THAT MOVES ME

My column in  Mindanao Daily, BusinessWeek Mindanao and Metro Cagayan de Oro Times.

TWO major issues concern me: climate change and the coronavirus Covid-19. Millions of people around the world are exposed to the virus and dangerous levels of heat stress - a dangerous condition that can cause organs to shut down. Many live in developing countries and do jobs that expose them to potentially life-threatening conditions. These include being out in the open on farms and building sites or indoors in factories and hospitals.

Science editor David Shukman shares the worries with me and many others. Summers are becoming hotter and hotter for humans. Global warming will increase the chances of summer conditions that may be "too hot for humans" to work in.

When we caught up with Dr. Jimmy Lee, his goggles were steamed up and there was sweat trickling off his neck. An emergency medic, he's laboring in the stifling heat of tropical Singapore to care for patients with Covid-19. There's no air conditioning - a deliberate choice, to prevent the virus from being blown around - and he notices that he and his colleagues become "more irritable, shorter with each other".

Predictions shake me: more than 3bn could live in extreme heat by 2070. The monetary Siberian heatwave is clear evidence of climate change. 2019 was Europe's warmest year on record. And Dr. Lee's personal protective equipment, essential for avoiding infection, makes things worse by creating a sweltering 'micro-climate' under the multiple layers of plastic.

We can all imagine that working in a tropical climate can be extremely uncomfortable. One danger is that overheating can slow down our ability to do something vital for medical staff - make quick decisions.

Another is that they may ignore the warning signs of what's called heat stress - such as faintness and nausea - and keep on working till they collapse. If the body is unable to cool down properly so its core temperature keeps rising to dangerous levels and key organs can shut down. It happens when the main technique for getting rid of excess heat - the evaporation of sweat on the skin - can't take place because the air is too humid.

According to Dr. Rebecca Lucas, who researches physiology at the University of Birmingham, the symptoms can escalate from fainting and disorientation to cramps and failure of the guts and kidneys.

What impact will climate change have? As global temperatures rise, more intense humidity is likely as well which means more people will be exposed to more days with that hazardous combination of heat and moisture.

Another study, published earlier this year, warned that heat stress could affect as many as 1.2 bn people around the world by 2100, four times more than now. It's not a new thing for me and you: people need to drink plenty of fluid before they start work, take regular breaks, and then drink again when they rest.

But scientists around the globe agree:  avoiding heat stress is easier said than done. There's a practical problem as well - some people do not want to drink so they can avoid having to go to the toilet. And another fatal attraction in my opinion: For many people, there's a professional desire to keep working whatever the difficulties so as not to let colleagues and patients down at a time of crisis.

Highly motivated people can actually be at the greatest risk of heat injury, says Dr. Jason Lee, an associate professor in physiology at the National University of Singapore. He's a leading member of a group specializing in the dangers of excessive heat, the Global Heat Health Information Network, which has drawn up guidelines to help medics cope with Covid-19. It's spearheaded by the World Health Organization (WHO), the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), and the US weather and climate agency Noaa.

This climate change will be a bigger monster and we really need a coordinated effort across nations to prepare for what is to come.

German Embassy Manila/Deutsche Botschaft Manila

German Embassy Manila

**WICHTIGE VERFAHRENSHINWEISE FÜR AUSREISEWILLIGE DEUTSCHE URLAUBER**

Das neue Portal der Bundesregierung unter www.rueckholprogramm.de ist seit dem 19. März in Betrieb. Bitte nutzen Sie dieses unbedingt und beachten Sie dabei:

- ERNEUERN SIE IHRE REGISTRIERUNG FÜR JEDE BETROFFENE PERSON dort TÄGLICH - ohne tägliche Neuregistrierung verfällt Ihr Eintrag.

- Melden Sie JEDE BETROFFENE PERSON MIT EINER EIGENEN ANMELDUNG im Portal an und erneuern Sie die Anmeldung täglich. Eine Erwähnung weiterer zusammengehöriger Betroffener im Feld “Mitreisende” genügt NICHT.

- Eine Eintragung in der “ELEFAND”-Deutschenliste führt NICHT automatisch zur Erfassung im Portal des Rückholprogrammes.



++SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS TO GERMANY++

THE GERMAN GOVERNMENT IS ORGANISING SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS FROM MANILA AND CEBU: PHILIPPINE AUTHORITIES ARE KINDLY REQUESTED TO GRANT GERMANS ACCESS TO RESPECTIVE INLAND TRANSPORT FOR TRAVEL TO CEBU OR MANILA AIRPORTS:



A) UPCOMING SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGHTS:

- LH FROM MANILA/NAIA TO FRANKFURT/GERMANY: DELAYED, WILL NOT START ON 24 MARCH BUT LATER THIS WEEK

- CHARTER ZT568P FROM CEBU/MACTAN TO COLOGNE/BONN ON 25 MARCH 21.00 h.



B) SPECIAL REPATRIATION FLIGTHS UNDER PREPARATION:

- CHARTER FROM CEBU/MACTAN TO COLOGNE/BONN ON 28 MARCH

- CHARTER FROM CEBU/MACTAN TO COLOGNE/BONN ON 30 MARCH



Please note:

1.) Currently there are international commercial flights operating out of Manila with a lot of vacant seats.



2.) The German government is working to get further special repatriation flights for stranded German visitors scheduled. Tickets for such flights will have to be paid by the passenger (after repatriation). In order to be eligible and receive confirmation for seats on such flights you MUST register daily under www.rueckholprogramm.de.



3.) Exact dates for further repatriation flights cannot at this stage be predicted, delays of announced flights remain possible. Concerned German tourists are strongly recommended to avail of any available international flight by commercial airlines to repatriate soon. If you intend to leave, do not wait for special repatriation flights as a seemingly “more convenient” option.



4) Special repatriation flights are set up for stranded tourists. Other Germans residing on a long-term or permanent basis in the Philippines can only be transported on such flights if no more tourists are present at check-in and seats are still vacant.



5.) The Embassy is aware that especially visitors stranded on islands in the mid- and southern Philippines experience particularly severe difficulties in boarding transport to Cebu or Manila. The Embassy in close cooperation with its EU partners is pursuing solutions with the Philippine government. Realistically though, not all situations might be solvable within the next few days.



6.) The Philippine Department of Tourism (DoT) currently operates “point to point” buses from Clark Airport to Manila NAIA Airport. The DoT furthermore assists in finding accomodation in Manila and Clark for tourists on the way to outgoing international flights. Please contact

- for Metro Manila: Wooddrow Maquiling via +63 998 9978687

- for Clark: Carol Uy via +63 906 2488 338

Alternatively, accomodation in Manila or Clark can be found via AirB&B.



7.) Unverbindlicher Hinweis: Ein deutschsprachiges Reisebüro in Manila informiert, weiterhin Buchungen für kurzfristig aus Manila oder Clark in das Ausland startende Flüge vornehmen zu können. Bei Interesse kontaktieren Sie bitte per WA +41 765 867070 oder rufen Sie +63 2 8812 3196 an. Dieses Reisebüro ist NICHT beteiligt an den Sonderflügen der Bundesregierung zur Rückholung. Das Büro nimmt KEINE Vormerkungen dafür entgegen.



8.) possible “sweeper flights” from different islands to Cebu or Clark:

The Philippine government is setting up “sweeper flights” from different islands to the international airports in Cebu or Clark  to enable the visitors to leave the couuntry with international flights. To board sweeper flights (as well as point-to-point busses from Clark to Manila NAIA Airport) authorities require tourists to present an ticket for an outward international flight leaving the Philippines within the following 24 h.



Sweeper flight Information is provided at short notice and can change likewise. For latest information please contact the DoT regional, local or port/airport Offices. Additional information:



SIARGAO: sweeper flights to Clark on 23 March at 10.00 h and 14.00 h.



EL NIDO: for sweeper flights contact AirSwift, Mr. Arvid Acosta via +63 917 841 7771, via Facebook-message to http://facbook.com/talindak oder via the AirSwift Airport Office.



PALAWAN: contact the DoT Office in Palawan via +63 917 1270977 or via dot4b.ppc@gmail.com and provide full name, date of birth, email address and WA telephone number.



ILOILO: contact the DoT Office Iloilo via

iloilocitytourism@gmail.com or via +639981780226; focal person is Junel Divinagracia.



DUMAGUETE: contact the city tourism office in Dumaguete for transport to Cebu



CATICLAN to Manila sweeper flights planned for Thursday, 26 March by the Philippine government.



DAVAO: Civil Defence regional Office opposite the International Airport: +63 82 297 7915; the office provides further telephone hotline numbers on their Facebook site.

DoT Davao staff: Director Tanya Rabat-Tan +63 920 900 5518; Zubeirah +63 977 8510 903; Joanilee +63 917 1783 762; Katherine +63 917 1696 215; Kervin +63 908 7542 654; Clarence +63 906 0171 717



++WEITERES++

Die deutsche Botschaft ist bis auf weiteres für den Publikumsverkehr geschlossen. Deutsche im Land werden gebeten, sich in die Krisenvorsorgeliste “Elefand” einzutragen.



Die Botschaft ist für Fragen zum Rückholprogramm tagsüber bis 19.00 h telefonisch unter +63 (0)2 8702 3030 erreichbar.



In dringenden Notlagen können Sie die Botschaft danach unter +63 917 867 3000 erreichen.



Verfolgen Sie auch die Botschaftsseiten bei Facebook und Instagram (#Germanyinphl).

Branding of Tourism and Investment Workshop held

Davao de Oro Province---Barely 2 months after finally gaining its identity as the “Golden Province,” the Province of Davao de Oro through the Tourism and Investments Promotion Division in partnership with Information Division held a two-day Branding of Tourism and Investments Workshop at the Vice-Governor Conference Room, Legislative Building, Provincial Capitol of Davao de Oro on February 27-28, 2020.

The workshop was attended by the Municipal Information Officers of the 11 municipalities, Chairperson of Municipal Tourism Council, Local Economic Investment Promotion Officer, Business Permit and Licensing Officer, representative from the Municipal Planning Office and Chairperson of Business Chambers.

The workshop aims to establish a distinctive brand identity and tagline for each municipality in terms of promoting their place for tourism and investment and, since the province of Davao de Oro is composed of 11 municipalities distinctly having their own natural uniqueness in terms of environmental and economic endowments bestowed upon them which could be the foundation for the whole Davao de Oro to retain its brilliance amongst other provinces.

Before coming up with their respective branding, each municipality undergone a process of determining their municipality’s unique strength in a bird’s a view and taking account concrete gifts which asserts their significance from the pool of the best places on earth.

On the second day, branding for investments in the various municipalities were focused in the workshop, promoting business ventures that would hype up their marketing, adding identity to their products, setting them apart from other business ventures outgrowing to gaining people’s side and loyalty.

Soon enough, the whole province of Davao de Oro will completely engrave its golden brand offering more employment opportunities for all dabaweños, creating additional demand for goods and services paving the way for a sustainable economic development for the golden province. 

(Jasteen Abella, ID DAVAO DE ORO)

Philippine Nurses for Germany!

German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc.

[AHK News: Roundtable on Recruitment of Philippine Nurses to Germany]

“The German government is committed to facilitate the access of Philippine nurses to the German healthcare sector. The procedures will be streamlined and simplified, and the working conditions will even become more attractive”, stated Parliamentary State Secretary Weiss from the German Federal Ministry of Health.

“The Philippines is regarded as one of the top healthcare staff providers in the world because of the availability of skilled nurses, who are highly qualified, adaptable, hospitable and with good command in English language. As Germany has a high need for nurses and the Philippines shows an oversupply, there is a unique opportunity for both countries to create a win-win situation”, emphasized Tristan Arwen Loveres, President of the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI).

On 13th August 2019, a roundtable on Recruitment of Philippine Nurses to Germany was organized by the German-Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GPCCI) in close cooperation with the German Embassy Manila in honor of the German Federal Ministry of Health’s Parliamentary State Secretary visit to the Philippines.

With over 30 participants, Philippine and German experts from the recruitment and healthcare industry shared experiences and discussed possible steps for an enhanced procedure on the recruitment and allocation process of Philippine nurses immigrating to Germany.

Germany is facing a severe lack of nursing and care staff in its medical centers due to the German demography. In order to cover the growing shortage of healthcare professionals, the German government in cooperation with the private sector has been recruiting qualified nurses from countries outside the EU like the Philippines. The immigration of Philippine nurses to Germany has showed positive impacts in both societies and has created more opportunities in the market, however, the recruiting process still encounters several challenges. One is the necessary level of language skills; another is the recognition of foreign nursing studies in Germany.

With the goal to ease and fast-track the recruiting of Philippine health care personnel to Germany, the German government started an initiative to streamline the administrative process with planned effectivity in October 2019.

Are Filipinos Asian?

The Philippines is part of South-east Asia geographically. But many Filipinos feel a closer attachment to the West.

By Mong Palatino

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Are Filipinos Asians or Pacific Islanders? Is the Philippines part of South-east Asia, Oceania or the Pacific Islands?

Officially, of course, Filipinos are categorized as Asians and the Philippines as part of South-east Asia. But describing Filipinos as Pacific Islanders isn’t necessarily wrong either. In fact, for a long time, Filipinos were known as Pacific Islanders.

The Philippines used to be called the Philippine Islands of the Pacific, and when the Americans first arrived more than a century ago, they described the Philippine Islands as ‘orphans of the Pacific.’

What would have happened if the country hadn’t been united? Luzon, the largest island in the north of the Philippines, could have become a territory of China or Taiwan, while Mindanao in the south could have become a province of Malaysia or Indonesia. The formation of a bigger nation state composed of the Philippine Islands, Taiwan and parts of Malaysia and Indonesia could have been another possibility.They might well have been referring to the geographical distance of the country from mainland Asia. Composed of more than 7000 islands, the Philippine archipelagic state was a political creation of Western colonizers. It was Spain during the 16th century that united the major islands of the Philippines—if it hadn’t occupied the islands, the Philippine nation state wouldn’t have existed.

Philippine society evolved differently from other Asian nations. For example, the Philippines (aside from Timor Leste) is the only Christian-dominated nation in Asia. The blending of Western and native cultures created a unique society that’s neither Western nor Asian.

Many Filipinos are unsure about their identity and although they believe they’re Asians, many also feel closer to the West, especially the United States. Indeed, they seem to be prouder of their Western upbringing than their Asian identity. This colonial mentality has been identified as one of the negative traits of many Filipinos.

South-east Asia is defined as a purely geographical concept in the Philippines and Filipinos often don’t appreciate nor understand the cultural and religious practices of their neighbours. They’re also unaware of Indochina politics.

The Philippines was used as a launch pad by the United States during the Vietnam War. But while panic swept the rest of the region when Cambodia and Thailand almost went to war over a border dispute, the Philippines didn’t express any sense of alarm over the situation.

To Filipinos, their place in South-east Asia is just an accident of geography. This is unfortunate, because the Philippines’ detachment from mainland South-east Asia could have been maximized to exert political leadership in the region. By not being involved with the numerous squabbles in Indochina, the Philippines could have played the role of objective arbiter in the various regional conflicts and disagreements.

But Filipinos seem to be more interested in political events in the West. Instead of ignoring their neighbours, Filipinos should embrace their connection with South-east Asia. 

Following the wrong road?

My column in MINDANAO DAILY:

FOLLOWING THE WRONG ROAD?

Which road do you take right now, my dear readers? Are you sure, you're on the right track?

Many times, we compare our life with a path. We talk about "the way". We describe a determined man as, "He's on the right (or wrong ?) track". We go about our tracks, but we are reproved if we take a short-cut and not the path across a rice-field. We learn that there are many ways of solving problems.

We also don't want to stand in other people's way. Sometimes, we prefer to keep put of someone's way and plan to avoid getting in their way. Often we try to find the golden middle course... .Often - but not always. Sure, that's life!

Many different ways have been offered to us during our whole life. How can we be able to choose the right and correct one? Which signs at our way can be trusted blindly? These are urgent and vital questions for all of us, and, especially during this time, very important like never before.

In the past, traditions and customs are the paths, we took. Nowadays, we make decisions and long for the correct path - mostly on our own. Are traditions and customs still important for us?

The German atom-physician Werner Heisenberg (1901-1976) described it very impressively. The man of today is like a ship's captain. This ship is made out of iron. The compass needle is no longer able to show the Northern direction, as expected, because of the ship's iron inflexible body. You have one choice only: look up to the stars and study their guiding support!"

We're all happy and proud, when we have every need at our disposal. On the other hand, it only confuses our aims, goals, and objectives in life.

"I am the way" is NOT ONLY a traffic sign - or a shepherd without responsibility - or a religious founder, who thinks, that "only he is the right way, if one follows him"... .

HIS way is the only right way. Only His deeds colored our fates. Let's keep our eyes open for the important signs at our way. Think about an unselfish participation in the life of others!

Do you show courage to uncover prejudice in your surroundings? Are you ready to help the unprotected and defenseless? Where is your struggle for freedom and justice as well as your commitment for peace?

Most of all: Show and exercise love, which does not calculate and count. Love without measurements, boundaries and limits!

If you can share with others, you'll know one day in future, that someone walked this way - earlier then you - and FOR YOU!

+++

Tourism remains vibrant in Boracay

By Ellalyn De Veraruiz, Manila Bulletin

Boracay Island – Officials of the Departments of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Tourism (DOT) conducted an aerial inspection of Boracay Island on Thursday, ahead of the Senate onsite investigation on the escalating environmental degradation in the world-famous beach resort in Aklan.

According to DENR Undersecretary and spokesman Jonas Leones, the officials are gathering sufficient evidence on the extent of pollution and contamination of its waters.

After the aerial inspection, the officials gathered for an inter-agency meeting in preparation for the Senate investigation this Friday.

DOT Secretary Wanda Teo, DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, and DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, among others, were present during the meeting.

Teo noted that even amid reports of environmental problems in Boracay, tourism remains vibrant in the island.

But Mario, a 32-year-old hat vendor in Boracay who declined to reveal his surname, said that since the government’s plan to temporary close the island from tourism activities was made public, it has affected his and other ambulant vendors’ livelihood.

Mario, who relies on the crowds for his livelihood, said there were fewer tourists coming to the island in the past few days.

It has become evident with his regular earnings from an average of P8,000 per day, which is now down to about P2,000-P3,000 per day.

He said most of the ambulant vendors in Boracay have been complaining of lesser earnings.

Selling hats has been his family’s only source of livelihood for the past four years.

And with seven children to feed, the closure of Boracay island to tourist activities will inflict a huge blow on Mario’s family.

Should the government implements the temporary closure of the island to ease the negative impact of heavy tourism, he said he will just follow what the government deems beneficial for Boracay.

Another vendor, Rene, said he will just look for an alternative livelihood for the meantime. He has been selling sunglasses to tourists and visitors for the past four years.

The fate of the vendors and establishment workers in the island will partly rely on the decision of the Senate after its investigation scheduled this Friday.

The Senate will conduct an onsite inspection of the island before the Senate-led inquiry in the afternoon.

One of the issues that they will look into is the compliance of resorts and establishments to existing environment and tourism laws.

The roughly 1,000-hectare Boracay Island recently made headlines when President Duterte threatened to close it due to overdevelopment, congestion, and escalating environmental degradation.

Tags: Boracay Island, DENR, DENR Undersecretary Ernesto Adobo, DENR Undersecretary Juan Miguel Cuna, DOT Secretary Wanda Teo, environment and tourism, Jonas Leones, the Senate, Tourism remains vibrant in Boracay – Tourism chief

Earthquake in Surigao

Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — A 5.2 magnitude earthquake hit Siargao island on Sunday morning (December 27), the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reported.

The quake occurred at 6:11 a.m. with its epicenter at 29 kilometers (km) northeast of San Isidro town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte.

With a depth of 51 km, the tremor was felt by residents and tourists in Siargao, also in Surigao and Butuan.

According to Phivolcs, the quake was caused by movements along a local fault in Surigao Island. The tremor was tectonic in origin.

Surigao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said there were no damages or casualties reported due to the earthquake.

No aftershock was registered and no tsunami alert was raised by the state agency.

Every Judge Voted for PIA

By Charmie Joy Pagulong (The Philippine Star) 

 22  105 googleplus0  0 

Photo from the Twitter account of Perez Hilton shows the celebrity blogger with Miss Universe 2015 Pia Wurtzbach.

MANILA, Philippines – Amid speculation about the circumstances behind the announcement of the wrong winner, one of the judges in the Miss Universe 2015 pageant revealed that the panel unanimously voted for Miss Philippines Pia Wurtzbach to win the coveted crown.

“I went with my gut and voted for Miss Philippines. And actually, I found out afterwards it was unanimous. Every single judge on that panel, all four of us, voted for Miss Philippines to be number 1,” Miss Universe 2015 judge and celebrity blogger Perez Hilton said on his website.

Hilton told his co-host Chris Booker that all the four judges voted for Wurtzbach to be the Miss Universe and that she deserved to win.

The other in-person judges were former Miss Universe Olivia Culpo, “Scream Queens” star Niecy Nash and former athlete and “Dancing With The Stars” champion Emmitt Smith.

The global audience and the 77 other candidates were also allowed to choose their bets during the competition.

Hilton said he and other judges were surprised why show host Steve Harvey announced Miss Colombia as the winner, without even mentioning the Philippines.

Headlines ( Article MRec ), pagematch: 1, sectionmatch: 1

Harvey declared Miss Colombia Ariadna Gutierrez Arevalo as the winner, but later went back on stage to correct his mistake and declared Miss Philippines is actually this year’s winner.

Hilton stressed Wurtzbach deserved to win and that she is “perfect for being a Miss Universe.”

Hilton said he was impressed by the performance of the 26-year-old stunner during the competition and during the question and answer portion.

“Miss Philippines surprised me… she was fierce and fabulous… she has a real beauty, grace and elegance…” Hilton said.

Hilton also described the difference between the two girls.

“Here’s the difference between Miss Colombia and Miss Philippines: Miss Philippines came to win and Miss Colombia came to lose. Colombia came there as if she had already won; I think she truly believed that she was going to win. Philippines came with something to prove,” he said.

“Miss Colombia was the most beautiful contestant, but I don’t think she deserves to win the title, and she didn’t win the title for a variety of reasons,” Hilton added.

Meanwhile, Miss Australia Monika Radulovic, who bagged fourth in the competition, said she and other contestants already knew that Wutzbach was the winner even before Harvey apologized for his blunder.

Radulovic said the teleprompter showed it was Miss Philippines who won the pageant, not Miss Colombia.

“I still really can’t believe it happened. The girls, the rest of us – the 77 contestants – were on the side of the stage and we actually saw the teleprompter. It said ‘Philippines, please take your first walk as Miss Universe’ after Colombia was crowned,” Radulovic said in an interview with Australian television show Sunrise.

Radulovic also expressed her sympathy for the unfortunate blunder.

“My heart goes out to both girls. For Colombia...that feeling of winning. You could see she was crying tears of joy and then getting that taken away. At the same time, for the Philippines because she didn’t really have that amazing victory,” she said.

On the other hand, Miss Germany Sarah-Lorraine Riek came under fire on social media after a video of her went viral criticizing the results of the pageant. – With Marvin Sy, Paolo Romero