Table of Contents

Essays	Date Submitted	Score/Perfect Score
Cover Letter	Date Saved: Published:
1. Problem-Solution: The Garbage Problem in the Philippines	Final: August 26, 2012 Second Draft: August 23, 1012 First Draft: August 13, 2012 Outline: August 13, 2012 Date Saved: Published:
2.  Extended Definition (A True Friend)	Final: August 2, 2012 First Draft: July 23, 2012 Outline: July 21, 2012 Published:
3. Englcom goals essay (My Goals in ENGLCOM)	Final: July 4, 1202 Second Draft: June 24, 2012 First Draft: June 18, 2012 Outline: June 18, 2012 Published:
4. Diagnostic Essay (Writing)	Date Published:

Problem-Solution Essay: The Garbage Problem in the Philippines (Final)

The Philippines is a beautiful country that unfortunately has a number of important environmental issues which need to be dealt with (Perez, 2011). One of these critical issues is with regard to the mismanagement of garbage and wastes in the country which causes other types of environmental disasters such as flooding, erosion, landslides and other dangers on landfills and dumpsites that include health concerns among the people living nearby (Perez, 2011). Unfortunately, the Philippines has one of the highest amount of solid waste generated in the world yet, still has no sustainable and effective waste disposal facility (Calica, 2009). Given the perennial garbage problems in the Philippines which harm the environment, waste management is indeed a necessary step to resolve and minimize all garbage-related problems in the country.

            In a recent study about the garbage problems in the Philippines, studies revealed that in Metro Manila alone, an estimate of 8,000 tons of solid waste are generated daily. However, only 6,000 tons end up in legal waste facilities while the rest are illegally dumped in private lands, creeks, rivers and at times, are even burned openly (Calica, 2009). What is even more alarming is the fact that the rate of increase in the amount of garbage or waste produced on a daily basis, significantly increases at 40% on the average. Apparently, most landfills and garbage dumpsites filled up very fast. As such, there is a great danger that the country may run out of proper dumpsites and waste facilities that will ultimately lead to further environmental and human hazards (Imagine Echo Projects Waste, 2008). 

Some of the local government bodies in the Philippines are currently pursuing the best methods to solve the ever-increasing garbage problem in the country. According to Pavia (2012), some provinces in the country will be pursuing the privatization of their solid waste management efforts in order to diminish the negative effects of garbage mismanagement such as flooding, erosions, landslides and even health problems & dangers on the landfills. On the other hand, the Philippine Congress is also actively prioritizing the creation of new laws and policies intended to strengthen proper waste management practices in the country. In fact, just recently, some lawmakers have already filed a bill which requires Local Government Units (LGUs) to make use of garbage trucks with “onboard compactor” for the proper transportation and collection of solid waste (Castillo, 2012). Basically, the main purpose of this onboard compactor is to compact solid waste while these are in transit and ultimately, reduce the total volume of solid waste and minimize the amount of waste generated in the major cities and localities in the country (Castillo, 2012).

The Philippine government recognizes the fact that there are many possible solutions to address the ever-growing problem on waste generation. Unfortunately, there are also many given constraints to totally eradicate this huge garbage problem in the country. Nevertheless, amidst all the present issues on the perennial garbage problems in the country which constantly harm the environment, it is still important to go back to the basics of waste management as it remains to be a very critical and necessary step in resolving and minimizing all garbage-related problems in the country.

References

Calica, A. (2009). Villar: Garbage problem now an environmental disaster. Retrieved from http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=455885

Castillo, L. (2012). LGUs urged to use garbage trucks with onboard compactor. Retrieved from http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=6178

Imagine Echo Projects Waste. (2008). Environmental Problems in the Philippines. Retrieved from http://imagineechoprojectswaste.blogspot.com/

Pavia, J. (2012). Pineda wants garbage management privatized to solve global problem and prevent spread of diseases. Retrieved from http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/14990/Volume-6-No-27/Headlines/Pineda-wants-garbage-management-privatized-br-i-To-solve-global-problem-and-prevent-spread-of-diseases-i

Perez, D. (2011). Waste Management Problems of the Philippines. Retrieved from http://www.spectrumbluesteel.com/blog/2011/07/01/wastemanagement-problems-philippines/

Problem-Solution Essay: Garbage Problem in the Philippines (Draft)

Introduction

The Philippines is a beautiful country that unfortunately has a number of important environmental issues which need to be dealt with (Perez, 2011). One of these critical issues is with regard to the mismanagement of garbage and wastes in the country which causes other types of environmental disasters such as flooding, erosion, landslides and other dangers on landfills and dumpsites that include health concerns among the people living nearby (Perez, 2011). Unfortunately, the Philippines has one of the highest amount of solid waste generated in the world yet, still has no sustainable and effective waste disposal facility (Calica, 2009). Given the perennial garbage problems in the Philippines which harm the environment, waste management is indeed a necessary step to resolve and minimize all garbage-related problems in the country.

The Extent of the Garbage Problem in the Philippines

            In a recent study about the garbage problems in the Philippines, studies revealed that in Metro Manila alone, an estimate of 8,000 tons of solid waste are generated daily. However, only 6,000 tons end up in legal waste facilities while the rest are illegally dumped in private lands, creeks, rivers and at times, are even burned openly (Calica, 2009). What is even more alarming is the fact that the rate of increase in the amount of garbage or waste produced on a daily basis, significantly increases. Apparently, most landfills and garbage dumpsites filled up very fast. As such, there is a great danger that the country may run out of proper dumpsites and waste facilities that will ultimately lead to further environmental and human hazards (Imagine Echo Projects Waste, 2008).

Solution to the Garbage Problem in the Philippines

Some of the local government bodies in the Philippines are currently pursuing the best methods to solve the ever-increasing garbage problem in the country. According to Pavia (2012), some provinces in the country will be pursuing the privatization of their solid waste management efforts in order to diminish the negative effects of garbage mismanagement. On the other hand, the Philippine Congress is also actively prioritizing the creation of new laws and policies intended to strengthen proper waste management practices in the country. In fact, just recently, some lawmakers have already filed a bill which requires Local Government Units (LGUs) to make use of garbage trucks with “onboard compactor” for the proper transportation and collection of solid waste (Castillo, 2012). Basically, the main purpose of this onboard compactor is to compact solid waste while these are in transit and ultimately, reduce the total volume of solid waste and minimize the amount of waste generated in the major cities and localities in the country (Castillo, 2012).

Conclusion

The Philippine government recognizes the fact that there are many possible solutions to address the ever-growing problem on waste generation. Unfortunately, there are also many given constraints to totally eradicate this huge garbage problem in the country. Nevertheless, amidst all the present issues on the perennial garbage problems in the country which constantly harm the environment, it is still important to go back to the basics of waste management as it remains to be a very critical and necessary step in resolving and minimizing all garbage-related problems in the country.

References

Calica, A. (2009). Villar: Garbage problem now an environmental disaster. Retrieved from http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleid=455885

Castillo, L. (2012). LGUs urged to use garbage trucks with onboard compactor. Retrieved from http://www.congress.gov.ph/press/details.php?pressid=6178

Imagine Echo Projects Waste. (2008). Environmental Problems in the Philippines. Retrieved from http://imagineechoprojectswaste.blogspot.com/

Pavia, J. (2012). Pineda wants garbage management privatized to solve global problem and prevent spread of diseases. Retrieved from http://punto.com.ph/News/Article/14990/Volume-6-No-27/Headlines/Pineda-wants-garbage-management-privatized-br-i-To-solve-global-problem-and-prevent-spread-of-diseases-i

Perez, D. (2011). Waste Management Problems of the Philippines. Retrieved from http://www.spectrumbluesteel.com/blog/2011/07/01/wastemanagement-problems-philippines/

Extended Definition Essay: A True Friend (Final)

The quotation “No man is an island” is almost always used within the context of friendship. In fact, it is often interpreted as no man can stand alone by himself and that every individual needs to be surrounded by different people who share the same interests and views that a person has. Every person in this world is in pursuit of friends, however, rarely does one find what is called a “true friend”; that is, one who is able to stay in a close and genuine relationship with another person through thick and thin. Indeed, true friends are one of the greatest joys in life everyone should have. They are the pillar of strength that keeps us going and adds color to our lives.

The word “friend” was taken from the German word “freogan” which means “to love” and “to favor”. Interestingly, the term “friend” has been used as a verb in the English language since the late 14th Century (Friend, 2012a). As a noun, the word “friend” is used to describe a person whom one personally knows, likes and trusts. In some cases, the word “friend” may also pertain to an acquaintance, an associate or a colleague (Friend, 2012b).

Interestingly, there are a number of terms synonymous to the word “friend” which are being used at the present time and one of these is the word “acquaintance”. However, the words “friend” and “acquaintance”, although sometimes being used interchangeably to mean the same thing, also have certain differences in terms of meaning. The word “friend” pertains to the people that one chooses to talk to and share experiences with. Friends are the people one normally interacts and socializes with. They are the people who share the same interests, hobbies and other things with another person. Acquaintances on the other hand, are people whom one only know by association. An acquaintance could be someone who was introduced by a friend, a classmate or someone close to a person. Thus, an acquaintance is someone that is known by a person but is not considered as a close friend or even a well-trusted individual. Thus, the main difference between a friend and an acquaintance is that a friend is someone who shares a close relationship with an individual while an acquaintance is a person known by an individual, but does not necessarily share a close relationship with that individual (Acquaintance, 2012).

 Personally, a true friend is considered a joy in my life because he or she is a person whom I can trust, rely and depend on especially in times of trouble and sorrow. Rarely does one find a true friend because in many cases, friends come and go in one’s life and only very few stay particularly during times of difficulty. A true friend is a source of happiness and joy. Aside from being a pillar of strength in times of trouble and loneliness, a true friend also adds color to my life as that person shares the same fun and happy memories that I experience each day of my life.

Moreover, a true friend matters to me because he or she is someone I can trust with even the innermost secrets that I keep deep within me. Without a true friend, I would have no one to share my problems with. I would also have no one to share the happiness and joys I experience in my day to day life.

I believe that friendship easily blossoms when two people share the same interests and views in life. When two people are able to constantly communicate and in the process, build a strong relationship, friendship blossoms even more.

But while making new friends can be easy, making a true friendship last, can be quite difficult. This is because for true friendship to last, it requires a testing of time. Time is what shapes and defines two people’s level of friendship and determines the strength of their friendship.

 I am one of the few fortunate people in this world who was able to find a true friend. Back in kindergarten days up to the present time, I have managed to maintain and develop genuine friendship with Marco. I consider him my true friend and “best friend” because even though we went to different schools in elementary and high school, we still managed to share a deep friendly relationship with one another. Although we have fought and went through many disagreements in the past, I believe that those experiences all the more made our friendship stronger and more colorful.

 If there is one important lesson I have learned about friendship, it would be the value of sincere love and care for another person. From the very start, I have shown my best friend how much I love and care for her and in return; she did the same for me, and helped me out through the difficult times I went through.

 Aside from genuineness and sincerity, I believe that constant communication is one of the important rules to keeping a friendship close. Regardless of the length of distance that separate two friends from one another, I believe that the only key to maintain and strengthen friendship is through communication.

Therefore, a true friend is indeed a source of joy. As in the words of Joseph Addison, in one of his famous quotations: “Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joy, and dividing our grief (Addison, 1711). Indeed, he is trying to point out that a true friend is only capable of increasing one’s happiness and joy while at the same time, decreasing one’s misery and grief.

Therefore, no amount of time or length of distance will be able to hinder a true friend from sharing with his or her friend, the joy that comes from within. In this sense, a true friend is indeed one of the greatest joys in life one could ever have. Moreover, a true friend is a pillar of strength that keeps a person going despite difficulties and challenges in life. A true friend also adds color to one’s life as he or she tries to share the same fun and happy memories that one experiences in day-to-day life. 

 

References

 Acquaintance (2012). Dictionary.com.   Retrieved July 20, 2012, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/acquaintance

Friend (2012a). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=free-love

Friend (2012b). The Free Dictionary. Retrieved July 20, 2012 from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/friend

Friendship (2012) Quotations Book.com. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from http://quotationsbook.com/quote/15916/

Extended Definition Essay: A True Friend (Draft)

The quotation “No man is an island” is almost always used within the context of friendship. In fact, it is often interpreted as no man can stand alone by himself and that every individual needs to be surrounded by different people who share the same interests and views that a person has. Every person in this world is in pursuit of friends, however, rarely does one find what is called a “true friend”; that is, one who is able to stay in a close and genuine relationship with another person through thick and thin. Indeed, true friends are one of the greatest joys in life everyone should have. They are the pillar of strength that keeps us going and adds color to our lives.

The word “friend” was taken from the German word “freogan” which means “to love” and “to favor”. Interestingly, the term “friend” has been used as a verb in the English language since the late 14th Century (Friend, 2012a). As a noun, the word “friend” is used to describe a person whom one personally knows, likes and trusts. In some cases, the word “friend” may also pertain to an acquaintance, an associate or a colleague (Friend, 2012b).

Interestingly, there are a number of terms synonymous to the word “friend” which are being used at the present time and one of these is the word “acquaintance”. However, the words “friend” and “acquaintance”, although sometimes being used interchangeably to mean the same thing, also have certain differences in terms of meaning. The word “friend” pertains to the people that one chooses to talk to and share experiences with. Friends are the people one normally interacts and socializes with. They are the people who share the same interests, hobbies and other things with another person. Acquaintances on the other hand, are people whom one only know by association. An acquaintance could be someone who was introduced by a friend, a classmate or someone close to a person. Thus, an acquaintance is someone that is known by a person but is not considered as a close friend or even a well-trusted individual. Thus, the main difference between a friend and an acquaintance is that a friend is someone who shares a close relationship with an individual while an acquaintance is a person known by an individual, but does not necessarily share a close relationship with that individual (Acquaintance, 2012).

            Personally, a true friend is considered a joy in my life because he or she is a person whom I can trust, rely and depend on especially in times of trouble and sorrow. Rarely does one find a true friend because in many cases, friends come and go in one’s life and only very few stay particularly during times of difficulty. A true friend is a source of happiness and joy. Aside from being a pillar of strength in times of trouble and loneliness, a true friend also adds color to my life as that person shares the same fun and happy memories that I experience each day of my life.

            Moreover, a true friend matters to me because he or she is someone I can trust with even the innermost secrets that I keep deep within me. Without a true friend, I would have no one to share my problems with. I would also have no one to share the happiness and joys I experience in my day to day life.

            I believe that friendship easily blossoms when two people share the same interests and views in life. When two people are able to constantly communicate and in the process, build a strong relationship, friendship blossoms even more.

            But while making new friends can be easy, making a true friendship last, can be quite difficult. This is because for true friendship to last, it requires a testing of time. Time is what shapes and defines two people’s level of friendship and determines the strength of their friendship.

            I am one of the few fortunate people in this world who was able to find a true friend. Back in kindergarten days up to the present time, I have managed to maintain and develop genuine friendship with Marco. I consider him my true friend and “best friend” because even though we went to different schools in elementary and high school, we still managed to share a deep friendly relationship with one another. Although we have fought and went through many disagreements in the past, I believe that those experiences all the more made our friendship stronger and more colorful.

            If there is one important lesson I have learned about friendship, it would be the value of sincere love and care for another person. From the very start, I have shown my best friend how much I love and care for her and in return; she did the same for me, and helped me out through the difficult times I went through.

            Aside from genuineness and sincerity, I believe that constant communication is one of the important rules to keeping a friendship close. Regardless of the length of distance that separate two friends from one another, I believe that the only key to maintain and strengthen friendship is through communication.

            Therefore, a true friend is indeed a source of joy. As in the words of Joseph Addison, in one of his famous quotations: “Friendship improves happiness, and abates misery, by doubling our joy, and dividing our grief (Addison, 1711). Indeed, he is trying to point out that a true friend is only capable of increasing one’s happiness and joy while at the same time, decreasing one’s misery and grief.

Therefore, no amount of time or length of distance will be able to hinder a true friend from sharing with his or her friend, the joy that comes from within. In this sense, a true friend is indeed one of the greatest joys in life one could ever have. Moreover, a true friend is a pillar of strength that keeps a person going despite difficulties and challenges in life. A true friend also adds color to one’s life as he or she tries to share the same fun and happy memories that one experiences in day-to-day life. 

References

Acquaintance (2012). Dictionary.com. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/acquaintance

Friend (2012a). Online Etymology Dictionary. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from http://www.etymonline.com/index.php?search=free-love

Friend (2012b). The Free Dictionary. Retrieved July 20, 2012 from http://www.thefreedictionary.com/friend

Friendship (2012) Quotations Book.com. Retrieved July 20, 2012, from http://quotationsbook.com/quote/15916/

My Goals in Englcom (Final)

Goal setting is the first step to success. It provides us a direction, purpose as well as motivation and drive for ambition. This holds true for everyone and to all fields of endeavor. Likewise, setting my goals to achieve in Englcom will help me improve my writing skills, expand my knowledge and become a more responsible student.

One goal that I want to achieve is to pass the course and be the best student that I can possibly be. I wish to learn, communicate and become prepared for writing tasks and successfully complete as much material I can with respect to assignments and activities in my Englcom course. I want my efforts to be recognized and hope to communicate to my mentors that I am trying hard to do and excel and while doing so, enjoy the tasks and challenges that are presented before me.

I have always wanted to improve my writing skills. As a student, my writing skills are crucial to everything I do. We write often and write a lot.  It has become an inevitable task. We could write an essay, poem, research or even a letter to potential future employers, so it is really important that for me to hone my writing skills, and since it is very well related to my chosen career path, it would really be of much use. I want to focus on being to be able to write academically with little or no mistakes. I think that learning new strategies and techniques in writing would help improve my essays, particularly my writing style and voice. It would give me an identity and place in the world of writing.

                     

 Reading improves writing in many ways and the amount of information we can get is endless. Although I may not be a bookworm, I try to read books when I get the chance. I believe that it is not healthy to limit ourselves in our own little mental world. Our mind collects certain ideas and styles from what we read, which we can later integrate into our own.

Many have told me that one of the best ways to improve writing skills would be to keep writing. I think that joining the English Learning Laboratory Program for Writing was a good thing for me since I get to practice writing after class which in turn helps with later writing tasks.

To be able to succeed in writing, one should be open to constructive criticism and accept feedback. I used to publish my essays online back in high school. I had written essays that were well received and were said to have been comprehensive and well-written, but that wasn’t always the case. I read comments and tried to adjust my style accordingly while keeping my target audience in mind. It really helped in improving my writing skills.

In conclusion, I think that it would be safer to say that "Practice makes permanent." rather than the more conventional "Practice makes perfect." One cannot become a better writer just by simply writing all day and night. For me to become a better writer, I need to be corrected when I go wrong.

Writing about my goals for Englcom has given me inspiration to thrive for success and has given me a more optimistic view towards writing. Setting goals for things we want to achieve is important because as Fitzhugh Dodson said: 

"Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination." - Fitzhugh Dodson

My Goals in Englcom (Draft)

Goal setting is the first step to success. It provides us a direction, purpose as well as motivation and drive for ambition. This holds true for everyone and to all fields of endeavor. Likewise, setting my goals to achieve in Englcom will help me improve my writing skills, expand my knowledge and become a more responsible student.

One goal that I want to achieve is to pass the course and be the best student that I can possibly be. I wish to learn, communicate and become prepared for writing tasks and successfully complete as much material I can with respect to assignments and activities in my Englcom course. I want my efforts to be recognized and hope to communicate to my mentors that I am trying hard to do and excel and while doing so, enjoy the tasks and challenges that are presented before me.

I have always wanted to improve my writing skills. As a student, my writing skills are crucial to everything I do. We write often and write a lot.  It has become an inevitable task. We could write an essay, poem, research or even a letter to potential future employers, so it is really important that for me to hone my writing skills, and since it is very well related to my chosen career path, it would really be of much use. I want to focus on is to be able to write academically with little or no mistakes. I think that learning new strategies and techniques in writing would help improve my essays, particularly my writing style and voice. It would give me an identity and place in the world of writing.

                     

 Reading improves writing in many ways and the amount of information we can get is endless. Although I may not be a bookworm, I try to read books when I get the chance. I believe that it is not healthy to limit ourselves in our own little mental world. Our mind collects certain ideas and styles from what we read, which we can later integrate into our own.

Many have told me that one of the best ways to improve writing skills would be to keep writing. I think that joining the English Learning Laboratory Program for Writing was a good thing for me since I get to practice writing after class which in turn helps with later writing tasks.

To be able to succeed in writing, one should beopen to constructive criticism and encourage feedback. I used to publish my essays online back in high school. I had written essays that were well received and were said to have been comprehensive and well-written, but that wasn’t always the case. I read comments and tried to adjust my style accordingly while keeping my target audience in mind. It really helped in improving my writing skills.

In conclusion, I think that it would be safer to say that "Practice makes permanent." rather than the more conventional "Practice makes perfect." One cannot become a better writer just by simply writing all day and night. Fore me to become a better writer, I need to be corrected when I go wrong.

Writing about my goals for Englcom has given me inspiration to thrive for success and has given me a more optimistic view towards writing. Setting goals for things we want to achieve is important because as Fitzhugh Dodson said: 

"Without goals, and plans to reach them, you are like a ship that has set sail with no destination." - Fitzhugh Dodson

Diagnostic Essay: Rambling Thoughts About What it is and Why We Write

Looking at writing from a viewpoint.

An attempt to describe why it is very important.

                                                                                                                                                                Many times, I have been left idle by a simple question, "Why do we have to write?" In reality, writing isn't that simple. In fact, it is very broad as a topic or as a word to define. Students such as my self look at it simply as a requirement and something that is inevitable and even annoying, especially when one doeso not have much to write about or cannot think of one. The feeling of having cloudy or empty thoughts makes writing quite scary for me, and something I try to avoid. But in spite of my contradicting thoughts, I still appreciate its beauty and the capacity it allows many of us to. Writing is a gift, a privilege, an ability and a form of art in itself. For one, it gives us some sort of freedom, a rewarding feeling to speak and be heard and within it, we  are able to express our thoughts, our emotions as well as opinions that each and everyone of us are entitled to. Writing has been used by our ancestors and their forefathers. It has not only been a method to record information and symbolism regarding the earlier civilizations but also as a medium to tell stories to awaken the hearts and minds of many in order for them to take action and fight abuse and slavery from foreign oppresors. Writing as a form of art came to be as it is now from the works of man. Through their stories, poems, odes and other literature, writing has taught us and has helped shape us as better intellectuals. In modern times, appreciation for writing may have been protruded by personal struggles and the stresses of everyday life  so we sometimes hope for it to be non-existent. It's a foolish thought as not only is it impossible but also because it carries too much value and importance to be forgotten.

Writing is our key to communicating with the world. With it, we have our rights and without it, our whole civilization, lost. It gives us reason for existence and enables us to learn invariably as we go through with life.