Quezon City has joined a multi-sector alliance of government, private, business and consumer institutions for increased collaboration to promote the sustainable purchase, production and consumption of environment-friendly products and services, through the implementation of the national government’s eco-labeling and green procurement programs
To formalize the partnership, a memorandum of cooperation was sealed between the Philippine Center for Environment Protection and Sustainable Development, Inc. (PCEPSDI) and members of the Kalikasan GP3 (Kalikasan Green Purchasing, Green Productivity towards Green Philippines) Conference Conveners’ Committee, to include QC Mayor Herbert Bautista, at the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA) officeon Friday.
PCEPSDI was represented during the occasion by its chairman, J. R. Nereus Acosta, who also sits as Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection and General Manager of the Laguna Lake Development Authority (LLDA).
The signing of the agreement of cooperation served as kick off for the hosting of the 2015 GP3 Expo Conference slated July 23 – 25 at the SMX Convention Center, SM Aura, in Taguig.
To date, Quezon City is the only local government unit in the country that has been included in the list of government agencies to pilot-test the implementation of the green procurement program, which was provided for under Executive Order 301 that was signed on March 29, 2004 by then President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
“We are fortunate that we have been included in the list of selected government institutions to pilot test the project. Hopefully, Quezon City can mobilize and get the participation of consumer groups, businesses and other members of the private sector to support the program,” the Mayor said.
Meanwhile, Matthieu Penot, environment and trade attaché, of the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, credited Quezon City for its leading role in the implementation of the government’s green procurement program. “I am confident that Quezon City will be able to provide the kind of example to other local government units in the country,” Penot said.
During the signing of the memorandum of cooperation, Secretary Acosta credited the QC government for adopting strategies and initiatives that contribute to the protection of the environment against further degradation, aside from mitigating the impact of climate change. Chief among the initiatives mentioned by Acosta was the passage of the green building ordinance, which to date, he said, showcases the city’s green building initiative.
Mayor Bautista, during the occasion, said he was also considering bringing the program to the members of the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP), of which the Mayor is president.
The Mayor reiterated that environment management will continue to remain a critical foundation for the city’s urban development strategies. “Hopefully, through the Kalikasan GP3 Conference and Expo 2015, the actions of the QC government, alongside other government and private institutions will influence the different sectors of society to achieve greater cooperation, collective action and create a bigger network of eco-conscious consumers, environment-friendly businesses and government institutions advocating eco-governance for a greener, healthier and sustainably developed Philippines,” the Mayor said. (Precy)
Posted By: Edrillan Pasion
