Dranhs National Science Club Month-NSCM

26/10/2026

25/10/2026

21/10/2026

𝗚𝗟𝗢𝗕𝗔𝗟 𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗩𝗘 𝗖𝗢𝗩𝗘𝗥 𝗜𝗦 𝗙𝗜𝗡𝗔𝗟𝗟𝗬 𝗢𝗡 𝗧𝗛𝗘 𝗥𝗜𝗦𝗘

Finally, some good news! Two research teams independently produced updated global mangrove maps, extending historical records by more than a decade. Both found that 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗼𝘃𝗲 𝗰𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝗻𝗰𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝗻 𝗺𝗮𝗻𝘆 𝗮𝗿𝗲𝗮𝘀, although regional differences remain significant.

But there's quite a catch. About 65% of mangrove gains occur in previously unvegetated areas, often on new sediments partly caused by inland deforestation and severe erosion.

𝗖𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁𝗿𝗶𝗲𝘀 𝘀𝘂𝗰𝗵 𝗮𝘀 𝗜𝗻𝗱𝗶𝗮 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗣𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗶𝗽𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀 𝗿𝗲𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗱𝗲𝗱 𝘀𝘂𝗯𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝘁𝗶𝗮𝗹 𝗴𝗮𝗶𝗻𝘀, but these increases have yet to offset extensive historical losses in parts of Southeast Asia and East Africa.

Improved mapping technology, including geospatial artificial intelligence, could strengthen conservation and restoration efforts by tracking mangroves alongside connected coastal ecosystems.

20/10/2026

The world's rice science lab is in Los Baños. So why are we the world's #1 rice importer? 🌾🤔

Here's a fact that surprises a lot of Filipinos:

📍 The International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) has been headquartered in Los Baños, Laguna since 1960. Its rice varieties helped spark Asia's Green Revolution, and more than half of Asia's rice fields today are planted with IRRI-bred varieties or their descendants.

🚢 And yet the Philippines has been the world's largest rice importer since 2023. In the first half of 2026 alone, we brought in a record 2.75 million tonnes — the highest first-half volume on record. About 80% of it comes from Vietnam.

So what happened? It's not one thing:

🔹 IRRI is an international institute — it serves rice farmers across Asia and Africa, not just us
🔹 Our farms are small and scattered, many still rain-fed and exposed to typhoons
🔹 Our production costs are higher than Vietnam's or Thailand's, so imported rice is often cheaper
🔹 Our population keeps growing, and so does demand

The science was right here all along. Getting it to work at scale on Filipino farms is the harder part.

What do you think is the biggest reason we still can't feed ourselves with our own rice?

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

😭😭😭😭

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. 🌳🇵🇭