Philippine NGOs’ Statement of Support for the Non-Combustion POPs Project (Non-Com POPs Project)

Dear Friends,

FOR A TOXICS-FREE PHILIPPINES

We would like to invite everyone to sign and endorse the following
STATEMENT OF SUPPORT for the Non-Combustion POPs Project that seeks to
eliminate the country's stockpiles of the highly toxic polychlorinated
biphenyls or PCBs.

We have presented the statement for endorsement at the EcoWaste
Coalition-organized "Working Together for a PCBs-free Philippines" seminar
held today, 30 June 2009, from 9am to 12nn at Max's Restaurant,
Quezon Memorial Circle, QC. The statement has been adopted and endorsed by the assembly.

Additional signatures / endorsements are still welcome. We'll appreciate it very much if you can sign on today. Kindly send your
reply to reykp.nopcb@gmail.com or to ecowastecoalition@yahoo.com and we'll add your name and/or organization.

Marami pong salamat at mabuhay!

For a PCBs-free Philippines,

The EcoWaste Coalition
______

We, Filipino citizens’ and advocates of public health, chemical safety and environmental justice, express our full support, commitment, unity and action to contribute to the nation’s efforts toward the phase out and eventual elimination of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in the Philippines through the Non-Combustion POPs Project (or the Non-Com POPs Project).

We support this UN-backed public-private partnership, which includes the civil society, because it will help the Philippines:

1. Fulfill the Constitutionally-guaranteed rights of the Filipino people to health and to a balanced and healthful ecology;

2. Abide by the Chemical Control Order on PCBs issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) that directs the phase out of PCBs by 2014;

3. Build its capacity to manage the stockpiles of PCB oils and PCB-contaminated equipment and materials through a robust, closed-loop non-combustion technology in line with the incineration ban under the Clean Air Act and the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.

4. Carry out its obligations under the Stockholm Convention on Persistent Organic Pollutants (POPs) requiring governments “to prohibit the production, import, export and use of all PCBs,” and implement the “Action Plan Addressing PCBs” in the National Implementation Plan for the said treaty.

5. Set a good example for developing countries in the safe and environmentally-sound management of POPs stockpiles that avoids the unintentional release of dioxins and furans, which the newly-formed PCBs Elimination Network (PEN) can learn from and replicate.

As we express our support for the Non-Com POPs Project, we call on the government, particularly the DENR, to pursue the inventory and monitoring of all our stockpiles of PCBs, ensuring that PCBs in electric utility plants, transformer servicing centers, manufacturing sites and old commercial buildings are duly accounted for and safely stored for subsequent decontamination in the non-combustion facility.

We likewise call on the Bureau of Customs to remain vigilant against the probable entry of PCB transformers disguised as “recyclables” or “donations” for rural electrification as other countries get rid of their own stockpiles of PCBs.

Acknowledging the necessity of actively working together to realize a toxics-free future, we shall inform and educate our membership and the general public about PCBs and the Non-Com POPs Project, and participate in relevant efforts that will ensure the safety of our ecosystems and our people, especially our children, women, industrial workers, waste handlers, and informal recyclers, against exposure from PCBs and other harmful chemicals.

Signed and adopted:

1. Aida Martija, AKKAPKA - Pandacan
2. Angelina P. Galang, Ph.D., Green Convergence for Safe Food, Healthy Enviornment and Sustainable Economy / Enviornmental Studies Institute, Miriam College
3. Aurea Macalindong, Buklod Kalikasan
4. Beau Baconguis, Greenpeace Southeast Asia
5. Catalina Jocson, Krusada sa Kalikasn
6. Conrado Esemple, Columban Missionaries-Justice, Peace & Integrity of Creation
7. Elsie B. Retanan, Brgy. Yakal MRF, Silang, Cavite
8. Elsie Brandes de Veyra, Concerned Citizens Against Pollution
9. Eric Jamon, Ecology Desk of Diocese of Kalookan
10. Esther Pacheco, COCAP-ES (Citizens Organization Concerned with Advocating Philippine Environmental Sustainability)
11. Evangeline T. Palacio, Sining Yapak
12. Eileen Sison, Institute for the Development of Education and Ecological Alternatives, Inc. (IDEAS)
13. Fe C. Manapat, Woman Health, Philippines
14. Florita Dumagan, Hugalna Albur
15. George Dadivas, Sanib Lakas ng mga Aktibong may Taya sa Inang Kalikasan (SALIKA)
16. Helen Mendoza, Philippine Network on Climate Change
17. Ines Fernandez, Arugaan/Save the Babies Coalition
18. Isagani R. Serrano, Philippine Rural Reconstruction Movement (PRRM)
19. Jane Continente, Lakay Kalikasan
20. Jennifer Pangilinan, Mascomthea
21. Jessie Ruines, Children's Helper Project / CGC
22. Joel Catapang, Concerned citizen
23. Joey Papa, Bangon Kalikasan
24. Josua Mata, Alliance of Progressive Labor (APL)
25. Kinaiyahan Foundation
26. Kristopher Peralta, EARTH-UST
27. Leah Primitiva G. Samaco-Paquiz, Ang Nars
28. Manny C. Calonzo, Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives
29. Marie Marciano, Mother Earth Foundation
30. Martin Francisco, Sagip Sierra Madre Environmental Society, Inc. (SSMESI)
31. Noli Abinales, Buklod Tao, Inc.
32. Ochie Tolentino, Cavite Green Coalition
33. Ofelia Panganiban, Zero Waste Recycling Movement of the Philippines Foundation
34. Richard Gutierrez, BAN Toxics!
35. Riedo Panaligan, EcoWaste Coalition
36. Rodel Gabac, Advocates for Environmental and Social Justice
37. Romeo Hidalgo, November 17 Movement
38. Ronald Aries Pirante, Diocese of Imus, Cavite
39. Ronnel Lim, Health Care Without Harm
40. Sylvia Mesina, Concerned citizen
41. Tanya Conlu, Concerned citizen
42. Tessa Oliva, Miriam P.E.A.C.E.
43. Vicente L. Guarin, Diocese of Kalookan
44. Victoria Segovia, Partnership for Clean Air