January 2010

EU-RP TRTA project launches website
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) and the EU Delegation recently held the website launch of the Trade Related Technical Assistance (TRTA) joint project of the European Union and the Philippines. The ceremonial switch-on, held last January 14 at the Astoria Plaza in Ortigas, was led by NEDA Acting Director-General Augusto Santos and EU Ambassador Hon. Alistair MacDonald.
    The event was attended by officials from partner government agencies, and representatives from the private sector, civil society and the media. Anthony Abad, who was appointed as the project’s Key Expert for Component 1 (trade policy and export development) was also in attendance.
    The website contains information on the project and the four components under its second phase (TRTA 2), which are: 1) trade policy and export development; 2) standards harmonization and food safety compliance; 3) trade facilitation; and 4) rapid response facility. It also features other trade-relevant content and links to concerned government agencies and EU offices. The site can be accessed at www.eu-trtaphils.org.
    TRTA 2 commenced in 2009 with the objective of supporting sustainable poverty reduction in the Philippines through capacity-building for integration into international trading systems. Implementation of its activities will run up to 2012.



Stakeholders welcome biomass power project
A stakeholder consultation was recently held by the ASEA One Power Corp. (AOPC), assisted by CDM consultants CaFiS, Inc., regarding the company’s 30MW Biomass Power Plant project in Brgy. Pedada, Ajuy, Iloilo. Attended by Ajuy mayor Juan Alvarez, the Sangguniang Bayan and barangay representatives, the discussions covered the benefits and environmental sustainability of the project, concerns on taxes, community social responsibility, and the Renewable Energy Act. CaFiS, which is currently assisting AOPC with its CDM project requirements, was represented by its Managing Director Alan Silayan and CDM Technical Advisor Sari Simon.
    The biomass power plant is expected to provide communities in Panay a more stable source of electricity through sustainable means and using renewable fuel. Rice husks, hulls and straws, as well as sugarcane waste and coconut shells and husks—materials which would otherwise be burned improperly and emit methane and carbon dioxide—will be used to produce clean energy for the area. The project will also create the opportunity for local rice mills and farmers to earn additional income from selling their agricultural residues.
    The consultation, held at the Ramon Rojas Memorial Gymnasium, proved successful at getting the support of the community for the project and concluded with its formal endorsement in the form of a signed barangay resolution. AOPC held the groundbreaking of another biomass power plant in Banga, Aklan in late 2009.

Top (L-R): Hon. Juan Rojas Alvarez, Mayor of Ajuy Municipality, Iloilo, Alan Silayan, Managing Director of CaFiS, Sari Simon, CDM Technical Advisor of CaFiS, and Mr. Pepe D. Baterna, SB Member of Ajuy. Bottom: Sari Simon of CaFiS gives a presentation on climate change, clean development and the benefits of the biomass power plant project.

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