Ports of power?

Yes, it is possible!

Did you feel it? The effects of Mercury Retrograde which gave a bumpy ride to all people under the zodiac signs of Taurus, Leo, Scorpio and Aquarius? Well, that was really a challenging past three weeks from 17 July to 10 August (whew!).

What’s the big deal? Well, it is when Mercury casts a huge influence on the way the people under these signs think and act because the planet is seemingly moving in reverse. For example, the trip you’d been planning for so long can suddenly get canceled, the ex-lover or friend you’ve been loathing could lure you in again.

This is also the phase when people lose their keys, their car breaks down, essential emails are deleted, and they experience a career downshift. Constant worry about the future can affect one’s mind and body.

I would know, I am under one of those signs. Netizens and content creators were also talking about the Mercury retrograde, blaming it for the unfortunate events that happened recently. Oh well, however we may view it, we humans always find something or someone to blame for the things that happen to us. We really must take responsibility for our destiny for we are entrusted to live (and love) this borrowed life.

Speaking of bumpy rides, there are ways to avoid a bumpy ride on all transportation modes from trains to planes, on land and sea. Just recently, Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon cleared the train stations of the vendors causing congestion during peak hours.

That also meant bye-bye to the tempered glass, phone accessories, and cute-sy things you could buy before boarding your train. Sadly, it needed to be done. We need discipline to encourage people to use public transportation. Who knows? It may help decongest EDSA when people maximize the use of mass transport.

As for the seaports, the Philippine Ports Authority is upgrading the ports for other than cargo and passengers. Under the leadership of PPA general manager Jay Santiago, the ports are being transformed into gateways of power through windshore projects. That means the fusion of wind and shore-based renewable energy to transform port spaces into generators of clean electricity. Sounds very sustainable and aligned with the UN Development Goals, right? I know… it is what is needed, especially with the effects of climate change we’ve been experiencing over the years.

Ports, according to GM Santiago, are no longer solely to move cargo and travelers; they are poised to be contributors to the national power grid, reducing dependence on fossil fuels and lowering operational costs.

This is the beauty of synergy. Ports, by their geography, are prime sites for harnessing wind energy. Coastal winds, often a navigational challenge, are becoming an asset. Isn’t that nice? From obstacles come new ways. Brilliant.

Earlier, from 29 July to 1 August, a high-level delegation led by Energy Undersecretary Giovanni Carlo J. Bacordo toured the offshore wind hubs of Inverness, Aberdeen and Montrose, ports that anchor the UK’s renewable energy push.

With him were officials from the PPA led by Atty. Mark Palomar, the DoTr, and PPP Center. The team went on technical tours and held policy talks aimed at translating Scotland’s expertise into a Philippine reality. The mission was part of a broader strategy to modernize the nation’s port infrastructure and position the Philippines as a serious player in the offshore wind arena.

Ports are becoming more self-reliant, and the PPA is making a strategic shift by ensuring uninterrupted operations in the midst of a disaster-prone location. Power saving? Yes. Efficient? Yes. Ports are no longer just ship-to-shore points; they are an active player in the nation’s shift to clean energy. Who knows, maybe next time ports can also be the anchor to sustainable trade and logistics. Possible? Yes.

So let us hope for the better transformation of all the public transportation that we have right now. Big or small changes can go a very long way. After all, we are all in the same sustainable boat, saying yes to sustainable changes! (And no to Mercury retrograde again.)