Tag: pollution

Philippines To Tackle Plastic Pollution With Nuclear Technology

Philippines To Tackle Plastic Pollution With Nuclear Technology

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During his recent address at a high-profile forum in Pasay City, Philippine President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., stated that the nation will use nuclear technology to deal with plastic pollution and it will involve foreign partners, according to a news article published by Nuclear Engineering International.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the news article of Nuclear Engineering International. Some parts in boldface…

Philippines President Ferdinand Marcos Jr has said the Philippines is committed to partnering with international organisations to tackle plastic pollution using nuclear technology. He was addressing the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) International High-Level Forum on the Nuclear Technology for Controlling Plastic Pollution (NUTEC Plastics) in Pasay City.

“It affects biodiversity, public health, supply chains, and the lives of our coastal and urban communities. Addressing it requires going beyond regulation and advocacy. It requires technology that is credible, scalable, grounded in rigorous science,” he said.

“And that is why the Philippines is proud to champion the NUTEC Plastics Initiative of the IAEA. NUTEC Plastics embodies the kind of innovation that we need – solutions that merge advanced nuclear applications with environmental protection, to translate scientific progress into tangible benefits for industry and for society.”

Marcos said the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute of the Department of Science & Technology, together with the Industrial Technology Development Institute and industry partner Envirotech, had developed a new process that transforms low-value plastic wastes into durable, commercially viable materials under the Post-Radiation Reactive Extrusion of Plastic Wastes Project (PREx).

“The PREx Prototype House stands today as a tangible output of this initiative. But beyond a demonstration of breakthrough nuclear technology, it is a prototype of the future circular economy,” he added. Radiation technology enhances polymer properties, reduces material degradation, and creates new industrial uses for plastics, Marcos said.

He also referred to the marine microplastics monitoring laboratory established with the IAEA at the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute. The laboratory equips Filipino researchers with the tools to quantify microplastics pollution with scientific precision. “Data generated here informs global models, strengthens policy interventions, and helps us track the real-time impact of plastics on marine ecosystems,” he added.

He said the Philippines was committed to building networks with regulators, scientists, investors and community stakeholders, as the Republic Act 12305 (Philippine Nuclear Law) signed in September.

This establishes a comprehensive regulatory framework covering nuclear safety, security, safeguards and the peaceful applications of nuclear technology.

“Our engagement with the IAEA and our support for science-based responses to plastic pollution reflect that same conviction: that durable progress comes not from acting alone, but from strengthening the international system that makes such cooperation possible,” Marcos said.

IAEA launched the NUTEC Plastics initiative in 2021 to help countries use nuclear science to monitor and reduce plastic pollution. The programme now supports more than 100 member states, including the Philippines, in tracking microplastics in coastal areas, identifying different types of plastics, and applying reliable, cost-effective laboratory methods based on harmonised global protocols. It also trains scientists and promotes radiation technologies that turn low-value plastic waste into useful materials.

The role of nuclear science and technology in helping countries tackle the global challenge of plastic pollution is the focus of a major IAEA event that opened on Tuesday in Manila. The International High Level Forum on NUTEC Plastics will showcase concrete results achieved by this flagship initiative launched by the IAEA in 2020.

Addressing the NUTEC Plastics Forum, IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said: “Looking at plastic pollution from the atomic level allows us to understand microplastic pollution and its movements through marine ecosystems, which supports well-informed policy decisions to deal with it. And by using irradiation we can reduce the amount of plastic waste by turning it into valuable products like building materials.”

Masato Kanda, President of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) told the forum’s opening session that, in the Philippines, ADB is planning a $1bn programme to develop a sustainable and resilient blue economy. “Complementing this, we are harnessing digital solutions to simulate the flow of plastic pollution in the Pasig River to help rejuvenate this important waterway. We are also deepening our collaboration with the IAEA across the board: from food security to energy transition.”

NUTEC Plastics presently works with 53 countries to improve plastic recycling and develop bio-based plastics, and with 102 countries to monitor marine microplastic pollution. Every day, the equivalent of 2000 garbage trucks full of plastic are dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers and lakes. Every year, 19-23m tonnes of plastic waste leaks into waterways, disrupting habitats and livelihoods. Since plastic is not biodegradable, it breaks down into ever smaller fragments, which eventually degrade into microplastics. Microplastics can easily infiltrate into ecosystems and the food chain through water, air and soil.

Radiation can transform plastic waste into durable, high value materials and products. It can also create biodegradable bio-based plastics as an alternative to conventional petroleum-based plastics. To date, eight countries have NUTEC upcycling projects underway in cooperation with commercial partners. Argentina, Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines are at the forefront in demonstrating the feasibility of using irradiation to recycle plastic waste to produce construction materials, industrial additives, railway ties and other durable products. These countries have already tested prototype processes and are moving toward pilot-scale industrial production.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? By having many foreign partners, are you convinced the Philippines will be able to end its plastic pollution crisis using nuclear technology and other related solutions?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Muntinlupa City Government reminds public of firecracker, open pipe ban

Muntinlupa City Government reminds public of firecracker, open pipe ban

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With the Christmas season and order in mind, the City Government of Muntinlupa recently issued reminders to the public about the establish ban on firecracker use and modified mufflers and pipes, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government reminded people of the ban on the use of firecrackers, and modified mufflers and pipes that emit excessive noise during the Christmas season. 

The city government is ramping up its campaign against these during the Christmas season.

Muntinlupa City Ordinance No. 14-092, passed by the Muntinlupa City Council in 2014, prohibits “the manufacture, display, sale, distribution, possession or use of firecrackers or pyrotechnic devices and such other similar devices and the exploding of firecrackers or other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Muntinlupa City.”

Those found violating the local law will be fined as follows:

– “For the first offense, a fine of One Thousand Pesos (Pl,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than one (1) month but not less than (2) days or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court”

– “For the second offense, a fine of Three Thousand Pesos (Php3,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less Three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of the Court.”

– “For the third offense, a fine of Five Thousand Pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of not more than Six (6) months but not less than three (3) months, or both fine and imprisonment, at the discretion of Court.”

Under City Ordinance 04-022, or the Muntinlupa City Traffic Code, the use of open mufflers and pipes, sound boosters and other modifications on motorcycles and other vehicles is prohibited.

Section 9 of the ordinance states that “no private person shall use or cause to be used sirens, bells, horns. whistles or similar gadgets that emit exceptionally loud or startling sounds, including dome lights and emergency red flashing lights installed in either front or rear, and emergency red light blinkers and other similar signaling or flashing devices that actually impede and confuse traffic and which are inconsistent with sound traffic discipline and control on the roads.”

Those caught violating the ordinance will be fined P2,000 to P7,500.

During the flag raising ceremony on Dec. 9, Muntinlupa Mayor Ruffy Biazon warned those violating the open muffler and pipe prohibition. He said the number of violators has increased every year.

Residents, especially in subdivisions, complain about the excessive noise created by motorcycles and other vehicles to welcome the new year.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, are you concerned that noise and pollution will become major problems during the Christmas season? When was the last time a firecracker-related incident happened in your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Muntinlupa City Government issues warning about quality of air in relation to Taal volcanic smog

Muntinlupa City Government issues warning about quality of air in relation to Taal volcanic smog

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In response to the smog from Taal Volcano that reached the City of Muntinlupa, the City Government issued a warning about the unhealthy air quality, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Muntinlupa City government warned the public of unhealthy air quality on Aug. 18 as volcanic smog, or vog, from Taal Volcano had reached the city.

Residents woke up to hazy weather. Mayor Ruffy Biazon held a live broadcast on Facebook to warn residents to be careful when going out and advised them to wear masks for protection.

“While we were sleeping, the volcanic smog from Taal Volcano reached us,” he said, adding that he observed “hazy air.”

Biazon said children who are already in schools should stay in classrooms as the city government will continue to monitor air quality. If needed, the mayor said he will suspend afternoon classes. He also said it’s up to parents to decide.

“Tandaan ninyo, kung kayo ay hindi komportable na palabasin ang anak ninyo, huwag ninyo na palabasin (Remember, if you are not comfortable letting your child go out, don’t let them go out),” said Biazon.

The Muntinlupa City Department of Disaster Resilience and Management said the current air quality in Muntinlupa is “unhealthy.”

It explained that volcanic smog consists of sulfur dioxide (SO2) gas and other volcanic gasses that mixes with atmospheric oxygen, moisture, dust and sunlight.

“As a reminder, vog consists of fine droplets containing volcanic gas such as SO2 which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat and respiratory tract with severities depending on the gas concentrations and durations of exposure. People who may be particularly sensitive to vog are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children,” according to a past advisory from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS).

According to the IQAir website, Muntinlupa has an air quality index (AQI) of 154 or unhealthy level. The PM2.5 concentration in Muntinlupa is 60 µg/m3, based on IQAir data.

“PM2.5 concentration in Muntinlupa is currently 12 times the WHO annual air quality guideline value. PM2.5 is measured by micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3). According to the U.S. EPA NAAQS, any measurement greater than 9.0 μg/m3 (US AQI 50) can be dangerous to human health,” according to the website.

Let me end this post by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? If you are a resident of Muntinlupa City, did you notice the changes of the quality of the air in your local community?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagement, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

DPWH approves use of plastic waste to extend asphalt pavements lifespan

DPWH approves use of plastic waste to extend asphalt pavements lifespan

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Recently the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced its approval of the use of plastic waste to extend the lifetime of asphalt pavements, according to a Manila Bulletin news report.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has allowed the use of plastic waste to extend the lifespan of asphalt pavements and mitigate plastic pollution, which contributes to flooding in urban areas.

DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan has issued a directive mandating all DPWH regional offices, district engineering offices, and Unified Project Management Office clusters to incorporate shredded plastic in road construction projects.

The directive, outlined in Department Order 139, series of 2024, sets a new standard for the use of recycled materials, specifically low-density polyethylene (LDPE) plastic bags, in bituminous concrete surface courses.

Bonoan said the latest policy not only promotes recycling efforts but also improves asphalt’s resistance to deformation.

“This development is in line with the continuing efforts of the Department to support sustainable engineering and upgrade construction technology through the adoption of successful research studies,” he said.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this recent development? Do you think this move by the DPWH will lead to breakthroughs in the years to come with regards to asphalt pavements and the mitigation of plastic pollution?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below, share this article to others and also please consider making a donation to support my publishing. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram athttps://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco

Metro Manila Council (MMC) to release official guidelines on firecracker use

Metro Manila Council (MMC) to release official guidelines on firecracker use

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The Metro Manila Council (MMC) – a special governing body composed of incumbent mayors of cities of Metropolitan Manila – now has a new leader and as the Christmas holidays are nearing, they will soon release official guidelines regarding the use of firecrackers, the Manila Bulletin reported.

To put things in perspective, posted below is an excerpt from the Manila Bulletin news report. Some parts in boldface…

San Juan City Mayor and Metro Manila Council (MMC) President Francis Zamora said the MMC is set to release guidelines on the firecracker ban to be implemented in the National Capital Region (NCR) as part of its efforts to minimize the number of injuries caused by the misuse of firecrackers during the new year revelry.

During the joint session of the MMC and the Regional Development Council (RDC) which he co-chairs, Zamora said that the Metro Manila mayors will convene to discuss the guidelines they will implement regarding the firecracker ban which was first imposed by former President Rodrigo Duterte in 2017.

Executive Order no. 28, “Providing For The Regulation and Control of the Use of Firecrackers And Other Pyrotechnic Devices,” bans individuals from using firecrackers or setting up their own fireworks displays, a cultural tradition Filipinos are accustomed to during “events of personal, religious, cultural and national importance,” especially during New Year’s Eve or even the Chinese New Year.

“Magkakaroon ng designated firecracker areas. Ngunit depende din yan sa pagkakasunduan ng mayors kasi each city will have its own designated fireworks area para iwas syempre sa aksidente ngayong bagong taon (There will be designated firecracker areas, but these will depend on what the mayors of each city will agree upon because each city will have its own designated fireworks area to avoid accidents this new year),” Zamora said.

The EO sets forth the criteria that must be complied with before a display of fireworks can qualify such as: it must be conducted on the occasion or as part of a celebration, competition, or similar event held in a venue other than the residence; it is conducted under the supervision of Philippine National Police (PNP) – licensed and trained personnel; and, it has a municipal/city permit that states the date, time and area where the display will be conducted.

In December last year, the PNP released the names and brands of allowed and prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnics.

In my experience, I often see sellers of firecrackers during the days leading to the New Year whenever I passed by BF Homes in Parañaque and along Tropical Avenue in BF International, Las Piñas. I wonder if they will make a comeback this year as the entire nation continues to recover socially and economically from COVID-19.

Let me end this piece by asking you readers: What is your reaction to this development? Are you in favor of the use of firecrackers? Do you think the authorities are doing the right thing when it comes regulating or banning firecracker use? Do you think that the use of firecrackers pollutes the air too much during New Year’s Eve celebrations? If your household often buys firecrackers during the late stage of the year, how much money is spent each time?

You may answer in the comments below. If you prefer to answer privately, you may do so by sending me a direct message online.

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Thank you for reading. If you find this article engaging, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. If you are looking for a copywriter to create content for your special project or business, check out my services and my portfolio. If you want to support my website, please consider making a donation. Feel free to contact me with a private message. Also please feel free to visit my Facebook page Author Carlo Carrasco and follow me on Twitter at  @HavenorFantasy as well as on Tumblr at https://carlocarrasco.tumblr.com/ and on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/authorcarlocarrasco/.

For more South Metro Manila community news and developments, come back here soon. Also say NO to fake news, NO to irresponsible journalism, NO to misinformation, NO to plagiarists, NO to reckless publishers and NO to sinister propaganda when it comes to news and developments. For South Metro Manila community developments, member engagements, commerce and other relevant updates, join the growing South Metro Manila Facebook group at https://www.facebook.com/groups/342183059992673

Parañaque still has no ordinance to legitimize electric vehicles for public transportation

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On display at the grounds of Parañaque City Hall was this large solar-powered electric tricycle (e-trike). The irony is that Parañaque itself has no law to legitimize electric vehicles for public transportation.

The love and care for the natural environment is often present in the minds of people who manage the city government. Really nobody wants to live in a city filled with scattered garbage, lots of air pollution and poor drainage.

An extension of the care for the environment is the focus on the use of electric vehicles which generate much less noise and much less air pollution. Here in the Southern portion of Metro Manila, the cities of Muntinlupa and Las Pinas respectively have laws that legitimized the use of electric vehicles for public transportation purposes.

This means that commuters can choose to ride a jeepney or a tricycle that runs on electric power whenever they are available in public. When they do ride an e-vehicle, there is much less noise and air pollution created by their ride. Potentially more e-vehicles replacing those gasoline/diesel-burning vehicles can bring down air pollution and improve the quality of air in the city.

Recently the Department of Energy (DOE) donated 150 electric tricycle units to the City of Muntinlupa and 100 electric tricycle units to the City of Las Pinas (which subsequently turned them over to local tricycle operators).

As for the nearby City of Parañaque……ZERO!

Considering the huge population of Parañaque and the City Government’s strong advocacy of environmental care and city cleanliness under the leadership of incumbent mayor Edwin Olivarez, it is weird that nothing has been done to legitimize the use of e-vehicles for public transportation.

I was at Parañaque City Hall on January 23 and during my visit I checked thoroughly with officials there to verify if there is any existing law (or city ordinance) that would make public transportation with electric vehicles happen.

As it turned out, officials confirmed to me that no such ordinance has been approved until now.

What is even more disturbing, as I kept on digging for answers, was the confirmation that there is not even a draft proposal submitted for legislation!

For as long as no city ordinance has been approved to legalize the use of e-vehicles for public transportation, Parañaque’s streets (including those inside villages) will be occupied by fossil fuel-guzzling jeepneys, buses and tricycles that are not only making the air dirty but also remain noisy and even unsafe and uncomfortable (due to outdated vehicular designs) for commuters to ride.

This also means that no village administrator can just establish and fully operate its own line of electric tricycles within the city. Back in 2016 in BF Homes, the BF Federation of Homeowner Associations, Inc. (BFFHAI) launched its line of electric tricycles with mayor Olivarez and vice mayor Rico Golez as special guests. Because they were in Parañaque (which has a huge jurisdiction of BF Homes subdivision) and there was no ordinance to legalize the use of electric vehicles for public transportation within the city, the BFFHAI’s e-trikes were not accepted by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and they were not fully operated. As such, those electric tricycles got wasted and was limited to being parked at the side of the BF Homes clubhouse along Elsie Gatches street. Because pictures of those parked electric tricycles became public viewed, the federation quietly had them removed.

Until now Parañaque remains behind Muntinlupa and Las Pinas when it comes to using technology to improve public transportation and reducing air and noise pollution at the same time. For the past few years, Muntinlupa has electric jeepneys on public roads and some electric tricycles serving villagers. In Las Pinas, the number of electric tricycles serving local communities is slowly growing which is the result of their City Council and Mayor approving the “E-trike Ordinance” (City Ordinance Number 1536-18, Series of 2018) on May 28, 2018. Back to Parañaque, no legislation means no progressive change will happen.

It is notable that Parañaque lost its edge when it comes to city competitiveness nationwide. According to the Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index 2018 released during the 6th Regional Competitiveness Summit, Parañaque ranked only #21. Even provincial cities like Bacolod and Naga are way ahead at numbers 9 and 10 respectively. With these mentioned, Parañaqu

After finding out the truth about the lack of a law for the public transportation use of e-vehicles in Parañaque, I walked out of the building and as I moved on further on City Hall grounds, I saw two electric tricycle units (made by Star 8) on display at an environment-oriented exhibit. I pictured the more elaborate e-trike (the one above).

Wow. Think about that. Electric tricycles on display in a city that does not even allow electric vehicles to be used to serve commuters publicly.

Before I forget, let me state that the City Government was celebrating the 18th anniversary of Republic Act Number 9003 which is the national law on ecological solid waste management which itself emphasizes care and responsibility of the environment.

Now when will Parañaque’s officials start working to legitimize e-vehicles for public transportation? If you are a certified city resident who wants to see those fuel-burning public utility vehicles be replaced gradually with e-vehicles, consider taking time out to write letters to the city government officials. Even though there is an upcoming democratic exercise in the form of a local election on May 2019, communicating with your officials is still recommended.

Thank you for reading. If you enjoyed this article, please click the like button below and also please consider sharing this article to others. Also my fantasy book The World of Havenor is still available in paperback and e-book format.