China celebrates 70 years

There was no parade of new armory or sleek, shiny weapons and neither was there a massive display of military tanks just as China did in central Beijing on Tuesday.

But China’s 70th anniversary celebration in the Philippines was no doubt grand and pompous, too. Makati Shangri-la’s Rizal Ballroom glittered with bright red flags and at least for a night, guests were treated to rich Chinese culture and cuisine. The intensity was almost tangible — Xi Jinping’s books were free for the taking and the naturally soft Chinese classical music — played on small ensembles — filled the air.

Security was tighter than in the previous years in the strictly by-invitation only event as VIPs lined up to pay their courtesies to Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua who stood out among the crowd because of his signature fuchsia Tang suit.

Some of the country’s top tycoons, diplomats, and government officials graced the event.

The world stage

Over the course of 70 years, China is now on the world stage from a position of isolation, Amb. Zhao said in his speech.

“The number of countries that have diplomatic relations with China has increased from 18 to 179,” he said.

He also trumpeted China’s modern day Silk Road, the Belt and Road initiative.

“China has signed agreements on Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) cooperation with 136 counties and 30 international organizations,” the Chinese envoy notes.

China and the Philippines

Touching on the relationship between Manila and Beijing, Amb. Zhao says the partnership remains strong.

“China and the Philippines are good neighbors, sincere friends and trusted partners. Under the strategic guidance of President Xi Jinping and President Duterte, China-Philippine relations have moved forward steadily and have delivered tangible outcomes.”

On the controversial sea dispute, the ambassador insists that China is committed to sharing the benefits of development with the Philippines.

“It is our  belief that South China Sea issue is not the sum total of China-Philippine relations, nor disputes, the sum total of South China Sea issue. We would also like to make concerted efforts with the Philippines to promote substantial progress of the joint exploration of oil and gas.”

Furthermore, he said, China would continue to support the Philippines as country coordinator of China-ASEAN dialogue relations.

“And it is our hope that during the Philippines’ tenure, Code of Conduct (COC) consultations could be concluded with the aim of  turning South China Sea into a sea of peace, friendship and prosperity,” he said.

Amb. Zhao is right. The relationship between the two countries has moved forward under the Duterte administration.

It is now a waiting game to see how much, in the end, our country and our people would really benefit from our improved ties with one of the world’s superpowers.

Trash talk

Speaking of our relationship with other countries, the Duterte administration is right in insisting before the government of Canada that the Philippines is not a dumping ground for its trash.

However, players in the recycling industry lament that the issue has put recycling in a bad light.

In a recent interview, Crispian Lao, head of Philippine Alliance for Recycling and Materials Sustainability said the controversy surrounding Canada waste has put recycling in a bad light. 

“While recyclables were part of the shipment, they are highly contaminated.  On the other hand, it shows that government policies, though imperfect, work. (But) there should be a better way of properly defining and classifying materials as recyclables versus waste and there is a need to set standards,” Lao says.

Moratorium on waste importation

Recycling industry players support government efforts to keep the Philippines as sustainable and environmentally safe as possible. However, the recycling industry is hoping the government would be cautious in coming out with policies in the future as drastic measures may significantly affect the recycling industry.

Lao agrees. He said disallowing imports of recyclable plastic may affect some sectors. 

It is no secret that in the Philippines, there are many industries that need recyclable plastics and waste such as cement for instance.

An important industry

“Recycling is a key industry in the Philippines and there is room to grow. The informal sector or waste pickers benefit from this and the industry generates employment from this,” Lao said.

Waste management

He also says recycling is key to waste management. Aside from reducing waste, recycling is also an integral part because it gives materials a second chance.

“Following the hierarchy of waste management, Avoidance (REDUCE) is top of the list and the aim is to minimize waste generation.  Then comes REUSE to allow the maximum use of our limited resources.  Next is RECYCLE to give the materials a second chance,” Lao says.

He said these three Rs are key components of waste management, together with treatment and final disposal which are still lacking in the Philippines.

Drastic change needed

In the end, the key is to really reduce each one’s waste.

All of us — from businessmen to ordinary citizens — need a drastic change in lifestyle and mindset to really make a difference in reducing waste and also in putting our waste into good use.

Iris Gonzales’ email address is [email protected]. Follow her on Twitter I Column archives at eyesgonzales.com