RP auto industry makes a green commitment

MANILA, Philippines – With the recent RP visit of former US Vice President (now iconic champion against climate change) Al Gore, concern for the environment has been pushed to the top of the Filipino mind – no doubt helped along by the very public and shocking debacle that is the BP oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. The images of oiled birds, masses of sludge in the once pristine sea, tar balls on the shore, and the continuing gush of oil from the Deepwater Horizon well on the seafloor are made even more disturbing by the fact that they are not culled from archives of long ago, but are in the here and now.

The timelimess, therefore, of any effort towards a sustainable planet has never been of greater importance.

On August 19, the curtains rise for the third staging of the Chamber of Automotive Manufacturers of the Philippines, Inc. (CAMPI) Philippine International Motor Show (PIMS) at the World Trade Center Metro Manila.

A thriving automobile industry is an accurate indicator of a robust economy. In the Philippines, it accounts for over P100 billion in investments, and provides more than 74,000 jobs – not even counting the “large ancilliary industries that are connected to the auto industry,” according to CAMPI President Elizabeth Lee.

“CAMPI member-companies pay duties and taxes in excess of P20 billion, withholding taxes from employees of assemblers of more than P350 million annually, and maintain a payroll of about P325 million yearly, exports of about $2 billion, and heavy, long-term investments by among the world’s largest and most respected automotive companies,” continued Lee.

Yet behind the big numbers, an operation such as this can be a Damocles sword for the irresponsible. All told, cars and trucks account 20 percent of greenhouse gas emissions worldwide.

However, there are real ways to curb that figure – something not lost on Lee.

She promises a “greener and grander” PIMS this year, dubbed “Drive the Green Road.” The auto expo will feature earth-friendly technological advances that promise fuel efficiency, as well sustainable fuel-fed hybrids and cleaner-burning diesel vehicles, and others.

“The timing could not have been better,” said Lee. “Although much has been said and done about climate change mitigation and adaptation, many don’t quite understand how individuals can help and what one can do to help mitigate climate change. In fact, mitigation measures within the global context are slow and very expensive.”

CAMPI is an aggrupation of 19 of the world’s top global car brands, and has collectively made a firm commitment to work for more environmentally responsible practices. The forthcoming PIMS will see CAMPI formally launch “My Ride+Earth,” an awareness campaign to complement ongoing advocacies and programs on the issue of climate change. “Perhaps in our own small way, we can help spread awareness, provide information, help increase our understanding on what we as individuals can do to help mitigate climate change by lowering our carbon footprint through healthier daily habits that not only help save the environment, but help save money as well,” said Lee.

For the first time, CAMPI has compiled a “Green Motoring Guide,” to be given free to PIMS vistors. The publication contains tips on how to be fuel efficient and be a “green” driver.

In her speech at the PIMS press conference, Elizabeth Lee narrated that she had a chance to briefly meet and chat with Al Gore. “One of his key messages was that each one of us can take a conscious and conscientious step to change our own behaviors, which collectively can have a positive impact on our environment.”

Indeed, a revolution starts with one. –Kap Maceda Aguila (The Philippine Star)