BSABE2-2-G5

Group 1
1. As students, how can we help in mitigating the effects of deforestation in our environment?

Answer: We as a student of the modern community that engaged or adopted today's technology, Most likely,
our technological innovations also contribute to deforestation. Why? Because minerals like lithium, copper,
or nickel must be readily available and have already been mined in order to make smartphones, tablets,
laptops, or other technological products. In order to construct new mining sites, existing trees will probably
need to be cut down during the mineral extraction and chemical separation procedures, which are extremely
polluting. The ongoing need for new digital products is also predicted to make the tech sector one of the
fastest-growing sectors over the coming decades. As a result, we will require additional minerals and natural
resources as well as mining locations. In terms of overall growth until 2060, the mining sector is predicted to
be the second fastest, just after the recycling sector.
There is something we can do, though. Remember to take good care of your smartphone till it breaks
or stops functioning in this age of increasing smartphone usage and constant innovation in technology. Make
sure the old one will be used even though the new one is working before you decide to upgrade and buy
one. Try selling it at shops that can recondition it and sell it later if you don't know of anyone to donate it or
sell it to. This will give someone else the opportunity to use it.

2. What are the factors that can affect crop diversity in the Philippines, especially in the province of
Cavite?

Group 2

1. Is there a punishment for those who will not follow the rules created by the world trade organization?

Answer: The WTO's central pillar of the multilateral trading system, and its unique contribution to the
stability of the global economy was dispute settlement. Without a means of settling disputes, the rules-based
system would be less effective because the rules could not be enforced. The WTO’s procedure underscores
the rule of law, and it makes the trading system more secure and predictable. The system is based on clearly-
defined rules, with timetables for completing a case. First rulings are made by a panel and endorsed (or
rejected) by the WTO’s full membership. Appeals based on points of law are possible.

WTO members have agreed that if they believe fellow-members are violating trade rules, they will
use the multilateral system of settling disputes instead of taking action unilaterally. That means abiding by
the agreed procedures, and respecting judgements.

2. How can we accomplish crop diversification here in the Philippines and how can we implement it
permanently here in our country?

Agriculture is a major contributor to the Philippines' economy, accounting for 21.5% of its gross
domestic product (GDP), generating exports. Providing one-third of all employment, or 11 million jobs. Its
contribution increases when ‘all economic activities related to agro-processing and supply of non-farm
agricultural inputs are included, (as) the agricultural sector broadly defined accounts for about two-thirds of
the labor force and 40% of GDP’. The strategic importance of this sector makes it compelling for the
government to enact a stakeholder-based process that will fully and effectively render legitimacy not only to
its domestic economic policies but to its international economic commitments as well, such as to the WTO.

In 1995 the Philippines acceded to the WTO in the belief that its membership of the rules-based body
would bring about economic benefits, primarily to the rural sector, through increased efficiency of industries
required by exposure to global competition. Jobs were promised and new industries were expected to
emerge. Stakeholder participation and work could be focused around a central objective, which was to
prepare for the Ministerial Conference and the global negotiations toward a new agreement on
agriculture.The Task Force on WTO Agreement on Agriculture (Re)negotiations (TF-WAR) was therefore
established amidst the increasing public clamor, led by farmers and people’s organizations, as well as
industry groups, for transparency and representation in the formulation of the Philippine negotiating position
in the new round of WTO talks.
Group 3
1. WTO Agriculture monitors the fair trades which are the imports and exports. Do you think that the
competition of our local farmers from the import prices and quality of the agriculture produces affects the
economical situation here in the Philippines? If it does, what do you think are these underlying effects?

2. Tariffs are taxes that are fixed to be used in subsidies, are these subsidies given religiously, correctly, and
appropriate to the farmers who are in need?

Group 4

1. Do you think there is still a country that is not a member of the World Trade Organization? If there is,
why don't they involve their country in the WTO?

Answer : According to Amadeo (2021), Only 14 countries are not WTO members. These nations do not wish
to become members. They are Aruba, Eritrea, Kiribati, Kosovo, Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Monaco,
Nauru, North Korea, Palau, the Palestinian Territories, San Marino, Sint Maarten, and Tuvalu. On the other
hand, there are 25 observer countries currently in the application process.

It is said that these countries face significant obstacles to increasing their trade, as they do not hold
the Most Favored Nation status given to all WTO members, nor do they receive the same lower trade barriers
all WTO members must grant one another. Instead, they may face higher numbers of tariffs, import quotas
and regulations when dealing with most of the world, and cannot resolve their trade conflicts through WTO
courts.

2. How does the WTO affect our country's agricultural sector? Has it made it easier or harder to do
business and trade in our country? (give reasons to support your answer)

Answer: As per WTO, its Agriculture Agreement provides a framework for the long-term reform of agricultural
trade and domestic policies, with the aim of leading to fairer competition and a less distorted sector. This
made trade and businesses in our country easier to collaborate with other countries in terms of their products
and services. The agreement covers market access — the use of trade restrictions, such as tariffs on imports,
domestic support — the use of subsidies and other support programmes that directly stimulate production
and distort trade and export competition — the use of export subsidies and other government support
programmes that subsidize exports.

Group 6

1. Who benefits the most from the WTO given its large membership? Do developing countries and non-
developing countries receive different treatment under the WTO?

Answer: As per WTO, its agreements contain special provisions for developing countries, including longer
periods to implement agreements and commitments, measures to increase their trading opportunities and
support to help them build the infrastructure for WTO work, handle disputes, and implement technical
standards. Least-developed countries receive special treatment, including exemption from many provisions.

The needs of developing countries can also be used to justify actions that might not normally be
allowed under the agreements – for example, governments giving certain subsidies.

2. What are the pros and cons in the agricultural sector of being a WTO member as a country? Why do
you think the reasons are the pros and cons in our agricultural sector ?