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.

Do we still have a right to travel?

BY MANILA BULLETIN

  

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Suddenly, Filipinos have developed a new “fear” of travel – not because of the traffic leading to the airports, the turbulence on the air, or the expensive cost of vacations, but there is a possibility of missing a flight due to the long lines at the immigration counters or the risk of being offloaded.  Once you miss your flight because of these circumstances, say goodbye to your dream vacation and the hard-earned money you used to purchase the airline ticket.

This “fear” has engulfed Filipino travelers after a viral video showed a young lady recalling how she missed her flight after an arduous second interview she had with an immigration officer. The said immigration officer allegedly asked irrelevant questions and demanded to see the passenger’s yearbook, graduation photos, emails, and private messages.

After that video circulated and caught the media’s attention, social media platforms were inundated with horror stories with immigration officers. There were experiences on the rudeness of officers, how travelers were discriminated because of their appearance, how decisions were made because of someone’s education attainment, etc.

Amid all these, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) is confident that it is just doing its mandated duties and responsibilities. In fact, BI spokesperson Dana Sandoval has been all over the media cycle explaining that all these “SOPs” are meant to combat human smuggling and illegal recruitment. She has repeatedly said that professionals, even from top schools or those who are frequent fliers, are victimized. It is, therefore, the task of the BI to ensure that Filipinos are safe from criminal syndicates.

But where do we draw the line? Where does the “protection of Filipinos” end and “violation of the right to travel” start?

At a recent Senate hearing involving the BI, senators have agreed that the line has been crossed. Senator Ramon Revilla Jr. said that the BI’s offloading policy is a “brazen disregard of the constitutionally guaranteed right to travel” and is “even be an outright transgression of the power of the Courts to issue hold departure orders upon cause.” Senator Raffy Tulfo also questioned BI’s offloading authority, saying that he is not against the drive to combat human smuggling, but it “should not trample on the rights of Filipinos — the taxpayers who pay for the salaries of these immigration personnel.”

Based on BI’s reports, there are numerous cases of their officers being able to prevent would-be victims from flying abroad. On the report, however, are also questionable numbers. In 2022, “more than 32,000 Filipinos were deferred departure, with only 472 found to be victims of human trafficking or illegal recruitment.”

What happened to the other 30,000-plus offloaded passengers who have legitimate documents and are just hoping to travel? Were they reimbursed for their plane tickets; was there an apology for the anguish and inconvenience inflicted on an innocent Filipino?

The Lenten week will roll in and passenger departures will be at an all-time high. The BI has revealed some “developments” as there will be retraining of officers, more personnel to serve the counters, and measures to cut the long lines. Sandoval has also advised passengers not to bring their yearbooks and to be at the airport three hours before departure time.

We thank the BI for these reminders. Sad to say, however, that it would take time — and genuine improvements at the immigration counters — to earn back the trust of Filipinos. Until then, diplomas, thesis reports, and yearbooks will be brought at the airports.

Majority of Filipinos personally experienced effects of climate change, survey says

 

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Mar 23, 2023 12:36 AM

  

AT A GLANCE

Ninety-three percent of Filipinos have personally experienced the effects of climate change in the past three years.

Most Filipinos agree that they can do something to reduce climate risk.

A Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey conducted in December 2022 bared that 93 percent of Filipinos have personally experienced the effects of climate change in the past three years.

Of this, 17 percent said they have experienced severe impact of climate change in the past three years, 52 percent said moderate impact, and 24 percent said little impact.

Meanwhile, only six percent did not experience any impact.

According to SWS, the proportion of those who reported personally experiencing the impacts of climate change can be compared to previous surveys on the topic. 

“Those personally experiencing the impacts increased by six percentage points from March 2017 and eight points from March 2013. Those who experienced severe impact of climate change decreased by three points but was offset by an increase of 10 points among those who experienced moderate impact,” it pointed out.

Most Filipinos agree they can do something to reduce climate risk

The SWS survey also found 88 percent agreeing (51 percent strongly agree, 37 percent somewhat agree) with the statement: “People like me can do something to reduce climate risk or risks resulting from climate change.”

Meanwhile, 10 percent were undecided and 3 percent disagreed (2 percent somewhat disagree, 1 percent strongly disagree).

“This gives a net agreement score (percentage of those who agree minus percentage of those who disagree) of +85, classified by SWS as ‘very strong’ (+50 and up). This indicates a very strong personal efficacy to do something to reduce climate risk,” SWS said.

When shown two statements that might best describe one’s outlook on humanity’s control of climate change, SWS found that 76 percent of Filipinos think that humanity could do something to stop or slow down climate change if everyone really tried, while 23 percent think climate change is beyond humanity's control. 

Only one percent of Filipinos are unsure.

High awareness on climate change

The survey also found that 81 percent were previously aware of climate change, while 19 percent knew of it only at the time of the survey interview, SWS pointed out.

It noted that those who were previously aware of climate change increased by seven percentage points from March 2017 and 15 points from March 2013.

SWS also said that there is a “very high” awareness of selected solutions to reduce the negative effects of climate change.

It tested public awareness of selected solutions to reduce the negative effects of climate change by selecting items from the United Nations Act Now website about tackling the climate crisis.

SWS crafted them into localized questions for the Filipino experience, and added a question about tree planting and forest protection.

“Percentages of those aware of solutions to reduce the negative effects of climate change were very high: 95 percent for planting trees in the right places and protecting forests, 95 percent for saving energy or electricity at home, 93 percent for walking, cycling, or taking public transportation, 91 percent for reducing, reusing, repairing, and recycling, and 86 percent for throwing away less food,” SWS said

“Majorities of those who are aware of each solution reported that their families engage in the solutions to reduce the negative effects of climate change: 88 percent save energy or electricity at home, 81 percent walk, cycle, or take public transportation, 75 percent throw away less food, 74 percent reduce, reuse, repair, and recycle, and 63 percent plant trees in the right places and protect forests,” it added.

The survey found that those aware of each solution who reported that their families might do the solutions are 24 percent for planting trees in the right places and protecting forests, 17 percent for reducing, reusing, repairing, and recycling, 14 percent for throwing away less food, 13 percent for walking, cycling, or taking public transportation, and 7 percent for saving energy or electricity at home.

Meanwhile, those aware of each solution who reported that their families are not engaging in the solutions are 4 percent for saving energy or electricity at home, 6 percent for walking, cycling, or taking public transportation, 8 percent for reducing, reusing, repairing, and recycling, 11 percent for throwing away less food, and 13 percent for planting trees in the right places and protecting forests.

The Fourth Quarter 2022 SWS survey was conducted from Dec. 10 to 14, 2022, using face-to-face interviews of 1,200 adults, 18 years old and above.

The survey items reported here were non-commissioned. It was done on SWS’s own initiative and released as a public service.

Gun ban implemented in Davao for Ironman race

By Ruth Palo, Manila Times

DAVAO CITY: Maj. Catherine de la Rey, the spokesman for the Davao City Police Office, announced the enforcement of the regionwide gun ban from March 20 to March 31 due to the scheduled Ironman 70.3.

Speaking at the AFP-PNP Press Corps briefing Wednesday (March 22) at The Royal Mandaya Hotel, de la Rey said that Police Regional Office (PRO) 11 has suspended the Permit to Carry Firearms Outside of Residence (PTCOR 4 or PTC 4) in the entire Davao Region.

She said this means that non-uniformed individuals with firearms, even with complete permits and licenses, are not allowed to carry their weapons outside of their respective residences.

"The permit to carry firearms outside of the residence is suspended effective March 20. So, for gun owners, you are not allowed to carry your firearms outside, even if you have the permit to do so," de la Rey said.

She said only police officers, Armed Forces of the Philippines personnel, and members of other law enforcement agencies on duty and in uniform during the 12-day suspension are allowed to carry firearms. This is to avoid any firearm-related incidents during the Ironman races.

Random checkpoints have been added outside of the checkpoints in the border areas of the region, de la Rey added.

Violators of the gun ban will have to go back to their area of origin or they may opt to deposit their weapons at the checkpoint areas where they were apprehended. If unable to follow either action, apprehended individuals may have their PTC 4 suspended.

She said the suspension is a great help for the region's security forces as this effectively lessens the threat to look out for.

De la Rey urged everyone to abide by the ban and help the security cluster in maintaining peace and order during the sports event.

"Help the police, the Davao City Police Office — to conduct a peaceful, successful and zero-crime incident execution of the Alveo Ironman 70.3, so let us all work together," she said.