all the green things

ALL THE GREEN THINGS

If you found this you probably are one of my closest friends who is forced to know what

have I been working on for the past years before I knew you. I am not a good writer, but

here I have written 100 environmental essays, 50 of which can be found on the following

pages.

There are Star Trek, The Beatles and Batman nods in here, if that will make you turn the

page.

All the Green Things was a weekly column on a local paper. There was a Blink 182 song

on the radio while I was thinking of a good title. Its not good but its all I had.

-A.M. Canja

A Cage is Not a Home

Aragorn: What do you fear, my lady?

Eowyn: A cage. To stay behind bars until use and old age accept them and all chance of valor

has gone beyond recall or desire. -Lord of the Rings: Return of the King

Art, especially films and books speak of the deepest human emotions. We have the instinct to

break free from any oppression that compromises our need to follow what we want and what

we are. Animals have the same; however humans sometimes prevent them from exercising that

same right.

For years now, activists have been fighting for the 38 year old elephant Mali, and her right to

experience what it is like to be an elephant. At three years old Mali was transferred from Sri

Lanka to Manila Zoo where she lived in a cage, alone and lonely.

Experts say that female elephants in their natural habitat stay with their herd. They are

supposed to be in constant communication with the other members of their family. However,

in Mali's case, her social and psychological needs are not being fulfilled at the Manila Zoo. Even

if the zoos management claims that they are taking good care of her, this cannot replace her

natural needs. And these needs can only be met in the presence of her fellow elephants.

People who have seen Mali in her cage have observed that the elephant is constantly pacing

and kicking perhaps trying to find a much larger space for her to roam just like elephants do in

the wild. She must have hoped that the bars that keep her in the same place in her lifetime will

somehow open up for her to break free. Experts and animal activists worry not just about her

physical health but also about her psychological well being. She has shown signs of zoochosis,

a condition caused by an animals frustration because of captivity and lack of companionship.

Some international organizations have even called Mali the worlds loneliest elephant.

An elephant sanctuary in Thailand has expressed willingness to be Malis new home but some

fear she might not take the stress of the transfer. In Malis current situation, the Manila Zoo

management claims that she is better off in the zoo. Mali is nearing the end of a typical

elephant lifespan.

This case has opened up a number of issues regarding animal rights. Zoos are mostly built for

educational purposes as oppose to sanctuaries which are mainly established to prevent species

from being endangered. Do people really learn from zoos? This question was raised when there

were talks about transferring another baby elephant to the Philippines.

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All the Green Things

Animals have their own needs; for the most part they dont need humans to cage them. There is

a growing number of people who take in animals that are not normally being taken as pet,

spiders, snakes, etc. Mali is just an example of an animal that is better off in their natural

habitat. In the wild, they can be themselves and do their own purpose which is to balance the

ecosystem; inside a cage they fulfill the humans need of learning and sometimes, sadly,

entertainment.

Page 4


Berde Ka Ba?

Election is upon us again. It seems like yesterday when we were having the same predicament.

Who are we going to vote? Who has the passion to truly serve? Among these queries, another

dire and important question came up. We must ask a politician or shall we say aspiring public

servant, berde ka ba?

We must ask what a future public official can do for the environment, most importantly what

he wants to do for the environment. A number of politicians have promised to serve the people

by serving the environment as well. Some of them have indeed fulfilled their promises. Some of

them are probably working to fulfill their promises. Telling the people what you can do is

enough, walking that talk would be much better. The people need to see the effort; they dont

need to hear the promise. Theres still tons of environmental conservation to do. The country is

on the brink of environmental crisis that is why we need to vote politicians like Hulk and Green

Lantern. Our beloved country needs green superheroes.

Most superheroes have qualities that make them heroes likewise green politicians must also

conduct concerns on a number of campaigns. They must vow to establish laws or policies that

would give the public rights to know about pollution. Awareness is still one of the key factors

that would cut pollutions roots. They must also prioritize nationwide ban on plastic bags, as

well styrofoams. Some fast-food chains use brown bags but still use styrofoams for take-outs.

Eliminating plastic means eliminating almost half of pollution causing garbage. They must

also declare war on toxics that can be found in consumer products. Little did the public know

that what theyre using in their everyday chores can endanger their health and the

environment.

With great power comes a great responsibility. For a green politician it is his responsibility to

provide power to the people, power that comes from green energy sources. Shifting to

renewable energy is a mighty decision and a capable public official must be equipped with the

knowledge on how to usher in the energy revolution. Aside from knowledge, he must also

possess too much passion and willingness inside him that it exudes and reflects on his current

and previous initiatives.

Politicians have their own campaign styles: some settles for posters with them smiling like they

can be approached for help every time you see them in public; some chooses to appear serious

about securing a position to serve; some looks sincere; some has catchy and almost funny

jingles and some are just silently plotting plans on how to save the country. It is easy to be

fooled. Its not easy to ask questions. The current president promised hes going to be a green

president. So do you think he was able to fulfill that promise?

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Brown Rice is Green

The current condition of our climate has caused concerned citizens to create conservation

efforts ranging from organic farming to energy use. Each small step is counted. As the problem

grew, more ways of mitigating the impact of the problem has been developed. A great number

of traditions have also been shifted. One of them is the consumption of brown rice.

Brown rice has been around as early as farmers discovered milling but most Filipinos preferred

white rice for some superficial aesthetic reason. The Department of Science and Technology

has clarified that brown rice is any variety of rice that undergoes milling process just once,

removing only the outer husk but leaving its bran layer intact. In contrast, white rice undergoes

second milling process which removes the bran layer. This means that even purple or black rice

that has its bran layer intact can be considered as brown rice. The bran layer in brown rice

contains vitamins and minerals which make it nutritionally superior than white rice.

Smart consumers have considered brown rice as their option primarily because of the nutritive

value. Recently, DOST have been campaigning for the wide use of brown rice. Aside from the

obvious health reasons, brown rice production requires less energy inputs for polishing yet it

provides higher milling recovery thus could result to more savings and profits for both farmers

and millers. In addition, DOST have also released a collection of brown rice recipes and is also

doing a research on prolonging its shelf life.

So what is the impact of brown rice to the environment? Organic farming is ideally described as

a form of agriculture that sustains the health of the soil, environment and of the people. Brown

rice could be considered organic because of the limited use of energy during its production. If

the demand of brown rice in the Philippines will increase, the country will not need to import

rice from other country, hence, decreasing the energy wasted on logistics. Most farmers who

are into organic farming are also inclined to avoid the use of chemical in their farming

therefore adding to the contribution of lowering the percentage of the countrys carbon

footprints. Brown rice is ideal to the sustainability of this country that relies on rice as the

staple food.

A little help could go a long way. Supporting brown rice and encouraging people to do the same

could make a difference. Look for brown rice in your area and tell your family and friends

about its advantages. Lets start a brown revolution for a greener future.

Page 6


Clean Coal is a Dirty Lie

The future of green energy in the Philippines seems to be bleaker than ever. It's as if the

government is pulling the plug for brighter energy resource with a number of coal fired power

plant sprouting from region to region. There are power plants currently being proposed in

Palawan, Davao, Subic, Bataan and most importantly in Iloilo.

The government is putting this facilities up in an attempt to solve the expanding power

shortage throughout the country. Ayala-led AC Energy Holdings Inc. and A. Brown Inc. are

spending P12.5 billion to put up another 135-MW coal-fired power plant in Iloilo. Commercial

operations are expected to start in 2015. Recently, power barges from Iloilo were sent to

Mindanao as an urgent solution to the issue. Another coal fired power plant expansion in

Davao has also been proposed.

Proponents of coal as a source of energy has been priding themselves with an allegedly

environmental friendly, clean coal technology which majorly resulted to coal as being a

widely accepted source of energy in some countries. Coal and clean are two words you don't

normally use to describe each other.

How is coal considered clean, when it emits carbon dioxide that threatens the cleanliness of the

air that we breathe? Think, the next breath of air you take, you also inhale small traces of

wastes that coal fired power plants have produced. It goes into your respiratory system causing

diseases that are potentially fatal. Carbon pollution of course is not just directly harmful to the

people but also to the environment. It brings more heat to the planet's atmosphere and

disrupting the whole climate paradigm.

How is coal considered clean when burning coal leaves behind toxic waste ash? Most of this

waste are being dumped somewhere that could have been more useful as a place utilized not to

further harm the planet. Wherever these ashes are kept, they still can seep into the ground and

could contaminate the water, they can also spill and contaminate lands. With a growing

number of coal fired power plants, how much waste are we talking about?

From the mining of coal itself, the environment itself is destroyed, so how can this be regarded

environmental friendly? Western Visayas is considered one of the biggest coal supplier in the

country. With Semirara Mining Corporation, based in Semirara Island in the province of

Antique, being the country's largest coal producer. The word mining in itself rings the pain the

environment has to suffer.

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There are a hundred other reasons why the country must say no to coal. Those reasons can

definitely outweigh all the economic reasons the government is polishing. The people are

smart, they know how short this could benefit them and how long this could harm them.

Maybe the government needs to slow down and think about the people too.

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Clearing the Air

Coal made the industrial revolution possible, more than a hundred years later, the future is

getting dark for the coal industry. As the world struggles with global warming, industrialized

countries are counting on alternative energy sources that would erase the dark clouds that coal

has casted for the past years.

There are nine existing and functional coal plants in the Philippines to date. The number of

approved projects doubled in the past two years. Despite these numbers, the growing consumer

support is a silver lining to renewable energy. People worry about the environmental effects of

coal, especially to the air.

Coal power plants are the top sources of carbon dioxide emission all over the world. Carbon

dioxide has been scientifically confirmed as the primary culprit of global warming. Its an

equation that is so obvious that it simply could not be omitted in the discussion of harmful

effects of coal.

Coal facilities also produce fly ashes during combustion which pose hazards due to their very

fine particle fraction. These particles are small enough to be inhaled into the extremities of the

lung airways, and as a result can lead to harmful human health effects. Costly pollution control

devices are considerably less efficient at catching such particles, and can also include higher

concentration of toxic elements than the fly ash as a whole.

Coal-fired power plant pollution causes and worsens respiratory illnesses such as asthma,

emphysema, and bronchitis. Heart attacks have been linked with even short-term air pollution

exposure. Nitrogen oxides, sulfur dioxide, and particulate matter are the also some of the major

causes of hazard from this waste. Coal also produces ozone, more known as smog, which has

been blamed for number deaths in countries such as China. These countries have also been

leading the way to reduce the use of coal.

The list of known and possible harmful effects of coal to man and the environment as a whole

has been thoroughly studied by experts and proven by grave events that has happened it the

past. The economic gain that coal has brought could fog everyones judgment against efforts of

limiting the construction of power plants. But those days of economic revolution has passed,

we live with a different generation; an age when environment should be valued more than

money.

This debate about coal is not worth the time and finances. Why explore the subject when it has

already been done before? Let us now clear the air, literally.

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Its not an either/or; its a both/and.

The world listened as Pres. Barack Obama addressed the growing concern about Climate

Change. Some applauded his action; some thought it was a little too late. However everyone

would agree that the president of America showing immense alarm about the degree of disaster

this phenomenon has caused his mighty country was a huge leap for the fight against Climate

Change.

What was remarkable was how he acknowledged that Climate Change is a fact. That 97 percent

of scientists has agreed that the drastic warming of the planet has been attributed to activities

of mankind. The argument whether Climate Change is real or not has now become extinct. The

new argument that needed to be ruled out is whether climate change efforts would outweigh a

countries strive for economic stability or it would only push the worlds strongest economies

into economic sinkholes.

United States of America is one of the first world countries with large percentage of carbon

emissions. Their partisan politics does not help with easing the process of passing policies that

could possibly contribute greatly to the environment. They are always aiming to maintain that

economic strength that makes them one of the most powerful in the world. But that has

changed now as their leader strongly declared that there is no contradiction between a sound

environment and strong economic growth.

This is quite applicable to the current situation in the Philippines. The fight against climate

change has been a path ruled by dominant obstacles such as big corporations, and individual

proprietors that has yet to realize their social responsibilities. Shifting towards clean energy

would require lots of people such as scientists that will discover alternative fuels, engineers that

will build environmental power plants and workers to assist them. It would not only produce

jobs but also provide funds as the cost of clean energy is significantly lesser. As for the financial

factors in getting this plan done, if the government has been spending more money in less

relevant activities, surely it can spare a portion of its budget towards climate change

prevention. Pres. Obamas Climate Change Plan also included a plan to finance renewable

projects in the Philippines, six billion dollars has been pointed out.

Philippines has been suffering from natural disasters with increasing damages, sometimes they

just occur in succession that the government did not have time to plan effective preventions.

Finances have been largely spent on relief. The desperation has been reflected on the voice of a

Philippines delegate during the Doha Climate Convention as he broke down. Somehow

America taking actions lightens that burden. That somehow the fight for the climate is a

challenge that is needed not to be feared of but an opportunity to be seized.

Page 10


Climate Change Threatens Health

The Earth is aging, and its health is deteriorating. Along with the planets abnormal change in

temperature, humanities also face abnormal changes that are potentially dangerous to our own

health.

Today, worldwide, there is an apparent increase in many infectious diseases, including some

newly-circulating ones (HIV/AIDS, hantavirus, hepatitis C, SARS, etc.). This reflects the

combined impacts of rapid demographic, environmental, social, technological and other

changes in our ways of-living. Climate change will also affect infectious disease occurrence. A

study published by World Health Organization stated.

One of the many variables that were determined to have aided the rapid increase of diseases is

the rising of the Earths temperature. Higher temperature is linked to the increase in cases of

salmonella and other bacteria related food poisoning. These diseases cause gastrointestinal

distress and in severe cases can even cause death. Extreme heat has also affected the elderly

and women, as they have higher risk of suffering from heat stroke.

Mosquitoes and the diseases they carry, including malaria, dengue fever, Ross River virus, and

West Nile virus, are especially sensitive to temperature changes and land elevation. For

example, the warmer temperatures in the East African highlands have also been determined to

have created more favorable conditions for mosquito populations, thus increasing malaria.

Another significant factor that contributed to the rise of climate change related diseases, is the

heavy rainfall that results to flooding, which then contaminate fresh water sources with

pathogen-containing dirty water. Flooding can also increase water-borne parasites. When

people drink this contaminated water it can cause gastrointestinal distress and in severe cases

can also cause death. After a heavy rainfall, trapped rainwater can also be a breeding ground

for disease carrying mosquitoes.

These diseases are only intensified and not directly caused by climate change. Most of these

diseases can be contained through sanitation. We cant immediately stop the gradual increase

of the Earths atmosphere but we can prevent the disease causing bacteria to generate.

Regularly check and make sure that your surrounding is clean. Leave no opportunity for

mosquitoes to breed.

Prevention is still better than cure, and with different factors affecting the disease protection

process, increased efforts must be practiced. Climate change has pushed humanity to a higher

level of alarm. It is not just our home that is being threatened but also ourselves. The more

challenges we face, the more resilient we must get. We must learn to adjust and create a

Page 11


Clean Coal is Fiction

"Clean coal" is not an actual invention, a physical thing -- it is an advertising slogan. Like "fat-

free donuts" or "interest-free loans." - author Jeff Goodell accurately describes clean coal

technology.

One of the reasons why the government is approving one coal fired power plant after another is

because of the so-called clean coal technology. Two words that thinly veil the hazard of the

dirty energy source, make it appear as if it's the bright hope for the country's economy and

almost trying to erase the argument about environment's safety. Still, the perils are apparent,

the government sees it but is trying to cover the public's eye away from the subject.

As the proponents, the government and a small number of people who support coal attempt to

win this argument by saying that enough power supply could draw investments in, and if there

are hazards to coal, then a lot of people could have been sick and could have died because of the

current operating coal fired power plant in the city. Not all harmful effects happen right before

our eyes, and most of these harmful effects sneak up on us over a period of time.

One of the most feared direct effects of coal is pollution. And a pile of other hazards could

result from pollution, including increase of related diseases. In Naga, Cebu, health problems

are being experienced and the Department of Health has issued warnings to communities

exposed to coal ash and spills. The government doesn't need an obvious rate increase to

recognize and act on this results.

Despite the government's claim that coal could produce more jobs, little known fact is,

machinery has been mostly the choice over manpower. Soon, people will be replaced by

machines. And besides, renewable energy could generate more jobs too. It even has the

potential of being a marketable and at the same time environmentally friendly industry.

If you weigh the ill effects of coal, the heaviest impact would be the climate change. It affects

not only a specific demographic or location but the global population. The carbon dioxide

emissions that results to burning fossil fuel is the one of the major factor that fuels climate

change.

Much has been said about all of this fatal effects. People keep going on and on about this for

years. Some protests have succeeded and some have failed. However, one thing is certain,

whenever the government decides to put up another coal fired power plant, there will always be

voices of opposition, because we all know clean coal is fiction.

Page 12


Coal, a problem not a solution

The government is making habit of opening a coal fired power plant nearly every month. It's

becoming a huge dark collection that is bound to give collections of fatal things to come. The

government knows but the government doesn't understand.

Or maybe they do understand but they're too pressured to acknowledge their understanding.

Another coal fired power plant opened, another door for renewable energy closed. Generally,

the public knows that the government's fastest option, not even the fastest but the easiest, is to

rely on coal. Economically, it is fairly promising. Ecologically, it's deadly. Once and for all the

government should turn their understanding towards the what the environmentalists are

lobbying, clean energy source.

Coal is limited, renewable energy is sustainable. Coal is dirty, renewable energy is clean. Cost

aside, renewable energy makes the perfect answer to the countries power shortage problem.

The Renewable Energy law should be enforced, or the long time discussion will be gone like

smokes from the plants, the efforts of the lobbyists will be gone to waste like the waste that coal

is and most of all how many laws should we pass without proper implementation?

Guimaras has a big potential for Wind Energy. Antique and Aklan has hydropower. These are

advantage that the government has acknowledge. Admirable decisions and efforts that should

be lauded and emulated. These provinces have taken the steps that should be followed forward

to the right direction. And on the other hand, Iloilo has a coal fired power plant that is probably

going to expand in the near future. We just watch as the dark clouds fly and someday will

engulf the city.

The story of the first coal fired power plant was highly told. It was immensely condemned.

People have been strongly in opposition. But have you been pass the coastal road lately? If you

travel, say from Dumangas to Ilolilo City especially during sunset, a surreally beautiful sun

hides from Guimaras Island and slowly tucks itself into the sea will bring a comforting warmth

to your heart. But minutes after, a tall commanding structure with glaring red eyes, will spoil

your view. It stands there like a villain about to gradually destroy everything it can reach. As

aesthetically centered as it sounds, but the structure itself is a symbol of growing demands that

will ruin all beautiful things, may it be seen or unseen. No more breathtaking sunset. No more

cleansing air against your face. We can all be technical about it, we can all be romantic and

idealistic about it. Whichever angle you look at it, even economically, coal is never a long term

solution. How can it be a solution when it is a problem in itself?

Page 13


COP18: Wasted Years and Tears

"I appeal to the whole world, I appeal to leaders from all over the world, to open our eyes to the

stark reality that we face. I appeal to ministers. The outcome of our work is not about what our

political masters want. It is about what is demanded of us by 7 billion people." Naderev Sao,

the lead negotiator of the Philippine delegation broke down in front of the United Nations and

the world. While his voice cracked and while he held his tears back, the world could feel how

sincere his plea was. His voice echoed the sympathies of the millions who wanted change, real

change this time.

Cop18 was not as successful as it was majorly expected. It went on as a deja vu of Cop15. There

wasn't an ideally remarkable moment, except that one minute when a man on the verge of tears

challenged the whole world. Cop18 might have blown little life to Kyoto Protocol but aside from

that, there wasn't a monumental moment or agreement that has mammoth impact to the

unending battle against Climate Change. In the end it wasn't even a fight against Climate

Change in itself, it's already a combat against politics, corporation and greed.

Half a world away from Doha, 1,096,633 families or 5,408,229 persons were affected in 2,317

Barangays in 248 municipalities and 35 cities in 30 provinces of Regions IV-B, VI, VII, VIII, X,

XI, XIII and CARAGA. The whole country wept as tropical storm Pablo left the southern part of

the Philippines devastated. The sadness was felt in Doha as the lead negotiator of the

Philippine devastation almost broke into tears. And for a brief moment the world listened.

Since the turn of the century, the country has experienced storms that left previously

unimaginable damages. The world watched and shook their head. They pointed corruption as

the culprit. We had funds but were not utilized to a beneficial purpose. Now that the extreme

went to the most extreme, who's to blame?

The country emits a far lesser amount of carbon dioxide compared to the developed countries.

However, we suffered a greater share of calamities along with other third world countries. We

received fair amount of help, but support is what we really need. If all countries in the world

convert to renewable energy it will greatly cut down carbon emissions. Thereby mitigating

further climate crisis. It sounds a lot simpler when corporations and politicians don't get in the

way. For years, UN Climate Conferences served as a venue for participating countries to

discuss the future of the world. It has been years, and still they claim they are in the

constructive process. How many climate conferences will it take? Will the world survive until

the next Climate Change conference?

Page 14


Crash and Burn

It has been known that the Philippines have vast forestry, or at least the country used to have.

But because of excessive slash-and-burn farming and too much charcoal-making activities the

rich, green forests are inch by inch crashing and burning into a dark and barren fate.

However, for every challenge there are always people and organizations who take initiatives to

cause that great shift towards sustainability. Some companies have now acknowledged the

irrefutable fact that they have social responsibilities. While the government pauses and

ponders about the much talked mining concerns, a program to bring the countries forests back

to their healthy life is in the works. Therefore, the environment is slightly hovering on the line

that divides its crash and burn fate and being somehow revived.

Reforestation is viewed as a small but definitely a key solution to broader societal problems.

Companies are now fostering empty lands and cultivating them by planting trees and seasonal

crops as replacement for trees lost by slash-and-burn farming. The idea is for farmers to invest

their efforts in agro-forestry other than the environmentally threatening activity.

A good example of this project is in Sablayan Penal Colony in Occidental Mindoro. Some

minimum-security inmates were trained under a plant propagation program. They planted two

rows of rubber trees separated by two rows of coffee and banana in a 17-hectare demonstration

farm. The idea is to come up with a three canopy, agro-forestry plantation. It takes two years

to grow bananas while it takes four years to grow rubber trees. The farmers can then plant

bush crops such as cassava, sweet potato etc in between.

Same program can be put into practice by the group of locals living through slash-and-burn

and charcoal making in Mt. Baloy in Antique. Mt. Baloy is one of the highest peaks in Panay

and is vital to the towns living on its foot. The then towering and imposing mountain has

turned into a giant bulk of dark brown land. It is a home to hundreds of locals. And sadly, the

sustainability of their livelihood is in danger, mostly because of the lack of education and

awareness.

If this livelihood through agro-forestry program will be implemented in all the provinces that

has rampant slash-and-burn farming and charcoal production, in Panay or in whole the

Philippines, it will greatly contribute to the conservation of our forests and in the end will

contribute to the overall mitigation of Climate Change. It is almost like stoking a metaphorical

fire, the passion to save the environment to keep the burning flame of love for Earth and the

life in it, a blaze.

Page 15


Defend our Oceans; Save the Climate

Everyone must have heard that expression there are many fish in the sea more than once in

their lives. Well, the news is there isnt much fish anymore than what the sea used to have.

Youll notice that in the market if you look with an open mind. Youll know that if you ask

around with a curious mind. Our oceans are in a serious attack, and the greatest perpetrator

could be us.

Climate Change is a threat, a danger that could intensify risks that are already pre-existing. For

years the oceans has been devastated by illegal fishing, destruction of coral reefs, oil spills,

typhoon devastation among many other serious environmental distressing activities and

phenomenon. However the biggest threat of them all is Global Warming. The continuing rise

of ocean temperature kills the ocean silently. When the ocean is in thermal stress it causes the

water to be more acidic causing coral bleaching, it could also kill planktons which are the basic

food source of marine living things, and most of all it could eventually lead to massive marine

life extinction.

A recent World Bank released report Turn Down The Heat: Climate Extremes, Regional

Impacts, and the Case for Resilience, states that severe weather events are going to be more

extreme in Southeast Asia in the coming decades. By 2050, increased water temperatures will

affect the Philippines and is predicted to trim down the maximum fish catch potential by 50

percent. It is an awfully alarming report.

Knowing that humanity contributes to climate change is unsettling. However the problem is

already at hand, and we have to face that in some ways, we have brought this to ourselves. We

need to recognize our resiliency to cope up with changes, even the gravest one. If we have

contributed to this problem, we can also contribute to the solution. Little things like

demanding your supermarket and tuna brand to source sustainable tuna (look for tuna cans

with Pole and Line or Hand-Caught). Learning where your fish is from is also another

simple way of helping control the number of fish in the seas.

Awareness to what is happening beyond what is obvious is an influencing factor, which could

create action to prevent hazards that are certainly going to present themselves in the future.

We are accountable of every threat humanity has brought to the seas. The marine life is not just

important because they are food; they exist to balance life on Earth. And in times when Climate

Change is threatening to throw the Earth off its balance, taking care of our oceans is a task

everyone must be willing to accomplish.

Page 16


Stealing from Mother Nature

We all love to go to beautiful places to unwind, to relax and to escape the pollution of the city.

Most of our go-to places are beaches, mountain resorts and spots where nature exhibits its best

art. We visit these places and allow its splendor calm us. We stay for a bit and bask in it. And

then we leave taking a piece of a place from its home and we bring them to our homes. Case in

point: the sands in Boracay and the starfishes in Guimaras. And there are possible other cases

of thievery tourists commit.

There has been uproar about the tourists taking the sands in Boracay as souvenirs. Boracay

being known as one of the worlds most pristine white sand beaches, taking its sands away is

like violating the sacredness of its beauty; a beauty that has been threatened by the ugly

destruction of coral reefs because of illegal fishing and climate change in general. Experts have

observed that the then wide shores of Boracay have been receding year after year. While

environmentally concerned civilians desperately scamper to look for immediate solutions and

effective mitigations, the government made a decision to address a what seem to appear as a

small problem but in the long run will surely create a huge impact. The government of Malay,

Aklan has passed an ordinance that would impose penalty to people who will be caught

bringing sands home. Locals have also been educated about taking care of the environment,

which is also one of the largest steps in maintaining balance to the islands ecology. As the

commercialism in Boracay grows; the number of environmental problems also grows.

A not entirely the same case is happening in Guimaras, an island with diverse marine life. You

could be swimming in a beach and youll be amazed to find out that you are swimming along

with starfishes. The next thing youll notice will be, people playing with them on the shore. All

starfishes live on the sea bed, hence being taken to the shore where they cant pump water into

their body means their death. Starfishes are not just adorable rocks as they appear to be, they

are living organisms that are essential to the ecology. The 2006 oil spill was already a massive

destructive force enough to trim their number. The saddest part is the locals seem to have been

the ones who are not protecting the starfishes. The Guimaras government has a reputation of

making admirable choices in preserving the environment but these little creatures have seemed

to be left unnoticed. When it comes to protecting the environment, everything, no matter how

small they are should be counted as big.

Mother Nature always gives; but man is so greedy that we obliviously and most often

intentionally steal from her. Sands and starfishes maybe small things, but big things come from

small beginnings. The next time you become a tourist, take only photos of the place and bring

only memories home.

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Climate Changed

Nineteen towns in the Iloilo province was inundated because of the sneaky wrath of typhoon

Quinta, four people were dead, and millions worth of properties were left damaged. It was the

day after Christmas. With the changing weather patterns and climate in general, tragic

situations like this will keep on happening.

The recent flash flood is one of the many calamities that the country has faced and will have to

face. A recent United Nation study named the Philippines second most disaster- prone country

in Asia, second to China. This fact isnt a surprise, with the entire disastrous phenomenon that

happened within this year. Typhoon Pablo alone killed almost 1,500 people topping list of

deadliest typhoons of the decade. The huge wound that Pablo created is still fresh and gaping

but here we are mourning about the destruction close to home.

It does not take a storm signal for the water to swell as proven by the flooding caused by

torrential rains last August. Manila was submerged in flood water halting offices and lives of

the people in general. This did not happen before. While the countries that produce biggest

carbon emissions refuse to believe Climate Change, climate actually changed. With Doha

Climate Change Conference, reaching a mere 18 percent agreement, global climate awareness

is far from being a success. We cant rely on other countries for immediate actions; we must act

individually and collectively as a country.

Without global cooperation, mitigating the effects of Climate Change will be a feat hard to

achieve. However, the Philippines have proven to cope with the devastation through

innovations that did not just alert everyone but also helped in the relief and rescue efforts

during calamities. The resourcefulness and the bayanihan spirit worked their magic during

height of typhoons, reducing damages and avoiding further destruction. People turned to

online social networking sites and the internet to help and to ask for help. The true Filipino

ingenuity definitely showed in desperate times.

The recent flooding in the Iloilo province is blamed on the water coming from the mountains

making its own way since the rivers have over flown. The city was allegedly spared because of

the Jaro floodway. In the wake of the flooding, Sen. Drilon announced that theres another

floodway project in works. The government doesnt have much choice but to heighten risk

reduction efforts and with the involvement of environmentally concerned and capable

individuals somehow they have achieved commendable results.

The year 2012 is a tough time for the climate, there were too many calamities all over the world

and the people are left trying to adjust to survive. Bob Dylan has said it in his immortal song

The Time They Are A-Changing, we better start swimming or well sink like a stone.

Page 18


Have a Merry Green Christmas

It is the time of the year again; houses are twinkling with lights full of color, the morning wind

is getting colder (though not as much as cold as the previous years) and people are rushing for

sales. Christmas is upon us again. Amidst all these holiday rush, we forget one important thing,

our environment. What better gift to give this season than the gift of assurance that the planet

will live to celebrate more Christmases.

We always say it's the thought that counts but we have the tradition of giving store bought

presents. Every gift has to be inside shiny plastic store packaging. Why not give gifts that are

more personal and unique? You would be surprise that most used items can be upcycled into

beautiful crafts that are definitely going to make gift giving special. You can look for ideas on

the internet for inspiration. This will not only make your Christmas greener but will also help

you become more creative.

Buying locally produced gifts is also a way of going green this Christmas. Most store items are

internationally distributed. Can you imagine the logistics and energy consumption it took to

bring those items to the nearest store? Buying gifts from local art shops means cutting off on

energy that was used to transport those products. Not only that, local art shop items can

oftentimes be personalized making your gift special.

Giving battery free gifts is another way of celebrating an environmental friendly Christmas.

Battery sales significantly increases during holiday season because most of us are fund of giving

toys, gadgets and other battery powered items. Now, we might want to change that tradition

because discarded batteries are hazardous to the environment. Batteries are difficult to

dispose.

When you say Christmas, the first thing that comes to your mind are the lovely decorative

lights that brighten everyone's houses. Christmas is definitely not Christmas without them. Not

only that they greatly affect the environment due to excessive energy consumption, they also

greatly increases your electrical bill. This Christmas, you can try to minimize your lighting. The

simplicity of your Christmas decoration will make it even more attractive. You can also use

LED lights and don't forget to turn your Christmas lights off when everyone has gone to sleep.

Christmas is a time to give. And going green this Christmas is not just a big gift you can give to

your loved ones but also to humanity and to yourself.

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Green Green Trees of Home

Picture yourself looking down from a mountain, the trees are green with their leaves as their

hands stretching out to reach you. You blink. And then theyre gone, leaving a barren land of

brown in their places. It is hard to imagine a thriving forest but easy to envision an empty

ground. You dont have to see it with your mind; the world presents it right before your eyes.

Our desolated mountains are sad metaphors of what has become of our existence as Earths

stewards. One by one and bulk by bulk we cut down our responsibilities to the environment,

just like illegal loggers cut down the trees in our mountains.

Illegal logging is a bane in the seemingly unending struggle to restore the lost forests. This

illicit act is widespread in areas with then-healthy forests and even areas with barely any

forestation at all. In February 2011, the government issued an Executive Order to deal with

illegal logging activities in the country. It included an order to create the Anti-Illegal Logging

Task Force (AILTF). Within 2011 and 2012, up to 25 members of the task force were killed. In

less than two years, the number of illegal logging hotspots significantly decreased from 197 to

31. The authorities confiscated 19.2 million board feet of illegally cut logs worth at least P150

million, filed cases against 540 individuals and convicted 72 people. In Mindanao, the

campaign against illegal loggers has turned from a civilian to military operation.

It is almost impossible to achieve a balance between maintaining healthy forests and

addressing the economical needs of the people. But the forest is not just some peoples

livelihood but it is also the life of numbers of endangered species of animals. The forest

industry is just an ecologically important as it is economically. Philippine forests are the home

to 270 reported endemic wildlife species that are slowly vanishing. And most of all, it is also

home to a large number of people.

If the forest can give life, it also has the wrath to destroy lives. Massive wreckage during

typhoons is majorly blamed on illegal logging. Typhoon Pablo alone officially killed 1,067 not

counting 834 which are still missing by the end of December 2012. The devastating typhoon

battered Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley which reportedly are one of the provinces with

rampant illegal logging activities. The devastation was intensified by flooding and landslides.

When nature takes its revenge, its rampage is unstoppable.

Not to take credit from the government for doing visible efforts in controlling illegal logging

but illegal logging has been allegedly attributed to failed actions because of authorities. The

government must clean its illegal logging campaign or else typhoons will keep on wiping us

clean off of our homes. Whatever we do against nature, nature has a way of slamming it hard

back to us. Nature is our home. Now picture a home, with green trees on it.

Page 20


Green Politicians

The intense heat of the election is as scorching hot as the summer sun. It cant be ignored.

Election may be around the corner but some of us still have a hard time choosing who to vote,

at least for some of us who really wants to make sure that our votes are not going to go to

waste. There has been enough waste on the Earth to destroy the planet, so let us not add to that

growing problem. Our votes can actually sweep some of those wastes clean.

Remember when Pres. Nonoy Aquino was just an aspiring candidate? He was dubbed as the

greenest presidential candidate. Everyone had high hopes for the environment. However, in an

interesting turn of events, the highest number of coal fired power plant has been proposed and

started during his term, and he is not even finish with his term yet. Commercial developments

are not just the basis of an administrations success, how they make those developments

sustainable is the real definition of an effective politician.

Sure, most of the candidates have the capability to deal with the growth of an emerging

industrial power. But who has the compassion to think about the environment on the process

would have a defining edge. This is something that cant be looked forward about; this is

something that the people have already seen a candidate do. Prior the period of campaign did

the candidate possess a trait that can be found in most environmental steward? Was he or she

involved in any activities and arguments about the welfare of the seas, lands, air and energy

conservation? If he had any of the above then we need to look more into his future plans.

A collective of environmental organizations have previously released key points regarding a

green politicians concern. He must show interest in the following issues:

Budget appropriation for the implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste

Management Act. Waste management is an urgent issue that if addressed can make a big

and continuous impact in a number of different factors of society. From environmental

conservation and disaster risk reduction its benefits can stem into livelihood and art.

Enacting a Public Right to Know Policy on pollution. Awareness still has the power to

mitigate the grave situations from happening. Imposing policies about the awareness will

strengthen that power that will be given to the citizens.

Enacting a national plastic bag ban. Plastic is the evil that will one day suffocate the cities

in the world with its toxins. By insisting on total plastic ban, we will have more waste to be

managed. And the remaining plastics will be recycled.

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Enacting laws that would eliminate toxics in consumer products. Our every day

chores may include the the fatal threat of toxins. Unless the government implements a law that

will test all consumer products, this threat will remain be overlooked.

Enacting a law that would promote energy efficiency. Renewable energy might just be

the key to sustainable society. It has already been practiced in European countries and has

already been started in a few provinces in the Philippines. The expansion of renewable energy

means cleaner energy source, thus promoting development while preserving the environment.

Smart politicians may make this as their strong point; there is nothing wrong with that, as long

as they stand by their promises. They will not only be doing their job, they will be doing the

whole world, their country, their people and themselves a huge favor.

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Here Comes the Sun

As of time of writing, the temperature is 32 C. It is currently one in the afternoon, theres

barely no one outside, the sun is high, and the air smells of Global Warming. People dont

really wonder about this because Philippines have had its share of hot weather in the past

especially during months of March and April. Summer time in the country includes people

flocking to the beach to cool down. However at such a high temperature, no one wants to get

burn under the scorching heat of the sun. And even the beach water is too hot; you can barely

even swim in it.

The existence of Global Warming along with Climate Change has been debated; politicians

against scientists, politicians against environmental activists. If its not obvious yet, the highest

temperatures in history has been recorded the previous years and still skeptics shake their

head, refusing to acknowledge it. It is a phenomenon that cant be stopped but can be

mitigated. Eventually the world will have to adapt to the changing climate.

The extreme weather conditions such as almost unbearable heat during summer is just one of

the obvious effects of Global Warming. Among other scary effects, the feared phenomenon is

also causing the global sea level to rise. In the Philippines, Global Warming has caused the sea

level to rise by seven to eight millimeters a year. However, this condition along with subsidence

due to over-pumping of ground water is causing the sea level to rise twice the rate, particularly

in Metro Manila, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan and CAMANAVA (cities of Caloocan, Malabon,

Navotas and Valenzuela). Sea level is now reportedly rising from 20mm to as much as 90mm a

year.

The argument about Climate Change has expanded. Its like the Earth is having a fever, and as

the sickness grows, more and more symptoms and causes are being discovered. We cant take

this phenomenon lightly but we dont have to panic about it. There are solutions in reducing its

effects. And the more the people become aware about it the more movement for a healthier

Earth grows.

Going green has become a trend. People are initiating activities that could help promote

environmental friendly mentality and even lifestyle; some of them are starting it in groups and

some individually. The only thing lacking is the large scale use of renewable energy. The

people are ready, the government expresses intent but the action is yet to be seen. Right now,

the best contributing action is to conserve as much energy as possible.

We may get too much heat from the sun, literally. But if we reframe the picture, the sun is a

hope for a cleaner energy in the future. We could shift the current problem and turn it to a

solution.

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How Clean is the Water You're Drinking?

When you drink your first glass of water every morning, do you think about how clean is the

water that you're drinking? Do you also think about where the water came from and how it has

been cleaned, or in commercial words, purified? If you have thought about this questions then

you are one of the few people who deserve to be applauded. If these thoughts did not cross your

mind, you need to read on.

There was a report from United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) in

1999 which emphasized that the status of our water supply is in critical conditions due to the

prevalence of hazardous wastes in the country. The study also found out and reported that in

the Metro Manila area alone, approximately 2,000 cubic meters of solvent wastes, 22,000 tons

of heavy metals, infectious wastes, biological sludge, lubricants, and intractable wastes, as well

as 25 million cubic meters of acid/alkaline liquid wastes are improperly disposed of annually.

Again, the report was in 1999. Do you see any improvement?

How much does it cost for a month worth supply of water? The days when we can drink clean

water for free has long been gone and the reasons as to why is pretty obvious when you think of

how dense the population has become, the answer gets even more clear when you look at the

dead rivers which became home for wastes rather than home for fishes and marine life.

Some of the major sources of water pollution in the country are inadequately treated domestic

wastewater or sewage, agricultural wastewater, industrial wastewater, and non-point sources

such as rain- and groundwater runoff from solid waste or garbage deposits. We don't just

drink water, we also need it for basic household chores like cleaning. How can you use water to

clean things when the water itself is unclean?

The disappointing state of our waters in the Philippines has long been a problem, and some

cities, including Iloilo City, may not be on the brink of a worst case scenario yet but of course

we won't let that happen. They say water is the source of life, who want's a dirty source of

living? The next time you get a glass of water for drinking, ponder on these thoughts. And

most of all think about what you can do about it. For sure, you already know the answer.

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Into and Beyond the Darkness

Earth Hour has been a tradition observed all over the world. It is celebrated in different ways

that involves turning off of lights, in different countries all over the world. For 60 minute,

people gather in darkness to give each other light amidst the environmental problems that dim

the Earth.

In 2007, this global event started in Sydney, Australia. The following year, an overwhelming

number of 371 cities and towns in more than 35 countries all over the world signed up to

participate in the campaign. Iloilo City also proudly and passionately took part. This year a

number of commercial establishments and even homes observed the campaign that has now

become a tradition.

The campaign has also faced a number of criticisms from skeptics but it has withstood the test

and has grown to attract more environmental conscious people. This year, Earth Hours

campaign is all about compromise, I will, If you will. Supporters promise each other to do

great things for the environment in exchange of other supporters pledging to do the same, this

way the efforts expand and the challenge to save the Earth levels up. And it also drives

supporters to go beyond the traditional 60 minutes.

After the Earth Hour have you thought of going beyond turning your lights off as an effort to

save the Earth? Having thought of this notion is already a start. Doing something is the next

step. From simple things such as using compact fluorescent bulbs, turning off of computers

when theyre not in use, drying your clothes by the air, going vegetarian once a week or even for

life, using less paper napkins, investing on reusable mugs, not buying bottled water, avoiding

straws and plastic stirrers, using bike as transportation and planting a tree.

There are endless ways of contributing to the global effort to save the environment. Some of

them can even save you cash too, recycling and upcycling especially. Some people regard

recycling and upcycling as a new genre of art. And some businesses even generate profits by

attracting people to go green.

Most of all, sharing is a small thing you can do but affects the campaign largely. It is a ripple

that creates big waves that would tilt the world into the side where the environment is a

priority. In this age of the internet, it is easy to spread a cause and reach a scale that is beyond

any campaigns objective. People in Australia turned their lights off for the environment, the

following year, Iloilo City did the same. Five years after people are doing more than just

turning their lights off. The awareness just grows. And it is the real light that Earth Hour

symbolizes.

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Mines of Death

February 15, 2013, five men were buried alive when a landslide occurred inside a coal mine in

Semirara, Antique, five others were missing and feared dead. The accident is just one of the

many mishaps that have taken place because of mining. The accident is just one of the many

disasters that will happen because of mining.

Semirara Island is the biggest coal producer in the country. The 30-hectare mine supplies coal

not only to the Philippines but also to India and China. The said coal mine is declared to have

been engaging in open pit method of mining.

Economically, the coals produced in Semirara contribute massively to the country as

manifested in the immediate effect of the accident to the stock exchange. Stocks fell and

investors feared the possible prolonging of suspension of mining operations. The accident

prompted President Aquino to request an investigation. The mining in Semirara is said to be an

open pit mining and most operations are done on the surface but the miners were reportedly

trapped when a tunnel collapsed. The presidents reaction to the incident may prompt for

mining laws to be properly and strictly imposed. Sadly, flaws of laws are ever investigated,

unless lives were lost.

Being a town that depends on mining for livelihood, the loss of lives impacts greatly on the

awareness of the locals on the hazards that mining brings, especially that a number of mining

operations have been proposed in Antique. Looking at the governments point of view,

unfortunately, a large coal mine just like Semirara will not be shut off by just the mere

acknowledgement that mining is dangerous. It is too big of an economic contributor to be put

off. But when you think about the small lives that are not just negatively affected but are bound

to perish, everything gets really frustrating.

If the impact on peoples lives is frustrating, the impact on the environment is almost hopeless.

The incident was caused by a landslide which in itself may be the result of mining. It is

basically natures way of letting people know that even she can only take too much and collapse

when the weight of sacrifices gets unbearable. Mining has been going on in Semirara since

1977. There were green mountains before. There are black mountains now. This seems like a

metaphor of things taking a dark turn.

The situation in Semirara is a classic and almost clichd example of nature being used, abused,

and nature giving up and taking revenge from the people. And sadly, mining related accidents

will go on unless everyone takes the risk of shifting to an alternate source such as renewable

energy. Progress through sustainability is still attainable.

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Another Year; another Hope for the Environment

Another year over, a new one has begun. For most people, New Year indeed signifies

beginnings, for environmental campaigns it symbolizes continuation of what seems to be an

endless fight. Twenty twelve started great with a significantly heightened public awareness

towards going green but it ended with dismay with what could have been a defining climate

agreement towards a landmark achievement. Optimistically, twenty thirteen has started with a

brighter beginning. And with any luck will end with an even brighter hope for a sustainable

environment. I cant help but make this article a little bit personal by enumerating my green

wishes for this year. If 2012 was a little bit a dj vu of the previous years of environmental

campaign struggles, I wish 2013 will not only be the year of real awakening but of actions that

will yield great results.

Let us start with Renewable Energy for it is literally a good start. Recently, the United Nations

General Assembly declared this year as the International Year of Sustainable Energy for All.

This call aims to encourage the regions to work on the improvement, development and

expansion of sustainable energy sources and its eventual widespread use. Looking back at

2012, a number of coal fired power plants have been approved and constructed; this year,

hopefully the government and energy companies will consider cleaner alternatives.

Another flicker of hope is, for the year 2012 the country achieved 100 percent Environment

Performance Index as reported by the World Economic Forum. Department of Environment

and Natural Resources attributes this achievement to the National Greening Program. There

has been number of initiatives participated by national and local government officials and

employees, private and civic organizations and the youth to hopefully recover the lost forests.

We could all help in coloring the whole country green; this year, let us plant more trees.

Perhaps, one of the biggest threats to the environment this year is the upcoming elections.

Once again propaganda will triumph against the real accomplishment. Who will claim himself

as the greenest senator? Whoever will it be, surely he will exploit the ideals of environmental

campaigns especially that the country is recently juggling the problem regarding the energy

starved Mindanao and the devastation of super storms that has attacked the same region. Who

will offer the best solution? And most of all who will deliver the implementation.

The year just started; there hasnt been any positive nor negative news yet about the climate,

energy and environment as a whole. The Philippines has dramatically improved in its fight

against the environment. We have gone a long way but the effects have gone greater too.

Theoretically, we may have reached what could be called being green but realistically, we are

still finding our way through the dark.

Page 27


Waking up to the Call

We will respond to the threat of climate change, knowing that the failure to do so would betray

our children and future generationsSome may still deny the overwhelming judgment of

science, but none can avoid the devastating impact of raging fires, and crippling drought, and

more powerful storms. The path towards sustainable energy sources will be long and

sometimes difficult. But America cannot resist this transition; we must lead it. US President

Barack Obama swore during his inaugural address and everyone especially the environmental

activists around the world applauded on their seats. What does it mean to the world for the

president of America to vow to lead the fight against Climate Change?

This is a speck of light shedding to the dim climate negotiations. America has one of the biggest

carbon emissions in the world, being a huge country full of power plants and advance factories

requiring energy that could power more than one country.

With America possibly agreeing to a Kyoto Protocol successor, it increases the likelihood of

China and other developed countries eventually signing the same agreement. Doha was not

exactly a success as what environmentalists hoped it would have been but this good news will

eventually lead to positive things to come for climate agreements.

America is a powerful country, whether the rest of the world will like it or not, they have the

resources and the tools to change the course of how the world reacts to things. With the

president mentioning about prioritizing sustainable energy sources, a lot of countries will

surely follow this step. European countries have already proven the affectivity of renewable

energy sources.

Although it wont be an overnight job for America to shift to renewable energy because of some

opposition, the escalating awareness due to the climbing temperature and increasing hurricane

impacts, will serve a driving force for the administration to finally take this world changing

turn.

And with the president of America acknowledging the truth that is Climate Change, it greatly

lessens the skeptics numbers, thereby boosting the awareness that will result to the eventual

increase of additional actions. Growing number of environmentally aware people means

growing environmental actions. And it has been established that there is strength in numbers.

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What does all of this mean for the Philippines? Our country has long time friendship with

America, with its efforts toward climate change, the Philippines will surely benefit from it,

especially in the fields of technology and renewable energy resources. It is quite early yet to

predict whats in store for the Philippine - America relation in terms of environmental issues.

But one thing is for sure, the steps that America will be taking against climate change will

indirectly lead to positive things to come not just the Philippines but also globally. The world

has seen countless painful wake-up call, country by country, we are responding. Individually,

we should also wake up to that same call.

Page 29


May Day

Scientists have long known that the area in Southeast Asia that includes Indonesia, Malaysia

and the Philippines holds the richest marine biodiversity. I was amazed to discover that the

extreme center of this biodiversity is in the Philippines, rather than closer to the equator.

However, a geographical information system analysis of this extensive database clearly shows

this pattern. - Kent Carpenter, associate professor of biological sciences at Old Dominion

University in the United States.

This report was a conclusion of a study conducted by over a hundred scientists and authorities

on marine life. However, the study has also expressed alarm over the countries declining

marine biodiversity. This fact alone should fuel the drive to the long road towards reversing

the fate of our precious oceans.

The government however has a number of reasons why they declared May as the Ocean Month,

this year the celebration is centered on the direct correlation of life in the ocean and life on land

The Philippines dependence on the ocean is immeasurable. Sixty-four out of the countrys 80

provinces, including major cities, are along the coast. Approximately 40 million out of 90

million Filipinos depend on the wealthy ocean for livelihood and as well as food.

And with the waning of that seemingly incalculable wealth, the poor fisher folks are bound to

sink deeper into poverty. With the increasing concerns critical efforts are also implemented by

the government to lessen the economical impact and eliminate the negative environmental

impacts.

Reduction and rationalization of fishing will decrease the further exploitation of the already

overfished oceans. Protection, rehabilitation and development of the countrys coast will

hopefully renew the oceans thriving marine biodiversity. Better use of harvests and avoiding

spoilage will lessen the need of overfishing. Alternative livelihood for fisher folks will keep risks

at bay and revive the life in the ocean.

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The government has laid out a promising plan for the oceans; however, the promise of that

plan has not been fulfilled. Saving the ocean is a continuous wave of struggles that we have to

survive. It must have been difficult to implement the laws that protect our oceans because of

the countrys geographical structure. But the people cant always rely on the government.

When you see immature fishes being sold in the market, thats the ocean making a distress call,

that there are barely enough fish left in its waters. You can start by individually raising

awareness by talking about the problems and then making a solution such as coastal cleanups

and mangrove plantings. When you bring these efforts in your community, the number of the

steward of the ocean grows.

May is celebrated as Ocean Month and with the current status of our oceans, oil spill here; reef

damages there, sadly we have less to celebrate about.

Page 31


Free as an Eagle

Exciting news about Philippine eagle sightings flew around last week. Department of

Environment and Natural Resources announced that the critically endangered bird,

Philippine eagle has been seen soaring across mountain ranges not only in Mindanao but also

in Luzon and the Visayas.

Late last year, a Philippine eagle was seen flying in the mountains of Leyte. The first

documented sighting of the specie was in Bonga Island in Samar by John Whitehead in 1896.

For almost three decades, the great bird was never spotted around the area.

More positive news came in when a nest was discovered on March 22, 2013 in the forests of

Calanasan, Apayao. Prior to the discovery, a juvenile has been spotted soaring with other

raptors over a ridge and an adult male eagle that perched in the canopy was also seen but it

shortly flew away.

In 1995, Pres. Fidel V. Ramos declared Philippine eagle (scientific name: Pithecophaga jefferyi)

as the countrys national bird, it is a specie that can only be found in the Philippines hence the

recognition is only fitting.

The Philippine eagle is the focal point of environmental conservation. The role that this huge

predator plays in maintaining the environments diversity is irreplaceable. They feed on small

animals, such as rodents, thus balancing the small animal versus large animal population. They

thrive in pristine forests, hence seeing them in Luzon and Visayas forests could be a basis of the

areas sustainability.

A national symbol of hope and strength to survive despite the changing conditions,

organizations are working to keep the Philippine eagle alive. The birds natural habitat such as

Northern Sierra Madre, Mount Kitanglad and Mount Apo has been declared protected areas.

An eagle center in Malagos, Davao City, situated at the foot of Mount Apo was opened to the

public in 1988. The centers breeding program has raised thirty-two birds including Pag-asa,

the first eagle to be conceived through artificial insemination.

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There will come a time when the center needs to free the birds they have raised. But will the

forests live to welcome these birds home? A mated pair of Philippine eagles needs at least

7,000 to 13,000 hectares of forest for nesting territory. With the rate of destruction that the

countrys forests go through, it is going to be a long trek full of poachers, illegal loggers and

unconcerned citizens as obstacles.

Eagles are not entirely free creatures; they are chained to the sky. We are as free as these

mighty flyers; we are bound by our role as the stewards of the environment. There is a diverse

but orderly cycle in our ecology. Total freedom of another will cost the freedom of others.

Page 33


One is Enough, Two is Too Much

Panay Energy Development Corp. (PEDC) recently announced its plan to expand its power

capacity. This is one of those good news-bad news type of scenarios. Good news is they are

expanding thus the increase of power supply in the near and possibly bright future. Bad news is

they are about to build another coal fired power plant thus ushering Iloilo into the dark pits of

pollution and health risks.

Iloilo City is showing tremendous economic improvement. Buildings are being constructed.

Investors are coming in. Along with this development, the energy demand swells. The major

challenge is how to supply that demand, the second is how to maintain its sustainability.

Coal may address the first challenge yet it in the long run could create more risks for the

government to overcome. It is the kind of solution that creates more problems. According to

the Philippine Environment Monitor, every year the Philippine economy spends $1.5 billion on

air pollution and $400 million on pollution-related health expenses.

Every year, billions of pesos and thousands of lives are lost to natural disasters brought by the

coal powered climate change. The continuous environmental degradation will eventually

cripple the countrys economic growth.

A bright future is also an investment. If the government must spend, better invest on a

sustainable future. Renewable energy addresses all challenges by providing almost infinite

supply of power. According to the studies, renewable energy technologies do not require fuel

costs, compared to coal plants which are dependent on fluctuating world prices. This makes

renewable energy economically sustainable in the long run. Philippines is blessed with a

bountiful natural resources, it is high time for the country to utilize those resources properly -

long stretches of shores that could provide power from waves and wind, six hours of sunlight

that could provide solar power and waterfalls that could turn water into energy.

The government is permitting constructions of these coal fired power plants as if the natural

disasters that the country has suffered in the past years is not an alarm loud enough to wake up

everyones consciousness on how the problems about the environment should be taken

seriously. The environment need not suffer when there are options available that are proven to

be less destructive and more beneficial.

If you can construct something without deconstructing the other, would you not want to lead

that way? PEDC already operates the 164-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Brgy. Ingore, La

Paz. One is enough, two is too much.

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Permanent Environmental Protection Order

Here's something for you to think over - you live in a community that has been stable and

slowly improving; majority of your fellow residents have spent decades living on the same

condition. While the rest and possibly the smallest number of the population relied on the

environment and can't be displaced as they are a community that considers nature as part of

their culture. The government comes along introducing an option that could improve not only

the living condition of your family, but also the neighboring community. However, there's a

catch, the government is going to tear down the trees and dig holes on mountains in order to

create a waterway that would supply irrigation and electricity.

If you are part of the majority group you'll surely ponder on the great benefit that this project

will bring. Maybe you'll think about its effect to the environment, or maybe not. But if you are

part of the minority, if they ever give you the luxury to think, then you'll wonder how vast

would be the damage it would implicate on the environment. The decisions have been left with

the numbers, the number of people that would be benefited, the number of people who will be

sacrificed, the amount of money that will be used and gained and even the number of

kilometers of the project away from the fault lines. Would you wish the numbers to yield better

odds against or in favor of the environment? When factors are too high to be ignored when

possibilities are too great to be overlooked, it becomes hard to choose which one to let go.

This case happens, more often than you are aware of, and sometimes closer to home. So how is

everyone going to meet at a convergence? Are compromises supposed to be done? Or is the

government free to do whatever it wants to do?

There exist legal remedies that will make you think that the government's legislative branch is

doing an excellent job in protecting the constitutional right of the people, one for example is

the Writ of Kalikasan which has been well known because of its much publicized ordeal. It

states that everyone has the right to "a balanced and healthful ecology in accord with the

rhythm and harmony of nature," and that a petition can be filed with the Supreme Court or

with any of the stations of the Court of Appeals, if the case involves "environmental damage of

such magnitude as to prejudice the life, health or property of inhabitants in two or more cities

or provinces". And the rest of the process involves a 60 day period of hopefully, good judgment.

Everyone and everything is protected by law; the people who own the land, the project that

promises better life. The environment is left with the people to protect it in a sincere way, void

by selfish motives. In the end, protecting the environment also means protecting the people.

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Potentially Dangerous Organisms

The debate against Genetically Modified Organisms (GMO) has been making noise these past months and with the current situation, it is far from being settled. Despite the series of protests by millions of people around the world, sadly, GMO might still be around, at least in the foreseeable future.

What exactly are GMOs? The World Health Organization (WHO) defines them as organisms with DNA that has been altered in a non-natural way. GM plants are usually changed to be insect resistant, virus resistant, or herbicide tolerant. With these modifications come potentially problematic environmental challenges.

In the Philippines, the first GM crop planted was Bt Corn, which can produce its own insecticide. As of October, a total of 44 GMOs have been approved by the government. All of these approved GMOs are products of huge multinational agro-chemical companies like Monsanto, Syngenta, Bayer and Pioneer. Most of these crops are genetically-altered corn, soybean, potato, canola, cotton, sugar beet and alfalfa.

In Pili, Camarines Sur, almost 400 farmers uprooted the GM crop Golden Rice grown in a government-owned testing field as a way of protesting the planting of Golden Rice on Philippine soil. Local farmers said that they wont be able to profit from Golden Rice; it will only contaminate native rice crops and will be a potential health risk to the people and also the environment.

Why are GMOs a grave threat to the environment? GMOs are toxic, especially to the non-target organisms. GM crops are designed to withstand the natural factors of their growth, thus they can be potentially harmful to other life forms around them such as bees, birds and butterflies. These organisms also play a hugely important role in the pollination of other food crops. This leads to the argument about biodiversity. GMOs are risking the sustainability of all species in the ecosystem. The nature of GMOs means fewer weed flowers therefore, less nectar for pollinators. Toxic residues are left in the soil of GM crops, making it dry and void of all nutrients. In addition to soil issues, the irrigation used to grow GM foods naturally carries all of these problems into water sources and into the air.

Organic Agriculture Act of 2010 declared to promote, propagate, develop further and implement the practice of organic agriculture in the Philippines that will cumulatively condition and enrich the fertility of the soil, increase farm productivity, reduce pollution and destruction of the environment, prevent the depletion of natural resources, further protect the health of farmers, consumers, and the general public, and save on imported farm inputs.

The Philippines is an agriculturally rich country that has been crippled by natural disasters and poor administration. If we allow these GMOs to take over our soil, not only that it will take away the finances for better farming technologies but it will eventually paralyze the development of a sustainable organic farming.

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Reduce Your Holiday Trash

Holiday is the season when everyone buys everyone presents, wrapped inside a packaging that

is wrapped inside fancy Christmas wrappers. Imagine the unnecessary waste that is generated

in producing, packaging, logistics and especially wrapping these items, all for the spirit of

giving and of course happiness. If we want to celebrate the spirit of giving, lets pause for

minute and think about how happy we will still be if we realize how this impacts our

environment.

To reduce trash in giving gifts, you can start with the item itself. You can get crafty and make

the items yourself. Then that spares the environment, the waste of packaging and even the

energy wasted in logistics too. There are also stores that sell environmentally friendly items or

organic products. You can also buy items in bulk to save too much plastic packaging. Wrappers

probably create the biggest unnecessary wastes during the holidays. When wrapping your gift,

you can use recyclable materials such as paper bags, or you can also use alternative wrappers

such as newspapers. You can throw in some creativity to make your gift more personalized.

We love to adorn our houses with lights during the holidays. But how much electricity do these

lights consume? In order to save electrical energy during holidays, make sure that your

Christmas lights are LED and if possible use fiber optic decorations. You can also limit the time

the lights are on. You can turn off your room lights when your Christmas lights are on or you

can completely turn the lights on when everyone has gone to sleep. Imagine if every house has

doubled their electrical consumption during the holidays, how much electricity have we been

wasting?

After the holidays, you can practice waste management. Check if there are items you can reuse,

recycle or even upcycle. To avoid food waste, plan out your menu carefully, make a list and

stick to it. Uneaten food and leftovers can also be thrown into a compost pit for future

purposes. Christmas trees can also be kept properly so that they can still be used next year.

There are many ways to save the environment during the holidays, and they can ways to save

money too.

Taking care of the environment is a gift you can give to everyone, you dont need to wrap it, but

like they say its the thought that counts. So think about the environment because when you

do we get more chance of celebrating more Christmases in the future.

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Reefs at Risk

USS Guardian has been finally removed off of the precious UNESCO World Heritage,

Tubbataha Reef. And after assessment, the Philippines will charge the United States 58 million

pesos ($1.4 million) in compensation for damage. This somehow generated criticism, the

amount seemed to be small for an obviously large damage to marine life.

Park officials said they dont want to be dishonest about the fine. The amount is based on

studies by Philippine agencies including the coast guard, which found the USS Guardian

damaged at least 2,345 square meters of the protected Tubbataha reef. Earlier estimates stated

as much as 4,000 square meters has been destroyed when the minesweeper ran aground on

January 17, 2013. Fortunately, ther

all the green things

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