SISC Unit Celebrates 21st Anniv with Eco-Awareness Theme

MANILA, Philippines -- The Basic Education Division of Southville International School and Colleges (SISC) recently held its annual Parade of Nations to mark its 21st anniversary.

The event themed "Promoting Environmental Sustainability through the 5Cs," was graced by guest Department of Environment and Natural Resources director Ramon Espeleta who represented Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje. He emphasized the important role of the youth in saving the environment and eventually combating climate change.

CMP Asks DENR to Regulate Small-Scale Mines from LGU

MANILA, Philippines — The Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (CMP) has pushed for the transfer of regulation of small scale mines to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) from local government units to ensure strict environmental monitoring.

While rigid rules are imposed on environmental and social practices of large-scale mines, small-scale mines do not go through such stringent scrutiny. This has induced destructive environmental practices among some small mines, which impute a bad reputation on the entire industry, the chamber said.

Indophil's Phil. Tampakan Copper-Gold Project to Begin 2016

Australia-listed Indophil Resources said Friday it is targeting 2016 for first production at its Tampakan copper-gold project in southern Philippines as it is expecting an amicable resolution to a provincial government ban imposed last year.

As the mine environmental impact assessment for Tampakan is delivered and the related public consultation process is successfully completed ... Indophil looks to resolution of a provincial ban on open pit mining, leading to the formal 'commitment to proceed' decision in 2012, the company said in a statement.

Phil. President okays deployment of CAFGUS to mining sites

In the wake of the successful operations of the New People's Army against three mining firms operating in Surigao del Norte, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is planning to train and employ militias to supposedly guard mining areas. Environmentalist groups are not taking kindly to the idea even as President Benigno Aquino III has given the proposal his thumbs up.

We see the AFP's collusion with the Surigao mining corporations to heighten militarization in communities severely affected by their mining operations as an open threat to critics of mining plunder. The established link of militarization and human rights violations has been all too apparent in the past decade, said Clemente Bautista, national coordinator of Kalikasan People's Network for the Environment.

DENR renews mining programs for 10 companies

Regulators have allowed 10 companies to continue mineral exploration work with drilling and environmental expenditures expected to come up to P426.95 million, Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said in a phone interview.

However, he was quick to note that these are existing exploration programs and the government has not issued any new mining permits.

Phil. architects defend 'green' claims from skeptics

The issues of "green," "greenwashing" and "sustainable building initiatives" are turning out to be contentious, with their own fair share of skeptics and proponents. They are also issues that must be addressed and resolved, especially now that the property sector faces a future inevitably shaped by climate change and a growing human population.

Last week, the Inquirer Property story "What to look for when developers claim to be green" was published and uploaded online. Almost immediately, readers reacted to the green-building ratings systems described in the article. Some of them wrote that these rating systems were "all marketing strategies" and that the Philippines was just following the hype that originated in the United States. One even predicted that a green accreditation rating system in the Philippines would not prosper, it being another potential source of corruption.

Phil. Environmental Groups Oppose Waste Incineration Plans

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY -- Various Filipino environmental groups have expressed concern over the increase in waste incineration proposals and contracts signed in different areas in Mindanao.

We are saddened by the news shared by different stakeholders from Mindanao that local government units are signing or are about to sign multi-year contracts with different incinerator companies that will allow dirty facilities to be built within their respective areas.

Cebu Daily, NGOs Praised for Promoting Respect for Eco-Laws

CEBU Daily News along with several non-government groups were recognized by the Cebu City Council yesterday in a resolution for their "dedication and active participation" in helping enforce the country's environmental laws in Cebu.

The paper was cited along with the Philippine Business of Social Progress (PBSP), Kaabag sa Sugbo Foundation and the Kantipla Ecosystem Enhancement and Protection Foundation during the council's off-site session in barangay Bonbon yesterday.

Phil. Tarsiers Not 'Critically Endangered' Anymore

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippine Tarsier – considered the world's smallest primates – used to be labelled as "critically endangered" in the past many years.

Not anymore.

PMSEA Slams Surigao del Norte Minig Raids

Manila, Philippines – The Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association (PMSEA) has scored the October 3 attack on three mining companies in Claver, Surigao del Norte that left three people dead.

PMSEA, an organization that espouses occupational safety and environmental protection in mining operations, said the attackers also took several mining company executives but released them unharmed in the afternoon of the same day.