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Technological Advancements: Friend or Foe?

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Technological Advancements: Friend or Foe?

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Technological advancements are one of the contributing factors that globally affect those in poverty because of a decreased need for human resources, such as machinery in factories. Also faced is inequality due to the skill-bias nature.

On the other hand, not all technological advancements pose threats. Technologies such as satellites and drones can provide essential agricultural information that farmers, who are part of the majority in poverty, can use in bettering their yields and reducing spending of inputs through "precision agriculture" methods. These methods utilize satellite images with machine learning to determine exact measurements elements applied to crops and the right timing. Furthermore, technology has been a driving force in acquiring basic needs for poverty-stricken communities, subject to a fair policy environment. Under this, include e-commerce platforms (e.g., Shoppee, Lazada) for small producers or start-up businesses to sell their products to new markets globally and in rural areas.

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Lake Danao National Park in Ormoc, Leyte (source: vismin.ph)

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Leyte is located in Eastern Visayas with an area of 2,437.59 sq mi. It is composed of forty municipalities and three cities. The capital of Leyte is Tacloban City, which is also considered a highly urbanized city.

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DOST Region 8 expands community empowerment project

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TACLOBAN CITY – The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is eyeing to bring more projects in remote and poor communities in Eastern Visayas this year through its community empowerment initiative.At least PHP15.8 million have been set aside this year to implement the Community...

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The province of Leyte has a population of 1,966,768 people as of 2020. The people are further divided into two groups, based on language. Western and southern parts of Leyte are Cebuanos, while the northern and southern part consists of Warays.

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Sustainable Development Goals (source: UNDP)

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Take Action: Importance of SDGs to the Province

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Take Action: Importance of SDGs to the Province

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The Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) was made by the United Nations back in 2012 to address urgent needs in the environment, politics, and the economy.

Read more here: https://www1.undp.org/content/oslo-governance-centre/en/home/sustainable-development-goals/background.html#:~:text=The%20Sustainable%20Development%20Goals%20(SDGs,economic%20challenges%20facing%20our%20world.

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NEW ROAD. The newly-built road leads to processing centers in Baybay City and Southern Leyte. Some PHP172 million worth of road networks leading to trades, industries, and economic zones have been completed in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Public Works and Highways said. (Photo courtesy of DPWH)

TACLOBAN CITY - Some PHP172 million worth of road networks leading to trades, industries, and economic zones have been completed in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported Friday.

DPWH Eastern Visayas regional director Allan Borromeo said three out of seven projects under the Roads Leveraging Linkages for Industry and Trade (ROLL IT) program included in the 2021 budget have been completed.

"This convergence between the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DPWH seeks to link priority economic and manufacturing zones here in Eastern Visayas to potential investors and market," Borromeo said in a statement.

Completed projects under the convergence initiative are the PHP45 million road from Patong-Tuburan-Ilaya-Nava-San Juan connecting SC Global Coco Products Inc. in Baybay City in Leyte, Sogod Bay Coco Active Carbon in Sogod in Southern Leyte, Kennemer Foods International in Malitbog in Southern Leyte; PHP57 million Caraycaray-Cabungaan-Libtong Road in support of the agribusiness: food and resource-based processing in Libtong village, Naval, Biliran; and the PHP70 million Minuhang (Baluarte)-Balud and Balud-Duka Road connecting to Bagahupi-Babatngon-Sta. Cruz-Barugo-Carigara National Road in support of the Barugo Economic Zone in Barugo, Leyte.

Ongoing projects also under ROLL IT are the PHP104.4 million road leading to the garment industry in New Era, Langit village in Alangalang, Leyte; PHP100 million road leading to food and resource-based processing in Naval, Biliran; PHP23 million road leading to SC Global Coco Products Inc., Sogod Bay Coco Active Carbon, and Kennemer Foods International in Southern Leyte; and the PHP45 million road in support of the resources-based processing in Naval, Biliran.

These projects, designed to create more economic opportunities in provinces, are up for completion within the year. (PNA)

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P172-M roads to industries completed in Eastern Visayas

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TACLOBAN CITY - Some PHP172 million worth of road networks leading to trades, industries, and economic zones have been completed in Eastern Visayas, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) reported Friday.DPWH Eastern Visayas regional director Allan Borromeo said three out of...

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FACE-TO-FACE. The Department of Education (DepEd) Leyte field office. At least 26 more schools in Leyte province will participate in the limited face-to-face classes on March 7, 2022, an education official announced on Thursday. (File photo)

TACLOBAN CITY - At least 26 more schools in Leyte province will participate in the limited face-to-face classes on March 7, the Department of Education (DepEd) field office here announced on Thursday.

Included in the list are five schools in Barugo town, two in Tanauan, six in Palo, four in Abuyog, four in Bato, four in Mayorga, and one in Mahaplag town.

These campuses are in addition to the 18 public and private schools that kicked off face-to-face classes on February 21, and 12 other schools that resumed last March 1.

"We are targeting to open more schools for limited face-to-face class almost every week," Leyte DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Manuel Albaño said in an interview.

At least 11 towns have ongoing limited face-to-face classes as of March 1. The number will increase to 17 on March 7.

The education official added that 154 schools in the province have applied for the limited face-to-face class for March 21 opening.

The province has a total of 1, 355 public and private schools.

As of March 1, some 2,167 learners have been participating in the limited face-to-face classes out of 403,963 enrolled learners in the province.

Of the participating students, 1,195 have received one dose of Covid-19 vaccines, mostly secondary learners.

All teachers who are part of the face-to-face classes are fully vaccinated.

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26 more schools in Leyte to join face-to-face classes

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TACLOBAN CITY - At least 26 more schools in Leyte province will participate in the limited face-to-face classes on March 7, the Department of Education (DepEd) field office here announced on Thursday.Included in the list are five schools in Barugo town, two in Tanauan, six in Palo, four...

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There is a lack of representation from those of the persons with disability (PWD) sector. It is not as evident in Leyte as compared to other parts of the Philippines such as Metro Manila, that those with disabilities are being given the opportunity to have a source of income. According to RA 10524, "at least one percent (1%) of all regular and non-regular positions in all government agencies shall be reserved for persons with disability", while "private corporations with more than one hundred (100) employees are encouraged to reserved at least one percent (1%) of all positions for PWDs". Although optional, it is important that we provide everyone with equal opportunities.

The need to address social inequality in all aspects is crucial as it is seen as a great obstacle in pursuing economic growth. All SDGs are connected in such a way that confrontation of this problem can help reduce poverty and strengthen connections of those in the community, with a sense of solidarity.

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Poverty Incidence Bar Graph of Leyte (source: PSA)

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As seen in the bar graph, Leyte (excluding Tacloban City) has been consistent at 31.3 % from the period of 2018 to 2021, while Tacloban City (capital) had an increased percentage of poverty incidence. Families who are a part of this percentage are below the poverty threshold, which is the amount needed to buy their basic necessities.

Even those who are part of the said percentage have equal rights, which is why the need to address this is urgent in order for there to be access to basic needs and services. Moreover to decrease any associated health risks. Addressing poverty could also be big step for the local economy since there will be an increase in buying power which will benefit both the private sectors in the community and those affected by poverty.

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Brgy Camansihay, Tacloban, Leyte (source: DOST)

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Leyte has an economy compromised mainly of agriculture, together with fishing and agriculture. With agriculture being the main source of income, rice, coconut, corn, and sugarcane are the chief products. Despite the decline of GRDP in Eastern Visayas in 2020, Agriculture, Forestry and Fishing (AFF) managed to grew by 0.9 percent from 2.1 percent in 2019.

The province is also home to one of the biggest geothermal power plants in the Philippines, found in Malitbog, Leyte.

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San Juanico Bridge (source: Lexical Crown)

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The proposed project will try to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of the technologies on improving farm productivity through organic farming in Yolanda-affected communities, particularly in one barangay of Tacloban City, Barangay Camansihay, the communities of which were severely affected by the calamity. The opportunity for the success of the project is that the biggest owner of the land, Mr. Palami is providing the land resource to community settlers in the barangay to implement the coconut-based organic farming so that they themselves will have to earn their income from the land resource. In addition, another support to this community is the presence of an NGO which is supporting and helping the community organize themselves and supporting the needs of the people's organization. On the other hand, the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) provided support through the provision of coco seed nuts for the replanting and rehabilitation of the typhoon-damaged coconut areas.

In addition, technical support in various ways will also be afforded in order to properly manage the production areas. The activities will include organizing and strengthening coconut farmers in Brgy. Camansihay of Tacloban City. It will also involve training, skills development, product development, marketing, and promotion. Exposure and educational trips to other organic farms and visits to various private and public agencies who provided value-adding services, networking and market establishment, acquire knowledge on business management and farm productivity, coordination to agencies supporting the project especially technical experts. The monitoring and evaluation and documentation must be done as an integral part of management.

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Coconut-Based Intercropping with Banana and Corn as Livelihood Options for Communities in Brgy Camansihay, Tacloban, Leyte: An S&T Community-Based Farm (STCBF) Approach

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The proposed project will try to demonstrate the effectiveness and benefits of the technologies on improving farm productivity through organic farming in Yolanda-affected communities, particularly in one barangay of Tacloban City, Barangay Camansihay, the communities of which were severely affected by the calamity.

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MacArthur Landing Memorial in Palo, Leyte (source: Flickr)

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Kalanggaman Island in Palompon , Leyte (source: worldbeachguide)

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Canigao Island in Matalom, Leyte (source: Irene Fabia)

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Cuatro Islas in Hindang and Inopacan, Leyte (source: vismin.ph)

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Leyte Economics: Transforming war zones into vibrant economies | Elmer Recuerdo

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Story and photos by Elmer V. Recuerdo / Correspondent VILLA Conzoilo, an upland village 7 kilometers from the poblacion of Jaro, is a budding farm-tourism destination in Leyte that has attracted both foreign and local visitors since it opened in May last year. In its first six months of business as...

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Eastern Visayas' Economy contracts by 7.6% in 2020. Philippine Statistics Authority - Eastern visayas. (2021, April 29). Retrieved March 4, 2022, from http://rsso08.psa.gov.ph/article/eastern-visayas-economy-contracts-76-2020#sthash.nU1jfykS.dpbs

National Council on Disability Affairs. IRR OF RA 10524 : National Council on Disability Affairs. (n.d.). Retrieved February 27, 2022, from https://www.ncda.gov.ph/disability-laws/implementing-rules-and-regulations-irr/irr-of-ra-10524/

Philippine Standard Geographic Code (PSGC). Philippine Statistics Authority. (n.d.). Retrieved February 26, 2022, from https://psa.gov.ph/classification/psgc/?q=psgc%2Fcitimuni%2F083700000

Philippine Statistics Authority - Eastern visayas. (2020, January 31). Retrieved February 26, 2022, from http://rsso08.psa.gov.ph/article/poverty-situation-eastern-visayas-full-year-2018#sthash.WKOui35M.dpbs

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Santo Nino Shrine and Heritage Museum in Tacloban City, Leyte (source: Flickr)

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The Philippines is positioning itself as supplier of critical metals to economic powerhouse amid strong global demand and value chain disruptions, said Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo.

Ceferino Rodolfo, DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head

Rodolfo noted that as the world is transitioning into a green economy, it offers a myriad of opportunities for the Philippines to be a major player in the electric vehicle and battery supply chains by leveraging the country's abundant resources of nickel, cobalt, and copper.

"Philippines is transitioning towards an innovative and greener economy by taking advantage of the increasing global demand for critical metals and catching up with other countries in the production and processing of such metals," said Rodolfo, who is also managing head of the Board of Investments (BOI), the Philippines premier investment promotion agency.

Rodolfo further said that this BOI vision is backed by what the experts of the IHS Markit said in a virtual Connect Session held last 15 February 2022 that the Philippines has a huge potential in its green metals production in the coming years.

For nickel and chromium minerals production, the years ahead are looking good for the Philippines because of the potential shortfalls of other importing countries. On the chromium imports, South Africa, the world's top producer of chromium, floated an idea of placing tariffs on its export chromium ore coupled with its lack of power and high-power costs. With a possible risk of supply disruption, the Philippines could enter the scene and be a major supplier and processor of chromium ore to the economic powerhouse.

"So if there were to be disruptions to that supply, that would open up another big opportunity for the Philippines," said Amanda Eglinton, IHS Markit's Associate Director of Pricing and Purchasing.

Likewise, the scenario can also be applied to nickel ore production, as Indonesia banned the export of such minerals in 2020 to develop its domestic processing industry. In the absence of Indonesian nickel imports, China will increasingly depend on the Philippines to fill in the gap of its huge demand.

Eglinton reported that 72 percent of the nickel produced is used to manufacture stainless steel. Recent development shows that EV battery is one of the fastest-growing sectors for nickel consumption, standing at seven percent.

"We do expect demand from the battery sector to dominate the growth in nickel consumption," she added. Over the last year, the Philippines and Indonesia are the top producers of mined nickel globally, and will continue to rise in the following years, the expert bared.

The Philippines is a dominant supplier of nickel ore not only in Asia but in the world. In a bid to a low-carbon global economy, producing nickel in a "green and sustainable" way can offer a competitive advantage for the Philippines and edge out the competition.

For copper, John Mothersole, Director of Research and Pricing said that while the Philippines is a "relatively small producer", the country can stand head and shoulders above other markets with its strategic location coupled with the additional investments in smelting and refining capacity. According to the International Copper Study Group, over the last two to three years, the Philippine copper production has been relatively steady between 70,000 to 80,000 metric tons, with production climbing up to 400,000 metric tons in the next 20 years.

Copper is a crucial element in transitioning to green technology, as it is unrivaled as an efficient electrical and thermal conductor, which lowers the amount of energy needed to produce electricity and helps reduce CO2 emissions. According to the International Energy Agency (IEA), in a scenario where the Paris Agreement goals are met, total demand for copper over the next two decades is set to increase by more than 40 percent.

"There is no doubt that cooper is vital in energy transition because of the efficiency in transmitting energy," Mothersole said, explaining that gross copper demand for energy transition will be three times higher by 2035 globally, driven by electric vehicles and power distribution investment. In fact, energy transition technology accounts for about 6.6 million metric tons of the world's copper production with a total market of about 25 to 26 million metric tons.

As a response to this demand, the Philippines is already on its way to further develop its copper industry cluster through the Leyte Ecological Industrial Zone (LEIZ) that is envisioned to attract more investors and businesses to locate in Leyte by identifying suitable areas where copper processing and allied activities can be done while promoting the entry of carbon-neutral companies to ensure the conservation and protection of the environment.

On the other hand, the Philippines has the fourth largest reserves of cobalt. Celine Buechel, Principal Research Analyst - Battery Materials pointed out that cobalt demand is set to grow at a double-digit rate from 2020 to 2030. An expensive mineral, cobalt is mined as a by-product of nickel and copper. Additionally, EV batteries have increased their share in overall cobalt consumption at 13 percent in 2020 and up to 36 percent in 2025. Cobalt consumption will be greater in electric cars than in portable devices after 2025, Buechel added.

What the Philippines could do to gear up its electric vehicle industry is through subsidies, reduction of the carbon dioxide (CO2) emission, and restricted use of combustion engine vehicles, Stefan Schlag Leon Beraud said, who is the IHS Markit's Executive Director for Inorganic Chemicals, Minerals, and Mining Chemicals.

In a survey by market research firm Frost & Sullivan, which was commissioned by Nissan, the Philippines, along with Thailand and Indonesia, is one of the top three countries in the world that is willing to adopt electric vehicles.

As a matter of fact, the House of Representatives overwhelmingly approved House Bill 10213, or the proposed "Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act", which aims to provide a national energy policy and regulatory framework for the use and development of electric vehicles and their development as an industry in the country.

Furthermore, in a recent online event, the New Clark City webinar, Rodolfo called on the participating Taiwanese companies to jointly develop and process mineral ores in the Philippines to complete the value chain needed for the production of electric vehicles.

"Our view for a modern post pandemic Philippine economy can be anchored on the results from COP26, particularly as we see this imperative for greening the supply chain as an opportunity for the Philippines to process critical minerals including green metals where the Philippines has relative abundance such as nickel, cobalt and copper," Rodolfo concluded.

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PH positions as metals supplier to economic powerhouse

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The Philippines is positioning itself as supplier of critical metals to economic powerhouse amid strong global demand and value chain disruptions, said Trade and Industry Undersecretary Ceferino S. Rodolfo. Ceferino Rodolfo, DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Rodolfo noted that as the wor