Dranhs National Science Club Month-NSCM

18/10/2026

🌿 Happy World Nature Protection Day! 🌎

Every October 18, World Nature Protection Day is observed to raise awareness of the importance of protecting our natural environment, preserving biodiversity, and safeguarding our ecosystems for future generations.

The Philippine Misereor Partnership Inc. (PMPI) and Rights of Nature PH join this global observance, reaffirming our commitment to protecting nature, recognizing its intrinsic rights, and promoting ecological justice for a more sustainable future.

Together, let us take action to protect our planet and uphold the rights of all living beings. Nature is not merely a resource to be used, but a living community that deserves our respect, care, and protection.

🌱 Protect Nature. Uphold Its Rights. Secure Our Future.

Support the Rights of Nature Bill and sign the petition here: tinyurl.com/ronsignaturecampaign

16/10/2026

15/10/2026

15/10/2026

😭😭😭😭

SIERRA MADRE, KALBO NA! 🌳💔🇵🇭

“As part of site preparation, approximately 12,000 trees, including small ones, have been cut.” — MGB Regional Director Mario Ancheta

Satellite images reveal vast patches of exposed earth surrounded by dense forests in Dinapigue, Isabela, where large-scale nickel mining operations have cleared portions of the Sierra Madre mountain range.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) confirmed that approximately 12,000 trees had been cut, including those within a designated 15-hectare area authorized for mining and tree-cutting activities.

Despite the visible environmental damage, government officials confirmed that the mining operations have the necessary permits. The MGB clarified that the mining site is located outside the Northern Sierra Madre Natural Park and its buffer zone, approximately 1.1 kilometers from the protected area.

Under government regulations, mining operators are required to plant 100 trees for every tree cut and undertake reforestation activities. However, concerns remain over the long-term effects of forest clearing on biodiversity, watersheds, and surrounding communities.

In May 2026, environmental regulators also imposed a fine of approximately ₱2.5 million for violations of the Philippine Clean Water Act associated with mining operations in the area.

Known as the “Mother Mountain Range,” Sierra Madre is one of the Philippines' most important natural landscapes. Its forests provide habitats for countless species, protect watersheds, and help reduce the impacts of flooding and other natural disasters across Luzon.

While mining contributes to employment and economic development, the destruction of forest ecosystems raises an urgent question: Should having a government permit be enough to justify clearing thousands of trees in one of the country's most ecologically important mountain ranges?

Once a forest is destroyed, restoring its biodiversity and ecological functions can take decades, even generations.

The Sierra Madre is not just a mountain range. It is part of our natural heritage that future generations of Filipinos deserve to inherit. 🌳🇵🇭

14/10/2026

😭😭😭

The Philippines continues to hold the position of the world's largest rice importer, according to the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), highlighting the country's continued reliance on foreign supplies of its most important staple food. Despite having extensive rice-growing regions and millions of Filipinos involved in agriculture, domestic rice production has struggled to consistently meet national consumption requirements. According to data from the Philippine Bureau of Plant Industry, the country had already imported approximately 3.9 million metric tons of rice as of September 17, 2026, surpassing the approximately 3.4 million metric tons imported throughout 2025. More recent reporting indicates that arrivals reached around 4.3 million metric tons by October 6, 2026. These figures demonstrate the significant role of imported rice in maintaining domestic food supplies, particularly as population growth and changing consumption patterns continue to influence demand.

Several interconnected factors contribute to the Philippines' dependence on imported rice, including limited agricultural land, uneven irrigation coverage, production costs, vulnerability to extreme weather, and challenges in farm mechanization and postharvest infrastructure. Typhoons, flooding, prolonged dry spells, and drought can disrupt planting schedules and reduce harvests, while rising fertilizer, fuel, and transportation expenses can make local rice production more expensive. The developing El Niño phenomenon has also raised concerns about possible agricultural losses in late 2026 and 2027. In September 2026, the USDA reportedly revised its Philippine rice import projection for calendar year 2027 to approximately 5.7 million metric tons, although this remains a forecast rather than a confirmed import volume. Meanwhile, Agriculture Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. indicated in October that actual import requirements could be lower, depending on domestic harvests, existing rice inventories, and the severity of future weather conditions.

The country's position as the world's largest rice importer raises important questions about food security, agricultural competitiveness, and the long-term sustainability of Philippine rice production. Rice imports can help stabilize domestic supplies and address production shortfalls, but excessive dependence on international markets may expose consumers and farmers to global price fluctuations, trade restrictions, and disruptions in exporting countries. At the same time, imported rice can create competitive pressure on local producers, particularly small-scale farmers facing high operating costs and limited access to modern equipment. Strengthening the Philippine rice industry requires sustained investment in irrigation, climate-resilient rice varieties, farm mechanization, postharvest facilities, agricultural research, and effective support for farmers. Improving domestic production while maintaining reliable food supplies will be essential to reducing vulnerability and building a more resilient agricultural sector.

Photo courtesy: Philstar/Boy Santos

Science Department |