“When we invest in clean energy and sustainable industries, we are not only protecting our environment but also creating decent jobs for our people in the North and across the Philippines.”
This is the main thrust of a bill by Solid North Party-list Rep. Ching Bernos that seeks to create a Green Industrial Zone Program to promote sustainable growth especially in less developed areas in the country.
Through House Bill No. 3112 or the Green Industrial Zone (GIZ) Program bill, Bernos hopes to “pursue a development path that is both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive” in light of the climate crisis.
The designation of GIZs would be based on criteria such as: environmental suitability and zoning alignment; proximity to renewable energy sources (e.g., hydro, wind, solar, biomass); availability of labor and potential for green job generation.
“The GIZ program provides us with a framework that promotes regionally balanced industrialization consistent with global goals for decarbonization, ecological preservation, and green job creation,” Bernos said.
The solon added that unlike traditional industrial zones that cause high pollution, extractive business models, and the marginalization of host communities, GIZs integrate clean technologies, circular economy practices, renewable energy use, and local labor empowerment into the foundation of industrial development.
She pointed out that via the Green Industrial Zone Program “we can develop new opportunities while also helping the whole country shift to a greener, more sustainable economy.”
Under the measure, green industrial zones (GIZs) would be established in strategic locations across the country – especially in underdeveloped regions with untapped potential for renewable energy, sustainable raw materials, and green entrepreneurship.
Bernos said that emphasis will be placed on regions such as Northern Luzon – including Ilocos Region, Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, and adjacent provinces – where local industries such as bamboo processing, agro-industrial manufacturing, eco-textiles, solar assembly, and sustainable packaging offer high potential for inclusive green growth.
According to the solon, “gusto natin na mapalago pa lalo ang mga umuusbong na industriyang ito hindi lang sa Northern Luzon, kundi pati na rin sa ibang rehiyon.”
“The GIZ program provides us with a framework that promotes regionally balanced industrialization consistent with global goals for decarbonization, ecological preservation, and green job creation.”
The designation of GIZs would be based on criteria such as: environmental suitability and zoning alignment; proximity to renewable energy sources (e.g., hydro, wind, solar, biomass); availability of labor and potential for green job generation.
Adequate access to transportation, utilities, and logistics infrastructure; proposed or existing presence of enterprises aligned with green standards; availability of shared services such as waste treatment, eco-friendly packaging, and skills training facilities.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority would also be tasked to create a Green Skills Training and and Certification track focused on: renewable energy systems (installation, maintenance); sustainable construction and retrofitting; eco-design and sustainable packaging; bamboo and indigenous material processing; organic agro-processing; and waste recovery, composting, and recycling enterprises.
An initial amount of P5 billion will be set aside from the General Appropriations Act to fund the program.
