Bigger Than Tubbataha Reef: Tanon Strait Deserves Protection

- and may get it at last!

By ANNA VALMERO

 

 

Spanning 521,018 hectares between Cebu and Negros, the Tañon Strait is richer in marine diversity and about five times larger than the more famous Tubbataha Reef in the Western Philippine Sea.

 

And now, for the first time, community leaders of Visayan coastal fishing towns have finally met to address overfishing issues and to protect the country’s largest marine protected area (MPA). 

 

A general management plan was passed recently in hopes of harmonizing efforts to protect the reserve as underscored in Presidential Proclamation 1234 signed in 1998. The framework will help municipals and barangays along the reserve to draft five year-plans of action for the sustainable use of the reserve.

 

Over the last 17 years, the lack of a coordinated and clear policy within the reserve has caused weak law enforcement against overfishing and other illegal commercial activities, leading to declining fish catch. Today, a local fisher can bring home two kilos of fish after a day of fishing, down from an easy catch of five kilos in the 1970s.

 

Management plan, fishing studies needed

 

One of the leading marine scientists on Tañon Strait, Dr. Lemmuel Aragones, associate professor at the Institute of Environment Science and Meteorology at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, pushed for the reserve’s immediate protection and the creation of baseline studies therefor.

 

“The general management plan is a first step. The challenge is to ensure there are mechanisms for long-term commitment, continuous awareness program, and sustained action,” noted Dr. Aragones, one of the leading experts on Tañon Strait biodiversity since 1990.

 

For the program to work, Aragones urged community leaders to use science and help build better information about the area for sound policies under the general management plan.

 

For one, there is a lack of data on the volume of local fish catch in Tañon Strait. The latest data is about a decade old, from research published (http://oneocean.org/download/db_files/cv_fish_profile.pdf) by the team of Stuart Green, he noted.

 

“The lack of updated data is a setback. To develop and establish an effective management plan, it should be based on sound science or it will tend to fail like most Philippine plans on managing natural resources,” noted Dr. Aragones.

 

Some 43,000 registered community fisherfolk from Negros and Cebu in 298 coastal villages depend on Tañon Strait for food and livelihood. 

 

Miseducated, misenformed government leaders

 

While it is an open secret that there are Filipino commercial fishing activities in the area, law enforcement is difficult due to “overlapping and conflicting local policies, sometimes including vested interests,” explained lawyer Rose-Liza Osorio, Foundation for the Philippine Environment chairman.

 

During the three-day conference, the two-term mayor Nelson Garcia of Dumanjug, a town in Cebu, aired his dissent on the management plan’s provision to prohibit commercial fishing in the protected area.

 

People, not whale sharks or dolphins, should benefit first from the sea including the means of commercial fishing, according to Garcia, younger brother of former Cebu governor Gwen Garcia. 

 

“In my area, when there is a whale and they catch it, I will let them kill it. They are parasites, competing for the food of the people,” said Garcia, who mentioned that they eat at least 2 tons of fish while citing the Internet and a TV show as his source of information.

 

During the summit’s open forum, Garcia admitted that majority of his constituents work under commercial fishers that operate payaw or fish aggregating devices in Dumanjug’s municipal waters.

 

Osorio noted that Garcia's pronouncement strongly underscores the need to educate local leaders about the country’s environmental laws, especially for devolved functions.

 

Under a democratic process, Garcia has a right to air his voice, which “could be representative of other conference participants but are not interested to speak up,” noted Osorio.

 

Amending the law

 

Under the Fisheries Code of 1998, the first ten kilometers of coastal waters from the shoreline are reserved exclusively for municipal fishers, Meanwhile, the area from 10 to 15 km has a “use conflict” between municipal and commercial fishing activity due to some flexibilities under the law.

 

Bills to amend the Fisheries Code have been filed at the Senate and House of Representatives. A salient provision is increased penalties for commercial fishing violations to comply with international convention and avoid the European ban on marine products in case the Philippines fails to improve its “red card” standing before the Dec. 19 deadline.

 

Dr. Aragones reiterated the need to establish quality research to illustrate with evidence the declining fish production due to overfishing within Tañon Strait. 

 

Involving local communities

 

He added that involving the local communities to help gather this data by proposing commercial fishing moratoriums in the medium term of five to ten years to help gather a baseline data on the change and behavior of fishing populations, including whale sharks and dolphins, apex predators that help keep the balance of species populations in the sea. 

 

If funding is made available, a good study under the general management plan can also help quantify and qualify the impact of these top predators in terms of fish production, Dr. Aragones added.

 

In another interview, Oceana chief scientist Dr. Mike Hirschfield concurred and noted that strictly limiting the use of municipal waters to community fishers is key to the sustainability of Tañon Strait.

 

“A piece of the solution to overfishing is to separate small-scale fisherfolk from commercial fishermen but it only works if you can enforce that separation so that you can apprehend violators. Mayors in the area raised the challenge of how to do it,” noted Dr. Mike Hirschfield, chief scientist at Oceana, one of the convenors of the summit.

 

And the presence of whales and dolphins in the area, Dr. Hirschfield explained, should be welcomed. In fact, these species are bio indicators that the marine diversity supports good production to support the life of both humans and marine animals. They also offer additional livelihood from ecotourism.

 

Sustainable practices

 

“The reason to protect marine areas is easy: think of the fish as savings in a bank (sea). Don’t catch more than you can replenish, or you go broke easily,” explained Dr. Hirschfield.

 

“The Visayan community has the opportunity to do marine protection and conservation right in Tañon Strait. Whether it goes bankrupt or sustains itself, we will see in the plan and its implementation,” concluded Dr. Hirschfield. — TJD, GMA News

ComVal to Build 'Barangay Walang Iwanan'

 

Volunteerism is always alive in Compostela Valley.

With the spirit of “bayanihan” or volunteerism not new in the province, the Provincial Government of ComVal was chosen as the frontrunner of Barangay Walang Iwanan, a program initiated by the Gawad Kalinga (GK) which is aimed at strengthening the ties of every stakeholder in engaging the communities in driving inclusive growth.

Barangay Walang Iwanan (BWI) is a campaign to mainstream the culture of caring and sharing as well as the lifestyle of volunteerism among the locals in the communities which targets to engage more than 20,000 barangays in the Philippines to feed the hungry, build homes, care for the environment, fix schools and unleash the potential of the poor to become partners in improving communities.

Impressed with ComVal’s efforts in engaging its people in all of its “Bayanihan Challenges”, representatives from GK headed by Ricky Villanueva, GK Coordinator for Davao, and Patrick Doromal, Volunteer Coordinator for Southern Mindanao, presented the campaign during the partners’ forum on February 12 at the Provincial Capitol Social Hall, Cabidianan, Nabunturan, ComVal.

The campaign has immediately drawn positive feedback and support from the different Local Government Units (LGUs), local chief executives, and other partners from different sectors who were present during the forum.

With a strategy of forming a provincial hub and 11 municipal hubs for coordination with barangay task forces, the BWI will build a movement of volunteers at the barangay level that would organize activities to create impact for 250 poor families in their barangay.

While the municipal hubs provide trainings monitor all activities, the volunteers will be involved in activities like, but not limited to, feeding, environmental drive, skills training, sports program, disaster preparedness, bayanihan challenge, among others.

To strengthen this program, the provincial government of ComVal is proposing right now an Executive Order creating the Provincial BWI Executive Board which would involve various stakeholders and key players in the implementation of the campaign.

The BWI is set to kick-off in the different municipalities of ComVal come April this year. (james labrigas/ comval ids)

Philippinisches Kulinarisches in Deutsch und Tagalog (Teil IV)

Wie waere's denn heute erst einmal mit einen wunderbaren Getraenk?

- TUBA: ein alkoholisches Getraenk aus Kokosnektar, der in den Palmenkronen gesammelt wird. Ich habe ihn (frueher!) gern ab und zu genossen, aber nur, wenn ich wusste, von welchen Palmen der Tuba kam. Irgendwo unterwegs an der Strasse - nein, lieber nicht! Und wenn man lange genug wartet, wird der TUBA ein wunderbarer Essig.

- PATA (CRISPY PATA):  Wenn richtig zubereitet, wird man die knusprige Schweinshaxe von Deutschland nicht vermissen. In vielen Restaurants auf den Philippinen gibt es sie. Allerdings mit Reis und nicht immer unbedingt mit Sauerkraut. Guten Appetit!

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

First Class Philippine Made in Spain

Appetizer of Kinilaw na Isda, Barquillos with Bihon Guisado, Chicharon with Chive Mousse, Kadyos (Negros Black-Eyed Peas) with Batwan

For the first time in the history of Madrid Fusion—the biggest gastronomic trade fair in Spain—Filipino chefs and products were given the spotlight under this year’s theme of Traveling Cuisines.

Achara, pili nuts a hit

A Philippine booth was set up by the team of Tourism director Verna Buensuceso that was strategically located at the entrance of the trade venue.

The booth boasted of Philippine products from north to south, curated by Agriculture Undersecretary Berna Romulo Puyat. These included: Manille liqueur, pili nuts, dried mangoes, taba ng talangka, etc. Visitors also got the chance to taste the products of Mama Sita and Nana Meng Tsokolate.

It was fascinating watching the reaction of the foreigners to Philippine products. Many asked if the achara is ceviche. The booth tenders had to explain that achara is not ceviche, and that it accompanies our savory dishes like adobo and piniritong isda.

Kinilaw variations

The Spanish were curious at the use of peanuts in Bulacan hot chocolate, while the pili nuts were a hit, with guests in awe of its texture.

Madrid Fusion Manila

On the last day of the gastronomic congress, Madrid Fusion Manila was officially launched. Philippine Ambassador to Spain Carlos Salinas took to the stage and invited the world community to visit the Philippines from April 24 to 26 at the SMX Convention Center. Because of our common heritage, he thanked the organizers for choosing the Philippines as the venue for Madrid Fusion in Asia.

Filipino chefs led by Myrna Segismundo, Margarita Fores, Claude Tayag and Chele Gonzalez were then called to the stage and were proudly presented as the ones who would be giving talks during the Madrid Fusion in Manila.

Philippine chefs were then joined by the most acclaimed chefs of Spain, Elena Arzak, 2012 World’s Best Female Chef, and Andoni Luis Aduriz of the restaurant Mugaritz, considered one of the most influential chefs of our time.

Excited

In an interview with Chef Arzak, the humble and charming chef said that for 10 years, she had wanted to go to Manila. She then invited everyone to come to Madrid Fusion Manila, describing it to be an important event in Asia (see video in margauxlicious.com).

Meanwhile, Chef Aduriz and Pastry Chef Paco Torreblanca both said that they would go to Manila not only to participate in the congress, but also to learn of Philippine flavors and ingredients so that they could use them at their world-renowned restaurants.

Filipinos shine

It wasn’t only during the day that our chefs wowed Madrid Fusion audiences. Come dinner time, our chefs presented their brilliant culinary skills at various events.

Chefs Juan Carlos de Terry, Bruce Rickets and Gonzalez took over the kitchen of Ramses Restaurant for the press cocktails for Madrid Fusion Manila, while flairtender Dennis Hipolito got the prestigious guests buzzed with his cocktails using Manille liqueur and Don Papa Rum.

Margarita Fores takes over the kitchen of the Ritz Carlton Madrid.

Chef Segismundo was the honorary chef at Relais & Chateaux Hotel Orfila, one of the best hotels in Madrid.

She proved to Orfila dinner guests that Filipino cuisine can match the best of fine dining anywhere in the world.

She served a humble monggo soup, but used Iberico ham. For appetizers, she served chicken inasal and tinapa mousse. And, as she and Fores had given an extensive talk on kinilaw the day before—another first for Filipino chefs—she also very elegantly presented three kinds of kinilaw, including a lobster kinilaw, to dinner guests.

Unbeknownst to guests, Segismundo was being assisted by celebrities in their own right: acclaimed Philippine gourmet Tayag, and Nina Daza Puyat, who happily made the gata for dessert.

On the final evening, Fores basked in the Madrid moonlight as she took over the kitchen of the high-brow Ritz Carlton.

Fores proved that Filipino food can take on an avante garde experience, with her pass-around medley of kinilaw, barquillos with sauteed fish roe, chicharon and chive mousse, and Negrense kadyos and batwan.

As usual, Fores’ attention to detail was remarkable.

Fores made it a point to highlight products being promoted by Undersecretary Romulo-Puyat, such as adlai, a little-known indigenous crop from Bukidnon that resembles rice, which she paired with sugpo and taba ng talangka. And, knowing that adobo is the most known Filipino dish the world over, she also served adobo as an option for entrees.

History

It can be said now that the Philippine delegation wowed Madrid Fusion audiences and made history with the first Philippine booth. Fores and Segismundo gave especially impressive performances as they delivered the first talk by Filipino chefs during the congress, and as the first Filipinos who were invited as guest chefs of Madrid Fusion.

Appetizer of chicken inasal, sisig and chicharon mousse

As early as the first night, many already signed up for Madrid Fusion Manila, curious to learn about Filipino food.

Congratulations to Tourism Secretary Mon Jimenez for the brilliant idea of bringing Madrid Fusion to the Philippines, and to the Economic and Commercial Office of the Embassy of Spain, the Spanish Foreign Trade Institute (ICEX), as well as the Spanish Chamber of Commerce (La Camara) led by executive director Barbara Apraiz de Encio, on their efforts to make this project a reality.

After this marvelous introduction in Spain, we must work doubly hard to make sure that Madrid Fusion Manila becomes the success we envision it to be.

To register for Madrid Fusion Manila, visit madridfusionmanila.com. For updates, visit the Madrid Fusion Manila page on Facebook, or visit the Madrid Fusion section in margauxlicious.com.

(C) 2015 by Philippine Daily Inquirer

Philippinisches Kulinarisches in Deutsch und Tagalog (III)

Es hat lange gedauert - nun gehoert auch das folgende Gericht zu meinem Essensplan:

- CALDERETA = das ist geschmortes Fleisch - meistens von der Ziege (kambing). Ist wirklich Geschmackssache. Ich esse nur, wenn ich weiss, wer es zu bereitet hat und woher das Tier kam.

- LECHON / LITSON = ein Spanferkel. Oftmals nicht mehr Spanferkel sondern ein 50 kg schweres Schwein. Gehoert zu jeder kleineren und natuerlich grossen Feier auf den Philippinen dazu. Vegetarier sollten lieber wegschauen ... .

(Fortsetzung folgt!)

PNoy's Speech on Marwan's Death, Purisima's Resignation and Mamasapano Clash

The path to peace is not easy to tread. Many Filipinos have given their lives in the fight against those who wish for continued violence and discord. It is our policemen and soldiers who are the most opposed to war, precisely because they are the first in line, and because they make the greatest sacrifice when fighting breaks out. As President and Commander-in-Chief, I am fully responsible for any result—any triumph, any suffering, and any tragedy—that may result from our desire for lasting peace and security.

 

On January 24, our Special Action Force conducted an operation in Mamasapano, Maguindanao. Their targets were two notorious terrorists: Primarily, Zulkifli Bin Hir, alias Abu Marwan, a Malaysian, and Basit Usman. The operation against Marwan was successful.

 

In exchange for this triumph, we paid a heavy price. 44 heroes from the Special Action Force gave their lives. To the bereaved families: Last Friday, I made a request to meet you, and I am thankful that you agreed to have that meeting at a time when I could speak with you, with sufficient knowledge on what had happened, and concrete proposals for your futures. Just as I was responsible for your loved ones, so too am I responsible for you; it is my duty to ensure that the sacrifices made by your relatives are repaid. My promise to you remains unchanged: During my remaining 17 months in office, I am doing, and will continue to do, everything I can to guarantee your families’ well-being.

 

I am the father of this country and 44 of my children were killed. They can no longer be brought back. This tragedy happened during my term, and I will carry this to the end of my days. They were my responsibility, together with the rest of the forces of the SAF involved in this operation, as well as those who rescued them, and whose lives were likewise put in danger.

 

Terrorists such as Marwan and Usman murder innocent people without hesitation or remorse, which is why operations to neutralize them are inherently dangerous. Marwan was an international terrorist, who had been long sought not only by us, but also by other countries. We did not expect them to follow like obedient sheep when presented with an arrest warrant.

 

When it comes to the operations reported to us, we have always reviewed them to learn the lessons they may carry, especially when our troops are slain. This is why I continue to ask: Was there anything more that could have been done to avoid this tragedy?

 

Marwan and Usman have been wanted since 2002. There have been many operations conceptualized to neutralize them, even before I became president. This latest version of the plan has likewise been aborted many times. Like you, I want to know the whole truth behind this incident, and I have complete confidence that the truth will be uncovered through the comprehensive and unbiased investigation of the Board of Inquiry. We are awaiting its results. However, as President, it is part of my responsibilities to determine, at this very moment, the mistakes that were made in order to correct them. It is my responsibility to find justice at the soonest possible time.

 

It is precisely because of this that I undertook my own investigations and conducted my own interviews of those who participated in this operation. It has clearly emerged that: The situation our troops found on the ground was vastly different from what was expected under the plans.

 

The commander of the operation should have been aware of this, especially since he has long been assigned to Mindanao. Situational awareness is demanded of him. As commander, he had full knowledge of the entire plan, together with the dangers that came with it; he would be the first to know if the plan was being executed correctly. He should have known what was happening at every moment.

 

While studying what had transpired, precisely because the situation on the ground was so different from what had been envisioned in the plan, we saw that there were no fewer than three separate instances when the mission could have been aborted or postponed, or when the plan could have been dramatically changed. There was an even greater need for this, especially since he was well aware that no coordination had taken place regarding expected assistance, and since the Armed Forces could render little aid, if at all, because they were not given sufficient time to prepare.

 

How and why did it happen that there was no coordination? Why did the mission continue, when it had deviated so far from the original plan, and our troops were already in grave danger? These, and many others, are the questions that plague my mind. The former SAF Commander will have an opportunity to answer these, and explain himself, in the appropriate proceedings.

 

In all our efforts to capture Marwan and Usman, General Alan Purisima played a vital role. He contributed greatly to the long preparations and in the many operations in pursuit of the two terrorists. The public is likewise aware that Alan and I have known each other for a very long time. During the coup d’etat, or the attempted coup d’ etat in 1987, before we were ambushed, I was confident that our security personnel had sufficient skills to protect us. But because almost all my escorts fell during that ambush, my confidence was shaken. It was Alan Purisima who designed, executed, and trained us in a modified VIP protection course; this played a great role in restoring my confidence. From then, until today, Alan and I have gone through so much; he was with me in opposing powerful vested interests who were capable of threatening our lives. In the days when I was part of the opposition, even though it was detrimental to his career to be close to me, Alan did not leave my side.

 

For this reason, perhaps you will understand why I find it painful to see him leave the service under these circumstances. I have accepted, effective immediately, the resignation of General Purisima. I thank him for his many years of service prior to this tragedy.

 

I assure you: We are doing everything to uncover the truth. The report that will emerge from this investigation will provide invaluable lessons, to ensure such a tragedy will never happen again. There will be changes.

 

I fulfill, and I will continue to fulfill, my duties as President. The morale of our Special Action Force troops needs to be raised. Their status as a fully operational unit needs to be restored. As there are those who seek to drive a wedge between the AFP and PNP, we will make sure they do not succeed; we should not waste the good working relationship between the AFP and PNP, a relationship we have seen in rescue operations in the wake of calamities, or in other operations where they have worked together to respond to threats to our security, such as the Zamboanga siege. Let us remember, our work is not yet done: Usman is still at large.

 

To the members and leadership of the MILF: From the onset, I have considered you brothers on the path to peace. Until now, I am confident that you will help us in seeking justice; that those who have done wrong should be held to account, especially if it is confirmed that there were  SAF troopers who werel executed despite being wounded and defenseless. Your efforts to limit the movement of the BIFF are a good first step.

 

Now about Usman, let me point out the following: If he remains within your territory, or is protected by one of your members, we expect you to surrender him to the authorities. If not, we expect you to do everything you can to help capture him. And if even this is not possible, do not interfere with our pursuit of Usman.

 

May this serve as a warning and a reminder: We will get Usman, whatever you decide, regardless of who provides a safe haven for him, regardless of where he may be hiding. Let no one doubt: We are partners in pursuing peace and justice. To those who have lost their way, who would still stand in our way, remember this:  You are fighting the State, and we will run you over.

 

To the members of our uniformed services: We are with you. We will stand in front of you, beside you, and behind you, as needed; whatever is required of you, be assured that we are with you. I assure you: You are not alone.

 

Again, to the families of the fallen SAF members: No words can fully alleviate the pain of your loss. To each one of you, and to each person whose life was imperiled, I say to you today what the Filipino people said to us when we lost our parents: You are not alone.

 

To all those working with us towards peace: We are fully committed to continuing the fight. And I say to those opposed to our objective, especially those who resort to violence: Mark my words, you will feel the sharpened and strengthened might of a unified Filipino nation.

 

Let us all remain focused on our primary goal: a widespread and lasting peace. This is what our Special Action Force fought for in Mamasapano. This is what every decent Filipino who wishes to leave behind a better future for coming generations continues to fight for. Through solidarity and partnership, we can attain justice, pay tribute to the sacrifices of our policemen, and turn our collective dreams into reality.

 

Thank you, and good day.