WITH BEETHOVEN UNDER PALMS

 My biography as German expatriate in the Philippines 

Chapter I: How it all started

So I was sitting with my best friend Jürgen 1976 on packed suitcases at Cairo International Airport. We just had a bad night at the hotel. "Are you finally looking forward to Asia?" he asked me. "Yes, of course", I mumbled. We waited for boarding of our flight to Manila. Manila would be only a short stopover. Our main reason was travelling to Japan for a three-months-family stay in different cities organized by the International YMCA.

I have had several breathtaking journeys before. 1974 Norway, 1975 Canada and the United States. I was still uncomfortably overwhelmed by the poor hotel room and the even worst service in our hotel. At that moment, I didn't know what would happen to me, when we got to Manila... .

I came from a well-sheltered family in the German province. Farms, animals, and an intact nature. A huge forest with a little river bordered my parent's small house. I was lucky, my kindergarten was just 200 meters away. Sister Lieschen  looked after me touchingly. I can still remember that particular melody that she often played for me: "Für Elise" by Ludwig van Beethoven. At the age of 4, I started practicing on my own. Other compositions followed. This was the time, music entered my life.

And music should become my major and favorite subject in elementary school. Of course reading and writing too - calculating not so! Geography was limited to Germany. Suddenly my music teacher, an awesome violin player, asked me if I would like to join the school orchestra. Sure, I would love too - but with which instrument? The following Christmas, I knew. A student 40 accordion lay under the Christmas tree. And it's still with me here in the Philippines. 60 years old - with an original sound from Germany.

 

Our flight to Manila was delayed again. While waiting for our boarding, I kept thinking back to the past. After several performances, my music teacher presented his arrangement for Beethoven's Elise. I was happy to be one of the orchestra members. But, I always flirted with the piano... .

Besides Beethoven, I fell in love with Frederic Chopin too. My teacher told me: "You're still too young for him!" I still feel how disappointed I was then today.

The sudden announcement that our flight to Manila is ready for boarding stopped my day dreaming. My buddy Jürgen was really eager to arrive in the Philippines soon. He was dreaming about a nice beach, warm water, and a long drink. In my dreams, I saw a lonely island... .

We noticed that these dreams were not coming true when we got off the plane in Manila.

(To be continued!)

Nissan announces closure of PH plant

 Photo credit: https://www.nissan.ph/vehicles/new/almera.html

by Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin

Nissan today announced it will stop production in the Philippines effective March 2021, putting an end to its lone completely knocked down assembly for passenger car model Almera to ensure efficient business operations in the ASEAN region

“Nissan in the Philippines, together with its vehicle assembly partner, Univation Motor Philippines, Inc. (UMPI), have made the decision to cease production operations for the Nissan Almera in the Santa Rosa plant in the Philippines, effective March 2021,” said the company statement.

The decision has been made following the expiration of the assembly contract between Nissan Philippines, Inc. (NPI) and UMPI. An estimated 133 employees, who will be affected by the plant closure, will be provided their benefits and assistance during the transition period.

The decision is aligned with Nissan’s plan towards optimized production and efficient business operations in the ASEAN region, as part of the Nissan NEXT transformation plan.

“Nissan remains committed to its investments in the Philippines. The company will continue to contribute to the growth of the Philippine automotive industry through its innovative products and excellent services, as well as its dealer expansion nationwide,” said NPI.

According to the company, Nissan’s strategy in the Philippines is to keep the customer at the heart of our business, and focus on strengthening the fundamentals of Product, Service, Customer Experience, and People. Our customer-centric approach guides our product and service offerings, as well as network expansion.

Nonetheless, UMPI will remain active in the Philippines and continue its other business operations in the country. The well-being of employees is the highest priority. Nissan is coordinating with UMPI to ensure a smooth transition. The UMPI plant has total capacity of 18,000 units annually.

NPI spokesperson Dax Avenido said Almera has been produced in the Philippines since 2013. Last year, it sold 3,238 units from 4,866 units the previous year. NPI said it is still has enough inventory units to serve orders.

NPI offers 9 imported completely built up models in the Philippines, with Almera as its lone CKD model.

Trade and Industry Secretary, who was informed of the decision a day before the announcement, emphasized the need for auto safeguard measures amid the closure of the Nissan assembly plant.

“The announcement of Nissan to close their assembly operations in the country is regrettable, as these developments all the more demonstrate the critical situation of the local motor vehicle industry. Thus, the provisional safeguard measures need to be immediately put in place to protect the domestic industry from further serious injury,” Lopez said.

Lopez also cited reports that prior to the Philippine plant closure, Nissan since 2019, Nissan had already closed plants across Europe, US and developing countries and have laid-off  approximately 42,500  workers globally. Moving forward, it plans to further cut its global production capacity by 20% as well as its number of models offered to the market.

In the Philippines, Nissan Almera’s sales of around 4,500 represents just 1 percent of the total vehicle market and its assembly activity employs 133 workers. Introduced in the country in 2011, the current 3rd generation Almera had likewise over-extended its model life cycle.

According to Lopez, NPI already contemplated on closing last year given weaker volume sales and low market share of the Almera. They have in effect extended their stay.

Their major sales come from imported pick-ups and sport utility vehicles (SUVs).

Nissan, however, reassured DTI that the 133 workers will be provided reasonable compensation packages and that only assembly workers are affected, as operations of their marketing and distribution network will continue – selling units imported mainly from Thailand and Japan.

Moreover, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the DTI regional offices will collaborate in providing affected workers with manufacturing jobs.

Sec. Lopez also stated that “The stoppage of Almera’s assembly operations, following closely that of Honda and Isuzu, only highlights that the local auto assembly industry is critically impacted by the surge in imports and will thus benefit from the time-bound safeguard duty.”

“Alongside the modernized incentives being made available under the CREATE Bill, the DTI is undertaking a comprehensive approach to revive the auto industry – employing coherent policy measures while still maintaining fair trade and the contestability of the market for imports. This, together with the major reforms we are doing—such as the Public Service Act, the Rice Tariffication Law and the Build, Build, Build program, and many more—will bring about a more attractive investment climate moving forward,” the trade chief added.

He stressed that the Philippine auto market is one of the most open among the larger ASEAN member countries. For instance, Thailand imposes an 80% Most Favored Nation (MFN) tariff rate on completely built-up units (CBU) originating outside ASEAN.

Meanwhile, with various non-tariff measures on motor vehicles in place, Indonesia has effectively discouraged imports and, as a result, imports account for only 7% of

Indonesia’s domestic market. This is in stark contrast to the Philippines, where locally assembled light commercial vehicles account for only 7% of the market.

Nissan is currently leasing the manufacturing facility owned by the Taiwanese company, Yulon Group. Accordingly, the plant itself will be kept, similar to how the Honda’s facility, remained intact.

The Secretary expressed hope that the plant can be used for the next entrant to local assembly of cars when the business climate improves after the pandemic.

Which is the fake P1,000 bill?

 

by Jane Kingsu-Cheng, Manila Bulletin

Makeup artist, microblading guru, and now i’Milky milk tea shop owner Barbi Chan recently shared a photo of two P1,000 bills. In her Facebook post, she asked her friends to figure out which of the two bills that she posted is fake.

“We got scammed again with a fake P1,000 bill. Guys, be careful kasi super galing na nila mameke. We even have a UV scanner and mayroon na din ang pekeng bill . We only found out in the bank,” she posted.

In an interview with Barbi, she shared with us that her staff goes to the bank on a daily basis to deposit the sales from i’Milky Eastwood branch for the day. The staff called Barbi to update her regarding one of the peso bills.

Confiscated

They couldn’t believe that these fake peso bills are getting better every time. It passed their UV scanners. “even the fake ones have the UV reflective fibers already.” says Barbi who added that they bank took the fake bill and made them sign a currency confiscation receipt. So, in the end, they lost P1,000 worth of sales, because the bank didn’t accept the fake bill and confiscated it as well.

How to spot

“We noticed that the color of the seal of the real one is greener compared to the fake one. The fake one is more blue in color,” shares Barbi. “A friend who works at the anti fraud division of a bank told me that to check the authenticity of the bill, you can rub it against white sheet of paper and some pigment should come off. I tried it and it is really true. The fake one has no pigment at all.

Another rule she relayed to her staff, “Avoid accepting P1,000 peso-bills. Just tell them you don’t have change for it.”

 

Cebu Pacific won’t accept foreigners from countries covered by PH travel ban

by Ariel Fernandez, Manila Bulletin

The government has extended the ongoing travel ban until Jan. 31 following the detection of the new COVID-19 variant in the country.

As a result, budget carrier Cebu Pacific spokesperson Candice Iyog said they will not accept foreign nationals who originated from, transited via, or visited any of the 34 countries covered by the extended travel restrictions imposed by the Inter-Agency Task Force.

Only Filipinos will be accepted on flights from Dubai, Hong Kong, Nagoya (Japan), Singapore, and Seoul (South Korea) during this period, Iyog said.

The list of affected countries and complete details may be viewed at http://bit.ly/IATFResoNo94_011521

Passengers affected by the temporary ban may avail of any of the following options:

– Free rebooking within 90 days – waived rebooking fee and fare difference

– Full travel fund, valid for two years

– Full refund

In compliance with IATF regulations, Filipinos who wish to proceed with their travel plans will be subjected to mandatory 14-day quarantine in an accredited facility upon arrival in Manila.

Cebu Pacific said they will continue to operate its domestic and international flights as scheduled. Before going to the airport, Cebu Pacific advised passengers to check the real-time status of their flights in their website.

“We continue to work closely with the authorities and will provide updates through our website and official social media accounts as necessary,” Cebu Pacific said.

Philippines: Vaccinated individuals still need to follow travel protocols

by Charissa Luci-Atienza , Manila Bulletin

Individuals who got inoculated with COVID-19 vaccines still need to follow the national government’s travel protocols, the Department of Health (DOH) said Monday.

(AFP / FILE PHOTO / MANILA BULLETIN)

DOH Secretary Francisco Duque III said there is no certainty that all vaccinated individuals will be exempted from travel restrictions or protocols set by the  Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF).

“We get more data as the vaccines are rolled out or administered to a growing number of individuals, but right now the policy of the IATF based on the recommendation of experts, they will continue to follow on these existing protocols. They will not be exempt just because they have been vaccinated, because as earlier pointed it is not yet clear nor there is sufficient body of evidence that showed  the vaccines can actually prevent the transmission,” he told the House Committee on Health, chaired by Quezon 4th District Rep. Angelina “Helen” Tan.

It was Palawan 3rd District Rep. Cyrille “Beng” Abueg-Zaldivar who asked if the vaccinated individuals will later on be exempted from the IATF’s travel protocols or restrictions. 

Duque said “the evidence is not sufficient” as to whether the vaccines could prevent transmission.

Dr. Edsel Maurice Salvana of the DOH-Technical Advisory Group (DOH-TAG) cited the need for the country to have a transmission blocking vaccine to warrant the lifting of travel restrictions. 

“If we actually have a vaccine that is proven to be 100-percent transmission blocking then anybody who is vaccinated with it should be able to travel freely. They don’t need to wait for everybody kasi hindi ka nakahahawa (because you are not contagious).

“‘Yun talaga ang problem (That is the problem) eh even like for Moderna what evidence we have limited evidence, maybe it prevents two-thirds of a symptomatic infection may one-third pa rin ‘yun so hindi pa tayo makakasigurado (there’s remaining one third, so there is no assurance). Remember it only takes one transmission to start another cluster,” Salvana explained. 

“If not necessarily getting everybody vaccinated, it is more important that we have a transmission blocking vaccine which, for now, we don’t have data yet, the DOH official said.

CARELESS WORDS THAT HURT

My column in  MINDANAO DAILY, BusinessWeek Mindanao and The Metro Cagayan de Oro Times

OPINION

By KLAUS DORING

 January 17, 2021

---

SHARE

Like

Tweet

Matthew 12:34 says, "Out of the overflow of the heart the mouth speaks". Indeed, the place to begin with our words is inside in our thoughts about others and us. If we accompany that with a commitment to stop speaking hurtful words. We have begun a dramatic mid-course correction in life, a religion writer, Dave McCasland said a long time ago.

 

The power of words, written as well as spoken out, is a weapon, which can hurt or even kill. Writing with a wicked pen or talking with a sharp tongue doesn't mean that all of us should walk disrespectfully through other's lives.

 

Careless words can really inflict wounds that last for a lifetime. On the other hand, kind words can bring healing and encouragement. Yes, everything we say has the power to hurt or to heal.

 

The religious and philosophical writer Tulushkin stressed: "If you can't go for 24 hours without saying unkind words about others, you have lost control of your tongue. Joseph Telushkin lectured on the awesome power of words and our sometimes "dirty tongues".

 

He suggested taking a revealing "tongue test" to see where we stand. "Monitor your conversation for two days", he said. "Note every time you say something negative about someone, who is not personally present. Also record, when others do so, as well as your reactions when it happened. Do you try to silence the speaker, or do you ask for more details?" And then, Telushkin concluded: "Most of us who take this test are unpleasantly surprised!" And now, my dear readers you can guess, why ... .

 

I found another good description in Proverbs 6:16-19, relate to the causes and effects of hurting and damaging words: "Haughty eyes, a lying tongue, hands that shed innocent blood, a heart that devises wicked schemes, feet that are quick to rush into evil, a false witness who pours out lies, and a man who stirs up dissension among brothers".

 

I really had to think of one of the other details  from the past few days reaching us from the global newsrooms... .

Das Auswärtige Amt Berlin gibt bekannt

Philippinen: Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise (Teilreisewarnung und COVID-19-bedingte Reisewarnung)

15.01.2021

Letzte Änderung: Aktuelles (Einreise)


Lagen können sich schnell verändern und entwickeln. Wir empfehlen Ihnen:

- Verfolgen Sie Nachrichten und Wetterberichte
- Achten Sie auf einen ausreichenden Reisekrankenversicherungsschutz https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/-/350944

- Abonnieren Sie unseren Newsletter https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/newsroom/newsletter/bestellen-node oder nutzen Sie unsere App „Sicher Reisen“ https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/app-sicher-reisen/350382

- Folgen Sie uns auf Twitter: AA_SicherReisen https://twitter.com/AA_SicherReisen

- Registrieren Sie sich in unserer Krisenvorsorgeliste https://elefand.diplo.de/elefandextern/home/login!form.action 

Letzte Änderungen:
Aktuelles (Einreise)

Aktuelles
Die Ausbreitung von COVID-19 https://www.auswaertiges-amt.de/de/ReiseUndSicherheit/reise-gesundheit/gesundheit-fachinformationen/reisemedizinische-hinweise/Coronavirus/-/2309820 führt weiterhin zu Einschränkungen im internationalen Luft- und Reiseverkehr und Beeinträchtigungen des öffentlichen Lebens.

Vor nicht notwendigen, touristischen Reisen in die Philippinen wird derzeit gewarnt.

Epidemiologische Lage

Die Philippinen sind von COVID-19 stark betroffen. Regionaler Schwerpunkt ist die Hauptstadtregion Metro Manila.
Die Philippinen sind weiterhin als Risikogebiet https://www.rki.de/DE/Content/InfAZ/N/Neuartiges_Coronavirus/Risikogebiete_neu.html eingestuft.

Aktuelle und detaillierte Zahlen bieten das philippinische Gesundheitsministerium https://www.doh.gov.ph/ und die Weltgesundheitsorganisation WHO https://covid19.who.int/.

Einreise

Reisenden aus Ländern, in denen bestimmte neue Varianten von COVID-19 festgestellt wurden, auch Deutschland, und die nicht die philippinische Staatsangehörigkeit besitzen, ist die Einreise in die Philippinen zunächst bis 31. Januar 2021 untersagt.

Flughafentransit-Passagiere aus diesen Ländern sind von der Einreisesperre nicht betroffen. Sie müssen sich bei Einreise am Flughafen in den Philippinen einem PCR-Test unterziehen und unterliegen den aktuellen philippinischen Quarantänevorschriften.

Durch- und Weiterreise

Reisen zwischen den Provinzen sind nur eingeschränkt möglich. Es müssen Gesundheitszeugnisse, gegebenenfalls ein negativer PCR-Test, vorgelegt und in der Zielprovinz im Einzelfall Quarantäne abgeleistet werden. Die Ausreise ist Ausländern, die sich im Land aufhalten, jederzeit erlaubt. Viele Fluggesellschaften verlangen für den Reiseantritt in den Philippinen einen negativen COVID-19-Test.

Reiseverbindungen

Für die Einreise über den Flughafen in Manila bestehen Kontingente. Fluggesellschaften erhalten ihre Kontingente mit geringem zeitlichen Vorlauf, was zu kurzfristigen Umbuchungen oder Flugstornierungen führen kann.

Beschränkungen im Land

Die zwischenzeitlich unterbrochenen regulären Verkehrsverbindungen zwischen den Inseln des Landes wurden teilweise wiederaufgenommen, können jedoch jederzeit kurzfristig wiedereingestellt werden. Inlandsflüge nach Manila finden nur unzuverlässig statt.
Die touristische Infrastruktur ist seit Beginn der Pandemie stark eingeschränkt, zahlreiche Hotels und Resorts sind weiterhin geschlossen. Die Regierung der Philippinen ändert die seit Mitte März 2020 geltenden landesweiten Quarantänemaßnahmen turnusmäßig im monatlichen Rhythmus, bei Bedarf auch sehr kurzfristig. Es bestehen weiterhin umfangreiche Einschränkungen bei Versorgung und Bewegungsfreiheit. Es gelten variable nächtliche Ausgangssperren im Zeitraum von 21 bis 5 Uhr.

Hygieneregeln

In der Öffentlichkeit gilt die Pflicht, einen Mund-Nasen-Schutz sowie zusätzlich einen Gesichtsschutz zu tragen. Es gibt das Gebot, sozialen Abstand zu wahren. Massenansammlungen sind verboten. Verstöße sind mit Geld- bis hin zu Gefängnisstrafen bewehrt.

Im Fall einer Infektion erfolgt die Isolierung in staatlicher Unterbringung.

• Achten Sie auf die Einhaltung der AHA-Vorschriften und befolgen Sie zusätzlich die Hinweise lokaler Behörden. Bei Verstößen gegen die Hygienevorschriften können hohe Geldstrafen oder Gefängnisstrafen verhängt werden.
• Informieren Sie sich über detaillierte Maßnahmen und ergänzende Informationen der philippinischen Regierung.
• Falls Sie im Besitz eines Langzeit- oder Geschäftsvisums sind, erkundigen Sie sich bei den philippinischen Behörden, in Deutschland z.B. bei der Philippinischen Botschaft, ob Sie zur Gruppe derjenigen gehören, für die eine Wiedereinreise möglich ist.

• Erkundigen Sie sich bei Ihrer Fluggesellschaft über die genauen Vorgaben.
• Bei COVID-19 Symptomen oder Kontakt mit Infizierten kontaktieren Sie das lokale Gesundheitsamt.
• Beachten Sie die Test- und Quarantänepflicht bei Einreise aus Risikogebieten (nicht Transit) nach Deutschland und kontaktieren Sie das Gesundheitsamt Ihres Aufenthaltsortes. Weitere Informationen zur Testpflicht bietet das Bundesministerium für Gesundheit.
• Aufenthalte in fremden Staaten können sich derzeit auf Einreisemöglichkeiten in andere Länder auswirken. Informieren Sie sich daher vor Antritt jeder Reise über aktuelle Bestimmungen zu Einreise, Durchreise und Quarantäne der jeweiligen Reiseländer über die Reise- und Sicherheitshinweise.

• Bitte beachten Sie unsere fortlaufend aktualisierten Informationen zu COVID-19/Coronavirus.

Sicherheit - Teilreisewarnung

Vor Reisen in folgende Regionen oder Gebiete wird gewarnt:

- Zamboanga Peninsula (Region IX)
- Northern Mindanao (Region X)
- Davao-Region (Region XI) mit Ausnahme des Stadtgebietes von Davao City
- Soccsksargen (Region XII)
- Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM)
- Inseln des Sulu-Archipels
- Süd-Palawan mit Ausnahme von Puerto Princesa

DDO turns over 111,897 kindergarten modules to DepEd Davao de Oro Division

Davao de Oro Province--- A total of 111, 897 number of books/modules for kindergarten pupils where officially turned over to the Department of Education Division of Davao de Oro today (January 11).

Amounting to P1,746,595.20 from the Local School Board - Special Education Fund of the province.

15, 778 kindergarten pupils were the target beneficiaries of the said modules covering the entire province.

This is a support program and initiative of the Davao de Oro Governor Jayvee Tyron Uy for the distance learning program of DepEd.

 The ceremonial turnover was held at the lobby of the DepEd building, Capitol Complex, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, Davao de Oro.

 

Attending the ceremonial turnover were District - II Board member Vevincia Secuya representing Governor Uy with the presence of the Bayanihan Para sa Karunungan Program (BPSK) personnel and staff from the Information Divison of the provincial capitol.

 

The modules were officially received by Schools Division Superintendent Eufemia T. Gamutin with Dr. Ruben Reponte Schools Governance Operation Division (SGOD) Chief with the Education Program Supervisors and other DepEd officials and employees.

 

According to Secuya "we will prioritize the kindergarten for the said modules as they don't have enough budget from DepEd."

 

Meanwhile, Gamutin expressed her gratitude to Governor Uy and the provincial officials for the continued support in terms of DepEd learning programs.

(Rey Antibo, ID Davao de Oro)

Davao de Oro continues Infrastructure Development and Agricultural Initiatives

 

Davao de Oro Province--- With the “Bayanihan 4Ps+” as the province’s blueprint in governance, Davao de Oro continues to ascend towards progress thru infrastructure projects and agricultural development which speeds up the delivery of local produce to markets through road networks, upgrade farming practices of its local farmers and making far flung areas much more accessible than before.

Through the Provincial Engineer’s Office (PEO) more or less 80 infrastructure projects were currently on-going in construction. These projects includes road concreting, construction of potable water systems, bridge construction, multi-purpose building, covered court, and rehabilitation and improvement of various projects. These on-going projects will lay the foundations towards ensured progress in various places within the province. For its long term effects, the said projects will not just provide comfort for the residents, with proper utilization, these will open opportunities for business ventures, provide easy access to tourism destinations, transport of agricultural produce from the high-lands to town proper and more job opportunities for the locals.

Meanwhile, the Provincial Agriculturist’s Office (PAGRO) continues to support local farmers in the province through various initiatives. The Rice Expansion Project in Bahi, Maragusan, Davao de Oro continues to operate. As of December 2020, 3.38 hectares of land was cleared and grubbed, 0.87 hectares completely converted to rice area and 2.51 hectares is available for conversion. This project aims to expand rice production capacity of the province ensuring food security for its people.

On agri-fishery initiatives, the province also turned-over Fishing Paraphernalias to Fisherfolks in Mabini, Maco, and Pantukan. Total materials given were 133 units of gill net, 110 units of multiple hand line, 43 units of hook and line, 5 Tuna handline, 10 units jigger with flasher, 2005 bags of bangus feeds, 150,000 pcs. of Bangus Garungan and 1 unit fiberglass banca with complete accessories.

PAGRO also conducted lecture on vegetable, sweet corn, adlay production and natural farming technology system and demonstration of bio pesticides and fertilizers for farmer’s organization in Longanapan, Laak, Davao de Oro. These various interventions of the provincial government concretes the path towards sustainable development.

 (Jasteen P. Abella, Information Division Davao de Oro)

HOTTEST YEAR ON RECORD

 

In addition to the pandemic, there is another topic that we often lose sight of: the climate change. Well, you can already guess: 2020 ties 2016 as the hottest year on record. 

A warm winter and autumn have made the previous year the hottest ever recorded, the European Union's Copernicus Climate Change Service has found. The Arctic continues to warm more quickly than the planet as a whole. The last decade was the hottest on record globally.

Average global temperatures in 2020 stood at 1.25 degrees C (2.7 degrees F) higher than pre-industrial levels, according to the service. The years from 2014 to 2020 were the hottest on record with both 2020 and 2016 hitting the record for the single hottest year.

Scientists urged governments and corporations to drastically slash their emissions in order to have any chance of achieving the 2015 Paris Agreement and to avoid a catastrophic climate change crisis.

"The extraordinary climate events of 2020 and the data from the Copernicus Climate Change Service show us that we have no time to lose," said Matthias Petschke, Director for Space in the European Commission, the EU's executive arm.

The biggest jump was seen in the Arctic Ocean and the north of Siberia, where temperatures soared to an unprecedented six degrees above the former average. The report also revealed that carbon dioxide emissions continued to rise, reaching a new high of 431 parts per million by the end of the year.

Yes, nature always strikes back. The figures are particularly alarming because, unlike in 2016, they were reached without the help of the El Nino weather event which added up to two tenths of a degree to the record four years ago, according to NASA and the UK's Met Office.

The increase in temperature has brought with it other extreme climate events such as droughts, heatwaves and floods. We have seen enough of the latter in the Philippines. The new year also brought us many storms and floods, especially in Mindanao.

In 2020, the world was also hit by a record number of hurricanes in the Atlantic, to the extent that the World Meteorological Organization (WMO) ran out of letters to name them. The 2020 record came despite global lockdowns which led to a dramatic 7% drop in emissions.

"Since CO2 accumulates in the atmosphere like water in a bathtub, if we turn down the tap by 7%, the CO2 level just rises a bit more slowly," Stefan Rahmstorf, head of Earth system analysis at the German Potsdam Institute for Climate Impact Research, told AFP. "We need to shut off the tap to get a stable climate again."

Even if every country were to stick to their pledges from the Paris Agreement, global temperatures would still reach an increase of 3 degrees Celsius by the end of the century. A really sad outlook into the future for all of us and the following generations.