Coastal land reclamation: A glimpse into today’s urban development strategies

 
Photo credit to Anastasia Yudin. An aerial shot of Flower Dome in Singapore. 

Coastal land reclamation is increasing and will continue to grow and be a popular urban strategy in places that experience urban growth. 

This is according to a study, “Mapping 21st Century Global Coastal Land Reclamation,” that analyzed landsat satellite images from 2000 to 2020 to quantify spatial extent, scale, and land use of urban coastal reclamation of 135 cities globally with populations exceeding one million. Key findings indicate that 78% of these cities have turned to reclamation to create additional land, resulting in 253,000 hectares of new land, an area equivalent to Luxembourg.

SCPW, UAPSA join hands with SM Prime in promoting wetland conservation

 
SCPW president Arch. Celestino Ulep leads a discussion on nature-based architecture during the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium. Photo from SCPW

As the world celebrated the International Day for Biological Diversity 2023, SM Prime Holdings Inc. (SM Prime) joined the Society for the Conservation of Philippine Wetlands, Inc. (SCPW) hosted the fourth SCPW Wetland Center Design Symposium on May 29th at the MAAX Building in the Mall of Asia Complex.

Bannering the theme "Build Back Biodiversity: Wetland Centers and Nature-Based Architecture," the hybrid symposium featured presentations centered on fostering knowledge and awareness about wetland conservation and innovative design approaches. 

Sec. Loyzaga: Invest in rainwater collection

At the multi-stakeholder forum, “Towards a Greener Footprint,” in Iloilo City recently, Environment Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga shared solutions-focused guidelines to help the local government reduce carbon footprint, with emphasis on water conservation to address the looming water crisis and increase access to safe water and sanitation. (L-R): Iloilo City Mayor Jerry Trenas, journalist Ces Drilon, Secretary Loyzaga, urban planning and landscape architect Paulo Alcazaren, United Architects of the Philippines (UAP) co-chair Michaela Rossette Santo-Tayag and SM Supermalls Vice President for Corporate Compliance Liza Silerio. Photo credits: Arnold Almacen/Iloilo City Office of the Mayor.

DENR, SM Prime calls on cities to innovate and invest in water-saving technologies to avert water crisis.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SM Prime), one of the leading real estate developers in Southeast Asia, recently called on local public officials to avoid the extraction of groundwater and, instead, invest in rainwater collection for recycling and impoundment, as well as explore new technologies such as modular desalination and modular sewage treatment plants, to manage the effects of climate change on the country’s water resources.

SM Foundation introduces rainwater harvesting for sustainable impact

 

Midwife Narcisa Jagmis observes as the system collects rainwater from the gutters.

In line with the SM Green Movement, the SM group, through SM Foundation, recently established a rainwater harvesting system at the Brgy. Irawan Birthing Facility in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. The initiative aims to strengthen their goal of preserving the environment and ensuring the health and wellness of future generations.

To enhance water conservation and management in the facility, the system collects rainwater from the roof and gutter, passing it through vinyl-coated mesh filters to help ensure water quality. With an 800-liter storage capacity, the harvested water serves the facility’s non-potable needs like watering plants, cleaning, and toilet flushing.

Run for the Future 2023 on August 26 at Filinvest City, Alabang

Filinvest holds the RUN FOR THE FUTURE: Building an ECOmmunity Together on August 26, 2023 at Central Park, Spectrum Avenue, Filinvest City in Alabang, Muntilupa City. Experience more than just a fun run - enjoy an outdoor concert with Sponge Cola and The Ridleys, savor delicious food at Eats by the Park, and more.

Call for Submission: The Filipino Festival 2023

Bring your short film to the big screen! Are you a storyteller? A passionate filmmaker? Make your mark at The Filipino Festival!

We invite professional and amateur filmmakers to join us and showcase your talent to a larger audience! This is your chance to bring the heart of the Filipino to the rest of the world through your short films.

Call for Entries: Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival

Calling all filmmakers! The Las Vegas Filipino Short Film Festival is thrilled to invite both Filipino and non-Filipino filmmakers to be part of our incredible celebration of storytelling and culture.

We welcome submissions from filmmakers of Filipino descent, as well as films with Filipino themes, showcasing the diverse perspectives and talents within the Filipino community. Additionally, we extend an open invitation to non-Filipino filmmakers who have stories to share that resonate with the Filipino experience or explore the rich tapestry of Filipino culture.

Confessions of an Artist

         

Art is a revolt against fate.

- ANDRÉ MALRAUX, Voices of Silence -

All art is at once surface and symbol.

Those who go beneath the surface do so at their peril.

- OSCAR WILDE, The Picture of Dorian Gray -

The appreciation of art should not be considered as merely a pleasurable pastime. 

To apprehend beauty is to work for it. 

It is a mighty and an entrancing effort, 

and the enjoyment of a picture is not only the pleasure it inspires, 

but in the comprehension of the new order of construction used in its making.

- ROBERT HENRI, The Art Spirit -

THE INSPIRATION I DERIVE from art can bring me to greater heights. It is something that makes me live, keeps me alive. I cannot imagine myself breathing life without the guidance of art. Art for me is Life! Art is my one reason for surviving in this life full of trials and sufferings. My passion for art is so deep that crushing it can fracture my bones, cut my throat and curtail my spirit altogether.

DTI invites the public to the 17th ‘Padday na Lima’ Regional Trade Fair at Festival Mall, Alabang

The Department of Trade and Industry National Capital Regional Office is inviting the public in the National Capital Region to visit and support the 17th ‘Padday na Lima’ Regional Trade Fair.

The event will take place at the Carousel Court of the Festival Mall in Alabang, Muntinlupa City from August 7 to August 13, 2023.

Poseidon Olympus Challenge (Leg 3) on August 20, 2023 at Liwasang Ulalim, CCP Complex

RSRJ Events Management holds the POSEIDON OLYMPUS CHALLENGE (LEG 3) slated on August 20, 2023 at Liwasang Ulalim, CCP Complex in Pasay City. The event will also highlight a lot of fun, Zumba dance, and a lot of surprises.