Keep the country’s 5 GEMs healthy with biodiversity

BY MANILA BULLETIN

Yes, the Philippines is beautiful!  Those who have made time to see the country know that it was not a waste of time to go see the Philippines, perhaps one weekend of the year at a time. 
 

Recently, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called attention to five of those beautiful spots, the Five GEMs (Green Economy Models) — El Nido, Coron, Siargao, Panglao and Puerto Galera. 

DENR is working with the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to preserve the biodiversity of the Five GEMs. Government agencies are closely monitoring these prime tourist destinations for their water resource management, solid waste management, land use planning and enforcement of easement zones, and public-private partnerships.

Biodiversity is not only important to keep a prime tourist spot pretty but it is important to preserve the ecosystems that support life.

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga said the department has allocated ₱600 million for the agency's biodiversity management projects this year, specifically for the enhancement of the marine research station and the conservation of threatened species, such as the Philippine Eagle, Tamaraw, Dugong, Palawan Cockatoo, and marine turtles.

The importance of biodiversity to sustainability cannot be over-emphasized.  It provides us with many products to sustain our survival – food, water, medicines, materials for shelter, protection from coastal erosion, and mitigation of climate change, with forests absorbing carbon dioxide from the atmosphere.

The World Wildlife organization puts it simply: “Biodiversity is all the different kinds of life you'll find in one area—the variety of animals, plants, fungi, and even microorganisms like bacteria that make up our natural world. Each of these species and organisms work together in ecosystems, like an intricate web, to maintain balance and support life.” 

Since the Philippines is recognized for its rich biodiversity, the DENR chief said that most of the foreign funding it receives is related to the preservation of biodiversity.

We know that biodiversity is linked to climate, linked to food, linked to water, Sec. Loyzaga emphasized.

One of the problems that the agencies have to deal with is plastic pollution especially in the tourist areas.  It seems that the more visitors a beautiful place attracts, the bigger the problem of plastic pollution mostly coming from food and product packaging. If solid waste disposal remains mismanaged, beach areas will be at risk of being temporarily closed for rehabilitation, similar to the case of Boracay Island years ago.  This concern was expressed by DILG Secretary Benjamin Abalos during the meeting.

The five major threats to biodiversity have been identified as climate change, pollution, habitat loss, overexploitation of species and invasive species.

To keep the Philippines beautiful, especially its Five GEMs, more concern for a healthy biodiversity from the human population is needed to help the efforts of the DENR, DOT and the DILG.

The clarion call is for all local communities to participate in protecting our biodiversity and enhance the appeal of domestic tourist attractions in every corner of the nation.

Jake Almeda Lopez passes away, 95

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Feb 4, 2024 02:31 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• "We are forever grateful, Atty. Jake. Rest in peace, Kapamilya!"

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Atty. Augusto 'Jake' Almeda Lopez (fphc.com picture)

Another official of ABS-CBN has passed away.

War veteran and former ABS-CBN vice chairman Atty. Jake Almeda Lopez has died. He was 95.

Lopez passed away on Feb. 3, the same day ABS-CBN executive Deo Endrinal died. 

ABS-CBN has issued a statement on the passing of Lopez:

"ABS-CBN mourned the loss of our esteemed Vice Chairman and pillar, Atty. Jake Almeda Lopez. A decorated war veteran, he dedicated many years to building and rebuilding ABS-CBN alongside our founder, Kapitan Geny Lopez, who described him as the "soul" of our organization.

"His life was a testament to service, both on the battlefield and as a Kapamilya leader, serving his country and contributing greatly to ABS-CBN's success. As we bid farewell to one of our pioneers, we extend our heartfelt condolences to his family during this difficult time. 

We are forever grateful, Atty. Jake. Rest in peace, Kapamilya!"

More reasons to ‘Love the Philippines’

Earning numerous accolades from prestigious travel institutions

BY REY ILAGAN

  

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2023 proved to be a remarkable year for Philippine tourism, surpassing the target international visitor arrivals and reaching the five-million mark before year-end.

Under the leadership of the Department of Tourism, the country earned numerous accolades from prestigious travel institutions, including the World Travel Awards 2023 (WTA) held at Burj Al Arab in Dubai, UAE, in December. 

The Philippines was honored with the inaugural Global Tourism Resilience Award, acknowledging the country's demonstration of “global leadership, pioneering vision, and innovation to overcome critical challenges and adversity.” Being one of just five countries acknowledged for this award, the Philippines sets the standard for best practices in tourism resilience. 

(Background photo from Epik)

In addition to this significant recognition, the Philippines was once again honored as the World's Leading Dive Destination, World's Leading Beach Destination, and World's Leading City Destination for Manila City. 

Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco expressed joy over these accolades, stating, “We are elated and grateful that Philippine tourism continues to soar to global prominence with tourists declaring their love for the Philippines as the undisputed World’s Leading Beach Destination and World’s Leading Dive Destination, and now World’s Leading City Destination, Manila.”

Frasco continued, “Receiving the Global Tourism Resilience Award is also especially meaningful as this is an affirmation of all the hard work done in the past year to strengthen the pillars of tourism development through convergence and collaboration towards the tourism transformation envisioned by our President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. These accolades are as much a source of Filipino pride as they are a testament to the enormous contribution of tourism to the Philippine economy and global standing.”

PERSONAL THOUGHTS

It's the beginning of February 2024. Sure, I do my tasks every day. Writing, teaching, and so on.

I just don't like consuming the news anymore. It's just depressing. Are there really positive and negative news? I learned during my studies and training: Only a negative headline makes a good headline. Of course, only economic things were in the background - or maybe in the foreground?

A journalist, a columnist and a writer for almost 60 years now. I lie in bed at night and think back to the time when I “started” writing. Sure, “everything was different back then”….

Sure, the world was in a different situation. Sure, wars always happened somewhere and at some point. Problems as well.

But guys, what is the world like right now?

Somehow each of us tries to make the best of everything. Somehow.

You keep your ears, eyes and especially your mouth closed. But will this make the world better?

I often sit on my porch. The rain is pouring down. Somehow it has gotten colder in the Philippines too.

Not within my family in the Philippines. Neither do many neighbors here in Davao. But otherwise? Wow. In any case, I feel even more comfortable here in the Philippines. Well, and the first people are already asking: why?

Well, I've been living here for 26 years now and I see what's happening around me in the world.

Well, on the whole, I feel well protected here in the lap of my family. In Davao. In the Philippines.

One thing, if not the most important thing: music. Music of all kinds. Music keeps me uplifted. Music gives me strength. Music keeps me going!

I still remember my time as a radio presenter and my years of broadcasts. Classical music from the last 400 years or so. But also music from the 50s, 60s and 70s of my youth.

My youth was not easy. But, I “pushed through”. The music of all time has always accompanied and strengthened me.

I have published a lot about music. Also on the radio. My listeners thanked me again with their feedback.

Music, no matter what direction, can build bridges between two completely different worlds.

Write and publish as well.

I am grateful that so many publishers, magazines and newspapers agree.

God bless you and your readers.

Pagasa monitors cloud clusters in Mindanao

By Arlie O. Calalo, Manila Times

February 5, 2024

THE Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) on Monday said it is monitoring cloud clusters that could bring rain in Mindanao in the next 24 hours.

Weather specialist Robert Badrina said however, that these cloud formations were unlikely to develop into a low pressure area.

"Based on Pagasa's data and analysis, there is no storm that would likely form or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility until over the weekend," he said, adding that most parts of the country will have fair weather.

In its 5 a.m. advisory, Pagasa said that the easterlies and northeast monsoon locally known as "amihan" are affecting the eastern section of the country and extreme Northern Luzon.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to overcast skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.

DEUTSCH-PHILIPPINISCHE BEZIEHUNGEN (XI) - German-Philippine Relations (XI)

 

Father Bacareza was my  mentor from the first beginning during the 80s. I learned a lot from him. He opened many doors for me for future publications.

Philippine-German or German-Philippine relations are an undeniable reality for Filipinos and Germans who see in many examples of cultural exchange and mutual economic cooperation  and several gestures if mutual friendship.

As Philippine Ambassador to Germany, Her Excellency Minerva Jean A. Falcon stated in 2005: "Philippine-German relations are built on the strong foundations that link the people and culture of both countries.

In this era of globalization and with the emergence of the information age, Philippine-German relations have reached high gear.

As my mentor Fr. Gene (Hermogenes Bacareza) stated before: "If this book can inspire at least a reader to promote the friendly relationship between the Philippines and Germany, the efforts of the author shall have been achieved.

It's been a long time now. And what is it like these days?

(To be continued!)

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Pater Bacareza war von Anfang an in den 80er Jahren mein Mentor. Ich habe viel von ihm gelernt. Er hat mir viele Türen für zukünftige Veröffentlichungen geöffnet.

Die philippinisch-deutschen bzw. deutsch-philippinischen Beziehungen sind eine unbestreitbare Realität für Filipinos und Deutsche, die in vielen Beispielen des kulturellen Austauschs und der gegenseitigen wirtschaftlichen Zusammenarbeit sowie in mehreren Gesten gegenseitiger Freundschaft sehen.

Als philippinische Botschafterin in Deutschland erklärte Ihre Exzellenz Minerva Jean A. Falcon im Jahr 2005: „Die philippinisch-deutschen Beziehungen basieren auf den starken Grundlagen, die die Menschen und die Kultur beider Länder verbinden.“

Im Zeitalter der Globalisierung und mit dem Aufkommen des Informationszeitalters haben die philippinisch-deutschen Beziehungen einen Höchststand erreicht.

Als mein Mentor Pater Gene (Hermogenes Bacareza) sagte zuvor: „Wenn dieses Buch zumindest einen Leser dazu inspirieren kann, die freundschaftlichen Beziehungen zwischen den Philippinen und Deutschland zu fördern, sind die Bemühungen des Autors erfolgreich.“

Es ist schon lange her. Und wie ist es heutzutage?

Iloilo athlete is Miss Universe PH contender

BY TARA YAP

Alexie Mae Caimoso Brooks, the athlete and contender for Miss Universe Philippines, continues to be a story of sheer determination.

BROOKS (FB)

But the 22-year-old Alexie never had an easy life.  She literally never knew her parents, including her Ilongga mother and her Black American father who met in Lebanon when her mother was working as an Overseas Filipino Worker (OFW).

After Alexie was born in Manila, an uncle took her to the mountain barangay (village) of Buga in Leon, a town in central Iloilo province. It was her grandmother Lola Basing, her aunts and uncles who raised her.

As a young girl, Alexie was bullied for her skin complexion.  Rocks were even thrown at her.

Despite the traumatic experiences, Alexie soldiered on and never complained. 

To help her Lola Basing make ends meet, Alexie would accompany her grandmother to Iloilo City to sell vegetables.

It was more than a decade ago when a coach saw Alexie’s prowess in athletics and that led to a sports scholarship at Iloilo National High School (INHS) in Iloilo City.

From there, Alexie won the high jump competition at Western Visayas Regional Athletic Association (WVRAA) and Palarong Pambansa.

Alexie clinched a sports scholarship at the National University. In 2022, she was named Most Valuable Player (MVP) by the University Athletic Association of the Philippines (UAAP).

Alexie later represented the country in the Southeast Asian Games in Vietnam.

It was Alexie’s sideline in modeling that led to her discovery as a contestant for Miss Iloilo, which she won last January. 

It was Alexie’s phrase of “abanse babae” that would garner her attention as a woman with brains, brawn, and beauty.

Dr. Jayson Ibañez: Philippine Eagle conservationist

BY KEITH BACONGCO

  

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With a population of about 400 pairs left in the wild, the critically endangered Philippine Eagle needs utmost protection against deforestation, poaching, and other human activities that contribute to the loss of its habitat.

IBANEZ

Thanks to the dedicated people at the Philippine Eagle Foundation who are tirelessly for the conservation of the rare Philippine Eagle.

One of the most important figures in the eagle’s conservation efforts is Dr. Jayson Ibañez, research and conservation director, at the Davao-based Philippine Eagle Foundation.

For nearly 30 years now, Ibañez, who obtained a PhD degree at Charles Darwin University, has dedicated his career for the conservation of the Philippine Eagle.

The seasoned conservationist pioneered research on Philippine Eagle home range, survival, and habitat use through radio, satellite, and GPS/GSM telemetry.

Under his watch, his team studied 26 eagles with state-of-the-art telemetry technology that improved the scientific knowledge on Philippine Eagles.

Moreover, Ibañez also contributed to PEF’s “culture-based conservation” approach that engages marginalized Indigenous People communities in species and nature conservation programs.

“We realized that more than 80 percent of the eagle habitats of Mindanao are within the ancestral domain of the indigenous peoples,” Ibañez said. This made the indigenous communities the front liners in environmental protection.

Under the program, the PEF is conducting extensive education in indigenous communities as well as providing them with livelihood programs. 

Along with the PEF team, his conservation work has also contributed in protecting the watersheds to help strengthen natural defenses against environmental hazards and calamities.

His accomplishments in the field of conservation have earned him numerous awards and recognitions from local and international communities.

Among them are Bronze Award from the UK-based BP Conservation Program in 2004, Biodiversity Recognition Award from the government in 2015, and Second Place for the Yale International Society for Tropical Foresters (ISTF) Innovation Prize-Biodiversity Conservation edition in 2015.

Ibañez  was also a recipient of Whitley Fund for Nature (WFN-UK) conservation awards in 2015 and received a continuing grant award in 2017 which is also referred to as the Green Oscars that recognizes and supports conservationists from around the world who are making a difference through grassroots and science-based approaches.   

The most recent recognition was the Charles Darwin University Alumni Awards given last November.

BY ROBERT REQUINTINA

Feb 3, 2024 10:03 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• His demise was announced by his son PJ on social media. He did not reveal the cause of death.

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Deo Endrinal (Instagram)

Deo Endrinal, head of Dreamscape Entertainment Television of ABS-CBN, has passed away, it was announced on Feb. 3

His demise was announced by his son PJ on social media. He did not reveal the cause of death.

PJ's full post:  

"This has to be the hardest caption that I will ever post.

"Thank you daddy for everything, you have been the best father not just to me but to everyone that has known you. We will always remember how fortunate we are that you were in our lives.

"This will definitely be a hole in my heart and will leave a scar; but I know that you’re finally free from pain and now happily dancing in heaven cause you’ll definitely be the life of the party up there.

"We might be grieving now but instead of the sadness we should be celebrating the life you lived and shared with us and for that we’ll always be grateful.   "For now, Rest in Paradise Daddy, I love you so so much."

Prior to Dreamscape, Deo was also a writer and producer for ABS-CBN. Dreamscape Entertainment is behind the popular Kapamilya shows Linlang, Senior High, Pira-Pirasong Paraiso, FPJ's Batang Quiapo, Dirty Linen, and more.

PJ has yet to announce the interment details for his father.

Typical Filipino (XXXIX) - Typisch Philippinisch (XXXIX): Richtig oder falsch? - Right or wrong?

 

Testen Sie Ihr Wissen und Verständnis und kreuzen Sie die folgenden Aussagen als richtig oder falsch an:

(R) (F) 1. Am Totengedenktag Allerseelen gehört es sich auf keinen Fall. sich für den Friedhofsbesuch mit Proviant einzudecken und diesen an den Gräben zu verschmausen.

(R) (F)  2. Die Warenpreise in Einzelhandelsgeschäften und auf öffentlichen Märkten sind fest, und Sie sollten niemals zu handeln versuchen.

(R) (F) 3. Männern und Frauen berühren sich nie in der Öffentlichkeit - Menschen gleichen Geschlechts tun es sehr häufig.

(R) (F) 4. Man beurteilt Sie nach Ihrer äußeren Erscheinung.

(R) (F) 5. Christen sind auf den Philippinen eine Minderheit.

(R) (F) 6. Philippinische Bauern essen mit den Händen.

(R) (F) 7. Die Universität des Heiligen Tomas in Manila ist älter als die amerikanische Harvard Universität.

(R) (F) 8. Büroangestellte sehen in der nachmittäglichen Kaffeepause eine Einrichtung, die dem Arbeitsklima und der Arbeit förderlich ist.

(R) (F) 9. Sie können ohne Sorge Gegenstände im Garten oder unverschlossenem Auto zurücklassen.

Antworten:

1. Falsch

2. Falsch

3. Richtig und Falsch

4. Richtig

5. Falsch

6. Richtig

7. Richtig

8. Richtig

9. Falsch

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Test your knowledge and understanding and mark the following statements as true or false:

(R) (W) 1. It is definitely not appropriate on All Souls' Day. to stock up on provisions for the visit to the cemetery and eat them at the graves.

(R) (W) 2. Prices of goods in retail stores and public markets are fixed and you should never attempt to bargain.

(R) (W) 3. Men and women never touch each other in public - people of the same sex do it very often.

(R) (W) 4. You are judged by your physical appearance.

(R) (W) 5. Christians are a minority in the Philippines.

(R) (W) 6. Filipino farmers eat with their hands.

(R) (W) 7. The University of Saint Tomas in Manila is older than the American Harvard University.

(R) (W) 8. Office workers see the afternoon coffee break as an arrangement that is conducive to the working atmosphere and work.

(R) (W) 9. You can leave items in the garden or unlocked car without worry.

Answer:

1. Wrong

2. Wrong

3. Right and wrong

4. Correct

5. Wrong

6. Correct

7. Correct

8. Correct

9. Wrong