Managing Our Urban Ecosystems for Survival
An urban ecosystem is man-made. It is not natural in the way that mountains, forests and oceans are. Nonetheless, its four elements --land, air, waters and peoplemaintain a dynamic balance the poor management of which results in pollution, environmental deterioration and social problems.
Metro Manila is confronted with the environmental and social problems that accompany rapid industrialization and increase in population density. A 1990 study commissioned by the Asian Development Bank identified eight leading environmental problems. These are:
1. solid waste
2. slum areas
3. flooding
4. water pollution
5. air pollution
6. hazardous/toxic waste
7. destruction of naturBI resources
8. noise pollution.
These environmental problems occur for a variety of reasons; but oftentimes, these reasons include underlying social problems that extend beyond the city. For example, the increase in the number of squatters and slum areas is not only associated with inadequate housing facilities or the high cost of urban real estate but it is also a consequence of rural poverty, rural unemployment and the migration of the rural poor into fhe cities to seek their livelihood. Once established, slum areas in turn spin an ever-evolving web of social consequences.
Transactions of the National Academy of Science and Technology To solve the environmental problems of Metro Manila, we must address both the physical and social determinants which give rise to these problems. Resources need to be found to finance the infrastructure improvements for solid waste disposal, sewage, transport, social services and many others. Without doubt, long- term solutions must take into account the larger issues of poverty, social equity and good government.
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Hands-On Learning, Hands-Off Hazards: Chemical Safety in the Classroom
On June 11, 2024, the EcoWaste Coalition and Ateneo School of Medicine and Public Health (ASMPH) Centre for Research and Innovation (ACRI) held a seminar at Caloocan High School on chemical safety in classrooms, attended by around 100 teachers and school leaders. Dr. Geminn Louis C. Apostol led a plenary on potential chemical hazards and mitigation strategies, followed by interactive breakout sessions where teachers identified hazards and created educational materials promoting chemical safety. Facilitators, including experts from ACRI and SEAOHUN, supported the discussions. EcoWaste's Sir Manny Calonzo emphasized the risks of heavy metals in tarpaulins, crayons, and markers, advocating for toxic-free materials. The event is part of an ongoing partnership to empower educators in creating safer learning environments for Filipino children.
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A TAALe of Arsenic: Sharing the narrative through an interactive map
Arsenic is a highly toxic and carcinogenic trace metal that can potentially contaminate groundwater sources in volcanic regions and affect communities in the area, like those residing around the Taal Volcano. The volcano’s eruption last 2020 encouraged an investigation into the quality of groundwater sources in communities surrounding the volcano. In response, the EnviHealth team in ACRI conducted a comparative documentation, “Arsenic in Groundwater Sources from Selected Communities Surrounding Taal Volcano, Philippines”. Water samples from 26 wells were collected across 11 municipalities and 1 city in Batangas province within danger zones from the volcano which were used to analyze total arsenic levels of the samples. Geographic coordinates of the sampling points were also recorded for mapping.