News Update

German Parliamentarians Visit SIBAT

SIBAT warmly welcomed two members of the German Parliament, Mr. Juergen Klimke and Mr. Hellmut Koenigshaus, Mr. Pit Heltmann Deputy Head of Mission from the German Embassy and Dr. Franz Seidenschwarz from the University of San Carlos. The visit took place in October 1, at SIBAT’s office in 40 Matulungin Street, Quezon City.

After the introductions, SIBAT’s Executive Director, Ms. Vicky Lopez , led in presenting (through a powerpoint) some impact of SIBAT’s appropriate technology assistance to communities, particularly in the areas of sustainable agriculture, urban sustainable food production, water systems development and renewable energy systems. The support by German development groups such as GATE-GTZ, MISEREOR, EED for the projects presented were mentioned. EED particularly funded the feasibility studies of microhydro projects and the evaluation of said projects in 2006. MISEREOR particularly supported the convening of the national conference on community-based renewable energy systems (CBRES) in 2007 that presented to sectors the gains in the CBRES approach. GATE-GTZ meantime helped SIBAT develop its appropriate technology direction since from 1984-1994.

Lively discussion ensued after the presentation, with SIBAT answering the queries by German delegates on: impact on various sectors, public-private partnerships, and sustainability mechanisms for community based projects.

Mr. Pit Heltmann mentioned the prioritization of the CARAGA region by German development assistance in the future. SIBAT offered an area study it conducted in 2005 covering 25 barangays of Agusan del Norte, a province in the region, to assist Germany’s development assistance efforts in the field of rural off-grid energy development.

SIBAT and Partners Inaugurates 3rd Gravity-fed Potable Water Supply System in Central Philippines

A gravity-type potable water supply system has just been inaugurated last 20th of September 2008 in Barangay Luyang, Mabinay Negros Oriental. This is a joint cooperation of SIBAT and PAGBAG-O (NGO based in Dumaguete, Negros Oriental funded by EED of Germany). This is the third completed project of the six (6) water projects that SIBAT is installing, led by Engr. Rainer Kraft, an EED German Water Engineer detailed at SIBAT for three years.

The completed system has four (4) tap stands that would cater to 170 households for their drinking, laundry and backyard food production needs. The peoples organization named it the "Waling-waling" water system after Nanay Waling who owned and donated the land area where the spring water source is located.

Children composed songs and illustrative dances showing their utmost gratitude that finally water is made available near their households. Gone were the days where they have to wake up early in the morning with lanterns to light their way to get water far from home before they start school.

The community vowed to manage the system well through cooperation, active participation, adherence to policies on tariff payment and in putting up a communitfund for operation, maintenance and expansion activities. Community sharing of food, more dancing, singing and messages of thanks from the O officers, LGUs and supporting NGOs graced and lighted up the inauguration ceremonies despite the rains that poured through the whole afternoon.

SIBAT Recognized at the Energy Globe Award 2008

SIBAT, with its entry entitled "Lessons from the Field: Community-based Renewable Energy Systems in the Philippines" was chosen as one of the 3 finalists in the Fire Category, along with those from Spain and Austria, of the "Annual ENERGY GLOBE Award 2008" (www.energyglobe.com).

SIBAT's presentation highlighted the 14 installed micro-hydropower plants (developing five more) with a total generating capacity of 300 kW, providing energy for lighting, rice/corn mills, sugarcane press, and livelihood activities, while the tailrace water is used for irrigation of croplands. SIBAT has also installed six solar powered water pumping facilities of water systems for drinking and irrigation needs of upland indigenous communities. SIBAT’s community-based renewable energy systems are small, decentralized power supply systems established through multi-stakeholder efforts in Philippine rural poor communities mostly inhabited by indigenous peoples; the systems have a tangible impact on their economy, education and health, and lessen the burden on women and children.

The international tv gala was held in the Plenary Hall of the European Parliament in Brussels, Belgium last 26th of May 2008.

SIBAT Wins in Panibagong Paraan 2008

SIBAT won in the 2006 Panibagong Paraan, and this year we made it again.

The winning entry entitled: "GO-NGO-PO Collaboration on Climate Change and Rural Development" mainly focused on enhancing GO-NGO-PO awareness, capacity and collaboration in addressing adverse impacts of climate change. The goals of which is developing multi-stakeholder partnerships addressing adverse impacts of climate change through implementation of sustainable rural development initiatives in the Visayas region. This project caught the interests of the the distinguished jurors and complements this year's theme of Panibagong Paraan, "Building Partnerships for Effective Local Governance." (www.panibagongparaan.com)

Climate Change Specialist Heads SIBAT's Board of Directors

SIBAT welcomes Mr. Carmelito Tatlonghari as the organization's new Board Chairperson. Cat has been with SIBAT Board since 2006, and had been a board member of BINHI (SIBAT's old AT network member and partner).

Cat is an alumnus of the Mapua Institute of Technology with a course on Physics, and now taking up his masteral program in Medical Physics. He's been an instructor to several universities in the Philippines, i.e., Adamson University and Mapua Institute of Technology, before finding his carrer niche on alternative energy resources (renewable energies) and in helping the environment.

He served as a Social Environmental Planning Manager at the National Power Corporation (NAPOCOR) for 19 remarkable years, an Energy Program Manager at the USAID for 3 years, a National Expert with the United Nations Development Programme, Philippines (UNDP) for a year and now as a Climate Change Specialist since 2004.