Typhoon Pablo is said to be the strongest typhoon yet to hit the Philippines this year. According to Inquirer News, there are already 647 recorded deaths, and a total of 780 people are still missing. Clearly, what happened was caused by human activities in the pursuit of economic growth and sustainable development. However, is the environment truly protected against the adverse impacts of economic activities? Are there genuinely sustainable development practices in the Philippines, or is there a need for a stronger balance between economic development & environmental protection?
The balance between economic development & environmental protection remains a pressing concern. While efforts are made to boost the economy through industrialization, infrastructure expansion, and resource extraction, these activities often come at the cost of deforestation, pollution, and climate change impacts. The destruction caused by Typhoon Pablo raises questions about whether the country prioritizes economic development & environmental protection equally or if economic gains continue to overshadow sustainability efforts.
The Philippines has the so-called Philippine Agenda 21, which refers to sustainable development as “the harmonious integration of a sound and viable economy, responsible governance, social cohesion/harmony, and ecological integrity to ensure that development is a life-enhancing process.” This approach aligns with the principles of economic development & environmental protection, ensuring that progress does not come at the cost of ecological degradation or societal well-being. It is described as “life-enhancing” rather than life-threatening, emphasizing sustainability that safeguards both people and the environment.
Projects such as mining and timber production whether large-scale or small-scale would eventually give adverse impacts to the environment. The terms mining and timber production would become “responsible and sustainable mining” and “responsible and sustainable timber production” under the Philippine Agenda 21.
You can go for economic development without feeling guilty over environmental degradation. So, what are you waiting for? Business with confidence and less guilt! Triple i Consulting can help you have both economic development and environmental compliance. We have in-house environmental professionals that go beyond economic development and environment protection through the form of sustainable development principle and practices.
