THE Philippines has been experiencing stunning economic growth since 2010 and this is foreseen to grow faster than expected under President Duterte.

The Philippines is one of the 17 megadiverse countries in the world. It is rich in land and water resources, which support agriculture and fisheries. It is richly endowed with minerals and other natural sources and has huge potential for renewable energy use.

The country’s beautiful beaches, soaring mountains and vast forests with stunning landscapes, breath-taking rivers and waterfalls are ideal for ecotourism and natural resource-based economy, including the development of a plant-based pharmaceutical industry.

But as cities and provinces develop, our natural resources are also compromised. It doesn’t stop there. Global warming has become a major problem worldwide since it affects the whole planet and engulfs our world every minute.

In the Philippines, we are already feeling this. Storms have evolved into super typhoons and we have experienced tornadoes forming in some areas. Our heat index has increased dramatically.

In some studies, sound waves are seen to turn into heat causing slight change in temperature. Air pollution is observed in urban places.

Smoke-belching vehicles and gases from factories are among the culprits. So too incessant throwing of garbage and inappropriate industrial waste disposal, which affect our bodies of water and in turn cause trouble among marine life.

Statistics say deforestation contributes an estimated 12 percent to 17 percent of greenhouse gas emission per year. Trees emit oxygen and filter the air. But with fewer trees, flash floods are likely to happen.

These environmental problems can attract disaster anytime.

What we can do as citizens is alleviate these problems. Simple acts like cleaning, recycling and planting trees are always a good start. Also, there’s the strict implementation of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. There is also a need to educate and instill discipline among the people.

Let us help rebuild our nation and our world. Let us save our Mother Earth before it is too late.--Hurvey Lee N. Larumbe and Andre S. Canonigo, AB International Studies students, University of San Jose-Recoletos

Election season

With the filing of the certificates of candidacy, the Philippines is expected to be noisy as candidates do the rounds to campaign using sound systems and other equipment.

The Philippines will also be dirty as candidates paste leaflets on walls or nail tarpaulins on trees or distribute propaganda materials to passersby who will then throw them on the street.

Social media will also be full of campaign materials and some people will be posting fake news and intrigues against opponents of their candidates.

This means that we are in bad times again. I hope we choose our officials well. (Roy R. Siu)