Sunday, March 21, 2010

amidst el nino: hooray for water!

Manila Water’s non-revenue water (NRW) through repair of leaks in its water system, and which is expected to result in additional supply of 287 million liters per day.
Ramos said another strategy to be undertaken by the government to mitigate the impact of El Nino on MM’s water supply is continuing water conservation and reduction of wastage measures, such as reduction of non-revenue water (NRW) of Maynilad estimated at 82 million liters per day; backwash water recovery by the two water concessionaires amounting to about 39 million liters per day, the pressure management of Manila Water (14 million liters per day).

emvercortez

push it baby

the DENR re iterates water consumption by companies in response to the pressing conditions made by el nino.

“We are urging the country’s top companies to reuse their wastewater and tap it for other uses such as to water plants, cool boilers, flush urinals and toilet bowls, even to wash company vehicles,” Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Horacio Ramos said.

Ramos likewise directed all offices of the DENR, including its regional offices, to practice water conservation measures in their respective areas, asking them to check and plug leaking pipes and faucets.

According to him, his agency’s implementation strategies to conserve water are now in full swing in the central office in Quezon City . Among these are water shutdown from 7:00pm up to 6:00am , repair of leaks, designation of a maintenance crew to open and close water valves on rotation basis, and use of its treated wastewater for gardening and watering purposes.

the staff of brown gardens supports this notion.

emver cortez

Friday, March 19, 2010

Stuck




In studying in PUP, we've encountered about a dozen of times small floods in Anonas on our way to PUP Main Campus. Yes, this is a product of poor drainage blocked of improper dispose of garbage. You know what to do. :)



-Kimberly dela Cruz
BJ3-1D

Weeds and Tress




I'm out senseless things to say here. I'm out of perfect captions to furthermore explain the value of the pictures I'm posting here. We are firm, we are clear: Save Mother Earth :)
(BTW, I know, it sounds cheesy.)

-Kimberly dela Cruz
BJ3-1D

Take Me With You



Another summer getaway craving. Fresh air, new surroundings and a good view to look at when you wake up in the morning. Sounds cool, eh?


-Kimberly dela Cruz
BJ3-1D

RAFI reduces carbon emission

RAFI or the Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. has shown its mencommitpledged its participation to the Race to Reduce Challenge that seeks to address climate change.
The challenge for the Aboitiz owned Companies is to reduce carbon emissions by reducing the consumptions of their energy, water and paper.
The company who will have the highest reduction in their monthly consumption will be given recognition and rewards.
Dominica B. Chua, the RAFI chief operating officer, stated that through the program, RAFI can now contribute to the total carbon emission.

Berries



Looks can be deceiving. Unaware as I am to this plant's name, but I'm sure, as I'm sure that PUP is a State University, that this berry-looking plants are inedible.


-Kimberly dela Cruz
BJ3-1D

The Majestic Year



This year, the world experienced tragedies that shook our whole being. Ondoy, Pepeng, Haiti and Chille Earthquake. People around the world united and expressed international solidarity towards affected nations. Bless them!


-Kimberly dela Cruz
BJ3-1D

Music and Environment

Secretary Eleazar P. Quinto, the new Environmental and Natural Resources Secretary proposed to use the power of music to motivate the Filipino people to show their care for our environment.
As Secretary Quinto took over the DENR Office from Secretary Joselito Atienza, one of his plans is to organize a song-writing contest to show their campaign for environmental causes.
Secretary Quinto hopes that the song-writing competition entitled “Likhang Awit Para sa Kalikasan” will arouse public concerns on how we should take care of our environment.
He aspires to push more training and motivational programs and couple these with incentives and merit systems to encourage active participation. he also said that DENR personnels should be practicing environmentalists or green multipliers to be able to promote different environmental causes that could help our mother nature.

Thursday, March 18, 2010

Trees Should Also Vote


I see no trees, I see their faces.

Although environment officials never failed to warn the politicians about the harmful effects of nailing their campaign materials on trees, they still continue posting them regardless. The clean and green advocate is somewhat missing at this point. If you go around public roads, plazas, parks, school and commercial premises, or any public ground, you'll see their pictures with deceiving bright smiles cover the entire spot. They seemed to be deaf of the warning, notwithstanding the charges they could face if found guilty of such.

The DENR requested the candidates and their supporters to desist from posting or nailing campaign materials and election paraphernalia on trees as it could scathe the environment. Environment officials also pointed out that nailing their posters / ads on trees causes wounds that starts the damage on it.

Poor environment, who will speak for it?

A resolution has already been issued by the Commission of Elections entitled "In the Matter of Deputizing the Metro Manila Development Authority and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for the purpose of implementing COMELEC Resolution No. 6520." This gives the license to the DENR and MMDA to tear down and remove campaign propaganda materials posted in public places outside the common poster areas; to tear down and remove illegal campaign materials wherever posted and displayed; to make report of said activities done by then; and to monitor and watch out for persons posting and distributing said unlawful election paraphernalia and to arrest said persons caught in flagrante delicto.

But I could only feel sorry for the environment. If such resolution is already being implemented, then why do I still see their faces nailed on poor trees? The rallies conducted by different political parties leave so much waste that hurts the nature. If these candidates are not concerned about the environment, then are they even worth a vote?

LAURICE A. CASTRO
BJ3-1

Wednesday, March 17, 2010

Beyond Paradise


I've always thought that Bohol is one of the Philippine's finest. So when our family's vacation was set, I knew it's going to be worth every single centavo. The place is just full of surprises, I was stunned at how gifted Bohol is.

Paradise I could call it. The place is a complete balance of nature and modern structures. It's very delighting to know that the government works hand in hand with the people to preserve and nurture the natural glow of their environment. Boholanos are very welcoming and they adjust to the culture of their visitors. They are all well-trained to communicate well with both foreign and local tourists. But what's very surprising is their firm discipline in taking care of their tourist spots. No abusive activities that could damage the environment are ever allowed. It explains why Bohol has so many things to offer - nature also works with them. That's why it's called God's Little Paradise.

Bohol is also surrounded by a large number of coral reefs. Part of why they're full of life is because boholanos know very well how to take care of them. Bangkeros who guide snorkelers or divers make sure that they use small boats (which they call BUGSAY, the one that doesn't use engine/motor) to avoid disturbance to the reefs and the lives underneath. Bohol's page also links websites that promote coral reefs and their protection to boost proper management. See http://www.oneocean.org/, http://www.coral.org/, and http://www.imamarinelife.org/.

If all Filipinos would acquire the overflowing concern of Boholanos to the nature, then the whole world would see how gifted our country is. One thing I've realized in Bohol, you not only need to preserve the nature, you also have to connect with it.



LAURICE A. CASTRO
BJ 3-1

Friday, March 5, 2010

REASONS WHY YOU SHOULDN’T EAT MEAT

These are for those people I know who don’t eat vegetables.
:
Well, this blog is not hypocrisy or anything, i just want to encourage people to eat veggies more often.
Here are the reasons why we should eat more veggies and less meat:
Less meat equals less fat. Even though you eat lean meat, there are still fats lingering on every strand of it. Animals also store extra fats on top of what they have under their skin. Unless you cook your food for hours, like Bulalo or Nilaga, the fat on the meat will still be there.
Less chances of food poisoning. You can’t be sure what’s inside barns and piggeries. Animals usually eat things they shouldn’t be eating. Unlike plants, they only take what farmers give them.
Become healthier. Eating green leafy vegetables reduces the chances of you having arthritis or rheumatism. It also reduces the chances of you having cancer and heart attacks. My grandmother, who’s already 90 years old, only eats meat once a week and she can still play and work.
Help the environment. Well, I won’t give you the same story about not eating animals because you should pity them. This time, when there is an increase in consumption of green veggies, farmers will continue planting them, in effect; those plants will help clean the air. (In a way, with their photosynthesis there will be more oxygen). =)
Help your weight loss. It’s possible to be vegetarian and eat very unhealthy foods, including Coke and fries and fried stuff and pizza and chips. But it’s much more difficult. Studies repeatedly show that vegetarians are slimmer and are less likely to be obese than meat eaters. If you’re trying to lose weight, being a vegetarian can be a good part of your program.

Get more nutrition. In general (though not necessarily), vegetarians replace meat with more nutritious foods, such as fruits, vegetables, beans, whole grains, and so on. If you do that, you will be getting more of the nutrients your body needs, giving you better health, less illness, and more energy.
Well, this is just a futile attempt to persuade everybody to eat more veggies, but i hope that you will think twice when you’re choosing what’s on the menu.

EMVER CORTEZ
BJ3-1D

RECIPE FOR A FLAT STOMACH

This blog is for those people who want to have a flat stomach without exerting too much effort.


Being slim and thin is the new in. Women always want to achieve flat a flat tummy and tight abs. Who wants to have bulging baby fats everywhere anyway? Personally, I know some of them. But then again, who wants to bathe in sweat or droll over foods they can’t eat?
Here are some tips on having a flat stomach in a less stressful way:
1. Cardio- cardio doesn’t mean you should do aerobics everyday or run kilometres. Actually, you do it every day. You just have to take it to the next level. Yep. It’s walking. Walking is no cardio exercise if you don’t take it seriously. Brisk walking can burn lots of calories even if you don’t notice. It’s actually better if you practice brisk walking every day rather than running in short bursts once in a while.
2. Less Fat and Sugar. It’s that simple. Our diet is typically filled with fat and sugar, and you’ll never get a flat stomach on that. Cut out meat, if you can, and even better, cut out dairy and eggs. But if you can’t, at least eat lean meats (low-fat turkey, skinless chicken breast, lean beef, fish), and stay away from fried food and too many sugary desserts. That doesn’t mean you have to starve yourself — if you’re eating healthy, you can actually eat a lot — or deprive yourself too much, but only eat the bad stuff in moderation. Vegan diet is the best, especially if it’s balanced, rich in vegetable protein and calcium and minerals, full of fresh fruits and veggies, and high in fiber. Say goodbye to kwek kwek and street foods.
3. Give it Time. If you want to have a flat stomach in 3 weeks, or two months, forget it. Losing fat takes time, and it’s unhealthy to lose too much weight too fast. Aim for 1-2 lbs. a week. Gradual weight loss is healthier, and more likely to be sustained over time. Go for a lifestyle change, something you can live with for the rest of your life, or you will just yo-yo. It’s a marathon, not a sprint.
So for you out there, go follow these simple steps, maybe it will work for you!

EMVER CORTEZ
BJ3-1D

TREATING ANEMIA WITH NATURAL HOME REMEDIES

This blog is for my friend Gidi, who is (I assume) currently experiencing anemia from the lack of sleep and a whole lot of stress.

Often times, anemia is considered a none-threatening illness, the body usually makes its own adjustments and cope with it. There are many types of anemia, the most common being iron-deficiency anemia, and it usually appears when you are under a stressful situation, is currently pregnant, or for the girls, having their monthly period.
Iron-deficiency anemia is a condition that develops when blood is deficient in the healthy red blood cells, which transport oxygen to the organs of our body. If there is less count of red blood cells in the hemoglobin, then the body is not getting enough iron.
Some of the natural home remedies I have come across useful are, drinking a cup of beetroot juice and apple juice mixed with either sugar or honey once a day. Eating a lot of green leafy vegetables helps increase iron, as well as taking honey helps in increasing the hemoglobin in the blood and it is also rich in iron, copper and manganese. Consume a ripe banana with 1 tbsp of honey twice a day.
Surprisingly, I found out that you should try cooking in iron pots; it is proven that it can significantly increase the amount of iron in your food. Eat a diet rich in cereals, rice, dairy products{milk, yogurt, cheese}, vegetables, fruits, meat, poultry and fish, eggs and nuts as this has been proven to help the immune system.
I hope this healthy and natural tip can help you~

Emver P. Cortez
BJ3-1D

International NGO launches a campaign to save Tañon Strait

Millions of tons of toxic coal ash is piling up in power plant ponds in 32 states, a situation the government has long recognized as a risk to human health and the environment but has done nothing about.
An Associated Press analysis of the most recent Energy Department data found that 156 coal-fired power plants store ash in surface ponds similar to one that ruptured last month in Tennessee. On Friday, a pond at a northeastern Alabama power plant spilled a different material.
Records indicate that states storing the most coal ash in ponds are Indiana, Ohio, Kentucky, Georgia and Alabama.
The man-made lagoons hold a mixture of the noncombustible ingredients of coal and the ash trapped by equipment designed to reduce air pollution from the power plants.
Over the years, the volume of waste has grown as demand for electricity increased and the federal government clamped down on emissions from power plants.
The AP's analysis found that in 2005, the most recent year data is available, 721 power plants generating at least 100 megawatts of electricity produced 95.8 million tons of coal ash. About 20 percent — or nearly 20 million tons — ended up in surface ponds. The remainder ends up in landfills, or is sold for use in concrete, among other uses.
And while other states like Ohio have regulations to protect groundwater, those often don't apply to many of the older dumps built before the state rules were imposed.
"The solution is readily available to the EPA," said Lisa Evans, an attorney for Earthjustice, an environmental advocacy group. "We wouldn't like it, but they could say that municipal solid waste rules apply to coal ash. They could have done that, but instead they chose to do absolutely nothing."

by: Jerold Anthony F. Dalmacio

Thursday, March 4, 2010

El Niño Strikes Again

Latest reports about the continuous occurrence of El Niño Season in our country makes the Department of Agriculture be concerned because of the effect it causes the agricultural industry,drying up water dams and fishponds, and causing rotating brownouts in the country.

The government advices the public to observe measures that will help them to lessen the tremendous effect of El Niño. Water Conservation is deeply advised, because dams are starting to dry up, Filipinos need to be more conscious about using water in proper way. Energy saving is also needed. Because of El Niño, power plants that produces electricity are also affected. The government says that if El Niño continue to hit our country for the next two months, there is a possibility that there will be an increase in paying electricity that is why they are sincerely advising the people to conserve electricity. The Department Agriculture estimates 10 billion loss in agriculture (crops,fishery and livestock) this entire year because of this drought brought by the El Niño.

Opposite from these effects, Negros Occidental Governor Isidro Zayco said that El Niño could also bring boon to tourism industry. It also benefits the construction industry; roads and other infrastructure can be built faster during the dry season.

The Filipinos think of only one solution to this problem the country is facing, and it only can be given by God and mother nature, it should rain.