Lessons in Hydroponics--Part 1

One of the benefits of the COVID pandemic is the opportunity to slow down and work on the virtue of patience. In spite of my family's fortunate circumstance of owning a farm, I did not have much affinity to planting. For impatient people (like myself), it's a slow process, labor intensive and subject to the vagaries of the weather. I truly sympathize with the plight of our farmers who labor to grow their crops, only to be wiped out by a typhoon or even just an "unscheduled" rainfall. Hence, as evidenced by the more progressive and productive agricultural sectors in the world, it is imperative to control (as much as possible) the environment of your crop. This is where hydroponics within a greenhouse comes into the picture.

Hydroponics has been around for decades but it has become quite accessible to the common person today. I have also studied with great interest the integration of aquaculture and hydroponics, also known as Aquaponics. However, to keep things as simple as possible, I decided to undertake a modest hydroponics project in my veranda (outdoors but not completely), a practical "R&D" initiative that could potentially be expanded at the farm or, at the very least, be demonstrated at the farm for the training of other farmers who may wish to venture into hydroponics high-value crops.

For starters, I have chosen to use two (2) well-known and proven hydroponics systems. One is the Nutrient Film Technique or NFT and the other is the Kratky Method--the latter being the simplest method in hydroponics. In addition, because I am growing vegetables in hot and humid conditions, I am leaning towards the Kratky Method, which reportedly keeps the relatively deeper water/nutrient solution reservoir in direct contact with the roots of the plants cooler (i.e., cooler roots are reportedly better for growing vegetables in hot weather). This is in contrast to the relatively shallow water/nutrient solution in the NFT system, which reportedly warms-up in hot and humid conditions (i.e., warmer roots are reportedly undesirable for growing vegetables in hot weather). 

Second, I chose to grow green leafy lowland vegetables that are likely to thrive and be more productive in hot and humid conditions. For now, it appears that Rocket Arugula, Watercress and Sweet Basil are good candidates; whereas, Grand Romaine Lettuce is less productive. I am also evaluating, Cilantro, Parsley, Chinese Kale or Kai-Lan, and Parris Island Lettuce. More on these varieties later.

One exception to my green leafy vegetables is my indeterminate cherry tomato, which I have also decided to grow, just because I like it. Cherry tomatoes are not only more complex to grow but also take a considerably longer time. Notwithstanding, I hope to report on my cherry tomatoes in a few months. I have started an indeterminate variety, which would hopefully bear fruit over a period of many months.

Nutrient Film Technique or NFT System.
Contains seedlings of Rocket Arugula, Grand Romaine Lettuce, Watercress and Sweet Basil.

Kratky Method for my indeterminate cherry tomato.
This one is for the long haul and will be transferred to a larger container as it grows into a vine.

This is also the Kratky Method.
This shows the incredible growth rate of the Rocket Arugula as of September 13. The seeds were germinated on August 25.
That is only 19 days from germination. Very impressive indeed!

This shows the Watercress (also germinated on August 25), which is doing well
but not nearly as impressive as the Rocket Arugula.
The pot at the bottom left is the Grand Romaine Lettuce (also germinated on August 25), which is not exceptional.

Third, I have begun to use LED full spectrum grow lights at night to hasten the growth of my vegetables. Hence, I take advantage of the natural sun light during the day and grow lights at night.

My Krakty System under LED full spectrum grow lights.
Natural sun during the day and grow lights at night hasten the growth of vegetables.

When I am reasonably confident of the growth viability of my selected crops and their respective grow cycles, I plan to plant a slightly larger area (just a few square meters within a mini-greenhouse) at the garden of my sister's home. My brother-in-law may decide to install a comparable system side-by-side with mine for some friendly competition. After a couple of more growing cycles with our selected crops, we should have a more definitive feel for the duration of the growth cycle and yield of the same. We will also be able to assess the relative ease or difficulty of setting-up and operating this system on a larger scale--just in case we decide to produce more as a "mom and pops" enterprise or even as a full commercial undertaking.

A couple of reasons I like hydroponics: it's simplicity and the absence of soil. Hence, it is neat, literally and figuratively. I am not particularly keen on getting my hands dirty with soil--even though soil-based planting has the advantage of beneficial microorganisms. However, unless soil is sterilized at the outset of planting, it could potentially contain a host of undesirable stuff that may wreak havoc on your crops. 

Hydroponics involves the use of water (even tap water from your faucet that probably contains some chlorine) and the addition of small amounts of liquid nutrients (usually purchased in a set of two bottles, one labeled A and the other labeled B) for every liter of water stored in the tank or reservoir. With respect to the germination of seeds, hydroponics uses sponge or rockwool cubes (not soil), upon which the seed or seeds are placed to sprout. And when the seeds have sprouted their first pair of baby leaves (several days to a couple of weeks, depending on the variety of plant), then the sponge or rockwool cubes (upon which the young roots have anchored) are transferred to "pots" that are slightly submerged in the water/nutrient solution. No soil, no dirt, no mess. Further, because there is no soil, there is practically no "uprooting" of the very fragile sprout, which (in my mind) seems traumatic for the plant. Instead, the handling of the tiny infant plant is done through the sponge or rockwool cube, which serves as a kind of buffer against clumsy mishandling that I am prone to do. Thus, hydroponics appears to work for heavy-handed non-green thumbs, which works for me.

A word on seeds. I try as much as possible to use seeds produced by a Taiwan seed company, Known You, which has a presence in the Philippines. Several years ago, I met the local partner of Known You, Julius Barcelona, a young, knowledgeable and enthusiastic agriculturist. He showed me (and made me taste) the excellent quality of their produce in their demonstration farm in Rosales, Pangasinan, including various kinds of melons, cherry tomatoes, papaya and lowland sunflowers (I forgot to taste the sunflower seeds). Julius planted on soil; therefore, I was not enthusiastic enough to initiate any planting. That said, I took note of the quality of his hybrid seeds, which I am now using for my hydroponics initiative to the extent that he has the seeds for my selected crops.

After my first harvest of the Rocket Arugula. This one is a "cut and come back" crop,
which means I can come back in a couple of weeks and harvest again.

A full plate of young Rocket Arugula . . .

. . . with cherry tomatoes and a light dressing of extra virgin olive oil, calamansi and rock salt.

Let me tell you, it doesn't get any fresher than this!

End of Part 1.

Canard à la Presse Certificate

"In the tradition of the historic La Tour d'Argent Restaurant in Paris,

Los Manueles is pleased to present our rendition of Canard à la Presse"

That Endless Expanse of Sea

Have you ever been sailing?

Imagine yourself looking out at the vast sea before you.  You reach down, and you put a hand into the water, and you scoop it up towards you. Immediately, the water starts leaking through your fingers until your hand is empty.  That water is a man’s life.  From birth to death, it is always slipping through our hands until it is gone, along with all that you hold dear in this world.  And yet the Kingdom I speak of — and I live for — is like the rest of the water out in the sea.  Man lives for that cup of water that slips through his fingers, but those who follow Jesus Christ live for that endless expanse of sea.

An excerpt from the movie, Paul, Apostle of Christ

Although the above does not appear to be taken from Scripture, it is no less brilliant!

This led me to a beautiful song by Shane and Shane, entitled "Though You Slay Me" featuring John Piper

Enjoy!

Convergence of LNG, Imported Coal, Renewable Energy in Oriental Mindoro and the Strategic Electrification of the Philippine Western Corridor

This concept paper is an off-shoot of a previous paper entitled "Mindoro's Role in the Burgeoning Philippine LNG Sector" dated May 2015. It provides an update and critique on recent developments in the Philippine LNG sector, observations on the substantial renewable energy potential in Oriental Mindoro and the tremendous power generating capacity that could be exported from Semirara Island (using imported coal), which brings back the author to the original thesis on Mindoro's role in the burgeoning Philippine LNG sector and the strategic electrification of the Philippine Western Corridor.

Recent Developments in the Philippine LNG Sector

(1) First Gen LNG Corp. (FGEN LNG, a partnership between First Gen and Tokyo Gas)
First Gen has four (4) natural-gas fired power plants in commercial operations with an aggregate generating capacity of about 2,000 MW located within the First Gas Complex in Batangas.

In a press release dated March 6, 2020, First Gen announces the following:

FGEN LNG Corp. (FGEN LNG) is seeking the Department of Energy’s (DOE) approval to allow it to start the construction of its planned liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal.

The wholly owned subsidiary of Lopez-led First Gen Corp. (First Gen) filed Thursday an application for a Permit to Construct, Expand, Rehabilitate and Modify (PCERM) an Interim (emphasis/underscore mine) Offshore LNG Terminal within the First Gen Clean Energy Complex in Batangas City.

The permit, when issued, will allow the company to modify an existing liquid fuel jetty that will enable it to become multiple-use, allowing the receipt of large and small-scale LNG vessels, as well as liquid fuel vessels, and build an adjunct onshore gas receiving facility.

“FGEN LNG anticipates that, if the PCERM is granted by the DOE, it will be able to commence construction as early as May of this year, in order to be able to receive LNG as early as the third quarter of 2022,” it said.

FGEN LNG is the most advance (perhaps the only real) LNG storage and regasification project in the Philippines, because it is the only one that may have enough critical mass in terms of 2,000 MW of baseload demand for LNG from the get-go. At this time, no other LNG project proponent in the Philippines has this edge, thereby rendering the "others" as aspirational endeavors at best.

Below is an illustration of the customers of FGEN LNG:

Four (4) power plants are affiliated First Gen power plants and the fifth (which is NOT yet certain to purchase gas from FGEN LNG) is the 1,200 MW baseload Ilijan combined-cycle power plant (owned by KEPCO today), which will be owned by SMC GPH in June 2022--see (2b) below. That said, it is in the interest of FGEN LNG to supply gas to Ilijan as this would increase substantially the critical mass of the baseload demand of LNG from 2,000 MW (from First Gen plants only) to as much as 3,800 MW (from First Gen plants, Ilijan plant and Ilijan plant expansion), thereby also deriving a lower overall unit cost of gas ($ per MMBtu) supplied to the power plants (i.e., lower purchase price of gas per MMBtu and lower cost of gas logistics (shipping and delivery infrastructure) per MMBtu), which will benefit First Gen, SMC GPH and, ultimately, all electricity consumers in the Philippines.

(2a) Excelerate Energy and Luzon LNG Project

As of September 2019, the Department of Energy of the Philippines (the "DOE") appears to have given Excelerate Energy the Notice to Proceed to develop a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) import terminal in Batangas Bay. Excelerate's press release states, "The project, Luzon LNG, will supply natural gas, sourced from LNG, to existing and new gas-fired power plants in the region that provide electricity to Luzon including the area of Metro Manila. This abundant and secure source of gas supply will augment the existing gas production from the domestic Malampaya fields, as reserves from these fields begin to deplete."

Further, the press release continues, "Luzon LNG will combine all necessary elements to meet the region’s natural gas requirements including a fully-integrated turnkey floating LNG terminal, arranging the necessary supply of LNG and distribution of natural gas to end-users across Luzon. Excelerate will develop, design, permit, construct, finance, and operate the terminal."

(2b) Off-Taker of Luzon LNG Project

Who will be the off-taker of Luzon LNG to enable the project to secure financing?

In the article entitled "LNG Dash" dated January 2020, it appears the power subsidiary of San Miguel Corporation, SMC Global Power Holdings Corp. (SMC GPH), will require long-term natural gas supply for existing and future gas-fired plants with a total baseload capacity of up to 1,800 MW. This is consistent (at least partially) with the expected transfer of ownership of the 1,200 MW Ilijan combined-cycle power plant to SMC GPH in June 2022. The presumption is that SMC GPH will expand Ilijan by another 600 MW, thereby requiring a long-term natural gas supply contract for a total of 1,800 MW of baseload capacity.

The question is, which gas supplier will SMC GPH select: Luzon LNG or FGEN LNG? This assumes that Luzon LNG and FGEN LNG are NOT working together on the development/deployment of a single Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU). In other words, the assumption is that Luzon LNG and FGEN LNG are each pursuing a distinct and separate FSRU. In this case, FGEN LNG would have a distinct advantage over Luzon LNG because it (FGEN LNG) already has an assured baseload demand of 2,000 MW and should be able to secure more competitively priced LNG by supplying gas to an additional baseload demand of 1,800 MW of Ilijan (1,200 MW existing and 600 MW expansion)--for a total gas demand of 3,800 MW of baseload capacity.

Thus, unless Excelerate Energy/Luzon LNG is able to convince FGEN LNG that it (Luzon LNG) can import LNG into the Philippines and supply gas to the First Gen plants and Ilijan plants more reliably and more competitively than FGEN LNG, then Luzon LNG is likely fizzle out of the picture.

(3) Lucio Tan's MacroAsia Corp. in partnership with Gen X Energy, a company backed by Blackstone Energy Partners
In the LNG Dash article, DOE Undersecretary Donato Marcos stated, "Since Tan holds interests in the airline, banking, liquor, tobacco, real-estate industries and education, the LNG project is expected to be viable because of its prospective off-takers." Marcos continued, "Their business model, or captive market, to assure viability are Tanduay, Asia Brewery, Eton, JG Summit and others."

Marcos is correct in highlighting the need for off-takers or a captive market to ensure the viability of Tan's LNG Project. The question is, whether or not the aggregation of the Tan's affiliated off-takers plus other non-affiliated off-takers like the petrochemical complex of JG Summit plus a contemplated greenfield 1,000 MW combined-cycle power plant would be enough demand to justify another (in this case, a third) LNG Project?

Probably NOT. In addition, there are too many moving parts involved in Tan's LNG Project, including the additional logistics of delivering gas to Tan's affiliated off-takers and the uncertainty of supplying non-affiliated off-takers.

(4) Tanglawan Philippine LNG, a joint venture between Phoenix Petroleum (Dennis Uy) and CNOOC Gas and Power Group Co.

In the LNG Dash article:

The power sector is closely watching the next move of the Malampaya consortium, which is seeking DOE approval for an extension of the service contract, particularly because Phoenix and partner CNOOC have separately asked the DOE to suspend their planned LNG project.

“The extension of the contract is a separate matter. Indeed, there are many things that are unfolding now. Bottom line, we want to develop our LNG and find another gas discovery,” said Cusi.

For the suspension request filed by Phoenix and CNOOC, Cusi commented that the two firms merely wanted to reassess and submit a new concept that will most likely integrate the planned LNG terminal and UC’s participation in the Malampaya project. “They want to revisit their LNG terminal program in lieu of the Malampaya development. I think they are going to tie it together. They are pursuing LNG albeit on a different approach and we welcome this,” said the energy chief.

The latest estimates on the remaining gas reserves of Malampaya suggest that the existing gas plants of First Gen and Ilijan may be supplied up to 2030; hence, the proposed suspension of the Tanglawan Philippine LNG Project until such time that imported LNG is required to replace the depleted reserves of Malampaya.

That said, none of the existing off-takers of Malampaya gas (existing gas plants of First Gen and Ilijan) are contractually obligated to purchase gas from Tanglawan Philippine LNG after the gas from Malampaya is depleted. Indeed, both First Gen and SMC GPH (inchoate owner of Ilijan) have either contracted or are in the process of contracting gas supply for their gas plants today in anticipation of the depletion of Malampaya gas in 2030 or sooner (i.e., the supply from Malampaya gas from now to 2030 will progressively decrease and become less reliable). Thus, while Tanglawan Philippine LNG may "submit a new concept that will most likely integrate the planned LNG terminal and UC's (Dennis Uy) participation in the Malampaya project," the LNG component of this "new concept" appears dead in the water in the absence of any off-taker or captive market, unless First Gen, SMC GPH, JG Summit Petrochemical, Tan et al are forced to purchase gas exclusively from Tanglawan Philippine LNG after the depletion of Malampaya gas.

Philippine LNG Scenarios

Based on the foregoing background on the evolving landscape of the LNG sector in the Philippines, below are three (3) hypothetical Philippine LNG Scenarios.

Philippine LNG Scenario 1

FGEN LNG would supply First Gen plants (2,000 MW existing baseload) by way of one (1) Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) delivered through the First Gen jetty (retrofitted to deliver gas) directly to the First Gen plants within the First Gen Energy Complex in Batangas.

Luzon LNG (Excelerate Energy) would supply SMC GPH plants (1,800 MW baseload comprised of 1,200 MW existing baseload plus 600 MW baseload expansion) by way of one (1) FSRU (distinct and separate from the FSRU of FGEN LNG) delivered through the Ilijan jetty (retrofitted to deliver gas) directly to the Ilijan plants within the Ilijan Power Plant Complex in Batangas.

JG Summit Petrochemical, Tan et al would purchase gas from either FGEN LNG or Luzon LNG. Gas would be delivered via the existing pipeline of Shell Malampaya, which would charge a tolling fee (regulated by the ERC).

Shell Malampaya would continue to supply gas to existing gas plants until gas from Malampaya is depleted. Thereafter, all existing and future gas plants will be fueled by imported LNG, unless additional gas reserves are discovered in the Philippines.

The above Philippine LNG Scenario 1 seems to get the job done. The supply and demand of gas of the industrial stakeholders appear to be addressed before and after the depletion of Malampaya gas. The seeds of the Philippine LNG Sector have been planted. Problem solved. However, even a superficial understanding of the LNG sector would indicate that one FSRU for 2,000 MW baseload demand and another FSRU for 1,800 MW baseload demand might NOT be exploiting economies of scale (a critical factor in the LNG sector) and, therefore, might NOT be deriving the lowest possible cost per MMBtu of gas delivered ex-plant--perhaps the most important consideration for Philippine consumers.

Is it possible that a single FSRU servicing the demand of 3,800 MW of baseload capacity, among other gas off-takers (JG Summit Petrochemical, Tan et al) and utilizing the existing pipeline of Shell Malampaya would result in a lower and more competitive cost per MMBtu of gas delivered ex-plant to all the off-takers, generate less expensive electricity for Philippine consumers and satisfy the ROI of the LNG project proponents and service providers? This would be a win-win situation for nearly all the stakeholders involved, which leads us to the Philippine LNG Scenario 2 below.

Philippine LNG Scenario 2

To wit, FGEN LNG would supply First Gen plants (2,000 MW existing baseload) and SMC GPH plants (1,800 MW baseload comprised of 1,200 MW existing baseload plus 600 MW baseload expansion)--or a total of 3,800 MW of baseload capacity--by way of a single Floating Storage and Regasification Unit (FSRU) delivered through the First Gen jetty (retrofitted to deliver gas) directly to the First Gen plants within the First Gen Energy Complex and via the existing pipeline of Shell Malampaya to the Ilijan power plants within the Ilijan Power Plant Complex.

JG Summit Petrochemical, Tan et al would purchase gas from FGEN LNG. Gas would be delivered via the existing pipeline of Shell Malampaya, which would charge a tolling fee (regulated by the ERC).

Shell Malampaya would continue to supply gas to existing gas plants until gas from Malampaya is depleted. Thereafter, all existing and future gas plants will be fueled by imported LNG, unless additional gas reserves are discovered in the Philippines.

The question is, why FGEN LNG and not Luzon LNG? Because FGEN LNG is already assured of off-takers--its affiliated First Gen plants with 2,000 MW of baseload capacity. On the other hand, Luzon LNG has yet to secure an off-taker. It is the classic first-mover advantage that allows FGEN LNG to supply gas to non-affiliated plants like Ilijan, among other customers, and lower the unit cost per MMBtu of delivered gas ex-plant to all off-takers--not just First Gen affiliates.

The next question is, won't the FGEN LNG affiliated First Gen plants have a competitive advantage over the non-affiliated Ilijan plants? Left on its own, without any regulation, of course FGEN LNG would be tempted to charge any competitor of its affiliated First Gen plants a higher price of gas. This is called predatory pricing and this is where the government needs to apply a touch of regulation to ensure a level playing field among gas power plants.

There are proven regulatory regimes in the gas and power sectors all over the world, including the evolving deregulation of the electricity sector in the Philippines, that could be emulated to the extent applicable to our particular situation--the most basic concept of which is to unbundle the cost of gas and the cost of processing and delivering the same ex-plant. Moreover, the additional tolling fee (Shell Malampaya) charged for the transport of gas from the FGEN LNG FSRU to the Ilijan plants (which may not apply to the First Gen plants due to its proximity to the FGEN LNG FSRU) should NOT be permitted to tip the market in favor of the First Gen plants. Again, the key concept is for regulation to ensure a level playing field among gas power plants.

In the meantime, Luzon LNG (Excelerate Energy) can bide it's time in case FGEN LNG needs help or, for that matter, needs replacement.

The above Philippine LNG Scenario 2 addresses the supply and demand of gas of the industrial stakeholders before and after the depletion of Malampaya gas by way of a single FSRU servicing a total of 3,800 MW of baseload capacity, among other off-takers, which exploits economies of scale and, therefore, derives the lowest possible cost per MMBtu of gas delivered ex-plant. Appropriate regulation should ensure a level playing field among gas power plants. Problem solved.

Yes and No.

Philippine LNG Scenario 3

At this point in the discussion, noteworthy is the role of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) in approving the electricity rates of existing and future gas plants fueled by imported LNG after the gas from Malampaya has been depleted. Assuming the ERC fulfills its mandate intelligently, it should motivate existing and future gas power plants to secure the most competitively priced gas delivered ex-plant, which should redound to the benefit of Philippine consumers.

In other words, the above shift from Philippine LNG Scenario 1 to Philippine LNG Scenario 2 is the logical, if not unavoidable, progression or realization of the nascent Philippine LNG sector, if the ERC fulfilled its mandate properly and transparently.

Similarly, the Department of Energy is mandated to formulate and implement energy programs, especially a nascent and strategic energy component of the country--such as the burgeoning LNG sector--that will have far-reaching reaching implications on the quality of the life of every Filipino. Thus, it is not enough for the DOE to take the path of least resistance with respect to the convenience and profitability of investors and business enterprises.

In light of the substantial investments and infrastructure required in establishing the LNG infrastructure in the country (which is akin to the development of the Camago-Malampaya Gas-to-Power Project over 20 years ago), it is paramount that the DOE create and spread economic opportunities beyond the immediate confines of these projects as it reinforces the energy security of the country and expands access to basic energy/electricity services in neglected regions of the country. It's an old concept more recently encapsulated in the catchphrase "economic inclusion."

The Philippine LNG Scenario 2 exemplifies a major infrastructure project that once again concentrates the benefits to the National Capital Region (NCR) and CALABARZON, which are already the most affluent regions in the country--NOT exactly economically inclusive. Hence, the need for the DOE, among other government agencies, to take a broader view of the nascent LNG sector and determine if it can do more to spread the economic opportunities to less developed regions of the country.

The Philippine LNG Scenario 3 attempts to provide this broader view as follows:

Note that the approach of both FGEN LNG and Luzon LNG in establishing the initial LNG infrastructure in the country is by way of a Floating Storage and Regasification Unit or FSRU, which is usually intended as an INTERIM step to a more permanent and substantial land-based LNG storage and regasification complex. Hence, the Philippine LNG Scenario 2 could, in fact, be viewed as an INTERIM phase that segues to the eventual establishment of a more permanent land-based LNG complex (Philippine LNG Scenario 3)--hopefully in a less developed region of the Philippines that would have the greatest economic impact rather than just saturating relatively developed areas like CALABARZON and the NCR.

In this regard, the Municipality of Mansalay, located in the southeast quadrant of Oriental Mindoro and having a naturally deep and safe harbor approximately 20 kilometers from the undersea gas pipeline of Shell Malampaya, poses an ideal location for the said permanent land-based LNG complex, which could very well include an adjacent 1,200 MW of baseload capacity at the time of construction (with more area for future expansions), thereby providing a total of at least 5,000 MW of baseload capacity by the time the entire LNG + CCGT (combined-cycle gas turbine) complex is completed (circa 2030 to 2035).

The order of magnitude of the key components of the LNG infrastructure in the Philippines would be similar to the Futtsu LNG/CCGT Complex in Japan (see picture below), except that 3,800 MW of the baseload capacity would be located in Batangas, receiving gas in the same way it has been receiving gas from Malampaya and the interim FSRU of FGEN LNG--via the existing Shell Malampaya pipeline.

Futtsu LNG/CCGT Complex (2015) providing TEPCO 5,040 MW of baseload capacity.

The scale and the opportunity for expansion of the permanent land-based LNG/CCGT complex in Mansalay coupled with its naturally deep and safe harbor could indeed fulfill the vision of DOE Secretary Cusi of "putting the Philippines in the value chain of LNG" in the region.

“We are acting as a de facto transshipment point for gas that is going to China (North Asia, which broadly includes China, Japan, South Korea and Taiwan) . . . Now, we are closer to the realization of this project . . . the country now will become part of the LNG value chain because we can receive and export gas,” commented Cusi. (LNG Dash article)

That said, the Philippine LNG Scenario 3 component of "The Big Picture" above is only one of several important components that converge in Mansalay, which includes the following:

I.  An abundance of renewable energy resources, including wind (land-based on the mountain ridges dividing Oriental and Occidental Mindoro and offshore between Southern Mindoro and Semirara Island, in the order of magnitude of the wind resource in Ilocos Norte) and hydroelectric potential (in the order of magnitude of the Binga, Ambuklao and San Roque hydroelectric plants).

So much wind power potential but no means to export to the main island of Luzon.

This is just one low lying fruit for immediate development--if only the power can be exported to the main island of Luzon.

Equally promising hydro electric power projects (and eco-tourism sites)--if only the power can be exported to the main island of Luzon.

II. A mega-coal power plant complex in Semirara Island AFTER it has depleted its local coal reserves. Although Semirara Island is the largest producer of coal in the country, its reserves may be depleted in less than 10 years. That said, the existing infrastructure (ports, jetties, conveyors and other material handling equipment, vehicles, personnel, etc.) on the island could be re-purposed for a mega-coal power plant complex (using imported coal like most coal plants in the Philippines) developed over a period of 10 to 20 years (in tranches of say 600 MW up to a total installed capacity of 3,000 MW--possibly more) in accordance with the growing electricity demand of the country. Semirara Island is particularly ideal for this purpose given (a) its windy location in the middle of the sea, which aids in the plume dispersion of large capacity coal power plants, and (b) its depleted open pit mines, which could be repurposed as depositories of coal ash from the same.

III. Under-utilized eco-tourism potential in the entire Philippine Western Corridor, from Northern Mindoro to the Southern Tip of Palawan, which is in large part due to the thoroughly inadequate electricity supply in the region--which, I reiterate, is particularly ironic considering a significant portion of the national government’s share in the natural gas proceeds from Malampaya (which is ongoing and very substantial) should be allocated to energy-related projects and infrastructure (like a high-voltage transmission line from Ilijan to Puerto Princessa) for the benefit of the Philippine Western Corridor, including Mindor, Palawan and Western Visayas.

The untapped eco-tourism potential in the Philippine Western Corridor alone could easily double the current 7 million tourist arrivals in the Philippines (as of 2018). One of the major impediments in the development of tourist resorts in the region is the utter lack of reliable and competitively-priced electricity, which the NPC-SPUG is woefully unable to deliver. It is high time that the Philippine Western Corridor be integrated into the national transmission network of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and be rid of the thoroughly inadequate NPC-SPUG.

IV. Maintaining the strategic gas infrastructure already built by the Camago-Malampaya Gas-to-Power Project, which is in the national interest of the Philippines, particularly in the event that (a) additional gas reserves are discovered in the West Philippine Sea and (b) the TRANS-ASEAN gas pipeline becomes a reality--both of which are just a matter of time even if it takes 2 to 3 decades to happen. If the Philippine LNG Scenario 2 does NOT progress to the Philippine LNG Scenario 3, then ALL OF THE ABOVE (I, II, III and IV) will remain latent and untapped--much to the disadvantage of the Philippine economy.

Unlocking the BIG Picture (including Philippine LNG Scenario 3)

The solution is actually quite simple--HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINE (at least 230 kV for starters and upgradeable to 500 kV) from Ilijan to Puerto Princessa, commissioned in time for the permanent land-based LNG + CCGT complex in Mansalay (i.e., Philippine LNG Scenario 3). This will enable all of the above latent energy/economic potential that converges in Mansalay (easily in the range of 7,000 MW of additional electricity generating capacity--relatively substantial considering the available generating capacity of the entire country today is less than 17,000 MW--over a development period of 10 to 20 years) to be unleashed and exported to the main island of Luzon (constitutes about 70% of the total electricity demand in the country), Palawan and Western Visayas, which will likewise ensure and sustain the development of the virtually unlimited potential of eco-tourism and related enterprises within the Philippine Western Corridor over the next generation (or two). Hence, the strategic installation of the said HIGH VOLTAGE TRANSMISSION LINE together with the development of:

1. the Philippine LNG Scenario 3, while maintaining the existing strategic gas infrastructure of the country (for future gas reserves and connection with the TRANS-ASEAN gas pipeline),
2. the substantial renewable energy projects in Mindoro and
3. the mega coal power plant complex in Semirara Island

will most assuredly net exponential dividends to the national economy and, at the same time, "spread the wealth" to less developed regions of the country. The Philippine Government just needs to exercise some degree of visionary leadership to nudge the private sector in the right direction. Yes, the private sector will enthusiastically undertake these mega-infrastructure projects, given the right signals (i.e., legislation, policies and directional guidance) from the government.

The author was a former energy executive of Enron Corp. responsible for business development in Southeast Asia and asset management of Enron's private power projects in the Philippines. For inquiries, email manuelpgallego@yahoo.com.

2nd Annual Evaluation Report of the Mangal Marine Protected Area, October 10, 2019

Two and an half years have past since the start of enforcement of the Mangal Marine Protected Area (MMPA) Ordinance. Once again, it is time to evaluate the performance of the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team, picking-up from where we left-off from the 1st Annual Evaluation Report dated May 10, 2018. It is worth restating that this annual evaluation report is intended to provide concrete, constructive and actionable feedback to the relevant government agencies and officials (in particular, LGU of Mansalay, Barangay Don Pedro and BFAR MIMAROPA) in an effort to continually improve the enforcement at the MMPA and thus ensure its long-term sustainability and success by way of increasing the fish catch of local fisherfolks and restoring an attractive marine environment for tourists.

During the second year of enforcement up to the present, the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team has been led by Reynaldo Ladrera (Overall Head of Marine Protected Area Enforcement in Mansalay, including the MMPA, the Palaypay Marine Sanctuary and the Sta. Brigida Marine Turtle Sanctuary) and Alan Fabila (former Barangay Captain of Barangay Don Pedro and Head of the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team), who report to the Mayor of Mansalay (formerly Joel Maliwanag and currently Ferdinand "Totoy" Maliwanag).

It is fair to state that the enforcement at the MMPA during the past year and a half has been better and more consistent than during the first year of enforcement. This is in large part due to the commitment of the Mayor's office to provide the basic requirements for such enforcement, mainly in terms of human resources. This is no small feat as explained below.

MMPA Planned Bantay Dagat Headcount (6 LGU and 2 Mangal = 8 TOTAL) is now being sustained. After the issuance and review of the first MMPA Management Plan dated September 6, 2015, Major Joel Maliwanag approved a headcount of six (6) Bantay Dagat individuals under the LGU casual payroll and Mangal approved a headcount of two (2) Bantay Dagat individuals at its own expense to supplement the enforcement efforts of the LGU. During the first year of enforcement at the MMPA, it was a challenge to consistently maintain the planned headcount of eight (8) individuals. This was mainly due to the high turnover of LGU Bantay Dagat individuals who were consistently paid late--as late as four (4) months from the time they rendered their service. In addition, the six (6) LGU Bantay Dagat individuals did NOT have an LGU designated and compensated full time supervisor to instill discipline in the ranks, to closely monitor their performance and to attend to their needs (like helping them accomplish their daily accomplishment reports to minimize delays in the payment of their payroll). Mangal also lapsed briefly on its commitment to maintain its two (2) Bantay Dagat individuals as one of them was relieved due an integrity issue and a proper replacement could not immediately be reinstated.

After the Barangay Elections in May 2018, Mayor Joel recruited Alan Fabila (who had just completed the maximum three consecutive terms as Barangay Captain of Barangay Don Pedro) to head and supervise the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team. Under the leadership of Alan Fabila, the LGU Bantay Dagat headcount of 6 individuals has been maintained, no doubt due in large part to his assistance in preparing their daily accomplishment reports that have in turn reduced delays in the payment of their compensation. According to Alan, the delay in the payment of the compensation of LGU Bantay Dagat individuals today is about one (1) month--a substantial improvement to the three (3) to four (4) month delays a year ago. Hence, it is NOT surprising that, according to Alan, he replaced only three (3) individuals for cause (due to performance or other issues) since he headed-up the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team. This does NOT include replacements for individuals who resigned in good-standing and remain eligible to return to the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team.

Going forward, Alan is working towards having the LGU Bantay Dagat individuals compensated at the same time as other LGU casual workers, who, according to Alan, receive their compensation in the middle of the following month (i.e., 1/2 month delay instead of the current 1 month delay). This should close the issue of delayed compensation to LGU Bantay Dagat individuals once and for all and, more importantly, help sustain the morale of the entire MMPA Bantay Dagat Team.

The above eliminates the need for the revolving buffer fund previously offered by Mangal to temporarily advance the compensation of LGU Bantay Dagat individuals until such time they had been paid by the LGU.

Recent Sea Turtle Hatching at Casabangan
Click the above heading to view a brief video of Green Sea Turtle hatchlings (an endangered species) making their way to the sea (Casabangan Bay). Kudos to Pastor Ladrera, who personally and carefully transferred 113 eggs (making sure the orientation of each egg was NOT altered from its original position) from the original nest (which was too close to the shoreline and would have resulted in the rotting of the eggs due to the seepage of sea water) to higher ground, thereby increasing their chances of hatching.

We know this for a fact because, in September 2017 (two years ago), we found and secured a similar nest in Casabangan but did NOT know then that we had to move it to higher ground. It was only after over 60 days had passed (and there were no hatchlings) when we discovered that all the eggs had rotted due to the seepage of sea water. Hopefully, we have learned a valuable lesson in this tragic incident.

Pastor Ladrera explained that he even takes as much of the sand with the secretions of the mother to ensure the eggs feel right at home in their safer nest on higher ground. Thereafter, the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team secured the new nest with a fence and guarded the same over the next 60 days. It seems that all the tender loving care paid off because more than 100 hatchlings (out of the 113 eggs) made it to the sea, which is an incredible survival rate from eggs to hatchlings. We can only hope that most of these baby sea turtles make it to maturity and return to Casabangan to make more sea turtles. 

To the best of our knowledge, this is the first recorded/verified successful sea turtle hatching in Casabangan in over 30 years. This is a BIG DEAL! Congratulations to the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team!

UP Marine Science Institute Survey of MMPA and Palaypay
On October 9 and 10, 2019, a team of four (4) divers from the UP Marine Science Institute and the Department of Computer Science conducted a marine survey of the MMPA and the Palaypay Marine Sanctuary, respectively. The survey at the MMPA consisted of two (2) fifty (50) meter transects within the MMPA and one (1) (50) meter transect outside the MMPA. The survey at Palaypay consisted of one (1) one hundred (100) meter transect within Palaypay. Due to the strong currents in Palaypay, the team could not proceed with a transect outside the boundaries of the Palaypay Marine Sanctuary.

The goal is to establish a new and more meaningful (i.e., fuller picture) baseline of the marine biomass/diversity at the MMPA and Palaypay at a relatively early stage of "no take zone" enforcement, combining modern scientific/visual methods and artificial intelligence software jointly developed by the UP Marine Science Institute and the Department of Computer Science.

The results of this latest marine surveys may also be compared to a previous (albeit cursory) marine survey of the MMPA (before it was a marine protected area) and Palaypay (already a marine sanctuary but not strictly enforced) over five (5) years ago (February 2014) commissioned by the Fishery and Coastal Resource Management Division of the Provincial Agriculture Agriculture Office (PAGO) of Oriental Mindoro and prepared by Melchor Deocadez and Eznairah-Jeung G. Narida of the UP Marine Science Institute.

In due course, we hope to learn whether or not the conditions at the MMPA and Palaypay have improved since 2014 and, at the very least, have a meaningful benchmark starting October 2019 upon which to compare similar future marine surveys of the MMPA and Palaypay on an "apples to apples" basis.

This important scientific initiative, which was accomplished by the UP team free of charge, was made possible by the efforts of Alain Maulion. In the absence of a scuba diving shop in the vicinity, Mangal provided the scuba tanks free of charge to enable the divers to conduct their surveys.

Mangal application for US Federal Funding for Marine Turtle Conservation and Biorock Installation Capacity Building denied
The funding opportunity was identified by Alain Maulion and Mangal (with the endorsement of Mayor Joel Maliwanag) proceeded to attempt to secure funding from the US Federal Government (U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Division of International Conservation) for capacity building of the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team with respect to Marine Turtle Conservation and Biorock Installation (accelerated coral reef restoration).

Under Project Description of the Application:
The Project involves supplementing and improving the management, operations and enforcement at the Mangal Marine Protected Area (MMPA) in the Municipal Waters of Mansalay, Oriental Mindoro--a known marine turtle hatching area and habitat. The requested federal grant of $22,800 will be used for (a) the daily stipend of four (4) additional MMPA enforcers (known as Bantay Dagat or Sea Guardian) for a period of one (1) year ($6,000), (b) a training course on marine turtle conservation conducted by Pawikan Conservation Center of Bataan for all twelve (12) Bantay Dagat of the MMPA ($3,500) and (c) the cost (travel expenses and a nominal charge for time and expertise) of three (3) trainers (including Thomas J. Goreau and two of his associates) on the Biorock process of coral reef restoration ($13,300). The Biorock training course will be conducted at the MMPA over a two-week period for the benefit of forty (40) participants from various coastal communities in the Philippines.

Much effort was required to prepare the application for the federal grant. It was submitted on November 25, 2018 but was denied on March 13, 2019.

Going forward, Mangal is exploring the possibility of training in Indonesia on the Biorock process of coral reef restoration with the goal of installing, maintaining and continually expanding a Biorock installation at the MMPA and making the same the Biorock training center of the Philippines from which other coastal communities can learn to fast-track the restoration of their local coral reefs.

Installation of marker buoys remains a challenge.
At the outset of Alan Fabila's term, the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team implemented one of the recommendations in the 1st Annual Evaluation Report, which was to use less expensive buoys (e.g., small bamboo raft with flag and large stones tied with nylon rope as weights) that can be replaced inexpensively on a regular basis (say once a year AFTER the typhoon season) using smaller diameter (less expensive) nylon ropes. However, these only lasted for several months and were eventually overcome by the elements.

Going forward, in the absence of a more cost-effective alternative, this relatively inexpensive method of deploying marker buoys appears to be the way to go, subject to the availability of LGU funds (primarily to purchase nylon ropes). Ideally, such deployment of marker buoys should be undertaken by the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team NO MORE than once a year AFTER the typhoon season--say October or November of each year.

Guard post at Lalawigan is NOT yet installed.
This is one of the critical elements of the first MMPA Management Plan dated September 6, 2015 approved by Mayor Joel, which has NOT yet been implemented. It was also highlighted in the 1st Annual Evaluation Report dated May 15, 2018. In the absence of a guard post in Lalawigan, there remains a "blind spot" at the MMPA, particularly when conditions for spear fishing are ideal (i.e., Lalawigan is a favorite spot of spear fishermen).

Lalawigan is also the best vantage point to identify motorized bangkas travelling within the MMPA (which is not permitted) from Casabangan/Lalawigan to Sukbong Kugon, which gives enough time for the Bantay Dagat at the Sukbong Kugon post to aprehend a violating bangka after a radio call from the Bantay Dagat at the Lalawigan post and vice versa.

As in the past, Mangal willingly provides the bamboo for the construction of guard posts and marker buoys at the MMPA and other marine sanctuaries in Mansalay free of charge (a carrot, if you will), which has been suspended for the time being with respect to other marine sanctuaries in Mansalay until such time the guard post in Lalawigan is completed (a stick, if you will).

Pending commitments of LGU have been met . . . mostly.
In August 2017, Pastor Jemale Fajutnao committed to providing certain essential support/tools for the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team under the auspices of the Municipal Agrarian Office, including:

(a) a monthly allowance for fuel for the MMPA Bantay Dagat bangka of the LGU (Mangal provides fuel for its Bantay Dagat bangka),

According to Alan Fabila, he is now able to secure from the Mayor's office a monthly allowance of P1,000 for fuel for the MMPA Bantay Dagat bangka of the LGU. Much appreciated!

(b) rechargeable flashlights for the LGU Bantay Dagat individuals on the night shift (Mangal provides a rechargeable flashlight for its Bantay Dagat individual on the night shift) and

Still awaiting for these rechargeable flashlights for the four (4) LGU Bantay Dagat individuals on the night shift. We would also be grateful if the LGU could spare six (6) pairs of boots and six (6) raincoats for the LGU Bantay Dagat individuals.

(c) an MMPA Bantay Dagat bangka of the LGU.

After waiting for over a year, we are grateful that Pastor Fajutnao eventually delivered to the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team a brand new fiberglass bangka with a diesel engine. Unfortunately, the diesel engine was defective as it would run on reverse when it was started hot. In addition, the fiberglass bangka eventually cracked (and is currently unusable) because, according to Alan Fabila, this particular fiberglass bangka does not appear to be compatible with the size/weight and operating characteristics (in particular, excessive vibration) of the accompanying diesel engine. In short, the fiberglass bangka needs to be repaired and it also needs a gasoline engine. 

Close Season enforcement appears to be gaining momentum

According to Alan Fabila, the enforcement of the "close season" provision in the Fisheries Code, which was presumably determined by the BFAR/PAGO to be between November 15 to February 15 of every year, was initiated in 2017.

For ease of enforcement of the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team, let's focus on close season as it applies to commercial fishing vessels (defined as over 3.1 gross tons), which are NOT permitted to fish between the 10.1 to 15 km zone of Municipal Waters between November 15 to February 15. In other words, if there are commercial fishing vessels fishing between November 15 to February 15, they should at least be located past the 15 km mark of Municipal Waters. At the 15 km mark, the super lights of commercial fishing vessels should NOT be visible to the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team. Kung may makitang super lights yung Bantay Dagat during the close season, chances are the commercial fishing vessel is fishing within Municipal Waters and should be reported.

To date, the Team still needs to establish an efficient/seamless reporting protocol with the proper authorities with respect to commercial fishing vessels in clear violation of the Fisheries Code.

Superlights on bangkas below 3.1 gross tons
"Singgapong" is the local term for a bangka below 3.1 gross tons; therefore, it is, by definition, NOT a commercial fishing vessel and permitted to fish within Municipal Waters. The problem is, these singgapong also have superlights, which are NOT permitted within Municipal Waters.

According to Alan Fabila, there have been at least two (2) instances that a singgapong with superlights was sighted fishing near the boundary of the MMPA, which is a clear violation of the Fisheries Code. Section 93, Illegal Use of Superlights, clearly states:

"It shall be unlawful to engage in fishing with the use of superlights in municipal waters or in violation of the rules and regulations which may be promulgated by the Department on the use of superlights outside municipal waters.

Violations of this provision shall be punished by imprisonment from six (6) months to two (2) years or a fine of Five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) per superlight, or both such fine and imprisonment at the discretion of the courts. The superlight, fishing gears and vessel shall be confiscated."

According to Alan, the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team was able to speak with the operator of the singgapong after both sightings and requested the same to refrain from fishing with superlights near the boundaries of the MMPA and other marine sanctuaries of Mansalay. To date, the said singgapong operators appear to be heeding our request but it should be noted that they are still in clear violation of the Fisheries Code for as long as they are using superlights within Municipal Waters. In short, they should still be reported to higher authorities.

Outstanding LGU debt to Porek Tolentino
Towards the end of 2018, at the request of Pastor Ladrera, Porek Tolentino advanced P2,000 of his personal funds for the cost of some materials (nylon string) and labor (mostly labor as bamboo was provided my Mangal free of charge) to construct a bamboo raft for the deployment of jack stones and marker buoys at the MMPA. Pastor Ladrera assured Porek that his (Porek) advance would be reimbursed upon the return of Pastor Fajutnao, who was out of town when Pastor Ladrera initiated the request.

To date, Porek has NOT been reimbursed by the LGU for the P2,000 he advanced for the construction of the bamboo raft. 

The fact that the bamboo raft may not have even been used for its intended purpose until such time that it had deteriorated beyond use is another matter altogether--a total waste of resources that should NOT occur in the future.

This is basic accountability--a debt that should be paid and a scarce resource that was needlessly squandered. The "carrot and stick" discussed in the context of the installation of the Lalawigan guard post would apply until Porek is reimbursed.

Biometric Attendance Unit and Radio Repeater Installed
At its own expense, Mangal has provided a biometric attendance unit (a basic version of the biometric attendance unit at the Municipal Hall) at the house of Freddie Adan and a radio repeater at the Mangal residence (which is at a high elevation) between Alupiran and Casabangan. The radio repeater enables radio communications at any location within and around the MMPA, which was previously NOT possible. Both the biometric attendance unit and the radio repeater have been tested over a period of several months by Mangal personnel and may now be used by the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team for the purpose of monitoring attendance more precisely and improving communications/coordination among Bantay Dagat individuals on duty. Although modest additions to the "infrastructure" of the MMPA, these resources should be fully utilized by the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team to level-up its enforcement capacity in accordance with best practices.

To take advantage of the communication range of the radio repeater, MMPA Bantay Dagat personnel on duty need to set their individual radios as follows: receiving frequency of 430.050 and transmitting frequency of 462.700.

If the LGU needs to set-up a similar radio repeater elsewhere, it can be done cost effectively by the set-up explained in detail on the following video: Set up a Baofeng UV-5R Repeater System

Good Housekeeping and Other Important Reminders
The following pictures were taken on October 9, 2019 in the immediate vicinity of the MMPA Bantay Dagat guard post in Casabangan:

The MMPA Bantay Dagat Team is now well into its third year of enforcement and is nearing a "steady state" of operations. Before we get accustomed to bad habits, let's review some of the most basic requirements or expectations (and some new ones) of an MMPA Bantay Dagat personnel, which should be held to a higher standard as an enforcer of the MMPA Ordinance:

1. No littering. Whatever you bring inside the MMPA, you take back with you when you leave the MMPA. This includes any and all kinds of trash (plastic, styrofoam, carton, paper, etc.) like bottles, containers, bags, cigarette butts, etc.
2. No drinking of alcohol while on-duty. A Bantay Dagat should NOT bring any alcoholic beverage to the MMPA when reporting for duty. 
3. No barkada other than another Bantay Dagat allowed at the MMPA when Bantay Dagat is reporting for duty. Trabaho ito, hindi tambayan.
4. "No take zone" means no taking of any marine resource from the MMPA, including pang-ulam.
5. When reporting for duty, Bantay Dagat personnel should NOT bring any implements that may be used for fishing/collecting sihi (e.g., lambat, snorkeling gear, mask, goggles, fins, spear gun, water-proofed flashlight, fishing line, hooks and the like) and/or for cooking (e.g., grill, kawali, kaldero and the like).*
6. No more cooking allowed at the MMPA when reporting for duty. Bring your own baon of cooked food.*

*These are predicated on past sightings of violations at the MMPA, including a kawali filled with uncooked sihi (which is easy pickings at the MMPA), an individual with a flashlight underwater during the night shift (presumably spear fishing) and, just recently (hours before the release of sea turtle hatchlings at Casabangan), the discovery of a concealed spear gun. These were sightings by NON-BANTAY DAGAT individuals. As Cocoy Generoso aptly stated, "If you take away the knife of the hold-upper, he can't hold-up people anymore."

In short, everyone at the MMPA, especially Bantay Dagat individuals, should all adhere to the saying, "Take Only Memories, Leave Only Footprints."

For educational and awareness purposes, every MMPA Bantay Dagat personnel should be required to watch the award-winning documentary entitled, "A Plastic Ocean". Mangal shall provide a copy of the documentary film to Alan Fabila for viewing at the convenience of MMPA Bantay Dagat personnel. After viewing the documentary, each MMPA Bantay Dagat personnel should write down their thoughts on how they can contribute to eliminating plastic pollution in our oceans personally and in their capacity as a Bantay Dagat personnel.

Taklobo in Maasin, Bulalacao???
Although subject to verification, Mangal has been informed that there may be an abundance of giant clams (Tridacna gigas, the world's largest bivalve mollusk) growing in the waters of Maasin, Bulalacao. If so, Mangal, at its own expense, will purchase and transfer (initially) 100 juvenile giant clams from Maasin to Casabangan, which the LGU can utilize  to launch its own "Adopt-A-Clam" Program (similar to the one of UP-MSI in Bolinao, Pangasinan) to purchase and transfer more juvenile giant clams from Maasin to Casabangan.

Proposed Pawikan Conservation Center of Mansalay
Mangal reiterates the standing offer of Betta Gallego to provide US$10,000 of her personal funds to construct  the Pawikan Conversation Center of Mansalay at the designated Fisherfolks Parking Lot adjacent to the resort of James and Flor Keh within Mangal Estate, subject to a nominal extension of the MMPA to cover additional beachfront in Alupiran, which is a known and historical nesting area of sea turtles.

The Pawikan Conservation Center of Mansalay (the "Center") will serve as the "headquarters" of the MMPA Bantay Dagat Team, an information and educational center for the pawikan conservation efforts at the MMPA (among other marine sanctuaries in Mansalay) and a potential recovery facility for distressed pawikans that are inadvertently or accidentally trapped and/or injured in the area.

Upon seeking the endorsement of Barangay Don Pedro for the said nominal extension of the MMPA (to be conveyed to the Sangguniang Bayan of Mansalay for the appropriate SB resolution), Mangal was informed by Kapitan Madural that there have been several accidental trappings of sea turtles in the fish trap or baklad fronting Alupiran (outside the MMPA). According to Kapitan Madural, some of these entrapped sea turtles have been released (shaken but unharmed) while others that were not released in time had drowned and perished. On this basis, Kapitan Madural does NOT appear inclined to endorse the said nominal extension of the MMPA and is thus holding-up the Center, which is a valuable addition to the conservation efforts at the MMPA and Mansalay in general. The matter remains pending to this day.

Mangal respectfully explained to Kapitan Madural that the accidental deaths of sea turtles at the fish trap fronting Alupiran, while unfortunate, is a distinct and separate issue that should be addressed by the barangay and LGU officials and should NOT muddle or hold-hostage another distinct and separate matter like the said nominal extension of the MMPA and the corresponding establishment of the Center. On matters of governance and legislation, former President of the United States, Barack Obama, often stated, "Better is OK . . . it doesn't have to be perfect."

So, while the fish trap in front of Alupiran which accidentally traps sea turtles is far from a perfect scenario, it should NOT prevent another distinct and separate initiative (in this case, the nominal extension of the MMPA and the corresponding establishment of the Center) that would improve our conservation efforts at the MMPA. It's NOT perfect but it's still BETTER!

Summary of Actions Items Going Forward

1. Alan Fabila to continue to assist MMPA Bantay Dagat personnel with their Daily Accomplishment Reports to minimize delay in LGU payment of compensation, which is currently delayed about 1 month. Target is to reduce to no more than 1/2 month delay.
2. Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) to move sea turtle nests to higher ground to increase chances of survival.
3. Secure results/final report of UP MSI/Dept. of Computer Science on marine surveys of MMPA and Palaypay (October 2019), and compare to results with UP MSI survey in February 2014.
4. Mangal to seek permission from Thomas Goreau and his associates in Indonesia to train on Biorock Installation in Indonesia (i.e., accelerated restoration of coral reef) and apply in MMPA.
5. SOP to install low-cost marker buoys at the MMPA no more than once a year after the typhoon season, say between October and November every year. Need to secure nylon ropes from LGU.
6. Install Lalawigan guard post.
7. Secure from LGU: (a) four (4) rechargeable flashlights for LGU Bantay Dagat personnel for use on night shifts, (b) repair of LGU fiberglass bangka and gasoline engine replacement, (c) six (6) pairs of boots and six (6) raincoats (kapote) for LGU Bantay Dagat personnel.
8. Establish an efficient/seamless reporting protocol with the proper authorities (e.g., PNP, BFAR, among others) with respect to commercial fishing vessels (3.1 gross tons and above fishing within 10.1 kilometers) and singgapong (below 3.1 gross tons with superlights fishing in Municipal Waters) in clear violation of the Fisheries Code.
9. LGU reimbursement of P2,000 advance of Porek Tolentino for construction of bamboo raft requested by LGU MAO.
10. Utilize biometric attendance unit and radio repeater to level-up MMPA enforcement capacity in accordance with best practices.
11. Strictly adhere to above Good Housekeeping and other rules to reduce/eliminate violations of MMPA Ordinance by MMPA Bantay Dagat personnel.
12. Mangal to initiate transfer of juvenile giant clams from Maasin, Bulalacao to Casabangan, Mansalay and LGU to follow-thru with its own "Adopt-A-Clam" program to sustain funding for additional transfers of juvenile giant clams to Casabangan.
13. Revist the proposed Pawikan Conservation Center of Mansalay; in particular, the necessary endorsement of Barangay Don Pedro and the corresponding SB Resolution prior to the release of private funding for the Center.

Parrot Bebop 2 Flight Plan Demo

I have finally tested the Flight Plan feature of the Parrot Bebop 2 and it works quite nicely. I did have to purchase (one time only) the Flight Plan App for P999.00 but it was hassle-free and definitely worth it. After watching a brief tutorial in YouTube, I inputted a couple of flight plans into memory and opened it when my drone was ready to fly. Below are links to the two demo flights:

Around Two Hectares
New Napier Plot (formerly the airstrip at the ranch)

From the time I pressed the "play" button, the drone executed the flight autonomously until it returned and hovered at its final designated spot in the flight plan. For the purpose of an aerial survey, this Flight Plan feature may actually be better than manually piloting the drone. It's precise and economical. No detours or distractions, which normally occur with manual piloting. This is a very useful feature I will be using more often in future aerial surveys.

Parrot Bebop 2 Auto Follow Demo

As I have been banned by Selina from flying an aircraft, I have had to settle for flying a drone. After evaluating the multitude of recreational drones in the market, I opted to purchase the Parrot Bebop 2, which has an FPV or First Person View feature. It basically puts the pilot at the "cockpit" of the drone, so it feels like you are flying a helicopter without the risk of crashing yourself. I should point out that the real time resolution of the pilot's view (FPV while flying the drone) is NOT great--no where near the resolution of the actual video recorded and played back after the flight. And just to be clear, the drone will crash if you are not careful. The pilot, who is really a virtual pilot (because he or she is NOT actually inside the drone), just doesn't crash with the drone! You'll just have to spend on replacement propellers (which is more than I care to count when you are still learning to fly the drone properly), among other spare parts, due to the many crashes you will most certainly experience over the course of flying your drone.

The Parrot Bebop 2 has a maximum range of two (2) kilometers with direct line of sight. I have actually flown the drone as far as 2.4 kilometers out to the sea and back with direct line of sight--almost lost it too! However, this maximum range is substantially curtailed by any kind of physical obstruction or electro-magnetic interference (usually in urban areas).



Recently, I decided to check-out the "auto-follow" or "follow-me" feature of the Parrot Bebop 2. It's a decent image recognition feature that enables the drone to track and follow a moving subject--in this case, me. Enjoy my demo video by clicking the following link: Parrot Bebop 2 Auto Follow Demo. It also happens to contain the last images of the airstrip I carved out of the ranch over a decade ago for recreational flights. Oh well . . .

On my next drone flight, I will check out the "Flight Plan" feature of the Parrot Bebop 2, which allows you to pre-program the flight path and the camera orientation of the drone from take-off to the point before landing without any intervention from the pilot. In this case, it functions like an unmanned aerial drone. Watch out for this next demo soon!