Benguet miners lead drive vs mercury use in small-scale mining

A group of pocket miners in Benguet is leading the campaign against the use of mercury in small-scale mining operations around the country, prodded by an environment advocate group that believed the use of the toxic chemical was popularized by miners in this province in the 1970s.

Lawyer Richard Gutierrez (not Roberto as earlier reported), executive director of Basel Action Network (BAN Toxic), said a trace of how small-scale miners in different parts of the country discovered mercury for gold extraction led back to miners or employees of mining companies that operated in Benguet.

The mining industry in the country started in this province, with the establishment in 1905 of Benguet Corp., Gutierrez said on Thursday. “Mercury was being used [in the 1970s] by miners who were high-grading (a euphemism for smuggling gold out of mines run by various companies in the province),” he said.

The process, called “whole ore amalgamation,” involves pouring liquid mercury onto ore, which breaks apart rock and soil to extract gold. Miners need only a small area, even confined spaces, to extract gold using mercury, Gutierrez said.

Miners from Benguet migrated to other gold-rush areas in the country, bringing with them the mercury process and vast years of experience which made pocket mining efficient in Mindanao, the Visayas and parts of Southern Luzon, Gutierrez said.

Widely used

Mercury was widely used in various mining communities in the 1990s, particularly in Caramines Sur, Romblon and parts of Mindanao, Gutierrez said.

He said the migrants were not necessarily indigenous Filipinos of Benguet, whose ancestors panned gold downstream of upland rivers centuries ago, because the first mining companies in the province employed people from various parts of the country.

But Lomino Kaniteng, president of Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners (BFSSM), said a younger generation of miners has become conscious about the ill effects of mercury and returned to traditional mine processes, like panning and sluicing (a process using channels that regulate flow of water) to extract gold.

Kaniteng had submitted to the United Nations Environmental Program (UNEP) a manifesto promising a mercury-free pocket mining trade in Benguet by 2015. The manifesto was read on Jan. 24 during the UNEP Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee session in Chiba, Japan, he said.

Prototype machine

Two weeks ago, Kaniteng said the BFSSM also began testing a prototype machine, invented by Danish geologist Philip Appel, that uses copper sheets and electricity to recover mercury buried in mine tailings (mine waste), to help start a cleansing drive.

BAN Toxic held here on Thursday a nationwide consultation with pocket miners, part of the group’s lobby process to convince the government to introduce a mercury-abolition policy to a national strategic plan for mining under the administration of President Aquino.

Gutierrez said an antimercury campaign led by Benguet miners is appropriate because it also addresses a yearlong case study which BAN Toxic conducted that discovered why discouraging mercury use has been difficult.

The BAN Toxic report, “The Price of Gold,” profiles the various mining associations in the country, concluding with a realization that efficient gold extraction through mercury is driven by miners grappling with poverty or those who are lured by the gratification of easy money, he said.

“BAN Toxic realized that since miners learned the process of mercury from other miners, it would take miners to convince them to drop mercury use,” Gutierrez said.

“We believe Benguet miners would be effective. Among the mining associations we encountered, the Benguet miners proved to be more professional and more cerebral in approaching their task. They scrutinize new technology, for example, and then devise a way to improve it to their needs,” he said

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Lawmaker seeks tougher measures vs toxic chemicals

A feisty lawmaker has called for stringent measures against toxic substances, saying that each Filipino deserves to live in a healthy environment.

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago filed Senate Resolution No. 376, which calls for a “robust and coherent national policy framework, strategy, and program for chemicals in order to reduce, if not totally eradicate, the adverse health, environmental, and social impacts of toxic chemicals to humans and the ecosystems.”

She said a strong policy framework on the part of government will help in ensuring the health and safety of the public, especially the vulnerable groups, from toxic chemicals.

Santiago said people most vulnerable to risk from toxic chemicals include the children, women of child-bearing age, the elderly, farmers, workers, waste pickers and the poor.

“It is our shared responsibility to respect and ensure the right of every Filipino of this generation and those yet to be born, to live, learn, and work in a healthy, safe, and toxic-free environment,” Santiago, who also authored Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act, said.

“It is imperative that the legislature implement strong policies that will prioritize pollution prevention and environmental justice, in order to respond to some of the most pressing chemical safety issues today,” the senator added.

The lawmaker made the call after environmental groups such as the EcoWaste Coalition, Ban Toxics, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, and Health Care Without Harm, urged for the implementation of the policy framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM).

SAICM has been adopted by the international community since February 6, 2006.

Apart from filing Senate Resolution No. 376, Santiago also advocated for massive information campaign and education of the public on chemicals and chemical safety issues.

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In 3 Philippine areas, mercury poisons air, says study

In some places in the Philippines, breathing would be like committing suicide.

The air in some mined-over communities in three provinces, a study presented here said, has been poisoned by one of the earth’s most toxic chemical elements—mercury.

According to the study, released here on Wednesday, levels of mercury vapor in some mining communities in Benguet, Camarines Norte and Palawan were higher by 30 times than levels that are considered safe.

While the presence of a minute amount of mercury in the air is normal, levels of mercury in the air in these places were unusually high.
Lawyer Roberto Gutierrez, executive director of the Basel Action Network (BAN), said his group scanned various parts of the country, including areas near Malacañang, using a portable mercury analyzer between the latter part of 2010 and the early part of 2011.

No detection

Based on its findings, BAN said it believed the government is unable to detect high levels of mercury circulating in the atmosphere, he said.

BAN is a Seattle-based organization behind a campaign to eliminate mercury presence in industries and household items.

The BAN study said mercury vapor was detected in the air even in places where there are no known human activity involving the use of mercury, like Malacañang Palace.

“Mercury vapor was detected in small concentrations even in areas with no known or alleged use of mercury,” the study said.

“President Aquino could be out in the yard of Malacañang Palace smoking and he is already inhaling 7.9 nanograms per cubic meters (npcm) of mercury vapor,” Gutierrez said in the presentation of the BAN report entitled “Chasing Mercury: Measuring Mercury Levels in Air Across the Philippines.”

Mercury is a rare toxic metal that melts into liquid. It has been used for common household items like thermometers and for extracting gold and silver in small-scale mining outfits.

Safe levels

According to Gutierrez, the United States Environmental Protection Agency ranks 900 npcm of mercury vapor as safe. At 10,000 npcm, immediate evacuation of communities is recommended.

In Barangay Malaguit in Paracale, Camarines Norte, the average reading for mercury vapor in the air was 14,275.3 npcm and the highest level was 30,000 npcm, according to the BAN study, quoting results of tests done Nov. 24-25 last year.

Malaguit’s residential area had an average reading of 266.7 npcm of mercury vapor and a maximum reading of 5,516.2 npcm, the BAN study said.

“In mining areas, mercury concentrations increased dramatically during operations when mercury was used,” said Gutierrez. He said dangerous levels of mercury “have been detected even when the operations have terminated.”

The same study said Sitio Pulang-Lupa in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan, has as much as 1,488.8 npcm of mercury vapor in the air because it was near an abandoned mine that used to extract mercury, Gutierrez said.

He said while mercury in the air is a natural occurrence, “the highest mercury vapor concentrations were found in sites where mercury was being used or stored.”

Puzzling

High mercury levels in urban areas with no contact with mercury was puzzling, he added.

Lomino Kaniteng, president of Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners Inc. said the BAN findings were not surprising.

In the barracks of workers of pocket miners and mining firm Benguet Corp. in Camp 5 in Itogon, Benguet, the BAN study said tests made from Nov. 21 to 22 last year showed a reading of a maximum 30,000 npcm of mercury vapor in the air and an average of 3,751.8 npcm.

Mercury use is more common in small-scale mining operations, however. Large-scale mining firms abandoned mercury use in favor of cyanide.

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Miners call for No Mercury, Cite NGO Study

The Benguet Federation of Small-Scale Miners, Inc. (BFSSMI), a provincial association of more than 10,000 gold miners called the attention of local government and their fellow miners of the growing mercury pollution coming from the small-scale mining sector citing a recent study on mercury air emissions and declared their support for ongoing initiatives towards a mercury-free small-scale gold mining in the Philippines.



The call came during a media briefing jointly organized by BFSSMI in collaboration with Ban Toxics, a non-profit environmental non-government organization promoting toxics use elimination, for the Northern Luzon launch of the NGO’s report entitled Chasing Mercury: Measuring Mercury Levels in Air Across the Philippines. The report was a product of a six-month monitoring and investigation of elemental mercury concentration in air in small-scale gold mining areas including those in Itogon, Benguet, hospitals, schools, and in various mercury hotspots in the country through the use of Lumex RA-915+ Portable Mercury Analyzer device.



“We have long recognized the overwhelming scientific evidence on the adverse effects of mercury to human health and the environment,” says Leoncio Na-oy, BFSSMI Secretary. “That is why more than five years ago, we started convincing our members to gravitate to mercury-free gold liberation techniques which are more effective and with less environmental impacts,” he added.



ASGM in the Philippines is known to emit at least 70 metric tonnes of mercury, accounting for more than 30 percent of the country’s annual mercury emission. Mercury use in ASGM is said to have been taking place for more than three decades.



“Mercury pollution in air is also a major concern because inhalation of mercury vapor can cause irreversible damage to the lungs, “ explained Gil Viloria, Jr., Hg ASGM Coordinator of Ban Toxics. “When we conducted air emissions test in a miner’s barracks that used mercury, the reading was so high it went above the maximum level our equipment could read. Miners using mercury are thus dangerously exposed to this poison just by using it.”



The Ban Toxics’ report cited that one of the worst form of gold production which is the open burning of amalgams by small-scale gold miners have unduly exposed the miners and their families to the dangers of mercury. According to their study, background levels of mercury already exist. The continued and dangerous practice of using mercury and burning it in open fires heavily adds to the mercury that is already in the environment.



Mercury, a poisonous persistent pollutant capable of long-range transport and bio-accumulation also attacks the nervous system and brings complications such as loss of cognitive capacity and memory, and impaired neuro-muscular coordination, among others. Fetuses, children and women of child-bearing age are particularly vulnerable to mercury’s toxic threats.



During Ban Toxics’ tests in Benguet province, the group was able to detect high levels of mercury emissions in the miner’s barracks in Itogon. Mercury concentration in that particular site hit a maximum reading of 30,000 ng/m3, three-times the action level used by the United States Environmental Protection Agency in calling for immediate evacuation of a residential area due to mercury pollution.



BFSSMI recently issued a declaration, which called for a timely response to the issues currently besetting ASGM. The declaration was submitted to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) by the Philippine representatives during the recently concluded Intergovernmental Negotiation Committee (INC) 2 meeting held in Chiba, Japan last month. The INC 2 meeting is part of the ongoing discussions for a global treaty against mercury use. The proposed treaty has one of its elements the reduction and eventual elimination of mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining, recognized as the largest mercury demand sector both locally and globally.



BFSSMI’s campaign against mercury use which commenced in 2005 has accordingly resulted in the reduction of mercury use from the sector by 90 percent.



“Our ultimate goal is that by 2015, we can safely declare that small-scale gold mining in Benguet is mercury free,” says Leoncio Naoy, BFSSMI Secretary.



The Ban Toxics study was supported by the Garfield Foundation and the European Commission through the European Environment Bureau. The report is also part of a global effort under the Zero Mercury Working Group to call for strong controls in global emissions of mercury.

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Less exports qualify for JPEPA tariffs

THE PHILIPPINES’ usage of a trade deal with Japan declined last year, with less exports qualifying for preferential tariffs, official data showed.

Roughly 2% of shipments to that Northeast Asian economy enjoyed the lower duties provided by the Japan-Philippines Economic Partnership Agreement (JPEPA) versus 4% in 2009, based on National Statistics Office (NSO) data made available toBusinessWorld yesterday.

The Bureau of Customs said lower Japanese demand for exports were to blame, but other experts suspect that the traders’ flagging compliance with JPEPA criteria and weak government systems were behind the decline seen just before both countries review implementation of the pact this year.

"One of the factors to look at is the recession in Japan," George N. Manzano, University of Asia and the Pacific economist and former Tariff Commissioner, said in a telephone interview yesterday.

"Or it could be the compliance with the rules of origin," Mr. Manzano said, referring particularly to provisions which require a certain level of local content for a product to qualify for lower tariffs under the pact.

A check with the latest available Philippine export data, however, showed that outbound shipments to Japan had already recovered in 2010 and grew by more than a quarter from year-ago levels to $7.798 billion.

Despite this growth in Japanese demand, only $134.724 million worth of exports qualified for JPEPA tariffs, according to NSO’s breakdown, or nearly half the $263.582 million recorded in 2009.

This was reflected in export sales of wiring harnesses for cars, a key export.

While sales of this product to Japan grew 39.2% to $409.697 million in 2010, those that were JPEPA-eligible dropped by 96.8% to $26,219.

The Customs office at the Port of Manila similarly recorded a decline: the state agency issued JPEPA certificates of origin for just $469,630 worth of exports, down 81.8% from year-ago levels.

Compared to NSO data on exports leaving this port, JPEPA-eligible products comprised just 0.04% of the total in 2010 versus 0.3% in 2009.

"Japan was affected by global recession like all other countries," Louis C. Adivento, export division chief at the Custom’s port office, said in an e-mail.

But officials of export groups instead complained of the allegedly complex rules firms had to hurdle to secure preferential tariffs.

JPEPA requires exporters to prove that the merchandise contains a minimum level of locally made materials or that it was processed enough to cause a change in tariff classification. The thresholds for these vary per product and can be computed either by subtracting the foreign content or by summing up the value added.

All these have to be accomplished despite differences between Japan’s and the Philippines’ tariff codes for classifying products. Even as both codes use the harmonized system, Japan’s features 3,356 more tariff lines, according the JPEPA overview on the Trade department’s Web site.

"It’s hard to comply with the technical machineries," Philippine Exporters Confederation President Sergio R. Ortiz-Luis Jr. said in a telephone interview on Tuesday.

"Even the government processors are confused with the tariff classifications," Mr. Ortiz-Luis said.

"Perhaps before, Customs didn’t scrutinize the applications. But on the second year, maybe implementation became stricter."

Roberto C. Amores, president of the Philippine Food Processors and Exporters Organization, Inc. echoed this concern in a text message yesterday, saying: "There are lots of confusing conditions for compliance."

Both countries’ tariff codes are not optimally harmonized, with the current set up "working only in favor of Japan," Mr. Amores claimed.

The government would do well to raise this issue at the JPEPA review slated this year, Mr. Manzano said.

Dates for the review could be finalized when officials of both countries meet on Feb. 28 to review the pact’s implementation, Trade Undersecretary Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. said in a separate telephone interview.

"But at the same time, it’s important to work on how exporters can surmount the rules of origin requirements," Mr. Manzano said.

Mr. Cristobal concurred, noting that the department will be ramping up its education campaign for exporters next month after holding information seminars on using trade agreements back in November.

"And in partnership with the Bureau of Customs, we’re streamlining the process and trying to simplify it further," he added.

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7 patay sa silver cleaner

Sa loob lamang ng mahigit sa dalawang buwan ay pito katao na ang naitalang nasawi dahil sa aksidente at sadyang pagkakainom na silver­ jewelry cleaner.

Ito ang nabatid kahapon mula sa ulat ng Ecowaste Coalition kung kaya sumulat at humihingi ng tulong ang grupo kay PNP chief Director General Raul Bacalzo ng tulungan sila para hulihin ang mga illegal na nagbebenta ng nakakamatay na silver cleaner solution.

Ayon kay Roy Alvarez, pre­sident ng Ecowaste Coalition, dapat ay gumawa ng agarang police operation laban sa mga tiwaling “silver jewelry shop” at mga tindahan na patuloy pang nagbebenta ng nakalalasong kemikal.

Ang silver cleaner, cyanide at iba pang toxic substances ay kabilang sa ipinag-utos ng Department of Health (DOH) at Food and Drug Administration (FDA) na bawal itinda sa mga tindahan pero patuloy umanong nilalabag ang nasabing kautusan.

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Clean, Green Philippines Goal Marks 25th People Power Anniversary

A waste and pollution watchdog organization is rallying public support for a garbage-free Philippines, and President Benigno S. Aquino III is leading an effort to plant 500,000 trees in one hour as the nation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution on Friday, February 25.

The EcoWaste Coalition is urging all Filipinos to heed its 25 "down-to-earth" garbage prevention and reduction tips called "25@25" in commemoration of the 25th year of the nonviolent people's action for change.
President Begnino S. Aquino III, left, and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr. sign seedlings to be planted February 23, 2011. (Photo by Jay Morales /BenHur Arcayan/Rey Baniquet/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

The 1986 People Power Revolution was a series of popular nonviolent revolutions and prayerful street demonstrations involving more than two million people that resulted in the restoration of democracy. The long campaign of civil resistance against the 20-year repressive regime of then President Ferdinand Marcos ended on February 25, 1986, when Marcos fled to Hawaii, conceding the presidency to Corazon Aquino.

Most of the demonstrations took place at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, known by its acronym EDSA, in Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila.

Today, the EcoWaste Coalition is advocating "people power" to cut the country's "mammoth waste size" of nearly 13 million tons annually, close and rehabilitate over a thousand illegal dumpsites and put a stop to littering.

"We are not asking the people to come together en masse in EDSA or anywhere else," explained Roy Alvarez, president of the EcoWaste Coalition. "What we seek is a personal commitment from all patriotic Filipinos not to litter and to embrace a lifestyle that will treat our Mother Earth with love and respect"

"This, we believe, is compatible with the theme of this year's celebration, 'I'm a Filipino, I'm the Force of Change,'" he said.

"As the force of change, we, the people, can clear our surroundings of trash and get rid of dumpsites which are akin to gaping wounds that should be cleaned, sealed and healed," said Alvarez.

"Despite national and local laws prohibiting and penalizing littering and dumping, the unabashed trashing of our fragile environment persists. By calling for people power against littering, the EcoWaste Coalition hopes that Filipinos, as one people, will reject this dirty habit and rally behind a litter-free Philippines that we all can be proud of," he said.
Boy rides through the Malabon dumpsite in Quezon City, Philippines. (Photo by The Housekeeper)

The country generates some 35,000 tons of waste every day, 12.8 million tons of waste a year, according to the National Solid Waste Management Commission. Waste is disposed in 1,172 dumpsites outlawed by Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Filipinos need to recognize dumping as a social ill that must be exterminated, regard the habit as distasteful and totally unacceptable, and eradicate the problem by enforcing R.A. 9003 in combination with a public awareness campaign, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

The organization is inviting President Benigno Aquino III, also known as Noynoy Aquino or P-Noy, to lead the national cleanup.

"We hope that P-Noy himself will lead this movement for a 'litter-free Pilipinas' in line with his Social Contract with the Filipino People," Alvarez said. The Social Contract refers to the electoral platform of then presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino that is supposed to represent "a commitment to change that Filipinos can depend on."

To mark the anniversary, P-Noy is leading a tree planting activity in Pili, Camarines Sur as part of the El Verde Project 12 million trees in 2012. Headed by Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr., the El Verde project also aims to plant 500,000 trees simultaneously in one hour.

The project is an advocacy campaign spearheaded by the governor dedicated to reversing the rate of deforestation in the province of Camarines Sur, creating awareness and engaging individuals to help save the environment.

The campaign covers two cities, 35 municipalities, and 1,036 barangays. More than 10,000 residents will attempt to plant 500,000 trees in one hour on February 23, hoping to place the province in the Guinness Book of World Records and make the Philippines the Green Capital of Asia.

President Aquino challenged Filipinos to remain steadfast in keeping with the principles of this "continuing revolution" in order to achieve "another possibility that has for so long eluded us: that of our nation fulfilling its great potential."

The President said, "I believe our yearly EDSA commemorations are more than just celebrations. They are reminders of the responsibilities we must still collectively fulfill."

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Clean, Green Philippines Goal Marks 25th People Power Anniversary

A waste and pollution watchdog organization is rallying public support for a garbage-free Philippines, and President Benigno S. Aquino III is leading an effort to plant 500,000 trees in one hour as the nation celebrates the 25th anniversary of the 1986 People Power Revolution on Friday, February 25.

The EcoWaste Coalition is urging all Filipinos to heed its 25 "down-to-earth" garbage prevention and reduction tips called "25@25" in commemoration of the 25th year of the nonviolent people's action for change.
President Begnino S. Aquino III, left, and Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr. sign seedlings to be planted February 23, 2011. (Photo by Jay Morales /BenHur Arcayan/Rey Baniquet/Malacañang Photo Bureau)

The 1986 People Power Revolution was a series of popular nonviolent revolutions and prayerful street demonstrations involving more than two million people that resulted in the restoration of democracy. The long campaign of civil resistance against the 20-year repressive regime of then President Ferdinand Marcos ended on February 25, 1986, when Marcos fled to Hawaii, conceding the presidency to Corazon Aquino.

Most of the demonstrations took place at Epifanio de los Santos Avenue, known by its acronym EDSA, in Quezon City, Metropolitan Manila.

Today, the EcoWaste Coalition is advocating "people power" to cut the country's "mammoth waste size" of nearly 13 million tons annually, close and rehabilitate over a thousand illegal dumpsites and put a stop to littering.

"We are not asking the people to come together en masse in EDSA or anywhere else," explained Roy Alvarez, president of the EcoWaste Coalition. "What we seek is a personal commitment from all patriotic Filipinos not to litter and to embrace a lifestyle that will treat our Mother Earth with love and respect"

"This, we believe, is compatible with the theme of this year's celebration, 'I'm a Filipino, I'm the Force of Change,'" he said.

"As the force of change, we, the people, can clear our surroundings of trash and get rid of dumpsites which are akin to gaping wounds that should be cleaned, sealed and healed," said Alvarez.

"Despite national and local laws prohibiting and penalizing littering and dumping, the unabashed trashing of our fragile environment persists. By calling for people power against littering, the EcoWaste Coalition hopes that Filipinos, as one people, will reject this dirty habit and rally behind a litter-free Philippines that we all can be proud of," he said.
Boy rides through the Malabon dumpsite in Quezon City, Philippines. (Photo by The Housekeeper)

The country generates some 35,000 tons of waste every day, 12.8 million tons of waste a year, according to the National Solid Waste Management Commission. Waste is disposed in 1,172 dumpsites outlawed by Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

Filipinos need to recognize dumping as a social ill that must be exterminated, regard the habit as distasteful and totally unacceptable, and eradicate the problem by enforcing R.A. 9003 in combination with a public awareness campaign, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

The organization is inviting President Benigno Aquino III, also known as Noynoy Aquino or P-Noy, to lead the national cleanup.

"We hope that P-Noy himself will lead this movement for a 'litter-free Pilipinas' in line with his Social Contract with the Filipino People," Alvarez said. The Social Contract refers to the electoral platform of then presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino that is supposed to represent "a commitment to change that Filipinos can depend on."

To mark the anniversary, P-Noy is leading a tree planting activity in Pili, Camarines Sur as part of the El Verde Project 12 million trees in 2012. Headed by Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, Jr., the El Verde project also aims to plant 500,000 trees simultaneously in one hour.

The project is an advocacy campaign spearheaded by the governor dedicated to reversing the rate of deforestation in the province of Camarines Sur, creating awareness and engaging individuals to help save the environment.

The campaign covers two cities, 35 municipalities, and 1,036 barangays. More than 10,000 residents will attempt to plant 500,000 trees in one hour on February 23, hoping to place the province in the Guinness Book of World Records and make the Philippines the Green Capital of Asia.

President Aquino challenged Filipinos to remain steadfast in keeping with the principles of this "continuing revolution" in order to achieve "another possibility that has for so long eluded us: that of our nation fulfilling its great potential."

The President said, "I believe our yearly EDSA commemorations are more than just celebrations. They are reminders of the responsibilities we must still collectively fulfill."

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Eco group pushes for 'Green People Power' to save environment

As the 25th anniversary of the EDSA People Power Revolution nears, a waste and pollution watchdog has called for "Green People Power" to save the environment.

In a press statement, EcoWaste Coalition said "people power" or concerted peoples' efforts are needed to fight against waste pollution because the country's volume of waste now reaches 13 million tons annually.

“By calling for a ‘people power’ against littering, the EcoWaste Coalition hopes that Filipinos, as one people, will reject this dirty habit and rally behind a ‘litter-free Pilipinas’ that we all can be proud of," said Roy Alvarez, President of the EcoWaste Coalition.

“We are not asking the people to come together en masse in EDSA or anywhere else. What we seek is a personal commitment from all patriotic Filipinos not to litter and to embrace a lifestyle that will treat our Mother Earth with love and respect," he explained.

Citing information from the National Solid Waste Management Commission, the EcoWaste Coalition said the country generates some 35,000 tons of waste every day, and some 8,400 tons come from Metro Manila.

Of the yearly national waste generation of 12,775,000 tons, some 40 to 70 per cent are collected and thrown in 1,205 waste disposal facilities, EcoWaste said.

Around 55 of the waste facilities are “sanitary" landfills and 1,172 are open or controlled dumpsites long outlawed by Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

“Despite national and local laws prohibiting and penalizing littering and dumping, the unabashed trashing of our fragile environment persists," lamented Alvarez.

According to EcoWaste, to achieve a “litter-free" Philippines, Filipinos need to recognize dumping as a social ill and to enforce R.A. 9003 along with education and other value-formation measures,

“We hope that P-Noy himself will lead this movement for a ‘litter-free Pilipinas’ in line with his ‘Social Contract with the Filipino People’," Alvarez said.

The “Social Contract" refers to the electoral platform of then presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino that is supposed to represent "a commitment to change that Filipinos can depend on."

"Our President has silenced abusive flashing sirens (wang-wang). We believe he can also rid the country of garbage and dumps," he added.

25 tips

In honor of the 25th year of the People Power Revolution, EcoWaste listed 25 tips to reduce waste:

1. Be a role model in green citizenship: reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose, segregate at source, recycle, compost and never litter. Commit to 3Rs and more to divert useful discards away from dumpsites, landfills, incinerators and cement kilns.

2. Discourage others from dropping or dumping trash; courteously explain how litter ruins the environment and damages public health and welfare.

3. Make it a habit to bring your own drinking water in a refillable water tumbler or jug.
4. For coffee drinkers, always bring your refillable coffee mug/tumbler.

5. Place your “baon" in recyclable food containers that can be washed and used again.

6. Don’t toss cigarette filters on the ground; work hard to quit smoking.

7. Carry a personal litter bag or hold on to your rubbish such as bus tickets, food wrappers and cigarette butts until you have found a bin.

8. Never throw litter out of cars; keep a litter bag in your vehicle to collect your trash until a bin is available.

9. Don’t spit or throw chewing gum on the ground and by no means stick it under a chair, bench or table.

10. Spit is litter, too; it's unsightly and unsanitary, and could spread disease. Please don't spit on streets, sidewalks, pavements or inside buses, movie houses, etc.

11. Pick up after your pets; stop dog fouling in streets and parks.

12. Don’t leave your discards out by the road for collection.

13. Don’t dispose hazardous waste such as mercury-containing lamps, batteries and thermometers in regular trash.

14. Be a smart consumer, small is beautiful and less is more. Say no to plastic bags, make eco-bags your lifetime companion and always keep reusable/foldable bags in your purse or pocket for your needs.

15. Plan your shopping day, pick eco-friendly products with the least packaging, and make sure you have a bayong or other reusable bags to carry the goods. Be firm on not buying anything when you don’t have your bag with you. This will also save you from impulse buying.

16. Avoid buying in plastic sachets and “tipid-packs," buy in bulk as much as possible and choose items in reusable or recyclable containers.

17. Plan your menu for the week, and buy only perishable goods such as vegetables that you need for the week to avoid spoilage.

18. Avoid buying fresh goods like fruits and vegetables from big supermarkets where these are usually wrapped in plastic cling wrap or placed on polystyrene trays. Get them from the nearest talipapa or palengke and put them directly to your bayong or reusable bags after weighing.

19. Bring empty ice cream or biscuit containers or small buckets when going to the market. You can use them for wet goods such as fish, poultry or meat before putting them into the basket or reusable bag.

20. Develop the habit of "no food and drink leftovers" during meals at home and elsewhere. Store leftovers in sealable glass or plastic containers and assign a “leftovers day" to consume them.

21. Support restaurants and food stalls that use reusable plates and utensils. Refrain from patronizing eateries that serve food in polystyrene containers.

22. Make it a practice to carry reusable food containers with you. This would come handy for take outs as well as leftovers from restaurants.

23. Shun drinking straws. Remind waiters not to give you one when you place your order and explain why. Drink straight from the bottle or use a cup instead.
24. Keep boxes of liquid milk, all-purpose cream, tomato sauce and similar items as containers to grow seedlings.

25. Refrain from consuming single-use, throw-away stuff and opt for reusable ones such as cloth table napkin and cover instead of disposable ones, handkerchief in place of tissues, native fans in lieu of plastic fans.

EcoWaste said the tips came from the Alaga Lahat, Ang NARS, Ayala Foundation, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Interface Development Interventions, Kinaiyahan Foundation, Krusada sa Kalikasan, Miss Earth Foundation, Mother Earth Foundation, Philippine Earth Justice Center, Sanib Lakas ng mga Aktibong Lingkod ng Inang Kalikasan, Sining Yapak and Zero Waste Philippines.

“We invite concerned citizens to add more to this list of practical waste prevention and reduction tips to suit their activities and needs and contribute to building a cleaner and greener nation that our children deserve," the EcoWaste Coalition said.

EcoWaste Coalition also reminded citizens about their legal right to sue erring national and local authorities as well as private and public citizens who refuse to comply with the requirements of R.A. 9003 and other related health and environmental laws.

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Litter-free PH

On the eve of the 25th anniversary of EDSA I the environmental watchdog EcoWaste Coalition invoked “people power” to cut what it described as the country’s “mammoth waste size” of nearly 13 million tons annually, close and rehabilitate over a thousand illegal dumpsites and put a stop to the filthy practice of littering.

Citing information from the National Solid Waste Management Commission, the EcoWaste Coalition said that the entire country generates daily some 35,000 tons of waste of which 8,400 tons come from Metro Manila.

Of the yearly national waste generation of 12,775,000 tons, some 40 percent to 70 percent are collected and thrown in 1,205 waste disposal facilities, of which 55 are “sanitary” landfills and 1,172 are open or controlled dumps long outlawed by Republic Act 9003, also known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

“Despite national and local laws prohibiting and penalizing littering and dumping, the unabashed trashing of our fragile environment persists,” lamented Roy Alvarez, EcoWaste Coalition president.

“Regardless of age, gender, education and social standing, people drop litter as if littering, a most evident environmental offense, were okay and acceptable,” Alvarez said.

“By calling for people power against littering, the EcoWaste Coalition hopes that Filipinos, as one people, will reject this dirty habit and rally behind a litter-free Pilipinas that we all can be proud of,” he said.

“We are not asking the people to come together en masse in EDSA or anywhere else. What we seek is a personal commitment from all patriotic Filipinos not to litter and to embrace a lifestyle that will treat our Mother Earth with love and respect,” Alvarez explained.

“As the force of change, we, the people, can clear our surroundings of trash and get rid of dumps, which are akin to gaping wounds that should be cleaned, sealed and healed,” he said.

To achieve a “litter-free Pilipinas,” Filipinos need to recognize dumping as a social ill that has to be dealt with head-on and exterminated, regard the habit as distasteful and totally unacceptable, and arrest the problem by enforcing RA 9003 in combination with information, education and other value-formation measures, the EcoWaste Coalition said.

“We hope that P-Noy himself will lead this movement for a ‘litter-free Pilipinas’ in line with his ‘Social Contract with the Filipino People,’” Alvarez said.

The social contract refers to the electoral platform of then presidential candidate Noynoy Aquino that is supposed to represent “a commitment to change that Filipinos can depend on.”

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DENR to go after LGUs erring in solid waste management

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will go after local government units (LGUs) who refuse to comply with Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

This was announced by DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje as the environment sector marked the 10th anniversary of the enactment of the law on January 26, 2011.

“One decade is too long a grace period for LGUs to implement the provisions of the law. Local officials who do not implement RA 9003 are in essence depriving their constituents of their Constitutional right to a balanced and healthful ecology,” Paje said.

Paje said that he has already instructed the DENR’s Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) and the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC), which the DENR chairs, to work together in monitoring the status of LGUs’ solid waste management (SWM) practices.

Based on NSWMC records, there are 1,205 disposal facilities strewn throughout the country. Of these, only 33 or less than three per cent are sanitary landfills that serve 55 LGUs. The remaining 1,172 are open and controlled dumps, of which 535 are under now rehabilitation and closure. Paje said that the DENR is bent on intensifying its drive to enhance compliance of LGUs, especially those that are still operating open dumps and CDFs.

As part of its drive, the commission has identified 183 LGUs to be issued final notices for “apparently failing to act on or refusing to implement” SWM. Paje reiterated that RA 9003 explicitly mandates SWM as a primary responsibility of the LGUs and accordingly, “those who fail to comply can be charged administratively with the Office of the Ombudsman.”

At the same time, he enjoined all Filipinos to practice waste segregation in their homes to lessen the amount of household waste collected. Paje had earlier bared plans to impose penalties on collectors of unsorted waste as provided also under RA 9003.

“Everyone should realize that solid waste management should be a collective effort because it can be a win-win situation for all. We minimize waste that is collected or thrown in the streets, and lessen the dangers to health and safety. We can also make money out of what we reuse, recycle, or salvage from the materials recovery facilities, and provide livelihood for those who need it,” said Paje.

The DENR led the commemoration of the 10th year anniversary of RA 9003 by reorienting officials of Quezon City’s 142 barangays on the principles of waste segregation at source and the other aspects of SWM. The next summit would convene barangay officials of the City of Manila, while other LGUs would be clustered.

NSWMC figures indicate that the nation churns out 35,000 tons of waste daily, of which 40 to 70 per cent are collected. Metro Manila alone generates 8,400 tons of waste daily, dumping most of its waste in sanitary landfills in Navotas, Quezon City, or in Rodriguez, Rizal.Encouraged by the show of interest from the public in cleaning up Metro Manila’s waterways, Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje has directed field officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to initiate their own adopt-an-estero scheme in the provinces.

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Miriam launches crusade vs. toxic substances

Senator Miriam Defensor Santiago, author of Republic Act No. 9729 or the Climate Change Act, has filed proposed Senate Resolution No. 376, which calls for a robust and coherent national policy framework, strategy, and program for chemicals in order to reduce, if not totally eradicate, the adverse health, environmental, and social impacts of toxic chemicals to humans and the ecosystems.

Santiago sought stricter measures against toxic chemicals and substances after civil society groups such as the EcoWaste Coalition, Ban Toxics, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, and Health Care Without Harm, called for the need to implement the policy framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which was since adopted by the international community on February 6, 2006.

“It is our shared responsibility to respect and ensure the right of every Filipino of this generation and those yet to be born, to live, learn, and work in a healthy, safe, and toxic-free environment. We therefore need a strong framework legislation to ensure coherence and synergy in our government’s approach on matters involving the health and safety of our people, especially the vulnerable groups, from toxic chemicals,” Santiago said.

According to Santiago, those most vulnerable to risks from toxic substances include the children, women of child-bearing age, the elderly, farmers, workers, waste pickers and the poor.

“It is imperative that the legislature implement strong policies that will prioritize pollution prevention and environmental justice, in order to respond to some of the most pressing chemical safety issues today,” the senator added.

These “most pressing” concerns include the need for measures to eliminate lead in paints, prohibit phthalates and other chemicals of concern in toys, school supplies and children’s articles, prevent and control mercury pollution from human activities, ensure the environmentally-sound management of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), and curb dependency on pesticides in agriculture.

Citing information from the United Nations Environment Programme website, Santiago said that SAICM seeks “the achievement of the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle so that by 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on human health and the environment.”

The said “2020 goal” towards chemical safety was previously agreed upon by governments at the 2002 World Summit on Sustainable Development.

In addition to framework legislation, Santiago also pushed for expanding public information and education on chemicals and chemical safety issues and observance of February 6, SAICM’s anniversary, as “Toxic Awareness and Action Day.”

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People power: The litter and spirit of the law

As the country marks the 25th anniversary of the People Power Revolution on Friday, Feb. 25, a waste and pollution watchdog is holding its own uprising as it calls for a litter-free Pilipinas. Well, it’s a red-litter day for these environmental advocates.

Wasting no time, the EcoWaste Coalition is pushing for a collective action that would put a stop to the filthy — and unhealthy — practice of dumping trash anywhere, anytime. We’re talking garbage here, tons and tons of it!

Roy Alvarez, EcoWaste Coalition president, sadly notes, “Despite national and local laws prohibiting and penalizing littering, the unabashed trashing of our fragile environment by litterbugs persists. People — regardless of age, gender, education, and social standing — drop litter as if it’s okay and acceptable.”

But before you go rushing to EDSA and start waving placards against trash, Alvarez elaborates, “We are not asking for people to come together en masse on EDSA or anywhere else. What we seek is a personal commitment from all patriotic Filipinos not to litter and to embrace a lifestyle that will treat our Mother Earth with love and respect. This, we believe, is compatible with the theme of this year’s celebration: Pilipino Ako, Ako Ang Lakas ng Pagbabago (I’m a Filipino, I’m the Force of Change).

Now, how can we, as Filipinos, be a force of change?

“As the force of change, we can clear our surroundings of trash and get rid of dumpsites which are akin to gaping wounds that should be cleaned, sealed and healed,” Alvarez explains.

But first of all, we need to recognize littering as a social ill that we need to quash, a totally unacceptable habit that we need to get rid of by enforcing anti-littering laws in conjunction with information, education, and other value-formation measures.

Starting from the top, Alvarez calls on President Noynoy Aquino: “We hope that P-Noy himself will lead this movement for a ‘litter-free Pilipinas’ in line with his social contract with the Filipino people.”
He adds, “Our President has silenced abusive flashing sirens (wang-wang). We believe he can also rid the country of garbage and dumps.”

For this momentous celebration, EcoWaste Coalition has put together “25@25” — 25 down-to-earth garbage prevention and reduction tips, with green ideas gathered from the Alaga Lahat, Ayala Foundation, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Interface Development Interventions, Kinaiyahan Foundation, Miss Earth Foundation, Mother Earth Foundation, Philippine Earth Justice Center, Sanib Lakas ng mga Aktibong Lingkod ng Inang Kalikasan, Sining Yapak, and Zero Waste Philippines.

1. Be a role model in green citizenship: Reduce, reuse, repair, repurpose, segregate at source, recycle, compost, and never litter. Commit to 3Rs and more to divert useful discards away from dumpsites, landfills, incinerators, and cement kilns.

2. Discourage others from dropping or dumping trash; courteously explain how litter ruins the environment and damages public health and welfare.

3. Make it a habit to bring your own drinking water in a refillable water tumbler or jug.

4. For coffee drinkers, always bring your refillable coffee mug/tumbler.

5. Place your baon in recyclable food containers that can be washed and used again.

6. Don’t toss cigarette filters on the ground; work hard to quit smoking.

7. Carry a personal litter bag or hold on to your rubbish such as bus tickets, food wrappers, and cigarette butts until you have found a bin.

8. Never throw litter out of cars; keep a litter bag in your vehicle to collect your trash until a bin is available.

9. Don’t spit or throw chewing gum on the ground and by no means stick it under a chair, bench or table. (You’ve probably been an unwitting victim of the chewing gum culprit who sticks his gum in the most unlikely places. I have been one, many times over, especially when I go malling.)

10. Spit is litter, too; it’s unsightly and unsanitary, and could spread disease. Please don’t spit on streets, sidewalks, pavements or inside buses, movie houses, etc. (If you can’t help it, perhaps you should bring your own spittoon.)

11. Pick up after your pets; stop dog fouling in streets and parks.

12. Don’t leave your discards out by the road for collection.

13. Don’t throw away hazardous waste such as mercury-containing lamps and batteries in regular trash.

14. Be a smart consumer — small is beautiful and less is more. Say no to plastic bags, make eco-bags your lifetime companion, and always keep reusable/foldable bags in your purse or pocket for your needs.

15. Plan your shopping day, pick eco-friendly products with the least packaging, and make sure you have a bayong or other reusable bags to carry the goods. Be firm on not buying anything when you don’t have your bag with you. This will also save you from impulse buying.

16. Avoid buying in plastic sachets and tipid packs; buy in bulk as much as possible and choose items in reusable or recyclable containers.

17. Plan your menu for the week, and buy only perishable goods such as vegetables that you need for the week to avoid spoilage.

18. Avoid buying fresh goods like fruits and vegetables from big supermarkets where these are usually wrapped in plastic cling wrap or placed on polystyrene trays. Get them from the nearest talipapa or palengke and put them directly in your bayong or reusable bags after weighing.

19. Bring empty ice cream or biscuit containers or small buckets when going to the market. You can use them for wet goods such as fish, poultry or meat before putting them in the basket or reusable bag.

20. Develop the habit of “no food and drink leftovers” during meals at home and elsewhere. Store leftovers in sealable glass or plastic containers and assign a “leftovers day” to consume them.

21. Support restaurants and food stalls that use reusable plates and utensils. Refrain from patronizing eateries that serve food in polystyrene containers.

22. Make it a practice to carry reusable food containers with you. This would come in handy for takeouts as well as leftovers from restaurants.

23. Shun drinking straws. Remind waiters not to give you one when you place your order and explain why. Drink straight from the bottle or use a cup instead.

24. Keep boxes of liquid milk, all-purpose cream, tomato sauce, and similar items as containers to grow seedlings.

25. Refrain from consuming single-use, throw-away stuff; opt for reusable ones such as cloth table napkin and cover instead of disposable ones, handkerchief in place of tissues, native fans in lieu of plastic fans.

And to top it all, our environmentalists enjoin everyone not to throw away their right to sue erring national and local authorities as well as private and public citizens who refuse to comply with Republic Act 9003 — the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act — and other related health and environmental laws.

Litter by litter, we can all make a difference.

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Stronger measures to protect consumers from toxic substances sought

Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago has called on the government to step up its implementation of measures aimed at protecting consumers from toxic substances.

Santiago has joined the calls of various interest groups such as the EcoWaste Coalition, Ban Toxics, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia and Health Care Without Harm for the need to implement the policy framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which was adopted by several nations in February 2006.

According to its website, the SAICM was developed by a multi-stakeholder and multi-sectoral Preparatory Committee and supports the achievement of the goal agreed upon at the 2002 Johannesburg World Summit on Sustainable Development that, by year 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on the environment and human health.

“It is our shared responsibility to respect and ensure the right of every Filipino of this generation and those yet to be born, to live, learn, and work in a healthy, safe, and toxic-free environment,” Santiago said.

“We therefore need a strong framework legislation to ensure coherence and synergy in our government’s approach on matters involving the health and safety of our people, especially the vulnerable groups, from toxic chemicals,” she said.

Santiago has filed Senate Resolution 376 calling for an inquiry, in aid of legislation, on ways to promote chemical safety and to strengthen the implementation of the SAICM in the Philippines.

According to Santiago, those most vulnerable to risks from toxic substances include the children, women of child-bearing age, the elderly, farmers, workers, waste pickers and the poor.

“It is imperative that the legislature implement strong policies that will prioritize pollution prevention and environmental justice, in order to respond to some of the most pressing chemical safety issues today,” she said.

Among the issues that require immediate attention are the need for measures to eliminate lead in paints, prohibit phthalates and other chemicals of concern in toys, school supplies and children’s articles, prevent and control mercury pollution from human activities, ensure the environmentally-sound management of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste) and curb dependency on pesticides in agriculture.

In addition to framework legislation, Santiago also pushed for expanding public information and education on chemicals and chemical safety issues and observance of Feb. 6 as Toxic Awareness and Action Day.

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'Mercury-laden skin whiteners still being sold in Manila'

Toxic watchdog EcoWaste Coalition is calling for a ban on mercury-laden cosmetics as the group revealed it found recalled dangerous products still being sold in the market earlier this month.

“Despite repeated warnings from government regulators and threats of legal action, we still find the recalled dangerous products in the market,” said Aileen Lucero, safe cosmetics campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition.

The group conducted test buys from February 1 to 10 this year and succeeded in buying 13 of the 28 skin-whitening products blacklisted by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for containing elevated levels of mercury.

These include the following products:

* Jiaoli Miraculous Cream
* Jiaoli Huichusu Cream
* Jiaoli 7-Days Specific Eliminating Freckle AB Set
* Jiaoli 10-Days Eliminating Freckle Day and Night Set
* Doctor Bai Intensive White Revitalizing and Speckle Removing Set
* Gemli Glutathione Hydrolyzed Collagen Whitening and Anti-Aging Cream
* JJJ Magic Spots Removing Cream
* Shengli Day and Night Cream, S’Zitang Cream
* Beauty Girl Aloe Pearl
* Beauty Girl Ginseng and Green Cucumber
* Beauty Girl Olive and Sheep Essence
* St. Dalfour Beauty Whitening Cream

The shops selling the items, the group said in a statement, were in tiangge stalls, health supplement shops in malls, and in Chinese drug stores in Caloocan, Las Piñas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Manila, Pasay, Quezon City, Valenzuela, and in Angono, Rizal.

“Most shops that we went to sell the banned items openly, giving official or informal receipts upon request. Others sell them under-the-counter, refusing to provide any proof of purchase,” Lucero said.

“The results of our test buys should provoke the health and police authorities to take stern action to close down the illicit trade that constitutes direct threat to public welfare,” Lucero added.

The group conducted the test buys before Valentine's Day, where they gathered at Plaza Santa Cruz in Manila and held a banner that said "Mercury-Added Cosmetics: Injurious to Health."

They also unveiled "Valentoxic", a Medusa-like villain with "snakes" in her hair taking the form of FDA-banned small bottles of skin whitening creams.

Valentoxic went around Chinese drug stores from Plaza Santa Cruz to Plaza Miranda and gave shop owners copies of the FDA directives about the recall of certain skin whitening products.

"Filipino consumers deserve nothing less than safe and truthfully labeled products that are free of mercury and other harmful ingredients," Lucero said.

Use of products with high levels of mercury may result in mercury toxicity with symptoms such as nervousness, irritability, difficulty with concentration, headache, tremors, memory loss, depression, insomnia, weight loss, fatigue, and numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or around the lips.

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Tougher measures against toxic chemicals pushed

Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago called Saturday for a robust and coherent national policy framework, strategy and program for chemicals to reduce, if not totally eradicate, the health, environmental and social impacts of toxic chemicals on humans and the ecosystem.

As author of the Climate Change Act (Republic Act 9729), Santiago filed Senate Resolution 376 which sought stricter measures against toxic chemicals and substances.

Civil society groups such as the EcoWaste Coalition, Ban Toxics, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, and Health Care Without Harm called for the need to implement the policy framework of the Strategic Approach to International Chemicals Management (SAICM), which was since adopted by the international community on February 6, 2006.

“It is our shared responsibility to respect and ensure the right of every Filipino of this generation and those yet to be born, to live, learn, and work in a healthy, safe, and toxic-free environment. We therefore need a strong framework legislation to ensure coherence and synergy in our government’s approach on matters involving the health and safety of our people, especially the vulnerable groups, from toxic chemicals,” Santiago said.

She said those most vulnerable to risks from toxic substances include the children, women of child-bearing age, the elderly, farmers, workers, waste pickers and the poor.

“It is imperative that the legislature implement strong policies that will prioritize pollution prevention and environmental justice, in order to respond to some of the most pressing chemical safety issues today,” Santiago said.

The most pressing concerns, she said, “include the need for measures to eliminate lead in paints, prohibit phthalates and other chemicals of concern in toys, school supplies and children’s articles, prevent and control mercury pollution from human activities, ensure the environmentally-sound management of electrical and electronic waste (e-waste), and curb dependency on pesticides in agriculture.”

Citing information from the United Nations Environment Programme website, Santiago said that SAICM seeks “the achievement of the sound management of chemicals throughout their life cycle so that, by 2020, chemicals are produced and used in ways that minimize significant adverse impacts on human health and the environment.”

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Toxic Mercury in Air, Growing Concern

Five years to this day marks the tragic mercury spill at St. Andrew’s School in Paranaque that changed the life of a young boy, when he was exposed to toxic mercury vapors that caused him to develop irreversible parkinsonism and nerve damage.



Environmental groups commemorated the event by holding a briefing on the result of a six-month investigation of toxic mercury vapors across the country, entitled “CHASING MERCURY: Measuring Mercury Levels in the Air Across the Philippines” that showed details of the growing mercury pollution. Ban Toxics, Global Alliance for Incineration Alternatives, and the EcoWaste Coalition called on the government for immediate and effective action against the toxic threat.



Utilizing a mercury vapor analyzer to detect elemental mercury vapor at concentrations as low as 0.5 nanograms / m3, Ban Toxics, the study author, visited various mercury hotspots and famous landmarks around the country to test the level of mercury in these areas. The study confirmed that mercury air emissions from burning of mercury and its use in large quantities in specific sectors are a major contributor to the mercury levels in air. The study also showed that air emissions travel from one area to another, which widens the area of contamination.



“The mercury that was spilled at St. Andrew’s was just around 50 grams. What we witnessed in the areas we visited are kilos upon kilos of mercury being spilled and burned,” explained Atty. Richard Gutierrez, Executive Director of Ban Toxics. “If 50 grams could cause such trauma to one boy, the implications of setting loose hundreds of tons of this poison to our environment could be catastrophic for all of us.”



The study noted that major emissions come from mercury use in artisanal and small-scale gold mining (ASGM), where mercury is often used in gold processing. Levels as high as 30,000 ng/m3 were detected in gold processing sites and elevated levels of 2,900 ng/m3 were spotted in adjacent areas where mercury was being burned. The group visited three provinces that had ASGM activities, Camarines Norte, Romblon, and Benguet.



Mercury is a dangerous toxin that can cause neurological damage and has been recognized to cause cancer and birth defects in humans and wildlife. Children, the fetus and pregnant women are the most sensitive population to the dangerous effects of mercury. The World Health Organization recognized as far back as 1991 that there is no true safe level for mercury exposure.



Mercury is widely used in society, which increases the probability of exposure from multiple sources. Mercury can be found in:

a) Fluorescent and compact fluorescent lights;

b) Thermometers, sphygmomanometers, barometers and other measuring equipments;

c) Whitening creams and some medical antiseptic;

d) Dental amalgam; and

e) Coal and coal ash.



Among the mercury hotspots that was visited were coal-ash dumpsites in Cebu and municipal waste dumpsites in Metro Manila. Coal-ash from coal-fired power plants that was used as a fill for a building site registered as much as 2,000 ng/m3, while mercury from hundreds of broken CFL lamps in one dumpsite was at 22,000 ng/m3.



“The improper disposal of these mercury containing materials causes the release of mercury to the environment,” stated Thony Dizon, EcoWaste Coalitions’ Program Officer for Chemical Safety. “We caution our countrymen to segregate these toxic wastes, at iwasang basagin o sunugin ang mga mercury containing equipment.”



The study also visited schools and some hospitals and dental clinics to test mercury levels. In these locations mercury levels are generally low. However, mercury levels begin to pick up if mercury-containing equipment are improperly stored or broken. In these circumstances the mercury vapor analyzer picked up at most 6,000 ng/m3 of mercury in the air.



“When a person goes to hospitals and schools, one expects these places to be safe,” explains Gutierrez. “As the tests show, hospitals and schools can be hidden sources of mercury especially if the thermometers and sphygmos that are being used in these facilities still contain mercury and more so if these are improperly stored or leaking.”



Following are some relevant findings based on the results and experiences of the study:

· A background level of mercury already exists in the Philippines, even in areas with no known or alleged mercury use;

· The highest mercury vapor concentrations were found in sites where mercury was actually being used or stored;

· In mining areas, mercury vapor concentrations increase dramatically during operations that utilized mercury;

· Despite regulations from the Departments of Health and Education, many health facilities and schools still have mercury and mercury-containing devices, either in use or improperly stored;

· Mercury-containing wastes (e.g., discarded mercury-containing lamps, broken mercurial thermometers, etc.) are often disposed or mixed with regular trash.

· There is currently no functional national system for the environmentally sound management for mercury-containing wastes and their storage; and

· Proper, careful packing and correct storage techniques make a big difference in reducing the amount of mercury being released into the air by elemental mercury and mercury-containing chemicals and devices.



The study issued several recommendations to address the growing mercury pollution, comprising a mix regulatory and policy tools such as reducing or eliminating man-made mercury sources, enforcement of regulations, and increased information for consumers and awareness raising. It was also noted that consistent and regular monitoring air emissions would be needed especially in mercury hotspots.



Another critical issue in the recommendation is the proper packaging and storage of mercury. The study authors point out that a functional system and procedure, from the barangay level all the way to the national level, for the environmentally-sound collection, management, and storage of mercury, products containing mercury, and mercury-containing wastes needs to be established. Lastly, the study emphasized that international action on eliminating man-made sources of mercury is urgently needed, and the Philippine government has role to play not only in protecting its interests at the international level, but to ensure that developing country interests are protected as well.



“The air pollution from mercury is a needless risk that we impose upon ourselves and to future Filipinos. By taking precautionary steps in avoiding and eliminating use of mercury in society, we also eliminate the risk of further mercury exposure,” explained Manny Calonzo, Co-coordinator for the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives. “Mercury-free alternatives already exists and available. The solutions are at hand, we as a society need only to collectively grasp it.”

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Shift to LPG-fed jeepneys seen‏

A major chunk in the country’s market for diesel is projected to shift to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) upon the completion of a study on the economic viability, environmental soundness, health impact and social acceptability of a public jeepney that is powered by a brand-new and Euro-3 rated LPG-fuelled engine from Japan.

This was according to Cielo Fregil, Managing Director or Global Ambient Hi-Technology Systems Inc (GATES) during the Valentine’s Day launch of the study, dubbed as "Love the Air, Save the Planet" at the Environmental Studies Institute of Miriam College (Miriam ESI) in Quezon City.

The study will be conducted by the collaboration of GATES and Philippine Automative Depot Inc. (PAD Inc.), Miriam ESI, Citizens Organization Concerned with Advocating Philippine Environmental Sustainability (COCAP), Partnership for Clean Air (PCA) and Clean Air Initiatives Asia (CAI-Asia).

"We foresee that a huge portion of the market for diesel consumed by the public jeepney sector would shift to LPG as soon as we are done with the validation of the study because of its much needed and desired economic and environmental benefits that all sectors of society have been wanting for so long," Fregil emphasized, adding that the same shift happened with most of the taxi fleets.

She said the gains would be derived from the big difference in the pump price of LPG and diesel, which is now pegged at Php28 and Php41.50 per liter, respectively. She explained that the estimated additional mileage of 6 to 7 kms/liter by an LPG engine as opposed to diesel’s 4 to 5 kms/liter will also mean an additional benefit.

Rene Pineda, Jr., COCAP and PCA president, pointed out that the bigger winner of the result of the study is the environment because LPG is expected to have better and more desirable emission than diesel, especially if the former is efficiently combusted by a brand-new, direct-injected engine.

"We, in the environmental movement, are so critical about emission standards and the flagrant violation thereof because of the worsening air pollution level that has already breached by more than 200 percent the ‘livable’ threshold," Pineda stressed.

He said the study is a "win-win" approach to curbing air pollution and improving the economic lot of the public jeepney sector, adding that they also intend to validate LPG’s capability to lessen the considerable amount of noise pollution caused by diesel engines.

Members of the group said they would require more than three months conducting the study to cover all possible factors as extensively as possible.

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Ipagbawal ang plastic

MARAMI nang pag-aaral na isinagawa na ang mga bumabara sa daanan ng tubig ay ang mga bagay na gawa sa plastic --- plastic na supot, bags, botelya, cups at marami pa. Ang mga nabanggit ay hindi natutunaw. Kapag nahulog ang mga ito sa imburnal o drainage, doon na sila habampanahon. At dito magsisimula ang kalbaryo ng mga tao. Aapaw ang tubig dahil hindi makadaan sa baradong drainage o imburnal. Ang baha ay maghahanap ng ibang landas hanggang sa ang tunguhin na ay mga kabahayan. Ganyan ang nangyari noong manalasa ang bagyong “Ondoy” noong 2009. Nang humupa si “Ondoy” ang mga basura ang naiwan sa maraming bahay na binaha. Pawang plastic na supot, bags at mga botelya ang nagsabit sa kung saan-saan.

Noong manalasa ang bagyong Milenyo noong 2006, ilang trak ng basura na pawang plastic ang nakuha sa gilid ng Roxas Blvd. Nagkabuhol-buhol ang trapiko sapagkat iniiwasan ang mga basura sa gilid ng kalsada. Nang mga sumunod pang pana­nalasa ng bagyo, ay ganundin ang senaryo. At hindi pakonti ang mga nakukuhang basurang plastic kundi parami nang parami.

Ang Ilog Pasig ay isa sa mga kawawang pinagtatapunan ng basurang plastic. Kahit na may mga grupong sumasagip sa Ilog, nawawalan ito ng saysay sapagkat hindi mapigilan ang mga tao para pagtapunan ng kanilang basura na pawang gawa sa plastic. Habang hinuhukay ang Ilog Pasig at inaalis ang mga basura at burak, wala namang tigil ang mga taong nakatira sa pampang na magtapon dito. Pati ang mga pabrika ay walang ring takot kung magluwa ng kanilang dumi sa kawawang ilog.

Maaari namang mapigilan ang pagtatapon ng mga plastic sa kapaligiran. At walang makagagawa nito kundi ang mga namumuno sa bawat bayan at siyudad. Magkaroon lamang sila ng ordinansa na magbabawal sa paggamit ng plastic na supot, bags, cup at iba pa ay tiyak na walang magiging problema sa hinaharap.

Ganito ang ginagawa sa Muntinlupa kung saan ay pinagbabawalan ang mga establishment doon na gumamit ng plastic. Merong city ordinance sa Muntinlupa nagbabawal gumamit ng plastic. Ang hindi susunod ay mapaparusahan.

Kailan may susunod sa yapak ng Muntinlupa?

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Mga bawal na pampaganda kalat pa rin sa merkado

IBINUNYAG ng isang toxic watchdog na malaya pa ring naipagbibili sa Metro Manila ang ilang cosmetics o mga pampaganda na una nang ipinagbawal na gamitin at ipagbili ng Food and Drugs Administration.

Ayon sa grupong EcoWaste Coalition, batay sa isinagawang test buys ng kanilang AlerToxic Patrol mula Pebrero 1 hanggang 10, marami pa ring tindahan ang nagbebenta ng naturang FDA-prescribed skin whitening products.

Lumilitaw na 13 sa 28 FDA-blacklisted skin whitening products ang nabili ng AlerToxic patrollers mula sa mga “tiangge” stall, health supplements shops sa mga mall at sa mga Chinese drug store na matatagpuan sa Caloocan City, Las Piñas City, Makati City, Malabon City, Mandaluyong City, Manila City, Pasay City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City, at maging sa Angono, Rizal.

Kabilang sa mga nabiling banned product ang Jiaoli Miraculous Cream, Jiaoli Huichusu Cream, Jiaoli 7-Days Specific Eliminating Freckle AB Set, Jiaoli 10-Days Eliminating Freckle Day and Night Set, Doctor Bai Intensive White Revitalizing and Speckle Removing Set, Gemli Glutathione Hydrolyzed Collagen Whitening and Anti-Aging Cream, JJJ Magic Spots Removing Cream, Shengli Day and Night Cream, S’Zitang Cream, Beauty Girl Aloe Pearl, Beauty Girl Ginseng and Green Cucumber, Beauty Girl Olive, Sheep Essence at St. Dalfour Beauty Whitening Cream.

Kaugnay nito, umapela sa pamahalaan ang EcoWaste na magiging mas seryoso pa ang pamahalaan sa kanilang kampaniya na i-ban ang mga naturang mercury-laced cosmetics upang maiiwas sa panganib na dulot nito ang publiko.

Nagtipon-tipon at nagtungo pa sa Plaza Sta. Cruz sa Maynila ang mga miyembro ng EcoWaste na may dalang yellow banner na nagsasaad ng ‘Mercury-Added Cosmetics: Injurious to Health,’ upang paigtingin ang kanilang kampaniya laban sa mercury-laced cosmetics.

Ipinakilala rin ng mga ito sa naturang pagtitipon si “Valentoxic,” na hango mula sa karakter ni Valentina sa Pinoy comic book na Darna, upang ipanawagan sa publiko na huwag tangkilikin ang mga produktong ipinagbabawal na ng pamahalaan na gamitin.

Matatandaang noong Enero, Pebrero, Hunyo at Agosto 2010, ay ipinag-utos ng Food and Drug Administration ang pagba-ban sa may 28 brand ng mga skin lightening products na pawang imported mula sa bansang China, Hong Kong, Taiwan at Japan dahil nagtataglay ang mga ito ng mercury na maaaring makasama sa kalusugan ng tao.

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Sale of mercury-laced products rampant despite ban, group says

The “Merchants of Venus,” so-called because they sell beauty products, have been defying a ban on the sale of 28 mercury-tainted skin lightening products, an pro-environment group said on Monday.

Despite repeated warnings from regulators and threats of legal action, drug-store owners have been selling 28 of the “recalled dangerous cosmetics,” said the EcoWaste Coalition’s campaigner Aileen Lucero.

Along with volunteers, Lucero said she conducted test buys of the prohibited cosmetics from February 1 to 10 and found out that they were being sold mostly in Chinese drug stores in Quiapo and Sta. Cruz, Manila and in the cities of Caloocan, Las Pinas, Makati, Malabon, Mandaluyong, Pasay andQuezon City.

Lucero said she and her team succeeded in buying 13 of the 28blacklisted skin whitening products from stalls and health shops in malls.

The prohibited items include those banned in January 2010 (Jiaoli Miraculous Cream, Jiaoli Huichusu Cream), February 2010 (Jiaoli 7-Days Specific Eliminating Freckle AB Set, Jiaoli 10-Days Eliminating Freckle Day and Night Set), June 2010 (Doctor Bai Intensive White Revitalizing and Speckle Removing Set, Gemli Glutathione Hydrolyzed Collagen Whitening andAnti-Aging Cream, JJJ Magic Spots Removing Cream, Shengli Day and Night Cream, S’Zitang Cream) and in August 2010 (Beauty Girl Aloe Pearl, Beauty Girl Ginseng and Green Cucumber, Beauty Girl Olive and Sheep Essence, St. Dalfour Beauty Whitening Cream).

The results of their test buys, Lucero said, should provoke the health and police authorities to take firm actions to close down the illicit trade that constitutes direct threat to public welfare.

To emphasize the hazards of mercury-laced cosmetics, Lucero cited the “Health Alert” advisory on “Mercury Poisoning Linked to Use of Face Lightening Cream” issued by the California Department of Public Health in May 2010.

The health advisory has identified several symptoms of mild to moderate mercury poisoning due to the reported use of unlabeled, non-prescription facial cream for lightening the skin, fading freckles and age spots, and for treating acne.

In celebration of yesterday’s Valentine’s Day, coalition members went to Chinese stores at the vicinity of Plaza Sta. Cruz in Sta. Cruz and Plaza Miranda in Quiapo, both in Manila, and gave shop owners copies of the FDA’s directives recalling mercury-tainted skin whitening products. They also distributed copies of the latest EcoWaste Coalition’s poster advising consumers to stay away from unsafe cosmetics.

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EcoWaste urges Noy to lend gravitas to anti-littering campaign

THE Metropolitan Manila Development Authority’s new anti-littering campaign to clean up Metro Manila’s streets and waterways would get a big boost if President Aquino will use his moral ascendancy and popularity to bolster the campaign, the environmental group Ecowaste Coalition said.

"We fervently wish that President Aquino will speak up against littering. We strongly believe that it will make a huge difference if the President himself leads the campaign for a ‘litter-free Pilipinas.’ He can make littering a thing of the past just like what he did with the abusive use of wang-wang (flashing sirens)," said EcoWaste president Roy Alvarez.

The MMDA launched the "Metro Ko, Love Ko!" campaign that aims to keep the streets and waterways of Metro Manila garbage-free.

EcoWaste said Republic Act 9003 which prohibits the dumping of garbage in roads, sidewalks, canals, esteros, parks and establishments has gone unimplemented in many areas due to the lack of political will and effective public education.

Meanwhile, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje ordered the department’s regional field officials to start forging partnerships under their "Adopt-an-Estero" project targeting not less than 10 waterways per region. An "adopted" estero will be maintained by the adoptive company, local government units and civil society as a flood-prevention measure.

The DENR had entered into a number of agreements for several waterways, all in Metro Manila, under the Adopt-an-Estero program in 2010.

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Mayor Bernabe on call to ban plastics in P’ñaque: No, no, no

The Parañaque City government will not heed Metropolitan Manila Development (MMDA) calls for complete ban on the use of plastic or styrofoam for commercial use.

This was the disclosed by Mayor Florencio Bernabe during the forum of Association of Information Officers of Metro Manila (AIMM) yesterday after receiving many negative reactions from the consumers and producers as well as businesses in the city.

While commending the move made by Muntinlupa City on plastic ban which was endorsed by the MMDA and the Eco Waste Coalition, Bernabe said it is not applicable in Parañaque City.

Instead of working on plastic ban the city will focus on waste segregation program, plastic recycling and information campaign to impose discipline among residents who indiscriminately throw garbage anywhere, Bernabe said.

At present, the city council is crafting its own version of environmental laws which will impose heavy penalties on litterbugs to teach them a lesson on proper way of disposing garbage.

Meanwhile, Bernabe presented through power point presentation to media the first robotic alike backhoe which can enter even the impenetrable site in many squatters area that can be used to pick up tons of garbage in creeks which block the passage of water that resulted in floods in some low-lying areas.

The acquisition by the city of a “floating dredging machine” which will dredge the Parañaque River that has become shallow due to silt and tons of garbage will help in giving life to the dying creeks which have been neglected over a long period of time, according to Bernabe.

In another development, the Muntinlupa City government is going hard in its implementation of the ban on plastic containers as it sternly warned five popular fast food restaurants and a branch of a popular bookstore chain that they face closure for continued violation of the city ordinance.

According to Muntinlupa City Public Information Office chief Omar Acosta, the five establishments had been warned to comply with Ordinance No. 10-109 until next week or face closure for a year and outright revocation of their business licenses.

Pending the inspection of the Environment and Sanitation Center and Business Permits and Licensing Office sometime next week the erring establishments have yet to be named.

But sources at city hall disclosed two of the fast food restaurants are located in Barangay Putatan fronting the city hall while the two others are along National Road in Barangay Poblacion. The bookstore is located at SM Tunasan.

Muntinlupa Ordinance No. 10-109, authored by Councilor Joselito Arevalo, took effect on January 18. It strictly prohibits the use of plastic sando bags, pouch, plastic shopping bags and plastic film bags and styrofoam materials such as disposable food containers, cups, plates and the likes.

Business establishments such as malls, groceries, supermarkets, pharmacies, private and public flea markets and restaurants and food stores are prohibited from using plastic bags as packing materials for dry or wet goods/products.

Acosta said the 12 business establishments had been fined twice, P1,500 and P2,500, for the first and second offenses, respectively.

Should they be found to have not complied with the ordinance for the third time, the stores will be closed for a year, their business permits and licenses canceled while the management face six-month jail term.

The fine for the third offense is P3,500.

Aside from the 12 establishments, 775 violators had been cited for violation by the city hall since the plastic ban took effect on January 18.

Muntinlupa City Mayor Aldrin San Pedro said local businesses were given a one-year grace period before the full implementation of the ordinance last month.

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LED Products Billed as Eco-Friendly Contain Toxic Metals, Study Finds

Those light-emitting diodes marketed as safe, environmentally preferable alternatives to traditional lightbulbs actually contain lead, arsenic and a dozen other potentially hazardous substances, according to newly published research.

"LEDs are touted as the next generation of lighting. But as we try to find better products that do not deplete energy resources or contribute to global warming, we have to be vigilant about the toxicity hazards of those marketed as replacements," said Oladele Ogunseitan, chair of UC Irvine's Department of Population Health & Disease Prevention.



He and fellow scientists at UCI and UC Davis crunched, leached and measured the tiny, multicolored lightbulbs sold in Christmas strands; red, yellow and green traffic lights; and automobile headlights and brake lights.



Their findings? Low-intensity red lights contained up to eight times the amount of lead allowed under California law, but in general, high-intensity, brighter bulbs had more contaminants than lower ones. White bulbs contained the least lead, but had high levels of nickel.



"We find the low-intensity red LEDs exhibit significant cancer and noncancer potentials due to the high content of arsenic and lead," the team wrote in the January 2011 issue of Environmental Science & Technology, referring to the holiday lights. Results from the larger lighting products will be published later, but according to Ogunseitan, "it's more of the same."



Lead, arsenic and many additional metals discovered in the bulbs or their related parts have been linked in hundreds of studies to different cancers, neurological damage, kidney disease, hypertension, skin rashes and other illnesses. The copper used in some LEDs also poses an ecological threat to fish, rivers and lakes.

Ogunseitan said that breaking a single light and breathing fumes would not automatically cause cancer, but could be a tipping point on top of chronic exposure to another carcinogen. And -- noting that lead tastes sweet -- he warned that small children could be harmed if they mistake the bright lights for candy.

Risks are present in all parts of the lights and at every stage during production, use and disposal, the study found. Consumers, manufacturers and first responders to accident scenes ought to be aware of this, Ogunseitan said. When bulbs break at home, residents should sweep them up with a special broom while wearing gloves and a mask, he advised. Crews dispatched to clean up car crashes or broken traffic fixtures should don protective gear and handle the material as hazardous waste. Currently, LEDs are not classified as toxic and are disposed of in regular landfills. Ogunseitan has forwarded the study results to California and federal health regulators.



He cites LEDs as a perfect example of the need to mandate product replacement testing. The diodes are widely hailed as safer than compact fluorescent bulbs, which contain dangerous mercury. But, he said, they weren't properly tested for potential environmental health impacts before being marketed as the preferred alternative to inefficient incandescent bulbs, now being phased out under California law. A long-planned state regulation originally set to take effect Jan. 1 would have required advance testing of such replacement products. But it was opposed by industry groups, a less stringent version was substituted, and Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger placed the law on hold days before he left office.



"I'm frustrated, but the work continues," said Ogunseitan, a member of the state Department of Toxic Substances Control's Green Ribbon Science Panel. He said makers of LEDs and other items could easily reduce chemical concentrations or redesign them with truly safer materials. "Every day we don't have a law that says you cannot replace an unsafe product with another unsafe product, we're putting people's lives at risk," he said. "And it's a preventable risk."

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Public warned on toxic personal care products

A toxic watchdog will let loose tomorrow a Medusa-like villain in downtown Manila to warn consumers to be on alert against hazardous chemicals creeping around personal care products.

The EcoWaste Coalition will unleash “Valentoxic” — named after “Valentina,” the arch-foe of Pinoy comic book heroine “Darna” — in Plaza Sta. Cruz amid the steep sale of cosmetics as many Filipinos buy them as gifts or to enhance their looks for Valentine’s Day.

In her first public appearance, Valentoxic will draw public attention against mercury-added skin lightening products that are quite popular, especially among women and youth seeking to “improve” their skin complexion.

Like the Greek Medusa and the Pinoy Valentina, Valentoxic has “snakes” for hair that will be accented with small bottles of skin whitening creams that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) had previously banned for containing elevated levels of mercury.

From the plaza, Valentoxic will go from one Chinese drug store to another in Sta. Cruz and Quiapo, Manila to give shop owners copies of the FDA’s four ban orders in 2010 and the latest EcoWaste Coalition’s poster on chemical safety that tackles mercury in cosmetics.

“Valentoxic in her debut is calling attention to the ‘out of control’ sale of banned skin lightening products that poison unsuspecting consumers with mercury, a dangerous neurotoxin,” said Aileen Lucero, safe cosmetics campaigner of the EcoWaste Coalition.

Among the groups who will take part in the pre-Valentine action for mercury-free cosmetics include the Alaga LAHAT, Angkan ng Mandirigma, Ang NARS, Asitra, Buklod Tao, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives, and Zero Waste Philippines.

“Despite repeated warnings from government regulators and threats of legal action, we still find the recalled dangerous products in the market,” bewailed Lucero who, along with volunteers, conducted test buys of the proscribed items.

“Most shops that we went to sell the banned items openly, giving official or informal receipts upon request. While others sell them under-the-counter, refusing to provide any proof of purchase,” she said.

“The results of our test buys should provoke the health and police authorities to take stern action to close down the illicit trade that constitutes direct threat to public welfare,” she added.

From February 1 to 10, EcoWaste Coalition’s AlerToxic Patrollers succeeded in buying 13 of the 28 FDA-blacklisted and banned skin whitening products in “tiangge” stalls, health supplements shops in malls and in Chinese drug stores located in Caloocan City, Las Piñas City, Makati City, Malabon City, Mandaluyong City, Manila, Pasay City, Quezon City, Valenzuela City and in Angono, Rizal.

Among the banned items still on sale in the market are those recalled in January 2010 (Jiaoli Miraculous Cream, Jiaoli Huichusu Cream), February 2010 (Jiaoli 7-Days Specific Eliminating Freckle AB Set, Jiaoli 10-Days Eliminating Freckle Day and Night Set), June 2010 (Doctor Bai Intensive White Revitalizing and Speckle Removing Set, Gemli Glutathione Hydrolyzed Collagen Whitening and Anti-Aging Cream, JJJ Magic Spots Removing Cream, Shengli Day and Night Cream, S’Zitang Cream) and in August 2010 (Beauty Girl Aloe Pearl, Beauty Girl Ginseng and Green Cucumber, Beauty Girl Olive and Sheep Essence, St. Dalfour Beauty Whitening Cream).

A “Health Alert” issued by the California Department of Public Health in May 2010 identified several symptoms of mild to moderate mercury toxicity due to the reported use of unlabeled, non-prescription facial cream for lightening the skin, fading freckles and age spots, and for treating acne.

According to the “Mercury Poisoning Linked to Use of Face Lightening Cream,” symptoms of mercury toxicity may include nervousness and irritability, difficulty with concentration, headache, tremors, memory loss, depression, insomnia, weight loss and fatigue.

Other symptoms may include numbness or tingling in hands, feet, or around the lips.

Toxic effects on the kidneys may cause proteinuria, nephrotic syndrome and renal tubular acidosis.

Gingivitis may also be observed.

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MMDA, metro mayors to launch “Metro Ko, Love Ko” program

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), together with the Metro Manila mayors, national and private agencies and schools will jointly launch on Saturday (February 12) at Taguig City University, a new anti-littering campaign to clear Metro Manila’s streets and waterways of litters and trash.

Under the umbrella of the “Metro Ko, Love Ko!”, the MMDA-led project will promote cleanliness as the indiscriminate throwing of garbage clogs drainage systems and waterways, causing floods during rains.

The “Metro Ko, Love Ko!” program is a comprehensive, multi-sectoral initiative that will promote worthy causes including cleanliness and urban renewal.

“We want to intensify participative and people-centric approaches by involving communities and other stakeholders,” Chairman Francis Tolentino said. “If we proceed with this anti-littering campaign as one, the message we send to the public is that we mean business,” he added.

The campaign will promote the intensified implementation of Republic Act 9003, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, and MMDA Regulation No. 96-009, the Anti-Littering Ordinance.

Since September 2010, the MMDA has apprehended over 21,000 litterbugs in Metro Manila.

MMDA General Manager Corazon Jimenez sees the campaign as a positive and mitigating measure to abate and control flooding by drastically reducing litter along clogged canals and waterways.

“Most solutions to our problems are simple and need not be expensive. Part of the “Metro Ko, Love Ko!” program is an easy and sustainable approach towards effectively addressing Metro Manila’s garbage and flood concerns,” she said.

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Palace solicits backing from environmentalist groups over log ban

With the ongoing protests of woodcutters against Executive Order (EO) 23 which imposes a log ban in all natural and residual forests nationwide, the Palace is wondering why environmentalist groups have not supported the move of President Aquino concerning the environment and the future generations.

Presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda told the state-run radio dzRB that what they are concerned about right now is the preservation and protection of the environment, more than business. “And I’m wondering where are the environmentalists groups here, why are they not supporting this move?” Lacierda asked.

He added that the President has taken a move on the log ban, and this is for the future. “Now, if there is any concern for the business, I think this should be taken in the perspective of what are we doing with the environment,” Lacierda said.

He also noted that for year 2010 alone, the natural calamity caused by deforestation reached to the loss of 36 lives, 32 others were injured, thousands of families were displaced, and estimated damage cost of P142 million to P306 million.

The presidential spokesman also said that there is still a great misunderstanding on the EO, noting that it is not a total log ban but a mere protection of the natural and residual forests. “There’s still around 400,000 hectares of forest that can be logged, with respect to plantation forest. This is our responsibility and the present generation has the responsibility to preserve and protect the forest for our future generations,” he said.

Last week, the Philippine Wood Producers Association (PWPA) objected the implementation of EO 23, declaring a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the anti-illegal logging task force. It said it may lose about P30 billion in investments should the government push through with its imposition of a nationwide log ban.

Lacierda said if there is a concern against the Executive Order, the group could set up a meeting depending on the availability of the President, further noting that their right now is to make sure the environment is protected first and foremost before any business decision.

The Malacañang official said the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje had talked to a certain association and a member of the Liberal Party explaining to them that the log ban is applied with regard to the natural and residual forests, but logging will be continued in the scheme of plantation forest.

“I’m not sure if Secretary Paje has consulted with them (PWPA). I understand that there were discussions with Secretary Paje when we were discussing this on the final review on the EO. I understand that...some decisions, representations were made with him. But the decision has been made.There will be log ban insofar as the natural and residual forests are concerned. It has to be protected, it has to be maintained, this is ours, in the words of the Supreme Court case, this is an intergeneration responsibility on our part,” he explained.

The EO takes into account with businesses as there were discussions made prior to the implementation of the log ban, and decision was made to maintain the plantation forests which would allow them to log those in the plantation forest but insofar as natural forest and residual forest, they have to be protected and allow them to grow again because there is much deforestation.

Last Saturday, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ramon Carandang said President Aquino has no intention to revoke Executive Order 23 which imposes a log ban in all natural and residual forests nationwide though there were objections from the PWPA.

Carandang, however, clarified that Aquino’s EO 23 does not necessarily stop wood companies from logging trees for as long as they would comply with all the regulations set by the government regarding this particular activity which he said “it’s more of a restriction on logging — very comprehensive restriction on logging.” He added that the President was aware of these contentions by the wood-producing companies before he signed EO 23 last Thursday but stood firm on his directive because he wanted to invest on the country’s future by taking care of its environment.

The EO 23 was released last Thursday as part of the efforts his administration is taking to mitigate the glaring impact of climate change that often result to flash floods stemming from the relentless cutting of logs that belong to the country’s natural and residual forests nationwide.

It instructed the DENR to strictly implement a forest certification system in accordance with the United Nations standards and guidelines so as to ascertain the sustainability of legal sources and chain of custody of timber and wood products nationwide.

Meanwhile, last Friday, Aquino ordered the DENR to impose the same degree of restriction on mining firms by suspending all large-scale mining applications while a review of all pending and inactive mining claims is yet to be accomplished until the end of the year.

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