SAVING THE FORESTS BY GROWING COFFEE BEANS

SAVING THE FORESTS BY GROWING COFFEE BEANS As I sit here sipping my coffee, I am reminded of the irony that we import most of our milk and flour, despite being an agricultural country. But what's even more alarming is that we only produce about 30% of our local coffee demand, forcing us to import about 70% of it. It's no wonder I don't feel guilty buying coffee from Starbucks and Seattle's Best anymore. I used to envy Singapore for its strong export game, but now I'm looking at Switzerland and Germany, who have become top coffee exporters despite not producing coffee beans themselves. They're buying raw beans from other countries, processing them, and exporting them. It's a clever move, and one that we could learn from. We have the land, the farmers, and the knowledge to grow more coffee beans. So, why don't we? Marketing isn't a problem, as global demand far exceeds local production. In fact, we'd need to quadruple our production to become a net exporter. But here's the thing: we don't need to clear more forests to grow more coffee. There's a better way, as demonstrated by Daniel Jason Maches' Barlig Rainforest Coffee project. Mr. Maches grows coffee within the forest, without cutting down trees or destroying the ecosystem. Instead, he preserves existing trees and plants more, including native species like Almaciga, which is a habitat for the critically endangered Philippine Eagle. Maches' approach is revolutionary. By growing coffee within the forest, he's saving the forest and producing coffee at the same time. His sustainability strategy includes using organic fertilizers, natural insect control solutions, and nitrogen-fixing plants. The global demand for coffee is substantial, with the market expected to reach USD 54.04 billion by 2030. The Philippines is the 14th largest coffee producer in the world, but our production is still relatively small compared to major coffee-producing countries. However, with initiatives like Maches' Barlig Rainforest Coffee project, we can increase our production while preserving our forests. It's a win-win situation. So, let's take a cue from Switzerland and Germany, and start processing and exporting our own coffee. We have the potential to become a major player in the global coffee market, while also saving our forests. Maches calls himself a social entrepreneur, meaning that he is a small businessman, and not an NGO. The core of his plantation is a 4 hectare that given to him by his father, but he has invited other landowners and farmers to also grow coffee using his methods. He gives them coffee seedlings as a way of helping him, without any obligation to sell back to him. As it happens however, most of the farmers sell more than half of their harvests to him, perhaps inspired by a moral obligation. As I see it, the approach of Maches could be replicated all over the Philippines, not necessarily via social entrepreneurs, or even via NGOs. Maches himself is an Indigenous Tribal Person (ITP), and he encourages ITPs to adopt his business model. That said, if his business model could be adopted by ITPs everywhere, the same thing will happen. ITPs will not only produce coffee for their own livelihood, they will also help in preserving forests and promoting sustainability. It's time for us to step up our coffee game and make a positive impact on the environment. Who's with me? Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 04-04-2025

GROWING RATTAN COMMERCIALLY

GROWING RATTAN COMMERCIALLY As we navigate the challenges of environmental sustainability, it's heartening to see a growing demand for eco-friendly products like rattan furniture and housewares. However, this surge in demand has also highlighted a pressing issue: the low supply of rattan raw materials. The solution seems straightforward: plant more rattan. After all, we've witnessed the remarkable growth of interest in bamboo farming. Why can't we replicate this success with rattan? Both bamboo and rattan have their unique features and combining them in furniture making can create truly exceptional pieces. Rattan offers numerous benefits. It can help control soil erosion and prevent landslides in hilly and mountainous areas, making it an excellent crop for sustainable land management. Moreover, growing rattan can provide a lucrative livelihood for indigenous tribal peoples and other forest dwellers. The demand for rattan and bamboo furniture has increased significantly, largely due to concerns about the environmental impact of plastic furniture. This shift in consumer preference presents a tremendous opportunity for the Philippines to capitalize on its rich rattan resources. So, what needs to be done to boost rattan production in the country? Which agency should take the lead – DENR, DA, or perhaps DOST through FPRDI? What new technologies or research can be leveraged to improve rattan cultivation and harvesting? Indonesia currently dominates the global rattan market, accounting for about 70% of total production. The Philippines, however, is the second-largest producer, with a significant industry that employs over 4 million people. It's time for us to take a closer look at our rattan industry and explore ways to increase production, improve sustainability, and promote eco-friendly practices. By doing so, we can not only meet the growing demand for rattan products but also contribute to a more environmentally conscious and responsible future. Who in our government is responsible for planning for our export strategy? Are the outcomes of our exports because of good planning or is it because of accidental successes that have nothing to do with government planning. Does the government evaluate problems and opportunities in export marketing? Does it study the possible impacts of where we have comparative advantages and competitive advantages? In the case of rattan, Indonesia might have the comparative advantage over us because they have 300 species of rattan compared to our 66 species, but we might have the competitive advantage over them because we have better furniture designers, I would like to believe, and aside from that, we have more intricate workers and artisans, I also would like to believe. I do not know who the Indonesian designers are, but here we have Kenneth Cobonpue, a “renowned Filipino industrial designer known for his unique and innovative designs that integrate natural materials through handmade production processes. Born on December 16, 1968, Cobonpue has gained international recognition for his work, which has been featured in films like "Ocean's 13" and "CSI: Miami." His clientele includes Hollywood celebrities and members of royalty, such as Queen Sofía of Spain and Queen Rania of Jordan” (credits to Wikipedia). Also, according to Wikipedia, “Cobonpue's designs are celebrated for their artistic and handcrafted qualities, combining traditional and modern elements. He has received numerous awards, including the Maison et Objet's Asian Designer of the Year and the Gawad sa Sining Award for Design. He also founded the Industrial Design Program at the University of the Philippines in Cebu and has been involved in various government and private sector roles related to design and the creative economy”. We also have Budji Layug, a renowned Filipino designer known for his innovative and organic approach to design. Layug is a co-founder of Budji+Royal Architecture+Design, a firm that emphasizes a holistic approach to design, integrating architecture, interior design, furniture, home accessories, and landscaping to create cohesive and harmonious spaces. He has made significant contributions to the design world, both locally and internationally. His work is characterized by a modern organic sensibility, blending traditional Filipino craftsmanship with contemporary design elements. He has collaborated with Royal Pineda, an architect, to create a distinctive style that is well-regarded in the design community (credits to Archify). Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 04-03-2025

DO WE HAVE A LONG-TERM PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN?

DO WE HAVE A LONG-TERM PHILIPPINE DEVELOPMENT PLAN? Do we have a long-term Philippine development plan? The short answer is yes — but with some caveats. It goes by the name Ambisyon Natin 2040, a vision statement introduced in 2016 by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). However, calling it a "plan" might be a stretch, as it’s more of a wish list or aspirational statement rather than a concrete roadmap with clear programs and policies. Ambisyon Natin 2040 imagines a Philippines where every Filipino enjoys a “matatag, maginhawa, at panatag na buhay” (a stable, comfortable, and secure life) by the year 2040. It spans four presidential terms — from 2016 to 2040 — but the document itself offers no clear guarantees on how successive administrations will commit to that vision. In essence, it’s a dream, not a detailed action plan. But, for all its limitations, having Ambisyon Natin 2040 is still better than having nothing at all. At the very least, it creates a broad framework that can guide government agencies, development planners, and policymakers. Medium-Term Plans: The Real Action Plans The reality, however, is that the Philippines primarily relies on Medium-Term Philippine Development Plans (MTPDPs), which are crafted and approved every six years to align with the term of the incumbent President. Right now, we are operating under the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028, approved by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through Executive Order No. 14. Every president, in theory, “owns” the MTPDP created during his or her term. However, one common criticism is that these documents often end up gathering dust on shelves instead of being faithfully followed. There is no binding mechanism that forces any administration to strictly adhere to its own MTPDP. The MTPDP is supposed to guide national policies and programs, but there’s often a disconnect between what’s on paper and what happens on the ground. Political priorities, emergencies, and changing circumstances frequently derail the best-laid plans. What’s more, ruling political parties rarely adopt the MTPDP as their official platform, despite the plan’s purpose of aligning government action. Linking Plans to the Long-Term Vision In theory, each MTPDP should contribute to the realization of Ambisyon Natin 2040 — each six-year plan acting as a building block toward the 2040 vision. But in practice, there’s little evidence that MTPDPs are consciously crafted with Ambisyon Natin 2040 in mind. The long-term vision often feels like an orphan project — unclaimed and largely ignored. The reality is that long-term planning is difficult in a country where politics often takes precedence over continuity. Each administration brings its own agenda, and while some elements of the MTPDP may survive, others are discarded or revised based on the sitting president’s priorities. Presidential Approval and the Role of NEDA Legally, the President must approve and sign off on the MTPDP, typically via an Executive Order. This step gives the plan official status, ensuring that national agencies, government-owned corporations, financial institutions, and even local government units (LGUs) are expected to align their own programs and budgets with the plan’s strategies. This was precisely the case when President Marcos Jr. signed Executive Order No. 14, adopting the PDP 2023-2028. It sets development targets and economic strategies aimed at accelerating post-pandemic recovery, creating jobs, and reducing poverty. Alignment with Global Goals — and What Happens After 2030? The MTPDP is also supposed to align with global commitments, particularly the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which have a target date of 2030. This raises an interesting question — how does the government plan to transition from the SDGs (which end in 2030) to Ambisyon Natin 2040, which ends a decade later? There is little public discussion on how these timelines fit together. Ideally, the SDGs should act as stepping stones toward achieving Ambisyon Natin 2040, but without clear integration and monitoring, there’s no guarantee that will happen. What Happens After 2028? After the current PDP (2023-2028) expires, the next plan will cover 2029-2034. But like its predecessors, it will largely depend on the priorities of the next president. Whether or not that future MTPDP will faithfully build toward Ambisyon Natin 2040 remains to be seen. A Call for Continuity If the Philippines truly wants to achieve its long-term vision, it must establish stronger mechanisms for policy continuity across administrations. There needs to be: Institutional buy-in from all branches and levels of government. Public awareness and engagement to hold leaders accountable. A strong monitoring and evaluation system to track how each MTPDP contributes to Ambisyon Natin 2040. Who Owns Ambisyon Natin 2040? Perhaps the biggest challenge is this: Who truly owns Ambisyon Natin 2040? Right now, it seems like nobody — not even NEDA, the agency that created it. Until we have a strong sense of national ownership over long-term plans, and a cultural shift toward policy consistency over political convenience, Ambisyon Natin 2040 risks remaining just that — an ambition, rather than a reality. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 04-02-2025

HOW SHOULD WE MEASURE THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE?

HOW SHOULD WE MEASURE THE UNEMPLOYMENT RATE? Unemployment is one of the most closely watched indicators of a nation’s economic health. In the Philippines, how exactly do we measure unemployment — and are we doing it the right way? Every country has its own method for measuring unemployment, and here in the Philippines, we follow global practices to a certain extent. The Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) conducts the Labor Force Survey (LFS), like what other countries do. However, unlike a full census where every household is counted, the LFS relies on a sample of the population. This raises the question: Are we getting an accurate picture of unemployment when we depend on surveys rather than a complete census? In most cases, an unemployed person is described as someone who is (1) jobless, (2) actively looking for work, and (3) available to start working immediately. This definition is quite standard worldwide. Following this logic, those who are not actively looking for work and those who are not ready to work should not be counted as unemployed. But why are some people not looking for work? There could be many reasons. Some might be living off their inheritance or the interest from their bank deposits. Others might be running their own businesses. Meanwhile, some are simply discouraged after failing to find suitable jobs. There are also individuals who are not ready to work, perhaps because they are dealing with personal problems or are prioritizing other matters. Some might lack the skills or certifications needed for the jobs available to them. Given the size of our population, I do not blame the national government for relying on sample surveys rather than trying to count every unemployed person through a nationwide census. However, at the local level, it is both feasible and practical for LGUs to conduct their own employment censuses — especially through their Public Employment Services Office (PESO). Think about it: in every city, municipality, and barangay, the jobless individuals who are actively seeking work and ready to work would likely be willing to register with their local PESO offices if they knew it would help them find jobs. Many, in fact, may have already done so. This type of local census could give LGUs a clearer and more realistic picture of unemployment within their jurisdiction. It may be controversial to say, but I agree with the government’s approach of excluding those who are not looking for work and not ready to work from the unemployment count. After all, some of these individuals may be involved in informal activities — or even illegal ones — which makes their economic status difficult to classify. Lack of training and certification is also a factor that keeps some individuals not ready for work. Fortunately, PESO offices could step in to offer training programs and help job seekers become qualified for available jobs. To further help job seekers, I have personally developed a website where jobless individuals can register for free. Employers, both local and international, will pay a modest annual fee to post job openings on the site. This is not illegal recruitment — the website functions purely as a social media platform for job opportunities. We do not recruit anyone directly; we simply post information. In addition, my platform offers optional assistance for job seekers who want to undergo training and certification programs. Ultimately, the unemployment data at the LGU level should not be static — it should be updated monthly. This dynamic approach would better reflect how well local officials are implementing job creation programs. Accurate unemployment data is not just about numbers — it’s a gauge of good local governance and economic vitality. There is no single perfect way to measure unemployment. Some countries use the LFS method, others rely on unemployment insurance claims, while some track underemployment and discouraged workers. In the Philippines, combining the LFS method with local PESO registration data could provide a more comprehensive and accurate picture of unemployment. At the end of the day, we need to measure unemployment not just to produce statistics, but to truly understand the realities faced by Filipino workers. Whether at the national or local level, getting the numbers right is the first step toward crafting effective policies and programs that can create more jobs, better livelihoods, and ultimately, a more inclusive economy. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 04-01-2025

SOME IDEAS ABOUT POVERTY REDUCTION

SOME IDEAS ABOUT POVERTY REDUCTION For years, the government has relied on the Poverty Threshold Basket (PTB) method to measure poverty in the Philippines. This so-called "imaginary basket of goods" is a list of basic food and non-food items that a typical Filipino family would need to survive. However, it’s becoming increasingly clear that many items in this basket are outdated and no longer reflect the reality of how Filipinos live today. Take landline telephone costs, for example. How many households still use landlines? Most Filipinos rely on mobile phones, yet cellphone load and internet access are not part of the imaginary basket. Instead, the basket still includes postage costs — a relic from a time when letters were the primary form of communication. These days, people communicate through email, Viber, Facebook Messenger, and other online platforms. If the government wants to truly understand poverty, it should revise the basket to reflect modern necessities, including mobile data. Internet access is no longer a luxury; it's a lifeline. It connects people to job opportunities, educational resources, health information, and government services. It’s time to add cellphone load and internet costs to the PTB. Another outdated assumption is that tap water is always safe to drink. The basket includes water costs, but does it account for the reality that many families are forced to buy expensive bottled water because they don’t trust the safety of what comes out of their taps? Likewise, while fuel and electricity are part of the basket, are the government’s calculations keeping pace with the relentless rise in energy prices? How often is the basket adjusted to reflect these price changes? Beyond the basket, I believe it’s time to rethink how we measure poverty altogether. Many countries have already shifted to using the Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI). Why not try it here? I’m not suggesting we abandon the PTB method entirely — but rather that we use both methods side by side. The MPI approach goes beyond income and spending. It focuses on access — whether families have access to education, health services, clean water, decent housing, and stable employment opportunities. A family that gets free school supplies, free health check-ups, or discounted electricity through local government programs could be lifted out of poverty, even if their income remains low. This approach recognizes that poverty isn’t just about money — it’s about deprivation. That’s why I keep repeating: Poverty reduction is not the same as poverty alleviation. The two are often confused, but they are fundamentally different. Poverty alleviation means making poverty more bearable — by handing out financial aid (Ayuda), providing food packs, or subsidizing services. These measures are important, but they don’t lift people out of poverty. Poverty reduction, on the other hand, means lifting people above the poverty line permanently by creating real opportunities for better income, stable jobs, and access to essential services. Providing services and distributing cash assistance can ease suffering, but they don’t lower the poverty rate. They only make it slightly less painful. In fact, it’s possible for a local government unit (LGU) to achieve zero poverty within its area. Curious how? Ask me how! It starts with understanding the difference between alleviation and reduction — and then building sustainable solutions that empower people to escape poverty, not just survive it. If we’re serious about poverty reduction, it’s time for the government to update costs of the goods inside the imaginary basket, adopt the MPI as a parallel method, and most importantly, focus on real, long-term solutions that help families rise above the poverty line once and for all. The road to zero poverty starts with a clear vision, modern tools, and the political will to move beyond short-term aid. Are we ready to take that first step? Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-31-2025

COMPRESSED NATURAL FIBER TECHNOLOGY

COMPRESSED NATURAL FIBER TECHNOLOGY For years, I have been searching for innovative technologies that could transform the waste from our mangrove forests—twigs, leaves, branches—into useful, sustainable products. The goal was simple: to create new livelihood opportunities for coastal communities while making mangrove conservation more economically viable. At last, I believe I have found the answer: Compressed Natural Fiber Technology. This eco-friendly process transforms plant waste into durable fiber boards for building materials. It’s the perfect blend of sustainability and innovation, turning what was once discarded as waste materials. Which Government Agency Holds the Key? In the Philippines, the Forest Products Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) leads the charge in this field. Located at the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) campus in Laguna, FPRDI operates under the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). The institute’s mission includes developing sustainable forest management practices, advancing wood and bamboo processing, and supporting the local industry in maximizing the potential of forest resources. FPRDI’s specific work on compressed natural fiber focuses on the compression of twigs, leaves, and branches to form fiber boards—an exciting technology that holds immense potential for green construction and climate-resilient infrastructure. Who Can Help? Aside from FPRDI, another key player is the Department of Forest Products and Paper Science (DFPPS), part of the College of Forestry and Natural Resources (CFNR) at UP Los Banos (UPLB). Together, these units are pioneering research into compressed fiber materials and sustainable building technologies. Additionally, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), through its Design Center of the Philippines (DCP), has played an important role in supporting product development in this space. This kind of inter-agency cooperation is exactly what the Philippines needs to nurture eco-innovations and promote green industries. A Breakthrough from the Private Sector While government research plays a critical role, the private sector is also stepping up. A shining example is Nature's Legacy Eximport Inc., a company that has developed an award-winning material called Naturescast. This innovative product is made from recovered agro-forest debris—twigs, barks, leaves—and bound together using a proprietary water-based binder. Naturescast has not only transformed waste into functional materials but has also put the Philippines on the global sustainability map. It won the Gold Invention Award in Geneva, Switzerland and was recently named a finalist for the Green Product Award in the New Materials category. It’s a proud moment for Filipino innovation—and an inspiration for other companies to follow. Why Mangrove Waste Matters My personal quest to find solutions for mangrove forest waste stems from a deep belief: If we can create useful products from mangrove twigs, leaves, and branches, we create new livelihoods and add economic value to conserving these vital ecosystems. Mangrove forests, after all, are among our most effective defenses against rising sea levels, a climate crisis that’s already threatening our coastal communities. UPLB forestry professor Dixon Gevaña has warned that without strong mangrove conservation efforts, parts of the country’s west coast could be submerged in knee-deep water by 2060. This makes the planting, protecting, and sustainably managing mangroves even more critical—not just for the environment, but also for the communities that rely on them. The Way Forward The technology exists. The research institutions are in place. The private sector is already demonstrating what’s possible. What’s needed now is stronger collaboration between government, industry, and local communities to scale up these innovations. Could the DOST provide additional technical and financial support to expand the use of compressed natural fiber boards? Could Local Government Units (LGUs) work with coastal communities to collect mangrove waste and turn it into valuable products using this technology? Could eco-friendly products like Naturescast become a model for other green industries in the Philippines? These are the questions we need to answer if we want to transform waste into wealth, conserve our forests, and create sustainable livelihoods. Compressed Natural Fiber Technology is more than just a scientific breakthrough—it’s a pathway to a greener, more resilient future. Let’s work together to ensure that we maximize its potential for the benefit of both people and planet. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-30-2025

LET US HAVE MORE BUS-TRAINS OR BUSWAYS

LET US HAVE MORE BUS-TRAINS OR BUSWAYS In theory, if all bus drivers and passengers were disciplined, there would be no need for guided busways such as the EDSA Carousel. However, reality dictates otherwise. The EDSA Carousel, a guided busway, ensures that buses stay within their designated lanes from start to finish, reducing congestion and improving travel time. Guided busways exist in many countries, some using cement or wooden rails instead of the metal screens currently in place in the EDSA Carousel. Without such structured systems, chaos can ensue, as seen in places like Guadalupe, Makati, where an undisciplined mix of buses and passengers leads to unnecessary congestion and delays. Until bus drivers and passengers consistently follow traffic rules, guided busways remain essential. So why do some people want to remove them? Is it because these busways take up road space that private vehicle owners believe belongs to them? Or is it a matter of entitlement—resentment over not being allowed inside the EDSA Carousel lanes? The EDSA Carousel's success followed a necessary adjustment period, during which rule-breakers had to be disciplined to deter others from attempting the same. The system is comparable to the "Ikot" jeepneys in UP Diliman, which operate smoothly without guideways because passengers and drivers follow the rules. Similarly, scheduled bus systems in cities like New York operate efficiently without physical barriers. There, disciplined drivers adhere to schedules and routes, and passengers board and alight only at designated stops. A "bus-train" is conceptually like a commuter train—the primary difference being that buses are not physically connected. Instead, their schedule and orderliness create the effect of a continuous service. This system works best when drivers are salaried employees rather than commission-based operators who compete aggressively for passengers. The chaos in Metro Manila's bus system stems from this flawed commission-based structure, not an inherent flaw in bus operations. Strong policy decisions, not just infrastructure changes, will resolve the public transport crisis. Are agencies like the MMDA using satellite data to optimize traffic flow? With the right data, AI could help manage and ease congestion. Successful bus-train projects worldwide show the potential of this system: · The Netherlands is leading in electric bus adoption, with over 750 electric buses and a goal of making all new buses emission-free by 2025. · London is transitioning its entire bus fleet to zero-emission vehicles by 2037. · India’s National Electric Bus Program aims to introduce 50,000 electric buses nationwide by 2030. · Chile has one of the largest electric bus fleets outside China, with Santiago expanding its eco-friendly fleet. · Germany’s electric bus market continues to grow, with major cities investing in green transit solutions. Bus-train systems, or Bus Rapid Transit (BRT), can revolutionize urban transport, combining the efficiency of trains with the flexibility of buses. Notable examples include: · Adelaide O-Bahn in Australia, which uses a guided concrete track. · The guided bus system in Kerpen-Düsseldorf, Germany. · Nagoya Guideway Bus in Japan, which runs on a dedicated lane with rail guidance. If Metro Manila wants to see lasting improvements in traffic and public transport, expanding guided bus-train systems is a logical step. With better discipline, smart policies, and proper investment, we can create a transportation network that is efficient, sustainable, and inclusive for all. Ramon Ike V. Seneres, www.facebook.com/ike.seneres iseneres@yahoo.com, 09088877282, senseneres.blogspot.com 03-29-2025