THE OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF PREMED SOCIETY OF THE UNIVERSITY OF ST. LA SALLE VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 SEPTEMBER 2019
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VOLUME 1 ISSUE 1 | SEPTEMBER 2019
CARLO B. BAIS Editor-in-Chief
VERMILILAH DESPI Associate Editor
LINDSAY PADILLA Managing Editor
COLEEN MAY DELA PEÑA Assistant Managing Editor Feature Writers
AUDREY RELLOS BELLE GRACE VARGAS ERMAE LIPRADO MARC ANDREW GEOLINGO QUIN ALDRICH CANAPIT THEA LANES
KISHI KOBE Y. FRANCISCO DEOLEN BLANCO
EDITOR’S NOTE Forest fires, climate crisis, illegal wildlife poaching, constant environmental degradation. Our Gaea is now suffocating and years from now, we will drive our own species into extinction. For years, we have slaughtered our Gaea. We have lost consequentially the marvelous and enigmatic energy of our Earth. We have exceeded the carrying capacity of our habitat because of our indecorous ways. My friend, we need more green spaces more than economic development. Oh, wait, all of the time, I thought we are the only species in need of these spaces, but I realized that our Earth is being shared by thousands of species. These green spaces are safe spaces for them. A haven away from scathe and extinction. Humans, don’t be selfish. We have a shared responsibility. It is high time for us to appreciate and do efforts to conserve this. I am now counting on you, that as you read this, you will start thinking of our future. Look at the beaming spectrum of hope. Look into the eyes of the creatures crafted to share this home with us. They create equilibrium in our ecosystem! Continue to cherish our green spaces until the countdown will find its own pause. We’ll get there.
CARLO B. BAIS Editor-in-Chief
Layout and Graphics Artist
CARLO B. BAIS AUDREY EVIDENTE Photojournalists
MARC ANDREW GEOLINGO PIERRE GABRIELLE SAN JOSE JEMIMAH NOVIA JOSE ANTONIO LIBO-ON Publication Moderator
MANUEL EDUARDO de la PAZ Biobeat is the offical publication of the Pre-Med Society of University of St. La Salle Bacolod. All rights reserved. No part of the Biobeat may be reproduced in any form without written consent. All contributions become the Biobeat property and the Editor-in-Chief reserves the right to edit all articles for publication.
Food, clothing, shelter. All of these are provided in ample supply of our sanctuary - Earth. But it is a miserable fact the we have not taken good care of the land that has been placed in our guardianship. Pollution, unending waste, filthy oceans. Can earth be Earth when all its trees are gone, and sudsy waters have become unfit? If our selfish thoughts no longer greets the dawn, will our wicked deeds cease to exist? In the midst of the deafening echoes of developments and urbanization, Gaea screams for help. This year's theme of the Biobeat Publication is entitled Green Spaces - our safe space. More than just a spot for recreation but Gaea's call for action.
THE NEGROS FOREST PARK Written and Photos By: CARLO B. BAIS
“In the early 1960s, Edward Lorenz, a mathematician, presented one principle of chaos theory known as the principle of butterfly effect. It is a phenomenon whereby a minute localized change in a complex system can have a significant effect in the latter state. The same idea can be associated in the Newtonian Classical Mechanics that even some systems are highly sensitive to initial conditions.” This idea perfectly illustrates how Negros Forest Park, formerly Negros Forest Ecological Foundation Inc. (NFEFI), started to sprout right in the heart of Bacolod City. The story of Negros Forest Park may not be familiar to all, but the manner by how they started truly established a new hope for all Negrenses, that our island will continue to thrive because of the perseverance being channeled to sustain the biodiversity conservation of our Gaea. The park started to convey its efforts in 1986 through captive breeding of endangered species, reforestation, conservation education, and various sustainable projects by only few individuals who possessed the heart for
conservation. It mirrors an image that when a group collaboratively work together, it will create a synapse of change. Currently, Negros Forest Park is being managed by the Talarak Foundation Inc., a non-profit association that aims to set and provide the long-term protection of the threatened and rare Philippine biodiversity through conservation programs. As of today, the conservation captive breeding program of the foundation has witnessed successes in breeding the Negros Big Five, namely; The Visayan Spotted Deer, Visayan Warty Pig, Visayan Taricitic Hornbill, Rufous-Headed Hornbill, and the Negros Bleeding Heart Pigeon. The dreams of this foundation are becoming visible in the light of conservation. Negros Forest Park has been long considered as the lungs of the city. It is one of the last remaining green spaces in the city. With trees growing in the area, it serves as a carbon sink and a watershed in the middle of the city. Home to over 47 species of Philippine wildlife and over 26 species of hardwood and fruit trees. More than this, the park is also a living museum that educates generations about the importance of conservation. The park represents not only our future but our natural and cultural heritage. Recently, the park faced a threat of becoming a commercial space or
a parking lot in the name of economic development. It was said that the park will be relocated at Panaad Park and Stadium in Barangay Mansilingan as previously planned by the past administration. The relocation means disrupting an already thriving habitat of the threatened wildlife and the new site will take decades to replicate what is already established near the Capitol Lagoon. But, with the overwhelming support, dedication, and collective effort of Negrenses, the limelight has been focused to Negros Forest Park. With the online petition and campaigns, the cry has been answered and the Provincial Government granted the Negros Forest Park another 25 years to keep the rainforest and wildlife sanctuary in the capital. The dreams are now lucent and brighter futures will be built again together. It is remarkably amazing that the joint efforts of Negrenses show a revelatory impact in our island. True enough that the principle of butterfly effect truly correlates the thriving story of Negros Forest Park.
GREEN SPACES
FEATURE
By: AUDREY RELLOS | Photographed by: CARLO B. BAIS
reen spaces are often considered to be the “lungs” of a modern city. Its impact on the urban biome is something that is often understated. From being urban heat sinks to community areas, green spaces are a vital organ of any city. Millions of urban residents rely on green spaces for recreation and leisure, as well as social and community gatherings. However, the advent of modern city planning gave rise to urban zones, and the expansion of urban development has greatly reduced the available land for vegetation to grow on. The number of green spaces in the Philippines’ largest urban sprawls have been in decline for the past few years. In Metro Manila, green spaces only account for 21% of the metropolitan area, with only around 12,000 hectares used for green spaces in the region’s 55,000 hectares. These are peppered around the cities, and collectively serve a whopping 12.8 million people in the metropolitan area. According to the World Health Organization, the recommended amount of urban green space per person is 50 square meters.
Meanwhile, the total amount of urban green spaces in Metro Manila only allows around 9 square meters per person. While still in the minimum, the amount of usable space continues to shrink due to constant urban development. Green spaces serve a significant role in regulating temperature in the urban biome, as well as being efficient carbon sinks for the environment. They act as heat sinks in areas where vegetation is sparse, therefore preventing a phenomenon known as “heat island effect”. The heat island effect is a phenomenon in which areas become increasingly hotter than the surrounding area, often caused by the lack of vegetation. Urban green spaces also serve an important role in improving the mental wellbeing of urban residents. Local communities use green spaces as venues for communal activities, as well as a place for social gatherings. Communities with access to an adequate green space are generally healthier than communities that have no access to an available green space. A 2013 study in New Zealand suggests that being closer to an urban space
After all, with all the expanse of our concrete jungles, can’t we give a little space?
reduces the amount of anxiety and mood disorder cases. Another 2018 study conducted in Beijing suggests that people who live near an urban green space have better well-being than those who live away from a green space. Everyday, we rely on our surroundings for our daily necessities. Our society is built upon the natural world in which it sits upon. Ever since the advent of industrialization, we have slowly disregarded the wellbeing of our planet in favor of modernity. The expansion of the urban biome has gradually replaced valuable forested land into residential, industrial and commercial districts. With the looming threat of climate change and global warming, our city planning must also bend to the blowing winds. After all, with all the expanse of our concrete jungles, can’t we give a little space? Nutsford, Daniel & Pearson, Amber & Kingham, Simon. (2013). An ecological study investigating the association between access to urban green space and mental health. Public health. 127. 10.1016/j.puhe.2013.08.016.
GREEN SPACES
By: KISHI KOBE Y. FRANCISCO
ake a look around you, from wherever you are; beyond skylines and concrete roads, feel the pulsing energy and breeze that hits your skin, zone in and listen to the sounds of gushing wind and chirping birds and you may wonder: ‘How does this energy really come to be?’, ‘Where does this gush of wind come from?’ and ‘How can these tiny voices from such little creatures still like peace amidst the noisy hustle bustles of the city?’ In a world that’s of 71% water, luckily there is a huge contrast that is painted across this “Blue Planet” and most people would name this open space as green spaces. These green spaces with vegetation; these vast open lands covered in greeneries means life. It means that the energy which comes from life itself that has been given to us through these trees and greeneries that gives us this gush of air – our only source of oxygen and the peace in fact, comes from knowing that there are still trees; the very reason why there are still birds chirping and thus there is life! Everyday is a step closer to a newer age where
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CONSERVATION
Photographed by: CARLO B. BAIS
speculations of flying cars and cleaner atmospheres are on every front page and contrary to the usual sob story about the environment, green spaces are being widely promoted all over the world as it has various benefits and purposes. May it be to reduce energy bills, keep the boiling heat to an ultimate low, answer your question as to where all the rain or storm water are going? These green spaces happily do all of these things naturally! Imagine a walk in the park and look around you once more, listen to the swaying leaves whisper in your ears, let it wash away your worries and anxieties. Or better yet, scream and shout in victory when you find your answers to questions you’ve been looking for. Such power is held in these spaces that despite of the usual car horns and smoke emissions these spaces are able scrub off all these dirt. The answer to our problems are just under our noses where we sometimes neglect and overlook, these green spaces inspire and teach through the messages orchestrated by nature all we have to do is listen and look closer.
GREEN SPACES
HEALTH
By: BELLE GRACE VARGAS Photos by: CARLO B. BAIS and JEMIMAH NOVIA
huge city with its overflowing establishments occupying its grounds. A tiny province with its verdant fields covering its land. If you were to choose between these two, where would you live and where would you go? Obviously, our answers to the context will vary, the city would give us plenty of opportunities and unthinkable advancements in technology, however green spaces are said to be more ideal. Imagine living in a place surrounded with infrastructures. Wherever you look, may be it to your left or to your right, all you find are skyscrapers, and huge buildings. Whenever you close your eyes to listen, all you hear are the murmurs of the crowd, the honking of the cars and the cries of the needy. Do you find it healthy? It is stressful, isn’t it? But now, think of living away and very far from this bustling city, and you are now surrounded by green spaces, listen to sound of the wind, and feel the breeze, isn’t it refreshing? Did you know that living in a place surrounded with green spaces is actually good for your health? Studies claim that green spaces improve the mental health of the person. In a paper of the University of Exeter, entitled “Green spaces deliver lasting mental health benefits”, the study proves that having a green space in town could lessen the rate of depression which is the main cause of disability worldwide according to WHO (2012) and this improve the health and well-being of an individual. There are a lot of health benefits from green spaces rather than urban places. But good news is, green spaces could be already brought to urban places. Nowadays, there are a lot of parks in the city, which serves as the site to unwind and relax, and why do you think we find it relaxing in the park? It is the only place in the city where there are green spaces. Now, you want to make our city a vital resource to improve our health and well-being? Start in your backyard and help cultivate green spaces for the betterment of environment as well as ourselves.
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University of Exeter. (2014, January 7). Green spaces deliver lasting mental health benefits. ScienceDaily.
What can you say about green spaces? How do green spaces affect your urban lifestyle?
For me green spaces serve as the lungs of our cities/urbanized areas. Scientifically, these spaces help get rid some of toxic pollutants from the city air and many ecological services we rarely appreciate. They might come in small patches or large spaces but they support urban biodiversity of birds, insects, and other animals that help maintain the balance of our urban ecosystem. In urban areas, people tend to live a fast paced life and more often than so, would just breeze through one task after the other day after day. Green spaces remind us to slow down for a while, take a break, pause, and breathe. It is in green spaces that we get to have a breather break from a busy day at work or at school. Being surrounded by the sound of rustling leaves, birds singing, the crunching leaf litters, and even just staring at something green complemented by other earth colors provide some sort of therapy. Personally, it grounds and keeps me sane. It relaxes me when I'm feeling anxious about work or life. Looking at green spaces is refreshing and reviving. It reminds me of home or a sanctuary where I can always be in close touch with the things that makes me alive.
Biologist
Science Education Officer PRRCFI
Green spaces is the term used in reference of forests, meadows, fields, and parks where people can take refuge from the stress of urban lifestyle. Through filtering the polluted air, giving off oxygen and producing a cooling effect in the heated urban areas, these green can give benefit to the people who suffer from various health conditions, a fact the World Health Organization (WHO) have acknowledged. These green spaces also serve as recreational places where people can conduct physical activities that are beneficial for their well-being. This is one of the reasons why I love visiting green spaces. It serves like a reminder for me to pause, take care of myself, and live for a moment. The wide space it provides for me to exercise or just unwind through reading books gives me peace and comfort. Genuine happiness is what I realize every time these feelings are flowing within me. Also, hearing the children laugh, seeing people enjoy each other’s company, inhaling clean air, and feeling the cool green grass all at the same time is, for me, a privilege in this ever changing time. It helps me realize how lucky I am to be alive and to be living in a place where I get to experience true bliss without the fear of chaos.
plexus
Biologist
Green is most of the time associated with nature, things that are ecofriendly or environment friendly. I think green spaces would be the places which has a lot of trees, grasses, shrubs or "shady" such us parks, lagoons, protected areas and even our backyards. In an urban setting, these green spaces makes it more habitable for some animals, it provides access for food and shelter for both animals and insects, which in time may prevent habitat fragmentation. Well, I live in a partly urban and mostly rural part of Negros, i can say that we seldom experience flood, the hot weather is tolerable and with clean water source, this has a lot to do with the abundance of diverse trees and green spaces in our city. These green spaces or trees in general, does not only serve as our shade in a hot weather, but it also keep our sediments intact, produces clean air, helps in carbon storage, maintaining water quality and controls the flood. These spaces are crucial in preserving our nature and on the increasing loss of our species.
w. By: DEOLEN BLANCO Photographed by: JEMIMAH NOVIA
Photographed By: PIERRE SAN JOSE
With wide areas of open spaces that are teeming with shrubs, trees and other vegetation, the University of St. La Salle is considered as a green space. It is a sanctuary of endemic and threatened trees. From schoolyards to parking lots, the school showcases the beauty of our evergreen wonders and brings nature closer to the eyes of people. Open green spaces is an all time asset of the university. These wide portions permits socialization to take place within the campus and gives opportunity to students and faculty to have their recreational activities. With trees and vegetation present, people can have a taste of fresh air to relax their minds. This makes the campus looks fresh because see nature to be one of the aesthetically pleasing sites..
NEGROS FOREST PARK
CONSERVATION
Photos By: CARLO B. BAIS and MARC ANDREW GEOLINGO
Negros’ Big Five Written By: MARC ANDREW GEOLINGO Photos by: MARC ANDREW GEOLINGO and CARLO B. BAIS
ildlife is all around us, in the vastness of the ocean and the in the smallest particle of dust, life exists. Here in Negros Island we are so blessed with the wonderful wildlife we have. The Negros Big 5 represents our rich biodiversity because of their fundamental role in rehabilitating our Island. These endemic animals are bio-indicators of a healthy forest, that is why much attention is given to these individuals. With the growing population of humans, their number is critically declining. Negros Big 5 is here to give us an idea of what biodiversity conservation should look like. That is why we should be aware of what they are facing and that they need our help.
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Visayan Spotted Deer The Visayan Spotted Deer (Rusa alfredi) once roamed the rainforests of Panay and Negros Islands. Now, it is listed as critically endangered species due to habitat disruption and hunting, leaving only small pockets of them living in protected areas in the wild. These deer are nocturnal, preferring to forage for food at night. They are easily distinguished by their spotted white pattern peppering their brown coat and cream colored underside. Though at critically low population levels, the deer are making good progress in repopulating due to breeding programs being done in Negros Forest Park which helps pull this majestic animal back from the brink. Visayan Warty Pig The Visayan Warty Pig (Sus cebifrons) may look like intimidating with its big tusks and large robust bodies but in reality they are shy animals choosing to avoid humans
when they can, and for good reason. Visayan Warty Pigs are critically endangered being almost completely absent from their historic range of Panay and Negros due to excessive poaching for meat as well as increasing habitat loss. These Pigs are endemic to Negros and Panay. The Visayan Warty Pig is critically endangered and at high risk of extinction but with the help of breeding efforts such as the one undertaken at Negros Forest Park which is helping to preserve these exquisite piggies. Negros Bleeding Heart Pigeon The Negros Bleeding Heart Dove (Gallicolumba keayi) is known for its green shimmering iridescence on its head while its back, wings, and tail having a light brown color to them, its underbelly is white with one bright red streak of crimson running down the chest of this beautiful bird giving it its name. Sadly the Negros Bleeding Heart Dove is critically endangered as populations of these birds become scarcer every year. These birds are endemic to the Negros Islands. They suffer from over hunting and habitat loss as forest cover in Negros degrades. The Negros Bleeding Heart is on its last legs. In much of its historic range the Dove has been missing, but through continued conservation and breeding programs we might see this beautiful bird hop and hobble around the forests of Negros once again. Visayan Hornbill The Visayan Hornbil (Penelopides panini) is an endemic species stretching from Panay, Negros, Masbate and Guimaras. The other name “Taictic Hornbill” are named after the unique sounds they make. They show sexual dimorphism. The females
have a very dark body with white markings on its tail where as the male hornbill has white along its underbelly, tail, and head. When breeding the couple are bonded for life, they breed inside crevasses of trees. Currently the species faces uncertainty as poaching and habitat loss has made the species endangered. With proper care, love, and passion we can bring back the cry of these beautiful creatures back to the canopies of our forests. Rufous Headed/ Walden’s Hornbill The Rufous Headed Hornbill (Rhabdotorrhinus waldeni) also known as the Walden’s hornbill, one of the most critically endangered animal on the list with only a handful of pairs in Negros. This endemic species of hornbill is at the brink of extinction in its native land. The Walden’s Hornbill sports a black body with a brown neck for males and a dark neck for females. The faces are also different depending on the sex of the individual bird as males have a bright pastel yellow face while females have a powder blue colored face. Sporting an impressive orange beak with grooves on its lower beak and an impressive ridge at the top of its head make the Walden’s Hornbill a graceful bird. That allure has attracted poachers from the exotic pet trade as well as trophy hunters. Luckily there is hope as breeding projects are helping maintain their populations. Most notably in Negros Forest Park on February 14, 2019 they were able to successfully breed a Walden’s Hornbill chick named “Valentine”. The first Walden’s hornbill bred in over 6 years. Although one hornbill isn’t enough to completely save the species but its small steps like these that give us hope for their future.
CONSERVATION MOVEMENT
Meet nfp’s resident biologist, justin magbanua Written By: COLEEN MAY DELA PEÑA Photographed by: JOSE ANTONIO LIBO-ON
midst the fast-paced economical progress within the city, there are conserved areas of land or water wherein development is indefinitely set aside. They are environments that are left as it is, those areas in the city that are not yet influenced by urbanization. These spots are known as Green Spaces. These special regions of the urban sector serve as a refuge site for animals – the rescue and captive breeding of endangered species in the region. Negros Forest Park is a Biodiversity Conservation Center located at South Capitol Road, beside the Provincial Capitol Park and Lagoon. This sanctuary was built almost thirty years ago but it was formerly known as Negros Forests and Ecological Foundation Incorporation or NFEFI. It is now managed by the Talarak Foundation which started in 2017. Working in these special workplaces is not an easy job. It is
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PERSONAL
more like a challenge for brave individuals who are ready to take on an extraordinary adventure. One of these courageous people is Mr. Justin Magbanua. A BS Biology graduate at the University of St. La Salle – Bacolod last 2017. After graduation, he started working at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). After doing so, he decided to invest his time at the Coastal Marine Ecosystem Management Program for six months. Because of his continual love for animals and nature, Mr. Magbanua dedicated his effort to commit his time and resources in working at Talarak Foundation Inc.. This passion was also the reason why he decided to take up BS Biology way back in college. He has shared some of his struggles while working in the center. One of which is their Information Education Campaign wherein the center advocates in changing people´s perspective about nature and its resources. People of Talarak believe that it is of great importance to try and educate the benighted citizens in the country about the wonder they unknowingly possess. Some people in the forests or in the rural areas do not appreciate the extravagant species that dwell in their domain. On the other hand, people in the cities fail to appreciate the stunning gifts of nature, greedily focusing on its recreational purposes
Humans are the only other species that can prevent other species from extinction. alone and for the material gain and profit. He is also encouraging the students to be agents of change and this change can start at our own homes. Loving animals is a fascinating thing to do even in our small actions in everyday life. Oftentimes we are grasped by fear whenever we see peculiar animals such as snakes, geckos or strange insects in our households and our first response most of the time is violence. Little did we know that these species are often just there for the search of food. They are even much afraid when they see humans like us and it is also their mechanism to protect themselves whenever they encounter us. Mr. Magbanua has quoted a line he has seen long time ago saying "Humans are the only other species that can prevent other species from extinction." But in reality, humans drive other species to extinction, mostly because of greed and selfishness. As a student, are you ready to be the help these species await?
COAL FREE NEGROS Written By: VERMILILAH DESPI Photographed by: PIERRE SAN JOSE
As the path to greener pastures begins to narrow and the areas where fresh air thrives are becoming less abundant, we wonder of what is left. That is, if there is still something being left, for us and for the succeeding ones. To some extent, we ponder on how we could catalyze a solution to bring change in the massive effects of climate change. And from there, the tread of change starts. With each step gradually getting stronger and bolder, more and more people are now voicing out and joining hands to take initiative in engaging in the use of renewable energy. Negros, our very own, is now part of that circle. In line with this, the younger generation themselves took the leap to handle the challenge. Negros is the fourth largest island in the Philippines and is also the home for more than two million gentle Negrenses. With its vast rugged mountain interior, verdant sugarcane plantations, unspoiled beaches, underwater coral gardens and urban grooves, one can’t deny Negros of its innate charm that has captured the hearts of many tourists and locals alike. For centuries, the luxury of having these in the province is being enjoyed by those who are living in its lands. Gladly, the delightfulness of this island will continue to be immanent for the province of Negros Occidental made a huge decision that brought hope for many especially the young crowd. Negros is now coal free. Amidst all the shenanigans that was going around, Negros Occidental Governor Alfredo Marañon Jr. signed an executive order on March 6, 2019 declaring that only clean and renewable sources of energy will be allowed in the province. The move affirms resolve of the province to continue its goal of becoming the country’s leading source of various organic products and sustainable agriculture. This announcement is definitely a huge win for the fight in promoting the use of clean and renewable energy. The fight that has been going on for years all over the world. This rejects the proposal of SMC Global Power Holdings Corporation to develop a 300-megawatt coal-fired power plant that would be situated in the city of San Carlos. The decision was greatly influenced by the collaboration of young student leaders as well as the bishops from the province. Behind this is a group of young leaders called Youth For Climate Hope. They are a coalition that have proactively started to organize silent protests which appeal for local and national demands for a more sustainable future and environmental protection. They took charge of
drafting the future that they want for themselves and for others as well. They put up a great fight and was returned by a triumph that would be enjoyed not just by themselves but by the entirety of Negrenses. However, this celebration is suddenly being cut too early for this EO is being threatened by the new men seated in office. The current administration is on talks about the reconsideration of the entry of the proposed coal-fired plant in their regular sessions. This, in return became a real letdown for everyone who fought and for the future of the province as well. One doesn’t have to be scientific to distinguish what is good and bad for the environment. Our environment is already devasted resulting to a lot of changes that are considered detrimental to all humans, and surely the addition of a new coal plants wouldn’t be of any help. Avoiding coal as energy-source is beneficial in various aspects. Isah Dedel, one of the students who is actively promoting #CoalFreeNegros has shared her thoughts according to the matter. “First, environmentally. I don’t think we still need an explanation for that. Second, in terms of health. If ever the plant will be established, it will produce tons of coal ash a day. Coal ash causes a lot of respiratory diseases and many more. Third, economically. albeit coal may seem cheap however, basic law of supply and demand says, price is directly proportional to demand but inversely proportional to supply. Coal is non-renewable therefore it will eventually get depleted while our need for electricity on the other hand continues to increase with the advancement of technology. What do we expect the procedure of electricity will be in the next few years? Lastly Negros doesn’t need it. We are a power hub for renewable energy which are way cheaper and environmentally friendly than coal.” Indeed, it is a bit disheartening to see that there still a possibility that our beloved province would have, in its grounds a plant that is nowhere near green nor does it photosynthesize. Despite of this, because of the people who exhibits concern for the environment, there is still hope. Hope that would make the path leading to greener pastures become wider and hope that would bring back the abundance of fresh air we and the future could enjoy. As the fight continues, take a moment to inhale. Inhale and enjoy the smell of a coal free Negros.
IRRAWADDY DOLPHIN STRANDING By: LINDSAY MARIE PADILLA Photo courtesy: MANUEL EDUARDO de la PAZ
n the afternoon of July 9, 2019, local fisherfolks’, Jeymar Gabayeron and Richard Alezo found the lifeless body of Irrawaddy Dolphin in the coastline of Pulupandan in Negros Occidental. The body was found floating along the coastline of Zone 1A and was immediately reported to the Barangay Captain and Municipal Administrator, Mr. Frederico Infante Jr, who then contacted the appropriate personnel. As part of the continued partnership between the local community of Pulupandan and the research team of the University of St. La Salle, Mr. Mark De La Paz, along with his team of volunteers, traveled to the site and conducted the necropsy from July 11 until July 14. The purpose of conducting the examination on the dead dolphin is to determine the possible causes of its death and the implications it may have on the community and other marine life present in the area. Due a short delay in the conduct of the necropsy, the researchers had a slight issue regarding early onset of decomposition but nevertheless were still able to identify no signs of fishing gear entanglement or other human interactions on the body of the animal. Upon closer examination, the dolphin was found to have collapsed lungs which can be attributed to possible
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drowning, edema, congestion or simply decomposition. As of writing, the exact cause of death of this animal is still unclear and unconfirmed. Meanwhile, in a more recent sighting last September 11, Gabayeron once again noticed another carcass washed along the shore of Barangay Patic, Pulupundan, Negros Occidental. This incident was immediately responded by the Philippine Coast Guard and MDRRMC personnel along with the local barangay captain, Roger Venancio. Trisha Lotayco and Jeramie Lotayco, volunteers from de la Paz’s research team, also helped in the photodocumenatation and measurement taking for the necroscopy. The carcass however had already progressed to an advance state of decomposition that posted a great difficulty for de la Paz and his team- the epidermal layer was peeled off and the dermal layer had turned pin from exposure to sunlight and the eyeballs were missing. The remains and samples taken from the animal’s body is now carefully stored in the USLS Center for Research and Engagement for further study and evaluation.
’ By: QUIN ALDRICH CANAPPIT Photo Courtesy: PREMED SOCIETY
A GALLERY EDUCATING WILDLY By: ERMAE LIPRADO Photo Courtesy: THE SPECTRUM
“Every single day of our lives involves wildlife education. We must teach, spread the word, the wildlife gospel”Steve Irwin.
Lignum Vitae: “Gentle giants of La Salle” is a book about the trees that can be found in every corners of USLSBacolod made by now second year Biology students supervised by Miss La Vera Sombito. Huge photos of each trees showcasing their different parts (leaves, bark, etc.) as well as their description are featured on the pages. Informative texts were also included such as their scientific name, their uses and their location. This book is intended to promote the green spaces in La Salle to be conserved and protected. Since green spaces in schools have several benefits which was the reason this book was written. Multiple studies from around the world have shown similar and encouraging results that student exposure to natural experiences, as part of their daily curriculum, increases overall productivity and engagement, as well as increases students’ cognitive abilities and memory. So, needless to say, today’s efforts of incorporating green spaces and community gardens into our architectural designs are ultimately creating great places for both students and plantlife to grow.
Did you know that the current status of our wildlife is declining rapidly, and not everyone are well aware of it? It is a reality that everyone must know and must be educated on. The importance and beauty of the wildlife and why it should be appreciated. The “Buhay-Ilang” exhibit was seen as a platform in order to show the beauty and value of wildlife in the province. Buhay-Ilang is a Filipino translation of wildlife, which pertains to the wild animals, native in a certain region. The richness in animal species of the province enabled the exhibit to happen. It would be such a waste if such beauty of a wildlife would be left hidden and underappreciated. The majestic pictures of animals in their natural habitats were exhibited. The said exhibit brings enchantment , the stares give warmth in our soul. The exhibit gives opportunity to the viewers to be in the wild, experience how these animals live, and the suffering they usually encounter. Some unfamiliar faces of species were also present in the exhibit as it could either be only seen in the wild, and cannot usually be encountered, but the exhibit also tells us that it does not mean that they are not commonly seen, they no longer exist. There are still many species not visible in the public as they can only live in the wild setting. Sometimes we take these animals for granted thinking that they are only their existing, without knowing that they are also declining and are also affected by our actions. The exhibit made the public well informed about the wildlife and how it portrays an important role in the environment. Educating about wildlife is also saving it, as learning leads to understanding, then, to appreciation, and lastly, into action. There are many possible ways in giving knowledge about wildlife and an exhibit is just one of those. If you have the capability to educate about wildlife, in what way would you do it?
BIOUPDATES
20 19
By: THEA DOREN LANES
After two years without freshmen in the program, the BS Biology community welcomed the new faces from the pioneer batch of Senior High School graduates last school year. Part of the BS Biology program allows the students to immerse themselves in everything that nature has to offer, and acquire first-hand experiences on real field work. For the first semester, the batch went south to visit the El toro Zoo in La Castellana. The privately-owned zoo featured an extensive collection of birds, fishes, reptiles, amphibians, and mammals. Not only is it home for endemic species, but also for animals from other places in the Philippines and outside of the country. The most memorable animal friends the Bio1 met would have to be the large emu, the fetching blue crown pigeon, the majestic Brahmin kite eagle, and the 21-year-old crocodile, named Bong, who was 17 feet in length. Unfortunately, some of the animals were missing some of their parts and also had scars; signs of their horrid past experiences. But on the brighter side, the El toro Zoo have taken good care of them, and will continue to do so in their little sanctuary. The second semester held the first out of numerous scientific researches the Biology students would have to make for the duration of their stay in the program. The studies conducted involved a mangrove forest, the sea, and its flora and fauna. This time, Bio1 travelled north to Taba-ao and Suyac Island in Sagay City. Aside from acquiring samples and physico-chemical parameters for the first half of the day, the trip also served as a breather from academic workload with the help of the calm, clear waters, and the breeze of the sea through the mangroves’ leaves. After indulging in fresh, tasty seafood dishes, everyone enjoyed the rest of the afternoon after a day’s work; soaking up the sun and sea. The initial thoughts about the BS Biology program being intellectually-challenging is indeed true. However, the interactive and immersive experiences being offered, especially in doing field work, are truly fulfilling and priceless. The chance to see the raw world – away from bustling cities, laboratory environment, PDF files, and heavy Biology books – awakens a new appreciation and compassion for life. This is why field exposures are considered, without a doubt, an Out-of-Book Experience.
Premed celebrates the 67 years of USLS By: LINDSAY MARIE PADILLA
In line with the institutional celebration of Lasalle’s 67 years or “Berde Bash”, the Premed Society held its annual Agape Lunch at MM24 and MM25 last July 5. This year, the club officers focused on building relationships with the freshmen and getting to know them more through the various games and activities prepared. In addition to this, the club also hosted an Acquaintance Party the following day at La Herencia Negrense Club House, with the theme “Welcome to the Jungle”. During the celebration, the neophytes were formally initiated and welcomed into the club. The said activity was also attended by faculty members like Mrs. Jessica Pacalioga, Mrs. Ofelia Saludar, Engr. Rafael Diamante and club moderator, Mrs. La Vera Sombito.
Premed joins the 2019 Club Fair By: LINDSAY MARIE PADILLA
Spearheaded by the University Student Government Executive branch, this year’s club fair with the theme “Myriad: An Era of Brighter Possibilities”, was held right after exams, July 23-25, at the USLS Parking Lot. The theme for this year was anchored on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set by the United Nations, which is the core project of the current student council administration. The three-day event was jampacked with activities such as Talentadong Lasalyano, 3D Art, Presidential Challenge and Club Icon. Awards were also merited to clubs who came out on top in terms of most Eco-friendly booth, Most Visually Appealing, Most Interactive and Most Innovative Booth.
