Environmental degradation is from a series of actions that weakens or harm the natural environment and

reduce its biological diversity. The primary cause of environmental degradation is humans (modern urbanization,
industrialization, overpopulation growth, deforestation, etc.) and natural calamities (flood, typhoons, droughts,
rising temperatures, fires, etc.).

The world is changing too fast. From private investment in telecommunication systems, broadband
networks, freight railroads, energy projects and pipelines, to public spending on transportation, water, buildings
and parks, man-made infrastructure is the backbone of a healthy economy. The rising demand for massive
infrastructure expansion in the Philippines will drive the national economy to grow in the next more years. Thus,
these infrastructure demands will benefit not only the people but also the economy of the country. We live through
technological advancement and innovation. This transformation or upgrade of society from agrarian to a
manufacturing economy will generate more employment opportunities and provides educational opportunities. The
different industries from the advancement of this society are the primary source of income in this generation,
allowing rapid and sustained increases in living standards for all people.

Meanwhile, these infrastructure expansion may also result in something disastrous. Recent scientific
studies reveal that human activities trigger the physical environment significantly. Human disturbance is a primary
source of environmental degradation. The impact of urban growth from the industrial revolution of the 19th century
and continuous acceleration through pushing infrastructure expansion supported by the BBB (Build, Build, Build)
program could be both positive and negative. As I stated earlier, it is beneficial to us. However, it may also cause
harm across the construction especially if the expansion will takes place in a natural environment.

Recently, two of the most controversial hashtag trending that caught netizens' attention are the
#notokaliwadam and #savetaliptip.

The Kaliwa Dam Project (New Centennial Water Supply Project) is a proposed new water source that will
put an end to the water shortages in NCR. The project will be constructed to meet the increasing demand of Metro
Manila and its neighbor, Rizal and Quezon (17.46M people or 3.49M household) and to reduce absolute
dependence on the Angat Dam. However, the construction of a concrete dam along the kaliwa river may affect the
Sierra Madre which we all know that covers and serves as natural shield from typhoons in Luzon. I’d personally
say that this project will displace the indigenous people, risk the environment and cause unrepairable damage to the
mountain range. All of us needs to unite to resolve water shortages. You cannot resolve a problem by risking other
matter that may cause another trouble. Alternative water sources may be advocated such as massive campaign
about water management and consumption as well as replacing leaky and inefficient water systems.

Another matter, the proposed New Manila International Airport involves the construction and operation &
maintenance of a new modern airport that is expected to reduce air traffic operations that exist in NAIA. However,
the downside is that, it directly affects coastal communities in Taliptip, Bulakan. Losing of the mangroves for the
airport could impact the abundance and diversity of fish species in the area. The government should find another
site for this proposed project since mangroves take a lot of years to grow.

Overall, let us mindful to our environment. Our bond to nature is like our involvement with one another.
We need to give and take. If we provide care to the environment, it will surely take care of us. However, if we
ignore it and tend to destroy it, we will receive the same thing. Thus, if we do not manage to take care of nature,
without a doubt, one day, the nature will entirely get mad at us.