The state of the environment in the Philippines has improved the past 10 years but more has to be done, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.
This as big businesses vowed to do their part in pushing the “green” economy through environment-friendly operations and sustainable practices amid the health crisis.
DENR Secretary Roy Cimatu said the improvements were noted in the country’s air and water quality and solid waste management as well as reforested areas.
The particulate matter (PM) 10 went down by 64 percent, from 76 in 2011 to 27 in 2020, while PM 2.5 decreased from 20 in 2016 to 15 in 2020. Standards for both are 60 and 25, respectively.
Cimatu said monitoring of 36 priority recreational water bodies across the country in 2020 showed 21 or 58 percent were within the quality guidelines in terms of fecal coliform counts.
Of the 43 rivers monitored, 32 or 74 percent passed the standard for biological oxygen demand.
The DENR said 824 materials recovery facilities were established last year, raising the total to 11,546, while the number of sanitary landfills increased from 187 to 241. Reforested areas totalling 47,299 hectares are planted with over 37.2 million various seedlings.
Cimatu said since the Philippines is one of the 17 most mega-biodiverse countries in the world hosting more than 52,000 known species, the country’s biodiversity is also the most threatened.
“The increasing number of heritage parks and wetlands of international importance in the Philippines is an indication that we are on the right track in terms of protection, management, and conservation efforts.,” he said in a statement.
In a forum of Stratbase Albert del Rosario Institute and Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship recently, big businesses shared their initiatives towards building a sustainable and resilient economy.
Metro Pacific Investments Corp. chief finance officer and chief sustainability officer June Cheryl Cabal-Revilla said the group maintained its carbon footprint flat at 460 metric tons because of Gabay Kalikasan programs on reforestation, waste management, recycling, marine protection and community engagements.
Meralco vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond Ravelo said the company looks to “greenify” its supply portfolio over the next five years by securing 1,500 megawatts (MW) of clean energy contracts. Renewable energy unit MGreen will build 1,500 MW also in renewable energy projects through 2027.
Coca-Cola Philippines presidentAntonio del Rosario reported the company met the 2020 commitment to replenish 100 percent of water used in production while its P2.3-billion PETValue project which targets to collect and recycle 100 percent of the company’s bottles by 2030 will be operational soon.
MondelÄ“z International country manager for Corporate and Government Affairs Joseph Fabul said the company’s Paranaque plant has been using 100 percent sustainable energy since 2019. (Jed Macapagal)
