Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago has committed to pursue programs and projects that will further reduce the carbon footprint in all ports across the country.
Santiago issued the statement of assurance during the two-day seminar on Realizing Carbon Neutral Ports in the ASEAN Region in Manila which was attended by key industry players, policy makers, and sustainability advocates.
During the seminar which started on Nov. 28, participants discussed actionable strategies and innovations for greener port operations across the region and Santiago, for his part, underscored the urgent need for ports to evolve beyond their traditional roles as facilitators of trade.
"Ports must not only facilitate commerce but also become beacons of sustainability, innovation, and resilience. This seminar comes at a pivotal opportunity. We are presented with an opportunity to exchange knowledge, explore solutions, and forge partnerships that will redefine how ports across the ASEAN region operate,” said Santiago.
On the part of the PPA, he said among the initiatives are port modernization programs, energy-efficient technologies, and the adoption of digital systems to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
In the same seminar, lawyer Hiyasmin Delos Santos, PPA’s Department Manager for Port Operations and Services, said agency’s Green Ports or Decarbonization initiatives include provision of Shore-Based Power Supply (SBPS) or Cold Ironing to reduce ship emissions while docked, installation of Solar-powered navigational buoys and LED lighting systems in terminals and offices, mandatory tree planting and establishment of carbon sink areas, and digitalization efforts for streamlined, paperless port operations to enhance energy efficiency and reduce emissions.
Delos Santos said such programs and projects are aligned with the country’s commitment under United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) for around 75 percent greenhouse gas emissions reduction and avoidance from 2020 to 2030, with significant contributions from the transport and energy sectors.
Delos Santos said major international gateways like the Manila International Container Terminal (MICT) and Manila South Harbor (MSH) are spearheading decarbonization projects.
The MICT, for instance, targets a 26 percent reduction in greenhouse gas emissions per container move by 2030, aiming for net-zero emissions by 2050. South Harbor, on the other hand, is set to achieve net-zero emissions by 2040 with an intermediate target of 29 percent carbon reduction by 2030.
“Both facilities are investing in renewable energy, hybrid-powered cranes, and digital innovations like the Terminal Appointment and Booking System (TABS) to improve efficiency and lower emissions,” said Delos Santos.
She also highlighted broader national opportunities, including offshore wind development, renewable energy investments, and the Comprehensive Roadmap for Electric Vehicles.
But while significant progress has been made so far, Santiago stressed the need for further collaboration and alignment with global sustainability frameworks to achieve carbon neutrality.
"Let us seize this moment to make meaningful progress—progress that will benefit not only our generation but also the generations to come," Santiago said.
“Through this initiative, the PPA strengthens its commitment to addressing climate change and ensuring that the Philippines remains a leader in green maritime innovations within the ASEAN region,” he added.