Aute returns home to Manila through his music

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Filipino artists paid tribute to Luis Eduardo Aute’s life, music and artistic legacy in a concert aptly titled, Manila Born: A Tribute to Aute. The concert was organized by Instituto Cervantes de Manila, the cultural arm of the Embassy of Spain, to mark his 80th birth anniversary, last Nov. 7 at the RCBC Auditorium.

Aute’s legacy was brought to life with the screening of music-docu titled, “Con tu Latido” and live renditions by Sheila Ferrer, Toma Cayabyab and his band, the Debonair District. "Con tu latido” was produced in 2021 by Instituto Cervantes de Manila was filmed in distinct locations in Intramuros and features Filipino singers, such as Bituin Escalante and Mark Anthony Carpio, performing some of the songs of Luis Eduardo Aute. It was also a glimpse to the life and genius of Aute through his past interviews where he shares his creative interests, moorings and intimate reflections of his childhood and his life in the country.

As an artist, the very fabric of Aute’s art resonates with this shared and unique experience of being Spanish and Filipino at the same time. This duality in his cultural identity often informed the range of his creative work. His songs and poetry are often tinged by nostalgia, dislocation, and longingness which provide rich, evolved, and distinct narratives. “This is why his songs resonate with local audiences “said Javier Galvan, Director of Instituto Cervantes de Manila.

For the part of the artists involved, Cayabyab said, “ it's actually an honor to be working on this because it was only through Instituto that I got to know Aute. It's really interesting to see that he grew up here in the Philippines and that he had a chance to embrace and enjoy our culture. It was also an honor to work with Instituto Cervantes Director and its director, Javier Galvan, who was very passionate about this project and was really eager to share Aute's history and music with the Filipinos. I, along with my fellow musicians, also enjoyed performing his works.” Meanwhile, Ferrer added, “as artists, we never perform the same song the same way twice. There are a million ways to interpret a song, and I think I can use that to expand my artistry, like what Aute did to his music.”

Veteran actor Ronnie Lazaro, in attendance to the event and was moved by his introduction to Aute’s life and music, said this event made him proud of Aute.

Aute was born on September 13, 1943, raised in Manila where spent his formative years even went to De La Salle for his studies before moving to Spain with his family in 1954. Aute would later become one of the icons of Spanish music in the second half of the 20th century and whose music transcended even to Latin America. He has released over 30 albums. In addition to his music career, he also was an accomplished painter, sculpture and film director. After a decline in his health, Aute died in 2020 at the age of 76 in Madrid.

Environmental Group Calls on Governments to Take a Stand Against Global Plastic Pollution

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BAN Toxics, along with other green groups and civil society organizations, is actively addressing the urgent need to combat plastic pollution at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC-3) for the Global Plastics Treaty. Set for November 13-19, 2023 at the UNEP Headquarters in Nairobi, Kenya, INC-3 aims to develop a comprehensive instrument addressing the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal. Previously, a zero draft document was developed by the Secretariat as an outcome of INC-2 held earlier this year.

Plastic pollution poses a significant challenge in the Philippines, with single-use plastics like sachet packs, bags, cutlery, cups, and PET bottles being major contributors. A 2019 GAIA study[1] revealed that the country has recorded the daily disposal of over 163 million plastic sachet packets, 48 million shopping bags, and 45 million thin-film bags.




Pervasive Plastic Pollution

BAN Toxics is deeply concerned about the environmental challenges caused by single-use plastics and their impact on the general public. According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP),[2] the persistence of plastic is a concerning issue, as most plastic items do not completely vanish; instead, they degrade into increasingly smaller pieces. These microplastics can enter the human body through inhalation and absorption, accumulating in vital organs like the lungs, liver, spleen, and kidneys.

Increased health risks, particularly in communities with inadequate waste management, underscore the need for stronger mechanisms and effective solutions on both national and regional levels.

"The Philippines is at a critical juncture in the battle against plastic pollution. Our country's unique biodiversity, alongside the health, welfare, and sources of livelihood of our people, deserve protection, and we must act decisively," says Jam Lorenzo from BAN Toxics’ Policy Development and Research Unit.



BAN Toxics in the Global Policy Landscape

Despite efforts to combat plastic pollution through regulations, enforcement challenges persist in the Philippines. Progress is hindered by implementation gaps, prompting a call for the Philippines to advocate for a legally binding instrument at the international level.

The upcoming plastic treaty could be the inaugural multilateral agreement, featuring legally binding and globally harmonized requirements for transparent information on chemicals and polymers in plastic materials. It aims to ensure traceability of this information throughout the entire lifecycle of plastics, involving all stakeholders in the value chain.[3]

BAN Toxics actively participates in negotiations for a global plastics treaty, a legally binding tool emphasizing the critical need to address plastic production at its core. The group previously presented its positions at technical webinars hosted by the INC Secretariat,[4] and has submitted proposals to UNEP at both international[5] and regional[6] levels prioritizing plastic reduction, advocating for industry shifts, and identifying sustainable alternatives. Indeed, the group advocates for a comprehensive global plastic treaty, with the following key points:

1. Prioritizes the reduction of plastic use and production by establishing realistic and science-informed schedules for freezing and phasing down plastic production, ensuring alignment with sustainable planetary boundaries and the safeguarding of human health and the environment.

2. Encourages sustainable shifts in industry perspectives and practices by eliminating incentives and subsidies for plastic producers, manufacturers, and distributors and imposing appropriate fees and restrictions on industries.

3. Emphasizes the identification of sustainable alternatives to plastics to protect human health and the environment, particularly by addressing plastics or chemicals in plastics that are known carcinogens, endocrine disruptors, and substances that persist, bioaccumulate, and are toxic in the environment.



Gaps and Challenges in the Local Level

Republic Act 9003 (RA 9003), enacted in 2000, is the primary policy addressing solid waste by emphasizing avoidance, reduction, and responsible treatment. It mandates the National Solid Waste Management Commission to prepare and publicize a list of Non-Environmentally Acceptable Products and Packaging (NEAPP) that could have helped regulate plastic waste. After 20 years, the guidelines have yet to be made public.

Meanwhile, the Philippines enacted the "Extended Producer Responsibility" (EPR) law in 2022, raising concerns among green groups[7]. Since last August, BAN Toxics[8] has been urging the government to adopt comprehensive approaches to address plastic waste. The group stresses the need to avoid incentivizing environmentally harmful waste disposal methods under the current EPR model and emphasizes the importance of covering the entire lifecycle of plastics. Further, reducing plastic use is the most effective strategy, and the implementation of EPR should focus on sustainable production, consumption, and zero waste, with a priority on upstream solutions.

Lorenzo further stressed, “Despite these mechanisms, there is a shared recognition that further strides are needed in terms of effective implementation, greater policy action and stakeholder involvement to achieve results.” The situation makes it more crucial than ever to push for a comprehensive national single-use plastic ban to curb plastic waste. There have also been several bills filed in both the lower[9] and upper houses[10] to cut down on plastic waste.



Future Outlook

The group aims to contribute to discussions at INC-3, positioning the Philippines as a leader in the global fight against plastic pollution, advocating for a Treaty aligned with local sustainability objectives and safeguarding the country’s unique biodiversity.

The urgent call to action against plastic pollution requires collaborative efforts on a global scale. BAN Toxics continues to engage with fellow green groups, experts, impacted groups, and communities to urge the international community to develop binding instruments and enact change for a sustainable future.




BAN Toxics is an independent non-government environmental organization that works for the advancement of environmental justice, health, and sustainable development in the area of chemicals and wastes, with a special focus on women, children, and other marginalized sectors.


BAN Toxics is a member of the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA). GAIA is a network of grassroot groups representing more than 1000 organizations from 92 countries who are working towards a Zero Waste world.



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[1] https://www.no-burn.org/gaia-report-plastics-exposed-how-waste-assessments-and-brand-audits-are-helping-philippine-cities-fight-plastic-pollution/


[2] https://www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution/?gad_source=1&gclid=CjwKCAiAxreqBhAxEiwAfGfndCfgKcMDY2x-u-SINof9OapaqlR7tFqq6TgGw5mp-ZN35g77zbPqahoCD5AQAvD_BwE




[3] Globally harmonized requirements for transparency and traceability of chemical information in plastic materials and products in the Plastic Treaty


[4] https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VI0njWiYz3Y


[5] https://resolutions.unep.org/resolutions/uploads/ban_toxics_11082023.pdf


[6] https://resolutions.unep.org/resolutions/uploads/asia_pacific_regional_submission_15082023_b_0.pdf


[7] https://www.rappler.com/nation/green-groups-urge-marcos-jr-veto-extended-producers-responsibility-bill/


[8] https://bantoxics.org/2023/08/03/ban-toxics-urges-government-to-shift-towards-systems-change-and-holistic-approaches-to-address-plastic-waste/




[9] https://www.reuters.com/world/philippines-lower-house-approves-bill-taxing-single-use-plastics-2022-11-14/


[10] https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1193343

DOST-SEI names qualifiers to the 2023 JLSS

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A new batch of third year students enrolled in priority science and technology programs are set to enjoy the benefits of being a Department of Science and Technology (DOST) scholar as DOST-Science Education Institute announces 2,669 qualifiers to the 2023 Junior Level Science Scholarships (JLSS).

The new qualifiers bested a total of 12,566 examinees who took the scholarship examination on August 27, 2023 held in various testing centers nationwide. On top of the announced number, 331 more potential qualifiers—whose names do not appear in the published list—are also under consideration for the JLSS, pending re-evaluation and resubmission of documents.

In a statement, DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo expressed her enthusiasm and pride in welcoming the new batch of scholars.

“We are delighted to welcome these young talents who have shown high potential in science and technology. They shall join the future S&T movers and leaders of our nation, and their innovative contributions can be instrumental in achieving inclusive development for our country. We are happy to support them in their remaining two or three years in college," said Dr. Biyo.

Qualifiers who will avail of the scholarship will enjoy benefits, which include tuition and other school fees subsidy, monthly stipends, learning materials and/or connectivity allowance, thesis allowance, transportation allowance, group health and accident insurance, beginning the first semester of the academic year 2023-2024,

The JLSS has three component programs, namely: the Merit Scholarship (R.A. No. 2067), R.A. No. 7687 or the “S&T Scholarship Act of 1994,” and the R.A. No. 10612 or the “Fast-Tracked S&T Scholarship Act of 2013.” The Merit and the R.A. 7687 scholarship programs are implemented in support of the Institute’s goal of increasing the number of S&T professionals and experts who will help boost knowledge creation and economic productivity in the country. The RA 10612 scholarship program, on the other hand, supports the execution of the K to 12 law by creating a pool of scholar-graduates who can competently teach science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) in secondary education.

A Notice of Award will be given to all qualifiers, while the potential qualifiers will receive an official advisory on the requirements they must resubmit. The qualifiers, with their parents/legal guardians, must attend the Orientation on S&T Scholarship Policies and Procedures. After which, they are expected to sign the scholarship agreement.

“The JLSS, along with the other S&T scholarship programs we administer, is a testament of the Institute's commitment to developing the country's pool of high-quality S&T human resources which can ultimately lead to the advancement of the nation. We will continue to empower them through the various support programs we offer while they enjoy the scholarship to ensure that they are well-equipped when they join the S&T workforce,” Dr. Biyo added.

Upon completion of their degree programs, scholars under the Merit and RA 7687 programs are required to work along their fields of specialization in the country for a period equivalent to the length of years in which they enjoyed the scholarship. Meanwhile, the graduates under the RA 10612 are expected to teach STEM, ideally in their respective home regions, as their return service.

The SEI is a service agency of the DOST mandated to accelerate the development of S&T human resources in the country by administering undergraduate and graduate scholarships and advanced specialized training, promoting S&T culture, and developing innovative science education programs.



More information about the DOST-SEI programs and projects can be accessed through the Institute’s website, www.sei.dost.gov.ph.