Leading 'green' companies recognized

MANILA, Philippines - Choosing from among thousands of public and private businesses, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) identified this year's 18 environmentally responsible companies in the country, awarding them with an Official Seal of Approval on Thursday.

“The awardees were chosen because of their exemplary environmental performance and for going beyond mere compliance with existing environmental laws and regulations,” environment Secretary Ramon Paje said.

The said companies, which include giant multinational and energy corporations, were recognized under DENR's Philippine Environmental Partnership Program that seeks to promote self-regulated compliance with environmental standards especially given the global issue of climate change.

Besides not having received a complaint against the chosen companies, DENR also credited their trailblazing role in the green campaign.

“Their policies on self-monitoring and self-regulation deserve to be recognized and emulated by other companies,” Paje added.

• Hedcor Sibulan, Inc. hyrdopower plant in Davao del Sur (a subsidiary of AboitizPower Corporation)
• Coca-Cola plants in Isabela, Ilocos Norte, La Union and Pangasinan
• Green Core Geothermal, Inc.-Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant
• Energy Development Corporation’s geothermal power fields in Kidapawan City and Leyte province
• Holcim, Inc.’s plants in Lugait, Misamis Oriental and Norzagaray, Bulacan
• Nestle Philippines’ Cagayan Distribution Center and factory in Pulilan, Bulacan
• Philippine Associated Smelting and Refining Corporation in Isabela, Leyte
• Pilipinas Shell Petroleum Corporation’s Tacloban Terminal
• Shell Philippines Malampaya BV's Batangas Onshore Gas Refinery
• STEAG State Power, Inc. in Misamis Oriental
• Team Energy Corporation’s power stations in Pagbilao, Quezon and Sual, Pangasinan

The chosen companies, mostly from  the energy sector, join the roster of 57 awardees since 2009.