PMCJ calls on DOE, SunAsia to reconsider solar floaters project in Laguna, as impacts will be worse than the benefits it will provide

A transformation is unfolding inside the walls of the BJMP Cagayan de Oro City Jail – Male Dormitory. Through the Utilization of High-Density Production and Processing Technologies of African Catfish, a new chapter of hope, dignity, and second chances is being written for Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs).

Developed by Dr. Arlyn Mandas-Tacubao of Saxonylyn Scifish Farm, a DOST Region XII SETUP-assisted firm, the project introduces modern aquaculture systems to prepare PDLs for productive lives after incarceration. With the support of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Region X, this initiative provides not only a sustainable livelihood but also a concrete path to rehabilitation and reintegration.

Using cylindrical fiberglass tanks equipped with self-cleaning technology, the project allows high-density production of African Catfish (Clarias gariepinus) while conserving water and space. Every three months, each batch yields approximately 50 kilograms of catfish, creating a steady supply of both food and income.

To date, the project has provided livelihood training to 200 PDLs, with 50 to 100 currently undergoing training and five PDLs managing daily maintenance. These efforts contribute to meaningful skill development, discipline, and renewed purpose among the participants.

By bringing science and innovation into correctional rehabilitation, this project proves that progress is possible even in the most confined environments. It reflects a larger vision where technology becomes a tool for human transformation, helping individuals reclaim their lives and prepare for a future beyond detention.

This initiative is not only changing systems but also lives (Dave Masirag)

In its continuous effort to provide inclusive healthcare services, the Office of the Provincial Persons with Disability Affairs Officer (OPPDAO), in partnership with Manila Hearing Aid, conducted a Hearing Test for Adults with Hearing Loss on July 31 to August 1, 2025, at the Residential Care Facility in Trece Martires City.

A total of 65 beneficiaries will receive free hearing aids, offering them a renewed opportunity to connect with their surroundings and enhance their quality of life.

The two-day event featured a comprehensive set of hearing care services including otoscopy, tympanometry, hearing tests, and hearing aid trials. These procedures were conducted by professionals from Manila Hearing Aid, ensuring quality service and accurate diagnosis for each participant.

The initiative is part of the Provincial Government of Cavite’s ongoing programs to support persons with disabilities by addressing hearing loss which is one of the most overlooked conditions among adults. With early detection and the provision of appropriate devices, hearing-impaired individuals are empowered to live more comfortably and actively engage with their communities.— OPIO

In a joint initiative to promote financial empowerment to Caviteños, the Office of the Provincial Public Employment Service Manager (OPPESM), in collaboration with the Office of the Provincial Cooperatives Development Officer (OPCDO), conducted a Seminar on Basic Stock Market Investing, Investment Options, and Financial Literacy on July 30, 2025, at the ADG Hall, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas.

The seminar aimed to equip the participants composed of OFW and their families, PESO managers and staff, HR from private companies, Job Placement Officers and Provincial Government of Cavite Employees Association officers with essential knowledge and practical tools to help them make informed financial decisions and explore viable investment opportunities.

Highlighting the importance of sound financial planning, Mr. Vicente T. Hernandez, Assistant Vice President of Landbank Trece Martires City Branch, delivered a comprehensive talk on Stock Options and Financial Literacy, emphasizing the value of discipline, budgeting, and long-term investment strategies.

Meanwhile, Mr. Mike Viñas, Investment Teacher – COL Financial Group, Inc. and Bro. Bo Sanchez’s Truly Rich Club, facilitated the session on Basic Stock Market Investing and Investment Options, where he broke down the fundamentals of stock trading and introduced various investment vehicles suitable for first-time and returning investors.

Adding an inspirational note to the seminar, Ms. Olga Jane V. Dabayan from the Marketing Division of Pag-IBIG Fund Dasmariñas City shared the Pag-ibig Fund’s investment services, encouraging participants to start their own financial journey by taking small but consistent steps.

Representing the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – Cavite Provincial Office, Ms. Anne Marie Faye Gloria, Senior Labor and Employment Officer, attended the event on behalf of Ms. Marivic B. Martinez, DOLE Provincial Director, to show the agency’s support in advocating for the welfare and financial resilience of Caviteños. — OPIO

In line with the simultaneous celebration of the 51st Nutrition Month and National Disaster Resilience Month this July 2025, Philippine Statistics Authority – Regional Statistical Services Office IV-A (PSA RSSO IV-A), in partnership with the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) – Lipa City, Batangas, successfully held the hybrid Lecture on Basic First Aid and Disaster Management on 31 July 2025.

The activity was part of PSA RSSO IV-A’s continuous efforts to promote a safe and health-conscious workplace. It aimed to equip personnel with practical knowledge and life-saving skills to respond effectively to emergencies such as natural disasters, fire incidents, and medical situations. Ms. Juliedin B. Nohay, Registration Officer III, delivered the opening message, emphasizing PSA RSSO IV-A’s commitment to safety and preparedness.

She stressed the importance of empowering staff with essential emergency response knowledge not only for their safety at work, but also in their homes and the communities where they live.

The training was facilitated by BFP–Lipa City personnel: SFO1 Joel R. Contreras, FO1 Rose Anne R. Nomil, FO1 Khen Mark Derick D. Deveza, and FO1 Wally L. Ballesteros.

The session combined lectures with hands-on demonstrations, giving participants both theoretical understanding and practical experience in first aid, fire safety, and disaster response. Aligned with this year’s NDRM theme, “KUMIKILOS para sa Kahandaan, Kaligtasan, at Katatagan,” the activity highlights PSA RSSO IV-A’s proactive stance in building a culture of readiness, resilience, and public service excellence.

MANILA — Demonstrating swift solidarity, the Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII) and allied civic groups have rallied ₱10 million in emergency aid for communities devastated by recent catastrophic typhoon flooding nationwide. 

The initiative, coordinated under the Pilipino at Tsino Magkaibigan Foundation, saw among its on-going major deployments on July 31, 2025. FFCCCII President Dr. Victor Lim and other Filipino Chinese community civic leaders personally delivered 10,000 bags of rice to Manila Mayor Francisco “Isko Moreno” Domagoso, providing immediate sustenance to displaced families in the capital. 

The ₱10 million fund—immediately pooled by FFCCCII and leading Filipino Chinese civic and cultural organizations—is actively channeling vital relief resources to hardest-hit areas across Metro Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, and other provinces.

Relief operations prioritize urgent humanitarian assistance to evacuation centers and isolated communities.  Last month, FFCCCII President Victor Lim also led Bacolod Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and other Negros Filipino Chinese Chambers to donate construction materials to help rebuild thousands of homes affected by Kanlaon volcano disturbances in five Negros cities and municipalities, such as La Castellana town, La Carlota City, Bago City, Kanlaon City and Moises Padilla town. Victor Lim and Bacolod City Mayor Greg Gasataya also presided over donation of a new 7-storey, 100-feet hydraulic high-rise ladder capacity modern fire truck to the Bacolod Filipino Chinese Volunteer Fire Brigade from the Dr. Manuel S. Lo family of Grace Pharmacy Bacolod and Merzci Bakeshop.

“This outpouring of support reflects our community’s unwavering bayanihan spirit,” stated FFCCCII President Victor Lim. “When any Filipinos suffer, we should all stand united—delivering not just aid, but hope for fast and full recovery.” 

The mobilization underscores the Filipino Chinese community’s deep commitment to national resilience, targeting both immediate relief and long-term rehabilitation for thousands affected by the disaster. 

Quezon City, Philippines — The Philippine Movement for Climate Justice (PMCJ) highlights the importance of considering the impacts of renewable energy (RE) projects on the communities’ lives and livelihoods. This, in view of the Department of Energy (DOE)’s endorsement of SunAsia Energy Inc.’s floating solar project, which will cover more than 13 square kilometers of Laguna de Bay.

“While the move to push for the implementation of RE projects aligns with our global calls, its impacts should be considered, especially when it collides with food security and the environment. We are fighting for just transition to renewable energy because it is by and for the people and for the planet. We can’t treat marginalized sectors, fisherfolk in this matter, and the environment as mere collateral,” PMCJ Senior Renewable Energy Officer Edwin Tesaluna said.

The array floaters for SunAsia’s more than 1,317 MW solar project will be produced by a local plastic manufacturer, Tayson Industrial Corp., as tapped by a Chinese firm, Sungrow. SunAsia and Sungrow signed a supply agreement on July 22, 2025. 

“The installation would deprive inland fisherfolk of an estimated 535 thousand kilos of fish catch from the area, resulting in lost income amounting to more than 82 million pesos annually, according to our recent data. Floating solar panels will worsen the state of Laguna Lake as there would be environmental impacts, including altered sunlight penetration, potential effects on water temperature and dissolved oxygen, risks to aquatic ecosystems, and concerns for local fisherfolk’s livelihoods due to reduced fishing grounds or restricted boat passage. Laguna de Bay, with its current condition now, should be the last area for these types of projects,” Tesaluna stressed. 

Energy Secretary Sharon Garin was present during the supply agreement. According to reports, she described the ordeal as a “milestone in the country’s decarbonisation journey”. On July 10, 2025, Garin signed a reissued “committed capacity” status for 1,200 MW Atimonan One Energy Inc. (AOE) and Meralco PowerGen (MGen)’s coal-fired power plant project. 

“It is clear that the DOE has no intention of phasing out coal and any fossil fuels. Using Garin’s word, the Philippines can’t ‘decarbonise’ if the government supports RE projects while simultaneously approving and endorsing fossil fuel projects. It is also beyond disappointing that the floating solar project seemed not to have consulted the Laguna fisherfolk and violated the science of impacts. Lakes and bodies of water, whose functions are important for the hydrologic cycle, are no-go zones for floating solar. This is what happens when the government continues to prioritize business and profits over climate, people, and planet,” PMCJ National Coordinator Ian Rivera lamented. 

PMCJ and other progressive groups have been stressing that to achieve just transition to RE, fossil fuels must be phased out. It should be done in parallel to attain the triple capacity of RE by 2030. It can’t be optional. The process is also not top-down, but instead takes into account and effectively involves the basic sectors that will be the essential part of the plight.

“We demand that the DOE and the BBM government implement the renewable energy regulations scientifically and ecologically. There should be no shortcuts or compromises on the interests of the planet and people. While we are running out of time in curbing greenhouse gas emissions and putting up renewables, it must not be in a way that destroys the natural carbon sinks and sources of subsistence of the people,” Rivera ended.