ACTIVITY 3-1

RESEARCH PAPER 3:

1. What is the population growth model of the Philippines? Discuss thoroughly.

 The Philippine population growth model, in my opinion, is exponential or geometric. It

may be seen in the country's population growth during the last few years. According to
the 2015 census, the Philippines' population in 2016 was 100,981,437 people. When
comparing the 2010 census data to the 2015 census statistics, the population rose by
nearly 8 million people. When we look at the graph of population size through time, we
can see that it is obviously a J-shaped curve. As a result of its abundant resources, the
Philippines has experienced exponential expansion.

2. What are the impacts of population growth to the environment? Enumerate and
discuss impacts of population growth.

 It's no surprise that the world's ecosystem is in significant jeopardy, from water and air
pollution to deforestation. While the causes are numerous, population growth is a factor
in the problem. Because populations can grow exponentially, resource depletion can
happen quickly, causing environmental issues including global warming, deforestation,
and biodiversity loss. As the population grows, so does the demand for food, water,
housing, energy, healthcare, transportation, and other necessities. All consumption adds
to environmental degradation, increasing conflicts, and an increased chance of large-
scale calamities such as pandemics.

 Below are some of the noticeable impacts of population growth to the environment:
 Deforestation
 Eutrophication
 Farming Impacts
 Global Warming
 Loss of Fresh Water
3. Do you think population growth is good or bad? Explain your ideas.

 Population expansion, in my opinion, has both positive and negative consequences and
is not as dreadful as it appears. Its detrimental environmental effects, such as global
warming and deforestation, are undeniable. As the world's population grows, the number
of resources available to every individual decreases, leading to sickness, malnutrition,
and war. Population growth, on the other hand, has a favorable impact on the economy
of the country. Economic benefits such as tax base growth, increased consumer
spending, and a rise in a country's GDP are examples. Nonetheless, before it's too late,
we should prioritize the negative effects of population expansion.

ACTIVITY 4-1

RESEARCH PAPER 4:

1. Why is agriculture important to our daily life? Elaborate your answer.

 We often overlook the importance of agriculture in our daily lives. There would be no
food, clothing, or shelter without agriculture, which are essential for human survival.
Agriculture produces rice, vegetables, fruits, and other foods that we consume.
Agriculture provides the garments we wear as well as the materials we use to construct
our homes. As a result, agriculture contributes to people having a better quality of life.
Agriculture is also a source of employment for Filipinos and their primary source of
income.

2. What are the negative effects of agriculture? How did agriculture affect human health?

 Agriculture can have a big environmental impact. In many nations, it is the primary cause
of pollution. Pesticides, fertilizers, and other harmful agriculture chemicals have the
potential to contaminate fresh water, marine habitats, air, and soil. Agriculture also
contributes to bigger environmental issues such as climate change, deforestation,
biodiversity loss, irrigation problems, soil degradation, pollution, and waste, all of which
lead to environmental deterioration.
  Agricultural pesticides contaminate ground and surface water, posing a health risk to
humans. Pesticide exposure has been linked to an increased risk of some cancers as
well as neurological, endocrine, immunological, and reproductive system diseases.

3. What are the advantages and disadvantages of agriculture in our environment?

 On a small scale, urban agriculture can help to localize food production, decreasing our
modern food systems' overall environmental footprint. When agricultural activities are
managed sustainably, they can help protect watersheds, preserve habitats, and improve
soil health and water quality. Agriculture's drawbacks or disadvantages, on the other
hand, include deforestation, soil degradation, climate change, irrigation, pollution, and
waste, as mentioned in the previous answer. If agriculture is practiced on a large scale,
these disadvantages will emerge.

ACTIVITY 5-1

RESEARCH PAPER 5:

1. How is the climate going to change in the future? Research on climate models and
projections for the Philippines.

 Continued greenhouse gas emissions will exacerbate climate change. A warmer

atmosphere, a warmer and more acidic ocean, higher sea levels, and significant
changes in precipitation patterns are all projected in the future. What we do now to cut
greenhouse gas emissions will determine the amount of future climate change. The
more greenhouse gases we emit, the more drastic future climatic changes will be.

 In the coming years, the Philippines, one of the countries most vulnerable to climate-
related disasters, is expected to experience the following scenarios:
 Increased Temperature
 Wetter Wet Season, Drier Dry Season
 Frequency and Intensity of Extreme Weather Events
 Sea Level Rise
  Storm surges, floods, landslides, and droughts, to name a few, will become more often
and severe as a result of these projections. Agriculture, energy, water, infrastructure,
human health, and coastal ecosystems are all at risk as a result of all of this.

2. What are significant human activities that contribute to climate change? Discuss
thoroughly.

 By burning fossil fuels, tearing down forests, and raising animals, humans are
progressively influencing the climate and the earth's temperature. This adds massive
volumes of greenhouse gases to the already existing ones in the atmosphere, amplifying
the greenhouse effect and contributing to global warming. Human actions that contribute
to climate change include burning fossil fuels (coal, oil, and gas), cutting down trees,
increasing livestock farming, utilizing nitrogen fertilizers, and using fluorinated gases.

3. Discuss the importance of using renewable resources. Give at least (5) examples to
elaborate your answers.

 The following are some of the environmental and economic advantages of adopting
renewable energy:

 It provides electricity without emitting greenhouse gases and lowers some types
of air pollution.
 It expands energy supply while reducing reliance on imported fuels.
 It stimulates the economy by creating jobs in manufacturing, installation, and
other fields.
 Renewable energy is available to everyone, which is beneficial to development.
 The energy system is more resilient when renewable energy is used. This is
critical in order to avoid power outages.
 ACTIVITY 6-1

RESEARCH PAPER 1:

1. Develop a simple theory regarding your studying habits. Discuss your theory
thoroughly.

 If I develop a simple theory about my study habits, I will name it the "Theory of Relaxing
Background Music." I named it so because I am fond of listening to relaxing instrumental
background music whenever I do some schoolwork or study for a quiz or exam. I always
feel calm when I listen to this kind of music, and it helps me stay productive throughout
the day. I know other students prefer to work or study in silence, but for me, listening to
relaxing music uplifts my spirit and keeps me motivated even though I physically and
mentally feel exhausted.

2. Develop a model of how you interact with the environment as a student. Discuss
thoroughly and give an illustration of the model.

 The
model that I developed encompasses four different factors that reflect how I interact with
my environment, especially as a nursing student. The first factor is the physical
environment, which represents my surroundings. The second factor is occupational and
recreational activities, which are very helpful for me, especially when I feel exhausted
 due to plenty of schoolwork. I try to read books, walk outside, and meditate whenever I
have free time to relax and keep myself away from negative energies. The third factor is
individual resources, like the garden in our backyard. Sometimes, when I don’t have
work to do, I utilize my time by watering my mother’s ornamental plants. It keeps me
distracted, and just seeing the colorful flowers makes me calm. The last factor is the
social climate. This represents my relationship with the people around me, like my
family. Due to the pandemic, social interactions have been minimized and I can only talk
to my friends online. These four factors related to my interaction with the environment
contribute to my well-being amidst the stress of an online school setting.

SEATWORK 1: 3. Give at least two (2) scenarios in your life experience that influenced
your environmental conditions. Discuss each scenario thoroughly.

 When I was in high school at Pandan School of Arts and Trades, I remember
participating in a tree planting activity in areas that are greatly affected by deforestation.
It was one of my most unforgettable experiences because I was given an opportunity to
plant trees for the environment. Illegal logging is a common issue in Pandan. People
don’t realize that a simple cutting of a tree has a great impact on the environment. But
with a simple act such as tree planting, I felt like it was a huge change to address
environmental conditions like deforestation.

 Since we reside in Barangay Libod, where the river is situated, we commonly dispose of
our garbage on the riverside. I grew up thinking that it was normal to throw waste into
the river because that is what residents do in our barangay. I can still remember that I
used to throw garbage there myself, and I was naive about its negative impact on the
environment. Eventually, as I grew and matured, I realized that it has dreadful effects,
such as water pollution. Right now, the river is not as pristine as it was before, but
thankfully, the local government is imposing laws regarding the protection of the river.
 ACTIVITY 7-1

RESEARCH PAPER 2:

1. Choose three (3) scenarios in the Philippine ecological setting that represents
environmental determinism. Discuss the scenarios thoroughly. You may add images to
elaborate your answers.

 Environmental determinism is an approach that believes the physical environment

controls human actions, & culture. The following examples below are scenarios in the
Philippine ecological setting that represents environmental determinism:

 Baguio City's High Elevation: Baguio City is 5,200 feet above sea level, which
is why the city has a cold temperature compared to other places in the
Philippines. For this reason, the people living here, as well as the tourists, wear
thick clothes to protect themselves against the cold. The people also adapted to
the cold environment by utilizing the temperature to plant agricultural crops such
as strawberries, cabbage, lettuce, and carrots.
 Siargao Island Surfing Sites: Siargao is hailed as the “surfing capital of the
Philippines” because of its abundance of beaches. Its beaches have strong
waves suitable for surfing. Because of this, the locals are fond of surfing, and it
has become part of their culture. The locals who surf on the island have
darkened complexions due to sun exposure.

 Catanduanes Abaca Abundance: Catanduanes is hailed as the "abaca capital

of the Philippines" because it is the top producer of abaca in the country. Most
Catandunganons' sources of income are through the abaca fiber industry. This
shaped the islands' culture and tradition through celebrations and festivals
dedicated to abaca production.
2. Choose three (3) scenarios in the Philippine ecological setting that represents
environmental possibilism. Discuss the scenarios thoroughly. You may add images to
elaborate your answers.

 Environmental possibillism is the belief that the environment limits humans, but that
people can choose what to do about it. The following examples below are scenarios in
the Philippine ecological setting that represent environmental possibilism:

 Industrial Revolution: The Industrial Revolution marked a key turning point in

global history; practically every element of daily life was touched in some way. In
particular, average income and the population began to demonstrate
extraordinary, continuous rise. According to some economists, the major impact
of the industrial revolution was that the general population's standard of living
began to rise steadily and continues to do so today, which aids in improving
living standards and provides surplus labor for industry. Because of
environmental possibilities, industries now account for more than thirty percent
of global GDP.

 Agricultural Advancement: Over the last century to the present generation,

the Agricultural Revolution and development resulted in historic increases in
agricultural output, with productivity remaining among the highest in the world.
The rapid growth of the population was aided by this increase in food supply.
These new technologies are ushering in a new era that will have an impact on
farmers' day-to-day operations as well as their capacity to compete in the global
market. Increased agricultural productivity and the transformation of
agribusiness infrastructure will also benefit from these advancements. Many of
these modern technologies, as well as strategic farming concepts and
approaches, can be applied directly to agricultural productivity in both
developing and developed countries.

 Technological Revolution: The technological revolution is a dramatic social

change in essential structures brought about relatively quickly with the
introduction of some new technology around the globe. We can imagine, for
example, the introduction of agriculture, as discussed in the agricultural
advancement, the invention of the movable type printing process, the atomic
bomb, and the internet, which are now everywhere. Modern means of
communication, such as computers, the internet, mobiles, and cable TV, have
changed the world into a global village. Nanotechnology has given birth to
revolutionary inventions which have made the lives of people easy and
complicated as well. Within seconds, you can see and talk to your loved ones
who are thousands of miles away from you. These revolutions have helped
humans to make their lives more comfortable. These revolutions very clearly

show that human activities affect the natural environment.

 ACTIVITY 8-1

RESEARCH PAPER 3:

1. Identify the “cultural core” of the island province of Catanduanes. Discuss each of the
cultural core thoroughly. You use images to support your answers.

The cultural cores of the island province of Catanduanes based on my insight are the following:

 Catandunganons participate in a wide range of local and municipal celebrations and

festivals, like the Dinahit Festival in Pandan and the Abaca Festival in Virac. The Abaca
Festival, which takes place every year, has grown to become one of the most popular
events on the island. Catanduanes is known as the "Abaca Capital of the Philippines"
since it is the country's largest producer of abaca. This celebration honors the principal
source of income for most Catandunganons, which has brought renown and prosperity
to the island. These festivals and events are the island province of Catanduanes' main
cultural core since they symbolize the island's unique culture.

 Apart from festivals and celebrations, Catandunganons are also known for traditional
dances like Pantomina, or "dance of the doves," which was still a part of wedding
ceremonies up until this time, where the bride and groom would dance to the music
while the guests put money on their wedding dress and barong tagalong.
  In some remote areas in Catanduanes, "pagnganganga," or betel nut chewing, is still
done by the elderly. Betel nut chewing used to be a widespread cultural custom in the
Philippines and in certain provinces like Catanduanes. It is evident in the elderly, who
have stains in a bright shade of red on their teeth, lips, and mouth. Nowadays, betel nut
chewing is rarely practiced in Catanduanes, and only the elderly in barrios do it.

2. Identify the “cultural core” of the Ifugao tribe in the North and the Lumads of the
South. Discuss each of the cultural core thoroughly. You use images to support your
answers.

 Ifugao is one of the few areas in the Philippines where the Spaniards had no influence;
they did invade their territory but were unable to alter their culture and values. Kinship,
family relationships, and religious and cultural convictions are all highly valued in Ifugao
culture. The following are the some of the cultural core of Ifugao tribes:

 Male Ifugaos wear the wanno, or g-string, as their traditional costume. There are six
different sorts of wannos, each of which is appropriate for the event or the man's social
level. Tapis, a wraparound skirt, is worn by Ifugao women. There are approximately five
different types of skirts. Bahag is a loincloth worn by the Ifugao people and other
indigenous tribes in northern Luzon, usually wrapped from behind with the larger piece
hanging down the central front. The bahag was an important aspect of the Ifugao
culture, story, and pride.
 The Ifugao people’s religion and spiritual rituals were unique to the Philippines, as many
embraced Christianity as their main belief system. Unlike the majority of Filipinos, who
are Roman Catholic, the Ifugao people had a complex cosmology and believed in
hundreds of gods. The Ifugao believed that spirits known as anitos regulated their lives
and that the universe was split into three levels: the heavens (which had four
"superimposed heavens"), Pugao (earth or "the known land"), and the underworld. There
was no single supreme God, but the Ifugao recognized over 1,500 spirits, each with
distinct roles and responsibilities that covered practically every area of existence,
including battle, peace, fishing, and rain.
 Aside from their strong and steadfast spiritual beliefs, the Ifugao were once dreaded as
headhunters, with their war-dance (the bangibang) being one of the cultural remains of
tribal struggle. The men dressed in traditional loincloths with ferocious headdresses,
spears, axes, and wooden shields in hand, performed this dance on the walls of the rice
terraces.

 The Ifugao tribe chews betel

nuts in the same way that the
Catandunganons
do. Chewing betel nuts is a
 popular and widely acknowledged method of quitting smoking for persons who are
addicted to the habit.

 Lumads can be found all throughout Mindanao, in mountainous and valleyous terrain,
low-lying plains, and coastal habitats. The Lumad have nurtured and protected their
traditional ancestral lands and cultures for generations. With a wide range of languages,
chants, rituals, dances, and other traditions, Lumad culture is rich and diverse.

 The lumad in the southern highland ranges are swidden farmers who do not engage in
much trade. Bagobo civilization, like many of its neighbors, is dominated by a warrior
class known as magani or bagani. Anthropologists are well aware of the Bagobo's
extravagant clothing and personal ornamentation. Brass baskets, ornaments, bracelets,
and earrings are also popular among the T'boli and Teduray. T'boli t'nalak are highly
prized fabrics said to be inspired by the weavers' dreams.
 Many cultural and social structures, such as clothing and religious ceremonies, are
shared by the Mandaya, Agusan Manobo, and Ata. They farm with slash-and-burn
techniques and trade with their neighbors. The warriors, led by the Datu, are highly
regarded and valued.

 The Subanen also refer to a number of ethno linguistic tribes that live in Zamboanga's
hills and coastal plains. They are slash-and-burn farmers who fish, hunt, gather, and do
not engage in much commerce.
 ACTIVITY 9-1

RESEARCH PAPER 4:

1. Refer to Figure 2-4, research and discuss the following human ecology models:

a) Human Ecosystems of the Early Maori in New Zealand

 Beginning approximately 950 AD, Maori people landed in New Zealand. The Maori
people would suffer negative consequences if they hunted the flightless moa to
extinction. Within the first few hundred years, roughly half of New Zealand's original
forests were lost. The rats were most likely brought by Maori settlers as a food source.
The Maori tribes claimed possession of the entire island and made periodic visits to the
area to back up their claims.
 The woodland tribes were well-known for catching rats and birds. According to Maori
beliefs, Atua were unseen spirits associated with natural occurrences like rainbows,
trees, and stones.
b) Model of the Tsembaga Human Ecosystem in New Guinea

The model illustrates how the biophysical and socio-cultural components of the
ecosystem may integrate to produce self-organized feedback mechanisms. The model also
illustrates the role that information flows have in this system. Previous models had a more static
conceptualization of the relationship between pigs, festivals, and warfare; the ritual cycle just
happened because it was preprogrammed into the simulations. The model developed here
depicts how information is transmitted and processed in such a way that the ritual cycle comes
about. It falls short of Rappaport’s diagrammatic model in the second (enlarged) edition of his
book (1984), in the sense that he reveals a higher level of information flow by also depicting the
spirit world as it plays a role in the system. 
c) Biophysical Model of the Tsembaga Ecosystem in New Guinea
 The first model (Figure 13) consists only of the biological and physical components of
the ecosystem. The forest and gardens draw energy from the sun and nutrients from the soil.
The garden and forest are linked by the process of shifting cultivation. Energy flows from the
gardens to the pigs, and from the gardens and pigs to the human population. This model is
incomplete because it leaves us asking: what steers the flow of energy from the pigs to the
Tsembaga; what steers the shifting cultivation that links forest and gardens; what steers the
growth of the human population; and how are the social and cultural characteristics of the
Tsembaga integrated into this ecosystem?
 ACTIVITY 10-1

RESEARCH PAPER:

1. Philippine Cave Systems: Choose and research a Philippine Cave System. Discuss the
theories and models of human environment interactions in which you think is applicable
to this ecosystem. And identify impacts of human activities to caves. You may add
images to justify your ideas.
 I chose the Sumaguing Cave in Sagada, Mountain Province. To date, many travelers
from all over the world have wisely stated that their vacation and sojourn itineraries will
be incomplete if they do not stop by and brilliantly unearth this tourist attraction from its
enthralling entrance until they have safely reached the innermost part of Sagada's
famous Cave of Sumaguing. As a result of its massive creation and appeal over the
years, the Mountain Province has become a site of attraction unlike any other in the
Asian hemisphere. As a result, the Cave of Sumaguing in Sagada has earned the
moniker "The Big Cave."

 Human environmental interaction in the Sumaguing Cave drastically changed the lives
and culture of the Sagada tribes and their people. The Sumaguing Cave has ancient
coffins and human remains that are visible in the entrance path.

 In 2016, a road-widening project for Sumaguing Cave was proposed to aid in the tourism
industry of the scenic and culturally rich Sagada. But the Sagada residents opposed the
project as it would threaten what’s under and damage the local tourist destination.
According to GMA News, Sumaguing Cave's impressive limestone formations have
brought tourism revenue to Sagada, but tourists' overcrowding and littering threaten the
town's natural and cultural attractions.
2. Tourism and Climate Change: Choose and research a nature-based tourism
destination. Discuss its current status and how climate change directly or indirectly
impacted its natural environment. Apply the theory of cultural ecology in your
discussion. You may add images to justify your ideas.

 I chose Boracay Beach because it is one of the most famous beaches in the Philippines
and the world, but it is also subject to the drastic effects of climate change. According to
the IPCC's Fifth Assessment Report (Nurse et al., 2014), small island settlements, such
as Boracay, are particularly vulnerable to climate change-related hazards such as sea-
level rise, tropical and extra-tropical cyclones, rising air and sea surface temperatures,
and shifting rainfall patterns. Boracay, for example, was one of the worst-affected islands
by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013, causing serious damage to essential infrastructure
 such as the Tambisaan Port and a number of tourist attractions. The existing
environmental situation on the island could exacerbate the effects of natural disasters.
According to the Foundation for the Philippine Environment's (FPE) Disaster Risk
Reduction and Management (DRRM) Framework, environmental conservation should be
a component of climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts to lower the danger of
biodiversity being harmed by natural disasters.
 In terms of cultural ecology, the residents of Boracay have continuously adapted to their
environment over the past decades. The primary source of income and livelihood of the
residents depends on tourism activities. Different stores along the beach were built to
cater to the needs of the visitors and foreigners. The residents are hospitable and
friendly to tourists and visitors. When the island is struck by natural disasters like in the
photo above, resiliency is seen among the residents.

SEATWORK 2: 3. Philippine Wetlands: Choose and research a type of wetland in

Catanduanes (Figure 7). Discuss its background and current status. Apply the basic
model of human ecology in your discussions. You may add images to justify your ideas.

Batalay Mangrove Eco Park

 The Mangrove Reforestation Program was established in a 10-hectare area in Barangay

Batalay, Town of Bato, Province of Catanduanes, to raise community awareness of the
 importance of mangroves in the coastal and marine ecosystem, including the protection
of sea grass and coral reefs, and to encourage more reforestation initiatives in the
province.

 The Batalay fishermen provide a motorized banca to take locals and tourists on a five- to
ten-minute trip around the Batalay Mangrove Eco Park, which is a good eco-tourism
destination because it is home to many varieties of mangrove trees and a sanctuary for
various birds and marine creatures.

 The Batalay Mangrove Eco Park is highlighted by a lengthy bamboo footbridge that
leads tourists deep into the mangrove jungle. It also includes a lookout from which you
can get a 360-degree view of the mangroves and floating villas where you can sit and
rest.

 Kayaking, boat trips, and picnics are all popular activities in the area. As a result, Batalay
Mangrove Eco Park is one of Bato's most popular tourist destinations.

References:

 Carla Herreria Russo. (2018, February 24). Tribal Filipinos Were A Surprising Muse For
“Black Panther’s” Dora Milaje. HuffPost; HuffPost. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/black-
panther-filipino-influence_n_5a90b27fe4b03b55731c44a9
 https://www.facebook.com/AswangProject. (2018, November 28). IFUGAO DIVINITIES:
Philippine Mythology & Beliefs %. THE ASWANG PROJECT.
https://www.aswangproject.com/ifugao-divinities-philippine-mythology-beliefs/
 IFUGAO TRIBE “MOMBAKI” SHAMAN HEAD HUNTING HUMAN TROPHY SKULL
THE PHILIPPINES DAVID HOWARD PHOTOGRAPHY IFUGAO TRIBE “MOMBAKI”
SHAMAN HEAD HUNTING HUMAN TROPHY SKULL THE PHILIPPINES. (2021).
Tribalartasia.com.http://www.tribalartasia.com/DAVID%20HOWARD%20PICTURE
%20GALLERY/PHILIPPINES%20DAVID%20HOWARD/HEAD-HUNTERS-SKULL2.html
 ‌ Legarda, M. (2016, March 17). Asia’s Crimson Addiction. HuffPost; HuffPost.
https://www.huffpost.com/entry/asias-crimson-addiction-t_b_9483848
 Nga Nga / Betel Nut Chewing / by Godofredo Stuart. (2014). Stuartxchange.com.
http://www.stuartxchange.com/NgaNga
 ‌ Wikipedia Contributors. (2021, November 12). Lumad. Wikipedia; Wikimedia
Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lumad
 https://www.facebook.com/thoughtcodotcom. (2019). How Slash and Burn Agriculture
Affects Geography. ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/slash-and-burn-agriculture-
p2-1435798
 ‌ Wikipedia Contributors. (2021, November 20). Subanon people. Wikipedia; Wikimedia
Foundation. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Subanon_people#/media/File:Subanen_-
_Mount_Malindang.jpg
 Spelunking in Sagada Caves by Helicopter - Kated. (2020, May 20). Kated.
https://kated.com/moments/philippines/spelunking-in-sagada-caves-by-helicopter/
 PRISCO, J. (2013, November 15). Philippine Tourism Industry Fears Typhoon Will Harm
Season. ABC News; ABC News. https://abcnews.go.com/Travel/philippine-tourism-
industry-fears-typhoon-harm-season/story?id=20900906