Port of Surigao recognized as international ‘green’ port
By Susil Ragas
SURIGAO CITY, Surigao del Norte (PIA) -- The Port of Surigao recently received the Green Port Award System (GPAS) of the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Port Services Network.
The port
satisfactorily complied with the scorecard laid out under the Green Port Award
System and was conferred with GPAS certificate and badge.
Manager
Froilan Caturla said the port's success in this evaluation is a testament to
its commitment to principles such as energy conservation, noise reduction, and
the unwavering protection and preservation of the surrounding water, land, and
air.
The
recognition placed the port of Surigao in the company of just thirteen others
across the Asia Pacific Region and became an inspiration for environmental
stewardship in the Asia Pacific.
"With
three distinguished GPAS awardees—Cagayan de Oro, Batangas, and now Surigao—the
nation stands tall as a champion of environmental stewardship and sustainable
growth. These ports exemplified the Philippines' unwavering commitment to
fostering a greener, cleaner, and more sustainable future for generations to
come," Caturla said.
Established
in 2016, the GPAS serves as a rigorous evaluation system, distinguishing APEC
ports that have consistently implemented environmental sustainability programs
for a minimum of two years.
The GPAS program is a green evaluation system for ports in the APEC region intended to improve environmental awareness as well as increase the understanding of green port development strategy, with the aim of achieving a balance between economic development and environmental protection in the APEC ports community; promoting the sustainable development of ports in the APEC region and protecting the port environment for the benefit of the entire APEC community; contributing to the harmonization of regulations and improving the interoperability of green port systems; establishing an APEC green port performance benchmark based on this program, sharing best practices and encouraging mutual assistance among APEC ports. (SDR/PIA-Caraga, with a report from PPA-PMO Surigao)
