Press Release
July 21, 2016

Villanueva: Development possible without environmental destruction

Senator Joel Villanueva responded to President Rodrigo Duterte's statement that he will not honor the historic Paris Agreement on climate change. Senator Villanueva says that he recognizes the country's need to industrialize but development and environmental protection are not mutually exclusive.

"We recognize our country's need to develop and our small contribution relative to the global carbon emission. We respect the President's decision not to honor the climate change pact. However, I don't think we need to completely abandon our commitment to reduce our carbon emission," the senator said.

Last Monday, President Duterte criticized the international treaty which the Philippines adopted along with about 200 countries. The President said the agreement stymies the progress of developing countries by requiring them to cut carbon emissions.

Senator Villanueva explained that development and healthier environment are not mutually exclusive. "We should pursue green development."

The senator cited his experience in supporting the development of green technology in TESDA which he chaired in the past five years.

"Based on my experience, there are potential green technologies that can support our development," he shared.

The green skills hub called the TESDA Green Technology Center (GTC) now caters to various trainees, clients and stakeholders in different fields and areas of technical vocational education and training like photovoltaic systems, hydroponics, vertical gardening, landscaping, inverter technology and e-trike servicing, among others.

It provides training and research on green technologies, brings research products to communities through extension service, and promotes green products entrepreneurship.

In addition to supporting the reduction of carbon emission and pushing for green development, Senator Villanueva explained that we should also set realistic goals in reducing our carbon emission. We should also review the implementation of environmental laws like the Clean Air Act to know their effectiveness in meeting our carbon emission targets.

News Latest News Feed