RENDER x Angeles: Climate Mitigation Close to Home

Last August 3rd, RENDER held a collaborative Climate & Energy Convening on efforts done by the active citizenry of Angeles in addressing local issues related to climate mitigation and pioneering sustainable transition.  

Angeles is one of the fastest-growing and economically advanced areas in the Philippines, known as a hub for tourism, business, and aviation especially due to its proximity to the Clark Freeport and Special Economic Zone. Its urbanization and geographical location have also led to higher temperatures and threatened water supply for agriculture, residents, and biodiversity. In response, RENDER, invited seven experts from diverse fields to address these critical issues to share their knowledge to an also varied audience across different sectors. 

The convening kicked off with opening remarks by Tonichi Regalado, Asst. Director for Climate Research & Management of the Manila Observatory’s Klima Center, introducing RENDER and its experimental platform for capacity-building, social engagement across sectors. Regalado emphasized the nexus of the modern world we live in today with his key notes, 

He further delved into various realities RENDER has been able to interact with in their other ventures, like the hardening conditions for fisherfolk in Bohol, setting the stage for a deep dive into the issues facing Angeles.

Mariane Avendaño, a BS Applied Physics & Materials Science and Engineering student from ADMU and an intern under the Klima Center, began the series of talks with a focus on her thesis work concerning greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution in Clark. She highlighted several key findings: firstly, pollution in Clark can be partially attributed to neighboring countries due to long-range transport of pollutants, such as forest fires. Additionally, she noted that Clark's levels of black carbon exceeded standards typical for countries with similar demographics, a situation likely influenced by rapid urbanization and the emissions from public utility jeeps (PUJs).

The discussion was later supplemented and fortified by Architect Michaela Rosette M. Santos-Tanyag, explaining that the number 1 cause of greenhouse gas emissions has a surprising culprit—buildings. Its culpability lies in both its operations and its construction, relying heavily on fossil fuels and combustion. Architect Santos-Tanyag stressed the importance of green buildings, which are designed to improve environmental and energy performance and meet the standards set by green rating bodies. In essence, green buildings are high-performing structures that minimize environmental impact and are constructed and operated in an environmentally responsible and resource-efficient manner. 

The talk concluded with a focus on sustainability, emphasizing the importance of ensuring future generations can thrive. Architect Santos-Tanyag also mentioned that while some buildings are already constructed, individuals can contribute by conserving resources and adopting more sustainable lifestyles.

On the course of sustainability and future-proofing, Mr. Dan Vo narrated the journey of the Apl de Ap Foundation (APLFI) foundation on its venture into Electric Vehicles (EV). APLFI's initiatives focus on bringing advanced technology back to the Philippines, with their latest project being EV infrastructure.  EV cars, Mr. Dan narrated, was a happy accident discovering they could transform, or rather retrofit, old vintage cars into being more functional. They found that EVs are not only faster and more efficient, with a 300-mile range and acceleration from 0 to 60 mph in seconds, but they also saw potential in transforming large, valuable trucks into EVs to save substantial amounts of energy. APLFI envisions expanding its current foothold in the EV industry in the Philippines. Currently partnering with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) and Legacy EV for EV training and research, APLFI aims to expand by introducing EV policies, fostering local manufacturing, serving as a think tank, and retrofitting large scale vehicles, including garbage trucks.

However, sustainable transition isn’t just about technology; it's also about asserting and preserving essential ecological balances. Angeles has road widening projects but this comes at the expense of 259 trees.  At this juncture, civil society, science, and law have made efforts to preserve the current ecology. Mrs. Dina Frias Zulueta and Atty. Bianca Caligagan, the former president and legal counsel of the Save the Trees coalition respectively, recalled their efforts—from civil actions to court battles—to save the 259 trees.  They narrated their legal journey, from losing in the regional trial court to elevating the case to the court of appeals, highlighting the challenges active citizenship faces due to environmental litigation problems. They started as active citizens concerned about the trees and understood that trees do not grow overnight. Both emphasized that a balanced and healthful ecology is a right enshrined in the Constitution of the Philippines and violated by the cutting of these trees.  

To better understand the ecology of these trees, Mrs. Sheila Cabral of the Angeles University Foundation explains the biological significance of the Albizia suman trees along the highway. She highlighted that nature and development should go hand in hand, noting that trees help regulate shaded areas by controlling temperature and regulating gas emissions. Additionally, the trees contribute to carbon capture and sequestration, with the highway trees showing a higher stomatal frequency compared to residential trees of the same species.

All efforts in sustainable development and climate mitigation are ultimately for the benefit of the youth. Ms. Isabella Danielle Nepomuceno, a Development Studies graduate from the Ateneo de Manila University and a research intern for the RENDER project, shared her concern about water security in Angeles City and the need for youth engagement in these critical issues. Historical studies, such as those conducted by JICA, have highlighted the risks associated with Angeles City's reliance on groundwater, which is being rapidly depleted due to urbanization and population growth. However, there is a gap between students' awareness of water security issues and their understanding of the role watersheds play in replenishing groundwater. Ms. Nepomuceno's undergraduate thesis found that despite the presence of environmental education in the curriculum, students and teachers showed a significant need for a more participatory, hands-on approach to learning about watersheds and water security. 

The convening was concluded by a forum where the audience, comprised of students, climate advocates, professionals, and parents, were able to converse with the panel of experts. Overall, the event was optimistic and fruitful, featuring six talks and fostering necessary conversations and dialogue across various fields and efforts. This gathering not only highlighted current challenges but also inspired hope and action among attendees, reaffirming the collective commitment to a sustainable and resilient future.