Away From Home

I felt sad today. Maybe this is something about my family. I'm away from home for couple of months now. Nostalgia. Yes, honestly, I can't focus writing the topics from the clients of Omnisite Builder. Being the eldest entails a lot of responsibilities. I don't have the chance to enjoy my salary because I sent it to my mom for the expenses. In addition, I did not regret it because I want to help them as long as I can.
My mom is clamoring because our house, which was gutten down by fire a couple of years ago was not reconstructed until today. I sometimes joked that the only way for me to save my family from poverty is going abroad. I actually consider it if the right time comes.

Meanwhile, my half-sister Gemela, is pregnant and presently in Toledo City, Cebu. We only meet once when she had a one day break from her job during the 2005 New Year's celebration. Following that year, and another year, still we have no chance to meet. My youngest half-sister, Mary Grace, went to Bohol to work. I was shocked when I learned from my neighbor that she stopped attending her school. I just sent her the money for her mid-term exam. And after that, she then proceeded to Bohol. Until now, I kept texting to her, to no avail. I wish for the best of my brothers and sisters. Soon I will come home and patch up the things I missed...

God Bless my family...

Protecting the Visayan Sea

I like this article I co-wrote with my fellow correspondents. I learned about the importance of the Visayan Sea...

Protecting the Visayan Sea
By Jun P. Tagalog, Robert Leonoras and Jeehan V. Fernandez
April 2, 2005 | Businessworld

[Visayan Sea]
TF! Editorial Comment: The continued depletion of marine resources around the country, a negative trend in many of the world's coastal areas, stands in stark contrast to the general assumption of the limitless bounty of the seas. The article describes the considerable efforts that need to be undertaken by civil society organizations, local governments and indeed all stakeholders in order to ensure that coastal resources are not irretrievably lost, with consequent loss of livelihood, nutrition and environmental services among others. As an archipelago, the Philippines needs more groups like the Visayan Sea Squadron to stand up in defense of coastal ecology both for the present and future generations.



The Visayan Sea Squadron, which has drawn support from the provinces of Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo, was created to protect and preserve the Visayan Sea, a major fishing ground.

"We will dive in their waters and we'll show them what is deep inside," said environmental lawyer Antonio Oposa Jr.

The Visayan Sea used to be rich in sardines, herrings, and mackerel, but rampant blast fishing, unabated commercial fishing, cyanide fishing, over-fishing, and other destructive forms of fishing depleted the marine resources in the area.
Mr. Oposa, who initiated the creation of the squadron, said section 81 of the 1998 Fisheries Code requires local government units in coastal areas to devote 15% of their waters for a marine sanctuary.

Sonia Seville, Western Visayas regional director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), said there are more than 20 cities and municipalities with around one million people on the coastlines of the Visayan Sea.

Mr. Oposa also said the squadron will help local officials pass an ordinance regulating fishing activities in their waters.

Under the Local Government Code, local government units (LGUs) are required to manage coastal zones up to 15 kilometers from the shoreline.
The squadron, which has drawn support from the provinces of Cebu, Negros Occidental, and Iloilo, was created to protect and preserve the Visayan Sea, a major fishing ground.

"Once the richest marine waters in the world, but now the hottest of all hotspots," Mr. Oposa described the Visayan Sea. If managed well, this fishing ground could feed a whole nation, he added.

Initially, Mr. Oposa said he heads a core group of four, with members who include a fish warden, police officer and a reformed fisherman. Through an information dissemination campaign, Mr. Oposa was optimistic they will be able convince the youth sector to participate in the conservation effort.

They also hope to solicit the help of the maritime police in catching fishermen who use dynamite and other illegal fishing methods, the BFAR in conducting an underwater survey, and the National Bureau of Investigation in tracing the source of blasting caps.

The squadron is based in Sta. Fe, Bantayan island north of Cebu. Mr. Oposa said they only have one pump boat, a speedboat, three dive sets, a laptop and an LCD (liquid crystal display) projector for audiovisual presentations to solicit public support.

The squadron, which is registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has been conducting environmental awareness seminars among the youth.
The group is proposing a five-year ban on commercial fishing in the Visayan Sea to "let the marine life rest" and restore its wealth. If not, Mr. Oposa warned that the fishing industry will face total collapse.

The Visayan Sea used to be rich in sardines, herrings, and mackerel, but rampant blast fishing, unabated commercial fishing, cyanide fishing, over-fishing, and other destructive forms of fishing depleted the marine resources in the area, the group said in its petition filed before the BFAR.

Negros Occidental Governor Joseph Marañon said he was supporting the five-year ban.

The Visayan Sea, which covers about a million hectares at the heart of the Sulu-Sulawesi eco-region, stretches from the mouth of Danao River in Negros Occidental to the northeastern tip of Bantayan island and Madridejos in Cebu through the lighthouse on Gigantes island in Iloilo and further to Olutaya island and Culasi Point in Capiz.

It extends along the northern coast of Capiz to Bulacaue point in Carles, Iloilo to the mouth of the Talisay river, westward across the Guimaras strait to Tomonton point in Negros Occidental, eastward along the northern coast of Negros island and back to the mouth of Danao river in Escalante, Negros Occidental.

In Iloilo City, BFAR's Ms. Seville said efforts are being taken to protect the Visayan Sea through the Visayan Sea Coastal Resources and Fisheries Management Project. The project is assisted by Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Technische Zusammenarbeit (GTZ).

The project aims to avert problems like decreasing productivity, widespread over-fishing, reduced fish sizes and catches, dwindling resources, illegal fishing gears and methods and difficulties in implementing fishing regulations.
Through the project, the improved coastal resources management practices are implemented by the local government units and communities.

These are marine protected areas, mangrove reforestation, fishing gear regulations, pollution control, improved post-harvest handling and aquaculture.
"Alternative business opportunities are also promoted," Ms. Seville said.

BFAR-6 assistant director Juliet B. Demo-os said the Visayan Sea Squadron would "strengthen law enforcement against illegal fishing in the area." But she said the local government units should also come up with the same strategy.

Dynamite Fishing
Meanwhile, Cagayan de Oro City officials of the city are concerned over the over rampant dynamite fishing in three shoreline barangays.

During a city council session, Councilor Annie Daba, chairman of the committee on agriculture and fishery, said fishermen in Bulua, Bayabas, and Bonbon are employing dynamite fishing.

She said there is a need to stop the use of dynamite in fishing as this destroys the coral reefs and the marine ecology, which takes decades to restore.

She said the maritime police are helpless in stopping the illegal activity due to lack of gasoline for their pump boat.

Councilor Edgar Cabanlas said rather than relying on Republic Act No. 8550, or the Fisheries Code, as basis for catching the culprits, it was suggested that the city should adopt an ordinance on the matter.

Mr. Cabanlas said under the Fisheries Code, it is difficult to prosecute those who employ dynamite fishing due to evidentiary requirements such as chemical or forensic proof.

With a city ordinance, evidentiary requirements will not be as stringent, he added.

Earlier, a coalition of 11 nongovernmental organizations seeking reforms in the fishery sector, called for the amendment of the Fisheries Code.

In a statement, the National Coalition for Fisheries and Aquatic Reform proposed to amend section 4, paragraph 58 of article I "to rectify inappropriateness of the current definition by adopting the archipelagic principle in the definition or procedure in the delineation of municipal waters."

RA 8550 defines municipal waters to include not only streams, lakes, inland bodies of water and tidal waters within the municipality which are not included within the protected areas as defined under RA 7586 (National Integrated Protected Areas System law), public forest, timber lands, forest reserves or fishery reserves, but also marine waters included between two lines drawn perpendicular to the general coastline from points where the boundary lines of the municipality touch the sea at low tide and a third line parallel with the general coastline including offshore islands and 15 kilometers from such coastline.

Where two municipalities are situated on opposite shores that there is less than 30 kilometers of marine waters between them, the third line shall be equally distant from opposite shore of the respective municipalities.

The coalition also proposed as amendment to RA 8550 the total prohibition of commercial fishing in the whole 15-kilometer municipal waters, total ban on the use of "super lights" and the increase of fines and period of imprisonment for coral exploitation and exportation, conversion of mangroves into other uses, and illegal fishing. -- with a report from Ellen P. Red in Cagayan de Oro

202 'Ati' up for eviction in Boracay Island

Ati as we called are peacefully living in Boracay. They became tourist attraction and they are charming people and friendly, too...


Thursday, May 26, 2005
202 'Ati' up for eviction in Boracay Island
By Roberto L. Bacasong
Sun.Star Bacolod

BORACAY ISLAND -- Here in the world's renown tourism destination are found the more than 200 "Ati" indigenous families who continue fighting for their right to live -- insofar as social acceptability and the place to call their "home" are concerned.

Ati families in Sitio Bolabog, Barangay Balabag in this island paradise have been tagged "dirty," blame it to their tradition and their manner of living.

Boracay Island has three barangays, namely, Balabag, Manoc-manoc and Yapak.

Humiliation, said 29-year-old Maria Tambu-on was what her family and members of their community suffer from "people in the island."

Tambu-on has four children, namely, Olimar and Loimar, both 4; Marlo, 2; and Marjon, two months.

Together with husband Oliver, 26, they find shelter in an unfinished old shanty located inside the fenced property owned by Aniceto Yap.

Speaking in the native Malay dialect, the mother said they belong to a very poor class as her husband is just a construction worker, depending on a temporary source of income.

Tambu-on said her primary source of living is by helping run the livelihood store of the Boracay Multi-Purpose Cooperative, of which she is a board member.

She further said her family does not have a permanent place in which to live.

"I used to accept laundry jobs just to help my husband," she said.

The property of Yap houses 42 Ati families that has increased from last year's 187 households.

"We are asking for respect from the people. I know that this is what they call the other side of the paradise," she stressed.

Sister Victoria Ostan of the Daughters of Charity under the Diocese of Aklan said she received the order of demolition against the Ati community.

Ostan said this does not stop them from advancing the improvement of the Ati families, specifically the sending of Ati children to school.

Schooling for the Ati members here are in two categories, namely, formal and non-formal.

In formal education, some Ati children finished secondary education with assistance from the government of Aklan and the help of non-government organizations.

"They (Ati children) should be given formal education. They deserve education because of their low status in life," said Ostan.

Students from the College of Archeology from the University of the Philippines-Diliman are presently conducting their study in tracing the history of the Ati families.

"The UP students are dedicated to trace back the history of the Ati family," said Ostan.

She said the notice of demolition cannot be implemented until such time the study is not yet finished, and until the government give these Ati families permanent resettlement.

"They are the first people in our history. They should be given enough attention because of so much history they gave to the country," said Ostan.

We are all created by God, they should be resettled properly if the demolition will take effect, Ostan added.

Ostan said in Barangay Balabag the face of poverty, hunger and deprivation of mankind can be found while the luxurious hotels, foods, among others were in the Manoc-manoc and Yapak.

Delsa Husto, 42, president of the Ati's cooperative said they are fighting for their rights to live.

Husto, who has six children, said her husband is working as a house help and construction worker.

"The main source of income here is fishing and construction, among others while women used to accept laundry to help their partners," said Delsa.

Delsa who has been called as "nanay" (mother) in the community said she is angry with people who discriminate them and their status.

"We are still human beings; all we need is understanding and respect from our fellows," said Delsa.

"We are very happy that (Sister) Ostan is here to help us fight for our rights."
Ostan said foreign tourists were visiting the community and are occasionally giving assistance in the form of clothing, and cash that ranges from P200, P300, P500 and P1,000.

My lovely article during my first visit to Boracay....

Friday, May 27, 2005
Boracay: A sanctuary of Philippine butterflies
By Roberto L. Bacasong
Sun.Star Bacolod


BORACAY ISLAND -- Nature lovers who spend time discovering various species of Philippine butterflies frequent the Boracay Butterfly Garden located at Barangay Bolabog in this powdered sand paradise island here.

What started as a hobby metamorphosed into the creation of a sanctuary of butterfly varieties, a sight to behold, and a unique business venture inculcating educational and environmental awareness. The unique breeding and cycle of these wonderful creatures, a must-see for travelers.

Adela Jaudian, who hails from Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental said her husband, Patrick Manion, a retired chemist from New Zealand developed a hobby of collecting butterflies.

"He likes to play with butterflies and wondered with these God's creatures," said Jaudian. At first, said the wife, Manion just used the garden to relieve himself from daily stress.

Manion is environment friendly that he later decided to open the garden to the public only last month. The garden has existed in year 2001 yet.

Aside from owning a resort and various stalls, Jaudian said her husband put up the butterfly garden to also impart knowledge on children about these species.

The Boracay Butterfly Garden is one of the often-visited eco-tourism areas in this island with visitors including English, Danish, Chinese, Koreans and Americans, among others.

Domestic visitors won't be outnumbered, too. Jaudian said her husband carefully studies the host-plants in which the butterfly could nest their eggs and also the creatures' source of food.

"Because of thorough study, butterflies are protected from attacks of predators," she explains. Lizards, ants and spiders are the main enemies of butterflies. Their ravenous attacks trigger the decreasing number of butterflies preserved in the garden.

Butterfly Class

The classes of butterfly that could be found in the garden are Papilionidae, Danaidae, Nymphalidae and Pieridae.

Butterflies belonging to the Papilionidae include graphium argamemnon, graphium sarpedon, papilio demoleus (Citrus/Lime Swallowtail), Papilio Polytes (Common Mormon), papilio rumanzovia (Scarlet Mormon), papilio (chilasa), clytia (Common Mime) and papilio (triodes rhadamantus).

The Danaidae class: danaus chrysippus (Plain Tiger) and idea leuconoe (White Tree Nymp); Nymphalidae class, namely, cethosia bibles (Red Lacewing), doleschallia bisaltide (Autumn Leaf), hipolimnas bolina jacintha (Spotted Black Crow) and eupolea multiciber (Stripped Blue Crow).

Butterflies and moths are a group of insects called lepidoptera, derived from the Latin word "lepido" (scale) and "plera" (wings). Like all insects, butterflies and moths have a head, thorax, abdomen, two antennae and six legs.

(May 27, 2005 issue)

Task force formed to protect Capiz shells

These capiz shells provide a living to the villagers living near the sea....


Task force formed to protect Capiz shells
By: Robert Leonoras
BusinessWorld
1/24/2006 8:56:14 AM

San Enrique, Negros Occidental -- The municipal government has formed a task force to protect marine mollusks that are the source of Capiz shells, locally known as lampirong.

San Enrique Mayor Jilson D. Tubillara ordered the creation of the task force after a huge reserve of these mollusks was found in the shallow waters of this town. The mollusks were reported to have almost covered the seabed.

"This is a gift from Mother Nature. I hope that the people of San Enrique will help our fellow policemen in protecting these shells," Mr. Tubillara said.

The mollusk (scientific name: Placuna placenta) is also known as windowpane oyster because its outer shell was used to make windows in colonial times.

The shell is translucent and allows daylight to filter through. The shell came to be known as Capiz shell because these were originally harvested near the town of Capiz on Panay island.

Task Force Lampirong will educate the people on the importance of the shells, regulate the gathering and distribution of the shells and ensure that no shells are gathered within a 25-hectare protected area. The task force is headed by the town’s police chief, Senior Inspector Raymund Maningo.

Municipal agriculturist Marilou Peñafiel said about 100 tons of shells have already been fished out of the sea. "In just five days, it already brought an income of P71,000 for the municipality."

Mr. Tubillara said the shells are sold for P12 per kilogram. Of this amount, P1 goes to the municipal government and another P1 goes to the barangay and P10 to the seller. The meat is also sold. This may be served as buttered with garlic bits or adobo-style.

The shells are used as raw materials for handicraft, including lamp shades, flower vases, chandeliers, chessboards, glass covers and coasters, wind chimes, wall panels and ash trays. Products made from Capiz shell are among the export winners from the Visayas.

Mr. Tubillara said divers from the neighboring cities and towns like Hinigaran, Pontevedra and Valladolid have arrived in this town to gather the shells.

"You enjoy gathering them because they shine and millions of these shells cover the seabed," he said. But he warned the people not to go into the 25-hectare protected area.

Just recently, Mr. Tubillara said the task force apprehended two pump boats with 12 fishermen who ventured into the protected area. They were released after they promised to stay out of the reserve.

Bacolod preserves Tindalo tree planted by Quezon

An old landmark in Bacolod, which was never been recognized...


Bacolod preserves Tindalo tree planted by Quezon
By: Robert Leonoras
BusinessWorld
1/30/2006 9:53:43 AM

Bacolod City -- Often ignored, the 67-year-old Tindalo tree at the Bacolod public plaza stands as a silent witness to this city’s history.

The tree was planted by President Manuel L. Quezon on Oct. 19, 1938 to mark the inauguration of Bacolod as a chartered city. Because of its historical value, the tree is being preserved at the plaza.

Tindalo, the common name for Afzelia romboidea, is noted for its valuable timber. Extensive logging has dwindled its number such that it is now considered among the country’s native rare species.

The city government allocates an annual budget for the maintenance of the Tindalo and other trees at the plaza through the general services office (GSO).

GSO officer-in-charge Jose Solilapsi said he hoped to discuss soon with Mayor Evelio R. Leonardia this year’s budget for the maintenance and preservation of the trees and other facilities of the plaza.

"We should not limit our projects to maintaining the cleanliness of the city park but the preservation of its rare trees as well," Mr. Solilapsi said.

Dan Villalobos, supervisor for the maintenance of the plaza, successfully transplanted a sapling from the mother tree eight to 10 years ago.

The second Tindalo tree is heavy with fruits, each about 12 centimeters long and six centimeters wide with a thick, black and woody pod and two to three large seeds.

Mr. Villalobos said he transplated a sapling to prove that the Tindalo can grow well at the plaza. An official of the Negros Forest Ecological Foundation, Inc. earlier urged the city government to remove the tree and plant this in the forest because it was prone to stress at the plaza, which is frequently visited by people.

The soil there is also not as fertile as that in the forest. The official, who asked not to be named, said there’s room for natural regeneration in the forest.

He added that the Tindalo should be relocated to a lowland near the coast, which is its natural habitat.

Mr. Villalobos, who has been maintaining the tree for the past 23 years, brushed this aside. He said the tree is well taken cared of. At times, he said it may appear to be dying because it sheds off leaves.

He said pruning, a common tree maintenance procedure and is done regularly. Pruning is done to remove dead branches, crowded or rubbing limbs and to eliminate hazards.

Mt. Kanlaon at losing end in budget scramble

And another one...Mt Kanlaon is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines. Many local and foreign tourists captured their heart when they saw the beauty of this natural wonder


Mt. Kanlaon at losing end in budget scramble
By: Roberto Leonoras
BusinessWorld
6/23/2006 9:18:14 AM

Bacolod City -- Not a single centavo has been allocated for forest protection and law enforcement at the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park in the proposed 2006 budget of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), a park official said.



Photo from WOW Philippines Web site.

"Just when we need it the most, there isn’t a single centavo to work on," said Julie Rex Molavin, park superintendent of the Mt. Kanlaon Natural Park. The volcano has been acting up and has spewed grayish steam with ash eight times in the last two weeks.

Negros Occidental Rep. Carlos Cojuangco had proposed a P3.8-million budget for the park, but this was ignored by the members of the bicameral committee, Mr. Molavin said.

The park, however, expects assistance from the DENR Western Visayas regional office, which promised to provide P25,000 for park operations for the rest of the year despite the lack of a budget in the national office. Pledges of financial assistance were also made by the Negros Occidental provincial government and other local government units in the vicinity of the park.

But Mr. Molavin said this is not enough. Of the P25,000, he said only P18,000 will be left for the park since P7,000 will go to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office-Negros Occidental to cover administrative expenses. The amount is less than half of the P59,000 that they received from the DENR regional office last year, he added.

"The P18,000 is not enough for our maintenance and operating expenses. This amount will easily be eaten up by the Protected Area Management Board meetings. Only a few thousands of pesos will be left to cover management concerns of the park," he said.

There would be no amount left for forest protection, information and education system as well as socioeconomic programs of the agency, he added.