The recent visit of former U. S. Vice President Al Gore to the Philippines has reminded our leaders that the global warming threatening the destruction of the earth is real, and that the country has to confront this environmental threat together with other global problems such as terrorism and poverty.

The attention of most Filipinos, including those who lead the country, is focused on more mundane and everyday problems immediately affecting the lives of people. It takes a visitor like Al Gore to point out that we should not forget or ignore the global problems affecting the next generations. We have to thank Mr. Gore for the urgent reminder, which, although not new, is a timely advice to our people.

Gore's warning made in Manila is significant because the Manila area itself suffers from a host of environmental problems. Sometime ago, I quoted in this column a reputable geologist who revealed his findings that the Manila area is sinking due mainly to the removal of freshwater. Because of global warming that results in the melting of the polar ice caps (emphasized by Mr. Gore), it is probable that the sea level rise has also contributed to the sinking process.

There are a number of effects of sea level rise. One of them is saltwater intrusion, which follows when the pressure of freshwater on land decreases. Saltwater intrusion then could also be due to the decrease of freshwater supplies following, for example, the loss of the tropical rainforest cover. A good illustration is Cebu City, where saltwater intrusion occurred probably before sea level rise was reported.

The Manila area is also known for large-scale reclamations. The effects of reclamation in relation to land stability probably need to be studied in the light of the expected sea level rise mentioned by Mr. Gore. The extent of the sea level rise mentioned in the February 10 issue of the Philippine Daily Inquirer by the reporter, Daxim Lucas, is five meters. This is five times the figure of 80-100 centimeters (about a meter) in a century reported by others if my memory is right. Whatever is the true estimate is a secondary matter; what we should be concerned with is the fact of sea level rise and its consequences for the country and the people.

The environment of the country appears to be low in the development priority. That is why so many non-government groups take as their primary concern the protection of the environment, thus appearing to oppose development policies of the government. I believe that if government takes an active part, many of these groups will support it.

Some public officials were reported by the newspaper mentioned above to have expressed their appreciation for Mr. Gore's illustrated lecture.

We expect these officials not only to articulate their concern but also to lead in positive steps to do something about the problem of rising sea level. In this country, too many people just talk and talk but do little action, and the public cannot be blamed if they get tired of their grandstanding.

Mr. Gore's message should indeed be considered a wake-up call for the country to give priority to global environment issues.*

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Pag-IBIG Bacolod
has new head

The Pag-IBIG Fund Bacolod sub-regional office is now distinct from its Iloilo office and is now called the Pag-IBIG Bacolod Branch, a press release from the agency said.

Wilfredo Semolava was installed as the new officer-in-charge in rites held recently. Semolava was formerly assistant regional manager for Operations of Pag-IBIG Iloilo regional branch.

He will be assisted by Ronnie Abelo and Dulce Ann Salovino, it said.

The Pag-IBIG Bacolod branch was established in the 1980s and became a sub-regional branch in 1995. At present, it has two service centers in the cities of Cadiz and Kabankalan, Negros Occidental and has about 92,444 members as of January this year, it added.*

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Search on for
outstanding NOHS alumni

The Negros Occidental High School Alumni Association in Bacolod City announced the launching of its search for the outstanding alumni and that the deadline for submission of nomination is Feb. 28.

A press release from the group said that the awarding ceremony is set April 29.

The award will be given to the graduate of the school who has earned national achievements, and has contributed to the community and the advancement of his or her profession, it said.

Nomination forms may be obtained at the NOHS Alumni Hall, Araneta Street, Bacolod City.

Alumni may inquire from Jovita Divinagracia at 434-7771 for more details.

Meanwhile, the association also announced that the election of its Board of Directors for 2006-2007 will be held on March 9 and those interested in running for the posts may come to the NOHS Alumni Hall, the press release added.*

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