The Dapitan Initiative

The archipelago of the Philippines is well endowed with nonferrous mineral resources, and in recent years the Philippine government, acting under the influence of the dominant and seemingly ubiquitous neoliberal development paradigm, has liberalized its mining laws in order to accelerate economic development. Yet the Philippines is also a country highly prone to a variety of natural hazards that have the ability to interact adversely with mining’s potential for environmental degradation. Thus there are great dangers inherent in pursuing such a development paradigm: earthquakes can destabilize tailings storage facilities, typhoons can flood tailings ponds, and mine-pit dewatering can enhance the competition for groundwater resources during droughts. This study explores how these hazards amplify the environmental harm prevalent in mining, and reveals the substantial threat posed to the livelihoods of the archipelago’s poor, as well as the inadequacies of the very institutions designed to protect their environment.

This is the first book to examine the actual impact of physical and social engineering projects in more than fifty countries from a multidisciplinary perspective. The book brings together an international team of nearly two hundred authors from over two dozen different countries and more than a dozen different social, environmental, and engineering sciences. Together they document and illustrate with case studies, maps and photographs the scale and impacts of many megaprojects and the importance of studying these projects in historical, contemporary and postmodern perspectives. This pioneering book will stimulate interest in examining a variety of both social and physical engineering projects at local, regional, and global scales and from disciplinary and trans-disciplinary perspectives.

In 2022, Dexter P. Baño Jr.'s "Bisikleta ni Pepe" provided us a glimpse of how the young author and leader sees Dr. Jose Rizal. Now, Baño will take us to the depth of his mind, his unpopular opinions on various topics, and his colorful life. This follows an unconventional way of writing by compiling different forms of literature into a single book. If you are interested in understanding how he sees the world and the Philippines, you will be captivated and taken to a new world based on THE FUTURE WE WANT.

Book 1: Immerse yourself in the life and legacy of a national hero with “ Lineage, Life and Labors of José Rizal, Philippine Patriot by Austin Craig .” Austin Craig meticulously traces the journey of José Rizal, a key figure in the Philippines' fight for independence. This comprehensive biography delves into Rizal's lineage, his multifaceted life, and his impactful contributions as a patriot, shedding light on the historical context of the Philippines during his time. Book 2: Witness the harsh realities of industrial life with “ Life in the Iron-Mills; Or, The Korl Woman by Rebecca Harding Davis .” Rebecca Harding Davis paints a vivid portrait of life in the iron mills, exploring the struggles of the working class. This novella serves as a poignant commentary on the socio-economic challenges of the 19th century, highlighting the plight of laborers and the harsh conditions they endured. Book 3: Step into the vibrant world of 18th-century London with “ Boswell's Life of Johnson by James Boswell .” James Boswell provides an intimate and detailed account of the life of Dr. Samuel Johnson, a renowned literary figure of his time. This classic biography captures the wit, wisdom, and idiosyncrasies of Johnson, offering readers a fascinating glimpse into the cultural and intellectual landscape of 18th-century England.