Climate justice, a Philippine plea

Battered by an average of 15 to 28 typhoons annually, our country needs to call for accountability.

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Nov 26, 2023 01:08 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The call for climate justice by the Philippines is rooted in the stark reality of its vulnerability to the impacts of global warming 

FIGHTING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY Climate justice warriors fight for equitable compensation considering the Philippines suffers through numerous typhoons (Photos Joemar 'Tashi' Obejas, Climate Justice Walk hero)

Climate justice is a term that resonates strongly with nations like the Philippines, a developing country grappling with the severe impacts of global warming. Despite contributing a relatively small share of CO2 emissions compared to major industrialized nations, the country finds itself at the forefront of the battle against climate change, raising questions about the fairness of the burden it carries.

 

The Philippines, often battered by an average of 15 to 28 typhoons annually, holds the unenviable title of the world’s most typhoon-prone country. This vulnerability is a direct consequence of global warming, a phenomenon fueled by the collective actions of nations across the globe. Yet, as a developing nation, the Philippines is being urged to reduce its carbon emissions, prompting a crucial inquiry into the principles of climate justice.

 

While the country acknowledges the importance of curbing carbon emissions to protect the environment, the call for climate justice stems from a plea for equitable compensation. Despite contributing only a fraction of the world's CO2 emissions, the country bears the brunt of climate change impacts, ranging from rising sea levels and extreme weather events to the increased prevalence of diseases.

 

The urgency of addressing climate change cannot be overstated, with the looming deadline of 2030 serving as a stark reminder. Crossing this threshold without significant global intervention could result in irreversible damage, amplifying the challenges already faced by countries like the Philippines. Diseases, floods, storm surges—these are not abstract concepts but daily realities for millions of Filipinos, underscoring the need for swift and comprehensive action.

 

One key aspect of climate justice is the recognition of historical responsibility. Developed nations, with their industrialization and higher carbon emissions over centuries, have played a substantial role in pushing the planet toward its current climate crisis. In contrast, developing countries like the Philippines have contributed less to the problem but find themselves disproportionately affected.

 

The call for carbon emission reductions in developing nations often raises questions about economic development. Critics argue that stringent emission cuts may impede economic growth, hindering progress and poverty alleviation efforts. The Philippines, like many other developing nations, seeks a balance between environmental sustainability and economic development. Climate justice entails not only reducing emissions but also providing support for sustainable development initiatives.

 

Compensation mechanisms become imperative in the pursuit of climate justice. The Philippines advocates for financial assistance and technology transfer from developed nations to help implement sustainable practices and mitigate the impacts of climate change. This support can facilitate the transition to cleaner energy sources, bolster infrastructure against extreme weather events, and enhance adaptive capacities.

 

The principle of Common But Differentiated Responsibilities and Respective Capabilities (CBDR-RC) is central to the discourse on climate justice. It recognizes that while all nations share a common responsibility to address climate change, the capabilities and historical contributions of developed and developing nations differ. Thus, the burden of mitigating and adapting to climate change should be distributed equitably.

 

The Philippines emphasizes the importance of adaptation financing, as the costs of preparing for and responding to climate change can be substantial. Vulnerable nations need financial resources to build resilient infrastructure, implement early warning systems, and undertake community-based adaptation initiatives. Climate justice demands that those who have historically contributed more to the problem bear a greater share of the financial burden.

 

While the Philippines advocates for its right to development, it also recognizes the importance of collaborative efforts in achieving global climate goals. International cooperation is crucial in addressing the interconnected challenges posed by climate change. The Philippines participates actively in global climate negotiations, urging developed nations to fulfill their commitments to climate financing and emission reductions.

 

The call for climate justice by the Philippines is rooted in the stark reality of its vulnerability to the impacts of global warming. As a developing nation with a minimal contribution to historical carbon emissions, it seeks not only to reduce its own emissions but also to receive just compensation for the profound challenges it faces. 

 

The urgency of the climate crisis demands a collective and equitable response, ensuring that the burden of climate change is shared fairly among nations. The Philippines, like many developing countries, looks toward a future where climate justice prevails, allowing for sustainable development and a healthier, more resilient planet.

DoT chief promotes Mindanao to tourists

By  Moises Cruz

November 27, 2023 20

DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DoT) Secretary Christina Garcia-Frasco urged local and foreign travelers on Friday, November 24, to reconsider their assumptions about Mindanao and to explore the island's halal food and rich culture for a multidimensional tourism experience.

This is in line with the DoT-hosted event on Tuesday at the Dusit Thani Manila in Makati, entitled "Bismillah: An Evening of Faith, Love, and the Flavors of Mindanao," which celebrated the region's vibrant cultural unity and gastronomic richness.

The undertaking builds on Secretary Frasco's campaign to completely reopen Mindanao to tourism, which she identified as a priority of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. when he took office last year.

Frasco said the DoT's efforts to establish confidence within the region and raise knowledge about the security situation will also assist in persuading other countries to update or lift existing travel restrictions.

Secretary Frasco spearheaded the signing of a DoT agreement with the Department of National Defense (DND) and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in May of this year to work together to market the region as a peaceful and sustainable destination for domestic and international tourism.

"Beyond partaking of the delectable halal meals, this evening of faith, love, and the flavors of Mindanao is the start of something new that is opening your eyes and your palate to the possibilities that are endless in the promise that is Mindanao," Frasco said in her speech.

"As our President has said, Mindanao is the land of promise to be fulfilled," she added.

The highlight of the event was the unveiling of Mindanao's intricate and diverse halal cuisine to an international audience, where ambassadors, dignitaries, and officials from various foreign embassies in the Philippines were present to experience the flavor-filled odyssey through the vibrant tastes of the Mindanao Islands' cuisine and an invitation to their countrymen to come and visit Mindanao.

"In the pursuit of reinforcing the country's image as a halal-friendly destination, the Department of Tourism has pursued various programs and projects started in the previous administration and continued under our President's administration," Frasco said.

Meanwhile, DoT Undersecretary Myra Paz Abubakar sincerely thanked everyone in attendance and emphasized the value of cultural appreciation and exchange in building a more harmonious global society.

TO TRANSFORM THE NATION

 

PRESS RELEASE

November 26, 2023

 

 

To transform the nation, Cayetano says country has to have real change, right vision, values

 

Senator Alan Peter Cayetano on Saturday said that national transformation will become a reality in the country once individuals and the government become collectively transformed and work together with the right values and vision.

 

In an interview with reporters in Baguio City on November 25, 2023, Cayetano said his goal is to push for these in the Senate in the next few years.

 

“Transformation starts within yourself. Unless there’s transformation, bale-wala y’ung changes dahil babalik din [sa dati],” he said.

 

“And the [end goal] has to be transformation of the nation because if you change but around you the culture is the same, hindi magiging makabuluhan ang transformation kasi lalamunin ka ng sistema,” he added.

 

Cayetano related this in context of the country’s lingering problems on issues like education and the economy, coming off from the plenary debates for the 2024 national budget this past week.

 

“Maraming kailangan i-review sa itatanim [sa 2024 budget], including sa everyday needs ng mga tao. It really starts with values. I’m very happy na inamin ng Department of Education through the Vice President na the education sector is in crisis… because walang masosolve kung hindi aaminin na may problema… Challenge pa rin ang inflation at patuloy na pagtaas ng presyo,” he said.

 

He said he raised the alarm bells during the Senate’s plenary debates so that this will be urgently addressed by the government. 

 

“I want to sound the alarm bells, ngayon pa lang, because unless we fix the deficiencies in K to 12 or we take out the extra 2 years, we will not do justice to the next generation,” he said.

 

As the work continues, Cayetano said he will seek to address such persisting problems by helping the government plan and to have the right values and vision. 

“Isang pinupush ko talaga y’ung values kasi kung tama y’ung values ng tao, kung tama ang itinanim, tama ang aanihin,” he said.

 

He said this is the reason for his trip to Baguio to join a Christian conference that is focused on strategies in transformation.

 

“We are here in Baguio City today for a conference of policemen. We are here to support, pray for them, and to speak [in the conference]… There are several groups locally and internationally with the focus of national transformation right now,” he explained.

 

Cayetano said his group, transformNATION Philippines, which advocated for this by holding conferences nationwide, is also eyeing to hold a conference in the City of Pines next year. ###

How does the Filipino people celebrate Christmas in the Philippines?

Everything FILIPINO!

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Answered by 

Carm Ena (Carmena)

Christmas in the Philippines is a festive and widely celebrated occasion, known for its unique traditions and vibrant atmosphere. Here are some key aspects of how Filipinos celebrate Christmas:

1. Simbang Gabi (Night Mass): Simbang Gabi is a series of nine dawn Masses that start on December 16 and end on December 24. It is a Catholic tradition and a way for Filipinos to express their devotion to God. After the Mass, people often enjoy traditional Filipino holiday delicacies like bibingka (rice cake) and puto bumbong (purple rice cake).
2. Parol (Christmas Lanterns): The parol is a traditional Filipino Christmas lantern, often star-shaped and brightly decorated. It symbolizes the Star of Bethlehem and is a common decoration in homes and communities. Many towns also hold parol-making contests to showcase creativity.
3. Agiinaldo (Gift-Giving): Gift-giving is a significant part of Filipino Christmas celebrations. Families and friends exchange gifts during Christmas Eve, known as Noche Buena. It is common for employers to give Christmas bonuses to employees, and communities may organize gift-giving events for less fortunate members.
4. Noche Buena (Christmas Eve Feast): Noche Buena is a grand feast held on Christmas Eve. Families gather for a festive meal that includes traditional Filipino dishes such as lechon (roast pig), ham, queso de bola (Edam cheese), and various kakanin (rice cakes). The meal is often followed by the exchange of gifts and family bonding.
5. Caroling: Christmas caroling is a popular activity, especially among children and teenagers. Groups go from house to house singing Christmas carols, and homeowners often give them small amounts of money or treats. This tradition helps create a sense of community and shared joy.
6. Christmas Decorations: Filipinos love decorating their homes with Christmas ornaments and lights. Streets, malls, and public places are adorned with colorful lights and decorations, creating a festive atmosphere. Some neighborhoods even organize Christmas decoration contests.
7. Misa de Gallo (Rooster's Mass): Similar to Simbang Gabi, Misa de Gallo is a series of Masses held at dawn. It is another way for Filipinos to celebrate the Christmas season with religious observance.
8. Extended Celebration: Christmas celebrations in the Philippines often extend well into the "Ber" months (September to December). Some Filipinos start decorating their homes and playing Christmas music as early as September.

Overall, Christmas in the Philippines is a time of joy, family, and community, marked by religious observances, festive decorations, and a spirit of generosity.

Do you speak German?

 

Thomas L. Johnson

Former Top Writer (2015-18) & Top Question Writer (2016-18)

12,566 followers

1,001 following

Yes I do but preferably only with people who are actual German speakers.

Once you learn a language, you often get in situations where other English native-speakers who have learned some German want to “test you out” by throwing a German question your way. I always answer their German question in English.

I speak German imperfectly but fairly fluently. I have done speeches and a press conference in German and have done two-way translations in a number of business meetings. For me, learning German was a way to have another way to communicate with people who didn’t wish to speak English.

I have stated often on Quora that many German speakers whose English is excellent often choose speak German with someone like me for a complex of reasons: 1)they are perfectionists who do not want to make mistakes speaking English 2)they prefer not to speak American English as they learned English English 3)I am in their country, so why not have me speak their language.

Learning German was one of the more challenging and rewarding things I have ever done.

xxx

Ja, das tue ich, aber am liebsten nur mit Leuten, die tatsächlich Deutsch sprechen.

Sobald Sie eine Sprache gelernt haben, geraten Sie oft in Situationen, in denen andere englische Muttersprachler, die etwas Deutsch gelernt haben, Sie „auf die Probe stellen“ wollen, indem sie Ihnen eine deutsche Frage stellen. Ich beantworte ihre deutschen Fragen immer auf Englisch.

Ich spreche unvollkommen, aber ziemlich fließend Deutsch. Ich habe Reden und eine Pressekonferenz auf Deutsch gehalten und bei einer Reihe von Geschäftstreffen bidirektionale Übersetzungen angefertigt. Für mich war das Erlernen der deutschen Sprache eine Möglichkeit, auf andere Weise mit Menschen zu kommunizieren, die kein Englisch sprechen wollten.

Ich habe auf Quora oft erklärt, dass viele Deutschsprecher, deren Englisch ausgezeichnet ist, sich aus mehreren Gründen dafür entscheiden, mit jemandem wie mir Deutsch zu sprechen: 1) Sie sind Perfektionisten, die beim Englischsprechen keine Fehler machen wollen 2) Sie sprechen lieber kein Amerikanisch Englisch, während sie Englisch gelernt haben. Englisch 3) Ich bin in ihrem Land, warum also nicht, dass ich ihre Sprache spreche?

Deutsch zu lernen war eines der herausforderndsten und lohnendsten Dinge, die ich je gemacht habe.

Philippine Fairy Tales (V) - Philippinische Märchen (V)

WARUM DIE HUNDE BELLEN? WHY DO THE DOGS BARK?

Es war einmal in einem Bergdorf ein junger Mann. Er hiess Bagetuling. Er war ein guter Jäger, aber ein grosser Prahlhans. Er liebte es, stets von sich, von seiner Familie und von seinen Heldentaten zu sprechen.

Bagetuling erhielt seine Familie von der Jagd. Tag fär Tag ging er in die Berge auf Jagd.

Eines Tages gelang es ihm, ein Wildschwein mit dem Speer zu erstechen. Er trug es zu dem nahen Bach und wusch seine Eingeweide aus. Da kam ein Greis vorbei.

Bagetuling hörte auf zu arbeiten und erzählte dem Alten, wie er das Wildschwein erledigt hatte. Er prahlte damit, was für ein geschickter Jäger er war. 

Der Greis hörte ihn an, und nach einer Weile sprach er: "Würdest du mir ein Stückchen Fleisch geben? Ich bin sehr hungrig."

Bagetuling lachte hähnisch auf. 

"Ich habe mich den ganzen Vormittag gemüht, dieses Schwein zu erledigen, und du möchtest davon haben, nur so - ohne Arbeit. Geh' nur deine Wege, dies hier reicht gerade für meine Familie!"

Und wieder begann er von seiner Familie zu sprechen - von seiner Frau und seinen Kindern. 

Der Alte ärgerte sich darüber. Er wandte sich dem Jäger zu und sprach schreckliche Worte: "Mögen dich die Waldgeister bestrafen! Mögen sie dich in ein heulendes Tier verwandeln."

Die Waldgeister schenkten dem Fluch des Alten Gehör.

Bagetuling verwandelte sich in einen Vierfüssler. Er verlor die Sprache, und wenn er sprechen versuchte, kamen aus seinem Mund bellende Töne.

Die Menschen nannen ihn ANO, das bedeutet HUND...!

Once upon a time there lived a young man in a mountain village. His name was Bagetuling. He was a good hunter, but a big braggart. He loved to always talk about himself, his family and his heroic deeds.

Bagetuling sustained his family from hunting. Day after day he went hunting in the mountains.

One day he managed to stab a wild boar with a spear. He carried it to the nearby stream and washed out its entrails. An old man came by.

Bagetuling stopped working and told the old man how he had killed the wild boar. He bragged about what a skilled hunter he was.

The old man listened to him and after a while he said: "Would you give me a piece of meat? I am very hungry."

Bagetuling laughed scornfully.

"I've been trying hard all morning to take care of this pig, and you want to have some of it, just like that - without work. Just go your own way, this is just enough for my family!"

And again he began to talk about his family - his wife and children.

The old man was annoyed by this. He turned to the hunter and spoke terrible words: "May the forest spirits punish you! May they turn you into a howling animal."

The forest spirits listened to the curse of the old man.

Bagetuling transformed into a quadruped. He lost his speech, and when he tried to speak, barking sounds came out of his mouth.

People call him ANO, which means DOG...!

(Nacherzählt von Jozef Genzor, aus dem Slowakischen übersetzt von Dr. Anna Fialova und herausgegeben in der CSSR, deutsche Ausgabe: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978). 

(Retold by Jozef Genzor, translated from Slovak by Dr. Anna Fialova and published in the CSSR, German edition: Verlag Werner Dausien, Hanau/Main, 1978).

Lavish or austere?

By Fr. Roy Cimagala

Chaplain

Center for Industrial Technology and Enterprise (CITE)

Talamban, Cebu City

Email: roycimagala@gmail.com

IN our liturgical celebrations, we can either be lavish or austere depending on the circumstances. What is important is what is in our heart—whether there is real love or not, whether there is a sincere effort to worship and please God or we are just making a show, whether we are making present the redemptive action of Christ or just playing games.

We are somehow reminded of this consideration in that gospel episode where Christ observed some wealthy men putting their offerings into the treasury while a poor widow just put in two small coins, and praised the widow more than the wealthy people since the widow put in all that she had while the wealthy men put what was an extra thing for them. (cfr. Lk 21,1-4)

Obviously, if our motives are sincere and our understanding about the liturgy is clear, we would really give the best that our capabilities can give. If we can give diamonds instead of just gold, then we would do it. We can never give enough to God. We can never be too extravagant in this regard.

But if all we can afford are just stones and pebbles picked up from the road, no problem. God looks at the heart more than the things we give him. And to God, there is no more precious thing than our heart if it is fully given to him. One good heart, faithful and full of love for God and others, is worth much more, infinitely more, than a world of precious gems.

What we have to avoid at all costs is hypocrisy in our liturgical celebrations. If we are really sincere in our liturgical celebrations, we will do and give our best. Even those little details of kneeling, genuflecting, singing and praying should be done in such a way that genuine piety can readily be seen. Such behavior not only would draw more graces from God but also would inspire others in their own piety.

I am happy to note that there is a marked improvement in the way our churches are built and furnished these days. The altars, the reredos, the ambos and the general interior decoration are being done in a splendid manner. The sacred vessels and vestments, the linens have, in general, improved in quality.

They somehow show the kind of faith and piety of the people in general, even if we also know that we still have a lot of economic difficulty around. They somehow show people’s knowledge of what truly matters in this life, what truly gives them eternal joy and not just a transient one. Their sense of beauty transcends the economic costs and all other sacrifices involved.

We just have to make sure that our liturgical celebrations are done with the proper dispositions. This is something that has to be studied and put into practice, since it is no joke to be involved in the liturgy properly either as a celebrant or a participant.

To be sure, the liturgy is not just some kind of dramatization. It is nothing less than the making present and effectiveness of Christ’s sacrifice and his entire redemptive action. Both the celebrants and those who attend the celebrations should never miss this reality and should act accordingly. In the liturgy, everyone steps into the spiritual and supernatural world where Christ works out our redemption.

Again, this requires us to have a deeply theological mind, where faith more than anything else rules all our human faculties.

Legal Farmer: When a lawyer falls in love with farming

Legal Farmer: When a lawyer falls in love with farming

BY MANILA BULLETIN AGRICULTURE

Nov 24, 2023 04:59 PM 

By Henrylito D. Tacio

In December 2019, Atty. Edwaldo L. Legaspina – more popularly known as Basti among friends – already bought four-and-half hectares of land in Lorega, a barangay of Kitaotao, Bukidnon. 

This lawyer loves to farm. (Henrylito Tacio)

The pandemic happened just a few months later. He was concerned for the safety of his wife and two children. As their movement in Davao City was limited, he brought his whole family to the newly-bought land. 

Farm development

In February 2020, Basti started developing his farm. “Initially, we just wanted to plant vegetables and strawberries,” he recalled. “But when the pandemic struck, we decided to build a home where the kids can roam around, free from any fear of virus transmission." 

The house, which serves as the rest house of the family, is located at the upper portion of the farm. (Henrylito Tacio)

Aside from building a home for his family, he also started developing the farm. “Farming takes away your stress,” he said. “We also want our kids to engage so they may know the value in growing your own food.”

As the farm was being developed, an idea came into fruition. He talked with his wife, Destreza C. Luzon, about it. When she learned about the plan, she fully supported him. “We wanted to share (our farm) with friends and family members so that they and their kids can also enjoy the cold breeze and picturesque view of the place,” he said.

Most people really give a lot of time thinking about what they would call their farm – something that will stick to people when they hear the name. Basti had no problem creating such a name, thanks to his two children.

Happy Farm

“Our kids chose the name,” he said. “When we asked why, they answered that they are so happy whenever they stay on the farm.”

Two years later, The Happy Farm at Lorega has already been transformed into a new haven. But it was easier said than done. “When we started, the road couldn’t accommodate trucks for the construction,” he recalled. “The pandemic also limited our mobility. Luckily, we were able to hurdle these obstacles.”

Happy Farm is located at barangay Lorega in Kitaotao, Bukidnon. (Henrylito Tacio)

It was his brother-in-law who helped build the cottages. All these cottages have their own kitchen, so that occupants can cook their own meals. Kitchen utensils are provided, including stoves. 

“My brother-in law-helped us (in making these cottages),” he said. “We pooled-in ideas and since the family are in the construction field, they realized it. My father-in-law, Juanito, took charge of our water system.”

The good thing about The Happy Farm is that families who stay in one of the cottages can harvest some of the crops being planted. Among the vegetables grown in the farm include tomatoes, eggplants, lettuce, bokchoy, alugbati, tinangkong, and sweet pepper. 

This is one of the crops grown in Happy Farm. (Henrylito Tacio)

“Right now, we have various crops so guests can do vegetable picking with their kids and bring it home,” he said. Of course, they have to pay for what they harvested but it’s the bonding while harvesting that matters the most.

Guests who may opt not to cook their meals can always order food from Hungry Huntley’s Restaurant, which is just below the House in the Hill. The name came from the names of the two children: Edwald Hunter and Elda Huntley.

“As you have observed, our paintings are aimed to please the kids,” Basti said.

On the far end, there is a coffee shop-cum-bar, where parents can hang out and have some coffee or drink some wine and beers. 

Basti said he wants to add 5 more cottages to the 4.5-hectare area. “We want to promote what Lorega can offer to people who come to this place,” he said. “We also want to promote tourism in the place because we have grown to love it.”

The farmer is a lawyer

To think, Basti is not a farmer but rather a lawyer. After graduating from high school at the Assumption School of Davao, he went to Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and took philosophy.

After graduation, he decided to take up law. “Back then,” he said, “all I wanted was to help my family’s business but as it turned out, there are so many laws that you have to follow and comply with. That made me interested in hopefully becoming a lawyer someday.”

Another reason why he decided to become a lawyer was his “own curiosity in the intricacies and beauty of the profession.”

From his first to third year, he studied at his alma mater, the ADDU. In his fourth year, he transferred to Cor Jesu College in Digos City. He graduated in 2005, took the bar in the same year – and passed!

When asked for his advice to those who want to pursue the law profession, he replied: “Study the law by heart but most importantly, make it a fun and enjoyable one.”

He loves farming

Most lawyers turn into farming when they get old. But Basti is different; even at a young age now, he already starts farming. Thanks to his father, Dodie, who educated him about farming when he was still a little boy.

The lawyer does his own harvesting. (Henrylito Tacio)

The Legaspina family has a farm in Bantol, Marilog District in Calinan, Davao City. He remembered that whenever his father went to the farm, he usually accompanied him.  He had to walk for about two hours just to reach the destination. He was then eight years old.

Even if he had to wake up early in the morning, he didn’t mind it as long as he was able to go to the farm. “I was always excited to go to the farm,” he said. He remembered liking the smell of the burning leaves.

The farm was planted to mango, banana, guyabano, lanzones – mostly fruit trees. When he was in high school, he invited some of his friends to accompany him to the farm. There, they sort of camped at the farm. When his friends went home, they brought with them some fruits harvested from the farm.

Values from farming

During his college days, he still went to the farm to oversee the harvesting of fruits. Some areas of the farm were also planted with vegetables, which his father brought home. “We usually have some fresh vegetables on our table,” he said.

“My father didn’t push me to become a farmer. I was in love with farming,” he pointed out. He cited the case of bananas as a case in point. He said he loved watching it bearing flowers, which later developed into banana hands. He was equally excited when the bunch was cut, and the fruits were taken.

When his father decided to retire from farming and returned to his birthplace in Escalante City in Negros Occidental, Basti decided to buy the farm. His two sisters didn’t object; after all, they were not interested in farming.

“I love farming because I love to touch soil,” Basti admitted. “I love how a plant grows. I am amazed with those.”

He added, “I found out that there are some values in farming that we can apply in real life. I also wish to impart those values to my kids.” 

Photos by Henrylito D. Tacio