Gong Xi Fa Cai!

After the year of the dragon last year, here comes the year of the Snake. Have you seen your astrology yet? Yes, snakes can be good, too right?

Interestingly, I have read that snakes can be seen as negative since it is associated with the Yin or the darkness, femininity, and passive power but on the other hand, snakes can also be a good sign of rebirth since they shed their skins for a new chapter.

Speaking of the Chinese New Year, EcoWaste Coalition reminded the public through their statement about the public consumption of the lucky charm bracelets saying there is a cadmium content exceeding 10 percent. Cadmium is classified as a human carcinogen with toxic effects on the kidneys and respiratory system according to the World Health Organization (WHO). Cadmium can be found in bright colors of plastic like red, yellow, and maroon, the colors of Chinese ornaments and plastic items.

Speaking of plastic, there is a surge in consumer activity particularly plastic waste during celebrations like feasts, unfortunately, these plastic wastes end up in the ocean. This becomes one of the problems not only for marine life but also for the ships and the ports operating during sea travel.

Tons of garbage are being collected along the coastal areas which is a result of the complacency of people when it comes to waste segregation and recycling efforts. Last year, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) reached a total of more than 1M kilograms of ocean waste collected since year 2016 with more or less 100,000kg of ocean waste collected every year through consistent port and coastal clean-up activities.

PPA’s dedication to sustainability has also earned consistent recognition through the Green Port Award System (GPAS), with several PPA ports being honored for their exemplary environmental practices. Award-winning ports include the Port of Batangas (2017), Port of Cagayan de Oro (2018, 2021), Manila International Container Terminal (2022), Port of Surigao (2023), and Port of General Santos (2024).

The PPA is implementing climate change mitigation measures through its Green Port initiatives, modeled after the GPAS of the APEC Port Service Network and these awards highlight the success of the agency’s green initiatives and its leadership in creating sustainable port operations across the Philippines.

One of PPA general manager Jay Santiago’s focuses this new year is to generate more energy-efficient operations, environmentally friendly practices, and investments in disaster-resilient infrastructure, especially in the context of climate change.

May this new year remind us to be mindful of the effects of our daily activities on the environment and the ocean that give us food and life. Chinese New Year serves as a timely reminder to renew our commitment to safeguarding the oceans that sustain us.

Just like the Yin and Yang, the light and the dark, the good and the bad, waste management should be seen as a problem that should be solved but at the same time an area for positive changes that can involve community efforts and the help of the leaders and stakeholders.

As we welcome the Year of the Snake, let us embrace the strength and determination it symbolizes to tackle one of the most pressing environmental challenges of our time. A greener course is the way to go for prosperity to flow and for the next generations to enjoy.

Happy Chinese New Year to all!

I leave you with the Chinese proverb that says: “Do not put each foot in a different boat.” Remember, if we want to change the world we live in, the change should start from us as well for we are all in the same boat!