Reduce, re-use, recycle to help address solid waste problem

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Oct 6, 2023 05:22 AM

  

---

The country is projected to generate approximately 24.49 million metric tons of waste by 2045 unless steps are taken to address its causes, according to a Commission on Audit (COA) study released earlier this year.

That same COA study showed that in the six-year period from 2015 to 2020, the total estimated waste generation grew by 33.36 percent, or at a rate of 5.56 percent annually.

What’s unfortunate to note is that the country’s solid waste problem keeps on growing despite the passage of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. This law calls for the proper segregation and disposal of waste. Under the law, local government units (LGUs) are also mandated to properly dispose of garbage collected from various sources, including households. Despite fines and imprisonment for violators, it is apparent these have not served as deterrent.

With this mounting garbage problem, it is incumbent upon everyone to play his or her role in addressing the garbage problem. And helping solve or at least mitigate the problem begins at home — in the family, the basic institution of the society.

In the COA report, it was cited that 9.07 million metric tons of solid waste was generated in 2006 and the figure almost doubled to 16.63 million metric tons in 2020. And based on projections, solid waste will increase to 19.76 million metric tons in 2030 and up to 24.5 million metric tons in 2045.
“Therefore, assuming a steady rate of waste generation, solid waste production shall continue to increase in future years, negating its goal of reducing waste,” the COA said in the report.

The COA cited at least seven major causes attributed to the failure to reduce waste over the years. These are: interventions to reduce the waste generators (households and industrial/commercial); increasing population, with challenges in family planning, especially in urban areas; lack of studies on materials with reusability/recyclability that can be promoted; dependence on single-use items without exception to non-environmentally acceptable (NEAP) products, especially in urban areas; waste imports from developed countries were still enforced in the absence of ratification of the Basel Ban Amendment; insufficient solid waste facilities to help divert and safely dispose of solid wastes, among others.

Waste management is not the sole responsibility of the state, it should be everyone’s concern — a whole-of-nation obligation. It should begin at home, in offices, in industrial centers, and in every corner.

Let’s all do our part in solving this waste problem. We can begin with the segregation of our garbage and then start reducing, re-using, and recycling. That would be a big help in addressing our garbage problem.

What is the meaning of the word "Adobo," and how did it come to be used for a Filipino dish?

 

Josh

Food Technologist & Political Economist |

672 followers

20 following

I am the Managing Editor of Manila Bay Morning Post - A Country Development Perspective. I believe that if humans focused on business and economic history, they would better understand who they are as a nation beyond the obsolescence of racism, nationalism, and boundaries that created wars and human division.

Visit us at https://www.manilabaymorningpost.com

The Spanish Adobo was published in a book in 1529, which closely resemble the classic Filipino adobo of just vinegar, chicken, pork, lard, garlic, and bay leaf. While the Spanish Adobo had quince and dried druit, the original Filipino Adobo had none, probably due to the lack of those ingredients in the humid archipelago. However, the current adobo in Cebu is sweetened with fruit, thus resembling the original Spanish Adobo. But the current Cebu Adobo is already an improved version after many years of influence and new ingredients.

Another evidence of the Filipino Adobo being hispanic (in origin only) is that the method of preserving and cooking food with vinegar is a European method. Also, bay leaf does not grow here in Asia but only in the Americas.

We must note though that the Filipino Adobo is neither prehispanic nor Spanish anymore. Through the years, it has evolved with influence from the ingredients we have. Before 1900s, soy sauce was expensive to make and not commonly used as we do today. Soy sauce used to take years to ferment and manually done. With the advent of factories and food technology in the 1900s, soy sauce became as common as oil and vinegar. This was the beginning of adobo having soy sauce. Also, the original adobos were simmered for mere preservation then cooked again later with garlic and onions. Through the years, it evolved to a single process of garlic and onions, browning of the pork and the chicken, glazing with vinegar and soy sauce, and slow simmer until tender. Today, some young people add sugar. Before you know it, the Filipino adobo would be mistaken to have sugar as traditional ingredient.

There are more evidences from history to be analysed. Even before the Spanish arrived, pigs were a luxury as they were raised by individual households instead of animal factories of today. Pigafetta noted that the prehispanic austronesians (indios) raised pigs but saved them as taxes for the Rajah or for trade with international merchants. Pigs were mostly eaten in the Rajah's palace during banquets. The luxury of pigs for only the nobility was also evident in medieval Europe.

Thus said, the early Adobo (whether Spanish or Filipino) had little pork just for flavour and mostly comprised of chicken.

While most people like to argue that certain dishes had origins in a single region, cuisine and food is just as global as frying, roasting, or boiling. These methods developed everywhere and were not mere influenced. For example, the European lechon is very similar the Chinese roasted pigs and did not influence each other. Noodles and pasta are similar but did not influence each other (despite the Marco Polo theory). Pasta is made from machines or slicing/kneading while noodles are pulled.

In a nutshell, Adobo comes from the word ‘Adobar’ or marinated. Adobo diversified throughout the Spanish empire based on what i gredients are popular among the colonists or what is available.

Also worthy to note that cuisine did not develop into receipes that we have today back in the 1500s. Cook books were just beginning to come about. Culinary itself only began in the 1400s or so during the Medici period in Europe.

Chances are, many Filipino dishes today only developed and became recipes during the colonial period, based on methods of cookery brought by the Spanish as well as native methods, which they eventually used.

Dishes had no names in ancient to medieval times. Just methods of cooking and were not documented.

The Spanish did not develop our cooking nor even dictated it. Rather, Filipino cooki g styles developed during the colonial period and by the Filipino colonists themselves.

Cayetano's Bayanihan Caravan reaches over a thousand Mindanawons

The Office of Senator Alan Peter Cayetano brought assistance to over a thousand residents of various provinces in Mindanao in the Bayanihan Caravan in Maguindanao del Norte held on October 3 to 4, 2023.

The senator’s office partnered with Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat of the Municipality of Datu Odin Sinsuat and the Cotabato Regional and Medical Center (CRMC) to organize a two-day medical caravan with a hospital desk.

The desk catered to a total of 707 patients battling critical health conditions like chronic kidney disease, cancer, pregnancy and childbirth, orthopedic issues, and heart disease.

The beneficiaries hailed from towns in Maguindanao del Norte, Maguindanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, North Cotabato, and South Cotabato.

Among the beneficiaries was Elaine Montañer, whose husband, an overseas Filipino worker, had to return to the Philippines for cancer treatment. She expressed her heartfelt gratitude to Cayetano for the assistance they received for their mounting hospital bills.

“Humingi po ako ng tulong para sa asawa kong OFW na umuwi dahil sa sakit, naoperahan po dahil sa cancer at na-carry ni Senator Alan ang naiwan na 283,000 pesos sa aming hospital bill. Maraming salamat po sa malaking tulong na naibigay ni’yo sa amin,” she said.

On October 4, the Bayanihan Caravan took an additional step to support more individuals in need, benefiting 525 recipients from Datu Odin Sinsuat, Maguindanao del Norte. Cayetano’s aid was made possible through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation (AICS) program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Mayor Datu Lester Sinsuat thanked the senator for extending his Tulong-Medikal Program and AICS assistance to the underprivileged in the region. 

“Gusto ko na personal na magpasalamat ako dahil sa medical at cash assistance na ibinigay po nila sa atin. Napakalaking tulong po nito sa ating mga kababayan,” he said.

The activity in Mindanao is part of the independent senator’s commitment to working hand in hand with government agencies and local government units to reach more communities across the country and extend relevant forms of support through his Bayanihan Caravan project.

On the Senate floor, Senator Cayetano continues to champion the provision of quality health services and livelihood support through bills such as the Puhunan Tungo sa Kaunlaran Act, Barangay Health Centers Act, and the Mahal Ko, Barangay Health Worker Ko Law. ###

LTO: Plastic driver’s license cards out now; schedule of renewal announcment

3,404 views Oct 6, 2023

The Land Transportation Office can now issue plastic driver’s license cards to holders of expired and paper-printed licenses. Read more: https://inq.news/DriversLicenseOutNow

Pag-asa, Kalayaan Island Group could become PH's own 'Maldives', says Romualdez

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Oct 6, 2023 05:36 AM

  

---

AT A GLANCE

• House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that with the right funding and intervention, Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could be turned into the country’s own "Maldives".

• Maldives is a famous tourist destination thanks to its stunning beach resorts.

---

Soneva Jani, Noonu Atoll, Maldives. (Unsplash) 

House Speaker Martin Romualdez believes that with the right funding and intervention, Pag-asa Island and the rest of the Kalayaan Island Group in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) could be developed into a "Maldives"-style tourist destination. 

Romualdez had this to say in a press conference Thursday night, Oct. 5 at the Manila Golf and Country Club in Makati City. That same morning, the Speaker led a small group of congressmen to Pag-asa. 

"The beauty of the area is astounding. If you just go and visit there, you'll see how beautiful the place is, so there are many potentials," he said.

Romualdez said that he was reminded of the world-famous tourist destination of Maldives during his short time visiting the remote Palawan island. 

"This I will tell you as we were flying over the Kalayan Island Groups, it's as if we were flying over the Maldives. 

“So we’re looking at hindi lang to support, hindi lang 'yung budget ng DND, hindi lang DOTr baka pwede rin yung DOT, kasi napakaganda dito baka pwede itong maging tourist destination," Romualdez said. 

(So we’re looking at not just support, not just the budget of the Department of National Defense, not just the Department of Transportation, but probably also the Department of Tourism, because it was so beautiful there maybe it could be turned into a tourist destination.) 

"There are other islands that we would like to develop…parang sa Maldives, so pwede sigurong maging Philippine Maldives… So we shall invite everyone to come and visit," the Leyte 1st district representative noted. 

(We'll copy Maldives, this can become the Maldives of the Philippines.) 

"But we shall develop the facilities here, the airport, the seaport and the other facilities within the Kalayaan Island Group,” Romualdez said.

Maldives is famous for its stunning beach resorts.

All wind signals lifted as typhoon Jenny no longer affecting PH — PAGASA

Brewing cyclone monitored outside PAR

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Oct 6, 2023 09:07 AM

  

---

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Friday, Oct. 6 lifted all tropical cyclone wind warnings issued due to typhoon Jenny (international name: Koinu), as it no longer directly affected any part of the country.

In its final bulletin for Jenny, PAGASA last spotted the center of the eye of the typhoon 385 kilometers (km) west-northwest of Itbayat, Batanes.

It left the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Thursday afternoon, Oct. 5. 

“Typhoon Jenny is less likely to directly bring heavy rainfall over the country throughout the forecast period. Furthermore, the effect of the typhoon on the southwest monsoon (habagat) has weakened, although the western section of Luzon may still experience some rain showers,” PAGASA said.

Improved weather

Meanwhile, the trough or extension of Jenny may still bring scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Ilocos Norte, Batanes, and Babuyan Islands.

Cloudy skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms due to habagat may also affect Metro Manila, Zambales. Bataan, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. 

The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

New LPA

PAGASA is also monitoring a low pressure area (LPA) outside the PAR that may develop into a tropical cyclone in the next few days.

Weather specialist Aldczar Aurelio said the LPA was located 1,950 km east of Luzon.

It is moving westward and may enter the PAR by weekend, he pointed out.

The next tropical cyclone name on PAGASA’s list is “Kabayan.”

What to expect at Enchanted Kingdom's 28th anniversary celebration this October

EK also unveiled their newest offerings and developments at the theme park

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Oct 5, 2023 04:37 PM

  

---

The theme "What’s Your Enchanted Story?" places the spotlight on recreating enchanting stories from the past and creating new magical experiences for every Enchanted Kingdom (EK) guest over the past 28 years.  And they officially launched its year-long celebration with the announcement of its roster of events  at the Eldar’s Theater in EK last Oct. 1, 2023. 

“Enchanted Kingdom remains to be part of our guests’ personal milestones throughout its 28 years. We are very excited to capture these enchanting stories from our past and present guests, and celebrate these magical experiences with the future generation,” said 28th Anniversary Celebration Wizard and the Head of Organization Development and Corporate Planning Nico Mamon.

Due to popular demand, the main anniversary highlight will be the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition, returning eight years after its last spectacle and happening every Saturdays in October. “Apart from entertaining and dazzling the guests, Enchanted Kingdom has collaborated with Filipino fireworks manufacturers to showcase their products and creativity. As a proud Filipino company, we highlight local artistry with pyrotechnics and music, enchanting Filipinos for the past 28 years,” Mamon shared. 

Aside from the fireworks competition, Enchanted Kingdom has so much in-store for all types of guests:

On Oct. 7, Enchanted Kingdom recognizes teachers through activities and entertainment with the World Teachers Day Celebration event as part of National Teachers Month.

On Oct. 14, EK will conduct Storytime with Eldar, An Enchanting Kids Event to start off the kids activities, followed by its very own Grand Storybook Characters Parade to introduce other Enchanted Kingdom characters.

On Oct. 21, Eldar’s E-Kreators will host, dance and perform for loyal park goers and fans as part of the worldclass theme park’s collaboration with social media influencers and content creator partners. 

Lastly, on Oct. 28, the Grand Finale of the Sky Wizardry Fireworks Competition will dazzle guests, and the Be Enchanted! Concert will headline Asia’s Soul Supreme KZ Tandingan together with other best local acts to cap off the anniversary month.

EK will also re-launch its nostalgic menu items from the past 28 years from its restaurants and the launch of new merchandise to commemorate the 28th anniversary.

During the launch, EK also unveiled their newest offerings and developments at the theme park in line with its 28th year of creating and providing magical experiences and memories that last a lifetime. These include the:

EK mobile app which features the park’s interactive map as well as ride and show schedules. Through the mobile app, guests can also access the EK online store (EKOS). Anna Mamon-Aban, EK’s Head of Business Development & Digital Transformation, encouraged everyone to download the app for a more seamless and magical guest experience.

Starbooks, the Department of Science and Technology’s (DOST) interactive kiosk system and digital library in a box, containing thousands of carefully-curated knowledge content. Two units will be installed at the park’s Agila the EKsperience in partnership with DOST.

Guests can also expect a new and improved Fun Kart, EK’s 800-meter go-kart race track; and the official launch of EK’s new partner tenants: Tater’s, Fortune Bakeshop, and Dash Premium Ice Scramble. EK also launched their own food offerings, Tropical Coolers and Princess Cookies. 

Finally, EK’s President and Chairman Mario Mamon teased that Enchanted Kingdom is working its magic in bringing their guests an enhanced and dining experience with branded dining outlets planned. Furthermore, EK announced that starting Dec. 17, the theme park will open its gate every day of the week and continuously provide wholesome family leisure and entertainment especially during the holiday season

For more information about this celebration and other upcoming events, visit https://www.enchantedkingdom.ph/ 

PLGU Davao de Oro sustains progress; ISO certification maintained

 

With the persistent efforts of the employees and officials of the provincial government of Davao de Oro, headed by Governor Dorothy P. Montejo-Gonzaga, to continually improve its systems and processes, another milestone has been achieved as the institution maintained the ISO 9001:2015 Certification.

On Monday, October 2, International Organization for Standardization (ISO) auditors, namely Christine Anne Formalejo and Len Marc Tagud from TUV SUD PSB Philippines Inc., conducted the 2nd Surveillance Audit for the various offices of the provincial government.

After the rigorous evaluation, these offices passed the audit, meeting all the standard requirements, which, in turn, supports the recommendation for certificate maintenance. This achievement underscored the collective endeavors of these offices in delivering high-quality services for the people.

Quality Management Representative and PHRMDO Head Lara Zhaphire Kristy Bermejo thanked Governor Gonzaga and Vice Governor Tyron Uy for the support given and commended the people behind the feat, saying "We made it again! To all the men and women behind this journey, thank you for your hard work and dedication to live up to our commitment - to be part of our PLGU’s continual improvement".

On August 11, 2022, the institution also maintained its ISO certification after passing the 1st Surveillance Audit. The continued certification brought several advantages, including contented clients, effective management, and satisfied employees.

 

Furthermore, these successes were product of Governor Gonzaga's leadership, as she consistently prioritized and envisioned good governance in the province through efficient service delivery and the responsible management of public resources, with a strong emphasis on accountability, transparency, and proficiency. (Jaynus Fernandez)

Provincial Administrator’s Office – Information and Public Relations Division

4th Floor, Executive Building, Provincial Capitol Complex, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro

Click here to go to our website!