5th Eco-products International Fair
March 19–22, 2009, SMX Convention Center, Manila, the Philippines

… brought more than 83,000 people together

Executive Secretary Ermita striking the gong to open the EPIF 2009

A majestic gong heralded the opening of the Fifth Eco-products International Fair, held 19 to 22 March. The four-day event was organized by the APO in collaboration with the Development Academy of the Philippines and Philippine Business for the Environment. One hundred twenty-eight companies and organizations displayed the latest in environment-friendly products and services at the SMX Convention Center in Manila with the theme Sustainable Consumption, Sustainable Production, Sustainable Future.

The opening ceremony included messages of encouragement for all types of environmental initiative. The opening remarks were given by the Hon. Jose L. Atienza, Jr., Secretary, Department of Environment and Natural Resources of the Philippines, and EPIF 2009 National Executive Committee Vice Chairperson. He was followed to the podium by Green Productivity Advisory Committee (GPAC) Chairperson and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation Chairman Dr. Tamotsu Nomakuchi, and EPIF Preparatory Committee Chairperson and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation Chairman Teisuke Kitayama. Former First Lady of the Philippines and EPIF 2009 Advisory Committee Chairperson Mme. Amelita M. Ramos spoke on eco-friendly activities in the Philippines. In his keynote address, Executive Secretary Eduardo R. Ermita expressed full support for the EPIF 2009 as an event dedicated to showing the path to a sustainable future. Prof. Ryoichi Yamamoto, Vice Chairperson of the GPAC, then presented Executive Secretary Ermita a copy of the newly published Eco-products Directory 2009.

A three-day parallel international conference on the same theme also started on 19 March. Former President Fidel V. Ramos delivered the keynote speech and emphasized the importance of environmental issues for sustainable human life. The four-day event brought more than 83,000 people together.

As a regional event gathering key international players and executives from leading corporations under one roof, the EPIFs successfully showcase the most advanced environmental technologies, provide opportunities for business collaboration, and promote public awareness of eco-products and -services. Since the first EPIF in Malaysia in 2004, each successive EPIF in Thailand in 2005, Singapore in 2006, and Vietnam in 2008 has gone from strength to strength in size and publicity generated. The Hanoi EPIF received an unprecedented 100,000 visitors.