Contemporary Issues & Philippine Natural Resources

Vocabulary flashcards covering definitions, goals, benefits, and resource facts from the lecture on Contemporary Issues and Philippine Natural Resources.

Contemporary (etymology)

From Latin “con” (with) + “temporarius” (of time); pertaining to the present period.

Contemporary Issues

Events or conditions of significant relevance to the present time; existing situations that matter now (Kendall, 2013).

Goal of Studying Contemporary Issues: Knowledge Enrichment

Deepens knowledge of current affairs through critical and analytical approaches.

Goal of Studying Contemporary Issues: Perspective-Widening

Expands understanding of multiple viewpoints on issues affecting a globalized Philippines.

Charon & Vigilant’s 4 Guiding Questions

1) What is the issue about? 2) What makes it contemporary? 3) What are its causes & effects? 4) What solutions can address it? (2009).

Issue Definition (Question 1)

A social situation that departs from what is generally acceptable within a community.

What Makes an Issue Contemporary? (Question 2)

It is socially oriented, its societal contributions are recognized, and it can disrupt social order and relationships.

Causes & Effects of Issues (Question 3)

Arise from human choices, human nature, and the capacity for human action, producing varied social impacts.

Solutions to Issues (Question 4)

Understanding and remedies evolve with society’s complexity; multiple potential solutions exist.

Benefit 1 of Studying Contemporary Issues

Helps individuals become active members of the global community.

Benefit 2 of Studying Contemporary Issues

Leads people to build informed decisions and opinions.

Benefit 3 of Studying Contemporary Issues

Stimulates thoughtful discussions about current events.

Benefit 4 of Studying Contemporary Issues

Aids in establishing more personal relationships through shared awareness.

Benefit 5 of Studying Contemporary Issues

Promotes learning about cultural relativism and respect for diversity.

Natural Resources

Materials or energy from Earth used to support life and economic activities.

Philippine Natural Resources (Overview)

A tropical archipelago of 7,641 islands (300,000 km²) rich in minerals, forests, water and fertile land.

Major Philippine Resource Categories

A) Fishery Resources B) Land & Soil Resources C) Mineral Resources.

Philippine Fishery Ranking

7th among the world’s top fish-producing nations (4.87 M metric tons) and 3rd in aquatic plant production.

Fishing Industry Employment

Employs ~1 million Filipinos: 68 % municipal, 26 % aquaculture, 6 % commercial fishing.

Republic Act 10654

Amends the Philippine Fisheries Code to prevent, deter and eliminate illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Environmental Concerns in Fishing

Population growth increases marine demand; water pollution from solid and chemical waste causes fish kills.

Land & Soil Resources (Statistics)

30 M hectares: 50 % forestlands, 47 % alienable/disposable, 3 % unclassified forestlands; mostly agricultural.

Soil Erosion

Loss of topsoil that lowers land productivity and contributes to water pollution.

Land Conversion

Process of changing agricultural land to non-agricultural uses, reducing arable area.

Philippine Mineral Resources

5th largest mineral reserve globally; 3rd in gold, 4th in copper, 5th in nickel; 9 M ha contain key deposits (DENR).

Impacts of Mining

Affects biodiversity & ecosystems, livelihood & employment, human health, and national economy.