Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco Cities, and Albay Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 79

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 09:44 AM

Gov't bans human activity around Mayon PDZ; NDCC assures aid to Albay
(http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p091217.htm&no=27)by MA Loterte

Legazpi City (17 December) -- Defense Secretary and National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) Chairman Norberto Gonzalez has ordered Wednesday (December 16) Task Force Mayon in Albay to "close the gate" strictly enforcing ban of any human activity within the permanent danger zone following the escalating restiveness of Mayon Volcano.

In a press briefing held here earlier today, Gonzales also directed local disaster managers in the province to beef up emergency operation and execute evacuation procedures to ensure the safety of all residents and target a "zero casualty" in the wake of the imminent disaster posed by the volcano's eruption. He added that some 50,000 dust masks will be provided the soonest possible time to residents directly exposed to ash falls around Mayon, particularly in the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig and Ligao City. He has also assured provincial officials that immediate assistance, including monetary and food supports, from the national government will be provided should Mayon ensue to a full blown eruption.

Albay local officials meanwhile have requested the provincial board to declare the province under the state of calamity, noting that local government units (LGUs) are now actually moving out thousands of affected residents that have to be taken care of while in the evacuation centers.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda averred that the provincial government has sufficient fund to feed the more than100,000 evacuees in 18 days should there be a massive evacuation of residents in worst case scenario in the wake of Mayon eruption. The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) in Albay has estimated some 120,413 residents have to be evacuated if affected areas around the volcano will cover up to the 10 kilometer radius.

Cedric Daep, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) chief, related that at least 30,761 persons (6,559 families) were already relocated to at least 26 evacuation centers across towns and cities surrounding Mayon. Daep said that evacuation would be continuing until all the 47, 285 residents or 9,946 families in the permanent (6 kilometers) and extended (up to 8 kilometers) danger zone dangers are totally evacuated under Alert Level 3 status of the volcano.

"If the abnormal condition of Mayon will worsen and Alert Level 4 is hoisted, an additional of 72,858 persons (16, 232 families) from the extended danger zone within 10 kilometer radius will be evacuated," he noted. On the other hand, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato Solidum said that institute is still waiting for more intense abnormal parameters of Mayon to warrant raising Alert Level 4. Solidum has confirmed that at least two lava domes were gradually blocking the 200-meter crater of Mayon.

Phivolcs scientists observed that the domes were becoming bigger everyday, already blocking 25 to 30 percent of the opening of the volcano's crater.
Solidum noted that, "unlike in the 2001 and 2006 eruptions, Mayon took weeks to months for lava domes to develop, but this time these domes are becoming bigger and bigger everyday."

"Once they collapse or disintegrate due to pressure from beneath the volcano, the occurrence would trigger a huge volume of incandescent materials and volcanic rocks to roll down the volcano's slopes.
For this reason, he is pushing for the strict enforcement of the "no human activity policy" because of the lava fragments detaching from the dome inside the crater will continuously roll down the gullies and this detached lava fragments produced a small secondary pyroclastic surge generating rock falls and ash falls. (PIA V)

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 09:50 AM

Mayon and the town of Daraga
http://img526.imageshack.us/img526/7681/pinoy4.jpg
Source (http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2009/12/17/looming-danger.html)

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 10:18 AM

lv07rn2QEf8

aidz

December 17th, 2009, 11:43 AM

;48628861']'A Personal Touch'

Noontime Concert of David Pomeranz, Ogie Alcasid, Mitch Valdez and Faith Cuneta at Embarcadero Celebration Plaza

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs027.snc3/11431_256147493568_807803568_4238502_81410_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs027.snc3/11431_256147378568_807803568_4238486_7192400_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs027.snc3/11431_256147698568_807803568_4238528_1317965_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs007.snc3/11431_256147838568_807803568_4238546_2348915_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs027.snc3/11431_256147993568_807803568_4238568_1362197_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs007.snc3/11431_256148428568_807803568_4238628_6051393_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs027.snc3/11431_256148613568_807803568_4238658_2851523_n.jpg

Source (http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=807803568)

kelan kaya ito mauulit? I arrived there just when it was about to finish... never had an intention of watching though...

say... after the concert, it was kinda stormy... the winds were strong and the waters turbulent... I wonder how it's like to travel by sea with that weather condition...

lighthouse was also inaccessible... :(

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 12:46 PM

http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad202/megalgzp/th_16122009011-1.jpg

kevinb

December 17th, 2009, 12:48 PM

http://http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad202/megalgzp/th_16122009011-1.jpg

Can anyone help me fix the pic? Thank u. I cant download the pic.:ohno:

http://photobucket.com/albums/ad202/megalgzp/th_16122009011-1.jpg

Here you go. :) Kaso sadit. Dunno why. :(

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 12:50 PM

http://http://i936.photobucket.com/albums/ad202/megalgzp/th_16122009011-1.jpg

Help ang hirap mag-post ng picture.:ohno:

kevinb

December 17th, 2009, 12:51 PM

^^ Take out the i936 in the URL. That's what made it wrong.

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 12:52 PM

^^ Take out the i936 in the URL. That's what made it wrong.

Thanks kevin.:)

kevinb

December 17th, 2009, 12:53 PM

^^ You're welcome. :)

dc88

December 17th, 2009, 01:12 PM

share ko lng pix..kht d msyado maganda ang kuha.hehe..
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/5017/103bki.jpg
.
.
.
Today at 6:30pm

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 01:28 PM

I just came from Legazpi. So far, so good. Legazpi is more vibrant than ever.:banana:

Here are some good news:

>PM's new gas station is now on-going with its construction. Reyes Barbecue is taking its shape. It will open very soon.:)
>Tahao Road has a new big building finished. Legazpi Savings Bank is bound to open there.
> The city is clean as usual and beautiful. Mayon is just fine. Media is exag!!!
> Hotel Ellis is the best hotel in town. Best services and amenities ever.:banana:
> Misibis is more beautiful in actual than what u see here in the pics.
> Who told u that EM is not a crowd-drawer? Well try to visit from 5pm up to wee hours, it's like fiesta.:banana:
> SM Savemore will open also in EM!!!:banana:
> Roselle Cinema is now for sale! Please Robinsons buy it.:lol:
> Astoria Plaza Hotel will not open in EM, but in Tahao! Don't know what is the hotel component of EM.
> Still the eyesore is the old burnt market grrrrrr.:ohno:
> Lignon's view is spectacular. One of the reasons why Legazpi is well-respected as a city because of the view from there. Jaw-dropping view indeed.:)
> Cebu Pacific will increase its flight. Legazpi may have up to 50 flights a week. Grabe! Well PAL pa rin ako.:lol:
> SLIA is still on-going with its access road construction.
> Ang dami pa...More restos to open next year like KFC and Pizza Hut.:)

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 01:37 PM

share ko lng pix..kht d msyado maganda ang kuha.hehe..
http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/5017/103bki.jpg
.
.
.
Today at 6:30pm

Yesterday, Mayon is nowhere to be seen. Kanina nagpakita uli sya. I think she heals herself coz she's more perfect now.:) She fills herself.

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 01:41 PM

;48621771']Tummy Yummy Diners Express @ LKY Metro Transport and Lifesyle Hub, now open.

http://profile.ak.fbcdn.net/object3/78/69/n138720147977_6002.jpg

I like the foods here!

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 01:48 PM

;48615157']View from Buraguis

http://images.mpat3k.multiply.com/image/12/photos/83/1200x1200/1/MG-4820-P3K.jpg?et=LzB14jltO6zOb7K5VBrjWg&nmid=304401630
by marius patrick (http://mpat3k.multiply.com/)

After my grand lakwatsa in PM, EM and Legazpi area, we went there in Lignon. Worth it experience. Medyo mahirap umakyat pero ang sarap bumaba:lol:. Once you're up there you will forget your hardship in getting there. The view is awesome. And the facilities are better now.

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 01:50 PM

Yahoo next thread na tayo! 25th Silver Thread in honor of the majestic Mayon!

Brandon32

December 17th, 2009, 03:13 PM

alcogoodwin

December 17th, 2009, 03:14 PM

;48627083']Sure, that will be great! I just hope I'm in Legazpi by that time -- I'm Manila-based. But I'm sure the other Legazpi folks, especially Mr. Monsi, will be glad to meet you.

Will let you knwo more on the trip as it gets closer and we workm out days.
How is my ol friend Mr Monsi? Havent talked to him on here for a long while either.

alcogoodwin

December 17th, 2009, 03:16 PM

;48628271']Hi, maybe you can try Magayon Hotel or Hotel St. Ellis. They're not the tallest hotels but I think they have a clear view of Mayon on some floors. But I would recommend Ligñon Hill view deck as a better alternative. You can enjoy a 360 degree view, not only of Mayon, but also of Legazpi City, Albay Gulf and surrounding areas, from up there. Here are some photos taken from Ligñon Hill.

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3074/2491305285_b0ceaa98fe_b.jpg
by Sinjin (http://www.flickr.com/photos/itsmichaelsinjin/)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3308/3271386475_d18fc65619_b.jpg
Photo by me

Beautiful. Actually no, Beautiful isn't a good enough word, this is stunning.
How do you get to this hill from Legaspi City (station)? I presume this is still outside the 1km exclusion zone.

Brad

Kintoy

December 17th, 2009, 04:12 PM

Mayon Volcano from space

http://i646.photobucket.com/albums/uu182/wetboxers/mayon_ali_2009349.jpg

This natural-color image of Mayon was captured on December 15, 2009, by the Advanced Land Imager on NASA’s Earth Observing-1 (EO-1) satellite. A small plume of ash and/or steam is blowing west from the summit. Dark-colored lava flows from previous eruptions streak the flanks of the mountain.
NASA Earth Observatory image created by Jesse Allen, using EO-1 ALI data provided courtesy of the NASA EO-1 team.

[NASA Photo (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=41911&src=share)]

megalgzp

December 17th, 2009, 04:40 PM

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 05:00 PM

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/Merry_Christmas_Legazpi-1-1.jpg

Link to Legazpi City and Albay Province Compiled Threads (1-24) (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=175804)

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 05:30 PM

Mayon Volcano Eruption -- December 2009

http://img187.imageshack.us/img187/9973/r4870382509474.jpg
Photo by Charism Sayat

http://img121.imageshack.us/img121/8420/43119272.jpg

http://img269.imageshack.us/img269/1035/98272389.jpg

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/6545/70922214.jpg

tiltshift

December 17th, 2009, 05:31 PM

http://img684.imageshack.us/img684/5042/mayonali2009349lrg.jpg (http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/images/imagerecords/41000/41911/mayon_ali_2009349_lrg.jpg)

^^^^ 1482x1482 pixels courtest of NASA http://earthobservatory.nasa.gov/IOTD/view.php?id=41911&src=share

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 05:34 PM

^^Thanks for sharing tiltshift! Please see previous thread for my answer to your query. :)

Brandon32

December 17th, 2009, 05:38 PM

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad315/albay2030/albay002.jpg

Brandon32

December 17th, 2009, 05:40 PM

http://i947.photobucket.com/albums/ad315/albay2030/albay001.jpg

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 05:46 PM

Beautiful. Actually no, Beautiful isn't a good enough word, this is stunning.
How do you get to this hill from Legaspi City (station)? I presume this is still outside the 1km exclusion zone.

Brad

Ligñon Hill is a few kilometers away from the city center. Yup it's outside the danger zone, probably 15 kilometers. You can get to the foot of the hill via jeepney from Legazpi. Then, it's a 20-minute hike up to the top of the hill where you will be rewarded with an awesome view.

Will let you knwo more on the trip as it gets closer and we workm out days.
How is my ol friend Mr Monsi? Havent talked to him on here for a long while either.

I think he's still busy with work but he pops in once in a while hehe.

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 05:54 PM

Restive Mayon a tourist draw (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/234527/restive-mayon-a-tourist-draw)
By AARON B. RECUENCO
December 17, 2009, 5:40pm

Local and foreign tourists have started flocking to Albay to take a glimpse of the glowing lava flow from rumbling Mayon Volcano, while police and military personnel were told to seal off danger zones from tourists and hardheaded residents who have been evacuated but who continuously try to return to their homes.

The additional troops were on top of the teams of soldiers and policemen who were tasked to conduct mandatory evacuation of the remaining 3,000 families, numbering approximately 20,000 persons, living within the six-kilometer and eight-kilometer permanent and extended danger zones, said Senior Supt. William Macavinta, Albay provincial police director.

Macavinta said they are also conducting dialogues with residents who refuse to vacate their homes, convincing them that it is safer in evacuation centers. “Our target is for a zero-casualty in case of any major eruption. The instruction from Governor (Joey) Salceda is that there should be no human activity within the danger zones; we will implement it,” said Macavinta in a phone interview.

He said they were forced to make some security adjustments after they received reports that some of those who have been evacuated were returning to their homes within the danger zones. When security forces confronted them, Macavinta said the residents reasoned out that eruption is not yet imminent and that they still have time to go back to earn some money from their farms.

“We understand them because it is indeed harvest time for their vegetables, that’s why our local officials here are initiating dialogues to explain to them the danger of going back,” he said. “What we want to point out is that their lives are more valuable than their harvests. The forced evacuation is for their safety and we are optimistic that they would listen,” he added.

While they have not received reports of intrusion into the danger zones from local and foreign tourists, Macavinta said the deployment of troops in critical areas is important to ensure that no one gets near the restive Mayon. He advised tourists to stay in safer grounds while taking pictures of the crater glow and lava flow from Mayon Volcano which started over the weekend, prompting the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology to hoist alert level 3 for the active volcano on Monday.

Macavinta explained that it is in the southeast portion of the volcano where lava flow is highly visible. It is also in that area where mandatory evacuation is being effected. Among the areas in the southeast portion are villages in the towns of Camalig, Daraga and Sto. Domingo and in Legazpi City. Aside from the danger zones, policemen and soldiers were also dispatched to secure the 21 evacuation centers identified so far by local disaster officials. “We have enough personnel but I believe other units from other provinces are ready to augment our forces once a major eruption occurs,” said Macavinta.

Officials estimate that there are nearly 10,000 families, more or less 50,000 persons, who have to be forcibly evacuated from the southeast portion of the volcano which experts said are the areas where lava and other volcanic materials would fall in case of a major eruption. As of 9 a.m. Thursday, a total of 6,993 families or 32,442 individuals have already been relocated, with local authorities expecting to finish the mandatory evacuation either today or tomorrow.

The Makati City government, meanwhile, is readying relief assistance to its sister localities in Albay. Mayor Jejomar Binay has asked the city’s Social Welfare Department to prepare relief goods for delivery to evacuation centers in Daraga and Sto. Domingo as he ordered the city’s disaster response and rescue units to be on standby for rescue and retrieval operations in the province.

The mayor also called on other local government units and private individuals to follow Makati’s example, saying affected residents in Albay need all the help they could get even before Mayon erupts. “Makati will be ready to provide help needed in Albay. These events seem to serve as a reminder to all of us what the holiday season is about—reaching out and helping one another. With all of us working together, we will be able to survive any challenge,” he said.

More than 20,000 evacuees would likely spend their Christmas and New Year holidays away from their homes as authorities predicted Mayon’s eruption to take months. “There are only a few days left until Christmas. We will do all that we can to help bring cheer to our brothers and sisters in Albay,” Binay added. (With a report from Kris Bayos)

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 06:12 PM

Legazpi Boulevard
Dap-dap, Puro, Lamba coastline

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/LegazpiBoulevard-1-1.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5753.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5739.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5740.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5749.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5752.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5753.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5728.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5723.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5726.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5727.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5793.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/IMG_5794.jpg

http://i1015.photobucket.com/albums/af278/dxb_01/Legazpiboulevard2-1.jpg

tiltshift

December 17th, 2009, 06:23 PM

^^^^ what is up with those light balls. ka-buki!

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 06:35 PM

Ligñon Hill Nature Park

http://img222.imageshack.us/img222/5814/dsc0668.jpg
by kulitjr3 (http://kulitjr3.multiply.com/)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6585.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6587.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6597.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6596.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6606.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6624.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6629.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6617.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/zipline_lignon_hill.gif

tiltshift

December 17th, 2009, 06:44 PM

After reading the article I wonder if it is wise to travel to Legazpi City. I don't want to add to the troubles of the evacuation personnel.

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 06:50 PM

After reading the article I wonder if it is wise to travel to Legazpi City. I don't want to add to the troubles of the evacuation personnel.

Don't worry, you don't have to go into the danger zone (6-8 kilometers radius from the crater) just to get a good view of Mayon.

dc88

December 17th, 2009, 07:11 PM

Under the state of Calamity na poh ang Albay..just saw it in the News.courtesy of GMA..Philvocs has yet updated their advisory..
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2602/4193129664_1512c68cca.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4193132196_6f9a99514d.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2574/4193219350_6891fc6014.jpg
Nag aarabo na ang mga tao dgdi..dhil sa Ash..kasu bagong aga.pasiring dgdi sa Legazpi ang Ash dara kang Paros..napaparong mi pa ngani.its really getting that bad..

"One of your Legapeños"

tiltshift

December 17th, 2009, 07:15 PM

;48651807']Don't worry, you don't have to go into the danger zone (6-8 kilometers radius from the crater) just to get a good view of Mayon.

I'm planning to fly in first flight, stay overnight, then fly out the following day. A buddy of mine did that yesterday and he said the view was good.

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 07:26 PM

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs034.snc3/12139_207498672945_620147945_3222082_4714649_n.jpg
Source: Erwin T. Lim (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=620147945)

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 07:30 PM

Under the state of Calamity na poh ang Albay..just saw it in the News.courtesy of GMA..Philvocs has yet updated their advisory..

Yup, here's the news article. It was declared mainly to allow the LGUs to use 5% of their budget for relief operations.

* * *

Albay declares state of calamity (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20091217-242552/Albay-declares-state-of-calamity)
By Rey M. Nasol
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 19:22:00 12/17/2009

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Philippines --The provincial board of Albay placed the province under a state of calamity by noon of Thursday, to allow the local government to spend five percent of its budget for relief and other operational expenses in connection with the anticipated violent eruption of the Mayon Volcano.

“We had been sheltering under an earlier declaration of a state of imminent danger for Mayon since alert level two was raised by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) on July 10 this year but there was a need to further upgrade the status of the province as alert level 3 was hoisted and it is now almost alert level 4,” Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council chair, said.

According to the website of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Alert Level 3 means Mayon volcano is in a state of relatively high unrest that could lead to a dangerous eruption in weeks. Alert Level 4 means intense unrest characterized by "persistent tremor, many low frequency-type earthquakes, erratic sulfur emissions, intense crater glow, incandescent lava fragments at the summit area" and that a "hazardous eruption is possible within days." The danger zone is extended to 8 kilometers or could be more.

A curfew has been imposed starting at midnight of Thursday within the 6-kilometer radius permanent danger zone and the extended danger zone up to eight kilometers around the volcano.

“We consider these areas as high-risk zones and need to be deserted by residents and farmers as soon as possible amid the ongoing evacuation efforts,” Salceda said in a meeting with the Task Force Mayon composed of the Philippine National Police, the Philippine Army and the Philippine Navy, which have been providing vehicles together with private organizations such as the Ako Bikol, a philanthropic group of volunteers operating in the province.

However, Salceda told the Task Force Mayon to exercise all means of encouraging stubborn residents to move out of their homes because contingency and relief assistance were already in place at their respective evacuation shelters composed of 600 classrooms in 45 evacuation sites, mostly elementary school buildings.

“The Agencia Española de Cooperacion para el desarrollo (Aecid) is also now in the process of turning over the two remaining permanent evacuation centers in Travesia Elementary School in San Francisco, Guinobatan and at the Camalig East Central School in Camalig, Albay, so that evacuees could use them,” he said.

The Aecid has opted to turn over the buildings to the provincial government of Albay and formal turnover ceremonies would just follow afterwards. Salceda said the task force would apply the law of economy of force, which meant that residents would not be bodily hauled out of their homes or farms and would just be encouraged to move to evacuation centers through reassurances that they would be safe at emergency shelters.

The Albay Health and Emergency Management (Ahem) teams were also deployed to provide the necessary health and emergency care. “Although the alert status is still at level 3, the province’s preemptive measures are already adopting the kind of response and preparedness similar to that in alert level 4, so that we are a step ahead,” Salceda said.

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 07:31 PM

View taken probably from Magayon Hotel along Peñaranda St.

http://img44.imageshack.us/img44/2225/gen4hires.jpg
Source: Philippine Star

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 07:38 PM

Mayon evacuation almost complete (http://www.malaya.com.ph/12182009/news6.html)

THE Office of the Civil Defense said 7,103 families or 33,614 persons have been evacuated from the foot of the restive Mayon volcano as of yesterday noon. Rafael Alejandro, director of the OCD-Region V, said the number represents 71.5 percent of the residents who have to be moved out of the six-kilometer permanent danger zone. The target number for evacuation is some 9,900 families. He said they are hoping to complete the evacuation tomorrow.

Mayon is still under alert Level 3.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned of a possible "quiet eruption" from Mayon Volcano soon following signs of restiveness near its center. The "quiet type of eruption" could be similar to that in 2006, said Jaime Sincioco, officer in charge of Phivolcs’ Volcano Monitoring Division. "However, we cannot discount the possibility that a more hazardous eruption may also happen," he added.

Sincioco said a quiet type of eruption can be described as the "weakest eruption." "Major or explosive eruptions" usually happen at alert Level 5, he said. Alert Level 4 is characterized by intensified volcanic unrest that include persistent tremor, many low frequency-type earthquakes, sustained increase or abrupt decrease in sulfur dioxide emission,

And presence of incandescent lava fragments in the summit area with an intense crater glow. In the past 24-hour monitoring period (8 a.m. Wednesday to 8 a.m. Thursday), there were eight ash explosions that produced dark gray to dark brown ash columns that reached a maximum height of 500 meters.

Phivolcs said advancing lava flow already reached 1.5 kilometers downslope from the crater, while incandescent fragments from the lava pile continuously roll down along Bonga gully, reaching about three to four kilometers downslope. Detached materials from the lava dome at the crater generated a small pyroclastics flow along Banadero channel at the southeast slope.

The Phivolcs recorded a total of 82 volcanic earthquakes and tremors. The agency said weak to moderate volume of white to dirty white steam were also observed drifting towards southwest and west-southwest during the day.

Read the rest of the article here (http://www.malaya.com.ph/12182009/news6.html)

[dx]

December 17th, 2009, 07:41 PM

I'm planning to fly in first flight, stay overnight, then fly out the following day. A buddy of mine did that yesterday and he said the view was good.

I see. Yup, as long as the weather is fine.

olineil

December 18th, 2009, 12:08 AM

Under the state of Calamity na poh ang Albay..just saw it in the News.courtesy of GMA..Philvocs has yet updated their advisory..

Nag aarabo na ang mga tao dgdi..dhil sa Ash..kasu bagong aga.pasiring dgdi sa Legazpi ang Ash dara kang Paros..napaparong mi pa ngani.its really getting that bad..

"One of your Legapeños"

Aw iyo? Naghaluy su direksyon kang hangin pasiring sa Legazpi o mga nagkapirang oras man lang? Bihirahun baga na maghagin pasiring Legazpi ta an prevailing wind dyan Noth by northeast or South by southwest. Pero ingat lang pirmi man giraray. God Bless mga Legazpeeps just be prepared for anything while enjoying natures show! Of course please don't forget to help those who are unfortunately affected by the ashfalls and evacuations. Lets send our help via cash or kind... kind will be best.

JPeePH

December 18th, 2009, 12:58 AM

Maray na aga po saindo gabos :banana:

jOSE1003

December 18th, 2009, 01:32 AM

Congrats! 25th Thread!!!

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 02:03 AM

NFA assure rice supplies despite Mayon eruption (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248035)
By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 17 (PNA) – The National Food Authority (NFA) regional office here assured local officials of Albay that there is a sufficient rice supplies not only for the province but for the entire Bicol region. Catalina Jaylo, NFA regional Enforcement and Regulatory officer told members of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) that as of December 14, 2009, there are 1.5 million bags of rice available. “The available supply is good for 122 days consumption for the six provinces in the region.”

“The province of Albay has nothing to worry because we have available reserve not only for the regular consumption but for Mayon eruption evacuees as well,” Jaylo said. Jaylo said that with or without calamity, the NFA rice is sufficient and available in the market.

On the other hand, Albay governor Joey Salceda announced today that there is an additional 1,000 sacks of rice procured by the provincial government and it will be repacked. “It’s just an additional rice supply for distribution to evacuees.” (PNA)
FFC/LQ/MDR/cbd

alcogoodwin

December 18th, 2009, 02:13 AM

;48648173']Ligñon Hill is a few kilometers away from the city center. Yup it's outside the danger zone, probably 15 kilometers. You can get to the foot of the hill via jeepney from Legazpi. Then, it's a 20-minute hike up to the top of the hill where you will be rewarded with an awesome view.

I think he's still busy with work but he pops in once in a while hehe.

Work always gets in the way of the fun things :lol:

Thanks for the information, I really wish to go there for some photos.
It has taken three years, but I will finally get back to Legaspi - one of the most interesting places on earth.
I have longed to return since I last left.

Brad

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 02:27 AM

Work always gets in the way of the fun things :lol:

Thanks for the information, I really wish to go there for some photos.
It has taken three years, but I will finally get back to Legaspi - one of the most interesting places on earth.
I have longed to return since I last left.

Brad

Thanks for the kind words, sir. :) Hope to meet you and your wife soon in Legazpi :)

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 02:35 AM

Construction of access road to Bicol Int'l Airport

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/6756/pixie061.jpg

http://img29.imageshack.us/img29/1748/pixie059.jpg

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/346/pixie052.jpg
^Photos by Brandon, As of July 2009

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 02:43 AM

Embarcadero

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/August2009.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6792-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6828.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_6708.jpg

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 02:54 AM

PGMA wants zero casualty in Albay - NDCC (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/PGMA_wants_zero_casualty_in_Albay_-_NDCC.shtml)

MANILA, Dec. 17 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and its attached agencies to ensure that there will be no casualties in the ongoing disaster response brought about by the restive Mayon Volcano in Albay. This developed as the local officials, led by the Office of Civil Defense, continued evacuating thousands of residents around the volcano which has displayed abnormal activities since Monday when authorities raised Alert Level 3.

This means that an estimated 10,000 families living within the six-kilometer danger zone would have to be moved out of the area in anticipation of possible eruption of the volcano. NDCC Chairman and Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales said Albay Governor Joey Salceda reported to him that 68 percent of the estimated families inside the danger zone had already been evacuated as of Wednesday.

“Governor Joey told me that 68 percent of the people (inside the danger zone) have been already evacuated. So, by tomorrow morning, I think there will be 100 percent evacuation,” said Gonzales. “The guidance of our President is zero casualty, so she directed the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) to ensure that there is absolutely no human activity within the danger zone, within the six-kilometer radius,” said Gonzales.

The Defense chief said that unless the restiveness of the volcano stops, the evacuees will have to stay at the evacuation centers, even during the Christmas season. “The problem of Governor Salceda is that Christmas is coming. If our volcano doesn’t stop, it is likely that he will be celebrating Christmas with about 10,000 families,” said Gonzales.

Gonzales flew to Albay to take a look at the preparations of the local authorities. “As far as the disaster management is concerned, they are very organized and I am very impressed that these evacuation centers are in order. We looked at their basic needs, water, toilet, kitchen, food. They have no problem with food,” he said.

According to Gonzales, about 50,000 pieces of face masks were flown to Albay from Manila for the protection of the residents from ashes spewed by the volcano. He said a similar number of face masks will be made available to the residence in the coming days. (PNA)

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 03:44 AM

LKY Metro Transport and Lifestyle Hub

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/LegazpiTerminal-1.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_5760.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_5774.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_5771.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/DSC_5775.jpg

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 04:46 AM

Latest Mayon advisory from Phivolcs

18 December 2009
7:00 AM

Mayon Volcano (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) manifested an increase in its activity during the past observation period. A total of two hundred forty eight (248) volcanic quakes and tremors were recorded by the seismic network. Fifty (50) of these events were explosion type, however, only seven (7) were observed during times of good visibility. These explosions produced dark gray to dark brown ash columns that reached a maximum height of up to 1000m above the summit before drifting towards southwest. Harmonic tremors were continuously recorded by the seismic instruments.

During the cloud break this morning, steaming activity ranged from dirty white to light brown in color. Night observation showed an intensified crater glow.

The advancing lava flow has now reached approximately 3 kilometers downslope from the crater while incandescent fragments from the lava pile continuously roll down along Bonga Gully reaching about 3-4 kilometers downslope. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate was still high at 1,065 tonnes per day (t/d).

arc04423

December 18th, 2009, 05:06 AM

majestic mayon is now on fire but still attracts tourists.. hehe

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:27 AM

Photos by Dennis Sabangan/EPA for Time Magazine

http://img705.imageshack.us/img705/1474/volcano01.jpg

http://img259.imageshack.us/img259/1123/volcano02.jpg

http://img7.imageshack.us/img7/9724/volcano04g.jpg

http://img413.imageshack.us/img413/1047/volcano05.jpg

range rover

December 18th, 2009, 06:16 AM

Maray na Albay sa gabos!!!!

Congrats on the new thread!!!!

very simple opening banner yet so beautiful.

garycooper

December 18th, 2009, 07:33 AM

Very nice closing salvo for 2009 Dex. A summary of the major events of the year. I believe this might be the last thread for 2009. And what a bang for the closing of a year - Mayon's fury as a natural fireworks to welcome the new year!

I hope all Legazpeeps are doing fine. Please take extra precautions guys! Mas maray na an pirming nag-lilikay.

Maray na Albay sa gabos!

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 08:35 AM

Maray na Albay sa gabos!!!!

Congrats on the new thread!!!!

very simple opening banner yet so beautiful.

Thanks! Yup, it's the 25th thread just in time for Christmas on Dec. 25th hehe

Very nice closing salvo for 2009 Dex. A summary of the major events of the year. I believe this might be the last thread for 2009. And what a bang for the closing of a year - Mayon's fury as a natural fireworks to welcome the new year!

I hope all Legazpeeps are doing fine. Please take extra precautions guys! Mas maray na an pirming nag-lilikay.

Maray na Albay sa gabos!

Yes, there were a lot of positive developments throughout the province this year. This serves to highlight some of the notable projects and constructions around Albay. We hope these will continue next year and beyond. :okay:

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 08:46 AM

Army turns over P9-M KBP projects in Guinobatan, Albay (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248186)
By Mar S. Arguelles

GUINOBATAN, Albay, Dec. 19 (PNA) - The Philippine Army (PA) engineering brigade turned over on Thursday some P9 million worth of Kalayaan Barangay Program (KBP) projects to the local government of Guinobatan. At a simple turnover rites at the town hall, Tomasito Monzon, Presidential Assistant for Bicol Affairs (OPAP) with Lt. Gen Nestor Ochoa, Armed Forces of the Philippines commanding officer of the National Development Support Command (AFP-NDSC) turned over to Guinobatan Mayor Juan Garcia 15 KBP projects consisting of seven school buildings; three water systems and five health centers.

Army Capt. Razaliegh Bansawan, 901st Army Infantry Brigade spokesman said the newly completed KBP projects are part of the P350-million funded projects undertaken in Bicol since 2008 through the Office of the Presidential Advisers on Peace process (OPAPP) and the AFP. Bansawan said the KBP aims to transform insurgency infested villages to peaceful and developed communities. PA engineers constructed seven school buildings in the villages of Quibongbongan, Maguiron, Mauraro, Mapaco Malipo, Upper Binogsacan and Sinungtan.

Also, five health centers were put up in Upper Binogsacan, Mapaco and three water systems were installed in Upper Binogsacan. Bansawan said these villages were former insurgency hotbeds during the past three decades. He said hundreds of villages in three Bicol provinces have been beneficiaries of the infrastructure projects consisting of farm to market roads, school buildings, water system, electrical and medical facilities.

Some 84 KBP projects worth P86.4 million were successfully pursued in Bicol, including construction of 33 school buildings, 33 water systems and 18 farm to market road projects. For the construction of school buildings, some 33 projects costing P12 million were implemented in the towns of Prieto Diaz, Donsol, Castilla in Sorsogon, Guinobatan, Pioduran and Oas in Albay and the cities of Sorsogon and Iriga in Sorsogon and Camarines Sur respectively.

The construction of water systems and 33 projects worth P31 million were successfully accomplished in the same areas with the inclusion of the town of Donsol in Sorsogon, Jovellar in Albay and Buhi in Camarines Sur. For farm to market roads, 18 KBP projects were completed worth P43 million in this three provinces. Some P59 million funding this year is yet to be spent for 49 ongoing KBP projects involving farm to market roads, 13 projects costing P33 million; 10 school building projects worth P7 million; 13 water system project costing P13 million and 13 health center project worth P7 million. These projects will be implemented in the towns of Jovellar, Guinobatan, and Oas, all in Albay. (PNA)
LAP/LQ/MSA/cbd

kiretoce

December 18th, 2009, 08:51 AM

;48647303']http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/9973/r4870382509474.jpg

This shot makes a very interesting banner. :okay:

JPeePH

December 18th, 2009, 09:08 AM

Hello peepz, how true is it that Embarcadero will also have its SM Savemore aside from the LKY Metro branch?

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 09:10 AM

This shot makes a very interesting banner. :okay:

Yup, I thought so too. However, the dimensions of the image makes it difficult to crop it to the required dimensions for the SSC banner without cropping out Mayon or the city. lol

Hello peepz, how true is it that Embarcadero will also have its SM Savemore aside from the LKY Metro branch?

Not confirmed yet, AFAIK.

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 09:11 AM

Magayon ang pagkakabukas kaining thread...na highlight su mga development sa Albay and Legazpi City buda ang pag alboroto kan Mt Mayon, an pinaka magayon na volcano sa buong mundo!

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 09:13 AM

Hello peepz, how true is it that Embarcadero will also have its SM Savemore aside from the LKY Metro branch?

^ let's see...pero i think it will be unlikely for a two SM savemore stores in legazpi City...

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 09:13 AM

^^Salamat, Brandon. Maray na Albay saimo. Sana magpadagos pa ang mga maray na developments sa satuyang lugar. :okay:
RE: Savemore, I agree with Brandon

JPeePH

December 18th, 2009, 09:14 AM

AH ok.. I have read it from the last thread..

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 09:17 AM

;48687855']^^Salamat, Brandon. Maray na Albay saimo. Sana magpadagos pa ang mga maray na developments sa satuyang lugar. :okay:
RE: Savemore, I agree with Brandon

^ you're welcome.iyo mananggad sana sunud-sunod na ining development sa probinsya ta..

Maray na Albay man!

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 09:31 AM

;48653741']http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs034.snc3/12139_207498672945_620147945_3222082_4714649_n.jpg
Source: Erwin T. Lim (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=620147945)

For sure pano-pano kaini ang mga hotels ngonyan sa Legazpi...sana mild lang ang eruption kan mayon para magayon ang pagsabat kan Albay sa bagong taon!

aidz

December 18th, 2009, 09:35 AM

^^ yep! for sure!

ay alat! sarado pa ba si Hong ngonyan? nabasa ko kaya duman sa compiled threads, posted kan 12/13/09, sarado daa ta pigkandaduhan kan BIR... pero hinapot ko man si mga kaibahan ko sa Naga, bukas man daa duman... ta garo 1 day lang pigsarhan... dyan sa Legazpi?

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 09:40 AM

^ dae ko aram ang stado kan hong branch sa Legazpi kong bukas pa sya...nyata?

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 09:47 AM

For sure pano-pano kaini ang mga hotels ngonyan sa Legazpi...sana mild lang ang eruption kan mayon para magayon ang pagsabat kan Albay sa bagong taon!

Yup, dakol ang nagdadayo ngunyan pa Albay para mailing ang lava flows. In fact, saro sa mga co-forumers ta na taga-Manila paduman ngunyan para mag take pics. Sayang dai ko sinda maiibahan hehe

kiretoce

December 18th, 2009, 09:47 AM

;48687799']Yup, I thought so too. However, the dimensions of the image makes it difficult to crop it to the required dimensions for the SSC banner without cropping out Mayon or the city.

That's true. Sad, but true. :(

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 09:57 AM

;48688491']Yup, dakol ang nagdadayo ngunyan pa Albay para mailing ang lava flows. In fact, saro sa mga co-forumers ta na taga-Manila paduman ngunyan para mag take pics. Sayang dai ko sinda maiibahan hehe

^ tamang tama ang pagdayo nya sa Albay tah weekend man...nyata naghahanap syang kaiba?

maski ngani sa aroplano pag nag announce na ang piloto na arani na sa mayon pwerteng siriripan kan mga pasahero, nag titirindugan pa su iba...hehe

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 10:04 AM

^ tamang tama ang pagdayo nya sa Albay tah weekend man...nyata naghahanap syang kaiba?

maski ngani sa aroplano pag nag announce na ang piloto na arani na sa mayon pwerteng siriripan kan mga pasahero, nag titirindugan pa su iba...hehe

Dai man, pero mas ok na may 'guide' sinda hehe. Iyo, na encounter ko na man iyan na mga pasahero na biyo nagtitirindog na sa eroplano para magsirip sa bintana kang eroplano para mailing ang Mayon hehe.

aidz

December 18th, 2009, 10:15 AM

^ dae ko aram ang stado kan hong branch sa Legazpi kong bukas pa sya...nyata?

mayo lang... ta saro baga e2 sa garo fast growing business sa Bicol... nagpuon kaya e2 sa Naga tapos igwa na bigla nagbutwa dyan s Legazpi... so nacurious lang ako kung pano na ang estado nya... :)

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 10:20 AM

^ nakakatuwa...kaya dapat talaga dumami pa ang tourist accommodation/destinations sa Albay para mas dumakol pa ang tourista sa probinsya tah na nag i-stay ki haloy na aldaw...

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 10:24 AM

mayo lang... ta saro baga e2 sa garo fast growing business sa Bicol... nagpuon kaya e2 sa Naga tapos igwa na bigla nagbutwa dyan s Legazpi... so nacurious lang ako kung pano na ang estado nya... :)

^ i see..baka su ibang forumers digdi masimbag ka kan saimong apot...wara akong knowledge panu sa ngonyan kung abuerto pa ang tindahan na an..anyway welcome to our thread!

axel(08)brixx

December 18th, 2009, 11:27 AM

Guys ingat po kamo dyan huh, balitang balita ang Mt. Mayon ngayon. :)

Pero ang ganda pa rin ng Mayon hahahaha :c

dc88

December 18th, 2009, 12:19 PM

^i think the Hong Building was converted into a Suite?

JPeePH

December 18th, 2009, 12:23 PM

mayo lang... ta saro baga e2 sa garo fast growing business sa Bicol... nagpuon kaya e2 sa Naga tapos igwa na bigla nagbutwa dyan s Legazpi... so nacurious lang ako kung pano na ang estado nya... :)

Dapat ipa-close ang ta-HONG :bash:

kung may time kung siisay man digdi mga forumers pasyar kamo sa ta-HONG.. 99% kan mga produkto ninda substandard ang iba pa kaan mga contraband. I remember yung feature before sa Imbestigador GMA-7 about chinese biscuits na pigparabarakal kan mga pinoy na dae ngani ki transaltion an package. Sana an BIR mag-store check like what they are doing sa wet market and Supermarkets. Nata an ta-HONG na super bagsak presyo dae lamang pigrereparo? It must be fair to all ngani mag-thrive an economy ta. We want these singkit guys to come and invest but not to ruin the economy. :bash: :cheers:

Maray na banggi hali sa kabubuldan.

JPeePH

December 18th, 2009, 12:26 PM

FYI.. abierto pa po ang ta-HONG.. box office pinipilahan an saindang mga fake goodies. Naghahalat lang na may maudong o matigbak ngani manaram ang kadaklan. :bash: hanggang wara pa... sige barakal lang kamo :banana:

JPeePH

December 18th, 2009, 12:32 PM

aidz

December 18th, 2009, 03:10 PM

ewan ko ba naman kasi.. bakit sa sobrang gustong magtipid ng mga pinoy eh, bumabagsak 2loy ang economy... haaayyyy...

anyway, that's indeed true, affected talaga ang other legal retailers ta... although, kahit papano nakakagenerate sila ng employment... i doubt nga na minimum wage ang bayad dyan... pero... if they're not paying their dues... no can do...

kaniguan78

December 18th, 2009, 04:48 PM

IMO itong building kan ta-HONG suite ito kan mga singkit... malay natin mga illegal aliens pa yan.. Hindi ako against sa kanila but how they do business here is illegal under the law. Ang mezzanine kaan tindahan pa.. remember dae na nakakalaog an mga parokyano duman sa existing na pwesto ninda. Eu?. Pag-nag-open ito sierto y sigurado affected na maray an LCC y Gaisano o maski yan na mga Lifestyle store jan sa EM. I am 95% sure about it.

Calling BIR / DTI / Bureau of Immigration and Deportation.. Pakicheck po ng mga singkit na nagsurulputan ngunyan sa Legazpi y Albay. :bash:

Nagtry ako makalaog sa hong kang sunday pero grabe ang tawo. Anyway, substandard man nanggad an mga pigabenta jan and very susceptible pa sa mga snatcher ta piutun. May pigapagibo palan sindang building sa kataning kan chinabank just across the original hong.

kaniguan78

December 18th, 2009, 04:50 PM

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:02 PM

Mt. Mayon Ash Puff

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/1/photos/114/500x500/1/Puff-Series-1.jpg?et=h3t1Rwei8kEbWLsnC4jhuA&nmid=304717748

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/3/photos/114/500x500/2/Puff-Series-2.jpg?et=ZmDSIn4E35BVZ76VS8xMPQ&nmid=304717748

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/2/photos/114/500x500/3/Puff-Series-3.jpg?et=rRmsdUbUgsPkmhVkKqsSTw&nmid=304717748

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/9/photos/114/500x500/4/Puff-Series-4.jpg?et=gV7qGOCH1Mc21y7XSYJXXw&nmid=304717748

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/1/photos/114/500x500/5/Puff-Series-5.jpg?et=k3XgFAFGz%2BjSYsolu36zuw&nmid=304717748

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/2/photos/114/500x500/6/Puff-Series-6.jpg?et=a1F6hr43EpnVn3ONdOR6jw&nmid=304717748

Photos by Dacel Andes (http://micreations.multiply.com/)

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:03 PM

If you want to buy durable items sa gaisano or LCC man giraray an marhay. Sa Joy Supermarket, Daraga ok man an mga paninda. The newly opened Hearts 'n Crafts in Daraga is also a place where you can find unique gift items.

Yup, I'm planning to visit Hearts 'n Crafts in Daraga. I heard they have nice items on sale. :)

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:04 PM

Photo by Dacel Andes
(http://micreations.multiply.com/)

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3799/mayonscapes6.jpg

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:15 PM

View from Embarcadero
Source: http://www.peranca.com

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs019.snc3/12631_1214049825314_1050859243_30570411_1641479_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs019.snc3/12631_1214049865315_1050859243_30570412_1340504_n.jpg

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:20 PM

Scientists mull raising Mayon alert to level 4 (http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/volcanomonitor/view.php?db=1&article=20091218-242722)
December 18, 2009 12:33:00
Rey M. Nasol, Inquirer Southern Luzon

LEGAZPI CITY – Scientists at the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology are considering raising the alert level status of Mayon volcano from 3 to 4 as a major eruption might occur in the next few days, local authorities confirmed Friday. Volcanologist July Sabit said the volcano might be nearing a violent eruption which could happen from three days to a week,

“Alert Level 3 remain hoisted over Mayon Volcano but parameters are already at the ceiling, which means alert level 4 might be declared any time – hours into days period,” said Albay Governor Joey Salceda. Sabit said that during the past 24 hours, the seismic network recorded 248 volcanic quakes and tremors, 50 of these were explosion type but only 7 were observed during times of good visibility.

“These explosions produced dark gray to dark brown ash columns that reached a maximum height of up to one kilometer above the summit before drifting southwest,” Sabit said. Sulfur dioxide emission rate was still high at 1,065 tons per day during the 24-hour period, he added. During the cloud break on Friday morning the steaming activity ranged from dirty white to light brown in color while night observation showed an intensified crater glow.

Sabit said the advancing lava flow reached approximately 3 kilometers downslope from the crater while incandescent fragments from the lava pile had continuously rolled down along Bonga Gully reaching about three to four kilometers downslope. “Since an increasing trend is noticeable at present, the possibility of a hazardous volcanic eruption is high,” explained science research analyst Alex Baloloy, who quoted the bulletin released by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

Asked about the relationship of the coming full moon with the impending explosive eruption, Baloloy said that in the history of Mayon, it really does not follow a real pattern but several explosive eruptions have happened during or before the full moon.

Phivolcs recommended that the six-km radius Permanent Danger Zone around the volcano and the seven-km Extended Danger Zone on the southeast flank of the volcano should be free from human activity because of sudden explosions that may generate hazardous volcanic flows. In addition, areas in the south outside the seven-km danger zone but within eight km of the crater should be extra alert for increased volcanic activity. Active river channels and those perennially identified as lahar-prone in the southern sector should also be avoided, especially during bad weather, or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall

Cedric Daep of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office reiterated the warning to keep out of the danger zones, be they farming, tourism activities, mountain climbing and all other forms of human activities. “There is even an existing agreement between Albay and the tourism operator, particularly at the old lava front in Mabinit, Legazpi City that the place should be off limits even at alert level 2.

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:21 PM

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs039.snc3/12631_1216857735510_1050859243_30576112_4315508_n.jpg
Source: http://www.peranca.com

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:27 PM

Aw iyo? Naghaluy su direksyon kang hangin pasiring sa Legazpi o mga nagkapirang oras man lang? Bihirahun baga na maghagin pasiring Legazpi ta an prevailing wind dyan Noth by northeast or South by southwest. Pero ingat lang pirmi man giraray. God Bless mga Legazpeeps just be prepared for anything while enjoying natures show! Of course please don't forget to help those who are unfortunately affected by the ashfalls and evacuations. Lets send our help via cash or kind... kind will be best.

Yup, I think offices and companies should follow the example of DENR. See article below:

DENR cancels Christmas party to help Mayon evacuees (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248218)
By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 18 (PNA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional director here in Bicol has canceled their office's Christmas party to help the Mayon evacuees. DENR executive director Joselin Fragada turned over a check amounting to P150,000 to Albay Governor Joey Salceda as a cash donation of the employees. The money was meant to be spent by the DENR office in Bicol for its Christmas party.

Fragada told the Philippines News Agency that the office would further conduct relief operations at Gogon evacuation center in Legazpi City. He said he will help raise funds for the Albay residents who were evacuated due to the possible Mayon Volcano eruption.

Meanwhile, Salceda noted that DENR's cash donation was the first they received and will go to the trust fund. “This time we need to maximize our calamity fund in order to sustain our primary needs which is food for evacuees,” Salceda said. As of December 14, the remaining calamity fund of the province of Albay is P19.4 million. This is part of the P36-million total calamity fund for the province. The province has conducted several evacuations the past three months due to typhoons and the impending Mayon eruption. (PNA)
LAP/LQ/MDR/cbd

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:44 PM

Misibis Bay Raintree
Cagraray Island
Soft opened May 2009

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/0012-img_9363_2.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v739/dxpsycho/0013-img_9365_2.jpg

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http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs161.snc1/6011_103421309086_626079086_2207275_8292726_n.jpg

http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/rooms/mbr-rooms-1.jpg
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http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/rooms/mbr-rooms-7.jpghttp://misibisbay.com/assets/images/rooms/mbr-rooms-8.jpg
http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/rooms/mbr-rooms-10.jpg http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/rooms/mbr-rooms-12.jpg
http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/rooms/mbr-rooms-11.jpg http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/rooms/mbr-rooms-9.jpg

http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/adventure/mbr-adventure-3.jpg

http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/adventure/mbr-adventure-4.jpg

http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/dining/mbr-dining-1.jpg
http://misibisbay.com/assets/images/dining/mbr-dining-2.jpg

View more photos and updates at the Misibis Bay Raintree Thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=764910)

Sources: Ian Varona (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=626079086), Rajo Laurel's blog (blogs.stylebible.ph/rajosblog/), Misibis Bay official website (http://misibisbay.com)

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 05:56 PM

New roads in Estanza

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaGreatWallRoad.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaJeep.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaTowardsDaragaSideBulldozer.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaCut2Legazpi.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaCut.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaWindingRdMayon.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaWindingRoad.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaSLIAroad.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/Estanza-1.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaPortDistrict.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaAlbayDist2.jpg
http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/EstanzaMayonRoadCut.jpg

As of June 2009
Photos by Monsi

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 06:13 PM

http://img42.imageshack.us/img42/6724/nationhires.jpg
It’s showtime in Albay’s Tabaco City as different groups perform during the Pastores competition. - Photo by Edd Gumban, Philippine Star

The Pastores Bicol folk festival offers carol-singing with a difference. Young people (or pastores) dress as the shepherds who visited Jesus in Bethlehem, singing songs and dancing Christmas folk dances, accompanied by traditional musikeros.

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 06:16 PM

Philippine presidents wear Plains & Prints (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=533544&publicationSubCategoryId=452)
(The Philippine Star) Updated December 18, 2009 12:00 AM

http://img39.imageshack.us/img39/3647/shopping3hires.jpg

MANILA, Philippines - Cool prints, comfy fabric and a fantastic splash of colors highlight Plains & Prints’ holiday collection. The President’s Line is 10 designs named after the country’s presidents and presented in this season’s color combinations of either red and white, or black and white. The combination creates classic ensembles with every style having a feminine silhouette defined by various print details with accessories like brooches and belts that add personal style to each outfit.

The rest of the holiday collection is an array of tops, skirts and pants in festive colors of purple, gold, turquoise, lime, black and white.

Skirts are made of tulle, giving a flattering and girly vibe to office wear, and flamboyance as an evening getup. The pants have a special retro feel with high waistlines that hug and enhance the figure. Aside from the artisan’s watercolor fairy prints, special geometric prints, swirls and curves bring oomph to both dress and top. And since it’s from Plains & Prints, all clothes can be mixed and matched to create various attires.

Visit the newly opened Plains & Prints stores at Marquee Mall (Pampanga), Embarcadero (Legazpi City), SM City Sta. Mesa and RAF Trinoma. For more information, visit www.plainsandprints.com.

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 06:28 PM

Some fastfood chains in Daraga
by Byahero (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Byahero/181177774629)

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs005.snc3/11232_181751894629_181177774629_2808043_3620856_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs025.snc3/11232_181751909629_181177774629_2808046_7765268_n.jpg

http://photos-f.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs025.snc3/11232_181751919629_181177774629_2808047_2719095_n.jpg

View more Daraga photos here (http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=124188&id=181177774629)

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 06:31 PM

IMO itong building kan ta-HONG suite ito kan mga singkit... malay natin mga illegal aliens pa yan.. Hindi ako against sa kanila but how they do business here is illegal under the law. Ang mezzanine kaan tindahan pa.. remember dae na nakakalaog an mga parokyano duman sa existing na pwesto ninda. Eu?. Pag-nag-open ito sierto y sigurado affected na maray an LCC y Gaisano o maski yan na mga Lifestyle store jan sa EM. I am 95% sure about it.

Calling BIR / DTI / Bureau of Immigration and Deportation.. Pakicheck po ng mga singkit na nagsurulputan ngunyan sa Legazpi y Albay. :bash:

^i believe you are right...dapat kaan icompisca ang business license...dae man nagbabayad ki tax tapos substandard pa ang produkto...

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 06:32 PM

;48703575']Photo by Dacel Andes
(http://micreations.multiply.com/)

http://img191.imageshack.us/img191/3799/mayonscapes6.jpg

^ ayuz na ayuz ang pagkakaua kaining pix!

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 06:34 PM

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs034.snc3/12139_209033612945_620147945_3227550_1755500_n.jpg
by Erwin T. Lim (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=620147945)

^Love this shot. I wish the photog didn't crop Legazpi Port District out of the image hehe

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 06:35 PM

;48704143']View from Embarcadero
Source: http://www.peranca.com

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs019.snc3/12631_1214049825314_1050859243_30570411_1641479_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs019.snc3/12631_1214049865315_1050859243_30570412_1340504_n.jpg

^ pang post card na ini...perfect!

dx sa mga tigpost mo na pix about misibis digdi sa thread, kombensido na ako na ang misibis bay raintree ay world class! galing!!!

pojlette

December 18th, 2009, 06:36 PM

;48704789']Yup, I think offices and companies should follow the example of DENR. See article below:

DENR cancels Christmas party to help Mayon evacuees (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248218)
By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 18 (PNA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional director here in Bicol has canceled their office's Christmas party to help the Mayon evacuees. DENR executive director Joselin Fragada turned over a check amounting to P150,000 to Albay Governor Joey Salceda as a cash donation of the employees. The money was meant to be spent by the DENR office in Bicol for its Christmas party.

Fragada told the Philippines News Agency that the office would further conduct relief operations at Gogon evacuation center in Legazpi City. He said he will help raise funds for the Albay residents who were evacuated due to the possible Mayon Volcano eruption.

Meanwhile, Salceda noted that DENR's cash donation was the first they received and will go to the trust fund. “This time we need to maximize our calamity fund in order to sustain our primary needs which is food for evacuees,” Salceda said. As of December 14, the remaining calamity fund of the province of Albay is P19.4 million. This is part of the P36-million total calamity fund for the province. The province has conducted several evacuations the past three months due to typhoons and the impending Mayon eruption. (PNA)
LAP/LQ/MDR/cbd

our office did the same thing today but not to the evacuees but to the residents of the sagip kapamilya simon of cyrene village at peñafrancia, daraga. :)

if not for our corporate activity, i wouldnt learn of the simon village. its a small community, that was put up by simon of cyrene with the help of abs cbn foundation. there are 56 families, with a disabled child in every household. most of them lost their homes during typhoon reming.

it was a heart warming experience being with these special children. make you appreciate life more despite everything else.

merry christmas saindo gabos! :)

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 06:39 PM

our office did the same thing today but not to the evacuees but to the residents of the sagip kapamilya simon of cyrene village at peñafrancia, daraga. :)

if not for our corporate activity, i wouldnt learn of the simon village. its a small community, that was put up by simon of cyrene with the help of abs cbn foundation. there are 56 families, with a disabled child in every household. most of them lost their homes during typhoon reming.

it was a heart warming experience being with these special children. make you appreciate life more despite everything else.

merry christmas saindo gabos! :)

What a nice way to celebrate the season. Have a peaceful and happy Christmas Ms. pojlette!

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 06:40 PM

Cena Una
Daraga, Albay

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs019.snc3/12634_191057411734_686066734_3448582_6595109_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs039.snc3/12634_191057421734_686066734_3448584_3225325_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs039.snc3/12634_191057446734_686066734_3448586_7587681_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs019.snc3/12634_191057401734_686066734_3448581_1836977_n.jpg

Source (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Daraga-Philippines/Cena-Una/71303103946)

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 06:44 PM

^ wow! this reminds me of what a true filipino is!---only in Albay!

[dx]

December 18th, 2009, 06:53 PM

^ pang post card na ini...perfect!

dx sa mga tigpost mo na pix about misibis digdi sa thread, kombensido na ako na ang misibis bay raintree ay world class! galing!!!

Yup! Magayon adi. Kaipuhan world-class sinda, since member sinda kang prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World hehe

Brandon32

December 18th, 2009, 06:58 PM

^ true...kaya dapat pagayunon ninda ki maray su condotels na isusunod nindang itutugdok dyan sa misibis! ayuz!!!

miguel09

December 18th, 2009, 08:38 PM

hello kamusta kayo diyan sa albay ok lang ba kayo?

JPeePH

December 18th, 2009, 10:05 PM

;48709307']Yup! Magayon adi. Kaipuhan world-class sinda, since member sinda kang prestigious Small Luxury Hotels of the World hehe

:banana: Je suis d'accord! dapat matatak sa isip kan mga turista na unique an experience sa pagpasyar ninda sa Albay. Mamaintain ta su cleanliness asin magdakol an mga luxury amenities digdi ngani masabi na truly Magayon! so they would keep on coming back :cheers:

Maray na aga tabi mga peepz :banana:

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 03:54 AM

Tourist arrivals up to watch Mayon ‘fireworks’ (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091219-242850/Tourist-arrivals-up-to-watch-Mayon-fireworks)
By Alcuin Papa
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 01:27:00 12/19/2009

MANILA, Philippines – Military troops evacuated on Friday about 12,000 people from villages at the base of the country’s most active volcano as a smoldering Mayon showed signs of a major eruption after days of shooting ash plumes and spilling lava. Albay provincial authorities declared a round-the-clock ban on anyone being within the 8-kilometer danger zone around the 2,460-meter mountain.

But tourists are flocking to watch the volcano’s stunning fireworks. Renato Solidum, director of the Philipine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, (Phivolcs) said that technically, Mayon is already erupting, which he characterized as a “mild eruption” thus far.

Within weeks

But the possibility of a large and hazardous eruption is there, he said. “It may be within weeks depending on the trend if these explosions are increasing,” Solidum said. Mayon Volcano shot white smoke and ash as high as 2 kilometers in five explosions early yesterday. Lava continued to trickle down its steep slope and two lava domes had formed from rising magma inside the crater.

Solidum said the domes could grow bigger and plug the crater, leading to a gas explosion. Phivolcs has raised a five-stage alert to 3, two steps below a hazardous eruption, which it said was possible within weeks.

Level 3 means an eruption is likely in the very near future. Level 4 means an eruption is imminent, while Level 5 means an eruption is in progress. Solidum said cascading lava could trigger a pyroclastic flow—superheated gas and volcanic debris racing down the slopes—that could incinerate and vaporize everything in its path.

“The important thing is that people should not be in those danger zones when a hazardous explosion happens,” he said. The so-called permanent danger zone is a radius of 6 to 8 kilometers from Mayon, and more than 35,000 people have been evacuated from those areas since the volcano began spewing lava on Monday, said Albay Gov. Joey Salceda.

“Alert Level 3 remained hoisted over Mayon Volcano but the parameters are already at the ceiling, which means alert Level 4 might be declared any time,” he said. In its latest bulletin, Phivolcs said a total of 248 volcanic quakes and tremors were recorded in the last 24 hours.

“The volcano might be nearing a violent eruption which could happen from three days to a week,” said volcanologist July Sabit. A total of 38,528 residents have been transferred to safe temporary shelters at various elementary schools in Albay since Salceda issued a preemptive evacuation order on Tuesday.

Abundio Nuñez Jr., chief of plans and operation division of the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, said the number of evacuees represented 80 percent of the targeted 47,906 people that must be temporarily relocated at alert Level 3.

Disaster tourism

Since Mayon’s heightened activity was reported on Monday, tourists have been drawn to the area but the provincial government is not keen on encouraging them to come, said Salceda. “Disaster tourism is certainly not within the contemplation of the provincial development strategy even if disaster risk reduction and tourism are integral components,” he said. Salceda said the sudden surge of tourists is an unintended consequence of a volcanic eruption.

Panoramic view

Tourists have been drawn to the Ligñon Hill Observatory in Legazpi City, where the Phivolcs offices are, which offers a full view of Mayon and a 360-degree view of the city and neighboring Daraga town. There have also been increased visits by nongovernment organizations and socio-civic organizations to evacuation centers as well as heightened media coverage of Albay. Salceda said there have been spillover effects for other provincial destinations like Misibis, Embarcadero, and the Tiwi and Manito geothermal sites. However, the estimated revenues of P800,000 from around 2,500 tourists who spend P1,000 daily cannot match the P1.5 million spent daily for 9,946 families housed in temporary shelters, he said.

Beauty and fury

Mayon has captivated tourists with its irony of combined beauty and fury, said Amy Detera of the Department of Tourism in Bicol. “The tourist influx was so great in the 1993 volcanic eruption, which killed 79 people, that there was a shortage of hotel rooms and tourists had to be accommodated even in hospitals,” she said.

Gail Narramore, founder of the Tiwala Kids and Communities, a charity organization based in Albay, said Mayon looked stunning at night. “It looks like a Christmas tree,” said the British-South African missionary. But several travel agencies were wary of pushing their packaged tours to Albay and Sorsogon because of the reported threats of a major eruption. Bicol tourism director Nini Ravanilla said that while it is necessary to report disasters, projecting a safe environment for tourists would also reap much benefit.

Most active of 22 volcanoes

The Philippines lies on the “Ring of Fire,” a belt of volcanoes circling the Pacific Ocean that is also prone to earthquakes. Mayon is the most active of 22 volcanoes in the country, having erupted more than 50 times in the last four centuries. The most destructive eruption came in February 1841 when lava flows buried a town and killed 1,200 people. The last time Mayon erupted was in 2006.

With reports from Rey Nasol and Ephraim Aguilar, Inquirer Southern Luzon; AFP and Reuters

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 04:03 AM

Albay Churches: Then & Now

Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church, Malilipot Albay

Then:
http://img130.imageshack.us/img130/6681/malilipotalbay1.jpg

Now:
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2596/4194785460_cb5963a966_o.jpg
by cigyrj (http://www.flickr.com/photos/cigyrj/)

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 04:07 AM

Mayon Eruption 2009
by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4194362140_eefa696439_o.jpg

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 04:19 AM

:banana: Je suis d'accord! dapat matatak sa isip kan mga turista na unique an experience sa pagpasyar ninda sa Albay. Mamaintain ta su cleanliness asin magdakol an mga luxury amenities digdi ngani masabi na truly Magayon! so they would keep on coming back :cheers:

Maray na aga tabi mga peepz :banana:

Yup, I gues the resort. as member of SLH, is required to maintain a standard of luxury. Naparesearch pa ako kung ano meaning kang Je suis d'accord. Anyway... Mayon, C'est Magnifique! :colgate:

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 04:33 AM

Dapdap Reclamation

http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/4718/picture13m.jpg

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/8021/334348932907ba75262ab.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7033/dsc3170s.jpg

http://images.legazpeep.multiply.com/image/1/photos/13/600x600/6/DSC01951a.JPG?et=Ji4IPstxlzRf4gjRDA4mlw&nmid=286178927

http://images.legazpeep.multiply.com/image/1/photos/13/600x600/4/DSC01946a.JPG?et=PpymSIlxy3w1EagGW2JKwA&nmid=286178927

http://images.legazpeep.multiply.com/image/1/photos/13/600x600/7/DSC01953a.JPG?et=ry6QDZFwFztxRSObnbhltw&nmid=286178927

wolverine77

December 19th, 2009, 04:40 AM

^^beautiful!.beuatiful!:applause::applause::applause:

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 04:48 AM

Asphalt overlay and beautification of city streets

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/AquendeDrive.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/QuezonAvenueDBP.jpg

http://i146.photobucket.com/albums/r244/Legazpeep/QuezonAvenueNFA.jpg

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 08:16 AM

Legazpi City is safe for 'fireworks' viewing (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/19/09/legazpi-city-safe-fireworks-viewing)
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 12/19/2009 12:10 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Legazpi City is safe for viewing of Mayon Volcano’s “fireworks,” the provincial government’s emergency management chief said Saturday. Cedric Daep, head of Albay’s Public Safety and Emergency Management Office, said that when Mayon Volcano started acting up on Monday night, tourists started flocking to the province.

“We have designated safe viewing areas in Legazpi City,” Daep said. He said a large part of the city is “perfectly safe” from the anticipated full-blown eruption. “Only a portion of the city is in the danger zone. Legazpi City is too far. It’s 16 kilometers away from the crater,” Daep said, encouraging more tourists to visit the province to watch the hazardous eruption of the picturesque, near perfect cone-shaped volcano.

The local official, meanwhile, said that air travel over the province is still safe even as volcanologists expect the eruption to happen in weeks. He denied that Albay has been declared a “no-fly zone.”

Valentine’s Day in evacuation centers

If the volcano erupts this month, Daep said they will be forced to keep more than 9,000 families in evacuation centers for more than 3 months or until February next year. Daep said that as of Saturday morning a total of 8,254 families have been evacuated from the 6-kilometer to 8-kilometer danger zones of the volcano.

"We cannot afford to bring back people to their homes unless alert level is lowered to 2," Daep said. Majority of the evacuation centers are elementary schools, where classes have been suspended. Daep said provincial governor Joey Salceda has ordered all health units in the province to be more visible in evacuation centers. He said makeshift health centers are being put up in all evacuation centers for faster response to health complaints of the evacuees.

Alert Level 3 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano. Government volcanologists said the alert level may be increased soon because the volcano has become more restive. Daep, meanwhile, admitted that the provincial government's P9-million calamity fund would not be able to sustain the evacuees’ needs during their stay in temporary shelters. He said the fund may be good for the next 15 days only.

He, however, said that they may be able to stretch the fund because there were already pledges of relief support from international groups and the national government. "We don't have enough support on that aspect. We are talking about P9-million available fund... The national government and international groups have pledged support, others (relief goods) are in transit," Daep said.

Zero casualty

Human presence within the 8-kilometer extended danger zone has been restricted by police and the military since the province was placed under a state of calamity on Thursday. Daep said they are now implementing a "rights-based" curfew. He said men or heads of families are being allowed to enter the danger zones to visit their homes and farms during the day and are strictly hauled back to evacuation centers at night.

The local official said they are confident that they will be able to evacuate all 9,946 families or more than 50,000 people from the danger zones before the volcano erupts. He said, however, that once the alert level is raised to 4, no residents will be allowed to enter the danger zones even during the day. He said majority of the men returning to the danger zones are farmers.

"We have to be strict about that. We have to manage people. We cannot control the activity of the Mayon Volcano and therefore, we better preserve lives than preserve these agricultural commodities," Daep said.

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 08:18 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4193603821_a58167d6e2_o.jpg
by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

^^The dark area is the fresh lava ejected by the volcano

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 08:20 AM

Lava trickles

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2743/4194361820_2bbf9fe472_o.jpg
by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 08:22 AM

Misibis Bay Raintree

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187102014421_697664421_3129891_1188020_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187102044421_697664421_3129892_3750883_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187102069421_697664421_3129893_8083352_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187102069421_697664421_3129893_8083352_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_187102089421_697664421_3129894_370151_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_187102209421_697664421_3129897_3669106_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187102299421_697664421_3129898_455530_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187102339421_697664421_3129899_4007076_n.jpg

Source (http://www.facebook.com/jade.gonzalez)

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 08:25 AM

This is good, animals need to be protected too. :okay:

* * *

Evacuation centers for livestock set up around Mayon (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179754/evacuation-centers-for-livestock-set-up-around-mayon)
12/19/2009 | 09:43 AM

There are no more excuses for farmers who insist to go back to danger zones around rumbling Mayon Volcano to tend their livestock. Albay province athorities have set up evacuation centers for their animals, too. Provincial police chief Senior Superintendent William Macavinta said this Saturday they have set up designated places for carabaos, cows and other domesticated animals, even as he stressed that forced evacuations of communities in danger zones will continue.

“May evacuation area na rin para sa livestock para walang dahilan ang ating kababayan na bumalik (We have set up evacuation centers for livestock so farmers will have no excuse to return to the danger zone)," Macavinta said in an interview on dzRH radio.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda said at least 1,796 carabaos and some 6,036 cows were placed in four evacuation centers, with their own food supply. Salceda said there are some 4,874 farmers in the 8-km danger zone. “Gusto ko tanggalan ng rason kung bakit sila nariyan (I want to deny them an excuse for staying there)," he said.

Provincial authorities designated a radius of up to eight kilometers around the volcano as a danger zone, as Mayon continued to show abnormal conditions. Macavinta admitted there are still hardheaded residents who refused to leave their homes despite appeals from authorities. “Nagkakaroon tayo ng spotting, may coordination tayo sa local government para ma-identify ang mga lugar na may tao, forced evacuation pinaiiral natin (We coordinate with local governments to identify areas in the danger zone where there are still residents. If there are such areas, we conduct forced evacuations)," he said. - LBG, GMANews.Tv

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 08:28 AM

Mayon up close

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/1/photos/114/1200x1200/5/Puff-Series-5.jpg?et=B2FRio8Z3gIYmoBfey24qQ&nmid=304717748

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/1/photos/114/1200x1200/10/Mayon-Peak-II-4.jpg?et=v1Dq%2C43Q7Bom7bSl4p7BDw&nmid=304717748

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/16/photos/114/1200x1200/4/Puff-Series-4.jpg?et=O5iffTMpK1lk%2Camovhnqqg&nmid=304717748

by Dacel Andes (micreations.multiply.com/)

[dx]

December 19th, 2009, 08:32 AM

Hotel St. Ellis
Opened Dec. 2009

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/7831/proj3.jpg

http://images.legazpeep.multiply.com/image/1/photos/16/600x600/11/DSC01845a.JPG?et=Ip7AN8OSYAwP6%2CvtAEsRDQ&nmid=287345149

http://images.legazpeep.multiply.com/image/1/photos/16/600x600/10/DSC01847a.JPG?et=GEukOyQSDnLFwPsFf7NcIA&nmid=287345149

range rover

December 19th, 2009, 08:37 AM

;48739083']This is good, animals need to be protected too. :okay:

* * *

Evacuation centers for livestock set up around Mayon (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179754/evacuation-centers-for-livestock-set-up-around-mayon)
12/19/2009 | 09:43 AM

There are no more excuses for farmers who insist to go back to danger zones around rumbling Mayon Volcano to tend their livestock. Albay province athorities have set up evacuation centers for their animals, too. Provincial police chief Senior Superintendent William Macavinta said this Saturday they have set up designated places for carabaos, cows and other domesticated animals, even as he stressed that forced evacuations of communities in danger zones will continue.

“May evacuation area na rin para sa livestock para walang dahilan ang ating kababayan na bumalik (We have set up evacuation centers for livestock so farmers will have no excuse to return to the danger zone)," Macavinta said in an interview on dzRH radio.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda said at least 1,796 carabaos and some 6,036 cows were placed in four evacuation centers, with their own food supply. Salceda said there are some 4,874 farmers in the 8-km danger zone. “Gusto ko tanggalan ng rason kung bakit sila nariyan (I want to deny them an excuse for staying there)," he said.

Provincial authorities designated a radius of up to eight kilometers around the volcano as a danger zone, as Mayon continued to show abnormal conditions. Macavinta admitted there are still hardheaded residents who refused to leave their homes despite appeals from authorities. “Nagkakaroon tayo ng spotting, may coordination tayo sa local government para ma-identify ang mga lugar na may tao, forced evacuation pinaiiral natin (We coordinate with local governments to identify areas in the danger zone where there are still residents. If there are such areas, we conduct forced evacuations)," he said. - LBG, GMANews.Tv

that is good to know that the provincial govt is doing this initiative. well done!!!. wunyan dai nang rason so mga evacuees na mag uli ta pirming rason para makauli sana, MABAHOG KAN URIG!!

boy muscovado

December 19th, 2009, 10:58 AM

;48739083']This is good, animals need to be protected too. :okay:

* * *

Evacuation centers for livestock set up around Mayon (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179754/evacuation-centers-for-livestock-set-up-around-mayon)
12/19/2009 | 09:43 AM

There are no more excuses for farmers who insist to go back to danger zones around rumbling Mayon Volcano to tend their livestock. Albay province athorities have set up evacuation centers for their animals, too. Provincial police chief Senior Superintendent William Macavinta said this Saturday they have set up designated places for carabaos, cows and other domesticated animals, even as he stressed that forced evacuations of communities in danger zones will continue.

“May evacuation area na rin para sa livestock para walang dahilan ang ating kababayan na bumalik (We have set up evacuation centers for livestock so farmers will have no excuse to return to the danger zone)," Macavinta said in an interview on dzRH radio.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda said at least 1,796 carabaos and some 6,036 cows were placed in four evacuation centers, with their own food supply. Salceda said there are some 4,874 farmers in the 8-km danger zone. “Gusto ko tanggalan ng rason kung bakit sila nariyan (I want to deny them an excuse for staying there)," he said.

Provincial authorities designated a radius of up to eight kilometers around the volcano as a danger zone, as Mayon continued to show abnormal conditions. Macavinta admitted there are still hardheaded residents who refused to leave their homes despite appeals from authorities. “Nagkakaroon tayo ng spotting, may coordination tayo sa local government para ma-identify ang mga lugar na may tao, forced evacuation pinaiiral natin (We coordinate with local governments to identify areas in the danger zone where there are still residents. If there are such areas, we conduct forced evacuations)," he said. - LBG, GMANews.Tv

This is a good move for for those affected by Mayon. this was also implemented in our province (Negros Occidental) last 2006 when Kanlaon Volcano had phreatic eruptions and ash explosions. Animals are evacuated to an area away from the danger zone (La Granja in La Carlota City) :banana::banana::banana::banana:

alcogoodwin

December 19th, 2009, 11:16 AM

;48732761']Beauty and fury

Mayon has captivated tourists with its irony of combined beauty and fury, said Amy Detera of the Department of Tourism in Bicol. “The tourist influx was so great in the 1993 volcanic eruption, which killed 79 people, that there was a shortage of hotel rooms and tourists had to be accommodated even in hospitals,” she said.

I am one of those captivated tourists heading back to visit this beautiful/scary icon of Legaspi next year.
I was wondering how things would be with accomodation now. These sorts of things attract people from around the world. Perhaps I may have to find somewhere in Naga and shuttle down.

How does the city stand to go in, what they call, a violent eruption. Could the city centre be badly affected?
In movies you see volcanos erupt and balls of fire shot many kilometres off. How far is this sort of thing from the truth?

Brad

arkijo

December 19th, 2009, 11:38 AM

How does the city stand to go in, what they call, a violent eruption. Could the city centre be badly affected?
In movies you see volcanos erupt and balls of fire shot many kilometres off. How far is this sort of thing from the truth?

wag kang matakot bro. gagawa ba ang movie ng ash explosion lang? syempre medyo i-exag nila yun para maganda ang effect just like in the movie 2012!:nuts:

JPeePH

December 19th, 2009, 11:53 AM

sino nakapanood Dante's Peak?

arkijo

December 19th, 2009, 11:59 AM

sino nakapanood Dante's Peak?

napanood ko yan noon pero limot ko na story. yung the volcano maganda rin yun.

alcogoodwin

December 19th, 2009, 12:33 PM

wag kang matakot bro. gagawa ba ang movie ng ash explosion lang? syempre medyo i-exag nila yun para maganda ang effect just like in the movie 2012!:nuts:

Sorry dude, I am only an english speaker.
Well I am trying to learn Tagalog, but it is taking a while :lol:

Yeah I was pretty much thinking the movie 2012 as I asked the question :lol:

Brad

dc88

December 19th, 2009, 12:56 PM

I Think legazpi is a former Lava/Lahar Basin..kasi kung makikita nyo.sa map..

Brandon32

December 19th, 2009, 01:09 PM

^ guess you're right...

Brandon32

December 19th, 2009, 01:11 PM

;48733081']Mayon Eruption 2009
by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2766/4194362140_eefa696439_o.jpg

^ ang ganda ng legazpi city...pano pa kung may mga midrise and modern buildings na dyan...

garycooper

December 19th, 2009, 01:23 PM

;48739211']Hotel St. Ellis
Opened Dec. 2009

http://img683.imageshack.us/img683/7831/proj3.jpg

http://images.legazpeep.multiply.com/image/1/photos/16/600x600/11/DSC01845a.JPG?et=Ip7AN8OSYAwP6%2CvtAEsRDQ&nmid=287345149

http://images.legazpeep.multiply.com/image/1/photos/16/600x600/10/DSC01847a.JPG?et=GEukOyQSDnLFwPsFf7NcIA&nmid=287345149

According to my brother, the interiors of St. Ellis is as grand as Hotel Venezia although he said the rooms are just a bit smaller. I'm looking forward to trying this hotel this coming Holy Week, i.e., if Ican get a reservation though.

Brandon32

December 19th, 2009, 01:40 PM

^ good to know that...by 2010 i expect two more luxury hotels to open in legazpi city: Ivory Classic Hotel and the hotel at the Embarcadero complex...

Hotels/resort in Albay:

1. Misibis Bay Raintree
2. Hotel Venezia
3. Hotel St Ellis
4. Ivory Classic Hotel Legazpi
5. Hotel in (Embarcadero)

Adopted

December 19th, 2009, 01:47 PM

Sorry dude, I am only an english speaker.
Well I am trying to learn Tagalog, but it is taking a while :lol:

Yeah I was pretty much thinking the movie 2012 as I asked the question :lol:

Brad

I have been here since 1992 and experienced several eruptions, all of them rather mild. Who knows what will happen if she really blows up. Take a look at the Wikpedia article, especially about the 1897 eruption - scary! I live 9km south of the volcano.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayon_Volcano#Recorded_eruptions

Brandon32

December 20th, 2009, 10:56 AM

Maray na Albay mga Albayano....

Brandon32

December 20th, 2009, 12:39 PM

Albay braces for New Year eruption of Mount Mayon (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/gma/20091220/tph-albay-braces-for-new-year-eruption-o-ce44f36.html)

It would be the mother of all fireworks. An eruption of Mayon Volcano looms for the New Year, as state volcanologists cited hot molten rocks nearing the crater and continuous lava flows.

Anticipating an influx of tourists, the government has set up a viewing center in Legaspi City, even as thousands of residents expect to remain in evacuations centers throughout the holidays. , said hot molten rocks have started making their way to the volcano’s crater.

“Yung nakikita naming time frame sa maaaring pagsabog ay Bagong Taon o immediately after the New Year, mga dalawang linggo mula ngayon (The time frame we see indicates the volcano may erupt on New Year’s Day or immediately after that. The eruption may come in two weeks)," said July Sabit, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Bicol monitoring chief, in an interview on dzBB radio.

He said the sulfur dioxide emissions had gone up to 7,000 tons daily from about 2,000 tons as of last Saturday.

Lava flows coming from the crater had reached 4.5 kilometers down the volcano’s slope, he added.

“Ibig sabihin, maaring may fresh magma mula sa ilalim ng bulkan na umaakyat papunta sa bunganga. Kung ano ang magiging activity dulot nito, di pa namin matitiyak sa ngayon. Pero sigurado kaming tumitindi ang activity ng Mayon sa ngayon (This means fresh magma is climbing up the crater. We cannot describe for sure what the activity is all about, but we are certain that it is intensifying)," Sabit said.

But the volcanic activity, he added, was still inadequate for Phivolcs to raise the present alert level from 3 to 4.

It raised the alert level to 3 last December 16 after noting a sustained increase in volcanic activity in the past weeks.

See the complete table on the Phivolcs website. On the other hand, Sabit said Mayon Volcano's activity was not yet as intense as that of Mt. Pinatubo in Central Luzon, when it erupted in 1991.

Sabit noted that when Pinatubo erupted, its sulfur dioxide emission had reached more than 10,000 tons per day.

He reminded tourists to watch the volcano from a safe distance, for instance at Ligñon Hill in Legazpi City where a facility has been set up for sightseers.

40 eruptions since 1616

Phivolcs’ website on Mayon eruptions said the volcano has had at least 40 eruptions since February 1616.

The most destructive eruption occurred Feb. 1, 1814, when pyroclastic flows, volcanic lightning, and lahar affected Camalig, Cagsawa, Budiao, Guinobatan and half of Albay. At least 1,200 were listed as casualties.

The second most destructive eruption was from June 4 to July 23, 1897, as pyroclastic flow, lava flow, lahar and volcanic lightning caused 350 casualties.

On July 20-24, 1766, pyroclastic and lava flows destroyed Malinao and damaged Cagsawa, Guinobatan, Budiao, Polangui and Ligao. There were 39 casualties.

On July 7, 1853, 34 casualties were listed as ashfall and pyroclastic flow and lahar affected Camalig, Guinobatan, Ligao, Oas, Polangui, Malilipot, Bacacay, and Cagsawa.

From Feb. 2 to April 4, 1993, pyroclastic and lava flow killed 77 and injured five.

Mayon erupted again from July to October 2006. In August 2006, government ordered the evacuation of people living near the volcano.

On Oct. 3, 2006, Phivolcs downgraded the threat level to Alert Level 2. On Oct. 25, it downgraded the threat level to Alert Level 1.

But on Nov. 30 that year, Typhoon Durian caused mudslides of volcanic ash and boulders from the slopes of Mayon Volcano, burying at least 1,000. — LBG/NPA, GMANews.TV

Brandon32

December 20th, 2009, 12:41 PM

Philippine volcano close to major eruption: expert (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/afp/20091220/tap-philippines-volcano-5cc1ef8.html)

LEGASPI, Philippines (AFP) - – Volcanic activity is building up inside Mount Mayon in the Philippines and an explosive eruption is expected within two weeks, a government volcanologist warned Sunday.

The warning came as civil defence officials tried to convince the last residents still living within the volcano's shadow to evacuate their homes.

"Up to now, the activity continues to increase. Most probably if this would further accelerate, an explosive eruption would occur within two weeks," said July Sabit, part of the government team monitoring the mountain.

He said at least 222 volcanic quakes were detected from Saturday morning to Sunday morning compared to 197 quakes in the previous 24-hour period.

Sabit told AFP that an explosion could be expected sometime around January 1, adding that it would likely shoot a column of ash about 10 kilometres (six miles) into the sky.

He said that although the ash was unlikely to be of direct danger to residents, there was the risk it could turn into a deadly mudflow, as happened during the last eruption in 2006, when hundreds of people were swept away.

While no one was directly killed by that eruption, tons of debris that had collected on Mayon's slopes were dislodged by a typhoon three months later. The avalanche of mud and boulders crushed entire villages, leaving over 1,000 dead.

Local civil defence head Raffy Alejandro said that the military and police had already evacuated more than 8,000 of the 9,000 or so families living within an eight-kilometre (five mile) danger zone set up around Mayon.

"Those left behind are in the edges of the eight-kilometre zone. We are still convincing them to pull out," he said.

"We try to do the persuasive thing but if (it) gets bad, the governor has instructions to forcibly evacuate them," he added.

Mayon, renowned for its near-perfect cone, has erupted 48 times in recorded history. In 1814, more than 1,200 people were killed as lava buried the town of Cagsawa.

Brandon32

December 20th, 2009, 12:44 PM

Philippine volcano alert raised, eruption in days—govt (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20091220-243111/Philippine-volcano-alert-raised-eruption-in-daysgovt)

MANILA, Philippines—(UPDATE) The alert level around Mayon volcano in the Philippines was raised from level three to level four on Sunday, meaning an explosive eruption could take place in days, government volcanologists said.

Alert Level 4 means that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within days and therefore, the off-limits danger zone radius would be expanded, according to the latest bulletin from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology.

"We raised it to level four this afternoon because there was a sudden acceleration in the activity of the volcano," said July Sabit, head of the volcano monitoring team.

He said the number of volcanic quakes from 6:00 am Sunday (2200 GMT Saturday) increased to 463 and that the volcano was belching more sulphur dioxide into the air.

This was a sign that "a hazardous eruption is possible within days."

However he would not give an estimate of when the eruption could take place.

Just hours earlier, volcanologists said an eruption could occur in two weeks.

The government has already evacuated more than 8,600 of the 9,000 or so families living within an eight-kilometre (five mile) danger zone set up around Mayon, civil defence officials said.

Even just outside of this extended danger zone should prepare for evacuation in the event of explosive eruptions.

Brandon32

December 20th, 2009, 12:47 PM

Albay health officials start distributing face masks (http://www.inquirer.net/specialfeatures/volcanomonitor/view.php?db=1&article=20091220-243113)

LEGAZPI CITY, Philippine Daily Inquirer —Albay health officials started distributing, on Sunday, face masks from the Department of Health to villagers in areas affected by ashfall from the highly restive Mayon volcano.

About 50,000 face masks have been sent by the DOH, according to provincial health officer Luis Mendoza. He also assured the public of enough supply of medicines with the purchase of P1.8 million worth of drugs. Other health supplies were scheduled to be delivered Sunday.

“The Unicef (United Nations Children’s Fund) is also sending medicines through the DOH Bicol regional office like amoxycillin, ferric chloride, new form oral rehydration salts and paracetamol, among other medicines,” Mendoza said.

Based on the estimated population at risk to ashfall, face masks would be distributed as follows: Oas, 2,900; Libon, 3,100; Polangui, 3,300; Daraga, 4,200; Ligao City, 4,800; Guinobatan, 4,800; Camalig, 3,300; Tabaco City, 5,000; Malilipot, 1,500; Sto. Domingo, 1,500; Malinao, 2,000; Tiwi, 2,000; Legazpi City, 5,000; workers, 1,500; and the rest are reserves.

“But based on our preemptive principle, clean water and sanitation are key to disease control. Thus, we have more-than-usual effort on access to water and sanitary toilets,” Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said.

“It would have been ideal if evacuation was done in an Aecid (Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional Para El Desarollo) facility as in Guinobatan, since it is complete with sufficient water supply, faucets, water tanks, toilets (separate for male, female, disabled). But, we only have three of these in Camalig, Daraga and Guinobatan and with limited capacity vis-a-vis the scale of the evacuation,” Salceda explained.

He also said that the following have been done: (1) Legazpi City Water District sustaining normal water supply to evacuation centers; (2) repair of all faucets; (3) installation of 24 portalets; (4) Local Waterwork Utilities Administration providing four tank lorries for water distribution in case of disruption; (5) Unicef providing 1,000 family water kits and 1,000 community water kits; (6) putting up of 24 drums for bathing/washing water; (7) readying of water purifying machine, which has a capacity of 30,000 liters per hour, with a water and sanitation team to operate it.

Albay has also requested 5,000 water jugs from Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral.

Based on the daily inspection of evacuation centers, the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council saw the need for bed mattings and blankets, given the cool weather.

Cabral has prepositioned 1,700 blankets at the Philippine Navy Southern Luzon and 1,400 mats.

Salceda has requested for additional 5,000 mats and 5,000 blankets.

He said the forced evacuation of the affected residents has not only dislocated them temporarily but has caused them boredom and anxiety.

“Now on our sixth day of evacuation, health risks should begin to emerge based on our prior experiences with Mayon evacuation in 1993-2006 and the protracted 9-day preemptive evacuation in 2007 for Typhoons Lando, Mina and Nonoy,” Salceda said.

Aside from health, he said, the need for psychosocial attention has been accelerating after six days and with Christmas beckoning.

“The boredom and the discomforts of being pulled out of normal habitat are starting to pressure. Thus, I asked Dr. Rivera to assemble a team from the Department of Health and the Department of Social Welfare and Development to take care of the psychosocial needs of our evacuees,” Salceda said.

Guinobatan Mayor Garcia has prepared a nightly movie showing, feeding program, parlor games, sports program, painting, poetry reading, poster-making and singing contest.

Guidance counseling, particularly for spouses, would be one of the most important intervention measures to ease the anxieties of the evacuees, Salceda said.

As of Saturday afternoon, based on the third rapid health assessment since Dec. 14, cases of colds with fever and sore eyes have cropped up.

Four cases of conjunctivitis or sore eyes were registered in Tabaco City.

leo98

December 20th, 2009, 01:05 PM

from Naga thread
MAYON (http://planet.naga.ph/mayon/)

http://planet.naga.ph/wp-content/uploads/HLIC/739ba9cfb3bf91b4176252365258ef54.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dwLxSGUI_so/Syhso9n2wDI/AAAAAAAAA1g/mPiX36LE7K4/s1600-h/mayon-eruption-1814-1.jpg)

An kagayonan kan Mayon yaon sa saiyang makangirhat na pagkayaon. Dai na kita susuhayan kan saiyang lindong na pano nin gayon asin ngirhat. An katoninongan asin karibarawan na saiyang dinadara iyo an minapaitok sa satuyang kinaban, orog na idtong nabubuhay sa saiyang dapan, sa saiyang palibot. An mga pagtuga kan bulkan, bako nang bago sa satuya. An historya kan Kabikolan bakong kumpleto kun dai an saiyang mga pagtuga. Pagtuga na iyo man an tataramon niyato sa katotoohan. Ta satuya, kaipuhan na ituga an katotoohan, dai ini sinasaray, ta kun ini sana sa sasarayon sa laog kan bulkan, maluwas na maluwas ini giraray sa mas makatakot asin makagirabong rimalaso. Mas dakul an makukulugan ta arog kaiyan an katotoohan, makulog, alagad sa kadaklan na beses nakakatao nin omay, arog kan abo na sa paglihis kan panahon, napapakinabangan man kan daga, kan mga tawo. An gapo na nagraot kan satuyang mga harong, iyo man an gapo na gagamiton sa pagtugdok kaini. Arog kaiyan an buhay kan tawo. Arog kaini mabuhay sa alanganin na kinaban.

Sa kada pagbisita sa Albay o sa kada pag-abot ko sa Bikol, an tuktok kan Mayon an sarong pamilyar na eksena na hinahanap. Minsan sa sakuyang pagrayo o pagduman baga ngaya sa Masbate, an saiyang tuktok an hinahanap kan sakuyang mga mata. An bulkan kan Bikol, na orog na minasugpon sa imahe kan satuyang pagiging mahiligon sa lada asin an sekswal na pagpapakahulugan sa oragon. An katakod kan mga bagyo niyato, an bulkan na ini, kaibahan an Bulusan, Isarog, Asog, asin iba pang mga bukid na ginibong pailihan kan mga nagtukad.

Kan aki pa ako, sinasabi na an mga kutohon dinadara sa tuktok kan Mayon, diyan sinusulo. Patakot kan mga gurang kaidto tanganing dai magparabalad asin magparabarag-barag. Nag-uugbon an kuto sa irarom kan saldang. Madakul ining lalo sa laog kan bulkan ta sa bulkan mismo sinda mina-erok, duman an saindang altar kun sain idinudusay an mga aking saindang kinua. Kaya ngirhat an enot na nag-abot sakuya bago pa man mahiling ko an kagabsan kan bulkan o bago pa man ako darahon kan sakuyang apoon na babayi tanganing magpamibi sa Joroan, sa Tiwi, asin mahiling kun pano an gabos na inaagihan kan bus, garo nag-iitok sa bulkan. Abaang gayon ta sa pagbiyahe mo sa Albay, sa gabos na direksyon, mahihiling mo an Mayon, an toninong na bulkan na pigsasapugay kan mga panganoron, na sigun sa pigtukdo sa samuya sa eskwelahan, an saiyang mamomoton na esposo, si Ulap, an estrangherong nagadan sa ralaban ninda ni Pagtuga. Arog kaini luhay-luhay na nahaman an Mayon sa sakuyang imahinasyon na orog pang papagyamanon kan mga rawitdawit asin osipon kun sain mahihiling an bulkan na ini.

Kun kaya sa sarong tula ni Merlinda Bobis, binuhay niya giraray an daragang nagadan, an pig-agawan kan duwang lalaki. Ki Bobis, mabubuhay giraray an bulkan asin dai na na siya magigin bulkan, dai na siya magagadan. Sa mga linyang ini, mahihiling kun pano binubuhay an mga mito asin tinatawan nin panibagong paghiling o pagpapahiling tanganing maipahiling an muyang ipasabot kan rawitdawit asin malinaw an pangapodan ni Bobis na gamiton an mito kan Mayon, an simbolismo kan bulkan tanganing saboton an kamugtakan niyato sa kinaban. Basahon asin hilingon an pagkabuhay sigun sa kun pano niyato nahihiling an mga buhay na ini sa atubangan kan toninong o nagkakarabang Mayon.

http://planet.naga.ph/wp-content/uploads/HLIC/969c4f5cff3353f9dbbbaa58f4ac02f1.jpg (http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_dwLxSGUI_so/Syht52jihlI/AAAAAAAAA1o/Mf3vCIm8wls/s1600-h/itm_20090404_image.jpg)
Merlinda Bobis

http://planet.naga.ph/wp-content/uploads/HLIC/55dea9d22af332fbe0bdeebe02d1bc50.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dwLxSGUI_so/SyhuZ2r5w0I/AAAAAAAAA1w/Cdi6TfoEj-A/s1600-h/wtusa+cantata+1st_ed_L.jpg)

Apwera ki Bobis, may mga rawitdawit man na sinurat an mga taga-Albay na si Rafael Banzuela asin Jun Belgica, sinda Marne Kilates, Gode Calleja asin Jimple Borlagdan. Igwang nagluwas sa Burak, na magkapirang concrete poetry na nasa porma kan Mayon na sinurat ni Rose Alibin. Si Adrian Remodo sa saro niyang rawitdawit na may titulong Mayon na maluwas sa koleksyon an Ini An Sakuyang Hawak, ibinaing an Mayon sa sarong kataed sa pagturog na naghuhukragong, asin andam na sa senswal na pagsabog nin lada asin guta. Kinarawan ni Remodo an imahe kan Mayon sa saiyang rawitdawit sa tonong duraton.

http://planet.naga.ph/wp-content/uploads/HLIC/918e3857d614945dc7b39b44581d632b.jpg (http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_dwLxSGUI_so/SyhuwGmUc9I/AAAAAAAAA14/V0dWAv1vbQg/s1600-h/mayong.jpg)

An mga osipon man ni Abdon Balde Jr., sa premyado niyang kolekesyon Mayong, na may takop nin Mayon na nagtutuga na dinesenyo ni Dan Pinto, mababasa an mga kusong na osipon na dai ka papanultolon nin huli sa mahirong imahinasyon nin Balde, kun sain tinawan niya man nin panibagong pagsasabuhay an mga mitikal na karakter, kun pano an buhay kan tawo gari nag-iitok sana man sa sarong kapaladan, gurano man karayo an panahon kun sain asin nuarin kita nabuhay. Ta tama gayod na isipon, na mantang kita nakalunad sa sarong sakayan o nagmumukoy-mukoy sa natad, anong bulkan man nanggad ining yaon sa satuya, na padagos pa man na yaon diyan, na sa kahaloyan nang panahon, yaon sana ini digdi, daing pagmidbid kun siisay an mga tawong namundag, nag-aragi, nagadan sa saiyang dapan. Ta arog ini kaini, daing pakimano, mantang kitang mga tawo nagsusurat nin rawitdawit buda osipon, natagay-tagay sa palibot asin natigsik, naarado asin nasira, nalaog sa opisina, napadagos sa buhay, sa lindong kan buhay na bulkan kan gabos na panahon. Anong mata an andam sa pagsaksi kan gayon asin ngirhat na ini na an apod Mayon?

leo98

December 20th, 2009, 01:07 PM

dc88

December 20th, 2009, 07:52 PM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4200799442_220969efa8.jpg
Took this Pic. after i heard a Loud Rumble! Today at 1:43 AM.

JPeePH

December 21st, 2009, 01:52 AM

Banadero po & matnog is 7km

alcogoodwin

December 21st, 2009, 02:35 AM

alcogoodwin

December 21st, 2009, 02:41 AM

I have been here since 1992 and experienced several eruptions, all of them rather mild. Who knows what will happen if she really blows up. Take a look at the Wikpedia article, especially about the 1897 eruption - scary! I live 9km south of the volcano.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayon_Volcano#Recorded_eruptions

Although I have never met them personally, I have made a few good Legaspi friends on the internet and do worry about their safety at this time.
My wife only has one aunty in Legaspi. They were all from Panay and Masbate, so she wasn't even aware she had a relative there until we visited.
Even though I am so far away, you can't help but worry and hope that all these friends and their families will be OK. It also amazes me that this beautiful and amazing thing I stood near not so long ago is finally begiining to show people again what she is capable of.

While it has negative affects on Legaspi though, the huge influx of tourists it brings is beyond believe when it comes to the economy. It will be a huge boost.

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 03:06 AM

Although I have never met them personally, I have made a few good Legaspi friends on the internet and do worry about their safety at this time.
My wife only has one aunty in Legaspi. They were all from Panay and Masbate, so she wasn't even aware she had a relative there until we visited.
Even though I am so far away, you can't help but worry and hope that all these friends and their families will be OK. It also amazes me that this beautiful and amazing thing I stood near not so long ago is finally begiining to show people again what she is capable of.

While it has negative affects on Legaspi though, the huge influx of tourists it brings is beyond believe when it comes to the economy. It will be a huge boost.

^ that's true...

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 03:11 AM

Banadero po & matnog is 7km

^ ngonyan ko lang naaraman na may bgy matnog palan sa Albay...

Maray na Albay!

JPeePH

December 21st, 2009, 03:59 AM

igwa po taga-duman ako :banana:

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 04:17 AM

^ matnog,daraga or matnog,legazpi?
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2761/4200799442_220969efa8.jpg
Took this Pic. after i heard a Loud Rumble! Today at 1:43 AM.
^ nasa baba na palan ang lava...thanks dc88 for the photo

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:20 AM

marhay na aldaw tabi saindo gabos! i've been reading this thread for a few months now. i'm also from legazpi! hope I'm welcome here

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 04:21 AM

^ you are most welcome! enjoy posting!

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:26 AM

slmt po sa pgwelcome, mr. brandon. i heard alert level 4 na ang status kan mayon? i hope dai na maglala. normal man po dgd ngunyan sa lgp, business as usual

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:28 AM

Albay all set – Salceda

Sunday, 20 December 2009 21:45

BY MANNY UGALDE CORRESPONDENT

LEGAZPI CITY: Gov. Joey Salceda said Sunday that Albay province has prepared itself for a major eruption of Mayon Volcano, adding that local authorities were ahead in its disaster preparedness program to ensure that there were no casualties.

Salceda said that under Alert Level 3 hoisted last week, the provincial disaster coordinating council in close cooperation with the joint task force Mayon evacuated residents from the 6-kilometer permanent danger zone to the 7- and 8-kilometer extended danger zone.

Authorities from the Philippine Institute of Volconology and Seismology (Phivolcs) had demanded that under Alert Level 3, the permanent danger zone should be declared a “no-man’s land” and extended up to a 7-kilometer radius around the Mayon.

Mayon has been acting up on and off since July, during which Alert Level 2 was even raised.

That gave the provincial authorities time to review and revalidate their disaster-preparedness programs, Salceda said.

Chief volcanologitst Renato Solidum, meanwhile, had anticipated the need to elevate the warning level to 4 given the intensified volcanic activity recently. He added that last week’s 197 recorded volcanic quakes in just 24 hours was alarming.

Morbid attraction
The continuous volcanic earthquakes, ash puffs and lava flows reaching to about 4 kilometers down Mayon’s slope from the crater, has not frightened foreign and local tourists, however. Even journalists
attempt to enter the danger zone.

Lava flow is only visible in Legazpi City and the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan, Daraga and Santo Domingo.

But Col. Mario Salazar, 901st brigade commander and head of the Joint Task Force Mayon, said that a strict “no human activity” within the danger zone has been imposed on 24-hour basis. He added that many evacuated residents were still trying to return home, but they were barred by troops from entering the area.

Earlier on Friday, Gov. Salceda said that the remaining 1,000 plus families to be evacuated was to completed on Saturday. But according to the Mayon task force, it was still evacuating residents and tracing stubborn residents who refuse to leave the danger zone.

As of Saturday, some 8,637 families or roughly 40,991 people have been evacuated out of the targeted 9,946 families or about 48,000 plus individuals.

There are 30 barangay or villages affected by the evacuation from the towns of Camalig, Guinobatan and Ligao City in the Third District of Albay; Daraga and Legazpi City in the second district; and Santo Domingo, Malilipot and Tabaco City in the first district.

Julio Sabit of the Mayon observatory monitoring center said that volcanic debris have already filled the biggest Bonga Gulley in Legazpi City, causing debris to cascade down the Mayon slope as far as 4 kilometers down the slope from the crater.

Minor sickness and sore eyes have already afflicted those in evacuation centers notably in Tabaco City, but Gov. Salceda said that local health authorities were trying to contain its spread.

The governor added that 50,000 masks have already arrived and relief supply continues.

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:30 AM

an legazpi 15-16 kilometers from Mayon, bako po?

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 04:33 AM

^yup alert level 4 na ang eruption kan Mt Mayon..yeah its anormal thing for Albayanos, but for those visitors, they might find it scary but definitely exciting!

as long as the PHILVOLCS, PAGASA and the LGU of Albay properly monitor the activtiy around Mt Mayon, and of course with the people obeying rules 100% set by the Albay government...everything will be fine...

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:34 AM

http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2009-12/19/xinsrc_502120619153473424351.jpg

sick_n_tired

December 21st, 2009, 04:39 AM

19 december 2009
the angry Mayon Volcano

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4201466829_98234b1776.jpg

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:44 AM

pano po maglaag ki pics?

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 04:46 AM

^you need to have a photobucket account...so you can upload pix..

19 december 2009
the angry Mayon Volcano

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4201466829_98234b1776.jpg

very nice photo...thanks for sharing it..

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:47 AM

^ok salamat po

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 04:49 AM

^ no problem...saen ka palan sa legazpi?

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:57 AM

http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac175/bob_c1989/xinsrc_502120619153473424351.jpg

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 04:58 AM

^ no problem...saen ka palan sa legazpi?

Digdi lang po sa central city

JPeePH

December 21st, 2009, 05:00 AM

matnog, daraga kataid po kan mabinit, legazpi

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 05:00 AM

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 05:01 AM

http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac175/bob_c1989/xinsrc_502120619153473424351.jpg

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 05:04 AM

Digdi lang po sa central city

ahw...sa sentro ka kan legazpi? musta na ang Embarcadero?

matnog, daraga kataid po kan mabinit, legazpi

^ thanks JP...ang balita baga gari babakalon kan Albay government gabos na properties dyan sa permanent danger zone para dae na talaga pag istaran ki tawo...

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:05 AM

19 december 2009
the angry Mayon Volcano

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2673/4201466829_98234b1776.jpg

Hey xtian! Got your text message. Hehe. Di bale, at least nakita nyo pa rin ang lava. Sorry di ko na kayo nasamahan kahapon. Hehe. I hope balik kayo sa Legazpi someday. :okay:

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 05:05 AM

http://i897.photobucket.com/albums/ac175/bob_c1989/xinsrc_502120619153473424351.jpg

^magayon ang pagkakakua mo kaining pix padi...iling so pagka cone kan mayon....ayuz!

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:06 AM

pano po maglaag ki pics?

Hi, welcome to SkyscraperCity, mayon_inc! Please visit this thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=458527) for instructions on how to post photos. :)

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:08 AM

BTW, Maray na Albay, Legazpeeps! I'm here in Legazpi now for the Christmas break hehe. Nice sunny weather today but it was drizzling a few hours ago. Kasuhapon pag abot ko malang-lipot kang paros! Pasko na talaga. hehe. Mayon is behind cloud cover today but last night the lava flow was very visible! I'll take photos within the next few days. :)

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 05:10 AM

;48824167']Hi, welcome to SkyscraperCity, mayon_inc! Please visit this thread (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=458527) for instructions on how to post photos. :)

salamat po sa pag welcome!

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:12 AM

^ after this eruption...hope the government of albay could do something to remove those debris around the slopes of mt mayon...maybe they could use it to reclaim lands from the Albay gulf...preparation similar to this could reduce the potential damage that this could inflict comes the typhoon season...

I agree with this. The debris can be used as materials for construction projects within the city or elsewhere, to reclaim land from the sea, create new breakwaters, etc.

^ thanks JP...ang balita baga gari babakalon kan Albay government gabos na properties dyan sa permanent danger zone para dae na talaga pag istaran ki tawo...

^^Hmm, is that true? I wonder if the provincial government can afford to buy all the titled lands within the danger zone.

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:14 AM

Estanza Sunset
by Dacel Andes (http://micreations.multiply.com/)

http://images.micreations.multiply.com/image/1/photos/116/1200x1200/6/Twilight-Stanza-6.jpg?et=ZN5nY64iOi3SpF0HtwTUcA&nmid=304903854

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:16 AM

Mayon lava flow as of Dec. 20, 2009
rxtJzyq3UNQ

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:17 AM

Mayon lava flow up close

shhwdlMH0TY

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:20 AM

By the way, where can we find a list of the barangays that are within the danger zone?

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:21 AM

Mayon activity escalates; lava fountains rise above crater (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179870/mayon-activity-escalates-lava-fountains-rise-above-crater)
12/21/2009 | 10:07 AM

Mayon Volcano in Albay province has exhibited increased activity in the past 24 hours, with red hot lava continuously flowing down along three gullies and lava fountains rising above its crater, state volcanologists said on Monday. In its 7 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) also said booming and rumbling sounds were being heard since Sunday night, in what appears to be an imminent eruption.

"Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. Lava fountains rising approximately 200 meters above the crater were observed…The lava front has now reached about five kilometers downslope from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gullies," it added.

In the last 24 hours, about 1,942 volcanic earthquakes were detected while the sulfur dioxide emission rate remained high at 6,089 tons per day. Audible booming and rumbling sounds were likewise reported in the eastern flank of the volcano on Sunday afternoon. Phivolcs said Alert Level 4 remains hoisted over Mayon Volcano, meaning a hazardous eruption is possible within days. Level 5 is when a major eruption has begun.

The cone-shaped volcano began emitting red-hot lava and puffing columns of ash last week. It belched a plume of grayish ash half a mile (nearly a kilometer) into the sky Sunday, and lava has flowed about 4.5 kilometers down the mountainside, said Albay Gov. Joey Salceda. A major eruption can trigger pyroclastic flows — superheated gas and volcanic debris that can race down the slopes at very high speed, vaporizing everything in their path. There can be more extensive ejections of ash, which can drift toward nearby townships.

In Mayon's major eruptions in recent years, such pyroclastic flows have reached up to six kilometers down from the crater on the volcano's southern flank — a farming region where most residents have been evacuated as of Monday. Mayon last erupted in 2006, when about 30,000 people were moved. Another eruption in 1993 killed 79 people. The first recorded eruption was in 1616 but the most destructive came in 1814, killing more than 1,200 people and burying a town in volcanic mud. The ruins of the church in Cagsawa have become an iconic tourist spot.

No need to suspend flights yet

Despite the danger from Mayon’s impending eruption, Phivolcs director Renato Solidum Jr. said there was no need to suspend flights at Legazpi Airport in Albay, at least for now. "Wala naman, depende yan sa Civil Aviation Office (No, we’d leave that to the Civil Aviation Office)," he said on radio dzBB, when asked if Phivolcs would recommend the suspension of flights. He said the activity at Mayon is not significant enough to affect aircraft passing through Albay, at least for now.

Cat-and-mouse game

As of Monday morning, Salceda said a total of 9,217 families or 44,394 people from the municipalities of Camalig, Daraga, Malilipot, Sto. Domingo, Ligao, Guinobatan, and the cities of Legazpi and Tabaco have been evacuated since last week. Army troops and police have also intensified patrols to enforce a round-the-clock ban on villagers moving within an eight-kilometer danger zone around the 8,070-foot (2,460-meter) mountain, Salceda said.

Army checkpoints have been set up and patrols have been intensified to ensure residents will not sneak back to check on their homes and farms, as some have done in recent days, he added. Salceda said residents are used to playing a "cat and mouse" game with Mayon, a popular tourist attraction because of its near-perfect cone shape.

Residents who briefly returned to their homes within the danger zone Sunday morning to check on their belongings reported hearing eerie rumbling sounds. Some were seen by journalists tending to their farms within the prohibited zone near Guinobatan town.

Among the residents forcibly evacuated by Army soldiers from Mayon’s danger zone were two elderly residents. Radio dzBB’s Allan Gatus reported the two, initially identified as Ananias Llobic, 82; and Jimmy Lloreta, 65, were unable to flee their homes due to their medical conditions.

The report said Llobic was deaf and had difficulty walking, while Lloreta was a paralytic with high blood condition. The two were brought to an evacuation center aboard an ambulance. - with a report from Sophia Dedace and AP/RSJ, GMANews.TV

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:23 AM

^yup alert level 4 na ang eruption kan Mt Mayon..yeah its anormal thing for Albayanos, but for those visitors, they might find it scary but definitely exciting!

slmt po sa pgwelcome, mr. brandon. i heard alert level 4 na ang status kan mayon? i hope dai na maglala. normal man po dgd ngunyan sa lgp, business as usual

Yup, it's business as usual for most people here in Legazpi, especially those outside the danger zones. It's a different case for those who need to be evacuated. I hope they will be given the proper services.

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 05:29 AM

;48824343']
^^Hmm, is that true? I wonder if the provincial government can afford to buy all the titled lands within the danger zone.

^ if we will really look into the safety of the people around the danger area, then nothing is impossible...i think i read it in a news article...it was released in the press so that means it will be pursued...

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:32 AM

1st Colonial Grill

Interiors
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2768/4198753819_678c8e333b_b.jpg

Laing (or mas tigaapod na Gulay na Natong digdi sato hehe)
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4005/4199510414_90aff4afa4_b.jpg

Sili, Tinutong and Malunggay Ice Cream
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2531/4198762649_37f946e46d_b.jpg

Five Spiced Chicken
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4011/4199513952_99415201ba_b.jpg

Photos by Karla Redor (http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlaredor/)

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:32 AM

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:35 AM

^ if we will really look into the safety of the people around the danger area, then nothing is impossible...i think i read it in a news article...it was released in the press so that means it will be pursued...

Sabagay, there is a need to ensure that the areas within the danger zone are really 'no man's land'. Para dai na kaipuhan mag evacuate pag may activity ang Mayon. Of course, it's easier said than done. And affected residents cannot simply uproot their lives and relocate elsewhere. But I do hope eventually maging no man's land talaga ang mga areas na nasa laog kang permanent danger zone.

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:36 AM

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/4200152445_cd8725ddf6_b.jpg
by oomphoto (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39481862@N06/)

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 05:36 AM

;48824229']BTW, Maray na Albay, Legazpeeps! I'm here in Legazpi now for the Christmas break hehe. Nice sunny weather today but it was drizzling a few hours ago. Kasuhapon pag abot ko malang-lipot kang paros! Pasko na talaga. hehe. Mayon is behind cloud cover today but last night the lava flow was very visible! I'll take photos within the next few days. :)

^ nasa legazpi ka na palan...pix naman dyan ng interior ng hotel st ellis oh...

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:37 AM

Mayon's crater up close

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2532/4193603821_a58167d6e2_o.jpg
by marbleplaty (http://www.flickr.com/photos/marbleplaty/)

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:38 AM

^ nasa legazpi ka na palan...pix naman dyan ng interior ng hotel st ellis oh...

Yup! hehe, I wish makalaog man ako sa Hotel St. Ellis. Hehe, siguro try lang mag inquire tas take pics pasimple? haha :runaway:

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 05:38 AM

;48825009']http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2549/4200152445_cd8725ddf6_b.jpg
by oomphoto (http://www.flickr.com/photos/39481862@N06/)

^ kagayun-gayon daw ni Mayon...

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 05:39 AM

;48825079']Yup! hehe, I wish makalaog man ako sa Hotel St. Ellis. Hehe, siguro try lang mag inquire tas take pics pasimple? haha :runaway:

^ thanks dx...

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:51 AM

By the way, there is an extended voters' registration starting today December 21, and on December 22, 23, 28, and 29. Su dai pa po nakaparehistro dyan, magparehistro na. :)

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 05:59 AM

As of December 20, 10:31pm

http://images.tomfalconjr.multiply.com/image/3/photos/137/1200x1200/1/xmas-tree-2-copy.jpg?et=bKayKU1kgGHsaconT%2CRjNw&nmid=305255484

Photo by Tom Falcon Jr. (http://tomfalconjr.multiply.com/)

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 06:03 AM

^ very nice photo..pag close up..gari makatakot managgad hilingon ang pag toga kan mayon...

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 06:05 AM

^ very nice photo..pag close up..gari makatakot managgad hilingon ang pag toga kan mayon...

Yup, nagbuburulos talaga ang lava...hilingon sa bintana mi sa likod hehe.

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 06:06 AM

pz7lpb5smho
from Agence France Presse

JPeePH

December 21st, 2009, 06:07 AM

ahw...sa sentro ka kan legazpi? musta na ang Embarcadero?

^ thanks JP...ang balita baga gari babakalon kan Albay government gabos na properties dyan sa permanent danger zone para dae na talaga pag istaran ki tawo...

Igwan na po relocation site an Matnog & Banadero.. Tinawan ki lot & building materials jan sa may Anislag an relocation site. I don't know anything about that information pero malabo mangyari na bakalon pa yan kan PGO - Albay.

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 06:09 AM

Igwan na po relocation site an Matnog & Banadero.. Tinawan ki lot & building materials jan sa may Anislag an relocation site. I don't know anything about that information pero malabo mangyari na bakalon pa yan kan PGO - Albay.

Nasa slopes na man nanggad kang Mayon ang Brgy. Matnog kang Daraga. Hiling na ngani ang Legazpi City, Ligñon Hill, etc hali duman, right?

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 06:13 AM

JPeePH

December 21st, 2009, 06:13 AM

;48825863']Nasa slopes na man nanggad kang Mayon ang Brgy. Matnog kang Daraga. Hiling na ngani ang Legazpi City, Ligñon Hill, etc hali duman, right?

yep, punta kau dun sa boundary ng Matnog & Mabinit. Magayonon ang view kan Legazpi. Dae lang garing ako nakakauli :banana:

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 06:15 AM

;48825863']Nasa slopes na man nanggad kang Mayon ang Brgy. Matnog kang Daraga. Hiling na ngani ang Legazpi City, Ligñon Hill, etc hali duman, right?

^ nakadyan na ako sa banadero kan nag boy scout ako...dyan kami kaito nag tree planting...

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 06:17 AM

yep, punta kau dun sa boundary ng Matnog & Mabinit. Magayonon ang view kan Legazpi. Dae lang garing ako nakakauli :banana:

Hehe, yup. Aloy na man ako dai nakapasyar dyan sa Matnog. Siguro last time was back in 2003 or 2004 pa hehe

JPeePH

December 21st, 2009, 06:20 AM

^ ok..lets just wait and see how that issue will progress...in the meantime, its good that the government has identified and release funds for the relocation of the families from both banadero and matnog to the anislag relocation site...

Medyo aloy na po c relocation kaso si mga tawo hesitant magpatugdok sa bulod bako pano tood :banana: su mga taga-duman samo last November pa su deadline kan pagkuha kan materials. Pag dae sinda nag comply sa deadline itatao sa iba su lot & materials. I think the whole population will be relocated same like Budiao. Maganda po mga houses na pigtugdok duman similar sa Padang Relocation in Taysan.

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 06:21 AM

Medyo aloy na po c relocation kaso si mga tawo hesitant magpatugdok sa bulod bako pano tood :banana: su mga taga-duman samo last November pa su deadline kan pagkuha kan materials. Pag dae sinda nag comply sa deadline itatao sa iba su lot & materials. I think the whole population will be relocated same like Budiao. Maganda po mga houses na pigtugdok duman similar sa Padang Relocation in Taysan.

Yup, understandable man ta dipisil man nanggad magrelocate sa bagong lugar. Kaso pag safety na ang tiguurunan, mas maray nang nasa safe na lugar, bakong iyo?

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 06:32 AM

Dios Mabalos, UNICEF!

* * *

UNICEF donates 20 trailers of water jugs for Mayon evacuees (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248561)
By Mar S. Arguelles

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) -- The United Nation International Children Fund (UNICEF) has donated 20 trailer load of water jags to ensure safe drinking water in all evacuation centers in Albay due to the eruption of Mayon volcano. Albay Governor and Provincial Disaster Coordinating council (PDCC) chairman Joey Salceda said that aside from regular food supply, the provincial government is ensuring that drinking water is safe in order to avoid any health problem specially water borne diseases.

“The donation is part of the UNICEF's commitment to Albay province and one of our requirements in the evacuation centers is to provide potable water,” Salceda said. Aside from safe drinking water the provincial health office personnel have been assigned 24 hours, seven days a week in the evacuation centers to monitor the health condition of families evacuated specially children.

As of December 20, the PDCC has reported 31 fever and four cases of cough. Salceda said that these cases have been attributed to both cold weather and evacuation center condition. “The health situation is being addressed by provincial health personnel and Albay Health Emergency Management.” “Aside from the regular health personnel, the health management team is also composed of highly trained paramedics capable to handle all emergency related health response,” the governor said. The Albay Health Emergency Management (AHEM) is the only trained paramedics, first in the Asia. (PNA)
FFC/LQ/MSA/cbd

bitoy

December 21st, 2009, 06:39 AM

;48826201']Yup, understandable man ta dipisil man nanggad magrelocate sa bagong lugar. Kaso pag safety na ang tiguurunan, mas maray nang nasa safe na lugar, bakong iyo?

Nice to see at night but dangerous. People should be far away into the safety zone, mahirap hulaan ang lakas ng volcano, di bale kung constant lava flow, pero pag sumabog ng malakas like Mt. Pinatubo, maraming ma pinsala.

Thanks for the updated photos.

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 06:52 AM

;48826437']Dios Mabalos, UNICEF!

* * *

UNICEF donates 20 trailers of water jugs for Mayon evacuees (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248561)
By Mar S. Arguelles

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) -- The United Nation International Children Fund (UNICEF) has donated 20 trailer load of water jags to ensure safe drinking water in all evacuation centers in Albay due to the eruption of Mayon volcano. Albay Governor and Provincial Disaster Coordinating council (PDCC) chairman Joey Salceda said that aside from regular food supply, the provincial government is ensuring that drinking water is safe in order to avoid any health problem specially water borne diseases.

“The donation is part of the UNICEF's commitment to Albay province and one of our requirements in the evacuation centers is to provide potable water,” Salceda said. Aside from safe drinking water the provincial health office personnel have been assigned 24 hours, seven days a week in the evacuation centers to monitor the health condition of families evacuated specially children.

As of December 20, the PDCC has reported 31 fever and four cases of cough. Salceda said that these cases have been attributed to both cold weather and evacuation center condition. “The health situation is being addressed by provincial health personnel and Albay Health Emergency Management.” “Aside from the regular health personnel, the health management team is also composed of highly trained paramedics capable to handle all emergency related health response,” the governor said. The Albay Health Emergency Management (AHEM) is the only trained paramedics, first in the Asia. (PNA)
FFC/LQ/MSA/cbd

^ very good!...i am very confident that this donation will go directly to the end users...Galing!!!

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 07:00 AM

i heard there's a beautiful hotel to be built in tahao road area...

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 07:16 AM

Mayon eruption incites tourism influx (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=248244&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=legazpi%20city&andor=and&mdte_arch=0&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=0)
By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 18 (PNA) – The province of Albay is keener on tangible and sufficient support mechanisms for disaster preparedness efforts but tourism is not on top of it. “Disaster tourism is certainly not within the contemplation of the provincial development strategy even if disaster risk reduction and tourism are integral components. Disaster tourism is neither encouraged, promoted nor sponsored by the provincial government,” Governor Joey Salceda said.

According to him, the sudden surge of tourists is an unintended consequence of a volcanic eruption. “There are actually at least three typologies of this phenomenon - the most common is Mayon watching particularly at Lignon HIll, then the increased visits by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), foundation work, charity groups and other civil society organizations (and inevitably soon, presidentiables and senatoriables) to our evacuation centers and the increased media coverage of the province,” Salceda said.

Albay’s hotels, even the smaller ones, are getting fully booked. Flights and buses get higher load factors but higher tricycle ridership is the one that gives us real monetary benefit. eateries, restaurants, malls, bars (even night clubs) too are flourishing.

Being an economist, Salceda said that it was hard but not impossible to pin a number to the incremental output. “Easily, 2,400 daily tourists mostly staying for one day assumed at P1,000 daily spending or P2.4 million additional at gross value added factor of 0.41 percent or P880,000. This does not match what we spend for evacuation of P1.5 million per day for 9,946 families in temporary shelters,” Salceda said.

Admittedly, Salceda said that there were spillover effects as Albay got unusual attention for other human interest stories and promotion of the destinations like Misibis, Embarcadero, Tiwi and Manito geothermal, which could not easily quantified. Also, there is conflicting science on its impact on agricultural productivity (higher acidity versus volcanic nutrients) But easily the disruption in classes can also not be discounted.

On balance, the incremental benefits of disaster tourism is simply outweighed by the actual destruction on the livelihoods, crops and properties. Salceda also said that development must proceed even if there was an eruption. “The local business is not affected of the Mayon eruption, the expected damage of the eruption is on agriculture.”

In 2000, this amounted to P284 million, in 2001-- P301 million and in 2006 - P505 million. The public expenditure for evacuation lasting between 47 to 92 days at an average of P1.5 million per day would cost P70 million to P138 million. Thus, for 2006, the eruption period, which lasted 47 days, the total cost to the Albay economy amounted to P505 million + P70 million or P575 million.

The governor also said that Albayanos were better off without an eruption even if anecdotally, the public got carried away by the deceptively benevolent images of surging tourists. “The tourism incited by Mayon itself without eruption is certainly beneficial and is strategically pursued by our tourism programs,” Salceda said. “Insofar as Mayon itself is concerned, it is a given and we just have to learn to live with it while going for progress,” Salceda said. (PNA)
RMA/LQ/MDR/cbd

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 07:23 AM

Balay Cena Una
by karla redor
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlaredor/)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4199698104_ff40298a4c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4198953989_79e59fc976_b.jpg

Ensalada
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4199666564_b0e5af9b70_b.jpg

Pasta
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/4199673794_d6daa3a875_b.jpg

Roast Chicken
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4198922853_8f99fc4712_b.jpg

Lumpiang Ubod
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/4198908415_1d7fce7aeb_b.jpg

Chocolate Cake
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4198929633_8cf24efd09_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/4199680586_f216322d7e_b.jpg

Makopa (Tambis) Shake
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/4199669714_2e77825a3e_b.jpg

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 07:23 AM

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 07:27 AM

Big bang to greet holidays (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=534565&publicationSubCategoryId=63)
By Helen Flores (The Philippine Star) Updated December 21, 2009 12:00 AM

http://img686.imageshack.us/img686/6301/gen1hires.jpg

MANILA, Philippines - A major and violent eruption of Mayon Volcano could be just days away, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) warned yesterday. Phivolcs yesterday raised the alert from level three to four, which means that an explosive eruption could take place in days, following a greater frequency of earthquakes and sulfur dioxide emissions.

Phivolcs director Renato Solidum said they raised the alert level at the volcano because of a significant increase in the number and size of volcanic earthquakes and tremors, sustained high sulfur dioxide gas emission and rumbling sound. “This means that a hazardous explosive eruption is possible within days, thus, areas expected to be affected by such eruption will be accordingly extended,” Solidum said.

Solidum also told reporters that “what we are preparing for is a hazardous eruption and a quick descent of pyroclastic ash flow.” He said the ash flow would remain within six kilometers of the 2,460-meter (8,070 feet) volcano. “But naturally, we have a buffer zone,” just to make sure, he said. Solidum said cascading lava could trigger a pyroclastic flow - superheated gas and volcanic debris racing down the slopes at very high speed, vaporizing everything in its path.

Albay officials had already ordered evacuation of at least 16,000 more families, or 70,000 people found up to the eight-kilometer radius high risk zone. The government has already evacuated more than 8,600 of the 9,000 or so families living within an eight-kilometer (five mile) danger zone set up around Mayon, civil defense officials said. Officials also said they might have to spend up to four months in temporary shelters.

Mayon could remain silent after an initial eruption before erupting yet again, said the volcanologists. Although ash from the volcano was unlikely to threaten residents directly, there was a risk it could turn into a deadly mudflow, as happened in 2006, when hundreds of people were swept away, the officials said.

While no one was directly killed by that eruption, tons of debris that had collected on Mayon’s slopes were dislodged by typhoon “Reming” three months later. The avalanche of mud and boulders crushed entire villages, leaving over 1,000 dead.

‘463 volcanic earthquakes’

July Sabit, head of the volcano monitoring team said the number of volcanic quakes from Sunday morning increased to 463 and that the volcano was belching more sulphur dioxide into the air. This was a sign that “a hazardous eruption is possible within days.” However he would not give a forecast when the eruption could take place. Hours earlier, volcanologists said an eruption could occur in two weeks.

Phivolcs has recommended an extended danger zone from the summit of eight kilometers at the southern sector and seven kilometers at the northern sector of the volcano. “Areas just outside of this Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) should prepare for evacuation in the event explosive eruptions intensify,” Solidum said.

According to Solidum, Mt. Mayon’s sulfur dioxide emission reached 7,024 tons in the past 24 hours, the highest volume of sulfur dioxide gas emitted by the volcano since it began acting up last week. He said sulfur dioxide (SO2) emission increased from 2,034 tonnes per day (t/d) to 7,024 t/d yesterday, signifying the volcano’s growing unrest.

Phivolcs said a total of 222 volcanic quakes and tremors were recorded by the seismic network in the past 24 hours. One of these events, Phivolcs said, was an explosion type earthquake that produced a dirty white to grayish ash column that reached a maximum height of about 500 meters above summit before drifting southwest.

The military and police will now tighten the controls over the danger zone and ensure that no one is left there or allowed to enter, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said. Officials warned that they would take forceful measures to remove villagers who did not want to leave their farms. “We try to do the persuasive thing but if (it) gets bad, the governor has instructions to forcibly evacuate them,” local civil defense head Raffy Alejandro said.

Villagers reluctant to leave

Despite the warnings, many villagers are reluctant to leave and may sneak back to their farms to harvest their produce or protect their livestock. Salceda also ordered the doubling of more patrols as well as placed additional forces to enforce the no human activity policy inside the 6-km radius permanent danger zone up to the 8-km high-risk zone around Mayon Volcano to brace for eruption of the volcano.

He has also declared a curfew to ensure that all residents at risk have to be evacuated before Mayon erupts. He also placed the province under a state of calamity so that local government units will be able to use their 5 percent calamity fund to address the needs of evacuees. “We will try our best. I know that they want to return home. If they will return we will find them and bring them back to the evacuation center. If I find them in the danger zone I will bring them back to the safety of the evacuation center because we cannot give up on them and certainly the provincial government is not giving up on the goal of zero casualty and we cannot leave anything to chance,” said Salceda at a press conference yesterday afternoon at the office of the Provincial Security and Emergency Management Office together with Solidum and Mayon resident volcanologist Ed Laguerta.

“We are putting in place very deliberate strategies in order to achieve the zero casualty goal of the provincial government of course with the help of the AFP and the PNP,” he added. “We have been conducting various evacuations and what make those evacuations difficult is because we are in Christmas season.”

Salceda said that the rice supplies of the evacuees have already been delivered four to five days in advance “so we can focus on the unpredictability of Mayon’s eruption.” The evacuees were given sleeping mats and food as they settled down in evacuation centers, mostly schools, where social workers were organizing Christmas parties and games to keep children busy, local officials said.

Meanwhile health officials warned of sulfur dioxide inhalation because it can cause upper respiratory tract infection. An expert from the Department of Health (DOH) has urged those living near the volcano to observe precautionary measures as the ash fall it is emitting can trigger upper respiratory tract infection.

Mayon shot two plumes of smoke last Friday morning, one reaching almost 2 kilometers in the sky. The Philippines is in the so-called Ring of Fire, an arc of fault lines circling the Pacific Basin that is prone to frequent earthquakes and volcanic eruptions. Mayon, 330 km (206 miles) southeast of Manila, has erupted 48 times in recorded history. The most violent eruption occurred in 1814 and killed more than 1,200 people, devastated several towns and buried Cagsawa. However, Mayon remains a famous tourist spot and is famous worldwide for its perfect cone. With Cet Dematera and Celso Amo, AP

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 07:28 AM

i heard there's a beautiful hotel to be built in tahao road area...

What's the name of this proposed hotel?

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 07:32 AM

Misibis Bay Raintree @ Night

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_187109144421_697664421_3130023_786797_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187109229421_697664421_3130024_5688963_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187109334421_697664421_3130026_70294_n.jpg

http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs048.snc3/13566_187109399421_697664421_3130027_1173999_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_187109449421_697664421_3130028_636229_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs068.snc3/13566_187109504421_697664421_3130029_149094_n.jpg

Source (http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=697664421)

Brandon32

December 21st, 2009, 07:34 AM

;48827633']What's the name of this proposed hotel?

^ i dont know the name yet...

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 07:37 AM

^ very good!...i am very confident that this donation will go directly to the end users...Galing!!!

Yup, the fact that UN continues to extend its support to Albay means that they trust the provincial government. :okay:

^ i dont know the name yet...

Okay, may ma announce na lang kaiyan hehe

lgseccionph

December 21st, 2009, 07:41 AM

Mt. Mayon to erupt anytime, Phivolcs raises Alert Level to 4

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 20 (PNA)--Government volcanologists on Sunday warn disaster authorities to brace for more explosive fireworks as Mt. Mayon's intense activity might turn into full-blown eruption within the next hours or days.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanologists (Philvocs) even raised the volcano's alert status to Level 4, meaning hazardous explosive eruption is imminent.

Philvocs chief Renato Solidum , during the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council (PDCC) emergency meeting on Sunday, said the activity of the mountain grew more intense as volcanic quakes, particularly harmonic tremors, sulphur gas and lava flows increased.

Solidum said “with the increasing and persistent tremor of low frequency type or harmonic tremors we can expects for more explosive eruption to happen once the volcano erupts in the coming days,”

The volcano felt 462 volcanic quakes and tremors in the past 24 hours, a large number of which were recorded harmonic in kind by seismic instruments.

Advancing lava flow has now reached approximately 4.5 kilometers downslope from the crater along Bonga Gully.

Sulphur Dioxide (SO2) gas cough up by the volcano increased from 2,034 ton per day (t/d)on Saturday to 7,024 on Sunday.

Phivolcs scientists closely monitor critical events like the surge in harmonic tremors since this would be a determining period where two possible scenarios might occur.

Solidum presented two scenario to take place in the event the volcano erupts, one scenario is the eruption would be similar to the 2006 event where a quiet eruption occurred as manifested by continuous lava emission while the second, the eruption would be an explosive patterned to that of the 1984, 1993 or 2000 eruptions.

“The 2006 eruption was a quite eruption exhibited by lava flow that lasted for two months and spawned some 52 million cubic meters of volcanic materials,” Solidum said.

Solidum , however, expected Mayon volcano eruption to be different from the 2006 eruption, simply because the volcano was presently manifesting increasing tremors and quakes which were not present in 2006.

He said a explosive hazardous type of eruption either a Plenian or Strombolian type might happen.

He said hazardous eruptions involved events such as series of pyroclastic explosion, sending ash columns and volcanic materials flows into the air kilometres high from the crater, lava flows, rock falls producing secondary explosions.

These events would always affect the six km Permanent Danger Zones and up to the 7-km extended danger zones in the southeast and northern part of the volcano, Solidum said

The aerial survey conducted on Saturday morning indicated that lava oozed out extensively from the crater that might flow towards the areas of Padang and in Sto Domingo.

Meanwhile, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, PDCC chair, said following the calibrated response strategy and the on-step ahead disaster response measure, preparation had been in place in anticipation for the raising of Alert Level 5.

He said the forced evacuation and the imposition of a 24-hour curfew in the permanent and extended danger zones was a calibrated success with the evacuation of 8,637 families or 40,991 people living in 30 villages considered as high risk areas around the volcano.

Salceda said “we have somewhat exceeded the preemptive evacuation target may be because of the willingness of some residents and the five kilograms per day per family subsistence seems to be making traction.”

Salceda said some P300 million would be needed to sustain the evacuees in case Mayon volcano continued to erupt in the coming four months.

Earlier, Salceda said that the province was running low on calamity funds, with only 18 days to sustain the disaster operation. But he said “we’re still capable of supporting the needs of the evacuees even if we are spending P1 million a day to feed our people affected by Mt. Mayon.”

Based on the third rapid health assessment since Dec 14, health concerns that emerged in various evacuation camps were colds with fever. Four cases of conjunctivitis or sore eyes were also registered in areas like Tabaco.

While it is an expected scenario, the Albay Health Emergency Management looked into the deployment and field performance of AHEM personnel. The "colds with fever" were given medication while the "sore eyes" were put in isolation and similarly given medication.

The AHEM units maintain health stations on a 24/7 in every evacuation center.

The Department of Health distributed some 50,000 face masks to various municipal and health units across the province affected by ash falls.

Provicial Health Office also assured that there was enough supply from existing and emergency purchase of P1.8-million worth of medicines and other health supplies.

Unicef is sending medicines through CHD V – 1,000 packs. amoxycillin , Fe+folic 10000 packs , IEHK2006 kit, basic, IEHK20006 kit, new form oral rehydrate salts ILs/CAR0 10x100 and paracetamol 500mg 1000 packs.

The PDCC is working out on clean water and sanitation concerns of evacuation centers, which include sustained water supply from Legazpi Water District; repair of all faucets; installation of 24 portalets.

The Local Water Utility Administration (LWUA) has provided four tank lorries for water distribution in case of disruption; and Unicef provided 1,000 family water kits and 1,000 community water kits .

The PDCC also worked out on the putting up of 24 drums for bathing / washing water; a ready water purifiying machine that has a capacity of 30,000 liters per hour.

It also asked the Department of social Welfare and Development for the supply of 5,000 water jugs.

Based on the daily inspection of evacuation centers, there is a need for bed mattings and blankets given the cool weather.

Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral has prepositioned 1,700 blankets at the NAVFORSOL and 1,400 mats.

The PDCC will accelerate the human intervention approach in dealing with evacuees considering the boredom and discomforts that might be experienced specially this Christmas season.

Salceda said the Department of Health and DSWD would take care of the pyschosocial needs of the evacuees, specially the children. Among the activities lined up are the holding of film showings, feeding programs, parlor games, sports, arts, poetry reading, singing and poster making contest including concerts. (PNA)
RMA/MSA

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 08:03 AM

(Yearender)
Bicol optimistic over P14-B investment program for next year (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248581)
By Danny O. Calleja

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) – As early as January this year, the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) had already formulated the government’s Annual Investment Programs (AIPs) for 2010 that involves a proposed amount of about P14 billion for the region’s economic, social and infrastructure sectors.

“This program is in harmony with the Arroyo government’s development agenda and we expect the P1.1-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2010 would give us more optimism that it will be realized,” Albay Governor and RDC chair Joey Salceda told the Philippines News Agency over the weekend.

The Bicol 2010 AIPs were approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) before the proposed national budget was submitted by Malacañang to Congress, said Salceda, who is among President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s top economic advisers.

He said the national budget need not shoulder entirely the nearly P14 billion funding for these AIPs as it also contains projects very likely to be funded through foreign assistance and the National Lump Sum (NLS).

The total funding requirement of P13.850 billion for this Bicol investment program is divided among the government’s economic sector with P4.952 billion; social sector, P3.147 billion and; infrastructure sector, P5.752 billion, Salceda said.

The economic sector is composed of the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Trade and Industry (DTI), Science and Technology (DOST) and Tourism (DOT).

Also parts of this sector are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), Environment Management Bureau (EMB) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

The social sector meanwhile is comprised of the Departments of Health (DOH), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Education (DepED) and all state-owned universities and colleges in the region.

The Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Transportation and Communication (DOTC) on the other hand belong to the infrastructure sector.

Forerunner in terms of amount for its 2010 AIP among the economic sector is the DAR regional office that is asking for about P2.8 billion, almost P2 billion of it to be funded under the agency’s budget provided by the GAA and the rest, through foreign assistance.

Under the DAR Bicol regional office’s program, the proposed national budget-provided fund will finance its Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Land Tenure Improvement (LTI), Delivery of Agrarian Justice (DAJ), Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) that are mostly ongoing and require sustainability.

The CARP funded projects worth P1.899 billion are agricultural support infrastructures such as farm-to-market roads and bridges, small water impounding irrigation facilities and potable water systems for agrarian reform communities (ARCs). The LTI, DAJ and PBD are earmarked with about P177 million.

The second largest budget proposal for the next year’s AIP worth P1.243 billion comes from the DA that allocates P781.565 million for national government-funded regular programs like development of crop and livelihood sectors and agriculture and fishery modernization under the GMA Rice Program, GMA Corn, GMA High-Value Crop and GMA Livestock. Most of these programs are ongoing.

The DA regional office also included in its AIP locally-funded projects such as agricultural diversification, pili nut development, research and development, dairy development, biofuel, pineapple industry development, upland sustainable agricultural development and land and soil resources management, among others.

These locally-funded projects require over P444.3 million and majority of them are new and proposed.

The next bigger AIP in term of proposed funding was submitted by the PCA regional office that says it would need at least P384.8 million for its production support, market development, credit facilitation, irrigation development, extension support, education and training services that require some P308.4 million.

It has also earmarked an amount of around P59.3 million for its other infrastructure and post harvest development and research and development activities.

The PCA said it is doubling its efforts next year to further rehabilitate the coconut industry of the region from the devastations it suffered from super typhoons that ravaged vast plantations three years ago.

The DENR regional office, on the other hand, had appropriated some P209.3 million for its AIP that is focused on forest management for P193.5 million; land management service, P4.5 million; Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management, P9 million and ecosystem research and development services, P2.4 million.

FIDA, meanwhile, wants a continuity of its abaca planting materials production and distribution in the region for P7.1 million and a funding of P77.5 million for its Pangkabuhayang Abaka sa Probinsyang Albay (PAPA) project that aims at reclaiming the lost glory of Albay in the field of abaca production.

The total amount of FIDA’s AIP is P99 million, most of which would be devoted to measures toward the preservation and improvement of the region’s abaca industry, Bicol’s top dollar earner being confronted by dreaded plant diseases.

The DOST has proposed a P85.7-million AIP, P23.4 million of which is to be funded through the national budget for its implementation of its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and science and technology services.

The program would provide new technology, manpower training, capital, product markets, product standards and testing facilities, packaging and product labeling, raw materials, information and better transport facilities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

It is nationwide strategy to boost MSME productivity and competitiveness via technology innovations and the technical interventions involving it result in enhanced product quality, upgraded human resources, cost reduction, effective waste management and tuned-up operations

The rest of the total DOST AIP fund requirements amounting PP62.3 million would be funded through the NLS.

DOT’s AIP focused on funding support for the development and improvement of tourist spots and facilities in the six provinces of Bicol is asking for P74.85 million to be sourced from the national budget.

The agency is aiming to sustain next year Bicol’s tourism industry gains during the previous years until this year that saw the region emerging as among the top tourist destinations in the country owing to an aggressive tourism promotion and development initiated by some of local government units.

Camarines Sur, for one, has earned the reputation as the number most visited provinces nationwide during the last two years due to its Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) and the Gota Gota Village Resort (GVR) in Caramoan town, among others.

CWC, established at the vast Capitol complex in Pili town over five years ago is now considered a wakeboarding mecca and world center for various water-based sports.

Opened two years ago, GVR on the other hand has emerged as one of the best eco-tourism destinations in the world as listed by the Top Resa 2008 in Paris.

It is interesting to note that because of GVR, the Philippines has been increasingly catching the eye and interest of the European tourism market. It was chosen as venue for two consecutive years of the ”Koh Lanta,” the French franchise of the reality show serial Survivor, now being aired by Europe’s major broadcast channel TF1 to an audience of over 12 million worldwide.

Spearheaded by Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, an aggressive tourism-promotions campaign spiked Camarines Sur’s tourist arrivals. A whopping 902,202 tourists visited the province during the first six months of this year, DOT records show.

The figure earned for the province the distinction as the most-favored tourism destination in the Philippines, eclipsing 16 other fabulous spots including former top rankers Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Bohol, Boracay and Puerto Galera, it said.

The smallest budgeted AIP among the economic sector belongs to the MGB that requires only over P10 million for its geosciences development services and mineral lands administration.

The rest of minimal budget requirements are only for the continuation of all on-going programs that are parts of each agency’s regular projects.

And while waiting for 2010 that hopefully would mark the realization of the multi-billion investment program, the year 2009 would end with various accomplishments by both the public and private sectors in lifting Bicol’s economy through massive investments.

Early this year, the Embarcadero de Legazpi, a world-class luxurious business hub located within a P1.8-billion economic-tourism zone developed by the Sunwest Group of Companies in a 5.1-hectare bay-front commercial complex at the heart of the Legazpi City started the operation of its first phase housing famous department stores and food chains.

Next year, its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park is expected to be operationalized to house an 8,000-seater call center to be manned by 24,000 agents composing three shifts.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said of the ICT Park: “We expect to take a bigger share of the burgeoning global BPO market, and the 24,000 jobs that it would open to the Bicol work force alone could already translate to about P500 million in monthly salaries and wages.”

During the middle of this year, the city also opened the initial phase of its state of the art Central Bus Terminal, a P300-million investment made possible through build-operate and transfer scheme.

Also this year, the construction of the P1.9-billion modern irrigation system within the Bicol River Basin covering Camarines Sur area was started.

Called the Libmanan-Cabusao irrigation system, the project that is expected to be completed before the end of next year would irrigate about 4,000 hectares of rice land tilled by some 3,000 farmers.

It was designed to increase the annual net production value of farmer-beneficiaries from P207.5 million to P593.6 million, according to Assistant Secretary Tomasito Monzon, the presidential assistant for Bicol and project management officer of the Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management Project (BRBWMP).

The BRBWMP, which was formed under the Office of the President about four years ago, oversees the development into a productive area of the BRB, a 312,164-hectare wetland that covers 41 municipalities of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Albay.

Monzon said, “everything that is in place now and would be in place next year would be Pres. Arroyo’s legacy for Bicol as her administration works hard for the liberation of the region from poverty that make it lingers at the rank of second poorest in the country.

Salceda said next year may be different for most of the efforts for Bicol development pursued by the present administration as President Arroyo ends her term. “Anyway, the RDC is now drafting a successor regional development plan which would be finalized simultaneously with the national development before the end of June 2010.”

The successor plan would ensure the region’s economic growth and financial stability, provide for social services and safety nets, promote global competitiveness, rationalize physical infrastructure, strengthen human resources and stabilize the country.

In ensuring the region’s economic growth and financial stability, Salceda said the successor plan would contain strategic policies and programs that shall ensure sound fiscal administration, prudent financial market regulation, full employment and tolerable inflation.

For social services, the plan would provide world class basic education and health services to the poor while community upgrading and mass housing is given top priority, he said.

In promoting global competitiveness, it would work towards world class agriculture, manufacturing and service industries while rationalizing physical infrastructure would contain strategic policies to guide implementation of transportation and energy and water utilization in full consideration of urbanization trends and objectives, the RDC chair said.

Strengthening human resources means providing world class advanced education, facilities and opportunities to the country’s scholars, professionals and technicians and stabilizing the country is anchored on the basic principle that good governance, peace and order, and national security are the foundations of economic development, Salceda said.

It shall put forward strategic implementation of election reform, eliminate corruption, crush insurgency and stop criminality, he added. (PNA)
LAP/LQ/DOC/cbd/

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 08:38 AM

i heard there's a beautiful hotel to be built in tahao road area...

talaga? arani lang ini samuya. hehe ano hotel kaya ini?

mayon_inc

December 21st, 2009, 08:39 AM

;48827533']Balay Cena Una
by karla redor
(http://www.flickr.com/photos/karlaredor/)
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2717/4199698104_ff40298a4c_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2539/4198953989_79e59fc976_b.jpg

Ensalada
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2625/4199666564_b0e5af9b70_b.jpg

Pasta
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2662/4199673794_d6daa3a875_b.jpg

Roast Chicken
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2686/4198922853_8f99fc4712_b.jpg

Lumpiang Ubod
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2522/4198908415_1d7fce7aeb_b.jpg

Chocolate Cake
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2634/4198929633_8cf24efd09_b.jpg

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2674/4199680586_f216322d7e_b.jpg

Makopa (Tambis) Shake
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2590/4199669714_2e77825a3e_b.jpg

:banana::banana::banana: nice pics of balay cena una. ano kaya namit kang makopa shake

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 09:32 AM

P1.8M worth of medicines purchased for Mayon evacuees (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179850/p18m-worth-of-medicines-purchased-for-mayon-evacuees)
12/20/2009 | 08:06 PM

Provincial authorities in Albay had purchased some P1.8 million worth of emergency medicines to address the health needs of residents evacuated from danger zones around the restive Mayon Volcano. The National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) said the Department of Health also distributed some 50,000 face masks to residents in the evacuation centers. In its 6 p.m. report Sunday, the NDCC said the provincial government is also waiting for health supplies and donations from the United Nations Children's Fund (Unicef). Also, the Albay Provincial Health Office conducted a rapid health assessment and provided medication for patients with colds and fever.

On the other hand, those with sore eyes due to ash fall were placed in isolation and given medication. Health units were instructed to maintain 24/7 health stations in each evacuation center. The NDCC said that as of 4 p.m. Saturday, at least 8,637 families or 40,991 people were brought to 24 evacuation centers. Earlier Sunday, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology placed Mayon Volcano under Alert Level 4, meaning an eruption may take place in days.

Phivolcs also recommended the danger zone around the volcano be extended to 7 km from the summit at the north sector, and 8 km at the south sector. National Epidemiology Center head Dr. Eric Tayag reminded residents to stay in their homes when an ash fall occurs. “Kung tayo dati may hika o pumasok sa baga natin sa ating paghinga, baka ma-irritate ang ating respiratory passages kaya hihikain, kaya dapat sana manatiling sa loob ng bahay isara ang bintana pansamantala habang may ash fall," Tayag said in an interview on dzBB radio.

(Residents, especially those with asthma and respiratory ailments, should stay home and close the windows during an ash fall.) Tayag also advised residents to wear goggles aside from face masks to keep ash from getting into contact with their eyes. He said ash fall may cause sore eyes if it comes into contact with the eye and causes irritation.

“Ang ash pwede rin dumapo sa mata natin makaka-irritate magkaroon tayo ng parang sore eyes. Dapat tinatakpan din ang mata. Kung walang goggles dapat maingat na maingat tayo," he said. (Ash can irritate the eyes if it gets in contact. It can cause sore eyes, so we should also protect our eyes. If you cannot wear goggles, just be careful in an ash fall.) - KBK, GMANews.TV

* * *

Albay evacuees assured of safe drinking water (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179857/albay-evacuees-assured-of-safe-drinking-water)
12/20/2009 | 11:48 PM

The United Nation International Children for Emergency Fund (UNICEF) has donated 20 trailers of water jags to ensure safe drinking water for all residents in Albay province who are forced to evacuate due to the impending eruption of Mayon Volcano. Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that aside from regular food supply, the provincial government is ensuring that drinking water is safe in order to avoid any health problem, specially water borne diseases, in evacuation centers.

“The donation is part of the commitment of the UNICEF to the province of Albay and one of our requirements in the evacuation centers is to provide potable water," said Salceda, who is also the chairman of the Provincial Disaster Coordinating council (PDCC). Aside from safe drinking water, personnel from the provincial health office have been assigned 24/7 in the evacuation centers to monitor the health condition of families there. Salceda said especial attention is being given to children.

“Aside from the regular health personnel, the health management team is also composed of highly trained paramedics capable to handle all emergency related health response," the governor added. As of December 20, the PDCC has reported 31 cases of fever and four cases of cough. Salceda attributed this to the cold weather. - KBK, GMANews.TV

* * *

As Mayon explosion looms, Bicolanos try to salvage Christmas spirit (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/179790/as-mayon-explosion-looms-bicolanos-try-to-salvage-christmas-spirit)
12/19/2009 | 04:00 PM

As Mount Mayon plays Grinch, at least 8,000 families in 23 evacuation centers in Albay, Bicol, are settling in for Christmas away from home. Government relief goods, in fact, are being packaged as noche buena packs, so certain are officials that the danger will not pass any time soon.

Albay Governor Jose Salceda has ordered local authorities to start packing up to 10,000 Christmas meals for the displaced families. This is aside from the daily ration of five kilos of rice to each family. Early Saturday morning, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) secretary Esperanza Cabral also made the rounds of evacuation centers in Legazpi City and Guinobatan, Camalig, and Daraga towns. “They accept that they are in clear danger," she said, but added that they still looked “happy".

According to Cabral, around P442,446 worth of relief support/augmentation assistance for the displaced families were released through the provincial DSWD office of Albay. The DSWD will also preposition some P98 million worth of relief items to augment its standby calamity fund of PP22 million. Relief items included 2,400 one-liter bottles of mineral water (worth P52,800); 88 boxes of biscuits (P47,520); 413 boxes of noodles (P158,592); 1,000 family food packs (P153,534) and 3,000 face masks (P30,000).

Cabral said she has also released P500,000 to DSWD-FO V in addition to its P300,000 standby funds and P1.65 million worth of pre-positioned food supplies (P450,251) and non-food items (P1.2 million) for release to the affected population. The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) has also joined the relief effort, providing potable drinking water for the evacuees, seminars on proper hygiene, and an upcoming medical mission before Christmas.

On a more sober note, Cabral noted that the evacuees still lack some basic needs. She said that the public schools used to house the evacuees are not congested, with each classroom accommodating an average of five to six families or 20-25 people, but are lacking adequate bathroom facilities. "We do not know if they will still feel happy in evacuation centers after maybe three months," Cabral said. Mount Mayon has been spewing ash plumes 2 km high and lava flows 4 km downslope from the crater since renewed volcanic activity early Monday. - Nikka Corsino/TJD, GMANews.TV

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 09:37 AM

Christmas @ embarcadero

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs025.snc3/11232_199632614629_181177774629_2926290_8081940_n.jpg

http://photos-g.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs005.snc3/11232_193376439629_181177774629_2899856_2125684_n.jpg

by Byahero (http://www.facebook.com/photos.php?id=181177774629)

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 09:40 AM

Centuries-old Camalig Church

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs025.snc3/11232_203923949629_181177774629_2944924_3877871_n.jpg

http://photos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs005.snc3/11232_205542109629_181177774629_2950069_2553008_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs025.snc3/11232_203923964629_181177774629_2944926_4931728_n.jpg

http://photos-e.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs005.snc3/11232_205542094629_181177774629_2950068_3895596_n.jpg

http://photos-d.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs025.snc3/11232_205542079629_181177774629_2950066_3264059_n.jpg

http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs025.snc3/11232_205542064629_181177774629_2950064_7480998_n.jpg

by Byahero (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Byahero/181177774629)

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 09:45 AM

AFP, PNP forces doubled along Mayon high risk areas (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248608)
By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) -- The provincial government of Albay has doubled the number of military and police to strictly enforce the 24 hours curfew along the Mayon volcano high risk areas after volcanologist has raised the alert level status of volcano from 3 to 4. Albay provincial safety and emergency management (APSEMO) chief Cedric Daep said that governor Joey Salceda has ordered the deployment of additional military and police visibility in the areas within the eight kilometers permanent danger zone.

As of Monday, the number of evacuees is placed at 44,394 persons or 9,217 families from 30 barangays. “Even farmers are strictly prohibited to return to their farms and there is no exemption,” Daep said. Daep said that the provincial government has enough food supplies for evacuees. “There is no reason for farmers to return to their respective farms just to get food.” On the other hand, the provincial health office has already distributed 42,147 face masks. (PNA)
FFC/LQ/MDR

panganuron23

December 21st, 2009, 09:52 AM

So next year pa talaga mag start yung Embarcadero IT Park. Expect for a long delay again. :lol:

;48828357'](Yearender)
Bicol optimistic over P14-B investment program for next year (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=248581)
By Danny O. Calleja

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 21 (PNA) – As early as January this year, the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) had already formulated the government’s Annual Investment Programs (AIPs) for 2010 that involves a proposed amount of about P14 billion for the region’s economic, social and infrastructure sectors.

“This program is in harmony with the Arroyo government’s development agenda and we expect the P1.1-trillion General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2010 would give us more optimism that it will be realized,” Albay Governor and RDC chair Joey Salceda told the Philippines News Agency over the weekend.

The Bicol 2010 AIPs were approved by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) before the proposed national budget was submitted by Malacañang to Congress, said Salceda, who is among President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s top economic advisers.

He said the national budget need not shoulder entirely the nearly P14 billion funding for these AIPs as it also contains projects very likely to be funded through foreign assistance and the National Lump Sum (NLS).

The total funding requirement of P13.850 billion for this Bicol investment program is divided among the government’s economic sector with P4.952 billion; social sector, P3.147 billion and; infrastructure sector, P5.752 billion, Salceda said.

The economic sector is composed of the Departments of Agriculture (DA), Agrarian Reform (DAR), Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Trade and Industry (DTI), Science and Technology (DOST) and Tourism (DOT).

Also parts of this sector are the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), Environment Management Bureau (EMB) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

The social sector meanwhile is comprised of the Departments of Health (DOH), Labor and Employment (DOLE), Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Education (DepED) and all state-owned universities and colleges in the region.

The Departments of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Transportation and Communication (DOTC) on the other hand belong to the infrastructure sector.

Forerunner in terms of amount for its 2010 AIP among the economic sector is the DAR regional office that is asking for about P2.8 billion, almost P2 billion of it to be funded under the agency’s budget provided by the GAA and the rest, through foreign assistance.

Under the DAR Bicol regional office’s program, the proposed national budget-provided fund will finance its Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program (CARP) Land Tenure Improvement (LTI), Delivery of Agrarian Justice (DAJ), Program Beneficiaries Development (PBD) that are mostly ongoing and require sustainability.

The CARP funded projects worth P1.899 billion are agricultural support infrastructures such as farm-to-market roads and bridges, small water impounding irrigation facilities and potable water systems for agrarian reform communities (ARCs). The LTI, DAJ and PBD are earmarked with about P177 million.

The second largest budget proposal for the next year’s AIP worth P1.243 billion comes from the DA that allocates P781.565 million for national government-funded regular programs like development of crop and livelihood sectors and agriculture and fishery modernization under the GMA Rice Program, GMA Corn, GMA High-Value Crop and GMA Livestock. Most of these programs are ongoing.

The DA regional office also included in its AIP locally-funded projects such as agricultural diversification, pili nut development, research and development, dairy development, biofuel, pineapple industry development, upland sustainable agricultural development and land and soil resources management, among others.

These locally-funded projects require over P444.3 million and majority of them are new and proposed.

The next bigger AIP in term of proposed funding was submitted by the PCA regional office that says it would need at least P384.8 million for its production support, market development, credit facilitation, irrigation development, extension support, education and training services that require some P308.4 million.

It has also earmarked an amount of around P59.3 million for its other infrastructure and post harvest development and research and development activities.

The PCA said it is doubling its efforts next year to further rehabilitate the coconut industry of the region from the devastations it suffered from super typhoons that ravaged vast plantations three years ago.

The DENR regional office, on the other hand, had appropriated some P209.3 million for its AIP that is focused on forest management for P193.5 million; land management service, P4.5 million; Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management, P9 million and ecosystem research and development services, P2.4 million.

FIDA, meanwhile, wants a continuity of its abaca planting materials production and distribution in the region for P7.1 million and a funding of P77.5 million for its Pangkabuhayang Abaka sa Probinsyang Albay (PAPA) project that aims at reclaiming the lost glory of Albay in the field of abaca production.

The total amount of FIDA’s AIP is P99 million, most of which would be devoted to measures toward the preservation and improvement of the region’s abaca industry, Bicol’s top dollar earner being confronted by dreaded plant diseases.

The DOST has proposed a P85.7-million AIP, P23.4 million of which is to be funded through the national budget for its implementation of its Small Enterprise Technology Upgrading Program (SETUP) and science and technology services.

The program would provide new technology, manpower training, capital, product markets, product standards and testing facilities, packaging and product labeling, raw materials, information and better transport facilities for micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs).

It is nationwide strategy to boost MSME productivity and competitiveness via technology innovations and the technical interventions involving it result in enhanced product quality, upgraded human resources, cost reduction, effective waste management and tuned-up operations

The rest of the total DOST AIP fund requirements amounting PP62.3 million would be funded through the NLS.

DOT’s AIP focused on funding support for the development and improvement of tourist spots and facilities in the six provinces of Bicol is asking for P74.85 million to be sourced from the national budget.

The agency is aiming to sustain next year Bicol’s tourism industry gains during the previous years until this year that saw the region emerging as among the top tourist destinations in the country owing to an aggressive tourism promotion and development initiated by some of local government units.

Camarines Sur, for one, has earned the reputation as the number most visited provinces nationwide during the last two years due to its Camarines Sur Watersports Complex (CWC) and the Gota Gota Village Resort (GVR) in Caramoan town, among others.

CWC, established at the vast Capitol complex in Pili town over five years ago is now considered a wakeboarding mecca and world center for various water-based sports.

Opened two years ago, GVR on the other hand has emerged as one of the best eco-tourism destinations in the world as listed by the Top Resa 2008 in Paris.

It is interesting to note that because of GVR, the Philippines has been increasingly catching the eye and interest of the European tourism market. It was chosen as venue for two consecutive years of the ”Koh Lanta,” the French franchise of the reality show serial Survivor, now being aired by Europe’s major broadcast channel TF1 to an audience of over 12 million worldwide.

Spearheaded by Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte, an aggressive tourism-promotions campaign spiked Camarines Sur’s tourist arrivals. A whopping 902,202 tourists visited the province during the first six months of this year, DOT records show.

The figure earned for the province the distinction as the most-favored tourism destination in the Philippines, eclipsing 16 other fabulous spots including former top rankers Cebu, Puerto Princesa, Bohol, Boracay and Puerto Galera, it said.

The smallest budgeted AIP among the economic sector belongs to the MGB that requires only over P10 million for its geosciences development services and mineral lands administration.

The rest of minimal budget requirements are only for the continuation of all on-going programs that are parts of each agency’s regular projects.

And while waiting for 2010 that hopefully would mark the realization of the multi-billion investment program, the year 2009 would end with various accomplishments by both the public and private sectors in lifting Bicol’s economy through massive investments.

Early this year, the Embarcadero de Legazpi, a world-class luxurious business hub located within a P1.8-billion economic-tourism zone developed by the Sunwest Group of Companies in a 5.1-hectare bay-front commercial complex at the heart of the Legazpi City started the operation of its first phase housing famous department stores and food chains.

Next year, its Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Park is expected to be operationalized to house an 8,000-seater call center to be manned by 24,000 agents composing three shifts.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal said of the ICT Park: “We expect to take a bigger share of the burgeoning global BPO market, and the 24,000 jobs that it would open to the Bicol work force alone could already translate to about P500 million in monthly salaries and wages.”

During the middle of this year, the city also opened the initial phase of its state of the art Central Bus Terminal, a P300-million investment made possible through build-operate and transfer scheme.

Also this year, the construction of the P1.9-billion modern irrigation system within the Bicol River Basin covering Camarines Sur area was started.

Called the Libmanan-Cabusao irrigation system, the project that is expected to be completed before the end of next year would irrigate about 4,000 hectares of rice land tilled by some 3,000 farmers.

It was designed to increase the annual net production value of farmer-beneficiaries from P207.5 million to P593.6 million, according to Assistant Secretary Tomasito Monzon, the presidential assistant for Bicol and project management officer of the Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management Project (BRBWMP).

The BRBWMP, which was formed under the Office of the President about four years ago, oversees the development into a productive area of the BRB, a 312,164-hectare wetland that covers 41 municipalities of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Albay.

Monzon said, “everything that is in place now and would be in place next year would be Pres. Arroyo’s legacy for Bicol as her administration works hard for the liberation of the region from poverty that make it lingers at the rank of second poorest in the country.

Salceda said next year may be different for most of the efforts for Bicol development pursued by the present administration as President Arroyo ends her term. “Anyway, the RDC is now drafting a successor regional development plan which would be finalized simultaneously with the national development before the end of June 2010.”

The successor plan would ensure the region’s economic growth and financial stability, provide for social services and safety nets, promote global competitiveness, rationalize physical infrastructure, strengthen human resources and stabilize the country.

In ensuring the region’s economic growth and financial stability, Salceda said the successor plan would contain strategic policies and programs that shall ensure sound fiscal administration, prudent financial market regulation, full employment and tolerable inflation.

For social services, the plan would provide world class basic education and health services to the poor while community upgrading and mass housing is given top priority, he said.

In promoting global competitiveness, it would work towards world class agriculture, manufacturing and service industries while rationalizing physical infrastructure would contain strategic policies to guide implementation of transportation and energy and water utilization in full consideration of urbanization trends and objectives, the RDC chair said.

Strengthening human resources means providing world class advanced education, facilities and opportunities to the country’s scholars, professionals and technicians and stabilizing the country is anchored on the basic principle that good governance, peace and order, and national security are the foundations of economic development, Salceda said.

It shall put forward strategic implementation of election reform, eliminate corruption, crush insurgency and stop criminality, he added. (PNA)
LAP/LQ/DOC/cbd/

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 10:43 AM

Mayon Volcano Bulletin 8
21 December 2009

7:00 AM

Mayon Volcano’s (13.2576 N, 123.6856 E) activity escalated during the past 24-hour observation period. Seismic activity dramatically increased in number and size. A total of 1,942 volcanic earthquakes was detected by the seismic network. Many of these volcanic earthquakes were recorded at maximum deflection and continually occurred beginning at 1221H yesterday. Harmonic tremors were also continuously recorded.

Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate remained very high at 6,089 tonnes per day (t/d). Audible booming and rumbling sounds were first reported in the eastern flank of the volcano at about 1455H then occasionally occurred beginning 2200H last night. Intensified crater glow and rolling down of incandescent lava fragments from the crater was also persistent. Red hot lava also continuously flowed down along the Bonga-Buyuan, Miisi and Lidong gullies. Lava fountains rising approximately 200 meters above the crater were observed at 2007H, 2008H and 2018H. The lava front has now reached about 5 kilometers downslope from the summit along the Bonga-Buyuan gullies.

[dx]

December 21st, 2009, 10:53 AM

Albay, Chevron to develop climate change guidebook
By Mar S. Arguelles

LEGAZPI CITY --- A disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation guidebook for sustainable development will soon be adopted by various towns and cities prone to various types of disaster, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said on Monday.

Salceda, a climate change advocate said a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the province including the towns of Tiwi and Malinao and Chevron Geothermal Inc., and its partner, the Manila Observatory was to be signed Wednesday here to formalize the adoption of “ The Sustainable Development Guidebook Project” in various town and cities of the province.

The guidebook will present a disaster risk and climate change adaptation decision tool for Local Government Units whose socio-economic development is vulnerable to rapid and slow-on-set disasters.

Salceda said the tool consists of two parts: a Scientific and Technical Report for LGU Executives and Planning Officers, and a participative handbook for community stakeholders.

Albay will be the first province in the country to adopt this integrated climate and disaster risk management tool.

Salceda said that with a P5 million funding from CGI, the project is one good “deed of provincial citizenship” of the geothermal firm which operates the Tiwi steam plants. He said such gesture by Chevron is compatible with the provincial government’s goal of climate change adaptation.

* * *

Mayon’s experience valuable, says Guingona

QUEZON CITY--- Bukidnon Rep.Teofisto “TG” Guingona III said authorities and experts should look to the disaster mitigation and evacuation being presently undertaken in Albay due to the imminent eruption of Mayon Volcano to learn valuable lessons in Disaster Risk and Reduction Management (DRRM).

The solon has managed to have the DRRM Bill approved in the Congress on December 8 this year. The bill only needs to be approved in the Bicameral Committee which the solon said should not face any rough sailing since the Upper House has already approved it own version of the bill.

“The recent events brought about by the rumblings of Mayon Volcano should provide lessons that have to be learned if we are to make the implementation of the DRRM Bill work effectively,” Guingona said.

Disaster mitigation officials here have started evacuating close to 10,000 families residing within a radius of six to eight kilometers from the crater of Mayon Volcano upon the order of Gov. Joey Salceda after the volcano spewed lava which flowed half a kilometer downslope. Government vehicles, mostly trucks from the Philippine Army, have already been dispatched, and some of them had already started loading evacuees from designated pickup points located in village centers.

Cong. Guingona III said the province of Albay has probably the best disaster mitigation, response and rehabilitation program in the country today. Following the disastrous effects of natural disasters in the country, including Typhoon Frank which devastated the Bicol Region, steps have been taken to improve the province’s disaster response system.

“With the DRRM in place, the national and local governments’ response to disaster should focus on mitigation rather than responding after the calamity has struck. We all know the cost to life and property if the country is once again caught flat-footed once disasters strike anew,” Guingona said.

garycooper

December 21st, 2009, 10:53 AM

;48827375']Mayon eruption incites tourism influx (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?&sid=6&pfn=248244&arch=1&go=Go&search_arch=legazpi%20city&andor=and&mdte_arch=0&ddte_arch=0&ydte_arch=0)
By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 18 (PNA) – The province of Albay is keener on tangible and sufficient support mechanisms for disaster preparedness efforts but tourism is not on top of it. “Disaster tourism is certainly not within the contemplation of the provincial development strategy even if disaster risk reduction and tourism are integral components. Disaster tourism is neither encouraged, promoted nor sponsored by the provincial government,” Governor Joey Salceda said.

According to him, the sudden surge of tourists is an unintended consequence of a volcanic eruption. “There are actually at least three typologies of this phenomenon - the most common is Mayon watching particularly at Lignon HIll, then the increased visits by Non-Government Organizations (NGOs), foundation work, charity groups and other civil society organizations (and inevitably soon, presidentiables and senatoriables) to our evacuation centers and the increased media coverage of the province,” Salceda said.

Albay’s hotels, even the smaller ones, are getting fully booked. Flights and buses get higher load factors but higher tricycle ridership is the one that gives us real monetary benefit. eateries, restaurants, malls, bars (even night clubs) too are flourishing.

Being an economist, Salceda said that it was hard but not impossible to pin a number to the incremental output. “Easily, 2,400 daily tourists mostly staying for one day assumed at P1,000 daily spending or P2.4 million additional at gross value added factor of 0.41 percent or P880,000. This does not match what we spend for evacuation of P1.5 million per day for 9,946 families in temporary shelters,” Salceda said.

Admittedly, Salceda said that there were spillover effects as Albay got unusual attention for other human interest stories and promotion of the destinations like Misibis, Embarcadero, Tiwi and Manito geothermal, which could not easily quantified. Also, there is conflicting science on its impact on agricultural productivity (higher acidity versus volcanic nutrients) But easily the disruption in classes can also not be discounted.

On balance, the incremental benefits of disaster tourism is simply outweighed by the actual destruction on the livelihoods, crops and properties. Salceda also said that development must proceed even if there was an eruption. “The local business is not affected of the Mayon eruption, the expected damage of the eruption is on agriculture.”

In 2000, this amounted to P284 million, in 2001-- P301 million and in 2006 - P505 million. The public expenditure for evacuation lasting between 47 to 92 days at an average of P1.5 million per day would cost P70 million to P138 million. Thus, for 2006, the eruption period, which lasted 47 days, the total cost to the Albay economy amounted to P505 million + P70 million or P575 million.

The governor also said that Albayanos were better off without an eruption even if anecdotally, the public got carried away by the deceptively benevolent images of surging tourists. “The tourism incited by Mayon itself without eruption is certainly beneficial and is strategically pursued by our tourism programs,” Salceda said. “Insofar as Mayon itself is concerned, it is a given and we just have to learn to live with it while going for progress,” Salceda said. (PNA)
RMA/LQ/MDR/cbd

This is where Albay enjoys the full advantage in having a topnotch economist in Joey Salceda as Governor. At least we are able to immediately know the quantifiable effects of current situations, may it be as negative as calamaties/typhoons or positive such as tourism, to the province's economy. We know that Mayon's spillover effects into the provincial economy, but we really wouldn't look for it traditionally because nobody tells us about it. But the figures uttered by Gov. Salceda tells us a lot. Although the province is spending much in caring for the evacuees, at least the revenues coming from tourists can cushion the negative impact of the expenses of the LGUs. Well, Gov. Salceda was once the highest paid stock analyst in Asia for nothing.

It's really different when you put some science in managing the affairs of the province.