Utility reps present plans and activities, vow action against global warming, climate change

In consonance with the theme, “Sama-samang Tumutugon sa Hamon ng Nagbabagong Klima,” representative-speakers from the city’s utilities and service agencies presented their plans and activities during the first climate change summit at the Baguio Convention and Cultural Center.

Spearheaded by the local government of Baguio, the summit was conducted Feb. 9 and 22 with morning sessions focused on the climate change overview, the Baguio Local Climate Change Action Plan (LCCAP), Salient provisions of the Baguio Environmental Code and a report on CDRRMO: Making Cities Resilient.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong as keynote speaker mentioned data on the impending urban decay and the city’s breached carrying capacity: roads, water supply, solid waste services, space allocation per person, open spaces, areas for development and other aspects. He however maintained that Baguio’s environmental restoration could be achieved with cooperation, coordination, collaboration and communication; all through good governance.     

The afternoon was spent on sectoral presentations: electricity, transport and water services. A report on waste disposal and synthesis from the Planning and Development and Environment and Parks Management Offices (CEPMO) presented by Planning Officer Archt. Donna Tabangin ended the summit.

For the Land Transportation Office (LTO-CAR), Regional Director Francis Ray Almora admitted that marine, air and land transport under his jurisdiction are sources of greenhouse gasses (GHG).

He however clarified that the DOTr is implementing projects to help reduce gasses emitted at source: modernized public utility vehicles (MPUV) and high-capacity buses carry passengers good for two jeepneys, thus use less road space; exclusive bus lanes for no-idling, less emission through express travel are operating in Manila and soon in Cebu and Davao; as with the revival of railway south-bound lines and north-bound lines.   

No emission mobile transport such as scooters and bikes are also allowed in bike lanes and barangay roads, Almora said.

Still to lessen gas emissions, the first subway from Valenzuela to BGC is being built; and for Baguio, a short three-way road to Baguio universities is eyed.

An emission testing with 72 points considered as part of a nationwide maintenance program for clean air is more reliable and safer, with new routes and a local intra and intercity transport plan on the drawing board, Almora said. 

For the electricity sector, Cristopher Gonzales of the Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) spoke of the need to find renewable energy sources as electricity consumption increased by 3%.    

Dependency on renewable energy is 35%, Gonzales said, though Hydro electric and solar plants are already built in Buguias, Tuba and more sites planned in Kabayan.

We address climate change and global warming when we do away with coal fired plants as it makes up much of BENECO’s energy needs, Gonzales further said.

For the water sector, BWD head Engr. Salvador Royeca reported, with emphasis on the need for fresh and potable water. 

Problems encountered as to water quality are: chemical contamination of oil, pesticides, residues; less precipitation and increase in temperature with a resulting high evapo-transpiration; denudation of forest covers which absorb water; pollution, contamination from residential houses, industrial waste; overflow from sewages; and, commercialization and urban development.

There is mitigation of the impact of climate change through tree planting, protection and nurturing of trees, regular patrolling of forest covers for illegal activities and information and education campaign (IEC) for water conservation and recycling.

The BWD has also constructed diversion canals, recharge ditches and rain harvesting facilities in Sto. Tomas and Busol watershed with activities done in coordination with neighboring barangays, Royeca said. The barangays were also requested to report on leakages observed in BWD lines.

A report for solid waste management was delivered, as with the consolidated City Environment and Parks Development Office (CEPMO) and City Planning and Development Office presentation given by Architect Donna Tabangin. – JGFianza