Author: Gilbert Ramoya

Palawan, known for its sun-drenched beaches and turquoise waters, was cloaked in a different kind of magic today. It was Friday the 13th, a day often associated with bad luck, and the skies above were weeping a gentle, cleansing rain.

Instead of the usual fear and trepidation, a sense of serenity washed over the island. The rain, a welcome respite from the usual tropical heat, brought a refreshing coolness to the air.  The lush greenery, already vibrant, seemed to shimmer with an extra layer of life.

The streets, usually bustling with tourists and locals alike, were quieter than usual.  People sheltered under awnings, their faces turned upwards, enjoying the cool mist on their skin.  The air was filled with the earthy scent of petrichor, a unique aroma that only comes after a good rain.

For many, Friday the 13th is a day to avoid, a day to stay indoors and avoid any risky ventures.  But in Palawan, the rain on this day felt like a blessing, a reminder that even on days shrouded in superstition, nature holds its own unique charm.

The rain washed away any lingering anxieties, leaving behind a sense of calm and tranquility.  It was a day to embrace the unexpected, to find beauty in the ordinary, and to appreciate the simple joy of a good, cleansing rain.  In Palawan, even on Friday the 13th, there was a sense of magic in the air, a magic that whispered of renewal and hope.

The sun beat down on my back as I dug into the earth, my hands covered in cool, moist soil.  I wasn’t just planting a tree; I was planting hope.  It was a recent tree-planting activity at Barangay Montible, Puerto Princesa City, and the experience resonated deeply with me.

The event brought together a diverse group of volunteers, united by a shared passion for environmental stewardship.  We were planting cashew seedlings, a species known for its resilience and economic benefits for the community.  As I carefully placed the seedlings into the ground, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of purpose.  I was contributing to a greener future, not just for the environment, but for the people of Montible.

The act of planting a tree, simple as it may seem, felt symbolic.  It was a tangible expression of my commitment to a healthier planet.  I was leaving behind a legacy, a living testament to the power of collective action.  The experience also highlighted the interconnectedness of our world.  Every tree planted and every action taken has a ripple effect, impacting not only the environment but also the lives of people.

The event was more than just planting trees; it was a community gathering, a shared experience that fostered a sense of unity and purpose.  We shared laughter, stories, and a common goal, creating a sense of camaraderie that transcended differences.

As I stood back and admired the rows of newly planted seedlings, I felt a renewed sense of hope.  It was a reminder that even small actions can have a significant impact.  Planting a tree is not just about the environment; it’s about planting hope for a better future, a future where we all work together to create a more sustainable and equitable world.

Life throws curveballs. Sometimes, they’re gentle, like a change in plans. Other times, they feel like a full-blown earthquake, shaking your foundation to its core. It’s in those moments, when the world feels like it’s falling apart, that our true strength is tested.

It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, to let fear and despair consume you. But amidst the chaos, there’s a powerful force within us: courage. It’s not the absence of fear, but the choice to move forward despite it. It’s the quiet determination to pick up the pieces, dust ourselves off, and rebuild.

Inspiration often comes from unexpected places. A friend’s kind words, a song that resonates with your pain, a sunrise that reminds you of beauty amidst the storm – these are the moments that fuel our courage. We find strength in the stories of others who have faced similar challenges and emerged stronger.

Remember, even the strongest trees have deep roots that anchor them through the harshest storms.  Your resilience is your root system, your ability to adapt and grow even in the face of adversity.

Here are a few things to remember when the world feels like it’s falling apart:

– Acknowledge your feelings: Don’t suppress your emotions. Allow yourself to grieve, to feel the pain, but don’t let it define you.
– Seek support: Reach out to loved ones, friends, or a therapist. Sharing your burdens can lighten the load.
– Focus on the small victories: Celebrate the little wins, the moments of joy that remind you of your strength.
– Embrace the unknown:  The future may seem uncertain, but it’s also full of possibilities.  Be open to new paths and opportunities.

You are stronger than you think.  The cracks in your life are not a sign of weakness, but a testament to your ability to grow and adapt.  Find the courage to rebuild, and you’ll emerge from the rubble, stronger and more resilient than ever before.

The toxicity of an officemate can pose a significant human hazard in the office environment, impacting health, safety, and overall well-being. When an officemate exhibits toxic behavior such as bullying, harassment, or constant negativity, disrespect it creates a hostile and unhealthy workplace atmosphere. This toxicity not only affects the mental and emotional health of individuals but can also have physical implications.

Constant exposure to a toxic officemate can lead to increased stress levels, anxiety, and even depression among colleagues. Such negative emotions can contribute to a decline in overall mental health and well-being, affecting productivity and job satisfaction. Additionally, toxic behavior can escalate into conflicts and confrontations, further deteriorating the office environment and posing safety risks.

In terms of physical health, the stress and anxiety caused by a toxic officemate can manifest in various ways, including headaches, fatigue, muscle tension, and even compromised immune function. Prolonged exposure to a toxic work environment can have long-term health consequences, impacting individuals’ overall quality of life. Addressing and mitigating the toxicity of an officemate is crucial for promoting a safe, healthy, and supportive work environment for all employees.

Following the successful inauguration and turnover ceremony of the Palawan Water project at Sitio Jantukaw in Barangay Buenavista and Barangay Tara, Coron Palawan the positive impact of these transformative initiatives reverberates throughout the communities. The event on May 23, 2024, in Sitio Jantukaw, highlighted the introduction of a solar-powered deep well system, ensuring sustainable and dependable access to clean water for the residents. This innovative approach not only tackles water scarcity concerns but also advocates for environmentally friendly practices by utilizing solar energy to operate the well.

A resident of Sitio Jantukaw, Barangay Buenavista, shared her experience regarding the use of water from the solar-powered deep well system. Jelien Balbutan expressed that Palawan Water began providing potable drinking water in December 2023 as a partial operation to meet the water needs of Barangay Buenavista and Malawig, catering to over 500 households three times a week.

“Even though the inauguration and turnover took place on May 23, 2024 in Barangay Buenavista, residents have already been benefitting from the partial operation of Palawan Water without any fees. This initiative aims to address the community’s need for potable water during the current El Niño period” Jelien Balbutan said. 

The following day, on May 24, 2024, Barangay Tara witnessed the introduction of a cutting-edge reverse osmosis water desalination system. This advanced technology allows for the conversion of seawater into safe and drinkable water, offering a long-term solution to water quality challenges in the region. The ceremony highlighted the commitment of Palawan Water to leveraging state-of-the-art systems to ensure water sustainability and resilience in coastal communities like Barangay Tara.

The impact of these initiatives extends beyond mere infrastructure improvements; they symbolize a profound dedication to enhancing the quality of life for local residents and promoting environmental stewardship. By integrating solar-powered deep well systems and reverse osmosis desalination technology, Palawan Water is setting a new standard for water management and community development in Palawan.

As the communities of Sitio Jantukaw and Barangay Tara embrace these transformative changes, the legacy of the Palawan Water inauguration continues to inspire hope, progress, and a sustainable future for all.

The two-day event in Coron, Palawan, received support from the Provincial Government of Palawan and Palawan Water. The event was attended by Mayor Mario T. Reyes Jr., LGU of Çoron officials, Palawan Water officials, including Engineer John Gil Ynzon and Engineer Ann Michelle Cardenas, as well as media representatives from national and local publications.

The Tagbanua tribe in Tara Island, Coron, Palawan, beautifully displayed their cultural heritage through the traditional dance “Suring” at the inauguration and turnover ceremony of the Coron Water Supply System on May 24, 2024. Additionally, captivating performances of other dances and songs added to the cultural richness of the event.

Preservation of indigenous people culture, arts, and traditions can be hardly noticeable now a days in the form of art piece such as painting. Guhit Palaw’an organizers aims to use art as a voice, and statement in preservation of indigenous people culture, arts, and tradition. The ultimate purpose is by making a big difference for positive change and allowing the next generation to see what was then and what is now.

Painting is a big help in promoting tradition and culture, as artist can preserve, develop, or show to other people of Palaw’an tribe culture through their art.

Painting Competition

Artists were given time the whole day to create their masterpieces on a 4ft x 3ft canvass in the art material they preferred such as water color, acrylic paint, latex, and oil with a theme of creating awareness, promotion, and preserving Palaw ‘an culture and arts.

On the night of December 21, 2018 during Bulanon Festival event at Marina de Bay, Leonard Ansiong, a 21 year old local artist from Quezon Palawan bagged the first prize cash worth Php5,000.000. His masterpiece entitled “Ang Palaw’an” at 4″ x 3″ canvass wowed the judges. Other runner ups recieved 3,000.00 cash for second place, and 2,000.00 for third place. Non winners recieved consolation prizes and gift certificates from sponsors.

Local artist entry for on the spot painting contest held at Marina de bay, Puerto Princesa City.

Leonard Ansiong from Quezon Palawan, with his winning entry “Ang Palawano”

“TINGKOP” It is a type of Palawan traditional basket made by the “Palaw’an tribe”. It is one of the unique heritage art and craft ORIGINAL in Palawan and mostly seen in the mountains of the south, like Bataraza, Rizal, Quezon, Brookespoint, Palawan.

It is made of hard-strip bamboo. These baskets are occasionally made of blackened and natural bamboo, which make the designs stand out. Sometimes, only the natural color of bamboo is used, and the design is created by an extremely subtle changing of the under-over pattern of the bamboo strips. The cone-shaped colander type of basket is another fine example of Palaw an tribe skilled artistry. Using black and natural color designs outside, the center of the cone has the bamboo strips skived slightly smaller, creating even holes for the screen. The funnel effect is accomplished through a close weaving of the bamboo strips towards the top.

Purpose of exhibition.

Handicraft heritage such as Tingkop basket is endangered and this sector needs attention to safeguard the inherited skills and knowledge. A recommendation is to continously conduct a longer exhibition and promotion to bigger venue, hotels, resorts, malls etc with weaving as part of activity to gain support and awareness from tourism industry and public. With aims to revive indigenous people craftmanship by engaging new generation at weaving activity because its existence is near to extinction and the literature regarding preservation of this traditional craft is now scarce.

Resurgence of Tingkop.

The rebirth of this basket weaving industry, LGU of Bataraza, Palawan conducted a 5 day training and workshop, October 1-5, 2018 of dye coloring technology thru Bambuhay technical know how as latest features that will add new looks to traditional design of Tingkop basket,

it also comes in smaller sizes for tourists convenience in handling this hand craft souvenir item made from Palawan.

In this photo: Tingkop basket exhibit at Marina de bay, Purok Sandiwa, Tiniguiban, Puerto Princesa City

Thanks for joining me!

Good company in a journey makes the way seem shorter. — Izaak Walton