Recently a friend asked me if I had heard any news regarding elevated levels of radioactivity in the waters surrounding the Philippine Islands. I admit I had not, but would check into it. According to Philippine Nuclear Research Institute (PNRI) radioactive material was indeed found in existing coral and waters in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). PNRI Director Carlo Arcilla…
I arrived in the Philippines for the first time in early 1972, landing at Clark Air Base before experiencing the breathtaking bus ride to the U.S. Naval Base Subic just outside Olongapo City. I was to meet the USS Kitty Hawk CVA-63 on its next port of call, the first of many deployments during the Viet Nam campaign. During my…
I was watching CNN Philippines recently when a short mention of Philippine Innovation was highlighted. It showed a small business owner had developed a process to collect, restore, and possible reselling antique bicycles. It highlighted the fact that there are thousands of abandoned bicycles that could supply his shop. The owner also had a couple of younger employees on apprenticeship…
Philippine President Duterte has recently forwarded notice to the United States (U.S.) his decision to terminate the current Visiting Forces Agreement (VFA) that has been in effect since 1999. This long-standing agreement is scheduled to renew or expire in August 2020. The concerns expressed by many -for or against this action- address many opinions of which I will try to…
My past research efforts have been mostly directed to Philippine environmental issues, maritime encroachment in Philippine waters as well as maritime safety issues as they impact the Philippines in both the West Philippine Sea as well as the China Sea to the north. I have since broadened my research to not only maritime issues –from the West Philippine Sea to…
Without a doubt, the Maritime Industry in the Philippines is a vibrant cornerstone to the local economy and national workforce stability. To some extent, on an international level as well. One doesn’t have to look very far to understand how innovation with efficiency of operation and an ongoing focus to being environmentally sensitive is paramount in maintaining a balance of…
Once again the tropical forests of the world are in the news. This time, the forests of the Amazon Basin are experiencing uncontrolled wild fires destroying thousands of hectares of forest that are hundreds or thousands of years old. Considering the technical abilities available on a global level, I ask: How could this happen? What is the cause? And what…
During the 147th Maritime Forum, I had the opportunity to listen to a very informative presentation by MARINA Director Marc Anthony Pascua regarding Ballast Water Management. The presentation outlined its importance with regard to international transportation of Invasive Aquatic Organisms through commercial shipping. This presentation prompted me to further explore the issue, and write this article. With the introduction of…
Navigation by definition is the process or activity of accurately ascertaining one’s position and planning, and following a route. Also, navigation is a field of study that focuses on the process of monitoring and controlling the movement of a craft from one place to another. The past few years have recorded many global maritime incidents, collisions, groundings, and sinkings. The…
Recent events in the West Philippine Sea as well as other incidents involving shipping lanes, ferry crossings/sinkings, oil discharges into open water, and attacks on vessels, should have brought the attention of the global maritime industry. In monitoring the news, I see it has not. This spiked my curiosity as to why and what would happen if global sea lanes…
It’s not really white gold metal but rather, an energy source the entire world could use a gas that is clean, environmentally green, and self-replenishing. The Philippine Trench as well as the Philippine Rise is breeding grounds of the endangered Pacific Blue Fin Tuna, but speculators also say that lying at the bottom of the Philippine Trench is the world’s…
Oceans cover 70% of the Earth’s surface area, forming the largest habitat on the planet. Coastal and shallow-water areas contain some of the world’s most diverse and productive ecosystems, including seagrass beds, mangroves, and coral reefs. The 7000 islands of the Philippines are home to an enormous number of coral reef systems that not only contribute to global atmosphere health…
We are killing the Earth with pollution. It’s true. Just have a look at the recent local news regarding Boracay Island and other notable tourist-resort areas in the Philippines. The problem is extensive and growing. But don’t stop there. Have a look at this problem on a global level. The world’s oceans are awash in trash. Due to ocean currents…