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On Sunday, September 16, the Philippines will join the rest of the world in commemorating the historic signing of the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer.
With this year’s theme: Protecting the Atmosphere for Generations to Come, the celebration emphasizes the extraordinary collaboration and environmental benefits achieved by the world’s governments in protecting the stratospheric ozone layer through the operation of the Montreal Protocol.
“It seemed like it was only yesterday when the world was shocked to learn of the discovery of an ozone hole in the Antarctic, that led countries, only 24 then, forged the Montreal Protocol on Substances that Deplete the Ozone Layer on September 16, 1987. Twenty-five years later and with 197 countries cooperating, including the Philippines, we are happy to note that based on recent studies, the ozone layer is now on the way to its recovery,” DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said.
Paje expressed gratitude to all sectors of the Philippine society who have supported the government effort in achieving its commitment of phasing out the ozone depleting substances (ODS) under the Montreal Protocol.
Forged in 1987 in Montreal, Canada, the Protocol is a multilateral environmental agreement where the 197 member-countries who have ratified it have committed to gradually reduce and eventually ban the production and consumption of ozone-depleting substances (ODS) such as chlorofluorocarbons (CFCs) and hydrochlorofluorocarbons (HCFCs). The Philippines signed the Protocol on Sept. 14, 1988 and ratified it on March 21, 1991.
In his press statement, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon described the Montreal Protocol as “not merely a success in meeting its immediate objectives, it offers substantive lessons and inspiration in addressing other global challenges and turning them into opportunities for common progress.”
He also said that with the global phase-out of 98 percent of ozone-depleting gases, the ozone layer is on track to recover in the next five decades and that millions of cases of skin cancer and eye cataracts, as well as the harmful effects of ultraviolet radiation on the environment have been avoided.
The UN chief also stressed that the Protocol has “catalyzed considerable innovation in the chemical and equipment manufacturing industry, resulting in more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly refrigeration systems.”
Further, compliance with the Protocol has also resulted to a reduction of greenhouse gases (GHGs) in the atmosphere, as most ODS are also GHGs. This reduction is also a “prime contributor to the fight against global warming,” Paje said.
The celebration of the International Day for the Preservation of the Ozone Layer in the Philippines has been extended to the whole month of September. Highlights include the presentation of a certificate of recognition of Philippine contribution to the global effort from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and the Ozone Secretariat, launching of a new song for the protection of the ozone layer composed by renowned Filipino composer/singer and environmental advocate Noel Cabangon, hanging of streamers to enjoin the public in the observance of the celebration, distribution of information kits to schools as part of reference materials for the educational campaigns, and airing of documentaries on the ozone layer in national tv stations.
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EnvironmentNatural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje rallied last week his field officials to ensure the success of the National Greening Program, saying the program has full support of the President.
“There is no reason to fail considering that President Aquino has amply given all the support this program (NGP) needs to succeed,” Paje told the regional executive directors (REDs), regional technical directors, and the provincial and community environment and natural resources officers (PENROs, CENROs) attending the 2-day National Convention of Field Officers held May 31-June 1, 2011 at the DENR Social Hall in Quezon City.
Paje also challenged the field officials “to give their best shot” as their performance in implementing the NGP will be “highly taken into consideration’ in the evaluation of officials for promotions.
“Those who will be performing will be rewarded. Wala pong biro yan,” Paje said, stressing that the field officers will be evaluated fairly based on a purely-merit system “without regard for personal ties or past associations” he has made through over 20 years at the DENR where he started his career as a casual forester.
Paje said the NGP-driven performance-based incentive scheme will first zero in on the PENRO and CENRO positions, with an instruction to DENR Assistant Secretary for Management and Finance Corazon Davis to reserve the vacant PENRO and CENRO posts as rewards for NGP’s top performers especially those that are on an acting capacity.
“If you are a CENRO, you will automatically become a PENRO. Those who are not yet full-pledged CENRO (with temporary appointment), we will make you full-pledged CENROs. Performance lamang, wala nang iba,” Paje stressed.
Of the 168 CENRO plantilla positions, 47 have yet to be filled; while 25 remain vacant in the 73 PENRO plantilla posts.
The incentive scheme forms part of Paje’s overall program to strengthen DENR’s performance-based promotion system to beef up the national leadership’s efforts in professionalizing the Philippine bureaucracy.
But Paje was quick to clarify that the quality of their performance will be determined by the survival of the seedling declared in their performance and not merely on the number of seedling planted.
“Remember, the NGP is a national priority program of President Aquino, and this is not for show but for grow. Gone are the days when tree planting activities were just to set world records or just for photo opportunities,” Paje noted.
At the same time, Paje asked “doubting Thomases” to be forthcoming this early with their hesitation to go all out to meet their targets to allow for management to act appropriately in their particular case.
“We will make sure that everybody performs. Kung sino sa inyo ang tingin ay hindi kayang ipatupad ang programang ito, sabihin na ninyo ngayon,” Paje said.
The performance-based incentive will be based on the field officials’ scorecard in the yearly targets given them and will be validated with the use of state-of-the art technology such as satellite mapping and internet-based technology through NGP’s website at the www.ngp.denr.gov.ph
Friday, 14 September 2012 15:53 | 