Low-carbon town project: Mandaue Philippines' bet in APEC tilt

CEBU, Philippines - Mandaue City has been chosen to officially represent the Philippines in competing with other Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) member-economy cities for the organization’s low-carbon model town project.

The city was chosen to represent the country because of its comprehensive plans for the sustainable use of land, creation of the Green Building Code and reduction of carbon emissions.

Mandaue City is one of the candidate cities that aim to receive the technical support from the APEC Energy Working Group (APEC EWG) for the cities that have environmental sustainability efforts.

The other candidates among the 21 APEC member economies are Krasnoyarsk City of Russia and Subang Jaya City of Malaysia.

According to Subangdaku Barangay Captain Ernie Manatad, the nomination of the city came after the passage of the ordinance for their Green Building Code last month.

“The Secretary of Energy informed the Mayor (Jonas Cortes) that we are nominated, that we won the nomination,” Manatad said.

During the last week of August, the city council moved for the approval of the Green Building Code for Mandaue City.

“Finally, pag last week sa August, na-approve ang proposed measure,” Manatad said.

The passage of the ordinance is expected to help the city’s bid to become a model town as it aims “to minimize emissions of carbon gas”.

The Green Building Code also supports the “sustainable designs, constructions, and operations” of new buildings to be erected in the city.

“(The ordinance) will also support sustainable designs, constructions, and operations of buildings in Mandaue, considering that we are one of the manufacturing cities,” Manatad said.

The ordinance will also serve as “guidelines for the operators of establishments” in the city to promote the betterment of the environment.

According to Manatad, the city has a big chance to be chosen as the new model town for this year.

Manatad also said if Mandaue wins it will receive grants that will help support the implementation of low-carbon emission plans and projects.

He also expects the APEC EWG will conduct trainings for the personnel in Mandaue for the exchange of technology if the city bags the model town title.

“(APEC EWG) might also introduce innovations for Mandaue City, send experts to advise Mandaue on what to do in order to comply with the necessary amenities, to also conform with the standards,” Manatad said.

The APEC EWG will choose the new model town this coming October here in Cebu. — /BRP (FREEMAN)