Mangrove restoration should include social aspects, involve community — study

Gaea Katreena Cabico - Philstar.com

Mangrove forest in Bislig, Surigao del Sur

Diovanie De Jesus, Oceana

MANILA, Philippines — Studies on mangrove restoration need to be more inclusive and also include the social attributes of this important ecosystem to improve how conservation is done across Southeast Asia, scientists from the University of the Philippines said. 

A study published by by UP Diliman Institute of Biology Associate Professor Dr. Severino Salmo III and biology graduate student Maria Elisa Gerona-Daga and published in Frontiers and Marine Science found that most publications on mangrove restoration assessed ecological attributes, around three times more than those that linked restoration to social aspects

Community-based restoration (15%), eco-cultural practices (14%), and environmental education (5%) were relatively less studied.

Island biogeography graduate student Mark Angelo Bucay said the paper's findings show the lack of focus on integrative, multidisciplinary studies.

"While it is ‘a must’ for scientific studies to be published in peer-reviewed studies, scientific articles on community-based experiences, social attributes like community lessons from restoration success (and failure), economic profiling and ethno-botanical reviews remain lagging," Bucay told Philstar.com. 

"Viewing human community dynamics as part of the total mangrove ecosystem science has not been the case for decades," he added. 

According to Bucay, more collaboration between natural and social scientists will encourage more research on the social components of mangrove restoration.

Appreciating social dimensions increases value of mangroves

The study of Gerona-Daga and Salmo stressed that the integration of social dimensions in ecological restoration of mangroves can increase the ecosystem’s socio-cultural value. 

This can also lead to more scientific output through community engagement or through "citizen science", which includes mapping mangroves with local community partners and local knowledge and practices. 

"Future restoration strategies may benefit to focus on citizen science, and include social attributes, in addition to the usual focus of ecological attributes in mangrove restoration," the study read. 

Mangroves in Southeast Asia

Southeast Asia accounts for nearly a third of the world’s mangrove extent and has the greatest diversity of mangrove species. Unfortunately, the region also suffers extensive mangrove losses, which result in biodiversity loss and the reduction of ecosystem services — the value that healthy ecosystems give to humans.

Myanmar is Southeast Asia’s mangrove loss hotspot, suffering a 27.6% decline between 2000 and 2014, according to a survey of 355 mangrove restoration research by Salmo and Gerona-Daga.

The study also found that the Philippines has the second worst mangrove decline in the region, with the country losing 10.5% of its mangrove forests between 1990 and 2010. The rapid expansion of aquaculture ponds for fish is the main driver of mangrove loss in the Philippines.

According to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, the Philippines had 303,373 hectares of mangrove forests in 2015, down from an estimated 450,000 hectares in 1918. 

Mangroves provide a range of ecosystem services, including coastline protection, carbon storage and sequestration, and provision of habitats for various species. Mangroves also support the livelihood of coastal communities.

What should mangrove restoration research focus on?

Gerona-Daga and Salmo proposed five priority research topics that will enhance the outcomes of mangrove restoration studies in Southeast Asia:

Restoration areas and methods

Mangrove restoration in climate change adaptation and mitigation programs

Monitoring recoveries of biodiversity and ecosystem services

Policies, governance, and community engagement

Strengthening of regional collaboration

The researchers acknowledge the topics are "biased for biodiversity and ecosystem services," noting these will highlight Southeast Asia's contribution towards realizing the targets for the United Nations Decade on Ecosystem Restoration in 2030. This aims to prevent, halt, and reverse the degradation of ecosystems across the globe. 

They also suggested including more mangrove faunal and floral species that would serve as bases for selecting and prioritizing sites for restoration, and the need to design restoration projects to adapt to and mitigate climate change impacts.

They also said that correlating vegetation metrics — using plant growth to assess the health of an ecosystem — with ecosystem services would also help assess how effective a restoration program is. 

"Our study aims to provide suggestions in line with international commitments of ASEAN-member countries. The pressing need is to establish and consistently monitor the state of the mangroves for each country, protect mangroves through biodiversity conservation programs, and more importantly, to stop or limit coastal reclamation projects," Salmo said. 

In the Philippines, reclamation projects disturb ecosystems such as mangroves and seagrasses, and threaten the livelihood of coastal communities. 

There are 187 reclamation projects across the archipelago, according to a Philippine Reclamation Authority master list of approved, pending, and ongoing dump-and-fill ventures.

At least 30 projects are in Manila Bay, while 19 projects are recorded in Negros Occidental, 15 in Panay island, 19 in Cebu and Bohol and 25 in Eastern Visayas. The list does not include the Bulacan aerotropolis and the Dumaguete reclamation projects.

Future of mangrove conservation 

Proposed measures seeking to establish a national greenbelt program to protect coastal communities from the worsening impacts of climate change remain pending at the committee level in the Senate and the House of Representatives. 

Coastal greenbelt zones are composed of mangroves and beach forest areas.

"We live in an archipelago with one of the longest coastlines that are also the pathways of typhoons and storm surges, yet the government favored the so-called development projects in exchange for coastal defense provided by mangroves and beach forest areas which had been decimated as a result of reclamation and dump-and-fill projects," said Gloria Estenzo-Ramos, vice president of Oceana Philippines. 

For Mangrove Matters PH founder Matthew Vincent Tabilog, the future of mangrove research and conservation in the country is bright if there is inclusivity in mangrove research. 

"Allowing citizen science as a pilot program for the locals can be a good start for them to contribute to mangrove studies," Tabilog said. He added that grassroots conservation measures that can be learned from coastal communities should be integrated in studies.

Bucay also stressed that the Philippines cannot be a leader in mangrove research and conservation if there is no systemic support given to mangrove science. 

"Scientists and advocates can do their job on research, instructions and extensions, but these are all limited if institutional safeguards on mangrove conservation aren’t in place," Bucay said.

"Environmental laws and implementations should be science- and people-based if we want our mangroves to thrive."

Local holidays

by Senator Francis Tolentino

‘TOL VIEWS

Senator Francis Tolentino

Many studies have actually proven that travel, leisure and recreation is a vital human activity that is not only beneficial to human health and wellness but is likewise essential to establishing a vibrant and sustainable economy.  The restrictions on people’s mobility during the pandemic, keeping them locked down inside their homes, impinged greatly on the people’s physical and mental health. Vaccines and boosters have indeed done well to increase physical immunity.  Leisure and travel, on the other hand, are viewed as antidotes to the mental impacts resulting from the Covid-19 virus.

Local holidays open opportunities for people to travel, relax, and enjoy time with family, friends and loved ones.  These occasional breaks from the usual daily work schedule of people are often happily anticipated for the respite they bring, no matter how short or temporary these breathers may be.  Vacation and travel create a chain reaction which impact domestic tourism and local economy.  Last year, revenues derived from tourism were at ₱208.96 billion. Similarly, tourism-related jobs were recorded approximately at 5.23 million in 2022.  With Covid-19 now endemic, the Department of Tourism (DOT) is positive that all tourism related statistics – from arrivals to expenditures – will exceed even pre-pandemic heights in 2023. 

People travel for many reasons, but the most common remains to be for leisure and relaxation, and these travels often happen on long-weekends resulting from local holidays.  People spend a great deal of time, energy and money just to ensure that travel opportunities tagged along by either our regular or special non-working holidays are maximized.  Holiday tourism has indeed given local tourism and local economy its much needed boost.  Tourism remains a vital economic engine for the country.  Hence, in order to ensure a sustained recovery in the aftermath of Covid-19, the Philippine tourism industry shall have to remain a primary focus in the national blueprint for economic sustainability.

House leader eyes $25 entry tax on foreign tourists

Published February 9, 2023, 9:23 AM

by Ellson Quismorio, MB

A $25 entry tax on foreign visitors to the Philippines that would be set aside and used to improve tourist welfare services.

Boracay, arguably the crown jewel of Philippine tourism. (RJ Baculo/ Unsplash)

That, in a nutshell, is the proposal of Camarines Sur 2nd district Rep. LRay Villafuerte, as contained in House Bill (HB) No.5285.

“Tourism has been a growing force in the Philippine economy. The industry has contributed a total of P2.85 trillion to the local economy in 2016, almost 20 percent of our GDP (gross domestic product,” said the veteran solon, whose province was at one time declared by the Department of Tourism (DOT) as the country’s top destination on his watch as governor.

“In 2017, the DOT recorded over 6.6 million tourist arrivals, posting an 11 percent growth from the previous year. The industry performed well in 2018 and 2019 with a respective rise of 16 percent and 17 percent in tourist arrivals, but the momentum was disrupted the following year with the advent of Covid-19,” he said.

Under the proposed Tourist Welfare Tax Law, $25 will be collected from every foreigner visiting the Philippines for tourism and leisure, and staying here for a period of not more 60 days, This levy shall be tucked in the cost of his or her airline ticket.

“This tourist tax shall be reflected in official receipts (ORs) issued by international and domestic carriers, and which shall then be handed over to the ]DOT] for the development of tourist welfare services, improvement of TIEZA’s (Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority) services in tourism infrastructure, and for upgrading the programs of LGU (local government unit) tourism offices in their respective localities,” read the Villafuerte bill.

Villafuerte, president of the National Unity Party (NUP), said the fixed rate of $25 is “proposed to be competitive with that of the current taxes other countries have set. “This is mainly based on the average rates of entry and exit taxes imposed by Asian countries such as Thailand, Indonesia, Brunei, Sri Lanka, Cambodia, Hong Kong and China.”

He explained that the collection of entry and exit taxes has been imposed by other countries on visiting foreign nationals in order to boost their respective tourism development funds.

HB No.5285 recognizes Philippine tourism as “an indispensable element of the national economy and an industry of national interest and importance, which must be harnessed as an engine of socioeconomic growth and cultural affirmation to generate investment, foreign exchange and employment, and to continue to mold an enhanced sense of national pride for all Filipinos.”

The bill also includes a tax refund option for tourists erroneously charged as well as for those who have each spent over $10,000 or its peso equivalent in tourism receipts during their stay in the Philippines.

The measure is currently pending with the House Committee on Ways and Means.

TURKEY-SYRIA AND THE FILIPINO HEART

ReniMV Valenzuela

No person or nation is too poor to be unable to help others in times
of great need.

It is refreshing that our government immediately sent help to Turkey
and Syria as both nations were jolted by 7.8 magnitude temblor,
notwithstanding our own nation being battered by problems/issues left
and right like never before - from onion, inflation, corruption to
China invasion. Proverbs 11:25.

Do we often/usually do this as a country? Nope. What is common is our
nation being a recipient of compassion and all types of help and
assistance from other governments when natural calamities and
catastrophes hit our land.

President Bongbong Marcos was prompt in his action as he appears
genuine, having a heart for the victims of the massive earthquake that
caused and tallied 12,000 confirmed deaths as of this writing. BBM is
showing some signs that he's different from most of his predecessors
in this aspect and in some other areas that he can be lauded (thus
far), much less in his seemingly openness/receptivity to criticisms.

Kudos.

renivalenzuelaletters@yahoo.com

MOVIEGOER: Nora survives health issues, stars in new film, writes book

Published February 9, 2023, 8:00 AM

by Nestor Cuartero, MB

Nora Aunor

Reports of Nora Aunor’s failing health took a backseat when she gamely faced media Feb. 4 to announce she was making another screen comeback, her nth.

The superstar and National Artist admitted she had not been feeling well in recent past. She has breathing problems. She gets tired easily. She checks in regularly in hospital.

For a moment, Nora said she had thought that with her condition, she could no longer make another film. She also said she was ready to retire, yet it seems the industry won’t allow her.  

That afternoon at Victorino’s in Quezon City, however, the superstar was pure energy, hale and hearty. Being with right company, the media included, she said, fueled her enthusiasm.

“I’m feeling so much better now as I talk to all of you. Bahala na how I will feel later when all this shall be over,” she made light of her state of health.

So, why did she decide to make another film considering her condition?

Nora said acting is her calling. She’s inspired to do more films when she watches other actors engaging in the craft that she has embraced and mastered through the years. 

She said she couldn’t refuse the offer by QC Councilor Alfred Vargas, who personally came to see her at home to make a pitch. In Alfred’s words, umakyat siya ng ligaw sa superstar for his own Alternative Vision Cinema.

The film’s premise and promise seemed sound. The project immediately appealed to her, she said. And it was to be directed by someone she has known well, Adolfo Alix Jr., who has directed two of her recent films, “Padre de Pamilya” and “Kontrabida.”

Alfred Vargas, Nora Aunor, Gina Alajar and director Adolfo Alix Jr.

xxx

In Pieta, Nora plays mother to Alfred, an ex- convict accused of having murdered his father. Her character is half-blind in her old age. She is also on the threshold of dementia. “Pieta” is Nora’s first movie after having been named National Artist in 2022.

Alfred said Nora is his personal choice for the film, reflecting the sentiment of every other Filipino actor, he said, whose one big dream is to make a film with the superstar.

Nora, on the other hand, found the councilor and former congressman quite humble, easy to talk to. “I found him quite intelligent and understanding. I am happy that being a councilor, he easily understands the plight of other people.” 

Pieta also stars Gina Alajar, Nora’s kumare and former director in the hit GMA series, “Onanay.”

The two best actresses previously acted together in five other films: My Little Brown Girl, Condemned, Bulaklak ng City Jail, Tatlong Ina, Isang Anak, Andrea.

Alfred Vargas, Nora Aunor and Gina Alajar

xxx

In the same Pieta event:

Nora also announced that the first tell-all book about her life will be published this year. Co-written by Adolfo Alix, it is being written in her own words for purposes of authenticity. That’s how Nora likes it told.

“Walang bawal-bawal, lahat pinagkukuwentuhan namin. Basta lahat, galing sa kanya,” said Alix.

Through the book, Nora wants to share her life experiences with the public, especially young people, so they may learn a thing or two on her life lessons.

Alfred is publishing the book, designed to be a series of no-holds barred confessions.

Gina Alajar spoke eloquently about Nora’s humility, a trait that hasn’t diminished through the years and despite her status.

“She’s not the type who will make her presence big on the set, like a diva. If she has something to settle with you, she talks to you privately.”

Int’l cruise ships due in Boracay this year

by Tara Yap, MB 

A FOREIGN tourist relaxes in a secluded beach resort in Boracay Island with international cruise ship, MS World Dream, in the background in this photo taken in January 2018. (Tara Yap)

ILOILO CITY – Several international cruise ships are set to dock in world-famous Boracay Island this year.

The Department of Tourism-Region 6 (Western Visayas) has released an initial list of these ships confirmed to stop in the country’s most popular beach destination.

ADVERTISEMENT

The first will be MS Seabourne Encore on Feb. 13. At least 600 tourists are expected to explore the resort-island for eight hours.

The second will be MS Nautica on March 6.

MS Westerdam of Holland America is scheduled for two visits on March 3 and Nov. 7. MV Norwegian Jewel is set to visit thrice this year – on Nov. 3 and 29 and Dec. 1.

Others visiting are MS Seven Seas Mariner on March 8, Star Breeze on Nov. 6, and MV Seven Seas Explorer on Nov. 17.

Tourists from these liners are given eight hours maximum to explore the white-sand beach, the secluded Puka Beach, souvenir shops, and restaurants. 

AMA Group partners with Broadway powerhouses to bring ‘The Sound of Music’ to life in Manila

Published February 8, 2023, 7:14 AM

by Manila Bulletin Entertainment

Jill-Christine Wiley as Maria and the von Trapp children. Photo by Matthew Murphy

The AMA Group of Companies is thrilled to announce their role as co-presenter of the classic Broadway musical, “The Sound of Music.”

With the whole cast coming to perform live in Manila, this timeless production, written by Rodgers & Hammerstein and based on the book by Lindsay & Crouse, will bring its enchanting story and memorable songs to life at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati from March 7 to 26.

Get ready to be swept away by the timeless music, heartwarming story, and unforgettable experience of this beloved classic. 

Step into the world of “The Sound of Music” and witness the heartwarming story of Maria, a young governess, who brings music and love to the von Trapp family.

The show features beloved songs like “My Favorite Things,” “Do-Re-Mi,” and the iconic title song, “The Sound of Music.”

This event is a perfect fit for AMA Group’s mission to promote lifelong learning among its employees, alumni, and students.

Don’t miss your chance to be swept away by the show’s timeless music, enchanting story and unforgettable experience. Book your tickets now at Ticketworld and be a part of this iconic Broadway production live in Manila. 

This production is presented by Broadway International Group, Broadway Asia Group, GMG Productions and the AMA Group of companies.

Book your tickets now thru Ticketworld – Link: https://bit.ly/amatsom

Setting our heart right

By Fr. Roy Cimagala *

HOW important to really set our heart right! And that’s because the heart in the end is where the true condition of our life can be found. Are we good or not so good? Are we properly focused or are we already going astray? These questions can be answered if we know the real condition of our heart.

We can base these assertions on what Christ said about our heart. For example, he said, “But what comes out of the man, that is what defiles him. From within the man, from his HEART, come evil thoughts, unchastity, theft, murder, adultery, greed, malice, deceit, licentiousness, envy, blasphemy, arrogance, folly. All these evils come from within and they defile.” (Mk 7,20-23)

Reiterating the same idea, he also said: “A good man brings good things out of the good stored up in his heart, and an evil man brings evil things out of the evil stored up in his heart. For the mouth speaks what the heart is full of.” (Lk 6,45)

We should never forget that the heart is not self-generated. It is a creature, a creature of God who wants it to be like his, his image and likeness. It is meant to be vitally united with God who is its very life, its very power and all. Without God, the heart at least malfunctions, if not dies.

We have to see to it that our heart is anchored on God through Christ in the Holy Spirit. He is the very source of our being, of our life. We are meant to be with him, though we can choose to stray from him due to the misuse of our freedom. That is why God always begs us, “My child, give me your heart, and let your eyes delight in my ways.” (Prov 23,26)

Everyday, we have to see to it that indeed our heart is anchored on God. We should never let it float in any way. We have to see to it that our heart increasingly gets united to God until it is fully identified with him.

We need to conquer our heart to channel the very heart of Christ who is the pattern of our humanity. How important therefore that we learn to engage the heart with the right treasure, the ultimately genuine one, the one that lasts forever, and not the many pseudo-treasures that the world offers. 

This, of course, requires some effort, and even gargantuan effort, because the human heart is actually very difficult to read, let alone manage. It can be tricky and very slippery to handle. St. Augustine’s words can come in handy here: 

“Man is a great deep, Lord.” he said. “You number his very hairs and they are not lost in your sight. But the hairs of his head are easier to number than his affections and the movements of his heart.”

How true! One of the big challenges of our life is to know how to read our heart, that is to say, to know who and how we really are at every step of our life. Oftentimes, our self-knowledge is far off the mark. We are usually affected by all kinds of conditionings, such that our self-knowledge is more subjective than objective.

Obviously to get a handle on our heart, we need to go to God. Our human estimations can never be enough. They can even be dangerous, since they are often very limited and, worse, biased. We have to be wary of the powerful pull these worldly and human estimations can exert on us.

* Chaplain Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE), Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

Who’s who: Binibining Pilipinas Class of 2023 Official Top 40

By

 Catalina Ricci S. Madarang

 -

 

Photos of BBP 2023 contenders Trisha Martinez, Atasha Reign Parani, Rheema Adakkoden, Mirjan Hipolito posted on February 6, 2023 (bbpilipinasofficial/Facebook)

Former pageant title holders and other familiar faces joined the lineup of candidates for this year’s edition of one of the most prestigious national pageants in the country.

Binibining Pilipinas (BBP) on Monday unveiled the official names and photos of the candidates who passed the final screening and advanced to the Top 40 of the pageant.

The  Class of 2023 Top 40 reveal came a month after the organization opened its applications for aspiring beauty queens in the country. 

Details about the coronation night are yet to be revealed.

Several Filipinos, meanwhile, noticed familiar names and faces on BBP’s posts. They expressed their support for their favorites in the comments section.

Former beauty queens in the list are as follows:

• Mirjan Hipolito – She represented Pampanga at the Miss Universe Philippines 2021. She made headlines for receiving a brand-new iPhone as a token of good luck from her team.

RELATED: How Angeles’ bet Mirjan Hipolito’s team is giving her support for Miss Universe Philippines journey

• Trisha Martinez – She was crowned Miss Tourism Philippines 2021 at the Miss World Philippines event during that year.
• Julia Mae Mendoza – She was a contestant at the Miss World Philippines 2019.
• Zeah Nestle Pala – She was crowned Miss Bikini Philippines 2021.

The following, meanwhile, are names of notable celebrities and personalities who are now BBP candidates:

• Xena Ramos – She is a newbie actress under Viva Artists.
• Atasha Reign Parani – She was a former cast member or “housemate” at the “Pinoy Big Brother” Season 8.
• Mary Joy Dacoron – She is a professional volleyball player under Chery Tiggo.

Actress Maja Salvador’s sister, Jessilen Salvador or Jessie is also among the roster of candidates.

Based on traction, the most popular candidate is Rheema Adakkoden, a Filipino-Indian model from Bicol. Her photo has so far garnered 17,000 reactions, 300 comments and 1,200 likes on the platform.

BBP crowns the country’s representatives for the following international beauty competitions—Miss International, Miss Intercontinental and Miss Globe.

The organization previously fields delegates to Miss Grand International and Miss Supranational.

Franchises for both events were later acquired by the Miss World Philippines organization.

RELATED: ‘Great move’: Binibining Pilipinas lauded for cutting ties with Miss Grand International 

Those who will win on BBP 2023 coronation night will succeed the following reigning queens:

• Binibining Pilipinas International 2022 Nicole Borromeo
• Binibining Pilipinas Grand International 2022 Roberta Angela Tamondong
• Binibining Pilipinas Intercontinental 2022 Gabrielle Basiano
• Binibining Pilipinas Globe 2022 Chelsea Fernandez

It should be noted that Nicole has yet to compete at Miss International 2023.

Her successor is Hannah Arnold, who ended her journey after advancing to the Top 15 of Miss International 2022.

Top 10 Places To Visit In The Philippines - You Won't Believe

In this video, you'll see the top 10 places to visit in the Philippines. From the diverse cultures to the amazing sights, you'll want to stay in the Philippines forever! Make sure to watch the video until the end to find out all of the amazing things this country has in store. ❓ About Us ❓ Here at CenTravel we'll serve as your travel guide showing you the best tips on where to travel in 2023, the ins and outs of the tourism industry, vacation recommendations, different options for international travel, trip planning and much more! We're always up to date on the top travel trends and news surrounding global tourism so be sure to stay tuned for more insights on what could be your next vacation!

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