200 Subic volunteers join new ‘Protect the Bay’ project

Members of the Subic Bay Freeport community have again answered the call for community cooperation and banded together for another initiative to protect the coastal environment.

Some 200 volunteers from various community groups and government agencies joined the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) for a one-day coastal cleanup project at Sitio Kinabuksan in Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales held recently.

The volunteers included students from Kinabuksan, members of the Calapandayan Fisherfolks Association, personnel from the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) in Olongapo City, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), SBMA Ecology Center, SBMA Public Relations Department, and representatives of RP Energy.

RP Energy CSR Officer Jason Gavina said the project was the first installment of the power firm’s “Protect the Bay” initiative that seeks to promote environmental awareness, establish sustainable livelihood for fisher folks, and to protect Subic Bay.

“This is part of our social responsibility. We believe in supporting our community and not just making profit. We believe in environmental awareness, preservation and sustainability,” he said.

“I’m sure that if we’re going to do this three times this year, mahihiya at mahihiya na tayong magkalat sa ating kapaligiran,” Gavina added.

Aside from the cleanup, RP Energy will establish sustainable livelihood programs for the fisherfolk in Subic Bay, he said.

For the second coastal cleanup activity, Gavina said the RP Energy will implement on May 27 the “Basura Palit Gamit Eskwela” project, whereby children in the Cawag community could bring recyclable waste and exchange them for school supplies.

Meanwhile, Community Environment Officer Marife Castillo lauded the “Protect the Bay” project for its contribution to the government’s environmental protection campaign.

“We appreciate the initiatives of RP Energy in doing this kind of activity for the community,” Castillo said during last Saturday’s cleanup project.

RP Energy, which is developing a state-of-the-art coal-fired power plant at Subic’s Redondo Peninsula, will be using environment-friendly technology for its 600-megawatt power plant. (Jyssilee Marcillano/Tin Fortuna/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
Volunteers led by (from left) SBMA Public Relations Officer Amie Llamas, RP Energy CSR Officer Jason Gavina, Olongapo Community Environment Officer Marife Castillo, and Philippine Coast Guard’s George Cosme segregate garbage collected from the beach during a coastal clean-up held recently at Sitio Kinabuksan, Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales. (AMD/EVS/MPD-SBMA)

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RPEI-SBMA-PRC team trains Subic health workers on emergency response

Fifty health workers from the remote communities in the municipality of Subic, Zambales on Friday completed capability trainings on emergency response-related courses at the Travelers Hotel here.

The two-day training was sponsored by the Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RPEI) and in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the municipality of Subic and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Reynalita Santana, vice-president and External Affairs head Meralco PowerGen, said the training was specially designed for Rural Health Unit officers, Municipal Health Workers, Barangay Health Workers, Barangay Nutrition Scholars, who are detailed in areas that has limited access to transportation and communication.

Most of the participants came from Sitio Nagbayukan, Nagyantok, Nagtulong and Sampaloc, all coastal communities of barangay Cawag in Redondo Peninsula which are accessible only by one-hour boat ride from Subic town. Others were from barangay Matain, Calapacuan, and Pamatawan.

“They are dedicated workers who are committed to help the residents, specially the children, to be healthy and safe, though far from the access to electricity, communications or even transportation,” Santana noted.

She added that it is so even important that they receive refresher course or new knowledge that could help them familiarize and improve their skills and to apply them effectively in time of emergency.

The training included lectures and discussions on Emergency First Aid by Jeffrey Rodejo, RN, and Hazel Jane Quintero, RN, both certified instructors from the PRC; Communication Skills by Brian Bagtas, RN, of SBMA Public Health and Safety Department; and Disaster Preparedness by Jared Radovan of Baypointe Hospital.

The activity also included “Usapang Kalusugan,” a dialogue between Dr. Solomon Jacalne, head, SBMA PHSD; R. Leonardo Afable Jr., head, Subic Municipal Health Office; Mary Grace Molina and Maria Trinidad Gallardo of Subic RHU, where programs on how to improve health services in the communities and cooperation between RPE and LGUs were discussed.

RP Energy is the developer of an environment-friendly and state-of-the-art 600-MW Circulating-Fluidized-Bed coal-fired power plant in Subic.

Meanwhile, SBMA Administrator Wilma Eisma lauded RP Energy for initiating the training for the community health workers of Redondo Peninsula and other remote communities in Subic.

“It is very important that residents in our coastal communities, especially those from areas where transportation and communication are lacking, have a team of trained and skillful health workers who would respond in case of emergency,” said.

She said SBMA may have the best land and sea search and rescue group, but still, educating the stakeholders on various phases of disaster, such as, response, management and rehabilitation would minimize the effect of any unwarranted situation.

She noted that SBMA, through its Fire and Law Enforcement Departments, has continuous education programs that involve students and teachers, workers and investors and residents in earthquake and fire drills.

“Being alert and knowing what to do during emergency will always keep us all safe,” she said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

Fifty health workers from the remote communities in the municipality of Subic, Zambales completed the two-day capability trainings on emergency response-related courses at the Travelers’ Hotel sponsored by the Redondo Peninsula Energy (RP Energy) and in cooperation with the Philippine Red Cross (PRC), the municipality of Subic and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA). (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Meralco names builder of Subic plant

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) consortium has signed a construction contract with Azul Torre Construction Inc. and a supply contract with Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd. for the construction of the 600 megawatts (MW) coal-fired power plant it is developing in Subic.

RP Energy which is currently composed of Therma Power, Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp. and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp. each owns 25 percent equity interest while Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), a subsidiary of Meralco holds 47 percent equity interest in the plant projected to go online by mid-2020.

Construction of the Subic coal plant estimated to cost $1.2 billion was halted when a Writ of Kalikasan was filed against it in 2012 but which was later junked by the Supreme Court (SC) for insufficiency of evidence.

Meralco also recently filed a power supply agreement application with the Energy Regulatory Commission to draw 225 MW from RP Energy once it is completed but is still pending for a decision.

Aside from RP Energy, other coal plant developments where MGen is involved in include the 455 MW San Buenaventura project and the 1,200 MW Atimonan both located in the Quezon province. (Malaya Business Insight)

PHOTO:
Artist's rendition of the power plant located at the REdondo Peninsula. RP Energy is building a $1.2Bn 600MW power plant within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) using circulating-fluidized-bed technology.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/meralco-names-builder-subic-plant

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BoI approves Subic power plant

Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc., led by Meralco PowerGen Corp., received a certificate of registration from the Board of Investments for its 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Subic, Zambales costing P63 billion.

“The registration entitles RPE to duty-free importation of equipment, materials and spares used for the power plant for a period of five years from date of registration. Also income tax holiday for four years from commercial operation,” RP Energy project development manager Joselito Lantin said Friday.

Lantin said RP Energy would build the project in phases. The company is currently negotiating for the engineering, procurement and construction contract covering the first 300-MW phase of the project.

He said the EPC contract would include an option for a second 300-MW unit.

“Targeted to start construction for phase one is fourth quarter 2016. Expected commercial operation is late 2019/early 2020,” Lantin said in a recent briefing.

Electricity generated by the project is covered under a separate power supply agreement with Manila Electric Co. accounting for 225 MW and Aboitiz Energy Solutions contracting 75 MW.

The company signed an amendment to the power plant site lease and transmission line right-of-way lease agreements with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in February.

“We will do 300 MW and then [expand to] 600 MW, depending on our capability to interconnect with NGCP [National Grid Corporation of the Philippines]. It just takes a few months before you can start the phase two,” Meralco PowerGen chairman Manuel Pangilinan said earlier.

Meralco PowerGen is the power generation arm of Meralco, the country’s biggest power distributor, and owns a majority stake in RP Energy. (Alena Mae S. Flores, Manila Standard)

Full story: http://thestandard.com.ph/business/211878/boi-approves-subic-coal-plant.html

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SBMA, partner-orgs provide 10-day lifeguard training

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RPEnergy), in cooperation with the Philippine Coast Guard, Brent International School Subic, and Zambales Lifesaving Inc. (ZLI), have started a 10-day lifeguard training course for young adults and indigenous residents from the municipality of Iba, Zambales, Olongapo City, and Sitio Pastolan in Hermosa, Bataan.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto Garcia said the lifeguard course would equip participants with the necessary aquatic safety knowledge and skills, which they may consider as a future profession, while they aid calamity-stricken areas in the country.

“Swimming can both be fun and dangerous, but with the presence of trained and skilled lifeguards in swimming areas such as pools and beaches, and especially during times of strong typhoons and raging floods, it can prevent the loss of lives,“ Garcia said.

Litz Santana, Meralco PowerGen’s vice president and head of External Affairs, added, “Not only does this training create the feeling of a safer and more secure community; it also creates job opportunities for certified graduates.”

Meanwhile, Roger Bound, ZLI president and program director said, “It is a great privilege for us to be able to share our expertise with those who are willing, able, disciplined, and passionate to help localities especially during calamities, which take lives and leave families heartbroken from missing love ones.”

ZLI is a non-stock, non-profit organization that was established in 2015 to promote and educate interested residents in coastal communities about lifesaving activities and drowning prevention.

Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RP Energy) is a consortium composed of Meralco Power Gen (MGen), Aboitiz Power Corporation, and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corporation, which will soon operate a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Redondo Peninsula in Subic, Zambales.

The lifeguard training course will run from May 10 to 19, 2016 here in Subic Bay Freeport.

Successful candidates will be given certificates that will qualify them to serve as professional lifeguards here and abroad. The graduation ceremony will be held at Crystal Beach, San Narciso, Zambales. (MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
Philippine Coast Guard members train young adults to become certified lifeguards equipped with the knowledge and skills to save lives during times of strong typhoons and raging floods in the locality.

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SBMA, RP Energy partners for Women's Month

More than 300 employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), locators, and community partners marched in the Freeport to advocate for Gender Equality and Women’s Empowerment.

With the theme “Pledge for Equality,” the activity was a partnership between SBMA – Gender and Development (GAD) Focal Point System and Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) to raise awareness on the role of women in nation-building through various activities.

One of the highlights of the program was the women empowerment walk, wherein SBMA showcased the different facets of women in the Freeport. Local women advocates and movers participated in this activity.

Benefitting over 200 SBMA employees was the “KliniKaBabaihan” program, which involved a medical mission to promote women’s health and wellness. The activity covered free dental check-ups; random blood sugar and pressure testing; and distribution of reading glasses to SBMA employees, which are mostly women.

Regular community consultations led by RP Energy were used as a basis for these corporate social responsibility (CSR) programs.

“During our field work, we noticed that there’s a lack of equal opportunity for women especially in grassroot communities. Because of this, we at RP Energy started crafting gender-responsive CSR initiatives to address this issue,” said RP Energy Head for External Affairs Victor Chan.

Among the gender-sensitive CSR programs of RP Energy, which it has been conducting since 2012, are KliniKababaihan and Usapang Babae.

To date, RP Energy has covered 200 trafficked persons which were oriented on their rights under the law and were informed on the available Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) services and programs.

The power company also established three Women’s Health and Wellness Center located in Barangay Cawag, Subic Municipality and Pastolan Aeta Village. And to ensure the physical and psychological health of women in the grassroot communities, they have trained more than 200 women Barangay Health Workers, enabling them to bring health services to women in far-flung areas.

The celebration of Women’s Month in the Philippines traces its history back in 1988 when, President Corazon C. Aquino signed Proclamation No. 224 “Declaring the First Week of March of Every Year as Women’s Week and March 8, 1988 and Every Year Thereafter as Women’s Rights and International Peace Day.”

On that same year, Ms. Aquino also signed Proclamation No. 227, “Providing for the Observance of the Month of March as Women’s Role in History Month,” which designated the National Commission on the Role of Filipino Women (NCRFW which is now Philippine Commission on Women or PCW) as the secretariat to coordinate its nationwide observance.

On 10 April 1990, she signed Republic Act No. 6949, “An Act to Declare March Eight of Every Year as a Special Working Holiday to be Known as National Women’s Day,” to encourage employees from the government and private sector to participate in Women's Day activities.

The celebration has become an occasion for discussions on various gender-related issues, with activities such as Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Discrimination Against Women, the Beijing Platform for Action, the Millennium Development Goals (2000-2015), the Philippine Plan for Gender-Responsive Development (1995-2025), and the Framework Plan for Women.

PHOTOS:

[1] Reading glasses for SBMA Employees – RP Energy’s External Affairs Head, Victor Chan (left) helps in the distribution of eyeglasses to SBMA Employees as part of RP Energy’s advocacy in promoting women’s health and wellness.

[2] Woman of Courage - Elsie Cabral, Officer-in-Charge of SBMA’s Women’s Desk. She was recognized by Soroptimist International of the Philippines as one of their awardee for the Unsung Women Heroes Award in 2014).

[3] Woman of Strength - Joycelline Dela Cruz of the SBMA Law Enforcement Department-Women’s Desk during her runway walk for women empowerment. She is a PWD, Women Advocate and a Balikatan Movement Volunteer.

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Redondo Peninsula to stagger construction of Subic power plant

MANILA, Philippines – Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) will phase the construction of its 600-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Subic pending the resolution of its transmission problems.

RP Energy is a consortium composed of Meralco Power Gen (MGen), Aboitiz Power Corp. and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp.

The consortium has been evaluating whether to push through with the whole 600 MW in one go or to phase it due to issues in the capacity transmission facilities.

When asked for updates on the project, Meralco chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said “the latest word is that we might phase it.”

“(We will start with) 300-MW first and then (another 300 MW) to 600-MW, depending on our capability to interconnect with NGCP (National Grid Corp. of the Philippines). If that takes a few months, then it’s just a few months before we can start the Phase 2,” Pangilinan said.

Construction of the 600-MW coal-fired power plant is targeted in the first quarter of this year and completion in the second half of 2019. (Danessa Rivera, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/03/03/1558805/redondo-peninsula-stagger-construction-subic-power-plant

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Power firm in Subic Bay gives new boat to school

SUBIC, ZAMBALES - Amidst the bustling freeport zone is a fishing community situated in Sitio Kinabuksan, Barangay Cawag in Subic. Every day, around 100 students walk a rocky trail by the beach from Sitio Nagbayukan to attend class at Kinabuksan Integrated School - the only public school in the area accessible to them.

“When it is high tide, they have to trek at least 40 minutes in the dangerous trail going to school. Sometimes, they just ask for a free boat ride from the fishermen but oftentimes they need to walk. It gets worse during the rainy season,” said Dr. Rod Raguine, school principal of Kinabukasan Integrated School.

Faculty members who live in Subic town proper take the hour-long daily commute to the school, which costs around 50 pesos per head every day -- an unwelcome expense in their limited monthly budget.

In response to these concerns, Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RP Energy) initiated a boat project that will benefit the school’s stakeholders. The boat was turned over to Kinabuksan Integrated School in a ceremony held on February 22.

The boat project is part of RP Energy’s Corporate Social Responsibility Program for Education, which was launched in 2013 in order to address the transportation problems of students and teachers in coastal areas such as Subic, Zambales.

Victor Chan, RP Energy Head for External Affairs said addressing the transportation challenges of students and teachers in Sitio Kinabuksan is just a part of the solution in addressing the problems of our public education system in grassroot communities.

"By providing the students and teachers with a boat, we will be able to provide them with a safe means to reach their school. Students will have more time to study since their travel time will be shorter, thus, improving their scholastic performance. As for the teachers, they will have more time with their families and they will be able to save more, which can greatly contribute in their daily budget,” Chan said.

Gemma Pilapil, Vice President of the school’s Parent-Teacher Association (PTA), expressed gratitude for the support from RP Energy and promised to take care of this gift.

As their contribution, the PTA provided the new anchor for the boat. The school and the PTA will be working together for the operations and maintenance of the vehicle.

Besides transporting the students, the boat will also be used by the school’s Fishery course, which is part of their K-12 curriculum.

“Our goal is to be the catalyst for development in our host communities. Aside from providing a competitive and reliable energy source, this is our way of walking the talk when we say inclusive growth. We are enjoining our fellow freeport locators to partner with us and the SBMA (Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority) in order to synergize our efforts in helping our neighboring communities grow,” Mr. Chan added.

“RP Energy believes that education is the best way to empower communities. Through RP Energy’s ‘Project Bangka,’ we are hoping to contribute in improving the education performance of the students in order for them to get a better future,” said Meralco PowerGen Vice-President for External Affairs Litz Santana. (SNL)

PHOTOS:

[1] Boat donated by RP Energy to Kinabuksan Integrated School

[2] DREAMS AFLOAT. Parent-Teacher Association Vice-President Gemma Pilapil, (1st from left); Principal Dr. Rod Raguine (4th from left); Meralco PowerGen Vice-President for External Affairs Litz Santana; RP Energy External Affairs Head Victor Chan; RP Energy CSR Officer Jason Gavina; with teachers and students of Kinabuksan Integrated School.

[3] THANK YOU. Grade school pupils with their paper boats. SBMA Public Relations Officer Malou Dungog with RP Energy External Affairs Head Victor Chan.

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'Unang Hakbang' towards a brighter future (feature)

Responding to the question, “How can we build a better community?” Redondo Peninsula Energy (RP Energy) believes it is always important to start with the community’s youth.

“We live in a country where parents would starve themselves just to get their kids to school. The Filipino dream always involves children getting a college degree and landing a stable job in the city,” said RP Energy Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Head Victor Persius Chan. “But to a family with income below the poverty line, sending two or three children to school is extremely difficult. When parents are unsure that they can provide their children with an education, their hopes for a better future dwindle.”

Believing that the foundation of a good education starts during the first years of school, RP Energy launched its “Unang Hakbang” (First Steps) CSR initiative with the aim of building and rehabilitating learning hubs for daycare and kindergarten students in Zambales.

So far, the company has provided for the rehabilitation and repair of seven learning hubs. This includes five daycare centers, a kindergarten classroom, and a library in Olongapo City, Subic and Castillejos, all in Zambales. The pilot schools were selected based on merit and need, and through consultations with Local Government Units (LGUs), the Municipal Social Welfare Division (MSWD), and local Department of Education officials.

Clean, Safe, and Conducive Learning Environment

Norma Pader, a daycare worker from Brgy. San Agustin, Castillejos, recalls: “Every time it rains, students, their things, and classroom materials get wet due to leaking roofs and damaged ceilings.”

Now, the kids can be safe and stay dry even during the rainy season, thanks to the newly refurbished daycare centers.
“The children can now also use both the toilet and the handwashing station after the installation of a water system. Before, we couldn’t even teach basic hygiene because water was not available,” said Pader.

RP Energy’s CSR team worked hand-in-hand with the teachers, parents, and MSWD officers in maximizing the allotted project budget, choosing storybooks, and designing the classroom layout.

RP Energy made sure that the design of the hubs is inspiring and conducive to learning. Apart from improving the lighting conditions using new LED bulbs, classrooms were also made more colorful and vibrant.

Unang Hakbang hubs were also provided a voluminous set of story books and references. These include books written by award-winning Filipino authors highlighting values education and Philippine culture.

The program also introduced special corners focusing on different subjects, such as Reading, Math, Science, Art, Music, Community, and Personality Corners. Educational materials and even toys were placed in each corner.

Before the initiative, the Asinan Proper-Mapanao daycare center looked more like a rundown and abandoned building than a place of learning. The teacher held classes in a room with unfinished flooring and torn ceilings.

At the end of two weeks of rehabilitation works, Glenda Pascua, the daycare worker, said, “The kids now have a proper play area, and the new slide is a hit. Masayang-masaya sila.”

Responsive

“We do not simply want to donate equipment. We want to give these centers relevant tools that they will actually use for a long time. This includes height charts and digital weighing scales that will be very useful in monitoring the children’s health,” said RP Energy CSR Officer Jason Gavina.

With a growing enrollment of over 300 kindergarten pupils, the Subic Central School has set up a new classroom just to accommodate all enrollees.

“The additional chairs provided by Unang Hakbang really helped us. Our teachers have three shifts per classroom. I am sure that all the materials given to us will be well utilized. We are very grateful to RP Energy,” said Subic Central School Principal Pamela Gatdula.

Subic MSWD Officer Nelly Pagar is optimistic that they will have more five-star daycare centers next year. Daycare centers need to pass a Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) accreditation, and are rated 1 to 5 stars as a means to monitor their effectiveness in child development.

Empowering Teachers

Balaybay Resettlement daycare worker Virgie dela Cruz was already resigned to the bleak situation.

“Napakarami pong kailangang ayusin. Di namin alam kung saan sisimulan. Wala pa kaming budget,” she said.
However, Unang Hakbang’s participatory approach has fomented a change in the attitude of stakeholders.

“They no longer see themselves as mere recipients but also initiators of change. The teachers no longer just complain; they now take charge of the situation whenever and wherever they can,” said Gavina.

As a follow-through activity, and noting that the teachers play a key role in the sustainability of the program, RP Energy, in partnership with Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, is organizing a seminar workshop for the teachers on effective storytelling in August.

Women empowerment

Beyond strengthening the foundations of quality education, Unang Hakbang also aims to promote women empowerment.

By establishing quality daycares where children can be left for a few hours each day, mothers are given time to seek economic opportunities, such as doing part-time work or other productive activities.

Fruitful Partnership

Catillejos Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez hopes the program will benefit more children especially those from impoverished families.

“Tama ang ating motto: ‘Kayang-kaya, basta’t sama-sama sa tulong ng RP Energy at mga magulang na nagboluntaryong tumulong,” he said.

“This is only the start. We know that with the support of the LGUs, our CSR partners, and the parent-volunteers, we can do so much more,” said Chan. “At RP Energy, we believe that there is a need to invest in relevant CSR programs that focus on the Filipino child – our future education champion, a future CEO, the country’s future leader.”


PHOTOS:

[1] Before and after: Brgy Balaybay Day-care Center, Castillejos Municipality

[2] Before and after: Brgy Asinan Proper Day-care Center, Subic Municipality

[3] Before and after: Brgy. Cawag Day-care Center, Subic Municipality

RP Energy is a consortium composed of MERALCO PowerGen Corporation, Aboitiz Power Corporation and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corporation.

It is the developer of an environment-friendly and state-of-the-art 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The plant is expected to augment the power supply in the Luzon grid when it starts commercial operations.

Katuwang Natin sa Buhay is RP Energy’s umbrella Corporate Social Responsibility program that seeks to establish good stakeholder relations and further community development through initiatives that focus on livelihood and skills development, education, health and sports development, environment and disaster risk management and infrastructure support.

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RP Energy turns over ‘Unang Hakbang’ Learning Center

Redondo Peninsula Energy, Incorporated (RP Energy) has turned over a unit of its pre-school Unang Hakbang Learning Center project in Castillejos, Zambales as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) program in neighboring communities.

RP Energy CSR head Victor Persius Chan formally turned over the facility to the Balaybay Day Care Center V last Friday in the presence of Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez, social welfare officer Josefina Fabulayan, Barangay Balaybay chairman Arturo Manzano, and Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) public relations manager Armie Llamas.

RP Energy, a consortium composed of Manila Electric Co., Aboitiz Power, and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp., is set to build a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Redondo Peninsula in Barangay Cawag, Subic, Zambales, which is a part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

The new center is equipped with children’s books, toys and other playing materials, ventilators, television set and sound system, new tables and chairs, and an outdoor play pen. RP Energy promised a supply of toys and other learning materials for one year.

Chan explained that the former day care center in Balaybay was already dilapidated, and many of its teaching materials and electric fans missing.

“Early years in school are critical in establishing a good foundation for higher learning,” said Chan. “That is why we have to make sure that the five-year old kids and younger would have an enjoyable time studying in day care centers,” he added.

Mayor Dominguez lauded RP Energy for the project. “Tama ang ating motto na ‘Kayang-Kaya, Basta Sama-Sama.’ Sa tulong ng RP Energy at mga magulang na nagboluntaryong magkarpintero ay naitayo ang center na ito,” he said.

Dominguez added that the “play while you learn” concept of Unang Hakbang Learning Center can be more effective because children will be encouraged more to come to school.

“There are lots of toys and learning activities that will make their stay in the school enjoyable,” he said.

Chan said the Unang Hakbang Learning Centers are part of RP Energy’s CSR project, which aims to provide a more conducive learning environment to pre-elementary students.

RPE CSR team officer Jason Gavina also said that more Unang Hakbang Learning Centers might be established in the town if the center in Balaybay proves to be successful.

Six more Unang Hakbang Learning Centers are also scheduled for turnover in Olongapo City and in Subic, Zambales. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
[1] Day care students listen intently to an RP Energy volunteer, as she tells a story during the ceremonial turnover of the Unang Hakbang Learning Center in Barangay Balaybay, Castillejos, Zambales. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

[2] RP Energy officials led by CSR Manager Victor Persius Chan (center) join Casillejos Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez and village officials and students during the ceremonial turnover of an Unang Hakbang Learning Center in Barangay Balaybay, Castillejos, Zambales. Also in photo is SBMA PR Manager Armina Llamas (2nd from right). (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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RP Energy cuts Subic power plant capacity target to 300 MW

THE Redondo Peninsula (RP) Energy Inc. is lowering by half the target capacity of its newest coal-fired power plant at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.

The consortium is set to change the project parameters to reduce the capacity from 600 megawatts (MW) to 300 MW, Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

RP Energy is a joint venture of Meralco PowerGen Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp.
Pangilinan attributed the changes to the issues surrounding the transmission line connection.

“There were issues on the distance of the connection of the transmission line to the grid,” Pangilinan told reporters.

He explained that the transmission line from the power plant to the grid will have to go through areas that are apparently occupied by indigenous people.

“There are pockets where there are reserved areas. So you know we cannot build on top of that. That’s prohibited by law,” he said.

The project was originally conceived as 600 MW power facility, composed of two 300 MW coal­fired plant.

Its construction was delayed because of the Writ of Kalikasan filed before the Supreme Court (SC) by groups opposing the power plant.

The High Court upheld the project’s environmental compliance certificate, as well as the lease and development agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The project is now in the construction phase after the consortium has hired the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
The consortium has tapped a group of local banks to help finance the project. The power plant is expected to contribute additional generating capacity to the Luzon grid. (Ritchie A. Horario, The Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/rp-energy-cuts-subic-power-plant-capacity-target-to-300-mw/195801/

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SBMA to resume talks with consortium for Subic coal-fired power plant

Negotiations between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and RP Energy for a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant will resume soon after the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the environmental compliance certificate issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the Aboitiz-led consortium.

However, local government officials and an independent group of Subic Freeport locators vowed to press their opposition to the coal-fired plant despite the ruling of the high court, which also denied a petition for a writ of kalikasan against the power plant’s construction.

SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said they had been locked in negotiations with RP Energy -- the consortium of Aboitiz Power, the Manila Electric Co. and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp. -- when they were forced to stop by the petition for the writ of kalikasan.

The first issue, said Garcia, is the lease rate.

“Under the original lease agreement, the rental was for only P1 million per year. During our last negotiations, we were able to raise that to P200 million per year,” Garcia said.

The second issue was about which environmental standard to adopt in constructing the power plant.

“Because of (the need to protect) tourism, the SBMA board’s sentiment was that we should adopt higher air quality standards, which is the World Health Organization standard,” the SBMA chair explained. “Meralco’s position, on the other hand, was only to meet the Philippine standard, just like what is being imposed on other power plants.”

“Third, there were previous MOUs (memorandums of understanding) that were signed before involving local government,” he said. “Now, under the lease agreement, these rights were distinguished. In fact they did not have rights in the first place because there were only MOUs. That is the third point that we are discussing.”

“Now that the SC has finally decided on the issue, we will now continue discussions on these issues.”

However, the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber for Health and Environment Conservation, a group of locators, believes the fight against the coal-fired power plant is not yet over.

“The reversal of the validity of documents is not to say that the SC Justices favor coal as a fuel,” the SBFCHEC said in a statement.

“We believe that the coal is a dying fuel. It is on its way out of the world stage. We believe it will be banned by the world within 10 years, and it is foolish for RP Energy, Inc. to build something that will soon be banned by the world. It is foolish for the Philippines to allow such investments,” SBFCHEC president Gregorio Magdaraog stressed.

“Two hundred years ago, coal gained prominence during the industrial revolution and has become the basis of development. But since only few coal plants were established then, the plants did little in destroying the environment,” Magdaraog explained.

“Over the years, other energy options were discovered. But the American capitalists have already heavily invested in coal and related industries. The less than one percent who owns the world also owns coal so they are bound to protect coal, despite the existence of other energy generation options. That is the political economics of the coal industry. But sooner or later, they will junk coal, but they will sell coal first,” he added.

Magdaraog predicted that, “in ten years, we will almost be independent from Meralco for power supply because of other options like solar power.”

“If that is so, why should we embrace coal?” he asked. (Ansbert B. Joaquin, InterAksyon.com)

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/104510/sbma-to-resume-talks-with-consortium-for-subic-coal-fired-power-plant

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SC clears way for long-delayed Subic plant

THE SUPREME COURT finally cleared the way for a Meralco-led consortium to build its long-delayed 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Subic, Zambales.

In en banc session on Tuesday, justices voted 13-0 to uphold the validity of the coal power project of Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RP Energy) in Barangay Cawag.

The ruling upheld the validity of the environmental compliance certificates issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on December 2008 and July 2010. It also upheld the validity of the June 2010 Lease and Development Agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Associate Justices Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe and Mario Victor “Marvic” F. Leonen voted in favor of RP Energy, but with qualifications, Supreme Court Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Theodore O. Te said in a briefing.

The high court also unanimously voted to deny the petition for writ of kalikasan filed by former Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro A. Casiño and other individuals, as well as the organizations Advocates for Wildlife and Environment Protection, Wildlife in Need, Subic-Olongapo Cancer Foundation, Inc., and PAMALAKAYA (National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organization in the Philippines).

Associate Justices Arturo D. Brion and Francis H. Jardeleza took no part in the voting, with the former being on leave and the latter inhibiting due to his previous involvement as Solicitor-General.

A full copy of the decision has yet to be issued.

The decision reversed the January 2013 ruling by the Court of Appeals invalidating the project’s amended environment compliance certificate (ECC) due to RP Energy’s failure to conduct a new environmental impact assessment.

The appellate court’s earlier decision was also based on the supposed lack of consent from the local government and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to support the Lease and Development Agreement with SBMA.

RP Energy is a joint venture of Meralco PowerGen Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp..

The project was originally expected to go online by the this year’s dry season but development was halted because of the writ of kalikasan filed against the project.

The Supreme Court first released a resolution on the writ dated July 31, 2010, against Environment Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and RP Energy.

Such writs serve as a judicial remedy to protect against projects inflicting possible environmental damage that affects inhabitants.

The petitioners claimed RP Energy violated its environmental impact statement and environment compliance certificate (ECC).

The petitioners also claimed the ECC was issued without complying with the conditions of affected indigenous people and without prior approval of local government units.

While the project proponents have yet to receive their respective copies of the court’s decision, they welcomed the development saying this would help the energy industry.

“We have yet to read the decision. Assuming it’s all positive, then it’s good for the industry,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, senior vice-president of Manila Electric Co., the parent firm of Meralco PowerGen.

Stephen G. Paradies, senior vice-president of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV), also said AboitizPower has yet to receive a formal copy of the decision.

AEV is the parent company of AboitizPower.

“We intend to pursue this project. It’s very good news,” said Mr. Paradies. (Claire-Ann M. C. Feliciano and Vince Alvic A. F. Nonato, BusinessWorld)

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=sc-clears-way-for-long-delayed-subic-plant&id=102060

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SBMA to hold training-program on CSR

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) wants the locators of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) to regard corporate social responsibility (CSR) not as a mere philanthropic initiative but as a mature, refined discipline.

Victor Persius Chan, CSR manager of Redondo Peninsula Energy Incorporated (RP Energy), issued this call on Wednesday during a media briefing held at the Buma Hotel, Moonbay Marina Area, this Freeport.

Several media group were invited to the SBMA’s briefing on its upcoming “CSR 101”training program, which will take place on January 21 to 22, 2015 at the Subic Holiday Villas.

The two-day training program, organized by the SBMA together with its CSR partners, RP Energy, and the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, has been dubbed “From Philanthropy to Strategy: Moving SBFZ towards Sustainability”, in reference to the goal of enhancing the awareness and understanding of the practice of CSR within the Freeport.

The SBMA invites officers and managers from the following fields to join the training-program: CSR, community relations, public relations, and human resources.

Business owners, who are interested in executing sustainable development programs in relation to their respective businesses, may also participate.

Resource speakers from different multinational companies will share their knowledge and expertise concerning various aspects in the practice of sustainable CSR programs.

“The program hopes to professionalize the practice of CSR and gear it towards sustainable practices, which will benefit all of the communities and businesses around the Freeport. In particular, it will sharpen and improve the practice of CSR among SBFZ practitioners,” said Armina Belleza-Llamas, manager of the SBMA Public Relations Department.

Donna May Tamayo, executive director of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, described the CSR initiatives of the SBFZ locators mostly as “reactive” activities, which largely depend on the most pressing challenges that have been confronting the area.

“Most of the CSR activities were just responses to the usual problems that the Freeport encounters such as the disaster risk management. But not much has been done regarding the other concerns of the community. We also want the CSR practitioners to focus not only on the disaster-related programs,” stressed Tamayo.

Meanwhile, Chan discussed the program’s learning sessions, which include lectures and workshops on executing strategic CSR programs, creating CSR partnerships, and managing social impact reports and evaluations, among others.

“The participants can expect to learn how they can market their ideas to management and the media. They will get tips on effectively selling their CSR programs to the shareholders,” said Chan, citing the success of “Protect the Bay” initiative, which aimed to ensure the sustainability of Subic Bay by supporting the local government unit’s rehabilitation and protection efforts in various areas within the bay as well as the local enforcement of environmental policies.

The proceeds of the activity will go to the Giant Clam Seeding Project of SBMA as part of the Protect the Bay program.

Registration for the event costs P3,500, inclusive of meals, training kit, certificates, and loot bags. Interested participants may contact the CSR 101 secretariat for the registration form via phone number (047) 252-3180, fax number 252-3190, or email admin@sbfcc.com and csr@rpenergy.ph.

For more information about the program, the applicants may also reach Victor Persius Chan (09998846462), Armie Lllamas (09175579946), and Donna Tamayo (09285591095). (Sun Star Pampanga)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/pampanga/local-news/2014/12/19/sbma-hold-training-program-csr-382845

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Meralco pushes forward reparations at Subic plant site

The Subic freeport zone is likely the final plant site for the planned 600-megawatt coal fired power facility being lead-developed by the power generation arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) – primarily when a pending court case on the project eventually clears up.

A document from Meralco has hinted that the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to ratify the Lease and Development Agreement (LDA) for the proposed plant site “to reflect additional terms.” No further details were provided.

It must be culled that the original LDA was declared invalid by the Court of Appeals (CA), alongside its ruling on a Writ of Kalikasan filed by groups opposing the project.

The petition was filed before the Supreme Court, but it was subsequently remanded to the CA for hearing on the merits of the case.

The proposed 600-megawatt power facility was initially targeted for commercial operation by 2015, and it could have placed Luzon grid on ‘safe ground’ versus the feared power interruptions especially during the high-demand months of summer.

The project is to be undertaken under corporate vehicle RP Energy. Meralco PowerGen is the majority equity holder, while its partners are Therma Power, Inc. of the Aboitiz group and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corporation.

On pre-construction activities, the Meralco document indicated that “RP Energy is proceeding with certain development activities that are not hampered by the SC proceedings.”

As of March this year, it was emphasized that “site preparation work is almost complete and RP Energy has commissioned its contractor to conduct preliminary engineering works on the power plant in order to reduce the overall construction period.”

An environmental compliance certificate (ECC) was already issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the two blocks of 300-megawatt electricity generating units designed for the facility.

Full implementation, however, could not move forward until the legal hurdle of the pending Writ of Kalikasan is resolved by the courts.

While the appellate court has initially denied the Writ of Kalikasan petition, it conversely noted “certain deficiencies in the process of the DENR in its issuance of the original ECC for the 300MW coal-fired plant” which has also affected the LDA for the project site. (Myrna Velasco, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/meralco-pushes-forward-reparations-at-subic-plant-site/

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Power supply a challenge to investors

Power outages across the Philippines amid shutdowns at electricity plants and increasing summer demand are raising concern the country’s stunted generation capacity will stifle investment and economic growth.

Two of the Philippines’ three main islands are on “Red Alert” after supply fell below peak demand this week as aging facilities shut for repairs and temperatures rise to near 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Delays in building new plants may slow the expansion of Asia’s second-fastest growing economy, according to Erramon Aboitiz, president of Aboitiz Power Corp., the nation’s second-largest utility.

“It’s time to worry,” Aboitiz said in an interview at the ASEAN Finance Ministers investor seminar in Manila on May 20. “Investors are always forward-looking and when they see projections of a potential power problem, they’ll decide to put their investments somewhere else.”

The strain this summer on power plants highlights how the Philippines’ under-performing electricity sector threatens the country’s economic growth, which is second only to China in the Asia-Pacific. Gross domestic product rose 7.2 percent in 2013 and is poised to remain among the world’s five fastest-expanding until 2016, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

As the economy expands, so has the country’s demand for electricity. Consumption jumped 50 percent in the 10 years to 2012, more than three times the 16 percent growth rate over that same period for the nation’s generating capacity, according to government data.

Some new projects are being delayed because of environmental concerns, such as Aboitiz Power and Manila Electric Co.’s 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Subic Freeport zone north of the capital, which was blocked by a court order. The companies in July 2011 said the first 300 megawatts of the plant will be available by 2014.

“The power crisis is going to be costly,” Ronald Mendoza, executive director of the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center in Manila, said in a telephone interview yesterday. “It will affect manufacturing and services, so there will be implications on production. Investors may scale back or delay investments.”

With peak power demand forecast to grow about 4 percent annually until 2030, the country will need more than 13,000 megawatts of additional capacity, or 80 percent more than what’s installed, according to Department of Energy data. The government estimates that will require 2.8 trillion pesos ($64 billion) of investment. About 1,800 megawatts of new generation has been committed so far.

The central Visayas region, home to the famous beaches of Boracay island, had zero power reserves yesterday. The southern Mindanao region is on a reserve deficit of nearly 100 megawatts, according to data from National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, a transmission company. Mindanao has suffered from outages for years as a third of supply comes from hydroelectric plants that are unreliable during dry season and subsidized electricity prices discourage constructing new plants. Summer temperatures are driving higher air-conditioning use.

The “Red Alert” warning means outages are to be expected in the two regions. On May 16, the Philippine capital Manila and nearby provinces under Manila Electric’s franchise experienced an hour of rotating power outages.

Aboitiz Power may spend about $5 billion building 2,000 megawatts of new capacity in the next five years, adding to its current portfolio of 2,300 megawatts, Aboitiz said in the interview. Profit in the three months ended March fell for the fifth straight quarter, down 9 percent to 4.2 billion pesos after revaluing its dollar loans and power sales declined. (BLOOMBERG)

http://www.mb.com.ph/power-supply-a-challenge-to-investors/

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RP Energy launches project to protect Subic Bay ecology

The Manila Electric Co.-led Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. power consortium (RP Energy), proponent of a 600-megawatt coal-fired thermal power plant in this free port, has launched a project supporting local initiatives to protect Subic Bay.

Victor Chan, the company’s corporate social responsibility (CSR) officer, said that RP Energy recently conducted a two-day seminar-workshop on marine environmental laws and best practices in coastal marine management.

Chan said that despite Subic Bay’s importance to both the local fishing and tourism industry, residents here believe the bay is already suffering from over-exploitation, tourism pressure, marine pollution and destructive fishing practices.

He said that with its “Protect the Bay” initiative, RP Energy wants to help ensure the sustainability of Subic Bay by supporting the local government unit’s rehabilitation and protection efforts, as well as the local enforcement of environmental policies.

“Citizen’s participation through vigilance is crucial for the success of these efforts since the surrounding communities are also the ones directly affected by pollution in the bay,” he added.

Chan said RP Energy organized the seminar-workshop under its “Katuwang Natin sa Buhay” CSR program and in partnership with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the College of Human Ecology of the University of the Philippines at Los Baños, the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council (SB-IFARMC), and the international non-profit organization Blacksmith Institute.

The Blacksmith Institute, an organization founded in 1999 to help solve pollution problems in developing countries, has reportedly completed more than 50 clean-up projects in 21 countries.

Restituto del Rosario, chairman of the SB-IFARMC, said the fishing communities around the bay would be among those who will benefit from the project.

Thanking RP Energy for the initiative, del Rosario added that local fishermen welcome the support from the company: “Nakakatuwang isipin na ang RP Energy ay aming katuwang sa pangangalaga sa Subic Bay sapagkat ito ay karugtong na ng aming buhay.”

Meanwhile, SBMA Public Relations Department Head Armie Llamas said that the “Protect the Bay” project would also boost Subic’s tourism program and help push other stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport to join in protecting local marine resources.

Chan said that aside from conducting the seminar-workshop, RP Energy is looking at other activities that will be organized under the initiative.

These include the establishment of mangrove forests along the bay, the expansion of RP Energy’s giant clam farm, and the launch of Task Force Subic Bay monitoring group that will be composed of various community stakeholders. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/en/news/regions/26423-rp-energy-launches-project-to-protect-subic-bay-ecology

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SBMA leads relief operations in communities affected by typhoon “Maring”

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), in cooperation with various locators, continues to distribute relief goods to displaced and indigent families affected by Typhoon “Maring” and heavy rains from the southwest monsoon or “habagat.”

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the distribution of relief goods is part of the corporate social responsibility (CSR) of the agency to help neighboring communities of the Freeport, especially in times of emergency.

Garcia said that through the agency’s Public Relations Department, thousands of bags of relief goods were distributed among residents of Olongapo City and the municipalities of Dinalupihan and Hermosa in Bataan, which were severely affected by Typhoon Maring.

“We are very grateful for the help and support coming from the business locators in the Subic Freeport, as well as workers, and cause-oriented organizations and individuals, who sent their donations of clothing and food items so that we would have something to give our neighbors who lost so much during the recent calamity,” Garcia said.

Meanwhile, RP Energy Inc., a locator in the Subic Bay Freeport, had distributed more than 2,000 bags of relief goods and hygiene kits in Olongapo City, and the municipalities of Subic, Castillejos and Iba in Zambales.

The relief bags contained five kilos of rice, canned goods, cookies, noodles, candies, and bottled water that evacuees who fled their homes needed most.

In an Aeta tribal community at Sitio Bagong Silang, Barangay San Pablo in Castillejos, RP Energy’s relief operations got a warm reception Mayor Jose Angelo Dominguez, who assisted in the distribution of goods to some 180 families who were relocated from flood-prone areas.

“It is good to see that companies like SBMA and RP Energy reach this isolated area to send a message to our minority brothers and sisters that they are being cared for,” said Dominguez.

RPE CSR officer Vic Chan, who personally supervised the relief operations, said that the company has always been giving priority to the welfare of the communities affected by calamities. RP Energy is a consortium of companies which proposes to build a coal-fired power plant at Subic’s Redondo Peninsula.


Chan said that although the company is not yet starting its construction phase, “the commitment to help those affected by floodings and whose livelihood was disrupted by calamity must be done immediately without delay.”

RP Energy received an award for its CSR program “Katuwang Natin Sa Buhay” in the recently held 48th Anvil awards in the category of public relations program focused on community development. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Soldiers from the Philippine Army’s 24th Infantry Battalion gather food packs donated by RP Energy for distribution to flood victims during relief operations at Barangay Mangan-Vaca in Subic, Zambales recently. The relief drive is a joint undertaking of the Tambuli Lions Club and RP Energy, with the assistance of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Public Relations Department.

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RP Energy boosts Subic Freeport security

The Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy), proponent of the 60-megawatt coal-fired thermal plant project in this free port, has pitched in in keeping this free port safe by turning over a “Kasangga” security patrol van to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The power firm complemented its vehicle donation with various equipment such as rain coats, flashlights, and two-way radios for use of the SBMA Law Enforcement Department (LED).

RP Energy Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Officer Victor Chan handed over the donations to Maj. Lourdesito Cebola and Lt. Alejandro Abarro, who represented the SBMA-LED during a simple turnover ceremony at the LED headquarters.

Chan said the donation is part of RP Energy’s “Kasangga Mo” CSR initiative, which aims to assist in the peace-and-order situation of communities near the firm’s proposed project site at the Redondo peninsula, which is part of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

RP Energy Project Manager Grant Smith said the assistance is meant to shorten the deployment and response time of SBMA security personnel and emergency-response units. (Henry Empeño, Business Mirror)

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Eco-Youth Event

An Eco-Youth Challenge will be held inside this premier Freeport that is aimed to increase awareness and involvement of Subic and Olongapo high school students in activities beneficial to the environment.

Twenty-three schools from the two areas participated in the youth challenge that required participating high school teams to submit a project proposal using a P15,000 seed money that would benefit the local community.

The RP Energy Eco-Youth Challenge was spearheaded to complement the company’s four-day environment youth leadership training dubbed ‘Eco-U’ that ultimately aims to instill the value of environmental stewardship among the youth. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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