Earth Files Archives

Man who can’t speak gives voice to environment

By Jun Santiago III, CSsR* | Nov 30, 2021 7:47 PM

Ramon Sta. Ana, 67, could barely talk. Six successive strokes permanently damaged his speech motor, leaving the former barangay captain dependent on interpreters for communication. His sentences are slurred. But whatever voice is left of him, the 67-year-old mangrove caretaker is dedicating it to the protection of the environment.

Cagsao, ecowarrior, environment, mangrove caretaker, Mangroves

Earth Files Editor's Pick News

Wiser and stronger after surviving typhoon Haiyan

By Luis Liwanag | Nov 25, 2021 1:22 PM

Time has not erased from the mind of Nick and Doris “Chai” Quieta what happened on November 8, 2013. Nor has it healed the pain and suffering that typhoon Haiyan brought to their families and that of more than 7, 000 others who perished in that tragedy.

Haiyan, Leyte, November 8 2013, Tacloban, typhoon Haiyan, typhoon Yolanda, Yolanda

Earth Files News

Rising but remembering – Ormoc years after the deadly flood

By Cooper Resabal | Nov 18, 2020 2:30 PM

Ormoc was once devastated by a powerful typhoon. The painful experience taught the city valuable lessons that can be used in rebuilding communities ravaged by Typhoon Ulysses.

1991 Ormoc floods, disaster, Earth Files, flash floods, floods

thumbnail_Dolomite_in_Manila_Bay_pic_3_Photo_by_Dde_Jesus.jpg

Earth Files News

No need for impact assessment for Manila Bay project, says EMB exec

By Reiven Pascasio | Sep 18, 2020 9:47 PM

The Manila Bay “white sand” project did not go through an environmental impact assessment, according to an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental and Management Bureau (DENR-EMB).

DENR-EMB, dolomite, Manila Bay, white sand

Earth Files News

Toxicologist: Dolomite particles may cause cancer, other diseases

By Reiven Pascasio | Sep 13, 2020 8:50 PM

The possible presence of toxic heavy metals and silica dust in the crushed dolomite rocks dumped at the Manila Baywalk may cause cancer, respiratory and kidney problems and subsequently weaken the immune system, a toxicologist had warned.

dolomite

Commentary Earth Files

Unsettling justifications for the ‘Boracay’ on Manila Bay project

By Tita C. Valderama | Sep 07, 2020 1:30 PM

The environment department’s project to beautify Manila Bay smacks of insensitivity to the people’s difficulties in coping with the 2019 coronavirus disease (Covid-19) and contradicts President Duterte’s vow to spend public money judiciously, particularly in this time of pandemic.

Manila Bay

COVID-19 Watch Earth Files Editor's Pick News

Wildlife and COVID-19: What the public can do

By Booma Cruz, Charmaine Deogracias and Elijah Roderos | May 27, 2020 12:31 PM

This is a call to action for each and every one of us to protect wildlife and the environment.

COVID-19, Pandemic, wildlife

COVID-19 Watch Earth Files Editor's Pick News

Wildlife to COVID-19: The Real Culprits

By Charmaine Deogracias, Elijah Roderos and Booma Cruz | May 17, 2020 1:34 PM

Eating bats, particularly its wings, drive evil spirits away, according to a popular Philippines folklore. Another widely held belief is that pangolin scales ward off witch’s spells, while its meat cures asthma.

bats, COVID-19, pangolin, wildlife trade

Commentary Earth Files

Upside of Covid-19 pandemic- clear skies

By Ellen T. Tordesillas | May 14, 2020 12:22 PM

It took the much-dreaded Covid-19 to give the environment a break from Man’s abuses.

covid-19PH

COVID-19 Watch Earth Files Editor's Pick News

Bats, Snakes, and Pangolins: The COVID-19 Suspects

By Charmaine C. Deogracias | Apr 26, 2020 1:57 PM

Various studies support the theory that COVID-19 is a zoonotic disease — one that originated from animals and passed on to human beings. What has still to be confirmed is the culprit animal species. Yet, bats, snakes and pangolins have already become prime suspects.

COVID-19