Friday, August 21, 2009

Anti-pollution Measure in the Philippines

The government is letting loose P500M to advance its anti-pollution measure, reveals Presidential Management Chief Hermogenes Esperon Jr. during a press conference in Panglao. 

The fund, which is from the collected national road safety tax, Esperon said, can be availed by transport groups to help fund the drivers switch from the pollution prone fossil fuels to the cleaner liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). 

According to him, the money could be accessed by transport cooperatives through the Philippine Postal and Savings Bank and it would basically be used to fund for the conversion of engines. 

Through this, the government hopes to enhance its climate change activities, he said. 

Esperon also claimed that the government is now getting more and more serious about the care for the environment added that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has designated Fridays in her schedules as a day for the environment. 

Many also see the move as a way to slowly shake off from a heavy dependence on imported oil amidst the unpredictable price fluctuations in the global markets. 

Over this, Bohol transport groups who could probably avail of such fund may seek details of the credit window at the Philippine Postal Bank. 

While it was not yet certain if LPG works in a terrain which is more harsh than the flat lands of Manila, putting up LPG on taxi units may soon de-clog gas stations, noted several observers. 

Esperon, who was then the Armed Forces Chief said the programmed switch to LPG is also in line with the government's policy on cleaner energy use to mitigate the effects of climate change. 

Government sources also revealed recently that in the remaining days of President Arroyo would be focused on investing in education, economy and the environment. (PIA)  

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