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Friday, July 28, 2023
Quirino Bridge in Bantay town, Ilocos Sur
Power of the roots: AboitizPower’s mangrove conservation initiatives
As communities feel the effects of a warming world, the importance of propagating and protecting mangroves stand out in the efforts to mitigate carbon emissions buildup. While already being able to sequester three to five times more carbon than forest trees, mangroves also do a lot more, serving as a habitat for various species in coastal ecosystems — hence, sustaining the livelihoods of fisherfolk — and as a protector of vulnerable communities against erosion and storm surges.
Volunteers from public, private and civil society organizations work together at TMI, not just in planting mangroves, but also in fostering strong partnerships and creating a platform for knowledge exchange and shared responsibility in mangrove conservation.
In celebration of the International Day for Conservation of Mangroves, Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) recognizes the tremendous importance of mangroves, as well as the exemplary efforts of its business units and stakeholders in helping conserve and restore mangrove forests in their communities.
It takes a village to raise a mangrove ecosystem
In Maco, Davao de Oro, AboitizPower subsidiary Therma Marine, Inc. (TMI) celebrated Philippine Environmental Month last June with another one of its quarterly collaborations with the public sector and civil society organizations in cleaning the coast and planting mangroves within its vicinity.
“The first mangrove tree planting and clean-up drive took place in 2019, and since then, it has become a recurring event for TMI,” shared TMI Safety, Health and Environment Supervisor Chrisyl Garcia. “By organizing these activities on a regular basis, TMI is able to contribute to the restoration of mangrove habitats and the overall well-being of coastal ecosystems.”
Volunteers from JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba — a leadership organization of young Davaoeña achievers and active citizens — are immersed in mangrove planting at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park.
“By conducting these events, TMI aims to raise awareness about the importance of mangroves and engage community members, volunteers, and employees in hands-on conservation efforts. The initiative has likely fostered a sense of environmental responsibility among participants,” she added.
On that single June day, a total of 110 kilograms of residual waste were collected, while 550 mangrove seedlings were planted.
Over the years, TMI's mangrove planting and clean-up drive has consistently gained momentum, with increased participation from volunteers from the Diocese of Maco, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Philippine National Police (PNP), the 1001st Brigade, the Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), and local private company Gas Island Petroleum Corp.
“These stakeholders have played a crucial role in leading discussions on how to effectively plant the mangroves. Their expertise and experience have been invaluable in guiding the participants on the proper techniques and methods of planting mangrove saplings. They share their knowledge about the ideal planting locations, appropriate species selection, and necessary care and maintenance practices for the newly planted mangroves,” Garcia said.
This collaboration has enhanced the success and impact of TMI's mangrove planting and clean-up drives, ensuring that the activities are conducted in a well-informed and efficient manner.
“Overall, the consistent involvement of volunteers and leaders in discussing mangrove planting techniques underscores the collective effort and shared commitment towards the preservation and restoration of mangrove ecosystems,” Garcia reflected.
Adopt-a-mangrove
Meanwhile, in Mariveles, Bataan, GNPower Mariveles Energy Center Ltd. Co. (GMEC) officially kick-started its own efforts in mangrove conservation by signing a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with development partners for an estimated P7-million “5 Hectares Orani Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project” that is expected to start implementation in September.
Under the MOA, GMEC partnered with the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the allotted five hectares for a period of five years, which is subject for possible renewal.
Representatives from GMEC, the Provincial Government of Bataan, the Municipality of Orani, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association sign an MOA on mangrove adoption and protection.
“Through this initiative, we envision to improve the existing conditions of the mangrove areas in the Province of Bataan, starting in the Municipality of Orani,” said GMEC Associate Vice President for Community Relations Arcel Madrid. “Adopting a mangrove site is vital for coal-fired power plant companies like GMEC because mangrove forests play a significant role in mitigating climate change through carbon sequestration.”
“With these efforts, GMEC will also help uplift the lives of our community partner, the Tubo-tubo Fisherfolks Association, by providing a sustainable fishing ground and viable alternative livelihood to improve their socio-economic status,” he added.
In the longer run, GMEC looks forward to more mangrove site adoption projects and other corporate social responsibility endeavors that are aligned with local and national development goals.
A coastal stronghold
At the coastal area of Punta Dumalag, Davao, the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park stands as a sanctuary, not just of pawikans (turtles) and rare bird species, but also of mangrove biodiversity.
“It’s unbelievable how [the] Aboitiz [Foundation] has developed Punta Dumalag Cleanergy Park to what it is today,” said frequent visitor Cyra Quilaneta of Junior Chamber International (JCI) Davaoeña Daba-Daba. “The highlight for us [in visiting the park] is the education and experience it provides our members and their guests, especially the youth. We get to appreciate the importance of mangroves by seeing its functions personally — trapping [coastal] trashes and [supporting] turtle hatcheries.”
The team at AboitizPower distribution unit Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. (Davao Light) spearhead the activities at the Cleanergy Park, which include educating students and guests by hosting tours, as well as assisting them with mangrove planting.
“JCI Davaoeña Daba-Daba, together with JCI Davao, is an organization that supports the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly #14: Life Below Water… By protecting and restoring mangroves, we contribute to overall sustainable development,” Cyra said.
To date, 18,138 mangroves have been planted at the Cleanergy Park. However, several natural and man-made factors have rendered its survival rate at only 30 percent.
“While [the] Aboitiz Foundation and its partners have made commendable strides in mangrove protection, the task is far from complete. Mangrove protection requires collective effort to be effective. Mangroves face numerous threats, including habitat loss, climate change impacts, pollution, and unsustainable resource extraction,” Cyra explained. “To ensure the long-term viability of mangrove ecosystems, ongoing efforts are necessary. Continuous awareness, education and action of more groups and organizations is crucial.”
“Sustainability remains at the core of AboitizPower and our business units have concretized this through their efforts in caring for mangrove ecosystems and the wider environment,” said AboitizPower president and CEO Manny Rubio. “I commend our team members for helping harness the collective efforts of the company, various partners, and host communities in bringing us closer to our aspiration of a better and cleaner tomorrow.”
EU envoy celebrates Filipinas’ World Cup win with ‘taho’
Filipinos may have grown up hearing “manong (seller)” shout taho, or silky tofu with sugar, every morning, but this is something new to try for European Union (EU) Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron who decided the taho was the perfect celebratory snack for the Filipinas’ first goal in the FIFA World Cup.
(Photos from EU Ambassador to the Philippines Luc Veron via Twitter)
In a tweet, the envoy added to his #MeriendaNiLuc series with the taho, a silky tofu topped with sugar syrup and small tapioca pearls that’s recently ranked 25th in the best street foods in the world by online travel guide TasteAtlas.
Veron even tweeted in the way sellers would usually shout at the top of their lungs to sell the popular morning snack.
“Tahoo!!” he emulated in his tweet.
“To celebrate the @PilipinasWNFT win (Philippine flag) trying this iconic affordable snack that also recently won a place in the list of best street foods in the world!” he wrote.
Filipinas, the first Philippine football team to reach the World Cup, stunned New Zealand on Tuesday, July 25, after forward Sarina Bolden made the goal in the 24th minute of the team’s Group A clash.
With the win, the Philippines secured its first World Cup win to keep their hopes of progressing in the tournament alive.
But as for the taho, Veron said he was told of its popularity among Filipinos.
“I am told this is a popular breakfast but is also perfect for #MeriendaNiLuc. Salamat po (Thank you), Mang Ronald!,” he posted.
Among the other native Filipino delicacies and snacks that the ambassador has tried in the past are the pichi-pichi, Choc Nut, Choco Mallows, Cream-O, and Minasa.
Proudly Filipino, Eggesvik ready for Norway on Sunday
AT A GLANCE
She caught the attention of Filipino fans during last year’s 10th AFF Women’s Championship where her midfield mastery and fluid play was in full display as the Filipinas bagged the country’s first major international title at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
AUCKLAND – Born in Norway but proudly Filipino, talented midfielder Sara Eggesvik will set her feelings aside and will be battle-ready as the Filipinas play the Gresshoppene (the Grasshoppers) in a critical match on Sunday, July 30, at the close of Group A in the FIFA Women’s World Cup at Eden Park here.
Sara Eggesvik (right) trying to mark New Zealand skipper Ali Riley.
“We have to put that aside when the game starts. I am playing for the Philippines. I will do my best to get a win and get points,” Eggesvik said emphatically shortly after the Filipinas upset the Ferns 1-0 for their historic first World Cup win at the Sky Stadium in Wellington last Tuesday.
Another of Australian coach Alen Stajcic’s prized finds, Eggesvik, whose father is Norwegian and mother from Davao, was born in the coastal city of Bodø (pronounced Budo), 1,188.5 kilometers northeast of the capital of Oslo and located near the Artic Circle.
She caught the attention of Filipino fans during last year’s 10th AFF Women’s Championship where her midfield mastery and fluid play was in full display as the Filipinas bagged the country’s first major international title at the heritage-rich Rizal Memorial Stadium in Manila.
With a cross inside the box, Eggesvik set up striker Sarina Bolden, whose smashing header in the 24th minute proved to be the winning marker that gave the Filipinas a new lease on life after suffering a 0-2 setback to Switzerland in Dunedin last week.
“I remember getting the ball in the 16-meter (box) and just crossed it. It was an amazing header by Sarina over three defenders. Although it was only one goal we had to keep them away from goal the rest of the way. It was a team effort. I am just so glad and grateful. I am so proud of this team,” she said.
Trying to hold back her tears, Eggesvik, 26, said the victory over the fancied Ferns showed that “this team is really something special. It shows we can compete at this level and we will keep on fighting.
It shows that it is possible to get a win, to get a goal and get points from our games. That motivates us. I am glad that we are not out already.”
She paid credit to Stajcic and the rest of the coaching staff “who keep on pushing us and making us better every day. We have always believed in ourselves even when we lost and played bad games. We will keep on playing hard.”
She acknowledged that while they would savor the winning moment, it would be back to the salt mines just as immediately in preparation for their crucial match against the top-ranked Norwegians composed of a bevy of superstars led by striker Ada Hegerberg, the 2018 Ballon d’Or winner.
“We have to restart again and think of the next game. Because it is coming soon, it is only a few days to go. We have to take advantage with what we have,” she said. “We want to see if we can create trouble and be competitive. To keep our heads down and keep fighting.”
While it appears to be a tall order, Eggesvik said that toppling Norway would not only mean advancing to the knockout round but also will have a huge impact for football development back home.
“Going to the knockout stage, that would mean a lot. From being a small football country, we can inspire a lot of girls and boys to start playing football and show that it is possible to do something great although you are from the Philippines,” she stressed.
Sara Eggesvik singing the “Lupang Hinirang,” the Philippine national anthem, before the game against New Zealand.
Sara Eggesvik (right) trying to mark New Zealand skipper Ali Riley.
Weather cyclone outside PH intensifies into tropical storm
By Arlie O. Calalo
July 28, 2023 20
THE state-run weather agency on Friday said the tropical depression outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) has developed into a tropical storm called "Khanun."
In a 5 a.m. advisory, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Khanun was estimated at 1,315 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas.
Packing maximum sustained winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80kph, it is moving west-southwestward at 15kph, Pagasa said.
Based on its forecast track, the tropical cyclone may enter PAR between late Saturday evening and Sunday morning.
Once inside PAR, the domestic name "Falcon" will be assigned to this tropical cyclone, the state weather bureau said.
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It will be the sixth storm to hit the country this year and the third this month, it added.
Likely to continuously intensify within the next five days, it may further escalate into a typhoon late Saturday evening or early Sunday morning.
"However, the hoisting of storm signals over any portion of the country due to this tropical cyclone is unlikely," Pagasa said.
Moreover, Pagasa said this may enhance the southwest monsoon locally known as "habagat," which will trigger occasional or monsoon rains across the country particularly over the western portions of Luzon and Visayas.
Meanwhile, Pagasa said that all storm signals have been lifted as Typhoon "Egay" exited PAR as it entered the Taiwan Strait and headed for Fujian, China.
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