DBP raises P10-B for environment

The Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) has extended P10.4 billion to investments in natural resource development and environmental protection projects for the last four years.

"The amount represents the total loan availments out of the bank’s P15.7 billion current total credit for the environment sector," DBP president & chief executive officer Simon Paterno said. These projects involve pollution abatement and control, clean technology, solid waste management, natural resources conservation, new and renewable energy, rural electrification and power, water supply and watershed management, and carbon investment banking.

Presently, DBP has P5.3 billion in total available funds for relending through the bank’s various environmental investment facilities.

These lending facilities are the Environmental Infrastructure Support Credit Program (EISCP), Industrial Pollution Control Lending Program-Phase II (IPCLP), Credit Line for Solid Waste Management (CLSWM), Urban Water and Sanitation Project, and Rural Power Project.

The EISCP supports investments in clean technology and pollution control projects; projects that promote efficient management of natural resources and improve occupational healthy and safety; investment in monitoring equipment;environmental infrastructure projects under build operate transfer arrangement or its variants; establishment of Environmental Management System and certification under ISO 14000; and solid waste management for LGUs. The IPCLP supports investments in efficient production and environment-friendly technologies, and promotes environmental protection and occupational health and safety.

Its target market are the small and medium enterprises in the food processing industry, piggery, slaughter houses, leather tanning, metal working, and furniture sectors.

The DBP assisted close to a hundred industrial enterprises through the EISCP and IPCLP. These industries have shown substantial reduction in waste generation and investments made have been critical to making their processes more efficient.

The CLSWM is a new facility that assists local government units and private enterprises in implementing improved and comprehensive solid waste management services.

Eligible projects include conversion of open dumpsites intro controlled dumpsites and sanitary landfills; construction of sanitary landfills including acquisition of equipment for waste disposal and treatment; waste collection and transport including collection vehicles and other equipment; facilities for waste treatment and recycling; and consulting services for project preparation and implementation.