English for Purposive Communication

MODULE 6-Communication for Various Purposes

ENABLING COLLABORATIVE ASSESSMENT:

Drafting your MAC-Proposal.
Course/Year/Section: EEE11 Date: April 2023
Leader (Surname first): Ramos, Lance Andre
Members (Surname first): Aguilar, Lara Gem E.
Balacanao, Jherice A.
Gaspillo, Ma. Sofia S.
Paz, Heather Gayle B.

INTRODUCTION
Background:

Air pollution, according to IHME (2022), is harmful to health. Gasses and ambient
particulate matter make up outdoor air pollution. The main sources of this pollution are
automobiles and factories, but dust storms and forest fires can also contribute. Globally,
particulate matter pollution causes premature death and illness. Particularly in low-income
nations, household air pollution is a significant problem. Solid fuels like wood, dung, plant
matter, and indoor cooking are the main contributors to this.

Air quality in Serbia continues to be a major concern as the entire population resides in
areas where PM2.5 levels are higher than the World Health Organization's (WHO) annual
guideline value of 5 g/m3 (Health Effects Institute, 2022). According to IQAir (2023), the use of
solid fuels such as coal and wood to heat homes, as well as Serbia’s reliance on lignite and
coal-fueled power plants, are well-known contributors from the energy sector. But other things
also contribute to air pollution in Serbia. Pollution emissions from an aging transportation fleet,
industrial operations, waste disposal facilities, and agricultural emissions all exacerbate this
issue. Just a few examples of specific industrial locations identified as contributing to Serbian air
pollution include metalworking and chemical plants close to Smederevo, Bor, and the town of
Sevojno, three cement factories in Popovac, Kosjeri, and Beoin, and three cement factories
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themselves. Particularly polluting are the thermal plants at Obrenovac, Lazarevac, and Kostolac,
which burn coal and lignite.

Even though there have been efforts to reduce air pollution, such as stricter
environmental laws, the promotion of cleaner products and fuels, and financial incentives for
using renewable energy sources, air pollution is still a big problem in Serbia, with negative
effects on the environment and people's health. Businesses and governments often plant trees
in forests that already exist to reduce the amount of carbon dioxide in the air. However, planting
trees in densely populated cities with limited space can be difficult. Nevertheless, a group of
Serbian scientists have devised an ingenious solution to the problem (Castim, 2022). Dr. Ivan
Spasojevic, Ph.D. in Biophysical Sciences and one of the authors on the project from the
Institute for Multidisciplinary Research at the University of Belgrade, developed the LIQUID 3,
the first urban photo-bioreactor in Serbia and an answer to the issue of clean air. It holds 600
liters of water, uses microalgae to bind carbon dioxide, and through photosynthesis, pure
oxygen is produced (UNDP, 2021).

The LIQUID 3 proves the importance of climate-smart urban development. By reducing

environmental impact, conserving natural resources, promoting biodiversity conservation, and
raising awareness, innovative ideas can help promote a more sustainable future. It is essential
to encourage innovation and creativity to ensure the continuity of creating and implementing
new and innovative ideas that help protect the environment.

Rationale:

The goal of the innovation, Liquid 3, is to lessen the pollution such as CO2 emission in
urban areas since there is not enough space for the trees to be planted and it could change the
environment of urban areas. Our group intends to promote the benefits of the Liquid 3 since
according to (Castim, 2022) it is a photo-bioreactor and multifunctional such as it can act as
bench, chargers and has lighting during the night. With the utilization of microalgae to bind
carbon dioxide and produce clean oxygen through photosynthesis, this innovation could
improve the quality of the air in the environment and only requires six hundred liters of water
and microalgae; also when it comes to the maintenance, it can be replaced with the water and
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algae and the previous Liquid 3 can be used as a fertilizer, a wastewater treatment, compost for
green areas, production of biomass and biofuel as well as an air purification of the exhaust for
factories.

When it comes to the problem of the Philippines, it has the same situation as Serbia
when it comes to pollution. According to Raji (2023), the biggest environmental issues are sea
level rise, plastic, marine and air pollution; he also stated that air pollution in the Philippines
mainly comes for cars and burning fossil fuel like coal and oil in areas such as Manila and some
cities outside of it including Biñan City Station, Antipolo City Station, Davao City Station etc. If
Liquid 3 is introduced in our country, it will create a new environment and lessen the air
pollution in the Philippines. Lastly, few trees only exist in urban areas of the Philippines and
replacing them with innovation could help the Philippines improve its climate and environment
and also decrease the mortality of people having a disease that comes from pollution.

The benefactors of our multimodal advocacy campaign are the Filipino Citizens since we
want them to be informed in such innovation that could change the lifestyle and environment
using the Liquid 3. Also, the life expectancy of the Filipinos according to Sarao (2023) is around
71 years old and when it comes to genders, the male’s life expectancy is 67 years old while the
female is around 76 years old. When it comes to the mortality rate of Filipinos in terms of
pollution, specifically air pollution, according to Robles et.al. (2018) “45.3 deaths per 100,000
Filipinos die due to air pollution and not only it is an environmental problem but also a health
menace”. If this innovation lands here in our country, it will not only lessen the mortality rate
and increase the life expectancy of Filipinos, it will also change the lifestyle of the country such
as living without pollution and having a healthy environment.

DISCUSSION
Multimodality:

This groundbreaking project incorporates various modes of communication and

presentation to demonstrate its incredible innovation. Visuals, where the scientists utilize
stunning visuals to convey the essence of the "A Liquid Tree" project. High-resolution images
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MODULE 6-Communication for Various Purposes

and videos showcase the transformation of a liquid substance into a tree-like structure,
capturing the attention of viewers and providing a visual representation of the groundbreaking
innovation. Demonstration, the scientists in Serbia also employ live demonstrations to
showcase their innovation. They use prototypes or working models of the liquid tree to
showcase its unique properties, such as its ability to grow and adapt in different environments.
This hands-on approach allows the audience to witness the innovation in action and better
understand its capabilities. Scientific Data, wherein the "A Liquid Tree" project is supported by
scientific data and research findings presented through graphs, charts, and data visualization
tools. This multimodal approach allows the scientists to present empirical evidence and validate
their innovations, adding credibility and depth to their work. Verbal Communication: The
scientists use verbal communication as a key modality to explain the intricacies of the "A Liquid
Tree" project. They use scientific explanations, and descriptions to convey the technical aspects
of the innovation, addressing questions and clarifying concepts to ensure a comprehensive
understanding. And the use of interactive technology, where the project may also incorporate
interactive technology, such as virtual reality (VR) or augmented reality (AR), to create an
immersive experience for the audience. This allows them to interact with the liquid tree,
explore its properties in a simulated environment, and further engage with the innovation. The
use of multimedia presentations, wherein the scientists also use multimedia presentations,
combining various modalities such as visuals, videos, live demonstrations, data, and verbal
communication to create a comprehensive and engaging presentation. This multimodal
approach ensures that the audience can grasp the complexity and significance of the "A Liquid
Tree" project from different angles. In addition to that, the use of numerous communication
and presentational means to demonstrate amazing innovative thinking.

The scientists efficiently explain all the details and innovations of their study, making it
accessible and interesting to a wide range of people through graphics, demonstrations, scientific
data, verbal communication, interactive technologies, and multimedia presentations. Dr. Ivan
Spasojevic also explains that the system is low-maintenance, as the algae can grow in tap water
and are resistant to extreme temperatures. The biomass created by dividing the algae can be
used as fertilizer, and with regular replenishment of water and minerals, the algae can continue
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to grow indefinitely. The potential uses of microalgae go beyond air purification, as they can
also be utilized in wastewater treatment, compost for green areas, biomass production, and
biofuel production. The Liquid Tree project aims to promote and expand the use of microalgae
in Serbia, showcasing the versatility and sustainability of this innovative solution. The Liquid
Tree serves as a shining example of how scientists in Serbia are making incredible innovations to
address pressing environmental challenges. By combining biotechnology, sustainability, and
urban planning, the Liquid Tree offers a unique solution for reducing greenhouse gas emissions,
improving air quality, and creating functional urban amenities. Through the collaborative efforts
of scientists, local communities, and policymakers, innovations like the Liquid Tree can
contribute to a more sustainable and climate-smart future.

Advocacy:

An advocacy on artificial trees, specifically LIQUID 3, in regards to its usage in modern

society. A project in Serbia, led by scientists, has gained our attention for its incredible
innovation that helps improve our environment in several areas. First of which is climate
change. Although, climate change is an inevitable phenomenon that’s been caused by
numerous natural processes on Earth. But because of human activities, releasing a lot of carbon
dioxide and greenhouse gasses, climate change has become more rapid. Trees are known to
absorb carbon dioxide from the atmosphere, which can help reduce greenhouse gasses and
reduce the effect of climate change. But how about for those places wherein trees would be
hard to sustain? This is where LIQUID 3 comes in handy as it is equivalent to one adult tree or
200 m2 of lawn. Experts estimated that grass releases at least two pounds of pure oxygen per
hour. Although, oxygen amount may vary depending on the place’s climate and soil component.
Second is conservation and biodiversity. As the capacity of degraded ecosystems to assimilate
and store CO2 (carbon dioxide) tends to decrease, the changes in environmental settings are
disturbing species and their natural habitats. Not just on land but also to marine organisms,
specifically corals which are home to many sea animals.

The “Liquid Tree” project led by scientists in Serbia advocates for sustainable agriculture,
climate change mitigation, conservation and biodiversity, innovation and technology, as well as
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education and outreach. Wherein innovations have the potential to contribute positively to
addressing pressing environmental challenges and inspire further advancements in the field.
Now, it’s important to note that artificial trees are not meant to replace actual trees. These are
created and innovated to accommodate places where trees would be difficult to grow, such as
cities. Climate change is a heavy and serious problem that should be talked about widely.
Innovations pertaining to helping slowing down climate change should be known. This advocacy
will aim to share this incredible innovation with hopes that it will inspire many Filipinos to
advocate for it to be implemented here in the Philippines to reduce our air pollution and create
a healthier environment for our citizens and future generations.

Campaign:

As this advocacy primarily focuses on promoting this recent innovation, LIQUID 3, all
activities will be done online. One of which is creating a blog site that talks about the usage of
LIQUID 3, as well as talking about the importance of creating and researching artificial trees and
how we can implement these innovations into practical use. Sharing the blog site’s link in
multiple social media accounts to have easier access and hopefully gain a bigger audience.
Second planned activity is, podcast. Some people prefer to listen than read in order to learn
about something or gain new knowledge. After all, we have different modes of learning.
Anyhow, for this activity we will create a podcast (that will be linked in our blog site) tackling the
current state of our environment, what new innovations have been done, or current research is
being done. So this podcast will accomplish two things: promoting LIQUID 3 and spreading
awareness of our environment.

These activities will be carried out from April 22 up to June 10 (since, according to the academic
calendar for SY 2022–2023 in the schoolbook, June 13–17 is the final examination week). So in a
month and a half, we will be uploading at least 3 episodes as podcasts and updating the blog
site whenever there's new information to share. Each member will be given a task to focus on
(that will be inclined to their schedule so it won’t be hectic). Such tasks would be those of a
script writer for the podcast, an editor, a handler of social media accounts, a handler of the blog
site, etc. Since these planned activities are online, spending for the campaign won’t be
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applicable. But if ever a situation arises, the members have agreed that one of them will
contribute at least ₱100.

CONCLUSION

According to research by the Center for Research on Energy and Clean Air, air pollution
caused 66,230 deaths in the Philippines in 2019—64,920 of which were thought to be adult
deaths and 1,310 of them thought to be child deaths. This aligns the impact with the most
recent literature and is much larger than earlier estimates provided for the nation (Centre for
Research on Energy and Clean Air, 2023). Burning fossil fuels like coal and oil is the main cause
of air pollution in the Philippines. This will inevitably worsen air quality over time, given that
53% of the population lacks access to clean fuels and cooking technologies. The issue of climate
change should be publicly discussed because it is weighty and significant. It is important to
know about innovations for reducing climate change. In the Philippines, air pollution is the
number one environmental health concern and the third-highest risk factor for death and
disability from non-communicable diseases (NCDs). (IHME 2020). Its costs extend beyond the
individual or local level to the entire country since the health effects of air pollution have
commensurate financial and economic consequences that are frequently ignored in the
development of public policy.

This advocacy will seek to spread information about this amazing breakthrough in the
hopes that it will motivate many Filipinos to fight for its adoption here in the Philippines in
order to lower air pollution and create a better environment for our people and future
generations. As a result, this multimodal advocacy campaign will use only digital multimodal
text that combines the five main modes—linguistic, visual, aural, spatial, and gestural—through
digital media channels that encourage public participation. Through this, our project will be able
to effectively inform the Filipino people about the air pollution issue we are now facing and how
we plan to address it using the amazing technology of Liquid 3. Since there isn't enough room
for trees to be grown and it can alter the ecosystem of urban regions, Liquid 3's innovation aims
to reduce pollution such as CO2 emission in metropolitan areas. Since the Liquid 3 is a
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MODULE 6-Communication for Various Purposes

photo-bioreactor and has multiple uses, like serving as a bench, a charger, and a nightlight, our
group wants to spread the word about its benefits.

Approving the implementation of this MAC proposal will help by providing suggestions
for maintaining the quality of our environment and lowering air pollution, particularly in urban
areas of the Philippines. Along with safeguarding everyone's health in the Philippines, especially
that of urban dwellers. The majority of deaths in our nation are caused by the hazards of air
pollution, which influences everything. Climate change not only causes air pollution but also
makes it worse. The health of people and other animals on our planet is at risk due to air
pollution. For our team, this is a call to action rather than merely an advocacy for reducing air
pollution in our nation. Let's work together to protect our nation from air pollution.

REFERENCES (Follow the 6th edition of APA)

Air Pollution. Institute for Health Metrics and Evaluation. (2022, August 22). Retrieved April 4,
2023, from https://www.healthdata.org/air-pollution

Biodiversity and climate change. (2022, November 17). UNESCO.

https://www.unesco.org/en/climate-change/biodiversity

Castim, D. (2022, January 6). A liquid tree? scientists in Serbia make incredible innovation.
World Bio Market Insights. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from
https://worldbiomarketinsights.com/a-liquid-tree-scientists-in-serbia-make-incredible-innovatio
n/

Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air. (2023a, February 6). Estimating the Health &
Economic Cost of Air Pollution in the Philippines – Centre for Research on Energy and Clean Air.
https://energyandcleanair.org/publication/cost-of-air-pollution-in-the-philippines/#:~:text=Our
%20research%20found%20that%20air,with%20the%20most%20recent%20literature.

Does Grass Produce Oxygen? | Savvy Lanscaper. (n.d.). Savvy Landscaper.

https://savvylandscaper.com/does-grass-produce-oxygen/#:~:text=The%20amount%20of%20ox
ygen%20that%20grass%20produces%20varies.,per%20hour%20due%20to%20their%20faster%
20growth%20rates%21
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Health Effects Institute. (2022, October 26). State of Global Air Special Report on air quality and
health in Serbia. Health Effects Institute. Retrieved April 4, 2023, from
https://www.healtheffects.org/announcements/state-global-air-special-report-air-quality-and-h
ealth-serbia#:~:text=Furthermore%2C%20air%20pollution%20was%20the,%2C%20anthropogen
ic%20dust%2C%20and%20industry.

LIQUID3 – Urban Photo-Bioreactor. (n.d.). https://liquid3.rs/

Raji, K. (2023, January 11). 4 biggest environmental issues in the Philippines in 2023.
Earth.Org. Retrieved April 9, 2023, from
https://earth.org/environmental-issues-in-the-philippines/

Robles, N., et.al. (2018, July 28). Ph falls third in air pollution deaths  - across the islands. Asian
Journal News. Retrieved April 8, 2023, from
https://www.asianjournal.com/philippines/across-the-islands/ph-falls-third-in-air-pollution-dea
ths%e2%80%af/

Sarao, Z. (2022, November 23). Average life expectancy of Filipinos is 71, says World Bank.
INQUIRER.net. Retrieved April 9, 2023, from
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1696715/ph-life-expectancy-at-71-years-old-says-world-bank

The first algae Air Purifier in Serbia: United Nations Development Programme. UNDP. (2021,
September 9). Retrieved April 4, 2023, from
https://www.undp.org/serbia/news/first-algae-air-purifier-serbia
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