Innovation: A Key to Philippine Progress

The word innovation originates in the Latin word "innovate", which means 'renewed, altered'. Innovation plays a crucial role in any country's economic development and progress, and the Philippines is no exception.

Being a developing country with a generally young population, the Philippines has an untapped potential for innovative research and development. However, in some places, the Philippines' research field is hindered by anti-intellectualism (manifested in smart-shaming), lack of government support for academic research, and political instability.

Weak infrastructure, declining quality of education, and corruption are other factors that hinder the country's ability to innovate and compete globally.

Despite these challenges, the BPO industry, the rise of start-up companies, and government support for digitalization, especially the adoption of the Internet of Things, are a beacon of hope for the country's next generation. Personally, I believe that education should not be taken just for the sake of having a job but it is a state-building endeavor. A state university even embodied this with their mantra "paglingkuran ang sambayanan" (serve the nation). Innovation should be pushed as students should not be passive receivers of information but active critical thinkers. An innovative generation, coupled with an improved government could spur the creation of new industries, improve the quality of goods and services, and enhance the country's competitiveness in the global market. In addition, innovation can address some of the country's most pressing issues, such as poverty, healthcare, and environmental pollution.

To sum up, innovation is crucial for the Philippines to achieve sustainable and inclusive economic growth. Innovation could help this nation overcome its challenges and realize its full potential.

 

Showcasing Marikina’s Pocket Parks: A Short Post

When I was young, I always thought that most parts of Metro Manila had pocket parks like Marikina. Later on, I found out I was wrong. Sad to say, the stereotypical image of Metro Manila as a dirty, urban sprawl with little or no green space is indeed true. Marikina, on the other hand, has some characteristics that challenge the common perception of Metro Manila – its public parks.

I cannot really describe the history of how the city ensured the existence of pocket parks, but I think the land usage of the city and the progressive stances of its previous mayor, Bayani Fernando played a vital role. For those unfamiliar, Marikina is home to many subdivisions – but not the exclusive, gated type with snobbish people (hehe). Because of this, most areas have a designated public park, usually with a basketball court. Marikina during the time of Fernando had a quasi-socialist stance, promoting people-oriented infrastructure: sidewalks, bicycle lanes (sadly many are now in disrepair), and parks. These parks were placed under the city’s Parks Development Office – an office that continues to operate to this day.

A newly-installed playground at the Liwasang Kalayaan (2021)

The Roman garden, a portion of the Marikina River Park

Liwasang Kalayaan in Marikina Heights, improved in 2019

While not a grand as other parks both here and abroad, the Liwasang Kalayaan (literally “Freedom Park”) in Marikina Heights one of the largest parks in the city. This is probably because this area was the last to be developed, hence it did not experience rapid urbanization unlike the barangays near the Marikina river.

Marikina also hosts many “pocket parks”, pocket parks around 100 sq. meters, enough to have around 10-15 trees and 4-5 benches as shown in the photo above.

Here are other pocket parks in Marikina:

The last photo is actually a newly-developed park that was once an old school building. It’s rare to see buildings demolished to become a park. Usually, the reverse is more common: open spaces “developed” into buildings.

Despite this, I believe the entire metropolis needs more parks. These pocket parks are mere dots when plotted on a map of NCR.

Government data shows that out of NCR’s 55,922.22 hectares, only 21 percent (12,152.79 hectares) are considered “green space” – quotation marks added since these green spaces include privately-owned golf courses.

Thus, having pocket parks are a godsend especially in the urban jungle of Metro Manila. I fervently hope more LGUs make way for parks like these especially if we are to promote outdoor activities (as they are safer) during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project IWASTO Participates in IM4ManilaBay Initial Assessment Presentation Webinar

Project IWASTO joined the environmental campaign of its umbrella program, the IM4ManilaBay Program, on April 16.

Titled “Manila Bay Conversations: Initial Findings and Assessment from the IM4ManilaBay Program”, the webinar presented the initial outputs of the Integrated Mapping, Monitoring, Modelling, and Management System for Manila Bay and Linked Environments (IM4ManilaBay) Program. 

Project IWASTO presented the result of its review of solid waste management policies, along with information gathered from the numerous focus group discussions done with local government units (LGUs), barangay officials, residents, and non-government organizations (NGOs). “We came to understand that sustainable solid waste management is attainable through the collaboration of stakeholders from various sectors,” the project said in a statement.

Prof. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, Project Leader of IWASTO, concluded the discussion by stating that the project IWASTO is developing a database for SWM facilities, continuing consultations with relevant national government agencies (NGAs), and ensuring the sustainability of its outputs. “Kailangan naming malatag nang maayos ang imprastraktura na magagamit for sustainability purposes. Ayaw naming na ito ang isang proyekto lamang na kapag tapos na kami, tapos na ang funding ng DOST, in two years wala nang users at [tinabi] nalang ang nagawa namin” (We want to lay out the infrastructure that would be used [taking into mind its sustainability]. We don’t want that when this project ends, when the funding from DOST ends, our outputs will just be shelved.) Prof. Tanchuling said.

IWASTO’s presentation ended on a note that their efforts will continue, and coordination with NGAs will be sustained.

The IM4ManilaBay webinar was not only filled with presentations from the component projects but was also graced by the opening remarks of its guests from government offices: DOST Secretary Sec. Fortunato de la Peña, Ms. Aleya Carmela Arca of the DILG Manila Bay Clean-up, Rehabilitation, and Preservation Program, and Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City LGU. Engr. Ces Abad from Project IWASTO served as its emcee.

 

Engr. Ces Abad of IWASTO (left), and Mayor Vico Sotto of Pasig City (right)

Call for Support

DOST Sec. de la Peña, one of the distinguished guests, reiterated his call for public support to the research and development efforts of the country’s researchers from higher education institutes.

“In the coming years, we will further strengthen our efforts to reduce environmental pollution and provide greater access to clean and safe water by generating environmentally sound game-changing technologies and policies. We encourage our researchers, policymakers, key stakeholders, and the general public to support and implement these kinds of initiatives and projects which are aimed at achieving the sustainable development goals through innovative and integrated solutions,” he said in a message to participants.

The webinar was concluded with a message from Dr. Eric Paringit of the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD) and is the current funding agency of the IM4ManilaBay Program. The program is implemented by units under the College of Engineering, University of the Philippines – Diliman.

Scattered Opinions on COVID-19: Changes in Work, Reopening, Et Cetera

The 2020 Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) Pandemic changed many facets of how the world operates. From lockdowns to the so-called “new normal”, the pandemic has left permanent changes that are already causing strife, economic decline, and poverty. There are small, short-term positive gains for the environment and some people.  It is sad to know that 2.2 million have already died, and as countries grapple this death count is sure to continue increasing. COVID-19 continues to pose a threat to everyone unless you are in isolated areas or in countries that fought off the pandemic.

I believe that humanity can move forward and maximize the situation to improve society. I’m not saying COVID-19 is a good thing, but it already happened, and lest we use this situation to finally enact some long-due changes in how we move, communicate, and do business. Here are some opinions in my mind about the current COVID-19 situation:

Permanent Changes: Telecommuting Must be Part of “New Normal”

I sincerely believe that telecommuting – the formal term for “work-from-home arrangements” should continue for a good number of workers even if the pandemic ends. Of course I’m referring to those who can do partial telecommuting – workers whose nature of work requires only a solid PC (companies should provide) and good internet connection. (Obviously, telecommuting is not viable for manufacturing and similar sectors.)

What are the benefits? Traffic improves. Less carbon footprint is emitted (especially from managers who are stereotyped as SUV/gas guzzler users). Metro Manila could use a breather. Its horrendous traffic is a vicious cycle that won’t stop until both government and private sectors agree that a combined approach of increasing public transportation while controlling the surge of car sales is a good solution. (This is another topic though.)

Sadly, the Philippines is far from ready for mass telecommuting. Only select areas with decent internet could afford a continuous work-from-home experience. Reputable broadsheet Philippine Star reported that the Philippines has the slowest broadband internet in Southeast Asia. Conservative offices also resist these changes as they prefer traditional work cultures. Sometimes, prejudiced viewpoints on technology and millennial/Gen Z workers play a role.

A lot of things will have to be done to institute these changes.

Re-Opening of Laboratorie

Empty chairs in an empty student center of a university in the Philippines.

This is an unpopular opinion of mine. For many students in Metro Manila, their “normal” student life suddenly ended on March 10, 2020 when Community Quarantine was imposed. This is different from the Enhanced Community Quarantine or ECQ which started on March 15. In this quarantine, everything remained normal except for schools, which were suspended. It was like the prelude to the infamous “ECQ” lockdown.

Here in Metro Manila, General Community Quarantine is almost the same as the original “community quarantine” of March 10-15, except for some capacity restrictions in public transportation. While the ECQ did prevent our hospitals from being overwhelmed, it unfortunately tanked our economy. Online classes are not as conducive as physical classes, especially for students with limited access to the internet!

I certainly believe that if the government allows dangerous indoor dining in restaurants and malls (even food courts, imagine a petri dish of viruses!), then they should also allow limited face to face classes in university laboratories! This will be complicated though, but for universities with dormitories (e.g. UP Diliman) arrangements could be made.

I think the government will not prioritize this because the education sector is not only underprioritized but also because allowing laboratory classes won’t make much of an economic impact (i.e. GDP). But for canteens, ambulant vendors, and other businesses near universities, any influx of people could revive their businesses. I am hoping the government considers this.

On another aspect, I think libraries (do many places have them though?) should be allowed to reopen. Unlike indoor food courts, libraries are places where people are forbidden to talk, eat, and drink (no mask removal needed, and fewer droplets exhaled due to these prohibitions).

End of the World? Nah “Beginning of Sorrows” is better

I find it funny that some religious sects tout this pandemic as a sign of the end of the world. Sometimes they ignore that openly secular, non-religious countries such as Vietnam, Taiwan, and New Zealand survived the pandemic unscathed. While crises like this pandemic is a sign of the “end times”, Christians generally believe that strife, wars, and crises are simply the “beginning of sorrows” (c.f. Matthew 24:8 KJV)

Sadly, misplaced faith is driving the spread of COVID-19 in some places. People openly defy safety protocols because of their misplaced belief that their god will protect them. They are doing things that are tantamount to testing god.

**

Just a final reminder, always follow the safety protocols. Let’s hope for the best this 2021!

How I Discovered A Gem in the PH Music Scene

I am not really a music fan to begin with, but I tried to write this article to be as smooth as possible. I’ll share a story how I discovered a homegrown pop music idol group, MNL48.

Sometimes reactions are mixed when people hear of this group, and it cannot be helped that their former stint at the noontime variety show “It’s Showtime” cemented some unfavorable impressions to the group. Let me say it bluntly, I believe they are talented (see acapella video below). The “idols you can meet” concept and packaging, being foreign to most Filipinos, is one of the reasons why their clout isn’t that big (yet).

Early Exposure

I have a vague memory of MNL48 years ago. I think it was a news clipping from TV Patrol. I didn’t give them much attention back then because I thought it was just another lackluster attempt of ABS-CBN to propel certain people to stardom. Their association with ABS-CBN is probably why I did not take them seriously at first, since the network is sometimes known for propelling artists to things they are not talented for (e.g. actors converted into “singers”).

Fast forward to July 28, 2019, I came across a Facebook post with a link to a song called “Ikaw ang Melody”, shared by an acquaintance. Seeing that it seemed interesting, I opened the link and saw these bunch of girls singing. To my own surprise, I actually liked the song (since I’m not into modern Filipino music). I did not pay attention too much to the lyrics since I was too attracted to the melody which seemed to overpower the voices of the singers. (I later found out that having a relatedly loud instrumentals is a key trait of Japanese Pop or J-Pop music.)

By December 2019, I saw that a certain MNL48_Coleen became trending on Facebook and Instagram, with some of my Facebook friends sharing her “pa-cute” (playing cute) poses. Later on, a friend of mine, a former classmate in elementary school, shared this: I reacted to the post with a heart, lol. I was already aware of a Coleen as a member but didn’t dig further who she is.

Contextualized Translation: “Hey! You’re [always posting] about MNL48 Coleen. [Keep doing that and you’ll end up in] MNLCITYJAIL (Manila City Jail).”

 

It was only later when I became a solid fan (MNLoves/wota) that I learned that MNL48 Coleen (Team NIV) did became popular among non-fans (normies) because of her TikTok videos. As I write this, she has the highest number of social media followers (Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok) to date.

Further Exposure

At work I would sometimes listen to their songs on Spotify. I find Spotify non-distracting compared to YouTube. The lackluster response of the country to the COVID-19 pandemic was felt after cases rose sharply after March 7. We were forced to work from home last March 10 onwards, quarantined at home gave me additional time to browse random YouTube videos. Soon, I found the Ikaw ang Melody live version performed at the MYX Studio. This was the turning point. “Why didn’t I discover this early on?” I uttered. I found their live vocals very much amazing and by reading the comments section, learned the identities of the girls who performed. This was the start of me officially considering myself as a fan. (Sadly, my supposed-to-be kami-oshi Faith already graduated from the group by that time.)

The 365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel (365 Nichi no Kamihikouki; 365 Days of Paper Airplanes) acapella was a major turning point. I have never seen a Filipino female girl group perform so well in acapella.

Why Though?

To be honest, I was never really a music lover before I discovered KPop. The mainstream foreign artists I follow (defined as waiting for their next release) are very few: Taylor Swift, Rachel Platten, Melanie Martinez, and The Script. 

There is something special in MNL48 that appealed to me. The concept of stanning regular people striving hard to achieve their dreams instead of already big names. The concept of the 48 group franchise of “idols you can meet” is very unique in a sense that there is no pedestal that separates the talented artists from the fans. (Of course, there should always be a wall and fans must not push their limits.) In a sense, the concept makes them relatable to the fans. But the ultimate reason for me is that they are talented not only as individuals but also as a group (e.g. harmonization). While they did start with potential, they still started from scratch and have since then improved. It is different in KPop where you get a polished product; realistically speaking, the Korean model sells more especially to Filipino fans.

The lyrics of their songs are very inspirational. I know some Filipino AKB48 fans who diss at translated lyrics, but for me it gives a better connection to the message of the singers (or lyricist).

For example, here is my favorite line from 365 Araw ng Eroplanong Papel:

Sa iyong pinagdadaanan
Umasa kang hindi ka nag-iisa
'Di mo lang napansin ang kabutihan
ng mga tao sa paligid. 

Here are my favorite lines from First Rabbit:

Kahit na masaktan, 'di katatakutan

Kahit ang kadiliman, 'di uurungan

Tulad ng pangarap na pinaglalaban

Tuloy-tuloy, walang susuko hanggang magkatotoo na lahat

Nasusugutan, may matututunan

Kahit ako'y lumuha, kahit pa masaktan

Lahat ng hirap at dusa titiisin ko

Seisho no usagi ni naruo (until I become the first rabbit)

最初のうさぎになろう

Not to disparge KPop songs, but for contrast, here are the lyrics of my favorite BLACKPINK song, “As It It’s Your Last”:

Baby nal teojil geotcheoreom anajwo

Geuman saenggakhae mwoga geuri eoryeowo

Geojitmalcheoreom kiss haejwo naega neoege

Majimak sarangin geotcheoreom

Okay, let me give you an unofficial Filipino translation that is still based on the Korean lyrics:

Baby hawakan ako parang sasabog

‘Wag ka na mag-isip ano bang mahirap dun?

‘Di tunay pero kiss mo’ko

Na parang huli mong ibig na minamahal

 

Again, I have no intention to put any KPop song in a bad light, especially since I am a Blink and a somewhat ONCE (fan of TWICE). It just shows the differences in packaging and appeal of the Korean pop industry and the 48 group (Jpop). In my viewpoint, the Korean model is “sexy and sophisticated” while the Japanese model is “rough diamonds being polished towards perfection”. There are a lot of inspirational KPop songs such as BTS’ “Never Mind” and SONAMOO’s “Just Go”. However, the ones mass marketed have a distinct sophisticated appeal.

The inspirational touch of MNL48 is one of the major factor why I was hooked into supporting them.

Final Words

We all have different music tastes, and it is not right to disparge someone who has a different music taste (unless said music is advocating bigoted or extreme beliefs). Others may not like the 48 group model because the idol usually starts from scratch or raw talent. Some have expressed their preference to the Korean pop model where the idols will train for years in order to be “polished” by the time they debut. Again, we all have our different tastes. Let us be mindful and respectful to each other’s preferences.

 

Project IWASTO Holds Second Webinar on Community-Level Waste Management

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A Department of Science and Technology-funded research project successfully held the second session of its webinar series titled “IWASTO Natin Webinar Series on Sustainable Solid Waste Management Amidst COVID-19” last 23 July via Zoom and Facebook live.

Participated by around three hundred (300) people hailing from various sectors and groups throughout the Philippines, Project Integrated Waste Analysis, Survey, and Technological Options (Project IWASTO) organized the webinar series which will have a total three sessions on topics involving solid waste management.

Engr. Angela Aquino, Senior Science Research Specialist of Project IWASTO, presented a brief overview of the program as part of the opening remarks. For this session, speakers Mr. Emmanuel Alivio, Mr. Bramwell Gonzales, and Engr. Reido Panaligan discussed the endeavors of their respective organizations. 

Event poster for the webinar
(Source: Project IWASTO Facebook page)

“Kami sa GreenAntz ang ginagawa namin ay circular economy. [Ang mga plastic nanggagaling] from producers to consumers, then ‘away’[.] Kami yung kumukuha ng ‘away’. In our case[,] yung mga waste nagiging resource siya.” (“Here are GreenAntz we do circular economy. [The plastics flow] from the producers, [to the] consumers, then ‘away’. We are taking these [plastics thrown away]”. In our case, the wastes become [useful] resources.) Mr. Alivio of GreenAntz emphasized during her talk. He presented the innovative solutions of Green Antz Builders, Inc., a Bulacan-based enterprise that uses its proprietary technology to utilize plastic sachets as eco-bricks for various uses.

For the second talk, Mr. Bram Gonzales of Sari-Cycling discussed the initiatives of their group in promoting segregation at source. Currently, they have forged partnerships with select communities in urban Pasig City. “Let us focus on the present. We have things we can do [at] our homes, things we can do right now” Mr. Gonzales said in his concluding statement.

Engr. Reido Panaligan of the Center for Renewable Energy and Sustainable Technology (CREST) delivered the final talk for the second session. He explained that the CREST Urban Biogas System integrates various sustainable concepts such as renewable energy, waste management, permaculture, and materials recovery.

After the presentations, questions from webinar participants in both Zoom and Facebook were answered by the speakers. Engr. Ces Abad Jr. of Project IWASTO served as the moderator and emcee.

The next webinar session will be held tentatively on [early August]*. While first session held last 8 July focused on the technologies that could help manage biodegradable wastes, the last session will involve local government units’ response to the changing garbage landscape brought by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Project IWASTO aims to develop integrated solid waste information and technology management system for selected communities that are part of the Manila Bay watershed. It is a two-year project under the IM4ManilaBay Program, a consortium of research projects that aims to clean up and rehabilitate Manila Bay. The program component projects are funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).

*Editor's Note: The original reflected schedule was removed as the webinar session did not push through at that date. New schedule is subject to change depending on the speaker availability.

 

Project IWASTO Holds Webinar on Waste Management

MANILA, PHILIPPINES – A Department of Science and Technology-funded research project successfully launched its webinar series titled “IWASTO Natin Webinar Series on Sustainable Solid Waste Management Amidst COVID-19” last 8 July via Zoom and Facebook live.

Invitation poster of the webinar
(Source: Project IWASTO official Facebook page)

Participated by different representatives from various sectors both government and private, Project Integrated Waste Analysis, Survey, and Technological Options (Project IWASTO) lead the webinar series which, as of writing, will have a total three sessions on topics involving solid waste management.

The first session focused on the management of biodegradable wastes. Dr. Maria Antonia Tanchuling, project leader of Project IWASTO, presented a brief overview of the program as part of the opening remarks. For this, speakers Dr. Myra Tansenco and Engr. David Herrera discussed the technologies developed and promoted by the Environment and Biotechnology Division of the Department of Science and Technology – Industrial Technology Development Institute (DOST-ITDI).

“Philippine solid waste is largely composed of biodegradable waste, so this has great potential for composting” Dr. Tansenco emphasized during her talk. She presented the various composting technologies of DOST-ITDI that could be used for varying capacities depending on the target user.

Dr. Herrera discussed another potential use of biodegradable waste as a raw material to produce biogas (e.g. methane). “There is a need for [a] low cost waste treatment facility due to the growing animal industry and municipal garbage” he explained.

After the presentations, questions from webinar participants in both Zoom and Facebook were answered by the speakers.

The next webinar session will be held tentatively on July 16.

Project IWASTO aims to develop integrated solid waste information and technology management system for selected communities that are part of the Manila Bay watershed. It is a two-year project under the IM4ManilaBay Program, a consortium of research projects that aims to clean up and rehabilitate Manila Bay. The program component projects are funded by the Department of Science and Technology – Philippine Council for Industry, Energy, and Emerging Technology Research and Development (DOST-PCIEERD).