GOOD NEWS FOR BLURRY VISION PATIENTS

GOOD NEWS FOR BLURRY VISION PATIENTS

Here’s a bit of good news that doesn’t come often enough: the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just approved a new type of eye drop called VIZZ, a once-daily treatment that improves near vision in adults suffering from presbyopia—the medical term for the blurry near vision that comes with aging.

According to LENZ Therapeutics, the company behind this product, VIZZ is the first and only FDA-approved aceclidine-based eye drop for this condition. It works by gently shrinking the pupil, creating a “pinhole effect” much like narrowing the aperture of a camera. This improves near vision without the usual side effects of older treatments—no brow heaviness, no blurred distance vision, and no risky stimulation of the eye’s focusing muscles.

Sounds like a miracle in a bottle, doesn’t it? But while the Americans can expect to get their hands on this by the fourth quarter of 2025, the more important question for us is: What about the Philippines?

A Call to the DOH

I believe the Department of Health (DOH) should act on this right away. If a treatment as simple and non-invasive as eye drops could dramatically improve the quality of life for millions of Filipinos—especially those aged 45 and up—it deserves urgent attention.

But first things first: Does the DOH have any data on how many Filipinos are affected by presbyopia? Surely, it must be a large number. Presbyopia isn’t a rare disorder; it’s a natural part of aging. Almost everyone past 45 will start noticing they have to hold menus or phone screens farther away. Some people might shrug it off or just buy reading glasses from the sidewalk vendors. But for others—especially those whose livelihoods depend on clear vision—it can be devastating.

The Burden of Blurry Vision

Presbyopia may sound like a “minor” problem, but for the elderly who live alone, the tricycle driver reading the boundary logbook, the sari-sari store owner reading expiry dates, or the teacher checking test papers—it is far from minor. Blurry vision leads to loss of productivity, dependence on others, and loss of self-esteem. It can even be dangerous—imagine misreading a medicine label or not seeing the price of goods properly.

And while there are eyeglasses and contact lenses, not everyone can afford the time or money to get them. And many find them inconvenient. That's why this new treatment could be life-changing—a few drops a day, and you’re good for up to 10 hours.

Accessibility for the Poor

This brings us to the next question: How can we make this available to poor people who cannot afford it? If VIZZ reaches our shores, we can be sure of one thing—it will come with a price tag. Probably a hefty one at first. But vision should not be a privilege. Just as we fight for universal access to medicine, healthcare, and vaccines, we should also fight for universal access to something that helps our people function better, work longer, and live more independently.

The DOH and PhilHealth should consider whether VIZZ could be part of a publicly funded eye care program. What about including it in the formulary for barangay health centers? Can LGUs (local government units) or even the private sector help subsidize it? Could eye doctors in our provinces help identify indigent patients who would benefit from free or discounted treatments?

If we can give free reading glasses to schoolchildren and elderly citizens, why not free presbyopia eye drops as well?

Trust but Verify

Let’s also not forget to temper our excitement with scientific caution. While the clinical trials sound promising—with no serious adverse events in over 30,000 treatment days—peer-reviewed data has not yet been published. This is common practice in ophthalmology, but the DOH should still wait for a proper independent assessment by Filipino experts before importing or endorsing the product.

This is not to discourage innovation. On the contrary, I welcome it. I only want to make sure we adopt new technologies responsibly and in ways that truly serve our people.

Eyes on the Prize

So, yes—VIZZ is good news. But good news for whom?

Let’s not stop at marveling at the scientific breakthrough. Let’s push our health leaders and policymakers to make sure that the benefits of this innovation reach all Filipinos, not just those who can afford a trip to the US or a pricey clinic in Bonifacio Global City.

To the Department of Health: please investigate this now. Gather the data. Engage with LENZ. See what regulatory approvals are needed here. And most importantly, start thinking now about access and affordability.

Because what’s the point of clearer vision if we still can’t see the poor?

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

10-01-2025 

YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES

YOU SHOULD BE ASHAMED OF YOURSELVES

What is the English equivalent of the Filipino expression “Mahiya naman kayo”?

Literally, it translates to “Have some shame” or “You should be ashamed of yourselves.” But if you’ve ever heard it spoken with passion—by an elder, a teacher, or a leader—it carries far more weight than just a suggestion to feel guilty. It can be a sharp moral rebuke, a call to conscience, or even a warning of consequences to come.

At times, I wonder: could it also be interpreted—at least indirectly and poetically—as “Woe to you”? In biblical terms, “woe” is more than just sorrow; it’s a pronouncement of doom or impending judgment. As in, “Woe unto you who trample on the poor, who steal from the widow, who enrich yourselves while others drown in poverty.” Doesn’t that carry the same emotional thunder?

Yes, I believe “Mahiya naman kayo” could, in certain moments, rise to that level of gravity—especially when spoken against corruption, injustice, or abuse of power. It’s not just a call for embarrassment—it’s a call for accountability.

That said, I’m reminded of a biblical promise from 2 Chronicles 7:14, which says:

“If my people, which are called by my name, shall humble themselves, and pray, and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways; then will I hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin, and will heal their land.”

This is not just about punishment—it’s about redemption. But here’s the catch: repentance must be sincere, and more importantly, it must lead to real change.

That brings me to what I consider the five steps of genuine moral recovery:
Remorse. Repent. Resolve. Repair. Restore.

1.   Remorse is the emotional awakening—the heart’s response when it finally sees the wrong it has committed.

2.   Repentance is the spiritual pivot—the decision to turn away from the wrongdoing.

3.   Resolve is the internal commitment—not just to stop doing wrong, but to live rightly.

4.   Repair is the active step—return what was stolen, apologize, rebuild what was destroyed.

5.   Restoration is the fruit—when justice is done, and the damage is truly undone.

Now, let’s apply that to real-world issues.
Let’s talk about corruption.

Every peso stolen from public funds is a peso taken away from classrooms, health centers, and farmers. When government officials are caught stealing and all they say is, “Let’s move on” or “Let’s not dwell on the past,” I say: Mahiya naman kayo!

It is not enough to feel ashamed—or worse, to fake shame when the cameras are rolling. There must be remorse, repentance, resolve, repair, and restoration. You don’t just admit guilt in public and then retreat to your private mansion. You return what you stole. You rebuild what you broke. You live differently.

Sometimes we hear the excuse: “Let’s just moderate our greed.” I reject that entirely. There is no such thing as tolerable corruption, just as there is no such thing as a little poison in your food. Corruption in any amount is still a betrayal of public trust.

Some say corruption is part of our “kalakalan”—a way of doing business. I say it is a way of doing wrong. And no amount of normalization will make it right.

In his 2025 State of the Nation Address, President Marcos said, “Mahiya naman kayo sa inyong kapwa Pilipino… Mahiya naman kayo sa mga kabahayan nating naanod o nalubog sa pagbaha.”
(Shame on you toward your fellow Filipinos… Shame on you for the homes swept away by floods.)

That wasn’t just rhetoric. That was a moral rebuke—a condemnation of the greed, neglect, and impunity that allow such tragedies to happen repeatedly.

So today, I repeat the call:
You should be ashamed of yourselves.

Not out of cruelty, not to humiliate, but to awaken. Because shame, when it is honest, can be the first step to real transformation. But we must go further—beyond shame, into action.

And perhaps, if enough of us do that—if we, as a people, learn to feel remorse, to repent, to resolve, to repair and restore—then maybe, just maybe, healing shall come upon our land.

Let us not wait for “woe” to come. Let us choose to change—while there is still time.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-30-2025 

USING DRONES FOR REMOTE REFORESTATION

USING DRONES FOR REMOTE REFORESTATION

In an era where artificial intelligence and drone technology are revolutionizing nearly every industry, it's no surprise that forestry is next in line for a major upgrade. Japan is now using AI-powered drones to reforest lands ravaged by wildfires and climate change. These aren’t just any drones—they use LiDAR to scan terrain, analyze soil conditions, and drop biodegradable, nutrient-rich seed pods with pinpoint precision. The result? An 80% success rate in seed germination, and trees planted ten times faster than by hand.

That is high-tech reforestation in action.

But here’s a thought: how much higher tech could it get if we pushed the limits with AI, data mapping, and automation? Can we develop an even more intelligent system that adapts to soil pH, rainfall patterns, and even local biodiversity needs?

I’m not asking this out of idle curiosity. I’m asking this because there’s nothing that Japan has done before that we in the Philippines cannot do now. In fact, we already are—at least in some areas.

Take Galansiyang, a startup incubated by MSU-IIT and supported by DOST in Northern Mindanao. In Pangantucan, Bukidnon, they’ve been deploying locally designed, 3D-printed drones that mimic the flight of birds like the Asian Glossy Starling. These drones scatter thousands of seed balls—made from clay, compost, and charcoal—over remote mountain areas, planting native trees in places where human foresters simply cannot go.

Now here’s where things get practical. Manual labor is still viable—and even preferable—in most parts of the Philippines. We have a young population, many of whom are unemployed or underemployed. Reforestation projects, especially under the National Greening Program (NGP), have provided thousands of jobs and helped reforest vast areas.

So no, I’m not suggesting we replace people with machines.

But what about remote or dangerous areas? What about reforesting mountainsides too steep to climb, or regions recently scorched by wildfires? Or places prone to landslides, where planting trees could literally save lives?

In those areas, drones make absolute sense. In fact, not using them could be considered a missed opportunity.

Besides, the LiDAR technology needed for mapping and precision planting is already available in the Philippines. We've used it for disaster risk reduction, flood modeling, and urban planning. Why not also apply it to precision forestry?

Other countries are not waiting around. Australia’s AirSeed Technologies, in partnership with WWF, uses drones to plant 40,000 seed pods per day to restore koala habitats. In the UAE, drones plant mangrove seeds in muddy coastlines. In Canada, Flash Forest aims to plant 1 billion trees by 2028. Even the U.S., with its obsession for innovation, has DroneSeed working in post-wildfire zones.

So where do we stand?

While Bukidnon is showing the way, drone-based forestry in the Philippines is still in its infancy. According to the Philippine Drone Network, drones are mostly used for construction, real estate, and media—not for conservation. That’s a gap we need to bridge. We could be using drones not just to plant seeds, but also to monitor forest health, track illegal logging, and inventory endangered species habitats in places like Mt. Iglit-Baco in Mindoro.

What makes the Bukidnon model worth emulating is its community integration. It’s not just about tech—it’s about people. Manobo-Talaandig indigenous groups collect the seeds. Students from Bukidnon Community College prepare the seed balls. The drones do the planting, but the spirit of the forest restoration remains human.

This is the future I envision: a hybrid approach—combining traditional ecological knowledge and grassroots participation with cutting-edge drone tech and AI analysis. Imagine that model scaled up: deploying drones to the mangrove coastlines of Samar, the mountain ranges of the Cordilleras, or the burned hills of Palawan after a forest fire.

But for that to happen, we need policy support, private investment, and bold leadership. Just as we’ve done with climate adaptation and disaster preparedness, we must mainstream drone-based forestry into our national agenda.

Let’s not get stuck thinking that reforestation must always be slow, tedious, and purely manual. It can be smarter, faster, and more efficient—especially when human hands and machine wings work together.

If other countries are proving that drones can reforest the planet, then surely, we in the Philippines can lead the way in Southeast Asia.

Let’s fly with it.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-29-2025 

NORWAY’S DEFORESTATION POLICY IS A WAKE-UP CALL—WILL THE PHILIPPINES LISTEN?

NORWAY’S DEFORESTATION POLICY IS A WAKE-UP CALL—WILL THE PHILIPPINES LISTEN?

When Norway made headlines by committing to a zero-deforestation policy, I couldn’t help but ask: When will we, in the Philippines, take forest protection this seriously?

The Norwegian government has now pledged that no product entering its public procurement system should be linked to deforestation. That’s not just a statement of intent—it’s a policy shift backed by political will. According to the UN-backed Climate Action, this move is part of Norway’s long-standing leadership in rainforest protection. Back in 2008, they even put their money where their mouth is, giving Brazil a whopping $1 billion to help preserve the Amazon. It worked—Brazil cut deforestation by 75% and spared over 33,000 square miles of forest.

This latest move is not just symbolic. Norway’s decision sends a message across the globe: governments must lead by example, not just rely on voluntary pledges from the private sector. Nils Hermann Ranum of Rainforest Foundation Norway said it best: “This is an important victory... Until now, this has not been matched by similar commitments from governments.”

So, what about us here in the Philippines?

We do have several reforestation and forest protection programs. The National Greening Program (NGP), for example, aims to plant 1.5 billion trees across 1.5 million hectares by 2028. More recently, the Forests for Life campaign launched by the DENR targets 5 million trees planted and 3.5 million tons of carbon sequestered by 2038. There's also the Community-Based Forest Management Program, which rightly empowers local communities to conserve forestlands.

These are well-intentioned, yes. But I must ask: Do they come with the same level of bold commitment and accountability that we’re seeing from Norway?

Are we banning products that are driving deforestation? Are we screening government procurement to ensure that the wood, paper, or palm oil used in public projects is sustainably sourced? Do we even know where those materials are coming from?

Our laws, such as the Revised Forestry Code (P.D. 705) and more recent Department Administrative Orders (DAOs), provide a good legal framework. We also have a carbon accounting and verification system in place. But frameworks are only as good as their enforcement—and that’s where things start to fall apart.

Here’s a sobering fact: according to the WWF, global deforestation reached 16.3 million acres in 2022, and a big chunk of that happened in Southeast Asia. The Philippines is not immune. Illegal logging, land conversion, and mining continue to chip away at what little primary forest we have left.

Some of our reforestation programs face challenges, too. Survival rates of planted trees remain low, and there's often little post-planting monitoring. Tree planting becomes a photo op, not a long-term ecological commitment.

Norway’s example shows that political will matters. A recent global study concluded that strong governance and civil society pressure were essential in countries like Brazil and Indonesia where forest loss has slowed.

So, where’s the pressure in our case? Where’s the accountability?

I believe it’s time for the Philippines to adopt its own Zero Deforestation Commitment, starting with public procurement. If government agencies refuse to buy paper, wood, and other materials unless they’re proven to be deforestation-free, we would create a powerful economic incentive for sustainability.

We must also expand our understanding of deforestation. It's not just about trees—it's about soil health, biodiversity, and food security. That’s why I welcome initiatives like the UN’s Global Soil Biodiversity Observatory (GLOSOB), which aims to monitor underground ecosystems. We need to do something similar locally. Healthy forests are not just green canopies—they are living, breathing networks of life, above and below the ground.

Finally, we must take a hard look at so-called carbon offset projects, which are underperforming globally. A University of Utah study points out that many offset programs—especially forest preservation efforts—lack transparency and solid verification. We should reform our own REDD-Plus strategies to ensure that we’re not just ticking boxes, but saving forests.

In short, we can no longer afford to treat deforestation as a secondary issue. It’s at the heart of our fight against climate change, poverty, and disaster vulnerability.

Norway has raised the bar. Now the question is—will the Philippines rise to meet it?

Let’s not wait until our last tree becomes a memory carved into an environmental impact assessment. Let’s act while we still have forests to protect.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-28-2025 

PRODUCING DIESEL FUELS FROM SEAWEEDS

 PRODUCING DIESEL FUELS FROM SEAWEEDS

What if the future of fuel lies not in the ground, but in the sea?

In 2010, four graduates from the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Madras made a bold bet: that seaweed—an underwater plant often overlooked and underutilized—could power the next generation. Their company, Sea6 Energy, is now pioneering deep-sea farming technologies and converting harvested seaweed into biocrude—a potential alternative to fossil diesel. According to their founders, the goal is to make seaweed biofuel cost-competitive with traditional fuels. They are building large-scale marine farms and machines to grow, harvest, and process this fast-growing crop entirely offshore.

India’s experiment with seaweed-based energy is part of a growing global movement that sees this humble marine organism as a serious contender in the race to replace fossil fuels.

In Indonesia, the potential of seaweed as biofuel is not just theory—it’s part of national policy. As Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka emphasized, seaweed is among Indonesia’s most abundant bioenergy resources. The government is aiming to produce B50 biodiesel—a blend of 50% fossil diesel and 50% biofuel—and is exploring seaweed alongside palm oil to meet its ambitious renewable energy targets. The country estimates a staggering 57 gigawatts of untapped bioenergy potential.

Meanwhile, in the Caribbean, innovation is brewing with a unique twist. In Barbados, researchers have been converting sargassum seaweed—an invasive species that frequently clogs beaches—into biogas. By mixing it with wastewater from local rum distilleries and sheep dung, the mixture produces a flammable, usable gas. According to early reports, at least four vehicles have already been modified to run on this bio-compressed natural gas, with plans to scale the solution across the island. It’s a double win: clean energy and coastal cleanup.

Malaysia, too, has joined the race. With more than 400 identified species of macroalgae, including Ulva, Sargassum, and Gracilaria, the country is now experimenting with offshore mariculture systems to grow seaweed specifically for fuel. These seaweeds are rich in lipids and carbohydrates, essential ingredients for producing both biodiesel and bioethanol. A prototype farm near Bidong Island is already in operation.

Even small nations like Belize are exploring the potential of sargassum biofuels. Faced with mounting environmental damage from massive seaweed blooms, Belizean authorities are considering bioconversion as a sustainable disposal method and energy alternative.

So, what makes seaweed such a promising green energy source?

First, seaweed doesn’t require land, freshwater, or fertilizers—a major advantage over biofuel crops like corn or soy. It grows rapidly in ocean waters and can be cultivated year-round in suitable climates. According to a study by The Climate Foundation, large-scale seaweed farming could remove up to 100 gigatons of CO₂ from the atmosphere over 12 years, making it a valuable ally in the fight against climate change.

Second, seaweed is extremely versatile. Depending on the species and process used, it can be converted into biodiesel, bioethanol, and biogas. And unlike many agricultural crops, seaweed farming has the potential to enhance marine ecosystems, support biodiversity, and even improve water quality.

But despite its potential, the road to mainstream adoption is not without hurdles.

As energy researchers point out, high production costs remain a major challenge. From cultivation to harvesting to processing, seaweed biofuels still require significant capital and technological innovation to become commercially viable. Conversion techniques—like fermentation and pretreatment processes—are improving but need further refinement for large-scale deployment.

There are also policy and infrastructure gaps. Most countries have yet to build the supply chains, regulatory frameworks, and incentives necessary to support seaweed-based energy systems. Unlike wind or solar, marine biomass has not yet received the same level of global attention or investment.

Still, the outlook is hopeful. Experts are envisioning coastal biorefineries—facilities that use seaweed, seawater, and marine microbes to produce a range of energy and chemical products sustainably. Southeast Asia, already a leader in seaweed production for food and cosmetics, is uniquely positioned to lead this energy transition.

Real-world innovation is already unfolding. From Indonesia’s biodiesel goals to Barbados’ sargassum-powered taxis, the future of marine bioenergy is no longer confined to laboratories and pilot studies—it’s arriving in the form of policies, prototypes, and public engagement.

To paraphrase a recent report from Global Seaweed Coalition, the oceans are not just frontiers for exploration—they are the future of sustainable energy. And if the momentum continues, we might one day fill up our tanks not at the expense of the earth, but in partnership with the sea.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-27-2025 

HERE COMES AUTONOMOUS FARMING

HERE COMES AUTONOMOUS FARMING

Once upon a time, farming was synonymous with sweat, soil, and sunrise routines. But not anymore—not in China, and increasingly, not in the rest of the world either. A quiet but profound revolution is underway in global agriculture, and it’s being driven not by farmers, but by autonomous tractors running on 5G, artificial intelligence (AI), satellite-linked GPS, and advanced sensors.

In China, autonomous farming is no longer experimental—it's happening. Fields that once needed dozens of workers are now being managed by driverless machines that till, seed, and harvest from morning till night—and even beyond. These smart machines, according to various reports from China’s Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Affairs, are part of a broader push to digitize agriculture, especially in vast and remote rural regions. Equipped with real-time monitoring and precision tools, they allow farmers to manage entire farms from the comfort of a smartphone. Labor dependency is down, productivity is up, and agriculture has never looked more high-tech.

But China is not alone. Around the world, countries are embracing autonomous farming as a solution to multiple challenges: labor shortages, rising food demand, environmental sustainability, and the quest for efficiency.

In the United States, John Deere's autonomous tractors are already operating on large farms. One such example is a 10,000-acre farm in Illinois, where AI-enabled tractors have increased productivity by 15%, thanks to precision seeding, automated tilling, and real-time error correction. According to John Deere engineers, farmers can now operate their tractors via mobile apps, freeing them from the cabin and giving them more control over their operations.

In Europe, the shift toward automation is being accelerated by a different pressure: labor shortages, especially post-Brexit and during the pandemic. The UK’s agricultural sector even called for a “Covid Recovery Visa” to temporarily bring in foreign workers. But when manpower couldn't meet demand, autonomous tractors and drones started filling the gap. Operating around the clock, these machines not only reduce the need for seasonal labor but also eliminate many human errors in the process.

Canada is facing a similar scenario. A 2021 report by the Agriculture and Agri-Food Labour Task Force predicted a shortfall of 114,000 agricultural workers by 2025. In response, Canadian farms are fast-tracking the adoption of autonomous tractors—not just for convenience, but for safety. These machines reduce human exposure to pesticides, heavy machinery, and long working hours under harsh weather conditions. The government and industry groups see this not as a threat to jobs, but as a necessary evolution to keep food production sustainable.

Globally, the impact of autonomous farming extends beyond labor and productivity. It’s a key pillar in the move toward sustainability. With the integration of GPS, AI, and Internet of Things (IoT) technologies, autonomous tractors can apply water, seeds, and fertilizer with laser-like precision. This minimizes waste, lowers input costs, and reduces environmental harm such as chemical runoff into rivers and ecosystems. In short, machines can now farm smarter than ever before.

These tractors are not just big machines—they’re smart systems. Sensor arrays monitor soil health, weather conditions, and crop performance. Machine learning algorithms analyze past harvests to improve future planting decisions. And IoT connectivity links the entire ecosystem—tractors, irrigation systems, weather stations, and mobile apps—into a single digital control center. It’s farming by data, not just by dirt.

Of course, like any disruption, autonomous farming raises important questions. What happens to traditional farm workers? Can small-scale farmers afford such technology? Will developing countries be left behind in this new wave of aggrotech?

These are valid concerns. But some experts argue that rather than displacing farmers, technology may empower them. Automation can take over the most grueling tasks—plowing, spraying, harvesting—while farmers focus on decision-making, business strategies, and sustainability goals. Moreover, as the cost of these technologies drops over time, even smallholder farms may eventually benefit, especially through cooperative ownership models or government-backed programs.

In the Philippines, where agriculture still employs millions yet struggles with low productivity and aging labor, autonomous tractors could be a game-changer—if supported by policy, investment, and training. Imagine sugar plantations in Negros, or rice farms in Nueva Ecija, running with minimal human intervention but maximum efficiency. It’s not impossible—it’s already happening in other countries.

The age of AI-powered agriculture is no longer science fiction. It’s real, it's global, and it’s growing. As one Chinese farmer put it in a CCTV interview, “The field still needs care, but not always the hands. Sometimes, the eyes and the data are enough.”

Indeed, farming is no longer just manual labor—it’s a mix of machines, mathematics, and modern science. And with the rise of autonomous tractors, it seems the farm of the future is already here. As a fair warning though, let us prioritize creating jobs over the use of new technologies.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-26-2025 

ROOFTOP GARDENS: GREEN INNOVATION FROM THE TOP DOWN

 ROOFTOP GARDENS: GREEN INNOVATION FROM THE TOP DOWN

In a world grappling with the twin crises of climate change and rapid urbanization, some of the best solutions are taking root in the most unexpected places — literally above our heads. In Singapore, rooftop gardens are quietly transforming the urban landscape, proving that sustainability and city life don’t have to be at odds.

These elevated green spaces are doing more than just softening the skyline. As reported in various sustainability studies and showcased in articles from Singapore’s National Parks Board, rooftop gardens are now being used as rainwater collection systems. When it rains, instead of letting precious water runoff into drains and disappear, these gardens absorb it. The collected rainwater is then filtered and reused to irrigate public parks, community gardens, and landscaped areas. In doing so, the gardens help reduce the strain on the city’s water supply — a crucial consideration for a nation that imports a significant portion of its water.

But it doesn’t stop there. These gardens are also serving as natural cooling systems. According to a 2020 report by the Singapore Green Building Council, the plants on rooftops absorb heat and significantly lower rooftop temperatures. This, in turn, reduces the need for air conditioning inside the buildings below, helping cut down on energy use and greenhouse gas emissions. For a densely populated and vertically built city like Singapore, the impact of this cooling effect is not just theoretical — it's tangible and measurable.

This phenomenon, known as the urban heat island effect, causes cities to be significantly warmer than surrounding rural areas because of human activities and heat-absorbing surfaces like concrete and asphalt. Rooftop gardens fight back against this by reintroducing nature into concrete jungles, cooling the cityscape naturally.

What’s perhaps even more exciting is that these gardens aren't hidden away behind locked doors. Many of them are open to the public, providing not only greenery but also space for urban farming, recreational areas, and habitats for biodiversity. Birds, bees, and butterflies are returning to spaces once dominated by glass and steel. In fact, the Sky Greens vertical farm and the Capita Spring Green Oasis, both in Singapore, are internationally cited examples of how urban agriculture and ecological design can work side by side.

As an added social benefit, these gardens provide a communal experience in the heart of the city. Residents and office workers alike can take a break surrounded by nature, right in the middle of the city. It’s a gentle reminder that green spaces are not luxuries but necessities — and that cities can be built to serve both people and the planet.

Singapore’s model is especially relevant for other rapidly urbanizing countries, including the Philippines. With limited space and increasing environmental stress, Philippine cities could learn a thing or two from Singapore's rooftop revolution. We already face severe flooding, energy shortages, and air pollution — wouldn’t it be smart to turn unused rooftops into something beneficial?

In fact, with proper support from local government units, green building codes, and public-private partnerships, Philippine schools, malls, government buildings, and residential complexes could all be part of a new generation of climate-smart infrastructure. Imagine Metro Manila, Cebu, or Davao with green rooftops filtering rainwater, reducing electricity bills, feeding small communities, and giving children a place to play.

The beauty of the Singapore experience is that it's not just about technology — it’s about the will to innovate, the vision to see rooftops not as barriers, but as opportunities.

As cities continue to grow and environmental pressures mount, it's time to look up — literally. Rooftop gardens are not just patches of beauty; they are practical, sustainable, and deeply necessary. If every drop of rain and every patch of green can make a difference, then let’s start sowing solutions from the top down.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-25-2025 

ORGANIC FARMING STARTS WITH COMPOSTING

ORGANIC FARMING STARTS WITH COMPOSTING

In the quiet village where I live, there’s a sight that breaks my heart repeatedly: heaps of fallen leaves and pruned branches stuffed into large garbage bags, waiting for garbage trucks to haul them off to a dumpsite or landfill. It’s not just the image of green waste being treated as trash that pains me—it’s all the lost opportunities that go along with it.

What a waste.

What a waste of biodegradable materials that could have breathed new life into our depleted soils. What a waste of those garbage bags, many of which are plastic and will likely break down into microplastics that pollute our waterways and oceans. What a waste of village workers' time—time that could have been used to earn a bit more by producing compost or even selling organic fertilizer. What a waste of the chance to teach our children and neighbors about recycling, sustainability, and organic farming.

Most of all, what a waste of the diesel burned by garbage trucks, belching out carbon just to transport organic matter that never should’ve left the soil in the first place.

Why are we sending this potential goldmine to rot in a landfill, taking up space that should be reserved for truly unrecyclable waste? And worse, why are some still burning leaves and branches, despite laws like RA 9003 clearly banning open burning? This is not just a question of pollution—it’s a matter of missed purpose.

Let’s get one thing straight: organic farming begins with composting. If we are truly serious about food security, about healthier produce, and about sustainable agriculture, then composting must be at the heart of our efforts. It is where the cycle begins—and where waste turns back into life.

Instead of bagging yard waste, we could be shredding leaves and branches. Not only does shredding reduce their volume by up to 20 times, but it also accelerates decomposition. Shredded materials compost faster because they have more surface area for microbes to work on. That means faster compost, healthier soil, and more resilient crops.

Shredded leaves also make excellent mulch. Spread over garden beds, they suppress weeds, retain soil moisture, and regulate temperature—all while slowly feeding the earth with nutrients as they break down. This natural cycle improves not just crop yield but also soil biodiversity, benefiting insects, birds, and microorganisms that keep ecosystems balanced.

Let’s also talk money: composting saves on fertilizer costs, reduces garbage collection expenses, and can even create revenue streams. Communities can establish barangay-level composting centers, turning “trash” into sellable organic fertilizer and soil conditioners. Imagine unemployed youth trained in shredding and composting, earning money while keeping the environment clean.

And let’s not forget the law. Dumping yard waste in canals, sidewalks, or rivers is not only irresponsible—it’s illegal. Under MMDA regulations and national laws, violators face fines of ₱300 to ₱1,000, and in some cases, even short jail time or mandatory community service. Burning waste is equally punishable, and for good reason—it releases toxic fumes and greenhouse gases, exacerbating climate change and harming respiratory health.

So why do we keep repeating the same mistakes? Is it ignorance, convenience, or just a lack of imagination?

Instead of criminalizing behavior, perhaps we should start by empowering people. Give them access to shredders, compost bins, and training sessions. Encourage them with community reward systems or “green points” that can be converted into goods or services. Composting should not feel like a burden—it should be a source of pride, purpose, and even profit.

We have so much to gain. And yet, every time I see garbage bags stuffed with green waste, I feel like we’re burying our future along with our trash.

We don’t need to look far for a solution. The fallen leaves on our sidewalks, the branches trimmed from our trees—they are not trash. They are the beginning of something better.

If organic farming is the path to healthier people and a healthier planet, then composting is the first and most important step. And the best part? We already have everything we need to begin—right here in our own backyards.

Let’s stop wasting and start composting.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-24-2025 

SUSPEND EO 62 NOW: DEFEND OUR RICE FARMERS, DEFEND OUR FUTURE

SUSPEND EO 62 NOW: DEFEND OUR RICE FARMERS, DEFEND OUR FUTURE

As we are now in the rice harvest season from September to October, our farmers are not looking for celebration—but bracing for catastrophe. Instead of anticipating the fruits of their labor, they are facing a price crash that threatens to wipe out their livelihood.

At the center of this unfolding crisis is Executive Order No. 62, a policy that slashed tariffs on imported rice from 35% to just 15%. This move, combined with last year’s record-high rice importation of 4.68 million metric tons and a global drop in rice prices, has pulled down the farmgate price of palay (un-milled rice) to a devastating ₱11 per kilo—or even lower in some areas.

This is no ordinary dip in prices. This is a man-made disaster, timed tragically with the harvest season of our own local farmers. If EO 62 is not suspended immediately, cheap imported rice will continue to flood our markets. Worse, this will happen just before the tariff is scheduled to return to 35% in November—making the timing doubly cruel for Filipino rice growers.

How can we allow this? After all the storms, floods, and climate emergencies our farmers have endured, must they also suffer from flawed economic decisions?

Let’s be clear: this is not just a trade policy issue. This is about survival. This is about the dignity of the Filipino farmer. This is about national food security. If we allow the local rice sector to collapse, we also risk our capacity to feed ourselves as a nation. The effects will not stop at the farms—they will ripple into our economy, our dinner tables, and our future.

As a longtime advocate for rural development and farmer empowerment, I join fellow civil society groups, farmer organizations, and concerned citizens in calling for the immediate suspension of EO 62. Waiting until November is too late. The damage is happening now. Every week of delay means more farmers selling their harvest at a loss—or worse, not harvesting at all.

We urge President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to act swiftly. He must issue an emergency order to halt the rice import surge. He must also direct the National Food Authority (NFA) to aggressively procure local palay at no less than ₱25 per kilo, targeting at least 20% of the total harvest. This will not only stabilize prices—it will send a signal to farmers that their government stands with them.

We also call on Congress to convene urgent hearings and craft immediate safeguards, such as a price floor during harvest season. Additionally, Local Government Units (LGUs) must be empowered to provide transport and price subsidies, especially when national agencies are slow to respond.

This is the moment for a whole-of-government approach. It is also the moment for a whole-of-society awakening.

Let us not forget: our food security is built on the backs of our farmers. If we do not defend them now, we may soon find ourselves more dependent on foreign supply chains that can be disrupted at any time—by war, disease, or climate events.

We must defend rice sovereignty as part of our national interest. Imported rice should complement—not crush—our local production. And public policies should protect—not penalize—our food producers.

Suspend EO 62 now. Buy Filipino rice. Stand with our farmers. Let us choose a future where our farmers thrive, our economy grows from the ground up, and our people remain fed, proud, and self-sufficient.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-23-2025 

URBAN FARMING VERSUS ORDINARY GARDENING

 URBAN FARMING VERSUS ORDINARY GARDENING

Not all planting in the city is created equal. When we talk about growing food or plants in urban areas, we often mix up two distinct concepts: urban farming and ordinary gardening. While they may look the same at first glance—both involve soil, seeds, and sunlight—their purposes and outcomes are worlds apart.

Let’s make this clear: urban farming is a business, while ordinary gardening is a hobby. That simple distinction changes everything—from planning and investment to expectations and returns.

Ordinary gardening is typically recreational. You plant flowers, herbs, or even some vegetables in your backyard or balcony just for the joy of it. No business plan, no targets, no deadlines. You may not even harvest anything of significant value. It could be purely decorative or a source of relaxation. You don’t expect to earn anything from it—and that’s perfectly fine.

Urban farming, on the other hand, is serious business. It needs a real, detailed business plan. You must know your costs, your expected yield, your target market, and your potential profits. Otherwise, you’re just playing in the dirt. If there’s no profit, there’s no point in calling it a business. Urban farms can still be beautiful and even decorative, but that should always be secondary to income generation.

A well-run urban farm isn’t just about growing plants—it can also be part of a larger ecosystem. Waste recycling and composting are essential components. Food scraps and animal waste can be collected and converted into organic fertilizer, creating a circular economy that benefits both the environment and the enterprise. Imagine turning what was once thrown away into a product that feeds your crops, which in turn feed the community.

But here's where many efforts go wrong: people think that urban farming should always be charitable. That everything harvested must be given away. But if nobody pays for the produce, who will pay for the costs? Urban farmers must sell their harvests at a fair price—and communities must learn to support them, not expect freebies. This is the only way to make urban farming sustainable and scalable.

Urban farming is flexible and innovative. You can grow fruits and vegetables inside container vans, using hydroponics, aquaponics, or aeroponics. These technologies don’t even require soil—just water, nutrients, and precise climate control. You can also raise poultry, livestock, or even fish and crustaceans in these repurposed containers. By adjusting the temperature and salinity of water, even shrimps or crabs can be farmed in urban settings.

This approach—known as containerized agriculture—is gaining ground globally and could be a game-changer for the Philippines. A single container can replicate the productivity of a full hectare of farmland, but with 90% less water use and much greater protection against pests and extreme weather.

Urban farming can also make use of vacant lots, idle buildings, rooftops, and even riversides. Homeowner associations and cooperatives could spearhead these ventures, turning underutilized spaces into productive assets. Customers could even pre-order specialty crops, ensuring freshness and reducing waste.

And yes, urban farms can bring people together. They can build community, provide green jobs, and contribute to local food security. In Quezon City alone, over 1,000 urban farms are already operating—many on public land—and local ordinances support even more growth.

But to unlock their full potential, we must treat these efforts not as charity, but as entrepreneurial endeavors. That means investing in training, infrastructure, and marketing. It means teaching communities how to build and operate urban farms like businesses, not like hobbies.

There’s no reason why barangays can’t partner with national programs like the High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) or climate adaptation initiatives like LAWA/BINHI to support urban farming. With the right partnerships, we could replicate the container farming model in every district, turning cities into sources of food—not just consumers of it.

So, the next time someone plants tomatoes in a plastic pot or raises tilapia in a tank, ask: Is this a hobby, or is this a business? Because that answer changes everything.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-22-2025 

LET’S BUILD OFFLINE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS FOR FARMERS

LET’S BUILD OFFLINE COMMUNICATIONS NETWORKS FOR FARMERS

As a son of a farmer and as an advocate for rural innovation, I’ve long seen the invisible barriers that separate us from one another—not fences, but silence. In many parts of our farmlands, there’s little to no mobile signal. Internet is unreliable at best, nonexistent at worst. And while we've learned to adapt, this communication gap has real consequences. It slows down disaster response, blocks the flow of helpful agricultural information, and prevents us from working together when it matters most.

That’s why I’m proposing a simple, low-cost solution: an Offline Interconnectivity Network and Communication System (OINCS) for farmers. Powered by solar energy and built around LoRa (Long Range) radio devices, mesh-based messaging apps, and a locally hosted content servers, this system will allow farmers to message one another, share critical updates, and access farming resources—even in areas where there's absolutely no signal.

The goal is straightforward:

·       Let farmers talk to each other without relying on cell towers or Wi-Fi signals.

·       Give everyone access to offline content like planting calendars, pest control videos, and weather info.

·       Enable local alerts when there’s an emergency—whether it’s a wildfire, a crop disease, or a medical situation in the field.

·       Foster better coordination within the farming communities through digital bulletin boards and shared forms.

Who will benefit? Primarily the farmers and farm workers scattered across remote fields, but also barangay agriculture technicians, volunteers, and even farmer cooperatives. We all stand to gain from better, more inclusive communication.

Let me explain how it works.

At the heart of the system is a solar-powered server—a small but powerful Raspberry Pi computer installed at the barangay hall or cooperative office. This will act as our content hub and message router. Farmers will carry LoRa devices (like the TTGO T-Beam), which can send and receive text messages across long distances without needing internet. Others with smartphones can use mesh messaging apps like Briar or Serval, connecting through Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.

The applications are endless. The farmers can message a nearby farm to ask for help. They can listen to a tutorial on composting without using mobile data. They can announce a harvest schedule. Or they can send out a real-time alert when something’s wrong. It’s communication—made accessible, local, and resilient.

We can build the entire system for about ₱20,500, covering:

·       10 LoRa devices (₱8,000)

·       1 Raspberry Pi server with LoRa gateway (₱6,000)

·       A Wi-Fi repeater (₱1,500)

·       Solar panel and battery (₱4,000)

·       USB drives and accessories (₱1,000)

To keep costs low, I’m relying on volunteer tech support, open-source apps, and even recycled phones. Once installed, the system will be maintained by a local youth tech group or barangay IT staff. Monthly content updates—new videos, announcements, and training materials—can be done offline via USB drives by the LGU agriculture office.

This isn’t just a one-time project. We could lay out a clear 8-week timeline from planning to pilot testing, with expansion in mind. By the second month, we could be fully operational in several farms—and scale up from there.

What the farmers need now is support:

·       A modest funding amount of ₱20,500 per project site.

·       Training assistance and basic tech support

·       Endorsement and collaboration from local leaders, NGOs, coops, or donors who believe in grassroots innovation

If you share my vision for a farming community that communicates smarter, acts faster, and stays connected regardless of terrain or signal bars, I invite you to contact me.

In a world where digital connectivity can change lives, I believe that no farmer should be left behind—not because of geography, and certainly not because of a missing signal. Let’s build this system together. Let’s bring communication back to the fields, where it’s needed most.

Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres
iseneres@yahoo.com, senseneres.blogspot.com

09-21-2025