A climate disaster despite a landmark historic treaty

While the rainy season officially started here in the Philippines, we are still sweating in summer temperatures. And not only us. In my home country Germany and neighboring European countries, the temperatures climbed up to 38 degrees. And as if it wasn't enough, California  hit over 50 degrees Celsius yesterday.That has an impact again on the whole world.

The Antarctic is nearing a climate disaster despite a landmark historic treaty. Burning fossil fuels threatens one of the last areas on earth left unspoiled by extractive human industries. Author Ajit Niranjan captionedit  it in one of his latest write ups: "The remote continent of Antarctica is melting!"

Yes, when the Antarctic Treaty came into effect 60 years ago, its signatories had little idea how successful it would be. World leaders agreed to leave an uninhabited continent twice the size of Australia free from war, weapons and nuclear waste. They declared that the southern polar region, which is 98% ice and does not have an indigenous population, should belong to no country and instead be devoted to collaborative science. In the following decades, extra rules to stop companies mining minerals and drilling for oil turned Antarctica into the biggest nature reserve in the world.

About 90% of the world's surface freshwater is locked up in the Antarctic Ice Sheet and, as the planet heats up, glaciers whose collapse would deluge coastal cities from New York to Jakarta are melting and growing less stable.

World leaders have pledged to limit warming to well below 2 degrees Celsius this century, but their current policies will heat the world by almost 3 C, according to Germany-based research group Climate Action Tracker. A study published in the journal Nature in May found that a global temperature rise of 3 C would lead to an "abrupt jump" in the pace of Antarctic ice loss that would, in turn, trigger "rapid and unstoppable" sea-level rise.

Alessandro Antonello, a historian at Flinders University in Australia who has written a book about environmental politics in Antarctica, said "the central environmental challenge to Antarctica today is undoubtedly climate change." Yet, of the 54 parties to the treaty that protects it, the 29 with voting rights include the world's biggest historical polluters, such as the US and Germany, as well as fast-growing emitters like China, India and Brazil.

 "There is definitely a level of hypocrisy," Antonello added. And yes, he is so very, very right, my dear readers.

For scientists, cooperation meant refueling planes at bases of other countries — essential in such a hostile landscape — and sharing findings. Teams of scientists in the Antarctic have collected climate data stretching back hundreds of thousands of years and in 1985 they discovered a dangerous hole in the ozone layer above it.

Earth's polar regions are warming faster than the rest of the planet. But unlike the North Pole, which has become the focus of geopolitical tensions as melting ice reveals rich resources, the South Pole has few known minerals or fuels to exploit other than some reserves of coal and oil. That has helped shield it from the attention of extractive industries.

Still, the Antarctic is big and similar enough to nearby geological areas to likely be home to more resources. Together with the region's inhospitable landscape — with thick ice and harsh weather making any commercial extraction costly — the Treaty's 1991 ban on mining and drilling has kept Antarctica free from anything other than scientific exploration. The ban is indefinite and may first be reviewed in 2048.

"Climate breakdown is drastically changing the scenery in the Antarctic, '' said Laura Meller, an ecologist and polar expert with Greenpeace Nordic, which successfully campaigned to protect the region from mining and drilling. "For life in the water surrounding the continent, that is a drastic transformation." Species such as the Patagonian Toothfish are still being hunted unsustainably in the Southern Ocean surrounding the Antarctic. Seabirds like albatrosses and petrels get caught up in huge nets as by catch gets thrown away.

The legal uncertainty also applies to tourism. Antarctica receives about 70,000 tourists each year, mostly in the summer. While this is low relative to the size of the continent, they mostly go to the same several dozen locations, which concentrates their impact. Antarctica has no police force and — without a sovereign government — it is still unclear who would pay for the damage done by foreign visitors in the event of large-scale disasters like an oil spill from a grounded ship.

Still, as an example of global cooperation, the Antarctic Treaty has not been matched — though some experts are skeptical that it could be replicated in today's political climate of rising populism. 

Another climate change global problem without solution?

WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS (XX)

Chapter XX: We all pack our things! Goodbye Germany!

It did not last long. Rossana agreed. We set up an appointment with the then Philippine Vice Consul Armando L. Comia in the Philippine Embassy Berlin. He looked amazed at us  - at me specially. We could get on very  personally through many events in the Filipino Community in Berlin. Then his secretary gave us a list. 18 requirements on how to apply for a Non-Quota-Visa Section 13 (G) of the Philippine Immigration Act. 

Yes, my decision was firm. I wanted to immigrate to the Philippines with my wife and, of course, with my mother too, forever. Eighteen requirements - I took a deep breath. Rossana too. My mother, well, several months later, too.

Fact is, our subsequent stays in the Philippines made her feel very much at home. Rossana's family had no doubt that sooner or later, we would settle here in the Philippines. Me too. Rossana too.

Our coming and numerous trips to the Philippines each together with my mother followed. Meanwhile she became 73. "You don't transplant an old tree!" Many of our old acquaintances and friends in the place where I was born tried to intervene against our plan. "Where else do I have family?" my mother asked.

Back in Berlin, we went on many trips. Poland, Denmark, Austria, Switzerland ... . I was a really passionate driver without speed limit on German highways (Autobahn). Sometimes, my car and I reached 200 km per hour. But my thoughts stayed in the Philippines. A never-ending journey of my  mind. In Germany, Rossana and I had a steady and well-paid job. My mother was already a lucky retiree. 

The construction work for our new house in the Philippines has begun. Who lives where? Where is my bathroom? Where is the kitchen? How does our furniture fit where. Ask about questions?  In the meantime, Rossana and I tried to answer all the questions the Philipine Embassy Berlin gave us for the emigration.

I tried to capture more and more reports on camera about the Philippines for Germany, But somehow I already lived here.

On October 30, 1998 our non-quota visa was issued and signed by Vice Consul Armando L. Comia. Our households were packed in two containers. A 40 feet and a 20 feet container. Christa, our special friend, gave us shelter in her apartment for the last few days. Meanwhile, she worked at the Australian Embassy. 

Goodbye Germany. We left a lot behind. No mention of any details. Many things awaited us. Good and bad, But my life as an expat in the Philippines started now. Ludwig van Beethoven was with me. And some others too. Should my trip around the world come to an end? Maybe. But with which amazing consequences?

(To be continued!)

PH braces for another school year under distance learning

by Merlina Hernando-Malipot

Manila Bulletin

After President Duterte once again thumbed down proposals to implement limited face-to-face classes amid the pandemic, a group of teachers urged the Department of Education (DepEd) to start preparing the education system for another school year under distance or blended learning.

Some teachers hold online classes under distance learning. (MARK BALMORES / MANILA BULLETIN)

The Teachers’ Dignity Coalition (TDC), a 30,000 strong-group, on Tuesday, June 22, said that the DepEd should be able to identify by now the challenges under distance learning which is being implemented this school year.

“With the President, again rejecting limited face-to-face class proposals from DepEd, it is now clear that the same learning system will be used in the entire country for school year 2021-2022,” TDC National Chairperson Benjo Basas said.

Duterte, during his pre-recorded televised address on Monday night, once again rejected the proposal of DepEd to implement limited face-to-face classes in low risk areas. Education Secretary Leonor Briones, as a response, has withdrawn the request of DepEd.

This is not the first time that Duterte rejected calls for the pilot testing of limited face-to-face classes at the basic education level. In December, DepEd formally sought the approval of the President for the pilot implementation of face-to-face classes which was supposed to start in January 2021.

While the President initially agreed, he recalled his decision with the detection of new COVID-19 variant in the country. In February, the proposed pilot implementation of face-to-face classes was once again brought up the proposal to the President, however, it was also rejected.

Given the latest pronouncement of the President of not allowing face-to-face classes, TDC said that DepEd is likely to adopt distance learning as part of its Basic Education Learning Continuity Plan (BE-LCP).

Under the BE-LCP, students learn their lessons at home through the use of multiple learning delivery modalities such as modular (printed and offline), online learning, television and radio-based instruction, and blended learning or a combination of two or more alternative delivery modes.

However, TDC expressed concern that the teachers, learners and parents will once again experience the challenges they have experienced under distance learning this school year.

“And thus, the same problems of inaccessibility of children to online platforms, non-provision of gadgets for our teachers, lack of self-learning modules or its erroneous content and inability of many parents to facilitate the learning may again be encountered,” Basas said.

Given this, TDC called on the leadership of DepEd to “prepare the system and learn from the lessons of the current school year before declaring the start of another.”

Women’s Association in Montevista get livelihood support from DA-SAAD

 

Davao de Oro --- The Department of Agriculture through the Special Area for Agricultural Development (DA-SAAD) program has successfully turned-over 240 upgraded native chicken and sacks of feeds worth of P240, 200 for New Dalaguete Women’s Association in Montevista, Davao de Oro.

 The SAAD is a locally-funded program of DA that is intended to help alleviate poverty among the marginalized sectors by providing livelihood projects on agriculture and fishery to generate daily income and uplift their living condition.

Through the efforts of Revitalized Pulis sa Barangay (RPSB) New Dalaguete headed by PLT Analou F. Hormigas, the said association with 230 members became one of the government-accredited people’s organization in the province dedicated to empowering women advocacy through programs designed to build economic capacity.

 Witnessing the turn-over were SAAD Regional Focal Person, Naomi C. Lamata, PLTCOL Eulogia D. Galicia of DdO Provincial Police Office, Municipal Mayor Eutropio S. Jayectin represented by Board Member Jojo Jauod, Municipal Agriculturist, Nelma R. Aranton and personnel from the RPSB Davao de Oro.

This project aims to achieve the objective of Executive Order No. 70 or Whole of Nation Approach to End Local Communists Armed Conflict thru delivering government services and projects in barangay level. (Rheafe Hortizano – Provincial Information Office, Photos by RPSB-DdO)

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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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!)