Hundreds of dolphins disoriented in shallow Philippine waters

There’s a great deal of empathy that was elicited by the sight of hundreds of dolphins stranded in shallow waters of Orion and Pilar, Bataan, somewhere close to Manila Bay in the Philippines. For reasons that aren’t clear, the docile and friendly sea mammals were stranded on Tuesday, February 10, 2008, unable to swim back to deeper waters.

Fishermen and town folks from neighboring villages came in droves to help drive the melon-head dolphins, numbering about 200 to 300, back to sea. Admirably, the villagers followed the appeal of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to help and not harm the marooned animals.

“The unusual occurrence may have been triggered by a sea quake that could have damaged the dolphins’ eardrums and disoriented them, or the pod could have been following a sick or injured leader, Malcolm Sarmiento, director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, said in a telephone interview.”—-AOL News/ AP (02/10/09, Marquez, B; Cerojano, C)

Though the group of agile air-breathing animals eventually made it to the open sea, there were three dolphins found dead. One was pregnant and one was a young baby. According to the animal doctor who examined the remains, two adult dolphins revealed fractured eardrums. (Photo Credit: Malaya) =0=

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Hundreds of dolphins disoriented in shallow Philippine waters

There’s a great deal of empathy that was elicited by the sight of hundreds of dolphins stranded in shallow waters of Orion and Pilar, Bataan, somewhere close to Manila Bay in the Philippines. For reasons that aren’t clear, the docile and friendly sea mammals were stranded on Tuesday, February 10, 2008, unable to swim back to deeper waters.

Fishermen and town folks from neighboring villages came in droves to help drive the melon-head dolphins, numbering about 200 to 300, back to sea. Admirably, the villagers followed the appeal of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) to help and not harm the marooned animals.

“The unusual occurrence may have been triggered by a sea quake that could have damaged the dolphins’ eardrums and disoriented them, or the pod could have been following a sick or injured leader, Malcolm Sarmiento, director of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, said in a telephone interview.”—-AOL News/ AP (02/10/09, Marquez, B; Cerojano, C)

Though the group of agile air-breathing animals eventually made it to the open sea, there were three dolphins found dead. One was pregnant and one was a young baby. According to the animal doctor who examined the remains, two adult dolphins revealed fractured eardrums. (Photo Credit: Malaya) =0=

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Corruption and apathy: where will these lead us?

We face foreign aid cuts due to corruption. It is shameful that our country which seeks assistance abroad is being singled out as unworthy of help because we are dishonest. Obviously, this is morally and economically damaging. Foreigners are saying untrustworthiness will hurt us in the end. It’s time we heed the criticisms and do corrective action.

“The Philippines is facing a big cut in foreign aid because corruption in government is “deeply entrenched” and the World Bank report is “worrying” a big donor country, a diplomat disclosed yesterday.

The diplomat from the major donor country, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said their government is closely following the WB report and the investigation into the anomalous road projects funded by the foreign financial institution and the extent of government corruption that has identified First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo as the alleged patron of colluding contractors in a $33-million road project in 2003. “—-Philstar (02/10/09, Lee-Brago, P)

Corruption is getting worse. Our leadership is in crisis. Right at the heart where Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo weaves power, allegations of corruption in her administration are common. Even members of her household have been repeatedly accused of dishonesty in government. The charges are too many—and too embarrassing that even foreign observers are stunned.

Though most of us acknowledge that there is worsening corruption, almost no one is ready to face it with candor, righteousness, and accountability. Instead, there is damning apathy and lack of concern.

Those who are guilty dodge the issue by denying the accusations. Most of them who are influential keep a blind eye and take advantage of the weakness of the legal system. Most corruption charges remain unproven in spite of investigations with telling evidence. There is little effort to ferret out the truth and bring the guilty accountable. This is bad to the future of the nation and the next generation. (Photo Credit: gmaresign; zero+q) =0=

RELATED BLOGS:“Not as a lecturer or as a judge,” EU thinks RP must do more to curb corruption Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009; “Corruption scandals hurting Filipinos under Pres. Gloria M. Arroyo” Posted by mesiamd at 1/29/2009

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“Osama Bin Laden” among the 11.000 job applicants for "the best job in the world"

Unemployment is common and rising worldwide. The recruitment to fill in the “best job in the world” drummed up by the Queensland Department of Tourism drew 11,000 applicants who expressed interest to be a promoter of Hamilton Island, a picturesque tourist spot destination in the eastern coast of Australia.

Among the earnest job seekers is a prankster named Osama Bin Laden (OBL) who submitted a video application at http://www.islandreefjob.com website showing the real bearded fugitive OBL in his night gown justifying his qualifications to be an island caretaker.

“One of the applications was a 30-second prank video showing the world’s most wanted man, with nonsensical sounds dubbed over his real voice. Using subtitles, bin Laden argues his case for the six-month contract, describing himself as “outgoing,” “familiar with sandy areas” and experienced with ‘large scale event coordination.’ “—Yahoo. News (02/05/09, Goldsmith B, Fahmy, M)

The tourism job which offers $150,000 for a six-month outdoor stint in an island with enchanting coral reefs and unspoiled beaches attracted unusually high number of eager applicants from 162 countries. The successful employment seeker will be chosen at the conclusion of the $17,000-tourism campaign which offers a rent-free, stress-free stay in a villa in Australia’s Hamilton Island. (Photo Credit: Nattus x 2) =0=

RELATED BLOGS: “Best job in some enchanted island: Is it for you?” Posted on Tuesday January 13th, 2009 by mesiamd; “‘Best Job in the World’ website crashes in a deluge of interested applicants” Posted on Wednesday January 14th, 2009 by mesiamd.

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Hostage takers now demand $10 million ransom

The modus operandi of the Abu Sayyaf kidnappers has unraveled just as expected. After three weeks of holding workers of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC)— Italian Eugenio Vagni, Swiss Adreas Notter and Filipino Mary Jean Lacaba, Abu Sayyaf through the Moro Islamic Libration Front (MILF) has stopped treating them as “guests.”

Just as expected, Albader Parad, leader of the notorious Abu Sayyaf kidnappers announced they are demanding $10 million ransom for the three innocent human beings who were there on a humanitarian work to benefit the Sulu prisoners. This extortion demand is more despicable when these criminals say, as in the past, the money is for the hostages’ “board and lodging” obligations.

This hideous development brings the kidnapping on a more difficult plane. Advocating a news blackout, the military has been so far helpless. The ICRC follows a no ransom policy in dealing with criminal elements. In line with the no-negotiation-no ransom policy of the government, the ICRC joins religious, student and community groups in denouncing the abductions and demand the release of the victims.

Kidnapping has been an anathema against peace and progress in the Southern Philippines where the Muslims are concentrated. Barbarism which masquerades as an opportunity to drum up sympathy for the Muslims only send in the message of lawlessness and lack of moral values of Islamic extemists. Hostage-taking has been a source of shame for the government and the Filipino people. (Photo Credit: AP/ Favila, A) =0=

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Biggest breast enhancement on record?

Texas resident Sheyla Hershey, a 28 wife and mother wasn’t satisfied with an eye-popping 34FFF surgically enhanced breasts. On medical grounds, US plastic surgeons refused her request to further size augmentation, so she went all the way to Brazil to have the operation done.

In her pursuit for a place in the Guinness Book of World records, it was reported she allowed a gallon of filling material and multiple surgeries to bring the twin firm globes of her chest to rise to its astounding size of 38KKK.

(Photo Credit: http://www.sheylahershey.net) =0=

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Buhi’s tabios—world’s smallest edible fish still suffers excessive predation

Despite protective ordinances to help tabios thrive, the smallest edible fish in the world (Mistithys luzonensis) is still threatened by extinction in Camarines Sur. Also known as sinarapan, the fish is still under strain in its natural habitat in Lake Buhi because of over-grazing and changes in its fresh-water home.

“Ronilo H. Leal, lake management officer of Buhi town local government unit (LGU), pointed out to the rampant use of motorized post nets in the 1980s which he said totally banished the sinarapan from Lake Buhi in the 1980s.

Going by the 10 percent fish-cage occupation required by the zoning provision of RA 8550, the proliferation of fish cages here have exceeded what the law requires, occupying some 20 percent of the 1,800-ha area of Lake Buhi (located 300 ft. above sea level), according to Leal. —-Bicol Mail (02/05/09, Escandor J. Jr; Davila, J. R.)

Aside from excessive hunting by local fishermen in Buhi, Camarines Sur, the construction of fish cages to raise commercial tilapia altered fish habitat, decreasing and crowding the small tabios. The edible goby which measures about 10 mm. and inhabits the 18-hectare lake in Bicol is a delicacy in the area. It also thrives in adjacent fresh water sanctuaries like Lake Bato, Manapao and Katugday.

Sinarapan almost disappeared in the 1980s and the local government resorted to setting free tabios fries on the lake to augment its population. Though the program had been so far partially successful, excessive fish harvest persisted. Natural predation by other fish species continued to pose problems against the fish survival.

Collective effort to save the fish is on going, but unless measures to protect sinarapan are implemented, extinction (though conservation urgency is low at this time,) is still possible. (Photo Credit: Nindy2008; Lake Buhi, PD x2) =0=

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UP Ibalon with Physicians for Peace in Naga City

The Physicians for Peace gave out free wheelchairs to pre-screened indigents in Naga City. UP Ibalon Bicol was a partner in this project and may act as conduit for future donations by the Physicians for Peace, an international charity organization headed by a Fil-American, Dr. Juan Montero.

This partnership of the UP Ibalon and the Physicians for Peace came as a result of the efforts of Dr. Josephine (Jenny) Robredo-Bundoc, a UP Ibalon alumna and currently a world consultant of the physicians’ group. Jenny is the younger sister of UP Ibalon Bicol president, Butch Robredo and Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo.

The wheelchairs were pre-fabricated and the UP Ibalon members had the fun of their life assembling the equipment. The activity was a satisfying spiritual experience for Ibalonians, having been exposed to disabled while having the capability to offer help, however small.

Having grassroot reach in the city’s 27 barangays, the members of the Kapisanan ng Sangguniang Barangay Kagawad (KSBK) Naga City chapter had searched for recipients. Lolit Nantes heads the KSBK as President.

The City Social Welfare Department further screened the recipients.

Watch the video above and share the fun.

Physicians for Peace, UP Ibalon, and civic-minded Naga residents conduct the free wheelchair project

Wheechair and Limb Prosthetics Project
by Ann Mariano

On Thursday February 5, 2009, the wheelchair and prosthetics project spearheaded by Ibalonians Dr. Josephine (Penny) R. Bundoc and Jose (Butch) Robredo pulled through in Naga City with the participation of the Physicians for Peace, the city government, and the Rotary Club.

Held in Naga City Gymnasium on a hot humid day, the setting up of wheelchairs for the indigent disabled was made possible with the help of Rene Fornoles, Totoy Badiola, Tess Avenido-Arbo, Sieg Borromeo-Bulaong, Jun Olin, Dr. May Velasco-Yorobe, Alaine Alberto-Fornoles, Lala Moreno, Ann Mariano and Dr. Andy Gimpaya— all kind-hearted Ibalonians.

The humanitarian project started with the usual registration. Dr. Bundoc went ahead with the free screening and interviews of patients, some of whom were referred to the UP-PGH in Manila for further evaluation and management. Prosthetic limb technicians came to make casts for the handicapped indigents. The last to be fitted was Sandy Valleno, a former reporter and stroke victim.

Representing the Physicians for Peace was Dr. Juan Montero. The said founder of the philanthropic organization came all the way from the United States to make available the free wheelchairs and distribute medicines for the needy.

Friends of UP Ibalon who attended were Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo and his team of government workers headed by Lolit Nantes, the president of Kapisanan ng Sangguniang Barangay Kagawad. Community leaders Charlie Ravanera and Achilles Lo of the Rotary Club and civic-minded Waging Manlangit-Tam were there to lend logistical support.

The indigent recipients who spoke of their disabilities and illnesses were grateful to have their donated wheelchairs. Scheduled on the 3rd week of March 2009, the next and final leg of the project will involve distribution of limb prosthesis. (Photo Credits: Sieg Borromeo-Bulaong; Donnamarijne)

NOTE OF THANKS

UP Ibalon extends its thanks to all those who helped in making this project possible including the unnamed supporters and contributors of this civic exercise. =0=

RELATED BLOG: “UP Ibalon Alumni-Bicol pursues its wheelchair & leg prosthesis project for indigents” Posted by mesiamd at 1/09/2009

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Physicians for Peace, UP Ibalon, and civic-minded Naga residents conduct the free wheelchair project

Wheechair and Limb Prosthetics Project
by Ann Mariano

On Thursday February 5, 2009, the wheelchair and prosthetics project spearheaded by Ibalonians Dr. Josephine (Penny) R. Bundoc and Jose (Butch) Robredo pulled through in Naga City with the participation of the Physicians for Peace, the city government, and the Rotary Club.

Held in Naga City Gymnasium on a hot humid day, the setting up of wheelchairs for the indigent disabled was made possible with the help of Rene Fornoles, Totoy Badiola, Tess Avenido-Arbo, Sieg Borromeo-Bulaong, Jun Olin, Dr. May Velasco-Yorobe, Alaine Alberto-Fornoles, Lala Moreno, Ann Mariano and Dr. Andy Gimpaya— all kind-hearted Ibalonians.

The humanitarian project started with the usual registration. Dr. Bundoc went ahead with the free screening and interviews of patients, some of whom were referred to the UP-PGH in Manila for further evaluation and management. Prosthetic limb technicians came to make casts for the handicapped indigents. The last to be fitted was Sandy Valleno, a former reporter and stroke victim.

Representing the Physicians for Peace was Dr. Juan Montero. The said founder of the philanthropic organization came all the way from the United States to make available the free wheelchairs and distribute medicines for the needy.

Friends of UP Ibalon who attended were Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo and his team of government workers headed by Lolit Nantes, the president of Kapisanan ng Sangguniang Barangay Kagawad. Community leaders Charlie Ravanera and Achilles Lo of the Rotary Club and civic-minded Waging Manlangit-Tam were there to lend logistical support.

The indigent recipients who spoke of their disabilities and illnesses were grateful to have their donated wheelchairs. Scheduled on the 3rd week of March 2009, the next and final leg of the project will involve distribution of limb prosthesis. (Photo Credits: Sieg Borromeo-Bulaong; Donnamarijne)

NOTE OF THANKS

UP Ibalon extends its thanks to all those who helped in making this project possible including the unnamed supporters and contributors of this civic exercise. =0=

RELATED BLOG: “UP Ibalon Alumni-Bicol pursues its wheelchair & leg prosthesis project for indigents” Posted by mesiamd at 1/09/2009

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