Vol.4, No. 5 September-October 2006 PWPA Holds 55th Annual Meet Sets New Direction for the Wood Industry

bout 60 members of the Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) attended A the 55th Annual Membership Meeting to chart the direction the PWPA shall be taking in order to put more stability to the wood industry. Meeting at the Manila Polo Club in Makati City on September 1, 2006, the members agreed to support and pursue the new direction, presented by PWPA Chairman Antonio Olizon, whose main features will focus on emphasizing industry and corporate social responsibility and on taking leadership in initiating innovative, constructive wood industry Charting a new Direction. (L-R) Treasurer-director Stanley Tan, Myanmar Ambassador Thaung Tun, Chair Antonio Olizon, Director Edith Alcantara, Molawin policies. (see related story on page 4) Awardee Ms. Priscilla Florentino, President Fernando Lu, EVP Alfonso Keh, Jr., Lending their presence in the Annual Federation of Philippine Industries Chair Carlos Meneleo, Jr. and VP-director Meeting were the Union of Myanmar ambassa- Evaristo Narvaez, Jr. dor, HE U Thaung Tun and his Counsellor Khin Sandar secretary, Forester Marcial Amaro, Jr.; the director of the and Attaché Myint Myint Htay; the chairman of both the Forest Products Research and Development Institute, Federation of Philippine Industries and Philippines Dr. Florence Soriano; and the key officers of companies Product Safety and Quality Foundation, Mr. Meneleo that sponsored the Annual Meeting. Carlos, Jr.; Environment and Natural Resources assistant (Continued on page 2) Reyes Commends PWPA Rapid response to clean Metro Manila streets of debris left by Typhoon Milenyo

he Philippine Wood Produc- directly involved in the buck-sawing On September 29, 2006 on a call ers Association (PWPA) was and removal of typhoon-felled trees from the DENR headquarters, the lauded by Department of that, together with collapsed PWPA, through Director Uy, immedi- Environment and Natural billboards, clogged the major ately dispatched 7 power-chainsaw TResources (DENR) Secretary Angelo thoroughfares of Metro Manila. crews that spearheaded the drive to Reyes for its prompt response to the clean Metro Manila streets of fallen “Had it not been to these call-of-the-occasion cleaning of Metro trees and other debris. members instantaneous and unselfish Manila streets of the trees felled and efforts, the government’s resolve to The chainsaw-crews came from: debris littered by the September 28 clean and free Metro Manila and Consolidated Wood Products; Great typhoon Milenyo. nearby provinces from debris and Wood Sawmill; FPJJ Marketing; Through his letter to VP-director unwarranted structures that have Atlanta Wood Works; World Wood Ramon Uy dated October 6, 2006, caused enormous traffic grid locks Trading; Extensive Wood Processing; Secretary Reyes acknowledged the and untold miseries to a lot of (us) and Capitol Sawmill. support and cooperation of the PWPA could have yet remained as a dream”, and its member-companies who were Secretary Reyes wrote. (Continued on page 2) WoodStock Industry News

PWPA Holds 55th ... PWPA Calls on DENR USEC (Continued from page 1) Kyamko The Myanmar embassy had an exhibit showing the commercial hardwoods of the country as the Ambassador he Philippine Wood Producers made a short presentation about his country’s forestry and Association (PWPA) directors and wood processing and ecotourism industries. officers recently made a courtesy call to A highlight of the Annual Meeting was the presentation DENR undersecretary for National Anti- EnvironmentT Crime Task Force General Roy Kyamko of Molawin Award to Ms. Priscilla Florentino, erstwhile vice president for marketing of the C. Alcantara & Sons, Inc. and (Ret.) to introduce themselves and the PWPA to him the prime mover of the Plywood Council. The Molawin is the and also, to brief him on issues facing the wood most prestigious award within the gift of PWPA and is rarely industry and to express the PWPA’s support to and bestowed since 1971(see related story on page 5). cooperation with his task force in combating illegal logging. During the business part of the Annual Meeting, President Fernando Lu presented the 2005 PWPA Annual Report highlighting the overall performance of the global and local wood industry - both characterized as mix if not flat - and on the efforts the PWPA undertook in steering the wood industry across policy and regulatory uncertainties. Following the report of the President, the members ratified all acts of the Board of Directors during the past year as they unanimously re-elected all incumbent directors. Before the Annual Meeting ended, two billiard cue sticks from Filipino world champions, Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco “Django” Bustamante, were auctioned as more than sixty (60) items, such as TVs, DVDs, radios, and other products from sponsor-companies were raffled. The members and officers of the PWPA congratulated Director Ramon Uy, the chairman of Steering Committee, for (L-R) VP-director Alex Ong, EVP Alfonso a very successful and memorable Annual Meeting. Combating Illegal Logging. Keh, Jr., VP-treasurer Stanley Tan, Chair Antonio Olizon, Undersecretary Roy Kyamko, President Fernando Lu, VP-director Evaristo Narvaez, Jr., Reyes Commends... VP-director Robert Kua and VP-director Ramon Uy. The PWPA apprised the undersecretary on the (Continued from page 1) On October 2, 2006, the PWPA was invited by economic effects of illegally sourced logs/lumber. Secretary Reyes to make a report on its cleaning The PWPA said the establishment of new wood efforts. Directors Uy and Alfonso Keh, Jr. rendered the processing plants with no clear supply of raw materi- report before the DENR officials and the officers of the Green Army Philippines Network Foundation. als and in questionable locations; the repeated use (recycling) of the certificates of timber/lumber origin The members of the Board of Directors in their (CTO/CLO) are causes of continuing concern to meeting on October 18, 2006 passed Resolutions legitimate businesses. lauding the leadership of Director Uy and expressing gratitude to abovementioned members of the PWPA for Usec Kyamko informed the PWPA he is very having done a good cleaning job in Metro Manila. aware of these issues from his military experiences (Continued on page 5)

EDITORIAL BOARD E-mail us at : WoodStock Antonio C. Olizon, Chairman of the Board [email protected] or Bi-monthly publication of the Fernando A. Lu, President [email protected] Philippine Wood Producers Association L.D. Angeles, Managing Editor for your comments, feedback M. R. Vasquez, Newsletter Editor or letters to the Editor

Page 2 WoodStock Industry News PWPA Board of Directors & Officers , Year 2006-2007

Antonio G. Bernas Antonio C. Olizon Fernando A. Lu Alfonso C. Keh, Jr. Edith I. Alcantara Florio M. Buñag Chairman Emeritus Chairman President Executive Vice President Director VP-Gov’t Relations

Victor A. Consunji Robert W. Kua Charlie H. Liu Evaristo M. Narvaez, Jr. Manuel A. Ng Alex P. Ong Director VP-Membership VP-Int’l. Relations VP-Timber Director VP-Plywood

Aristeo G. Puyat Stanley Q. Tan Ramon Y. Uy Wellington C. Yao Leonardo D. Angeles Jose A. Lorenzo Director Treasurer VP-Lumber VP-Fiber & Particle Board Board Secretary & Adviser-Forestry & Executive Director Environment

Glimpses during the Annual Meeting. Clockwise - Director Edith Alcantara welcomes Myanmar Ambassador Thaung Tun while Chair Antonio Olizon looks on; Some PWPA members and guests in a huddle with Treasurer-director Stanley Tan (Right); VP-director Ramon Uy explaining the auction procedures for the cue sticks once used by world billiard champions Bata Reyes and Django Bustamante; VP-director Uy and Executive Direc- tor Leonardo Angeles inspect the billiard cue sticks while Chair Olizon opens the auction; Forest Products Research and Development Institute Director Florence Soriano suggests close cooperation with PWPA in R & D; VP-director Charlie Liu relates the success story of MATIMCO, saying quality is the key growth; RI Chemical, Inc. and MATIMCO, Inc. are the major sponsors of the Meeting.

Page 3 WoodStock Industry News Government to Revive Caraga Industrial Timber Plantation Project

he government is set to be established in public forest lands by Katherine Andraneda revive a "lost" billion-dollar within the Caraga Forest Plantation plant only in open and denuded lands, forestry investment involving Corridor, which was established under brushlands, and in all areas with forest T the setting up of an industrial DENR Administrative Order No. 99-13. containing a basal area per hectare of timber plantation with a total area of five square meters or less. Wood-processing facilities will 110,790 hectares in the Caraga region. subsequently be put up within the In addition, the company is sup- During the Asia-Europe Meeting in special economic zone to be known as posed to follow an annual planting Helsinki last month, President Arroyo the Shannalyne Technological and schedule, as prescribed in its CDMP, approved the revival of the govern- Environmental Park, which was and should plant its total "plantable ment’s co-production agreement with created and declared as such under area" in not more than 12 years. Shannalyne Inc. and the governments Proclamation No. 17 issued by Mrs. Shannalyne is said to have an of Finland and New Zealand and its Arroyo on March 12, 2001. established track record recognized by launching this December, in time for Alvarez, presidential adviser on the governments of New Zealand and the scheduled Manila visit of New agrarian reform, said the project will Finland. Zealand Prime Minister Helen Clark. involve at least $1 billion in invest- The revival of the Shannalyne Alvarez recalled that when nego- ments to the Philippines. project is said to be among Mrs. tiations for the project began in 1997, Arroyo’s accomplishments in the Asia- "The co-production agreement will the Finnish and New Zealand govern- Europe Meeting. launch a sustainable agro-forest ments requested that all transactions program designed by Finland’s world- to be above-board to ensure the pro- Former Environment and Natural famous consulting firm, Yakko Poyry, ject’s transparency. Resources Secretary Heherson which has already undertaken millions Alvarez said the Shannalyne project "The presence of these govern- of hectares of agro-forestry in Brazil slept for around five years for ments - both intolerant of any graft - and even in Finland," Alvarez said. "unknown reasons" from the time he guarantees the integrity of the signed the co-production agreement "The forest-based industry is a contract and ensures the success of on Dec. 8, 2001 with New Zealand major contributor to the national econ- the reforestation program which will Ambassador Terry Baker and Finnish omy, thus the development or utiliza- bring in much-needed investments," he Ambassador Raimo Anttola signing the tion of the country’s forest lands and/or said. agreement on behalf of their respective forest resources is necessary to accel- Abridged from the same titled article governments, while Cheow Teck Tan erate it," Alvarez said. that appeared in The Philippine Star, signed for Shannalyne. Under the terms and conditions of Nation Section on November 1, 2006. The industrial timber plantation will the agreement, Shannalyne would www.philstar.com. Ed.

Surigao Development Corp. PWPA Sets New Directions (SUDECOR) where they established hair Antonio Olizon, during The new direction, a paradigm schools, place of worship and clinics in the 55th Annual Meeting of shift, and aimed at making the PWPA their areas. members of the Philippine be more pro-active than reactive in Aside from these, they are also Wood Producers Associa- industry and social issues affecting the initiating skills and livelihood develop- tion (PWPA) held on industry, met the unanimous approval ment with local government units CSeptember 1, 2006 at the Manila Polo of the PWPA members. (LGUs) and national government Club in Makati City, unveiled the new He said social responsibility can agencies (NGAs), and also provide direction PWPA will pursue to put more be done in one’s operation area (the employment opportunities to the stability to, and further enhance the company’s CSR) or in priority environ- communities in the area. image of the wood industry. ment and natural resources programs PWPA, on the other hand, is The new direction will focus and (the PWPA’s CSR). partnering with the Department of emphasize on industry and corporate As an example of the company’s Environment and Natural Resources social responsibility and on leadership CSR, he enumerated what Sirawai (DENR) and other stakeholders to initiatives on innovative and construc- Plywood & Lumber Co. (SPLC) and implement programs which will show tive wood industry policies. (Continued on page 5)

Page 4 WoodStock Industry News Florentino Honored with Molawin Award Priscilla Florentino, shipments and was appointed as the With her strong marketing skills, erstwhile vice presi- technical plywood expert in its import wealth of knowledge and hands-on dent for monitoring committee/team. experience from her professional work Ms. marketing of the C. at ALSONS, the recommendation for Precy joined the Alcantara Group Alcantara & Sons, Inc. (ALSONS), was her to chair the Plywood Council was in 1973. She started as the head of the recognized by the Philippine Wood warmly welcomed by the PWPA. Export & Documentation Department Producers Association (PWPA) with a of the Company; then as executive With her ability to motivate Molawin Award. assistant to the SVP/Marketing people, the Council was able to act as Precy, as she is fondly called by Manager and ultimately, as its Vice a single unit when the situation called friends and colleagues alike, has President for Marketing. for it; i.e. implement the SRP program served the PWPA thru her able between late 2001 and early 2002. As an officer of the Company, she chairmanship of the Plywood Council was responsible for the for 9 years (1995-2004). development of the export mar- As the chairperson of the Plywood ket - specifically to the UK, Con- Council, she also headed the tinental Europe and USA; Philippine delegation to the annual worked closely with a sister meetings of the Asean Panel Products company, MADE, Inc., in servic- Federation (APPF). ing the domestic market; played a very important part in the de- She initiated the close working velopment of the “green” prod- relationship with the Bureau of uct of Alcantara – ECOWOOD; Products Standards, Department of also responsible for Alsons ISO Trade and Industry, as a part of the certification and FSC Chain of effort to stop the proliferation of sub- Custody certification standard plywood in the local market. In 1998, ALSONS was the She encouraged the active partici- Ms. Priscilla M. Florentino recipient of the first Product Molawin Awardee. pation of the PWPA in the technical (second from right) receives the Molawin Award from Standards (PS) License issued affairs of the Federation of Philippines PWPA Chairman, Antonio C. Olizon (center) while under the new DTI Standards, Industries to have access to the infor- EVP Alfonso C. Keh, Jr. (extreme right), (L-R) the Alignment of a company Director Edith I. Alcantara and President Fernando mation on the imported plywood quality system with ISO. A. Lu look on. PWPA Sets... PWPA Calls on ... (Continued from page 4) As a long term policy, Chair (Continued from page 2) the Association’s share in the devel- Olizon said the Association is and his taskforce is already coming opment of our environment such as planning of measures of incentives up with solutions to these issues. the urban greening, watershed rehab, for and financing of the wood indus- community forestry and ITP projects. try development; ITP roadshows to The courtesy call was attended by attract local and foreign investors; Chair Antonio Olizon, President With regards to the leadership the removal of constraints to ITP initiatives of the Association will be Fernando Lu, EVP Alfonso Keh, Jr., investment and development; and closely coordinating with the DENR VP-directors Florio Buñag, Robert Kua, the implementation of PWPA’s and other agencies in anticipating Evaristo Narvaez, Jr., Alex Ong, Stanley Green Philippines Program. and resolving issues which affect the Tan, Ramon Uy, Director Aristeo Puyat, industry. Executive Director Leonardo Angeles, The PWPA leadership Forestry & Environment Adviser Jose PWPA will also work for the requested for the support, Lorenzo and Forestry and Environment creation of the forestry industry devel- cooperation and trust of the whole Coordinator Maila Vasquez as well as opment board, the passage of the membership of the Association in Forester Bernardo Sinues of sustainable forest management bill pursuing the new direction the SUDECOR and Mssrs. Jose and creating even playing field for the PWPA will be taking in the years Valenzuela, Richmond and Richard Ng competitiveness of the wood industry. to come. of LUZMATIM.

Page 5 WoodStock Here Comes the Eagle Of Typhoon Milenyo, Annual Membership Meeting, Green

Army, Green Philippine Highways, etc. By Ferdie Lu VP Mon Uy did a splendid job in (NAECTAF). The Undersecretary has th t is time for us organizing the 55 Annual Member- been very busy in Mindanao in the ship Meeting last September 1st at the past months coordinating efforts for the to stand and Manila Polo Club in Makati City. The Green Philippine Highways project and cheer for the change in the format of the Annual at the same time, running after viola- doer,“I the achiever, the one Meeting was well received. Members tors of DENR rules and regulations. and guests were happy to go home who recognizes the challenge A presentation about the PWPA with many raffle prizes. and does something about it.” was made and a candid exchange of – Vince Lombardi (renowned We express gratitude to Resins ideas ensued. Usec Kyamko recog- American Football Coach) Inc., Matimco, Inc. and the other bene- nized the plight of the PWPA amidst factors who generously contributed to the availability of illegally sourced lum- Super Typhoon Milenyo wrought the affair. Special mention goes to ber and plywood competing with legiti- destruction upon Luzon particularly in Director Putch Puyat for donating the mate production of its members. He th. Metro Manila last September 28 billiard cue sticks used by his prodigies welcomed the comments of the Board Responding equally fast to the quick Efren “Bata” Reyes and Francisco and also made suggestions to the reaction of Secretary Reyes to the “Django” Bustamante, both world Association. catastrophe, EVP Jun Keh, VP Mon Uy champions many times, that were xxx and Exec. Director Ding Angeles auctioned off to generate funds for the joined the emergency meeting of the Association. DENR National Capital Region Green Army Philippine Network headed by RED Cora Davis paid xxx Foundation Inc. (Green Army) called tribute to the cooperators and partici- by the Secretary and immediately The PWPA bestowed the pants of the successful launching of offered assistance from the PWPA in MOLAWIN AWARD upon Ms. Priscilla Green Philippine Highways Project in the affected areas. The trio repre- M. Florentino for her invaluable service Metro Manila. Unfortunately, some of sented this writer and Chairman Tony and outstanding performance as the adoptors particularly smaller Olizon who were out-of-the country former chairperson of the Plywood organizations, are not financially when the disaster struck. Council and permanent head of PWPA prepared to take on the task of Secretary Angelo T. Reyes, in his delegation to APPF. Again, congratu- maintaining or caring for the adopted letter to VP for Lumber Mon Uy dated lations Precy! trees over a period of three years. th October 6 , commended the xxx To further ensure the success of PWPA particularly its members own- The members of the Board of the project, it is highly recommended ing wood processing plants in Metro that periodic audits on the survival of Manila for the assistance rendered in Directors was finally able to pay a courtesy call to Usec Roy V. Kyamko, the planted trees be conducted espe- the clearing of uprooted trees and Deputy Head of the National Anti- cially after every occurrence of devas- felled branches caused by Typhoon tating typhoons, like Typhoon Milenyo. Milenyo. Environmental Crime Task Force xxx We salute you Gentlemen for a Usec Kyamko job well done! The performances of As one of the representatives of EVP Jun Keh and VP Mon Uy are recognized the the Green Army, this writer joined the dialogue between the DENR and the clear indications that PWPA will be in plight...amidst the Metro Manila Mayors League held at good hands under future leaders. availability of the Manila Hotel on October 16th. The xxx illegally sourced Department’s programs on the rehabili- tation of the Pasig River, the The entire officialdom and lumber and plywood membership of the PWPA condole efficient collection and disposition of with the families of the casualties competing with solid wastes and the reduction of emis- and other victims of “Milenyo”. sion were presented for adoption and legitimate production of support of the Metro Manila Mayors. xxx its members. (Continued on page 7)

Page 6 WoodStock Here Comes the Eagle Of Typhoon Milenyo, Annual PWPA Briefed on Certification Membership Meeting ... & Carbon Trading

(Continued from page 6) he members of the Board of Directors, during its The dialogue meeting was marred by the accusation regular meeting on October 18, 2006, were of the head of the hospital association alleging that per- briefed by guests from the Global Forestry sonnel of the DENR extorted money from its members. Services (GFS) – Mssrs. Bill Maynard, Jean- And sadly, the press focused on it instead on the various TPhilippe Chavanon and Carlos Fuentespina, Jr. – on the worthy DENR environmental strategies. importance of wood certification to global timber trade. xxx GPS offers services along wood certification and Representatives from the Global Forestry Services arranging CDM (carbon trading) projects. (GFS) briefed the members of the Board of Directors on GFS, established in 2004 by experienced teams of wood certification and its benefit on timber trade. Timber forest and timber industry auditors in SE Asia, aims to exports to industrialized countries are given a premium provide solutions to assist in the demonstration that once the chain of custody is established. GFS also pro- products are responsibly sourced and traceable back to vides arrangements and match ups for Carbon Trading. origin by giving clients clear guidance on how to address Funds from the trading of carbon credits would be a good the needs of the supply chain from the forest stump to the source of financing tree plantations development. shop floor. xxx GFS works with all sections of the supply chain, from Plans are on the way for the revival of the PWPA tree forest managers, processors, manufacturers and retailers nursery at the Bureau of Corrections (BuCor) grounds in to attain the highest standards. Muntinlupa City. Established in 1990, the nursery utilized GFS has developed a series of tailored programs and inmates with light sentences and trained them on nursery can deliver support on all aspects of demonstrating legality work in preparation for their release from prison and of material to improving sustainable forest management. It subsequent employment. Apart from the allowance, they also provides the ground based technical were also given certificates of competence nursery assistance to the forest and timber industry through full operations. forest and chain of custody certification under FSC, MTCC, Many local government units in the National Capital or through the WWF Global Forest and Trade Network Region as well as civic groups and homeowner’s associa- system that allow members to demonstrate compliance to a tions were recipients of free seedlings from the PWPA stepwise approach to full certification. nursery. The nursery was terminated when an incoming Currently the Global Forestry Services Group consists BuCor director refused to renew the memorandum of of GFS Inc, GFS (Malaysia) Sdn. Bhd, GFS Thailand Pte agreement covering its operations. The invitation of RED Ltd. There are also ongoing plans for affiliate companies in Cora Davis of the DENR-NCR for its revival is most Brazil Indonesia, China and Guyana in 2005. welcomed. Interested parties may visit their website: xxx www.gfsinc.biz Average Plywood and Substitute Prices Survey in NCR Before Now Before Now (October 9, 2006) (November 4, 2006) (October 9, 2006) (November 4, 2006) (in Pesos/piece) (in Pesos/piece)

3mm (1/8) plywood 206 214 18 mm (3/4) plyboard 726 746 4 mm (3/16) plywood 258 273 1/8 lawanit 161 163 5 mm (1/4) plywood ordinary 285 287 3/16 lawanit 235 212 5 mm (1/4) plywood marine 333 345 1/4 Hardiflex 334 341 10 mm (1/2) plywood 491 505 18 mm (3/4) plywood ordinary 777 829 Note: all pick-up prices inclusive of VAT retail prices

Page 7 WoodStock Hindsight, insight and foresight IT’S NOT EASY BEING GREEN by Carla Sapsford ith worldwide energy, diversify oil and gas supplies, energy reduce environmental impacts of fossil Advocates praise its clean- fuels, and develop alternatives,” says burning properties but critics oppose demands on CEO Jeroen van der Veer. the making of ethanol from foodstuffs, the rise, a BP is investing $ 8 billion in alter- and the fact it takes more energy to W make the fuel than to burn it. And predicted shortage of fossil native energy over the next decade fuels, and the continued and BP’s Group Executive Director Iain ethanol does seem to produce as Conn has said: “As one of the world’s many nitrous oxides as gasoline, threat of global warming, leading energy companies, we fully although less carbon monoxide. it’s high time to check out accept our responsibility to be part of “From crops, clean burn- the alternatives. the solution and not part of the problem.” ing but takes more energy to Number-crunching make it than to burn it” Wind energy The US Energy Information However, in Brazil, ethanol has Administration estimates oil supplies The European Union’s goal is to proved so effective that the country is will “peak” either in 2037 or 2047, capture 10% of all of its electricity from now completely self-reliant in terms of depending on usage rates. The oil wind by 2030. Denmark pioneered the energy as about 44% of all non-diesel companies estimate that there are 40 technology and currently wind energy fuel is ethanol. years or so of conventional oil reserves contributes to 12% of the total electric left, and about 70 for gas. energy generated. In northern Biodiesel Germany, it accounts for over 16%. “Oil reserves to last 40 Essentially a “clean”, bio-diesel As of December 2005, US wind- can be made from plant, including years or so; gas, about 70 power capacity was 9,149 megawatts, soya bean and canola oil, after which it years. Alternative energy enough to supply energy to 2.3 million is mixed with petroleum-based diesel. sources, however, meet less homes, according to the American A recent US study concluded that than 1% of today’s world’s Wind Energy Association. biodiesel could reduce carbon monox- ide emissions by 44%. energy needs.” Wind power is the fastest-growing In fact the total demand for energy source in the world, according “Biodiesel can be made energy worldwide has risen by around to Worldwatch Institute, but is very from plant … and could 15% during this century so far. So dependent on weather conditions. reduce CO emissions by 44%” instead of trying to scrape the last Solar power dregs out of the barrel, shouldn’t we be Surprisingly, biodiesel is also investing in alternatives? This technology uses the power of proving to be a winning formula on the the sun to generate electricity. race track. The first racing car to ever Alternative energy sources, how- use biodiesel (in this case using Shell ever, currently meet less than 1% of The solar market has grown by V-Power Diesel), came first in the 2006 the world’s energy needs. 30% per year since 2004. Le Mans 24 Hours race. Money or mouth? “It’s one of easiest and cleanest Hydrogen forms of sustainable energy to gener- Luckily, there is a growing aware- ate,” says Steven Pleging, CEO of Abundant and above all, clean, ness that something must be done. Ecostream International. “With solar hydrogen is being touted as a serious China has vowed to up their use of panels covering an area the size of 40 alternative to fossil fuels. To “harvest” renewable energy to 10% by 2010, foot-ball pitches, the project will gener- hydrogen, a process called electrolysis and President George Bush acknowl- ate enough electricity for 6,000 split water molecules into hydrogen edged that the US, which consumes homes,” he added. and oxygen. In a fuel cell, the hydro- 25% of the world’s energy, has “a seri- gen recombines with the oxygen, a ous problem: we are addicted to oil”. Ethanol process which generates power and Shell has invested $ 1 billion in One of many types of biofuels, only has water as a by-product. the last six years. “We have more than ethanol is typically made from corn or BP has joined up with General doubled our investment level since sugar cane and is usually mixed and Electric to develop hydrogen power 2002 to help meet growing demand for used in gasoline engines. (Continued on page 9)

Page 8 WoodStock Hindsight, insight and foresight IT’S NOT EASY ... Neri Eases Fears of Oil Fund Mess plants, and to look into the potential of hydrogen cars in Australia and Europe. (In the eye of the storm: Philippine Forestry Corp.) Shell Hydrogen is now conomic Planning Secretary But Neri said he made the fund planning to build the worlds largest Romulo Neri recently request based on a directive from hydrogen-fuelled public transportation rebuked the just-resigned President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo system in Rotterdam. Country Chair- president of the Philippine who is spearheading the development man of Shell in the Netherlands, Rein ENational Oil Company (PNOC) for hint- of locally available renewable fuel Willems, explains: “We will be ing at an irregularity in the Malacañang sources. request for the transfer of P500 million showcasing hydrogen as a reliable, Neri, also NEDA chief said the fund from the cash-rich corporation. safe and sustainable fuel which fund would also be used for the contributes to the reduction of local air Neri said the money would be purchase of compressed natural gas pollution and strengthens economic used as seed money for the creation of buses. growth.” it has already built hydrogen the Philippine Forestry Corp., which is “The PNOC has plenty of money, fueling stations in Japan, China and tasked with propagation and promotion and so we originally proposed that the US. Prime obstacles to hydrogen of alternative sources of fuel like P1 billion be given by the company for fuel are price of the technology plus jatropha (locally called tuba-tuba). storage difficulties. the development of alternative fuel Eduardo Mañalac, who has quit sources. But the President approved The way forward as PNOC head said he told Neri that only P500 million,” Neri told Palace Despite all of the options, he should first provide for the legal newsmen. justification for the turnover of the according to the International Energy Neri said it was wrong for P500 million before the company could Agency, we’re still thinking with our Mañalac to harbor apprehension that approve the release of the amount. wallets. Until alternative energy the money will be misused. becomes as price-competitive as tradi- tional electricity sources it’s not likely to catch on. PWPA Attends GP3 Conference Environmental groups such as the he Philippine Wood Producers The two-day conference-workshop US-based Sierra Club and Green- Association (PWPA), repre- exhibit was a joint project of the peace say what would really help is to sented by Chairman Antonio Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) work on energy efficiency in cars, for Olizon, was among the atten- and the Department of Environment and instance, that can have a huge impact dees of the pioneering workshop on Green Natural Resources (DENR), and on greenhouse gases in a short period T Productivity, Green Purchasing for a Green administered by the Clean and Green of time. Philippines (GP3) Conference workshop Foundation. In Europe, there has been an held at the Hotel Dusit in Makati City on International speakers John Polak of estimated 50% reduction in vehicle October 23 to 24, 2006. emissions in the last decade. Global Ecolabelling Network in President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Canada, Asia Pacific’s foremost expert on For the long term, most industry was the keynote speaker during the affair. Green Productivity Kun-Mon Lee and experts as well as environmentalists American trainor Scott Case, among Clean and Green Foundation, a non- agree that more government policies others, are experts who shared their government organization, chaired by for- promoting the wider use of alternative knowledge on environmentally responsive mer First Lady Amelita Ramos proudly fuels are needed. And, without effec- processes and practices, with former expressed that the GP3 conference “aims tive distribution networks, producing DENR Secretary Bebet Gozun who served to share the competencies and the impetus fuels that will actually be affordable as moderator during the workshop. and accessible for consumers will to get the program running with the govern- remain literally a “pipe dream”. ment as lead in the green productivity and Topics discussed were market green procurement.” Green productivity is trends and pressures, product improve- ***Abridged from same titled article defined as manufacturing using environ- ment trough life cycle assessment and that appeared from the October 2006 ment-responsive materials and processes design for environment processes, issue of Holland Herald, KLM Royal and is increasingly being practiced by the green procurement and market Dutch Airlines' in-flight magazine. Ed. world’s biggest manufacturers. positioning through ecolabelling.

Page 9 WoodStock Newsbrief /Round Up

UPDATE ON PROGRAM: GREEN PHILIPPINES Watershed Rehab Project in Re-establishing Munti Nursery Tanauan City Revisited he PWPA informed still available for nursery n September 11, on the following: a) the the DENR-NCR about operations except for some 2006, PWPA met Brgy. Chairmen together the nursery estab- structures that were already Tlished by the PWPA built in the area. However, with Tanauan City with a representative of the representative and Office of the Agriculture, between 1990-1996 and per coordination of DENR Oits Barangay Chairmen of Environment & Natural said that the PWPA will look with BuCor, the area can be areas covered by the Green Resources (OAENR) will into the invitation of DENR- extended to cover said Tanauan City Project. assess the outplanted seed- NCR to re-establish the areas. lings, other requirements nursery at the same site to PWPA extended the Asso- After the visit, the next step such as organic fertilizer, support the seedling ciation’s gratitude to the City to be made will be the coor- garden soil, etc. and how requirements for the projects Government and the Brgy. dination between DENR- many seedlings/species are of the PWPA and the DENR. Chairmen for the support NCR RED Corazon Davis still needed; b) they will also they have given to the map out areas where addi- The DENR-NCR, like other and BuCor Director Vicente Program: Green Philippines, tional planting can be made DENR regions, is tasked to Vinarao. and Green Tanauan City i.e. portion of Brgy. Maria provide ½ million seedlings Project. They were informed The nursery will be stocked Paz; c) the barangays will every year for the Philippine that the launching is a start with forest tree species, fruit be responsible for the main- National Highways and simi- of the partnership among trees and ornamentals. tenance and protection of lar projects; thus, its interest the stakeholders and added their respective areas; in partnering with PWPA and For. Ali Bari, DENR-NCR that the project maybe d) the OAENR shall be re- Bureau of Corrections Regional Technical Director expanded and may include sponsible for the disposition (BuCor) on the nursery for Forestry joined the visit to the San Juan River which of seedlings from the nurs- project if not in the same the nursery area. He is also needs rehabilitation. ery; and e) the OAENR shall area, perhaps on other accompanied by Foresters He also informed them of also be responsible for the adjacent area. Barry Calderon, Rollie Mala- the results of the assess- close coordination with the mug, Ed Calzeta, Rolly ment made by the PWPA local schools. A visit in the former nursery Acosta and Rolly Laroya. and requested them to do area was made like October PWPA is represented by Another schedule was set to some replanting as replace- 27, 2006 to verify the avail- Foresters Ding Angeles and visit the planting sites and ment for the dead seedlings ability of the area. Observa- Maila Vasquez. the San Juan River for and to plant the seedlings tion showed that the area is purposes of continuing/ that remained unplanted improving the present during the launching project along the shore of program. He indicated Lake Taal and for planning where at the shore, planting the rehabilitation of the said should be made and there river. will be assessment to deter- mine which barangay has Agriculturist Engracia Platon the best planted area to represented the City which a price will be given. Government of Tanauan while Bañadero Brgy. Chair The Brgy. Chairmen Bernardo Tapia and Gonza- expressed their support to les Brgy. Chair Pacensio the project and reported that Landicho represented their they have already started respective Barangays. replanting and also planting Foresters Leonardo Ange- using the seedlings left Go Green Tanauan City. PWPA Executive Director Leonardo les, Maila Vasquez and behind during the launching. Angeles (extreme left) discusses the roles of each stakeholders in the Edward Dalangin repre- implementation of the project while (l-r) PWPA Forestry & Environ- Said stakeholders agreed sented the PWPA. ment Coordinator Maila Vasquez, City Agriculturist Engracia Platon, Brgy. Gonzales chairman Pacencio Landicho and Bañadero chairman Bernardo Tapia listen.

Page 10 WoodStock Information

UPDATE ON CBFM Amaro is New Assistant he forum cum work- governance. For each Secretary for Forestry; Andin, New shop, sponsored by theme, several discussants Forestry Bureau Head T the DENR, Food & shared their experiences. Agriculture Organization in irector Marcial Amaro, Jr., has A Stakeholder analysis and partnership with USAID, Eco been designated by DENR formulation of strategies Gov, German Technical Co- secretary Angelo Reyes as offi- were conducted as input to operation and the UPLB Col- cer-in-charge Assistant the second CBFM Strategic lege of Forestry and Natural SecretaryD for Forestry. Plan which will be developed Resources was held last DENR Special Order No. 2006-634 through multi-sector consul- September 20-22, 2006 at dated August 1, 2006, announced Amaro’s new role as tations. the Traders Hotel in Manila. Assistant Secretary for Forestry of the DENR. The Forum invited several Amaro holds a BS degree in Forestry (1981) from UP With the objectives of initiat- reactors like former DENR Los Baños; graduate diploma in Agricultural Economics ing a participatory process to Secretary and Father of (1989) from the University of New England, Australia; and develop the second decade CBFM, Sec. Victor Ramos, Master in Public Management with honors (1999) from the CBFM Strategic Plan engag- Former DENR Undersecre- Development Academy of the Philippines. He trained on ing key multi-sectoral stake- tary for Field Operations, Remote Sensing at the Asian Institute of Technology in holders; providing a venue Usec Renato de Rueda and Thailand (1983); Change Management at the Asian for sharing successful CBFM now DENR Undersecretary Management Institute, also in Thailand (2003); and related initiatives of POs and for Field Operations, Usec cleaner technologies and practices in various institutes concluding the first decade Tessam Castillo, among oth- and companies in Sweden (2003). experience of the Philippine ers, who gave some insights Amaro received DENR’s Distinguished Service CBFM Program putting into nd and recommendations that Award in 1997. He placed 2 in the 1981 Foresters Board the context the current na- needs to be taken into con- Examination and in the Career Executive Board Manage- tional scenario and priorities sideration such as: a) the ment Aptitude Test Battery in 1997. which will be applied to the stabilization of policies second decade CBFM Stra- A registered professional forester, Amaro is married through localizing policy de- tegic Plan, the was attended to Forester Maria Fe Amaro nee Bautista and has cisions at the local level; b) by participants from the dif- two children. provision of livelihood oppor- ferent sectors of the society tunities which will reduce the ssistant Director Neria Andin was such as the government pressure to the forest; c) designated In-Charge of the (DENR, NPC, LGU), private empower the POs by making Forestry Management Bureau upon (PWPA), financing institu- them involved in all aspects Director Marcial Amaro, Jr.’s desig- tions (JICA, GTZ, USAID), of planning; and d) re-invent Anation as In-Charge of the Office of the Assis- NGOs, academe (UPLB- the DENR from being regu- tant Secretary for Forestry. CFNR, FDC) and Peoples’ latory agency to a facilitator Organizations (POs). Andin holds a BS degree in Forestry (1975) from due the sector’s changing Central Mindanao University; Masters in Forest Biological The workshop presented the needs and landscape. Science, major in Forest Entomology and minor Forest highlights of the accomplish- DENR Secretary Reyes, Ecology (1983) from UP Los Baños and a candidate for ments and experiences of also graced the occasion Ph.D., also from UP Los Baños. the CBFM for the past dec- and in his speech during the ade and similarly with the Andin received DENR Outstanding Performance closing program, encourage April 20-22, 2006 CBFM Award in 1998. She is the topnotcher in the 1980 Forest- the POs to continue their Workshop at the IIRR, Si- ers Board Examination and ranked 4 as a Career Execu- efforts in the development, lang Cavite, five themes tive Service Officer in 1998. maintenance and protection were identified by the organ- of the forest areas for the A registered professional forester, Andin is married to izers such as a) tenure and DENR cannot manage the Mariano Andin and has four children. resource use; b) livelihood whole area alone. He and enterprise; c) conserva- stressed that getting to- tion and protection; d) insti- gether is already a start, The PWPA congratulates Foresters Marcial tutional linkages and part- working together, an accom- nerships; e) institutional Amaro, Jr. and Neria Andin for their much plishment and staying to- strengthening for PO self gether, a success. deserved promotions at the DENR!

Page 11 WoodStock Calendar of Events

01 September 2006 06 October 2006 Annual Membership Meeting A salute to the Green Philippine Highways Manila Polo Club, Makati City Occupational & Health Safety Center, QC 11 September 2006 06 October 2006 Meeting re: Green Tanauan City DTI National Coordinating Council consultative dialogue with manu- City Hall, Tanauan City facturers re: price demand & supply situation 19 September 2006 CWTRG Hall Trade & Industry Hall, Makati City Courtesy Call to USEC Roy Kyamko BPS Conf. Rm, Makati, City RED’s Lounge, DENR, Quezon City 06 October 2006 Regular meeting of Plywood Council 20-22 September 2006 ITP Study Meeting National CBFM Strategic Plan Update: A Consultative Workshop PWPA Boardroom Traders Hotel, Manila 10 October 2006 20 September 2006 Plywood Council Meeting Board Mtg. of GAPNF Annapolis Seafood Restaurant, Annapolis Greenhills Gloria Maris, Greenhills 20 October 2006 02 October 2006 Meeting with DENR-NCR re: Muntinlupa Nursery NDCC Meeting DENR-NCR, North Avenue, QC Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City 23-24 October 2006 02 October 2006 G3 (Green Productivity + Green Purchasing = Green Philippines) PPSQF Board Meeting Clean & Green Foundation BPS Conf. Rm, Makati, City Dusit Hotel, Makati City

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