MANILA, Sept. 1 -– The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Wednesday lauded Filipinos for its unwavering support for helping the government in protecting the ozone layer.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon JP Paje said the 1987 Montreal Protocol is recognized as a prime example of successful cooperation between nations and partnerships among governments, industries, civil societies, academe and citizens.
As a member-country, the Philippines is committed to gradually reduce and eventually eliminate eight groups of ozone-depleting substances (ods) following a step-wise reduction schedule.
“Thanks to the cooperation and support of our fellow Filipinos, we have successfully complied with our commitments over the last 19 years and totally phased out seven out of the eight groups of chemicals,” Paje said.
In 2007, the Philippines national ozone office of the denr, on the 20th anniversary of the Montreal protocol, received “the Montreal protocol exemplary project recognition” for its contribution to the exemplary project “specialty solvent formulations sector project”.
For the period 1993-2004 the DENR managed, with assistance from the mlf, through its implementing agencies, 34 investment and 16 non-investment projects totaling US$ 19.4 million. (PNA)
DCT/JCA