Grace Poe's son pitches roadmap to sustainable Philippines in new book

Dr. Brian Poe Llamanzares, son of Senator Grace Poe, has recently launched his book which puts forward "optimistic and holistic perspective" in understanding and addressing issues in building a sustainable Philippines.

In his 214-page book titled "A Sustainable Future," the climate change and sustainability specialist highlighted the three main pillars of sustainability —resource management, renewable energy and disaster resilience.

“It is no secret  that the biggest threat to our country is climate vulnerability. Whether it’s a supertyphoon taking lives or a drought destroying our agricultural economy, the toll climate change takes on our country is quite severe. We must do what it takes to save our country and prepare for the future," Llamanzares said in the preface of his book.

On resource management, Llamanzares recommended the creation of an interim cluster on water utilization as part of the national physical framework plan; coordination with the private sector in issuance of rules and regulations to reduce water utilization and promote grey water utilization; rationalization of the use of water resources through legislation or through a National Economic Development Authority subcommittee; and working with civil society organizations (CSOs) and the academe on capacity building on water management and better monitoring of different water laws.

For the agriculture sector, he suggested providing a wide array of services such as soil testing to determine which crops are appropriate for which regions; identification of strategic agribusiness corridors; creation of a bottom-up mechanism for farmer participation in policy making and feedback together with the CSOs and generate pressure for land reform and small scale community-based organic farming; development of climate-resilient crops together with the academe and the scientific community, among others.

Llamanzares also suggested the following in addressing energy and climate change issues:

• Work with the CSOs and the private sector in strengthening the implementation of the renewable energy and energy efficiency laws
• Reduction of carbon emissions by working with the private sector and CSOs
• Further reduce the share of fossil fuels in the generation mix
• Implement a just and humane public utility vehicle modernization plan with the reduction of carbon emissions and increased uptake of renewable sources of energy as a key goal
• Through executive or legislative action, enact a policy on further promoting the installation of rooftop solar panels, especially in large residential and commercial consumers.

Llamanzares sought the collaboration of private sector and the CSOs in creating greater coverage of microfinancing for disaster resilience, review or amendment of the existing Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Law; development of a curriculum on disaster risk reduction and management; creation of mechanisms and incentives for investments in the evacuation centers and resilient schools; and implementation of green building code to retrofit existing structures.

The book was launched on November 29, 2022 at the Manila Hotel.

Delivering keynote speeches were Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda, Senate basic education committee chairperson Sen. Win Gatchalian, and former Ateneo School of Government dean Antonio La Vina.

"Brian Poe Llamanzares delves into the interconnectedness of sustainability issues—from the repercussions of destructive fishing methods to developing resilient urban infrastructure and strengthening the country’s disaster risk reduction efforts. He creates an action-oriented approach to climate and sustainability which sets this book apart from other scholarships,” Legarda said.

Gatchalian said the book's "concise, data-driven format" makes it a "worthwhile read for a wide audience, from sustainability experts to casual advocates for climate justice."

La Vina said, "The planet and the Philippines are on fire and under water but we are not helpless, as Brian shows quite well in this book. I encourage everyone, especially young people and decision makers, not only to read it but also to take the next step and act.”

Llamanzares studied across the globe and completed various academic programs including Global Strategic Leadership at Wharton, Energy Innovation and Emerging Technologies at Stanford University, Evaluating Social Programs at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Leadership in Crises at the Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and Conference Diplomacy and Multilateral Negotiations at the United Nations in Geneva.

He currently chairs the Panday Bayanihan foundation established in honor of National Artist Fernando Poe Jr.  He  also serves as chief of staff to the Office of Poe.

The book was published by the Manila Bulletin Publishing Corporation.—LDF, GMA Integrated News