Jerald Biscalog

12-STEM-LAUREL

UNESCO World Heritage Site Under Industrial and

Development Pressure

The Philippines boasts stunning landscapes, from pristine beaches to the iconic
Chocolate Hills in Bohol province. These natural wonders not only attract tourists but
also showcase the country's rich biodiversity, earning them UNESCO World Heritage
Site status and recognition as a National Monument. However, the development
pressure, particularly the construction of resorts around the Chocolate Hills, threatens
their preservation. Concerns have been raised by residents regarding the negative
impact on tourism and the nation's natural heritage. In this paper, we will delve into the
Chocolate Hills controversy, exploring the implications of this development and
advocating for responsible stewardship to ensure its preservation for generations to
come.
The construction of a resort near Bohol's iconic Chocolate Hills has sparked
shock and disappointment among citizens, myself included. While I support the
development of attractions to boost the tourism industry, I strongly disagree with this
particular project due to its potential negative impact on our national monument. It was
reported that the resort was built without an Environmental Compliance Certificate
(ECC), yet the local government still granted building permits. This decision allowed for
the destruction of the Chocolate Hills. In my opinion, regardless of the presence of an
ECC, such development or industrialization should not be allowed near national
treasures like the Chocolate Hills. The intervention by the Department of Environment
and Natural Resources (DENR) to halt the resort's operations highlights the need to
protect and preserve our national monuments.
In conclusion, the incident with the resort near the Chocolate Hills emphasizes the
need to protect national treasures while promoting tourism. Despite challenges,
interventions like those from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources are
crucial. It's vital for local governments and citizens to actively preserve these landmarks
for future generations.
Jerald Biscalog
12-STEM- LAUREL

Forgotten Piece: Globalization and Loss

of Cultural Identity

Globalization has transformed how people interact and exchange information.

While it brings growth and benefits, thus, it also has negative consequences. In the
Philippines, globalization has led to the erosion of cultural identity. Because Filipinos
embrace other cultures, there is a risk of forgetting their own identity.
Cultural identity includes race, language, religion, ethnicity, and social status,
transmitted through generations. It's shaped by collective traditions, heritage, language,
aesthetics, norms, and customs (Center for Intercultural Dialogue, 2014). Filipinos
possess a unique cultural identity shaped by our ancestors, reflected in our diverse
languages and traditional costumes. However, we are currently witnessing a decline in
preserving our rich cultural heritage. As a result, our native language is being
overshadowed, traditional cuisine is losing appeal, and foreign influences are evident in
our everyday attire. Because of the diminishing significance of cultural identity among
Filipino youth, it gives rise to the question: why is this happening? Language is
fundamental to communication and personal identity, yet the Filipino people seem to
undervalue their native language. Many Filipino youth are more proficient in other
languages than in their mother tongue. Globalization has further the erosion of our
culture and traditions, with a greater interest in Western cultures. This is evident in
fashion, where foreign styles dominate. It begs the question: do we still grasp what it
means to be Filipino and understand our heritage? For this reason, by recognizing and
addressing the drawbacks of globalization, we must prioritize our native language for
communication and value our culture by actively studying and embracing traditions.
Let's preserve our unique clothing styles, untainted by foreign influences, as our culture
is deeply rooted in our language and traditions.
Modernization and globalization are means of developing our country, not methods
of eradicating our cultural identity. As Filipino people, we possess a distinct identity that
sets us apart from others around the world. Our uniqueness lies in being Pinoy. We are
all familiar with the saying, "A person who does not look back to where he came from
will not be able to reach his destination." This emphasizes the importance of
acknowledging and preserving our cultural roots while embracing progress.