June 30, 2009

New Face Of Clean Air

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Dear Me,

Last June 23rd marked the 10th year implementation of
Republic Act 8749 or more commonly known as the Philippine Clean Air Act of 1999.

Even without proof of scientific studies, I think most of us will say that the level of air pollution in the cities especially in Metro Manila has absolutely deteriorated. I, for one, have noticed how lots of motor vehicles emit a very large volume of poisonous and toxic fumes.

Former Philippine President
Joseph Estrada signed the Philippine Clean Air Act into law on June 23, 1999. An extensive air quality management program, this law targets to combat the growing air pollution problem by utilizing a national development plan formulated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Ten years has passed since its implementation. I wonder how are we faring in this battle for a clean and green life.

In celebration of the 10th anniversary of the
Philippine Clean Air Act, the "Clean Air 10 Declaration" was drafted as they declare ten-point actions.

  1. We urge the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) to create a multi-stakeholder committee to improve information dissemination on clean air technologies by creating and maintaining a database of the technologies verified by relevant government agencies which is readily accessible to the public.

  2. We urge the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Transport and Communications (DOTC), Department of Education (DepEd), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), DOST, other concerned government agencies, and media to come up with a general direction and strategy including core messages to be communicated nationwide (e.g., the quality of air that people breathe, all sources and impacts of air pollution, solutions to reduce air pollution) and a scientific, systematic, target-specific and sustainable monitoring and evaluation system for the clean air and climate change campaign.

  3. We urge the heightened collaboration of the private sector, particularly multi-media groups, malls/stores, mass transit systems, to provide free avenues for promoting the clean air and climate change campaigns, as well as professional groups, academe and church-based organizations, to volunteer technical skills for information dissemination and capacity-building aspects of the campaign.

  4. We urge the DILG, the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), and the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), in the short-term, to encourage local government units (LGU)s to designate Environment and Natural Resources Officers (ENROs) and establish Anti-Smoke Belching Units (ASBUs) or other positions to implement clean air and climate change programs and projects and, in the long-term, to support the amendment of the Local Government Code to make the ENRO position mandatory.

  5. We urge the DENR, DOTC, DILG, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Local Government Academy (LGA), LGUs, the academe and other expert groups, to organize technical trainings (e.g., assessing air quality status of the airshed, determining appropriate policy measures to reduce air pollution, engaging stakeholders in planning, regular reporting to the public, translating these measures at the barangay level), and provide logistical support (e.g., emission testing equipment) to airshed governing boards and LGUs.

  6. We strongly request the TESDA, the LGUs, engine manufacturers (e.g., Motorcycle Development Program Participants Association, MDPPA), NGOs, and local experts to institutionalize technical training of operators, drivers and mechanics/service centers on emission control measures (e.g., preventive maintenance, eco-driving) and explore with other concerned government agencies the possibility of providing an incentive and penalty system that will encourage clean air compliance and discourage smoke belchers (e.g., mandating preventive maintenance training as requirement for issuance of permit to operate).

  7. We urge all national government agencies and LGUs to strengthen implementation by strictly enforcing the provisions of the Clean Air Act, especially anti-smoke belching campaign, ban on smoking in public places and incineration ban and the provisions of RA 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management Act) on open burning; to issue the appropriate executive orders and enact the necessary ordinances to address the policy gaps (e.g., control of tricycle franchises issued by LGUs, widen and strengthen roadside apprehensions (on smoke-belching) of Land Transport Office (LTO)-deputized groups, penalizing idling of vehicles, encourage non-motorized and non-polluting modes of transport) and to make regular reports to the public of these actions taken.

  8. We urge the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) and Department of Finance (DOF) to hasten the release of funds intended for clean air programs and encourage the LGUs to tap existing government funds already provided by law such as:

    a) The Road Users' Tax, which mandates a 7.5 percent allocation for road transport pollution control programs like the current Special Vehicle Pollution Control Fund (SPVCF) with the DOTC. Tap the same road users’ to create a proposed TricyCLEAN fund for the tricycle sector which also contributes substantially to the fund.

    b) Extended Value Added Tax (EVAT) share of LGUs, of which 15 percent is mandated to be spent on environmental projects as it is provided under Section 21-D of R.A. 9337, also known as the EVAT law)

  9. We urge Local Government Units (LGUs) to create their own local or counterpart 'Air Quality Management Fund' (AQMF), which they may call as the Clean Air Fund for the Environment (CAFÉ). This fund can easily be computed based on corresponding health impact cost over fuel consumption per locality. We also urge both Houses of Congress to amend the CAA provision on the AQMF to make it a revolving fund which is more readily accessible for use to implement clean air programs and projects and to also strengthen their oversight function.

  10. We urge the oil companies and related industries, which directly or indirectly contribute to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, to institutionalize their support to clean air and climate change actions by committing to the following:

    a) In consultation with the transport sector, redirect the fuel price discounts, which they already grant voluntarily to the transport sector, into a special fund to finance various clean air initiatives and programs of the transport sector;

    b) Support a carbon tax or environmental tax on their fuel and other products to fund clean air programs, research and GHG-reduction initiatives such as adoption of clean technologies, reforestation, mangroves and coral reef rehabilitation, and clean air enforcement and monitoring projects (i.e., smoke belching, Motor Vehicle Inspection System (MVIS), emission testing, empowering Airshed Governing Boards, checking other pollution sources like pesticide etc.) Support for these economic instruments is in line with globally-accepted principles such as the Polluters’ Pay Principle (PPP), Extended Producers’ Responsibility (EPR), and the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

    We further commit to the monitoring and evaluation (M&E) of the Clean Air 10 actions; to urge relevant organizations to regularly report their progress; and, to disseminate these M&E reports; as well as to urge other government agencies, organizations, sectors, communities, and individuals to sign this Declaration and implement their own sector/area-specific or personal Clean Air 10 actions.

The realization of living in a clean and smoke-free environment is not far from happening as we enjoin the rest of the country in acting out our growing appreciation towards the environment.


Sign the petition to support the Clean Air 10 Declaration!


Acting out such need is tantamount in making the general public aware and let them understand the outright impact of air pollution in the domestic and global level.



In this regard, Ligtas Hangin, a social advocacy campaign was launched last June 23, 2009. Spearheaded by Clean Air Initiative for Asian Cities (CAI-Asia) Center, this campaign aims to assist the government and other concerned groups in renewing and revitalizing its bid in enhancing air quality.
Upholding core values:
  • recognizing the right to breathe clean, healthy air

  • believing that open, transparent and peaceful dialogue can effect real change

  • acknowledging that win-win solutions do exist

  • aligning activities to support better air quality in the Philippines

  • spreading the word about Ligtas Hangin

Do you really care for the environment? Join the Ligtas Hangin campaign. It is free and open to individuals and organizations that share the campaign's core values.

Visit the Ligtas Hangin website for more information.

PS. As a mother, I would like to have cleaner air to breathe for my children and their children.
June 30, 2009

Freebies Won

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Dear Me,

Just a few days ago, I posted a couple of sites that gives away freebies. Well, I won 2 (two) of them.



I have always been fond of joining online contests/giveaways. Mostly, I won books, movie premiere tickets and items, etc.

The idea of just winning something or even getting it for free especially if I really want it is motivation enough for me to join. Just a few hits on the keyboard and you're all set!
June 28, 2009

Read SCARED By Tom Davis

by , in
Dear Me,

I have always been fond of reading books that relate to the grim realities of humanity. I think it is because I feel their suffering and I empathize with their dire situation. It is not because I once fill in their shoes but because I simply feel for them. Or maybe I am just emotional?

I readily say that I like to read a certain book when I find its plot riveting; its tale gripping enough for me to experience emotions beyond my control.

With this I share this book by
Tom Davis entitled "Scared: A Novel on the Edge of the World."

I have not much to say yet for I have not yet read this book. I have seen the video and I really know it's my kind of book.

Want to know what I'm talking about? View this video:



Scared - A Novel on the Edge of the World
from Children's HopeChest on Vimeo.


Scared is a work of fiction, but the world and life stories described in the book are very real. A story of misery and redemption where two worlds collide.

Synopsis: About two people worlds apart who help each other find redemption. An orphan girl in Swaziland endures her uncle's abuse through visions of "the illuminated man" who she believes will take her to her dead mother's side. When photographer Stuart Daniels discovers the girl near death, he enlists a pastor and a village chief to help her and her two siblings. Facing floods, confronting and aid agency's fraud, and absorbing a brutal attack by one of many desperate starving people may be the only path toward atonement for Stuart's past life.


Interested enough?

Anyone can download a copy of the book for
FREE until July 10th!

http://www.scaredthenovel.com/
June 28, 2009

New Moon MTI Book Cover Revealed

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Dear Me,

Days ago,
Entertainment Weekly got an exclusive as to what will be the cover art of the New Moon, the second installment in the Twilight Saga, in its movie tie-in edition.



Can you see how possessive Jacob Black (Taylor Lautner) is of Bella Swan (Kristen Stewart)? Still being in love with Edward Cullen (Robert Pattinson), Bella looks like she wants to pull away from Jacob's protective hold. After all, it's Edward's love and memory that pervades her dreams.

Also noticeable in the background is Edward watching over Bella. The girl who has fallen for a vamp is torn between the two men present in her life.

But if you have read the book, I would say that this new cover is totally misleading.

On the other hand, I love the image of the moon in the cover. But then if you know the phases of the moon in its natural course, the new moon is the lunar phase when the moon is not visible to the naked eye. It is because the side of the moon that is facing Earth is not being lit by the sun.

For fanatics, the revealed MTI book comes with an exclusive poster.
June 27, 2009

PhotoHunt: Flags

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Dear Me,

I'm trying to get back in the game. It is just a few minutes past 12:00 midnight on a Saturday.



This week's theme is FLAGS.


Here's my PhotoHunt entry. :)





This photo was taken during a rally of protesters against HRH Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the current president of the country. The flags were hoisted by members of various militant groups who were campaigning for the ouster of the president.


Want to join the Saturday fun? Participate and grab the code here!

To view this week's participants, check
here.

View more Saturday Photohunters!
June 26, 2009

Freebies Abound

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Dear Me,

Being online has its perks. One of them is bumping into lots of freebies and giveaways. There are also others who hosted some contests.



I even joined some of them. I love freebies especially if I really want to covet the items. Hehehe.

June 26, 2009

Fully Booked Rockwell Goes On Sale

by , in
Dear Me,

I sort of neglected this blog for a while. I've been very pre-occupied since my dear brother and his wife came home from overseas. Last Monday, they flew back.

Well, I've been tending house chores since then.

Anyway, I'll be posting a couple of relevant for-your-information (FYIs) to jumpstart my blogging mood. :)



Sale in Fully Booked Rockwell until June 30!



20% OFF
on regular items*

ROCKWELL STORE ONLY

June 25 - 30, 2009
(Thursday - Tuesday)


Store Hours
Friday & Saturday: 10am - 11:30pm
Sunday: 10am - 10:30pm
Monday - Thursday: 11am - 10:30pm


* 15% off on credit card payments.
Local and consigned items are not included in the sale


If you're depressed and have wads of money in your pocket, go on a book-binge! Hehehe.
June 15, 2009

FullyBooked Book Geek

by , in
Dear Me,

I love books. No question there.

But I'm not really the type of reader who will remember everything about a particular book that I've read. There are times that I forget who penned a certain book that I've already read yet I can vividly recall that I finished reading it while climbing down the stairs of the university campus or walking at the sidewalks of Padre Faura. I can remember a certain plot and its characters while I dig my memory the title of that book.

Most of the time, I know it but I always find myself jogging my brain cells and twisting the tip of my tongue to seek recognition.

I'm feeling a little anxious.

On June 20th, I will be one of the so-called 'well-read people' participating in the
Monthly Book Geek Competition being hosted by Fully Booked.



Are you a Book Geek? Fully Booked is looking for well-read people. Test your mettle against others for the right to be called the Fully Booked Ultimate Book Geek. Earn bragging rights and privileges from your favorite bookstore! All you have to do is to participate and be declared the Book Geek of the month. In November 2009, the Book Geeks of the month will compete for the title.

This is actually my second time to qualify. The first one was in February but unfortunately, I was not able to come during the day of the competition.

Yesterday, I confirmed my attendance on Saturday.

A few hours ago, my brother told me that he and his wife are making arrangements about a second family (not my side of the family though) summer outing in
Bulacan this Saturday.

I am torn because I want to experience the geekie competition (and if lucky, I am PhP5,000 worth of books richer) and join the splashing escapade as well. My brother and his wife are bound to fly overseas in a few days after that.

If I don't attend the competition, I will really feel guilty and shameful to
Ms. San Diego of Fully Booked. That will be my second offense for not showing up (although I can inform her soonest).

Regarding the outing, it was my brother who invited us (they want my little boy to be there) and in general, it was a family outing of my brother's wife since we just had ours last Saturday. Since he requested it and knowing my little boy enjoyed his very first dip in the water last week, I feel like I am depriving both of them of something and I also feel guilty about that.

My only prayer is that the outing be moved to Sunday!

Hayayay!
June 04, 2009

13th Philippine Academic Book Fair

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Dear Me,

I love to read.

I love to hoard books penned by my selected favorite authors. I love to collect tomes in series.

Even though my bookshelves are full and my pile of TBR is scattered everywhere in the house, creating a molehill and growing as tall as Mt. Everest, I still cannot restrain myself from shopping for more books. The temptation as well as the impulse is too overwhelming to ignore.

I frequent bookstores near and far. I explore different places and check the cities for their local book shops. I am just too exhilarated leaving these paradises with bags-full of soon-to-be-read books.

The matter of shopping certain books getting real heavy for my pocket has become a concern and so I discovered book sales, book swapping and book fairs. I even appreciate a hard time spent scouring good quality books in a cramped warehouse.

The seduction of books being readily available is too hard to resist and that's the other reason why I love book fairs.

Despite all that, nothing can ever hinder me from succumbing into a book-buying galore.




This coming June 23rd-27th, the Academic Booksellers Association of the Philippines (ABAP) will be holding the 13th Philippine Academic Book Fair that will feature the latest academic books, journals, references and other materials for educational institutions. Invited to attend the event are school heads/administrators, librarians, teachers and students.


What: 13th Philippine Academic Book Fair
When: June 23-27 2009 (Tue-Sat), 10:00am - 8:00pm
Where: Megatrade Hall 1, 5/F Building B, SM Megamall


For more information on the book fair, feel free to communicate with Ms. Ma. Cristina Capistrano, Vice President, Prime Trade Asia, Inc / Ms. Dang Santos / Ms. Bernadette Catahan at these contact numbers: (02) 896-0682, 897-0139.

See you there!

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