5 highland farms you can visit to escape the summer heat

 To escape the hot dry season heat, many people flock to beaches and highlands, but there are also farms to try visiting this season.

BY RALPH LAUREN ABAINZA

Mar 27, 2023 11:45 AM

  

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Last March 21, 2023, the state weather bureau just declared the start of the hot dry season, popularly known as summer, in the Philippines. The season typically spans from March to May and is characterized by generally hot and humid weather across large portions of the country.

To escape the hot dry season heat, many people flock to beaches and highlands, but there are also farms to try visiting this season:

Fresca Farm

Front view of Samgyup sa Farm restaurant. (Nico Buenaventura)

Less than two hours away from Manila, this farm near Tagaytay City offers quick relief from the busy urban life through an immersive farm and dining experience. Visitors can enjoy the greenery amidst the cool weather of Alfonso, Cavite, while having tasty samgyupsal meals. The unique setup of integrating a formerly lettuce farm with samgyup is itself a sustainable innovation to deal with the former's oversupply problem.

Vaikuntha Forest Farm

Vaikuntha Forest Farm is nestled in the Sierra Madre Mountains, just a breath away from the Tanay, Rizal, and Quezon Province border. (Vaikuntha Forest Farm)

Named after the celestial abode of Vishnu, the Hindu god responsible for protecting and maintaining life on earth, this remote farm located in the Sierra Madre mountains can be a great go-to site to immerse themselves in nature. The Vaikuntha Forest Farm in Tanay, Rizal, offers visitors naturally-grown herbs, fruits, and vegetables, which they can enjoy while being off grid in the farm's lodges. It is also a good retreat venue where visitors can try learning other activities, such as yoga and first aid training.

Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm

Rose Mary and Datu Makadingding during Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm’s reopening day. (ATI Region X)

This farm located in the cool highlands of Bukidnon is an integrated farm and restaurant offering guests a holistic farming experience. The Umanika Eco-Cultural Farm in Malaybalay City, Bukidnon, is an 8,200-square-meter organic farm where visitors can experience hands-on learning experience on organic agriculture, try different recreational activities, and lastly, indulge in a variety of delicious cuisines. Aside from growing crops, the farm also sells plant-based products, such as organic herbs, banana chips, and peanuts.

Dubria Farm

A coffee tree showing plentiful cherries. It is a Catimor Arabica, a variety known for its resistance to pests and diseases. (Daniel Maches)

In the foothills of Mount Apo in Mindanao, a thriving coffee farming community continues producing world-renowned coffee varieties. Though their area in Bansalan, Davao del Sur, is often known as a jumpoff point for a Mount Apo trek, it is also home to several hectares of coffee farms under the Balutakay Coffee Farmers Association (BACOFA), one of which is Dubria Farm. Visitors can have first-hand learning on coffee production in the highlands located around 1,500 meters above sea level. Aside from learning, they can also 

Haight Farm

Blue potatoes from Haight Farm. (Haight Farm)

This century-old farm located in the cold highlands of Atok, Benguet, is a great destination to learn both agriculture and history. Aside from its renowned blue potatoes, the Haight Farm offers highland vegetables, such as carrots, radishes, cabbage, lettuce, spinach, and more. Visitors can experience harvesting the crops on their own. Aside from crops, the farm also has a Sakura Park, a flower farm where around thirty sakura (Prunus serrulata) trees grow.

The generally good weather during the hot dry season is a perfect opportunity to pack up and immerse in the beauty of farming while escaping the heat in the urban jungle. In highland farms, let the eyes indulge in the natural colorful sceneries, the skin feel relief from the heat, and feed the stomach with sumptuous healthy cuisines.

David Foster and Friends: One for the books

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Katherine McPhee, Foster’s wife, opened her set with “Over the Rainbow” and then “Terrified” with Emmet. She said she was pleasantly surprised to find out that the greatest number of streams from her hit song came from the Philippines.

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David Foster (Facebook)

David Foster and Friends is one for the books as it is the first concert residency at the Theater at Solaire in Paranaque City which runs for eight shows from March 21 to 26.

With a career spanning 40 years and almost half a billion records sold worldwide, the 73-year-old Canadian musician, composer, arranger, record producer and music executive is a dream maker. He has helped build the careers of global superstars Celine Dion, Josh Groban, Michael Bubble, Whitney Houston, Andrea Bocelli, to name a few.

“We’re gonna have a lot of fun tonight!” Foster told the crowd on March 25. He said he loves the energy of the Filipinos because we love music, sing, and we know the lyrics to every song.

“Especially you guys up there (pointing at the audience in the balcony) I love that. The rich people down here, they don’t clap so much,” he joked.

He opened the show with a medley of his instrumental compositions from the Calgary Winter Olympics in 1988 and St. Elmo’s Fire released in 1984 with Kenny G joining on video.

Foster confessed that he could not get inspired by the movie “St. Elmo’s Fire”, but things turned around when he received something in the mail.

“I got a tape of a wheelchair athlete from Canada named Rick Hanson who was wheeling around the world to raise money for spinal cord research. He wheeled 25 thousand miles around the world. Such an inspiration. That became the inspiration that went number 1 all over the world in 1984,” he told the audience how “Man in Motion” from the movie became a global hit.

“If you ever meet the director of “St Elmo’s Fire” don’t tell him that the movie has nothing to do with this song,” he jested.

Foster introduced Daniel Emmett, who has been touring with him for a year now. He said the former “America’s Got Talent” finalist reminded him so much of Josh Groban, whom he plucked out of high school and made him a big star. “He’s not here. With the kind of money, you paid for these tickets, you don’t get Josh Groban.”'

Emmet performed “You Raise Me Up” which Foster produced for Groban. He also delighted audiences with his performance of “Nessun Dorma” from Giacomo Puccini’s Italian opera “Turandot”.

Also on the Manila leg with Foster is Pia Toscano, an American Idol alumna who is no stranger to the country, as she was in Manila for the American Idol Live Tour in 2010.

“I made a fatal mistake on this girl. I introduced her to Andrea Boccelli, and he stole her. Now he gets to tour around the world with Andrea. When he’s not working, we get her,” he said.

A most welcome treat was the guest appearance of Fil-Am Troy Laureta, arranger, composer, and producer. A former musical director for Ariana Grande and Foster, he produced an album entitled “Kaibigan” which includes Toscano’s version of Regine Velasquez’ “Kailangan Kita”.'

Toscano performed the song with Laureta on piano. It was major goosebumps moment!

“I don’t want to give up my piano to anyone, but tonight I’m going to do it because you’re extra special and extra talented. They should all be proud of you,” Foster told Laureta.

Katherine McPhee (Facebook)

Many fans wondered if Charice Pempengco, now Jake Zyrus, who was once Foster’s protége, was going to make a surprise appearance. He did not. It seems Foster had his eyes set on a new star - Morisette Amon.

“She’s so famous here. She’s so good, she sings so well. She’s quickly becoming your own national treasure. It’s only a matter of time before the entire world knows who she is. So be proud of your own,” he said.

Morisette owned the stage with her rendition of “Never Enough” the love anthem from “The Greatest Showman”. And then followed it with back-to-back Houston hits “I Have Nothing” and “I Will Always Love You”.

Katherine McPhee, Foster’s wife, opened her set with “Over the Rainbow” and then “Terrified” with Emmet. She said she was pleasantly surprised to find out that the greatest number of streams from her hit song came from the Philippines.

McPhee then told the audience how she and her husband met. Foster was then guest mentor for “American Idol” along with Bocelli. She sang “I Have Nothing” which Idol judge Simon Cowell did not enjoy.

“Simon’s a d**k,” Foster joked. “I am actually good friends with him. That time he got it wrong,” he added.

McPhee then went on tour with Foster, they did a Christmas special together and he played the piano on the band at her wedding.

“And then I was invited to one of David’s weddings. And then we ended up at each other’s wedding,” she shared.

What’s a concert without a sing-along? Looking back at some of the greatest hits he created for the pop-rock band Chicago, the audience sang along to samples of Foster’s hits “You’re the Inspiration”, “Will You Still Love Me” and “Hard Habit to Break” – a song which he said the band initially declined to record.

The song was later nominated for four Grammy Awards, including Record of the Year, Best Vocal Arrangement, and Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group in 1985. It won Best Instrumental Accompanying Vocals for Foster and Jeremy Lubbock.

“There’s always somebody whose parents or family have told them that they’re better than Celine Dion, they’re better than Whitney Houston, they’re better than Bruno Mars and the fact is they’re not! They think they are and that makes it fun,” he said.

Foster asked two members of the audience to volunteer to sing a song of their choice with him and the band for 30 seconds each. It was amusing!

The show reached a new high when concert king Martin Nievera was called in. “It’s a childhood dream. I have waited for 40 years to become a Foster child,” he said.

Nievera sang “Forever” a song Foster co-wrote with Loggins and his very own hit “Be My Lady”.

Despite 16 Grammy Awards tucked on his sleeve, Foster said he has never won an Oscar. He has been nominated thrice for “Glory of Love” from Karate Kid Part 2 in 1986, “I Have Nothing (The Bodyguard, 1992), and “The Prayer” from “Quest for Camelot” (1998).

No worries, Foster and his music will always be a winner for his fans worldwide. - Contributed by Andi Requintina

Rollback in oil prices to continue next week

Hefty rollback in LPG prices seen by April 1

BY MYRNA M. VELASCO

  

AT A GLANCE

The new round of rollback in pump prices has been triggered by continuing slump in global oil prices

Filipino consumers to also benefit from lower LPG prices by April 1

Declaration on non-replenishment of the strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) of the US this year contributed to downcast market sentiment

Consumers will continue to save on their fuel expenses next week, as oil companies have declared a fresh round of rollback at the oil pumps by Tuesday, March 28), the 13th week of price adjustments since the start of the year.

According to industry players, gasoline prices will be trimmed by P0.65 to P1.05 per liter, while prices of the typically preferred diesel product for the transport sector will be reduced by P1.10 to P1.40 per liter.

For kerosene, an essential commodity for households and key industries, like the aviation sector, this will be cut by P1.45 to P1.85 per liter, based on the calculation of the oil companies.

Additionally, players of the liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) industry are projecting massive downtrend for this commodity by April 1 to the tune of P7.50 to P8.50 per kilogram and that could redound to overall reduction of P82.50 to P93.50 for the standard 11-kilogram cylinder being purchased by households for their cooking needs.

LPG prices are adjusted monthly starting the 1st day of the month and this is benchmarked on Saudi Aramco contract prices, while prices at petroleum pumps move on a weekly basis as referenced on the Mean of Platts Singapore (MOPS), the pricing barometer for oil commodities traded in the region.

A monitoring report of the Department of Energy (DOE) has shown that prices since the start of the year still logged overall increase of P5.50 per liter for gasoline products, while it was a reverse for diesel with a net decrease of P2.85 per liter, along with kerosene, which went down by aggregate P3.65 per liter.

As noted by global experts, oil prices continued to nosedive on last week’s trading days because of the latest pronouncement by the Biden administration that the US is not keen on replenishing yet its strategic petroleum reserve (SPR) this year had not lifted market sentiment for a potential demand rebound.

As of Friday, March 24 trading, settlement for international benchmark Brent crude futures was hovering at $74 per barrel, a steady level from the prior week.

Nevertheless, oil industry watchers have been seeing "bright spots" for prospective market ricochet as the banking crisis appeared to have been easing already that is anticipated to usher in a fresh round of rally on prices in the days ahead.

In the past weeks, the collapse of the Silicon Valley Bank in the US as well as that of Credit Suisse in Europe had triggered crash in global oil prices because many hedge funds and money managers were prompted into selling their oil futures and option contracts.

Nevertheless, the panic had not lasted long because of the immediate remedial measures enforced to calm market uncertainties ignited by the disintegration of the two banks.

The IETM is presented by the Asian Ecotourism Network, which is the Asian initiative of the Global Ecotourism Network which is based in Washington DC.

BY MB LIFESTYLE

Mar 26, 2023 09:15 AM

  

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Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco values the forthcoming world’s first green travel mart, forum, and festival in the Philippines as a clear path in transforming “tourism with sustainability as a bedrock” principle.

Secretary Frasco affirmed the vital support of the Department of Tourism (DOT) behind the International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM), set this March 29, 2023 to April 2, 2023 in Silang, Cavite where 25 nations are set to participate.

The IETM is presented by the Asian Ecotourism Network, which is the Asian initiative of the Global Ecotourism Network which is based in Washington DC. The five-day historical assembly and event is organized by the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST).

Together with DOT, this event is co-hosted by the ASEAN Centre for Biodiversity, Municipality of Silang, the Department of Trade and Industry, Tourism Promotions Board, PhilExport, and Philippine Airlines.

Secretary Frasco met with Dr. Mina T. Gabor, ISST Chair and President Dr. Alma de Leon, ISST vice president, Mike Guioguio, ISST director, at her office. Drs. Gabor and de Leon are former secretaries of tourism and social welfare, respectively.

She noted that her call for sustainability is neither lip service nor a motherhood statement “but a way of life,” noting the devastating impact of climate change. She said it is important to “actualize theories” on attaining sustainability and averting climate change as she noted the learnings that can be had from the forum and sharing on best practices.

DOT is set to showcase ecotourism destinations of the Philippines at the IETM exhibit. Other distinctive exhibit features are the ACB Pavilion which presents Heritage Parks from ASEAN, Tribal Pavilion which is prepared with participating tribal communities, and Green Technologies for various products and services with strong eco-components.

A key event in the IETM is the two-day ecotourism forum where participants learn about best practices, do’s and and don’ts about authentic ecotourism to protect nature and biodiversity while ensuring that communities living around the ecotourism sites benefit from the gains of ecotourism enterprises. Experts from all over the world will be participating as speakers and panelists.

Dr. Mina T. Gabor, chair of the International School of Sustainable Tourism (ISST) presented Tourism Secretary Christina Frasco the updates of forthcoming International Ecotourism Travel Mart (IETM) at the DOT main office in Makati.

Silang Mayor Alston Kevin Anarna said it is an honor for Silang to be the site of this global undertaking. Silanguenos are committed to do their part to help achieve IETM goals. Cultural numbers from Silang will also be presented.

Families visiting the IETM are in, not just for learning and much-needed values-shaping activities, but also for bonding amidst delightful scenes such as the DOT Butterfly Garden, lush greenery, and wild bird tours.

For more information, please email us atietm2023ph@gmail.comand visit our event website atwww.internationalecotourismtravelmart.com. 

Ramos, Bravo top IRONKIDS finishers

BY MANILA BULLETIN SPORTS

  

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AT A GLANCE

• DAVAO – Euan Ramos and Carlisle Bravo flashed superb running skills to top their respective categories in the premier 13-15 age-group division of the IRONKIDS Philippines at the Azuela Cove here Saturday, March 25.

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DAVAO – Euan Ramos and Carlisle Bravo flashed superb running skills to top their respective categories in the premier 13-15 age-group division of the IRONKIDS Philippines at the Azuela Cove here Saturday, March 25.

***Kids eagerly await the start of the swim leg of the IRONKIDS Philippines.***

Dustin Bersabal and Christy Ann Perez, on the other hand, dominated 11-12 side of the swim and run event, while Francis Batican and Aliya Adre turned in inspired performances to lead the top finishers in the 9-10 category.

Jashiva Arsua and James Tagara bested 33 others in the youngest 6-8 class of the event ushering in the Alveo IRONMAN 70.3 Davao Sunday.

Ramos, 14, came out of the swim leg way back at 10th place with a 03:45-minute effort but rallied with a best 07:30 time in the closing run part for an 11:59 clocking over the 250m and 2km run distance.

Carron Canas, who posted 0:31 in swim, came in second in 12:20 after an 08:04 in the run while Angelo de Vera posted 12:33 for third after 03:36 and 08:08 clocking in the swim and run legs, respectively, of the event organized by The IRONMAN Group/Sunrise Events, Inc.

Unlike in previous IRONKIDS races, there were actually no winners this time with the event staged to provide the youngsters the opportunity to feel the excitement of competition while enjoying the outdoors and promoting healthy living.

The 14-year-old Bravo likewise submitted the best time in the run (09:10) after a 04:21 clocking in swim for a 14:19 total, edging Candace Socito, who ranked next in 14:28 (04:07-09:27) while recent Vermosa IRONKIDS winner Celinda Raagas came in third in 15:08 (04:24-09:36).

Bersabal topped the 200m swim and 1.5km run race in 10:17 (02:54-06:34) with Henry Go and Nigel Armada taking the next two spots in 10:51 (03:08-06:50) and 10:57 (03:18-06:49), respectively, while Perez actually finished second overall in 10:35 (03:05-06:41), finishing way ahead of Fritzie Surima and Elizza Ecalla, who timed 11:03 (03:20-06:55) and 11:22 (03:38-06:46), respectively.

Batican posted 10:49 on times of 03:23 (swim) and 06:37 (run) over the 150m swim and 1.5km run race with Fraizer Ygot coming in second in 11:05 (02:59-07:08) and Earl Pearson submitting 11:16 (03:11-07:09) for third.

Adre timed 02:54 in swim and 07:38 in run for 11:30 while Henia Go posted 11:35 (03:14-07:27) and Seanna Clarke clocked 12:19 (03:40-07:41); even as Arsua sustained a hot start in the 100m swim and 1km run race to turn in an 08:04 (02:20-04:52) in the youngest category in girls’ play.

Mitch Salva took the No. 2 ranking with 08:18 (02:24-04:59) while Scarlett Bagaipo timed 08:40 (02:27-05:04) while Tagara posted 08:55 (02:37-05:04) to finish ahead of Chris Lacuna, who timed 09:07 (03:27-04:46) and Alfonso Sumabat, who clocked 10:30 (02:58-06:18).

CdO declares Duterte, Bong Go as adopted sons

Former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go. Photo from Bong Go Fb page

By Javier Joe Ismael

THE city government of Cagayan de Oro on Thursday, March 23, declared former president Rodrigo Duterte and Sen. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go as adopted sons of the city.

The city government acknowledged Go's notable contributions, not only to the city but to the nation as a whole.

In the same event, the city government recognized former president Duterte as its adopted son, highlighting his legacy programs that have significantly contributed to the progress of the country during his term, such as the Build, Build, Build program and his war against illegal drugs.

"With due respect to all of you, we always hear from our countrymen thanking former president (Rodrigo) Duterte, and me. Please do not take it against us, but you don't have to thank us. As what former president Duterte have repeatedly said in the past: 'this is our job'," said Go during his speech at Limketkai Luxe Hotel on Thursday, March 23.

"Instead, we should be the ones who should thank you because you gave us the opportunity to serve all of you. Thank you very much for your support then for the former president. His administration would have not succeeded if not for your support, especially from those from Mindanao," he added.

By virtue of Sangguniang Panlungsod Resolution 14480 presented by City Mayor Rolando "Klarex" Uy, the adoption of Go as the son of the city was in recognition of his unwavering efforts in serving the city and its constituents.

As cited, the senator was instrumental in implementing various programs and projects that benefited the city and the entire Mindanao. Among these were the infrastructure projects, the establishment of health facilities, and the provision of aid and assistance to those affected by disasters and emergencies.

Go has also been persistent in supporting residents of the city who are in crisis situations, particularly those affected by disasters. For this reason, the senator expressed his commitment that he will remain determined in bringing much-needed assistance to ensure residents get back on their feet.

The resolution also states, "Senator Bong Go has invariably supported the programs and projects of the City Government aimed at serving and providing quality health services to its poor constituents."

The senator initiated the Malasakit Centers program which was institutionalized under Republic Act 11463, principally sponsored and authored by Go. The said measure has already established 156 operational centers, including those at Northern Mindanao Medical Center and JR Borja General Hospital located in the city.

A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Center brings together all concerned agencies under one roof to provide poor and indigent patients with convenient access to available medical assistance programs to help reduce their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible.

TB may be fatal, don’t ignore it

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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Today is World TB Day.

But who cares about tuberculosis, a deadly and infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium tuberculosis bacteria?

While it used to be alarming, it appears now that the disease is no longer a cause for concern as far as the public is concerned.
Probably, this complacent attitude toward the highly transmissible disease was developed after treatment was discovered.

While TB is curable with a regimen of antibiotics, it remains a fact that it is a leading cause of death in the world and, therefore, should not be swept under the rug. In fact, the World Health Organization (WHO) said that TB is the world’s 13th leading cause of death and the second leading infectious killer after Covid-19. WHO said almost a quarter of the world population is infected by TB.

Besides, there is a type of TB that is resistant to drugs — the Multidrug-resistant TB (MDR-TB). According to WHO and the Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) of the United States, MDR-TB is caused by an organism that is resistant to at least isoniazid and rifampin, the two most potent TB drugs.

So, how does drug resistance develop?

According to the CDC, “resistance to anti-TB drugs can occur when these drugs are misused or mismanaged.” It cited instances such as patients’ failure to complete the full course of treatment; health-care providers prescribing the wrong treatment, the wrong dose, or length of time for taking the drugs; lack of drug supply; or poor drug quality.

Who is at risk of contracting MDR-TB?

According to the CDC, drug resistance is more common in people who do not take their TB medicine regularly, those who develop TB disease again after having taken TB medicine in the past, those who come from areas where drug-resistant TB is common, and those who have spent time with a carrier of drug-resistant TB disease.

Not everything is hopeless with MDR-TB. While it is resistant to the two most potent drugs, MDR-TB is treatable and curable by using second-line drugs. But the WHO cautioned that the second-line treatment options are limited and require extensive chemotherapy (at least nine months and up to 20 months of treatment) with medicines that are expensive and toxic.

In some cases, WHO said more extensive drug resistance can develop. That leaves patients with limited treatment options.
How does TB and MDR-TB spread?

According to the CDC, “TB bacteria are put into the air when a person with TB disease coughs, sneezes, speaks, or sings. These bacteria can float in the air for several hours, depending on the environment. Persons who breathe in the air containing these TB bacteria can become infected.”

And contrary to beliefs, the CDC said TB is not spread by the shaking of someone’s hand, sharing of food or drinks, touching bed linens or toilet seats, sharing toothbrushes, and kissing.

To remind the world that it is possible to overcome this highly transmissible disease, this year’s theme for World TB Day is “Yes! We can end TB!” It “aims to inspire hope and encourages high-level leadership, increased investments, faster uptake of new WHO recommendations, adoption of innovations, accelerated action and multisectoral collaboration to combat the TB epidemic.”

A concerted effort is necessary to address tuberculosis as it remains one of the top causes of death in the world.

In her speech for this year’s World TB Day, which is observed every 24th of March, WHO Global Tuberculosis Program chairman Tereza Kasaeva, disclosed that close to 4,400 die of TB each day, while close to 30,000 fall ill.

With this development, the public should not take TB for granted.

We should treat this infectious disease with the same urgency as we did with Covid-19 and other illnesses.

In getting a 13A visa for the Philippines, what type of blood serology is required?

Marjun Magalona

8 Years Working as A Branch Manager. Hobbit Writing Blog

As far as I know, there is no specific blood serology required for obtaining a 13A visa in the Philippines. A 13A visa is a type of visa for foreign nationals who are married to a Filipino citizen and wish to reside in the Philippines for an extended period.

However, the Bureau of Quarantine may require a medical examination for certain types of visa applications, which may include blood tests such as a serology test. The Bureau of Quarantine may require this test to determine the presence of infectious diseases such as HIV, hepatitis B or C, and other sexually transmitted diseases.

It's best to consult with the Philippine embassy or consulate in your country of residence for specific requirements and guidelines regarding the 13A visa application process.

i hope this will help you.

Marcos: Brace for a water crisis

By Kristina Maralit  and Bernadette E. Tamayo, Manila Times

PRESIDENT Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday admitted that the country is facing a water crisis and reiterated the need for the government to ramp up efforts to head it off.

Speaking at the 6th Edition of the Water Philippines Conference and Exposition in Pasay City, the President also announced the creation of the Office of Water Management to deal with the water supply problem.

"When they say water is life, it's not just a cliché, it's a truism. And it is something that we must always keep in mind, especially now. And that's why I just signed an executive order wherein we have created the Office of Water Management," he said.

Malacañang has yet to issue a copy of the circular, which will be in effect until pending bills in Congress seeking to create a Department of Water Management are signed into law.

Marcos said he finds it ironic that the Philippines, being an archipelago, is being confronted with a water supply problem.

"We all know the Philippines is not a dry place, and why do we not have enough water?" he said.

The country must look at other countries like Israel that have efficient systems for water filtration, storage, and distribution, the President said.

Despite mostly being desert, Israel is able to harvest water during the rainy season in collection ponds where fish is also grown. "When the summer comes, they take the water, harvest the fish, and then that goes to irrigation efforts," he said.

Israel is able to harvest fresh water thrice a year. "Every bit of fresh water is used more than once," he added.

The President is pushing for the government to employ modern technology and strategies in managing water resources.

"I happened to have been given the opportunity to walk around a little bit and see some of the exhibitors. And it is very gratifying to note that in fact the technologies that are being used, that are being employed in terms of water treatment, in terms of water management are well-known technologies," he said.

On Thursday, Sen. Mary Grace Poe said the creation of a water management office is a timely intervention to the "creeping water crisis."

Poe said at least 30 line agencies of the government deal with the administration of water, resulting in policy and regulatory conflicts.

"We expect that this development lays down the groundwork for a more integrated and holistic approach to the water problem," the senator, who heads the Senate Committee on Public Services, said in a statement.

"A whole-of-government approach is also necessary to tackle the issues of sourcing and misuse of water in the country," she said.

Sen. Pilar Juliana "Pia" Cayetano appealed to fellow senators to ensure people's access to clean water.

In a privilege speech on Wednesday, Cayetano cited the connection of lack of access to clean water to the country's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

She was referring to SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being), SDG 5 (Gender Equality), SDG 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation), and SDG 10 (Reduced Inequalities).

Cayetano said the Philippines, being a signatory to the United Nations 2030 Sustainable Development Agenda, is committed to integrating the SDGs into the national development plans and policies.

"So it is important that when we think of clean water and sanitation, we must also see it through a gender lens. Like most crises, the effects are never gender-neutral, and the effects on women are proportionally higher than men," she said.

Parts of southern Metro Manila and Cavite serviced by the Maynilad are already experiencing water cut-offs because one of its water treatment plants is being repaired.

On Thursday, the water concessionaire announced that the interruptions will continue even after the Holy Week.

Maynilad Spokesman Jennifer Rufo said the water supply is expected to normalize by mid-April when the Putatan Treatment Plant gets back in operation.

Residents in the affected areas complained that they had been experiencing water interruptions since December.

Maynilad said the problem is partly due to the northeast monsoon or amihan.

Rufo said that the amihan pushes the water of Laguna Lake towards the treatment plant. Because the lake has become shallow due to heavy siltation, sediments on the lake bed are stirred up and clog up the treatment plant.

Rufo said Maynilad is preparing for the dry season when water consumption rises by as much as 6 percent.

Deep wells will help ease the shortage and modular treatment plants are also being built, she said.

92.3 Radyo5 TRUE FM: Radio is not dead

BY ANNALYN S. JUSAY

  

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AT A GLANCE

• TRUE FM is led by news programs that feature up-to-the-minute local and international news, as well as in-depth analysis and commentary
• The lineup also includes "Pinoy Konek" of Danton Remoto which deals with OFW stories and "Sana Lourd" of Lourd de Veyra which tackles "life lessons with a twist." Bro. Jun Banaag with his deep voice has found a new home in Radyo5 with his famous "Dr. Love."

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Just when you think YouTube and social media are what consume most people these days, there are old souls who continue to tune in to the radio. The friendly taxi driver is one example, as well as those living in remote parts who do not have access to TV or the internet.

The people behind the just-rebranded 92.3 Radyo5 TRUE FM believe that radio is far from being a "dying medium."

"Radio is the most affordable medium, especially in a Third World country like us. I believe that everything will fall, but radio will be there, especially in times of emergency and calamity," noted veteran broadcaster Ted Failon who anchors his eponymous Radyo5 morning program with DJ Chacha and the help of his trained mobile journalists or Mojos.

Station manager Cherry Bayle said coming out of the pandemic made them think about adding TRUE FM to the Radyo5 name. She revealed that T in TRUE stands for "Truth in Journalism," R for "Real People and Real Stories" , U for "Unwavering Commitment to Public Service" and E for "Entertaining Shows." The latter is bannered by Cristy Fermin's "Cristy Ferminute" and "Good Vibes" with Laila Chikadora and Stanley Chi.

"We combined FM and AM programming in one station," Bayle pointed out. "It's not just news. We put together entertainment, public service, music, inspiration, anything that people will look forward to in a total radio experience."

TRUE FM is led by news programs that feature up-to-the-minute local and international news, as well as in-depth analysis and commentary. The programming begins as early as 4:30 am with "Bangon Bayan with Mon" by Mon Gualvez and “Radyo5: Balita Pilipinas.”

The lineup also includes "Pinoy Konek" of Danton Remoto which deals with OFW stories and "Sana Lourd" of Lourd de Veyra which tackles "life lessons with a twist." Bro. Jun Banaag with his deep voice has found a new home in Radyo5 with his famous "Dr. Love."

"Hanggang ang Pilipino ay Marites na nakikialam at gustong marinig ang buhay ng may buhay, at gustong marinig ang kasaysayan ng ibang tao which is very normal for Filipinos, our program - Dr. Love - will remain," Banaag commented.

Public service programs in 92.3 Radyo5 include the top-rated "Wanted Sa Radyo" of Sen. Raffy Tulfo, "Sagot Kita" of Cheryl Cosim, and “Healing Galing” of Dr. Edinell Calvario.

Dr. Calvario noted that it was in Radyo5 where her popular program was born and should be relevant up to now, especially with the economic downturn. "People must learn about naturopathy and herbal medicine to save money and maintain their health," she explained.