Monday, January 27, 2014

Merging the Good Traits of Developed Countries and the Good Traits of the Philippines



Merging the Good Traits of Developed Countries and the Good Traits of the Philippines
An Environmental Perspective
by F. Eugenio


Summary: In terms of environmental protection, the Philippines should emulate the clean government of developed countries. Developed countries have the education, the political will, and the resources to initiate environmental programs. The practicality and utilitarianism-oriented perspectives of Filipino culture is also commendable. Merging the resource conservationist Filipino culture and the political will and integrity of developed countries would create a nation that is environmentally friendly.

The Philippines is (until now) a developing country (I am against the use of the cold-war era term “Third World Country”). Rampant poverty due to unequal wealth distribution is still a major problem even in urbanized areas such as Metro Manila and Metro Cebu. Decades of poverty experience has already partially defined our culture. Sometimes it’s the other way around, that is, poverty is caused by a defective culture. The culture of mediocrity is one example. The fate of the country during election season is always in the hands of the uneducated masses, who will always prefer the popular ones (usually from showbiz), to anyone academically or professionally competent. Those incompetent politicians usually look at their position as a way of gaining more money, thus no political will is manifested in their term. (Are you still there?) Well, the point is that the weaknesses of the Philippines and its leaders should be eliminated in the ideal state mentioned in the summary. The only good thing I see in poverty-ridden Philippines is that the people are resilient, caring, hospitable, and family-oriented. The opposite occurs in individualistic-oriented Western nations. Lastly, there is no overconsumption of resources in the Filipino culture. In fact, Filipinos are known to be conservative in terms of resources. A big opposite to Western nations such as the United States, the latter having 21% of its domestic waste made up of wasted (sometimes still edible) food. (Food is just an example. Look how these countries waste their obsolete but still useful electronics. Simply put, the American way back then may look good, but it leads to overconsumption of everything – from resources to energy.)

Looking at the bright side, developed nations are blessed to have a good government (good compared to the incompetence and corruption plaguing the Philippine government). Although their past environmental sins are not yet atoned, their political will in doing eco-related projects is sufficient. For example, in the United States, their Environment Protection Agency is dead serious in preventing excessive air pollution, water pollution, noise pollution and other sources of pollution. Recycling, although still at a 34% rate in 2011, is still higher than Metro Manila’s 10% recycling rate in 2010.[1] (As I’ve mentioned before, the culture of mediocrity combined with lack of education aggravates the problem.) In the United States, and assuming that developed countries follow the same, landfills are engineered areas where waste is placed into the land. These landfills are equipped with liner systems and other safeguards to prevent polluting the groundwater. In the Philippines, particularly in Payatas, the landfill’s liner systems have been degraded already, possibly leaching toxic waste.

Developed countries have ensured methods to keep the air clean. In the Philippines, virtually you can have a smoke-belching jeepney registered. Hell, the emission testing phase is just a sham. You can pay your way to a licence using the ever-benevolent fixers. Water pollution? You can trust the masses, and most commonly, the squatters (I’m not against them but it’s sometimes their fault too.) in keeping the waters full of garbage. I also found out that there is a garbage-clogged river in Jakarta, Indonesia. Recycling? At least it’s an emerging business here in Manila, as junk shops do make a good amount of profit from recyclables. More efforts should be made in educating the masses, and even the rich ones who are careless[2] in such matters. As the evil saying goes “It’s not my problem anymore.” Wrong! The state of the environment is our shared burden. (More of this I discuss in my blogsite and in my other essays.)

Developed countries are not essentially absolved of any responsibility either. It was through their ingenious development, skilful advancements in science, and through their unity that they shaped the modern world. They are the ones who created the eternal plastic (since it degrades slowly), the heavy-metal laden electronics devices, chemical pesticides, cancerous food additives, genetically-modified organisms, and other inventions they sought which eventually brought a lot of harm with them. Tribal natives do not need to be modern as long as they are happy and contented (with ample food supply, of course). Therefore it should be also the duty of developed countries to help their developing counterparts in dealing with the very things they introduced. As my friend Deus Picar said “That’s the problem of people. They avoid responsibility.” (Well, the time for such evasion is over. Join us in the crusade!) These developed countries are sometimes even divided about the issue of climate change, as conservatives hailing from oil companies are trying their best to keep the status quo. Climate talks continue to reap little benefit but I am still hopeful.

The option for change is essentially ours. If only we can merge the good traits of the developed and developing countries, then our climate problems will be, if not totally, partially alleviated.


[1] Japan International Cooperation Agency, The Study on Solid Waste Management for Metro Manila in the Republic of the Philippines: Final Report. March 1999
[2] Alternatively: “those who don’t give a f*ck”

Friday, January 3, 2014

Religious Blogpost: Social Networking Sites – A Double-Edged Sword

(The following article is copyrighted under Creative Commons - No Derivatives)

A Social networking website is a platform to build social networks or social relations among people who, for example, share interests, activities, backgrounds, or real-life connections. A social network service consists of a representation of each user (often a profile), his/her social links (i.e. “friends”), and a variety of additional services. Most social network services are web-based and are accessible via the internet. The internet is an open virtual world. Social networking websites attract people since it is where people can socially interact with each other through the internet. This brings forth many benefits, such as easier and faster delivery of messages, real-time conversations of distant peoples, and faster dissemination of vital information such as news. These benefits are very crucial in our fast-paced modern world. There are, obviously, downsides in using (especially too much use) social networking websites.


Downsides of These Websites

These websites, being open in nature, can have serious privacy issues. If your privacy settings are not set correctly, your photos and other vital information placed in your profile might be seen by untrustworthy eyes. In countries where identity theft is common, privacy should be taken seriously.

Christian Perspectives

Christians should be imitators of Christ. (Read my blog post titled “Jesus, the Perfect Example for Christians”). Our good example can help convert non-believers into believers. However, our missionary work is not limited to being a good example as Jesus also ordered the early disciples to go forth and spread the gospel. This “Great Commission” is stated in Matthew 28:19-20, Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age.” Amen. [New KJV] We should try to preserve the word whenever the situation seems fit. The word has been planted to the Christians; however, it seems that the world has diluted the strength of many Christian believers. This is why constant renewal of Christian values should be done by preachers. Does that mean that all of us should get our Bibles and preach in the world of social networking sites? St. Paul says in Romans 10:9, And how can they preach unless they are sent? As it is written, "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!" (Rom 10:15 NIV) Quoting him again, he said: Are all apostles? Are all prophets? Are all teachers? Do all work miracles? 30 Do all have gifts of healing? Do all speak in tongues? Do all interpret? (1 Corinthians 12:29-30 NIV) Not all have been sent. We must be careful in sharing what appears to be a word of God.

An example of this is the so-called “Satan’s Headache”, a popular post which circulates in Facebook. It depicts Satan as having a headache whenever a Christian believer opens the Bible. Another variant states that when we show Satan the Bible, he flees. Is Satan somehow afraid of the Bible? No! The Gospel of Matthew has this story to tell: Then the devil took him to the holy city and had him stand on the highest point of the temple. 6 "If you are the Son of God," he said, "throw yourself down. For it is written: "'He will command his angels concerning you, and they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone.'" (Mat 4:5-6 NIV) Even Satan quotes scripture! His ministers do the same in their attempt to disguise themselves as ministers of God. For such are false apostles, deceitful workers, transforming themselves into the apostles of Christ. 14 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. 15 Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works. (2 Corinthians 11:13-15 KJV) Therefore it is somehow presumptuous to assume that Satan gets a headache whenever a Christian opens and reads the Bible.

Even supporting false religions in social networking sites, either by sharing, retweeting, reblogging, and/or even liking such false beliefs is disappointing. It’s like you’re supporting hypocrites. (Mga hipokrito ang isa sa mga kinasusuklaman ng mga Kristiyano.)

Another “dangerous” activity that can be done in social networking sites is debating between diverse religious beliefs. We are lucky to have this means of communication since during the Apostolic Age, it was more dangerous to debate especially against zealous people. St. Paul (then called Saul) has his own shares of death threats because of his disputes with believers of false beliefs. And he spoke boldly in the name of the Lord Jesus and disputed against the Hellenists, but they attempted to kill him. (Act 9:29 NKJ) Debates are always present in localized Facebook groups. Some of these were even created for the purpose of having a decent debate forum. This could be a chance for Christians to convert non-Christians so as long as their careful in sharing the words of God from the sent preachers. St. Paul exhorted Timothy to preach the word: Preach the word! Be ready in season and out of season. (2 Ti 4:2 NKJV) I recommend that the elders of the church should be the ones who will defend the faith. St. Peter said: Shepherd the flock of God which is among you, serving as overseers, not by compulsion but willingly, not for dishonest gain but eagerly; 3 nor as being lords over those entrusted to you, but being examples to the flock; (1Pe 5:2-3 NKJV) They should lead by example especially in debates.

Sometimes, abuse of social networking can cause further isolation and loneliness. Even some scholars believe that nothing beats face-to-face interpersonal contact. Such contact in a small group setting provides a good atmosphere in which people can develop long-lasting relationships with other believers.

Lastly, we must also forgo ego-centric and prideful actions in the world of social networking. That is why social networking is a double-edged sword; it can do great good and great harm. John the Apostle said, Do not love the world or the things in the world. If anyone loves the world, the love of the Father is not in him. 16 For all that is in the world-- the lust of the flesh, the lust of the eyes, and the pride of life-- is not of the Father but is of the world. (1 John 2:15-16 NKJV) Let us stop posting nonsense and instead focus on spreading the Good News of Christ. We need to use social media as a way of instigating connections with both Christians and Non-Christians. Instead of focusing on their connection to you, redirect that focus on the idea that such connection may ultimately connect them to Christ.


As a final reminder, I quote the Epistle of James: Therefore, get rid of all moral filth and the evil that is so prevalent and humbly accept the word planted in you, which can save you. (Jam 1:21 NIV)

Thursday, January 2, 2014

Yolanda's Effects Compilation

I have compiled the following reports on what happened in my mother's hometown in Tolosa, located in the Province of Leyte in the Philippines, after Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) struck the island province last 8th November 2013:

Capangihan- 8 November 2013:

An balay han akon lola amo an ginhimo nga evacuation center pagkatapos matumba an puno han acacia didto ha eskwelahan atubang han balay han akon lola. Nandadlagan an mga tawo tikadto han balay han akon lola, nahuruot hira didto an iba sinirong didto ha lababo. Nahadlok hira kay makusog hin duro an hangin.

(My grandmother's house served as a temporary evacuation center after the school across the road was demolished by an uprooted acacia tree. Most likely someone opened the unlocked gate, since it was reported that around a hundred evacuees stormed into the house. Someone even hid underneath the sink, since the wind was so darn powerful that it scared the people.)

An balay han akon lola ngan lolo
(My grandparent's house)


Some NGOs distributing relief goods in Capangihan


Tolosa - 8 November 2013:

The coastal town of Tolosa was devastated. My uncle's house there got decimated. It's second story got demolished. Nearly all the trees in the seashore were uprooted. No wonder it's now warm there, which is bad news to tree lovers like me.


The Coastline in Tolosa After Yolanda

Driving around Tolosa






Tacloban:

I do not have any reports of extraordinary things happening there (such as the sudden transformation of my grandmother's house into an evacuation center described above).