Mandaue City Nominated as Model in Low Carbon Emission Among APEC Economies

Lapu-Lapu City — The Philippines has nominated Mandaue City in Cebu as a model in low carbon emission.

In a press briefing held prior to the opening of the 12th Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Energy Ministers’ Meeting to be held here today, Energy Undersecretary Loreta Ayson said Mandaue’s nomination is part of APEC’s green building and green programs to be replicated in several cities in APEC member economies.

Aside from the Philippines, Ayson said Russia and Malaysia have also submitted their respective nominees.

“I think we should prepare for this and I am hoping the Philippines will get it (awarded as model low carbon emission city),” Ayson said.

She added that once Mandaue is chosen to be a model for low carbon emission, the Philippine government will promote energy resilient buildings where clear targets to reduce carbon dioxide emission will be followed.

Earlier, Transportation Secretary Joseph Abaya was presented with several hybrid buses that will ply the major cities of Cebu to ease the traffic here. The hybrid vehicle typically achieves greater fuel economy and lower emissions than conventional internal combustion engine vehicles, resulting in fewer emissions being generated.

These features make a hybrid vehicle particularly efficient for city traffic where there are frequent stops, coasting and idling periods. In addition noise emissions are reduced, particularly at idling and low operating speeds, in comparison to conventional engine vehicles. (PCOO/APEC Communications Group)