OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE TRANSPAC ISSUE

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Education (DepEd) has started hauling various learning resources from Transpac Logistics warehouses for distribution to public schools nationwide.

For context, the services of Transpac Logistics were procured by DepEd back in 2021. Under its contract, Transpac shall provide DepEd with logistics, warehousing, and tagging services from October 8, 2021 to June 30, 2022.

Due to the failure of Transpac to deliver the goods completely and on time, several discussions were held between the parties for the fulfillment of Transpac’s obligations.

Since the present Administration assumed office, continuous efforts were made to either compel delivery of the goods as required by contract, or for DepEd to be allowed to pull out and haul the learning resources from the warehouses — to no avail. Thus, in the exercise of diligence, and in the interest of recovering the goods by all means necessary, DepEd was constrained to resort to legal remedies.

On August 30, 2023, prompted by the lack of any concrete resolution to the issue, the DepEd partially terminated its contract with Transpac, in accordance with RA 9184, otherwise known as the Procurement Law.

On November 22, 2023, the DepEd also instituted legal proceedings, before the Regional Trial Court, to recover the goods that are still in Transpac’s possession.

Sometime in the first week of December 2023, the DepEd was in receipt of a letter from Transpac suddenly informing DepEd that it may now haul the goods stored in its warehouses.

Therefore, our Regional and Division offices have immediately started hauling the goods. The DepEd aims to completely haul and deliver the goods to our public schools in the next few weeks.

Finally, we would like to emphasize that this is not a simple case of unpaid warehouse fees as has been inaccurately framed by some outfits. Payment to providers may only be done upon the fulfillment of obligations and corresponding submission of complete documentation as required by accounting, auditing and other pertinent rules and regulations for the disbursement of funds.

We appeal to the public to remain vigilant against the spread of false and misleading information.

DepEd remains committed to safeguarding the public interest, so that our learners and stakeholders will not be shortchanged of the education services they deserve.

Thank you.

More intense typhoons to come this century, UP study warns

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Warming of sea surface in Asia-Pacific. Redder areas indicate a higher increase in temperature. (Photo credit: Delfino, R.J. et al. 

Response of damaging Philippines tropical cyclones to a warming climate using the pseudo global warming approach. Clim Dyn 61 (2023): p. 3506.)

The Philippines should brace for potentially stronger and more destructive typhoons due to climate change, warns new research coming out of the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science’s Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UPD-CS IESM).

Dr. Rafaela Jane Delfino and Dr. Gerry Bagtasa, together with colleagues from the UK, found that future Philippine typhoons may have a higher cyclone damage potential (CDP) than today’s typhoons. 

CDP is a metric that takes into account several factors, including the size of the cyclone and the speed of its winds. The scientists gathered data from recent typhoons and projected these onto likely future climate scenarios to figure out future CDPs. The greater the CDP, the greater potential damage costs, particularly from winds.

Specifically, the researchers looked at three of the most deadly super typhoons in recent history: 

Haiyan (which happened in 2013 and was locally named Yolanda); Bopha (2012, Pablo); and Mangkhut (2018, Ompong). They then hypothesized the potential damage from these typhoons if they happened in a future where the climate is forecast to be warmer and more humid, based on multiple climate projections for the years 2070 to 2099. 

Moreover, by employing various projections and considering several factors such as atmospheric temperature, sea surface temperature, pressure, and relative humidity, the researchers were able to conclusively link climate change to the intensification of the three Philippine typhoons mentioned in the study. They also found that future typhoons may be expected to be stronger and more damaging. Like spinning tops, the potentially faster winds and slower movement of these future typhoons could lead to them lingering longer over land and therefore causing more damage.

For example, under one forecast model, the CDP from a future cyclone similar to Super Typhoon Yolanda was seen to be as much as 37% greater than the damage experienced in 2013. In another simulation, Super Typhoon Ompong, which had a simulated maximum wind speed of 205 kph under present climate conditions, could potentially hit 270 kph under future climate conditions. The projections also showed an increase of as much as 50 kph in the maximum wind speeds of future typhoons like Yolanda and Pablo.

“Based on our simulations, it is found that the most damaging tropical cyclones like Haiyan, Bopha, and Mangkhut will have higher wind-related damage potential in the future,” the researchers concluded in their paper. 

“Tropical cyclones of such intensity and damage potential in the future will have serious implications with the increasing exposure and vulnerability in the Philippines,” they added, calling for further research using other models and typhoon data sets.

 References:

Delfino, R.J., Vidale, P.L., Bagtasa, G. et al. Response of damaging Philippines tropical cyclones to a warming climate using the pseudo global warming approach. Clim Dyn 61, 3499–3523 (2023). 

https://doi.org/10.1007/s00382-023-06742-6

Kratom Harmony: Understanding Legal Perspectives for Health

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Mitragyna speciosa, commonly known as kratom, has registered a tremendous surge in popularity in the last couple of years due to its perceived therapeutic benefits. Both scientific and anecdotal studies have found that the herb might remedy a host of medical issues. That explains why kratom extracts are now available in different parts of the world despite the plant being originally from Southeast Asia.

But like many herbs, Mitragyna speciosa isn’t globally accessible. So, it’s important to understand the legal implications of selling, distributing, or consuming kratom supplements in your jurisdiction before dealing with such products.

We’ve prepared a guide to kratom’s pharmacological applications, with a focus on its legality in select jurisdictions around the world.

What Are The Benefits Of Kratom?

Kratom boasts immense therapeutic benefits. The herb is available in different preparations, too. Popular ones include kratom powder, capsules, extracts, and infused teas.

All kratom formulations contain the plant’s healing properties. However, powders stand out for their versatility and ease of administering.

Pain relief is probably the most common reason people consume kratom powder or other kratom-based supplements. The herb treats pain by impacting specific opioid receptors in the body, particularly those spread around the brain and central nervous system (CNS).

You might also use kratom powder for inflammation. Like most herbs, kratom soothes inflammation by diminishing the release of the key proteins, such as cytokines, involved in transmitting inflammatory messages across the body.

Many kratom users also laud it for its incredible efficacy against anxiety and depression.

The plant’s extracts relieve anxiety by improving the body’s signaling of happiness-inducing chemicals, such as serotonin and dopamine.

Some studies further indicate that kratom might improve mental health by stabilizing the mood. The herb’s sedating properties designate it as a potential treatment for sleep disorders, such as insomnia and sleep apnea.

People struggling with chronic fatigue might benefit immensely by integrating Mitragy naspeciosa into their wellness routine. Certain kratom strains are remarkably stimulating, hence a potential remedy for physical and mental fatigue. In fact, kratom shares the same botanical family as coffee. And as you shall find, its energizing properties are nearly similar to caffeine’s.

There’s a long list of other medical issues that you might address using kratom-infused supplements. These include diminished cognitive performance, nausea, inappetence, erectile dysfunction (ED), etc.

Is Kratom Legal Worldwide?

As already hinted, kratom isn’t globally legal despite its well-documented therapeutic value.

Many regulators take issue with the herb’s potential psychedelic properties and have gone ahead to restrict access to it. Some countries have banned kratom altogether.

Let’s have a look at kratom’s legality in select jurisdictions.

1. United States

Kratom isn’t federally regulated in the United States. The implication is that relevant agencies like the FDA and DEA cannot guarantee the safety or quality of kratom supplements sold within US borders.

However, despite the apparent lack of federal regulations, kratom remains legal in most US states.

2. Canada

Canada is one of the pioneers in the race towards global kratom legalization. While the country has no specific acts regulating access to kratom, the herb is legal throughout all its provinces and territories, provided it’s not marketed as a consumable.

In other words, kratom vendors are better off dealing with alternative kratom supplements, such as topicals and aromatherapy products.

Note that this restriction doesn’t apply to kratom users, though. As a consumer, you can legally administer Mitragyna speciosa in all its conceivable forms, including oral preparations like powders and capsules.

3. United Kingdom

Kratom laws in the United Kingdom are rather fuzzy and somewhat contradictory.

The plant isn’t explicitly listed in the Psychoactive Substances Act, presumably legalizing its possession and use. However, the Misuse of Drugs Act prohibits vendors from selling kratom.

Simply put, it may be against the law to sell, but not necessarily possess or use, kratom in the UK.

4. China

Mitragyna speciosa is technically legal in China as no laws are banning it. In fact, there appears to be no official mention of the herb in the country’s law.

But considering China’s somewhat unpredictable judicial system, it’s best to err on the side of caution when it comes to psychedelic drugs like kratom. Be sure to consult a licensed legal practitioner before using or being in possession of kratom.

5. Southeast Asia

As kratom traces its roots to Southeast Asia, it’s intuitive to imagine that the plant is legal throughout all countries within the region. But that’s not exactly true.

Kratom is presently illegal in Malaysia. The herb is legal in Indonesia, although that might change in 2024 if recent government announcements are anything to go by.

Kratom was banned in Thailand for several years before the country legalized it for medicinal use in 2019 and for all applications in 2021. These were significant milestones, considering Thailand accounts for most kratom sold in the West, including the legendary Maeng Da strain.

Summary

Kratom’s legality isn’t the only factor to consider before adding this powerful herb to your wellness routine. Other aspects include strain and dosage recommendations.

Note that kratom comes in numerous strains, each having its signature effects. For instance, white-vein strains are energizing, while red-vein counterparts are generally soothing. It’s best to pick a cultivar depending on your desired effects.

As for the dosages, remember that a bit of kratom goes a long way. Always moderate your serving amounts to avoid experiencing any adverse reactions to the herb. Start with doses as little as 2 grams daily if you’re a new user.