Multi-sector partners pushing for new environmental agenda

MANILA, Philippines - Top officials  from the government, the business sector and the academe have thrown their support behind an environmental advocacy that seeks to protect the environment while supporting economic growth.

In a span of three months, the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST) has counted the support of government leaders, industry bigwigs, corporate executives, businessmen, university students and youth leaders for the responsible protection of the environment toward sustainable economic growth.

PBEST was organized by a network of policy experts from the University of the Philippines (UP), De La Salle University (DLSU) and Ateneo de Manila University (ADMU) to actively participate in developmental policy reforms  that  promote effective  regulation of Philippine industries and ensure a more responsible stewardship of the environment that benefits all stakeholders.

PBEST recently held its  public launch at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City in partnership with the AIM-Ramon V. del Rosario Sr. Center for Corporate Social Responsibility on Nov. 26. The launch also formalized  a partnership with PBEST in developing a scorecard for mining.

‘’The scorecard will promote corporate compliance in connection with the environmental sustainability component of the Philippine Mining Act,’’ said Francisco L. Roman, executive director of  Asian Institute of Management (AIM) — RVR Center for Corporate Social Responsibility.

Philippine Trade Foundation president Antonio Lopa, who also serves as vice president of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry said the launching of PBEST is very timely.

‘’We see an imbalance in this debate, and an urgent need to step toward and actively elevate the environmental discussions based on science and facts, not slogans and fiery rhetoric, or even false propaganda. Thus, it is imperative that  our policy and leaders understand the science, the technology and the data essential to make sense of the direction that we should take before critical legislation is passed, which may have long term economic consequences,’’ Lopa said.

Junior Chamber International — Philippine president Christine Ponce Garcia also expressed her support saying ‘’through active citizenship and participation, our organization together with PBEST, envisions changing the future today. The young leaders of this country, represented by the JCI Phils follow the lead of PBEST in advocating for a genuine, responsible stewarship of the environment.’’

PBEST, together with the PCCI, Philippine Business for Social Progress (PBSP) headed by Manuel Pangilinan, and the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) are also exploring ways of addressing the water pollution issues besetting Laguna de Bay as part of its clean water advocacy.

To reduce motor vehicle emissions, PBEST looks at partnering with EMotors Inc., the country’s largest distributor of electric motors, and Gerweiss Motors Corp., the manufacturer of the famous E-Trikes of Boracay, to promote the use of electric vehicles in the provinces, cities, and municipalities through partnerships with the local government units.

Dindo Manhit, lead convenor said that PBEST will push for the implementation of resource management practices that will result in the maximum benefit with the least damage to the environment. “Environmental stewardship is everyone’s responsibility,” Manhit said.