Turn on the green light
MANILA, Philippines - Over 150 businessmen and residents of Subic Bay Freeport, Zambales, participated in a daylong forum on green financing and carbon credit before the celebration of Earth Hour, the worldwide initiative that encourages people to turn off their lights for the environment, on March 27. Part of the Art+Environment Festival, the forum was held at the Lighthouse Marina Resort in Subic Bay.
Sponsored by the British Embassy Manila and organized by Greenergy Resources, Contemporary Art Philippines Magazine, and the Lighthouse Marina Resort, the Earth Day event engaged small and medium enterprises (SME), which comprise 96 percent of all registered businesses in the Philippines and employ 70 percent of local workforce. Businessmen and citizens participated in the forum “SMEs: Leading the way to a low-carbon pathway,” which promoted models for low-carbon economy, sharing a wealth of information on how SMEs can move toward green practices and mitigate the effects of a changing climate. The first of its kind to be staged outside Metro Manila, the forum featured speakers from the British Embassy Manila, Climate Change Commission, Department of Science and Technology, Phillip Morris, Aboitiz Power, and more.
Focusing on a low-carbon economy, the event presented available technologies and financing options for SMEs that choose green practices in their operations. DOST presented how companies are able to save on energy just by adopting cleaner production programs that minimize waste. Nestle served as an example of how going green makes good business sense, as seen in the numerous awards the company has received. Korean-based FAWOO showed the benefits of switching to environment-friendly LED lights over CFL and incandescent versions. Landbank as a financing institution responded to the green revolution by helping shoulder the costs of SME programs that will address climate change. The Climate Change Commission also presented various carbon-financing schemes.
After the forum, an art exhibit was launched, which became another vehicle to raise awareness about the environment. As Earth Hour drew near, guests were ushered outside for a cocktail countdown to the worldwide power outage and at 8:30 p.m., electricity was turned off at the Lighthouse Marina Resort and surrounding areas. Proving that the celebration can go on, the drums and whistles of the Brigada band provided music while zip dancers with portable lights swayed to the lively beat.
Power returned even before the end of Earth Hour as solar panels cut through the darkness, demonstrating the viability of alternative sources of energy. Electric tricyles or e-trikes, which were also charged by solar panels, provided illumination during Earth Hour. Provided by Ariel Torres of AMT, the e-trikes were also exhibited as an earth-friendly means of transportation as they provided free trips around the city earlier in the day.
In the end, the Art+Environment Festival proved that people need not be in the dark to save the earth. With the green light of knowledge and earth-friendly practices, you can keep the celebration of life going.
