EDU 571 p3 PDF: Opportunities and Challenges Towards Sustainable Development in the Philippines

Sas #18 Opportunities and Challenges Towards Sustainable Development PHILIPPINES The physical characteristics of the different places in the country varies. Some places are situated along the mountains; some are in the plains; and some are in the valleys. There are places along the coastline...

Sas #18 Opportunities and Challenges Towards Sustainable Development PHILIPPINES The physical characteristics of the different places in the country varies. Some places are situated along the mountains; some are in the plains; and some are in the valleys. There are places along the coastline and some places are found in thick forests. These resources can be found in different land groups of the country: Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. Made up more than 7, 100 islands The Philippines is the THRID LARGEST ENGLISH SPEAKING country in the world. The island nation lies in the South China Sea and serves as the crossroads of the Orient. This country is well known for its popular tourism spots and its varied culture stemming from occupation of several different nations over the centuries. But it is also a land of rich natural resources that help sustain the nation and make it an important economy in the region. THE OCEAN Being surrounded by the ocean, it is no surprise that the Philippines relies on the waters as an important natural resource. There are more than 640,000 square miles of territorial waters in the Philippines and within these waters, there is an abundance of marine life and materials that are valuable to the nation's people and those across the world. At least 65 species of the 2,400 available species in Filipino waters have solid commercial value, and the crabs, seaweed, pearls and other ocean treasures make the sea among the top resources for this archipelago. MINERALS - The Philippines is not a petroleum-rich country, but the land is still full of many valuable minerals. - There are an estimated 21.5 billion metric tons of metal deposits in the Philippines and - 19.3 billion metric tons of nonmetal minerals in the ground. Nickel is the most abundant deposit in the Philippines, while iron and copper are also present in significant amounts. MAJOR CROPS - The volcanic history of the archipelago combined with the wide plains available throughout the nation make the Philippines a prime spot for growing crops for domestic use and export. - The Central Luzon, Cagayan valley and Negros are among the many places with fertle soil in the Philippines. This land is the nation's primary source of livelihood. - The chief crops of the nation include rice, com, sugarcane, abaca and tobacco, according to the Philippine History website. - The rice and corn are used domestically, but the rest is used as a major export. The Philippines also exports a number of pineapples and bananas FLORA - The tropical climate in the Philippines makes it an ideal location for flowers and plants. - The islands have more than 2 million species of plants, and several of them are found nowhere else on the planet. - Much of the flora in the Philippines, while diminished by overharvesting, is used as an important natural resource as ingredients in commercially exported products. IN THE WATERS - In the warm Pacific waters surrounding the Philippine Islands, there are over 2,000 species of fish and some of the most beautiful coral reefs in the world for divers to visit. - In fact, the coral reefs in the Western Pacific have the widest marine biodiversity in the world, and are home to rare coral and fish such as the Orange Clownfish, Whale Shark, Manta Ray and the Moray Eel (Murene). - Coral reefs comprise microscopic marine animals that survive by building their habitat and catching passing microscopic foods in the currents.  - The result is massive reefs. The reefs have become endangered due to cyanide and dynamite use in the past by fishermen who collected the rare fish that made their home in the reefs. Thankfully, the Philippine government has put a stop to the destruction of nature's most beautiful display of color, texture and life. ANIMALS - There are over 200 species of reptiles and - 2,500 species of insects in the Islands of the Philippines. - Included among these reptiles are - the Mindanao Water Monitor (Varanus salvator cumingi), It has become rare because of its beautiful striped skin that is used by leather manufacturers in Asia and Europe. - The Philippine Sailfin Lizard, - the Philippine Monitor Lizard and - the Calamian Deer, all endemic to the Philippines, are heavily hunted for their meat and, in the case of the Calamian Deer, the antlers. - Efforts have been made by the government to protect these species, among others, for future generations. FRUITS AND VEGETABLES OF THE RAIN FOREST - Though bananas grow in many places around the world, there are about 300 species of bananas. - Those growing in the Philippines come in several varieties ranging from sweet to those used in cooking. - Other fruits include - the scaly atis (or sugar apple), - the durian (known as the "King of all Tropical Fruit") and - the Jackfruit, among others. - Rare vegetables include - the calabasa (or squash), - the root vegetable gabi and - the green leafy Malunggay. SAS #20 Managing our natural resources The country is widely acknowledged as having an outstanding endowment of natural resources, which could provide essential ecosystem services to the population. What placed the country's environment and natural resources under grave threat. - Demands arising from development and utilization activities, population expansion, poor environmental protéction, - and external factors such as climate change. For the medium-term, an environment that is healthy, ecologically balanced, sustainably productive, climate change resilient, and one that provides for present and future generations of Filipinos is envisioned. This vision will be pursued through an integrated and community-based ecosystems approach to environment and natural resources management, precautionary approach to environment and natural resources, sound environmental impact assessment and cost-benefit analysis. These, then, are all anchored on the principles of shared responsibility, good governance, participation, social and environmental justice, intergenerational space and gender equity, with people at the core of conservation, protection and rehabilitation, and developmental initiatives. With this, you will be learning ways on how to preserve and protect our natural resources. MAJOR ENVIRONMENTAL, SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC ISSUES The Philippines are prone to natural disasters, particularly typhoons, floods, landslides, volcanic eruptions, earthquakes, and tsunamis, lying as it does astride the typhoon belt, in the active volcanic region known as the "Pacific Ring of Fire," and in the the geologically unstable region between the Pacific and Eurasian tectonic plates. The Philippines also suffers major human-caused environmental degradation aggravated by a - high annual population growth rate, - including loss of agricultural lands, - deforestation, - soil erosion, - air and water pollution, - improper disposal of solid and toxic wastes, - loss of coral reefs, - mismanagement and abuse of coastal resources, - and overfishing. A. Climate Change and the Philippines - Recent scientific studies reveal that human activities have contributed significantly to the increase of GREENHOUSE GASSES in the atmosphere that causes climate change. - The Philippines is a hotspot for climate change disasters particularly the risk for agriculture and food security due to extreme El Nino and severe tropical cyclones. - The spread of infectious diseases are influenced by fluctuations in climate variables, temperature, relative humidity and rainfall. - Seven super typhoons like Riming that pummeled the Bicol region in 2006 destroyed at least $90- million worth of agricultural products and infrastructure. - Diseases such as dengue fever, malaria, and cholera have increased throughout the years. - Climate change impacts on coastal zones and marine ecosystems caused massive coral bleaching especially in 1998 due to elevated sea temperature and fish kills and red tides like the one that occurred in 1992 which was an El Nino period. - Scientists warned the Philippines could experience famine by 2020, as the adverse impact of global warming takes its toll on natural resources. Thousands will be displaced from their homes especially in low-lying coastal communities. Decline of Natural Resources and Biodiversity - The Philippines is suffering from degradation of the natural environment. - It has fifty major rivers now polluted due to abuse and neglect. - Approximately two-thirds of the country's original mangroves have been lost. - A hundred years ago, the Philippines had close to 22 million hectares of old growth forest. At the start of 2000, we had less than 600,000 hectares of old-growth forest left. In one century, we had cut down close to 97 percent of our original forest. A study by the Environmental Scientists for Social Change (ESSC) reveals that we have systematically cut this forest down and that we have not stopped its destruction and that of its core biodiversity. Alarming Waste Problem in the Philippines - The Philippines is looming with garbage problems despite the passage of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act or the Republic Act (RA) 9003. - 2007 first quarter data from the National Solid Waste Management Commission shows that there are 677 open dumpsites, 343 controlled dumps, and 21 landfills in the country. - An additional 307 dump sites are subject for closure or rehabilitation plans but without definite schedules for enforcement. - About 215 additional landfills are being proposed to be set up nationwide. - About 1,000 open and controlled dump sites exist in the country. - Prominent dumps all over the country can be found in Antipolo and Montalban in Rizal; Baguio City; Calapan, Mindoro Oriental; Carmen, Cagayan de Oro; Mandurriao, Iloilo City; Obando, Bulacan; and San Pedro, Laguna. People's Behavior towards Waste - Behavior is a key cultural aspect that is embedded in people's way of life.  - Studying a community's behavior and introducing new ones requires intensive, longterm, and creative social marketing. - This can be done by studying the demographic and cultural fiber of the community through immersions and capacity building activities, - The Resources, Environment and Economics Center for Studies, Inc.'s (REECS) 2002 study on household waste management systems and the attitudes and behavior showed that: 1. Waste management is still perceived by many as the responsibility of the government. 2. Public participation in waste management, especially in segregation at source, remains limited. 3. More extensive awareness- raising activities and training on ecological waste management are needed, together with stricter enforcement of the Law and local ordinances must be observed. 4. There is a lack of community empowerment and political will to resolve the problem. B. ECONOMIC PROBLEMS high population growth unequal distribution of wealth poor performance of the agriculture sector of the economy. C. SOCIAL PROBLEMS Corruption Poverty Overpopulation Child labor (a form of child abuse) Lack of adequate health care services Terrorism Prostitution Unemployment SUGGESTED ACTIONS TO BE UNDERTAKEN 1. Participatory Communication for Development Social Capital/ Community Empowerment Developing Community Leaders Engaging multi-sectoral participation (youth, schools, businesses, church, etc.) in community design and planning 2. Community Immersion Immersion and Research on Community's sociographic and psychographic profile Community Interaction with women, youth, and local community officials Environmental Education Workshops and Demos Environmental Education lessons to be familiar with a variety of ways in understanding the environment and the ecological crisis Exploration of local Biodiversity Evaluation of Stakeholders' Available Skills and Resources Evaluation of community's existing level of environmental awareness 3. Community IEC Campaigns Development of local environmental campaigns Distribution and Exhibit of created IEC materials Flyers and Posters 4. Environmental Management Capacity Building Workshops for Community Hands-on Household Ecological Solid Waste Management Trainings Training on Creating Ordinances for local community officials Establishment of Materials Recovery Facilities in Local Schools and Community  Appointment of stakeholder representatives - women sector, youth sector, etc. 5. Environmental Management Capacity Building Workshops for local School Environmental Education Facilitator is Training for Teachers - Project Leaming Tree, Water Education for Teachers, Watershed Box and Ecological Solid Waste Management Developing Creative and Environmentally relevant modules and classroom activities SAS #21 CULTURE The Philippines is a culture in which East meets West. The Filipino people have a distinct Asian background, with a strong Western tradition. The modern Filipino culture developed through influence from Chinese traders, Spanish conquistadors, and American rulers. Filipino people tend to be very hospitable, especially to Western visitors. Because of their strong ties to Spanish culture, Filipinos are emotional and passionate about life in a way that seems more Latin than Asian. ○ This is easily seen in the works of contemporary artists such as Rody Herrera in his painting Unahan Sa Duluhan. The family is the most basic and important as pect pf filipino culture Divorce is prohibited and annulments are rare. The family is the safety net for individuals, especially older people, during difficult economic times. Children will often stay with their parents into adulthood, only leaving when they get married. Political and business ties are often influenced by family relationships. Political > monarchy (pamana) Two traits that many foreign visitors often have a difficult time understanding are Pakikisama and Utang na Loob. Pakikisama roughly means "getting along" and requires individuals to overlook slight improprieties or indiscretions for the sake of preserving peace within the family, personal, or business relationship. Utang na Loob refers to the custom of paying back one favor with another. These traits emphasize the importance that Filipino people place on maintaining pleasant interpersonal relationships and putting the needs of the group ahead of the individual. More than 80% of the population of the Philippines is Roman Catholic. Fiestas in honor of the patron saint of a town are quite common. Criticism of the Catholic church is not taken lightly - and should be avoided. In the Philippines, people greet each other with a handshake. A smile or raised eyebrows can mean "Hello" or "Yes". Someone can be summoned with a downward wave of the hand. ETHNIC GROUPS The islands of the Philippines are inhabited by a number of different ethnic groups The majority of the population is composed of ethno linguistic groups whose languages are Austronesian, also known as Malayo-Polynesian, in origin. Ethnic groups include Cebuano, Ilocano, Pangasinense, Kapampangan, Tagalog, Bicolano, Waray, Surigaonon, Zamboangueño and Hiligaynon who are also called longgo. Many of these groups converted to Christianity, particularly the lowland-coastal groups, and adopted many foreign elements of culture. About 15% of the population is made up of what are generally defined as indigenous people. They are the descendants of the original inhabitants of the Philippines. Many of these groups were virtually untouched by Spanish and American influence and largely retained their customs and traditions. INDIGENOUS CULTURE AND PEOPLE TOUR PHILIPPINES  Most well known of these indigenous people are the igorot, a group that includes the Bontoc, Ibaloi, Ifugao and Kalinga. They inhabit the Central Cordillera Mountain Range on North Luzon. Owing to the difficult terrain, the Cordillera tribes are among the few peoples of the Philippines who have successfully resisted foreign domination and preserved their authentic tribal culture. These groups were responsible for the construction of the rice terraces of North Luzon that were inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. The oldest inhabitants of the Philippines are the Negrito. They are a pre-Austronesian people who migrated from mainland Asia around 90,000 years ago. The Negrito population was estimated in 2004 at around 31,000. Their tribal groups include the; ○ Ati, who inhabit mountainous areas of Negros, and the ○ Aeta, who live on the slopes of Mount Pinatubo. Their ways of life remain mostly free from Western and Islamic influences. In the Southern and Central Philippines, upland and lowland tribal groups are concentrated on Mindanao and Western Visayas, although there are several indigenous groups such as the Mangyan living in Mindoro. An important group on Mindanao are collectively called the Lumad, and include the Manobo, Bukidnon of Bukidnon province, Bagobo, Mandaya, Mansaka and the Tagakaulo in who inhabited the mountains bordering the Gulf of Davao. Other ethnic groups are the B'laan, Teduray and T'boli who live in South Cotabato. They maintain their animistic beliefs and traditions though some of them have converted to christianity Another important group are the Muslim ethnic minorities, such as the Maguindanao, Maranao and the Tausug. Travel Authentic Philippines offers tours that specifically focus on the indigenous culture and people of the Philippines. These tours contain visits to Ifugao, Bontoc and Kalinga minorities in North Luzon. We also offer tours to the Tagbanwa and Batak minorities of Palawan. RELIGION (PH no Label legion) A majority of people being adherents of the Christian faith marks religion in the Philippines. At least 92% of the population is Christian; ○ about 81% belong to the Catholic Church while about ○ 11% belong to Protestantism, Orthodoxy, Restorationist and Independent Catholicism and other denominations such as Iglesia Filipina Independiente, Iglesia ni Cristo, Seventh-day Adventist Church, United Church of Christ in the Philippines, Members Church of God International (MCGI) and Evangelicals. Officially, the Philippines is a secular nation, with the Constitution guaranteeing separation of church and state, and requiring the government to respect all religious beliefs equally. LANGUAGE The Philippines, officially the Republic of the Philippines, is an archipelagic country in Southeast Asia. Situated in the western Pacific Ocean, it consists of about 7,641 islands that are broadly categorized under three main geographical divisions from north to south: Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao. TRAITS AND VALUES Every country has its differing values and stereotypes, and the Philippines is no exception. We Filipinos firmly believe that our country has the best values in the world. Although we have been colonized by several countries, many core values from our ancestors remained intact and are still honored to this day. Filipinos are not perfect, but we have great characteristics and qualities every one of us should be proud of. Below I've listed some of the most well-known positive and negative traits of Filipinos. 1. Hospitality This is one of the most popular qualities of Filipinos. Foreigners who have gone to the Philippines find themselves falling in love with the warm hospitality they are shown. It's a different kind of value system, which has existed for thousands of years. Here are some examples of the hospitality that Filipinos show, not only to foreigners, but also to their fellow citizens: 2. Respect This is often observed— not just by younger people—but also by people of all ages. Children respect elders by saying "po" and "opo," which mean "yes," when answering their elders. Children or young adults also show respect by putting their elders' hands on their foreheads. Filipinos also show respect at work by making a bow to their employers. 3. Strong Family Ties and Religions (from chinese) Families go to church and pray together because their religion is important and creates a strong bond, marking God as the center of their lives. Families make sure to have quality time together especially after a day's work. Just watching television or eating a family meal will be valued and prioritized in everybody's schedules. Everyone helps out and gathers together at Filipino parties. 4. Generosity and Helpfulness Filipinos are generous people. Even when we have very little, we always share with those around us. During special occasions such as birthdays or "fiestas" —parties when people from other places visit your home to celebrate with you-there are lots of foods specially prepared for everyone! Friends, family, friends of friends, and even strangers can gather and they are always willing to share food and help out. When a neighbor is in trouble, Filipinos are always ready to help them. 5. Strong Work Ethic (from hapon) Yes, we are hardworking people to the point that we are willing to work almost the whole day just to feed our families, That's how Filipinos are. One example of a hardworking person is a farmer. They earn so little but they still work very hard for not much compensation. 6. Love and Caring This is so true! Filipinos are the sweetest and most loving people in the world. I'm not just saying this because I'm a Filipino; if you know us well, you will soon figure this out. NEGATIVE TRAITS OF FILIPINOS 1. Politics in the Philippines can be brutal. I don't want to sound totally arrogant. Awesome as Filipinos are, we are not perfect. Here are a couple of more negative traits which also really represent Filipinos. 2. Fatalism: An attitude of "what goes around, comes around" or "come what may." We have a tendency to surrender our future to fate. We often accept bad news or circumstances without trying to stop or change them. This can sometimes be helpful in adversity, but it can also keep us from finding ways out of situations. Also, constantly expecting the worst can get pretty depressing. 3. Crab mentality: This is prevalent in politics where people tend to push each other down to clear the way for their own gain. Politicians, especially, try their best to ruin each other, but this can also happen among regular people. I think it goes to the point of selfishness. SAS #22 The Development of Filipino Identity This time, let's discover the facts and history of the Philippine flag.  The 1898 overthrow of Spanish authority by the United States led Filipinos to believe that their country's independence, proclaimed on June 12, 1898, was guaranteed. A national flag quite different from the revolutionary banners used a few years before was adopted. At the hoist was a white triangle, symbolic of liberty and probably derived from Masonic symbolism. It bore a golden sun and three golden stars, standing for the three, main areas in the Philippines ○ Luzon group of islands in the north ○ Visayas group in the south, and ○ The main southern island of Mindanao. The eight sun rays were for the provinces where the original anti-Spanish revolt had broken out. i. Manila ii. Batangas iii. Cavite iv. Nueva Ecija v. Bulacan vi. Laguna vii. Tarlac viii. Pampanga The remainder of the flag consisted of horizontal stripes of blue (for the willingness to sacrifice oneself for freedom) over red (for courage) patriotism (love of country) Basic Facts about the Philippine Flag Name: Pambansang Watawat ("National Flag") Use: National flag and ensign Proportion: 1:2 Adopted: June 12, 1898 (original version used by the First Philippine Republic) February 12, 1998 (current version reaffirmed by Republic Act No. 8491) Design: A horizontal bicolor of blue and red with a white equilateral triangle based at the hoist containing three, five-pointed gold stars at its vertices, and an eight-rayed gold sun at its center. Designed by: Emilio Aguinaldo The Philippine National Anthem Lupang Hinirang (Tagalog, "Chosen Land") is the national anthem of the Philippines. Its music was composed in 1898 by Julian Felipe, and the lyrics were adapted from the Spanish poem Filipinas, written by José Palma in 1899. Originally written as incidental music, it did not have lyrics when it was adopted as. the anthem of the revolutionary First Philippine Republic and subsequently played during the proclamation of Philippine independence on June 12, 1898. Below is the official Tagalog version entitled "Lupang Hinirang". LUPANG HINIRANG Bayang magiliw, Perlas ng silanganan, Alab ng puso Sa dibdib mo'y buhay. Lupang hinirang, Duyan ka ng magiting, Sa manlulupig Di ka pasisiil. Sa dagat at bundok, Sa simoy at sa langit mong bughaw, May dilag ang tula  At awit sa paglayang minamahal. Ang kislap ng watawat mo'y Tagumpay na nagniningning; Ang bituin at araw niya, Kailan pa ma'y di magdidilim. Lupa ng araw, ng luwalhati't pagsinta, Buhay ay langit sa piling mo; Aming ligaya na 'pag may mang-aapi, Ang mamatay nang dahil sa iyo. The Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines (RA No. 8491) Conduct of Flag Raising Ceremony SECTION 21, During the flag-raising ceremony, the assembly shall stand in formation racing the flag. At the moment the first note of the anthem is heard, everyone in the premises shall come to attention; moving vehicles shall stop. All persons present shall ace their right palms over their chests, those with hats shall uncover, while those in military, scouting, security guard, and citizens military training uniforms shall give salute prescribed by their regulations, which salute shall be completed upon the last note of the anthem SECTION 36. The National Anthem shall always be sung in the national language vithin or without the country. The following shall be the lyrics of the National Anthem. PROHIBITED ACTS SECTION 34. It shall be prohibited: a. To mutilate, deface, defile, trample, on or cast contempt any act or omission casting dishonor or ridicule upon the flag over its surface; b. To dip the flag to any person or object by way of compliment or salute; c. To use the flag: 1. As a drapery, festoon, tablecloth 2. As covering for ceilings, walls, statues or other objects; 3. As a pennant in the hood, side, back and top of motor vehicles; 4. As a staff or whip; 5. For unveiling monuments or statues; and 6. As trademarks or for industrial, commercial or agricultural labels or designs. d. Display the flag: 1. Under any painting or picture; 2. Horizontally face-up. It shall always be hoisted aloft and be allowed to fall freely; 3. Below any platform; or 4. In discotheques, cockpits, night and day clubs, casinos, gambling joints and places of vice or where frivolity prevails. e. To wear the flag in whole or in part as a costume or uniform; f. To add any word, figure, mark, picture, design, drawings, advertisements, or imprint of any nature on the flag; g. To print, paint or attach representation of the flag on handkerchiefs, napkins, cushions, and other articles of merchandise; h. To display in public any foreign flag, except in embassies and other diplomatic establishments, and in offices of international organizations. i. use, display or be part of any advertisement of infomercial; and j. To display the flag in front of buildings or offices occupied by aliens. Why is the flag considered as the symbol of our country? The flag is the country's most cherished symbol. It is the nation's emblem for freedom. It symbolizes patriotism, love of country and sense of nationhood and embodies the aspirations and sentiments of the Filipino people in their unceasing quest for independence. CULTURAL LAWS PRESERVING AND PROTECTING FILIPINO CULTURE 1. Law on Arts and Culture - 1987 CONSTITUTION OF THE PHILIPPINES (Article XIV) ARTS AND CULTURE Section 14.The State shall foster the preservation, enrichment, and dynamic evolution of a Filipino national culture based on the principle of unity in diversity in a climate of free artistic and intellectual expression Section 15. Arts and letters shall enjoy the patronage of the State. The State shall conserve, promote, and popularize the nation's historical and cultural heritage and resources, as well as artistic creations. Section 16. All the country's artistic and historic wealth constitutes the cultural treasure of the nation and shall be under the protection of the State which may regulate its disposition. Section 17. The State shall recognize, respect, and protect the rights of indigenous cultural communities to preserve and develop their cultures, traditions, and institutions. It shall consider these rights in the formulation of national plans and policies. Section 18. (1) The State shall ensure equal access to cultural opportunities through the educational system, public or private cultural entities, scholarships, grants and other incentives, and community cultural centers, and other public venues. (2) The State shall encourage and support research and studies on the arts and culture. 1. R.A. No. 1265 - An Act making flag ceremony compulsory in all educational institutions 2. R.A. No. 3934 - An Act requiring the Filipino veterans who died shall be buried with their caskets covered with the Filipino flag 3. R.A. No. 8491 - An act prescribing the code of the national flag, anthem, motto, coat-of-arms, and other heraldic items and devices of the Philippines 4. P. D. No. 374 - Amending Certain Sections of R.A 4846, Otherwise Known as the "Cultural Properties Preservation and Protection Act" 5. P.D. No. 49 - Decree on the protection of intellectual property 6. P.D. No. 1988 - Amending certain sections of Presidential Decree No. 49 7. P.D. No. 1986 - Creation of the Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB) 8. P.D. No. 1987 - Creation of Videogram Regulatory Board 9. P.D. No. 442 - Labor Code 10. P.D. No. 142 - An Act to Regulate the Use of Aliases 11. Proc. No. 146 - Declaring the twelfth day of June of each year as flag day 12. Proc. No. 254 - Declaring the period from June 6-12, 1964 as the Philippine Flag Week 13. Proc. No. 342 - Declaring January 1-7, 1965 as Flag Week. 14. Proc. No. 374 - Declaring May 28 of each year as Flag Day.