Seven million.
That’s how many people die every year due to air pollution. What’s more, according to the World Health Organization (WHO), the most vulnerable to this environmental problem are the children. In fact, it is one of the leading risks to the health of young people, with around 600,000 children dying each year due to air pollution and diseases related to it. The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) also said that there are 300 million children who are exposed to areas with high toxic levels.
Indeed, harmful air seriously threatens many people and is definitely not something to ignore.
To address this, improving air quality should be one of the top priorities. And since cleanliness begins at home, why not try growing indoor plants? There are numerous advantages of house plants. As they help remove toxins from the environment, these plants can promote good health for your family.
In addition, greener environment can also make us feel more comfortable with our surroundings. Certain researches show that interior landscaping has positive effects on the well-being of the occupants. People tend to be more productive, healthier and happier because plants provide relaxation. Humans greatly benefit from being more inclined with nature.
Architect Abby Abiol, a landscape architect and general manager of Haute Flora, shares her knowledge about indoor plants and how to take care of them. Her work includes planning and designing outdoor spaces to suit human activities with top consideration to a balanced design that will be sensitive to both natural and social environment.
“I chose to pursue and practice my profession because my abilities, responsibilities and knowledge in this service helps mankind in developing and evolving into better society and living environment,” Architect Abby shares.
According to her, here are the 7 best house plants that are commonly found in plant nurseries in the Philippines:
Chamaedorea seifritzii (Seifritzii or Bamboo Palm)
Bamboo plant is one of the best plants that would suit your home or office because it is low-maintenance and could survive even with little sunlight. Also known as the “Reed Palm”, it is a relatively small graceful palm that could grow up to about 7 feet.
Each stem is long and slender with “nodes” that are similar to bamboo. Usually, plants are commercially clumped together to form shrub-like specimens. But this palm naturally spreads by suckers or offshoots. The tall stems measure about 10-15 fronds each with about 12 dark green pinnate leaflets.
Rhapis excelsa (Rhapis)
Rhapis is a clustering and slender palm growing up to 3 to 4 meters tall. The stem is like a cane with a diameter of 4 centimeters with matted coarse fiber. Its leaves are divided into linear segments, which appear like a dissected fan.
Beacuse of its air-filtering property, it is included in the list of the clean air study of the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and became one of the 10 Best Air Filtering House Plants in 2015. Rhapis excelsa proved that it is capable of indoor air purification that helps eliminate formaldehyde ammonia, xylene and toluene – all of which are harmful air toxins.
Spatiphyllum commutatum (Peace Lily)
An evergreen perennial native to Indonesia and the Philippines, Peace Lily spreads by underground rhizomes, forming dense clumps of shiny dark elliptical leaves supported by long-sheathed petioles or leaf stems. The large-flowered Peace Lily can bear some of the largest and long-lasting blooms of its tribe.
Dracaena surculosa (Japanese Bamboo)
Dracaena surculosa is a slow growing evergreen plant with thin erect stems that could grow as high as 23 inches with a spread of 15 inches. It is a native of western tropical Africa rainforest region.
The leaves of this plant are dark green with cream spots. New leaves can appear as tightly rolled cones that showcase beautiful creamy yellow markings. Dracaena surculosa can be grown in a bottle garden
Zamioculcas zamifolia (Welcome Plant)
Also dubbed as the ZZ plant, it is one of the newest house plant that is becoming more popular. Considered to be stylish, attractive and easy to maintain, it also blends well with either a contemporary or traditional setting.
Sansevieria trifasciata (Snake Plant)
Also one of the easy-to-care house plants, Snake Plant is a native to the tropics of West Africa. It his known for its upright leaf habit which fits in to almost all locations in the home from both traditional to modern day settings.
Because it is clutter-free, it became a popular choice for architecture and interior design.
Chlorophytum comosum (Spider Plant)
Its name was derived from the appearance of its plantlets, dangling from the mother plant just like spiders from a web. These plants are pleasantly known for their simple care requirements and the ability to tolerate relatively low light conditions.
Spider plants are known for their ability to grow in lower light conditions and prefer indirect light. In fact, too much direct sunlight may damage the leaves. They likewise don’t require humidity that much, average room humidity is usually sufficient.
According to Architect Abby, all of these plants are very tough. They adapt well in areas with minimal sunlight or water. These plants are very easy to maintain and can really help people understand and enjoy their plant with very little effort.
Care Tips from the Expert
• A good balance of water and occasional sunlight will suffice. First, know the characteristics of your chosen plant. It’s best to ask the nursery people you bought your plant from, on how to properly care for that plant.
• Never water too much as this may be the cause of root rot and eventually your plant may get sick. Feel the soil and even poke the soil to see if this is still moist under the surface. If there is dryness, gradually water the plant but be careful not to put more than the pot and soil can handle. Always water at the base.
• Make sure that you occasionally wipe the leaves so that dust will not settle on the surface allowing light to penetrate the leaves.
• If sunning your plant is possible, do not expose directly under the sun or in the full outdoors as this may scorch the plant that has already adjusted to the low light situation.
Sources:
WHO
UNICEF
Haute Flora (owned by Ms. Abby Abiol)
http://houseplantcentral.com/
http://www.ourhouseplants.com/
http://floridata.com/
http://www.philippinegarden.net/
http://www.learn2grow.com/
http://www.plantsrescue.com/
In November each year, millions of Filipinos flock to cemeteries to visit their departed loved ones, bringing flowers, lighting candles, and offering prayers.
Unfortunately, the occasion is often marred by wasteful practices. In 2013 alone, 120 tons of garbage were collected from various cemeteries in Metro Manila, according the Metro Manila Development Authority or MMDA.
To avoid this, the environmental watchdog, EcoWaste Coalition, gave 10 tips for an environment-friendly undas:
1) Take public transportation or share a ride to the cemetery.
Carpooling or taking a jeepney, bus or train can lessen carbon emission. To avoid traffic, you may also walk to your destination.
2) Choose the right candles.
Pick clean-burning candles that do not give off black fumes or ash. Also, shun candles with metal wicks, which may contain harmful chemicals such as lead.
3) Light candles a few a time.
Burn just enough candles to save on money and energy. This also lessens pollution.
4) Offer locally-grown fresh flowers.
Imported flowers are costly and require tons of energy to get them flown to you. When you support locally-grown flowers, you lesson your carbon footprint, while supporting the livelihood of locals.
5) Refrain from putting flowers in plastic wrap.
Plastics eventually end up clogging waterways. Oftentimes, plastics also cause floods, injure and kill animals, and poison communities with hazardous chemicals when burned.
6) Eat and drink right.
By not bringing excessive amounts of food and beverage to the cemetery, you cut down, not only your expenses, but also your wastes.
7) Bring your own tumbler.
Drinking water from reusable jugs saves you a few bucks, as opposed to buying bottled water. Discarded plastic bottles also add to the country’s garbage problem.
8) Don’t forget the eco-bags.
Pack everything you wish to bring to the cemetery in reusable bags and baskets instead of single-use plastic bags and containers.
9) Throw garbage properly.
Throw all discards into proper recycling bins. Remember that littering in the cemetery—as elsewhere—is a no-no.
10) Reuse and recycle.
Take home all your discards for reusing or recycling. You may also bring leftovers for your pets or dump them into the compost pit with other biodegradable wastes. Non-biodegradable discards should be recycled.
REFERENCES:
https://ecowastecoalition.blogspot.com/2009/10/environmentalists-campaign-for-waste.html
http://pagasa.dost.gov.ph/index.php/news/92-press-release/3414-special-weather-outlook-for-undas-2016
If you’re immersed everyday in Metro Manila, a busy jungle of high-rise buildings and car-jammed roads, it’s difficult to imagine a serene paradise that soothes the eyes, and is bursting with biodiversity.
But the good news is that you don’t have to go to far-flung provinces just to see unique species of birds and marine animals. Just several minutes away from the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, you can already delight in such a paradise.
The Las Piñas-Parañaque Critical Habitat and Ecotourism Area or LPPCHEA is divided into two islands, the Freedom Island and the Long Island, jointly known as the Freedom Islands. Both serve as temporary homes to migratory birds from different countries such as China, Japan, and Siberia.
When the Manila-Cavite Coastal Road was constructed in 1973, the Freedom Islands were formed alongside it. The islands were part of the master plan for the Southern Reclamation Project that intended to expand the island in the future.
At present, the topography of the place helps birds like Little Egrets and Black-Crowned Night Herons in adjusting before entering the warmer regions of the earth. This is the main reason why a diverse species of birds can be observed in the area, making it an awesome site for bird watching.
Aside from this, the LPPCHEA is the only remaining mangrove frontier in the metro. Fishes still swarm the area, which is highly beneficial to the fisherfolk of Parañaque and Las Piñas. Other features in the Freedom Islands’ terrains include marshes, ponds, and lagoons, which make it an ideal breeding place for a variety of animals.
However, this breathtaking beauty faces threats. First are the tons of waste that end up in the seas and penetrating the waters of the islands, endangering marine biodiversity as well as potentially killing the fisherfolk’s livelihood. Another major threat are the plans of both the government and private sectors to develop the area surrounding the islands and reclaim it for commercial use.
If these plans push through, buildings and mid-rise residences will be built around the area, threatening wildlife. This action would require filling the waters with rocks and land for them to be able to accommodate buildings. This will pose a great danger to the residents of nearby places and provinces because apart from serving as home for animals, the Freedom Islands also serve as an effective catch basin for floodwaters. If the waters have already been converted into land, where else will the floodwaters go? It’s no wonder that the plans to reclaim the area have induced protests initiated by several civic groups and organizations.
Meanwhile, to ensure that the place remains suited for biodiversity, keeping it clean is of key importance. The Save Freedom Island Movement not only opposes the plan to convert the Freedom Islands, but also helps in organizing coastal cleanups and partnering with other groups or institutions that believe in the same advocacy.
The importance of these islands can’t be stressed enough. They serve their function in the ecosystem. They also provide means of support to the townspeople and lastly, they are majestic sights to behold amidst the rowdy city setup of Metro Manila.
As someone who has been to the place a couple of times, I can personally attest to the charm of the place, filled with greenery and the rich sounds of nature. Now, the challenge confronts all of us. Will we allow this gem to go to waste?
Sources:
http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/301603/news/specialreports/manila-s-last-piece-of-marine-wilderness-under-siege
http://wwf.panda.org/about_our_earth/blue_planet/coasts/mangroves/mangrove_importance/
http://ncr.denr.gov.ph/index.php/89-webpage/338
Written by Shain Bianca C. Epanag, Panahon TV intern from the University of the Philippines-Diliman
Satellite images, instruments, applications, and forecasters – these are our modern sources of weather and climate information. But did you know that animals are also capable of telling us what kind of weather is coming our way?
Compared to humans, some animals have special capabilities and more developed senses of smell and hearing. Recently, a study called Biophony has been examining sounds in a habitat at a certain time to analyze animal behavior before storms.
According to Dr. Simon Robson from the School of Marine and Tropical Biology at the James Cook University-Australia, some animals have the ability to forecast the weather through their behavior. Get to know some of weather’s wonder animals!
Cows
According to farmers, cows have the ability to forecast the weather. When cows become restless and lie down in the field to claim dry spots, it means they sense bad weather.
Scientists at the Universities of Arizona and Northern Missouri conducted a study about the behavior of cows in connection to the weather. It showed that cows lie down when it is about to get cold, and stand for long hours when it is about to get hot.
Ants
When bad weather enters, ants, particularly the red and black, build up their mounds as extra protection for their holes. A higher mound may be a sign of incoming rains or thunderstorms.
Ants tend to scatter during good weather and travel in straight lines when rain is brewing. They close their holes before the rain, and open them in in fair or dry weather. Ants may even become more aggressive and destructive in a drought condition.
Bees and butterflies
When bees and butterflies disappear from the flowerbeds, heavy rains are expected in the next hours. Butterflies and bees are referred to as indicator species.
Their short lifespans are also observed to study the effects of climate change.
Birds
A lot of legends have come out about the ability of birds to predict storms or other natural disasters. Scientists believe birds can hear infrasound, a type of low frequency noise produced by storms, which humans are not capable of hearing.
Most birds also have special middle-ear receptors called the Vitali organ that can sense small changes in air pressure. Birds that fly high in the sky signify good weather, but if they fly low, a thunderstorm or bad weather is approaching.
Some believe that birds fly lower before the rain because they try to get closer to the insects, which also fly lower to the ground before the showers. But others say that flying closer to the ground protects birds from the air pressure of a storm at higher altitudes.
Other beliefs: if a rooster crows before sleeping, there is a chance of rain. Chickens that group together while scratching for food also indicate bad weather. When owls cry strangely in the night, good weather will probably be experienced the following day. Meanwhile, ducks behaving unusually could mean bad weather is approaching.
Frog
The frogs are believed to croak or sing longer and louder than the usual when bad weather is on the way. If the volume increases, rains or gusty winds may affect the area.
Spiders
Spiders building their webs are believed to signify good weather conditions. If you see their webs scattered in the air, it could mean a dry spell. Spiders tend to be active and leave their webs before the rain pours. If there’s an incoming storm, spiders strengthen their webs.
Though there is no enough scientific proof, some of these animals may have helped in weather forecasting during the ancient times.
But in this day and age, it is always best to monitor the weather, not necessarily through animal behavior, but through meteorological agencies for more accurate and reliable information.
Sources:
http://www.nc-mag.com/
http://www.skymetweather.com/
www.weather.com
http://www.accuweather.com/en/weather-news/can-animals-sense-storms-weather/28009496
Images:
https://photos.smugmug.com
https://elnidoenvironment.files.wordpress.com
http://phenomena.nationalgeographic.com/
http://www.uh.edu/
http://www.hivesforlives.com/
https://scjdmcdn.azureedge.net
http://turningboholano.blogspot.com/
Swimming, trekking, family outings, road trips—now that summer vacation is about to end, you’ve probably had your fair share of these activities, which involve basking in nature’s beauty. But to make your break more meaningful, why not give back to nature by engaging in eco-friendly endeavors?
As May is considered Volunteerism Month, here are some of the environmental organizations you can join:
Haribon Foundation
Haribon Foundation is known for conserving sites and habitats, saving species, encouraging sustainability, and empowering people. It was established in 1972, and is now recognized as a pioneer in the environmental movement.
“Haribon” refers to the “Haring Ibon” or the endangered Philippine Eagle because of its roots in bird watching. This organization aims to promote and undertake community-based resource management strategies in specific sites. They also want to conduct scientific and socio-economic researches on the natural ecosystems and raise national awareness on sustainable development.
Get involved!
Haribon Foundation invites everyone who is passionate and committed to conservation. You may express your interest by sending an email to recruitment@haribon.org.ph or volunteer@haribon.org.ph.
WWF Philippines
Previously known as the World Wildlife Fund, WWF was renamed as the World Wide Fund for Nature in 1986. The logo was inspired by Chi-Chi, a giant panda, who arrived at the London Zoo while the organization was being created.
WWF supports conservation in areas where biodiversity is highly valuable. It aims to save the Philippine environment by building a future where Filipinos can live in harmony with nature.
WWF Philippines has been a national organization of the WWF International since 1997, successfully implementing several conservation projects to help protect the most biologically-significant ecosystems in Asia.
WWF Celebrity Ambassadors
Aside from being a multi-awarded actress and TV personality, Iza Calzado is also a national ambassador of WWF Philippines. She joins Marc Nelson and Rovilson Fernandez in disseminating the mission of WWF and its solutions in climate change, conservation, resource protection and environmental education.
More than just a heartthrob, Piolo Pascual is also a Forest and Water Conservation Steward. He participates in various environmental initiatives and promotes projects for forest protection and watershed management.
The Legaspi Family is WWF’s Environmental Education Stewards. Zoren and Carmina, together with their children, Mavy and Cassy, work with the organization to create wider awareness among the youth.
Get involved!
If you’re willing to lend a hand and volunteer for WWF, send them an email directly from their website at www.wwf.org.ph, or visit their Facebook and Twitter accounts. You may also give them a call at 02 662 3530.
Greenpeace Philippines
Greenpeace Philippines is an organization that promotes positive attitudes and behaviors towards the environment. Some of its major concerns are climate change, toxic pollution and agriculture.
Since Greenpeace believes that there is a lot to be done when protecting the planet for future generations, they warmly welcome volunteers who are interested to help their mission. Many of their office workers started as volunteers, who helped win environmental campaigns and promote peace.
Get involved!
Feel free to contact Greenpeace Philippines through their phone number, 02 332 1807 or send your inquiries to info.ph@greenpeace.org. You may also like their Facebook Page for updates and upcoming events.
Save the Philippine Sea
SPS or Save the Philippine Sea is an independent movement organized in 2011 by concerned citizens who acted on the allegedly illegal importing of shells, corals, and other endangered marine wildlife from Indo-Pacific countries, like the Philippines.
It aims to protect the country’s marine and coastal resources through information, education and communication. Some of its programs include the Shark Shelter Project, SEA (Sea and Earth Advocates) Camp, and Pawikan Watchers.
Recently, during the LaBoracay event, SPS held a celebration of the seas without the use of any plastics, Styrofoam or straws. Yet, they still made the Labor Weekend special through music, good food, poi and yoga workshops, booths and exhibits from NGOs and social enterprises, and the most exciting part – a 180-meter sand art led by artist AG Sano.
Get involved!
SPS is regularly updating their volunteer opportunities. Visit their website www.savephilippineseas.org or express your interest through email at info@savephilippineseas.org.
Let’s Do It Philippines
Aside from cleaning up waste, the Let’s Do It Clean-up movement also aims to unite the global community to raise awareness and implement change for a clean and healthy planet. This organization, together with the Let’s Do It branches in different countries, dreams to live in a clean and waste-free world. They recruit leaders who are willing to join the massive nationwide cleanups.
One of the biggest events that they are planning is the World Cleanup Day in September 2018 where organizations, experts, volunteers and visionaries around the world will also create a plan to stop the waste problem.
Get involved!
Everyone is invited to join the movement and make a change. Visit their website at www.letsdoitphils.com, Let’s Do It Philippines Facebook account, or send an email to diezdt@yahoo.com.
Earth Island Institute Philippines
The Earth Island Institute is an environmental organization that promotes awareness, environmentalism and activism protection, as well as the conservation and restoration of nature.
Some of its projects include the International Marine Mammal Project, which aims to make the oceans safe for all marine mammals and marine ecosystems. The Earth Island Institute also developed a campaign, the Dolphin-Safe project, dedicated to monitor and protect the dolphins.
Get involved!
EII-Philippines encourages everyone to join their advocacy through different activities like information dissemination, film showing, education discussions, coastal cleanups, tree-planting, integration with farmers and fisherfolk, and contributing resources to sustain their campaigns.
If interested, send an email to savedolphins@gmail.com or visit their website at www.earthislandph.org.
As the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) celebrates its 117th anniversary today, we also take a quick look back in history when it was first established in 1899. Its roots can be traced back to the first Council of Government of the First Philippine Republic, wherein Gracio Gonzaga was appointed as Secretary of Public Welfare, which included transportation and communications services. Through the years, the department has undergone changes in names and scope of responsibilities, until it finally settled into the name of DOTC under the Arroyo regime in 2004.
The DOTC is responsible for the development and provision of efficient, effective and secure infrastructure in the transportation and communications sectors. One of their more recent projects is the test run of double-decker buses that offer point-to-point routes, including Trinoma to Glorietta 5, SM North EDSA to Glorietta 5 and SM Megamall to Glorietta 5. Equipped with free Wi-Fi, CCTV , VIP lounge with refrigerator, restroom and a karaoke machine to help ease the burden of traffic, the service will be operational until January 31.
Transportation as Hazards to Nature
Because transportation has become an important discussion in the light of urban traffic, we also bring forth another aspect of travel that brings repercussions to the environment. These are the Greenhouse Gases (GHG) that come from burning fossil fuels that trigger air pollution, and ultimately, global warming.
To help ease this problem, a new wave of transportation inventions is hitting the road, showing a greener and more sustainable way of traveling.
E-Jeepneys
The very first E-jeepney in Southeast Asia was seen in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on July 1, 2008. Since then, eight units of e-jeepneys have been roaming two routes in the business district–the Salcedo and Legaspi routes that start and end at the Landmark Mall. Quezon City also boasts of its own operating e-jeepneys named COMET with routes from SM North EDSA to the LRT Katipunan Terminal and vice versa.
E-jeepneys are also found in Puerto Princesa, where biodegradable household wastes are converted into electricity.
E-Trikes
Former Puerto Princesa Mayor Ed Hagedorn started this project in May 2009. The e-trikes serve as a taxis to and from the city’s international airport.
With speed that can reach up to 60 kilometers per hour, the electric tricycles in Taguig City were first introduced in late 2008. These vehicles aim, not only to help Mother Nature, but also tricycle drivers suffering from oil price hikes.
Bamboo Taxi
Powered by coconut biodiesel and of 90% bamboo materials, bamboo taxis can be found in Tabonton, Leyte.
Housing more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines boasts of some of the most sought-after diving spots in the world. Clear waters, bountiful coral reefs, and diverse fauna and flora are just some of the things that makes these spots world-class.
Due to Presidential Proclamation No. 758, the second week of January was proclaimed as “Best Dives Philippines Week” to promote scuba diving in the country, highlighting the protection and conservation of our underwater marine resources.
To celebrate Best Dives Philippines Week, we have prepared a list of the best diving sites in the country where you can marvel at nature’s underwater bounty.
1. Apo Island, Dauin Negros Oriental
Definitely a haven for snorkelers and divers, Apo Island’s clear waters promise divers sightings of sea turtles and vast coral reefs. As a managed marine reserve, the island also acts as an information resource of the country’s education Center of Marine Biology.
2. Anilao, Batangas
When you only have few hours to spare for leisure, spend it in Anilao, Batangas. Known to be one of the country’s richest dive sites, it’s only two hours by car from Manila.
Aside from reefs and fishes, turtles, sharks and barracuda may also be seen in its waters. Anilao, Batangas is a top choice for underwater photographers because of its colorful corals and shy pygmy seahorses.
3. Coron, Palawan
Craving for a dose of history? Coron, Palawan is the place to be. It features holes, small caves and majestic limestone cliffs.
During the battle of Coron Bay in September 1944, several ships sunk into the sea. Now, these World War II wrecks can be found under Coron Bay, accessible through dives. Don’t miss the beautiful Gunter’s Cathedral where you have to swim through a hole in the bottom of the sea.
4. Monad Shoal, Malaspascua Cebu
Enjoy the rich marine biodiversity of Monad Shoal in Malapascua. Aside from thresher sharks, you also get to see and swim with giant mantra rays—a common sight in the shoal.
Gato Island, a marine reserve and sea snake sanctuary is one of the famous dive sites in the area.
5. Tubbataha Reef, Palawan
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Tubbataha is known for its remarkable and flamboyant coral reefs. This is a protected area where approximately 360 species of corals and 600 species of fish can be found.
6. Crocodile Island, Boracay
Boracay Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beach. Apart from this, Boracay has more to offer—including Crocodile Island, which is just a boat ride away. The island is home to colorful fishes plus coral reefs when you go deeper.
7. Balicasag Island, Bohol
Incredibly filled with various species of fish and coral reefs, Balicasag Island has four dive sites that include Black Forest, Diver’s Heaven, Balicasag Cathedral and Balicasag Sanctuary.
Apart from the impressive array of fish and other marine life found in these sites, Turtle Point is another interesting dive spot, where turtles shelter in the caves 18-20m down the sea wall.
8. Cabilao Island, Bohol
A protected area situated west of Bohol, Cabilao Island is perfect for scuba divers—both beginners and professional. This is home to pygmy seahorses, stunning sea walls, reef critters and brightly colored corals, both soft and hard.
Two dive centers are available in Cabilao: the Cabilao Dive Center in the La Estrella Resort and the Polaris Dive Center.
9. Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur
Surigao’s Enchanted River has been gaining popularity in social media because of its impeccably clean waters. What’s more enchanting abour this river is no one knows how deep it is, which makes for an exciting and challenging dive site.
10. Manta Bowl, Ticao Pass, Masbate
Oceanic manta rays, whale sharks, thresher sharks, hammerheads, black and white tip sharks, blue-spotted sting rays, eagle rays, jacks, tunas, barracuda and sweetlips welcome divers in Manta Bowl.
Also, photographers can enjoy a wide variety of nudibranchs, frogfish, mandarin fish, pipefish, sea horses and coleman shrimps.
Among the top outdoor activities that continue to gain popularity today is hiking. Aside from the physical exercise, it is also a best way to reconnect with nature, breathe fresh air, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city life.
On January 9, 2016, Panahon TV, together with AIR21, led a tree nurturing and cleaning activity in Mount Makiling located in the province of Laguna. The contour of the mountain is believed to be the sleeping profile of Maria Makiling, a mystical and legendary character that inspired folk tales, poems and legends.
After an approximately two hours from Quezon City, our team finally arrived in the vicinity. There I learned that we will be joined by some residents of Makiling and members of the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME). The more, the merrier!
But we weren’t here only for the physical challenge, we came to give Mother Nature a helping hand. Safety gloves, trowel and other planting tools…ready!
The participants were divided into four groups and were handed bags of fertilizer, which will be distributed among the plants and trees. It was my first time to visit Makiling and my first nurturing activity as well!
We have the heart, not only for weather reporting, but also for nature.
Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan from UPLB Laguna said he was looking forward to more environmental activities in the future.
Meanwhile, Panahon TV Executive Producer, Donna May Lina, also welcomed everyone and encouraged us to continue participating in activities like this. She mentioned the importance of protecting and saving the planet from the adverse effects of Climate Change.
Planting trees is great help in combating the challenges of Climate Change. Since greenhouse gases from human activities are the main cause of the warming planet, we have to be responsible for our actions.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas which comprises the major concentration in the atmosphere. Aside from reducing carbon, trees absorb water during heavy downpour, and are a source of clean air.
We enjoyed pulling the grass, digging the soil and putting fertilizer. The scorching heat did not stop us from finishing our task – to make Mother Nature smile!
We made it! It was a little slippery on our way down. Some of my groupmates and I slipped at least thrice, I think. But we were okay, still safe and laughing! We were able to go back to our station earlier than the schedule.
A bit tired and filthy, we changed clothes, hydrated ourselves and took a brief rest while waiting for our lunch.
This tree nurturing and cleaning activity was also a celebration of UBE Media’s 12th anniversary. Everyone sung a birthday song before blowing the big purple cake.
Our team also prepared presents for the kids in the Makiling community.
The activity and the program ended so well. We thanked everyone who participated, hoping to see more faces the next time we vist.
This 2016, don’t forget to include Mother Nature in your resolutions. Lend some time to protect, save and bond with her in your own simple way.
Each year, 10 billion trees are cut down, also cutting down the chances of future generations’ survival. Find out how you can do your share in saving the planet.
“When the last tree has been cut down, the last fish caught, the last river poisoned, only then will we realize that one cannot eat money.” – Native American saying
Trees are said to be the most essential organisms on the planet. According to Yale School of Forestry and Environmental Studies ecologist Thomas Crowther, trees cater to an array of ecosystem services for humans. They create an abundant supply of water and nutrients, stabilize soil, absorb carbon dioxide, generate oxygen and provide habitats for every part of ecosystem.
Fast Facts
3.04 trillion. The estimated number of trees worldwide. Accumulated through the use of satellite imagery, forest inventories, and supercomputer technologies, the international team of researchers was able to map the tree population at the square-kilometer level.
A ratio of 422 trees per person. Roughly 10 billion trees are cut down per year. Since the start of human civilization, the study led by Yale University shows that there has been a 46% decrease in the total global percentage of trees.
750 billion trees. The estimate number of trees found in the boreal forests containing coniferous trees and patches of permafrost of North America, Scandinavia and Russia, found to have the highest tree densities. These forests hold 24% of the global total of trees, while 43% of the total or 1.3 trillion trees were found in the tropical and subtropical forests.
Man VS Tree
Since the start of human civilization, negative human activities have become detrimental to natural ecosystems. These include the anthropogenic effects such as land use (ie. conversion of land for agricultural use, industrial and urban development.) As human population increases, the number of trees decline.
Crowther said that the decrease in the total number of trees made significant impacts on climate and human health.
Without trees, there will be higher chance of soil erosion. Its roots anchor the soil. These could lead to more disastrous events like flooding and landslide. Soil erosion could also alter health through silt entering water sources like streams and lakes, which decrease the quality of water.
Tree counts matters especially with the issue of climate change. According to Greenpeace, 300 billion tons of carbon or 40 times the annual greenhouse emission is stored in trees. It filters particulate matter to decrease air pollution. It also creates shades that mitigate the impact of urban heat island effect.
Step up for a Tree
Here are smart ways to save trees.
Paperless Billing. Telecommunications companies today offers paperless billing, you may opt to use this instead of getting your hard copy bill every month.
Choose recycled paper products.
In the modern age of computers and gadgets, you may keep data in soft copies.
In restaurant, use cloth napkin instead of paper napkins.
Be a volunteer. Join organization, which promotes green environment through planting trees.
Web Sources:
http://actrees.org/resources/local-resources/save-a-tree/
http://caboopaper.com/how-to-conserve-trees-10-tips/
http://www.csmonitor.com/Science/2015/0904/Seeing-the-forest-for-the-trees-Why-latest-tree-census-matters
http://www.livescience.com/27692-deforestation.html
Planet has 10 times as many trees as previous estimate, research finds
http://news.yale.edu/2015/09/02/seeing-forest-and-trees-all-3-trillion-them