'Window of opportunity' seen to clean up oil spill

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Researchers urge oil spill cleanup amid calm weather


Scientists from the University of the Philippines - Diliman Marine Science Institute (UPD-CS MSI) have noted a “window of opportunity” to step up efforts to clean up the oil spill from the MT Princess Empress tanker that sank off Naujan, Occidental Mindoro, last February 28.

“Weaker winds and calmer seas allow for larger oil slicks to form because of less disturbance from waves,” the researchers noted in their latest update. Satellite data from the US National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) as of March 21 showed that the floating oil had accumulated into a 37.84-square-kilometer slick—”larger than Las Piñas,” the scientists noted.

The accumulated oil, along with the improved weather, may be a boon to cleanup efforts: “Calmer seas and larger slicks should be taken as an opportunity to collect the oil in slicks near the sunken tanker using booms and skimmers and ramp up cleanup efforts to prevent the oil from spreading further,” the UPD-CS MSI said.

The researchers also warned that, with the seasonal weakening of the Amihan Northeast Monsoon, the subsequent strengthening of easterly winds may push the oil further westward through the Verde Island Passage (VIP), one of the most biodiverse regions in the world and home to thousands of unique species. With some of the highest concentrations of coastal fishes, corals, crustaceans, molluscs, seagrasses, and mangroves worldwide, the Passage is the main source of food and livelihood for millions of Filipinos.

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The UPD-CS MSI is also asking the public for help in monitoring the oil spill. The public is encouraged to contribute geotagged images of sightings of the MT Princess Empress oil spill through this form: https://bit.ly/MTPE_GPS. The use of a GPS-enabled phone and a GPS camera app such as “GPS Map Camera” (available on Google Play and the Apple Store) are recommended so that geotag location data can be preserved.

SM Foundation aids quake-hit Türkiye, Syria

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In solidarity with earthquake-hit countries Türkiye and Syria, SM Foundation Inc. (SMFI) sent aid through the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) last Feb. 27, 2023.

Represented by SM Foundation Health and Medical Programs Executive Director Connie Angeles, SMFI handed 200 units of gasoline generators to PRC to provide power to the quake-stricken Türkiye and Syria.

Additionally, the social good arm of SM also donated Php5 million to help address the needs of earthquake victims.

The aid comes after a 7.8 magnitude earthquake hit southeast Türkiye and northwest Syria. The disaster was followed by a magnitude 6.3 earthquake, hitting southern Turkiye, which led to additional casualties and damages.

To learn more about SM Foundation’s social good programs, visit www.sm-foundation.org or follow its social media accounts (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube): @SMFoundationInc.

SMFI’s Connie Angeles (second from left) hands the donation to PRC chairperson Dick Gordon (third from left). Joining the turnover are PRC Governor Ernesto Isla and PRC Secretary General Dr. Gwen Pang (first and fourth from left, respectively). Photo from PRC.

PRC volunteers prepare to ship 200 units of gasoline generators donated by SM Foundation for quake-hit Türkiye and Syria. Photo from PRC.

SM Supermalls, SM Cares to join Earth Hour 2023

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SM Supermalls, together with its corporate social responsibility arm SM Cares, is joining the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour this coming March 25 as the company renews its commitment to environmental stewardship.

This year's Earth Hour is all about "creating the Biggest Hour for Earth," and those who want to participate in the global activity are encouraged to spend 60 minutes doing something positive for the planet, in addition to switching off their lights.

SM Supermalls has been supporting Earth Hour and the WWF since the initiative was first held in the Philippines in 2008. This year, customers, tenants and employees at SM malls nationwide are once again encouraged to “Give an Hour for Earth” as SM Supermalls joins the annual Global Lights Switch Off from 8:30 PM to 9:30PM on March 25.

This day also marks the start of the World Wildlife Fund’s Virtual Earth Hour Run, a self-paced run supported by SM Cares, to be held from March 25 to April 30, 2023. The run aligns with SM Supermalls’ bid to make “Earth Hour, Any Hour” as participants are encouraged to adopt an eco-friendly lifestyle by running and win prizes along the way. Joiners may register here and tag SM Cares and WWF as they post their stopovers at SM malls with hashtag #BiggestHourForEarth and #EarthHourVirtualRun.

 

Aside from these, SM Supermalls has been pushing to minimize its carbon footprint in support of the global green movement through various programs ranging from responsible energy consumption to investing in renewable energy.

For instance, more than 50 percent of the energy consumed by SM malls all over the country now come from renewable sources. In terms of solar energy usage, SM now has 12 malls equipped with energized solar panels, with SM Mall of Asia as the latest mall to receive a solar panel installation, which has a capacity of 2.003 MWp.

SM has also been recognized for exceeding compliance with RA7920 or the New Electrical Engineering Law, which regulates the practice, licensing, and registration of electrical engineers and electricians. This is proof that SM is operated and maintained only by highly qualified engineers.

SM Cares' sustainability initiatives include the Trash-To-Cash Market and the Plastic Waste Collection program, which encourage responsible solid waste disposal among Filipinos; the annual Green Film Festival which promotes environmental awareness among students and the youth; and the International Coastal Cleanup which encourages stakeholders to do their part in keeping our seas and oceans clean.

SM Cares is the corporate social responsibility arm of SM Supermalls, the country’s biggest chain of malls built by one of Southeast Asia’s leading real estate developer, SM Prime Holdings. It is responsible for initiatives that promote sustainability and the development of the community, including programs on Women and Breastfeeding Mothers, Persons with Disabilities, Senior Citizens, and Children and Youth, as well as the Bike-Friendly SM initiative, in addition to its Programs on Environment.

To learn more, visit www.smsupermalls.com/smcares.