Ask an expert: Philippines

Last updated 10:29, April 3 2018

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Palawan often makes "world's most beautiful island" lists.

Q. I'd like to visit the Philippines but, with so many islands to choose from, am not sure where to start with planning a trip. Can you help? 

A. You're quite right – with more than 7000 islands in the Philippine archipelago it can be very confusing to know which ones are the more interesting and accessible islands to visit. The following are islands proving very popular with visitors, each with their own unique charms:

Boracay is well-known among tourists and is not to be missed. Boracay has stunning white, sandy beaches, great hotels and restaurants and a wide variety of water sports for the more active. 

Palawan is often in the running for the "most beautiful island in the world" title so I'm sure you can picture the scenery already. Palawan is the ultimate tropical escape with crystal clear waters, dense jungles, mountains and Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park, which is a must-see. 

Mindoro is within easy reach of Manila and one of the top diving spots in the Philippines, which is saying something given the multitude of excellent diving locations in the country.

Bohol is famous for its "Chocolate Hills" which are actually huge conical mounds that turn brown during the summer and look like giant chocolate buttons. For the best view of this amazing landscape visit Chocolate Hills Adventure Park.  

Lastly, Cebu is as energetic as Manila if you are seeking a good dose of city fever with lively bars and eateries. There are also plenty of picturesque beaches to escape to and snorkelling spots to explore after you've been on the go. 

With Philippine Airlines now flying direct to Manila from Auckland it makes it even easier to access this increasingly popular country in Southeast Asia.  

 - Craig Hopley, Owner Operator, House of Travel St Heliers 

War against innocents

No need to explain headlines and daily news! Killing in every part of the world is unceasing! Warriors go and fight prepared to kill and to be killed with no fear. In the forests, in the streets, a lot of them are found dead bodies spread-eagled. In the rivers and oceans, a lot of them are found floating if not eaten by the hungry sharkes.

But what about those innocent lives who are just victims of war atrocities? Are they prepared to die in such a horrible state? It is sickening to realize that those people are killed within just a flick of a finger by those war-oriented people. Moreoften, we can learn through media about numbers of people dead and injured caused by building and streets bombings, chemical poisonongs (!), and nuclear power testings.

Killings - yes, there will be always killings! Because the Super Powers are in a race to put as many weapons as possible into their allies' hands. The Arm producers are urged and more encouraged to make more weapons and explosives. As the Great Powers never stop intervening in these small countries' affairs, there will be more casualties. Wouldn't it much  better for them to help the Third World countries economically than supplying them with weapons?

How many more innocent lives shall we find scattered in the streets? How  many more of them will be seen floatingin the open seas with shattered bodies? And how many more young and old people will be buried innocently at the bottom of the sea leaving their loved-ones to suffer pain and extreme grief?

War is hell and the world has had enough! When will stability prevail in this world? In one of my previous columns in this corner, several years ago, I asked "Cold War - Hot War?". It was the time, the Ukraine crisis began. Today, let's ask ourselves the same question. And? Homo sapiens - quo vadis? 

Davao City as sports tourism hub

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MEDIA RELEASE
27 March 2018

DAVAO CITY, PHILIPPINES –The Philippines scored yet another tourism marketing coup with its successful hosting of the Alveo IRONMAN 70.3 triathlon last Sunday in this premier Mindanao city, the hometown of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Thousands of people welcomed and cheered over 2,000 competitors in the different categories of this prestigious international sporting event that featured 21 world champions, including men’s professional big winner Mauricio Mendez of Mexico.

Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Wanda Tulfo Teo said tens of thousands foreign and domestic visitors descended in Davao City for the spectacle race, rendering hotel resorts in the area fully-booked days before the three-day event began.

“Once more, we have showcased Davao City as an outstanding venue for major international events and as a safe haven for truly great fun experience,” said Teo, a self-made Davao travel entrepreneur before her ascent to the DOT top post.

Both Teo and Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte-Carpio vowed to facilitate and host other popular sports events this year, including a segment of the World’s Strongest Man competition next month in the backdrop of immense Mt. Apo.

“I’ve been wanting to do the Ironman here. I am very happy that it’s here now and we welcome you all wholeheartedly,” Mayor Duterte-Carpio said during the media day at the Ayala Land’s Azuela Cove in Davao City’s Lanang district.

The triumphant 22-year old Mendez, a heartthrob among women enthusiasts, said he has fallen for Davao City’s pristine scenery, luscious greenery, the exotic local cuisine and the Filipino hospitality.

Mauricio finished second in last year’s IRONMAN in Cebu City and a seven-time first-placer in previous IRONMAN and XTERRA professional triathlon competitions.

Women's pro-winner Radka Kahlefeldt of Czech Republic has competed several times in the Philippines while Cebu native Jorry Ycong topped the Asian Elite category.

The triathlon included a 1.9-kilometer swim, followed by a 90-kilometer bike, and ended with a 21.1-kilometer run.

A record-high 1,800 professional triathletes from 39 countries like Australia, Japan, Hungary, Mexico, United States, South Africa and the Czech Republic competed the 9-hour event that also featured Filipino celebrities Matteo Guidicelli, Wilfred Uytengsu, Kim Atienza, and Bubbles Paraiso.

The organizers prepared special medals for the finishers, crafted by a prominent Mindanaoan artist named Kublai Millan.

Teo also lauded the local Philippine National Police (PNP) region 11 police office and hundreds of community volunteers for ensuring security and traffic safety throughout Sunday’s race.

“Tourism does not only seek to promote destinations but also wellness for local and international visitors to pamper themselves, and Mindanao offers a complete package for holistic health and fitness, and nature adventure,” said Teo.

“Marami pang darating na events, not only in Davao but in other places din para ma-promote ang iba pang destinations (There will be more events not only in Davao but also in other emerging tourist destinations),” Teo added.

Teo said the event is aligned with the DOT’s “Go South” program to promote world-class destinations like Siargao, Samal Island, Camiguin, Zamboanga and Tawi-Tawi, and Mindanao’s products, food, culture and tradition.

For further details, please contact:
Public Affairs, Communications, and Special Projects
Philippines Department of Tourism
351 Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., 1200, Makati City
Phone (+632) 459 5200 local 316
Website: www.tourism.gov.ph

A boost in Social Security for Overseas Workers

After the Social Security Agreement between the Philippines and Germany had been signed during the visit of President Aquino III to Germany in 2014, the exchange of the instruments of ratification took place today, 23 March 2018, in Manila. The respective governments were represented by German Ambassador to the Philippines Dr. Gordon Kricke and DFA Undersecretary for Policy Enrique A. Manalo.

The “Agreement between the Federal Republic of Germany and the Republic of the Philippines on Social Security” coordinates the respective security systems especially in the case of employees being deployed in the country of the contracting state.

In other words, qualified Filipino and German employees, who have worked in the Philippines and in Germany, will be able to combine their contributions in both countries in order to benefit from both countries’ social security systems.

Furthermore, as long as the deployment is less than 48 months, the employees have the right to stay in their original system to simplify the process.

This agreement will reinforce bilateral economic ties between the Philippines and Germany and thus create new job opportunities in each country. It shall enter into force beginning 1 June 2018.

Follow this link to see a copy of the agreement (the text in both German and English languages begins at page 419): http://www.bgbl.de/xaver/bgbl/start.xav…

Human play role in climate change

My column in Mindanao Daily Mirror

Already in 2013, the UN climate panel blames humans for global warming and warns of rising temperatures and says global warming could have devastating effects as the risk of heat waves, floods and droughts increases.

Rather than debating the facts of climate change, oil companies in the dock in California are questioning how long a climate consensus has existed. Two cities are suing oil companies for costs related to global warming.

An attorney for the Chevron oil company acknowledged in federal court that the company agreed with the scientific consensus showing humans are responsible for global warming.

But Chevron attorney Theodore Boutrous told the court in San Francisco that the scientific consensus on greenhouse gas emissions was not fully formed until the past decade.

"The notion that we know today of a dynamic changing climate is relatively new in human understanding," he said.

San Francisco and Oakland are suing the five oil giants — Chevron, Exxon Mobil, ConocoPhillips, Royal Dutch Shell and British Petroleum — seeking to set up an abatement fund that would force the oil companies to help the cities pay for flood damage and preventative measures they say are the result of global warming.

To clear the air city by city - might this be possible?

Despite Chevron's admission, the oil giants asked the court to dismiss the case, in part because Congress has given regulatory agencies authority over the production and discharge of greenhouse gas emissions.

US District Judge William Alsup said he wants to strip away the politics and "stick to the science" behind the issue. He called on both sides to present "the best science now available on global warming."

"This is a serious proposition to try to educate the judge," Alsup said.

Legal experts said they have never seen a judge holding a tutorial on climate change, and they are eager to see how the oil companies explain global warming.

Chevron's Boutrous said the oil giant backs a 2013 report by the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), which concluded it was "extremely likely" that humans are contributing to global warming.

The Artic sea ice thins as polar bears shed pounds. But Boutrous insisted that earlier reports by the IPCC were less certain. When Alsup asked Boutrous if the other four oil companies agreed with his presentation, Boutrous said he was only speaking for Chevron. The attorneys for the other four oil firms generally acknowledge the reality of man-made global warming, but none of them answered questions during last week's court hearing.

What does that tell us? To say it neutral but very clear: people are keep on passing the buck to others. They keep on leaving others to hold the baby, while our planet keeps on dying.

The five oil companies argued in court papers filed last Tuesday that they should not be held liable for the effects of global warming, which is caused by "billions" of parties and "complex environmental phenomena occurring worldwide over many decades."  Trying to make some excuses? Or is it the naked truth?

Despite the wide scientific consensus, US President Donald Trump has turned US climate policy on its head since taking office 14 months ago. Trump, a Republican, has pushed to increase fossil fuel production and announced that he was withdrawing the United States from the 2015 Paris climate accord, which aims to reduce emissions.

And, sad to say, but Trump's growing cabinet is a cabinet of climate deniers. US President Donald Trump's decision to appoint hard-line climate denier Mike Pompeo as secretary of state is a death knell for US climate leadership. Can anyone fill the vacuum? 

Plastic patch in Pacific Ocean is growing rapidly

By Helen Briggs

BBC News

• 22 March 2018
 
• 161comments

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Image copyrightTHE OCEAN CLEANUP

Image captionDiscarded fishing nets were part of the haul

A collection of plastic afloat in the Pacific Ocean is growing rapidly, according to a new scientific estimate.

Predictions suggest a build-up of about 80,000 tonnes of plastic in the "Great Pacific Garbage Patch" between California and Hawaii.

This figure is up to sixteen times higher than previously reported, say international researchers.

One trawl in the centre of the patch had the highest concentration of plastic ever recorded.

"Plastic concentration is increasing - I think the situation is getting worse," said Laurent Lebreton of The Ocean Cleanup Foundation in Delft, Netherlands, which led the study.

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"This really highlights the urgency to take action in stopping the in-flow of plastic into the ocean and also taking measures to clean up the existing mess."

Waste accumulates in five ocean areas, the largest being the patch located between Hawaii and California.

• Plastic particles found in bottled water
• 'Shame and anger' at plastic pollution
• Earth is becoming 'Planet Plastic'

Image copyrightOCEAN CLEANUP FOUNDATION

Image captionSome of the plastic collected

The researchers used boats and planes to map this area of the North Pacific, where rotating currents and winds cause marine debris, including plastic, seaweed and plankton, to converge.

The three-year mapping effort showed that plastic pollution is "increasing exponentially and at a faster rate than in the surrounding water", said the international team.

Microplastics accounted for 8% of the total mass of plastic afloat within an area of 1.6 million square km.

Of the estimated 1.8 trillions bits of plastic, some were larger than microplastics, including fishing nets, toys, and even a toilet seat.

Erik van Sebille of Utrecht University in the Netherlands, who is not connected with the study, said the amount of plastic discovered was "staggering".

"While their estimates come with large uncertainty ranges, they do report a staggering amount of plastic," he said.

"And they also discovered that the Garbage Patch is moving around much more than anyone expected."

Image copyrightOCEAN CLEANUP FOUNDATION

Image captionModelled mass concentration of plastic in the area

The use of aerial surveys as well as boats could partly explain why the new estimates are higher than in the past.

However, the differences could also be down to increasing levels of plastic pollution in the time since the previous studies were carried out.

Plastic washed out to sea following the 2011 Japan earthquake and tsunami could account for as much as 20% of plastic accumulating in recent years, the research, published in Scientific Reports, suggests.

What the study found

• Plastics made up 99.9% of all debris in this part of the ocean

• At least 46% of plastic consisted of fishing nets, and over three quarters of the plastic was debris larger than 5cm, including hard plastics, plastic sheets and film

• Although most large items had broken down into fragments, the researchers were able to identify a small number of objects, including containers, bottles, lids, packaging straps, ropes, and fishing nets

• Fifty items in the sample had a readable production date: one from 1977, seven from the 1980s, 17 from the 1990s, 24 from the 2000s and one from 2010

• Only certain types of debris that were thick enough to float stayed and accumulated in this zone, such as the common plastics polyethylene and polypropylene, which are used in packaging.

Source: Scientific Reports

Every year, millions of tonnes of plastic enter the ocean. Some drifts into large systems of circulating ocean currents, known as gyres. Once trapped in a gyre, the plastic will break down into microplastics, which may be ingested by sea life.

The message of the study is clear, said Laurent Lebreton.

"It goes back to how we use plastic," he said.

"We're not going to get away from plastic - in my opinion it's very useful, in medicine, transportation and construction, but I think we must divert the way we use plastic, particularly in terms of single-use plastic and those objects that have a very short service lifespan."

Poverty and Crime

My column in Mindanao Daily Mirror

Over and over again, it is seen that burglary, robbery and serious

assaults occur most frequently in the area where shanties are and the

family income is so low that it cannot suffice the needs of the

family. The houses are extremely overcrowded with few facilities.

Unemployment is very common. People in this area have little or no

formal education at all, and so mostly are unskilled.

Families are broken up. The mother has to go out to work and leaves

the children behind. With this kind of life, what will happen to the

future of this growing children, who are mostly out of school? It is

not surprising that they are often the victims of circumstances. They

begin to commit relatively minor offenses such as small scale thefts

and illegal gambling. Later on, because of poverty and deprivation,

they learn to commit violent crimes.

Look around in your surroundings ...

Crime is a complex problem. It can be classified in various ways.

There are crimes against people like rape, kidnapping, murder and

assault; also crimes against property include theft, arson, forgery,

embezzlement and vandalism; and the crimes against public order or

morality include drunkenenness, gambling and prostitution.

Crime has been a rather serious problem the fact that violent crimes

have become much more common these years then in the past. Despite

repeated crackdown by law-enforcement authorities, the situation many

times has not shown any improvement at all. What is even worse is that

studies have found out that the crime rate tends to rise faster when

quick changes occur in the society.

Also, crime is related to social values.

People were more obsessed with

the status, wealth and pleasure. This change in value must have been

an important factor in the mounting wave of crime. It is necessary to

emphasize especially in education the moral values and the traditional

virtues of being a good citizen. And most of all, if the unployment

problem of a country can be solved or minimize in future, we all might

hope that the crime rate will go down.

Climate Change Vulnerability: Philippines ranks 3rd

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Helen Flores (The Philippine Star) - March 21, 2018 - 12:00am

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is ranked third among the four countries in the world most vulnerable to climate change, a recent survey by HSBC showed.

India topped the list, followed by Pakistan. Bangladesh came in fourth. 

The study noted that in India, climate change could cut agricultural incomes, particularly in unirrigated areas that would be hit hardest by rising temperatures and declines in rainfall.

Pakistan, Bangladesh and the Philippines are susceptible to extreme weather events, such as storms and flooding.

Pakistan was ranked by HSBC among nations least equipped to respond to climate risks.

The five countries least vulnerable to climate change risk are Finland, Sweden, Norway, Estonia and New Zealand.

In its last ranking in 2016, HSBC only assessed G20 countries for vulnerability to climate risk.

The Climate Change Commission recently announced the release of about P200 million in grants to four local government units in the country to strengthen their resiliency to the negative impact of climate change. 

The People’s Survival Fund (PSF) Board entered into partnerships with the local governments of Del Carmen, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte; Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; Gerona, Tarlac; and San Francisco, Camotes Island, Cebu. 

Chaired by the Department of Finance, the PSF was established in 2012 through Republic Act No. 10174 to support the climate adaptation action plans of local governments.

In March last year, President Duterte signed the landmark Paris Agreement on Climate Change that calls for the reduction of carbon emissions, which have been linked to the occurrence of natural disasters and extreme weather conditions.

In 2015, the Philippine government submitted to the United Nations the country’s commitments to reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

The country committed to reduce its carbon emissions by 70 percent by 2030. 

The carbon dioxide reductions will come from the sectors of energy, transport, waste, forestry and industry.

In this year’s rankings, HSBC assessed 67 developed, emerging and frontier markets on vulnerability to the physical impacts of climate change, sensitivity to extreme weather events, exposure to energy transition risks and ability to respond to climate change.

The 67 nations represent almost a third of the world’s nation states, 80 percent of the global population and 94 percent of global gross domestic product.

HSBC averaged the scores in each area for the countries in order to reach the overall ranking. Some countries were highly vulnerable in some areas but less so in others.

South and Southeast Asian countries accounted for half of the 10 most vulnerable countries. Oman, Sri Lanka, Colombia, Mexico, Kenya and South Africa are also in this group.

Read more at https://www.philstar.com/headlines/2018/03/21/1798866/climate-change-vulnerability-philippines-ranks-3rd#sbSZZVrIkkiIM0S2.99