THE Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) is reviewing the capability of the firm operating waste reception facilities to see if additional facilities for proper waste
disposal of ships are needed.
Golden Dragon International Terminals, Inc (GDITI) has long been been providing services for the collection and disposal of oil, sewerage and garbage wastes from all vessels calling in ports in accordance with requirements of the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from ships.
"The government is taking a more active role in the implementation of the solid waste management in order to reduce, if not stop, activities that could destroy the environment," the PPA said in a statement.
Data shows GDITI collected 21,998 cubic meters of waste last year, 16,798 cubic meters of them solid and 5,200 liquid, from 44,438 vessel voyages, 39,924 of which were domestic and 4,514 foreign vessels.
There are 19 established shore reception facilities. They are at the Port Management Office (PMO) of South Harbor, North Harbor, Limay, Batangas, Puerto Princesa and Legazpi in Luzon; PMOs Dumaguete, Ormoc, Iloilo, Tacloban, and Pulupandan in Visayas and PMOs Davao, General Santos, Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga, Iligan, Nasipit Surigao and Ozamiz in Mindanao.
Reducing global warming
PPA said it is taking steps to preserve the environment and reduce the sources of global warming from ports such as the use of oil, coal and fossil fuel as well as methane.
Methane is one of the greenhouse gases that drive climate change, the phenomenon also known as global warning.
Ports and harbors normally face constant threats of water, air and land pollution, except perhaps for Puerto Princesa.
The port has been adjudged number one in solid waste management clean and green programs, environmental awareness, and energy and water conservation.
PMO Puerto Princesa pursued environmental initiatives years ago, drawing inspiration from the city government's clean and green program.
It adopted a strategic environmental plan for Palawan hinged on orderliness, cleanliness and safety at ports.
PMO Puerto Princesa ensures proper oil disposal to prevent endangering the marine life. Clean ups and removal of underwater derelicts are also being conducted.
