Ironically, DENR failed on its supposed promise of genuine rehabilitation and protection of Manila Bay that should also benefit the surrounding dependent communities, along with the concern of viewing Manila Bay as a dispensable experiment for its programs and initiatives that are not true to conservation initiatives and much worse, are not in line with science-based applications…
Lab Notes | People and power: a bike tour around Laguna Lake
It was an opportunity to see the scenery of the countryside in the provinces of Laguna and Rizal, to do kamustahan and exchange banter with local folks, and to see how far our rural areas have progressed.
Lab Notes | PAREX: The extent of environmental pollution and degradation
Various organizations have collectively taken a position against Pasig River Expressway (PAREX), as it would cause irreparable damage not only to the Pasig River and its interconnecting ecosystems, but also to our cultural heritage and public transportation system.
Lab Notes | Dolomite sand controversy exposes the sorry state of Philippine environment
Science, as a tool, is objective in itself. But when scientific findings do not support the views of those in power, will these findings be heard?
Lab Notes | Would granular lockdowns in Metro Manila work in the face of a Delta surge?
Assuming that the areas under granular lockdown are identified as potential sources of infection, what interventions are being done to ensure the risk of transmission is mitigated or even bring down infections? How are tracing and testing protocols being implemented? In the case of indoor establishments and workplaces, what engineering and administrative controls are in place? In the context of airborne transmission of COVID-19, disinfections are simply not enough.
Lab Notes | DENR is tone deaf to the plight of fisherfolk in Cavite
The fisherfolk themselves fear that they will lose their livelihood. Why is DENR invalidating this concern? Reclaiming the coasts of Cavite to make way for big business will involve not only the demolition of illegal structures but even those owned by licensed owners. Eventually, the fisherfolk will be at the disadvantage.
Lab Notes | 6 crucial policies absent in latest IATF resolution
The latest IATF resolution released on Sunday lacks at least six policies that are crucial to addressing a worsening pandemic, especially when you are implementing a lockdown.
Lab Notes | Mangroves 101: Why we need to #SaveTaliptip
Once the aerotropolis is built, the hazards of the storm surfaces and high tide would be more pronounced – especially since we’re in the Philippines, a country hit by tens of typhoons a year. And this will only get worse as storms get more violent and sea levels rise due to climate change – and in fact, destroying mangrove trees release tons of carbon dioxide due stored in their soils.
Lab Notes | Scientists and technologists say no to tyranny
There are many other instances of how S&T has been shunned and misused in the name of self-interests of those in power. This should also show you not only the ongoing tyranny in the Philippines, but also how it negatively affects science and technology either by disregarding scientific advice if it doesn’t suit the administration’s narrative, or cherry-picking concepts when it furthers their vested interests. That is why there is a need, a responsibility in fact, for us scientists, technologists, and engineers to push back against such oppression, to collectively say no to tyranny. This is the foundation upon which the Scientists and Technologists Say No To Tyranny or (SnT) 2 alliance was built upon.
2017: A Year of Mobilizing Science for the People
by Jona Rodriguez The year 2017 was a historic period for the science and technology movement not just in the Philippines, but around the world. Amid the continuing neglect of scientific development, expanding privatization of public utilities, attacks on science, and increasingly repressive administration, scientists linked arms with the people to confront these issues together.…
Seven Reasons Why We Should March for Science
Scientists around the globe are speaking out and standing up to defend science in the face of efforts to reject and silence scientific knowledge from public use. On Earth Day 2017, they will march, together with the people, to support the development of science and technology that truly serves the interests of the majority. Donald…