Philippine eco-fair boosts business for green companies

Oct. 26, 2010 - PRLog -- Eco-inspired solutions took center stage in a successful convergence of business strategy and green advocacy at the maiden run of the recently concluded Philippine International Eco-Show (PINES), reported the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM), an attached agency of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Organized by CITEM, the eco-show served as the venue to 157 eco-compliant companies showcasing the latest products, services, and technologies available for a more sustainable future. More than 2,000 trade buyers and visitors flocked to the event, which generated Php 6M in booked and negotiated sales.

"The mere fact that we were able to put up this show is already a success in itself," said Thelma Dumpit-Murillo, Deputy Executive Director of CITEM and Project Director for PINES. "Aside from having gained allies from the public and private sectors, we believe that PINES succeeded in stirring the imagination of our visitors and making them believe that, yes, going green is not only possible but could also be very profitable."

From creative ways to make money out of recyclable waste, such as composting, generating methane from landfills for power generation, applying for carbon credit financing, to innovative water treatment technologies, PINES highlighted various opportunities from which businesses could take their cue in greening their processes and adding value to their products.

Around 90 business matching sessions held during the event generated interest on possible business tie-ups for construction projects and the supply of energy-efficient lighting systems, eco-friendly paint and waste water treatment/technologies; the participation of academic institutions in corporation-sponsored sustainable environment programs; the development of eco-tourism destinations; the sourcing of organic produce especially for food establishments; and the implementation of alternative community-based businesses like raising free-ranged livestock and poultry; among others.

"Omnium is very excited and proud to have been part of the very first Philippine International Eco-Show, and we look forward to more events like this," said Vince Hizon, Vice President for Marketing of Omnium Philippines, exclusive distributor of Paris-made waste management products like mobile garbage bins, compactor trucks, and river or bay cleaning boats.

"Going green is a trend these days but for me personally, it’s a passion. We’re trying to give solutions to cities, to LGU’s, provincial governments, even the national agencies so they can solve their garbage and solid waste management problems properly."

Unconventional solutions to common problems were what attracted Illac Diaz, notable green entrepreneur and advocate, to the show. "PINES made a difference... and it’s so great that PINES actually extended invitations not only to the advertisers or the people who can afford the booth but also people that could make a contribution to a larger segment of society. What interests me is how can we already start bringing this out... maybe look for unconventional strategies where groups of people will be able to add a bit of contribution and get the same kind of healthy, low-energy, low-carbon but at the same time disaster-resilient solutions."

For Daila Herbal Community Enterprises, manufacturer of eco-friendly household products, the large amount of inquiries they received in joining PINES went a long way in introducing their products to a wider audience.

"When we pioneered our eco-friendly products back in 1985, we found it difficult to relay our message to people because they thought it was either queer or even New Age. We are glad to have exhibited in PINES because it is a very important venue to be part of as a green company especially now that advocates are raising awareness on the subject of the environment, and we hope it continues to spread this call to promote green to the whole country," said Ma. Aleli Pansacola, president of Daila.

Daila won for the Best Eco-Lifestyle Product category at the 1st PINES Awards staged the second day of the event, for its Victoria Herbal Laundry Granules made from coconut oil and herbal essences.

The trade show was staged in cooperation with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Philippine Green Building Council (PhilGBC), the Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE), and the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP); with support from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the American Chamber of Commerce and Industry (AmCham), the Haribon Foundation for the Conservation of Natural Resources, Inc., and the Solid Waste Management Association of the Philippines (SWAPP).

""PINES is a source of inspiration for UNDP in defining its future work in the Philippines," said Renaud Meyer, Country Director for the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in the country. "It was able to mix two very important topics for us - trade and economic development, and the whole question about the environment and natural resources and how you manage them. This is such an important topic in a country where so much depends on the environment... and we would be very happy to partner again in 2011 and hopefully show what difference we have been able to make between this year and next year because there is no time to lose. There’s more people out there that need the environment and the environment need the people to protect it."  

The Philippines is one of 18 megadiverse countries in the world, where two–thirds of the earth’s biological diversity is found. According to Elisea "Bebet" Gozun, chairman of leading environmental coalition Earth Day Network Philippines, as well as a speaker on eco-business opportunities at the PINES conference, it is also among the world's 34 hotspots most threatened by human environmental abuse and climate change.

For more information on the 2nd Philippine International Eco-Show slated August 25-27, 2011, log on to www.pines.com.ph.

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The Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions (CITEM) is an export promotions arm of the Philippine Department of Trade and Industry.