8th Indie Siyensya to champion interconnectedness of science and culture, calls for short film submission

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


Fresh from its successful seventh run, the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute’s (DOST-SEI) Indie-Siyensya calls for entries for a new season, bannering the theme “Science and Filipino Culture: Siyensya sa Kultura, Kultura sa Siyensya.”

This year, Indie-Siyensya hopes to captivate students and young filmmakers to explore the relationship and influence between science and the rich tapestry of Filipino culture and tradition.

The theme encourages participants to look beyond the surface of Filipino traditions and see the scientific concepts that may underlie them. Such are the case in seeing the cultural significance of constellations used by ancient Filipinos in navigation and planting, to the science behind the vibrant burst of flavors found in the Filipino palate, or how the widespread use of traditional herbal medicine such as Lagundi, which has been passed on from one generation to another, instigated scientific research to prove its effectiveness and health benefits.

The country’s pioneering science filmmaking competition, in partnership with the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP), continues its shared commitment to promote a strong culture of science among the youth through audio-visual mediums such as films.

Interested applicants may join as individuals or as a group. The competition is open to Filipino citizens 13-18 years old for the Youth Category and at least 19 years old on the last day of film submission for those who will join the Open Category.

Films under the youth category shall focus on locating science in Filipino culture. It shall highlight the scientific basis and validity (evidence-based) of indigenous practices and traditions.

Meanwhile, films under the open category shall focus on locating Filipino culture in how Filipinos understand, communicate, and appropriate S&T into their daily lives. It shall also highlight the integration of Filipino culture in science and technology interventions particularly in promoting human well-being, wealth creation, wealth protection, and sustainability.

Documentary film entries must have a total running time of not more than five minutes. The deadline for submission of entries is on August 31, 2024.

“We are excited to see science come to life in our Filipino tradition and culture, and we hope that you become part of the tradition passed down to us through generations through the lens of science.” Dr. Josette T. Biyo, Director of DOST-SEI expressed her excitement in her speech.

The Board of Judges, composed of renowned scientists and filmmakers, shall select the top five (5) finalists from each category. Selected films will participate in the Film Festival which will happen at various Cinematheque Centres nationwide and will be showcased through its online channel, JuanFlix: The FDCP Channel.

Winners will take home a P200,000 cash prize for the Best Film, P150,000 for the Second Best Film, and P100,000 for the Third Best Film.



For the full mechanics, you may visit: https://bit.ly/8thIndieMechanics. Submit your entries at https://bit.ly/8thIndieEntryForm or email indiesiyensya@sei.dost.gov.ph for more details.

Do host countries have better chances of winning more Olympic medals?

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

As we are getting closer to the ultimate sporting event- the Olympic Games- which is going to be held this summer in Paris, everyone gets to make their own, subjective predictions over how countries will perform, which teams are going to win the most gold medals, which nations will prevail and so forth.

A quick look at the odds and markets offered by betting sites around the world, including sports betting sites in Philippines, can give you an idea that the chances of countries’ performance in the forthcoming Olympic Games have already been compiled by oddsmakers pretty much in a consistent manner. More to this, if you go through thebodds you will notice that the host country is always high in the rankings of the nations that are expected to win many Olympic medals and while sometimes this is fairly justified by the team’s dynamics, quality, and overall composition, sometimes it seems that it’s not so realistic.

Getting closer to the staging of the Games, makes bettors wonder whether it is a good idea to wager on a nation’s overall performance and more specifically on the host nation’s performance. Experts suggest that there is such thing as the host nation’s advantage when it comes to the Olympics and this is what justifies for the most part the fact that we are often witnessing host countries taking up more top positions than one would expect or anticipate if the Games were to be hosted anywhere else in the world, but the specific nation.

Betting on a host nation’s performance has already become a popular strategy for many punters who are employing a more sophisticated approach to wagering. Taking into account statistics and past records, these punters generally find greater value in backing the host nation to win a large share of the total medals being awarded by the end of the Olympics. So, in case you are wondering whether it is a good idea to bet on the host nation, just think that many pro bettors are doing it as well.

Let’s see how this whole host nation advantage is built up.

The most obvious impact of the context wherein the event takes place and the games are held has to do with the familiarity and feelings of security that all athletes have when they are at home. Most teams and athletes are familiar with the venues the Games are staged at and so this brings them one step ahead of the competition because they are likely to know the basic strengths and weaknesses and adjust their strategies accordingly. Plus, being in familiar places and sporting facilities, gives them extra security and reduces the stress of the unknown.

The host nation’s advantage in the Olympics is also a matter of psychology, which is influenced by a number of factors that are linked to the context. Athletes who are at home don’t feel the fatigue, the mental pressure, or the fragile psychology that athletes from all around the world feel coming to a foreign country and possibly experiencing a perceived “hostility”, which although might be totally in their mind, it remains extremely consuming and discouraging. Home nations teams have all the positive things in placebbefore they start competing and they feel confident, relieved, and less burdened.

Of course, it is also the matter of public’s support as well, which is profoundly more explicit and more intense for the host country’s teams. Athletes playing at home have that extra burden to make their nation stand out in the Olympic Games, but they get to enjoy tremendous support and boost from the crowd. It’s pretty much obvious that the majority of visitors and spectators in the Olympics are people who live in the country and so they are more than certain to show their active support and cheer for the national team athletes.

And then it is another thing that many people don’t take into account, but it seems to have a strong effect on the host nation’s performance. We are talking about the countries’ funding for athletes that are sent to the Games, with host nations doubling or even tripling their investment over the build-up of national teams in order to make sure that they are going to mark their time of hosting the event as their most successful performance as well.

For these aforementioned factors, and many more to be honest, the host nation’s advantage is said to be valid when it comes to the Olympic Games. So, if you have been reluctant on whether home teams and athletes have greater chances of winning more medals, just think that they are in a much more advantaged and privileged position than the rest of the participants and so this must have some role to play! And if you are thinking of online betting on the host country, just go for it.

Call for definitive e-waste regulation and enforcement as e-waste crisis looms

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“E-waste is a rapidly growing waste stream in the country. From 3.9 kilos per capita in 2019, 537 million kilograms of e-waste were produced in the Philippines, translating to 4.7 kilograms of e-waste per capita in 2022,” said Jam Lorenzo, research and policy development officer of BAN Toxics, an environmental justice NGO.

The recently published Global e-Waste Monitor 2024 by the United Nations reveals the Philippines as one of the top e-waste producers in Southeast Asia. “That e-waste is escalating at a pace five times faster than the rate of e-waste recycling further sends a chilling effect,” Lorenzo remarked.

Waste Electrical and Electronic Equipment (WEEE), commonly referred to as e-waste, refers to end-of-life electrical and electronic equipment and covers everything with a plug or a battery. E-waste is categorized as hazardous waste due to the presence of toxic materials such as mercury, lead, and brominated flame retardants that are considered as hazardous waste according to the Basel Convention.

The primary types of e-waste in the Philippines are consumer electronics such as televisions, refrigerators, washing machines and mobile phones. Technological advancements leading to the production of new technologies, along with trends in consumer products, shorter product life cycles, and limited repair options, have accelerated the rate at which electronics are replaced and discarded.

“We cannot afford to perpetuate this cycle of consumption, waste generation, and recycling model in its current form,” Lorenzo emphasized. The e-waste Monitor also underscores the growing quantities of electrical and electronic goods (EEE) being sold in developing countries, as well as equipment originally used in developed countries and exported for further use in developing countries. “The escalating volume and toxicity of e-waste make this issue urgent, as it can lead to significant environmental and health problems.”

“Once discarded, these gadgets often end up in waste bins, are sold in junk shops, dismantled by informal waste collectors, and ultimately find their way to dumpsites and landfills. The lack of proper e-waste disposal facilities and infrastructure poses a significant challenge, largely stemming from the absence of a national management framework for e-waste. This lack of a definitive national framework makes it difficult to implement effective policies. While overarching environmental laws may address e-waste, our regulations often lack enforceability,” Lorenzo remarked.

The group emphasized the critical need for legislation and programs mandating Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) for electronics, holding manufacturers accountable for their products at end-of-life. "EPR schemes will facilitate environmentally sound management, shifting the burden of end-of-life management from taxpayers to producers, consistent with the polluter pays principle and cost internalization.”

“Manufacturers will be incentivized to incorporate eco-friendly design and manufacturing practices, employing materials that are easily recyclable and less toxic, while also extending the lifespan of electronic products.”



The environmental justice group advocates for “a genuine sustainable production and consumption of electronic and electrical goods, aiming to reduce waste, retain value within the system, extend the economic and physical life of a product, and enhance its potential for repair, recycling, and reuse.”

“The key to a successful transition is inclusivity, which takes into account the millions of people in developing countries who did not produce the waste but often suffer the negative impacts resulting from the historical injustices of pollution and waste generated by wealthier producer countries. Additionally, it requires anticipating the adverse future impacts on workers, sectors and communities that would be affected by transitions.”

BAN Toxics also advocates for stronger regulatory measures concerning e-waste in the country, including recognizing the growing importance of plastics utilized in electronic and electrical equipment. “Given that e-waste recycling involves plastics recovery, we will persist in our efforts to promote a legally binding global plastics treaty during the upcoming interagency negotiations in April this year in Ottawa, to mitigate the increasing exposure to plastics and e-waste,” Lorenzo concluded.

References:



https://api.globalewaste.org/publications/file/297/Global-E-waste-Monitor-2024.pdf?fbclid=IwAR3_wFuwDM6KxpBy7has_L7kUDaF8fknnO4Dq7b4NUbCcDn0wXNPOtzoFos



https://drive.google.com/file/d/1t6jcOS-_jpG4lnSKFa3QUfwiL8lkQcVS/view?fbclid=IwAR0ZrLLPh0n0mNAFIy3RqEyu-PK5fCHhZYk5LvJ1o-K7H8Q1sFbw1DZ5hKA

Taste the Fusion of 7-Eleven and SPAM® in These Newest Japanese and Korean Snack Drops

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A single whiff of a golden brown-fried SPAM® can instantly bring nostalgia to any Filipino. This luncheon meat is a no-fail comfort food choice many of us reach for due to its savory flavor and because of how easy it is to prepare. But while the country has fallen in love with its rice and hot pandesal pairings, there are now more ways to savor it like the first time. Convenience go-to 7-Eleven takes it with a twist by joining hands with SPAM® for its newest delectable duo under the 7-Fresh line: SPAM® Egg and Cheese Onigirazu and SPAM® Egg and Cheese Korean Egg Drop Sandwich.

Whether it’s the always-on-the-go, work-week warriors, or foodies who like all things trendy, 7-Eleven sure knows how to tickle everyone’s taste buds with its buck-saving and unique innovations. Just last year, the 7-Fresh line introduced its Beef Bulgogi Onigirazu and Korean Egg Drop Sandwich which both became hits. This time, customers can enjoy these goodies with another crowd favorite, SPAM®. 

One’s a snack and two’s a meal with SPAM® Egg and Cheese Onigirazu priced at only P79. This Japanese-originated treat is wrapped delicately with a nori sheet stuffed with fluffy eggs and mayo dressing. It’s a meaty double delight as customers can choose between SPAM® or beef bulgogi filling. A choice that is sure to solve one’s hankering for something savory.

Fans can also relish SPAM® through its Korean Egg Drop Sandwich form. Retailing for P99, the SPAM® and Cheese Egg Drop Sandwich is a popular food most often seen in K-Dramas that is filled with cheese, egg, and SPAM® in a soft, buttery brioche bread—an eggcellent symphony of Korean flavors made accessible. This, too, comes with another meat variant loaded with bacon and corn instead.

Industry-leading 7-Eleven is known as the paboritong kapitbahay primarily because of its creative food concepts that are easy on the pocket but big on the taste. Always exciting its loyalists, Pinoys can now enjoy their comfort food in a can in a newer, foreign flair right at every corner of the neighborhood.

Take first dibs now and have a taste of SPAM® and Cheese Egg Drop Sandwich and SPAM® Egg and Cheese Onigirazu at select Luzon 7-Eleven stores.

Cheers to 40 years with 7-Eleven and like us on 7-Eleven Philippines Facebook, follow @711ph on Instagram, and @711philippines on Twitter and TikTok, and visit our website www.7-eleven.com.ph for more information.

The Ultimate Adventure: Alaska from Above

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Alaska, the Last Frontier, is a realm of untamed beauty, vast wilderness, and breathtaking landscapes. From the icy embrace of glaciers to the rugged peaks that pierce the sky, its natural splendor is unparalleled. While there are numerous ways to explore this magnificent state, there's one experience that truly stands out: seeing Alaska from the sky. This unique vantage point offers a perspective that is both awe-inspiring and humbling, revealing the grandeur of nature in a way that ground-based tours simply cannot match.

Experience Unmatched Beauty with Alaskan Flightseeing/Plane Tours

For those seeking the ultimate sky-high adventure, Blue River Aviation, Palmer, Alaska, is your gateway to the heavens. This high-quality aviation company specializes in flightseeing and plane tours, offering an unparalleled opportunity to witness Alaska's majestic landscapes from above. With Blue River Aviation, guests are not just passengers; they're explorers embarking on a journey to the heart of the Alaskan wilderness. Their experienced pilots and well-maintained aircraft ensure a safe, comfortable, and utterly unforgettable experience. It's an invitation to see the world from a new perspective, to uncover the hidden jewels of Alaska that are only visible from the air.

Glaciers, Mountains, and Wildlife: A Bird's Eye View

Imagine soaring over the vast expanse of the Denali National Park, home to North America's highest peak, or gliding past the shimmering face of a glacier that has stood for millennia. From the sky, the intricate patterns of ice and snow unfold beneath you, revealing a world of pristine beauty. Wildlife sightings become an exhilarating game of spot-the-creature, as you glimpse bears wandering through forests, moose traversing the tundra, and eagles soaring at your wingtip. Every flight is a new adventure, a chance to witness the untamed and untouched corners of Alaska in all their glory.

A Journey Through the Clouds

Embarking on a flightseeing tour is more than just an activity; it's a journey through the clouds that offers a profound connection with nature. It's about experiencing the scale of Alaska's landscapes, from the steep fjords and serene lakes to the endless horizons that stretch beyond imagination. This airborne adventure provides a unique sense of freedom and exhilaration, a feeling that resonates with the spirit of exploration and adventure that defines the Alaskan wilderness

Making Memories That Last a Lifetime

Seeing Alaska from the sky is not just about the views. It's about creating memories that will last a lifetime, about stories that you'll share for years to come. Whether you're a photography enthusiast capturing the perfect shot, a family looking for an extraordinary experience, or a solo traveler seeking the thrill of adventure, a flightseeing tour offers something for everyone. It's an opportunity to step away from the everyday and embrace the extraordinary, to see the world from a perspective that few ever will.

The Sky Awaits: Embark on Your Alaskan Adventure

Alaska's vast, untouched wilderness, with its blend of natural beauty and rugged landscapes, is a sight to behold from any angle. Yet, to truly appreciate the scale and splendor of the Last Frontier, you need to see it from the sky. As you plan your Alaskan adventure, consider making a flightseeing tour part of your journey.

With the sky as your canvas and the earth's majestic beauty below, it's an experience that promises to be as unforgettable as Alaska itself. The sky awaits; are you ready to explore?

How to effectively combat acne?

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Acne, a common skin condition mainly affecting adolescents and young adults, manifests itself with the appearance of pimples, blackheads and whiteheads on different areas of the body such as the face, neck, décolleté and back. Although not dangerous, it can affect self-esteem and self-confidence due to its aesthetic impact. Fortunately, there are several effective remedies to combat it. This article explores the different steps to combat acne, notably highlighting the Her Cosmetics anti-acne cream.

First, it is crucial to understand the origins of acne, mainly due to an overproduction of sebum by the sebaceous glands, which clogs pores and causes skin imperfections. Factors such as hormones, diet, stress and genetics can influence its appearance.

Establishing a suitable care routine constitutes the second step. This involves regular cleansing of the skin with gentle products, using toners to restore pH balance, and applying a light moisturizer to maintain hydration.

Next, using products with active ingredients like salicylic acid, benzoyl peroxide, and glycolic acid can be effective in treating acne. Her Cosmetics Anti-Acne Cream, for example, combines these components with natural ingredients such as aloe vera and tea tree oil, providing a comprehensive, non-aggressive solution.

At the same time, adjusting the diet by avoiding foods with a high glycemic index and dairy products can help reduce acne symptoms. Additionally, managing stress through relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation can be beneficial.

In case of severe or persistent acne, it is recommended to consult a dermatologist who can prescribe more specific treatments such as antibiotics or retinoids, or even dermatological procedures such as peels or laser treatments.

Finally, it is important to be patient and persistent, as acne treatment can take time to see significant results. By following these steps, it is possible to effectively reduce the appearance of acne and improve skin health without resorting to aggressive methods.

MPT South Prepares for Increased Traffic Ahead of Holy Week 2024

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Metro Pacific Tollways South (MPT South), a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC), is gearing up for the anticipated surge in motorists during the upcoming Holy Week observance in 2024.

The toll road operator foresees an 8% to 10% rise in vehicle traffic on its toll roads, including the Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) and Manila-Cavite Expressway (CAVITEX), as well as its C5 Link segment. This increase is expected from Monday, March 25, to Sunday, March 31, from the usual 43,000 daily traffic on CALAX, 170,000 on CAVITEX, and 12,300 on C5 Link.

MPT South is reactivating its "Safe Trip Mo, Sagot Ko" motorist assistance program and elevating operational readiness to cater to motorists' needs to address this surge. Additional manpower will be deployed for services including traffic management, toll collection, standby emergency medical services, and incident response teams. Motorist assistance remains accessible through 24/7 Customer Service Centers, a 24/7 Customer Care Hotline at 1-35000, and 24/7 social media channels (Facebook: fb.com/cavitexpressway, fb.com/OfficialCALAX, Twitter: twitter.com/caviteXpressway, twitter.com/OfficialCALAX) to ensure a hassle-free journey.

During the period, free towing will be provided for CLASS 1 vehicles up to the nearest exit, available from 6AM on March 22 to 6AM of March 25, 2024; 6AM of March 27 to 6AM of March 29, 2024; and 6AM of March 30 until 6AM of April 1, 2024. Construction and lane closures along the carriageway will also be suspended unless safety repairs are necessary.

Mr. Raul L. Ignacio, President and General Manager of MPT South, emphasized the importance of RFID for toll transactions to streamline motorists' journeys. "Utilizing Easytrip RFID at MPTC Toll Plazas significantly reduces travel time compared to waiting in long cash lanes,". Motorists were also encouraged to download the MPT DriveHub app to efficiently manage their Easytrip RFID account and receive real-time traffic updates across various MPTC toll roads.

"Furthermore," Mr. Ignacio added, "Poor vehicle maintenance remains a leading cause of breakdowns on expressways, causing inconvenience to motorists. With an anticipated increase in holiday travel during Holy Week, we advise motorists to conduct a thorough BLOWBAGETS check on their vehicles before hitting the road for a smoother travel experience."

BLOWBAGETS, an acronym for battery, lights, oil, water, brake, air, gas, engine, tire, and self, serves as a comprehensive checklist for vehicle maintenance.

MPTC, the largest toll road developer and operator in the country, manages a vast network of toll roads including CALAX, CAVITEX, North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), NLEX Connector Road, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX), and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) in Cebu.

Leading Ladies: Women Shaping Environmental Conservation

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Women’s Month highlights the vital role of women and is celebrated every March through Philippine Presidential Proclamation Number 227.

There were an estimated 7.95 billion people on Earth in 2022, with four billion men and 3.95 billion women. With the fairer sex comprising nearly half the world’s population, disempowering women curtails global productivity.

For the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (UNDP-BIOFIN), gender equality, women’s empowerment and inclusive leadership are central tenets to truly sustainable development.

“Women’s empowerment and gender equality are vital to achieving the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, which envisions a world of universal respect for human rights and individual dignity,” says UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran. To celebrate Women’s Month 2024, DENR-UNDP BIOFIN sat down with three leading ladies working to conserve Philippine biodiversity.

WOMEN AS COMMUNITY LEADERS AND EDUCATORS: Mary Paduganao and the Cabladan Bantay Gubat Association

At 71 years young, Mary Paduganao has become one of the ‘Lola Rangers’ of the Sibalom Natural Park, one of Antique’s rapidly-rising ecotourism destinations.

“In 1978, I was the captain of Barangay Imparayan. We set up the very first batch of ‘Bantay Gubat’ or Forest Wardens for the park. Today, after 46 years, we’ve grown to almost 80 wardens – both women and men – who regularly patrol the park to thwart logging, wildlife poaching and the occasional brushfire.”

Through the years, ‘Lola Ranger’ has worked with various environmental groups such as the Haribon Foundation and DENR-UNDP BIOFIN. “These groups empowered us with the skills and knowledge to become effective Forest Wardens, environmental educators and tour guides, especially now that more visitors are coming.”

Working with ‘Lola Ranger’ is the Cabladan Bantay Gubat Association (CBGA), representing one of four barangays ringing the protected area. In Barangay Cabladan, female Forest Wardens serve as chief educators on the importance of protecting the park, becoming conservation advocates to their fellow residents. “We share everything we learn from BIOFIN’s ecotourism workshops and training sessions,” adds CBGA board member Mergie Elloran. “We share them whenever we attend Barangay Cabladan’s assemblies.”

The CBGA’s female Forest Wardens also provide additional ecotourism services to park visitors through tour guiding and catering.

Together with allied people’s organizations like the CBGA, ‘Lola Ranger’ and the other Bantay Gubat are working to help protect the Sibalom Natural Park, home of the Philippines’ multi-hued ‘Rainbow River’ and endangered wildlife like wild pigs, deer and Rafflesia, the largest flower on Earth.

Here and in other protected areas across the Philippines, both women and men work in harmony to protect the country’s natural resources.

WOMEN IN SCIENCE: Lisa Paguntalan

Wildlife biologist Lisa Paguntalan is no stranger to the outdoors, having studied endangered Philippine wildlife since 1996.

“My drive for conservation began in college. We were studying bats in the Balinsasayao Twin Lakes when I realized that three of the four bats we collected were endemic or found nowhere else but the Philippines. However, I also noticed that many of our local forests are receding, meaning some of our endemic species might become extinct. Unless of course we do something about it.”

Today, Lisa leads the Philippines Biodiversity Conservation Foundation Incorporated (PhilBio), which addresses the long-term conservation of native and threatened Philippine species by working closely with local stakeholders. “Part of the work we do is engaging local governments and agencies to invest in conserving less-popular threatened or endangered species and their habitats.”

Lisa encourages more ladies to enter the field of conservation. “Women are at the heart of the conservation arena in the Philippines. We need more boots on the ground to save our natural treasures.”



WOMEN IN GOVERNANCE: Neneng Andres

As a scholar of the 1980s-era Bureau of Forest Development (BFD), Armida ‘Neneng’ Andres immediately jumped into government work after graduating from the University of the Philippines Los Baños in 1985.

“While most staff were men, I can remember no distinction between tasks. Both women and men were expected to conduct thorough resource inventories, site assessments, project monitoring and evaluations of our country’s national parks and wildlife sanctuaries.”

Neneng fondly looks back at many of her field adventures. “We were assessing the expansion of the Mts. Iglit-Baco National Park in Mindoro when the 1986 EDSA Revolution broke out. We were stuck for over a week in the mountains surviving on whatever plants we could harvest around us. We ate bananas, taro leaves, even tubers! I had to study for my forestry licensure examination under a kerosene lamp. Fortunately I passed, topping the board in July of 1986.”

Neneng recalls that in the 1990s, there were already more women than men in the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), now called the Biodiversity Management Bureau (BMB). “It was a privilege to have worked with strong-willed lady leaders like Dr. Cora Sinha, Dr. Mundita Lim and many others.”

Today, Neneng is the OIC Assistant Director of BMB, helping develop policies for biodiversity conservation, networking and advocating for mainstream biodiversity conservation, plus much-needed finance solutions across all sectors. “I’m also part of the team which conceptualized the recognition of women in biodiversity through a publication entitled Igniting Passion, Finding Fulfilment, Inspiring Stories of Women in Biodiversity. It contains moving narratives of women taking part in biodiversity conservation and management.”

Neneng hopes that women leaders continue to multiply in number and be empowered at all levels of governance. “Behind every woman in government is a story full of struggles, fulfillment and contributions to make our country a better place.”




Lola Mary, Lisa and Neneng are just some of the many women and men DENR-UNDP BIOFIN works with.

Launched in 2012, BIOFIN is a global initiative supporting the development and implementation of national Biodiversity Finance Plans to transform how biodiversity finance is mobilized and allocated.

This includes the mobilization of USD200 billion in annual domestic and international biodiversity-related funding from public and private-sector sources, plus raising international financial flows from developed to developing countries by at least USD30 billion yearly.

Celebrating its 10th year in the Philippines, BIOFIN has so far raised over USD10 million for 107 Legislated Protected Areas by pushing for increased congressional financing, while over USD300,000 was raised for terrestrial reforestation through the Mynt and GCash GForest Programme.

“There’s still a lot of work to be done for Women’s Rights. There are 800 million women in the Asia-Pacific region who are looking for jobs. Including them in our workforce can add trillions of dollars to our region’s GDP,” concludes DENR-UNDP BIOFIN National Project Manager Anabelle Plantilla, who heads the all-women team of BIOFIN in the Philippines. “Through Gender Equality, we can maximize the chances of a better life for all families living in our region.”





About the Biodiversity Finance Initiative (BIOFIN)

BIOFIN was launched in 2012 and seeks to address the biodiversity finance challenge in a comprehensive manner – building a sound business case for increased investments in the management of ecosystems and biodiversity, with a particular focus on the needs and transformational opportunities at the national level. For more information: www.biofin.org.




About the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

UNDP partners with people at all levels of society to help build nations that can withstand crisis, and drive and sustain the kind of growth that improves the quality of life for everyone. On the ground in 177 countries and territories, we offer global perspective and local insight to help empower lives and build resilient nations.

In the Philippines, UNDP fosters human development for peace and prosperity. Working with central and local governments as well as civil society, and building on global best practices, UNDP strengthens capacities of women, men and institutions to empower them to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) and the objectives of the Philippine Development Plan. Through advocacy and development projects, with a special focus on vulnerable groups, UNDP works to ensure a better life for the Filipino people. Learn more at ph.undp.org or follow at @UNDPPH.

WORLDBEX Drawn Another History in the Industry!

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The World of Building and Design Expo (WORLDBEX) proudly announces the successful conclusion of its highly anticipated event, Worldbex 2024. Throughout March 14-17, 2024. With the theme "Drawn to Ascendancy", WORLDBEX 2024 served as a platform for industry professionals and enthusiasts to explore the latest trends, technologies, and innovations shaping the future of the construction, architecture, and interior design industries. From immersive showcases to interactive exhibits, attendees were treated to a glimpse of the transformative power of design and creativity.

Throughout Worldbex 2024, attendees had the opportunity to engage with a diverse spectrum of exhibits, seminars, and networking events. From exploring the latest advancements in sustainable architecture to discovering state-of-the-art design solutions, there was something for everyone at WORLDBEX 2024.

As Worldbex 2024 draws to a close, the organizers would like to thank all attendees, exhibitors, sponsors, and partners for their support and participation. Together, we have celebrated the spirit of creativity, innovation, and collaboration, and we look forward to continuing to push the boundaries of what is possible in the years to come.

#WORLDBEX2024

#DrawnToAscendancy

UP Geologists Discover Evidence of Gas Hydrates in Manila Trench

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Gas hydrates are great alternative energy sources, but they could also harm us and the environment.



Bathymetric map of Luzon, including the Manila Trench, the North Luzon Trough (NLT), West Luzon Trough (WLT), Stewart Bank (SB), and Philippine Mobile Belt (PMB). (Photo credit: Maglalang et. al. 2023)

Much like carbonated drinks are water infused with carbon dioxide, gas hydrates are ice mostly infused with methane, a natural gas used as fuel. Gas hydrates are ice-like substances that usually only form beneath the seafloor, where the pressure is high and the temperature is just below the water’s freezing point of 0°C.

Elisha Jane Maglalang, Dr. Leo Armada, Madeleine Santos, Karla May Sayen, and Dr. Carla Dimalanta of the UP Diliman College of Science National Institute of Geological Sciences (UPD-CS NIGS) discovered that gas hydrates may be abundant in the Manila Trench, west of Luzon. Their study is the first to investigate these substances in Philippine trenches, pioneering gas hydrate research in the country.

Because gas hydrates contain huge amounts of carbon and methane, they can be a great alternative energy source. “The western Philippines has vast potential for this unconventional energy resource,” the researchers said. They discovered that a total area of around 15,400 square kilometers in the Manila Trench, or about the size of Palawan, could contain gas hydrates. They estimate these substances might be around 200 to 500 meters below the seafloor.

However, gas hydrates can be a geologic and environmental threat. Because gas hydrates are unstable solids, they will dissociate and melt when the conditions in which they form change, usually during earthquakes. Worryingly, the Manila Trench is an active margin, responsible for numerous earthquakes in Western Luzon. When gas hydrates melt, it will agitate the seafloor, possibly triggering submarine landslides and tsunamis.

Moreover, methane can harm the environment when released into the atmosphere. Methane is a potent greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming, and just one cubic-meter block of gas hydrate contains as many as 160 cubic-meter blocks of methane in its gas form. This is equivalent to 14% of an average Filipino’s methane emission in 2021.

“Therefore, it is essential to determine the distribution and stability conditions of gas hydrates offshore of the Philippines,” the researchers emphasized.

To determine their location without drilling through the seafloor, scientists rely on sound waves. Similar to how a pond reflects sunlight, gas-bearing substances like gas hydrates reflect sound waves. These seismic reflections, called bottom-simulating reflectors (BSRs), indicate where gas hydrates might be present. By analyzing existing seismic data in the Manila Trench, the UP geologists were able to map out BSRs and, consequently, deduce possible locations of gas hydrates in the region.



A section of the seafloor as mapped using sound waves. (Photo credit: Maglalang et. al. 2023)

The researchers note, however, that while BSRs are tell-tale signs of gas hydrates, they are not definitive. “Future drilling of offshore targets will be instrumental in confirming methane hydrate occurrence,” the researchers said. “These investigations offer a vital opportunity to develop our indigenous energy wealth,” they added.

To move forward, the researchers are conducting additional investigations in other offshore places in the Philippines to expand our geophysical dataset. Moreover, the team is spearheading efforts to foster marine geophysics in the country. ”These efforts will contribute not only to the advancement of scientific knowledge but also to the development of the expertise of Filipino geoscientists in marine geophysics,” they concluded.

References:Maglalang, E. M., Armada, L. T., Cecília, M., Sayen, K. F., Dimalanta, C. B., Shu Kun Hsu, & Yumul, G. P. (December 2023). Bottom simulating reflectors in the Manila Trench forearc and its implications on the occurrence of gas hydrates in the region. Marine and Petroleum Geology, 158, 106538–106538. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.marpetgeo.2023.106538












By Harvey Sapigao