Lola Celebrates 80th Birthday with Mindoro’s Tamaraw Rangers

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

#TogetherforTamaraws Campaign Generates PHP1.6M in Donations

Tamaraw (Bubalus mindorensis) are endemic forest buffalo found only on the island of Mindoro in the Philippines. Numbering only about 600, they are considered critically-endangered by the IUCN, the highest rating for any species. At least 480 live inside the forests and grasslands of the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park, with an additional 100 or so holding out in three other areas. (Gregg Yan)

Despite waning visitor revenues and budget cuts spurred by the COVID-19 pandemic, it is a happy Tamaraw Month for the grizzled rangers of the Tamaraw Conservation Programme (TCP).

TCP’s 31 rangers and five office workers are some of the most active frontliners protecting the tamaraw and the habitats it calls home. The Philippines celebrates Tamaraw Month every October to highlight the importance of the tamaraw, which is the world’s rarest wild buffalo.

A highlight was the 80^th birthday of Lola Lolita Africa, who celebrated last 5 October by sending the TCP rangers cake, pansit and other treats. Since 2020, Lola Lolita and her daughter Rosemarie have been supporting #TogetherforTamaraws, an online fundraising campaign to help conservation frontliners affected by the pandemic. Together, the duo raised over USD4500 for the rangers. “If the tamaraw disappear, part of us will too,” shares Rosemarie.

Spearheaded by the United Nations Development Fund’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP-BIOFIN), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Biodiversity Management Bureau (DENR-BMB) and DENR’s MIMAROPA Regional Office, Together for Tamaraws ran from July to December 2020 and generated PHP1,601,301 (USD32,000) from 194 supporters, around half of which were from the Philippines, with three-fourths coming from online pledges. 

The funds were used to procure food packs, patrol allowances, thermal blankets, ranger uniforms, field hammocks, tents, stoves, cook sets, GPS and android devices, first aid and medical supplies, portable solar lamps and chargers, plus camera traps to photograph tamaraw safely and remotely.

The supplies and equipment were distributed in six tranches through partners like the Mindoro Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Incorporated (MBFCI).

“The success of Together for Tamaraws proves that when we work towards a common goal, we can address the growing environmental and social issues brought about by the pandemic,” says TCP head Neil Anthony Del Mundo. “Our hardworking rangers, wardens and indigenous tribesfolk can breathe a bit easier, knowing they’ll have enough equipment and supplies to protect our tamaraw over the next months.”

The Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park (MIBNP), a former game refuge turned into a protected area, spans 106,655 hectares. It hosts at least 480 of the world’s 600 remaining tamaraw, plus many other endangered and legally protected species. MIBNP’s Protected Area Management Office (PAMO) recently participated in BIOFIN’s workshops on preparing protected area finance plans together with other park management bodies.

BIOFIN has also been organizing meetings to polish and facilitate the approval of the substitute bill of House Bill 8299 or An Act Institutionalizing the Tamaraw Conservation Programme, Creating its Administrative and Implementation Mechanisms, and Providing Funds Therefore.

Authored by BIOFIN legislative champion Cong. Josephine Ramirez-Sato, the Bill underwent three committee hearings and was approved in its third reading last 22 September.

“Together for Tamaraws showed how Bayanihan is still very much alive, even amidst one of the greatest challenges of our time,” explains Sato. “Conserving the tamaraw means upholding the rights of our children, for their children to experience the rich culture, natural resources and unique beauty of Mindoro. This is why the Tamaraw Conservation Management bill must be passed immediately.

Since early 2020, most of the country has been under general or enhanced community quarantine. The majority of Philippine national parks were closed to prevent COVID-19 from spreading, leaving fewer rangers guarding against poachers. In September 2020, MIBNP and TCP rangers intercepted and caught three tamaraw poachers drying meat inside MIBNP. The rangers have pledged to continue their patrol operations to keep other poachers at bay.

Because of the sheer generosity and support of donors, Tamaraw Month 2021 is a bonafide cause for celebration.

But many more of the country’s 124 protected areas need help, since the funds once amply generated by park visitors are crucial for day-to-day operations. 

DENR-BMB, BIOFIN, the Department of Tourism (DOT) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) are pushing for a proposed Presidential Proclamation to herald 2022 as the Year of the Protected Areas (YoPA) and June of each year as the Month of Protected Areas. YoPA aims to increase awareness on the value of protected areas, promote visits and in turn, increase park revenues from visitors.

In addition, DENR and BIOFIN are staging the Virtual Travels to Protected Areas video contest, which offers all-expense paid trips to selected protected areas in the country. The contest is open until 15 November and interested participants can learn more HERE.

“The pandemic forced us to practice physical distancing, but it should only be to stem the transmission of the virus. It should bring forth empathy, not drive us to apathy. It must instill optimism and renew our vigor, not shroud us in hopelessness and breed indifference,” concludes Sato. “To all our frontline conservation warriors in our protected areas, keep up the struggle and thank you for your service. We will overcome this challenge, together.”

Sent with the love of a Lola. Last 5 October, Lola Lolita and daughter Rosemarie Africa sent Mindoro’s Tamaraw Rangers money to buy a cake, pansit noodles and other treats so they can concurrently celebrate her 80th birthday. The mother and daughter tandem were among the first to support #TogetherforTamaraws. (UNDP-BIOFIN)

Tamaraw Rangers and Wardens at one of the six turnovers for supplies and equipment, held at the foothills of the Mounts Iglit-Baco Mountain Range in Mindoro. (Ace Gatdula)

Tamaraw Conservation Programme or TCP rangers scan nearby ridges for intruders. The makeshift pugakang or shotgun is used to scare off poachers, who are usually armed with long-range hunting rifles. The COVID-19 pandemic has left few rangers to patrol the Mounts Iglit-Baco Natural Park, the last stronghold of the iconic tamaraw. (Gregg Yan)

Lola Lolita and daughter Rosemarie Africa were just two of nearly 200 supporters of #TogetherforTamaraws, a UNDP fundraising campaign which raised PHP1.6M or USD32,000 to provide Mindoro’s Tamaraw Rangers with supplies, allowances and equipment. (UNDP-BIOFIN)

Jabra reinvents true wireless technology with a new era of Elite earbuds

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

• Redefining true wireless range, with next generation of Jabra Elite products, each 

one tailored to specific uses

• Elite 7 Pro offers ground-breaking call performance with new Jabra MultiSensor 

VoiceTM technology, featuring a longer battery life with nine hours non-stop play time with adjustable ANC 

• Elite 7 Active offers the best grip for an active lifestyle with new Jabra ShakeGripTM technology 

• Elite 3 offers rich sound quality and clear calls at Jabra’s lowest ever TW price point

Jabra announced three products to establish its new Elite true wireless line-up – the Elite Pro, Elite Active and core Elite lines. Reinvention means pushing boundaries and that is what Jabra has done for call technology, in-ear fit, audio experience and design.

The additions include the Jabra Elite 7 Pro, a revolutionary product that features Jabra MultiSensor VoiceTM technology, offering best-in-class call performance. Jabra is also releasing the Elite 7 Active with pioneering ShakeGripTM coating, perfect for those active lifestyles. Finally, the third addition to the range is the Jabra Elite 3, which brings fantastic sound while on-the-go to a wide audience. This redefined Elite range signifies the latest breakthrough in true wireless technology: each one is specifically engineered to reinvent the true wireless experience as you know it by introducing new and unique technologies optimised for specific use cases in a sleek and modern design. 

As one of the first companies to introduce true wireless technology, Jabra has taken six generations worth of learning and is reinventing true wireless to better fit with the needs of today’s millions of true wireless users. The new Elite range is tailored for specific use scenarios Jabra’s new Pro category is designed for those who want the best of the best for calls and music, allowing users to experience true wireless without limits. 

Jabra’s Active category is tailored for sports and active lifestyles and the earbuds are specifically engineered to stay put when you sweat. Finally, Elite 3 makes up part of Jabra’s core category, a new standard for entry-level, on-the-go sound.

Jabra MultiSensor VoiceTM

The introduction of innovative Jabra MultiSensor VoiceTM technology for the Elite 7 Pro delivers ultimate call clarity, even in the noisiest places. More people are connecting through voice – it is in the top 2 use cases after music*. Jabra MultiSensor VoiceTM combines a bone conduction sensor, four microphones and algorithms to ensure crystal clear calls. Jabra’s expertise in developing intelligent algorithms resulted in the engineering of one of the first consumer earbuds that use this hybrid technology.

A cutting-edge voice pick-up (VPU) sensor in both earbuds makes Jabra MultiSensor VoiceTM so effective. The intelligent algorithms constantly analyse the types of noise being picked up by the built-in microphones, and when they detect wind noise, they automatically activate the VPU sensor. Bone conduction technology is used to transmit voice via the vibrations in the jawbone, and the intelligent algorithm then uses the best combination of the bone conduction sensor and microphones to transmit the best call clarity.

In addition, adjustable Active Noise Cancellation (ANC) creates a fully immersive experience. Sound can be personalised even further by creating a personalised audio profile with Jabra MySound technology and using HearThrough – a technology that allows the user to define exactly how much outside noise they want to let in. 

The Elite 7 Pro earbuds are 16 per cent smaller than the hugely popular Jabra Elite 75t,which are Jabra’s smallest earbuds so far. By leveraging Jabra’s database of 62,000 unique ear scans, the technology pioneer was able to create a map of the average human ear and use the insight to totally redesign the earbud. Then, after excessive testing, Jabra has been able to produce an earbud that offers exceptional sound quality and optimized comfort.

The all-encompassing earbuds come with nine hours non-stop play time with ANC and 35 hours with case charging, with fast charging that delivers 1.2 hrs of power in just 5 minutes. 

The Elite 7 Pro comes with Alexa built-in, Siri and Google Assistant (*Android only).

Jabra ShakeGripTM technology

For those who are looking for the best fit for an active lifestyle, the Jabra Elite 7 Active is specifically engineered to suit them. Save for the Multisensor Voice technology, the Active version features the same top-quality experience as the Elite 7 Pro, with four built-in microphones for call technology and an additional two for personalisation plus adjustable ANC. In addition, based on Jabra’s unique understanding of the ear, the use of liquid silicone rubber, and a wing free design, the new Elite 7 Active with ShakeGrip coating is designed to give the ultimate fit whatever your movements, changing the way people work out. For those who want to go outside whilst being active, the microphone mesh removes wind from calls, whilst the performance boosting audio ensures a powerful workout music experience. 

Elite 7 Pro key features and specifications:

• Jabra MultiSensor VoiceTM for professional-grade audio

• Adjustable ANC for full immersion

• 9 hours non-stop play time with ANC, 35 hours with case

• IP57 rated durability

• BT ver. 5.2

• Use either earbud & multi-connect (by upgrade)

• Alexa built-in, Siri and Google Assistant* (Android only)

Jabra Elite 3

The Jabra Elite 3 is the perfect choice for those seeking a rich sound, powerful bass and clear calls at a lower price point. After recognising a gap in the market for a lower price earbud that still offers exceptional sound quality, Jabra has used its years of experience to make great sound an option for everyone. The earbuds are engineered to bring music to life with 6mm speakers and deliver crystal clear calls with 4-microphone call technology, a class-leading music equaliser, inclusion of Qualcomm aptXTM HD audio and seven hours of battery life (28 hours including the charging case). The earbuds offer outstanding noise isolation and with HearThrough awareness, users can tap into the sounds of their surroundings. Elite 3 also comes with an all-day comfortable and secure fit, sleek Danish design and in a new range of colours including Dark Grey, Navy, Lilac and Light Beige.

Jabra Elite 2

The final addition to the new range, the Jabra Elite 2, is also suited to those who are after rich sound on the go, at Jabra’s lowest price point. There’s no being fooled by the tiny size of their 6mm speakers as they still offer high audio quality and powerful bass. 

The Jabra Elite 2 earbuds boast a customisable EQ and noise isolation and inclusion of Qualcomm aptXTM HD audio. Jabra’s stand-out design is not compromised either; with class-leading comfort and an all-day secure fit, their powerful sound is not the only thing going for the Jabra Elite 2 earbuds. Staying connected all day is possible with their 2-mic call technology, instant Alexa activation, one-touch Spotify playback* and Google Fast Pair technology. Supported by IP55-rated rainproof protection, the Jabra Elite 2 earbuds come in grey or navy and offer 7 hours of battery life (21 hours including the charging case). All this for the affordable price of € 59 / 49 USD.

*Android only

René Svendsen-Tune, CEO at Jabra said: “We are more connected than ever before. The world has also never been noisier, which requires innovative technology to ensure people can be assured of a clear voice, calls and music experience. At Jabra, we take our many years of experience to push the boundaries of technology, with the launch of our Elite 7 Pro, Elite 7 Active and Elite 3 earbuds as a result. The introduction of these new products signifies huge developments within the market, and we are excited to be at the forefront.

Daniel Yeow, Sales Director, Retail & Online, Southeast Asia, Taiwan & Hong Kong at Jabra said:

“Consumers today seek products that not only offer advanced audio experience but also those that

enable their on-the-go lifestyle. We are thrilled to announce our new Elite range, which is a perfect combination of premium-ness comfort and stand-out features such as MultiSensor Voice, ShakeGrip technology, delivering an unmatched call and music experience. One that truly reflects Jabra's advancement in the true wireless segment”

The Elite 3 will be available from September 1st, while the Elite 7 Pro and Elite 7 Active will be available on October 1st.

See Jabra PH official Facebook page to find out where to buy:

https://www.facebook.com/JabraPhilippines

Service Contracting Program Phase 2 at Libreng Sakay para sa mga healthcare workers at authorized persons outside residence (APORs) sa probinsya ng Camiguin

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Pinangunahan nung 22 Oktubre 2021 ni Transportation Secretary Art Tugade ang paglunsad ng Service Contracting Program Phase 2 at Libreng Sakay para sa mga healthcare workers at authorized persons outside residence (APORs) sa probinsya ng Camiguin matapos pumirma ng kasunduan ang Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) at Camiguin Transport Cooperative (CAMTRANSCO) para sa pagpapatupad ng programa.

Ayon kay Secretary Tugade, layunin ng Service Contracting Program na mabigyan ang mga tsuper ng sapat na kita sa pamamagitan ng insentibo kada kilometrong biyahe at maiwasan ang agawan sa pasahero dahil sa tinatawag na "boundary system."

“Tatakbo at tatakbo—mamamasada kayo on a per kilometer run. Babayaran at babayaran kayo, may sakay man o wala para nang sa ganun hindi na kayo nag-uunahan, hindi na kayo mapeperwisyo, naaburido sa tinatawag na boundary system,” ani Secretary Tugade.

Sinabi ni Secretary Tugade na sa ilalim ng kasunduan sa pagitan ng LTFRB at CAMTRANSCO, 35 na public utility jeepneys (PUJs) na tatahak sa rutang Mambajao to Mambajao (circumferential loop) ang magbibigay ng libreng sakay sa mga healthcare workers, essential workers, at mga Authorized Person Outside Residence (APOR).

“Gagamitin ang inyong mga modernized na sasakyan para nang sa ganun ang ating mga kababayan, ang ating mahal sa buhay dito sa Camiguin ay sasakay na lamang sa inyong jeepney. Hindi magbabayad ng pamasahe kung kayo ay essential worker, kung kayo ay health frontliner, kung kayo ay authorized person outside of residence,” paliwanag pa ni Secretary Tugade.

Ayon pa sa Kalihim, ang magdedetermina ng rutang babaybayin ng Service Contracting Program at Libreng Sakay ay ang lokal na pamahalaan ng Camiguin.

Hinikayat naman ni Secretary Tugade ang mga miyembro ng CAMTRANSCO na magpa-rehistro at makilahok sa ‘Tsuper Iskolar’ Program ng LTFRB kasama ang Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) kung saan papalawakin ng programa ang kaalaman ng mga tsuper at ng kanilang pamilya sa pamamagitan ng skills training sa ilalim ng 30 hanggang 35 na araw.

“Basta tsuper ka at gusto mong mag-aral ng troubleshoot, pagmamaneho—kung gusto nyo matuto ng ibang skills pwede. Mag-enroll at makipag ugnayan kayo sa LTO at LTFRB kasama yung TESDA, mag -uusap kayo [at] bibigyan ka ng scholarship,” ani Secretary Tugade.

Paliwanag pa niya, maaaring mag-enroll ang mga miyembro ng pamilya ng mga kalahok ng tsuper at operator upang matuto ng pagtatayo ng negosyo gaya ng food business at personal care services. Habang sumasailalim sa training, ang mga iskolar ay bibigyan ng P300 hanggang P350 na arawang allowance.

Samantala, pinasalamatan naman ni Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus Romualdo si Secretary Tugade at ang buong Kagawaran ng Transportasyon dahil sa mga inisyatibong nakatutulong sa modernisasyon at pagsasa-ayos ng transportasyon sa lalawigan.

"Kami po ay nagpapasalamat at natutuwa na tinulungan ninyo ang probinsya ng Camiguin. On behalf of the province at ng public transport coop, maraming salamat, Secretary, na dinalaw n’yo kami. Natutuwa ako at lahat ng opisyales sa Camiguin, ang buong DOTr family ay nandito po sa probinsya ng Camiguin. Hindi po namin makakalimutan ito, ‘yung pagtulong ninyo sa amin sa hirap at ginhawa,” ani Governor Romualdo.