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Difference between revisions of "Mindoro Oriental News"
Mindoro Oriental News (view source)
Revision as of 10:49, 7 September 2011
, 10:49, 7 September 2011→AFP conducts free medical, dental services for Mangyans
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==Mt. Halcon hike moratorium: Who really benefited?== | |||
*Source: http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/12679/mt-halcon-hike-moratorium-who-really-benefited | |||
* Wednesday, September 7th, 2011 | |||
: Jommell Estillore Romero | |||
CALAPAN CITY, Philippines—One rainy morning on the 27th of August this year, a group of outdoor enthusiasts from Calapan City went to Paitan, a barangay in Naujan, Oriental Mindoro. They biked their way to the village before embarking on a trek in the hills of Sitio Bugnay. | |||
Away from the hustle and bustle of city life, they could not wait to see the pristine sceneries this side of Mount Halcon is famous for. It was supposed to be a relaxing journey despite the ruggedness and steepness of the terrain. | |||
A brief rest—a pause perhaps.. “taking nothing but pictures, leaving nothing but footprints” while regaining lost energy amid a refreshing beauty of the surroundings. | |||
But something caught their attention—felled trees, big and small. A few meters away, a group of indigenous Mangyans could be seen approaching. They were carrying huge sacks of charcoal on their back, crossing a makeshift bridge. | |||
The scene looked surreal. | |||
A brief chat with the natives revealed that the charcoal were to be sold to lowland markets. One of the hikers asked how much money they make from a sack of charcoal. The Mangyan smiled and answered, “One hundred 10 pesos.” The natives also warned them not to go further, saying they were not allowed to explore the area. | |||
They just ignored the warning. | |||
It was a disquieting realization about the threats to Mount Halcon. Amidst global environmental changes, and the many laws, programs, protocols, moratoriums, etc. made to protect the environment, activities like this still occur. | |||
In 2005, a five-year ban on climbing Mt. Halcon was imposed. The moratorium was supposedly meant to allow this already ecologically fragile mountain a time to regenerate. | |||
But was it able to do so? Or the years that the mountaineers were barred from exploring Mt. Halcon could have been the time that destructive activities went unchecked? | |||
Mt. Halcon is a precious wealth of Oriental Mindoro. It is an important natural resource and watershed for the province. It needs special protection. | |||
==AFP conducts free medical, dental services for Mangyans== | ==AFP conducts free medical, dental services for Mangyans== | ||
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=51786 | *Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=51786 | ||
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Of the 239 Mangyan beneficiaries, 10 boys had undergone circumcision, 80 people were given free dental services, and 149 have availed of medical treatment. Free medicine and vitamins were also given to the undernourished indigenous children. | Of the 239 Mangyan beneficiaries, 10 boys had undergone circumcision, 80 people were given free dental services, and 149 have availed of medical treatment. Free medicine and vitamins were also given to the undernourished indigenous children. | ||
Last week, the Oriental Mindoro PNP Command, under Police Sr. Supt. Anthony Alcañeses, formally created the Mangyan Desk in their camp to monitor and handle crimes against and involving the said ethnic groups in the province. (J.R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B) | Last week, the Oriental Mindoro PNP Command, under Police Sr. Supt. Anthony Alcañeses, formally created the Mangyan Desk in their camp to monitor and handle crimes against and involving the said ethnic groups in the province. (J.R. Mahusay/Louie T. Cueto/PIA-4B) | ||
==Oriental Mindoro continues bloodletting activities== | ==Oriental Mindoro continues bloodletting activities== | ||