FPIP’s Green Initiatives Shine at DENR-EMB CALABARZON’s Environmental Summit 2024
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau-R4A (DENR-EMB-CALABARZON Region) recognized the green initiatives of FPIP Utilities, Inc. (FUI), during its 2024 Environmental Summit on August 20, 2024 at the Timberland Highlands Resort in San Mateo, Rizal.
FUI, the water utility subsidiary of FPIP, was awarded Sustained Remarkable Compliance to Environmental Laws for its consistent implementation of activities and best practices in solid waste management and other environmental programs.
FUI has been implementing innovative programs, including vermicomposting and phytoremediation, to address waste management and contribute to ecosystem regeneration. This was also done as a response to DENR-EMB CALABARZON’s call for projects or programs to comply with the implementation of solid waste management (SWM) or RA 9003.
Vermicomposting makes use of earthworms and microorganisms to produce rich organic soil. Through its dewatering units, FUI reduces the hauled-out wet sludge, which is then converted into a high-value fertilizer through earthworms, specifically African Night Crawlers. This process reduces the release of harmful substances into the environment and produces fertilizers that are safe to use in landscaping areas and gardens.
Another innovative practice that FUI employs is phytoremediation, which uses water hyacinths in treating wastewater. Placed inside influent chambers, these water hyacinths absorb nitrogen, phosphorus, and other nutrients that help reduce concentrations of ammonia, nitrates, and chemical oxygen demand in effluent water. This DENR-compliant process also traps suspended solids, which helps make water clear and reduce reliance on expensive and energy-intensive processes.
In May 2024, Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards also recognized FUI for the same initiatives. They received a Silver Stevie Award under the Reuse and Recycle Category.
Dedication to River Conservation
DENR-EMB CALABARZON also gave a Certificate of Appreciation to commend FUI for its contributions to protect parts of the San Juan River.
Since 2023, FUI has been part of the Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program, an environmental program of the Philippine government that focuses on the protection of different bodies of water. The government partners with the private sector, local government units (LGUs), and the communities along creeks and rivers.
Through the Adopt-an-Estero/Water Body Program, FUI preserves and develops the 3.4-kilometer stretch of the San Juan River, a river that runs through FPIP. One of their initiatives is conducting quarterly river clean-ups, with the help of LGUs of Batangas, FPIP locator employees, as well as FPIP employees and its service providers.
Leading the Environmental Protection
Mr. Edwin de Chavez, FUI’s pollution control officer, was also recognized for his unwavering commitment to a healthy and clean environment; his third recognition from DENR-EMB.
Since 2000, he has been actively taking part in FPIP’s green initiatives. Over time, he has become a key leader, spearheading various environmental programs to protect the environment and help the company achieve its goals of regeneration and decarbonization.
These programs include running awareness campaigns on environmental management; ensuring FPIP complies beyond the basic regulations; organizing activities like tree planting, river and estero clean-ups as well as park-wide clean-ups; and working on other projects to reduce waste.
DENR-EMB’s Ecological Summit is an annual event that recognizes and promotes green initiatives of private and local sectors, LGUs, non-governmental organizations, and other sectors. It also serves as a venue to gain more knowledge, share best practices, and discover innovations that may be adopted in their own organizations.
