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  Sen. Cynthia Villar stressed anew the importance of wetlands in providing wildlife habitats, including as sanctuary of migratory birds. On the occasion of the World Migratory Bird Day, Villar said the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park (LPWP) located South of Manila Bay, has served as resting and feeding grounds for migratory birds coming from Japan, China, and Siberia. “Wetlands have a unique characteristic and serve a lot of functions that is why these areas are protected and preserved,” Villar said. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, authored Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas Act or E-NIPAS Act, which lists the Las Pinas-Paranaque Wetland Park as a protected area. The park is a 175- hectare nature reserve providing sanctuary to 82 species of wild bird including Philippine ducks, Chinese egret, and the Black-winged stilts.   It has 36 hectares of mangrove forest, the thickest and most diverse among ...

A 23-year-old beauty queen from Baguio City won Miss Philippines Earth 2020 in the first-ever virtual presentation for a pageant aired over GMA 7 on Sunday afternoon, July 5. But Filipino-Belgian Roxanne Allison Baeyens, an artist and commercial model, would still have to wait for her crown due to social distancing measures being implemented in the National Capital Region to prevent the spread of COVID-19. Baeyens edged out 32 other candidates in the two-hour presentation. Baeyen's crown would be delivered to her soon, sources said. Outgoing Miss Philippines Earth Janelle Tee did not pass her crown during the broadcast. Taped via the Zoom video platform, the MPE candidates paraded from the comfort of their homes. The telecast judges also did their judging chores from home. Netizens congratulated the organizers for the success of the pageant, saying that it was the first time that a popular beauty pageant made a virtual presentation. Baeyens who promotes environmental advocacy will ...

Outgoing Miss Philippines Earth Janelle Tee has described her reign as imperfect but fruitful enough to make it worthwhile and memorable. "My heart is full. I'm just really beyond grateful for such a fruitful year," said Tee, during an exclusive online chat for the Manila Bulletin, on Thursday. Tee will crown her successor on Sunday, July 5, in the first-ever "new normal" presentation of the Miss Philippines Earth 2020 beauty pageant. It would be telecast on GMA 7 at 10 a.m. "To the next batch of winners, have the unrelenting can-do attitude to really fulfill the job of being Miss Philippines Earth," said the Filipino-Chinese beauty queen when asked about her message to the new winners. Thirty-three candidates are competing in this year's edition of MPE. Tee said that the grand coronation of MPE on July 5 would also serve as her "graduation" from the pageantry. "Graduate na ako (sa pageantry). I will pursue other plans after and stil...

Senator Cynthia Villar has called on the public to help protect wildlife habitats and biodiversity to prevent the spread of infectious diseases. Villar, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, made the reaction after she cited a study which showed that the continuous destruction of wildlife habitats and biodiversity loss contribute to the spread of infectious diseases. “We designate some areas in our country as protected areas because it is important for these places to remain untouched and unexploited. There’s already a wealth of studies out there asserting that infectious diseases such as Ebola, HIV, swine fever and avian flu originated from animals,” said Villar, during the celebration of World Environment Day recently. A study conducted by the Wildlife Conservation Society showed that habitat loss forces animals to move to areas populated by people, who become exposed to the pathogens of animals that in turn spread viruses. Scientist cited as example the Ni...

                         Senator Cynthia Villar has batted for stricter implementation of environmental laws especially on protected areas that serve as natural habitats to wildlife and even endangered animals, thus contribute significantly to biodiversity.              Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources cited that the continuous destruction of wildlife habitats and biodiversity loss contribute to the spread of infectious diseases.             “The fact that they are called protected areas should already warn people about their importance. They are the natural habitats of wildlife, which should not be damaged or destroyed, but protected instead, not only for the animals’ sake but for our sake as well,” said Villar.             Destruction of natural habitats has been linked to the spr...

            Senator Cynthia Villar said that besides health and hygiene, the environment also plays a crucial role in the prevention in the spread and minimizing the effects of the coronavirus or Covid-19. Thus a clean and green environment should be part of the “new normal”.            Villar cited that improving air quality is a good start. Emissions of a variety of gases related to energy and transport has been significantly reduced due to limited economic activity and mobility of people. Prior to the enhance community quarantine (ECQ) and lockdown, the Philippines ranked 57th out of 98 countries in IQAirAirVisual’s list of the world’s most polluted countries in 2019.             Level of concentrations of particulate matter called PM2.5 averaged 17.6 micrograms per cubic meter (μg/m3) in the country last year, an increase from 14.6 μg/m3 in 2018. These exceeded the World Health Organization’s (...

Workers of community-based livelihood projects continue to have a source of income while complying with the restrictions of the enhanced community quarantine, Sen. Cynthia Villar said. Villar, chair of the Committee on Agriculture and Food and Environment and Natural Resources, said community-based livelihood projects help workers have a steady source of income amid the implementation of quarantine measures. In Las Pinas, livelihood projects continue its operation including handicraft and blanket weaving, coconet weaving, plastic chairs production, organic fertilizer production, engineered bamboo production, citronella massage oil making, handmade waterlily paper making, urban vegetable gardening, urban aquaculture, and organic livestock raising. These projects are some of the livelihood projects Villar helped establish in over 7,000 locations nationwide. “Our workers need not worry about losing their income during the COVID 19 crisis because these community-based livelihoo...

Despite the enhanced community quarantine being imposed in Luzon and other parts in the country, Sen. Cynthia Villar said proper handling of waste products can still be done. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said it is important that garbage collection and recycling efforts continue in order to prevent additional health and sanitation woes. “We continue to generate waste even if we are under quarantine. Garbage will pile up if these are not collected and overwhelm our landfills if not properly segregated and recycled,” Villar said. The lady senator also added that used masks and gloves can easily mix with household waste when these should be treated as hazardous wastes. Villar urged local government officials to implement environmentally-sound practices alongside measures battling the spread of COVID-19. In her home city of Las Pinas, Villar said composting and recycling facilities continue operating to properly manage the city...

The enhanced community quarantine is a good time to start taking up productive hobbies like home gardening, Sen. Cynthia Villar said. Villar, chairperson of the Committee on Agriculture and Food and on Environment and Natural Resources, said work suspension and mandatory home stay created an opportunity to start worthwhile activities at home. “Sa atin na nasanay na laging may ginagawa, nahihirapan tayo paano papalipasin ang oras. Planting is something you can start alone or with your family. It’s a way of introducing agriculture to our children,” Villar said. Villar said there are tutorials accessible through the internet that can provide basic instructions on how to start your home garden. “Hindi kailangan ng malaking lupain. You can plant in small spaces or containers and start with crop varieties that are easy to grow like pechay, sili, tomato, eggplant, okra, calamansi, among others,” Villar said. Villar added that urban agriculture and vertical gardening should b...

Sen. Cynthia A. Villar and daughter, Las Pinas Rep. Camille Villar led the "Takbo Para sa Kalikasan" in celebration of the 6th Las Pinas-Zapote River Festival recently. The 'run for a cause' was being sponsored by the Villar SIPAG where the senator sits as director, to instil public awareness in cleaning our river and maintaining a healthy environment.

Sen. Cynthia Villar has called for the committee hearing on the bill that will mandate manufacturers to be responsible for the management of their plastic products. Senate Bill No. 1331 or the Extended Producers Responsibility (EPR) Act of 2020 authored by Villar, seeks to institutionalize the practice of EPR in waste management. It also amends the 20-year-old Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. “This measure makes sure that the responsibility for the entire life cycle of plastic products rests on the manufacturers. It will mandate manufacturers to recover plastic wastes from their products as a mechanism towards achieving an efficient solid waste management,” Villar said. Villar, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said there are indications that the industry would welcome the EPR approach, citing the declaration signed last month by the members of the Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) ...

Senator Cynthia A. Villar led the celebration of the  Zero Waste Month and the 1st anniversary of the Battle of Manila Bay at the Las Piñas – Parañaque Wetland Park. Mrs. Villar was joined by Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS) President Crispian Lao, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Danilo Lim and Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (NCR) Executive Director Jaquie Caancan. The event was sponsored by the Villar SIPAG in partnership with Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability (PARMS,  DENR Environmental Management Bureau, DENR Solid Waste Management and LGU concerns, Manila Bay Coordinating Office, National Solid Waste Management Commission, DPWH, MMDA, PNP- Maritime Group, Philippine Navy,  Philippine Coast Guard – Marine Environmental Protection Manila Bay Sun...

Sen. Cynthia Villar raised anew the proposal to ban single-use plastic in a gathering of the heads of agencies tasked to clean and rehabilitate Manila Bay. During the 2nd Principals’ Meeting and Conference of the Manila Bay Task Force held at the Diamond Hotel in Manila, Villar pointed at plastic waste as the most alarming environmental issue. “Ang plastic ang isa sa pinaka-malubhang nakakapinsala sa ating kapaligiran at pumapatay sa mga yamang dagat. Alam natin lahat iyan dahil sa lahat ng mga cleanups, puro plastic wastes ang nako-collect natin,” Villar said in her remarks. Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, also noted that despite the move of some cities to ban plastics in their localities, the enormity of the problem calls for a nationwide ban, which is also favored by President Rodrigo Duterte. The lady senator also said she will start the public hearing on the bill she authored, Senate Bill 333 or the Single-Use Plastic Product...

Dr. Paul Connett, a well-known author and foreign expert on waste management paid, a courtesy call to Sen. Cynthia A. Villar in her Senate office. Connett of EcoWaste Coalition and Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources share the same advocacy of caring for the environment. Joining them were Sonia Mendoza of Mother Earth, Paul Connet, an expert on zero waste management, Glenn Ismael Ymata, senior campaigner of No Burn Pilipinas; and Aileen Lucero, National Coordinator of Eco-waste Coalition.

To mark the 5th anniversary of her various projects in Baseco Compound, Tondo, Sen. Cynthia Villar led a clean-up activity in the area. Since 2015, Villar has been returning to Barangay 649, Gasangan, a coastal community along Manila Bay, to conduct monthly clean up and tree-planting activities as well as to check on the progress of the construction of toilets and status of the various livelihood projects she established for the residents. Villar, chairperson of the committee on environment, natural resources, and climate change, expressed her gratitude to individuals and groups who contributed to the success of the projects. “Looking back, rehabilitating Baseco looked like a daunting task but your continued cooperation encouraged me to carry on. It’s still a long way to go but as you can see, we are starting to reap the benefits of our initial steps,” Villar said, addressing the volunteers from partner organizations gathered for the activity. The Nacionalista Party sena...

Due to the various issues and challenges hounding the environment, compounded by increasing risks and hazards, Sen. Cynthia Villar underscores the importance of environmental planning for rural and urban spaces. Villar, chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, also recognizes the important role of economic planners in shaping a sustainable future for all of us. Villar was the Guest Speaker during the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) 28th National Convention and 50th Founding Anniversary held at the PICC in Pasay City.

Sen. Cynthia Villar has underscored the need to stop open defecation in the country. Villar, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said she embarked on a toilet bowl distribution project in Baseco in Tondo, Manila because of the health hazards open defecation poses to the residents and the risks of further polluting Manila Bay. The program coincided with the celebration of World Toilet Day. The World Toilet Day celebration was spearheaded by the Department of Health, the Manila Health Department, and the United Nations Children’s Fund with the theme “Toilets for All: Leaving No One Behind.”

Sen. Cynthia Villar welcomed reports indicating that President Rodrigo Duterte is considering a nationwide ban on the use of plastic. Villar, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said the ban is urgent in the face of a study showing the Philippines as one of the world’s largest producers of plastic wastes that end up in the ocean. “With the President taking the lead in this campaign, I am confident we will be making a significant headway and finally remove us from that disconcerting title as one of the world’s largest producers of plastic wastes,” Villar said. Villar made this statement during the tree-planting and clean-up activity she spearheaded in partnership with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources at Bgy. 649, Gasangan, Baseco Compound. Also present in the activity were representatives from the Department of Health, Department of Social Work and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Environment and ...

Miss Philippines Liz Mabao left for Kota Kinabalu in Malaysia Nov. 1 to represent the country in the Miss Scuba International 2019 pageant on Nov. 16. Mabao, 19, of Rizal, will compete against other ocean ambassadors from around the world in the contest that advocates marine conservation and promote safe driving practices. She wants to raise awareness on the negative impact of carbon footprint. Carbon footprint is the amount of pollution a person or a company puts into environment. Mabao was accompanied at the airport by Miss Scuba Philippines CEO and Miss Scuba International 2015 Cindy Pacia Madduma. "I encourage everyone to conserve energy, reduce plastic consumption, and practice a greener life," said Mabao, during her send-off held at Shaw Vertis Residences in Mandaluyong City. Joining Mabao in her send-off were runners-up Cria Villanueva, Sheikha Calapatia, and Miss Scuba Philippines CEO and Madduma. "As a pageant with a sincere advocacy that...

Reelected Senator Cynthia Villar has tapped the help of a group of women in Dasmariñas, Cavite to make bags out of the tarpaulins used during her campaign for the recent elections. Villar, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, said this recycling project benefits a small tailoring business, which employs mothers as sewers. “We are very glad that we have now a way for the proper disposal of these used tarpaulins. Through this initiative, we were not only able to recycle used tarpaulins into something useful, we were also able to help women earn additional income for their families, ” Villar said. Christine Joy Ferrer, 27 years old,  just started  MXD Tailoring two months ago in the garage of the apartment she is renting. For five years, she worked for her older sister’s tailoring shop until it closed down. She then borrowed the sewing machines and started her own business. “Tuwang tuwa po ako kasi nagsisimula pa lang ako tapos nagtiwala na p...