PIA, DENR to launch climate change advocacy campaign in NCR

Much ado has been going on since the issue on climate change has surfaced as a major global threat. In the Philippines, discussions, reports, and studies on climate change have become normal consumption fare for the public especially in the wake of disasters such as super-typhoon Yolanda, typhoons Sendong and Pablo, and Manila Bay storm surge, among others, that have ravaged different parts of the country.

It is with this concern that the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) have joined efforts for a nationwide advocacy campaign on climate change adaptation and mitigation with the goal of increasing the level of consciousness of the public on climate change, its impacts on the society and the economy; and to educate them on adaptation and mitigation measures to weaken, if not stop, its negative impacts.

In the National Capital Region (NCR), a massive information and education campaign on climate change is set for implementation this year for a wider and deeper understanding of the public on this global phenomenon which was described by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma as “the new normal”, and which needs immediate action.

On August 01 (Friday), PIA-NCR, in partnership with DENR-NCR, will launch its advocacy campaign on climate change in Metro Manila. The event signals the vociferous information dissemination campaign of the said topic in NCR using various communication strategies such as print, radio, social media, puppet show, e-comics, fora and conferences, and social mobilization among others.

The launch will cover the maiden showing of PIA-produced Puppet Show on climate change which targets to educate the younger generation on the said topic using an entertaining yet informative medium. The showing is a prelude to the series of road shows that will be conducted by PIA’s Puppet Group in different public schools in Metro Manila for the climate change advocacy throughout the year.

Also to be witnessed in the launch is the screening of “Pinakbet”, a video-feature on climate change by Youtube sensation Travis Kraft. The video tackles the effects of climate change using a Filipino gustatory favorite, and will serve as a call to action particularly to target netizens.

Another activity to be conducted in the launch is the mural painting entitled “Kulayan Natin ang Pilipinas Natin” which will engage government employees as well as select elementary students in the said advocacy using the visual arts as their medium of expression. Each brush stroke shall represent a growing consciousness among the government and the youth sector on the effects of climate change and possible mitigating interventions.

Artist, environment advocate, and Dolphin Loves Freedom founder AG Saño will also give an overview on the Junk-to-Art class to the student-participants. The class’s objective is to teach students how to create treasures out of trash by recycling glass bottles and transforming them into one-of-a-kind masterpieces and fun creations.

The last part of the activity is the ceremonial tree-planting between PIA-NCR and DENR-NCR. This will signal the beginning of the massive tree-planting project to be conducted in the National Capital Region. The activity is also a prelude to this year’s “Happy Birthday, Tree!” project with the Pilipinas Natin where some 1,000 youth volunteers and government partners will be planting tree saplings in DENR-identified areas within Metro Manila. The activity is supportive of the government’s National Greening Program.

PIA-NCR Regional Director Riza J. Baldoria said that the climate change advocacy campaign in Metro Manila is a fitting and timely project between PIA and DENR as the metropolis had its share of disasters such as typhoon Ondoy, Manila Bay storm surge, and the possible movement of the West Valley Fault. “All are effects of climate change which is a repercussion of our collective human activities,” she explained.

 “With our intensive climate change advocacy campaign and assiduous carrying out of our projects, we are optimistic that residents in Metro Manila and neighboring areas will gain more awareness and understanding of this phenomenon that presently affects us and the whole world,” Baldoria said. “The climate change mitigation and adaptation measures to be disseminated to the public will greatly help curb the ill effects of climate change on our community and the economy,” she added.

The launch of Climate Change Advocacy Campaign in the National Capital Region will be held at 11 A.M at the PIA Auditorium of the PIA Central Office in Diliman, Quezon City.

The theme of this year’s campaign is “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Pagbabago” -- a call to action to every Filipino to change their lifestyles in order to lower their carbon footprint which contributes to climate change. 

PNoy cites declining crime incidence in Metro Manila

The Police has posted major gains in fighting crime and ensuring peace and order, particularly in Metro Manila, President Benigno S. Aquino III said on Monday.

In his fifth State of the Nation Address, the President said the Philippine National Police (PNP) has carried out several operations to boost security and ensure public safety.

Last June, he said, the PNP implemented Operation Lambat in the National Capital Region (NCR), increasing the number of checkpoints in different areas.

"Matapos nating triplihin ang dami ng checkpoints at magsagawa ng iba't ibang operasyon, ang resulta: 862 sasakyan at 29 firearms ang nakumpiska natin. Nakapag-serve tayo ng 587 warrants of arrest, na nagresulta sa pagkakaaresto ng 410 suspects," the President said in his address.

Before Oplan Lambat was implemented from January to June, an average of 31 murder and homicide cases occurred in the NCR every week, he said.

In five weeks after the operation began, the cases of murder and homicide dropped to 22 per week, he said, adding this is a 29 percent reduction in crimes in the NCR.

And if the government could fix the police pension system, it could hire more personnel and widen the implementation of Oplan Lambat to include other areas in the country, the Chief Executive said.

The ability to procure equipment for the PNP has been affected by the Supreme Court's decision on the Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) but the government is trying to find other sources of funds to fill the needs of the police, according to the President.

At the same time, the PNP also reimplemented Oplan Katok to ensure that licensed firearms belong to those who qualify under the law, he said, noting that the PNP has checked 28,714 households in the NCR to verify whether gun owners' licenses remain valid.

The President also vowed to bring to justice the perpetrators of recent high-profile murder cases, saying the police have already arrested the killers of Mayor Ernesto Balolong in Pangasinan and the attackers of Davao City businessman Richard King.

Investigators are also following good leads to capture the killers of race car driver Ferdinand Pastor, he said.

"Huwag po kayong mag-alala: hahabulin natin ang hustisya sa kabuuan, hindi isang bahagi lamang. Kaya bukod sa mga ginawa nating pag-aresto, patuloy tayo sa paglikom ng ebidensiya laban sa iba pang suspects," he said.

The President also called to the Filipino people to remain strong in faith and trust, and to stay united to permanently achieve the positive transformation of the country.

Filled with hope and optimism, the President, said that the Filipino is clearly moving forward, and should continue fighting for reform in a manner that would benefit all.

“Panatag ang kalooban ko na maraming magpapatuloy sa sinimulan ko. . . Abot kamay na ng pamayanan ang tuloy tuloy at sama-samang pag-unlad ng sambayanan. Kayo ang gumawa ng transpormasyon,” Aquino said.

The President recalled how the Philippines was once the “sick man of Asia” and how there was little hope in every Filipino.

He  underscored the fruits of his good governance initiatives, covering social services, infrastructure, disaster response and economy.

Aquno said that his administration has implemented  developmental projects that have propelled the country to greater heights and were recognized by the international community.

He laid down improvements in the educational and skills enhancement programs of the government citing the 146,731 or 66 per cent of the 223,615 TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority) Training for Work Scholarship Program graduates who are currently employed, while the 33 per cent remaining are being assisted by the said office to land a job.

He also bared that a total of 1.65 million jobs have been generated from April 2013- 2014.

He added that the country’s poverty incidence decreased to 24.9 per cent in the first half of 2013 as compared to 27.9% in the same period of the previous year. This translates to about 2.5 million Filipinos who have hurdled the poverty line, “and they will no longer go back to their previous state,” he quipped.

He also mentioned the benefits the country is enjoying since the Sin Tax Reform Law which contributed to stronger tax collections, gaining revenues of P1.536 trillion in 2013 from P1.094 trillion in 2010. 

The President also said the government was able to reduce the country’s debt to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratio, allowing the allocation of more funds for social services.

He said that the improvements in the economy led to an upgrade in the country’s credit and investment ratings from international credit ratings groups such as Fitch, Moody’s, and Standard and Poor’s (S&P). This positive news means the country could attract more investments.

He also said that the country was at the center stage when it hosted in May the World Economic Forum on East Asia. In 2015, the country will host the Asia Economic Cooperation Summit  (APEC), and “there is no doubt: the Philippines is indeed more open for business,” the President said.

All these are due to the good governance which has been the battlecry of his administration.

As far as infrastructure is concerned, he said that there has a massive expansion in infrastructure projects with P404.3 billion cost of infrastructures in 2014 versus the P203 billion in 2011. Roads constructed all throughout the country, for example, have reached 12,184 km or an equivalent of four (4) roads connecting Laoag down to Zamboanga.

The President also boasted of the seven (7) Public Private Partnership (PPP) projects amounting to P62.6 billion from Dec. 2011 to June 2014. The various eyed dam and water infrastructure projects are in response to the 2021 forecast water shortage in the country, he added.

Reforms in the Bureau of Customs have also been made as a new set of commissioners were put into office to improve the agency’s system. This led to a 22 per cent increase in collections.

The country’s disaster response and management was also applauded by the President as in the case of Tacloban and other areas in the Visayas which were ravaged by super typhoon Yolanda. In only a month’s time, the country was declared in the rehabilitation stage.  He added that the UN lauded the country for its quick recovery from such a disaster.

Aquino said he's already contented that if the time comes for him to go, there will be those who will continue the reforms he has made since he took power in 2010.

A teary-eyed Aquino said had he ran away from leading the country's transformation, it was as if he did not honor the memory of his parents, martyred former Senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino Jr. and the late President Corazon "Cory" Aquino.

He also gave a new twist to his father's famous line, saying the "Filipino is worth dying for, the Filipino is worth living for, and the Filipino is definitely worth fighting for."

Government launches nationwide climate change advocacy campaign

“Correct information is the best way to combat climate change.” This was the message sent across media practitioners and public information officers during the media launch for the government’s climate change advocacy campaign held July 18 at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) auditorium in Quezon City.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon P. Paje said that while the country boasts of state of the art facilities that could forecast incoming weather disturbances, “there is a need for stronger network for information dissemination to achieve zero casualty during disasters.”

“Climate change is now the new normal, and the government’s advocacy campaign on climate change focuses on two extremes: extreme rain and extreme summer,” Paje said.

Meanwhile, Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma said that there are three principles governing an effective climate change adaptation and mitigation campaign. These are (1) awareness and consciousness (kaalaman at kamalayan); (2) preparedness and capability (kahandaan at kakayahan); and (3) unity and solidarity/determination (kaisahan at katatagan).

Using the three (3) typhoons that recently hit the country such as Sendong, Pablo, Yolanda, Sec. Coloma said that awareness of incoming disasters needs to be coupled with preparedness and capability in terms of responding to them, as well as unity among government agencies and the public, as well as a strong determination to provide the necessary interventions to minimize their effects.

He added that it is high time to face the challenges of times as climate change is already happening. He urged the public to change their lifestyles in order to lower their carbon footprint which contributes to climate change.

He aptly put his message in the lines, which also serves as the theme for this year’s climate change advocacy campaign: “Nagbabago na ang panahon; panahon na para magbago.” (Climate change is already happening; it is now time to change.)

The campaign is a project of the DENR, in partnership with the PIA.

The project also garnered support from private television station GMA 7, which expressed its support to the project through a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signing which includes provision of free air plugs, endorsement by GMA 7 talents of the campaign, and other collaborations to strengthen the dissemination of climate change information to the public.

The activity also saw the presentation of the “PUNOAN” brand – a reinforcement project of the government’s National Greening Program (NGP) which aims to plant 1.5 billion trees all throughout the country by 2016.

Also the “Manila BAYanihan” advocacy campaign, which aims for a unified information, education and communication (IEC) and capacity-building campaign for the rehabilitation of the Manila Bay, was presented during the said launch. 

PIA-NCR to conduct climate change forum and skills enhancement seminar

As part of the government’s massive advocacy campaign on Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation, the Philippine Information Agency- National Capital Region (PIA-NCR), in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- National Capital Region (DENR-NCR), has organized a Climate Change Forum and Skills Enhancement Seminar for NCR public information officers set on June 18-20 in Baguio City.

To be participated in by members of the Association of Information Officers in Metro Manila (AIMM), composed of public information officers (PIOs) from the 17 local government units (LGUs) in NCR, and information officers of the NCR regional offices of national government agencies (NGAs); the seminar-forum aims to broaden the knowledge of PIOs on climate change being an inevitable phenomenon that poses dangers and risks if not given immediate action.

Also invited to participate are information officers from PIA and DENR regional offices in  Northern Luzon.

It also aims to introduce current trends and innovations in journalism that would further improve their skills in press release writing, media relations, crisis communication, and communicating climate change adaptation and mitigation interventions—all to produce relevant, timely, and effective communication materials that could influence the public to act towards climate change and possibly curb the ominous effects it could bring.

Invited speakers include big names from the country’s top dailies such as Ms. Dulce Sanchez, Metro Editor of the Philippine Star; Mr. Joseph Voltaire Contreras, Metro Editor of the Philippine Daily Inquirer; and Mr. Vicente Bartilad, Assistant Editor in Chief of the Manila Bulletin.

From the government side, Ms. Harriet Tauli of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) will tackle Communicating Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation to the public.

The AIMM, which was founded in 1997 by PIA-NCR Regional Director Riza Baldoria, is an organization which aims to unite LGUs and NGAs in the National Capital Region towards the dissemination and communication of government programs, projects, and activities in the region. The AIMM also serves as an intermediary between the public and the government through its feedback mechanism activities.

From its formation, the AIMM has already conducted various skills enhancement training-seminars, workshops on government programs, public service activities, and media fora, among others, that had benefitted not only its members but the general public as well.

For this year’s campaign the PIA and DENR, along with its various regional offices, have lined up a series of activities specifically for Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Advocacy.

The theme for the government’s Climate Change campaign is “Nagbabago na ang Panahon, Panahon na Para MAgbago.”