4th HUNTAHAN Forum
Wednesday, June 3, 2024
@ Max's Restaurant Memorial Circle
Elliptical Road, Quezon City
Photos by Rick P. Nicolas
TOPIC
“LET’S BEAT CANCER TOGETHER THROUGH EARLY DETECTION AND PREVENTION”
Hosted by: Atty. Toto Ylagan
Guests:
Dr. Enrique “Eric” Tayag
Former Undersecretary
Department of Health (DOH)
Dr. Marco Antonio Valeros
Bureau of Working Conditions
Department of Labor & Employment
Dr. Maria Revelyn B. Galura
Occupational Health Officer
Occupational Safety and Health (OSHC)
Ms. Sarah Coe
President/CEO
GENELAB
MWSS assures no anomalies in the agency
By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on Tuesday (June 25) made assurances that there are no anomalies in the agency in the light of calls by a consumer and commuter group for the resignation of MWSS Administrator Engr. Leonor “Bobby” C. Cleofas.
“We assure our countrymen that there are no anomalies here at the MWSS,” MWSS Spokesperson Engr. Patrick James B. Dizon said in an interview.
Engr. Dizon is also the Department Manager of the Water and Sewerage Management Department, Engineering and Technical Operations Group of the MWSS.
On the call for the resignation of MWSS Administration Cleofas due to the alleged anomaly in the PHP12-billion Kaliwa Dam project, Dizon said “as of today, we have not yet received their letter asking for the resignation of the MWSS Chief. As soon as we receive their letter, we would look at it.”
“The Kaliwa Dam project is now our long-term water source project which we are constructing for Metro Manila and nearby provinces,” he added.
“We loaned the project from the China Export Import Bank (CEIB) with stringent procedures. It’s a ‘hybrid’ because we are following procurement standards which are within the parameters set by the national government,” Dizon said.
He noted that the project started before the Covid-19 pandemic, “but because of the pandemic, by December 2027, we would be able to get the water from the 21-kilomter tunnel from Rizal province to Quezon province.”
“We are adopting the additional ten years of term extension of the revised concession agreement of up to 2047, which will be signed by the Department of Finance,” Dizon said.
The Maynilad already has the franchise agreement with the MWSS to supply water to Metro Manila and the nearby provinces.
“90 percent of the water being treated by the MWSS comes from Angat Dam. 9 percent from Laguna Lake. Medium-term water source projects are t
From left, Manila Water Group Adviser for Project Manager Angel Santiago Gonzalez, Quezon City Climate Change and Environmental Sustainability-Low Carbon Development Section Chief Joemar Capili, DENR-NCR Metropolitan Environment Officer-East OIC-Director Virgilio Licuan, Manila Water President and CEO Jocot De Dios, MWSS Administrator Leonor “Bobby” Cleofas, Manila Water Chief Finance Officer Gigi Miguel, Manila Water Enterprise Regulatory Affairs Group Director for East Zone Atty. Kaye Celera/ Also Students of Batino Elementary School hold terrariums and plants that symbolizes their commitment to plant more trees to help mitigate global warming during the celebration of Arbor Day 2024 with the theme “Generations of Hope“ at Manila Water Orosa Hall in Quezon City on Tuesday, June 25, 2024. (FREDDIE DIONISIO)
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DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. I do not own the audio in this photo-video. They belong to their rightful owners
Photo caption: Members of United Filipino Consumers and Commuters(UFCC) hold protest rally in front of MWSS office in Quezon City on June 25, to seek the investigation on alleged anomalies in relation to the Kaliwa Dam Project which is currently undertaken by the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerages Service(MWSS) and also demand the immediate resignation of its Administrator Leonor C. Cleofas for her alleged involvement of the said corruption.
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MWSS Administrator Cleofas asked to resign
By PERFECTO T. RAYMUNDO, JR.
Photos by FREDDIE DIONISIO
QUEZON CITY — Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Engr. Leonor "Bobby" Cleofas was asked to resign from her post on Tuesday (June 25) due to alleged anomalous PHP12-billion Kaliwa Dam project.
The Kaliwa Dam project is expected to be operational in 2027 and will generate an additional 600 million liters of water per day (MLW/D) to supply the potable water needs of Metro Manila and nearby provinces.
The resignation call was made through a "Flash Mob Rally" held at the MWSS Gate in Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City led by United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) National President Rodolfo B. Javellana, Jr.
Javellana said that they are calling for the resignation of Cleofas because of the alleged anomalous PHP12-billion Kaliwa Dam project.
He noted that the project is currently being undertaken by the MWSS and its administrator Leonor C. Cleofas,” of whom we are asking a preventive resignation to both clear her name and clear the reputation of your administration.”
“Ang Tubig ay Buhay. PBBM linisin ang MWSS. Kurapsyon sa MWSS galit na Pilipino. Nasaan ang pera ng water consumers na siningil para sa Laban at Kaliwa Dam projects. Gutom na Pilipino. Mahal ang Tubig. Ang Tubig ay buhay ngunit ang presyo ay nakakamatay,” the rallyists said.
“Kurapsyon sa Gobyerno. Gutom na Pilipino. Lunod na sa mataas na presyo ng tubig ang mga Water Consumers. Presyo Ibaba,” they added.
J
INILUNSAD ang “Pilipino Tayo”, na humihimok sa mga Pilipino na makiisa sa panawagan para sa Pambansang Reporma sa pamamagitan ng Constitutional Convention (Con-Con) na pinangunahan nina dating Information and Communications Technology secretary Senator Gringo Honasan at dating Presidential Anti-Corruption Commission (PACC) chairman Greco Belgica na ginanap sa Max’s Restaurant (Circle Food Complex) Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Quezon City, Miyerkules, Hunyo 19, 2024. (Rick P. Nicolas)
TINALAKAY sa Ikalawang Serye ng Huntahan Forum ang Vape Law: susi sa pagpigil ng iligal na tabako, access ng kabataan na pinangunahan ng grupong Philippine E-Cigarette Industry Association (PECIA) sa pangunguna ni PECIA president Joey Dulay at Holy Smokes owner/president Edward Gatchalian, na ginanap sa Max’s Restaurant (Circle Food Complex) Quezon Memorial Circle, Elliptical Road, Quezon City, Miyerkules, Hunyo 19, 2024.
Ang HUNTAHAN Forum ay ginaganap tuwing Miyerkules ng alas-9:00 ng umaga na pinamamahalaan ni Ginoong ToTo Ylagan. (RICK P. NICOLAS)
Vape Law: Susi sa pagpigil ng iligal na tabako, access ng kabataan
Sang-ayon ang ilang mga grupo na ang kasalukuyang regulasyon para sa mga smoke-free na alternatibo tulad ng vape, heated tobacco, oral nicotine pouches, at iba pang makabagong produktong tabako ay may mahalagang papel sa pagprotekta sa mga mamimili, sa mga nagbebenta at lalo na ang kabataan.
"We believe and support the Vape Law because it establishes comprehensive regulations that protect consumers and promote responsible trade, particularly by ensuring the protection of minors and non-smokers," ayon kay Joey Dulay, presidente ng Philippine E-Cigarette Industry Association (PECIA), nang tanungin sa isang media forum tungkol sa papel ng Vape Law ukol sa regulasyon ng mga smoke-free na alternatibo.
"The Vape Law advocates for fair trade, cracks down on substandard and illicit goods. If we adhere to these regulations, then we can maintain a trustworthy and reputable business that also protects the welfare of our customer base,” ani Edward Gatchalian, may-ari ng Holy Smokes at miyembro ng PECIA.
Batay sa mga kilalang institusyon ng pampublikong kalusugan mula sa UK, US, Germany, Japan, New Zealand, at Canada, sinabi na habang ang mga smoke-free na produkto ay hindi ganap na walang panganib, natuklasan nilang mas kaunti ang pinsalang dulot nito kumpara sa paninigarilyo.
“These innovative alternatives do not produce smoke; instead, they generate an
San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora carries the image of St. John the Baptist, together with San Juan Rep. Bel Zamora and San Juan City Vice Mayor Angelo Agcaoili, during the image’s turn over to San Juan City Hall, to mark the beginning of the annual Wattah Wattah San Juan Festival on Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The festival is set on June 24. (FREDDIE DIONISIO)
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DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended. I do not own the audio in this video. They belong to their rightful owners
MMDA acting chairman Atty. Don Artes together with Metro Manila Council (MMC) President San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora and Malabon City Mayor Jeannie Sandoval, speaks during a press conference after the MMC meeting at the MMDA Head office in Pasig City, Tuesday, June 18, 2024. The MMC passed a resolution to ask TELCO and electric companies to fix the so-called "spaghetti wires" that pose a serious hazard to residents following incidents of uprooted electric posts due to jumbled and tangled electrical and telecommunications (TELCO) cables. (FREDDIE DIONISIO)
Isa sa marami at magandang pasyalan kapag bakasyon ay ang Clarita Beach Resort na matatagpuan sa urok V, Sitio Baba, Barangay Danacbunga, Botolan, Zambales. Sariwa ang hangin, magagandang tanawin at malinis na dalampasigan na may pinong buhangin sa baybayin ng dagat.
Ang Clarita Beach Resort sa Botolan, Zambales ay pag-aari ni Robert de Leon. Sa mga gustong mamasyal sa Clarita Beach Resort, bisitahin ang kanilang page na https://www.facebook.com/ClaritaBeachResort (Rick P. Nicolas)
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DISCLAIMER: No copyright infringement intended.
I do not own the audio in this video.
They belong to their rightful owners.
PINANGUNAHAN ng grupong Alyansa Bantay Kapayapaan at Demokrasya (ABKD) ang “Martsa ng Bayan” mula University of Santo Tomas (UST) sa España Boulevard hangang Morayta, Manila na dinaluhan ng lider ng ibat ibang samahan, organisasyong masa mula sa Pampanga, Bulacan, Laguna, Cavite at Metro Manila na sumusuporta sa adhikain ng ABKD na nagpahayag ng pagsuporta sa mga programa at polisiya ng Administrasyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand Marcos Jr sa West Philippine Sea (WPS).
Multipurpose Attack Craft of Propmech Vessels in Zambales showcased during the company's media tour held last June 13, 2024. The company that is composed of 900 Filipino employees boasts one of their flagship Vessels MPAC that has a 15 meter long, armored and weaponized patrol boat that can reach 45 knots maximum speed MPAC. The local company that provides jobs to hundreds of Filipinos hopes to get a chance to prove themselves in the local scene and provide vessels following the West Philippine Sea Situation. The company said their boat can compete with other international ship builders that are accustomed to the needs of Philippine National Defense. (By FREDDIE DIONISIO)
Multipurpose Attack Craft of Propmech Vessels in Zambales showcased during the company's media tour held last June 13, 2024. The company that is composed of 900 Filipino employees boasts one of their flagship Vessels MPAC that has a 15 meter long, armored and weaponized patrol boat that can reach 45 knots maximum speed MPAC. The local company that provides jobs to hundreds of Filipinos hopes to get a chance to prove themselves in the local scene and provide vessels following the West Philippine Sea Situation. The company said their boat can compete with other international ship builders that are accustomed to the needs of Philippine National Defense. (By FREDDIE DIONISIO)
Gov’t initiatives on poverty alleviation, food insufficiency,
hunger, agricultural sector tackled at “Huntahan” media forum
By PERFECTO T. RAYMUNDO, JR.
Photos by RICK P. NICOLAS
QUEZON CITY — The initiatives being undertaken by the government to address continuing poverty, food insufficiency, and hunger and the crucial role being played by the agricultural sector were tackled by both officials from the Executive Branch of government and the agriculture sector on Wednesday (June 12), the 126th Philippine Independence Day.
During the “Huntahan” Media Forum with the theme: “Kalayaan sa Kagutuman (Freedom from Hunger)” at the Max’s Restaurant in Quezon Memorial Circle hosted by Toto Ylagan and Jesse Las Marias, National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator Eduardo Guillen, a former mayor of Iguig, Ilocos Norte in 2010, said in his town agriculture was a model in agriculture project.
In the DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources), Guillen said that they also participated in the “National Greening Program”.
He added that his town also won the “Galing Pook Award”, wherein they were trained and gained knowledge in every step of agricultural production.
Guillen had been the NIA Chief for one year and four months already.
As NIA Administrator, Guillen said that he could not have done the “paradigm shift” in the flood control project as envisioned by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr.
Guillen noted that his “mindset” is that “what really is the problem of the agricultural sector and in conjunction of the DENR, it was found out that 40 percent of the agricultural sector has problems on irrigation and potable water.”
The DPWH (Department of Public Works and Highways) with Secretary Manuel Bonuan, also followed suit with the NIA and the DENR in addressing the irrigation problems through addressing the flood control projects.
Guillen said that from Small Water Impounding Projects to Water Management
WORKERS RIGHTS WATCH PRESS CONFERENCE
ON THE PHILIPPINES’ ILC SHORTLISTING
Workers groups and pro-labor instutions under the Workers Rights Watch Network push to "Stop the Attacks!" on workers and unionists.
Groups highlighted the continuing trend of trade union and human rights violations, which KMU previously pointed out is part of the United States counter-insurgency protocol which the Marcos government continues to perpetuate to curry the US' favor and to crack down on the labor movement which would attract big capitalist corporations.
As the International Labor Conference acknowledges the dire state of workers' rights by approving the Philippines' third ever shortlisting, groups renew calls to end the culture of impunity and hold all workers' rights violators accountable.
(Photos by RICK P. NICOLAS)
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Trade union centers and labor rights institutions, Alliance of Concerned Teachers, Center for Trade Union and Human Rights, Federation of Free Workers, Public Services Independent Labor Confederation, and Kilusang Mayo Uno, joined under the Workers Rights Watch Network to hold a press conference to explain the impact of the Philippines’ shortlisting in the International Labor Conference.
The group will also present the summary of current unresolved workers’ rights violations, and the critique on the recently issued Joint Memorandum No. 1 of the Inter-Agency Committee for the Protection of the Freedom of Association and Right to Organize of Workers, both serving as proof of the continuing attacks against workers even after the International Labor Organization High Level Tripartite Mission to the Philippines last January 2023.
WHEN: 11:00 AM, June 6, 2024 (Thursday)
WHERE: Kamuning Bakery Cafe - 43 Judge Jimenez cor. K-1st Street, Quezon City
MGA ordinaryong mamamayan at mangingisda na pinamumuan ni Carlos Labahate ng Lemery, Batangas ay nakiisa sa panawagang "Gutom na Pilipino! Mahal ang Bigas! Mahal ang Tubig! Mahal ang Kuryente!" Ito ang nagkakaisa nilang tinig kasama ang United Filipino Consumers and Commuters-UFCC na pinamumunuan ni Rodolfo RJ Jabellana. (Mga larawan ni Larawan ni Rick P. Nicolas)
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Batangas fishermen call for end to hunger,
lower rice price, water, power rates
By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — Residents and fishermen from Lemery, Batangas on Wednesday (June 5) called for an end to hunger and lower price of rice, water and electricity rates.
Carlos Labahate led the group in shouting in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) "Gutom na Pilipino! Mahal ang Bigas! Mahal ang Tubig! Mahal ang Kuryente! (Filipinos are already hungry! Rice is Expensive! Water is Expensive! Electricity is Expensive!)"
These were their angry voices, together with United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) led by water and power advocate Rodolfo RJ Jabellana.
According to them, the Filipinos are already hungry because of the high price of rice and due to alleged corruption in government.
The UFCC wrote a letter to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. on June 4, 2024 informing him about the allegations of corruption against his cousin Jose Manuel Romualdez over his involvement in Claver Minerals Development Corp. (CMDC).
They also told President Marcos about their concerns with the actuations of the DENR which has approved a five-year restoration of the lost years of CMDC's previous Minerals Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).
They also asked President Marcos to ask his relatives to leave government alone in its work.
They, however, expressed their continuous faith in the leadership of President Marcos.
MGA ordinaryong mamamayan at mangingisda na pinamumuan ni Carlos Labahate ng Lemery, Batangas ay nakiisa sa panawagang "Gutom na Pilipino! Mahal ang Bigas! Mahal ang Tubig! Mahal ang Kuryente!" Ito ang nagkakaisa nilang tinig kasama ang United Filipino Consumers and Commuters-UFCC na pinamumunuan ni Rodolfo RJ Jabellana. (Mga larawan ni Larawan ni Rick P. Nicolas)
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Batangas fishermen call for end to hunger, lower rice price, water, power rates
By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
QUEZON CITY — Residents and fishermen from Lemery, Batangas on Wednesday (June 5) called for an end to hunger and lower price of rice, water and electricity rates.
Carlos Labahate led the group in shouting in front of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) "Gutom na Pilipino! Mahal ang Bigas! Mahal ang Tubig! Mahal ang Kuryente! (Filipinos are already hungry! Rice is Expensive! Water is Expensive! Electricity is Expensive!)"
These were their angry voices, together with United Filipino Consumers and Commuters (UFCC) led by water and power advocate Rodolfo RJ Jabellana.
According to them, the Filipinos are already hungry because of the high price of rice and due to alleged corruption in government.
The UFCC wrote a letter to President Ferdinand "Bongbong" R. Marcos, Jr. on June 4, 2024 informing him about the allegations of corruption against his cousin Jose Manuel Romualdez over his involvement in Claver Minerals Development Corp. (CMDC).
They also told President Marcos about their concerns with the actuations of the DENR which has approved a five-year restoration of the lost years of CMDC's previous Minerals Production Sharing Agreement (MPSA).
They also asked President Marcos to ask his relatives to leave government alone in its work.
They, however, expressed their continuous faith in the leadership of President Marcos.
2024 Science & Food Festival, IFWD
PH Summit opens in Lucky Chinatown
By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
MANILA — The DOST NCR on Wednesday (May 29) led the 2024 Science and Food Festival, together with the IFWD PH Summit at the Lucky Chinatown Mall here in Binondo.
The Science Beyond Borders was also officially launched with the unveiling of its marker with the presence of DOST Secretary Renato U. Solidum, Jr..,who has been in government service for 39 years and rose from the ranks, and former DOST Secretary Fortunato Dela Pena and other DOST officials.
Among the partners are Step up Kabayan,
Science and Technoreneurship to upgrade OFWs, DOST NCR Science Beyond Borders, Megaworld Lifestyle Malls, Lucky Chinatown, Muntinlupa City Women's Producers Cooperative, Nanay Ipang's Everlasting, Ping Pong native lechon, El Biko Kakanin Store, Dream Wide Awake,
Muron Republik
Dahil sa tulong ng DOST at IFWD PH program, mas mapadali ang Aking pagbangon muli at nakakspagbigay hanapbuhsy - - Gildo Baccol, autopainter sa Saudi Arabia
Nabigyan kami ng oportunidad na madagdagan ang aming kaalaman sa wastong pagnenegosyo at matulungan mapalago ang aming inisyatibo - Michael Rey Emoricha, of Mace & Co Food Services and an engineer in Singapore.
Sa tulong ng DOST, ang dating 3,000 heads na kapasidad ng aking greenhouse ay naging 8,000 heads. Para natugunang ang aming nagkukulang na supply... Von Russell Janolino, Fleet Controller sa Qatar
Online Micro Sellers Multipurpose Cooperative.
DOST Undersecretary Mabborang said "the best way to a man's heart is through his stomach."
"The best way to Innovate food is through science and technology," he added.
"The OFWs are here to support the IFWD PH program of the DOST and the 2024 Food Festival," Mabborang said.
"As the oldest Chinatown in the world, In 1594, Binondo had been the heart of food and culinary cuisines," he said.
"Sa tulong ng IFWD program ay tinutulungan natin sila na pandayin bilang entrepreneurs," he added.
"Kami sa DO
The Department of Science and Technology-Philippine Council for Health Research and Development (DOST-PCHRD) and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) discusses the projects and benefits under the “PhilHealth Studies” during the “Talakayang HeaRT BEAT” on Health Research and Technology held at the ArdenHill Suites in Sct. Albano, Quezon City on Wednesday (May 29, 2023). Talking about Protecting Against Financial Catastrophe: Evaluation of the Z Benefits in Providing Financial Risk Protection and Improving Clinical Outcomes are (not in order) Professor Emeritus, College of Medicine of the University of the Philippines Manila Dr. Corazon A. Ngelangel, Professor X, College of Medicine, UP Manila Dr. Alvin B, Caballes, Alliance for Improving Health Outcomes (AIHO) President Dr. Alberto M. Ong, Jr. Program Lead, Head Promotion Program National Institutes of Health, UP Manila Dr. Katherine Ann V. Reyes, PhilHealth, Benefits Development and Research Department Head of Product Team for Special Benefits Merla Rose D. Reyes, PhilHealth UHC Surge Team Acting Senior Vice President Dr. Clementine A. Bautista, and PhilHealth Benefits Development and Research Department Chief Insurance Specialist Abigasil Romero-Estrada. (PNA photos by Ben Briones)
Water for all advocate urges PBBM to cleanse MWSS
on PhP309-M ‘standby cost’, disallowed PhP1.8B
By Perfecto T. Raymundo, Jr.
SAN JUAN CITY – A water for all advocate on Friday (May 24) urged President Ferdinand “Bongbong” R. Marcos, Jr. to cleanse the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) on the questions about the PhP309-million “standby cost” and the disallowed PhP1.8 billion in connection with the PhP21-billion Kaliwa Dam Project.
The Kaliwa Dam Project is expected to generate an additional 600 million liters of water per day by 2027 to Metro Manila and the surrounding areas.
At the "The Agenda Forum" at Club Filipino hosted by Atty. Terry Ridon, Rodolfo Ka RJ Javellana, Jr., national president of the United Filipino Consumers and Commuters & Water for All Movement (UFCC-WARMM), said “kailangan ng solusyon para sa kakulangan ng tubig.”
Javellana said “ipinadala na namin kay Pangulong Bongbong Marcos ang sulat, kalakip ang ebidensya, kaugnay sa PhP12-billion Kaliwa Dam project.”
“Noong mailipat po sa MWSS noong 1972, na dating NAWASA, naging LWUA at MWSS sa kontrol ng Estado,” he added.
“Nakita ng dating President Marcos, Sr. Nakita ang kakulangan ng tubig. Noong bumagsak ang dating Pangulong Marcos, Sr. natigil ang Laiban Dam Project,” Javella said.
“Nag-usap lang ang mga mamumuhan at gobyerno patungkol sa 25-year concessionaire agreement dahil dyan nagfile tayo ng kaso sa korte, kasama ang 20 percent environmental charges,” he added.
“Doon nagsimulang minura ni Presidente Rodrigo Roa Duterte ang mga oligarko. Ang 25-year concessionaire agreement ay supposed na natapos noong 2022. Revised concessionaire agreement ay nagbibigay ng panigong 15-year concessionaire agreement,” Javellana said.
“Ang Laiban Dam Project ay pinalitan ng bagong pangalan ng Water Centennial Project. Sino ang mga president ng mga concessionaires,” he added.
“Inuna nila ang Water Centennial Project at hindi ang Laiban Dam Project.
Press Conference – DOE/DENR - LNG companies
collab overlooks fossil gas impacts on health in Batangas
Thursday • May 23, 2024, 10AM
Kenny Rogers Roasters Matalino, Matalino St.,
Brgy. Central, Diliman, Quezon City
Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ), Sanlakas, Oriang, Break Free From Fossil Fuels, Batangas for Health and Clean Air for All (BHCAA), residents from barangays in Batangas (Simlong, Sta. Clara, Delapaz, Isla Verde)
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Energy (DOE) have recently partnered with known fossil gas (liquefied natural gas/LNG) giants First Gen Corporation, Aboitiz Equity Ventures (AEV), San Miguel Corporation (SMC), and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) for the conservation of Verde Island Passage in Batangas.
The partnership was conceived in reaction to the international outcry by international governments and conservation groups to the environmental damages brought on by LNG operations in Batangas. However the problem is far being solved as it overlooks fossil gas’s (liquefied natural gas/LNG) negative impacts on the surrounding communities’ health.
Earlier in 2023, residents from five barangays hosting LNG power plants in Batangas filed a petition to investigate the health impacts of fossil gas. This culminated in a global sign-on campaign in August 2023, calling on the declaration of a public health emergency in Batangas.
Since then, the DOH and the Batangas City Health Office have not moved forward with any investigation nor shared any new information on the health impacts of LNG. The affected communities had been calling for an impartial health impact investigation. With this performance put on by government agencies and fossil gas corporations, the public is being lulled into complacency while Batangueños continue to breathe foul air.
Concerned residents from Batangas, together with climate groups, and civil society organizations, gather to renew and strength
