Physics teacher established a farm in Mindanao to ‘escape’ the quarantine in Manila

by Patricia Bianca Taculao,  Manila Bulletin

Back in March 2020, the Philippines was put under an enhanced community quarantine to help curb the spread of COVID-19 and keep people safe from the virus that put the entire world at a standstill. 

While inside their homes, many people were getting antsy, not only because of the impending threat to their health, but also because of the frustration with their confinement, which offered little to no chance of leaving unless it was to buy food, medicine, and other necessities. 

Many people took up new hobbies to combat their boredom and anxiety. And one of the most popular hobbies taken up during lockdown was gardening or farming. During the previous years, there has been a rise in the number of urban farmers since they found the activity of growing food to be efficient in alleviating their worries as well as keeping their food source sustainable and secure. 

Noel Sablay, a physics teacher by profession, decided to engage in farming during the quarantine as well. But instead of doing it in his house, he and his family decided to travel to Mindanao to “escape” the quarantine in Manila.

Instead of farming in the city, Sablay and his family decided to farm in the province.

Before the pandemic, Sablay was teaching in an international school in China. He has also worked at the Philippine Normal University, along with another international school in Indonesia. 

Artemio Heritage Ecofarm is an agri-tourism and learning spot for livestock, plants, and fish.  It was established in August 2020 at Palomoc-Culasian Rd, Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay, where Sablay and his family retreated to pass the time during the quarantine period.

It was named after the late Artemio Pusta, Sablay’s father-in-law, a retired policeman who was known to locals to have a tough yet kind heart and to have enjoyed family fun. 

“Since we went to Mindanao during the quarantine periods in Manila, we stayed here for a month, and so we thought to develop my wife’s property,” Sablay said. 

His affinity for farming came from his upbringing, as he was born to a family of farmers in Ilocos Sur. At a young age, Sablay experienced planting rice and tobacco; raising goats, cows, and carabaos; as well as managing a backyard piggery. 

Using that knowledge and experience, Sablay and his wife started their farming journey with a piggery that follows the concept of Babuyang-Walang-Amoy, using rice hull substrate in the pigpen. Babuyang-Walang-Amoy is the process of raising pigs without the distinct stench that comes from their pens and minimizing health risks while mimicking the pigs’ natural environment to promote humane practices.

One of the early projects of Sablay and his wife is a piggery that followed the Babuyang-Walang-Amoy concept.

The couple developed the property until it accommodated more elements other than a piggery such as a poultry farm and tilapia pond. They’re also growing green lady papaya and backyard vegetables. 

They started with a grassy hill area which was improved through landscaping, but without changing much of the natural landscape. When the area was cleared, they found it suitable for camping, adventure trails, other crops, a restaurant and function hall, and a training area.

Eventually, the couple developed the farm further to accommodate poultry, a tilapia pond, backyard vegetables, and even a high-value crops section. Now, the couple is nearly done establishing their high-yield crops and dragon fruit section.  

Maintaining the farm 

Each element on their farm is routinely maintained by five staff members who have different roles and specialties in farm management. Through it all, Sablay also plays an active role on their farm as he does the planning and directing. He also trains their staff.

Chickens raised on Artemio’s Heritage Ecofarm.

“Occasionally I would also sleep on the farm for straight seven days and do farming myself. I also take charge of landscaping and beautification of the farm. My wife and son take charge of our e-farming side, which is the online promotion of our farm and services,” he said. 

Presently, their piggery is the most prolific element on their farm. Next are the red lady papaya and the tilapia-koi section. With incoming flowing in from these sources, the couple can continue their daily farm operations. 

The tilapia pond in the farm.

“Our farm works on the farm-to-table concept, which uses our products and produce at our agritourism space. We have a campsite and farm restaurant opening in a week or two, depending on the condition of lockdown due to COVID in the area,” Sablay said. 

According to Sablay, one of their goals for the farm is for it to become the first to practice the farm-to-table concept in their area. They produce what they sell and in the process of doing so, they hope to connect with other farms and inspire them to do the same.

ome of their products include a special large-size lechon that’s directly sourced from their piggery; consumers can choose between three variants such as regular, salty, and seafood stuffed. 

They also offer fresh produce like herbs and naturally-grown vegetables as well as processed items like gourmet tuyo, drip coffee, and homemade jams. Sablay said that they plan to make all these available at their on-site cafe. 

Running off to the province did more for Sablay and his family than to just “escape” the community quarantine in the city. It became a way for them to start their farming journey which allowed them to create a sustainable source of income through the crops, livestock, and farm tourism aspect of Artemio’s Heritage Ecofarm. 

For more information, visit Artemio’s Heritage Ecofarm on Facebook.

Photos courtesy from Artemio’s Heritage Ecofarm on Facebook

Deutsche Post - Rentenservice: Hinweise zur Lebensbescheinigung 2021

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Aufgrund des Corona-Virus sind weltweit sowohl die Bewegungsfreiheit des Einzelnen als auch der Publikumsverkehr bei Behörden, Banken und sonstigen Stellen stark eingeschränkt. Da deswegen die Möglichkeiten zur Bestätigung einer Lebensbescheinigung stark begrenzt sind, haben die deutschen Rentenversicherungsträger und die Deutsche Post AG, Renten Service wie im Jahr 2020 Vereinfachungen für die Lebensbescheinigung 2021 vereinbart (siehe Abschnitte  a – c)

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Saving Cordillera mountains, empowering indigenous communities

 Maligcong Rice Terraces, Bontoc, Mountain Province (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO)

by Charissa Luci-Atienza , Manila Bulletin

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has launched two major research programs seeking to protect the mountains in the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), and ensure water security and climate resilience for indigenous communities in the region.

DOST Secretary Fortunato “Boy” T. de la Peña said the two programs were launched by DOST-CAR to preserve the region’s mountains through innovative engineering solutions, and ensure enough, safe, and clean water supply in indigenous communities in CAR.

He said the first program calls for the establishment of a “Mountain Engineering Center” in the region. It is funded under the Science for Change Program (S4CP) Niche Centers in the Regions for R&D (NICER).

The DOST chief said “Program Boondock: A Mountain Engineering Center Towards Sustainable Infrastructure and Upland Water Security” is a collaborative effort of the DOST-CAR with the University of the Cordilleras (UC), Kalinga State University (KSU), Saint Louis University (SLU) and the Watershed and Water Resources Research, Development and Extension Center (WWRRDEC). WWRRDEC is one of the Research Centers of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources- Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (DENR-ERDB).

“The first program seeks to enhance the industrial competitiveness of the Cordilleras in the field of agriculture, tourism and mobility through mountain engineering solutions and promote social and human development through upland water security, and environmental sustainability,” he said.

De la Peña said the second program seeks to ensure water security and climate resilience for Cordillera’s mountain indigenous communities through technology-enhanced decision support tools.

It is funded under DOST’s National Research Council of the Philippines’s (NRCP) Grants-in-Aid ` (GIA) program and will be jointly implemented by DOST-CAR with the Mountain Province State Polytechnic College (MPSPC) and University of the Cordilleras (UC) The initiative is expected “to bring about sufficient, clean and safe domestic water supply in mountain communities especially during the dry season,” de la Peña said.

“It will provide the necessary data and information to support decisions on water resources development for water supply that are more resilient to climate change and climate variability,” he said. “It also seeks to establish technology enhanced information and decision support system for the conservation and protection of the rivers and watersheds of the Cordilleras,” he added.

The involved LGUs in both programs are the provincial government units of Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Mountain Province; and municipal government units of Sallapadan, Abra; Itogon, Tuba, Tublay, and La Trinidad, Benguet; Baguio City; Banaue, Ifugao; Tabuk City, and Tinglayan, Kalinga; and Bontoc and Bauko, Mountain Province.

The research programs were launched on June 8.

What is “please” in Tagalog?

There simply is no easy answer for this, or in other words, there is no one specific word that exists in Tagalog.

Some people might say the word is “paki-” but this is not entirely correct. “Paki-” can only be used with verbs (actions) and has very specific rules about how it can be used. “Paki-” is used when you are commanding someone to do something (imperatives) but when you want to do so in a more polite way. It can ONLY be used in this way. Here are some examples:

Ipasa mo ang tubig. → Pass the water.

Paki-pasa ang tubig. → Please pass the water.

Tulungan mo kami. → Help us.

Paki-tulungan mo kami. → Please help us.

Notice how both examples are examples where the “paki-” is added onto the front of a verb (action). Also notice how the first example changes the verb ever so slightly when you add the “paki-”. This is the tricky part of using “paki-”. So it is good to know that “paki-” is not exactly the best translation for the word “please” in all cases.

Instead the best answer to the question is to realize why we say “please” in the first place. We say “please” in English in order to show respect or to be more polite or honorific to someone. Tagalog’s way of doing this is with the word “po”.

Now “po” does not mean “please”; it actually doesn’t translate to anything in English. It is called the “respect word” and is used to show respect or to be extra polite. And that’s exactly what is does. Here are some examples:

Ako si Juan. → I am Juan. (casual)

Ako po si Juan. → I am Juan. (polite)

Ano ang pangalan niya? → What is his/her name? (casual)

Ano po ang pangalan niya? → What is his/her name? (polite)

Notice how the translations for both the “casual” (meaning the sentences without “po”) and the “polite” (meaning the sentences with “po”) both translate to the exact same thing in English, but the implication (the subtext) is that one is just more respectful than the other. Again, “po” doesn’t mean anything specifically in English, it’s just Tagalog’s way of being more respectful to someone—just how “please” does in English.

I did not mean to complicate what you might have hoped was a simple question, but it is good to be aware of accurate information and not be tricked by anyone claiming they have a simple answer!

THE POWER OF LISTENING

Do you sometimes feel like this, my dear readers, that you want to discuss something, but the people opposite to you simply cannot listen to you? Sometimes, I would love to tell them, "first, learn to listen"!

Listening is indeed the key in effective communication. A person does not have to speak all the time to be the smartest person in the room. Lack of listening may result in frustration, disappointment, and resentment in our relationships. When we listen, we are able to create stronger emotional connections with people.

Many times during my teaching, I'm happy when my students have one or more questions for me - so, I can listen to them first. Active listening promotes mindful thinking, which can reduce anxiety and depression in students. It can also help students build relationships because as they engage themselves in conversation, their peers are more likely to view them as open and interested.

However, every time you use active listening, it gets a little easier. It can help you to navigate through difficult conversations. More than that, it helps improve overall communication, builds a better understanding and ultimately leads to better relationships with family, friends and co-workers too.

Listening is an active process by which we make sense of, assess, and respond to what we hear. The listening process involves five stages: receiving, understanding, evaluating, remembering, and responding. Not only in school or at the workplace. But especially talking about the workplace: Listening helps managers to solicit feedback and proactively find out about problems before they escalate. It's also the only way for management to get to know people as individuals and ensure that they feel genuinely valued.

Listening and the supreme gift of wisdom belongs together. You can only become a wise person, if you know how to listen. Do you still remember the university lectures in your old student days once upon a time? Anybody can become wise, Proverbs says. Wisdom is not reserved for a brainy elite. Becoming wise requires self-discipline to study and humbly seek wisdom at every opportunity. And allow me to repeat: and, first, learn to listen.

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XIX): Chapter XIX: A big step towards the future

During our return flight from the Philippines to Berlin, I started dreaming of hosting a radio show in the Philippines. But more on that later, it should still take some time. For Rossana and I there were many trips to do again. Barbara and Ronald always offered to drive us to the airport. They already knew our dreams to emigrate to the Philippines.

Rossana was very interested in German history. So it made sense to travel to the southern parts of Germany: Munich, Nuremberg, Bamberg or Bayreuth. My then criminal law and editor invited us to Bayreuth. Unforgettable days awaited us. 

Bayreuth, the place for the annua; world famous Richard Wagner Festival. Richard Wagner (22 May 1813 in Leipzig – 13 February 1883 in Venice) was a German opera composer. He was one of the most important opera composers in Germany during the Romantic period. Apart from some music that he wrote as a student he wrote ten operas which are all performed regularly in opera houses today.

Rossana was so proud of this historic place to be able to have her picture taken: the statue of Cosima Wagner, 

born Francesca Gaetana Cosima Liszt; 24 December 1837 – 1 April 1930), daughter of the Hungarian pianist and composer Franz Liszt and Franco-German romantic author Marie d'Agoult.

Our good friend Joachim had meanwhile arranged a job as fashion consultant at a large department store chain in Berlin. But in the coming years we would be back and forth between Berlin and the Philippines several times. I started shooting video reports from my travels.

And then it happened. The property right next to Rossana's birthplace was offered for sale. My mother looked at us with wide eyes. "You have to know that. I do believe that one day you will want to spend your retirement years in the Philippines", she replied in a firm voice.  We bought the property, had a wall built around it and prepared it buildable.

Back in Berlin, I asked Rossana to visit the Philippine Embassy together with me. "What are we supposed to do there?" she asked. She was shocked by my answer.

(To be continued!)

Typical Filipino (XXI) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXI): "Ningas kugon" - Schnelle Sprinter, aber keine Dauerläufer

Viele Projekte starten mit der Geschwindigkeit eines Rennwagens, um nach wenigen Kilometern festzustellen, dass das Tanken vergessen wurde. Die Tendenz der Filipinos, ihren anfänglichen Enthusiamus auf halber Wegstrecke zu verlieren, kann man mit einem rasch erlöschendem Strohfeuer (NINGAS KUGON) vergleichen. Es fehlen  Ausdauer und Stehvermögen , wenn nach dem Startschuss Hindernisse den Schwung abbremsen. Ein möglicher Grund liegt vielleicht darin, dass die so wichtigen harmonischen zwischenmenschlichen Beziehungen Widersprüche, Kritik oder gar Ablehnung eines Projekts nicht dulden. Wenn kein anderer das Feuer schürt, erlischt der Funken und stirbt das Projekt.

Many projects start at the speed of a racing car only to find after a few kilometers that refueling has been forgotten. The tendency of Filipinos to lose their initial enthusiasm halfway through the road, can you compare it to a quick extinction in the flash in the pan. There is a lack of stamina when obstacles slow down the swing after the starting shot. One possible reason is that the important harmonious interpersonal relationships do not tolerate contradictions, criticism or even rejection of a project. If no one else starts the fire, the spark dies and the project dies.

ERIC (filipinosaround@gmail.com) 

Teacher, Public Speaking and Life Coach, Book and Poem Writer, Folkloric dancer and choreographer, a father, friendly and an admirer and beholder of natural beauty...God believer...

describes it as follows:

Ningas Kugon’ – a common Filipino trait

Yes,  what  is  “ningas kugon”?   For  the sake of  literal interpretation so  that  it  is  easily  understood,  allow  me to dissect  what  the phrase  means:  ningas means  “in flame”,  it  could also be a “spark” that could eventually turn  into  fire,  something that  could also  be “burning”.   There  are many  ways of interpreting  it  but,  basically  those  are  the  straight  out  meaning  in English as they are in Tagalog  and of course  if you come from a  different province in the Philippines,  the word  might  have  a contrasting  significance.  But  for  purposes  of understanding,  we shall make use of  how it  is  commonly  understood.  Going to the  ‘kugon’ –  it  actually  refers to a tall, perennial grass used in thatching. Its scientific name is  Imperata cylindrica.

Etimologically,  the  English word ‘cogon’ is from the Spanish cogón, while in  Tagalog,  it is  expressed and spelled as ‘kugon’.

Cogon grass is called  by  the Japanese as bloodgrass and is considered a noxious weed that’s a more invasive species than kudzu in the southeastern United States.

The  two words  put  together is  “flaming cogon grass”.  As  a  Filipino cultural  trait,  it  refers to the Filipino cultural trait of  enthusiastically starting things, but then quickly losing enthusiasm soon after. So  if  you try  to lit  up  a  ‘cogon’ you would observe  how it will just  burn into flames and poof!, gone afterwards!

Correlating  ‘ningas  cogon’  to the Filipinos  could be rooted  from the fact  that at  times  or  in  more ways  than  one,  Filipinos  tend  to leave problems  unsolved or  projects  undone   because  of lack of knowledge  on how  to resolve  or fix  the problems  thus,  it  is “better”  to  leave  it,  but,  the truth is, it  is more of  the lack of  understanding of the root  of the problems.

In short,  that  cultural  trait  has  been  attributed to the Filipinos  for  years and  somewhere along the years,  it  appears  that  Filipinos  themselves – not  all but  some –  have  admitted or even owned,  such a character  trait.   The  reality  though  is  different,  because  we know full well that we are much more  than  what that  preconceived attributions say  of  Filipinos  than what we  actually  are.  It  is  a negative  connotation  which  we ourselves  have  proven to be a  mere attribution outside  of  the fact.

Insofar as  I am concerned,  it  is  a  misnomer  in the Filipino culture  that  could even lead  to discrimination to us as Filipinos and to our  culture in general.  It  has  been proven  for years that Filipinos are hard workers,  and those  who  are  abroad working  are sacrificing  for the sake of their  families  and loved ones left  behind in the Philippines,  is  a demonstration of  NOT being a ‘ningas kugon’.  Filipinos  have made themselves  worthy  to any society  they face.  Experience  tells us  that.  Although  a  saying holds  true  ‘that in any  forest  there is a snake’  but,  the  Filipinos have shown integrity  and  dignity,  and  in  the midst  of the problems  the country and its people are  facing  now, our  nature  is  to prosper,  and it may  not  come  now  but  surely,  later.

BPSK successes pilot implementation of “Usapang Kalusugan.”

 

Davao de Oro Province--- The “Bayanihan Para sa Karunungan” or the BPSK of PLGU-Davao de Oro successes pilot implementation of the “Usapang Kalusugan” under its Nutrition Education Component which aims to empower local community members on health and nutrition.

This nutrition education component of the BPSK acts on the issue of malnutrition in DdO through sustainable education talks. In collaboration with other offices, Usapang Kalusugan delivers education concerning nutrition, health, food security, and sanitation in schools and communities.

Last June 12, 2021, at Barangay Golden Valley, Mabini Davao de Oro the Usapang Kalusugan became part of the Outreach Program of PLGU-Davao de Oro to Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDA) in the province.

The pilot implementation of the program became successful as BPSK partners with the Department of Education-Davao de Oro (DepEd-DdO), Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO), Provincial Health Office (PHO), Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO), Provincial Veterinary’s Office (PVO), Kusina ng Kalinga (KNK), and Women’s Development Program.

Various inputs were given to the community throughout the day such as food preparation and meal planning, animal production, utilization of indigenous vegetables, basic food groups, nutrition in an emergency, environmental sanitation, and talks about the “Liwanag ng Pamilya Program”, rights of child and their responsibility, and rights of parents and their responsibility which is essential for a good foundation of parenthood.

The program also includes the distribution of vegetable seeds for the community, an exhibit of container vegetable gardening, and a cooking demonstration.

Meanwhile, in the advent of the hybrid mode of learning, BPSK also partnered with “Serbisyo Oro Mismo” (SOM) which led to the creation of “Usapang Karunungan”, an online education platform that promotes educational programs and information. The program continues to broadcast relevant topics pertaining to education via social media platforms, radio, and television.

With its various components and through collaborative efforts, “The Bayanihan Para Sa Karunungan” continues to deliver its services all-out. (Jasteen Abella, Information Division Davao de Oro)

Typical Filipino (XX) - Typisch Philippinisch (XX): "Mukha" - das Gesicht

 

The mukha (face) is targeted by the trillion-dollar cosmetics industry. They pour a big percentage of their marketing strategies into selling facial formula to men and women who desire smoother, finer, fairer skin, and wish for well-arched eyebrows, inviting eyes, taller nose, younger lips and glossy, healthy hair.

In Filipino culture pagmumukha, or the "impact of the face" demands more than cosmetic application. Such impact may be light and pleasant (magaan), refreshing (maaliwalas), and smiling or happy (masaya) which more than compensate for the lack of beauty with or without cosmetics. The opposite impact of course, even in a beautiful face, may be heavy (mabigat), sour (maasim), and problematic (problemado).

Filipinos legen großen Wert auf ihre Fassade. Die äußere Fassade ist von höchster Bedeutung. Sie unterscheiden klar zwischen äußerlichem Anschein und innerem Selbst. Ehemänner werden niemals mit anderen über Auseinandersetzungen mit der Ehefrau sprechen, denn dies würde auch ihre Schwächen beleuchten. Viele unglückliche Ehen bestehen, "bis der Tod sie scheidet", so sehr beide darunter leiden mögen - nur um in der Öffentlichkeit den Schein zu wahren.

Für manche Filipinos zählen gar ausschließlich Äusserlichkeiten, so daß sie versuchen, ihre Illusionen anderen zu verkaufen. Filipinos haben ein besonders feinsinniges Gespür für derartige Oberflächlichkeiten. Sie bezeichnen solches Gaukelwerk als BALATKAYO (Heuchlerei) oder PAKITANGTAO (öffentliche Show). Konsequenterweise beurteilen Filipinos eine Person nach ihrem inneren Selbst (LOOB), das den Charakter bestimmt.

Filipinos attach great importance to their facade. The outer facade is of paramount importance. They make a clear distinction between outward appearances and inner self. Husbands would never speak to others about arguments with their wives, as this would highlight their weaknesses.The aim of unhappy marriages is to persist "until death dies them part" - as much as both may suffer - just to keep up appearances in public.

For some Filipinos only appearances count, so they try to sell their illusions to others. But they have a particularly fine feel for such superficialities. They call such jugglery work hypocrisy or public show. Consequently, Filipinos judge a person according to their inner self, which determines their character. 

WAS THAT REALLY A GOOD IDEA?

I remember my childhood. I heard this question many times, when I refused to be a "good boy". Growing up, we're all taught to follow the rules. Wait your turn in line. Fill in the bubble of the right answer. Eat your dessert last. Tie your shoes and tuck your shirt in. Don't ask stupid questions. But adults are allowed to ask this question. We're rewarded for caution and deliberation, punished for coloring outside the lines.

Over time, we're shuffled into groups based on test results and pursue careers based on our credentials and degrees. I found myself again in a publishing house.  We eventually file into offices where we are required to dress a certain way, talk a certain way; behave a certain way. At some point along this journey, the world designates you as "creative" or "non-creative" with most people falling into the latter category. Actually, I always found myself creative. Well... . Yes, I have always known that creative thinking is necessary for success.

Good ideas - bad ideas! The EXAGO blog based in Lisboa/Portugal and  Curitiba/Brazil shows us some examples of how bad ideas can lead to good ideas.

Most people will have heard the basic mantra of brainstorming: there is no such thing as a bad idea. With this premise in mind, people are encouraged to share any idea they have without fear of ridicule or judgement. While some concepts may not be achievable, these so-called ‘bad ideas’ can often be necessary stepping stones to good ones.

Bad ideas can sometimes have great potential, they just need to be picked apart and refined. That’s where collaboration comes in: by bringing in your community to provide valuable inputs, ideas can be improved upon collectively to ultimately lead to business success.

It can also happen that ideas may seem outlandish but which hold real value. The key is to identify the assets of a ‘crazy’ idea and invest in developing it to bear fruits. It can however be difficult to spot such an idea, particularly for larger companies. The following  three steps could prove useful so that companies do not miss out on the good of ‘bad’ ideas:

Re-framing seemingly problematic ideas may just need re-framing. Rather than discarding it completely, look at the problem and the solution, and explore other paths that could lead to possible breakthroughs.

Listen to all stakeholders regularly – their insights can help move towards a better version of an idea. The individual expertise and experience of each employee can help mold an idea to add value.

You should want to get more ideas fast, but you should also make sure that idea generation is effective to help you make your way through the fog and achieve real, measurable success.

Embracing bad ideas is part of the idea generation process, which has proven to be more effective in companies that nurture a culture of innovation and encourage creativity and innovation across the board.

Mark Twain expressed once: “There is no such thing as a new idea. It is impossible. We simply take a lot of old ideas and put them into a sort of mental kaleidoscope. We give them a turn and they make new and curious combinations. We keep on turning and making new combinations indefinitely; but they are the same old pieces of colored glass that have been in use through all the ages.”

I strongly agree with him.