"Climate change is happening, humans are causing it, and I think this is perhaps the most serious environmental issue facing us." Bill Nye
By Alex P. Vidal
NEW YORK CITY -- A medical doctor, who served as grand marshal together with his wife in the 2014 Philippine Independence Day parade on Madison Avenue, has proposed to adopt the Jewish-type organic waste disposal and conversion method for Filipinos in the Philippines.
"Since the theme of this year's parade is about environmental awareness and climate change, I propose that we ask the (Philippine) government to adopt a bio-fuel disposal method," Dr. Emilio Quines suggested during the 2nd ConGen Press Hour at the Kalayaan Hall Annex of the Philippine Consulate General June 2.
Quines and wife, Felicisima, also a medical doctor, were named grand marshals in the parade last year.
Both had been presidents of the Philippine Medical Association of America (PMAA) and are active medical mission volunteers.
Quines, who migrated to the United States in 1967, where he finished his U.S. trainings in rotating internship, medical residency and fellowship at various medical institutions, said the method will reduce gas emission.
The machine, he said, will convert organic waste into clean biogas for cooking, heating and lighting, as well as organize crop fertilizer.
Quines learned that the family-size TevaGas (TG) backyard units, available as an easy-to-assemble kit, generate safe energy and fertilizer through bacterial anaerobic digestion of organic waste such as food scraps and animal manure.
SOLUTION
They reportedly provide a sustainable solution for off-grid urban and rural families, as well as environmentally conscious homeowners and small farm owners, in warmer climates.
Citing the research he discovered in the ISRAEL21C, Quines said Israel’s Ministry of Environmental Protection purchased and installed TG units at Umm Batin, a Bedouin village near Beersheva without access to clean energy and garbage removal only last summer.
Based on the success of a small pilot program, the ministry has reportedly ordered another 25 units–at NIS 8,000 apiece—for Umm Batin and another Negev Bedouin village.
BUDGET
Lawyer Reuben Seguritan, grand marshal of the 2015 Independence Day parade, said the Philippine government does not have any budget for the programs in relation to this year's theme about environmental awareness and climate change.
"We will only have exhibits in very consulate after the parade and some of the floats will carry signage about environmental awareness and climate change," explained Seguritan, who prepared the incorporation papers of the Philippine Independence Day Council, Inc. (PIDCI), the umbrella organization of community-based activities here.
He added that the objectives of the PIDCI are not only cultural and historical activities, but also promotion of advocacy and outreach programs and connecting with the youth organizations.
'MONSTROUS'
Seguritan described the Independence Day parade as a "monstrous" activity that grows every year.
"Organizers are determined to uphold the Filipino tradition and culture, and affirm our solidarity," stressed Seguritan, explaining that when the parade first started in the 70s, the New York City Hall allowed the Filipinos to use the Fifth Avenue.
When the parade became bigger, it was transferred to the Madison Avenue, he added.
Consul General Mario L. de Leon Jr. said the participation of his office is only limited.
"I am only an honorary adviser. We have so many limitations that's why it's difficult for us to raise funds and we need to outsource the organizing of the parade," De Leon said. "The production, planning, presentation and organizing (of the event) are done by the PIDCI."
Fe Martinez, PIDCI 2015 president, said their expenses for the parade reached $280,000 last year.
They paid $23,000 for the permits alone, she revealed.
There will be 12 floats and 10 marching bands and some 140 contingents.
This year's parade will coincide with the World Cities Summit Mayors, thus they have Philippine mayors and governors as guests.
