Business and Environment

My column in Businessweek Mindanao and Mindanao Daily News.

Honestly, the environment and climate change matters me most. Watching the daily news and the never ending horror stories about killing thousands of people due to natural disasters make me sad and sometimes helpless.

Is it already too late? The UN panel on climate change has warned that governments worldwide must act fast if the impact of global warming is to be limited at a manageable cost. Its annual report will form the basis for a global climate deal "as soon as possible".

Governments will have to reduce greenhouse emissions to zero by 2100 if the impact of climate change is to be kept in check at an affordable cost, a United Nations report said last Sunday. Such reports are not new. Only the dates are being changed year by year!

Anyway, if rapid steps were not taken to cut the emissions, however, the price could rise considerably, it said, warning that a failure to curb global warming by the end of the 21st century "will bring high risks of severe, widespread and irreversible impacts globally." I am not an expert, but allow me to question if it will be really at the end of the 21st century?

Such an "irreversible impact" would occur, for example, if Greenland's vast ice sheets were to melt, which could result in the swamping of coastal regions and cities. It's melting already. Please check out my last week's column in this publication.

The effects of climate change were already evident in an increase in extremes of heat, heavy rainfall, the acidification of the world's oceans and a rise in sea levels.

According to the report released by the Intergovernmental Panel of Climate Change (IPCC), the cost of reducing carbon-dioxide emissions in the short term would not brake global growth to any great degree. It said annual projected growth of 1.6 to 3.0 percent a year in consumption of goods and services would be cut by just 0.06 of a percentage point per year if immediate action were taken.

The report is a 40-page synthesis summing up 5,000 pages of climate change studies already published since September 2013. The studies establish with 95-percent certainty that almost all global warming seen since the 1950's is man-made. Imagine - since the 1950's!!!

The document, which has been edited  by officials from more than 120 governments meeting in the Danish capital, Copenhagen, has been furnished guidelines for a UN deal on global warming scheduled to be struck at an international summit in Paris already in late 2015.

Options for limiting the amount of greenhouse gas emissions included improving energy efficiency and moving from fossil fuels to wind, solar or nuclear power, according to the study. Words of hope? What really happened since then?

"We have the means to limit climate change," then IPCC chairman Rejendra Pachauri said. Yes, sure. And?

"The solutions are many and allow for continued economic and human development. All we need is the will to change, which we trust will be motivated by knowledge and an understanding of the science of climate change," he added.

Did our global governments understand the science of climate change? And what are the logically following steps and law implementations?

15 Minutes Grand Fireworks Display

... ug Musical Concert nila Bamboo ug Eumee Capile

Compostela Valley Province-Puno sa nag lanog-lanog nga hugyaw sa kalipay, katawa, ug hudyaka ang tibuok kapitolyo sa  kapin 30 mil nga misaksi sa Grand Fireworks Display ug sa dakong Concert nila ni Bamboo ug Eumee Capile niadtong milabayng Biyernes (Marso 8,2019) sa gabii nga maoy nagsira sa usa ka semanang selebrasyon sa 12th Bulawan Festival ug 21st Founding Anniversary nga gipanguluhan nila ni Gov. Jayvee Tyron Uy; Cong. Maricar Zamora; Cong. Atty. Ruwell Peter Gonzaga; ug SP Members sa pagpanguna nila ni Vice Gov. Manuel “Way Kurat” Zamora ug Senior Board Member Arturo “Chiongkee” Uy.

Ang usa ka semanang selebrasyon sa 12^th Bulawan Festival gitapos sa usa ka adlawng Foundation Day Celebration sa milabayng Biyernes ug unang hunat ang pag turn-over ni Cong. Maricar Zamora sa bag-o nahumang Phase-1 Construction sa sa P179 Milyones nga Legislative Building nga nahitabo human ang Pontifical Mass nga giselebrar ni Bishop Medel S. Aseo kauban ang kapin kon kulang 30 ka mga kaparian sa Diocese of Tagum nga na assign sa Davao Del Norte, Compostela Valley, ug sa Queen of Apostles College Seminary.

Dungan niini ang “Bulawanong Ani ug Parada sa Bulawan” diin Highlight sa kalihokan ang Prosperity Float, Music Pool and Headress Parade” nga nagsugod sa Poblacion Nabunturan paingon sa kapitolyo ug samtang kini nagapadayon gihimo sad diha sa kapitolyo human sa Ceremonial Turn-over ang Opening Program nga gitambongan ni Sen. Bong Revilla nga maoy mihatag og Keynote Message atol sa maong okasyon.

Unang hunat sa mga paglingaw gidalit sa mga inilang artista nga sila Glydel Mercado, Pauline Mendoza, Tonton Gutierrez, ug Shyr Valdez ngadto sa liboang mga kababayen-an nga nagtapok atol sa selebrasyon sa “Kasumaran sa Kababayen-an” nga gipanguluhan ni Bulawan Festival Director PWDC Chair Madam Sholai sa ala 1:00-5:00 sa hapon.

Apan  sa pagkagabii dala nila Cong. Maricar Zamora ug Gov. Tyron Uy pinaagi ni Bulawan Festival Director PWDC Chair Madam Sholai sila Bamboo, Yumi Capile, ug ang Local Davao Comedians nga milingaw pinaagi sa nindot nga mga awit ug pakatawa sa kapin kon kulang 30,000 mga katawhan nga misaksi sa giusang Prosperity and Unity Concert ug sa 15 minutos nga Grand Fireworks Display nga maoy nagtapos sa usa ka semanang selebrasyon sa 12^th Bulawan Festival ug 21^st Founding Anniversary sa Compostela Valley. (Gilbert M. Cabahug, IDS-Comval)

Our future on Earth

My column in BUSINESSWEEK MINDANAO and MINDANAO DAILY NEWS.

Yes, it's again the topic, we should really think about. Our future, but especially our children's future. Also here in the Philippines. Here's anew string of examples, my dear readers. But, don't expect only good news. 

We're experiencing in the Philippines a mild El Nino right now. "Mild" - because we might not be able to the see the end of the tunnel. Yes, it's summer - but... .

Greenland, the great island is being called already the 'Land of Ice on fire'. Why? A recent report says the Arctic may be ice-free by 2040. The Antarctic is also melting, albeit far slower, and in a less regular pattern. 

Yes, the Arctic is melting much faster than expected, and could even be ice-free in summer by the late 2030's, a report from the Arctic Council's Arctic Monitoring and Assessment Program suggests. Previous studies had forecast an ice-free North Pole in summer by mid-century. Wow.  Different reports - different views.

While the outlook is bleak for the Arctic, there is a silver lining for the Antarctic: As I said before, the ice is melting at a slower rate than previously thought. Although glacier flow has increased since the 1990's, scientists from University of Leeds have found the melting rate to be only around a third of what was previously projected. A section of a glacier in Greenland was seen from NASA's Operation IceBridge research aircraft along the Upper Baffin Bay coast on March 27, 2017.

Operation IceBridge studies the processes that link the polar regions with the Earth's climate system. Rapidly changing polar ice means researchers need to use highly sophisticated airborne technology to measure annual changes in thickness and movement - on board a retrofitted 1966 Lockheed P-3 aircraft.

But the Antarctic is still melting. And a rapidly advancing crack in its fourth-largest ice shelf could soon see one of the largest icebergs ever recorded in human history break off into the sea.Scientists agree that global warming causes both the ice in the North and the South Pole to melt. Air temperatures are climbing, and so are water temperatures. This makes the ice melt faster. The period of winter, where the water is actually cold enough to freeze, is getting shorter, which means ice floes are getting smaller.

Greenland, home to the world's largest permanent ice sheet outside Antarctica, was being swept by wildfires already two years ago.. Yes, the land of ice was on fire. A really breath away taking situation. Scientists are keep on saying global warming and increased plant cover are likely factors. 

Honestly folks, it really scares me although experts say it is too early to draw firm conclusions linking the wild fires from all over the world to climate change because no long-term data is available to put the blaze in context. However, unusually warm and dry conditions  could have been a factor.

Although the origin of the global blaze (especially Australia or California) is unclear - with lightening and a stray cigarette as possible suspects - what is clear is how it has been spreading across remote areas of grassland and low shrub.  And Greenland's is indeed getting greener and greener. It conjures images of white, frozen expanses. But Box says global warming means it's getting greener all the time. "There's a shorter snow-cover season, and that allows the plant life to expand," he explained.

The Arctic is heating up around twice as fast as the global average. At the same time, rainfall around the world is also increasing - and that trend as well is more present in the Arctic. "More rain is a widespread symptom of climate change," Box said. "You get more precipitation - and where you get the biggest increase is in the Arctic."

Fact is: Greenland's ice sheets melt, that contributes to sea level rise. And if we add North- and South Pole and their vanishing ice and snow? Then yes, also the Philippines are in danger. 

Facebook and Instagram down in the Philippines

... and parts of the world

ABS-CBN News

Courtesy of downdetector.com

MANILA (UPDATED) - Facebook and Instagram users in several parts of the world reported that the social-network sites were inaccessible late Wednesday and early morning Thursday.

The California giant, which has more than 2 billion users, acknowledged the outage and is working to fix the problem.

"We’re aware that some people are currently having trouble accessing the Facebook family of apps. We're working to resolve the issue as soon as possible," a Facebook statement said on Twitter.

A short time later, Facebook indicated the outage was not related to an attack aimed at overwhelming the network.

"We're focused on working to resolve the issue as soon as possible, but can confirm that the issue is not related to a DDoS attack," Facebook said, referring to what is known as a distributed denial of service cyber strike.

Facebook

✔@facebook

 · 14h

We’re aware that some people are currently having trouble accessing the Facebook family of apps. We’re working to resolve the issue as soon as possible.

SunKissed@leshandraj3

These people are going through withdrawal!!! They need their #Facebook pic.twitter.com/yk5IHh7slz

403

1:58 AM - Mar 14, 2019

Twitter Ads info and privacy

47 people are talking about this

According to the website downdetector.com, outages were heaviest in North America and Europe. Users in the Philippines, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan also experienced the glitch.

News site USA Today also reported that some users were experiencing issues on Facebook-owned photo app Instagram.

The hashtags #facebookdown and #instagramdown quickly topped Twitter's trending topics worldwide. 

Last November, a Facebook outage was attributed to a server problem and a September 2018 outage was said to be the result of "networking issues." - With a report from Agence France-Presse

Bulwan Queen contestants and designed festival costumes

Bulawan Queen contestants wear their grandiosely designed festival costumes based on the freestyle interpretation of the culture, character and beauty of their municipalities with the dominance of color in shades of gold during the pre-pageant on March 3. The event is part of the “12th Bulawan Festival” and “21st Founding Anniversary” of Comval. (albert dayao, ID COMVAL)

Ms. Mariz Jane Lasaca of Montevista won the coveted Grand Champion title for Garbo De Oro, as part of the 12th Bulawan festival celebration of Comval from March 3-8. She receives P30,000, a plaque and a scholarship from Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA). (albert dayao, ID COMVAL)

ONE COMVAL, ONE VISION.

A night of elegance

It’s a night of elegance, beauty and wit as 10 beautiful candidates vie it out to win the most coveted crown for the Ms. Bulawan Queen 2019.  In the end, Ms. Angelica M. Cajes of Mawab gets the nod of the judges and brings home the trophy, P50,000 cash prize, and a trip for 2 in Hongkong. The event is part of the “12th Bulawan Festival” and “21^st Founding Anniversary” of Comval. (maryel lasaca, ID COMVAL)

The Global Challenge

My column in Businessweek Mindanao

If I think about this topic, peace is first in my mind. But there is still another challenge. Worldwide population is expected to grow to nearly 10 billion by 2050 - but agricultural lands won't be able to follow the same pace. The problem is clear: something has to change. The question is what.

Sustainable food for everyone? Food - besides water!

The world's population continues to grow - but the Earth's surface doesn't. And already one in nine people around the world suffers from hunger. Although fertility levels worldwide are declining, life expectancy is increasing - and therefore, the global population keeps growing. The United Nations estimates that the world's population is increasing by more than 90 million people every year.

Forecasts offer a nonstop rise: The global population is expected to reach 8.6 billion in 2030, 9.8 billion in 2050 and 11.2 billion by 2100. So allow me to ask: How can we feed all these billions without destroying the earth? And, if we take a closer look, we might experiences ourselves: the earth is already destroyed at many places.

Although it's a dire picture, but let's face it: the situation is not as disastrous as it might seem. Food is not lacking - it is just poorly managed. I got the idea for this post after having watched an interview with Ralf Südhoff, head of the World Food Program of the United Nations in Berlin some time ago. He said: "Today, we would be able to feed many more people than we do". "But we waste too much of the food we produce, and we lack efficient production - particularly in Africa".

Forgotten are many rural areas. I agree with Südhoff who says that population growth is not the key cause of hunger, but rather a lack of efficiency in managing our resources. Indeed, farmers in rural areas of some African and Asian countries still lack the necessary means to maximize crop yields, misusing vast areas of land.

Imagine, the productivity of existing arable lands could be doubled, experts believe. And  experts agree that productivity could be increased through very simple means. Allow me to quote again Ralf Südhoff: "Efficiency could be doubled or tripled in many  countries by providing basic means such as training, credits and land rights".

According to Valentin Thurn, director of the German documentary "10 Billion- Whats on your plate?", farmers in rural areas are the most affected by hunger - and the ones most commonly left behind.  He believes, and he is "deadly" correct,  smallholders should get integrated into the modernization processes - until now, only limited to big industrialized farms.

While it won't necessarily be easy to feed 10 billion people sustainable, it is possible, experts believe.

"We are producing at such a pace that the natural cycle cannot recover fast enough," Klingholz said. "And this is mainly rich countries' fault."  Global agriculture currently produces some 4,000 calories per capita per day - the double of what each person needs. Sad to say but it's also true: we are already producing enough for 9 to 12 billion people - but we discard a third of the harvest worldwide!

Farmers worldwide are adapting to climate change. Yes, there is climate change! The World Food Program estimates that under climate change scenarios, the risk of malnutrition for children will increase 20 percent by 2050 - meaning 24 million more children could soon suffer from it. Industrialized countries are therefore even more responsible for mitigating the effects of climate change. Südhoff believes this and so do I and many others on this globe.

Maco wins LGU Night

Las Fiestas de Oro at the 12^th Bulawan Festival

Compostela Valley Province – Municipal local government units from different sectors of the province compete at the 12^th Bulawan Festival for LGU Night: Las Fiestas de Oro on March 3, 2019. In light of the event, spectators are able to see the different performances as they learn more about the history and traditions through the representation of the festivals they hold in their respective area.

They were able to showcase their presentations at the said event and many were able to see their spectacular talents and precisions in their performances. The formal event started off with a message from the LMP President Hon. Roberto M. Yugo Sr. followed by the presentation of the board of judges, Mr. Richard Dian Vilar, Ms. Ma. Cynthia P. Aranas, and Ms. Dolores G. Curay.

The contenders from Maco, who represented their municipality’s “Kaimonan Festival” were hailed the winners for the Las Fiestas de Oro, followed by the participants from Maragusan, who represented the “Pyagsawitan Festival”, and Montevista, representing the “Diwanag Festival”, winning 1^st and 2^nd runner up, respectively.

Other festivals represented during the night were from other areas within Comval Province: Pantukan and the “Pasaka Festival”, Mawab and the “Pasandugan Festival”, Compostela and the “Buganihan Festival”, Mabini and the “Dapungan Festival”, Laak and the “Imunan Cum-Fruit Festival”, New Bataan and the “Sal’Lupongan Festival”, and Nabunturan with the “Simballay Festival”.

Provincial governor Hon. Jayvee Tyron L. Uy also gives his message as he showed appreciation for the representation of the different areas within the province and how it important it is to preserve their area’s culture and history.

Guests included for the night were Senator Jinggoy Estrada, who gave out an enriching message for those in attendance during the event, and Filipino celebrity Bella Padilla, who also entertained everyone with a special performance number.

The event is part of the weeklong celebration of the 12^th Bulawan Festival and 21^st Founding Anniversary of Compostela Valley that runs from March 3 to 8, 2019.

This year’s festivity highlights the private-public partnership with big and reputable companies as well as officials supporting the event:  Co-presenters  Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Senior Board Member Arturo T. Uy, Congressman Maricar S. Zamora and Vice-Governor Manuel Zamora, Congressman Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga, Apex Mining Company Inc., Torre Lorenzo Development Corp, MARINO Party List, HUGPONG NG PAGBABAGO, Dumper Party List and Beautederm. For Diamond Sponsorship: Krishael’s Events and Concept while for Gold Sponsorship, SUMIFRU Philippines, Phoenix Fuels Inc., Cong. Antonio Floirendo, Jr. and HEXAT Mining Co., Inc.  (Sean Seismundo, IDS Comval)

Comval conducts Bulawanong Kinaiyahan Tree (Palm) Planting

Compostela Valley Province--- As early as 6 o’clock in the morning a total of two thousand (2,000) palm trees were planted along Daang Maharlika National Highway of Barangay Magsaysay to Barangay San Roque of Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province during the conduct of the “Bulawanong Kinaiyahan Tree Planting” activity on March 6, 2019.

The activity is in line with the celebration of “12^th Bulawan Festival and 21^st Founding Anniversary” of Compostela Valley Province on March 8, 2019 with the theme: “The Gold One. Ang Bulawan sa Tanan.”

The activity was spearheaded by the provincial government of Compostela Valley under Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy through the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO).

The participants of the tree planting activity were the provincial officials lead by Governor Uy, Municipal Government of Nabunturan under Mayor Chelita Amatong, National Offices such us the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), Department of Education (DepEd), Bauru of Fire Protection (BFP), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Barangay Local Government of Barangay Magsaysay, Barangay Poblacion and Barangay San Roque of Nabunturan.

Also joining the tree planting activity were the League of Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO), Employees of the provincial Government of Comval, and the private partners namely; ALDEVINCO, APEX Mining Company, ARMOR, KMC, Sumifru, King Coop, Eagle AGPET, AMCI and other public and private sectors.

This year’s festivity highlights the private-public partnership with big and reputable companies as well as officials supporting the event:  Co-presenters  Governor Jayvee Tyron L. Uy, Senior Board Member Arturo T. Uy, Congressman Maricar S. Zamora and Vice-Governor Manuel Zamora, Congressman Ruwel Peter S. Gonzaga, Apex Mining Company Inc., Torre Lorenzo Development Corp, MARINO Party List, HUGPONG NG PAGBABAGO, Dumper Party List and Beautederm. For Diamond Sponsorship: Krishael’s Events and Concept while for Gold Sponsorship, SUMIFRU Philippines, Phoenix Fuels Inc., Cong. Antonio Floirendo, Jr. and HEXAT Mining Co., Inc. (Rey Antibo, ID Comval)

As early as 6 o’clock in the morning a total of two thousand (2,000) palm trees were planted along Daang Maharlika National Highway of Barangay Magsaysay to Barangay San Roque of Nabunturan, Compostela Valley Province during the conduct of the “Bulawanong Kinaiyahan Tree Planting” activity on March 6, 2019. (Photo from FB acct of Comval DepEd SDS Rey Solitario) 

Aicelle Santos takes final bow as Gigi Van Tranh

By: Regina Mae Parungao

After a year of “grand holiday,” the “Miss Saigon” curtain has come down on Aicelle Santos.

On Instagram, the Filipina actress-singer bid farewell her character Gigi Van Tranh as the musical’s global tour concluded. “Miss Saigon’s” last show was held Sunday in Cologne, Germany.

“And just like that we are down to our last day in Miss Saigon! What?! Thanks for an awesome year Gigi!” she wrote. “I believe I am braver because of you! You allowed me to dance crazy like no one’s watching and be as creative and entertaining as I can (at least to myself), 8 shows a week!”

Aicelle said that her “Miss Saigon” stint gave her peace and learning solitude. It also allowed her have a “grand holiday to places I never knew I’d see in this lifetime.”

“ I made new friends and discovered diverse cultures. You are worth every note sung, every tear shed and body pains endured,” said she, who bagged the role of Gigi in March 2018.

Prior to her, Rachelle Ann Go played the same role in the London West End revival of the musical, while Isay Alvarez held the role in the original West End Production.

A message from the official “Miss Saigon” Instagram account read: “…Since July 2017 we’ve visited 14 cities and wish to thank all of YOU who have joined us on our journey.”

In past Instagram posts, Aicelle said she feels “humbled and blessed” to be part of the show’s UK tour.

“‘Whatever He wills, I will follow,’” she said. “This has been my guiding mantra through the highs and lows of life. And with this new direction I’m taking, I couldn’t thank you enough, Lord.”

Other Filipino artists in “Miss Saigon” UK were Red Concepcion and Gerald Santos, who were earlier cast as The Engineer and Thuy, respectively, with Joreen Bautista, who alternates as Kim.

“Our Filipino flag stands tall and proud. Honored to represent!” the 34-year-old “Pinoy Pop Superstar” runner-up added.

Aicelle is also known for her roles as Aileen in “Rak Of Aegis,” and as Perla in “Maynila Sa Kuko Ng Liwanag,” for which she won Best Actress at the 30th Aliw Awards in 2017.

She got engaged to boyfriend GMA reporter Mark Zambrano days after she bagged the “Miss Saigon” role.