino PDP-Laban senatorial bet Atty. ngangahulugan na mas kailangang "Sa mga darating na buwan ng Francis Iblentino has called on the pub- kontrolin ang distribusyon ng tubig bakasyon sa eskwela, inaasahang mas lic to observe proper use and manage- upang balanseng masuplayan ang taws pa ang demand para sa tubig sa ment of water as the El Nifio dry spell mga kabayahan, tanggapan at in- mga kabahayan. Isyu ngarn kung paa- hits different parts• of the country dustirya sa lungsod (The effect of no makatutugon sa mataas na demand The call was made amid the con- El Nifio is already being felt. The ang mababa ng suplay ng tubig (In the tinuius drop in the water supply in fast lowering of water levels in the coming months of the summer vacation, Metro Manila, causing several water dams supplying water to Manila it is anticipated that the demand for wa- interruptions in many areas means that there is a need to control ter will go up. The issue now is how to "Ramdam na ramdam na sa the distribution of water to balance address the increased demand and the kalunsuran ang epekto ng El Nifio. the water supply for the houses, of- low supply of water)," he said. Mg mabilis na pagbaba ng lebel ng fices and the industries)," the former Tolentino added that the public tubfg sa mga darn na nagsu-suplay Metropolitan Manila Development should save water when the water sup- ng tubig sa iKamaynilaan ay ma- Authority chairman said. ply is available in their neighborhood. 131' Li L4UPPER - PAGE I CANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON 5!1:5 STORY STORY g311 PAGE LOWER lisioASwieVii•"•a

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Department of Environment and Natural Resources .1 2 MAR 20ig ;TRATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE s: DATE

Palace advice on water crisis: 'Wait for rain' MALACANANG said Monday that relief the weak El Nitio we are currently expe- riencing and the rapid decline of water from the Metro Manila water crisis may levels at La Mesa Dam while Manila Wa- have to wait for the onset of the rains, ter continues to employ augmentation though cloud-seeding was also an op- plans to mitigate the impact of these tion, with the Department of Agricul- ture saying it ordered seeding in areas realities," it said further. According to the Manila Water Ser- of that could help fill the vice Update on Monday, March 11, at capital's reservoirs. least 13 barangays in Mandaluyong City "Any pro blema yata eh any tubig eh were affected ("no water") from 11:00 manggagaling sa langit; walang ulan, am., with this status expected to last 'pag waking ulan papa'no, baka mag- (The problem is that the "We are always concerned with re- until 9:00 am. on Tuesday. aantay tayo," Affected barangays in Mandaluy- water has to come from the sky, and if spect to any problem affecting the wel- ong City were Addition Hills, Barang- there is no rain we may have no choice fare of the people," Mr. Panelo said in ka Drive, Barangka Ibaba, Barangka but to wait) the President's spokesnian the briefing on Monday when asked to Ilaya, Barangka Itaas, Buayang Bato, Salvador S. Panelo said in a briefing. comment on the water crisis in Metro Highway Hills, Hub, Malamig, Mau- Separately, Agriculture Secretary Em- Manila. way, Plainview, Pleasant Hills, and manuelF. Piiiol said on Monday that he in- He said cloud seeding is a "possi- structed the department's regional offices bility, but added he is not aware if the Wack-Wack. In Marikina City, barangays expe- to conduct cloud seeding in Bulacan, Pam- President has officially ordered it. rienced "low pressure to no water" panga and Rizal in response to El Nino. "Kung meron man, hindi ko alam. service interruptions on Monday were "Operations Undersecretary Ariel But, I am sure meron nang ginawa (If Concepcion Dos, Concepcion Uno, For- Cayanan of the Department of Agricul- any instructions were issued, I am not tune, Industrial Valley, Jesus dela Pella, ture (DA) [has been instructed] to order aware of them. But I am sure something Malanday, Marikina Heights, Nangka, the DA Regional Offices to implement has been done)" he said. "I have to ask Parang, San Roque, Santa Elena, Santo cloud seeding operations," Mr. Piftol the President exactly what were the Nino, Tanong, and Tumana. said in a social media post while visiting instructions." In Quezon City, at least 83 barangays Isabela and In a social media post on March 8, experienced "low pressure to no water" "Usec. Cayanan was also directed the Manila Water Company Inc. said: service interruptions on Monday. • to coordinate with the Philippine Air "We sincerely apologize for the in- Several barangays in Antipolo, Rizal, Force for the cloud-seeding operations convenience brought by unexpected according to Manila Water, were also over Bulacan, Pampanga, and Rizal (to water service interruption experi- affected, such as Mayamot, Cupang, increase the sources of water for) La enced by our customers across the Dalig, San Isidro, San Jose, San Luis, San Mesa Dam," Mr. Pill& said. East Zone." Roque, and parts of Sta. Cruz, among "As early as last year, funds were The company said it is implement- transferred to the Regional Offices ing operational adjustments that may others. Other affected areas were Pasig, and the Philippine Air Force for cloud- result in low pressure to no water in Taguig, the Rizal towns of Angono, seeding operations in preparation for El certain areas "to address the continued Taytay and Binangonan, as well as Niiio," Mr. Piliol added. decline in the water level at La Mesa Makati, Parafiaque, and Pateros. — The DA estimates crop damage from Dam due to minimal inflows." Arjay L. Balinbin, Reicelene Joy N. El Nino at P464.27 million, affecting "We urge our customers to use water Ignacio 13,679 hectares. more responsibly and wisely in light of STRATEGIC THE PHILIPPINE UPPER PAGE 1 BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON COMMUNICATION STORY STORY weasisSINIa INITIATIVES 111110.1...F SERVICE alommi 12 MAR 2019

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Fight for water (3) The same is true for the Agriculture and Fisheries Mod- Michael A. Bengwayan, currently a fellow of Echoing ernization Act, which has jurisdiction of all watersheds Green Foundation in New York, recently wrote about an as well as major aquifers that can be tapped for existing ongoing tribal war in Mountain Province north of the and future farmlands. Philippines over water. Then there is the territorial conflict between the national It is not an isolated story he says, with the Philippine government policies and local governments. A watershed, National Police reporting of incidences of shooting and for example, may be staked by both the national government killing in 34 areas in four regions last year over water through the Protected Area Management Board and by the rights, boundaries, use, and sharing. local government through its Watershed Management Board. To date, we may think of these as isolated cases as, far Other conflicts on water use are manifested in the pri- too few to affect a nation that is populated by over 100 ority allocation of this resource. The Water Code follows million inhabitants and growing the "first in time, first in right" doctrine, but local com- BIZLINKS faster than many other countries munities — especially those that reside right at the fount in the world. of water supply — have been known to be hostile to either On the other hand, we could or both national and local governments' unilateral deci- reflect on this "skirmishes" as warn- sions to tap into the source for other communities' needs. ing signs that a crisis over water is Strong water resource overseer needed imminent perhaps not as alarming Clearly, there is a need to resolve these conflicting as the droughts being experienced interpretations and overlapping jurisdictions of multiple in many parts of the world that have laws through a strong central body that will have the ap- severely affected food production propriate mandate. REY GAMBOA and drinking water supply. The National Water Resources Board currently is the ANYALVWCANDVED111111/Seysi DW.com's Jon Sheldon says, main state body that supposedly has the chief responsi- "Drought is turning many areas of the globe into arid bility to implement the Water Code. However, its func- wastelands. Excessive heat has cost lives, mined crops tions through the decades have been devolved to other and created water shortages. The effects are being felt government agencies. from South America to the Arctic Circle." The NVVRB is just a shadow today of its predecessor, Among the affected areas he reported are New South Wales the National Water Resources Council, which was created in Australia, Ethiopia, South Africa's Cape Town, Greece, Swe- by a Presidential Decree in 1974 before the Water Code of den, the UK„ Bangalore in India, and Kansas in the US. the Philippines was passed into law. In Europe, Sheldon writes, "Europe's sweltering heat Since then, the NVVRB has been stripped of most of has been compounded by a lack of rain. Not only have its vital roles. Its technical functions were transferred to citizens been suffering the health consequences, which the Department of Public Works and Highways in 1987 affect health care systems and labor productivity crops through an Executive Order (EO). have also been hit hard." In 2002, the NVVRB was subsumed to the Department He adds that the EU Joint Research Center has warned of of Environment and Natural Resources, and although it "an increase in drought frequency and intensity in the future." initially gained the regulatory functions of the Local Water Conflicting water laws Utilities Administration (LWUA), these were transferred We could say that the Philippines, in particular, is still back to LWUA in 2010. blessed with abundant water supply. But this may not be As a central agency the NWRB operates on a lean hu- the case soon, especially in high economic growth areas man resource lineup and budget, thus severely affecting like Metro Manila and other key cities in the country its capability. With some 30 other government agencies where water demand will draw on water sources from at the national and local levels mandated to manage the nearby regions. country's water resources, it's not surprising how messed While the lack of water may not be a fight-to-the-death up water governance in the country has evolved. scenario as with our indigenous brothers from up north, The responsibilities of those managing water are far- it could spell life and death for people who will experi- reaching. A stronger and more powerful water resource ence the lack of dean water for drinking and sanitation. overseer that will be able to implement a well-defined Sadly, this would happen not because there is a severe delineation of roles and responsibilities among conflicting drought, but because water governance is lacking. agencies is definitely needed. The Philippines is governed by the 1976 Water Code, Facebook and Twitter which defines the ownership, appropriation, utilization, We are actively using two social networking websites development, and protection of Philippine water resources. to reach out more often and even interact with and engage While its underlying principles define that all waters our readers, friends and colleagues in the various areas belong to the state, there are at least seven other laws that of interest that I tackle in my column. Please like us on also deal with governance of water resources in the Philip- www.facebook.com/ReyGamboa and follow us on wuna twit- pines, and which can sometimes be in conflict with others. tercomIReyGamboa. The Indigenous Peoples Rights Act (IPRA), for ex- Should you wish to share any insights, write me at ample, protects the rights alone of indigenous peoples to Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero water resources that are in their ancestral domain. This Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at is in conflict with the National Integrated Protected Area [email protected]. For a compilation of previous System, which provides watershed protection so that articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net. water supply can be shared with others. IPRA also conflicts with local governments' mandates to develop water supplies for their constituents' needs. A good example of this is the New Centennial Water Project that Metro Manila needs, but is being challenged by the Dumagats and Remontados. mask STRATEGIC UPPER PAGE I BANNER COMMUNICATION STORY STORY en).wassostersom INITIATIVES PAGE LOWER SERVICE Stan 0 ard .12 MAR 2019

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Interrupted ESPITE the to anger or inflame the people Presidential Spokesman Sal- growing reach they affect—sentiments that vador Panelo says the govern- can translate into strong opin- ment will swiftly act to address Dof social media, ion in the poll surveys, or in the the problem, possibly through people can feel distant polls. cloud seeding over the affected One such issue is the water areas, and marvels at how no- and removed from many shortage now being experi- body but him seems to have issues dominating the enced in Metro Manila. thought of this. headlines these days. That there could be a short- But more than the inducing age is not far-fetched. After all, rain, the government must take For example, while many is- summer has crept in, and we charge of the situation by pro- sues—Chinese incursion into the are told the El Nifio phenom- viding information to residents West Philippine Sea, or the politi- enon promises considerable on projected water levels, ser- cal bickering among the senato- damage not only to lifestyles vice interruption schedules, and rial candidates, their champions but livelihoods. regularly fielding water trucks and their supporters, deplorable What most Metro Manilans to help restore a semblance of traffic or public transportation, or were surprised about, how- normalcy and predictability to even the on-again, off-again at- ever, was the sudden—unan- affected communities. tacks by the President on mem- nounced—drop in the water It should hold the water ser- bers of the Catholic clergy—are level at the La Mesa Dam. As vice providers accountable for deemed important, they stand at of Monday morning, that level their failure to act in a timely various points along the urgency has dropped to 68.93 meters manner to help residents deal continuum. Solutions to these Monday morning, lower than with the shortage. problems could take months or the 69.02 meters the previous Water is not just any prod- even years, requiring careful day, and the lowest ft has gone uct or commodity. It is as in- planning, constant dialogue, or in 12 years. Normal water level timately linked with daily life, even implementation. is 79.30 to 79.60 meters. perhaps more than any other Meanwhile, there are some is- This led to unannounced wa- utility. If water stops flowing sues that are both important and ter service interruptions across from people's taps, it won't be urgent. One day longer is one too the metro, leaving residents long before patience drains, as much. They have the potential desperate—and angry. well. 10111STRATEGIC UPPER PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON COMMUNICATION STORY STORY INITIATIVES PAGE LOWER SERVICE 1 2 MAR 2010 PAGE I/ DATE

I I I I I I I Ii _r PAGE I °ANDER EDITORIAL CARIcION THE' iirrowoit-Torn )fflh&IPrJjpjljJC\ STORY STORY PAGE ROWER

/Ointment 111 Erwli nml !Pal tun' IlDsom Les MANBAHIULLETIN .1 2 MAR.2019 PRATEGIC COMMUNICAIION INITIAIIVES SIDIVICE THE NATION'S LEADING NEWSPAPER, DATE MGB mulls revisions of Mining Act's IRR

By MADELAINE B. MIRAFLOR showed. Also, the Philippines is losing he Mines and Geosci- billions of dollars in potential ences Bureau (MGB) mining investments because of is now taking a look at the policy stalemate plaguing the Tpossible revisions that industry. could be applied to the Imple- Dindo Manhit, President menting Rules and Regulations of Stratbase ADR Institute, (IRR) of the Philippine Mining Act said while countries such as of 1995, the main legislation that Australia and Indonesia governs allmining and extractive managed to develop their mineral operations in the country. endowments as a strategic pillar To be specific, MGB of their economies, the Philippine Director Wilfredo G. Nloncano mining industry has become recently ordered the review of stagnant, following the issuance the Department of Environment of Executive Order No. 79 and and Natural Resources' (DENR) DENR's DAC) No. 2017-10, which Administrative Order (DM) No. both effectively banned open pit 2010-21, which was issued in 2010 mining. to also implement a revised IRR "Our ability to efficiently for Philippine Mining Act. and sustainably harvest the AstatementfromMGBshowed country's mineral wealth that Moncano's directive isjust the potential, estimated to be worth agency's response to the mandate more than a trillion dollars, just given under the Republic Act No. sitting underground and basically 11032 or "an act promoting ease untapped, has been mired in of doing business and efficient prolonged legal and regulatory delivery of government services, challenges," Manhit said. amending for the purpose of "To put in perspective just Republic Act No. 9485, otherwise how much opportunity we are lmovvn as the anti-red tape act of losing, a 2016 list ofjust 11 pending 2007, and for other purposes." projects was estimated to total The agency, tasked fo regulate over US$23 billion in capital the mining sector, also wants investments. Compare this to the to come up with a streamlined official figures of the BSP on our regulatory framework and total foreign direct investment requirements for the securing of from January to November last mining rights, as well as a more year which totaled only US$9.06 simplified procedures for the billion," he added. mining applicants, contractors, For his part, Chamber of permittee, or permit holders. Mines of the Philippines (COMP) The said review and possible Chairman Gerard Brimo said EO revision of DAC) No. 2010-21 was 79 which imposed a ban on new agreed upon to discuss in the mining applications and DA0 2017- upcoming workshop of MGB to 10 made mining in the Philippines be conducted tentatively next unattractive to investors. month. Brimo identified three open i The meeting will be attended pit projects that are now on hold i by the personnel of MGB's Mining due to the ban. These include i lenements Division and the Legal the Tampakan Copper Project, ' Service Division as well as their King-king Copper Gold Project, counterparts in the Regional and Silangan Copper and Gold Offices (R0s). Project which are all located in The MGB iscurrentlysoliciting Mindanao. issues, comments, and suggestions He then pointed out that these from the ROs for the said workshop pending projects could bring the mechanics and outlines. National Government yearly Right now, the Philippines revenues totaling P12 billion ranks in the bottom seven out and a total of P1.5 b illion for of 91 jurisdictions in terms of local government. Concurrently, mining policies and last in terms the projects will boost industry of investment attractiveness in contribution to exports to 9 the Australia or Oceania region, percent and total contribution to the Fraser Institute 2017 survey GDP to 1.5 percent. UPPER PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON STORY STORY Malaya I I elk PAGE LOWER apartment of Environment and Natural Resources 1 2 MAR 2019 RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INMAT1VES SERVICE Business Ins' DATE Billions lost from mining ban EXPERTS said the Philippines is losing billions of dollars in potential mining investments because of the policy situate plaguing the industry At- a roundtable discussion on the open pit mining ban, Chamber of Mines of the Philippines chair- man Gerard Brim° said three open pit projects that are now on hold could bring the national govern- ment yearly revenues totaling P12 billion and another P1.5 billion for local governments hosting. Brimo said the projects could boost industry contribution to exports to 9 percent and total con- tribution to GDP to 1.5 percent Brim° said Executive Order 79 which imposed a ban on new mining applications and Depart- ment Administrative Order (DAO) 2017-10 made tinning in the Philip- pines unattractive to investors. Brim° identified three open pit

See BILLIONS > Page A7 Waiting game, The Tampakan copper project is one of three open pit projects put on hold.

' LIJ UPPER PAGE I BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON kid STORY STORY I I '41 wt. PAGE LOWER MM111111001111111.1" .111,111100111.1r 1 2 MAR 2019 apartment of Environment and Natural Resources PATEGIC COMMUNICATION INITIATIVES SERVICE Business Inst DATE

BILLIONS

projects that are now on hold due to the ban as the Tampakan copper project, King-king copper and gold project and Silangan copper and gold project which are all located in Mindanao. Dindo Manhit, President of Stratbase ADR Institute said the Philippine mining industry has become stagnant, following the issuance of EO 70 and DAC, No. 2017- 10 issued on April 27, 2017 effectively banned open pit mining. Manhit said while countries such as Australia and In- donesia managed to develop their mineral endowments as a strategic pillar of their economies, the Philippines' ability to efficiently and sustainably harvest its mineral wealth potential, estimated to be worth more than a trillion dollars, just sitting underground and basically untapped, has been mired in prolonged legal and regu- latory challenges." "To put in perspective just how much opportunity we are losing, a 2016 list of just 11 pending projects was estimated to total over US$23 billion in capital investments. Compare this to the official figures of the BSP on our total foreign direct investment from January to November last year which totaled only $9.06 billion," Manhit said in the same forum. "Passing a new mining revenue law now pending in the Senate will resolve the impasse caused by £079 and will result in substantial revenue gains," Manhit said. Carmelo Bayarcal, convenor of the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST) supported Manhit, saying that "aligning policies to re- cr sponsibly develop the country's resource potential while strictly enforcing existing environmental regulations to harness our mineral resources should be a priority of the government." "A hybrid and more balanced approach that imposes strict evaluation on the capacity and competence on mining companies to rehabilitate disturbed areas in- stead of an outright ban will minimize the inherent environmental impact of mining and maximize the long term benefits to the host communities," Bayarcal said. UPPER PAGE 1 BANNER EDITORIAL CARTOON Malay? H.] STORY STORY eak LOWER

-Rae spartment of Environinent and Natural Resources 12 MAR 2010 RATEGIC COMMUNICATION INMATIVE5 SERVICE Business Insi Conglomerate to build road from recycled plastics

BY PAYLA IGLESIAS announced our major water water is an environment-friendly sustainability project: to cut method of disposing of scrap SAN MIGUEL Corp. (SMC) yes- SMC water use by 50 percent by plastics,' Mg said. terday said it will build the coun- 2025. Recently, we reported that "We can help our environment try's first recycled plastic road as we beat our 2020 intermediate and at the same time improve part of initiatives to address solid deadline of 20 percent reduc- the quality of our infrastructure waste pollution. tion, by two years. Last year, we projects. We are eager to begin this SMC will be working with lead- announced another initiative, initiative," he added. ing materials science company and that is to address solid Among the benefits of us- Dow Chemical for the project that waste pollution. This project is ing recycled plastics for road will use hard-to-recycle plastics as part of that goal," said Ramon surfacing are: improved sta- an alternative raw material input to Mg, SMC president and chief bility and durability of roads; asphalt for road building. operating officer. increased skid resistance, which "This initiative is part of 'Developing roads using plastics improves road safety; longer our push towards greater sus- that would have otherwise ended lifespan of roads; lower asphalt tainability. Two years ago, we up in landfills or our bodies of costs, and less waste destined

"While we are proud to be tangas, NAIA„ Expressway, - for landfills. La Union-Pangasinan Expressway Dow has worked on projects the first-mover in this area, we and Boracay Airport. that use plastics for modifying the are very hopeful that we won't be the last or the only ones. The Currently, the cornpany is properties of bitumen, used in constructing major expressway the making of asphalt, which has research is there and available to everyone, and we'll be glad projects, including Skyway been tested in India, Indonesia and Stage 3, an expressway linking — Thailand. to share our own processes and experience. At the end •of the the NLEX and SLEX project Initially, SMC will test out the which is expected to be com- technology in small municipal day, this kind of innovation will benefit the same environment we pleted this year; Skyway Stage roads, as well as sidewalks and 4 from South of Metro Manila parking lots. all share," Ang added. SMC operates major express- Skyway to Batasan Complex, If the technology proves effec- Quezon City which will be the and meets all safety and quality way projects in the country which include South Luzon Expressway completed by 2022 and; the requirements, the company may Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union roll it out for larger infrastructure ,Skyway Stage 1, STAR Tollways Expressway. projects, Mg said. , from Sto. Tomas to Lipa City Ba-

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San Miguel starts building roads made of recycled plastics

By Darwin G. Amojelar

SAN Miguel Corp. said Monday it is building roads out of recycled plastics to help reduce the impact of plastic waste on the environment. "This initiative is part of our push to- wards greater sustainability. Two years ago, we announced our major water sustainability project: to cut SMC wa- ter use by 50 percent by 2025," SMC president and chief operating officer Ramon Ang said. "Recently, we repotted that we beat our 2020 intetmediate deadline of 20 percent Suction, by two yean. Last year, we an- nounced another initiative, and that is to address solid waste pollution. This project is part of that goal," he said. San Miguel said it would work with ma- terials science company Dow Chemical for the project that would use hard-tb-recy- cle plastics as an alternative raw material input to asphalt for mad building. "Developing roads using plastics that would have otherwise ended up in landfills or our bodies of water is an environment-friendly method of dis- posing of scrap plastics," Ang said. "We can help our environment and at the same time improve the quality of our infrastructure projects. We are eager to begin this initiative," he said. The company said among the benefits of using recycled plastics for road sur- facing were improved stability and dura- bility of roads; increased skid resistance, which improves mad safety; longer lifespan of roads; lower asphalt costs; and less waste destined for landfills. Dow has worked on projects that use plastics for modifying the proper- ties of bitumen, used in the making of asphalt, which has been tested in India, Indonesia and Thailand.