Sec Loyzaga of DENR: Invest in rainwater collection

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DENR, SM Prime calls on cities to innovate and invest in water-saving technologies to avert water crisis


At the multi-stakeholder forum, “Towards a Greener Footprint”, in Iloilo City recently, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga shared solutions-focused guidelines to help the local government reduce carbon footprint, with emphasis on water conservation to address the looming water crisis and increase access to safe water and sanitation. From left to right: Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, journalist Ces Drilon, Secretary Loyzaga, urban planning and landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) co-chair Michaela Rossette Santo-Tayag and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio. Photo credits to Arnold Almacen/Iloilo City Office of the Mayor.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading real estate developers in Southeast Asia, recently called on local public officials to avoid the extraction of groundwater and, instead, invest in rainwater collection for recycling and impoundment, as well as explore new technologies such as modular desalination and modular sewage treatment plants, to manage the effects of climate change on the country’s water resources.

 

At the multi-stakeholder forum, “Towards a Greener Footprint”, in Iloilo City recently, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga shared solutions-focused guidelines to help the local government reduce carbon footprint, with emphasis on water conservation to address the looming water crisis and increase access to safe water and sanitation.

“We need to invest in the appropriate engineering and infrastructure to deliver water from the source,” Secretary Loyzaga said. “We must avoid, if not reduce drastically, the extraction of groundwater which in low-lying coastal areas causes subsidence and increases flooding.”

“Rainwater catchments will not only provide additional supply for household use but will also help ensure the availability of surface water through the maintenance of watershed cover when impounded,” Secretary Loyzaga said.

Based on the latest report of the Philippine Statistics Authority, water abstracted for own use increased from 215.2 billion cubic meters (bcm) in 2020 to 217.8 bcm in 2021 countrywide. From 2010 to 2021, the largest amount of self-abstracted water is for the power sector (58.7%). This was followed by agriculture (33.5%); mining and quarrying, manufacturing, and construction (5.3%); and services sector and households (2.6%).

Earlier this month, the DENR said the country still has enough water supply, but proper management is needed to prevent a possible water crisis by the end of the year.

The call was met with a resounding response from the private sector, particularly, SM Prime. In the same forum, SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Engr. Liza B. Silerio shared how SM Prime has stepped up the sustainability programs that it has been doing since SM Supermalls started recycling water in the 1990s.

From rainwater catchment to help deter flooding in communities where its malls are located, SM Prime also pioneered the mall-based rainwater filtration system that converts the collected rainwater to be potable enough for washing, cleaning and even drinking. Launched at SM City Baguio, the facility will supply mall tenants with enough potable water to help reduce sourcing from the communities’ water table.

“As an integrated property developer, we have seen the first-hand effects of natural hazards that are caused by the change in weather patterns in the Philippines,” Engr. Silerio explained. “El Nino and La Nina are two phenomena resulting from climate change. Our country ranks number one in the World Risk Index 2022 report as the most vulnerable among 193 nations.”

Faced with this challenge, Engr. Silerio shared that SM Prime will continue to find innovative ways to address the climate challenges. “We continue to evolve and adapt technology to improve our resource consumption as part of our climate action,” she concluded. (ENDS)

PARKonversations Live!: The Dog That Witnessed Rizal's Execution and Other Dogs in Philippine History

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Dogs have always been referred to as "man's best friend," but how much do we actually know about the history of dogs in the Philippines? In celebration of International Dog Day and History Month, let's unravel the story behind the mysterious dog at Rizal's execution and discover more stories about dogs, from the early encounters of the Filipino people with canines in Cagayan 4,000 years ago and other famous dog personalities.

This PARKonversations Live! session titled "The Dog That Witnessed Rizal's Execution and Other Dogs in Philippine History” will take place at the Mabini Hall, Rizal Park Luneta on 26 August 2023 (Saturday), 9:30 a.m. Our guest speaker is Ian Christopher B. Alfonso, the Supervising History Researcher and Officer-in-Charge of the Research, Publication and Heraldry Division of the National Historical Commission of the Philippines. He sits as an Ex Officio Member of the National Committee on Historical Research of the National Commission for Culture and the Arts and of the PHLPost Stamp Committee. He is also a Board Member of the Philippine Historical Association. He is a candidate for Doctor of Philosophy in History at the University of the Philippines Diliman. He is the author of the book entitled Dogs in Philippine History.

Join us and learn more about the dogs in Philippine history. See you in Rizal Park Luneta!

*Participants who will join the seminar and answer the evaluation form will receive a certificate.

Gambling Traditions Around the World: Uncovering Unique Betting Rituals in Different Cultures

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Explore global gambling customs: Discover distinct betting rituals and traditions across diverse cultures worldwide.



From the temples of Japan, where wooden plates hold the wishes of players, to the lively streets of America, where people partake in a mysterious "rain dance," witnessing gambling rituals in different parts of the world can be interesting. At bet999.io, we're here to provide you with updates on regulations and talk about betting activities across the globe.

In this article, we will go over the brief history of betting in the United States and the rise of lotteries. Read until the end, as we will explore the different gambling traditions around the world. Let's get started!

 
Brief History of Betting in the United States

The United States has had a long history of gambling. In the early 1600s, Puritans who sought to extricate Anglicanism from the influences of Catholicism came to the US, especially the Massachusetts Bay Colony, to create societies away from Catholic influences.

Puritans were highly religious people who focused on education, which meant that they never participated in vices, including gambling activities. There were no dice, gambling tables, or even cards in people's homes. They believed that the state was responsible for protecting society from heresy.

However, with the passage of time, the United States became more tolerant and eventually allowed gambling for recreational purposes. You could see the same trend in Europe at the time. People were intolerant towards professional gambling, but it was acceptable as a leisure activity.

Today, when you stroll down the Las Vegas strip, you'll find yourself lost in the world of glitz and glamour. One casino after the other, Nevada, has over 440 casinos, making it the gambling den of the world. This was not the case back then.

Instead of being tolerant, the state banned all forms of betting and wagering before 1869. It introduced a state legislature that finally decriminalized certain forms of gambling. This didn't remain for long as the state again banned such activities between 1910 and the 1930s.

In 1929, an economic shock rippled through the United States and had an adverse impact across the globe. The plummeting stock prices caused the Wall Street market to crash, leading to unemployment and massive industry shutdowns.

During this financial crisis, the US government had to take measures to help stabilize the economic situation. They decided to introduce lotteries to stimulate the economy, something that the British were very familiar with at the time.

By asking the public to buy inexpensive tickets for a chance to win a massive jackpot, the government raised billions of dollars. Many states saw this as an opportunity to introduce gambling-friendly laws as a way to spur tourism and grow the local economy.

Soon, North American tribes received rights to host such activities in their states, and the rest is history.

 
Betting Rituals in Different Cultures

The following are the betting rituals in different cultures across the world:

 
The United States and Its Gambling Customs

Earlier, we went over the brief history of gambling in the United States. Since each state has its own culture, people started developing rituals and customs before partaking in betting activities.

Some Americans prefer to wear specific clothes before hitting the slot machines, while others like to carry lucky charms. There are superstitious gestures, such as knocking on wood, to ward off bad luck before playing online casino games like Crazy Time Game.

When it comes to sports betting, American fans like to wear jerseys and do a "rain dance" as a way to support their favorite team. These may vary from one state to another.

 
China and Its Hush-hush Affairs with Gambling

Since China remained closed to the world for more than four decades, there was very little that people knew about the country at the time. However, once it opened its borders, western societies got the opportunity to study the Middle Kingdom.

Although the Chinese frown upon gambling in most parts of the country, Hong Kong and Macau have become betting hubs for foreign tourists and local risk-takers. The two regions combined generated substantial revenues, almost three times that of Las Vegas.

Since mainland China remained intolerant, gambling became a hush-hush affair, giving rise to superstitions and secrecy. Many Chinese gamblers, for example, will not enter a casino through the main entrance. They believe that it is unlucky and will affect their odds of winning.

There are so many superstitions in the Chinese culture pertaining to gambling activities. Many players in the country believe that patting someone on the shoulder before a game is a sign of bad luck, while some think that choosing numbers that are closely associated with disasters can adversely affect their fortunes.

 
Japan and Its Love for Pachinko Machines

Although most forms of gambling are illegal in the Land of the Rising Sun, the country considers pachinko machines as a form of entertainment. Instead of providing prize money, these pinball slot games offer tokens that players can exchange for cash.

Prior to participating in gambling activities, such as pachinko machines or horse racing, Japanese players may visit Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples to perform rituals that they believe would bring them good fortune.

Before leaving these religious places, Japanese players may write their wishes on small wooden cards referred to as "Ema." They believe that hanging them in the shrines and temples will bring them luck in their gambling endeavors.

 
Australia and "Pokies"

With half of the Australian population gambling regularly, these types of activities in Australia are a popular pastime. They refer to the poker slot machines as "pokies," and horse racing is a spectacular sports betting activity in the country.

In some parts of Australia, people believe that having a small horseshoe in their pocket or near them when betting can bring good fortune.

Those playing "Bingo" may respond with cheers or chants when the numbers are called out, creating an electric atmosphere that you won't find anywhere else in the world.

 
Final Thoughts

Whether it is knocking on a surface to ward off bad luck or sticking to specific numbers when playing cards, gambling traditions and rituals vary across the globe.

From the cute pachinko machines in the streets of Tokyo to the bustling casinos in Las Vegas, you'll find all sorts of ancient betting customs that combine superstition and communal beliefs.

It's essential for all players to respect betting traditions and customs when participating in gambling activities across the world. Learning more about different cultures allows people to come together, make new connections, and have a fun experience.