Chapter 6

THE ART OF BEING HUMAN

The “art of being human” which is the most challenging but rewarding of
all the arts is a part of a complex web of social interactions and relationships. It is
integrated in our aesthetic experience to find joy and beauty in consciously thinking
of others and the world around us. Going beyond ourselves is a reality of our creation
in the image of the Supreme Being. Our being human is not only to raise ourselves
above our environment, though livable and comfortable it may be, but to scale the
height of progress and advancement of others in the same environment (Illenberger,

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2001). This means to be human is to become the best person we could ever be and do
our best not only for ourselves but also for others with whom we share this world.

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Humans like to get along with fellow humans. They acquire knowledge and
wisdom and seek the spread of this acquisition to others. In life, humans are

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influenced by others, and in turn they influence them, too. It is their human behavior,

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attitudes, and values that set them apart from other creatures on earth. They group
themselves and form a society. This society has a standard for behavior and created a
so-called “Etiquette”. It is a French word signifying ticket, an admission to a class
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or group and defined as the forms, manners, and ceremonies established by
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conventions as acceptable or required by society, in a profession or in real life.

Etiquette also enables people to face circumstances with strength of character and
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integrity. It allows individuals to be flexible enough to respect beliefs, customs and

traditions different from their own culture. It is also the ability to reason and to do the
right thing at the right time. This ability develops among people a keen sense of
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propriety and of social graces. Social graces are skills used to interact politely in
social situations. They include manners, etiquette (the specific accepted rules within
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a culture for the application of universal manners), deportment and fashion. Having
social graces means that an individual can find the way through any situation with
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ease: whether at home, in the office, in a restaurant, in a church, in a concert hall, or

wherever, and has the skills to deal with different people with confidence.
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Amid difficulties in life or any circumstance, humans are expected to be in

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their best behavior and manners. Manners are the unenforced standards of conduct
which show that you are proper, polite and refined. They are like laws in that they
codify or set a standard for human behavior, but they are unlike laws that there is no
formal system for punishing transgressions, other than social disapproval. They are a
kind of norm. What is considered “mannerly” is highly susceptible to change with
time, geographical location, occasion and other factors. When manners become
second nature to humans, they increase their sense of security, poise, self-confidence
and self-respect. Manners make a difference how people feel about others.
Considered part of human personality, manners usually make people react to others
in a particular way.

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 Consideration for others is the basis of good manners. Good manners are
about considering the feeling of other people and being the kind of person that others
like and respect. Respect, courtesy, politeness, and honesty are characteristics of
well- mannered persons. These well-mannered people are responsive not only to
their needs but also of others. They are sensitive to the things around them. Their
humanity is enhanced by allowing others to see the truth and beauty in themselves.
They achieve their goal by putting into action the essence of loving fellow humans
and caring for the environment where they find themselves living together.

UP-TO-DATE MANNERS
Basic Table Manners

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1. Sit up straight. Try not to slouch or lean back in your chair.

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2. Do not talk with your mouth full of food.
3. Chew quietly, and try not to slurp. Making noises is not only

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unappetizing, and distracting, but it can also interrupt the flow of
conversation.
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4. Keep bites small. Cut meat and salad so that it doesn’t hang from your
mouth after you shovel it in.
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5. Eat at a leisurely pace. This rule, besides being good for the digestion, also
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shows your host that you want to enjoy the food and the company.
6. Do not wave utensils in the air, especially knives or if there is food on them.
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7. Keep your elbows off the table. Elbows take up table space and can be a
danger in knocking plates or glasses.
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8. Do not reach. Not only is it as impolite as standing in front of a TV with

other people behind you, but there is always the possibility of upsetting
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glasses or running your sleeve through someone’s mashed potatoes.

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9. Do not forget to say please and thank you. These are magic words in most
situations but especially vital at the table where common courtesies are
noticed by everyone present.
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10. Excuse yourself when leaving the table.

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At Home
1. Do not open a closed door until you have knocked and have been given
permission to enter.
2. Do not go through a bureau, desk, box, or papers at home without the
owner’s permission.
3. Do not read letters, open mail without being asked to.
4. Do not discuss the private affairs of your family with outsiders or tell about
a family problem.

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 5. Always say “please” when requesting favors and “thank you” for favors
received.
6. Help the family by doing your chores.
7. Share and do not grab and keep good things to your self.
8. Clean up mess or put things back in their proper places after using them.

In a Restaurant

1. Research the restaurant where you will be dining. Looking at the menu
beforehand will help you make good decisions at the table.
2. Make a reservation if the restaurant accepts them. Arrive a few minutes

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before your schedule time.
3. Place your napkin in your lap before eating. Leave the napkin on the chair

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if you leave the table to let the waiter know you are not finished. When you
return, turn the napkin over to the clean side.

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4. Use utensils from the outside in. After each course, leave used utensils on

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the plate to be removed. Never place used utensils back on the table cloth.
5. Choose an appetizer. Most five-star restaurants expect this or include it as a
multi-course meal.
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6. Ask server for a wine suggestion. You can only return a bottle of wine if it is
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spoiled, not if you do not like it.

7. Wait for the host or hostess to begin eating before you do. This usually
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happens after everyone has been served. The same is true for each course,
including dessert.
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In the Office
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1. Monitor the volume of your conversation. Be sensitive to how loudly you

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may be speaking. Telephone etiquette at the office is very important

because if your voice is too loud or the conversation is something private, it
can be disruptive to those around you.
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2. Keep personal telephone conversation and emails brief and at a minimum.

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Be ever mindful that others are nearby and that this is a place of business.
Do not use the company telephone, fax or email, for any appropriate and
personal matters.
3. Avoid the urge to be “helpful” in areas best left to the other persons to
handle on their own. Your best bet for being treated as a professional work
is to keep all workplace conversation professional.
4. Sharing professional information is wonderful, gossiping is not. Discuss
personnel matters directly only with specific individuals, superiors, and
management.

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In a Dormitory

1. Be Realistic: Best friendships between college roommates are not as

typical as you think, so be realistic and think and do not latch onto your
roommates automatically. Usually, colleges try to match roommates with
compatible interests and personalities, but adjusting to living in close
quarters with anyone-much less someone that may not like the same
hygiene as you-is hard. Give it time; get used to his/her personality and
preference, and be yourself. You have many more college friends to make.
2. Keep Things Tidy: Returning to a reeking, messy dorm room is
aggravating, and puts a damper on studies and social life too. Organize
your belongings and continue to clean up after yourself, including dishes,

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laundry, garbage, and books. Keep your living space tidy, and hopefully
your roommate will do the same.

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3. Agree On Rules: Agreeing on ground rules for your dorm room lifestyle
early on will help prevent tension building between you and your dorm mates.

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Discuss issues like: How late do you stay up? Do you want guests staying

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overnight? How do you feel about underage drinking? Can you study if there
is loud music, movies or talking going on? Do have any mini-fridge, or an
extra piece of furniture? If your dorm allows pets, do you want any?
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4. Get to Know Each Other: Without forcing it, try to get to know each other a
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little more each day. Invite your dorm-mates to breakfast, or explore nearby
eateries together. Tell your roommate when your next concert, play, or debate
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is happening, and return the favor if he/she attends. If your roommate is

having a bad day, grab a cup of coffee on the way to class and let him/her talk it
out, or go to a campus movie together to get his/her mind off it.
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5. Establish Trust: Respect your space. Your dorm room might be more like a
closet, but you and your roommate need to feel secure and comfortable
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there. Never get your roommate’s things without permission, and never
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allow your messes to spread throughout the entire room.

6. Keep Your Word: If you tell your roommate you will do something, like
replacing the papers you used during your last study session, then do it!
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Keep your promises, big and small, and your college dorm life will be more
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peaceful.
7. Relay Messages: If someone stops by to see your roommates, let them
know. If you answer your shared dorm phone and take a message, leave it
somewhere for your roommate to see immediately.
8. Keep confidences: You will learn things about your roommate that others
do not know. Use discretion when talking or complaining about these
things. Are they that bad? What would your roommate say about you? If it
involves something illegal, or detrimental to someone’s mental or physical
health though, solicit the help of the proper authorities.
9. Keep your dorm-mate Informed: Let your roommate know if you have

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 extra early class, or a late night event to attend. No one likes to be surprised
by an alarm ringing at an unnatural hour or by a clumsy sneak-in at 2:00
AM. Having someone know where you are is a great way to stay safer too.
10. Request for a Change of Room if Needed: If you feel your dorm-mate
situation will not work out, talk with your Dorm Manager and ask for a
reassignment of room. Waiting too long is more trouble than it is worth.

In Church
1. Dress appropriately: Lookers cannot definitely speak for God, but for sure
they do not want to see underwear peeking above a pair of low slung jeans
while kneeling to pray, cleavage showing, dress hems too short, or tee shirt

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with vulgar graphics.
2. Refrain from moving in and out of the church when the service or mass

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starts. Children must be cautioned not to play around inside the church.
3. Respect the conversation between other parishioners and God. Avoid the

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chit chat while others are praying. The church is not the place to catch up

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on friendly gossip and race tips, telling jokes or hauling out family
photographs. Save the chatter for coffee hour.
4. Avoid gum chewing or candy crunching. Chewing gum and snapping is
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rude, noisy and very distracting.
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5. Silence must be observed during prayer. The distraction of technology,

like cell phones and blackberries must be eliminated. Exercise in good
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manners inside the church is a must. While certain rules of etiquette will
depend upon the religious traditions and customs of the church being
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attended, much of church etiquette is based on good manners and common

sense.
6. Be on time. Coming late to church can be very disruptive besides missing
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out on important parts of the service. When late, enter as quietly as possible
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and find a seat in a quick, non-disruptive manner.

7. Leaving early before the service has ended is just as disruptive as arriving
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late. Stay in the presence of God for the entire service and wait until the
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final blessing.
In a Concert
1. Dressing properly as the occasion (time and place) dictates means what
you wear depends on the type of concert you are going to. In classical
concerts, wear something that is not too casual and not too formal. Smart or
elegant casual is usually the outfit on the safe side.
2. Minding your time makes you arrive before the concert starts to give you
enough time to find your assigned seat. Stay in your seat until the end of the
performances. Standing up, wandering about or leaving the concert hall
before the end of performances is distracting.

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 3. Staying quiet is the most important rule in the concert etiquette. As best
you can, avoid talking, whispering, whistling, singing along or humming to
the music while the concert is ongoing so as not to distract other people.
Listening attentively to the music and paying attention to the performers on
stage will help you appreciate the concert more. Stretching your arms while
seated, tapping your feet, cracking your knuckles or chewing gum are also
inappropriate.
4. Keeping concert hall rules like switching off cell phones and alarm of
wristwatches is a must. If you really need to bring these things with you,
make sure to turn it off or set it to vibrate/silent mode before the concert
starts. Also, flash photography is usually not allowed during a concert. The

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flash from a camera can distract the performers on the stage. Other items
like camcorders and camera phones are not allowed for copyright
violations. Request permission first from the organizers before using these

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gadgets.
5. Applauding indicates appreciation. However, in classical concerts,

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holding applause until the end of a performance piece is a common

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practice. If you are unfamiliar with the piece being performed, just simply
clap your hands when most of the audience starts clapping.
6. Announcing intermissions is common during concerts. This gives the
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audience the opportunity to go to the restroom, get a quick drink or snacks
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outside the hall or call on your cellular phone.

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In a Hospital
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1. In visiting patients, unless you are a close friend or relative who can really help in
the nursing of the patient, do not stay more than a few minutes on any visit.
2. Respect the desire of the sick person to have no visitors at all.
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3. Follow hospital rules for visiting patients.

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4. Before sending flowers or bringing delicacies to a sick person, telephone a

relative to see if flowers or delicacies are welcome. If possible, provide a
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vase for the flowers.

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5. Sometimes, depending on the cause of hospitalization, find out first if some

foods are prohibited before bringing them to the patient.

Proper Invitation Etiquette

1. Keep in mind that the more formal the event, the more formal the
invitation.
2. Address people properly when sending them the invitation.
3. State in your invitation at the lower right hand corner the attire required of
your guests.

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 4. Mail/send your invitation two to three weeks in advance of the affair.

Introducing People

1. At a formal event, such as a business meeting or formal lunch/dinner,

introduce people by their first and last name and include their professional
position or title. However, you may introduce people to one another by
using their first name only in an informal gathering.
2. Introduce the person of a specific relationship with you, by adding a
phrase, say, ‘my wife’, ‘my sister’, in your conversation.
3. When necessary, provide a brief background (interests or hobbies) to each

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party to promote interactions in the future.
4. When introducing the person to a group of people, introduce the individual

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person to the group first, and then the group of individuals.
5. Consider factors such as sex, age, rank and location when introducing

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people. Introduce gentlemen to ladies (sex). Mention the name of the
person being honored first. Introduce younger people to older one (age),
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parents to teachers when they meet in school (rank) and teachers to parents
when they meet in a public place or out of the school (location).
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EN
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Study notes:

1. Why is the art of being human considered the most challenging and
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rewarding of all the arts?

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2. How would you describe a true, good and beautiful human being?
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3. Why is consideration for others the basis of good manners?

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4. How do you differentiate knowledge from wisdom?

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5. What does sense of propriety mean?

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 Urban Lifestyle

Living in the real world as well as the sharing of its resources is a test of
people’s humanity. The responsibility to make the world a better place to live in is for
all human beings. Humans across borders of culture, tradition, religion, social status,
and education are endowed with the ability and capacity to sense the true, the good
and the beautiful and to preserve these values not only for themselves but more so
for others living in the same environment. Urban living is the 21st century style of
co-existence in a community where people keep home, do business, find recreation
and enjoy nature all at a given period of time. People’s desire to dwell in cities and
metropolis is one major concern of urban planners. Urban planning includes
programs for cities and towns by integrating land use, transportation, building

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designs, beautification, sanitation and safety to improve the economic and social
environments of the communities.

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An intelligent urban planning is essential to give cities and towns character
reflective of the socio-cultural values of the people. This includes architectural

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designs and infrastructure. Since it is concerned with ordering and designing of
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settlements, urban planning involves not just the science of designing efficient
structures but also the planning for safety and cleanliness in the environment. To help
make well—developed and livable communities, urban builders should give
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importance to drainage system, road construction, building designs, and greening
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program.
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Historic preservation, transportation design and noise-free

environment are determinants of urban development. Preserving our nation’s
heritage at the community level means saving tarnished, but cherished
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neighbourhood institutions. Through the designation of historic districts, adaptive

use or restoration of historic properties, development of heritage areas or historical
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parks and interpretive exhibits, both the government and concerned city dwellers can
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collaborate to preserve national heritage. A transportation system, a powerful

determinant of urban form, has a direct bearing on a region’s competitive advantage
in the national economy. Key opportunities are important for creating value through
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appropriate development from airports, highways, transit system to urban arteries.

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Planning of land use and designing of facilities will enhance the relationship
between transportation and land use for community development. Noise mitigation
industry will help develop a peaceful and quieter environment by utilizing a sound
insulation in the residential, school, transit and metro- rail facilities. Noise pollution
affects the mental health of city dwellers.

The economic health and vitality of our urban life are essential ingredients
to the sustainability of our metropolitan regions. Strengthening historic centres
through downtown and commercial district revitalization efforts adds diversity and
value to the regions Hence, effective urban programs will help boost tourism
industry and other commerce and trade ventures that will contribute to the
development of the living conditions of the people in urban areas.
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Study notes:
1. What is urban lifestyle?
2. What are the essentials of urban planning?
3. Why are historic preservation, transportation design, and noise free environment
considered determinants of urban development?
4. How important is urban planning to socio-economic development of the nation?
5. How does noise pollution affect the mental health of urban dwellers?

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 Environmental Care System

Environmental Care System introduced by the National Institute of

Environmental Health Sciences advocates production of less waste by making people
become environmentally-conscious consumers. Equally important to support and
realize this advocacy is the concept of the 3R’s: reduce the amount of toxicity of trash
thrown away, reuse containers and products, and recycle as much as possible and buy
products with recycled content. Likewise, this concept is important for household’s
hazardous and industrial materials. Leftover household products or materials that
contain corrosive, toxic, ignitable or reactive ingredients are the so- called household
hazardous waste. The improper disposal of this waste can pollute the environment and
pose threat to human health. The industrial hazardous wastes that can be recycled and

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reused are keys to a successful resource conservation program.

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Resource conservation is identifying and managing hazardous wastes.
This includes generation, transportation, treatment , storage and disposal of wastes.
In some countries , industrial firms are required, as provided by law, to secure permit

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stating how 220 pounds (100 kilogram) wastes are stored, treated, disposed or
managed to help prevent environmental pollution.
“Biodegradables”
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“Recyclables” “Hazardous wastes”
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EN

Gather and place in a can, Separate and place in Place in separate

pail or plastic container with different containers: containers:
cover kitchen and yard wastes:
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* Fruit and vegetable peelings * Paper and boxes * Used Batteries

* Fish gills and scales * Glass and metals * Pesticide
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* Animal bones * Plastics * Containers

* Egg shells
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* Spoiled food
* Animal dung
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* Cut grasses, leaves, twigs,

ashes, and the like.
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Use these for compost to be Sell these to junk shops Bring these to
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used for organic fertilizer. or recycling centers. recycling centers.

EARTH SAVERS’ TEN COMMANDMENTS

1. Thou shall not throw garbage along canals or rivers which will eventually pollute
our coastal seas and bays; instead, recycle, re-use and compost waste materials.
2. Thou shall not use non-biodegrable, farm chemicals, fossil fuel-based fertilizers;
instead, use compost fertilizers, organic medicine, as well as natural predators for
controlling pests and diseases.
3. Thou shall not resort to “open burning methods” to dispose of your dry waste
(paper, plastic, others) which only add to accumulation of carcinogenic gas dioxin,
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 carbon dioxide and other “greenhouse” gases which can lead to erratic climatic
changes, hot atmosphere and the flooding of cities and islands.
4. Thou shall not smoke cigars or cigarettes specially in enclosed spaces, vehicles
and air-conditioned rooms, for you harm the health of others.
5. Thou shall improve and maintain your vehicle in good running condition to reduce
black smoke emissions which cause cancer, adenoid, sinusitis and mental
retardation among children.
6. Thou shall stop using CFC-propelled hairspray, repellants, styrofoam, and man-
made chemicals which are eating the ozone layer that shields living things from
lethal ultra-violet sunrays.
7. Thou shall not resort to destructive methods of fishing using dynamites, toxic

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chemicals and equally illegal methods like muro-ami which is destructive of coral
reefs that serve as the spawning grounds for fish and marine life: instead, promote

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sustainable fishing.
8. Thou shall plant and nurture trees that give off life-giving oxygen and absorb

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carbon dioxide which is the major cause of “greenhouse effect” or global warming;
instead, thou shall help as eco-defenders for trees, in the campaign to stop illegal
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felling and burning of trees to protect forests, watersheds, mangroves and national
parks.
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9. Thou shall protect bio-diversity and endangered species of plants and animals such
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as the dugong, sea turtle, the tamaraw, the Philippine eagle, and just as important,
help preserve, nurture, propagate and multiply their numbers.
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10. Thou shall not waste energy and water and any natural resource; instead,
conserve and use them wisely.
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Tips for Caring for the Environment

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CP

1. Limit the usage of plastic as it is non-biodegradable, and cannot be destroyed

easily. The more plastic we generate, the more waste we create. After use, send the
plastic cans, bottles etc for recycling so that the same material can be used again. It
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will help in reducing the quantity of plastic produced.

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2. Similarly, keep a check on electronic wastes generated like radio sets, television sets, and
spare parts of automobiles and computers, discarded mobiles phones and so on.
3. Use products that are made of recycled materials. Think creatively and make the
best use of wastes like clothes (coloured clothes can be used to make a mosaic or
wall hanging), unwanted crockery sets, straws, etc.
4. Go green. Plant saplings in your surroundings. At the same time, do not pull out or
cut off tress for bonfires. Take up gardening activities and keep your surroundings
clean and green.
5. Limit the consumption of papers, since trees have to be cut for paper pulp. Think
twice before taking out printouts of email you receive. Do not waste paper. Give

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 away used papers or newspapers for recycling.
6. Limit the usage of air-conditioning, microwave and high-energy consuming
devices. Refrigerators, ovens and cooling system also generate gases unfit for
environment. Use power-saving bulbs and light systems. Make use of
developments in technology. Use solar-powered batteries, lighting systems and
heaters.
7. Use modes of mass transportation rather than using your own vehicle for daily
traveling or form a group with people going to the same place for work and share
vehicle. This will tremendously reduce the harmful carbon emission and also save
depletion of fuels.
8. Take part in cleanliness drives and help the civic authorities in maintaining

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cleanliness. You can also become a volunteer with NGO s working on
environmental issues and undertake awareness generation campaigns.

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Study notes:

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1.
What is the advocacy of the National Institute of Environmental Health
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Sciences?
EN

2.
Explain the concept of 3R’s in this advocacy?

3.
What is resource conservation?
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4.
Explain the following terms:

a. non-biodegradable
b. waste segregation
c. organic fertilizer
ST

5.
Why should electronic waste be properly disposed?

U
CP
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FO

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 Global Warming has been defined as the observed and projected increases
in the average temperature of earth’s atmosphere and oceans.

Cause and Effect of Global Warming

Scientists believed that almost 100% of the observed temperature increase

over the last 50 years has been due to the increase in the atmosphere of greenhouse
gas concentrations like water vapor, carbon dioxide (Co2), methane and ozone.
Greenhouse gases are those gases that contribute to the effect produced by the
burning of fossil fuels leading to the emission of carbon dioxide.

Global Warming Causes by Greenhouse Effect

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Greenhouse gases in the atmosphere act like a mirror and reflect back to the

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Earth a part of the heat radiation, which would otherwise be lost to space. The higher
the concentration of green house gases like carbon dioxide in the atmosphere, the
more the heat energy is being reflected back to the Earth. The emission of carbon

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dioxide into the environment mainly from burning of fossil fuels (oils, gas, petrol,

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kerosene, etc.) has been increased dramatically over the past 50 years.
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EN
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Global Warming Issues

I. Glaciers

Glaciers are melting, sea levels are rising, cloud forests are drying, and
wildlife is scrambling to keep pace. It is becoming clear that human have caused
most of the past century's warming by releasing heat-trapping gases.
As the Earth spins each day, the new heat swirls with it, picking up moisture
over the oceans, rising here, settling there. It is changing the rhythms of climate that
all living things have come to rely upon.

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II. Greenhouse Effect
The “greenhouse effect” is the warming that happens when certain gases in

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Earth's atmosphere trap heat. These gases let in light but keep heat from escaping,
like the glass walls of a greenhouse.

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First, sunlight shines onto the Earth’s surface, where it is absorbed and the

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radiates back into the atmosphere as heat. In the atmosphere, “greenhouse” gases
trap some of this heat, and the rest escapes into space. The more greenhouse gases are
in the atmosphere, the more heat gets trapped.
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EN

Scientists have known about the greenhouse effect since 1824, when
Joseph Fourier calculated that the Earth would be much colder if it had no
UD

atmosphere. This greenhouse effect is what keeps the Earth’s climate livable.
Without it, the Earth's surface would be an average of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit
cooler. In 1895, the Swedish chemist Svante Arrhenius discovered that humans
ST

could enhance the greenhouse effect by making carbon dioxide a greenhouse gas. He
kicked off 100 years of climate research that has given us a sophisticated
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understanding of global warming.

CP

Levels of greenhouse gases (GHGs) have gone up and down over the Earth's
history, but they have been fairly constant for the past few thousand of years. Global
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average temperatures have stayed fairly constant over that time as well, until
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recently. Through the burning of fossil fuels and other GHG emissions, humans are
enhancing the greenhouse effect and warming Earth.

Scientists often use the term “climate change” instead of global warming.
This is because as the Earth's average temperature climbs, winds and ocean currents
move heat around the globe in ways that can cool some areas, warm others, and
change the amount of rain and snow falling. As a result, the climate changes
differently areas.

III. Aren't temperature changes natural?

The average global temperature and concentrations of carbon dioxide (one of

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the major greenhouse gases) have fluctuated on a cycle of hundreds of thousands of
years as the Earth's position to the sun has varied. As a result, ice ages have come and
gone.
However, for the thousands of years now, emission of GHGs to the
atmosphere have been balanced out by GHGs that are naturally absorbed. As a result,
GHG concentrations and temperature have been fairly stable. This stability has
allowed human civilization to develop within a consistent climate.

Occasionally, other factors briefly influence global temperatures. Volcanic

eruptions, for example, emit particles that temporarily cool the Earth's surface. But
these have no lasting effect beyond a few years. Other cycles, such as El Niño, also
work on fairly short and predictable cycles.

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Now, humans have increased the amount of carbon dioxide in the atmosphere

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by more than a third since the industrial revolution. Changes this large have
historically taken thousands of years, but are now happening over the course of
decades.

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IV. Why is this concern?
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The rapid rise in greenhouse gases is a problem because it is changing the
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climate faster than some living things may be able to adapt. Also, a new and more
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unpredictable climate poses unique challenges to all life.

UD

Historically, Earth's climate has regularly shifted back and forth between
temperatures like those we see today and temperatures cold enough that large sheets of
ice covered much of North America and Europe. The difference between average global
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temperatures today and during those ice ages is only about 5 degrees Celsius (9 degrees
Fahrenheit), and these swings happen slowly, over hundreds of thousands of years.
U

Now, with concentrations of greenhouse gases rising, Earth’s remaining ice

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sheets ( such as Greenland and Antarctica) are starting to melt too. The extra water
could potentially raise sea levels significantly.
R
FO

As the mercury rises, the climate can change in unexpected ways. In addition
to sea levels rising, weather can become more extreme. This means more intense
major storms, more rain followed by longer and drier droughts (a challenge for
growing crops), changes in the ranges in which plants and animals can live, and loss
of water supplies that have historically come from glaciers.

Scientist are already seeing of these changes occurring more quickly than
they had expected. According to the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change,
eleven of the twelve hottest years since thermometer readings became available
occurred between 1995 and 2006.
(from:http://environment.nationalgeographic.com/environment/global-warming/gw-overview)

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Study Notes:

1. What preventive measures can you offer to help in protecting the earth
from global warming experience?

2. As a student, what possible program/s can you propose that will help the
people in your community, especially the younger generation, to participate in
preventing the ongoing experience of global warming?

Activity Guide:

Form a group of five or eight students and designs a plan for possible

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solutions in global warming issues. Plans must be done by following the guidelines
below:

ON
I. Identify the problem related to global warming.

E
II. Cite the causes and effects.
III.
IV. US
Propose a solution to the identified problem.
Identify the people who will be involved in the proposal made.
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V. Identify institutions and other organization for assistance.
EN

VI. Discuss the mechanics of implementing the plan.

UD
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CP
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FO

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 Natural Calamities: Earthquakes, Tsunamis and Floods

I. Earthquake
Surviving an earthquake and reducing its health impact requires preparation,
planning, and practice what to do during and after an earthquake. Learning what
actions to take can help one to remain safe and healthy in the event of an earthquake.
Furthermore, this will reduce the chance of injury from falling objects (and
even building collapse) if one may immediately follow this:

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ON
E
US
(from: http://emergency.cdc.gov/disasters/earthquakes/
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EN

Magnitude/ Intensity Comparison

Magnitude and intensity measure different characteristics of earthquakes.
UD

Magnitude is determined from measurements on seismographs. Intensity measures

the strength of shaking produced by the earthquake at a certain location. Intensity is
ST

determined from effects on people, human structures, and the natural environment.
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CP

Magnitude / Intensity Comparison

The table below gives intensives that are typically observed at locations near
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the epicenter of earthquakes of different magnitudes.

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Typical Maximum
Magnitude
Modified Mercalli Intensity
1.0 - 3.0 I
3.0 - 3.9 II - III
4.0 - 4.9 IV - V
5.0 - 5.9 VI - VII
6.0 - 6.9 VII - IX
7.0 and higher VIII or higher
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 Abbreviated Modified Mercalli Intensity Scale
I. Not felt by a very few especially favorable conditions.
II. Felt by a few persons at rest, especially on upper floors of buildings.
III. Felt quite noticeably by the persons indoors, especially on upper floors of
buildings. Many people do not recognize it is as an earthquake. Standing
motor cars may rock slightly. Vibrations similar to the passing of a truck.
Duration estimated.
IV. Felt nearly by everyone; many awakened. Dishes, windows, doors
disturbed; walls make cracking sound. Sensation like heavy truck striking

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building. Standing motor cars rocked noticeably.
V. Felt nearly everyone; many awakened. Some dishes, windows broken.

ON
Unstable objects overturned. Pendulum clocks may stop.
VI. Felt by all, many frightened. Some heavy furniture moved; a few instances
of fallen plaster. Damage slight.

E
VII. Damage negligible in buildings of good design and construction; slight to
US
moderate in a well-built ordinary structures; considerate damage in poorly
built or badly designed structures; some chimneys broken.
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VIII. Damage slight in a specially designed structures; considerable damage in
EN

ordinary substantial buildings with partial collapse. Damage great in

poorly built structures. Fall of chimneys, factory stacks, columns,
monuments, walls. Heavy furniture overturned.
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IX. Damage considerable in specially designed structures; well-designed

frame structures thrown out of plumb. Damage great in substantial
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buildings, with partial collapse. Buildings shifted off foundations.

X. Some well-built wooden structures destroyed; most masonry and frame
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structures destroyed with foundations. Rails bent.

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XI. Few, if any (masonry) structures remain standing. Bridges destroyed. Rails
bent greatly.
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XII. Damage total. Lines of sight and level are distorted. Objects thrown into
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the air.
(from: http://earthquake.usgs.gov/learn/topics/mags_vs_int.php)

II. Tsunamis

Earthquakes that occur beneath the earth's surface can create waves, called
tsunamis, which travel at up to 650 Km/h (400mph) across Open Ocean, and reach
heights of 30m (100ft) in coastal waters.
Tsunamis can cause immense destruction when they hit coastal communities.
Tsunamis are fairly common in parts of the Pacific Ocean, especially around Hawaii
and the Japanese Island.
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 Ten Deadliest Tsunamis

Below is a list of the deadliest tsunamis on record in the world. Magnitude,

date, and location are also given.

Casualties Date Magnitude Location

350,000 2004 9.0 Indian Ocean
100,000 1410 b.c. Crete-Santorini, Ancient Greece
100,000 1755 8.5 Portugal, Morocco, Ireland, and the
United Kingdom
100,000 1908 Messina, Italy
40,000 1782 7.0 South China Sea, Taiwan

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36,500 1883 Krakatau, Indonesia
30,000 1707 8.4 Tokaido-Nankaido, Japan

ON
26,360 1896 7.6 Sanriku, Japan
25,674 1868 7.6 Northern Chile
15,030 1792 6.4 Kyushu Island, Japan

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US
Source: National Earthquake Information Center, U.S. Geological Survey.

Japan’s most powerful earthquake since records began has struck the
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North-East coast, triggering a massive tsunami
EN

Japan Earthquake in 2011: An article (from: http://bbc.co.uk/news/world-asia -

pacific-12709598)
UD

Cars, ships and buildings were swept away after the 8.9 magnitude tremor,
ST

which struck about 400km (250 miles) north-east of Tokyo. A state of emergency has
been declared at a nuclear power plant, where pressure has exceeded normal levels.
U

Officials say 350 people are dead and about 500 missing, but it is feared the
CP

final death toll will be much higher. In one ward alone in Sendai, a port city in Miyagi
prefecture, 200 to 300 bodies were found.
R

The quake was the fifth largest in the world since 1990 and nearly 8,000 times
FO

stronger than the one which devastated Christchurch, New Zealand, last month, said
scientists. Thousands of people living near the Fukushima nuclear power plant have
been ordered to evacuate.

III. Flood

A flood commonly is defined as any level of flow that exceeds the natural
carrying capacity of a river and that inundates the adjoining low-lying land flood
plains which ordinarily is dry, although some flood plains have large areas of
wetlands. Of all the natural hazards, floods are among the most widespread and most
ruinous to life and property, particularly as more people live near water.

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 Floods strike in many forms, including sea surges driven by winds, or
tsunamis churned by seismic activity. By far the most frequent, however, and
standing in a class by themselves, are the inland, fresh-water floods that are caused by
rain, by melting snow and ice, or by the bursting of human-made dams.

Since the Philippines is frequently visited by floods, the government and it's
concerned agencies are taking precautionary measures to inform the people to take
precautions and protect themselves and their property from flood risks and flood
damage.

Moreover, many rivers flood when they become overfilled with rainwater in
the rainy season. The bigger the river, the bigger the flood. The worst-recorded flood

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occurred in 1887 when the Hwang-Ho (Yellow River) in China burst through its 20m
(70ft) embankments, and some 900,000 people were drowned in the flood (Reader’s

ON
Digest, 2004).

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Floods are commonly described in three ways:

Ÿ
US
The rate which they rise and fall ( e.g., a flash flood may rise in as little as an hour);
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Ÿ The maximum height of inundation (e.g., 2 feet); and
EN

Ÿ The average frequency of occurrence of flood of given magnitude (e.g., a 25 year-

flood, 100-year flood, or 500-year flood).
UD

Flood Prevention Tips

ST

The illustration below shows the important things to do and look for in case of
emergency (i.e earthquake, flood, tsunamis, and other related natural calamities).
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CP
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FO

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Tips for Personal Safety During a Flood

1. Do not walk through flowing water. Drowning is the number one cause of flood
deaths, mostly during flash floods. Currents can be deceptive; six inches of
moving water can knock you off your feet. If you walk in standing water, use a
pole or stick to ensure that the ground is still there.
2. Do not drive through a flooded area. More people drown in cars than anywhere
else. Do not drive around roads or bridges; they may be washed out.
3. Stay away from power lines and electrical wires. The number two flood killer
after drowning is electrocution. Electrical currents can travel through water.
Report downed power lines to the Department of Water and Power or the city

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emergency management office.
4. Have your electricity turned off by the Department of Water and Power. Some

ON
appliances, such as televisions, keep electrical charges even after they have been
unplugged. Do not use appliances or motors that have gotten wet unless they have

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been taken apart, cleaned and dried.

US
5. Look out for animals, especially snakes. Small animals that have been flooded
out of their homes may seek shelter in your home. Use a pole or a stick to poke and
turn things over and scare away small animals.
T
6. Look before you step. After a flood, the ground and floors are covered with debris
EN

including broken bottles and nails. Floors and stairs that have been covered with
mud can be very slippery.
UD

7. Be alert for gas leaks. Use a flashlight to inspect for damage. Do not smoke or use
candles, lanterns, or open flames unless you know that gas had been turned off
ST

and the area ventilated.

Natural Disaster Activity: A personal experience

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can be done by pair or by group.

CP

Mechanics:
1. Identify recent natural experience/s in your country and discuss the following;
R

a. The background of calamity (i.e date, place, etc.)

FO

b. The extent of damage brought by the calamity

c. The measures provided by concerned agencies
d. The proposal to strengthen preventive measures
2. Discuss in class for critiquing.
3. Visual aids (photos, videos ) may help in facilitating the discussion.

138
 The Importance of Aesthetic and Spiritual Values

Aesthetic Values signify an appreciation for a “work of art”. This value

allows human beings to be sensitive and receptive to beauty that is pleasurable to the
senses and the spirit of human persons. These values include the following:

»Affirming - Aesthetic affirmation essentially transcends any specific

material or form, although the finest effects will come from the finest mediums. Even
negative and destructive manifestation may be enjoyed from a purely aesthetic
perspective, particularly through the experience of contrasting efforts.

»Valuing - People’s instinctive tastes and desires and loves (as well as

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aversions) are the essential guides in the creation of a future which truly fulfill them.
Valuing, judging, and discriminating are each individual’s means of discovering and

ON
defining himself or herself, and a part of the affirmative process of individual and
social realization.

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»Appreciating - Everything has at least some relative interest to people as an
US
aesthetic phenomenon, and the beautiful things in nature and art are attractive to their
own nature and artistry. A sense of wonder is the most essential aesthetic response to
the world, since everything in it ultimately has an inexhaustible mysterious and
T
miraculous quality.
EN

»Individualizing - A room or a home, or any particular place, may fulfill the

UD

general need for individuality either through having a variety of sensation things
within itself, or through having a special singularity, which is sensation through
contrast with other places. A person may create himself through favoring whichever
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tastes he/she desires.

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»Socializing - All the other activities of life taken on a special aura, a

CP

multiplied human significance, through being experienced in the presence of others

or shared. Conversation, the universal expression, is a great opportunity to discover
others and reveal oneself.
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FO

»Celebrating - It is propitious to make the most extravagant preparations

and elaborations for any celebrative occasion, and not neglecting the internal effects
of eating and drinking, to truly transport the senses and the soul.

»Leisuring - Living idly leaves one the time too readily, freely, and fully,
indulge in spontaneous experiences as they arise. Sensations, passions, sentiments,
interests, studies, and practical commitments, such as regular employment, joining
clubs, religious activities and charitable activity may help contribute in finding time
leisurely while doing things for others.

Spiritual Values fulfill the needs of human consciousness, the mind and
soul. These values are standards for judging meaning and differentiation of good and
139
evil. As biological creatures, human beings are created with an enormous, but
structured cognitive capacity. Consequently, humans are all motivated by intense
need to search for meaning and the desire to interpret events and circumstances of
their lives within a context. Spiritual values provide the standards by which events or
things in life given meaning. As such, they also cover sets of values within which the
other values operate. Spiritual values form part of the needs of human beings to
aspire for something and to hope for its achievement. It is believed that to be human is
to be spiritual. These spiritual values are also called human values inherent to
human’s spiritual nature.

Integral to the development of these values is the development of self and

how it relates to others.

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»Self-development means to become the person one aspires to be.

ON
Integrating social identity with self identification is important to the development of
the human person. A well-developed person has an increased awareness of priorities,
values, ethics and chosen lifestyle. Significantly, personality development strategies

E
help the person realize dreams and aspirations enhance professional potentials and
US
talents as well as improve quality of life in areas such as health, wealth, culture,
family, friends and communities. As self is further developed, the person gains
control of circumstances in life and achieves wisdom to be able to deal with
T
challenges of living and relating with others.
EN

»Personal interrelationships in the social world shape the way a person

UD

projects the self to others. Positive self-image will likely make people see the
positive and capable self the person hopes others to see. Self-image has a strong
impact on the person’s worth, happiness and outlook in life which also affect other
ST

people around.
U
CP

Guidelines for a Healthy Self-Image

1.
Develop an attitude that says without boasting.

R

Divinely created in the image of GOD, you are endowed to master the
FO

circumstances that surround you.

2.
Overcome feelings of inferiority.

Learn to think and feel you are an IMPORTANT PERSON. It is from
you that all else begins, you create your own creativity and reality to be able to do
the best not only for yourself but also for others.

3.
Put away feelings of unhappiness and worthlessness.

Learn to reward, comfort and love yourself. Feel okay to let others see
the same.

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4. Use your mind.
Successful people use their mind MORE than others. Oftentimes, they
simply use more of what they have.

5. Beware of people with whom you associate.

Associate with people who are enthusiastic and optimistic about life and you
will soon pick up their optimism.

6. Avoid being totally self-centered.

Do something for others. Walk with an “extra mile” for others.

7. Be flexible.

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Look over your rigidities about how things “MUST BE” or “ALWAYS
ARE”. Do you have to hold on to them so tightly?

ON
8. Learn to relate comfortably to success and to accept the responsibilities that
go along with success.

E
When you set your mind toward achievement, let everything about you
US
indicate success. Let your manner, your dress, your bearing, your conversation and
everything you do SPEAK ACHIEVEMENT AND SUCCESS.
T
9. Be kind to your body. Listen to what it tells you.
EN

If there’s a need to visit your doctor, or dermatologist, then do so. Adopt a

certain regimen for your physical well-being. Seek professional help if you must.
UD

Pamper yourself once in a while and reward your body.

10. Be health conscious.

ST

Get enough rest and sleep, drink plenty of water and watch your diet.
Doctors recommend at least 45 minutes of daily exercise (dance, sports,
U

walking/jogging)
CP

11. Grow spiritually and morally.

Adopt a lifestyle that is God-centered. Do some activities which are
spiritually nourishing and morally uplifting.
R
FO

12. Engage in some recreational activities.

Develop hobbies that include culture and the arts. Get involved in your
community development projects.
13. Assess your personal statements on why you dress or accessorize yourself the
way you do.
Ask questions like “Do I dress....
to make a fashion statement “I want to be in”
to show affordability “I have money so…”
to highlight my endowment “I add beauty”
to empower self “I dress for power”

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 or “ how do I dress..............
simply with taste
dowdy
formal
ragged
just casual
smart/ elegant casual
classic
always appropriate

14. You cannot give what you don’t have.

Know and develop what you have to be able to share the best of what you have.

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15. Be in control.
“No matter what kind of circumstances you are in, that circumstance should

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not deter you to do what you should do and to be the best person you could ever be”.

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16. Use every opportunity that comes your way to your advantage.
Education is an opportunity to become a better person; however no matter how
US
educated a person is, it is nothing if it does not help to master circumstances in life.
T
EN

Study notes:
UD

1. Is aesthetics important to human beings? Explain your answer.

2. How does an individual develop an aesthetic sense?
ST

3. Explain the importance of the following:

Ÿ affirming
Ÿ valuing
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Ÿ individualizing
CP

Ÿ socializing
4. How do spiritual values fulfill the needs of human soul and mind?
5. What is self-imaging?
R

6. What is the importance of developing interpersonal relationship?

FO

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