IRRI collaborates with Shell for Research to lower Methane Emissions in Rice Cultivation

MANILA, Philippines ~  The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has entered into a three years non-binding agreement with Shell India Markets Pvt. Ltd. to conduct upstream and adaptive research aimed at developing novel and comprehensive farm-level innovations that can reduce methane emissions from rice production.

Worldwide, rice production contributes about 8% of total greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from Agriculture, Forestry, and Land Use Change. This corresponds to about 16% of emissions from the agricultural sector. Methanogenesis in rice production comes primarily from anaerobic conditions in flooded rice fields.

Though some aspects of methanogenesis and GHG emissions in rice are being studied by several groups around the world, there has not yet been a holistic approach that comprehensively addresses the combined effects of the environment, management practices, and rice varieties on GHG emissions and rice performance (yield). The understanding of how to maneuver the processes of methanogenesis is still limited, which hampers the development of novel applications and methodologies.

The Reducing Methane Emissions from Rice (REMET-Rice) Project is a 3-year non-binding Research Agreement between IRRI and Shell India Markets Pvt. Ltd. that aims to reduce/mitigate emission from rice cultivation process by improving agronomic performance. Various innovations to be studied include varietal improvement, influencing the soil microbiome, soil amendments, methane inhibitors, adapted crop/soil/water management, and other related technologies.

Under the non-binding Agreement, Shell will provide support for REMET-Rice’s methanogenesis research activities and can leverage research deliverables into scaled-up projects. 

“The foundational research we will be doing will be key to improving understanding of the variability for GHG emission among different rice ecosystems,” said Dr. Ando Mariot Radanielson, REMET-Rice Project Lead and IRRI Senior Scientist for Climate Change Mitigation in Rice Systems. “Not just for targeting technologies and options in mitigation, but also in generating new knowledge to inform the development of novel solutions that will ensure mitigation benefits and sustainability for various systems of rice production - for yield, quality, resource use efficiency, and environmental impact.”

“This is a real frontier project that aims to generate new knowledge about the methanogenesis processes in rice,” said Dr. Bas Bouman, IRRI Research Director for the Sustainable Impact for Rice-Based Systems (SIRS) Directorate. “We will link scientific upstream research to the development of practical and scalable crop management recommendations that can be used by farmers to reduce the emission of methane and other greenhouse gases while safeguarding yield and income. It is crucial that any solution will benefit small-holder farmers.”

"Tackling climate change is an urgent challenge. Shell aims to contribute to a net-zero world, where society stops adding to the total amount of greenhouse gas emissions in the atmosphere. This project will help unlock the pathway for emission reductions and carbon sequestration through management of the methanogenesis process in rice with the help of solutions based on agricultural amendments, methane inhibitors, varieties and agronomy, as well as development of measurement, reporting and verification (MRV) for GHG measurement", said by Stephen Fowler, VP Chemicals, DS Process & Bio Technology, Shell Plc.

Learn more about Shell’s Nature-based Solutions and IRRI’s GHG Mitigation research. Discover more climate change innovations and technologies at the 6th International Rice Congress.

Shell’s net-Zero Emissions Target

Shell’s operating plan, outlook and budgets are forecasted for a ten-year period and are updated every year. They reflect the current economic environment and what we can reasonably expect to see over the next ten years. Accordingly, they reflect our Scope 1, Scope 2 and Net Carbon Intensity (NCI) targets over the next ten years.  However, Shell’s operating plans cannot reflect our 2050 net-zero emissions target and 2035 NCI target, as these targets are currently outside our planning period. In the future, as society moves towards net-zero emissions, we expect Shell’s operating plans to reflect this movement. However, if society is not net zero in 2050, as of today, there would be significant risk that Shell may not meet this target.  

Hillary Rodham Clinton: Big tech makes money while stripping our democracy

MANILA, Philippines – How can one keep democracy safe from the darker sides of social media, artificial intelligence, and society’s hunger for engagement? If you ask former US secretary of state Hillary Rodham Clinton, it’s high time that unregulated big tech companies are held accountable for the dangers that they enable.

“When you strip it all away, the big tech companies are making as much money as they can,” Clinton said at Rappler’s Social Good Summit on Saturday, September 16.

“And we already know that in order to make that money, they strip us of our data, they strip us of our privacy, and they are sadly stripping us of our democracy, our citizenship, rights and obligations which require some shared foundation of facts, evidence, and truth,” she added. 

Clinton, whose career in public service spans decades, knows better than most how dangerous technology and social media can be when it’s weaponized to spread disinformation and misinformation. 

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She was at the center of disinformation attacks during the 2016 US presidential campaign that pitted her against Donald Trump, who she describes as “a very willing user of disinformation, propaganda, and incitement.” The campaign was also marred by allegations that communications firm Cambridge Analytica harvested data from millions of Facebook accounts to sway voters in favor of Trump – a controversial strategy that may have been first tested out in the Philippines. (READ: Exclusive: PH was Cambridge Analytica’s ‘petri dish’ – whistle-blower Christopher Wylie)

“In the United States, we saw firsthand the alarming power of disinformation – weaponized and amplified by social media in our 2016 elections. It remains a threat for the elections coming up in 2024 and beyond,” Clinton said.

AI may cater to people’s worst selves

Clinton also addressed concerns about generative artificial intelligence as a new tool in the arsenal of disinformation operators.

“When artificial intelligence becomes fully deployed in political campaigns…how will we even know who we’re looking at, who we are listening to?” Clinton said.

Already, active disinformation has gotten a powerful boost through AI-assisted tools. Nowadays, almost anyone can use AI-powered image manipulation and voice cloners to make convincing fakes of people’s faces and voice, allowing disinformation to spread at a scale and speed never seen before. (READ: AI-enabled disinformation: Waging an unviable war of scale)

And while artificial intelligence can certainly become a great force for good, there’s a bigger danger that it will only amplify people’s worst selves.

“It will cater to the worst of our nature – not the best – because what we’ve learned from technology and success in the cyber arena is that the more negative a message, the more controversial and shocking the message is, the more view and clicks it will get. And the more chance there will be to sell ads against it,” Clinton warned during the summit.

Social media can deepen the divide

Meanwhile, the deep scars left by big tech on society are seen clearest on social media, where many of these attacks are launched in the first place.

Clinton herself knows what it feels like to be in the firing line, having been “ground zero” for online assaults on women leaders. 

“The amount of misogyny and sexism on social media, I think, is certainly well known to all of us now,” Clinton said. “Once a woman is targeted [online], the actual threats to her security increase.”

One way out of this, Clinton said, may be to limit the time people spend pressed against their screens and on social media, which she warned is a “drug of choice” that can sway emotions and thinking in ways people may not even be aware of. 

But beyond actions on the individual level, Clinton stressed that government should put greater regulatory pressure on these companies and hold them responsible for turning technology into a force for good. After all, the burden should not be on the individual to limit themselves because of the dangers brought by big tech.

“We can’t just tell women that they have to bear all the risks when the incredibly powerful machinery that has been built – that we all hope would have so many positive effects, which it does – has now this very dark impact on women’s safety, their physical safety, their emotional and psychological safety merely by expressing their opinions, by taking a stand, by running for office, by making an unpopular decision,” Clinton said.

The way forward

Where, then, is the way forward? For the veteran Democrat, tech companies must realize how their algorithms – whether intentionally or not – perpetuate sexism, anger, and social division.

The world is already late in regulating social media and artificial intelligence, but Clinton is still hopeful that discussions with CEOs of major tech companies can persuade them to take voluntary measures to prevent the misuse of technology in the run-up to the 2024 US presidential elections.

“The Biden campaign is trying very hard to at least get the tech companies to exercise some self-regulation, some sense of responsibility,” she said.

But even after the looming elections, the battle won’t be over. Governments around the world will need formal regulations – something with actual teeth – to turn tech for good. And to set up effective laws, politicians will need to bring cybersecurity and generative AI experts on board.

“We need more practitioners and experts on the side of reform in governments, in legislatures across the world to be able to go toe to toe,” Clinton acknowledged. “We need more people on the front lines in order to help make this a fair fight when it comes to legislation and regulation.” – Rappler.

THE COUNTRY’S MOST COMPREHENSIVE ENERGY TRADE EVENT, PHILENERGY SET FOR MARCH 2024!

Informa Markets, together with main industry stakeholders is proud to launch PhilEnergy 2024. PhilEnergy is a new stand-alone energy trade event and will take place in SMX 

Convention Center, Pasay City, Metro Manila, Philippines from March 20-22, 2024.

PhilEnergy, formerly known as RE EE Philippines, was previously co-located with the established Water Philippines trade show. Now, with strong policy emphasis towards clean energy, energy efficiency and a sustainable net-zero future in the Philippines, it is time for an independent comprehensive energy showcase.

As the renewable energy sector expands and new means to use energy more efficient are developed, the Philippine government gears up to establish secure, sustainable, and 

resilient energy strategies. There is also significant interest from international innovative energy players originating from Canada, Germany, Sweden, Denmark and other countries to develop and strengthen relations in energy sector in the Philippines.

PhilEnergy will highlight innovations and advancements in the energy and power sectors, connecting international suppliers to local and regional buyers in the field.

The three-day exhibition will feature conferences and seminars from PhilEnergy’s supporting organisations, together with its strategic partner, Philippine Energy Efficiency Alliance Inc. (PE2) and its industry partner Society of Philippine Electrotechnical Constructors and Suppliers Inc. (SPECS).

"PhilEnergy remains a valuable event for us because it focuses the spotlight on energy efficiency as an excitingly new and progressive industry within the broader energy market of the Philippines.” said Mr. Alexander Ablaza, President of PE2.

One of the PhilEnergy highlights is the Energy Efficiency Day 2024 Conference, PE2’s annual event to engage a whole-of-society response toward mainstreaming energy efficiency as the economy’s first fuel, which will take place during the 1st day of the show. SPECS, on the 

other hand will organise a Construction Forum during the 2nd day of PhilEnergy.

According to SPECS president, Engr. Ariel Duran, "As the world evolves in the new technology era, PhilEnergy is a good platform to help SPECS members and the electrical industry, specifically to engage or find new partners and suppliers for their business opportunities to keep pace with the rapid changes and prosper in the face of increasing competitiveness and for the growth of the country as a whole.”

About Informa Markets

PhilEnergy is organised by Informa Markets, a division of Informa plc. Informa Markets creates platforms for industries and specialist markets to trade, innovate and grow. Our 

portfolio is comprised of more than 550 international B2B events and brands in markets including Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals, Infrastructure, Construction & Real Estate, Fashion & Apparel, Hospitality, Food & Beverage, and Health & Nutrition, among others. 

For more information, please visit www.informamarkets.com.

Conference to highlight mining’s role in sustainability, climate change response

After a four-year hiatus, the metallic mineral resource industry's leading stakeholders are set to reconvene for the highly anticipated Mining Philippines 2023 International Conference and Exhibition.  Slated on September 19-20, 2023 at the Edsa Shangri La Hotel in Mandaluyong City, the event is expected to reignite discussions on the future of the minerals development industry. 

With the theme "Seeing Green: Shaping a Sustainable Minerals Development Industry," the conference will bring together a diverse assembly of participants, including government officials, private sector representatives, academics, indigenous communities, and mining host communities. Their collective objective: to chart a path towards maximizing the potential of the mining sector while addressing market dynamics, industry trends, internal capabilities, environmental concerns, and economic impacts. Collaboration among these stakeholders will be a key focus, with emphasis on the need for a holistic and sustainable approach to mining operations. 

The conference's opening ceremony on September 19 will feature a keynote address by Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga.  Canadian Ambassador David Hartman and Australian Ambassador Hae Kyong Yu, representing two of the world’s biggest mining jurisdictions, for their part, are expected to provide insights on the importance of mining to socio-economic development and their countries’ close relationship with the Philippines, particularly in improving mining’s ESG performance.   

Meanwhile, Trade and Industry Secretary Alfredo Pascual will likely discuss his department’s initiatives to attract investments in the mining sector. DENR Undersecretary Annaliza Rebuelta-Teh is expected to focus her presentation on strategies for measuring and mitigating the impacts of mining, ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to mineral extraction. 

Organized by the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP), the two-day event will serve as a platform for the exchange of ideas and best practices within the mining industry.  

"If allowed to flourish, mining will bring about improvement in the quality of life in host communities,” says Michael Toledo, COMP chairman.  “A robust mining industry will undoubtedly help our country overcome the lingering economic effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.  We are in a good position to contribute in a big way to the global energy transition in response to climate change, and we look forward to discussions on this subject during this conference.” 

 

COMP vice chairman Gerard Brimo, on the other hand, underscored the industry's commitment to sustainability: "We've embraced the principles of ESG for more than a decade now. Our adoption of the Towards Sustainable Mining initiative manifests our commitment to further align the environmental protection and social development efforts of our members with global standards.” 

On September 20, the sessions – to be headlined by Manny Pangilinan,  chairman of the Metro Pacific Investments Corporation and of Philex Mining Corporation – will be directed on such topics as ESG, strategic communication, and fiscal mining policy

“The Business of Football” Conference to Return to Manila this November 10!

MMC Sportz to stage 2nd edition with LALIGA signing on as one of the key partners for the regional conference

13 September 2023 - Manila, Philippines:  “The Business of Football” (BOT) conference is to return for its 2nd edition to Manila on 10 November 2023. Hosted by MMC Sport, at Manila, the event will once again bring together the South-East Asian football community to discuss key topics related to league development, sponsorship, technology, development while also recognizing key contributors and achievers form the industry.

Over 200 delegates and senior industry experts from federations, leagues, clubs, rights holders, brands, organizers, agencies, media, and other football community stakeholders are expected to attend the Manila event, which has already secured key partnerships with LALIGA, Blocksport, ASN & Raffles Makati with more to be announced shortly. 

“We are proud to have the BOT return to Manila, the first of its kind after the pandemic. There has been so much happening in the football arena that it’s time to shed light on some of the recent developments which have a direct impact on SE Asian football in general, states Eric M. Gottschalk, CEO of MMC Sportz. 

“As compact schedule will feature topics related to the recent FIFA Woman’s World Cup and the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifications, discuss the upcoming presidential election in the Philippines and other regional federations, take a closer look at the impact of crypto & blockchain in regards to new revenue streams for rights holders and the endless opportunities for successful fan engagement. 

Youth and talent development are key for any federation, so we will also look at the importance of academies, development pathways and the need for more competitions in SEA. And my personal highlight will be the recognition of some of the key contributors to the development of Asian football in recent years, as there is always a need to celebrate the achievement of some of the great performances and initiatives from around the region.”

Key sessions will be conducted by LALIGA on their key support to local development initiatives in different South-East Asian markets,  Asia Sponsorship News which will launch the Asia football sponsorship report and the presentation by Blocksport on the power of blockchain technology and the massive opportunities for new revenue streams and new fan engagement strategies for Clubs and leagues.

LALIGA is a returning partner to BOF with its Managing Director for SE Asia, Japan & Korea, Ivan Codina, being excited about their participation: “The Business of Football” conference is an important platform for LALIGA as well as for the South-East Asian football community. It’s a get-together to share and exchange knowledge and ideas for the greater good of our sport. 

This also falls in line with LALIGA’s objectives around its Glo-cal strategy, focusing on hyper localized engagements, activations and content. We look at different ways to raise the profiles of our clubs and the league through strategic partnerships on a global, regional and local level As well as a constant commitment to be at the forefront of the football industry, as we have recently demonstrated with the launch of our new brand and the pioneering strategic agreement with EA Sports.”.

The one-day event is scheduled to take place from 9:00am until 5:00pm at the Raffles Makati with a mix of presentations, keynotes, panel discussions as well as plenty of networking breaks. Tickets will be available shortly through the online portal of MMC Sportz with delegate passes priced at Php2,850.00 (USD 50.00) per person including of all conference session, networking breaks and lunch.

ABOUT MMC SPORTZ ASIA:

MMC Sportz Asia is a Dubai and Manila-based sports marketing agency with focus on providing specialized marketing and communication solutions to governing bodies, federations, rights holders and brands within the sports and entertainment industry in the Middle East and South East Asia. 

Current and past marquee projects include SPIA Asia – Sport Industry Awards and Conference (SPIA Asia since 2015), staging of the International Premier Tennis League (IPTL) in 2014 in Singapore, Manila, Delhi and Dubai, working with the Islamic Solidarity Sports Federation (ISSF) prior to staging of the Baku 2017 Islamic Games as well as the inaugural “The Business of Football” conference. 

PH Gov’t, Groups To Join World Peace Summit in KoreaTo Build Multidimensional Strategies for Institutional Peace

As the Philippines celebrates the National Peace Consciousness Month this September, key officials from the government, academe, religion, media, women groups, and youth groups will fly to South Korea to attend the 9th Anniversary of the HWPL (Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light) World Peace Summit.

HWPL, an international peace non-government organization in special consultative status with UN ECOSOC, will be expecting 1,800 global leaders to participate in the four-day event from September 18-21.

This 9th-anniversary celebration will look back on the achievements of the past 10 years and discuss the theme of “Implementation of Multidimensional Strategies for Institutional Peace.”

Leaders in politics, education, religion, women’s groups, youth groups, and the media from around the world will participate in discussions aimed at implementing strategies within each sector’s initiatives. The sessions will cover various agendas, including the spread of a culture of institutional peace, the expansion of comparative scriptural studies, long-term peacebuilding through education, and the development of policies for promoting a culture of peace.

Among the officials from the government who have confirmed their attendance are National Commission for Culture and the Arts Commissioner for the Sub-commission on Cultural Dissemination Carlo B. Ebeo; National Book Development Board Governor Mary Ann Ordinario; National Book Development Board Project Management Officer Charmaine Concepcion G. Capuchino and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Administrative Officer V Ms. Michelle J. Negrido.

Local government officials who will be joining the event include Maguindanao Municipal Vice Mayor Elizabeth Mangudadatu; Kapalong Davao Del Norte Municipal Mayor Maria Theresa Royo-Timbol;  Municipality of Kapalong Davao Del Norte Executive Assistant Mary Caress Timbol; National Amnesty Commission (NAC) Commissioner Atty. Nasser Marohomsalic; Buluan, Maguindanao Municipal Vice Mayor Rhamla Kadalim. Former Maguindanao Congressman Esmael Mangudadatu also confirmed his attendance.

The Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM) will also send officials to be headed by BARMM Chief Minister Ahod Ebrahim, Al Haj.

Women’s group representatives include Zonta Club of Metropolitan Pasig Past President Ruby Bañares-Victorino, and National Federation of Women's Club Vice President Erlinda Olivia Tiu, among others.

From the academe are Philippine Christian University - College of Law Dean, Bishop Justice Raoul Victorino ; and Commission on Higher Education (CHEd) Commissioners, Dr. Ronald L. Adamat and Dr. Jo Mark M. Libre, DPA, among other high ranking school officials, principals and master teachers.

Religious groups like Catholic, Methodist, Hinduism, and Islam will also have their representatives in the said event. Among them is Archdiocese of Cagayan De Oro Archbishop-Emeritus Antonio Ledesma who has been part of the peace works with HWPL since 2013. 

The concept of “Institutional Peace” as proposed by HWPL, advocates for international agreements aimed at establishing sustainable peace with frameworks based on the principles outlined in the Declaration of Peace and Cessation of War (DPCW). The DPCW is presented as a tool of peace continuum from prevention and resolving conflicts to further promoting a culture of understanding and cooperation among nations and peoples.

HWPL Chairman Lee Man-hee emphasized that the participation of people from all around the world is absolutely necessary to achieve peace, stating, “We (HWPL) have circled the globe 32 times to carry out the work of peace. The ultimate goal has been achieving peace. Whether it's within families, schools, or any other organization, peace is a vital need. Not a single person has rejected the idea of peace. Therefore, I firmly believe that peace will be attained.”

For further information and news about the upcoming event, please visit http://worldpeacesummit.org/ 

Israel Dedicates Improv Show to OFWs and DMW Sec. Ople

The Israeli Embassy in Manila dedicated an improv show featuring the Israeli improv group Duda to honor the overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) in Israel and to commemorate Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople.

“Secretary Ople's life was dedicated to advocating for OFWs. In my close collaboration with her, I had the privilege of witnessing her unwavering commitment and compassionate leadership. Her unique blend of pragmatism and empathy made her a formidable advocate for OFWs. Together, we faced numerous challenges, driven by our shared commitment to enhance the lives of these unsung heroes. Her legacy of compassion, justice, and solidarity continues to inspire us all,” Israeli Ambassador Ilan Fluss expressed.

Ambassador Fluss also highlighted the OFWs in Israel who are hardworking, compassionate, and notable for their world-class care.

There are around 30,000 Filipinos working as caregivers and hotel workers in Israel. The Israeli government is working closely with the Philippine government, especially with the Department of Migrant Workers, to ensure that their rights are protected and respected. They are provided with medical insurance, pension fund, yearly leave with pay, and all of the social rights given under Israeli labor rules. The labor market in Israel is regulated by the rights of the employees.

In attendance to the improv show held on the evening of the 6th of September were family and friends of then Sec. Ople, officials from the DMW, members of the diplomatic community, government officials, relatives of the OFWs in Israel, and friends of the embassy. Duda presented a show based on the stories of some OFWs in Israel that the group interviewed prior to their performance in Manila.

Improvisation or improv is a form of live theatre in which the plot, characters, and dialogue of a story are unscripted and created spontaneously by the performers.

Duda was one of the groups that performed at the Manila Improv Festival which is the biggest improv festival in Asia. The group performed on the opening night last September 8 in Ayala Malls Circuit Makati. This is the second time for Duda to join the improv fest in Manila, the first one was way back in 2019.

In addition to their performance shows, the group also introduced improv to children at White Cross Orphanage in San Juan City and held an applied improv workshop with the medical practitioners from different hospitals in Manila and some members of the Philippine Navy.