There is a lucrative but illegal trade in the sale of “Tuko “ or Gecko, largely due to claims that it can cure HIV/AIDS , cancer and a host of other diseases and ailments.
Among Southeast Asian nations, the Philippines was pinpointed as one of the sources of these nocturnal lizards known for its “vocalizations at night “.
It is now fast becoming a threatened species because of wanton and indiscriminate hunting. The price for a single “tuko “ with an average length of some 40 centimeters can go as high as between P60,000-P100,000.
Just recently, a hunter was arrested with 30 geckos he intended to sell for
at least P1 million to P2 million.
The Philippine gecko belong to the “Tokay gecko “and classified as “arboreal “whose habitat is the rainforest trees and cliffs but can adapt
in rural settings.
I remember growing up in the province always startled by the steady
croaky sounds of “tu-ko…tuko..tuko ..” in a cadence of 3-4 seconds interval
emanating either from the treetops or even at the high ceilings of the house.
Among our elders and specially from the Chinese, the “Tuko “ is considered
as a harbinger of good luck, fortune and even fertility.
Today, there are claims the innards of the “tuko “ contains a powerful enzyme that can stop or cure tumour cells, treat asthma while the meat
is turned into powder to be ingested as medicine.
But health authorities belie all these reports as “myth” declaring that there has yet to be a medical research to support such claims.
In the meantime. Philippines authorities have been cooperating with other Asian countries like Malaysia to curb the illegal traffic of the sales of geckos with a warning that the practice of using Gecko-derivative potions or
formulas masquerading as medicines can pose a grave threat to patients and their health.
Reports said some of the concoctions are already being clandestinely sold here in Canada via the Asian route.
The Philippine government are reminding that collecting and trading geckos without permit can result in a fine of P300,000 or roughly ($6,900) and a jail time of up to four months.
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GREAT EXPECTATIONS: The Aquino government seem to have a penchant for exaggerations and drama against its predecessors, if not fixated at making them its favorite punching bag.
In his SONA (state of the nation address) President Noynoy Aquino said
the state-owned gambling corporation (PAGCOR) or Philippine Gaming Corporation during the time of former president Gloria Arroyo had spent some P1 billion on cups of coffee given to casino-goers. The PAGCOR operates a chain of casinos all over the country.
But Mr. Aquino did not explain that this amount or expenditure was spent
on a period of some 10 ten years.
Defending himself, the former chairman of the PAGCOR explained that by doing the mathematics for this assumption, it is possible and reasonable
to have spent such amount.
The problem with Mr. Aquino’s report to the nation was that it lack directions insofar as how the economy is going , and what concrete programs are in place to address the basic needs such as in education and health..
We all know that he’s sincere in fighting corruption in and out of government but let us not lose focus on other important things.
How true are allegations that the Aquino presidency is one that is characterized by passiveness? Or did we expect too much?
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FESTIVAL BASH: Living up to expectations, the Go kapamilya festival
Of July 23 at the Metro Convention Center in Toronto presented a powerhouse talents of the network giant ABS-CBN. Shrieking fans rocked
the cavernous hall where some 100 trade booths were also featured.
But it was the presence of heartthrobs like John Lloyd, Jericho Rosales and other kapamilya stars that added flavour and entertainment to the thousands of festival-goers. The PIDC organized event was actually the second in a slew of summer affairs serving up the Filipino-Canadian community in the GTA area. Another entertainment themed bash ,this time in Mississauga called the “Fiesta ng Kalayaan “ on July 30,also featuring Jericho Rosales plus cultural presentations and food fairs .
Also slated is the free- to -the public the Filipinos Making Waves (FMW)
Festival on August 6 and 7 at Dundas square this time featuring home grown talents and other presentations.
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I have heard some comments why our community hold so many festivals or events that seem to be duplicates of each other .
I say, the more the merrier. For as long as this makes many of our “kababayans “ have a good time, feel like at home, enjoy each other’s company like they do in their homeland..let’s have more events.
Basta nakakapagsaya sa atin, that’s the bottomline. Forget politics and
petty squabbles or bickering.
But I have a friendly suggestion to all of the organizers of these events.
If we want more audience to come and accept your “pakulos “and ultimately
generate goodwill to all sectors of the community, let’s practice good public relations or maybe let’s have some staffers undergo public relations 101.
Enjoy summer !
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