Firms set climate change stance

BIG businesses have taken a united stand to mitigate the effects of climate change.

They signed on Friday the Manila Declaration, the private sector’s statement of solidarity and support to low emission development.

The declaration also calls for the implementation of concrete measures to mitigate the effects of climate change, such as the El Nino weather phenomenon on water resources.

Among the business groups joining were: the Philippine Busi- ness for Social Progress (PBSP), Philippine Business for the Environment (PBE), Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Management Association of the Philippines (MAP), Federation of Philippines Industries (FPI), and the Financial Executives of the Philippines (FEP).

At the same time, executives of the country’s leading corporations also launched the Water Alliance, which seeks to address issues and create solutions to impending water problems in the country.

The Alliance aims to craft a water agenda that is aligned with the national agenda, and will be the business sector’s contribution to addressing water security concerns in the country.

It will also develop a roadmap with target and metrics, monitor progress, and evaluate its effectiveness.

According to PBSP, water scarcity is being experienced in many parts of the country, as the Philippines is withdrawing more than double the average world withdrawal of

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