changes that we have to face

Few weeks ago, we were surprised by heavy rain brought by the monsoon. It flooded in some part of the country, and it rained almost everywhere. Classes were suspended in many places including Laguna. I, personally was surprised to know that almost 18 ‘bayans’ here in Laguna were flooded.

There was no typhoon then. I say that this is one of the ill-effects of climate change. It does not only happen in the Philippines but this is a global phenomenon. The world experience drastic change in climate that brings destruction. With this, nations as well as international organizations are alarmed.

A year ago, I wrote an article about the effects of climate change in the marine biodiversity. I focused on its effect in Coral Triangle—a rich marine biodiversity lies in the coastal areas of six countries including Philippines. Through research and interviews I made, I found out that Coral triangle is at risk due to several factors including coral bleaching caused by climate change.

Climate change has been a global issue of our time. Studies are made to predict its possible effects in our world. Now, we are experiencing it undoubtedly. In a seminar held last August 16, 2012 in our college, the speaker mentioned some of the calamities happening in other parts of the world like Flooding in Australia, landslide in Brazil, severe drought in US, etc.

Global warming is one of the results of climate change. It is caused by the emission of greenhouse gases. According to wildlife.org, our atmospheric concentrations of CO2 are 3% higher that it was before. Rich countries contribute a lot to the emission of GHGs because of industrialization, and unfortunately, it’s the poor countries experience more of its impact.

 Continuous increase of GHGs in our atmosphere will result too much trouble. It may lead to flooding, drought, landslide, rise of sea level. Worst is that these four may happen in one geographic area simultaneously.

Effects of climate change will not only be felt through the calamities. It will also be felt in area of agriculture, economics, environment, tourism, etc. The speaker also mentioned that 4-5% of the GDP will be lost if a country fail to address this problem. He also mentioned that climate change is the new normal. We cannot just sit back and wait how this phenomenon will destroy us. We have to do something.

In agriculture, there will definitely be decrease in yield of crops, and it will result to increase in food prices. Then, there will be this problem of food security. There will also be salinization of fresh water, coral bleaching, decrease in the thickness of sea shells.

If the amount of carbon in our atmosphere continues to increase, it will sink in the ocean that will lead to acidity. Acidity may cause reefs to collapse. If it happens, there will be a large consequence for many species depending on the corals.

These problems are no longer far away from us. Most of these are now visible in some parts of the world. But as I said earlier, we cannot just sit back and wait. We have to act on it. We have to work for this not to destroy our world. We have to do our part in preserving our planet.

Our country made specific laws for our environment. There are 21 of them, but we cannot see it fully implemented. Some of these laws are regarded as best in the world. The problem is in the implementation of these laws. We, people, should be responsible in obeying these. And the government, on the other hand, should see to it that it is implemented. Laws are made to be implemented and obeyed not to be stacked in a file and forgot about it after.

Adaptation and mitigation are the two ways that will help us address climate change. These two backed up with the best laws for environment, and discipline of the people will surely take effect. It may help us provide solutions to the problems brought by climate change.

It is important that information about the effects of climate change, laws being implemented to address this problem, and call for action reach the general public. Not all information about this will be understood by all. The educated, yes, but how about those who are not? We have to laymanize it for them. This is where our role as development communicators comes. The problem cannot be solved by the elites, educated, and those who understand alone. It can be solved if and only if there is complete participation among all the key players of the society which includes every people.

But the most important is we have to remember who we really are in this world. In Genesis 1:28 and Genesis 2:15, God said, “…rule over the fish in the ocean, the birds in the sky, and every animal on the earth.”, “The Lord God put the man in the Garden of Eden to take care of it and to look after it.”. We are stewards to look after the earth. But what is happening nowadays? Climate change happens because of our irresponsible actions. It is us who devastated the world. We should have learned how to be good stewards. We do not own this world. This is something the Almighty lent us.

Now, let us give our best to address this problem that might destroy the world. We are responsible for this. We have to do something before it is too late. Let us get back to our duty, our duty to be the stewards of this beautiful world.

I am a food lover. I enjoy foods, and I know that this is also true to most of us Filipinos. Most of the time, I am not aware where the foods I eat came from as long as it satisfy my cravings. Sometimes I think what important is that I am able to eat my meals to feed my starving stomach. I seldom check labels which includes the nutrition contents of the food I eat. As long as it is not expired yet, then it is okay for me to eat it.

Food incorporated is one of the most intriguing documentary I ever watched. It was long, yes, but it is worth watching. It awaken my consciousness in the foods I eat. I admit that I am guilty loving fast foods. I enjoy eating burgers, fries, etc. etc. with my family and friends not knowing where and how it was processed.

Food incorporated revealed something that is not known to most people. Though the context of this documentary is Western, it made me think if it applies in the Philippines given that those fastfood chains are also visible in the country.

Food industry all over the world is undeniably growing. It answers the needs of the growing population of the world. These industries do everything to supply the increasing needs of the people, and of the big fast food chains.

Based on the documentary film, I observed that the food industries try to manipulate the production of farm products such as meat and vegetables. It seems to be unfair for the small scale farmers and growers. One example is how the Monsanto forbids farmers to keep seeds from their crop. They encourage farmers to use GMOs. In case of the meat production, the process they apply seems to be brute.

I realized that we are often unconscious in what we eat. We don't even dare to be curios on how the foods we take arrive in our plate. We might take foods not knowing that it is infected with bacteria that may cause death. The importance of looking into labels and asking where our food come from may help us avoid taking in foods that may cause our sickness and even death.

In one of my subjects two semesters ago, the importance of looking and understanding the food labels are reiterated to us. Only after i watched the documentary, Food Incorporated, I realized its importance. It has to be done by us consumers to ensure our health. I have decided to put into action what I have learned in that subject before it is too late. Better to eat fresh foods that eat in fast food chains. It is better to spend a lot for nutritious foods, than to spend a lot for medication because of wrong choice of foods.

122: Biodiversity in Makiling

I've been here in Los Baños, Laguna for three years now. I still remember the time when I first set my feet in the campus. The peaceful surrounding that welcomed me as I arrived gave such impression that it's worth staying here.

I am aware that Forestry is one of the best courses offered here in the university. I am also aware that UPLB through College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) is responsible in taking care of Mt. Makiling. It is said to be rich in flora and fauna. The view of this mountain from afar is amazing to the extent that you would want to explore it.

Just last week, June 26, a seminar about the biodiversity in Makiling Peak 3 was held at CFNR. This was a great opportunity given to me because it's really worth attending. The seminar was titled Biodiversity Expedition to Peak 3 of Mt. Makiling.

I am not really interested with the different species of animals, insects and plants that can be found in Makiling forest. In fact, I found it hard to listen to the different scientific names the speakers seems to know so well. But it is really to know that our very own Makiling serves a haven for many species of animals, insects and plants. Surprisingly, most of them are endemic.

Dr. Manny Castillo, one of the speakers and one of the members of the team who went up to Peak 3, said that there are many species of flora and faunas found in Makiling. He wished they are with some experts, particularly in fungi, to help them identify other species.

Based on the report of Mr. Juancho Balatibat, another speaker and also part of the team, there are some species of stick insect and grasshoppers that are potential to be new species. It's amazing that these explorers who went up to Makiling for almost a week found something new in the field of biological science. This would be a great contribution to the field.

I really admire the team for their hardwork, patience and guts to climb Peak 3. And of copurse, they should be appreciated for sharing to their co-faculty, students, and others what they found in the Makiling forest.

As Dr. Castillo said before he started his presentation, presenting the information they gathered about Peak 3  is for the progression of science especially the exploration for the species of animals and plants in Mt. Makiling.

As usual, at the end of the seminar, question and answer was held. An old man, who according to him also worked in Makiling years ago, extended his appreciation to the team of explores. He also mentioned the need of preserving records of the findings through database. As Development Communication student, I felt that this is where we can help. I might not be so interested in going up to Peak 3 and study the different species there. And I might not understand how they work with the species, but I can be a tool to help preserve records of their findings, and inform people about the richness of Makiling through my writings. I came to think that maybe as communication student, it is our worth in this field-- to write about what they found so that the world may know it and help aid development of science through our writings.

122: Green vs. Gray

Developing would be difficult without technology. It seems to be one of the basis of how developed a country is. In an article written by Freeman J. Dyson, there are two kinds of technology: the green technology and the gray technology. Honestly, I wasn't aware of this classification until I read Dyson's article.

Green technology has something to do with agriculture like seeds, farm animals, and other agricultural products we utilize. On the other hand, gray technology refers to computers, gadgets, electricity, and the like.   Both are useful in our everyday lives. It addresses most of the needs of the society. But, at present, we are aware that gray technology is fast advancing compared to the green technology. 

Well, according to Dyson, gray technology's dominance will come to end. Maybe not now, but it will be dominated by the green technology soon. With the new studies in biology, biotechnology, and other branches of science, the growth of green technology would possibly be faster than the gray.

So what's the advantage of the green overtaking the gray? Well, Dyson said, green is more environmental friendly. Many of our needs can be grown rather than made. But how will people appreciate green technology when we are used to with the gray one? 

I agree with what Dyson said. He mentioned that the politics and economy of a certain country would allow the use of these new technologies.He mentioned many more factors that would affect the utilization of these technologies like religion.

It is true that all has its "dark sides". Though we may now think that it's green technology that we need, there are still things we should understand about it. Green technology may be used in such a way that would ruin the "nature of human beings". Surprisingly, science has now its way on how to do that. That is through Genetic Engineering. Dyson said, with this advancement, free market of human genes would be possible. And i think, it will be favorable for the rich.

I guess whatever development in our technology, so it be green or gray, what's important is it must be utilized by everybody. And of course, there should always be limits in using such technologies. It will be helpful to the world if people would know the limitations of using it, like the limit of using genetic engineering. Technologies, if not utilized accordingly might yield to unwanted results. Let's just be aware of how we use technologies in pursuing development. It is indeed helpful when used with caution.

DEVC122. A Reflection

Science seems to be a big word. When I was a child, I used to think that it is meant only for scientists...those geniuses. But well, of course, I came to realize that it is for everyone.

As it is always said, science is a body of knowledge. In fact, in almost everything, science has an explanation. It is indeed amazing how we are consciously or unconsciously affected by works of science.

If science affects our individual lives, it will also affect us as a nation. it certainly has something to do with the development as we go modernize our country. Nowadays, technology has been advancing, and i believe it is all because of science. It seems that technologies have been one of the precursors of development.

Science is about research. Thorough research is made to verify something that is asked. And it is said in an article titled "Public Understanding Science" by Flor Lacanilao-- "Development depends on the quality of information disseminated, which relies on the way research is done. If it's that so, then there might be wrong in how we conduct research, because as we can see, development here in our country seems to be so SLOW. For me, at least this is true.


Research to science to technology to development. This is one of the diagram I saw in Lacanilao's article. These four, I agreed, are connected and dependent on each other. It is clear that science or the body of knowledge is from  quality research. And technology is the application of science which may lead to development-- the utilization of technology. If until now we can't see development, then it all boils down to poor quality research. Lacanilao seems to be so sure that "development will hardly follow...without the correct research output. Well, it's indeed agreeable.


Why have correct research output? Is it because of lack of funding? Well, Lacanilao said no. Though we are aware that the government spend less in S and T, still it is not the greatest factor affecting the research output. As it is said, it is the wrong practices how research is done that makes poor quality outputs. Maybe because most of us research only for the sake of having a research paper. We oftentimes ignore small details that would affect the whole study. And sadly, these poor research outputs serve as the basis of the laws, development programs, and policies made. It would now be obvious why most of our programs, laws and policies fail.


I believe that through shaping young generation's mind in right ways of researching, we will be able to reach development. As our professors always say, write not only for your grades, but write as if everyone will read your work.Same as with this issue. Let's do research so that it may be utilized by everyone not just for self-benifits. I believe we have the brain, we just have to use it not only for our own, but for all the Filipino people.

my oh my

It's been a long time since I was able to blog something. I just can't think of anything i should be sharing since maybe, i am not into sharing my experiences and everything.

So, what about me? The semester has began. It's been a month now. Everybody is busy, so I am. Ang dami lang talagang ginagaw, but still I manage to write my own story-- i'm talking about a piece (basta ang hirap i-explain). I am happy, very happy in fact, to be able to start writing my own, very own story. Well, It's about me, my friends and other imaginary people i included in the casts. :)))

Well, I think this is NON-SENSE. tama na!!! pangit eh :)

unknown exercise---html forms

Hindi ko na maalala kung ano nga ba ang pangalan ng exercise na ginawa namin maraming araw na ang nakalipas. Ang naaalala ko na lang ay ang paggamit namin ng HTML FORMS. Tulad ng mga nakaraan naming pagsasanay, mahirap ito. (hay hindi ko ma-express ang gusto kong sabihin)

Ang malamig na laboratory room at ang kagustuhan kong umuwi ng maaga ang naging dahilan ko para bilisan ang paggawa ng exer na yun. Habang nanginginig ang kamay ko dahil sa lamig, ay sya namang pangungulit ko sa mga  kaibigan ko kung ano ang susunod na gagawin (as always).

Anyway, I enjoyed doing it. It is not really hard because it seems that we're used to HTML already. One more thing is that W3School is just a click away.