Think-tank: Typhoon-related coal barge disasters expose incompatibility of fossil fuels to PH

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The Center for Energy, Ecology, and Development (CEED) on Monday called on the Philippine government to hasten the country’s transition away from fossil fuels and to strengthen measures to protect marine and coastal environments from pollution.


The call was made after the onslaught of Severe Tropical Storm (STS) Kristine triggered two coal spills in Sorsogon and Zambales.


“After hundreds of thousands of liters of oil spilled in the Verde Island Passage last year and in Manila Bay earlier this year, we’re now seeing these disastrous coal barge accidents. All of them came about from severe weather events. They are a terrible yet stark reminder that fossil fuel projects are dirty, deadly, and costly in more ways than one - triggering worse climate disasters and directly polluting the environments and communities that host them,” said Gerry Arances, Executive Director of CEED.


The coal barge that overturned in Sorsogon during the onslaught of STS Kristine has reportedly resulted in significant environmental damage, including fish kills and the destruction of marine ecosystems and livelihoods. A coastal community in Brgy. Bucalbucalan in Sorsogon City raised alarm over the darkening of the coast due to the alleged soaking of the barge’s coal.


Meanwhile, local fisherfolks of Zambales feared that marine life and their livelihoods were endangered because of the grounded barge case also by STS Kristine. Carrying 11,000 metric tons of coal, the barge poses serious threats to the Masinloc-Oyon Bay Protected Seascape and Landscape, Central Luzon’s first marine protected area and regarded as one of the country’s most important locations for marine biodiversity.


“Coal and other fossil fuels are not only a major contributor to climate change, they also pose significant threats to our communities and environment. As the climate crisis worsens, a repeat of these tragic incidents will always be possible for the climate-vulnerable Philippines. It’s high time for the government to rethink its expansion plans for coal and all other fossil fuels and prioritize a swift and just transition to renewable energy instead,” said Arances.

“At the same time, the government must prioritize the implementation of more stringent protection for the ecosystems that sustain many Filipinos, yet continue to be threatened by fossil fuels and other risks. Increasing restrictions against toxic pollution and ensuring that fisherfolk and coastal communities are empowered to be at the forefront of managing and protecting their marine and coastal environments should be the way forward,” he added.

DepEd Rolls Out Innovative Solution to Combat Learning Loss

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The Department of Education (DepEd) will deploy the Dynamic Learning Program (DLP) to support education continuity in schools impacted by typhoons and other natural disasters.

The pilot implementation of DLP will begin this November in affected schools in Regions I, II, III, IV-A, V, and CAR. The DLP initiative is designed to address disruptions caused by disasters and other challenges by promoting independent, resource-efficient learning.

“We’re bringing resilience to the heart of learning so that no student’s education has to pause when challenges arise,” Education Secretary Sonny Angara said.

Under the DLP, affected schools have the flexibility to conduct make-up classes and utilize DLP learning activity sheets in temporary learning spaces. These activity sheets are designed to be simple, targeted, and adaptable.

The program’s features include: parallel classes, activity-based engagement, student portfolios, and a reduced homework policy. The program encourages learners to engage deeply with lessons and build essential skills like writing, problem-solving, and critical thinking.

Through this initiative, DepEd seeks to restore educational opportunities for students by establishing resilient, adaptable learning practices. The deployment of DLP is aligned to the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. as a proactive learning continuity measure during disaster and emergency contexts.

DLP was developed by Dr. Christopher Bernido and Dr. Ma. Victoria Carpio-Bernido, founders of the Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) in Jagna, Bohol. It aims to improve learning outcomes through independent learning and minimal resource dependence, making it particularly effective in resource-limited environments.

Ocean Experts and Advocates Prepare for 8th East Asian Seas Congress in Xiamen

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The EAST ASIAN SEAS (EAS) CONGRESS is one of the most important gatherings for the seas of East and Southeast Asia. Here, minsters agree on a shared plan to conserve and sustainably develop the shared coastal resources of the region.

The East Asian Congress is happening this week, from 6 to 8 November, at the Xiamen International Convention Center in Xiamen, Fujian Province, China. Over 800 delegates from 20 countries are expected to attend.

Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA) is staging the 8th East Asian Seas Congress (EASC) from 6 to 8 November 2024 in Xiamen, the People’s Republic of China.

Co-organized with the Ministry of Natural Resources of China and the Xiamen Municipal People’s Government, it is the 8th EASC since country and non-country partners, local governments, the academe, private sector, international development partners, youth, nongovernment organizations, grassroots organizations and coastal communities agreed to work together to foster healthy seas, people and economies in the East Asian Seas region.

Held every three years, EASC provides a platform for ministerial and high-level technical discussions along with opportunities for networking and knowledge exchange on best practices, new research findings, innovative solutions and future trends in various sectors affecting East Asian Seas.

“The theme of the congress is Blue Synergy for a Shared Future: One Sustainable and Resilient Ocean and calls on participants to forge deeper, lasting ties and stronger collective impacts,” explains PEMSEA Executive Director Aimee Gonzales. “This congress is particularly important because it will be held in one of our two original pilot sites.”

In 1993, the Prevention and Management of Marine Pollution in the East Asian Sea (MPP-EAS) introduced Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) practices in the Philippine province of Batangas, plus the Chinese coastal hub of Xiamen – helping foster institutional reforms that greatly reduced multiple-use conflicts, pollution and the occurrence of deadly red tide, while protecting endangered species and habitats and providing nature-based amenities to locals and visitors alike.

The MPP-EAS project would later grow to become PEMSEA. Xiamen in turn evolved into a bustling trade and ecotourism hub known as the ‘Garden of the Sea’ – attracting droves of domestic and international tourists yearly because of its green destinations, such as the Xiatanwei Mangrove Park and Wuyuan Bay, home to rare White Dolphins (Sousa chinensis) and Blue-tailed Bee-eaters (Merops philippinus), considered the most beautiful bird in China.

To be held at the Xiamen International Conference Center, EASC 2024 will be staged together with World Ocean Week in Xiamen (WOW), which originated from the Xiamen International Maritime City Forum in 2005. WOW is an annual event that has hosted nearly 1000 officials and experts, over 50 important international organizations and over two million participants from nearly 130 countries and regions since its inception. Around 80,000 people attend WOW yearly.

“The successful integration of these two significant events is expected to draw increased attention and participation from high-level international organizations, officials, scholars and experts,” says the WOW official. “This will not only enhance the focus on building blue partnerships with East Asian Seas countries, but also aim to achieve a synergistic effect where one plus one is greater than two.”

Organizers hope the powerful synergy of EASC and WOW will revitalize ocean management across East Asian Seas. Numerous high-level speakers and guests are expected to attend the three-day event.



Impressive Speakers’ Lineup

The EASC consists of a Ministerial Forum, International Conference, Environmental Exhibition, Youth Forum, General Assemblies of Local Governments and Learning Centers, plus Field Visits to learn about ICM and other relevant coastal management practices.

Delegates can attend around 30 sessions anchored on four subthemes: Ocean Science, Policy and Practice, Global Challenges, Local Solutions, Innovation and Digitizing Ocean Action, plus Blue Financing and Investments.

Ministers, Vice Ministers, Director Generals, plus other senior government officials from 10 PEMSEA partner countries are expected to attend. Confirmed speakers include Dr. Kanni Wignaraja (UN Assistant Secretary-General and UNDP Regional Director for Asia), Mr. Mahesh Pradhan (COBSEA Coordinator under UNEP), Ms. Minna Epps (IUCN Ocean Team Director), Ms. Aya Silva (Rare Philippines / Fish Forever Vice President), Professor Icarus Allen (Plymouth Marine Laboratory Chief Executive), Dr. Minhan Dai (Xiamen University Chair and Professor of Marine Biogeochemistry) and many others.

Senior Chinese officials are warmly welcoming delegates. “EASC greatly strengthens solidarity and cooperation among our respective countries,” says China’s Minister of Natural Resources Wang Guanghua. “The congress also promotes the implementation of the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA). We are delighted to host our local and foreign participants.”

With over 800 delegates from 20 countries expected to attend, EASC 2024 aims to strive for bold and progressive achievements in international marine cooperation, comprehensive coastal zone management, marine cultural exchanges and other relevant fields.

“The 8th EASC is a powerful celebration of ocean solutions,” concludes EAS Partnership Council Chair Dr. Vann Monyneath. We envision healthy, vibrant and productive seas for all countries in East Asia and beyond. We’re excited to share and learn from everyone in Xiamen.” 

View the 8th EASC Programme HERE.

Register for the 8th EASC HERE.






About Partnerships in Environmental Management for the Seas of East Asia (PEMSEA)

PEMSEA is an intergovernmental organization created with a clear mission of fostering and sustaining healthy and resilient coasts and oceans, communities and economies across the Seas of East Asia through integrated management solutions and partnerships. For over three decades, PEMSEA has provided solutions for effective management of coasts and oceans across the shared seas of East Asia. As the regional coordinating mechanism for the Sustainable Development Strategy for the Seas of East Asia (SDS-SEA), a shared marine strategy among 14 countries in the region, PEMSEA works with national and local governments, companies, research and science institutions, regional programs, investors and donors towards implementation of the SDS-SEA. Crucial networks such as learning centers also contribute their expertise and coastal management skills to the shared goals of the SDS-SEA. For more information: https://pemsea.org.



About World Ocean Week in Xiamen (WOW)

Held every first week of November, World Ocean Week in Xiamen (WOW) has emerged as a powerful platform linking global ocean policies, technology, decision-making and action. WOW provides a platform for cooperation and exchange between governments of coastal cities, marine science and technology circles, international and intergovernmental organizations, maritime-related enterprises and institutions around the world. Celebrating its 19th session this 2024, WOW attracts an average of 80,000 participants yearly and is devoted to promoting the global maritime industry, plus the sustainable utilization of the world’s marine resources. For more information: https://en.xmicc.org.cn/detail/230.html.