BIODIVERSITY

We often complain about our country being poor. Little do we know about how rich the Philippines is in biodiversity. In
fact, this archipelago is known as having the crown jewels of marine biodiversity in the entire planet. Biodiversity
simply put is the abundance of different living species (or life forms) in our forests (plants and animals) and our
waters (rivers, ponds, seas, etc.)
The problem is, biodiversity in the Philippines is in crisis. Many species endemic to the country are threatened or
endangered. Our people have exploited too much of our flora, fauna and marine life. Both the rich and the poor, the
literate and illiterate are destroying the natural habitats of the many species in this country and what is the
government doing?
Listening to a report on biodiversity, Philippine Marine Life: Our Heritage, Our Responsibility given by Dr.
Mudgekeewis D. Santos, OIC of the Marine Fisheries Research Division National Fisheries Research and
Development Institute surely gave me goose bumps. I was awed by how rich our marine life is even better than the
Great Barrier Reef.
Compared to that of the Asian mainland, the Philippines may arguably lack the diversity of species in its rain forests,
but certainly not when it comes to the coral reefs that are in great abundance throughout the archipelago. As a matter
of fact, scientists are still discovering new species on and around the coral reefs in the country and are just beginning
to realize the true wealth of the Philippine marine culture.
According to the report of Dr. Santos, the Philippines being located in the Coral Triangle region, is considered to be at
the center of marine biodiversity in the world. With more than 400 species and 70 genera of hard corals, the country
has one of the most diverse coral faunas, with reefs that are at par with the Great Barrier Reef of Australia. The
province of Palawan and the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), which includes Sulu, Tawi-Tawi
Islands and Turtle Islands, have 43 percent and 16 percent respectively, of the total coral reefs in the country.
The report further stated that we have about 16 seagrass (Damong Dagat) species. Seagrass habitats perform
various ecological functions such as providing nurseries for certain aquatic species, exporting nutrients to adjacent
habitats and promoting the settlement of waterborne silt, thus reducing the impact of siltation. I know this information
may be a bit too scientific but the facts are amazing.
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Who would have known that the Philippines has 22,000 species of shellfish, 1,600 seaweeds (Halamang Dagat)
and about 824 species of marine macrobenthic algae. The seaweed industry in this country ranks third in export
value next to tuna and shrimp, earning an estimated foreign exchange profit of US$130 million annually. About
500,000 people are directly or indirectly dependent on it. Seaweed farming is now considered a major source of
livelihood in many of our coastal communities.
Did you know that the Philippines is one of the largest fish producers in the world. Our seas are home to more than 2,
500 fish species. We have six species of big whales we call Balyena. These are the blue whale, Brydes whale,
Humpback whale, Omuras whale, Fin whale and Sperm whale all of which we only read in bedtime stories. We
also have eight species of small whales called killer whale, Cuviers Beaked whale, short-finned pilot whale, Pygmy
Sperm whale, Longmans Beaked whale and Melon-Headed whale. The childrens favorite dolphins (Lumba-lumba)
has 13 species: Spinner dolphin, Pantropical spotted dolphin, rough toothed dolphin, Frasers dolphin, Bottlenose
dolphin, Striped dolphin and the Irawaddy dolphin. The open ocean around the country is also home to the sea cow
(Dugong), five marine turtle (Pawikan) species namely the Loggerhead turtle, Leatherback turtle, Green turtle,
Hawksbill turtle and the Olive Ridley turtle. Cartilagenous fishes (Pating) such as Whale shark, Megamouth shark
and Basking shark can also be found in our nutrient rich waters. The largest fish in the world, the Whale Shark locally
known as Butanding regularly swims to the Philippine waters and can be found off the shores of Donsol.
Seventy percent of our communities are located in the coastal areas and many are dependent on fishing for their
livelihood. However, due to rampant illegal fishing operations, it has become a dying industry. Our major habitats
including seagrass beds, seaweeds and coral reefs are in degraded state. Many species have been declared
threatened or endangered including marine mammals, marine turtles, some species of sharks and large fish and
other mollusks and crustaceans.

According to Conservation International, Along with its remarkable levels of species endemism, the Philippines is
one of the worlds most threatened hotspots, with only seven percent of its original, old-growth, closed-canopy forest
left as a result of illegal logging activities, mining and land conversion. The countrys development objectives, which
include road network development, irrigation, power and energy projects, and planned ports and harbors, need to be
harmonized with biodiversity conservation goals.
Biodiversity loss in the Philippines stems from habitat destruction, overexploitation, chemical or environmental
pollution, biological pollution and weak institutional and legal capacities.
It is commendable that our government has formed policies to address these issues including the promulgation of
national laws and its implementing rules and regulations such as the Fisheries Code of 1998, Wildlife Act of 2001,
Convention on the Trade of Endangered Species of Wild Flora and Fauna and more recently the Coral Triangle
Initiative and the Western and Central Pacific Fisheries Commission. Unfortunately, there are major drawbacks in this
endeavor of saving the Philippine Marine Life. Our policies are obsolete. They are conflicting and overlapping. We
lack technical experts and funding to continue, to do research and develop more ways to protect our species.
Year 2010 has been declared the International Year of Biodiversity by the United Nations. I hope P-Noy, in the midst
of everything, will also look into saving our marine life one of the richest sources of biodiversity in this planet.
Forest
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has expressed concern over massive forest
degradation in Leyte Island.
About 15 percent of forest cover in Leyte Island has been damaged between 2007 to 2010 as a result of satellite
imagery survey done by Deutsche Gesellschaft fr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ).
This forest reduction is alarming considering that 15 percent represent 41,060 hectares, said DENR assistant division
chief for conservation and development division Crisostomo Badeo.
Among the dominant species affected by the forest degradation are the red and white lawaan and other members of
pterocarpus, a pantropical genus of trees.
Tagged as major culprit is timber poaching and slash-and-burn farming technique. Leyte Island has no reported cases
of illegal logging, according to Badeo.
The devastation wrought by super typhoon Yolanda in 2013 was not included in the report.
In Leyte Island, among areas that suffer from forest degradation is the forest that covers the Mahagnao Volcano and
National Park in the towns of Burauen and La Paz.
In protected areas, among the interventions to curb timber poaching are the deployment of community-based forest
guards to complement DENR efforts.
Eco-tourism will also help in stopping illegal activities in forest as it will provide alternative income to locals.
Since the main reason why they are involve in timber poaching is for sustenance, for income, we are addressing this
by involving them to other sustainable economic activities, Badeo said.

FOREST
CABANATUAN CITY, Philippines The Philippines ranked fifth among 234 countries with the greatest reported gain
in forest area annually, according to a report by the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO).
The country increased its forest area to 240,000 hectares per year from 2010 to 2015, FAOs 2015 Global Forest
Resources Assessment reported.
Annual loss of forest cover nationwide reached almost 47,000 hectares from 2003 to 2010, the Forest Management
Bureau (FMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.
An estimated eight million hectares of land nationwide need reforestation and rehabilitation, according to the FMB.
FMB Director Ricardo Calderon said for the 2011-2015 period, reforestation through the governments National
Greening Program (NGP) covered 1,258,692 hectares of land.
Such accomplishment is 105 percent more than the 1,200,000 hectares NGP planting target for the period, Calderon
said.
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The DENR launched the NGP in 2011 to reforest some 1.5 million hectares of open, denuded and degraded land
nationwide.
In the forest area gain assessment, the Philippines trailed China (1.5 million hectares), Australia (308,000 hectares),
Chile (301 hectares) and the US (275,000 hectares).
The assessment showed the Philippines ahead of sixth to tenth placers Gabon (200,000 hectares), Lao Peoples
Democratic Republic (189,000 hectares), India (178,000 hectares), Vietnam (129,000 hectares) and France (113,000
hectares).
Actual NGP reforestation coverage and corresponding percentage of accomplishment reached 128,558 hectares in
2011 (129 percent); 221,763 hectares in 2012 (110 percent); 333,160 hectares in 2013 (111 percent) and 334,302
hectares in 2014 (111 percent), the data show.
Data showed NGP reforestation already covered 240,909 hectares as of October last year, representing an 80
percent accomplishment.
AGRICULTURE
Farm producers want Customs to pin down smugglers
(The Philippine Star) | Updated July 31, 2016 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines A group of farm producers under the Samahang Industriya sa Agrikultura (Sinag) has called on
Customs commissioner Nicanor Faeldon to put more teeth to its anti-smuggling drive and file charges of economic
sabotage against those who attempted to smuggle 87 containers of onions into the country.
This is the litmus test on both the resolve of the Duterte government to combat smuggling and the effectiveness of
the recently signed law RA 10845, that decreed the smuggling of agricultural products as an act that constitute
economic sabotage, said Sinag chair Rosendo So.
We are hoping this time these smugglers will be apprehended, charged and punished accordingly. Many in the
agriculture sector voted for President Digong (Duterte) because of his campaign promise to end smuggling, he
added.
According to Sinag, they were alerted by a source at the Bureau of Customs that these 87 containers were
abandoned by the consignee, Sanfred Trading and Great Light Trading.

They wanted these shipments to be inspected at their warehouse. Next thing we knew, they had already abandoned
their shipments citing decomposition. Most of the shipments were declared as garlic, but the content was onion, So
said.
Citing RA 10845, Sinag said the amount of smuggled agricultural products subject to economic sabotage is equal or
more than P10 million for rice, and equal or more than P1 million for other agricultural products such as sugar, corn,
pork, poultry, garlic, onion, carrots, fish and cruciferous vegetables.
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Smugglers and their cohorts will face a penalty of life imprisonment and a fine of twice the fair value of the smuggled
agricultural product and the aggregate amount of the taxes, duties and other charges avoided.
SINAG argued that the 87 containers were valued at least P130 million, much more than the P1 million minimum
amount for these smugglers to be charged with economic sabotage, also a non-bailable offense.
In the last five years, Sinag research showed that close to P200 billion worth of agricultural goods were smuggled
into the country, translating to around P60 billion to P80 billion in lost revenues for the government since these
agricultural commodities are supposed to be protected and levied a higher tariff of 30-40 percent.
Around 65 percent of global onion output comes from the top eight onion producing countries, with China as the top
onion producer with over 22.3 million tons. India is ranked second, producing some 19.3 million tons. The rest of the
list includes USA, Iran, Russia, Turkey, Egypt and Pakistan.
In India alone, onion production is estimated to increase by at least 10 percent this year.
According to Sinag, smuggling of rice, vegetables, meat and other agricultural products remains rampant even under
the new administration which has vowed to to stop smuggling.
AGRICULTURE
Boosting agriculture through innovations
By Czeriza Valencia (The Philippine Star) | Updated July 24, 2016 - 12:00am
MANILA, Philippines The Duterte administration sees agriculture as one of the countrys major growth drivers but
not without the stimulus technology it can provide, according to Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ernesto Pernia.
In a speech delivered during the annual meeting of the National Academy of Science and Technology, Pernia said
Philippine agriculture could be a lucrative industry with the right investments in technology and development.
With the help of science and technology and research and development, agriculture can be a lucrative industry that
can foster food security in our country. Farmers with access to different varieties of seedlings and soil typing will no
longer fear for their crops in the face of adverse weather conditions, he said.
The same is true for fisheries with the proper interventions.
Fishermen with knowledge of sustainable fishery need not fear about their catch during the dry season when fish
tend to go deeper into the ocean, he said.
Pernia said the government would promote the greater use of science, technology and innovation (STI) in various
areas of development in line with its 10-point economic agenda.
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In NEDA we recognize the importance of scientific inquiry and academic discourse as the basis of development
plans and policies. We believe that STI can help the country realize its economic potential and improve the well-being
of the people, he said.

He noted that increased technological advancements in technology and greater innovation would strengthen
manufacturing, enabling small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to create products that can meet local and global
demand.
While much has been done by the previous administration in strengthening micro, small and medium enterprises
(MSMEs), which comprise 99.6 percent of the countrys total number of establishments, we still have a long way to
go. But through science and technology, and innovation, we can equip MSMEs with the technology that can create
globally competitive products to meet the demands of the local and international market quality standards, said
Pernia.
Similarly, STI can support the manufacturing and industrial sectors to raise productivity, foster the creation of highvalue products, and improve the quality of their products, he added.
Other areas of development that can benefit from increased advancement in technology are power, healthcare, and
government functions.
Time and again, our new President has uttered that he does not want to see people lining up for government
services. This is why a major flagship item in the policies of the president is to reduce red tape to the minimum. We
believe that aside from promoting productivity in government offices, STI can also provide solutions in avoiding long
queues and long waiting time for frontline services, especially those that inconvenience the daily activities of ordinary
citizens, he said.
MINERALS
THE PHILIPPINE
MINERAL RESOURCES ACCOUNTS
Minerals are natural substances -- usually comprising "inorganic element or compound, having an
orderly internal structure and characteristics, chemical composition, crystal form, and physical
properties" (NAMRIA-DENR, 1991). Any concentration of these minerals, with a potential economic
value that can be extracted at a profit, is considered a mineral resource. Despite its small area, the
Philippines is one of the world's richly endowed countries in terms of mineral resources. In 1994, the
estimated levels of metallic and non-metallic mineral reserves stood at 7 billion metric tons and 50
billion metric tons, respectively. Copper accounted for the bulk of metallic mineral resources of about
72 percent; while nickels share was estimated at 16 percent (Figure 1). Among the non-metallic
minerals, limestone and marble accounted for about 39 and 29 percent, respectively (Figure 2). In
terms of chromite resources, the Philippines is also one of the most endowed countries. In fact, the
country's refractory chromite resource in Zambales is considered as one of the largest in the world.
The mining industry plays a very important role in the countrys economic development. For one, the
industry provides employment opportunities to a significant portion of the population, directly and
indirectly. The launching of a mining project spurs local and regional economic development as mining
firms invest in road infrastructure, utilities, and other facilities within the mine site. Mining, likewise,
contributes to the country's foreign-exchange earnings through exports. Furthermore, the industry
provides additional revenues for the government through taxes and fees paid on mining and other
related activities. The mining activities involve operations that have significant impact on the
environment. In most facets of the mining activities, there is always the potential for environmental
and ecological problems -- from the construction of mining facilities, the extraction of ore, to the
processing of minerals.
Mineral resources are non-renewable. Once extracted, the ore is gone and will take a very long time to
replenish. Mining activity, therefore, is faced with the sustainability issue. Serious implications may
arise if this issue is not properly addressed. While the construction of the asset account for the other

natural resources is undoubtedly important, it is more crucial for the minerals because of the
exhaustibility of these resources.
Gold
Gold reserves at the beginning of 1988 was estimated at 101.6 million metric tons (MT), equivalent to
about 240 MT of gold metal. Between 1988 and 1994, a total of 27.7 million MT of gold ore, containing
about 36 MT of metal was extracted. On the average, this is equivalent to an annual extraction of 3.9
million MT of gold ore.
Extraction of Gold Reserves in Ore Form
1988-1994
(in Million Metric Tons)

However, actual annual data show that the level of ore extraction dropped by a hefty 42.9 percent in
1990 and 25.7 percent in 1993 (Figure 1). The slight increase in the world metal price of gold in 1990
failed to raise the countrys production. During this year, three major gold mines temporarily ceased
operation, evidence of the then problems which besieged the domestic mining industry.
Copper
The reported stock of copper in ore form increased from 4,106 million MT in 1988 to 4,597 million MT
in 1994 (Figure 2). However, copper reserves suffered a setback in 1990, when it declined by 7.2
percent from the previous years level before resuming its increasing trend.
From 1988 to 1994, the extraction of copper ore registered a decreasing trend, with an annual
average decline of 12.1 percent. The same trend was exhibited by the metal content which declined
from 277,746 MT in 1988 to 130,910 MT in 1994. Copper mining companies slowed down in their
production as lower prices of copper metal in the world market discouraged further expansion of
activities.
Other factors which contributed to the low extraction for the years concerned included power
shortages, closure of the Marcopper Mining Corporation in the second half of 1991, the eruption of Mt.
Pinatubo, and the unusual heavy rainfall. During the seven-year period, a total of 346 million MT of
ore was extracted, with a metal content of 1.3 million MT.
Chromite
From 1988 to 1990 -- on the average -- most of the chromite-producing companies experienced a
relative boom, as reflected by the increases in their extraction. For the said period, the total chromite
ore extraction grew at an annual average of 30.1 percent, despite the earthquake that jolted Luzon
island in July 1990.

However, starting 1991, a downtrend was experienced as a result of the volcanic eruption. This
catastrophe deluged service roads with mudflows thus, affecting the transport of the output of one of
the biggest chromite producers in that location. Power shortage and other geological factors affected
the operations of most chromite mining companies in the succeeding years.
As a result of reduced extraction and positive other accumulation, the stock of total chromite ore
reserves registered an annual average growth of 1.5 percent for the period 1988-1994. The
corresponding metal content posted an average annual growth of 0.4 percent for the same period. In
contrast with the physical asset accounts for which estimates were undertaken by type of chromite,
the monetary asset account for chromite was estimated only on an aggregate basis.
Nickel
Beginning in 1991, the stock of ore reserves started to decline. In 1993, the nickel metal production
tremendously dropped, the effect of the slowdown in the international demand for nickel, coupled with
increased production in the earlier years, which dampened the market price of nickel metal.
Iron
Iron ore, one of the Philippines largest mineral deposits, is not being extracted at present. This was
due to the higher cost of production, making the local prices of iron not competitive to world prices.
However, exploration for possible mining sites is still being done. In 1989, there was an addition of
10.1 million MT in total reserves. Several mining areas explored in 1992 were found positive with iron,
resulting in a huge increase in ore reserves of 298.6 million MT, with a metal content of 124.0 million
MT.
Manganese
During the period 1988 to 1994, manganese reserves in ore form registered an annual average growth
of 2.7 percent -- from 1.4 million MT in 1988 to 1.6 million MT in 1994. The extraction of manganese
ore exhibited fluctuations for the years in review. In 1992, exploration for more possible mining sites
in several areas was conducted. This resulted to an increase of ore reserves by 203,014 MT, with a
metal content of 87,843 MT at the end of the year, gross of extraction.
MINERALS

As we all know, Philippines is rich in resources and that includes Mineral Resources.
We have tons of mineral deposits that are scattered in our islands and in this blog,i will discuss some
of the abundant mineral resources found here in the philippines. Where are those minerals commonly
found and the typical use of those minerals once extracted/mined.

But before that, let us first define what are MINERALS. According to "thefreedictionary.com",
they are a natural occurring, homogeneous inorganic solid substance having a definite chemical
composition

and

characteristic

crystalline

structure,

color,

and

hardness.and

anything

that

concentration of these minerals,that has a potential economic value is considered a mineral resource.
Types of Minerals in the Philippines:

a.) Gold - Baguio and Paracale, Masbate, Surigao and Masara

Common Use: Jewelries, Metal and Optics coating,
Description: One of the most popular mineral in the world because of its value. Used in
making rings, necklaces and more. Popular looking like a Gold bar. Rumors says that Yamashita hid his
Gold here in the Philippines.
b.) Copper - Surigao Del Norte (Philex Mining)
Common Use: Electrical Application, Construction, Antibacterial, Coins and sculptures.
Description: Almost 65% of produced copper is used in Electrical Applications because
copper is popular with its high conductivity. Has a distinct color of reddish brown.
c.) Chromite - South of Luzon, Coto,Zambales Northern Luzon
Common Use: Metal Additive, Chemical use
Description: It is one of the most important mineral that is used in alloy making. Added
because of its hardness and allows less oxidation and corrosion to a metal once added with chromite.
d.) Platinum - Zambales, Samar Islands, Cebu
Common Use: catalytic converter(automobiles), jewelry, hard disks
Description: One of the most valuable metal in our industry today because it is widely
used in different industries. almost 70 percent of platinum production is used by the jewelry industry
and the catalyctic industry.
e.) Gravel - Common Use: Construction
Description: Widely used as a construction material like in roads, buildings and houses.
Also used in gardens and aquariums for design purposes.
f.) Silver - Common Use: jewelry, silverware,dental industry, photography
Description: Silver is actually the highest electrical and thermal conductor. but not
typically use because of its higher price than copper.
--------There are still many types of abundant minerals that can be found in the Philippines but the critical
question is that how are these minerals be efficiently used. Can our industry efficiently use it? Why
cant we excel in mining industry even though we have abundant resources?
Is it the Government? or is it Us? Why are we letting other countries use our resources. Why are they
the ones who gets a profit not us. Maybe the government is lacking in focus in this industry and just
allowing other investors in manipulating this industry. If only our country would develop this industry
and find a way that can be efficiently used in mining, for sure, our Country would be a bigger and a
better country. Proper organization and development is what we need in this industry.

by: Ryan Christopher S. Reyes

** the video presented was original and was not copied from any other site

RENEWABLE
The Philippine archipelago is made up of 7,107 islands, 2,880 of which are inhabited, located to the south of
Taiwan and the north of Indonesia. Due to its relatively small indigenous energy exploitation, the Philippines relies
on imported energy sources. Imported coal and crude oil accounted for 50% of the total energy supply in 2007, in
addition to the domestic coal and natural gas production. Yet, the country owns richrenewable energy resources,
including robustwind energy sites, ideal solar conditions, and an abundance of geothermal and biomassresources.
Where is the Philippine renewable energy market at as of early 2011?
The Philippines electrification paradox
According to the government, in 2008, the countrys barangay (rural neighbourhood) electrification level reached
98%. In reality however, the figure is much lower. The reason is that the statistics considers all partially or parttime electrified communities as fully-electrified areas. It is therefore very difficult to ascertain which communities
do not actually have a permanent access toelectricity and thus to the need to electrify them.
What is at stake here is the communitys economic life. Without permanent power, it gets difficult to conduct
economic activities and bring in capital income. Energising the community therefore becomes a critical aspect of
the economys dynamism. However, a number of consents are required in order for a power utility to electrify an
area in the Philippines. The electrification has to be done at the barangay level, but to that end national,
provincial and municipal consents are required beforehand. Since the government considers most communities as
electrified already, there is little reason for the Department of Energy to give its consent for electrification
projects. The communities economic lives seem therefore meant to be minimal.
Nevertheless, a subsidy programme for electrification projects is still in place. The Universal Charge Missionary
Electrification (UC-ME) programme established a tax, paid by end-users. The proceeds are used by the National
Power Corporations Small Power utility Group (SPUG) to subsidise small power projects in remote parts of the
country. In order to incentivise the electrification of a rural community, the government offers to bring down the
communitys electricity tariff to the cheaper urban level, thus subsidising the cost of power in rural areas.
This policy however creates a market distortion on supply and demand, and poses stability concerns due to its
political ties. Importantly, existing regulatory hurdles that slow the process as well as high transaction costs
disincentivise the private sector from investing in rural electrification projects.
The Renewable Energy Act 2008, a solution?
The fuel crisis that erupted in 2008 compelled the Department of Energy, responsible for overall policy goals in the
energy industry, to design a Renewable Energy Act. Its aim is to promote the development of renewable energy
resources and their commercialisation to achieve national energy security, as well as to create a competitive
environment and empowerment of the consumer; reduce the Philippines greenhouse gas emissions through the
promotion of sustainable energy measures; and reduce energy imports in order to achieve self-reliance. These
targets are being pursued thanks to the provision of fiscal and non-fiscal incentives to private sector investors and
equipment manufacturers and suppliers.
At the consumer level, the Renewable Energy Act encourages the consumption of renewable energy through a
green energy option allowing end-users to choose renewable energy power sources. The Act also promotes net
metering to allow end-users to generate their own renewable energy power to sell it to the grid. Finally, it
encourages VAT-free renewable energy power. Moreover, all savings from the reduced corporate tax rate are passed
through to end-users viacheaper electricity rates.
The final goal of the Act is to achieve the Philippines greater energy independence, by making the country 60%
energy self-sufficient by 2010[1].

As a result, electricity generated from renewables in 2010 represented 33% of the Philippines energy mix. The
government aims to increase the share of renewables to 40% by 2020. Moreover, under the DOEs medium-term RE
Policy Framework, the government aims to achieve a 100% increase in renewable energy power capacity by 2013
compared to the 2002 level. More than 4GW of additional RE capacity are planned to be developed by then, some
1.2GW of which are planned to come from geothermal sources, to reach a total capacity of 9GW.
A challenging implementation
The fiscal and non-fiscal incentives addressed to renewable energy investors have been well received, as the 200
renewable energy projects contracted between the Department of Energy and the private sector in 2009 can
testify. However, barriers remain against the implementation of these projects, such as the high risk of renewable
energy investments, or the difficulty to find funding, and thus 60 of these projects were cancelled in the months
following the passing of contracts.
As it is mandatory for all projects to be registered when first developed, even those projects that are not being
implemented because of a lack of funding, they officially still exist. This is a source of some confusion in the
sector and leads to price rises, wrong expectations, and delays. The positive aspect of this mandatory registration
is that it also creates a triage process, allowing companies to take over stagnant project and thus increase the
number of implemented schemes.
Even though it remains difficult to develop successful projects due to many institutional barriers, the incentives
clearly created a new platform as well as a huge interest for the private sector.
Case study: PowerSource and the Renewable Energy Act
The PowerSource Group is an energy company working in the Southeast Asia and Pacific regions, specializing in the
application of hybrid distributed generation solutions for corporate institutional energy management (PowerSource
Energy Services) and rural electrification and community development from renewable resources (PowerSource
Micro-Grid Operations). PowerSource is engaged in energising work in the Philippines, as the countrys only third
party eligible to energise a community in all steps of electrification, from generation to distribution and
collection.
PowerSource works with the communities on installing the energising systems following a build-own-operate
model. Once the system is in place, PowerSource operates it for 10-15 years in order to recover the costs and
investment. Once the cost of the system is recovered, PowerSource hands its operations to the community,
previously trained for that purpose. Thanks to the new electrification system, the community life is improved as a
whole: productive hours are extended, children can study thanks to provision of lighting, and health is improved
thanks to safer cooking means. Energising a community thus has a huge socio-economic impact.
Before the implementation of the Renewable Energy Act, structuring large elements of renewable energy projects
was a difficult enterprise because of the high capital costs. While the renewable energy fuel is cheap, if not free,
its initial equipment cost is high compared to the cost of fossil fuels technologies. Without any market
mechanisms, such as feed-in-tariffs, renewable energy projects remain too expensive and thus rare.
The Renewable Energy Act of 2008 introduced a 50% increase of subsidy for renewable energy projects, compared
to community off-grid systems using non-renewable energy. Although PowerSources competition was very limited
before the Acts development because there was no attention on the topic, this new measure had a positive
impact on the companys business, by enabling the development of a market model with a sustainable finance
future.
To conclude, although the Philippines aspires to be a regional leader in the renewable energy field, the barriers
discussed explain why the Philippine renewable energy market, against the appearances, is still in its infancy.

Furthermore, energy efficiency still lacks traction, despite the importance to start economising energy before
adding renewables to the mix. Energyefficiency plans are indeed more commonly seen in developed countries and
remain rare in developing and emerging countries as they correspond to a more advanced society model. However,
the lack of energy efficiency policy represents a barrier to the overall uptake of sustainable energy in the
Philippines. Further regulatory developments are therefore awaited in order to enforce the Philippines sustainable
energy sector in the forthcoming years.
For more info about the Philippines Renewable Energy Act, read REEEPs articlehere.
NON RENEWABLE RESOURCES
Natural resource, such as coal, oil, or natural gas, that takes millions of years to form naturally and therefore
cannot be replaced once it is consumed; it will eventually be used up. The main energy sources used by humans
are non-renewable; renewable resources generate a considerable amount of energy when they are burnt (the
process of combustion). Non-renewable resources have a high carbon content because their origin lies in the
photosynthetic activity of plants millions of years ago. The fuels release this carbon back into the atmosphere as
carbon, such as solar, tidal, wind, and geothermal power, have so far been less exploited. Fossil fuels like coal, oil,
and gas dioxide. The rate at which such fuels are being burnt is thus resulting in a rise in the concentration of
carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, a cause of the greenhouse effect.
In short, these are the things that can run out or can be used up. They usually come from the ground. There are
fixed amounts of these resources. They are not living things and they are hard to find. They don't regrow and they
are not replaced quickly.
Today, scientists find ways to limit the use of these resources of energy to make them more or less sustainable,
lasting not just in the current generation, but also to the next.
What are the non-renewable resources?
a. Wood (Trees) Once served as the world's chief fuel. In many developing countries where there are lots of forested area, wood is
still the main source of energy. It is also a source of livelihood like furniture making and sculpting (wood carvings).
Also, the forests areas needed for farming are being indiscrimately burned using the kainging or slash and burn
method.
Although easier said than done, the trend must be towards the creation of sustainable forest:
1. Proper education on the value of forest to discourage slash and burns.
2. Harvesting only what is needed.
3. Planting to replace those harvested.
4. Zero-waste management on wood being harvested. Wood chips and grains can be harnessed as biomass energy.

Kaingin or slash and burn method

b. Coal
This is a result of a half a million to even several million years of compression and heat applied to decaying plants
growing in bogs or swampy areas. Because of this length of time for nature to form coal, it is considered a non
renewable source of energy.

Coal

About 26% of the world's energy still uses coal as their

fuel source, whether for producing heat or electrical.

The Philippines has an abundance of coal, especially in

Regions II (Cagayan Valley), VI (Panay, Negros Oriental), and XIII or CARAGA (Agusan and Surigao provinces).
The most notable coald-based power plants are Pagbilao 1 and 2 in Quezon province and ACMDC Coal Plant in
Cebu.
Problems using Coal
a) accidents in coal mines
b) diseases that result from breathing coal dust
c) strip mining causes erosion of mining sites
d) when burned, coal releases nitrogen oxide and sulfur dioxide and other impurities that pollute the air, leading
to the formation of acid rain.

The main pollutant that cause acid rain, industries

eject sulfur dioxide and nitrogen oxide into the atmosphere which becomes part of the clouds and form acid

rain

See how the trees become leafless and dead

because of their being exposed to acid rain

c. Petroleum
One of the world's most important resources. Its by products are essential in cooking and heating, powering
vehicles and airplanes, and even electricity generation.
Most petroleum is removed from deep within the earth as a liquid called crude oil. Workers pump crude oil out of
the earth through wells drilled into oil-bearing formation called reservoirs. Because it is liquid, crude oil can be
economically transported long distances by pipelines to refineries. Refineries process it into gasoline and other
petroleum products.
Greatest Oil Reserves by Country, 2006
Proved reserves
(billion barrels)

Country
1.

Saudi Arabia

264.3

2.

Canada

178.8

3.

Iran

132.5

4.

Iraq

115.0

5.

Kuwait

101.5

6.

United Arab Emirates

97.8

7.

Venezuela

79.7

8.

Russia

60.0

9.

Libya

39.1

10.

Nigeria

35.9

11.

United States

21.4

12.

China

18.3

13.

Qatar

15.2

14.

Mexico

12.9

15.

Algeria

11.4

16.

Brazil

11.2

17.

Kazakhstan

9.0

18.

Norway

7.7

19.

Azerbaijan

7.0

20.

India

5.8

Top 20 countries

1224.5 (95%)

Rest of world

68.1 (5%)

World total

1,292.6

NOTES: Proved reserves are estimated with reasonable certainty to be recoverable with present technology and
prices.
Source: Oil & Gas Journal, Vol. 103, No. 47 (Dec. 19, 2005). From: U.S. Energy Information Administration.

Many parts of the country have shown good indications of the presence of petroleum. The Cagayan Valley,
Central Plain of Luzon, Bondoc Peninsula in Quezon, Cebu, Leyte, Cotabato, Palawan, and Sulu Sea, are
promising petroleum-bearing areas now. Commercial petroleum deposits have been discovered in the
western coast of Palawan.

Top Philippine sites with oil potential includes West Linapacan A/B in Palawan, Carnag-Malampaya in
Palawan, Galoc also in Palawan, Maniguin in Mindoro-Cuyo and Matinloc in Palawan.

Problems using petroleum

a. it takes a lot to form.

b. effective environmental management
i. forest ecosystem must be preserved when creating oil pipes.
ii. leak detectors must be present on oil and pipelines to
detect even a minute spill, thus avoiding a bigger one.
c. burning fuels and power plants contribute to the "greenhouse effect"
d. proper maintenance of vehicles and power plants would ensure
proper burning of these fossil fuels.
D. Natural Gas

natural gas comes from deposits in the earth

it is a clean source of energy because it is refined naturally during its formation within the earth and does
not require further refining.

natural gas can be compressed into liquid and transported long distances through pipes.

September 27, 2001 marked the entry of the Philippines as a producer of commercial grade natural gas
with its discovery at the Malampaya well, off the wester coast of Palawan. It was inaugurated last
October 16, 2001 at Malampaya - on shore gas plant in Tabangao, Batangas.

It is a 4.5 billion-dollar project of Shell Philippines Exploration, BV Texaco Philippines, and the Philippine
National Oil Company (PNOC-EC)

Potential supply of 8,000 barrels per day and expected income from 8-10 billion dollar.

Top sites with natural gas potential includes Carnaga-Malampaya, San Martin in Palawan, San Antonio in
Cagayan and Octon in Palawan

POLLUTION
Pollution in Manila, Philippines
Air Pollution

86.36 Very High

Drinking Water Pollution and Inaccessibility

59.17 Moderate

Dissatisfaction with Garbage Disposal

78.75 High

Dirty and Untidy

83.20 Very High

Noise and Light Pollution

70.49 High

Water Pollution

85.25 Very High

Dissatisfaction to Spend Time in the City

79.37 High

Dissatisfaction with Green and Parks in the City

77.50 High

Purity and Cleanliness in Manila, Philippines

Air quality

13.64 Very Low

Drinking Water Quality and Accessibility

40.83 Moderate

Garbage Disposal Satisfaction

21.25 Low

Clean and Tidy

16.80 Very Low

Quiet and No Problem with Night Lights

29.51 Low

Water Quality

14.75 Very Low

Comfortable to Spend Time in the City

20.63 Low

Quality of Green and Parks

22.50 Low

Contributors: 67

Last update: July, 2016

These data are based on perceptions of visitors of this website in the past 3 years.
If the value is 0, it means it is perceived as very low, and if the value is 100, it means it is perceived as very high.

Pollution012093.93
Nearby cities:
Pollution in Pasay

8.39 km

Pollution in Mandaluyong

11.25 km

Pollution in Makati

11.37 km

Pollution in Dasmarinas

11.74 km

Pollution in Quezon City

11.78 km

Pollution in Valenzuela

16.23 km

Pollution in Pasig

18.06 km

Pollution in Cainta

19.14 km

Pollution in Bacoor

20.71 km

Pollution in Imus

23.33 km

Your comment (no HTML):

6 Comments so far
#Anonymous on Feb 23, 2016 :
I want our world to be better, but how can we do it if no on will act? if nobody realizes how severe this problem is then
i want this to be a wake up call to all of us (to all who reads this)!. Let's save mother earth, our home, our life, our
world TODAY!!!
#Anonymous on Feb 23, 2016 :
this problem is getting worse by the minute soon we might face the destruction of earth and the extinction of human
kind. it is happening all over the world. We all dream of a better world but we need more than wishing to get us there.
i believe that it is not to late for us we can still do something, and if we're gonna do something about it we gotta act
NOW!!!
#dan on Dec 06, 2015 :
Its a shocker of place. Go to any part of manila in white t-shirt and watch it slowly collect bit of black soot. No
emmsion laws on any public or private transport. Airport in the middle of the city. Endless container trucks pumping
out black smoke all day long down slex to edsa and manila bay. A very dirty city full of great people. The LTO could
do more but they dont give a shit.

#Anonymous on Oct 13, 2015 :

Manila is the worst place on earth led by a corrupt government that doesn't give a hoot about his own people. He's
too busy taking kick backs from the Filipino elite!
I'm stuck for 3 years on work commitments and it's killing me slowly. For heavens sake why no green space in
Makati?
Why would politicians choose to make people suffer?
The Philippines is on crack I tell you!
#Anonymous on Nov 16, 2014 :
i think you are supposed to contribute to the 26 so far but meanwhile http://www.air-quality.org.uk/11.php
#Anonymous on Aug 06, 2013 :
Is this information accurate? What's it's basis?
POLLUTION
Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) Pollution in Asia is worsening.
The World Heath Organization (WHO) said seven million people worldwide die annually from air pollution over six
million of them were recorded in Asia.
Most of these cases are in China and India the two highly polluted countries but experts warned the Philippines
may not be far behind.
EDSA and Taft Avenue are among the deadliest places in Metro Manila, in terms of air quality.
Experts said continued exposure to smog in busy streets like these is why many Asians in various cities in the region
are dying young, as they urge for quick action.
Non-government group Clean Air Asia is working with local and national policy makers to improve air quality in six
areas: air quality standards and monitoring, emissions inventories and modelling, health and other impacts, air quality
communication, clean air plans and governance.
"For me, it's not acceptable from now that anybody dies prematurely, children or elderly suffering because of asthma,
because of cancer, because of air pollution. So there's an urgency to air pollution to know that diesel exhaust for
instance gives you cancer. So we need to do something about it," said Bjarne Pedersen, executive director of Clean
Air Asia.
Dante Guerrero has been a jeepney driver for 34 years.
He confirmed daily exposure to pollution is taking its toll on his health.
"Marami na! Marami nang nagkaroon ng tb (tubercolosis) dyan eh. Meron na kami dyan dalawa na sa hospital pa
eh syempre 'yon ang ano nila siguro dahil dito na sa usok," said Guerrero.
[Translation: "There have been many reported cases of tubercolosis. Two of my colleagues have been hospitalized,
maybe because of polluted air."]

Dr. Hans Ramos, a pulmonologist from Medical City, said pollution can lead to illnesses, such as tuberculosis and
lung cancer.
"The most vulnerable patients would include children and the elderly because children their lungs are still trying to
develop while the elderly, their lungs have already deteriorated," said Ramos.
Juan Miguel Cuna, director of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) said there is much to do to improve air
quality
"I want a significant improvement in the public transport system because we've had a chance to see public transport
in other countries. And it significantly reduces the use of vehicles on the road and it will definitely help improve the air
quality and its convenient," said Cuna.
It's a clear and present crisis facing the next administration and it can even be an election issue for the next
president.