Our country, the Philippines, is truly endowed with a rich quality of soil evident in our natural terrestrial resources particularly in the agricultural aspect that we are enjoying right now. The most delicious kinds of fruits and crops are found here in our country and we are able to export these products in most parts of the world. These exported products received enormous recognitions due to their incomparable quality. Not only that, we are also gifted with natural terrestrial sceneries that we could be proud of wherever we are. But, come to think of it, although our country is considered blessed when it comes to natural resources, why is it that its people are experiencing scarcity? And we are also experiencing different tragedies such as landslides due to soil erosion resulted from careless cutting of trees or deforestation in our mountains. This month of August is all about the terrestrial resources of our country. Its beauty is immeasurable and undeniably marvelous. Our primary need to maintain the beauty of these treasures is RESPECT. We have to be responsible enough because these natural resources are the things that we can call our OWN. We could be aware and concerned enough so that these gifts will still be enjoyed by the next generation. Our ecosystem revolves in a give-and-take relationship and we should do our part to maintain the equilibrium it needs to achieve or attain to continue the cycle of life.
Monday, August 25, 2008
Rice: Life of Filipinos
By: Ma. Cecilia S. Tena
Rice is life. It is the most important food crop, a staple food in most of the country. Rice is life for thousands of millions of people. It is deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of their societies. It is the staple food for more than half of the world population. In Asia alone, more than 2,000 million people obtain 60 to 70 percent of their calories from rice and its products. It is the most rapidly growing source of food in the Africa, and is of significance to food security in an increasing number of low-income food-deficit countries. Rice-based production systems and their associated post-harvest operations employ nearly 1,000 million people in rural areas of developing countries. About 80% of the world’s rice is grown by small-scale farmers in low income and developing countries. It follows that efficient and productive rice based production systems are essential for economic development and for improved quality of life of much of the world’s population. Improving the productivity of rice systems contribute to hunger eradication, poverty alleviation, national food security and economic development. According to FAO estimates, there are 840 million undernourished people, including more than 200 million children, in developing countries. Undernourishment greatly limits development. Here in our country, rice is produced extensively in Luzon and Cagayan Valley are the major rice growing regions.
In 1989, nearly 9.5 billion tons of palay were produced. In 1990, palay accounted for 27 percent of value added in agriculture and 3.5 percent od GNP. Per hectare yieldshave generally been low in comparison with other Asian countries. Since the mid-1960’s, however, yields have increased substantially as a result of the cultivation of high-yielding varieties developed in the mid-1960’s at the International Rice Research Institute located here in our country. The proportion of rice in total output rose from zero in 1965-66 to 81 percent in 1981-82. Average productivity increased to 2.3 tons per hectare (2.8 tons on irrigated farms) by 1983. By the late 1970’s the country had changed from a net importer to a net exporter of rice , albeit on a small scale. This was accompanied by an expanded use of chemical inputs. Total fertilizer’s consumption rose from 668 tons in 1976 to 1,222 tons in 1988s an increase of more than 80 percent. To stimulate productivity, the government also undertook a major expansion of the nation’s irrigation system. The area under irrigation grew from under 500,000 hectares in the mid-1960’s to 1.5 million hectares in 1988, almost half of the potentially irrigable land.
However, rice production is facing serious constraints including a declining rate of growth in yields, depletion of natural resources, labour shortages, gender- based conflicts, institutional limitations and environmental pollution. Overcoming hunger, poverty and malnutrition- while protecting the environment-requires collective actions by all stockholders. The diversity of the regions, peoplesand resources conneded within the world’s rice-based systems, requires a diverse approach for global rice-based development that includes participation from the local to the international level.
Climatic conditions are a major determinant of crop production patterns. The wet-season rice crop in the north last from June to November and the dry-season crop from January to May. In the south, it is the reverse; wet season crops last from October-November to March-April and dry-season crops from May-June to November several high yielding varieties of indica rice have been released for cultivation, but Milagrosa- traditional variety is still popular in many areas. Recently, hybrid rice varieties were released for cultivation and enjoy increasing popularity.
The Banawe Rice Terraces here in our country is one of the world’s wonders and have been declared by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site. Golden rice fields and seemingly endless rice terraces add beauty to the landscape.
For the whole country, rice accounts for 41% of total calorie intake and 31% of total protein intake. However, local rice production cannot meet current demand, making the Philippines a major importer of rice. Here in our country, a dish of “lugaw” (plain rice) is revally given to those recovering from illness. But lugaw is a versatile disah. When glutinous rice is mixed with chocolate, sugar and milk, the result is “tsamporado”, a breakfast delight for children. When water is replaced by chicken stock and, meant, the lugaw is called ”arroz caldo”. If beef stock is used and beef and tripe added, it is called “goto”. The “arroz caldo” and “goto” are usually served as breakfast or even a snack.
By: Ma. Cecilia S. Tena
Rice is life. It is the most important food crop, a staple food in most of the country. Rice is life for thousands of millions of people. It is deeply embedded in the cultural heritage of their societies. It is the staple food for more than half of the world population. In Asia alone, more than 2,000 million people obtain 60 to 70 percent of their calories from rice and its products. It is the most rapidly growing source of food in the Africa, and is of significance to food security in an increasing number of low-income food-deficit countries. Rice-based production systems and their associated post-harvest operations employ nearly 1,000 million people in rural areas of developing countries. About 80% of the world’s rice is grown by small-scale farmers in low income and developing countries. It follows that efficient and productive rice based production systems are essential for economic development and for improved quality of life of much of the world’s population. Improving the productivity of rice systems contribute to hunger eradication, poverty alleviation, national food security and economic development. According to FAO estimates, there are 840 million undernourished people, including more than 200 million children, in developing countries. Undernourishment greatly limits development. Here in our country, rice is produced extensively in Luzon and Cagayan Valley are the major rice growing regions.
In 1989, nearly 9.5 billion tons of palay were produced. In 1990, palay accounted for 27 percent of value added in agriculture and 3.5 percent od GNP. Per hectare yieldshave generally been low in comparison with other Asian countries. Since the mid-1960’s, however, yields have increased substantially as a result of the cultivation of high-yielding varieties developed in the mid-1960’s at the International Rice Research Institute located here in our country. The proportion of rice in total output rose from zero in 1965-66 to 81 percent in 1981-82. Average productivity increased to 2.3 tons per hectare (2.8 tons on irrigated farms) by 1983. By the late 1970’s the country had changed from a net importer to a net exporter of rice , albeit on a small scale. This was accompanied by an expanded use of chemical inputs. Total fertilizer’s consumption rose from 668 tons in 1976 to 1,222 tons in 1988s an increase of more than 80 percent. To stimulate productivity, the government also undertook a major expansion of the nation’s irrigation system. The area under irrigation grew from under 500,000 hectares in the mid-1960’s to 1.5 million hectares in 1988, almost half of the potentially irrigable land.
However, rice production is facing serious constraints including a declining rate of growth in yields, depletion of natural resources, labour shortages, gender- based conflicts, institutional limitations and environmental pollution. Overcoming hunger, poverty and malnutrition- while protecting the environment-requires collective actions by all stockholders. The diversity of the regions, peoplesand resources conneded within the world’s rice-based systems, requires a diverse approach for global rice-based development that includes participation from the local to the international level.
Climatic conditions are a major determinant of crop production patterns. The wet-season rice crop in the north last from June to November and the dry-season crop from January to May. In the south, it is the reverse; wet season crops last from October-November to March-April and dry-season crops from May-June to November several high yielding varieties of indica rice have been released for cultivation, but Milagrosa- traditional variety is still popular in many areas. Recently, hybrid rice varieties were released for cultivation and enjoy increasing popularity.
The Banawe Rice Terraces here in our country is one of the world’s wonders and have been declared by UNESCO as a world cultural heritage site. Golden rice fields and seemingly endless rice terraces add beauty to the landscape.
For the whole country, rice accounts for 41% of total calorie intake and 31% of total protein intake. However, local rice production cannot meet current demand, making the Philippines a major importer of rice. Here in our country, a dish of “lugaw” (plain rice) is revally given to those recovering from illness. But lugaw is a versatile disah. When glutinous rice is mixed with chocolate, sugar and milk, the result is “tsamporado”, a breakfast delight for children. When water is replaced by chicken stock and, meant, the lugaw is called ”arroz caldo”. If beef stock is used and beef and tripe added, it is called “goto”. The “arroz caldo” and “goto” are usually served as breakfast or even a snack.
Corn: An Agricultural Potential
By: Hector P. Aquino
Corn (scientific name, zea mayz) is a cereal crop, a member of the grass family. It is the second most important crop in the Philippines, next to rice. It is one of the staple foods not only in our country but throughout the world. It comprises about 70 percent of livestock mixed feeds in the country, and did you know that it is the preferred main staple food of about 12 million Filipinos. It became a source livelihood for many small-scaled farmers who cannot afford to produce crops in a high-maintenance way of propagating. About 60 percent of the Philippines’ annual corn production is from Mindanao and the Caraga region has the lowest average yield production.
Actually, we can find a lot of corn-producing land fields here in our country. The average area utilized by corn in the Philippines is 3.34 million. We can find corn particularly in these places: Ilocos, Pangasinan, Bicol, Southern, Eastern and Central Regions of Luzon, Samar, Leyte, Panay, Negros, Bohol and the whole part of Mindanao.
Aside form the fact that corn is a very delicious crop, it can also be utilized to produce several useful products. Some of these are corn oil, which is extracted from corn germ. It has a high, polyunsaturated fatty acid content and oxidative stability. It is mostly used bottled for consumer use, followed by margarine and industrial snack-frying operations. Next is the corn starch, which is derived from the endosperm of corn kernel, is a mainstay of the corn refining industry. It has a wide range of industrial and food applications. Another one is the corn sweetener, made by processed corn starch with enzymes or acids to create a dextrose solution. Ethanol is another major refined corn product; refined from starch of the corn kernel, it is an alcohol that has many industrial uses. In recent years, it has become an increasingly important source of fuel for internal combustion engines.
There are a lot of uses corn in our lives. All we have to do is to use this agricultural product in productive purposes in order for us to prosper in our own way. Truly, the Philippines is gifted with natural resources, it is just that it still depends on the people on how to use and take responsibility on these natural gifts.
Coconut: The Tree of Life
By: Joy Alaine D. Gapaz
Coconut is one of the major crops here in the Philippines. this is known as "The Tree of Life" since this tree provides a lot of benefits. You can use all of it's parts. From roots up to the leaves.
The coconut tree is also a common plant here. You can see it even in cities. The existence of this product is a great help in our economy. This came out to be on the Top 3 main crops of the Philippines because of the great number of production of this plant in our country. It also provides us with our basic needs like food. And it is a very helpful and useful plant/crop in our country.
Coconut tree contributes a lot in the improvement of the economy in our country. It is not just like other common trees. There are many usage of this tree. Now,ther is this Bio-Fuel gas. The use of the Bio-Fuel gas is very ideal because it helps reduce pollution. That's why it's economically advisable. The Bio -Fuel diesel is only one of the many products of the coconut tree. There is a Bio-Fuel station in Philcoa Quezon City. Located beside The Philippine Coconut Authority.
The large production of coconut in our country is a great help in our economy. It is very helpful and useful. Let's all help enhance and take care of what God has given as. Let's not waste it.
Deforestation and Soil Erosion Issues in the Philippines
By: Ma. Rosalina S. Flores
Deforestation and soil erosion are some of the environmental problems which are arising right now affecting the mythical bond shared by man and nature. What is the real truth behind the deforestation and soil erosion issues?
Deforestation is the conversion of forested areas to non-forest land for use such as arable land, pasture and urban use, logged area o0r wasteland caused by unstoppable practices such as illegal logging, slash and burn (kaingin), over harvest of fuel wood, mining and petroleum exploration. Generally, deforestation results in the declines in habitat for the extinct wildlife and biodiversity for the maintenance of man’s quality life. Deforestation is also a substantial contributor to global warming, having less trees to fight and reduce the effects of sun’s ultra violet rays causing to unpredictable weather and too much heat. According to statistical records, deforestation also causes soil erosion and increases the risk of landslides which can threaten the people living nearby.
Soil erosion is the carrying away or displacement of solids (sediments, soil, and rock) usually by the agents of currents such as wind, water, or ice by downward or down-slope movement in response to gravity. It is also distinguished from weathering, which is the process of chemical or physical breakdown of the materials in the rocks. It is an intrinsic natural change process but in many places it is increased by human land use, climate change and deforestation. A certain amount of erosion is natural, and in fact, healthy for the ecosystem but excessive soil erosion is dangerous. Soil erosion can result to infertility of the soil that will prevent abundant harvest and therefore leads to food shortage, famine and unsustainable man’s needs for living. Deforestation and soil erosion can be prevented by means of reforestation (replanting of trees in the forest) and letting them grow for the future needs.
In the Philippines, deforestation and soil erosion are the major problems having those tough-headed people who continuously ruin our mother nature. As a premise to these problems, the government did a specific law regarding the protection of the environment and punishment to those people who disobey the law. There are also organizations like DENR (Department of Environment and Natural Resources) which supervise the maintenance, protection and beautifulness of our nature and natural resources. Unity among the inhabitants, concern and love for nature are proven as the main keys for the prevention of deforestation and soil erosion.
Urbanization: A Threat caused by Modernization
By: Ralph L. Remolano
We are now in the 21st century wherein our lives are all in a fast-paced mode due to the quick changes that we are experiencing these times. Prior to these changes, there are a lot of compromises that took place that can cause several effects on our way of living. One of the major in our modern times is urbanization.
Urbanization is a physical growth of urban areas into rural or natural land s a result of population immigration to an existing urban area. It is attributed to growth of cities. It also refers to an increase in the proportion of national or regional population living in the cities. Urbanization occurs naturally from individual and corporate effort to reduce expense in commuting and transportation while improving opportunities for jobs, education, housing and transportation.
A lot of people move into cities to seek economic opportunities. Most of them think that when you are living in rural areas, it is difficult to improve one’s standard of living beyond basic sustenance. It is far different from cities because it is known to be places where money and wealth are centralized. Establishments and different companies are found in urban areas that could offer people job and capital opportunities. These conditions are heightened during times of change from a pre-industrial society to an industrial one.
There is a research in urban ecology that found out that larger cities provide more specialized goods and services to the local market and surrounding areas, function as a transportation and wholesale hub for smaller places and accumulate more capital, financial service provision and an educated labor force, as well as often concentrating administrative functions for the work area in which they live.
Although urbanization gives a lot of opportunities to people to improve their lives, it is still one of the causes of environmental changes not only in our country but all over the world. The urban heat has become a thing that needs further concern. This effect causes the city to become warmer than surrounding landscapes. Impacts also include reducing soil moisture and carbon dioxide emissions.
Urbanization affects the hydraulic system. In the start, reconstruction includes removal of trees and vegetation, then bulldozing of land for houses and subdivisions, filling in of farm ponds building of roads, diverting streams to supply water for people and discharging of sewage into streams. These activities resulted into more runoff and soil erosion because there is less vegetation to slow water as it run down hills. Flooding can occur because water-drainage patterns are changed. Increased sewage in steams causes pollution- it can kill fish and make water unusable for other purposes.
Urbanization is a part of modernization but it causes our natural land and water resources to be in an uncertain situation. We should do some things to preserve and protect our resources because we cannot replace all of these once they are gone. This is just a friendly reminder and everyone should be concerned about this situation.
Natural Terrestrial Resources
Mayon Volcano
Another breathtaking scenic beauty the Philippines could offer its tourists is the Mayon Volcano. It is an active volcano and popularly called as the world’s most perfect cone located in Legaspi, Albay, Philippines. Mayon Volcano never failed to attract visitors as it measures 8,189 feet with a base of 10 kilometers with its perfect cone whether seen from a distance or up close. When the volcano erupted, it left wonderful sceneries around it such as natural springs, caves, hills and lakes that have access to the panoramic view of the famous volcano.
Chocolate HillsThe magnificent Chocolate Hills is the most famous tourist spot in Bohol. It consists of 1,268 perfectly cone-shaped hills spread over the three municipalities with heights ranging from 30 to 50 meters with the largest being 120 meters in height. The hills are covered with green grass that turns brown during dry season.
Mount Samat A mountain in the Town of Pilar, Province of Bataan, Republic of the Philippines that is the site of the Dambana ng Kagitingan or "Shrine of Valor".
Along with the island fortress of C0rregidor, Mount Samat was the site of the most vicious battle against the Japanese Imperial Army in 1942 during the Battle of Bataan.
Suffering heavy losses against the Japanese all over Luzon, Filipino and American soldiers retreated to Bataan Peninsula to regroup for a last valiant but futile stand. This retreat to Bataan is part of a United States strategy known as War Plan Orange.
After fierce battle lasting 3 days, 78,000 exhausted, sick and starving men under Major General Edward P. King surrendered to the Japanese on April 9, 1942. It was, and still is, the single largest surrender of U.S. and Philippine Forces ever. These forces were then led on the Bataan Death March.
The mountain is now a war memorial. A huge white cross stands as a mute but eloquent reminder of the men who died there. It also acts as a tourist attraction with a war museum nearby that has a wide array of displays from paintings of the Philippine heroes to armaments used by the American, Filipino and Japanese forces during the heat of the battle.
Mount MakilingMount Makiling is located in the province of Laguna on the island of Luzon, Philippines. It is an inactive volcano, which rises to 1,090 m above sea level. Legends surround the mountain, many of which relate to Maria Makiling, said to be the 'guardian fairy' of the mountain. The contour of the mountain is said to be that of her in a reclining position.
Mount BanahawMount Banahaw is a dormant volcanic complex located on the boundary of Majayjay, Laguna and Lucban, Quezon in Luzon, Philippines. It is considered to be sacred by the local residents because of its "holy water"and "puwesto"s, or holy sites. These are composed of natural features with shrines located in or on them, revealed to a man by the "Santo Boses" or Holy Voice. It has another of this mountain and it was named as Mt. Banahaw de Lucban.
Mount ApoMount Apo is a large stratovolcano on the island of Mindanao in the Philippines. It is the highest mountain in the country and overlooks Davao City, a few kilometres to the northeast. Its name means "master" or "grandfather". Apo is flat topped, with three peaks, and is capped by a 500 m wide volcanic crater containing a small crater lake. It is a source of geothermal energy, but the date of its most recent eruption is unknown, and none are verified in historic times.
Mount Apo is one of the most popular climbing destinations in the Philippines, and the summit is easy to reach. It was first climbed on October 10, 1880 by a party led by Don Joaquin Rajal.
Mount ArayatMount Arayat is an inactive volcano on Luzon Island, Philippines, rising to a height of 1026 m (3366 ft) AGL. There is no recorded eruption of the volcano, and its last activity probably dates to the Holocene era. One academic report indicates activity within the last 2000 years, but it is believed that this refers to the volcano's thermal activity.
The volcano is located in a flat agricultural region at 15°12′N, 120°45′E , within the municipality of Arayat, Pampanga. Ten miles to the west of Mount Arayat is Angeles City and the former Clark Air Base. Mt. Pinatubo is located a further ten miles west.
It is considered a mystical mountain, the legendary home of the diwata Mariang Sinukuan, and was once believed to contain a wealth of fruit. There has recently been strong resistance against a proposal to place radio antennas atop the peak.
Batan IslandBatan Island is an island group, 76 sq mi (197 sq km), northernmost of the Philippine islands. They include the islands of Itbayat, Batan, Sabtang, and a number of islets, and comprise the province of Batanes. Basco is the provincial capital. The Batan Islands are separated from Taiwan by the Bashi Channel (50 mi/80 km wide). Coal is mined, and fishing is an important industry. In World War II, Batan Island was the site of the first Japanese landing in the Philippines.
Naidi Hills The cold crisp air continuously blow while we went up on a road to take a look at the breath taking view at the Naidi Hills. The Basco lighthouse can be seen from afar and some world war bunkers as well blending in the rolling hills, rugged cliffs, mountain views and the Batanes Bay.
Mount Pulag Mt. Pulag is considered the 2nd highest mountain in the Philippines, next to Mt. Apo of Mindanao with only a few meters difference. It is considered as one of the most beautiful National Parks in the Cordillera Area. Mt. Pulag is typically different from the rainforest mountains in the Philippines because of its open area (no trees mountain). It also has its distinct characteristics of changing color on different occasions and season. During the dry season, Mt. Pulag is brown similar to the chocolate Hills of Bohol. During the Rainy Monsoon season, it will vary from light green to rich dark green rolling plains, almost similar to a well maintained golf course. Local People believed that is was, and is a play ground of the gods.
Monday, July 21, 2008
Environmental Topic of the Month: Water
We all know that our country is an archipelago composed of 7, 101 islands lying on the Southern-East part of Asia. And obviously, we are surrounded by different bodies of water which are considered as Nature's Gift for the Pearl of the Orient. And for this month of July, this blog will feature articles, information and facts about one of the important, if not the most, source of life that everybody needs... Of course, it is WATER, and the underlying concerns on how we can preserve and give importance to this God-given gift.
These are the gathered articles that comprises some views that can tickle our awareness regarding our environmental topic for the month.
These are the gathered articles that comprises some views that can tickle our awareness regarding our environmental topic for the month.
1. DENR's Stand on Water Problems
2. Water Pollution: A Threat
3. Potable Water in Faucets
4. Water: Floating Landfills?
5. Cyanide Poisoning
6. Sulpicio Blames PAGASA
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