Photo from Wolffgang Photo

FIFTEENTH CONGRESS OF THE )
REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES )
First Regular Session

HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
H.B. No. ____
Introduced by Representative Lorenzo R. Tañada III

EXPLANATORY NOTE

The scientific community has overwhelmingly concluded that climate change poses grave risks to the long-term well-being of developing countries such as the Philippines. It is today a recognized fact that the impacts of the climate crisis will fall disproportionately on peoples that have contributed least to the global menace. The Philippines is particularly vulnerable to climate change not just because of its distinct national circumstances but because of the disorder as well by which the country has largely responded to the climate crisis.

For this reason, Congress enacted R.A. 9729, otherwise known as the “Climate Change Act of 2009″, to enable the government to consolidate and coordinate its efforts and to mobilize different sectors of society to confront the growing risks posed by climate change. Among other provisions, the law established the Climate Change Commission to lead the country’s response to the increasing severity and frequency of impacts due to warming temperatures worldwide.

It is not enough, however, to name the problem or create a body that can coordinate the country’s plan of action with respect to the climate crisis. To accomplish the objectives of the law, long-term, predictable and transparent sources of finance need to be established, based on nationally accepted fiduciary standards yet accessible to communities most vulnerable to climatic impacts. Unclear provisions in the law also need to be re-formulated to ensure the Commission plays the coordinative, capacity building leadership role envisioned by R.A. 9729, particularly with regard to harnessing government and non-government expertise, leveraging and managing climate change-related finance, and directing urgently needed monies towards adaptation programs that can make local governments and communities more resilient in the face of the climate crisis.

At present, more funds have come into the country for mitigation efforts instead of adaptation programs and projects. Worse, finance for adaptation activities have come in the form of loans. Consistent with the position championed by the Philippines abroad, which calls for climate finance to be channeled towards vulnerable countries and communities not as charity or aid but as compensation, arresting the governance chaos prevailing over the administration of climate finance that has already entered national coffers is urgent. National priorities must be reflected coherently and consistently in terms of the scale, sources and uses of finance leveraged from abroad and mobilized domestically.

In full support of the country’s commitment to defend the interests of vulnerable peoples from the ravages of climate change, this legislative initiative seeks to establish the People’s Survival Fund to directly support the adaptation action plans of local government units and communities. The Fund is to act as a “reward” fund that will finance local government and community adaptation action plans and thus encourage and accelerate the formulation of climate action at the local level and at the same time complement efforts to mainstream climate change in the national planning and budgeting process.

The Fund shall be taken from different sources including but not limited to the following: (a) the General Appropriations Act; (b) part of the cash dividends declared by all Government-Owned and Controlled Corporations; (c) a portion of the Certified Emission Reduction units earned under the UN-instituted Clean Development Mechanism and other domestic transactions utilizing the international carbon market; and (d) a portion of the Motor Vehicle User’s Charge. The Fund shall be used to support different programs and projects for climate change adaptation as stated in our national goals, in keeping with nationally accepted public accountability
standards.

The establishment of the Fund, as herein provided, the creation of the People’s Survival Fund Board for its administration and institutional measures, and the other amendments to R.A. 9729, are geared towards the observance of necessary coordination and collaboration that harnesses the immense expertise inherent in other government agencies and which will provide offices, particularly local government units and communities, with the policy framework most relevant to efforts to address climate change. All resources and power borne out of such duties, therefore, is expected to be utilized in the most efficient, effective and transparent manner in keeping with public interest.

In view of the foregoing, early approval of this bill is earnestly sought.

- LORENZO R. TAÑADA III

Ang tugon ng dumaraming pamayanan: depensa sa lumalalang pananalasa ng nagbabagong klima. Halimbawa:

• Mga proyektong magtitiyak ng patubig sa sakahan sa harap ng mas mahaba o mas matinding tagtuyot, tulad ng imbakan ng tubig sa gitna ng palayan

• Pagpapalaganap ng mga binhi o pamamaraan ng pagtanim na mas angkop sa malakas na ulan o matinding tag-init

• Pagtitiyak ng kabuhayan at tirahan na nahaharap sa tumataas na tubig dagat

• Flood-control projects para maayos ang pagdadaluyan ng tubig na dala ng malakas na bagyo gaya ng Ondoy

Maraming plano ang mga pamayanan, maraming intensyon, ngunit kulang ang kanilang pondo. Dahil kagyat at pangmatagalan ang pangangailangan sa depensa sa climate change, baka mapilitan pa silang galawin ang pinansyang nakalaan para sa edukasyon o kalusugan.

Hindi dapat ganito. Nararapat na may pondong hiwalay na maari nilang gamitin bilang depensa sa climate change. Kailangan nila ang ating suporta.

Reema Chanco is a sporty chic, rocker babe and bubbly TV personality who finds time for things that she likes. She runs, plays ultimate Frisbee, hosts shows and events but despite her busy schedule, she volunteers for fund raisers and advocacies that are close to her heart.  As an advocate of a healthy lifestyle, Reema sure knows the importance of saving our living environments.

Don't litter on the road. (Photo from jamelah)

Here’s an open letter to my fellow new drivers. I know that there’s nothing cooler than to be able to drive a car. The feeling of the engine revving to life with your hands is almost incomparable. That coupled with the thrill of rolling on a sprawling highway and going head to head with the road. But no matter how cool driving is we have to be responsible for the pollution our car causes. Here are simple misconceptions partnered with little tips to help make our world a little bit cooler.

Cool-conception:
Driving alone in a car makes you more attractive to girls.

Reality:
It’s way cheaper and more environment-friendly to car pool. The more cars are out there in the streets the heavier traffic is. And heavy traffic relates to more pollution to vehicles idling. Car pool is the way to go just invite the girls you like to impress them.

Cool-conception:
Driving spontaneously is liberating and fun.

Reality:
You’re wasting gas when you do this. Plan your destinations so you use the right amount of fuel.

Cool-conception:
Flooring it kicks ass.

Reality:
Well it does kicks nature’s ass when you burn rubber and excessive gas by pushing the pedal too much. Take it easy and drive with less aggression.

Cool-conception:
Changing stock tires to sports tires make your car look better and perform best.

Reality:
Your car will look better with sporty tires but you don’t need them for optimized city driving. Just make sure you tires have the right amount of air. Running on soft wheels make the care move slower because it doesn’t rotate well. Soft wheels-driving uses more energy as well.

Cool-conception:
It’s cool to be spotted driving along streets with lots of people.

Reality:
Streets with lots of people usually mean high traffic areas. Don’t showboat. Avoid heavy traffic areas to lessen pollution. Also avoid inclined plains like high bridges and ramps. It takes more energy than the usual to get up that inclined places.

It’s cool to drive but it’s cooler to keep our world healthy. Keep that in mind the next time you get behind the wheel. Drive safe and be responsible.

1. Go Straw-less. Imagine the amount of plastic you consume with all the straws you’ve used. If you’re simply dining in, ditch the straw.
2. Have a Vegetarian Day. It takes more energy to grow cattle and dairy products than in growing your veggies, so ignore the steak, and crunch on those leafy greens now!
3. Leave the Stirrer. When having coffee, try not to use those plastic stirrers! Ask for a stainless teaspoon to stir your coffee instead.
4. Bring Your Own Tumbler. Several coffee shops have provided incentives when you order your drink with your own tumbler already. So, bring out those cute tumblers and be a nature-helper!
5. Take One Less Paper Napkin. Try to hold back on your instinct to grab a ton of napkin. Just take what you need, and ask for an extra if you find that you need more.

The clock is ticking, it’s time to turn your appetites green! Bon appetit!

An actress, singer and always better known for a hilarious character, Tuesday Vargas is a multi-faceted and awarded artist. From doing stand-up back at UP Diliman, to the comedy bars in Quezon City, Tuesday has gone a long way. She does movies, she hosts and appears in several hit TV shows. She also still sings with her band, Top Junk. With crackling laughter both hers and the crowd she awes, and a real passion for life, she is a comedienne to reckon with.

Tim Yap is a multi-awarded TV host, fashion purveyor, club owner and is Philippine Star Supreme’s Editor and Creative Director. With over a decade of experience in youth media, he is a style icon and an eventologist extraordinaire. Fearless and fun, his creativity and zest for life has made him a familiar name and face whose influence goes beyond Manila’s party-loving crowd.

The youngest daughter of a recognized Filipino architect, Risa Recio has managed to make a name for herself as an abstract expressionist. Only in her early 20s, she already has staged a number of solo exhibitions, the latest of which is “Remembering to Forget.” She studied at Skidmore College, New York where majored in Studio Art with a concentration in painting.

Singer-songwriter Rinka Sycip of Rinka Collective is also the executive director of Outlooke Pointe Foundation whose battle cry is “Liyab Pilipinas!” Besides gigs and spearheading this non-profit organization whose “main thrust is reigniting passion for the nation through art advocacy,” she is also a loving wife to Zach.

Nerisa is an award-winning writer and has collaborated with musicians such as Grace Nono, Joey Ayala, Pinikpikan and Cynthia Alexander. She is the author of the poetry book Reaching Destination which was already released on CD. She is currently an Assistant Professor at the UST Faculty of Arts and Letters.

Thought Bubble:

Begin within.