#uska

[usbongkalikasan]

Moving Filipinos Sustainably: A Suppressed Right to Public Transportation

Authored by:

Dominica Emanuelle Peña, Ezekiel Joshua Pante, and Geo Paulo Tambalo

In 2021, Jude Esguerra, an Economics Advisor for Senator Risa Hontiveros, noted in his publication, called 'Revert or readjust? Metro Manila,' that one of the most crowded road systems globally exists in the Philippines’ largest metropolitan area [1]. Almost a year later, the city of Manila, which constitutes a fraction of the greater Metro Manila, was ranked 9th most beset by traffic congestion out of 389 cities worldwide [2]. In a rather convenient manner, redemption from these critical reviews was seemingly found by successive administrations in the grandiose of lofty skyways and sweeping expressways. But, with prioritizing the implementation of more infrastructure projects for vehicles, the constant pressure from dissatisfied road users appears to have blinded the government to every scientific call for transforming the existing car-centric transport system into something more mass-oriented.

From a health and environmental perspective, a transport system designed to fit more engines burning gasoline and diesel is the last thing Filipinos need. In 2023, air quality monitoring data revealed that certain areas in Metro Manila had excessive pollutants, which the Department of Environment and Natural Resources primarily linked to emissions from heavy traffic [3]. As such, many road users, pedestrians, and nearby residents are at risk from increasing hazardous byproducts of vehicular combustion, like carbon monoxide, nitrogen dioxide, hydrocarbons, benzene, and formaldehyde, which are all associated with malignant health conditions. Not just that, vehicle emissions also reduce the quality of living conditions as they are significant sources of greenhouse gas—the main contributor to another damaging phenomenon called global warming [4]. As the government and their corporate partners push for more roads to be built, the worst scenario is yet to come since a growing number of people want to buy their own private vehicle [5].

Organizations, such as the Move As One Coalition, have been advocating for ecologically sound modes of transportation and changing the norm—the dependency on private cars [6]. Much like the food pyramid, which primarily models healthy eating habits, the Mobility Pyramid above illustrates who and what to prioritize in creating a healthier transport system and relatively more “breathable” community. Evidently from the top half, people and public transportation must be the primary considerations, assuring their utmost safety and accessibility. If the destination is only a short distance away, walking must be the first undisputed option of Filipinos, implying the need for convenient walkways, pedestrian lanes, and green spaces. Without hesitation, one must also be able to choose to safely ride a bicycle or commute using a readily available, systematic network of jeepneys, buses, and trains. The lower half of the reverse pyramid, which presents the predominant figures of the current transport system, encapsulates the small significance of cars, which carry less people, and planes, which have significant emissions [7].

Though all positive outcomes are rooted in a mass-oriented transport system, the deciding power remains to believe otherwise. In fact, the building, widening, and maintenance of roads accounted for 99% of the P2.8 trillion road-based infrastructure budget between 2010 and 2021, leaving only 1% or Php 40 billion for the improvement of public transportation. This choice of allocation can be argued as a misrepresentation of the majority since, according to the Move as One Coalition, 70% of Metro Manila residents depend on public transportation, which occupy only 22% of the available road space. Meanwhile, the remaining 30% of residents in Metro Manila who rely on private vehicles occupy approximately 78% of the road space [8].

The people constitute the success of a nation. With all this knowledge at the government’s disposal, any act of delaying or botching public transportation projects for self-vested interests can be construed as a willful disregard of the environment and the majority of Filipinos. No longer must commuters experience dealing with lengthy queue lines, crammed public transport vehicles, lack of proper walkways, difficult ramps, and polluted environmental conditions. May the deciding power heed the call of tired students, struggling workers, the physically disabled, and honorable senior citizens for a right and just transition to a mass-oriented transport system in the Philippines,

REFERENCES

[1] J. Esguerra, “MANILA Revert or readjust? Designing mobility for liveable and social cities.” Available: https://library.fes.de/pdf-files/bueros/vietnam/18791.pdf

[2] BusinessWorld, “TomTom Traffic Index: Manila 9th worst traffic-congested city in 2022 - BusinessWorld Online,” BusinessWorld Online, Feb. 16, 2023. https://www.bworldonline.com/.../tomtom-traffic-index.../... (accessed Jan. 21, 2024).

[3] G. K. Cabico, “Advocates urge prioritization of active mobility to combat air pollution,” Philstar.com, Sep. 26, 2023. https://www.philstar.com/.../advocates-urge... (accessed Jan. 21, 2024).

[4] Department of Ecology: State of Washington, “Reducing car pollution - Washington State Department of Ecology,” Wa.gov, 2019. https://ecology.wa.gov/.../what.../reducing-car-pollution.... (accessed Jan. 21, 2024).

[5] Rappler, “Metro Manila’s traffic problem explained,” RAPPLER, Oct. 14, 2020. https://www.rappler.com/.../explanation-metro-manila.../ (accessed Jan. 21, 2024).

[6] Rappler, “Transport group urges gov’t to allot enough budget for road-based public transportation,” RAPPLER, Jul. 23, 2021. https://www.rappler.com/.../transport-group-urges.../ (accessed Jan. 21, 2024).

[7] SHARE-North, “SHARE-North Mobility pyramid - Pedestrian Space,” Pedestrian Space, Mar. 2021. https://pedestrianspace.org/share-north-mobility-pyramid/ (accessed Jan. 21, 2024).

[8] K. Dela Peña, “Sensible public transport: A post-pandemic dream,” INQUIRER.net, Oct. 28, 2021. https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/.../sensible-public.... (accessed Jan. 21, 2024).

[kodokan]

Citrus Slaw

I hope you enjoy this...

Here’s a refreshing Citrus Slaw that pairs perfectly with whatever you’ve got sizzling on the grill! Fresh orange and lime juices give this side a tangy kick.

Too often slaws are overloaded with creamy dressing that contains more fat and calories than is really necessary. This recipe provides the colorful flavor that you love in a slaw without any extra fat or calories to weigh you down. Enjoy!

What you need Servings: 6

For the Slaw

1 small head green cabbage, thinly sliced ½ small head purple cabbage, thinly sliced 1 cup of cilantro, chopped

For the Citrus Dressing

3 Tablespoons orange juice 2 Tablespoons lime juice 1 Tablespoon olive oil 1 Tablespoon apple cider vinegar 1/4 teaspoon sea salt 1/8 teaspoon pepper pinch of ground cayenne

Instructions

1. In a large bowl combine the green and purple cabbage with the cilantro.

2. In a small bowl whisk the dressing ingredients.

3. Pour the citrus dressing over top of the slaw just before serving and toss to combine. Enjoy!

Nutrition One serving equals: 56 calories, 2g fat, 8g carbohydrate, 4g sugar, 100mg sodium, 4g fiber, and 2g protein.

Miguel Serrano 719-388-2020 United States Karate Academy

[wally-b-feed]

Anthony Fineran (B 1981), Uska Uda Uska Uda, 2022

[janaknandini-singh999]

Geet aka the og desi girl who said ✨I could fix him✨ and she did.

But you could not.

Aur usko fix karne ke chakkar mein khud unfixable ho gaye 🤡

[siya-sayani]

Gande dikhne Wale logo se mila dhokha alag hurt krta hai

(sala kisiko bata bhi nhi skte)

[maintohthakgayibhaishaab]

my mom's advice for my friend's bday gift #1 uska photo lagva de cup pe

[hum-suffer]

The world is bleak (my guy hasn't responded in a while so I'll bitch about it on Tumblr)

[sparkbeast20]

Ark Academy: Character Masterlist

Info about the game

Ignacio and Uska

Darlinn

Shin

Serenade

Angra Mainyu

Jin

Hilanard

[usbongkalikasan]

Pasig River Under Threat

Author: Geo Paulo Tambalo and Joshua Ezekiel Pante

Graphic Designer: Astrid Apellado

Pasig River In Retrospect

The Pasig River is a rightful Filipino treasure for its countless contributions to the nation’s history and success. Without its strong currents, natural interconnectedness, and formerly pristine waters, Manila would not have had the Tagalogs establish early civilization and the rest of the world subsequently rushing in for economic activity, development, and cultural and religious exchange. Even the very appearance of the capital city can be attributed to the river itself, as it allowed the lucrative Manila-Acapulco galleon trade to continue from 1565 to 1815 and eventually influence the infrastructures being built. Despite its utility in Filipino triumph and everyday life, the Pasig River was neglected and left to become a dumping ground of polluting waste, thus obtaining the "biologically dead" status [1].

A Looming Threat to Pasig River’s Potentials

With the Philippine government giving the green light to the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) project, the two decades' worth of multisectoral rehabilitation efforts put into the Pasig River may all come to waste. At 19.37 kilometers long and six lanes wide, the proposed infrastructure by San Miguel Corporation (SMC) is elevated to traverse the entirety of the Pasig River and, more importantly, create more traffic space between the eastern and western sections of Metro Manila. SMC has control measures, as indicated in their Environmental Impact Statement, that address some emerging ecological concerns associated with the PAREX, like dredging to prevent flooding and waste removal to counter existing solid waste pollution [2]. However, an elevated expressway constructed on the riverbanks, partially covering the entire river, is nothing short of a structural limitation to the many potentials of Pasig River.

Potential to Support Diverse Forms of Life

Though SMC believes otherwise [3], the Pasig River is not dead. The river, including its banks, has now become home to 118 species of trees and vegetation, 39 species of birds, eight species of fish, and several aquatic plants, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) [4]. Life is especially evident for the groups of Filipino fisherfolks who have even shared their daily catches from the river, like "tilapia" and "hito," on social media platforms. Aside from sustenance, the Pasig River supports Filipino lives by providing space for recreation and a reliable route for humanitarian aid during earthquakes and other natural calamities [5].

But, should PAREX be built, the maximum potential of the Pasig River to support life may remain unfulfilled. Among the many possible ecological impacts of riverine highway development noted by the United States Environmental Protection Agency are the immediate destruction, fragmentation, and degradation of natural habitats, pollution from vehicular and construction processes, and disruption of soil and river processes, including the increased risk of flood, erosion, and chemical contamination in the long run [6]. Meanwhile, science advocates slam the elevated expressway for partially blocking the natural sunlight needed for making oxygen available to the recovering food chains in Pasig River [7].

Potential to Become a Natural Transportation Route

A perfect example of utilizing the water transportation capacity is the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS). Unbeknownst to many Filipinos, despite being free of charge, this alternative mode of transport also links Metro Manila's eastern and western sections, from Escolta to Pinagbuhatan, while taking its passengers on a tour of several cultural landmarks along Pasig River, like the Manila Post Office. However, PRFS remains limited in services, with only 11 boats, each capable of carrying 36 to 55 passengers, and 12 stations [8].

SMC claims that PAREX, a project devoid of taxpayers' money, may complement the PRFS during its operational phase [9]. Though this ultimately suggests that Filipinos may fully maximize their monetary contributions, researchers suggest such an outcome is unlikely. The internationally recognized Braess Paradox states that new roads result in further traffic congestion in congested urban transportation networks [10], like the one in Metro Manila. Poor traffic flow is still the most likely case in the future since PAREX is designed to accommodate—and inevitably encourage—more private than public vehicles.

Potential to Protect Communities from Extreme Natural Events

Since time immemorial, the Pasig river has been protecting its vicinity from heat waves and flooding. Its natural ability to prevent the sun’s heat from being emitted back to ambient air keeps surrounding cities relatively cool [11]. With its constant currents, the Pasig River also keeps erratic rainwater from flooding communities [12].

PAREX presents the people near Pasig River with assurance and uncertainty. More heat-absorbing concrete structures from PAREX–and less sunlight reflected by the river–could only mean extreme heat incidents that threaten the lives of vulnerable Filipinos and other organisms. As the DENR still probes for the possible environmental impacts of the project, Filipinos are left with uncertainty over the effectiveness of dredging against floods [13].

Pasig River vs PAREX: The Final Verdict

Prioritizing the mobility of cars over the mobility of people, PAREX is just another life-depleting structure, a primary source of pollutants, and a structural symbol of non-inclusivity and environmental imprudence. Given that only about 12% of Metro Manila households own at least one car [14], the government must instead divert its political will from band-aid traffic solutions to long-term improvements on public transportation, waste management, and green spaces for the majority. Investments must not be made in such environmental risk that is ultimately incapable of addressing the increasing volume of private road vehicles—the underlying reason behind Metro Manila's traffic woes.

References

‌1.

Gilles SN. Revitalization of the Pasig River Through the Years: Bringing a Dying Ecosystem Back to Life [Internet]. Muhon Journal for UP College of Architecture (draft for review)2019 [cited 2023 Sep 24];Available from: https://www.academia.edu/5765195/Revitalization_of_the_Pasig_River_Through_the_Years_Bringing_a_Dying_Ecosystem_Back_to_Life

2.

San Miguel Corporation Infrastructure. Project Description for Scoping: Pasig River Expressway Project [Internet]. 2021 [cited 2023 Sep 24]. Available from: https://eia.emb.gov.ph/wp-content/uploads/2021/07/PDS-Pasig-River-Expressway-Project.pdf

3.

Mangubat L. Pushback against the 19.4km PAREX, explained [Internet]. Spin.ph2021 [cited 2023 Sep 24];Available from: https://www.spin.ph/life/cars-and-tech/the-parex-protests-explained-a1017-20210929-lfrm

4.

The Philippine Star. The Pasig River: Our nation’s lifeline [Internet]. Philstar.com2019 [cited 2023 Sep 24];Available from: https://www.philstar.com/business/science-and-environment/2019/07/28/1938828/pasig-river-our-nations-lifeline#:~:text=More%20than%2030%20million%20kilograms,fish%2C%20and%20several%20aquatic%20plants

‌5.

GMA Public Affairs. “Trip to Pasig,” dokumentaryo ni Howie Severino | I-Witness [Internet]. YouTube2023 [cited 2023 Sep 24];Available from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HiWqL1uq9f8&ab_channel=GMAPublicAffairs

6.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Evaluation of Ecological Impacts from Highway Development [Internet]. 1994 [cited 2023 Sep 24]. Available from: https://www.epa.gov/sites/default/files/2014-08/documents/ecological-impacts-highway-development-pg_0.pdf

7.

Mangaluz J. DENR still probing possible environmental impact of PAREx [Internet]. INQUIRER.net2023 [cited 2023 Sep 24];Available from: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1793793/denr-still-probing-possible-environmental-impact-of-parex

8.

Naguna JL. Looking for a better commuting experience? The Pasig River Ferry Service might be for you [Internet]. PIA2023 [cited 2023 Sep 24];Available from: https://pia.gov.ph/features/2023/03/31/looking-for-a-better-commuting-experience-the-pasig-river-ferry-service-might-be-for-you

9.

San Miguel Corporation. SMC reaffirms commitment to build PAREX sustainably, reports gains in Pasig River cleanup initiative [Internet]. Sanmiguel.com.ph2022 [cited 2023 Sep 24];Available from: https://www.sanmiguel.com.ph/news/smc-reaffirms-commitment-to-build-parex-sustainably‌

10.

Nagurney A, Nagurney L. The Braess Paradox [Internet]. 2020. Available from: https://supernet.isenberg.umass.edu/articles/braess-encyc.pdf

11.

United States Environmental Protection Agency. Learn About Heat Islands | US EPA [Internet]. US EPA2014 [cited 2023 Sep 25];Available from: https://www.epa.gov/heatislands/learn-about-heat-islands

‌12.

Pedrajas J. PAREX would bring more heat, more flooding in NCR, various groups warn [Internet]. Manila Bulletin2021 [cited 2023 Sep 25];Available from: https://mb.com.ph/2021/09/29/parex-would-bring-more-heat-more-flooding-in-ncr-various-groups-warn/

‌13.

Mangaluz J. DENR still probing possible environmental impact of PAREx [Internet]. INQUIRER.net2023 [cited 2023 Sep 25];Available from: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1793793/denr-still-probing-possible-environmental-impact-of-parex

‌14.

Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities. “Liberate the 88%!”: Rep. Legarda echoes experts’ calls to prioritize Metro Manila majority of non-car owners [Internet]. ICSC | Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities2020 [cited 2023 Sep 24];Available from: https://icsc.ngo/liberate-the-88/

[kodokan]

Asian Marinated Grilled Chicken Breast

Many marinades are filled with sweeteners, infusing your healthy dinner with unwanted simple sugars. This recipe removes all worry by using a small amount of liquid stevia along with other fresh and wholesome flavors to liven up this tender, grilled chicken breast.

Enjoy with a side of veggies!

What you need Servings: 4

For the Asian Marinade:

¼ cup coconut aminos ¼ cup Balsamic Vinegar 1 tablespoon olive oil 1 teaspoon Liquid Stevia 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced 2 tablespoons fresh ginger, minced 3 fresh scallions, thinly sliced

For the Chicken:

4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts

Instructions

1. Combine all of the marinade ingredients in a large ziplock bag. Add the chicken breasts and marinade in the fridge for 2 hours or overnight.

2. Preheat grill for medium-high heat. Oil the grill grate.

3. Place chicken breast on the grill and discard the marinade. Grill for 5-7 minutes on each side, until cooked through with no pink remaining. Enjoy!

Nutrition One serving equals: 245 calories, 7g fat, 2g carbohydrate, 0g sugar, 362mg sodium, 0g fiber, and 46g protein.

I hope that you get a chance to give this recipe a try this week. Remember that I’m only a call or email away to assist you in all things fitness. And if you are not yet one of my prized clients then call or email me now to set up your first workout – I’d love to help you achieve your fitness and martial arts goals!

Talk Soon,

Miguel Serrano 719-388-2020 United States Karate Academy

[torturedpoettsv]

people think if the child is good in studies at 8, fir vo humesha vaise hi padhaaku rahega

[blushlillyyy]

My roommate said “ yarr korean vorean ladke theek hai but desi ladke mard hote hai” 😮‍💨

[hinsaa-paramo-dharma]

I fucked up.

[hehehuhuhihi]

वो इस तरह आंखों में आंखें डालकर हस्ता था की दिन बन जाता था ।

[hum-suffer]

Jiss jiss ne nhi dekhi bc Jaa ke haseen dilruba dekho. DEKHO. This is how a morally grey story and morally grey characters are made @/Sandeep Vanga dude.

GORGEOUS movie and BEAUTIFUL album