The Impact of "Takaw-Mata" on Food Waste

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In the Philippines, food waste is a pressing issue. A 2024 report by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) revealed that Filipino households generate approximately 2.95 million tonnes of food waste annually, equating to about 26 kilograms per person. This figure, while a decrease from previous years, still underscores the substantial amount of food being discarded.​

Rice, the nation's staple food, exemplifies the consequences of "takaw-mata." The Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice) reported that Filipinos waste around P7.2 billion worth of rice each year. This wastage is often due to individuals serving more rice than they can consume, especially during events where an abundance of food is available. Such practices not only lead to economic losses but also exacerbate food insecurity, as the wasted rice could have fed approximately 2.5 million people annually. ​

Personal Reflection: A "Takaw-Mata" Experience

Consider a scenario where you visit a popular supermarket and are enticed by the sight of a large New York-style bacon and mushroom pizza. Despite knowing your appetite, you purchase the entire pizza, consuming only two slices and storing the rest. Alongside, you buy roasted chicken and a pack of six sizable blueberry muffins, anticipating future meals. The following day, still satiated from the previous night's indulgence, you find yourself uninterested in the leftovers. This situation exemplifies "takaw-mata," where the allure of food leads to over-purchasing and potential waste.

Strategies to Combat "Takaw-Mata" and Reduce Food Waste

Addressing the "takaw-mata" mentality requires conscious efforts and practical measures:

Mindful Portioning: Serve food in modest amounts, allowing for additional servings if still hungry. This practice helps prevent plate waste and encourages mindful eating.

Proper Food Storage: 

Store leftovers correctly to maintain freshness and extend shelf life, making it more likely they will be consumed later.

Creative Use of Leftovers: 

Transform surplus food into new dishes. For instance, leftover roasted chicken can be repurposed into sandwiches, salads, or soups.

Educational Campaigns: 

Support initiatives that raise awareness about the implications of food waste and promote responsible consumption. PhilRice, for example, advocates for serving half-cup portions of rice to minimize waste.

Policy Support: 

Encourage policies that address food wastage, such as legislation promoting smaller serving sizes in restaurants or programs facilitating the donation of excess food to those in need.

Conclusion

The "takaw-mata" phenomenon highlights the broader issue of food waste in the Philippines. By adopting mindful consumption habits, proper food management, and supporting educational and policy initiatives, individuals can play a pivotal role in reducing food waste. This collective effort not only conserves resources and saves money but also addresses food insecurity, ensuring that the food on our tables fulfills its ultimate purpose—nourishing people.

The Growing Accountability of Social Media Personalities: A Deep Dive into the Tricomm Hearings

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In an era where social media dictates much of public discourse, content creators—vloggers, bloggers, influencers, and other digital personalities—find themselves at the center of controversy. The ongoing Tricomm hearings highlight a critical issue: the spread of misinformation and the accountability of those who propagate it, whether intentionally or not.

The Thin Line Between Content and Misinformation

Many social media personalities have been labeled as purveyors of “fake news.” However, the emphasis on “daw” (allegedly) is crucial because accusations do not always equate to guilt. Authorities, such as Torre of CIDG, have been leveraging their power to file cases against those deemed as misinformation spreaders. Yet, the failure of some of these content creators to appear before the hearings raises suspicions—does noncompliance imply guilt, or is it simply fear of confrontation?

The purpose of the Tricomm hearings extends beyond merely identifying and prosecuting alleged fake news peddlers. It aims to set precedents for digital responsibility. However, when social media figures continuously evade invitations, subpoenas, or show-cause orders, they inadvertently fuel perceptions of guilt rather than innocence.

Social Media Personas vs. Reality

One of the more intriguing aspects of these hearings is the stark contrast between online personas and real-life personalities. Many of those summoned exhibit a vastly different demeanor in person compared to the bold, unfiltered versions of themselves that they project online. This phenomenon highlights a fundamental truth: social media is often a stage where content creators act out roles rather than express their genuine selves.

Social media thrives on passion—sometimes exaggerated passion. Just as mainstream media employs clickbait headlines and sensationalized reporting, digital personalities also craft their content with a mix of creativity and drama to capture attention. Whether for clout, entertainment, or visibility, social media is a competitive space where standing out is a necessity. Filipinos, known for their appetite for dramatic and controversial content, consume social media narratives much like they devour teleseryes—fast, emotionally, and often without skepticism.

The Challenge of Accountability

A key debate emerging from the Tricomm hearings is whether those who simply share potentially misleading content should be held legally responsible. While some argue that individuals cannot be blamed for their gullibility, authorities and legal experts assert that there is inherent accountability in sharing unverified information. The argument is that misinformation does not spread on its own—it gains traction through shares and engagements.

This puts social media users in a precarious position. While it may seem unfair to penalize those who unknowingly share false information, the reality is that ignorance does not always absolve responsibility. The safest approach? Conduct thorough research before sharing any content. If proof is lacking, adding disclaimers or captions can mitigate risks and prevent the unintentional spread of falsehoods.

Moving Forward: Responsible Content Creation and Sharing

The Tricomm hearings serve as a wake-up call for both content creators and consumers. While social media will always have a space for creativity and sensationalism, ethical responsibility should not be disregarded. The digital landscape is evolving, and with it, the need for accountability grows stronger.

For content creators, maintaining credibility is key. Sensationalism may attract views, but misinformation can have real-world consequences. For consumers, vigilance is equally essential. Before hitting that share button, a simple fact-check can make all the difference. In the end, the responsibility of truth rests on both the creators and the audience.

While at the Tricomm hearing, I try my best to reiterate that self-regulation works and that government regulation could be necessary, but we cannot fully control the eventual outcomes considering the state of our existing government regulations that are still full of flaws just as similar to the behaviours of our fellow socmed personalities especially when passion, advocacy, survival and greed intertwine with varying percentages of influence..

It will also be very difficult to express our creativity if we are constantly being dragged by the reminder that we are being monitored. Most of us could be guilty of going overboard but not all should struggle with the thought that we will be punished at anytime we make a mistake, especially if unintentional. We all know that if another person will be our judge, he or she may be prone to his or her own personal biases. Regulations, like every similar tasks out there, could only be good from the start but eventually would also turn out as another source of bureaucratic corruption, manipulation and control.

Power Crisis in Cebu's Luxury Condominiums: A Deep Dive into the Utility Nightmare

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Infrastructure Crisis Unfolds

What began as a routine Friday morning on February 21, 2025, quickly evolved into a crisis for hundreds of residents across three prominent Cebu City condominiums. The Visayan Electric Company executed a large-scale power disconnection that affected not just one, but three major residential complexes, with the Grand San Marino Residences in Barangay Mabolo being the focal point of this developing situation.

The Payment Paradox

In a troubling revelation, residents have come forward with evidence suggesting a significant disconnect between payment systems. Despite faithfully submitting their utility payments to the building management, these funds apparently never reached their intended destination. This raises serious questions about financial accountability and transparency in property management systems. Many residents have retained proof of their payments, highlighting the complexity of third-party payment arrangements in modern residential developments.

Vulnerable Populations at Risk

Perhaps the most concerning aspect of this crisis is its impact on vulnerable residents. Elderly occupants, many of whom rely on electricity-dependent medical equipment, have found themselves in particularly precarious situations. The lack of elevator service in these high-rise buildings has effectively trapped some residents in their units, creating potential health and safety hazards.

Utility Company's Stance

The Visayan Electric Company has taken a firm but transparent position on the matter. According to their official statement, they've established clear communication channels with the building's management regarding the disconnection and restoration requirements. The utility provider emphasizes that their contractual relationship is with the developer, not individual residents, creating a complex legal and practical scenario for resolution.

Broader Implications

This incident has exposed several systemic issues in condominium living arrangements:

Payment System Vulnerabilities: The current model of centralized utility payment through property management creates potential points of failure in the financial chain.

Resident Rights: The situation highlights the limited recourse available to residents when caught between property developers and utility providers.

Emergency Preparedness: Questions arise about contingency plans for essential services in high-rise residential buildings.

The Ripple Effect

Beyond the immediate power crisis, residents are facing cascading effects:

Non-functional water pumps leading to water supply issues

Disabled security systems

Spoilage of refrigerated goods

Disruption of work-from-home arrangements

Impact on property values and rental prospects

Path to Resolution

The resolution pathway appears to require:

Immediate settlement of outstanding bills by the developer

Implementation of transparent utility payment systems

Establishment of direct communication channels between residents and utility providers

Potential regulatory oversight to prevent similar situations

Community Response

The incident has sparked community solidarity, with residents organizing to share resources and information. Some have temporarily relocated to nearby hotels or relatives' homes, while others are exploring legal options to recover damages from the management.

Future Considerations

This crisis serves as a wake-up call for:

Prospective condo buyers to scrutinize management practices

Property developers to implement more transparent utility management systems

Local government units to consider stronger regulatory frameworks

Utility companies to develop more flexible service arrangements

Looking Forward

As this situation continues to unfold, it represents a critical moment for Cebu's real estate sector. The resolution of this crisis could potentially set precedents for how similar situations are handled in the future, particularly in the rapidly growing condominium market of Cebu City.

The case of the three Cebu condominiums serves as a stark reminder of the delicate balance between development, management responsibility, and resident welfare in modern urban living arrangements. As the city continues to grow vertically, the lessons learned from this incident may prove invaluable in preventing similar crises in the future.