What Are The Economic Benefits of Online Gambling?

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The rate at which online gambling is growing seems to be increasing almost every day. Gamblers have increased across the world making it a fast-growing industry. The growth can now cater to the multiple needs of gamers. Different games like Hold'em (홀덤) and other online activities are easily available and accessible.

How does gambling online help? It turns out that online gambling is very beneficial to the economy. The rise of this industry has greatly contributed to the tremendous growth of the economy across the globe. To find out more about the economic benefits of online gambling, keep reading this article.

 
1. Job Creation

The online gambling industry has become one of the greatest contributors to the creation of jobs. The exponential growth can be seen in the field of coders, web developers, game testers, and animation experts. As the demand for gaming increases, online sites are employing more of this personnel to allow smooth operations of their services. Other benefits contributed by online gambling are the creation of business. More casinos have been developed making this industry a great deal to invest in. As the demand for gambling increases, the demand for gambling sites also increases.

There have also been improved economic activities, especially in software companies. These companies are responsible for building different gaming software, and without them, there's no online gambling. Jobs have also been created in the area of customer support systems and site management. For a successful gaming experience and satisfying customer relationships, an online site must employ personnel competent to ensure good delivery.

 
2. Generates Tax Revenue

Operating an online business does not mean that you will not pay taxes. For business to operate, you will need to go through government processes before approval. This means you will be required to pay an amount of money to get your license.

After the license, the government requires you to pay regular fees in the name of taxes. In return, their taxes are used in the development of various sectors of the country. These taxes also help the government to curb any illegal operations that might be intended to harm its people.

Countries, where online gambling is legal have experienced great economic development due to the taxes paid. These countries are in a better position to trade with other countries due to their high economic positions.

 
3. Developments

As we have seen, online gambling is becoming a major source of income for various countries. As this industry grows, more money is made. Most countries use the money generated from online gambling to grow their country's infrastructure, education, and health sectors. This income is also used to support other local development programs. The income helps in other local initiatives which help in supporting businesses and other affairs of the community.

 
Final Thoughts

Online gambling will keep on rising. More people will continue discovering games to play online like Hold'em (홀덤)and participating in many more.

As this happens, the economic position will keep on getting better. There will be more jobs created, and more revenue generated and the development of infrastructure will keep getting better. Economic growth plays a major role in the eradication of poverty and the high level of a country's dependency on other countries. Gamble more for a better economy.

3 Reasons Why You Should Work With a Site Verification Service Provider

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When it comes to business, your website is an essential tool. It is the first thing potential customers see, which can make or break your business. If you want to promote your business effectively and attract more customers, you need to ensure your site looks professional and trustworthy.

An excellent way to do this is by using an eating police (먹튀폴리스) verification service provider. These companies can help you create a professional-looking website that will give your customer confidence in doing business with you. Here are some reasons why you should work with one:

They Have Access to Valuable Data

A site verification service provider can provide you with access to valuable data. You can get this information from other sources, but they will not be as accurate or up-to-date as what the site verifier can provide. The site verifier can access different search engines, indexes, and databases you may not have. This means that they are more likely to find more up-to-date information about your website than you would with your methods.

The information a site verification service provider can provide is also more accurate than what you would find on your own. This is because they can access these different databases that collect information about websites and their rankings. They will be able to tell you exactly where your website ranks on each of these different indexes and databases and how often it is updated compared to other websites like yours.

You Avoid Costly Mistakes

Many people need to be made aware that website verification is something anyone can do. This is not true, as plenty of pitfalls can easily trip you up.

For instance, if you have a site banned, it won't be easy to recover from this situation. The main reason for this is that a good portion of your traffic will come from search engines, and if your website is banned, then this traffic will disappear overnight.

In addition, one of the most common mistakes made by companies trying to verify their sites themselves is that they need to use the right tools to do so. Some of these tools include Analytics and Search Console. Most companies need to realize how essential these tools are when verifying their domains. These tools also allow you to see where your target audience sits on the internet and what they are looking for when they visit your website.

You Get To Focus on Other Tasks

The most significant benefit of using a site verification service provider is that it frees up your time to focus on other tasks. You no longer need to check each of your pages one by one manually. Instead, you can set up an account and let the company do all the work for you.

A good eating police (먹튀폴리스)site verification service provider will have all the tools and technology necessary to verify your site in a short amount of time. It will also be able to conduct thorough checks on multiple platforms simultaneously. This allows for faster results and less downtime for your business or organization.

Furthermore, these companies are highly experienced in their jobs. They know what needs to be done when verifying a website or domain name's reputation on search engines like Google and Bing. They know how to monitor websites' performance metrics and track their SEO efforts over time so they can make changes where needed before they cause damage to any rankings previously obtained organically through hard work and diligence.

VP-Sec Sara commends 6 CSC awardees from DepEd

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Vice President of the Republic of the Philippines and Secretary of Education Sara Z. Duterte commended six personnel of the Department of Education (DepEd) who received the Civil Service Commission’s (CSC) 2022 Outstanding Public Officials and Employees - Dangal ng Bayan Award and Pagasa Award.

“This award is a clear demonstration of your commitment and dedication to genuine and effective public service by demonstrating integrity and responsiveness in the conduct of your respective duties and responsibilities in DepEd,” VP-Secretary Duterte said.

Among the recipients of the 2022 Dangal ng Bayan Award from the Department were Mr. Rowan Celestra, Principal of Buenavista Elementary School in Sorsogon; Mr. Ju-im Jimlan, a Head Teacher at Tamalagon Integrated School in Aklan; Mr. Antonio Morada, a Librarian at Legazpi City; and Ms. Rizalina Nacpil, a teacher in San Manuel Elementary School in Tarlac City.

Meanwhile, Ms. Ailene Añonuevo, Chief Education Supervisor of the Schools Division of Panabo City in Davao del Norte, and Ms. Pablita Cabarles, Master Teacher I of Manga National High School in Tagbilaran City were hailed as CSC Pagasa awardees.

VP-Sec. Duterte recognized the awardees’ exemplary work ethic and efficiency in delivering government service as a source of inspiration, which drove them to work with excellence.

"We are sincerely grateful by your consistent demonstration of ethical and professional work and are truly proud to have you in our ranks. We hope that you can influence more educators and fellow government workers to serve with honesty, effectiveness, and excellence," she said.

According to the CSC, the Dangal ng Bayan Award is conferred to individuals for the performance of an extraordinary act of public service and the consistent manifestation of exemplary ethical behavior based on Republic Act No. 6713 or the Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees.

The CSC Pagasa Award, on the other hand, is conferred on an individual or group of individuals for outstanding contributions that benefit more than one government department.

To view the full list of winners, visit the CSC website at bit.ly/2022-outstanding-govt-workers.

Annual checklist for drivers

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New year, new me? Right. Sure. You do your thing. But while you may attempt to reinvent yourself with every change of the calendar, your car won’t be magically brand new come January. In fact, the older a car gets, the more you have to take extra effort and care when driving and maintaining it.

There are things on your car you should check on a regular basis, such as the lights, fuel, tire pressure, and so on. Then there are other aspects you will only need to inspect on a more long-term basis. Nevertheless, these things are still important to maintaining the current quality of your car. Here we’ve compiled a handy annual list you can check back on every year so you can keep your ride in good working order.


1) Registration

If you purchased your ride brand-new last year, great. No need to worry about this. Cars purchased brand-new are registered for three years after you drive away from the dealership. After that, you will need to renew your car’s registration every year. You will need to do it by a specific month, which is determined by the final digit of your car’s license plate. However, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) has issued extensions for this since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020, so you can also monitor the news for any updates for your specific schedule.

Oh, and while it’s not something you need to check annually, one registration-related thing you should always keep in mind is if your car falls under number coding on any given day. Your valid registration might be for naught if you get caught driving at the wrong time on the wrong day.


2) Tires

Depending on where and how you drive, your car’s tires will generally last you a couple of years. Still, it doesn’t hurt to do an annual inspection in case you need to change them earlier. The first thing you should check for is tread, a.k.a. the deep grooves that run down the length of your tires. While there are tools you can use to measure their depth, you can also use a simple coin. If you insert a coin and the outer edge doesn’t sink down into the grooves, then it might be time for a tire change.

Next, you want to inspect for any possible tears, rips, or punctures. Have a good look at all your tires to make sure they are still in good stead. Pay attention to the air pressure—if one tire is deflating faster than the others, then it’s a possible sign of some sort of puncture. And don’t forget to inspect your spare tire, too. You will be glad you did if one of the main tires suddenly goes flat.

You will also want to see if you are due for a tire rotation. This is when you change the tire placements around your car to better spread the wear evenly across each individual tire. Check out your car’s manual or ask a mechanic to learn how often you should be doing this.


3) Battery

This is another part of your car that usually lasts for a few years, but a periodic check certainly isn’t a bad thing. First, check to see that it is still holding charge properly. A simple battery tester can answer this question for you. Otherwise, you can check and see if the car struggles a bit to get started whenever you turn the ignition. Next, check that the leads and connectors are all clean, free of any debris, and plugged in properly.


4) Engine oil

Engine oil is to your car what blood is to the human body in that it runs across the entire thing, and lack of flow to any given area or changes in the quality of it can spell trouble. You should make checking the dipstick for quality and quantity a regular habit. But depending on how often you drive your car, you will need to change the oil at certain intervals. For advice on this, it’s best to check your car’s manual or consult a mechanic or service technician. Don’t forget to have the filter changed along with the oil, too.


5) Brakes

Having the engine and tires work well enough to propel you and your car is great, but it’s just as important to ensure that you have adequate stopping power at your disposal. Inspect the brakes anew thoroughly every year, covering the fluid, linings, rotors, pads, and shoes if your car runs on drum brakes. Replacing pads and shoes is a relatively simple and inexpensive process, and you should do so if you notice your car is stopping a bit later than before or if you hear any unusual sounds or squeaks emanating from the brakes.


6) Wiper blades

These should be replaced on a regular basis, particularly if you notice your wipers are not clearing up your windshield as effectively as before. Even if they are not visibly damaged, you should replace your blades at least once or twice a year. You will want to do this before the rainy season hits, too. Replacing these at home takes just a few minutes and usually doesn’t require any elaborate or expensive tools.


7) Cabin air filter

This is usually located somewhere within reach behind your car’s air-conditioning system. This thing ensures that the air passing through your car from the outside is clean once it goes inside the interior. Signs it needs replacing include reduced air circulation in the cabin, the A/C taking longer to heat or cool the car, a musty smell inside the car, and/or a whistling sound emanating from the A/C system. If you detect any of these signs, then it’s time you have the air filter checked and possibly replaced.



And there you have it. Check back on this list with every new year and your car should remain in serviceable order for years to come.



Got any more to add to our list?

UP scientists celebrate art and science as tools for healing and growth

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Science and art have always been intertwined, but the intersection between them has never been more important than at the crossroads of history.




The full video recording of “Intersections: How scientists use art to explore the world” can be found here: https://youtu.be/HcfuRM_OyWs

With the struggles and changes brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic still fresh in mind, scientists from the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science (UPD-CS) came together last February to look back on the things that helped them move above and beyond the bleakness of the times. Not surprisingly, art was a common denominator.

On February 24, UPD-CS’ free public webinar entitled “Intersections: How scientists use art to explore the world” featured speakers who told their personal stories to an audience of hundreds of people, many of whom were still reeling from years of lockdowns.

The panel consisted of the Institute of Biology’s (IB) Dr. Joyce Ibana, who paints flower art and children’s art to advocate for health and Dr. Erika Marie Bascos, who started painting during the pandemic as a form of therapy; Institute of Chemistry’s Dr. Hiyas Junio, who explores natural dyes through chemistry; the Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology’s Dr. Benjamin Vallejo Jr., who writes prose and poetry on natural history.


Synergism from integrating art, science, and innovation

Dr. Ibana shared her journey in the realms of science, art, and innovation. “My journey in science is relatively straightforward, unlike art which I find more chaotic and uncertain. There are many unknowns and human factors [in art], but this is when I was more in touch with my humanity.” She said innovation is a continuous iteration and prototyping process to improve things.

As a young girl, Dr. Ibana used to tag along with her parents, both educators in Daet, Camarines Norte. Seeing the chemicals and glassware in the school’s chemistry laboratory inspired her to become a chemist, which she proudly announced, to everyone’s surprise, during her graduation from Preparatory school. Even though she continued studying to become a scientist, her love for drawing and art remained in her blood, as she always illustrated models to explain her research.

Dr. Ibana’s study on Chlamydia trachomatis was used as the issue cover of the American journal “Infection and Immunity,” which she considered a significant milestone in her long journey as a scientist.

“What did you get out of this?” her mother asked her one day. “It was the most difficult question I’ve been asked in my whole journey as a scientist,” Dr. Ibana said. “My mother’s question prompted me to accept the invitation from the University of the Philippines to come home in 2013. Here, I found the joy of service in helping other younger generations of scientists realize their dream of becoming a scientist.”

The continuous pursuit of her research on Chlamydia trachomatis in the Philippines led Dr. Ibana to feel a strong desire to communicate the impact of science to humanity better. She painted flowers to express that Chlamydia is not a flower but a disease that can affect women and children. Some of her flower paintings were also included by an entrepreneur in one of their products. Dr. Ibana was fascinated with her ability to have something to give to the local industry.

“In science, our impact is based on citations. One of my most cited papers has 178 citations in about seven years. But when this one [art featured in products] happened, you give joy to many people, to 500 people [buyers of the products] in just three months. It’s very fascinating how art can impact people in a very small way,” Dr. Ibana said.

During the pandemic, Dr. Ibana created flowers and children's art to highlight the importance of holistic health. She created art featuring COVID-19 and immunology and art that narrates the challenges of being a Filipino scientist.

In her training as a university innovation fellow, Dr. Ibana learned that putting science and innovation together solves real-world problems. Adding art to the mix communicates the science behind the innovation and promotes the innovation to the world. “Putting the realms of art, science, and innovation together in a nurturing and enabling environment, I hypothesize, is what allows us to make a better social impact.”


Chemistry and colors in the context of local textiles

Dr. Junio’s extensive research on chemistry and natural dyes was a timely response to the surge in demand for natural dyes and textiles in the Philippines. In collaboration with the Philippine Textile Research Institute (PTRI), she assesses the quality of the natural indigo dyes produced from the Philippine indigo (Indigofera tinctoria). “Dyes from the Indigofera tinctoria are all considered indigo, but they actually have different colors. Some are pink, purple, or yellow. But it has something to do with the chemistry when they produce the dye.”

According to Dr. Junio, the molecules of the indigo dye undergo different chemical processes that result in various indigo components, such as indigotin (the blue component), indirubin (the red component), and isoindigo (the yellow-orange component). When mixed, these components would form different shades of indigo. “We wanted to ensure that the ones [indigo] produced by the local community have a higher indigotin content than the indirubin and the isoindigo,” she added.

Dr. Junio’s research analyzes small molecules from different sources, such as marine and plant extracts. The extractions they use for natural dyes follow the procedure suggested by PTRI’s handbook. “The molecule is broken down into pieces, and from those pieces, we can identify the particular structure of the molecule by using a reference library,” she explained.

Her research on natural indigo dyes will help standardize the indigo dyes sold in the country. This will give the Philippines a competitive edge and the capability to sell indigo dye powders outside the country for economic gain.

Aside fromnatural indigo dyes, Dr. Junio also researched producing dyes from endemic Philippine plants, such as katmon (Dillenia philipinensis), mabolo (Diospyros discolor), Mindanao gum tree (Eucalyptus deglupta), makopa (Syzygium samarangense), and makopang-kalabaw (Syzygium malaccense).

Dr. Junio and her team plan to give the UP College of Fine Arts natural dyes, which the College can use for its artwork.


Healing using botanical art

Despite being constantly surrounded by botanical drawings through her Rafflesia research and by instructing students to draw plant specimens, Dr. Bascos had no experience with painting and the arts.

It all changed when her daughters asked her to paint with them during the pandemic. Her youngest daughter asked her to paint flowers. Dr. Bascos then posted her paintings on social media. She received a lot of positive feedback, which motivated her to resume painting. Eventually, Dr. Bascos fell in love with painting as it helped her deal with anxiety and depression.


“Painting gave me an hour of peace per day and it’s nice to know that even a chaotic mind is still capable of creating something pretty,” Dr. Bascos said. “I didn’t really care if what I was doing was right or not, the technique or whatsoever, I just painted all my anxieties away.”

At some point, people started asking her if they could buy or commission a particular artwork, but Dr. Bascos was having a lot of self-doubt about her painting skills. Then, she met Bing Famoso, founder of the Philippine Botanical Art Society and the Philippine Fauna Art Society. Famoso, who uses acrylic paint as her medium, asked her to teach her how to paint using watercolor. “Imagine, it’s the founder of all these art societies asking me if I could teach her how to paint using watercolor, and I felt validated. After talking with Ma’am Bing, I was confident to accept commissions or even sell my paintings,” Dr. Bascos narrated.

After a year of painting, Dr. Bascos was able to join an online botanical art exhibition hosted by the Philippine Botanical Art Society with her portrait of the Medinilla magnifica.

Even though Dr. Bascos studies the Raflessia species, it’s a flower she hasn’t tried painting yet. “I’m super intimidated by the Raflessia. I’m so scared that my painting will look like donuts.”

She advises people who want to try painting to just go for it. “Don’t be scared to try something different. I was in my mid-30s when I started painting. You’re never too old to try or learn something new,” Dr. Bascos advised. “If you want to go into botanical art, I suggest you use the actual plant specimen instead of photos because I feel that the colors are better if you see them in person.”


Perceiving creatures through literature

“One way to make [science] come alive is to put them in words,” said Dr. Vallejo as he showed a photo of a Sally Lightfoot crab, one of the species Nobel laureate John Steinbeck Jr. described in his travelogue, The Log from the Sea of Cortez. Dr. Vallejo opined that the environment provides material for writing prose; writers of natural history manuals even try to put their scientific observations into prose.

“This is the point about the arts, the humanities, and the sciences,” he explained. “They are ways of gaining knowledge about the world. Their approaches are rather different, but the impetus to do so is more or less the same.”

Dr. Vallejo also mentioned the works of marine biologist and writer Rachel Carson, whose books, such as Silent Spring influenced the global environmental movement. “We need science to improve, but the impetus to commit to improvement may be found in humanities with sciences in it,” he concluded. 

The full video recording of “Intersections: How scientists use art to explore the world” can be found here: https://youtu.be/HcfuRM_OyWs

Written by Eunice Jean Patron, UPD-CS SciComm

DOST-SEI mobile lab makes science lessons exciting for Bulacan students

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When the NuLab:STEM in Motion bus of the Department of Science and Technology - Science Education Institute arrived in the rural town of San Rafael, Bulacan last February 27, the students of Maronquillo National High School did not expect they were going to take off to an exciting and fun-filled science adventure.

Unlike the Science Explorer which visited them in 2015, the bright, yellow-colored bus is more spacious, mimicking a science laboratory set-up and is equipped with more interactive and state-of-the art facilities. It caters primarily to senior high school students with advanced science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) modules focusing on science and technology careers facilitated by the country’s top scientists and experts.

In one session, students were amazed as they explored the unseen world of microbes. The module, discussed by University of the Philippines Diliman Assistant Professor Mark Tolentino, was an introduction to microbiology and allowed the students to use a microscope for the first time.

Caption: A Grade 11 student attentively observed the specimen under a microscope as they began their activity for the microbiology session.

Another STEM session enjoyed by the learners was the chemistry experiment about light and colors facilitated by Ms. Michelle Macalingmot of the Philippines Science High School. Using the provided colorimeter, students were able to identify the amount of light absorbed by the different given solutions.

Caption: A group of Grade 12 students pouring distilled water into the test tubes for their experiment during the chemistry session.

Meanwhile, the sky viewing and astronomy session by Mr. Lordnico Mendoza of DOST-PAGASA is a favorite among students and teachers as they got the chance to have a glimpse of the moon, planet Jupiter and different constellations through the telescopes installed by the NuLab team. Inside the bus, the students were also excited as they virtually traveled around the world and outer space using an astronomy software called Stellarium.

Caption: A student having a glimpse of the moon during the sky viewing held last February 27 at the school grounds of Maronquillo National High School.

Caption: Grade 11 and Grade 12 STEM students took a picture inside the NuLab bus after the astronomy session with Mr. Lordnico Mendoza.

Within the four-day visit of NuLab in Maronquillo, around 250 junior and senior high school students discovered their potential in STEM.

“Marami akong natutunan at higit sa lahat kami ay nag-enjoy sa mga activities. We are so grateful that you are willing to help students to become interested in science and for giving us the opportunity to be part of this program,” said Clariza Valderama, a Grade 11 student in the ABM strand who now considers taking a STEM related course in college.

Caption: Grade 10 students pose for a group photo with chemistry module facilitator Ms. Michelle Macalingmot outside the NuLab bus.

The NuLab bus was first launched in 2019 and aims to bring science closer to the youth, especially in rural areas. After a two-year pandemic hiatus, it went back again to the road in 2022 and since then, it has been traveling to schools in underserved areas to provide students with access to quality science education.

“Our goal is to extend our service to the grassroots level and ultimately, make our students choose science as an area of study when they reach college and later as a career. We hope that through this project, you’ll get to start a path in S&T,” shared Mr. Randolf Sasota, Officer-in-Charge of DOST-SEI Science Technology Manpower Education and Research Promotion Division.

Aside from the STEM sessions aboard the NuLab bus, students were also given an orientation on the various scholarships that DOST-SEI offers to incoming college students through the #Push4Science: Maging DOST scholar ka! Campaign.

Through the students’ experience inside the NuLab and #Push4Science campaign, DOST-SEI is hopeful that more students are inspired to be future engineers, scientists, inventors, and innovators who will help contribute to the country’s development.

“With the scholarships that the Institute is offering, we hope to develop and produce a world-class S&T human resource as this is an important component of our socio-economic development. As long as there are students who show interest and potential to become S&T professionals, DOST-SEI shall remain committed to provide them opportunities to reach their dreams,” DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette Biyo said in a statement.

Caption: Students inside the bus also get an orientation on the undergraduate scholarships offered by DOST-SEI through the #Push4Science: Maging DOST Scholar Ka! Campaign.

 
The NuLab bus is scheduled to visit more public high schools in the Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, and Bohol in the succeeding months.

FDCP acquires four award-winning titles; continues to bring world cinema to Pinoy audiences

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With the goal to bring world cinema and make critically-acclaimed titles even more accessible to Filipino audiences, the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) has acquired the rights to four new titles from Belgium, Austria, Cambodia, and United Kingdom.

Charlotte Wells’ “Aftersun” (2022) tells the story of Sophie as she reflects on the joy and melancholy of a holiday she took with her father 20 years earlier. The film took home the French Touch Prize of the Critics’ Week Jury at the 75th Cannes International Film Festival.

Another Cannes-winning title FDCP acquired is Marie Kreutzer’s “Corsage” (2022) which depicts the life of Empress Elizabeth of Austria, told on a fictional account. The film won the Cannes Un Certain Regard Section’s Best Performance Award for Vicky Krieps’ portrayal of Empress Elizabeth. It also had its PH premiere during the 10th QCinema International Film Festival.

Davy Chou’s “Return to Seoul” follows the life of a 25-year-old French woman as she returns to her birthplace, South Korea, after being adopted to a French family. She then decides to track down her biological parents but her journey takes a surprising turn. Chou’s film won international acclaim in various film festivals like Asia Pacific Screen Awards, Athens International Film Festival, and Belfast Film Festival among others. Likewise, it also had its PH Premiere during the 10th QCinema International Film Festival and bagged the Jury Prize award.

Finally, 75th Cannes International Film Festival Grand Prix Prize Winner “Close” (2022) directed by Lukas Dhont depicts the lives of 13-year-olds Leo and Remi as they slowly drift apart after their relationship is questioned by their schoolmates. Dhont’s film also got the nod of the Academy Awards when it got nominated for the Best International Feature category.

More than its aim to encourage audiences to return to the cinemas, FDCP, through its Audience Development Program, aims to further expose moviegoers to titles that would help them expand their horizons.

The screening of these films will be held in select theatres nationwide and the FDCP’s very own Cinematheque Centres in Manila, Nabunturan, Davao, Iloilo, and Negros.

Follow us on social media to stay updated in our screening schedules.

New documentary offers hope for vanishing mangroves

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Mangrove deforestation is a global crisis, but this scientist-turned-filmmaker has found hope in a small Southern Tagalog town where culture and nature intersect in surprising ways.

View the full teaser trailer of Dr. Lemnuel Aragones’ Bakawan here: https://youtu.be/VlnSo3gn73U. The documentary is set to have its free public premiere on March 27, 2023 (Monday), at 1:00 PM at the Institute of Biology (IB) Auditorium, UP Diliman.

​​The Philippines is the second worst country in terms of mangrove losses in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN): it suffered a 10.5% decline between 1990 and 2010, according to independent studies cited in a recent comprehensive survey. The country is surpassed only by Myanmar, which suffered a 27.6% loss between 2000 and 2014.

With mangrove decline continuing largely unchecked, coastal communities that have depended on these forests for generations face losing the heart not just of their food, fuel, shelter, and livelihood, but also of their very culture. But for Dr. Lemnuel Aragones, a marine biologist and former director of the University of the Philippines - Diliman College of Science Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology (UPD-CS IESM), all is not yet lost.

Dr. Aragones’ debut documentary, Bakawan (the Tagalog term for mangroves), tells the story of the people of Alabat Island in Quezon Province, a five-hour drive and an hour’s ferry ride away from the nation’s capital. Shot during the COVID-19 pandemic lockdown, the film delves into the townspeoples’ renewed relationship with the mangroves that they call home. With the theme, “Kahalagahan, isyus, at pagpapanumbalik,” Bakawan explores the human story of living in and with Alabat’s estuarian mangrove forest.

A collaboration between Dr. Aragones and UP Film Institute Associate Professor and filmmaker Nick Deocampo, Bakawan is part of the IESM’s 20th founding anniversary celebration this year. It is the only science-oriented video among the ten entries to the UP Emerging Interdisciplinary Research Grant’s (EIDR’s) Cinema for Education: Rationalizing the Philippine Audio-visual Industry to Promote Inclusive Education Through Film Literacy.

Funded by the UP Office of the Vice President for Academic Affairs (OVPAA), the Cinema Education research project explored ways to improve audio-visual materials for Philippine schools, such as by looking at how documentaries could be used to supplement and augment existing teaching and learning methods.

The COVID-19 pandemic emphasized the need to improve the traditional Philippine education system, with educators and students around the globe relying on technology to teach and learn. With a vision to have an audio-visual industry that complements digital technology in creating educational content, Cinema for Education aims to integrate image-based learning, such as utilizing films and videos, and digital technologies into the current word-based Philippine education system.

“We are exploring ways to maximize the utility of cinema for education by promoting inclusive education in the Philippines,” Dr. Aragones explained.

Honda, C&E Publishing, GBF invest in Young Filipino Innovators through DOST-SEI's 6th imake.wemake

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Innovators will see more support from big players in the field of science, technology, and innovation as the Department of Science and Technology – Science Education Institute signs Memorandum of Agreement with Honda Cars Philippines, Inc. (HCPI), C&E Publishing, Inc. (CEPI), and Gokongwei Brothers Foundation (GBF) in the 6th edition of the imake.wemake:create.innovate.collaborate competition.

The signing ceremony, held on March 13, 2023 at the Sequoia Hotel – Manila Bay, Parañaque City, kicks off this year’s series of events for the imake.wemake competition, which is making its in-person comeback after two years of virtual runs.

Caption:
[L-R] DOST-SEI's sign partnership agreement to boost the promotion of science, technology and innovation among the youth. Dr. Josette T. Biyo, HCPI’s Atty. Louie Soriano, C&E Publishing’s Ms. Asela V. Javier and Ms. Graciela E. Mendoza.

Through the partnership, 20 finalists of the imake.wemake competition will have the chance to receive the C&E Adaptive Learning Solutions (ALS) Innovation Award, the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation Young Scientist Award, and three (3) Youth Innovation Prize awards with Php 200,000.00 cash grant each courtesy of HCPI.

DOST-SEI Director Dr. Josette T. Biyo expressed her gratitude to the partners who are investing in young Filipino innovators.

“I believe that through our partnership, more doors of opportunities will be opened, and more young people will be primed to become scientists and innovators – creating and collaborating for a better future,” said Dr Biyo.

Honda Cars Philippines, Inc.'s Vice President, Atty. Louie Soriano, congratulated DOST-SEI for the continuous success of the imake.wemake competition and affirms its oneness with the advocacy of promoting science, technology, engineering and mathematics in the country.

Ms. Asela V. Javier, business development and product marketing senior manager of C&E Publishing, Inc., delivered the message of support and gratitude of CEPI’s Chief Operations Officer, Mr. John Emyl Eugenio.

Ms. Graciela E. Mendoza of the Gokongwei Brothers Foundation, who has been DOST-SEI's partner in the competition since 2021 also graced the event and honored the young Filipino innovators’ role in forwarding innovation and boosting the country’s human resource capital in S&T.

After the signing ceremony, the top 20 school-teams from all-over the Philippines also began their first day in the 6th imake.wemake Bootcamp: Interfacing with the Arduino Platform and Electronics.

This year’s run of the imake.wemake received a total of 89 project proposals from public and private high schools nationwide. It is the biggest number of proposals received since its debut in 2017.

The finalists for the 6th imake.wemake are:

1. Alabel National Science High School - Regional Science High School for Region XII - "Project HAMOWG: Automated Atmospheric Potable Water Generator from Fog, Cool, and Warm Air"

2. Alaminos City National High School - “Automated Drying and Quality Controlling System for Rice Varieties”

3. Babag National High School - “CORNED: Communication Offline Response Network during Emergency Disasters”

4. Bansud National High School – Regional Science High School for MIMAROPA - “POXIFIER: An Assistive Medical Screening Device For Selected Skin Diseases Using Machine Learning Ensemble Embedded in a Mobile Application”

5. Cavite Science Integrated School - “ Project Kalinga: Geolocation Estimation of Forest Activities Using Triangulation and Sound Classification”

6. General Santos City National High School - “Barangay Automated Medicine Machine: A Solar-Powered Dispensing Device for Barangay Health Centers”

7. Iligan City National High School - "Pyre-Ranger: A Hybrid Eco-Friendly and Power-Sufficient Portable Incinerator for Personal Protective Gears and Plastics"

8. Jose Panganiban National High School - “TRITON: Underwater Drone for Detection and Removal of Crown-of-Thorns Starfish”

9. Kidapawan City National High School - “SAGIPMOKO: Emergency Search and Rescue Robot”

10. La Consolacion College Bacolod - “Project M.H.A.Y.A. (Maintenance and Harvest Automation using YOLO Algorithm): A Solar-powered Hydroponic Mushroom Farming Device”

11. Lala National High School - “Automated Calamansi Harvesting Robot”

12. Luis Palad Integrated High School - “Deep Learning ALPS: An Ensemble Model Device for the Detection of Rice Blast Disease (Magnaporthe oryzae) and Rice Field Soil Amendments with SMS Alert Reporting System”

13. Mamali National High School - “School-Based Four-Wheeled Cellphone Controlled Fire Fighting Robot”

14. Narvacan National Central High School - “Go, Grow, Glow: Green Tech Aquaponics”

15. Philippine Science High School - CALABARZON - “SAMGIOP: Development of an IoT-based Sensory Device for the Monitoring of Leaf Damage and Abiotic Factors in Cabbage (Brassica rapa subsp. pekinensis) using Raspberry Pi”

16. Polangui General Comprehensive High School - “Prototype Arduino Programmed Agribot”

17. Tabalong National High School - “PROJECT APPRA or Automatic Pick and Place Robotic Arm with the Combination of EV3 and Arduino”

18. Tanauan City Integrated High School - “Project HEXADS: Automated IoT-based Intelligent Capturing and Rearing Device for Endangered Sardinella tawilis (Herre, 1927) Conservation in Ex Situ Captivity”

19. University of Saint Louis – Tuguegarao - “Project FLAME: Flood Alert Monitoring & Eco-conscious Vessel Powered by Arduino System”

20. Vinzons Pilot High School - “E-quia: Remotely Operated Electrostatic Collector of Microplastics and Other Pollutants in Freshwater Environments”

Cover Photo Caption:

Top 20 school-teams pose for a photo with the officials of DOST-SEI, HCPI, C&E Publishing, Inc., and GBF as they are about to begin the first day of the 6th imake.wemake bootcamp.

Leisure and Resorts World Corporation changes name to DigiPlus Interactive Corp.

Wazzup Pilipinas!?




One of the leading providers in the leisure and entertainment industry, Leisure & Resorts World Corporation (LRWC) is now known as DigiPlus Interactive Corporation (DigiPlus).

LRWC, one of the top experts in the retail gaming market, announced today that it has officially changed its name to DigiPlus Interactive Corp. following its receipt of the SEC "Certificate of Filing of Amended Articles of Incorporation" which the SEC issued on 28 February 2023.

The company has been sharing its expertise in the retail gaming market for more than 20 years and has continuously provided world-class multi-gaming platforms with a strong distribution network of entertainment sites all over the country. Along with the name change, the company pledges better services and products from all of the company’s subsidiaries and related companies.

“The company welcomes this change because we strategically thought of and created a stronger identity that will help us become the best version of what we are as a company. Our new brand name reflects what we are all about: fun, innovation, advanced technology, digitalization and most of all, collaboration,” said Andy Tsui, DigiPlus Interactive Corp. President. “We’re very thrilled to share with all of you what we have prepared this year.”

PLDT Group and Nokia advocate for a digitally empowered business landscape

Wazzup Pilipinas!?



Many research studies have shown that digital transformation remains to be a fundamental strategy for businesses to stay relevant. Harvard Business Review predicts game-changing technologies like 5G, AI, and the cloud to be front-runners for mass adoption in the next few years while global management consulting firm McKinsey & Company reports that 71% of the 79 largest consumer firms globally have already put down stakes in the metaverse. And as businesses today are faced with challenges on sustainability, it is achievable through data-driven insights and innovative solutions.

These were the trending topics during the Philippine Digital Convention 2022 (PH Digicon). PLDT Enterprise, the business arm of the largest fully integrated telco services provider PLDT, discussed how innovations are expected to change the business landscape after the pandemic during the panel discussion, “Going Beyond the Future of Tech.”

The panel, moderated by PLDT and Smart FVP and Group Head of Corporate Communications, Catherine Yap-Yang, was joined by ePLDT President and CEO, Victor Genuino, Nokia Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia, Daniel Jaeger, and Cisco IOT APJC Senior Sales Director, Simon Rizkallah.

ePLDT President and CEO, Victor Genuino, talked about enterprises adapting to digital change, to respond to evolving needs of their customers.

“Enterprises have realized that in order to remain relevant to their customers, they have to digitally transform, disrupt themselves and the way they conduct business,” says ePLDT President and CEO, Victor Genuino.

Nokia Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia, Daniel Jaeger, discussed the digital transformation happening from within their organization.

When it comes to disruption, global tech giant Nokia is a pioneer. Operating in various industries for over 155 years, it wasn’t until the 1990s that Nokia focused its operations on large-scale telecommunications infrastructure, technology development, and licensing. Since then, Nokia has been operating in 130 countries, won nine Nobel prizes, and has been a trusted partner for critical networks, committed to innovation and technology leadership across mobile, fixed, and cloud networks. They have gone from ‘connecting people’ to now ‘helping the world act together’.

“Indeed, the tagline that we are carrying now is much bigger than the previous one,” shares Daniel Jaeger, Nokia Vice President and Head of Southeast Asia. “It has not completely changed, but…became a bit bigger. Yes, we are still connecting people with technology that we provide with the networks that we build and partners like Smart and PLDT, but it goes way beyond that.”

Just like the theme for the 2022 conference, Nokia continues to embody what it means to be ‘boundless’ going above and beyond for its partners and customers and expanding their technology portfolio to help build the capabilities needed for a more productive, sustainable, and inclusive post-pandemic world.

Adding to Nokia’s commitment and capabilities is their pledge towards an environmentally friendly and sustainable future. As they said at the 26th United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP26 climate summit in November 2021: “There is no green without digital.” Nokia wants to lead the way on the global stage in making the case for digitalization as central to addressing the climate challenge.

Jaeger echoed this commitment when he said, “Of course, we start at home, and the first question is how do we make the networks that we build as efficient and as green as possible?”

“It’s not just a job that we have to do,” he explains further. “But it’s really a contribution that we as the communications industry, in a broader sense, need to do.”

Nokia has made the call for accelerated digitalization and green energy uptake and has committed to use 100% renewable electricity in its own operations by 2025.

ePLDT, on the other hand, has been an advocate of sustainability by pushing for greener data centers in the country. Genuino believes that sustainability starts with the customers. “They've been asking us difficult questions that push us to reassess how we run our business,” he says. “It’s our customers that drive us to be innovative in the way we build [our] data centers, source power and manage our operations.”

More than servicing its customers, it has been one of the PLDT Group's core values to champion a sustainable future as it continues to build infrastructures to improve the country's digital ecosystem.

From helping the world connect to ensuring that it does so in as green as possible, Nokia and the PLDT Group are paving the way for the future– in building a sustainable and transformative tomorrow.

PH Digicon remains to be the Philippines’ most prestigious, and one of the most sought-after digital thought leadership events in APAC that brings together global thought leaders and technology experts from across all industries. For more information, visit https://pldtenterprise.com/.

Navigating the Complexities of Title Transfer in the Philippines: Expert Tips and Advice

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Buying or selling a property in the Philippines can be daunting, especially regarding the complexities of title transfer. With so many legal and technical requirements, it's easy to feel overwhelmed and unsure of where to start. Fortunately, expert tips and advice are available to guide you through the process and ensure a smooth and successful transfer.

This article will share tips and advice for ensuring a hassle-free transfer and avoiding common pitfalls. Whether you're a first-time buyer or a seasoned investor, these insights will help you make informed decisions and protect your interests every step of the way. So, let's dive in and explore the world of title transfer in the Philippines!

 

Understanding the basics of title transfer in the Philippines

Before we dive into the details of title transfer, it's important to understand the basics. In the Philippines, transferring property ownership is governed by several laws, including the Civil Code, the Property Registration Decree, and the Land Registration Authority (LRA) Rules and Regulations. These laws set out the legal and technical requirements that must be met for a valid transfer.

One of the key requirements for title transfer in the Philippines is issuing a new certificate of title. This certificate serves as proof of ownership and must be registered with the LRA to become valid. The transfer process typically involves several steps, including the preparation of legal documents, payment of transfer taxes and fees, and verification of the authenticity of the title.

It's also important to note that there are different types of titles in the Philippines, each with requirements and restrictions. These include the Torrens Title, the most commonly used title for registered land, and the Tax Declaration, which is used for unregistered land. Understanding the type of title you are dealing with is crucial for ensuring a successful transfer.

 

The legal and technical requirements for title transfer

Several vital documents and steps must be completed for a valid transfer.

● Deed of Sale

The Deed of Sale is a legal document that serves as proof of the transfer of ownership of the property for sale in the Philippines from the seller to the buyer. It outlines the terms and conditions of the sale, including the purchase price, payment terms, and other relevant details. This document must be notarized and registered with the Register of Deeds.

● Certificate of Title

The Certificate of Title is a legal document that proves property ownership. It must be transferred from the seller to the buyer through a process known as registration. In addition, the title must be clear of any liens or encumbrances, and any outstanding taxes and fees must be paid before the transfer occurs.

● Tax Declaration

The Tax Declaration is a document that serves as proof of the assessment of the property for tax purposes. Therefore, it must be updated to reflect the new owner and the new use of the property after the transfer.

● Transfer Taxes and Fees

Several transfer taxes and fees must be paid for a valid transfer to take place. These include the capital gains tax, documentary stamp tax, transfer tax, and registration fees. The amount of these fees varies depending on the value of the property and the location.

● Verification of Title

Fundamentally, you must verify the title's authenticity before proceeding with the transfer. This involves checking the title against the records of the LRA and ensuring that there are no discrepancies or issues that could affect the transfer. The LRA plays a crucial role in title transfer in the Philippines. They maintain the records of all registered land and ensure that all transfers are valid and legal. Therefore, buyers should always check the title against the LRA records to ensure no discrepancies or issues could affect the transfer.

 

Expert tips for a successful and hassle-free title transfer

In ensuring a successful and hassle-free transfer, there are things to do first as part of foregrounding.

1) Work with a real estate lawyer

A real estate lawyer can provide invaluable guidance throughout the transfer process, ensuring all legal requirements are met and protecting your interests. As a valuable asset throughout the title transfer process, the lawyer can provide guidance on legal and technical requirements, conduct due diligence, and negotiate the terms of the sale. They can also help ensure that all transfer taxes and fees are paid and that the transfer is completed smoothly and efficiently. A title transfer service provider in the Philippines can help, if not a lawyer.

2) Conduct due diligence

Conducting due diligence before purchasing a property can help avoid unexpected issues and expenses, such as outstanding taxes or liens. This includes checking the authenticity of the title, verifying the ownership and use of the property, and ensuring that all taxes and fees are up to date. In guaranteeing the authenticity of property titles in the Philippines, the buyers should always check the title against the records of the LRA and ensure that there are no discrepancies or issues that could affect the transfer. They should also be wary of fraudulent titles, which consulting with a real estate lawyer can help.

3) Minimize transfer taxes and fees

Title transfer can be expensive. Nonetheless, there are several strategies buyers can use to minimize the transfer taxes and fees, such as negotiating the purchase price or taking advantage of tax exemptions or deductions. Of course, one must work closely with their real estate lawyer to ensure all fees and taxes are paid correctly.

4) Be patient

Whether you buy a property for sale in Pasig or Makati, the transfer process can be lengthy and complex, but patience is key. Buyers should be prepared for delays and unexpected issues and work closely with their real estate lawyer to ensure a successful transfer.

Title transfer in the Philippines can be complex and challenging. Still, buyers can confidently navigate the process with the proper guidance and advice. With these tips and insights, you can confidently and confidently navigate title transfer in the Philippines.

TM's Newest Superheroes, The Extendables, Baninay and Gaiapoly, Extend Good Vibes to Students in U-belt

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

If you got the pawer to extend help to others so they can achieve something in life, even as simple as winning in a random game for extra cash, wouldn’t you go for it? This is exactly what TM Ambassadors, Baninay and Gaiapoly did one afternoon, bringing fun and excitement to students at the University Belt in Manila.

YouTuber Baninay and TikTok Star Gaiapoly turned into superheroes called “The Extendables” to help students answer tough questions for a chance to win P1,000 to add to their allowances. Unsuspecting students became ecstatic and grateful when the tandem came out from nowhere, using their “pawer” to extend help to get the right answers so they can win the prize.

To have the pawer of extension means a great deal for many. For Baninay, she would want to have the pawer to extend the good relationship she has with her friends, family, and her partner because she values her loved ones more than anything else. Meanwhile, Gaiapoly hopes for her parents to have an extended life, so she has more chances to take care and provide for them. For her, extending the good vibes and building a great life for her family is the best achievement she can get.

We Got Da Pawer with TM EasySURF 50 FREE EXTEND

Just like what Baninay and Gaiapoly did to extend the fun to others, TM also wants to give its customers the pawer of free extend, so they can achieve more diskarte in life, especially for students who need extra help with their studies or want to have fun with their friends while learning.

TM's EASYSURF50 FREE EXTEND is a sulit pawer move that gives Ka-TMs the most value out of their data promo by PLUS ONE DAY FREE to maximize their unused open-access GBs to enjoy online gaming, viral video and dance trends, and more with their friends and family. With TM, WE GOT DA PAWER!

Ka-TMs can get the best out of this offer until April 30, 2023 by registering to EasySURF50 and texting “Free Extend” to 8080. This one-day free extend freebie can be claimed once for every active EASYSURF 50 registration.

Catch how the TM Extendables shared good vibes, fun, and diskarte moves to our ka-TMs here, and to know more about TM’s latest offers, visit TM Tambayan in all social media channels




Pinakabagong TM Superheroes na the Extendables, Baninay at Gaiapoly, Nag-Extend ng Good Vibes sa U-belt!

Kung meron kang pawer para i-extend ang tulong sa iba, kahit pa simpleng sagot lang ‘yan sa isang challenge para manalo ng extra cash, gagawin mo ba? ‘Yan ang mismong ginawa ng TM Ambassadors na sina Baninay at Gaiapoly na nagbigay good vibes sa mga students sa University Belt sa Manila.

Nag-transform ang YouTuber na si Baninay at TikTok Star Gaiapoly as superheroes na tinatawag na “The Extendables” para tulungan ang mga students na manalo ng P1,000 sa isang “Tagisan ng Talino Challenge”. Grabe ang good vibes na na-feel ng students nang lumabas ang dalawa at ginamit ang kanilang PAWER TO EXTEND the right answers para siguradong makuha ang premyo na pwedeng pang dagdag allowance nila.

Malaking bagay ang pawer to extend. Para kay Baninay, kung meron siya nito, gagamitin niya ito para i-extend ang good relationship niya with her friends, family, at partner dahil ito ang pinaka mahalagang bagay para sa kanya. Si Gaiapoly naman ay gustong i-extend pa ang buhay ng kanyang mga magulang para patuloy pa niya silang maalagaan at mabigyan ng magandang buhay. Para sa kanya, ang pag-extend ng good vibes at great life sa kanyang pamilya ay ang kanyang best achievement.



We Got Da Pawer with TM EASYSURF 50 FREE EXTEND

Katulad ng ginawa nina Baninay at Gaiapoly na pag-extend ng good vibes sa iba, gusto rin ng TM na magamit ng mga Ka-TM ang PAWER ng FREE EXTEND para mas achieve pa ang good vibes araw-araw, lalo na sa pag-aaral.

Ang TM EASYSURF 50 FREE EXTEND ay isang sulit pawer move na tinutulungan ang mga Ka-TM na talagang masulit ang kanilang data promo with PLUS ONE DAY FREE para magamit ang kanilang unused open-access GBs para sa tuluy-tuloy na online gaming, panunuod ng online videos at Tiktok, at iba pa kasama ang pamilya at barkada. Dahil sa TM, WE GOT DA PAWER!

Kayang-kaya i-achieve ng mga Ka-TM ang sulit pawer move na ito! Mag-register lang sa EasySURF 50, tapos i-text ang “Free Extend” sa 8080. Ang freebie na ito ay pwedeng i-claim isang beses bawat EasySURF 50 promo registration hanggang April 30, 2023.

Sundan dito kung paano nagdala ng good vibes at diskarte moves ang TM Extendables sa mga Ka-TM at i-check ang TM Tambayan sa lahat ng social media channels for the latest TM offers. Dahil sa TM, #WeGotDaPawer!

Lolas, Mothers, Sisters for the Environment: Women Help Conserve Biodiversity in Antiqu

Wazzup Pilipinas!?


The Sibalom Natural Park in Antique was devoid of trees after the Second World War. Reforestation efforts have once more covered the area in a mix of native and introduced trees. Spanning 6778.44 hectares, the park hosts endangered birds like hornbills, plus Rafflesia speciosa, one of 13 Rafflesia species present in the Philippines. 

“We have planted over 10,000 seedlings in those mountains,” gestures Villa Abagon, a 70-year old Forest Warden from Barangay Cabladan in the highlands of Antique. Heavily-denuded after the Second World War, the Sibalom Natural Park slowly regained its forest cover with the help of a few determined mothers, sisters and lolas.

Though most of the country’s Bantay Gubat and Bantay Dagat (Forest and Coastal Wardens) are grizzled, hardened men, Lola Villa has been patrolling the woods and planting native trees as a female Forest Warden for over 40 years.

The mothers of conservation, many women have become icons for the environment – Dr. Jane Goodall, Dr. Sylvia Earle, even young climate campaigner Greta Thunberg. The Greek personification of Planet Earth, Gaia, is a woman. Philippine tribes once revered the Babaylan, typically an elder woman who was part healer and part intermediary into the realm of spirits.

In many countries however, women’s voices are still marginalized and unheeded. They may be ignored or undermined, which is why the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and United Nations Development Programme’s Biodiversity Finance Initiative (DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN) is working to mainstream gender equality in all aspects of governance and decision-making across 41 countries, including the Philippines.

To celebrate Women’s Month this March, let’s meet the women protecting and sustainably managing their home forests in Antique. “They showcase how women can make conservation more effective despite being busy with household chores, farming and other income generating work, plus their never-ending tasks as duty bearers,” says Anabelle Plantilla, National Project Manager for DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN. “These women put great value, time and effort into protecting our forests. This is their avowed commitment.”

 

From Offices to Field Sites

“It’s been 35 years since I started working at the DENR,” muses Cynthia Blancia, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer for Antique. “In my experience, women make great mediators as they are nonthreatening and open to quiet discussions, able to listen to and draw out people’s ideas. Almost all of our line managers and section heads are women here.”

Cynthia says she never experienced discrimination as the DENR is fair, progressive and gender-neutral. “Food preparation is usually led by women. For fieldwork, we regularly hire both men and women as rangers and park wardens. Men and women have complementary skill sets. Though not as physically strong or tough as men, women are often more thorough and have a flair for style and beauty.”

Across Philippine offices and field sites, women are doing their part for conservation. The women rangers of the Sibalom Natural Park are no exception, keeping loggers at bay, planting both upland crops and native trees, even extinguishing the occasional deadly brush fire.

 
“My scariest moment as a Bantay Gubat was when we had to put out a raging fire. Even today, I can feel the searing heat, hear the crackling of dry leaves, the sizzle of timber. That was a long time ago – but I can still see flames eating up part of a mountain,” recalls Forest Ranger Lumen Tiongco.

Working alongside men, Lumen and other women rangers regularly clear brush to create fire lines, making the Sibalom Natural Park safer for visitors. “We also stop honey collectors from smoking out bees from their hives. As we learned the hard way, forests and fire can be a fiery combination.”

 

Next Generation of Women Leaders

“The woods provide us with an endless array of non-timber products. We can harvest vines and leaves like Bakan, Balud, Bulo, Pandan, Rattan and Tapuyay to fashion hats, bags, baskets, hammocks, twine and anything else we can sell to augment our families’ incomes,” says People’s Organization president Fe Geraldes Lonasco while showing off various locally-made handicrafts.

In return, People’s Organizations actively work to protect forests, sending out teams of volunteer wardens. “We don’t just protect these mountains. We help keep useful forest products flowing.”

Though most farmers and rangers are in their 40s or older, there’s a new generation of young women determined to take on their work.

“We had a brilliant biology teacher in school and I wanted to be just like her. I was eventually accepted at the DENR and I couldn’t be happier,” shares Sibalom Protected Area Management Office staff Elizabeth Ann Daquipil. “Today, we study and protect breathtaking areas like the Sibalom Natural Park, home to giant Rafflesia flowers and endangered birds like Walden’s and Tarictic Hornbills. It’s just as I always dreamed. Biology!”

The United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal Five (SDG-5) focuses on pursuing real and sustained gender equality. UNDP recognizes that truly sustainable human development can never be achieved unless women are able to contribute on an equal basis with men in their respective societies. “Promoting gender equality in all projects is just one aspect of DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN’s work to develop and implement inclusive funding mechanisms to sustain biodiversity conservation,” adds UNDP Resident Representative Dr. Selva Ramachandran. “Enhancing the capacity of women can help community members – both men and women – escape poverty.”

As they have for decades, the lolas, mothers and sisters of the Sibalom Park in Antique continue to serve as stewards of nature, helping make forests safer and more productive for all.

“I’m near the end of my days and know that I won’t see many of the trees we plant grow tall,” muses Lola Villa. “I won’t see them, but my 15 grandchildren will. What we plant today connects our generation to theirs. Like our kids, these new forests are our legacy.” 





Captioned Images:

Grandmother of Trees. Villa Abagon shows off hundreds of native tree seedlings ready for planting. “Our nurseries shelter Adlawan, Labnog, Narra, Nato, Tabuyog and many other native trees.” Lola Villa estimates she and her fellow Forest Wardens have planted over 10,000 trees in and around the Sibalom Natural Park in Antique. (Gregg Yan / DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN)

 
Food of the Gods. Freshly-harvested Cacao fruits at the foothills of the Sibalom Natural Park. “Aside from native trees, we also plant commercially important crops like Cacao, Coffee and fruit-bearing trees like Bananas,” says Lola Villa. (Gregg Yan / DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN)

 
Gifts of the Forest. “The woods provide us with an endless array of non-timber products. We can harvest vines and leaves like Bakan, Balud, Bulo, Pandan, Rattan and Tapuyay to fashion hats, bags, baskets, hammocks, twine and anything else we can sell to augment our incomes,” says People’s Organization president Fe Geraldes Lonasco. Non Timber Forest Products (NTFPs) are commodities which naturally grow in forests and require little to no upkeep. (Gregg Yan / DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN)

 
Celebrating Women’s Month. National Women’s Month is celebrated in the Philippines each March. Shown are the participants of UNDP-BIOFIN’s gender workshop, held on 8 February 2023 at Barangay Imparayan, right outside the Sibalom Natural Park in Antique. (Gregg Yan / DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN)

Mainstreaming Gender Equality. UNDP-BIOFIN works to promote gender equality across all aspects of its work with government and private sector partners. (Gregg Yan / DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN)

 
Handy Handicrafts. Coin purses, necklaces and bracelets are just some of the many useful items hewn out of NTFPs in Antique. Crafted mainly by women artisans, these make good souvenirs and augment the income of many families. (Gregg Yan / DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN)

The Next Generation. At 27, young Elizabeth Ann Daquipil is part of a new corps of women environmentalists, working to protect Philippine national parks one tree, one hectare, one day at a time. (Gregg Yan / DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN)

Cover photo: Grizzled Grandma. One of Sibalom’s tough lolas takes a break from her farming duties – and her thick, smoking tobacco. (Gregg Yan / DENR-UNDP-BIOFIN)