Good luck and good work dude. I'm personally suffering from a bit of trauma because some loved ones got trapped in Cainta, what more for the victims themselves?

Since you're into architecture please make designs for elevated houses that also has an emergency roof deck on top. This should be a standard design for flood prone areas.


Our building trades, developers and even Building Official should modify the standard, Zoning Laws and Design to fit areas affected by the flood. Of course the Political will to implement flood way easements clearing and modernization of storm drainage and other related infrastructure. The sad thing is that after coping with these tragedy will be again forgotten, we've never learn from this destructive cycles.

Maybe we should go back to basic, if you will notice our traditional houses are more capable to withstand flood like the Maranao houses and most of our farm houses. These style could be easily and harmoniously adopted to modern designs.

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb141/dessertfox_bucket/maranaohouse.jpg

Maranao house that is also more eco-friendly since it can be done anywhere say seashore, river banks or hilly terrain. Bungalows are the most succeptible to flooding.


See the case below;

Bolivar Peninsula, TX, October 15, 2008 -- Elevated houses along Highway 87 survived Hurricane Ike's twenty-foot storm surge with minimal damage. Homes that were not elevated in this area no longer exist. Ike came in one month ago from Galveston Bay, just across the highway to the right. Photo by Greg Henshall / FEMA

http://i206.photobucket.com/albums/bb141/dessertfox_bucket/39260.jpg

Greetings to everyone and condolence to those who lost their love ones from the recent typhoon

No single weather event can be certainly attributed to climate change, the long term trend of extreme weather conditions that we are witnessing now however is in complete accordance with scientists’ predictions. In the past ten months alone, we have seen raging bushfires in Australia, Greece and the US as well as heavier than usual flooding in many parts of the world such as China, Turkey and this week Manila. As of this writing, 240 people have been confirmed dead as a result of the heavy downpour in Manila. Once again climate change sceptics would insist that there have been droughts and flooding since biblical times disregarding that the weather events we are witnessing now are beyond its normal course and variability. Just this week Britain's Met Office Hadley Centre’s latest findings supported the United Nations’ (UN) latest report which found “climate changes were outpacing worst-case scenarios forecast in 2007 by the UN's Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)”. (ABC News Australia)

Met Office Hadley Centre’s research also support what other scientists have been saying all along: that 4 degrees warming before 2060 is likely to occur without carbon cuts!!! If the current 0.8 degrees warming could produce extreme weather events such as what is happening now, nobody would even dare to imagine the damage 4 degrees of warming would bring. Indeed, 2 degrees warming alone, based on the UN’s IPCC assessment, would be truly catastrophic. We already have an additional 0.6 degrees of warming on the pipeline (in addition to the current 0.8 warming) even if we manage to shift to zero greenhouse gas emissions today (zero emissions now could only happen hypothetically). The 0.6 warming on the pipeline is the by product of the carbon emissions in the past decade.

Will there be a repeat of the recent deadly typhoon in Manila? The answer is yes and climate change changes everything; what was a once every forty years super typhoon in the Philippine’s case may shift to every three years occurrence. This highlights the necessity of immediate action.

While nobody is immune from climate change; its impacts on the people in different countries and within a specific country itself are disproportionate. It is an irony that most of the countries that have low contribution to greenhouse gas emissions (countries such as the Philippines) are also the most vulnerable to its impacts.

Appearance can be different from reality. Everyone pays lips service to helping solve climate change but in essence people have varying degrees of intention to act, contribute and sacrifice depending on where their interests lie. In Australia for example certain industries have until recently been in the forefront of promoting climate change denial. Likewise it is naive to think that residents of a prosperous city in one part of the world whose wealth and economic interest are sustained by carbon intensive industries (i.e. coal, automobile, oil, aluminium, cattle) would significantly lower their overall carbon emissions if the cost of such reduction outweighs the benefits to them.

It is worth emphasizing that the climate change we are seeing now is by and large anthropogenic climate change: a climate change resulting from human activities. Taken as a whole it becomes clear that this problem is much more than an environmental or even just a social issue. It becomes an issue of ethics and equity. When people die and their houses get destroyed as a result of climate change caused by others: these events turn into an issue of social justice.

Nobody deserves to suffer from the impacts of climate change. But it becomes obvious upon closer analysis that selfish strivings collide between countries as well as within the segments of the population of those countries when it comes to the solutions and changes needed to solve the problem. It is therefore incumbent upon the majority who will all be severely affected by climate change to varying degrees to take matters into their own hands. To apply prudent risk management strategies and be proactive in leading, organizing and promoting to ensure that adequate human and physical resources are channelled in the mitigation of and adaptation to climate change.

All the best
Dante Tagle

i think the government should build large underground tunnels for flood waters to be accomodated like those in new york subway systems and drainage... its the only way... build them all underground... :)

I think this is not viable, we all know Metro Manila is below sea level. best model i could think of is Holland.

people died nonetheless... i don't really care if you've received more aid than us, what's important is that other countries are helping each other as much as they can... if the typhoon came without warning i'm pretty sure the death toll could easily reach a thousand in just a few days... floods are incomparable in that they can be foreseen, albeit vaguely, and therefore alert the public... judging from the pics, the destruction brought by the floods were comparable with what the tsunami did... cars mangled and washed away, mud everywhere, etc...

Comparable? Honestly? Did 300.000 people died? Thats THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PEOPLE. More people died in Aceh than in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. How many towns and cities in Luzon that were COMPLETELY WIPED OUT? Do you have towns and villages where 99% of the inhabitants died? Its totally incomparable.

Comparable? Honestly? Did 300.000 people died? Thats THREE HUNDRED THOUSAND PEOPLE. More people died in Aceh than in the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki combined. How many towns and cities in Luzon that were COMPLETELY WIPED OUT? Do you have towns and villages where 99% of the inhabitants died? Its totally incomparable.

that tsunami was a large-scale event... the typhoon that hit us only affected couple hundreds of square kilometers.... that's the difference... what i'm saying is that the effects on a given area were almost comparable to that brought by the tsunami--cars crushed, flipped, moved, houses desttroyed, cities submerged under water, and hundreds of thousands of lives are affected...

what is really your point if i may ask?? that we should not be sorry for what happened in the Philippines??
innocent people died there too...:ohno:

there is a saying,

"Nasa Diyos ang awa nasa tao ang gawa"

thats not true anymore dong? nasa america ang awa nasa america ang gawa. :lol::lol::lol:joke joke lang ni ha :bash::bash::bash:

Hopefully American assistance to the Philippines will not tone down because an American protectorate territory, the American Samoan Island was hit by Tsunami yesterday and wipe out three villages and killed hundreds.

A massive urban replanning must be done to achieve such feat in an organic city like Metro Manila and that would cost the metropolis perhaps billions of dollars in the process.

Declogging the sewers of garbage and both garbage and squatters along the waterways with a logical flood control, evacuation and emergency relief programs would already solve more than half of the problem which the government should have been capable of doing so.

Billions and billions of pesos are really needed to accomplish those things. What happened in Metro Manila is not out of the magnifying glass of some world experts in global disasters. Hopefully they can suggest a good plan within our budget. <-- hehehe.... siguradong titipirin dahil sa mga bukol at tongpats. :D

Emergency Warning Broadcast System or EWBS

I think there was a plan to install this in 2008 during the suggested transfer to digital communications of all media in the Philippines.


In the US, the Emergency Broadcast System (EBS) is now Emergency Alert System (EAS) - it could be annoying to some and during a test, when all broadcast media suddenly stop and we will hear that loud chirping sound, everyone, if not all are paying attention.

And the latest would be the Digital EAS, bigla na lang bubulaga sa lahat ng Computers, Cell Phones ... etc

xCgyanh2EaA

^^ i wont be surprised kung naharang yan ng CHR baka daw makassagabal sa privacy ng isang individual...:D

anyway, in addition, may plano na pala ang Taiwan at PAGASA ng isang parang joint warning center para sa typhoon... mabuti nga yang ginawa ng taiwan kasi hindi lang pilipinas ang natatamaan ng bagyo, minsan ung nanalanta sa atin pupunta sa kanila...

^^ baka makita yung mga porn sites --- :lol:



Eto na ang pinakamahirap pang gawin, CLEAN UP

http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/4028/met2hires.jpg

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Bayani Fernando gives instructions to MMDA officials and personnel for the speedy cleanup and restoration of Marikina City.

Baha pa rin sa parte ng Pateros and Cainta.

EDITORIAL - Preparing for the next one (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=510106)
(The Philippine Star)

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/4650/startooni.gif

It’s tough to anticipate the magnitude of nature’s fury, but it’s possible to minimize its impact. “Ondoy” showed how poorly prepared the nation is in handling natural calamities. Beyond relief operations and commiseration with the victims, the government must implement certain measures to improve disaster response capability.

In Metro Manila, a serious effort must be undertaken to stop people from building makeshift homes that straddle waterways. Residents, businessmen and even the government must also stop filling natural water catchments and drainage systems to construct buildings. Such indiscriminate construction has worsened flooding in northern Metro Manila and caused floods in areas such as the NAIA road. Politicians should stop coddling squatters whose shanties along creeks and riverbanks are always swept away during floods.

By now the flood-prone areas of the rest of Luzon are well known. Dikes can be built to ease the flooding, with a system installed to give affected communities timely warning when there are indications that the dikes may be breached. Financing for such projects can be taken from the tax collected for flood control. The Commission on Audit should inform the public how the flood tax has been spent in the past years. The government can also speed up the installation of Doppler radars, which can improve accuracy in predicting the amount of rainfall.

Local governments must improve coordination with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration so that flood-prone communities can receive sufficient warning for possible evacuation. The task of warning the public cannot be left entirely to PAGASA; the barangay network can be tapped for this.

This archipelago is regularly visited by typhoons, earthquakes and landslides. The country should start showing more self-reliance in bringing relief to its citizens who become victims of natural calamities. While help from the international community is always welcome, swift response is crucial in saving lives. That kind of response comes from local resources. The nation must invest in more military aircraft that can be used for relief efforts. Ondoy showed how limited Air Force capability is to respond to emergencies. Incidentally, what has happened to the helicopter bought for use by the Philippine National Police?

For the long-term, everyone must do his part in mitigating the adverse effects of climate change, which weather experts have blamed for the kind of rainfall dumped by Ondoy. No one can stop a month’s worth of rain from pouring into Luzon within a matter of hours. But certain measures can help minimize the damage and, more importantly, bring down the casualty count.

dapat ata ibalik yung serena( warning sound) at kampana ng simbahan if another flooding will come, it's crude but effective.

dapat ata ibalik yung serena( warning sound) at kampana ng simbahan if another flooding will come, it's crude but effective.

Ganoon naman dati, diba. Saka iba talaga kapag kampana na yung kumalampag. Hindi pwedeng sabihing nanloloko lang ang babala.

proper zoning in manila should be considered... ^^

Death, disaster blamed on dams
By Jerry Botial (The Philippine Star) Updated October 01, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - The unannounced release of water from dams at the height of tropical storm “Ondoy” may have caused the massive flooding that killed close to 300 people in Metro Manila and nearby provinces, according to some survivors.

“I think that what happened was not an act of God. I believe it was man-made and nothing else,” said PO3 Rommel Habig, a senior investigator at the Malabon City police station and resident of flood-prone Barangay Tonsuya in Malabon.

“The men behind the release of water in the dams in Bulacan should take responsibility for what happened to us,” he said. “The authorities should seriously look into this.”

The Angat Dam in Bulacan released water last Saturday but authorities denied that it was the cause of the massive flooding.

Habig’s house was completely submerged in muddy floodwaters for two days over the weekend. He said that had the dam operators been more sensitive and responsible, the deaths and destruction would have been negligible.

“There would have been enough time for the people to do what was necessary, if only they made an announcement earlier that the spillways would be opened,” he said.

“There was still electricity then. There were news flashes on TV and they could have disseminated the information over radio,” Habig said in Filipino.

“They issued an advisory only after the flashflood,” he claimed.

Habig’s neighbors said his allegation may have basis.

“It might be true but of course we need strong evidence,” a neighbor who declined to be named said.

“We hope somebody will come forward and speak about what really happened so that we will know who can be held accountable,” he said.

Easing pressure

Meanwhile, for the second time in three days, Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan released water on Tuesday as threats of another tropical storm loom.

Russel Rigor of the flood forecasting division of the National Power Corp., which manages the Angat Dam, said they would have to lower the dam’s water elevation to 210 meters to accommodate more rainfall from typhoon “Pepeng.” As of yesterday morning, the dam’s water elevation was at 213.69 meters.

Rodolfo German, general manger of the Angat Hydro Electric Power Plant of Napocor, said the dam can hold water up to 216 meters.

German also clarified that water release from Angat Dam would only affect towns along the 50-kilometer Angat River.

These are Norzagaray, Angat, Bustos, San Rafael, Baliuag, Pulilan, Plaridel, Calumpit, Paombong and Hagonoy.

He also belied reports that water from Angat Dam caused the flashfloods that ravaged and killed a number of people in Meycauayan City, Marilao, Bocaue and Sta. Maria on Saturday.

In the nearby Ipo Dam, water elevation on Tuesday reached 100.75 meters, or slightly above the spilling level of 100 meters.

A large volume of water in Ipo Dam usually comes from the Angat Dam.

The Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija also opened its gates after its water level neared the spillway level of 221 meters.

Pantabangan provides irrigation to 102,000 hectares of agricultural lands in Central Luzon.

Living Jones Gacutan, officer-in-charge of the National Irrigation Authority’s dam safety and flood forecasting group, said the dam’s reservoir reached 219.83 meters, the highest recorded since 1978.

“This is the highest elevation we have recorded in 31 years,” he said.

Officials of the Upper Pampanga River Integrated Irrigations System said they had to release water at the rate of 130 cubic meters per second in anticipation of more typhoons approaching.

“When water volume at the reservoir becomes so massive, we have to release water, otherwise the reservoir might burst and it would be more disastrous,” NIA administrator Carlos Salazar said.

He said they always coordinate with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).

The World Bank-funded Pantabangan Dam was constructed in 1975.

In 1978, NIA was forced to open the spillway when super typhoon “Kading” pounded Luzon and left a trail of destruction in southern Nueva Ecija and Bulacan. – With Manny Galvez, Dino Balabo

^^ We really need a doppler radar so that the weather forecasters can predict the amount of rain that will fall on certain areas and releasing of water from dams should be done way ahead of the incoming storm.




http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwjq614.jpg

Kandace Washington of the U.S. Embassy Marine Security Guard force hands a bag of Philippine National Red Cross relief goods to an evacuee at the Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Tatalon Quezon City.


http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwjq615.jpg

Ambassador Kristie Kenney ladles porridge in a bowl as she helped distribute food for some 4,000 evacuees.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwjq617.jpg

U.S. Ambassador Kenney greets a young girl who is taking care of her infant sibling during the Ambassador’s visit to an evacuation center at the Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Tatalon, Quezon City on September 30.


http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwjq613.jpg

U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney (second, right) and Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman Richard Gordon (middle) hand a bag of relief supplies to an evacuee.

(UPDATE 4) 'Pepeng' nears supertyphoon status

abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/01/2009 11:54 AM

MANILA - Weather bureau PAGASA on Thursday said typhoon Pepeng (international codename Parma) is forecast to bring more rains and very strong winds in Northern Luzon including Metro Manila once it makes landfall Saturday afternoon.

In a press conference Thursday afternoon, PAGASA said Pepeng has intensified further, now packing winds of 195 kilometers per hour near the center, and gusts of up to 230 kph.

As of 5 p.m., PAGASA weather branch chief Nathaniel Cruz said the typhoon was sighted 440 km east of Catarman, Northern Samar and is moving 24 kilometers per hour in the general direction of Northern Luzon and the Taiwan area.
Typhoon Pepeng (Parma): Forecasts

Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA): Tropical Cyclone Update

Japan Meteorological Agency

Taiwan Central Weather Bureau

Hong Kong Observatory

World Meteorolgical Organization (WMO) Severe Weather information Centre

US Navy: Joint Typhoon Warning Center

The typhoon is expected to be 100 km northeast of Virac, Catanduanes or 300 km southeast of Baler, Aurora by Friday afternoon.

Cruz said the typhoon is forecast to make landfall over Aurora-Isabela by Saturday morning or afternoon. He said the typhoon will bring occasional rains over the eastern section of Luzon and Visayas and more frequent rains in Samar and Bicol Thursday afternoon.

Gale-force winds are also forecast over Visayas and Mindanao.

Storm Signal no.1 has been hoisted in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Quezon (including the Polilio Islands), and Aurora.

"Residents in low-lying areas and near mountain slopes under signal #1 are advised to take all the necessary precautionary measures against possible flashfloods and landslides," the PAGASA weather bulletin stated.

"The public and the disaster coordinating councils concerned are advised to take appropriate actions and watch for the next bulletin to be issued at 11 P.M. today (Thursday)," it added.

Stronger than Ondoy, similar to Reming

Cruz, in an earlier press conference, said Pepeng is much stronger than last Saturday's tropical storm Ondoy (international codename Ketsana), which brought record amounts of rainfall and triggered the worst flooding in Metro Manila in 40 years.

"In terms of wind intensity, Ondoy was only half of the strength of Pepeng. When it made landfall, Ondoy only had winds of 85 kph while Pepeng is 175 kph. However, we cannot really compare the two because it was the rain that was really destructive about Ondoy," he said.

He added: "Our major concern with Pepeng is the disastrous winds - 175 kph to 210 kph. We expect typhoon Pepeng to intensify further as it moves towards northern Luzon."

He said the weather bureau will give a forecast on the typhoon's estimated rainfall intensity before it makes landfall.

Cruz also likened typhoon Pepeng to super-typhoon Reming (international codename Durian), which killed at least 734 people in the country in 2006.

"This could be like Reming. We are not just talking here about Metro Manila. We are talking of the entire Luzon area where there is probability of devastation in terms of flooding...and wind," he said.

Dams to release water

Dr. Susan Espinueva, assistant weather services chief of the Hydro Metrological Division of PAGASA, said major dams in Northern Luzon have been releasing water before Pepeng hits.

"All major dams in Northen Luzon wll be releasing water to lower the water level so that when the storm hits, there will be a buffer of storage capacity in our dams and the spillover will not be as severe,' she said.

Among the dams that have released water are the Angat Dam in Norzagaray, Bulacan; Binga Dam in Itogon, Benguet Province; Ambuklao Dam in Bokod, Benguet; Magat Dam in Ramon, Isabela province; and Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija.

Espinueva said Angat Dam started releasing water since 10 a.m. Tuesday to lower the water level from 214 to 212 meters. She said maximum outflow of 500 cubic meters per second was released from the dam.

She said that as of 3 p.m. Friday, the Caliraya Dam in Lumban, Laguna also started releasing water. "Water coming from the dam will affect the towns of Lumban and Pagsanjan," she said.

The government has started preparing more evacuation centers as it anticipates more people to be displaced by the new storm.

Disaster officials fear more rains spawned by the typhoon could trigger another massive flood as streets and drainage systems remain clogged from the tons of debris left by the previous deluge caused by tropical storm Ondoy (international codename Ketsana).

As of 6 a.m., the National Disaster Coordinating Council said more than half a million families of 2.50 million individuals have been affected by Ondoy in 11 regions, including Metro Manila and the Calabarzon area in southern Luzon.

It said that a total of 686,699 people are now staying in 726 evacuation centers. It said Ondoy’s death toll has reached 277 and 42 were still missing.

The storm, which also devastated Vietnam and Cambodia, damaged crops and infrastructure worth at least P4.80 billion.

Coast Guard limits sea travel

Coast Guard commandant Vice-Adm. Wilfredo Tamayo said he has placed all Coast Guard units in affected areas of the new storm on heightened alert.

He said all sea vessels below 1,000 gross tonnage have been barred from sailing in Catanduanes, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte as of Thursday morning.

"If Storm Signal no. 2 is hoisted, no vessel will be permitted to sail. We are warning fishing bats and smaller vessels not to venture out to sea. Maritime travelers going to the affected areas are advised to delay their trips," he said. . With a report from the Agence France-Presse
as of 10/01/2009 6:14 PM

^^here comes another one...it will be a busy day for our rescue personnels, let's hope it will not be as bad as "ONDOY":ohno:

^^here comes another one...it will be a busy day for our rescue personnels, let's hope it will not be as bad as "ONDOY":ohno:

Sana si peping will be shooting blanks (downgrade with less rain and wind) when entering the coast.

Philippine Floods: Why Wasn't Manila Prepared?

... "Urbanization has been so rapid, yet the planning processes have lagged."


this is really the main reason. climate change is not the main sole factor. If we could've just planned well with our drainage and sewage system, the Ondoy Wrath effect wouldn't be this great.


...We've gone through a lot over the years, but we've managed. We're a resilient people."

This statement is vehemently true! That's one of the great qualities Filipinos have. But we have to consider the fact, that human beings need quality life too! I'm hoping for a faster and better resolute so that the nation can experience a good quality of life right at its very own soil, and need not to go overseas to experience it first-hand.

There is still Hope. God Bless the Better Philippines.

Speechless na talaga ako kay Ondoy

http://ph.news.yahoo.com/afp/2009100...e-5cc1ef8.html

Typhoon Ketsana kills 331 across Southeast Asia
AFP

AFP - Thursday, October 1
HOI AN, Vietnam (AFP) - – Typhoon Ketsana extended its destructive rampage through Southeast Asia Wednesday, blowing away whole villages in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos as the regional death toll rose to 331.

The storm has unleashed some of the worst flooding in a decade to hit the region, having already submerged most of the Philippine capital at the weekend, and governments are struggling to help more than two million survivors.

"I have never seen such a strong wind in my life," Pang Phot, a police officer in Cambodia's badly hit Sandann district, told AFP by telephone.

"Many wooden houses were immediately blown away and many others collapsed to the ground. It was raining heavily and people could not flee their homes because the wind hit immediately," he said.

Ketsana killed 246 people in the Philippines while still a weaker tropical storm, before strengthening over the South China Sea and smashing into Vietnam on Tuesday, leaving another 74 dead from flooding and landslides.

It moved inland to lash Cambodia overnight, killing 11 more people, and caused metre-high floods in Laos, where it was downgraded to a tropical depression on Wednesday.

Authorities in northeastern Thailand were also on high alert but said there had been no damage yet.

Hungry and stranded survivors were marooned on rooftops in flooded parts of central Vietnam, complaining of a slow government response to their plight.

In the historic tourist town of Hoi An, a UNESCO world heritage site, some people were trapped on the metal roofs of their homes until soldiers arrived by boat to rescue them, AFP reporters saw.

"We have not received any support from local authorities," a 28-year-old mother of twin toddlers said in nearby Dien Ban district, Quang Nam province, where the typhoon made landfall on Tuesday night.

On Tuesday flooding hit parts of the major city of Danang as well as Hue, the former capital and another World Heritage site.

"Our aid work is very difficult, even with a greater mobilisation from the soldiers and the police, because the scale of the flooding is too vast and we lack equipment," said Phan Nhu Nghia, president of the Vietnamese Red Cross in Danang.

Officials and the UN estimated around 200,000 people in Vietnam had fled their homes. Five hundred and thirty homes had collapsed and 100,000 others were flooded or damaged, they said.

In Cambodia, authorities said the homes of thousands of people had been evacuated as the storm packed winds of up to 145 kilometres (90 miles) an hour.

Nine were killed and 28 injured in central Cambodia while two died in the northeast overnight as the country was battered by the storm, officials said. The victims included a grandmother, mother and three children in one house.

"At least nine people were crushed last night when their houses fell down," said Chea Cheat, chief of the Red Cross office in central Kampong Thom province, adding that at least 92 houses in his province were destroyed.

In deeply impoverished and isolated Laos, five or six villages had reportedly been flooded in Savannakhet province and aid workers were making their way there by car, aid agency World Vision said.

"We have the capability to urgently ready 500 aid packs if our assessment teams find these are needed," World Vision aid worker Vatthanathavone Inthirath said.

In the Philippines, the United States said Wednesday it would send soldiers and military equipment to help its former colony recover from devastating floods triggered by Ketsana.

Ketsana dumped the heaviest rains in more than four decades on Manila and surrounding areas on Saturday, submerging 80 percent of the nation's capital.

Four days later, some areas remained underwater or knee-deep in mud, while hundreds of thousands of people were crammed into makeshift evacuation centres.

Meanwhile, there were warnings that another looming typhoon may add to the devastation. Typhoon Parma was lurking to the east of the Philippines and on course to hit the country on Thursday or Friday.

The European Commission announced two million euros (2.9 million dollars) of emergency humanitarian aid to help typhoon victims in Vietnam, Cambodia and Laos. The money comes on top of a similar sum for the Philippines.

She's a really popular ambassador, certainly the most visible in the Philippines. I believe she has done more in helping our countrymen and women than most of our local officials, what a shame!

^^ We really need a doppler radar so that the weather forecasters can predict the amount of rain that will fall on certain areas and releasing of water from dams should be done way ahead of the incoming storm.




http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwjq614.jpg

Kandace Washington of the U.S. Embassy Marine Security Guard force hands a bag of Philippine National Red Cross relief goods to an evacuee at the Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Tatalon Quezon City.


http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwjq615.jpg

Ambassador Kristie Kenney ladles porridge in a bowl as she helped distribute food for some 4,000 evacuees.

http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwjq617.jpg

U.S. Ambassador Kenney greets a young girl who is taking care of her infant sibling during the Ambassador’s visit to an evacuation center at the Diosdado Macapagal Elementary School in Tatalon, Quezon City on September 30.


http://manila.usembassy.gov/wwwjq613.jpg

U.S. Ambassador Kristie Kenney (second, right) and Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) Chairman Richard Gordon (middle) hand a bag of relief supplies to an evacuee.

I was one and my family hit and experience much this recent disaster in San Mateo Rizal. This is a big nightmare for us. Until now we are still struggling to normalize everything, house cleaning, damage furnitures and personal clothing and much more. I can't imagine how this things were happen. It's so fast and no time just to prepare to save some belongings. Hope it wont happen again. The most important thing, even the lost of material things, I am still lucky that no lives have sacrifice from this devastating experience and I am really much pity to those who suffer much, lost lives, lost homes and everything that need them to start from zero again. Never loose hope, this are part of trials in life and every darkness, a light will shine again. Grabe talaga, parang dagat ang San Mateo Rizal, majority of bungalows, bubong na lang ang nakikita, ang daming sumugod sa bahay dahil nga may upper floors kahit di kilala pinapasok namin, may bagong panganak, may matanda, mga sanggol at kung sino-sino pa na kapit bahay at di kilalang tao. Life is more important than our things, ang gamit mabibile ule but ang buhay na nawala di na maibabalik pa.


Dyan ako sa harap ng Budgetlane.Ito yung pinabakuran ni Mayor Diaz ng yero(San Mateo Gwapo) dahil hindi nga maganda tingnan sa mga prospective investor.
Nasa office ako ng mangyari yung baha(mula Byernes ng gabi hanggang Linggo ng umaga), imagine mo na lagpas tao ang tubig baha sa lugar na yan. Level ang tubig dun sa ilog na makikita mo sa Batasan-San Mateo road, sa Puregold hanggang sa Ampid.
Kung hindi bumigay ang pader ng bakanteng lote na nasa harap ng Puregold, malamang ay magaya ito sa Budgetlane na pinasok talaga ng tubig. Kahapon lang ng 1PM ulit nagbukas ang Budgetlane.(Thursday)

Mabuti na lang at umaga ito nangyari at walang namatay na mga kapitbahay.May mga ilan insidente ng nakawan sa tindahan ng kapitbahay, :ohno: , nakakadismaya nga dahil magkakapitbahay ay nagtatalo-talo pa.
Ilang beses din ako pumila para tumanggap ng relief goods mula linggo ng gabi hanggang kahapon ng 11AM.Kaninang alas syete ng gabi ay namigay din ng relief goods dyan sa Eastern Star Academy.
Ganon talaga, survival ang labanan.
Karamihan ng Western Union sa area ng pinuntahan namin kahapon(Huwebes), ay out of service, o kaya ay mano-mano at maghihintay pa ng 45-60 minutes para maghintay ng coordination sa ibang branch. Mula Concepcion Marikina hanggang Ampid branches ay wala pang serbisyo. Pero nakadiskarte din dyan sa Batasan Hills malapit sa Talanay.
Nakakataas ng moral kapag nakikita ko ang mga trak ng sundalo at pulis na tumutulong at naghahatid ng mga relief goods. Isang beses nga nakita ko itong mobile patrol na galing pa dyan sa San Juan, na nakatambay dyan sa may Caltex.
Kahapon din ng 3PM onwards ay dumaan ang Operation Sagip ng Malacañang dyan sa Batasan road, habang ang nasa unahan nito ay ang mobile patrol ng TIGER CITY ng Mandaluyong. Kumakaway pa sila at talaga naman nakakataas ng moral.
Noong Martes nga pala ng gabi, laking pasasalamat ng mga taga Balante dyan sa mga NGO volunteers na nagbigay ng medical aid at relief goods dyan na nag-base sa Caltex. Nakilala ko pa ang mga naggagandahang mga chicka babe na mga volunteers, mga taga Benilde, St.Mary's, Karen ng La Salle Bacolod na nag assiste, Fatima College at isang taga Twitter na hindi ko na matandaan ang name nya.
Grabe yung nakita kong distribution ng relief goods dun sa zone XI sa Ampid 1 nung Wednesday ng 5:30PM, sobrang haba at ang kapal ng tao, akala mo parang sa pelikula.
Adverg sa tanang buhay ng mga tao dyan, ngayon lang daw nangyari itong ganito kalaki ng tubig baha.
Patnubayan tayong lahat ng Diyos samantalang noong nakaraang a-beinte uno ng Septyembre lamang ay fiesta dyan sa Dulong Bayan.

^^Malapit din ako diyan duon lang ako sa balante sa st anne compound. Yesterday nga naandito yung crew ng abs cbn kasama si ces drilon nagbigay ng relief goods pumunta nga sila bahay dahil nakiusap ang misis ko kay ces na tulungan yung isa pang pamilya na sa bahay na may sakit yung mga bata, may diarrea and fever humingi kami ng tulong at babalik daw sila. Nainterview yung family na nasa bahay and my wife and I don't know when it will telecast in tv shows. I pray and hoping that the coming strong typhoon will change it's direction. Sana tama na yung isang pangyayari na nagpahirap at bangungunot sa ating bansa.

^^Lubak ata ang tawag sa lugar na yan yung iba pumunta sa bahay. Ang pagkakaalam ko duon sila dumaan sa likod ng max lusot sa amin. Balita ko rin may mga namatay daw duon sa carrieland malapit din sa amin, I am not sure about that. Tapat kami ng Star Academy papasok duon.

http://www.usaid.gov/press/releases/2009/pr090930_2.html

USAID Provides Additional Emergency Aid to Philippines

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 30, 2009
Press Office: 202-712-4320
Public Information: 202-712-4810
www.usaid.gov

WASHINGTON, DC - The U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID) has allocated an additional $1 million in emergency assistance for the people of the Philippines in the aftermath of Tropical Storm Ketsana, bringing the total assistance provided by USAID to $1.1 million.

Once rapid assessments are complete, this additional funding will provide emergency grants to humanitarian organizations already working in the affected areas to help meet the most immediate and pressing needs. USAID has also dispatched two disaster response experts to Manila to assess flood impacts and facilitate USG assistance, in coordination with the U.S. Embassy in Manila and USAID/Philippines.

In addition to assistance provided by USAID, the U.S. Department of Defense has provided equipment, transport, and logistics support, including a helicopter and six Zodiac boats for movement of supplies and to aid relief and recovery efforts.

As the lead federal agency for the provision of international disaster response, USAID - working alongside the U.S. Embassy in Manila - continues to monitor the situation and stands prepared to provide additional assistance should it be necessary.

USAID provides humanitarian assistance to save lives, alleviate human suffering, and reduce the social and economic impact of humanitarian emergencies worldwide.

For more information about USAID's emergency humanitarian assistance programs, please visit: www.usaid.gov/our_work/humanitarian_assistance/disaster_assistance/.

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We can only imagine what's on their mind.



Donate Online


http://i175.photobucket.com/albums/w151/joshoncreek/logo-web1.jpg (http://www.redcross.org.ph/)

these people really needs a great need...

These pictures remind me of how blessed and fortunate we are on this forum. I don't know what goes on in the minds of local and high ranking officials when they look at pictures like this.

I wonder if they can make the connection between corruption and poverty.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20091002/wl_afp/asiadisastersamoaphilippinesindonesiaus
US Navy mobilizes disaster relief across Asia: admiral
AFP


US Navy mobilizes disaster relief across Asia: admiral AFP/File – US Pacific Command chief Admiral Timothy Keating arrives at the Armed Forces of the Philippines Headquarters …

1 hr 50 mins ago

WASHINGTON (AFP) – The US military mobilized disaster relief operations across the Pacific Friday in response to a series of tsunamis, earthquakes and severe storms that have devastated the region, the top US commander in Asia said.

US Pacific Command chief Admiral Timothy Keating told reporters "some significant disaster relief operations are under way" in American Samoa, the Philippines and Indonesia.

Five C-17 transport aircraft have delivered search and rescue teams, food, supplies and vehicles to American Samoa, hit by a deadly tsunami triggered by an 8.0 magnitude earthquake, Keating said in a teleconference from Hawaii.

A navy frigate, the USS Ingraham, was in the waters off Samoa with two helicopters for rescue and damage assessment missions.

The US Navy meanwhile was tracking a "super typhoon" headed for the Philippines, which was still recovering from floods triggered by tropical storm Ketsana last weekend.

Two amphibious ships, the USS Harpers Ferry and the USS Tortuga, were now off the coast of Manila with hundreds of marines on board ready to provide medical aid and other help if needed.

"The forecast that I got a couple of hours ago indicates the storm will continue to move northwesterly, and on that track it should make landfall tomorrow morning on the northern end of Luzon," Keating said.

"And Manila will get wet, but we don't think it will have the torrential downpour or the high winds that the north part of the island will get."

In Indonesia, ravaged by a 7.6-magnitude earthquake, a C-130 military transport plane ferried in aid supplies while a US ship was on its way with three large "heavy-lift" helicopters as well as smaller choppers.

The USS Denver was due to arrive in a "couple of days," he added.

A team of eight to 10 special operations forces flying to a scheduled training exercise were redirected in flight and landed at a nearby airfield to assist with relief work in Indonesia as well.

With another thyphon threatening the Northern Mariana Islands and possibly Guam, the Navy had amphibious ships at the ready to the east.

As a precaution ahead of the storm, two of three US submarines permanently stationed in Guam had been pulled out, as well as aircraft.

"The airplanes that can fly have left," with some heading to a US base in Okinawa, Japan, said Keating.
- - - - - - - - - - -
Hopefully typhoon peping will down grade as it enter landfall in Luzon or just bypass Northern Luzon all together.

Posted on October 1st, 2009 under Inspirational Views (http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=8633)

By Giselle Kasilag

There comes a a time in every child’s life when youthful concerns must give way to the demands of the real world. This turning point – a defining moment often essayed in films – happens quickly. In a snap of a finger, the world as we know it changes and a child is thrust into the world of adults – forced to leave behind dolls and skateboards – in order to make a crucial choice: to accept responsibility or to turn away and continue believing that life is not worth living without Halo 3.

For many of Manila’s teen-age elite, that moment came this weekend when the entire capital was submerged in flood waters. The deluge was a great equalizer. It made mudholes of mansions and in a matter of hours, people who had three cellphones, hi-techt laptops and the latest technology could not even get food delivered to their doorstep, much less get through the equally flooded hotlines of government agencies to seek rescue. Every single one of us has a friend or relative who were affected by the floods. And for the children of the National Capital Region and surrounding provices, it became a moment of realization.
Throngs of students attend to incoming cars to facilitate the unloading of donated goods
Throngs of students attend to incoming cars to facilitate the unloading of donated goods

As I surveyed the scene in Ateneo’s covered court after bringing a car load of food, water and toiletries for the victims, I was at a loss for words to describe the scene. Kids, whose top priority only a week ago was limited to getting the latest K-pop star cd, were slumped on the floor and were sorting and repacking relief goods. They came on their own volition. Many of them begged and groveled to get their parents’ permission to come and offer assistance – begged and groveled because fearful parents would prefer that their children stay wthin arm’s length for as long as the danger is still present. But despite the reluctance, the kids were able to convince the grown-ups to let them go and let them grow.

Personally, I am extremely proud of my niece Abby (college freshman from Ateneo) and nephew Diego (high school sophomore from Don Bosco), who joined me as I shopped for goods to donate then chose to stay behind and help in the relief operations after dropping the goods off. They told me of how slots for 70 volunteers for deployment in Marikina to help clean the muddy roads and houses were filled within 15 minutes from the time the organizers made the announcement. These are the same kids who could not exist without a yaya and had to be bullied and bribed to clean their own rooms.
A long line of volunteers queueing up t get their assignments
A long line of volunteers queueing up t get their assignments

The scene was the same in every other venues for relief operations. As I passed by Ortigas, the traffic in front of La Salle could not be ignored – traffic caused by a long line of cars dropping off relief goods and volunteers at the gate. ABS-CBN’s warehouses are overflowing with goods and student volunteers either repacking or preparing for deployment. Facebook and other networking sites have been flooded with info on the relief operations, and some were even shaming Mafia Wars afficionados for appearing insensitive and continuing to post results even at the height of the flooding.

I have often been told that I am wildly optimistic about the future of the Philippines. With graft and corruption surging to unbelievable heights, I have always held a view that government would eventually be immaterial and progress will be led by the private sector and the youth – that because bad government is bad for business, it is the private sector that would come to demand good governance in order to survive, and it would be the youth fearful of their future that would ensure that change occurs.Though extremely slow, I have always felt that the country was changing.
Other cars waiting to be unloaded
Other cars waiting to be unloaded

I was not proven wrong. Though government response is slow, everybody elses was not. They say that Ondoy is our Katrina. I believe it’s true – both in terms of rainfall and the slow government action. But it is also our Katrina because similar to the situation in the US, Ondoy also brought out the finest in the Filipino people. Everyone has heeded the call. Even those who were flooded took time out to help others before themselves. We have seen so many stories of heroism – not the kind with fireworks and television crews but simple acts of kindness such as sheltering neighbors whose homes were overwhelmed by the flood, sharing what little is left to eat while rescuers have yet to reach the stranded, and passing information to relatives and friends frantically searching for loved ones.

I am proud of our youth. I am in awe of how gracefully they have risen to the challenge. And I now know for sure that our future is in good hands.

The True Spirit of Bayanihan (http://goodnewspilipinas.com/?p=8650)
Posted on October 1st, 2009 under The Good Balita

http://goodnewspilipinas.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/joey_concepcion.jpg

Before typhoon Ondoy hit us last Friday, I had been monitoring the direction of the storm as we laid out plans to go to the beach with the family on the weekend. For those who want accurate monitoring, go to typhoon2000.com, windguru.com, or windfinder.com. These sites will aid you in monitoring weather disturbances and the strength of wind and waves. I cancelled my trip after seeing that the storm was going to hit Central Luzon. The waves were as high as 3.8 meters, with winds raging at 20 knots or 38 km/h.

That Saturday, my daughter kissed us goodbye and headed for Alabang. She had a football game. Since it was too early, I did not notice the strength of the rain. When I got up, I was worried to see our garden (which had an excellent drainage) so flooded, it combined with our pool. Our garden looked like one big swimming pool. Immediately, I had my daughter stay in a relative’s house, as the SLEX was clogged. I was told later on that people stayed in their cars for close to eight hours.

Thousands of Filipinos also woke up with the same shock. We are lucky that it was just our garden. Other people’s houses were already surrounded with high levels of water. Cars were all submerged. I started to get a lot of SMS from people in trouble and stuck on the roofs. The only thing I could do was to forward all pleads for help to Sec. Cerge Reymonde. He acted on it, but requests for help were just so many and caught everyone by surprise. Rich or poor, no one was exempted of this tragic flood. It is one of the largest, as I recall, to date.

We grew up in Pasay City. We enjoyed most of our childhood days with an instant swimming pool every time it pours. Our house was at that corner of Edsa and Taft, which is now a family mall. My father was heavily into civic action with his Pasay Citizens League for Good Government, so relief operation for floods and fire was very common. I grew up with this kind of environment. Back then, Filipinos were very responsive to tragedies. This time, the different sectors were not ready for this magnitude of damage. Even most Filipino families that live in flood-prone areas did not expect the typhoon to hit them with such magnitude. As the PAGASA stated, one month of rain fell in just about eight hours. For a while, it felt like the time of Noah’s Ark.

Even our Go Negosyo TV host Gladys Reyes sent an SMS to my team, informing them of her situation. She was also asking if I had an amphibian truck, but I don’t have one. We heard her family was rescued by the heroic Judy Ann, Ryan and friends using inflatable air bed. There were also requests for chopper assistance, but it was impossible to fly during that period due to strong rains and wind. Most pilots from the private choppers are not trained to fly rescue operations.

We all have our personal stories to remember. I also heard the story of our Joey Pepperoni employees. They work in our newly-opened branch in Marikina. The water was so high that they tried to take refuge in the NCO call center in the same building. However, they were refused entry into the call center. They begged that they be allowed to stay there even just for a couple of hours, but the security guards still kept the doors closed. Our employees had no option but to swim for two kilometers, barely making it. Most of them were women.

I am glad that instead of criticizing the government and finding fault in the system, this time, most of the media called for support for the victims of the typhoon. There was an enormous response of support. Everyone I know to came to help in our relief operations. Go Negosyo and Gawad Kalinga pooled resources and manpower with RFM, setting up the RFM Relief Center in our two-thousand square meter basketball gym. The Go Negosyo entrepreneurs and Gawad Kalinga Corporate Partners came to donate and volunteer together with their families. A lot of celebrities, GK community members, and schools came to support. There are also a lot of corporations and entrepreneurs who set up their own relief operations, as the task of helping hundreds of thousands affected is quite big.

This is the true “Bayanihan Spirit” in action. While the rich and poor is affected, the rich and the poor also came together to help our Filipino brothers. For us, it was a family affair that reminded me of our childhood days, doing relief work in our small home in Pasay City with my brothers and sisters – more for fun that time. Marie, who is the most spiritual among us, led the operations in the relief center. My wife amazingly brought together close to 50 housewives from prominent families to cook adobo and hotdogs, contributing a total of 30 thousand meals for the victims. (I am sure their husbands didn’t like the smell of adobo all over their houses, as each wife cooked one thousand packs each.) It was heartwarming to know that all the women she asked did not say no. And, yes, the big businesspeople are doing their share by getting involved. My parents’ home was also turned into a factory of packed food, with all the grandkids working since classes were suspended.

While this has been one of the biggest tragedies lately, events like this make us stronger as a nation. It breaks the walls between the rich and poor and the compassion for each other is felt and seen. This is what brings a nation together. Rather than seeing people cursing and complaining, we see a lot of people moving forward, still smiling despite what has happened to them. Love ones have been lost. My condolences to the family of Red Bull Team Manager Tony Chua. I personally knew him during our PBA days. He came to his wife’s rescue but lost his own life.

Filipinos are unique and are battle-tested when it comes to the struggles in life. The true sense of patriotism is seen and felt in the bayanihan of the rich and poor. This is love of God in action. God bless our nation.

^^Malapit din ako diyan duon lang ako sa balante sa st anne compound. Yesterday nga naandito yung crew ng abs cbn kasama si ces drilon nagbigay ng relief goods pumunta nga sila bahay dahil nakiusap ang misis ko kay ces na tulungan yung isa pang pamilya na sa bahay na may sakit yung mga bata, may diarrea and fever humingi kami ng tulong at babalik daw sila. Nainterview yung family na nasa bahay and my wife and I don't know when it will telecast in tv shows. I pray and hoping that the coming strong typhoon will change it's direction. Sana tama na yung isang pangyayari na nagpahirap at bangungunot sa ating bansa.

that was a very generous act from you. not very many of us would think of saving the lives of our neighbors over our properties. what you did is very commendable.

by the way, were you here for a vacation here?

i think the gates of our compound were shut all throughout saturday. i have no idea if our some neighbors actually attempted to take refuge to us. there's still enough room in my room at the 2nd floor of the apartment, i could have let some people in. thank god, most of the houses around us have 2nd or 3rd level.

Just want to share to you guys a snapshot of the flash flood when I had my vacation in Zambales on the height of "ONDOY"
http://img98.imageshack.us/img98/3061/dscf1443l.jpg

Di namin maatempt na pagdamutan yung mga tao na nasa harap na ng bahay mo na halos abutan na ng mabilis na agos at paglaki ng tubig na di sila papasukin kahit naman sino siguro ay ganuon din ang gagawin at sa pagkakataon na yun iisipin mo pa ba na isalba ang iyong mga personal things kaysa nagmamakaawa na ibang tao. Pagkatapos ng unos, kahit sobrang pagod, pag-aalala, at takot ay natabunan ng sobrang saya sa kalooban ng damdamin ng nakikita mo ang masasayang mukha ng mga tao na naligtas habang unti-unti silang umaalis ng bahay.
Salamat for appreciation. I went back coz my contract were finish already.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/01RV4xBaTuaEa/610x.jpg

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U.S. Marines with Fillipino soldiers unload bags of relief goods for distribution Saturday, Oct. 3, 2009 in San Mateo town, east of Manila, Philippines.

earlier...


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DAY 2 - SSC Cebu Relief Operation...09-30-09

Ugma, magkita kita ta para sa atong mga donations nya ihatod nato mismo sa ABS CBN... maghatag lang mi og time karogn gabii...thanks

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/856/ondoy2ndday093009t.jpg

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ani-udto sa
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Naabot si @Ferny123
http://img504.imageshack.us/img504/7579/ondoy2ndday093009l.jpg

Pahuway, lingaw lingaw sa
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Breaktime
http://img209.imageshack.us/img209/7146/ondoy2ndday093009y.jpg

Robertsons Sports Co. donated 3600 pairs of new shoes :applause:
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/163/ondoy2ndday093009n.jpg

http://img134.imageshack.us/img134/4746/ondoy2ndday093009s.jpg

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Spotted
http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/2629/ondoy2ndday093009x.jpg

I just wanna personally thank SSC Cebu for this:okay:
Almost 10pm na gyud nahuman ang SC Cebu didto nga last nj pull out.
Mag lisod gyud sila sa didto sa Fuente drop-off point kung wala ang SSC Cebu, dako gyud kaayo tag tabang didto:applause:
Last day na nato, sa ganahan mo adto dritso lang mo didto, kita ta. Lingaw gyud kaayo samtang naka tabang sad ta.
Last day na nato ron, SSC Cebu willl survive!...:rock:

http://img210.imageshack.us/img210/876/ondoy2ndday0930092.jpg

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These pics from SSC-Cebu with the Vice Mayor of Cebu City on the last photo.

^^

More...


Scenes of SSC Cebu Relief Operations

LINK ==> http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?p=44102928&posted=1#post44102928

What ever happened to this study? This is a flood control study commissioned by JICA on Metro MAnila in 1989.

http://www.nwin.nwrb.gov.ph/Prog&Proj/JICA/studies/flood_control/studies/15.htm

^^ Hats off to the CEBU SSC volunteer group...

great job guys :okay:

That TAHO breaktime must really taste good!!!

Teodoro: Recovery may be slow for typhoon-hit areas
By James Mananghaya (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=511641&publicationSubCategoryId=63

MARILAO, Bulacan, Philippines — Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro who is also chairman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council warned the people yesterday of a slow recovery for calamity victims, particularly for those rendered homeless by tropical storm “Ondoy” last Sept. 26 since relocating thousands of families to safer areas could take time.

Teodoro told reporters after inspecting the storm damage in several villages here, that it would take longer before houses could be rebuilt or to relocate to safer areas, while establishment owners could have a hard time recovering.

“Offhand, relocation is important, number two it’s also to facilitate easy credit for enterprises that were damaged, to provide some amelioration whether in loans or in cash for people to rebuild themselves because the hardest hit is the upper middle class subdivisions so I think the local government, together with the proper housing authorities must make a determination if it is still safe to continue building houses in these areas,” he said.

He said that a large portion of about 300,000 evacuees have to be relocated because at the moment, they could not yet return to their homes due to the risks posed by other calamities, such as typhoon “Pepeng” that hit Northern Luzon last Saturday and left 16 people dead in Ifugao, Benguet and Quezon province.

Teodoro said the government would provide assistance of P10,000 for every family whose house was destroyed by the previous typhoons.

He clarified that only those whose damaged residence does not encroach on a river or lakebed would be given easy credit schemes while squatters or informal settlers should be removed at their expense, although they should also be relocated.

“The central bank could open a rediscounting window for mortgage assistance in banks… there are several ways that some credit can be extended to homeowners, and it also helps because it goes around, like, you provide credit for homeowners and there would be construction and employment,” he said.

Teodoro said that after what happened (devastation from the typhoons), many homeowners in the affected areas would want to relocate to safer places.

He said local governments should coordinate with national housing authorities to determine a good relocation site, which could also be provided with livelihood assistance and basic services such as water and electricity.

He said the recent calamity has brought out a lot of issues, such as disaster preparedness, and the urban development plan in the affected areas of Metro Manila and nearby provinces that were ravaged by Ondoy, which left 246 people dead.

Meantime, the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) reported yesterday that the damage to the country’s infrastructures and agriculture by Ondoy and Pepeng could reach P9 billion.

The NDCC estimate of damage does not include the houses and vehicles damaged by the floods caused by Ondoy in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.


__________________


Next Crisis: Health Risks
The Philippine Star
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=511523&publicationSubCategoryId=64


With floodwaters not receding in communities around Laguna de Bay and other areas still under a few centimeters of water, authorities should prepare for the next likely problem: disease outbreaks with children and the elderly being particularly the most vulnerable and will require special attention.

Stagnant water is a breeding ground for mosquitoes, and dengue was already a problem even before “Ondoy” brought torrential rains to Metro Manila and neighboring provinces. From January to May this year, 8,442 dengue cases had been recorded nationwide by the Department of Health, with 62 fatalities. Though the number was lower than the 16,276 cases recorded in the same period last year, the risks remain great.

Health experts have warned that dengue is more prevalent than the A(H1N1) flu – another illness that could spread in the wake of a devastating typhoon, especially in crowded evacuation centers. The common flu could also spread quickly in cramped quarters.

Another risk is leptospirosis, a potentially fatal affliction contracted when an open wound or break in the skin comes in contact with urine usually of mice and rodents, although other animals such as dogs can serve as secondary hosts. The urine can be carried by floodwaters, and people wading through floods must use rubber boots. Dogs and other pets can also be infected by the disease-causing bacteria.

Water supply has been disrupted in many of the typhoon-stricken areas, and the lack of safe drinking water could cause a host of infections. Health authorities must be prepared for outbreaks of water-borne diseases, from common diarrhea to typhoid. Damaged sewerage systems and the mounting piles of garbage could lead to cholera.

Respiratory illnesses, allergies and skin diseases could develop as stagnant floodwaters turn into breeding grounds for disease-causing organisms. The government
was not prepared for the fury of Ondoy. But it is aware of the emerging health risks, and should be ready to prevent a health crisis.

State of calamity may last one year
By Paolo Romero (The Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=511634&publicationSubCategoryId=63


MANILA, Philippines - Price controls may have to remain until 2010 and government is expected to have a firmer hand in rebuilding areas ravaged by “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” as Malacañang considers extending its declaration of a nationwide state of calamity for at least one year.

This was revealed by deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez who stressed that the plan is aimed at allowing the government and the public to immediately respond to weather disturbances that have become increasingly deadly and destructive in the last few years.

Budget Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. stressed that purchase of equipment or hiring of services for relief and rehabilitation would still be subject to bidding but governed by “special conditions” to ensure swifter results. He did not elaborate.

In a news briefing, Golez said damage caused by both Ondoy and Pepeng reached P8.4 billion as of yesterday and the figure is expected to increase in the coming days as the full extent of the destruction unfolds.

“Normally, by law if I’m not mistaken, the state of calamity is effective I think one year from the time, one or two years, from the time it has been declared so that’s the time frame,” Golez said.

He said there was no need for a formal lifting of the declaration as such would “self-terminate” anyway when normalcy returns.

Officials said the declaration would help authorities effectively implement price controls as well as allow local government units to easily access their respective calamity funds, which represent five percent of their respective budgets.

Mrs. Arroyo declared Metro Manila and nearby provinces under a state of calamity in the wake of Ondoy’s devastation on Sept. 26.

She later made the coverage of her declaration nationwide to speed up relief and rehabilitation efforts and as Pepeng threatened to wreak more havoc. She said the order was meant to keep prices of basic goods under control as well as maintain peace and order.

It was the first time that a nationwide declaration of a state of calamity was made to help the country brace for a disaster.

Officials explained that while Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, and Cavite were the hardest hit by Ondoy, other parts of the country as far as Mindanao had also been battered by rains and flooding.

Trade Secretary Peter Favila earlier strongly pushed for the declaration of a state of calamity due to reports of rampant overpricing of basic commodities, construction materials and automotive supplies and services, and even funeral services.

With the declaration, LGUs can easily draw from their calamity funds and use them to buy supplies and equipment that they can “pre-position” near high-risk areas to allow them to respond quicker to emergencies, Palace officials said.

Golez said the national government has a calamity fund of P2 billion while the total calamity funds of LGUs amount to P20 billion.

He noted that the Philippines in 2003 was considered the third most disastrous country in the world due to record number of typhoons hitting the archipelago.

Ammunition for critics

But Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Raul Gonzalez said Golez’s statement should be put into proper context as this could be peddled by administration critics as another attempt by Mrs. Arroyo to exercise emergency powers.

“You cannot say that the declaration (of state of calamity) would last for a specific period, otherwise, we will be misunderstood by critics again,” Gonzalez said.

He said that as far as he knows Congress or local officials can lift such as declaration anytime under certain conditions.

“That (duration) would depend on the conditions on the ground,” Gonzalez told The STAR in a telephone interview.

“You have to closely see how things work on the ground like what we have now, strong typhoons coming one after the other,” he said.

He said it was also fortunate that Pepeng spared Metro Manila. Golez said at least five more typhoons are expected to hit the country in the next two months.

Gonzalez said that if the concern of local officials would be tapping emergency funds, they could just “re-declare” a state of calamity if the need arises.

The Palace lawyer earlier said that under a state of emergency, the Constitution allows the government to take over vital installations.

“But these are in cases of large-scale calamities,” Gonzalez said, adding that such moves are really on police powers “like forced evacuations.”

“That falls under the general welfare clause (in the Constitution),” he said.

When Mrs. Arroyo made the declaration, Favila immediately announced that the authorities were prepared to make warrantless arrests of businessmen caught in the act of violating the government-imposed price ceilings on basic goods.

Aside from the basic commodities, Favila said the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is set to release a new list of products covered by price controls to include construction materials, and possibly, lubricants and liquefied petroleum gas.

He said the National Bureau of Investigation has placed under DTI control some 100 agents to check on traders and businesses taking advantage of the calamity, including funeral parlors.

Favila said the Philippine National Police has also alerted its personnel nationwide for activities of unscrupulous traders.

Golez, meanwhile, dismissed criticisms that the declaration was a sign that the government was unprepared.

“The declaration of state of calamity is not a measure of being prepared or unprepared. It’s something that has to be done to bring back normalcy. Even if you get the most sophisticated equipment and you can only fight Mother Nature to a certain degree and then the community gets hit and the community needs help, so a declaration of state of calamity must be made,” he said.

He also said it was ironic that the provinces or municipalities often hit by natural calamities are almost always the poorest, and thus have small calamity funds.

Andaya said it would be nearly impossible to predict how much calamity fund would be needed for a given year, especially now with climate change making its presence felt.

He said the budget for calamity fund, “by its nature and historical data on its utilization,” is merely the minimum amount available in cases of calamities.

“There is no formula to predict the number of typhoons in a year,” Andaya said. “That’s why in 2008, the calamity fund was P6 billion but releases were at P4 billion with 21 typhoons.”

He said in 2007, the calamity fund was at P1 billion but the releases amounted to P13 billion.

Albay planners on 5-day REDAS training vs. tsunamis, etc (http://bicolnewsnow.blogspot.com/)
By Rey M. Nasol

LEGAZPI CITY – The local planning and development officers in Albay are undergoing rigid training on preparedness and disaster mitigation efforts with the use of a computer simulated scenarios software called the Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment (REDAS) system.

This will further empower the planning aspect of where and what kinds of buildings to construct in the provice of Albay in order to fully prepare the people and maintain the zero casualty plan of Gov. Joey Salceda from any types of calamity.

“This is actually climate change-proofing and a very important element to the disaster risk reduction and mitigation of impacts of calamities to maintain our zero casualty efforts,” Governor Joey Salceda said.

“We are having training to save lives and minimize injuries as well as loss of properties before, during and after earthquakes and other calamities in Albay,” Director Manuel Rangasa of the Center for Research on Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA) told the DATELINER Tuesday.

This is a follow-up training after new and updated versions of the software have been created to make the software more user-friendly and complete.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato U. Solidum, who is here for two days, said the REDAS software is one of the technologies featured in the “One-Stop Information Shop of Technologies (OSIST)” of the Philippines.

“Albay is one of the more hazard-prone provinces in the country, being exposed to volcanic, earthquake including tsunami as well as hydrometeorological hazards such as landslides and floods,” Solidum who stayed from Monday till tuesday told the participants.

Historically, the province has been affected by the 1814 Mayon Volcano eruption, the 1840 earthquake and lately, the 2006 Typhoon Reming floods and landslides.

The training was supported by PHIVOLCS, the Provincial Government of Albay and the Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA).

A total of 70 participants from the cities of Legaspi, Ligao and Tabaco, the municipalities of Polangui, Libon, Oas, Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga, Manito, Sto. Domingo, Bacacay, Malilipot, Malinao, Jovellar, Pioduran Rapu-Rapu and Tiwi

The other participants were CIRCA, Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) staffs, the Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO), the resident volcanologist and staff of the Liñgon Hill Observatory, the Office of Civil Defense ad the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO)

“ Although the REDAS software was designed for rapid seismic hazard evaluation after the occurrence of a potentially-damaging earthquake, various hazard maps such as pyroclastic flow, lava flow, lahars, ashfall and tsunami were built in in the REDAS database,” Maria Leonila P. Bautista, Bartolome C. Bautista, REDAS coordinator and DOST- Phivolcs Associate Scientist told the DATELINER Tuesday.

“The REDAS started with version 1.0 and then updated to 1.7 and now that we have the version 2.0, it already includes the hydrometeorological hazards prepared by the MGB into the software. As we continue to upgrade the software, the future plan, which we are working on now are the equations and calculations for possible casualties and injuries and damages to properties with or without disaster preparedness or response mechanisms,” Bautista explained.

What ever happened to this study? This is a flood control study commissioned by JICA on Metro MAnila in 1989.

http://www.nwin.nwrb.gov.ph/Prog&Proj/JICA/studies/flood_control/studies/15.htm

Hay.. tinanong mo pa... Eh di andun na seguro yan sa waste basket or sa files na masyado na inaalikabokan....^^:ohno:

Tsk, tsk, tsk...Another GMA controversy brewing... :ohno: :ohno: :ohno:
Calamitous declaration?
Business Mirror
Wednesday, 07 October 2009
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/16970-calamitous-declaration.html

SENATORS crossed party lines on Tuesday to join the businessmen’s call for caution in Malacañang’s plan to extend and widen the coverage of the state of calamity declared by the Palace in the wake of killer typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng as they believe the move could be misused to pocket public funds intended for relief and rehabilitation of devastated areas.

Senate Minority Leader Aquilino Pimentel warned that the drawback in the Palace plan is that “the release of government funds could be abused because the standard bidding rules and auditing procedures are relaxed during the calamity period. So, if you extend that period, the possibility of abuse will be greater.” Sen. Miriam Santiago told reporters:


“First, should the state of calamity last for a year, it would be extremely counterproductive. The calamity fund of every local government unit shall be open for appropriation.  That amounts to about P13.3 billion. That would allow the local government unit to get 5 percent of its total expected revenues. The longer the state of calamity extends, the more abuses can be expected,” she said.

The senators weighed in on the matter after the Makati Business Club (MBC) expressed its own reservations about the decision to extend the period and widen the coverage of the calamity declaration.

Santiago suggested limiting the declaration of the state of calamity to just three months, enough time, she said, for flood victims to “get on with their lives.” Spreading out the release and use of the calamity fund to one whole year will lead to an “an unrealized expectation of a return to normalcy. The faster you lift the state of calamity, the better for the funds.”

According to Santiago, another consequence of an extended state of calamity is that the President will have power to transfer appropriations. “Normally, this is not allowed, but when there is a state of calamity, she can juggle the funds.  There will be extreme pressure from many vested interests to transfer appropriations, but not necessarily to the most calamity-stricken areas.  In my view, it makes the President even more politically vulnerable to politicians.”

“The final adverse consequence is that under the Government Procurement Reform Act, if there is a state of calamity, there does not have to be a process of bidding or auction. Negotiated purchases will be allowed.”

Farm damage rising

Meanwhile, value of crops lost to Typhoon Ondoy has reached P1.13 billion, according to figures released by the Department of Agriculture (DA).

Based on its own monitor, the DA’s Central Action Center (Dacac) noted that the biggest damage was recorded in the rice subsector at P1.06 billion. Most of the crops lost were in the reproductive or maturity stage.

Also, more than P22 million worth of corn crops were damaged by Typhoon Pepeng.

Meanwhile, damage to the farm sector caused by Ondoy has already climbed to almost P6.5 billion.

Of this, the biggest chunk was recorded in the rice subsector at P5.2 billion. The fisheries subsector was the second biggest loser at P140.6 million. Also damaged were some P41 million worth of livestock and poultry products.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap said the DA has drawn up a number of measures to assist affected farmers.

Affected rice farmers will be given a maximum seed subsidy of P1,200 per hectare for the use of certified or hybrid seed.

They will also get a P4,300 per hectare subsidy for the use of location-specific interventions, such as the use of inorganic fertilizer.

For damaged irrigation systems, the DA chief vowed to undertake emergency repairs. He estimated that repair work will be completed in the next two months and will cost some P481 million.

Those planting high-value commercial crops who were affected by the storms will get a seed and input subsidy costing P5,000 per hectare.

Affected poultry raisers will get three heads of broilers valued at P500 per affected family.

To assist affected producers in the fisheries subsector, the DA will restock affected areas with tilapia/bangus fingerlings. The DA said it will distribute 5,000 pieces fingerlings of fries per hectare.

Cagayan hard hit

Meanwhile, Typhoon Pepeng destroyed at least P1.8 billion worth of crops in 24 towns in Cagayan province and P50 million in Isabela province, the Cagayan Valley Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) said.

Gusty winds and heavy rains caused by Pepeng inflicted damage to rice and corn farm lands in 339 barangays in Cagayan, according to Chief Supt. Roberto Damian, regional police chief and RDCC chair.  

Damage to roads and bridges in Cagayan were initially estimated at P25 million, he added.

The typhoon totally destroyed 487 houses and partially damaged 4,795 others, affecting at least 117,466 persons comprising 29,769 families, Damian said.

In Isabela, at least P50 million of agricultural crops were damaged with 8,100 farmers affected, according to Danilo Tumamao, provincial agriculture officer.

At the House of Representatives, congressional allies of President Arroyo on Tuesday chided the Makati Business Club for painting a grim picture on Malacañang’s plan to extend the state of calamity over the country for a year, saying that instead of criticizing the plan, the business group should present a counterproposal on how to deal with the devastation brought about by Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

“The MBC should first check with the administration and recommend constructively. We have seen how President Arroyo handles crises [and it’s] definitely not dictatorial…To them, the President is always wrong or bad, and has done nothing right. Is MBC gearing up to be a political party?” asked Lakas-Kampi-CMD Rep. Abdullah Dimaporo of Lanao del Norte.

The MBC, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Employers Confederation of the Philippines, the Federation of Philippine Industries, among other business groups, have expressed alarm about the planned extension of the state of calamity status.

They said it may create more problems for the country, such as job losses, supply shortage and price controls of goods. Other business groups also expressed fear that it may lead to a state of emergency and the exercise of police powers.

But Dimaporo viewed price control as “persuasive.”

Dimaporo’s partymate Rep. Marcelino Teodoro of Marikina City said the MBC should set aside its “self-serving financial goals” and realize that the people are rebuilding their lives after the two typhoons.

At the same time, Nacionalista Party president and Sen. Manny Villar said that after rescue and relief work, a greater task of rebuilding is needed to help typhoon victims recover from the tragedy brought by the recent typhoons. However, he said, this does not merit too drastic actions and sweeping calls from the government, including extending the declaration of a state of calamity for a year.

He said the plan to extend its declaration of a state of calamity for a year or longer, should “be evaluated further.”



_________________________


‘Come clean on P140-B funds’
Business Mirror
Wednesday, 07 October 2009
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/top-news/16969-come-clean-on-p140-b-funds.html

PALACE officials were urged on Tuesday to “come clean” on the reason behind the impounding of P140 billion in funds from the 2008 budget, and the failure of the Executive to inform Congress that Mrs. Arroyo had such huge amount at her disposal.

The call from Makati Mayor Jejomar Binay followed revelations from alternative-budget activists, led by former national treasurer Leonor Briones, for the Executive to tap into these funds, instead of looking at other means to raise money, for post-calamity rehabilitation, but which will burden people even more and swell the deficit.

“Malacañang needs to come clean on Mrs. Arroyo’s purpose for impounding such a huge amount. And it also needs to explain not only to Congress but to the public why it kept silent on the existence of P140 billion in impounded funds,” Binay said.

Besides replenishing the calamity fund, the P140 billion impounded by Malacañang through transfer from various government agencies could provide help to the agriculture sector, added the mayor.

“Mrs. Arroyo can apparently provide the funds needed to ensure stable food supply by next year, in view of the admission by government officials that there could be a shortage in the supply of rice by nearly next year,” he said.

Binay said Congress has been prompted by the extensive damage caused by Typhoon Ondoy to provide the Office of the President with a P10- billion supplemental budget for the depleted calamity fund.

“Malacañang did not object to the proposal, but neither did it inform Congress that Mrs. Arroyo has more than enough funds at her disposal,” he said.

‘Disturbing’ findings

Binay said the findings of Professor Briones that Mrs. Arroyo had impounded P140 billion in funds from the 2008 budget is disturbing in the light of the national government’s precarious fiscal situation.

“The national government is already in a deficit, and it would have to resort to more borrowings if Congress would approve the P10-billion supplemental fund,” he said. He added that Malacañang could easily allay the concern of Congress and the public about its ability to respond to the calamity by saying that Mrs. Arroyo has more than enough money at her disposal.

Palace’s reaction

AT the Palace, deputy presidential spokesman Anthony Golez sidestepped the issue, telling reporters, “We’re not saying that [the P140 billion] actually exists, I don’t even know what they’re talking about; I think whether or not that figure exists, I think it would be better if the budget secretary or any budget official can answer that question.”

He noted that all sectors are pitching in to help the victims of Typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng, and the President had even opened Malacañang Palace to serve as an evacuation and relief center. The “P10-billion supplemental budget is Congress’s way of helping our citizens especially in Metro Manila and nearby provinces.”

No P140-B fund?
By Aytch de la Cruz
Daily Tribune
http://www.tribune.net.ph/headlines/20091007hed3.html

Malacañang officials yesterday appeared to have been at a loss for words when asked to provide an explanation or at least give a categorical statement behind reports over the alleged P140-billion fund impounded by President Arroyo that could have instead been utilized to increase the dwindling calamity fund rather than wait for the P10-billion supplemental budget currently pending at Congress.

Former National Treasurer Leonor Briones, who knows whereof she speaks on these matters, the other day stated that President Arroyo has P140 billion in available funds which was impounded through transfers from the budget of the various government agencies last year, an amount which Briones said should be more than enough to augment the depleted calamity fund being used for government relief efforts.

Briones said Arroyo’s propensity to juggle the yearly budget allocations has resulted in P140 billion in disposable funds in the hands of the President.

"While the Constitution allows the president to reallocate funds of government agencies, this President had done this excessively," Briones said.

For last year, some P178 billion of such fund was reallocated with P140 billion still unreleased and would save the goverment from the sound and fury of going through the congressional process for a supplemental budget.

Briones added that using the impounded funds for the government’s relief efforts would also save the government from further borrowing which it would have to resort to in the plan for a P10-billion budget supplement.

Briones also pointed out that most of the funds that Arroyo has the discretion to release is also not subject to examination by the Commission on Audit (CoA).

The presidential spokesmen all claimed to be unaware of the impoundment of the P140 billion that Briones said was available for release, at the discretion of Arroyo.

Presidential Economic Spokesman Gary Olivar implied that the assertions being put forward right now by Briones and Rep. Teofisto Guingona III (2nd District, Bukidnon) were relatively unsound and unclear as the existence of that P140-B impounded fund itself was not substantially confirmed.

"Based on what I habe read, the P140-billion, I think, is simply the difference between what may have been originally requested in the budget submission and what was eventually approved or perhaps what was eventually spent based on the discretion of the executive. It doesn’t mean there is real cash hanging and waiting around there," Olivar said.

Press Undersecretary Anthony Golez, Jr., for his part, theorized that the additional P10-B supplemental budget proposed by the Congress should not be confused with that of the alleged P140 billion impounded fund because there is a stark difference between the two.

Golez implied that the P10 billion supplemental budget was something that is supposed to be carried out of charity as this was Congress’ way of helping our citizens especially those affected Metro Manila and the provinces nearby.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo also claimed she was not aware where the idea of P140 billion impounded fund came from; reiterating previous hints by Golez and Olivar that the best agency to clarify such questions is the Department of Budget and Management (DBM).

"That has to be answered by the DBM because I am not exactly sure if that P140 billion she (Briones) is saying exists. I am not aware of that P140 billion, (therefore) it is better to be clear on what exactly does that P140 billion impounded funds mean," Fajardo said.

But the Budget chief, Secretary Rolando Andaya, in a radio interview over dzRH, also manifested the same ignorance when asked to provide a statement on the issue at hand.

"These funds from last year that were not being used, this fund that they say was impounded last year and not used was used because the extra revenues were not enough since the quota of the Bureau of Internal Revenue was not met. So we decided not to bring this out in the open, if such are the funds. That was last year’s. This year is a different matter. There really are no funds, just funds on paper," Andaya said.

Some more photos of disaster relief and cleanup drive.

http://img197.imageshack.us/img197/7483/23576939.jpg

Hay daming controversy... Even mga relief goods at donations galing kung saan saan, pinagtripan pa ng mga kumong nag opisyales ng gobyerno..........


O ano.. May COMPREHENSIVE REHABILITATION PROGRAM na ba ang Gobyerno natin para sa mga nasalanta ni Ondoy at Pepeng?

I was expecting a lot of debates here on disaster management in the aftermath of Ondoy. pero nandun lahat sa Halalan thread ang debate.:bash:

^^ SSC Cebu, commendable...

Gov't to procure 40 more rubberboats
By Dennis Carcamo (philstar.com) Updated October 07, 2009 01:25 PM

MANILA, Philippines--In preparation for similar massive flooding, the government will be purchasing 40 additional rubberboats to expedite its rescue operations, a spokesman said today (Oct. 7).

Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres Jr., newly designated spokesman of the National Disaster Coordinating Council, said they are set to procure the additional vessels to augment their rescue equipment by authorities during high floods.

Torres said rescue efforts to many trapped on top of their houses in Metro Manila and nearby provinces due to high flood water had been slowed down by the lack of rubberboats to go around during the operations.

He admitted that the NDCC, being only an ad hoc body, has still some operational limitations. "The NDCC only convenes during disaters or calamities. It does not continuously coordinate with member agencies," Torres said.

Among the NDCC members are the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of Education, Department of Health, and the Philippine National Police.

Torres said they are hoping that the recent flooding brought by tropical storm Ondoy would facilitate the passage of the Disaster Risk Management Act now pending Congress. The proposed measure seeks the creation of a body with more "teeth" to address disaster preparedness and mitigation.

Aside from the operational limitations, NDCC has only P90 million annual budget, P70 million of which goes to personnel services or salaries of its employees.

Torres also appealed to those families still not reached by the government's relief operations to be more patient as the teams, both the government and private sectors, are doing their best to bring aid to them.

"There is enough (relief goods) for everyone but please don't mob our people," he said.

'400,000 squatters key to fixing floods'

Agence France- Presse | 10/08/2009 12:42 PM

MANILA - At least 400,000 squatters blocking key drainage channels of a giant lake on the edge of the Philippine capital need to be uprooted to fix Manila's flooding crisis, a government official said Thursday.

The squatters are among one million people living on the shorelines of Laguna de Bay that will be flooded for up to five months unless drastic action is taken, Laguna Lake Development Authority chief Edgardo Manda told AFP.

"I have made a strong recommendation to remove these people from the danger zones and not allow them to go back," Manda said of the 400,000 squatters that are living mostly on what was once marshy wetlands.

"The authorities would probably need to erect barricades and station sentries in these areas."

The dramatic recommendation comes as large parts of eastern Manila remain flooded 12 days after Tropical Storm Ketsana dumped the heaviest rains in more than four decades on the city, killing 295 people.

Manda and other officials have acknowledged that chaotic urban planning, or no planning at all, exacerbated the crisis, particularly around Laguna where shantytowns, factories and housing developments have overtaken farms.

However, Manda said he realised removing squatters from the lake would be a "political decision" that may not sit well with politicians so close to national elections in May next year.

In those polls, local executives as well as a new president are chosen.

About 300,000 of the squatters are living in and around an illegal open garbage dump on wetlands that block two connecting rivers which are meant to channel excess water from the lake into Manila Bay to the west.

"The channel is constricted," Manda said, adding the best remedy for the drainage problems was to clear the squatters and garbage from the wetlands.

About 100,000 other squatters live in houses on stilts on the lakeshore to the south, he added.

Aside from the one million people living near the immediate shoreline, which is likely to remain flooded for many months, at least one million others live in adjacent districts of eastern Manila that are also still under water.
as of 10/08/2009 12:42 PM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/08/09/400000-squatters-key-fixing-floods

I was expecting a lot of debates here on disaster management in the aftermath of Ondoy. pero nandun lahat sa Halalan thread ang debate.:bash:

Karamihan dito sa Isla ng Pilipinas ay hindi pa alam kung ano ang disaster preparedness. Pero kung relief goods at mga balikbayan boxes ang pag-uusapan, mabilis pa sa alas kwatro ang aksyon ng mga tao.
Ang naalala ko na drill na ginawa ng NDCC ay yung panahon pa ni Sec. Nonong Cruz tungkol sa earhtquake drill sa buong bansa.

Pero yung mga disaster preparedness para sa pagbaha, bagyo, unos, buhawi, sunog(kasama na rito ang forest fire), pagputok ng bulkan, chemical or oil spill, epidemia, virus outbreak, food shortages, computer/power outages at kung anu ano pa.
Sana mula sa LGU to baranggay tanod to any household member ay alam ito.

Home » Sun.Star Davao » Local News
New device to boost city rescue efforts
Thursday, October 8, 2009
By Carlo P. Mallo


UNIVERSITIES and government agencies pitched in to boost the technological advances of Davao City in dealing with the adverse effects of climate change: sudden floods and volatile river ecosystems.

A new early warning device on the sudden rise in the water level of the Davao River -- the city's main waterway -- was turned over to the City Government Wednesday through the Davao City 911 Emergency Response Group.

Mario Verner Monsanto, 911 chief, said that the equipment will be a big boost to the technology of the rescue center, adding that an early warning device will give them more response time.

"It couldn't have been more timely that something like this is developed, especially now that (City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte) is ensuring the preparedness of the city in dealing with calamities like flooding and heavy rains," Monsanto said.

The project, dubbed as "Telemetric System for Davao River," was a collaborative effort from the academe spearheaded by the University of Mindanao (UM), the University of the Immaculate Conception, and the University of South Eastern Philippines.

Government agencies like the Department of Public Works and Highways in Southern Mindanao, the Catholic Relief Services, the Department of Science and Technology, and the Davao City 911 Emergency Response Group, also participated in the project.

UM professor, Dr. Maria Linda Arquiza, project leader of the telemetric system for Davao River, said the system will be able to detect the rise of water levels, temperature, and turbidity.

"It is foremost an early warning device that will relay essential data in real time, it will warn us of impending danger," Arquiza said.

She said the telemetric system is composed of two parts, the sensors and transmitter, and the receiver or the data terminal equipment.

"Even if the sensors are up in the river and the receiver is here in downtown, it is still possible," Arquiza said.

An initial budget of P1.3 million was consolidated by the participating members of the academe and the line agencies.

"That's the total cost of the project, including the man hours, the equipment," Arquiza added.

...

Aalis na sana mga US Marines ngayon but napakiusapan ng RP to stay longer and deploy to help the flood victims in Pangasinan.

This is another tragic news.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/062U8JYdqh18P/232x149.jpg

150 people feared dead in Benguet (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/10/09/09/100-reported-killed-cordillera-landslides)

At least 40 bodies have been recovered and 150 people more feared dead after a massive landslide buried dozens of houses in La Trinidad, Benguet on Thursday night while tropical depression Pepeng (international codename Parma) was pouring heavy rains over northern Luzon provinces.

ABS-CBN News correspondent Butch Mendizabal reported that 34 houses were buried by a landslide that struck around 10 p.m. in Barangay Puguis, La Trinidad.

Before Friday noon, Mendizabal reported that retrieval teams had recovered 32 bodies and 10 more were being transported to Kibungan municipality. He said rescue and retrieval operations were on going for 150 more people.

Senior Superintendent Loreto Espineli, Benguet provincial police director, said landslides have also taken place in other areas of La Trinidad. He said at least 11 more bodies have been recovered in three more villages, including Poblacion, Balili and Bineng.

Espineli added that 13 more people were reported killed in landslides in the municipalities of Mankayan, Buguias, Tublay and Sablan.

He said police station commanders have been spearheading separate rescue and retrieval operations in the landslide-hit areas of the province.

Mountain Province Governor Maximo Dulag, meanwhile, reported that five people have been confirmed killed and 32 more missing in Tadian municipality.

Earlier reports said there were also 17 people killed in landslides in several parts of Baguio City.

Threats of more landslides have forced city officials to close major access roads, literally isolating the city from nearby provinces.

An ABS-CBN News report said Kennon Road, Naguillan Highway, Marcos Highway, as well as, Ambuclao Road and another road connecting Baguio City and La Trinidad town in Benguet, have been closed due to several incidents of landslides.

Spokesman: AFP going all-out in rescue efforts

MANILA, Philippines – A spokesman for the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said they have geared up for a “massive rescue operation” for those hit by storm “Pepeng.”

“The AFP has launched a massive rescue operation in the areas of northern Luzon that are affected by floods and landslides caused directly or indirectly by typhoon ‘Pepeng,’” AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. said in a media statement.

Brawner said the AFP has mobilized all its units, including reservists, to help carry out rescue operations.

Even the U.S. Army will be joining in the rescue efforts, the spokesman added.

“The U.S. armed forces will likewise deploy their helicopters, trucks and heavy equipment to help in the rescue effort, then disaster and relief operations later,” he said.

According to the latest data from the National Disaster Coordinating Council, a total of 25 people have died due to the wrath of Pepeng (international codename: "Parma"), which caused massive flooding and landslides in some areas in northern Luzon.

The storm also left 39 people missing, the NDCC added.

The government agency also said at least 234,232 families or 1,053,325 people were affected by “Pepeng.” - By Dino Maragay (Philstar News Service, www.philstar.com)

so it's like deja vu of Ondoy's massive flooding but this time mas wider ang scope ni Pepeng it hit 4-5 provinces

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06Hch2186L5GM/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0fdHbin1Oce10/610x.jpg

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Residents hold onto a rope while crossing a highway flooded by rains brought on by Typhoon Parma, in Rosales Pangasinan, north of Manila October 9, 2009.

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Residents hold onto a rope while crossing a highway flooded by rains brought on by Typhoon Parma, in Rosales Pangasinan, north of Manila October 9, 2009.

More photos...
http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/5/grid?q=Philippines

WOW grabe ang destruction sa bagyo! pati the newly opened sm city rosales nabahaan.we should be greatful for the help from the us armed services as well as our local armed forces of the philippines.

Deluge in rain-soaked Philippines kills over 160 (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091009/ap_on_re_as/as_asia_storm;_ylt=Ah805B.Ep2GEfpNpg.8b2AGmG78C;_ylu=X3oDMTJnb3RxdmNxBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMDkxMDA5L2FzX2FzaWFfc3Rvcm0EY3BvcwM1BHBvcwM1BHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcmllcwRzbGsDZGVsdWdlaW5yYWlu)
Associated Press

By HRVOJE HRANJSKI, Associated Press Writer Hrvoje Hranjski, Associated Press Writer – Fri Oct 9, 11:58 am ET

MANILA, Philippines – Driving rain on the heels of back-to-back storms triggered dozens of landslides across the northern Philippines on Friday, burying more than 160 people, washing away villages and leaving almost an entire province under water.

The latest deluge brought the death toll to nearly 500 from the Philippines' worst flooding in 40 years after storms started pounding the country's north on Sept. 26.

More than 160 people were killed in landslides in Benguet and Mountain Province along the Cordillera mountain range, about 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of Manila, officials said. Residents were jolted awake by the rumbling sound of mudslides and floodwaters tearing apart the saturated soil and washing away homes.

Rescuers wading through sloshy mud from nearby Bagiuo city retrieved at least 162 bodies, bringing the total deaths in the two provinces since Typhoon Parma struck on Saturday to 174, said regional disaster relief officer Rex Manuel. At least 48 others were missing and 120 were pulled out alive.

Nearly the entire village of Kibungan in Benguet was buried under tons of mud and debris, Manuel said. Some 45 bodies were recovered so far. Rescuers used pulleys and cables to transport the dead they retrieved from piles of rubble.

TV footage showed the bodies arriving in black bags in a hall in Baguio, where relatives wept after recognizing their loved ones.

"There was a sudden rumble above us, and then the houses at the bottom were gone, including them," said Melody Coronel, pointing to the relatives she found among the dead.

In Mountain Province, 15 bodies were retrieved while 20 people were missing from a village in Tadian township, Manuel said.

Landslides blocked the roads to the mountain city of Baguio, where 48 people died, in the heart of the Cordillera region. The only way to reach the isolated, mountain communities was by foot, and military helicopters could not fly yet because of fog and rain, said Lt. Col. Ernesto Torres of the government's disaster-relief agency.

"We are focused on rescue at this time," he said. "It is raining nonstop in the Cordilleras."

About 100 landslides have struck the region since the weekend.

In Benguet province's Buyagan village, only three out of about 100 houses remained visible after Thursday night's landslide buried most structures there. Some 50 residents were saved and seven bodies recovered, Manuel said.

As the mountain region struggled with the rescue operation, farther to the south, in Pangasinan province, pounding rains prompted authorities to discharge excess water from swollen dams. The deluge caused the Agno River and surrounding dikes to burst their banks, inundating 30 out of 48 towns, a scene of mayhem that sent residents onto rooftops, scrambling for safety.

Better weather allowed the Philippine coast guard and U.S. Navy helicopters to pluck people marooned on the roofs and treetops.

In Rosales, also in Pangasinan province, the biggest mall in town was flooded by neck-deep waters that sent appliances floating and smashing through glass panels. Some residents were seen carrying some of the goods away.

About 1,000 people remained stranded in the mall as night fell Friday. Others whose houses were flooded retreated to higher floors or were staying with relatives and neighbors.

Forecasters said Parma, which was downgraded to a tropical depression, was still lingering off the northeastern coast. It hit land more than a week ago, the second major storm to drench the country in two weeks. Tropical Storm Ketsana, which struck Sept. 26, left 337 people dead, most of them in and around Manila.

The government's disaster relief agency said it had asked the U.S. Embassy to redeploy hundreds of American troops from the massive cleanup in Manila to the flood-hit areas in the north. The U.S. government doubled its aid pledges to $4.3 million.

Two U.S. Navy ships were positioning in the Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan to provide helicopters and rubber boats for the rescue mission, said U.S. Marine Capt. Jorge Escatell.

Six U.S. Navy CH-46 transport helicopters were on standby at Clark Air Base and two more were at a Philippine military camp in nearby Tarlac province, Torres said.

___

Associated Press writers Teresa Cerojano and Oliver Teves contributed to this report.

^^ Malas talaga, the US Navy battle group just left a few weeks before storm Ondoy came in. They could have done more in helping in the evacuations and humanitarian reliefs of the victims.

Aalis na sana mga US Marines ngayon but napakiusapan ng RP to stay longer and deploy to help the flood victims in Mindanao.

wheres the flooding in Mindanao?

^^:lol::lol::lol:

Ewan ba't nagkamali... :ohno:

Teka, di ba sa Luzon yong Mt. Apo?

On positive note, these informal settlers along the riverbanks will have their decent homes, safe from flood. WE will see a better metropolis without these squatters, hopefully.

Ondoy’ victims’ relocation to take a year—DSWD chief

By Nikko Dizon
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 11:15:00 10/10/2009

Filed Under: Ondoy, Housing & Urban Planning, Government

MANILA, Philippines – Social Welfare Secretary Esperanza Cabral yesterday said it could take a year for the government to relocate some 70,000 families affected by tropical storm “Ondoy.”

Cabral said the time frame of the relocation would depend on how fast the housing sites would be developed as well as on the availability of funds.

In a radio interview, Cabral said the government would need some P4.7 billion for the relocation of the evacuees.

Cabral said each housing unit would cost some P75,000.

The affected families are mostly informal settlers in Laguna Lake, the Manggahan Floodway area and the Marikina River as well as other river banks that overflowed after Ondoy dumped a record amount of rainfall in the metropolis on September 26, killing nearly 300 people.

Cabral said that 2,500 families have been relocated to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The National Housing Authority (NHA) is readying homes for another 2,500 families.

Cabral estimated that another 20,000 families could be relocated in the next six months.

The affected families are from the National Capital Region (NCR), Central Luzon, and Region 4-A or the Calabarzon (Calamba, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, and Quezon).

^^ related news
Only Typhoon Ondoy can make the relocation of squatters possible.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091009-229129/Arroyo-3-to-do-things-now-Garbage-etc

According to the Office of Vice President Noli de Castro, who chairs the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), some 145 families from Barangays Tumana, Concepcion Uno and Dos, and Fortune in Marikina were voluntarily relocated on Wednesday to Southville 3 in Sta. Rosa, Laguna.

A thousand more families are being processed for relocation. They will be transferred as soon as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Marikina government and the National Housing Authority (NHA) complete the social preparations.

Herculean job

Said Ms Arroyo in her speech: “We don’t want to return the evacuees [to] the endangered areas. They have been living on the creeksides, riversides and lakeshores for decades now. And therefore, it’s been a Herculean job for the local governments to convince them to stay out or get out of endangered areas.

“We have to work very quickly on their relocation than return them to the same dangerous places they have escaped from.”

Later Thursday, Ms Arroyo thanked the Chamber of Real Estate and Builders’ Association in Cagayan de Oro City for committing to build low-cost housing for families displaced by floods.

“A lot of the developers have said that within a month you will be able to have houses that people can move into,” she told the group.

“We thank you very much. That’s a great opportunity for your industry ... to transform our informal settlers in those dangerous places to legitimate homeowners in places where they will be safer from natural calamities,” she said.

There are about 107,139 families living in danger areas in Metro Manila alone, De Castro said, citing HUDCC estimates.

Ms Arroyo said she would check on the relocated families in Sta. Rosa on Friday “to make sure that they’re well on their way to a new life.”

“We’re continuing to do this. This is the most important step to take after cleanup and draining,” she said.

Ms Arroyo also said the relocation of residents of areas worst-hit by flooding would be tackled at another meeting of the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) on Tuesday.

‘Not a crisis’

At a briefing, Gary Olivar, Ms Arroyo’s spokesperson for economic matters, acknowledged the “immediate need” to find a permanent relocation site for the flood victims now crowding evacuation centers.

“Clearly, there’s an immediate need to resettle the displaced people in their respective houses. [But] at the same time, if you bring them back to places where they’re not supposed to return, you’re not doing them any good either in the long term,” he said, adding:

“You have to balance the short term with the long term.”

Olivar was unsure how long it would take the government to put up permanent relocation communities.

“There is a period of dislocation and we don’t know how long that will take,” he admitted.

But Olivar said the dislocation problem was still far from crisis levels:

“It’s a major dislocation; I wouldn’t call it a crisis. I would define a crisis as having the lack of resources to implement a solution to a problem. I don’t think we are seeing that yet.

“There’s a lot of aid coming in, the communities have mobilized in a very admirable fashion, and government has been able to respond within the limits of its mandate, both at the national and local levels.”

Priority

De Castro said he had been instructed by the President to prioritize the relocation of Marikina residents now housed in evacuation centers.

He said families displaced from other disaster-stricken areas such as Quezon City and Pasig City, Cainta and Taytay in Rizal, were also being processed for relocation by the DSWD and NDCC.

“I understand the dislocation that the families are going through. What is important is to assure them of a roof now, and then we will work at providing them training and livelihood assistance so that they can move on and get some normalcy back in their lives,” he said in a statement.

Marikina Mayor Marides Fernando turned over the relocated families to De Castro and Sta. Rosa Mayor Arlene Nazareno.

The families were provided relief goods and medicines by the Office of the President and the HUDCC-NHA.

“These families lost almost all of their belongings. That is why we are providing them more than the regular relief assistance to tide them over this difficult period,” De Castro, said.

He said the DSWD would also provide cash for work to the affected families.

Livelihood projects

Fernando discussed with Nazareno the commitment of the Marikina City government to expand its livelihood projects, such as the manufacture of slippers and bags, to the relocated families in Sta. Rosa.

De Castro expressed appreciation “that Mayor Nazareno, our receiving local government unit, is supportive of the national government effort to provide shelter security to the displaced families.”

“I’m also confident that Mayor Fernando, as the sending LGU, will support her constituents in the interim as they start a new life in Sta. Rosa,” he said. With a report from Jerome Aning

:)

Comic relief goods

By Pam Pastor
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Last updated 23:13:00 10/09/2009

MANILA, Philippines – “Why would anyone give an old ninong-type barong, lace beaded dress, pastel-colored floral gown and a silvery purple tutu?! This isn’t a yard sale people, let’s give the victims some dignity!” This was what one of my friends wrote on Facebook a few days after “Ondoy” struck. She had spent the afternoon sorting through donated clothes at a relief center.

Salty pastillas

At that point, I still hadn’t been assigned to clothes duty. I was at the milk station at Megatent that day, making sure each relief bag had a pack of powdered Bear Brand in it. At the end of that shift, my hands were covered with milk paste – the result of the powdered milk mixing with my sweat. It was almost like pastilles –if you like your pastillas salty.

I had sticky hands, yes, but no close encounters with strange donations – yet.

That changed the very next day. After collecting clothes from different homes around the city, I brought them all to Angel Brigade at the Fort.

Soon we began sorting clothes – not just the ones I brought but the ones that other people had brought to the relief center.

“Separate them into different piles – men’s tops, men’s bottoms, women’s tops, women’s bottoms and kids,’” we were told.

Heavily sequined

Cool, it sounded simple enough.

We began pulling clothes out of bags and boxes. Long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, Hawaiian, checkered, striped went straight to the men’s pile. Floral blouses, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, baby tees went to the women’s pile.

Then someone held up a top that made us all stop in our tracks. It was shocking pink and covered with large sequins. It was the kind of top you’d wear if you were going to the disco and you wanted to be the disco ball.

“And look, there’s a matching bag!” someone said.

Yes, there really was a matching bag – it wasn’t pink. It was gold and it was as heavily sequined.

We continued sorting, asking ourselves who would want to wear something like that in an evacuation center.

When we were done sorting, we started packing the clothes. We each picked up a bag, making sure each contained enough stuff for a whole family.

Workout clothes

That’s when I realized that someone had donated a lot of workout clothes. And I mean a lot.

Which, again, we found funny because we seriously didn’t think aerobics and pilates would be priority activities at the evacuation centers and flood-affected areas.

I’m not sure if people ended up packing the workout clothes – I know I avoided putting them into my bags. But the sequined top and bag definitely didn’t make the cut.

The strange donations remained there at the relief center. The gold bag was especially popular, with volunteers having photos taken with it.

Back at the Megatent the next day, while waiting for more rice and crackers to come, we were once again assigned to sort clothes.

Used underwear

Different relief center, same system of piles.

We opened bags and bags of clothes and again separated them into little groups. But at this relief center, we had to make a new pile for underwear. Yes, used underwear.

There were lacy thongs, granny panties, underwear with zero elasticity left and bacon briefs. Some looked newish, others looked worn, some were downright ratty.

After the clothes had all been divided into piles, we picked them up and placed them in boxes so we could start packing the bags systematically.

The men’s tops, women’s tops, kids’ clothes were all quickly scooped up and placed into the nearest boxes. Soon, only the pile of underwear was left on the floor.

I sighed and scooped it up.

The used underwear wasn’t the only inappropriate donation I saw that day. There were girdles, patterned tights, used stockings and fishnets.

One egg

But apparently, my friends have seen worse. Paolo, who volunteered at the Santuario de San Antonio relief operations, saw even stranger donations – a Halloween witch wig, one egg, a can of San Mig Light, potpourri, a bottle of Tabasco and Chanel perfume wipes.

James saw a Halloween costume with a mask, a teen’s bra that was full of holes and a barong Tagalog.

Juana said that at church, someone donated a Darna bra (“red with gold stars”) and a belly dancing outfit. Her mom saw a bridesmaid’s dress and a ringbearer’s outfit.

I posted the items that made it to my Donation Hall of Shame on Facebook, asking other volunteers what they’ve seen.

There was no shortage of strangeness.

Giraffe-print panties, a folk dance costume, bathing suits, ball gowns, neckties. a feather boa, a pink lei and grass skirt, granny panties in different colors that all say “Blow your horn!” and more underwear – stained, damp underwear.

Senakulo costumes

And – this is no joke – someone actually donated senakulo costumes. “Costume nina Hudas, Barabbas, Hestas, ibinigay na. Puwede naman kasing duster, ‘yun lang makintab. May pang-tatlong hari pa [The costumes of Judas, Barabbas, and Hestas were donated. They could be dusters although they’re on the shiny side. There’s even one for three kings]. Haha!” Arlene wrote.

Even Philippine Daily Inquirer volunteers found odd donations. Jaymee said, “Dito sa PDI, pang-ninang na gown, white, with beading and tulle. Sira ang zipper. Suit jackets with shoulder pads. Palakasan na lang ng loob isuot ’yun sa evacuation center.”

I started to wonder if I was partly to blame. I did start campaigning for people to clean out their closets. I posted messages on Facebook and Twitter and sent SMS to a lot of people, encouraging them to raid their closets and homes for stuff they can give to the survivors of “Ondoy.”

But the idea wasn’t to throw everything they didn’t want into bags and send them off to the relief centers.

Making donations requires thought and consideration.

“But some of those people lost everything! Shouldn’t they get everything as well?” some smart alecks would say.

Damp panties? Seriously?

The effort is not lost on me and the other volunteers. It takes time to go through your stuff, figure out which things you can let go of and which ones you absolutely have to keep. We know that and we appreciate that.

But it doesn’t end there. People who raid their closets for donations need to ask themselves important questions. Is this something they need? Would this make things easier for them? Would this make them a little more comfortable? If I was in their place, would I appreciate getting this?

And the easiest way to do it is to pretend you are putting together a relief package for your friends. I don’t think you’d throw your bacon briefs into that bag.

Garage sale

Angel Brigade has a plan for the strange donations they’ve received. “We might hold a garage sale for these items. Some of the donations may not work as great relief goods but can be somebody’s accessory. We’ll then use the money to buy more relief goods,” says Kat Holigores.

Because yes, some of these people did lose everything.

And when you’ve lost everything, the last thing you need is someone else’s trash.
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/super/view/20091009-229277/Comic-relief-goods

The resilience of Filipinos tested
By NELLY FAVIS-VILLAFUERTE
October 9, 2009, 4:22pm

We are a resilient people. As a poet once said: “A Filipino is pliant like a bamboo. Neither typhoons nor monsoons could break the Filipino spirit; like the bamboo, it sways and bends with nature’s relentless onslaughts, but it refuses to yield or die.”

Our recent experience with typhoon Ondoy reaffirms once again our resilience and our amazing ability as a people to recover from a misfortune. Indeed, our resiliency can even be seen in the faces and behaviors of children playing in our flooded streets.

Here and abroad, natural disasters come and go. And noticeably, natural disasters, calamities and catastrophes have been occurring with greater frequency as the years go by. While many of us are still shaken by the magnitude of the casualty caused by Typhoon Ondoy – there are natural disasters and calamities that are far worse than Typhoon Ondoy.

Let me share with you some awesome natural disasters that happened in the past – to emphasize the point that there were natural disasters that occurred in the past that were worse than Typhoon Ondoy that hit our country.

• Here is an Internet account of the catastrophic aftermath of Hurricane Katrina written by Borgna Brunner: “Hurricane Katrina slammed into the US Gulf Coast on Aug. 29, 2005, destroying beachfront towns in Mississippi and Louisiana, displacing a million people, and killing almost 1,800. When levees in New Orleans were breached, 80% of the city was submerged by the flooding. About 20% of its 500,000 citizens were trapped in the city without power, food, or drinking water. Rescue efforts were so delayed and haphazard that many were stranded for days on rooftops and in attics before help arrived. The city became a toxic pool of sewage, chemicals, and corpses, and in the ensuing chaos, mayhem and looting became rampant — about 15% of the city's police force had simply walked off the job. The 20,000 people who made their way to the Superdome, the city's emergency shelter, found themselves crammed into sweltering and fetid conditions. At a second shelter, the convention center, evacuees were terrorized by roaming gangs and random gunfire. Relief workers, medical help, security forces, and essential supplies remained profoundly inadequate during the first critical days of the disaster.”

• An earthquake with a magnitude of 8.0 struck Shansi, China killing 830,000 people on January 23, 1556;

• An earthquake with a magnitude of 9.0 shake off West Coast of Northern Sumatra killing 225,000 people on December 26, 2004;

• Sometime in July, 1201, an earthquake hit eastern Mediterranean. Approximately 1.1 million people were killed, mostly in Egypt and Syria;

• In 1920, there was a drought in the North China that caused 20 million victims and took at least 500,000 lives;

• Mont Pelee Volcano erupted in Martinique, a small French colony in the Caribbean. The explosion wiped out the town of St. Pierre. Of the entire population of 30,000, only two men survived. One of the two survivors was Auguste Ciparis, a 25-year-old black stevedore who was due to be hanged for murder. He was imprisoned in a massively constructed cell. Ciparis lived up to 1929 – earning a living as a side-show attraction in a circus as the Prisoner of St. Pierre, complete with a replica of his cell;

• In 1918, a flu epidemic in the United States killed 675,000 Americans – more than those killed in all the wars of this century combined. There were also other major American epidemics and outbreaks of small pox, measles, yellow fever, typhoid fever, and other medical disasters;

• On November 13, 1970, 200,000 people were killed by cyclone-driven tidal wave from Bay of Bengal in East Pakistan. Over 100,000 were missing;

• On December 15-16, 1999, heavy rains caused catastrophic flooding and mudslides in Northern Venezuela killing an estimated 5,000 to 20,000 people;

• Many of us are familiar with the greatest sea disaster of all times – the sinking of Titanic known as the unsinkable ship. Titanic, a luxury liner sank in its maiden voyage from Southampton Port to New York – due to an iceberg. Of the 2,206 people on board, 1,403 died.

Despite Typhoon Ondoy, we are still blessed! Typhoon Ondoy aftermath could have been worse. Let us continue to be grateful to our Lord God. And let us share our blessings cheerfully with the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Be joyful always!
http://www.mb.com.ph/node/223926/the-re

grabeh pala ang NDCC you have to dial 6 digits to have an access, sa panahon ng calamidad ma tatandaan mo pa mga yun :ohno:

Asia Pacific News

State of calamity lifted over much of Philippines
Posted: 10 October 2009 1605 hrs

http://www.channelnewsasia.com/stories/afp_asiapacific/view/1010511/1/.html

MANILA: President Gloria Arroyo has lifted the "state of calamity" imposed due to the menace of two destructive storms over the central and southern Philippines a week ago, her spokesman said on Saturday.

But Arroyo is maintaining the state of calamity over the main Philippine island of Luzon which bore the brunt of Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma over the past two weeks, said spokesman Cerge Remonde.

The order effectively lifts price controls over the central islands of the Visayas and the southern island of Mindanao and their surroundings which were untouched by the storms, he said.

Arroyo had earlier placed the capital and its surroundings under a state of calamity on September 27 after Ketsana struck, bringing the worst flooding to the areas in four decades.

She expanded this to the entire country on October 2 as Typhoon Parma approached the north.

"This decision is based on the obvious absence of bad weather in (central and southern) regions as well as the president's determination that it is no longer necessary to maintain price ceilings nationwide," Remonde said.

Under a state of calamity, government agencies are allowed to tap special funds and price controls can be imposed on essential items like food and medicine.

Manila had justified the declaration of a nationwide state of calamity as a way to ensure traders would not take their goods from areas covered by price controls to sell them elsewhere.

Remonde said that the state of calamity, including the price controls, would remain in place in Luzon at least until December.

Over 600 people were killed by the two storms that have devastated farmland, homes and factories in Manila and the northern regions.


- AFP/so

grabeh pala ang NDCC you have to dial 6 digits to have an access, sa panahon ng calamidad ma tatandaan mo pa mga yun :ohno:

...and nobody in the gov't thought of having a 3 digit NDCC number for easy recall. :ohno:

http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/philippines/091006/the-far-reaching-ripple-effects-typhoon-ketsana?page=0,1

Typhoon ripple effect deals poor double whammy
For thousands of Filipinos with nowhere to rebuild, the hardship of the storm has only just begun.

By Carlos H. Conde
Published: October 7, 2009 06:45 ET
Updated: October 7, 2009 13:45 ET

While the government, with the help of countless NGOs, charity organizations and even the United Nations, has been trying its best to respond to the needs of the poor, these remain largely unmet. As a result, the U.N. on Monday appealed to the international community for more help, as much as $100 million.

And now, according to Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro's Monday announcement, the government is prohibiting slum dwellers from rebuilding their shanties on waterways. As a result, Metro Manila’s poor are faced with the real problem of where to rebuild their lives. Prior to Ketsana, the government recorded 70,000 families that had illegally built their homes on these canals, creeks and bridges. Many had their homes destroyed by the typhoon, while many remain.

But relocation seems imminent at this point, with everybody — from government officials to geographers — now proclaiming that removing those shanties as well as the garbage that clogs Metro Manila’s drainage system should be a priority.

Teodoro, who also chairs the National Disaster Coordinating Council, said in an interview that the structures that constrict the waters are the reasons why floodwaters remain in many parts of the capital more than a week after the disaster.

Jose Lito Atienza, the environment secretary, agrees and said, in a separate interview, that “the first thing that should be done now is to remove the garbage and those structures.” He threatened to sue any mayor in Metro Manila who will defy such a move, saying that these local executives have allowed the garbage to accumulate in the first place.

Kilusang Mayo Uno (May First Movement), the country's largest labor group, cautioned the government on Tuesday against arbitrarily demolishing these shantytowns without viable relocation plans for those affected.

"We agree that flood-prone areas should be vacated and that these are not fit for human residence in the first place. Even poor people say so. We believe, however, that the best way to leave these spaces vacant is to create new homes for our urban poor," said Elmer Labor, chairman of the Kilusang Mayo Uno, in a Tuesday statement.

Pamalakaya, a group of fisherfolk, criticized the government for even thinking about removing the houses of poor residents around the Laguna Lake, where floodwater had accumulated and spilled over into several communities. The forced eviction, said Salvador France, vice chairman of Pamalakaya, would displace “100,000 lakeshore residents mostly small fishermen and poor people who have been living in Laguna Lake surroundings for generations."

According to the nonprofit economic think tank Ibon Foundation, Ketsana “could cause lasting poverty and severe difficulties” to the majority of the families it affected.

“They will face greatly increased expenses for housing, housing repair, medical care, education and personal effects. Among the critical spending they may be forced to cut back on to accommodate these is on food with corresponding adverse nutritional and health implications,” the foundation said.

It added that “among the most affected areas are urban poor communities which have high concentrations of informal sector work and, hence, of families in insecure and particularly vulnerable livelihoods.”

To residents like Fabre, all this sounds like they have been dealt a double whammy. “If they are going to remove us here, where would we go?” he asked. Many of those who suffered like him are probably asking the same question.

Rescuers find more bodies in Philippine landslide (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091010/ap_on_re_as/as_asia_storm)
Associated Press

By OLIVER TEVES, Associated Press Writer Oliver Teves, Associated Press Writer – Sat Oct 10, 8:39 am ET

MANILA, Philippines – Rescuers dug out six survivors and more bodies buried under landslides that killed at least 225 people in the storm-soaked northern Philippines, as workers rushed Saturday to clear mountain roads to aid relief efforts.

U.S. military helicopters were on standby to help the Philippine air force deliver aid to areas cut off by road as flooded highways hampered the search for people trapped in houses buried by mud. Several choppers flew over areas Saturday where U.S. troops planned to conduct medical missions and deliver supplies.

The rain-triggered landslides late Thursday and early Friday were the latest natural disaster to hit the Philippines, bringing to more than 600 the total death toll of back-to-back storms that began pummeling the main island of Luzon Sept. 26, causing the worst flooding in more than 40 years.

Rescue operations were centered on two vast areas — the severely flooded Pangasinan province northwest of Manila, and a swath covering the worst landslide-hit provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province and the resort city of Baguio, where most of the deaths occurred.

A 17-year-old boy was rescued from the rubble in his home in Baguio late Friday, and five others were pulled out alive in Mountain Province, said regional civil defense official Olive Luces.

On Saturday, only more bodies were pulled from under tons of mud and rocks, but Luces said, "We are hopeful that we will get more people alive."

She said local officials reported 152 bodies have so far been recovered in Benguet and 23 in Mountain Province in the country's Cordillera region on the main Philippine island of Luzon after landslides. She corrected an earlier figure of 60 bodies recovered in Baguio city, saying officials reported only 50 had been found.

Aside from the 197 who died in the landslides late Thursday and early Friday, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said 51 people from eight other provinces also were killed after Typhoon Parma made landfall Oct. 3, weakened into a tropical depression and dumped more rain as it lingered over the northern region for about 10 days.

A week earlier, Tropical Storm Ketsana left 337 people dead in the worst floods to hit Manila and nearby provinces in four decades.

The sun was peeking through the clouds over Baguio and volunteers, mostly miners, were taking advantage of the relatively good weather to step up the search for survivors, Luces said. She also called on local communities to help clear debris blocking the roads.

Army engineers were trying to remove mounds of mud and boulders on one road to Baguio. The regional center has been isolated since Thursday's landslides. The Public Works Department was clearing debris on another highway to the city, but an 82-foot (25-meter section) of that mountain road had been washed away, cutting off all traffic, she said.

Mayor Artemio Galwan of La Trinidad township in Benguet province said 78 bodies have been recovered there. He appealed for shovels and other tools as well as portable spotlights to allow volunteers to continue digging at night.

He said the rains and landslides devastated crops in his area, regarded as the country's "salad bowl" for its vegetable farms and strawberry fields.

Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan told ABS-CBN television his province needed more embalmers and caskets for the large number of dead.

Water was receding from low-lying provinces south of the Cordillera region, but most of the rice-growing province of Pangasinan northwest of Manila was still submerged. In the provincial capital of Dagupan, floodwater was about waist deep.

The USS Harpers Ferry and USS Tortuga were anchored in the Lingayen Gulf in Pangasinan, where more than 200 Marines and sailors were ready to deploy for rescue and relief operations, U.S. Marine Capt. Jorge Escatell said.

U.S. troops trucked tons of food from the U.N. World Food Program from Manila to a Philippine military camp in Tarlac province adjacent to Pangasinan for distribution by American troops on Sunday, said Escatell from Houston, Texas.

Marine CH-46 helicopters also flew over the flood-ravaged region to assess the damage and find locations for a medical mission and food distribution. Heavy equipment also will be brought in to help clear the roads littered with debris, he said.

"The focus is on the Cordillera," said Philippine military spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner. "The roads are impassable and the only way to reach Baguio is through air."

He said the helicopters will try to penetrate the fog-shrouded mountains to drop off supplies at the Baguio airport, from where they can be distributed by land.



US troops help Philippines as storm toll rises (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20091010/ap_on_re_as/as_asia_storm)
Associated Press

By OLIVER TEVES, Associated Press Writer Oliver Teves, Associated Press Writer – 1 hr 33 mins ago

MANILA, Philippines – The U.S. military trucked in supplies and marshaled helicopters and Navy ships as the Philippines struggled with the aftermath of back-to-back storms that have left more than 600 dead.

After pulling six people from landslides late Thursday and early Friday, Filipino rescuers said they remained hopeful of locating more survivors in the stricken north of the country, but retrieved only bodies on Saturday.

With roads blocked and bridges washed away, the Philippine government's resources have been stretched thin. Officials have asked U.S. troops in the country for an annual military exercise to extend relief operations.

Troops from the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, based in Okinawa, Japan, had just finished rescue and cleanup work around the Manila, which experienced the worst flooding in over four decades after Tropical Storm Ketsana dumped record rains Sept. 26. That disaster displaced about 1 million people and killed 337 in the capital and surrounding provinces. More than 287,000 remain in evacuation centers.

Then Typhoon Parma struck Oct. 3 and has lingered as a tropical depression for about a week, also over the main northern Philippine island of Luzon. It has dumped more heavy rains, triggering floods and landslides that have killed at least 276 people, most of them in the last two days. It has displaced about 170,000 people.

Regional civil defense official Olive Luces said 152 bodies have so far been recovered in Benguet province — 125 miles (200 kilometers) north of Manila — 23 in Mountain Province, and 50 in Baguio city. Some 51 deaths have been recorded earlier in eight other provinces.

Marine Capt. Jorge Escatell, a U.S. military spokesman, said troops have trucked tons of U.N. food aid from Manila to a Philippine military camp in northern Tarlac province for distribution by the Americans on Sunday to victims of Typhoon Parma.

Marine CH-46 helicopters have also flown over the flooded region to assess the damage and find locations for a medical mission and food distribution. Heavy equipment also will be brought in to help clear roads littered with debris, Escatell said.

Also, about 200 U.S. Marines and sailors are on standby to help in the relief mission. They are aboard two Navy ships, USS Harpers Ferry and the USS Tortuga, off Pangasinan province, and in a Philippine military camp just south of the Cordillera mountains on Luzon.

Escatell said the U.S. troops were weary but still enthusiastic for their humanitarian mission.

"This is what we trained for," he said. "We are tired ... but it's well worth it, especially when you see the smile on the children's faces when we come to people that need medical attention or just need some kind of support."

Rescuers are still searching landslides for survivors. Among the six pulled out alive on Thursday and Friday was a 17-year-old boy who was buried in his home in Baguio city. Five others were found in Mountain Province, Luces said.

More bodies were pulled from under tons of mud and rocks Saturday, but no survivors, she said.

Benguet Gov. Nestor Fongwan told ABS-CBN television his province needed more embalmers and caskets for the large number of dead.

Mayor Artemio Galwan of La Trinidad township in Benguet province said at least 78 bodies have been recovered there. He appealed for shovels and other tools as well as portable spotlights to allow volunteers to continue digging at night.

Luces said, "We are hopeful that we will get more people alive."

With large expanses of land still under water, officials say the natural disaster will have a major impact on farm production.

Galwan said the rains and landslides devastated crops in his area, regarded as the country's "salad bowl" for its vegetable farms and strawberry fields.

Rains have subsided in most areas and water was receding Saturday from low-lying provinces south of the Cordillera region, but much of the rice-growing province of Pangasinan, northwest of Manila, was still submerged. In the provincial capital of Dagupan, flood water was about waist-deep.


* * * * * * * * * *

Nakita ko lang sa Yahoo.com kaya post/share ko lang dito.

WOW grabe ang destruction sa bagyo! pati the newly opened sm city rosales nabahaan.we should be greatful for the help from the us armed services as well as our local armed forces of the philippines.

Ano na naman kaya ang comment ng mga "so-called nationalists" at pati na rin si Sen. Miriam tungkol sa US Forces na tumutulong sa atin?

Soldiers ready for calamities
Written by: Dalumpines , Jose G.
Monday, 12 October 2009

THE MILITARY assured the residents in Davao Region of its readiness to assist in times of calamities.
Capt. Emmanuel Garcia, chief of the public affairs division of the 10th Infantry Division based in Panacan, said the Army is ready to respond in case calamities occur anywhere in the region.
He said given the unpredictable weather condition, soldiers have honed their skills in search and rescue operation to save more lives during calamities.
“We have deployed teams to assist in communities in the region in case of such calamity,” Garcia said.

He also revealed that soldiers and civilian employees of their contingent donated relief goods in the form of boxes of canned goods and used clothing to help the victims of Typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila through the Department of Social Welfare and Development in the Davao Region.
Garcia said soldiers under the 39th Infantry Battalion based in Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur also donated their one-day-meal allowance amounting to P38,880 for the typhoon victims.
Maj. Gen. Reynaldo Mapagu, commander of the 10th ID, lauded the joint efforts of soldiers and civilian employees to alleviate the sufferings of people caught by the disaster.
“This is a time when we must unite in mitigating the effects of such calamity. Our soldiers are ready to give assistance in any way they can. The commendable deeds of our soldiers together with our civilian employees reflect the compassionate nature of Filipinos,” he said.

Mindanao Times (http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/?p=4160)

Early warning system
Written by: Times Editors , Times Editors
Monday, 12 October 2009

A RATHER low-profile event last week went largely unnoticed as everybody’s attention was caught by tropical storm Pepeng—following Ondoy’s destructive path—which carved his own deadly signature in northern part of Luzon. The inconspicuousness of the event, however, was inversely proportional to its significance while every city and nations grapple with climate change.
On October 8, the Research and Publication of the University of Mindanao donated one telemetric system device to the Central 911 to serve as an early warning device for the communities surrounding the Davao River, the largest body of water in Southern Mindanao.
Credit should also go to the University of Immaculate Conception, Department of Public Works and Highways, Catholic Relief Services and the Department of Science and Technology

.
How does the telemetric system works? The device has two major components: the transmitter and receiver, working much like a two-way radio does. The transmitter has sensors, controller circuit and data terminal which will then monitor water level, alkalinity, temperature and river discharge.
All the data will then be fed to the receiver and processed by the computer software for graphical representation and easy monitoring by experts.
The whole project cost P1.3 million but the initial results were very positive, enough so that the city government earmarked a budget to buy more telemetric devices to be installed in key points of the Davao River.
If this works, this could save a lot of lives by timely evacuation of residents at the first sign of danger. Other areas that lie in proximity to a body of water can also use the device as an early warning system. Spending P1.3 million might seem expensive (prototypes always are) but consider the cost benefits, it’s a bargain for any local government unit.

Minanao Times (http://www.mindanaotimes.com.ph/?p=4181)

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/830/gen6hires.jpg

President Arroyo, steps off a wooden ramp after leading the distribution of relief goods for flood victims housed at a chapel in Barangay San Gabriel at Macabebe, Pampanga yesterday.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02xx4mi7Vua3a/610x.jpg

United Nations humanitarian chief John Holmes (R) chats with Manila residents displaced by devastating floods during a visit to a sports stadium-turned evacuation centre in Pasig City.




...we have time for everything... relax muna after cleaning up his mansion. :)
http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08jy4ZU6vucLM/610x.jpg

MANILA, Philippines—Guess which piece of “survival gear” suddenly became in demand after Tropical Storm “Ondoy” (international codename: Ketsana).

Filipinos with painful lessons learned from the recent flash floods have apparently added one unusual item to their shopping list of emergency supplies: Inflatable beds.

Not a few residents of Metro Manila and other affected areas used air mattresses as rafts to save themselves and their pets, or to ferry belongings as the raging waters rose.



http://i581.photobucket.com/albums/ss259/lemuel123/airmattress1.jpg



Retail sales of inflatable beds have since surged as many households now want improvised lifeboats ready come the next killer storm—and especially after Ondoy exposed the woeful lack of boats for government rescue operations.


http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091007-228774/Post-Ondoy-bestseller-Air-mattresses


.

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/830/gen6hires.jpg

Rumampa sa tubig baha!! :lol::lol:

NEWS: After Ondoy, Typhoon Pepeng Now Devastates Luzon

Just when we Filipinos thought that nature’s wrath was over, Typhoon Pepeng came back to devastate Northern Luzon, leaving an even worse mark than Ondoy did just weeks ago. Region 1 and Region 2 of the Philippines were the worst hit, including provinces such as Pangasinan, La Union, Pampanga, Tarlac, the Benguet Province, Cagayan Valley, Nueva Ecjia, Nueva Viscaya, and Ilocos.

Baguio City was one of the worst hit due to massive landslides which killed hundres of people and destroyed so many homes. To show you the aftermath of Typhoon Pepeng here are sample pictures from SM Rosales in Pangasinan, where 90% of the province is flooded (credits to Lindfred Yap): http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=2810663&id=649558796&comments&alert#/album.php?aid=115965&id=649558796

Read more at - http://www.realestatephilippinesblog.com/news-after-ondoy-typhoon-pepeng-now-strikes-luzon/

http://img63.imageshack.us/img63/830/gen6hires.jpg

2" inches lang ang tubig. Tingnan mo sa likud naka regular shoes lang sa side walk. :ohno::ohno::lol: photo ops lang

Sensya na pero nakaktawa talaga :lol::lol::lol:

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2496/3970376483_420fc7fee8_o.jpg
nasaan ba ang surfboard :lol:

Oppsss. The next strong typhoon forecasted by ECMWF to hit the central or northern part of luzon next week is now a tropical depression base from Japan Meteorological Agency. This TD is currently located in the open waters farther east of Mindanao


http://www.jma.go.jp/jp/g3/images/asia/09101409.png

http://agora.ex.nii.ac.jp/digital-typhoon/region/pacific/2/images/640x480/latest.jpg

Here's the 2PM forecast outlook of Typhoon2000 for the coming strong typhoon (currently named 22W) to hit next week:

+ Forecast Outlook: 22W is expected to continue moving quickly Westward, within the easterly flow of the strong high pressure north of it. It shall become a Tropical Storm tomorrow morning before passing to the south of Guam. The 3 to 5-day Long-Range Forecast shows 22W heading slightly WNW across the Western Pacific Ocean...and shall become a Category 1 Typhoon as it nears the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday Oct 19. *The ECMWF 10-Day Extended Long-Range Forecast: 22W is expected to slow down as it approaches the Island of Luzon on Tuesday Oct 20, intensifying into a Category 3 or 4 Typhoon...It shall make landfall over Northern Luzon or over Isabela Wednesday evening, Oct 21 and exit thru Benguet and La Union early Thursday morning, Oct 22. Please be reminded that the ECMWF model run changes every 12 hours, so a shift to the left or right of its future track and other conditions must be considered

i was surprised to know that marikina city is the most disaster prepared city pala in the country. whew. wala talaga tayong power with the wrath of nature.

Here's the 2PM forecast outlook of Typhoon2000 for the coming strong typhoon (currently named 22W) to hit next week:

+ Forecast Outlook: 22W is expected to continue moving quickly Westward, within the easterly flow of the strong high pressure north of it. It shall become a Tropical Storm tomorrow morning before passing to the south of Guam. The 3 to 5-day Long-Range Forecast shows 22W heading slightly WNW across the Western Pacific Ocean...and shall become a Category 1 Typhoon as it nears the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) on Monday Oct 19. *The ECMWF 10-Day Extended Long-Range Forecast: 22W is expected to slow down as it approaches the Island of Luzon on Tuesday Oct 20, intensifying into a Category 3 or 4 Typhoon...It shall make landfall over Northern Luzon or over Isabela Wednesday evening, Oct 21 and exit thru Benguet and La Union early Thursday morning, Oct 22. Please be reminded that the ECMWF model run changes every 12 hours, so a shift to the left or right of its future track and other conditions must be considered

i hope it won't hit hard the country

Tarantino to help typhoon victims
By Maridol Rañoa-Bismark (The Philippine Star) Updated October 14, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Renowned filmmaker Quentin Tarantino has pledged to do his share to help the Philippines recover from the devastation left by “Ondoy.”

Tikoy Aguiluz, festival director of the Cinemanila International Film Festival which is now on its 11th year, announced this yesterday at the press conference for the event, which is set Oct. 15 to 25 at the Market! Market! Cinemas in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig.

“Tarantino is donating the proceeds from the premiere of his film, Inglorious Basterds, to the victims of typhoon Ondoy,” said Aguiluz.

The film, which stars Brad Pitt, premieres Oct. 16, 8 p. m. at Market! Market! Cinemas. The film is set in German-occupied France and depicts the attempt to carry out two assassination plots against the Nazi political leadership.

Aguiluz added that Tarantino himself wanted to come over to the Philippines, but decided instead to send one of his actors. The actor, however, backed out when he saw the destruction wrought by Ondoy.

More than 100 international and local films will be screened in the festival for a span of 10 days. These films range from the toast of the independent cinema scene to award winners in prestigious festivals like Cannes, Berlin, Rotterdam, Sundance and Pusan.

Cannes Best Director Brillante Mendoza opens the festival on Oct. 15 with the screening of his latest film, Lola.

The film, says Aguiluz, mirrors what recently happened to the country since it shows two grandmothers aboard a banca in flood-stricken Malabon.

Palme d’Or winner Raymond Red’s first major film in nine years, Himpapawid, will close the festival on Oct. 25.

The city of Taguig, headed by Mayor Freddie Tinga, has waived all amusement taxes for the film festival. He added that students will also get discounts.

The film festival also features seminars on filmmaking and scriptwriting at Fully Booked in Taguig.

Writer-director Paul Schrader who wrote Taxi Driver, Raging Bull and The Last Temptation of Christ, will hold a master class on Oct. 20, 3 p.m. at Market! Market!

From ABS-CBNNEWS.COM


'Storm Lupit can reach supertyphoon intensity'
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------


MANILA - Another potential "supertyphoon" is threatening to make landfall in areas in Luzon that have been previously hit by two devastating storms in the last three weeks, a government weather forecaster said Friday.

Nathaniel Cruz, weather forecasting bureau chief of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astonomical Services Administration (PAGASA), said a tropical storm with international name "Lupit" might enter the Philippine area of responsibility at 10 p.m. Friday or early Saturday.

The storm will be named Ramil once it enters Philippine territory. It would be the 18th storm to enter the country this year.

PAGASA's weather satellite spotted the storm at 65 1,350 kilometers east of Visayas, packing center winds of 65 kilometers per hour and gusts of up to 80 kph.

It was moving west northwest at 26 kilometers per hour and might cross central or northern province of Luzon, Cruz said.

The weather forecaster said PAGASA expects Lupit to strengthen further while crossing "the vast Philippine sea" and forewarned residents already devastated by storms Ondoy (international codename Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) to be prepared "for an intense typhoon."

"It can reach almost the supertyphoon intensity before hitting land, if and when there will be no change in its course, direction and speed," Cruz said.

The new storm, which was first spotted over the Marianas Islands, threatens to hit Luzon areas as its residents scrambles to recover from the twin storms that devastated thousands of hectares of residential and agricultural areas for the last three weeks.

As of 6 p.m. Thursdsay, the National Disaster Coordinating Council said a total of 392 people have been confirmed killed by landslides and floods caused by Pepeng's heavy rains.

Ondoy's death toll was pegged at 341, bringing the total of deaths from the two storms to 733.

The number of missing people from after the two storms was 89.

The twin storms also damaged at least P20 billion worth of crops and infrastructure.

as of 10/16/2009 9:57 AM

BATYA QUEEN (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=515233&publicationSubCategoryId=63)

One person fascinated by this ordinary lifesaver approached me with an interesting proposition – to start our cleanup and rehab process in our “Operation Walang Iwanan” by giving away thousands of batya gathered from affluent friends. It appears she has many of them, as she was able to gather 3,000 in one day. Vivienne Tan, founder of the Entrepreneur School of Asia and daughter of taipan Lucio Tan, did not mind when I jokingly tagged her “Batya Queen” of the “bakya” crowd in her drive to give them a simple all-purpose lifeline – to wash dirtied clothes, to clean up muddied homes and save their babies when it floods again.



http://img194.imageshack.us/img194/1306/gen5hires.jpg

BATYA QUEEN: Vivienne Tan (left), educator and daughter of taipan Lucio Tan, distributes batya (plastic basins) and relief goods in Gawad Kalinga’s recent rehabilitation activity for a thousand families in flood-hit areas in Pasig, Marikina and Quezon City.

http://www.herword.com/workbook/viviennetan/viv1.gif

I thought she's in LA or London...

As we have all seen and felt recently, both Ondoy and Pepeng have taken lots of lives and property while still leaving disease, garbage and wreckage in their tracks. As we still continue to do our part to rise up from these challenges, we must reflect on the hard and valuable lessons that Ondoy and Pepeng have taught us, so we can be prepared the next time storms like these hit us…

Below are some Philippine Property Lessons which you should take note especially after these two storms. It seems that due to Global Warming and Climate Change, more of these abnormal rains will hits us. So in turn, please do feel free to bookmark and share this page to other people as part of our social responsibility to one another:

Read the rest of this entry » (http://www.realestatephilippinesblog.com/hard-but-valuable-philippine-property-lessons-from-ondoy-and-pepeng/)

http://img522.imageshack.us/img522/9088/3958533171a41baf02dc.jpg

Don't worry, KC is not eligible to run in the province of Pampanga. :lol:

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/7637/genphotohiresv.jpg

Albay governor continues to bat for Metro Manila gov

By Leila Salaverria
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:45:00 10/24/2009

Filed Under: News, Disasters (general)

MANILA, Philippines—Metro Manila needs an elected governor in order to unite all 17 cities and municipalities and get them to come up with a cohesive plan for disaster preparedness, and who would be held accountable if things go awry, according to Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, one of the President's economic advisers.

Salceda, who said the passage of Tropical Storm Ondoy (international condename: Ketsana) highlighted Metro Manila's lack of disaster preparedness, said that since local government units get their own funds and have their own power base, they do not follow the MMDA.

Thus, the MMDA's chance to come up with a cohesive response plan for disasters is being wasted, Salceda said. But it would help if the MMDA chief is an elected official, he added.

“You need unity of command, and this emanates from political authority. And political authority only comes form being elected, so you need to have an MMDA chairman directly elected by the people so that you would have the appropriate response in the [National Capital Region],” he said at the Kapihan sa Sulo forum.

He added that there could be a Metro Manila governor in the style of former first lady Imelda Marcos, who held vast powers in this position, to which she was appointed by her husband, the late dictator Ferdinand Marcos.

According to him, the problem with Metro Manila is that its cities work on their own, and sometimes just pass on problems to neighboring areas instead of actually resolving them.

“Metro Manila is an ecosystem unto its own. So you need political authority to synergize the efforts of the local government units and various units to provide a coherent and cohesive response [to disasters],” he said.

He also said that if the Metro Manila governor is not elected, there would be no one accountable for any lapses in running the National Capital Region. But if he is is an elected official, people could punish him by rejecting him at the polls.

“There should be someone to be spanked, there should be somebody jailed.... If many will die because I made a mistake, then I would not be reelected,” he said.

Salceda said the images of Metro Manila he saw during Ondoy told him that the metropolis, which houses the country's capital and major government offices, is sorely lacking preparation for calamities.

The images include people who had climbed onto rooftops to escape rising floods without any food or rain gear; cars driving through obviously deep floodwaters; and children swimming in the floods while smiling parents looked on.

In Albay, which is on the path of most of the destructive storms that hit the country, things are done differently, according to Salceda.

Rain gauges are placed in strategic areas; barangay officials are given SIM cards they could use to update higher ups about the situation in their areas; evacuation is done three days ahead, and permanent evacuation sites are available.

He noted that Albay gives five kilos of breakfast as incentive for families to go to evacuation areas while in Metro Manila, five kilos of rice are given as relief goods. Albay has also insured its school buildings, which are usually used for evacuation.

“Our message is, we eat preparedness for breakfast. That's the difference for Albay,” he said.

Salceda said there is nothing mystical about adapting to climate change, or the extreme weather conditions it brings. What is needed is good governance from local officials, who should be able to realize what their town needs and would be able to respond to these.

“The primacy of the leadership of local government unit leaders is very critical,” he said.

Salceda noted that his province, being one of the most vulnerable to calamities, receives aid from international groups. It also helps that he has the ear of the President, and he also noted that there is a question of whether Albay's programs could be replicated in other provinces whose officials do not have easy access to the chief executive.

But he also said what is important is what a local official does with this kind of access available to him.

Japan gives RP P1.7B for new weather radar
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 02:09:00 11/01/2009

MANILA, Philippines--The Japanese government has given P1.7-billion (3.350 billion yen) grant to the Philippines to improve its weather monitoring and information dissemination system in the aftermath of several deadly storms that killed hundreds in Metro Manila and northern Luzon and wrought billions of pesos in damage.

Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo and Japanese Ambassador Makoto Katsura on Friday signed and exchanged notes on the Project for Improvement of the Meteorological Radar System, which provides for the grant.

Under the project, to be implemented by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), the country’s three existing meteorological radar systems in Aparri, Cagayan; Virac, Catanduanes; and Guian, Samar, would be replaced with new Doppler (S-band) radar systems, the Department of Foreign Affairs said.

continue reading here: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20091101-233364/Japan-gives-RP-P17B-for-new-weather-radar

This looks more like an ice cream truck than an amublance. :lol:

http://www.philippinesdailyphotos.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/philippine-national-red-cross-ambulance-support-sen-dick-gordon.jpg

Earthquake preparedness tips (http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/242069/earthquake-preparedness-tips)

The previous Haiti earthquake shocked the world, particularly the Philippines since there are also Filipinos who were injured and killed in the tremor. Last January 12, the first batch of Filipinos who survived the 7.0 magnitude quake arrived in the Philippines.

The Philippines lies within the Pacific ring of fire and it is much prone to earthquake than Haiti. To avoid the same fate which it suffered from the previous earthquake, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) as well as other disaster preparedness agency like Earthquake Country Alliance and Federal Management Agency (FEMA) gives tips about disaster preparedness, particularly during earthquakes.

Before the Quake

It is advisable to prepare safety plans and emergency stock before an earthquake occurs. These plans may help increase the possibility to survive a quake.

Be familiar with the dangerous spots of your house.
Be careful with things which may harm the people residing there during earthquake. It is better to fix as early as possible the faulty electrical wiring, leaky gas connection, and fasten shelves.
Identify safe places indoors and outdoors.
Educate your family about emergency contacts.
Prepare a stock of emergency supplies. A stock of food, water, medicines, flashlights, and batteries can help you and you family survive the tremor.
Make an evacuation and reunion plan. It is possible that family members maybe separated from each other during an earthquake so it is advisable to have a reuniting plan like meeting in a certain place after the disaster.


Duck, Cover, and Hold

This tip is commonly given by experts during earthquakes and is much effective if done indoors. However, there are also safety advises if a person is outdoor or trapped in a debris.

During quakes, duck or drop to the ground.
Take cover. You may hide under a study table or piece of furniture for protection from falling debris.
Hold that position and stay wherever you are until the shaking stops and you cannot feel anymore ground movement.
Do not immediately proceed to the door especially if the door has will swings which can even cause injury.
If outdoors, move away from building and streetlights.
Immediately proceed to open area.
Once in the open, stay there and do not go near buildings and tall infrastructures to avoid falling debris.
If in a moving vehicle, stop as quickly as safety permits.
Avoid stopping near buildings, overpasses, bridges or ramps which may have been damaged by the earthquake.
If trapped under debris, cover your mouth with handkerchief.
Create noises by tapping pipes or walls for rescuers to locate you. Do not shout, it is just a last option because it may cause you to inhale dangerous amount of dust.


After the Tremor

Once the earthquake is over, listen to battery- operated radio or television for updates of aftershock.
Stay away from damaged area.
Stay away from the beach if living in a coastal area.
Be aware of possible tsunamis.
Landslides are also possible for mountainous areas as well as the ground rapture for areas along active faultlines which causes the ground to break.

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EMS
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/8-r.jpg

SAR
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/10-r.jpg

K9
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/101_0142.JPG

FAS
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/02202008290-r.jpg

CALL CENTER
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/Call%20Taker-r.jpg

VEHICLE
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/101_0102-r.jpg

http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/101_0139-r.jpg

http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/101_0140-r.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=davao+911&init=quick#!/photo.php?pid=30203378&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=111503556632&aid=-1&id=1506862380&oid=111503556632&fbid=1084540642865

Palace seeks better disaster management measures (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=261859)

MANILA, March 2 (PNA) - The government will collate all disaster management proposals it received since the reign of former president Ferdinand Marcos.

Deputy presidential spokesperson and reconstruction commission chief Ricardo Saludo said the move was to prepare the country better in dealing with disasters, such as earthquakes, flood, fire and volcanic eruptions that might strike.

"The proposals will be reviewed - there'll be in-depth analysis of each so we can generate appropriate recommendations," he said.

Government considers the project timely since the Philippines ranks among the world's most disaster-prone countries.

Aside from being located in the typhoon belt, the country is also within the Pacific Ring of Fire where most earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and 'tsunami' surges are.

These factors heightened calls for boosting rehabilitation of calamity-stricken areas and for enabling communities to better recover from disasters.

Such calls also focus on identifying measures that will further help reduce communities' vulnerability to hazards.

Saludo said the National Disaster Coordinating Council would participate in the project since it had links with agencies directly involved in weather forecasting, seismic and geologic analysis as well as disaster relief and rehabilitation activities.

The agencies include the Office of Civil Defense; Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration; Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology; Department of Public Works and Highways as well as Metropolitan Manila Development Authority.

Government will also invite United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Reduction (UNISDR) to be part of the project, Saludo said.

"We'll gather experts to look into the proposals," he said.

Malacanang is bullish about UNISDR's participation, particularly as Saludo said its head for Asia suggested the project's implementation.

Saludo said he would meet soon with United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) Philippine Country Director Renaud Meyer to discuss how the project will be implemented.

The government looks forward to UNDP funding for such project.

"We hope to commence the project soon so the integrated report on proposals forwarded to government can be made available to people," Saludo said. (PNA)

They should cordon off the area, or at least set the minumum boundaries of the emergency scene. This should be standard procedure.

--I agree with you and that should be the case BUT it is so hard to control the crown specially when they are trying to save their belongings and salvage what's left for them. I have encountered a situation like this before and only to be threatened back with dangerous weapons. It's just, there are things that cannot be applied in the Philippines.

Yeah, or it doesn't need to be an office, jusr a place to park those ambulance in a very strategic place not bunch up together in one area. Some EMT Ambulances here are park in an easy access location(or rent a small space) near the main road, they just need a very reliable communication system.

--You're going to see this kind of set-up in Cebu..

Very impressive and Davao! Hayop walang sinabi ang metro manila at Cebu! That is indeed a very good example and im proud for the people of Davao! Bravo! :cheers:

--I'm sorry to say but this is just purely ignorance..!! Cebu's ERUF exist since 1986 but it has a long history before that and it starts since 1975. Could be the first in the country to have such.

^^ and if i may ask, bakit kaya sya na ban? :lol:

First responders need high quality tools because they are some of the most effective ways to save someone.

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/5/6487024_938c59791d.jpg

I've seen how this tool works in saving lives.

--Indeed..!! and I've used this rescue tools many times already.

So that it can be spelled correctly when viewed from the side mirror.

--Spelled..?? or Read correctly from those mirrors..!!???:nuts::)

I wonder: if the official national emergency services number in the Philippines is 117, why is this inconsistently used? Does Davao use 911 by default, or does it redirect to 117?

--That is because 117 is conceptualized (if it is) just recently and more to that there's no support to push it forward, you know the government..!! OTOH, there are rescue groups that exist for a long time already and uses local emergency hotline. Cebu has 161 (ERUF) for Fire, Medical and Rescue.

^^ I meant "inconsistent" as in Davao has its own emergency services number (911, to which in an ideal situation, 112 and 117 would redirect to) while the rest of the Philippines has its own number (117, where 112 and 911 are supposed to redirect to). If I were to call 117 in Baguio, Manila, Cebu or Zamboanga, I should (or would) be able to have access to the same emergency services the same way as if I were to call 911 in Davao. If I were to hypothetically call 117 in Davao, but 911 is the emergency number for all emergency services covered by 117, where will 117 connect to? Will it connect me to the 911 call center, or to somewhere else?

--If you're going to use 117 in Cebu you will be directed to call 161 for Medical and Rescue cases (most of the time and lucky for you if you got response from 117).

:)

Comic relief goods

By Pam Pastor
Philippine Daily Inquirer

Last updated 23:13:00 10/09/2009

MANILA, Philippines – “Why would anyone give an old ninong-type barong, lace beaded dress, pastel-colored floral gown and a silvery purple tutu?! This isn’t a yard sale people, let’s give the victims some dignity!” This was what one of my friends wrote on Facebook a few days after “Ondoy” struck. She had spent the afternoon sorting through donated clothes at a relief center.

Salty pastillas

At that point, I still hadn’t been assigned to clothes duty. I was at the milk station at Megatent that day, making sure each relief bag had a pack of powdered Bear Brand in it. At the end of that shift, my hands were covered with milk paste – the result of the powdered milk mixing with my sweat. It was almost like pastilles –if you like your pastillas salty.

I had sticky hands, yes, but no close encounters with strange donations – yet.

That changed the very next day. After collecting clothes from different homes around the city, I brought them all to Angel Brigade at the Fort.

Soon we began sorting clothes – not just the ones I brought but the ones that other people had brought to the relief center.

“Separate them into different piles – men’s tops, men’s bottoms, women’s tops, women’s bottoms and kids,’” we were told.

Heavily sequined

Cool, it sounded simple enough.

We began pulling clothes out of bags and boxes. Long-sleeved shirts, short-sleeved shirts, Hawaiian, checkered, striped went straight to the men’s pile. Floral blouses, sleeveless shirts, tank tops, baby tees went to the women’s pile.

Then someone held up a top that made us all stop in our tracks. It was shocking pink and covered with large sequins. It was the kind of top you’d wear if you were going to the disco and you wanted to be the disco ball.

“And look, there’s a matching bag!” someone said.

Yes, there really was a matching bag – it wasn’t pink. It was gold and it was as heavily sequined.

We continued sorting, asking ourselves who would want to wear something like that in an evacuation center.

When we were done sorting, we started packing the clothes. We each picked up a bag, making sure each contained enough stuff for a whole family.

Workout clothes

That’s when I realized that someone had donated a lot of workout clothes. And I mean a lot.

Which, again, we found funny because we seriously didn’t think aerobics and pilates would be priority activities at the evacuation centers and flood-affected areas.

I’m not sure if people ended up packing the workout clothes – I know I avoided putting them into my bags. But the sequined top and bag definitely didn’t make the cut.

The strange donations remained there at the relief center. The gold bag was especially popular, with volunteers having photos taken with it.

Back at the Megatent the next day, while waiting for more rice and crackers to come, we were once again assigned to sort clothes.

Used underwear

Different relief center, same system of piles.

We opened bags and bags of clothes and again separated them into little groups. But at this relief center, we had to make a new pile for underwear. Yes, used underwear.

There were lacy thongs, granny panties, underwear with zero elasticity left and bacon briefs. Some looked newish, others looked worn, some were downright ratty.

After the clothes had all been divided into piles, we picked them up and placed them in boxes so we could start packing the bags systematically.

The men’s tops, women’s tops, kids’ clothes were all quickly scooped up and placed into the nearest boxes. Soon, only the pile of underwear was left on the floor.

I sighed and scooped it up.

The used underwear wasn’t the only inappropriate donation I saw that day. There were girdles, patterned tights, used stockings and fishnets.

One egg

But apparently, my friends have seen worse. Paolo, who volunteered at the Santuario de San Antonio relief operations, saw even stranger donations – a Halloween witch wig, one egg, a can of San Mig Light, potpourri, a bottle of Tabasco and Chanel perfume wipes.

James saw a Halloween costume with a mask, a teen’s bra that was full of holes and a barong Tagalog.

Juana said that at church, someone donated a Darna bra (“red with gold stars”) and a belly dancing outfit. Her mom saw a bridesmaid’s dress and a ringbearer’s outfit.

I posted the items that made it to my Donation Hall of Shame on Facebook, asking other volunteers what they’ve seen.

There was no shortage of strangeness.

Giraffe-print panties, a folk dance costume, bathing suits, ball gowns, neckties. a feather boa, a pink lei and grass skirt, granny panties in different colors that all say “Blow your horn!” and more underwear – stained, damp underwear.

Senakulo costumes

And – this is no joke – someone actually donated senakulo costumes. “Costume nina Hudas, Barabbas, Hestas, ibinigay na. Puwede naman kasing duster, ‘yun lang makintab. May pang-tatlong hari pa [The costumes of Judas, Barabbas, and Hestas were donated. They could be dusters although they’re on the shiny side. There’s even one for three kings]. Haha!” Arlene wrote.

Even Philippine Daily Inquirer volunteers found odd donations. Jaymee said, “Dito sa PDI, pang-ninang na gown, white, with beading and tulle. Sira ang zipper. Suit jackets with shoulder pads. Palakasan na lang ng loob isuot ’yun sa evacuation center.”

I started to wonder if I was partly to blame. I did start campaigning for people to clean out their closets. I posted messages on Facebook and Twitter and sent SMS to a lot of people, encouraging them to raid their closets and homes for stuff they can give to the survivors of “Ondoy.”

But the idea wasn’t to throw everything they didn’t want into bags and send them off to the relief centers.

Making donations requires thought and consideration.

“But some of those people lost everything! Shouldn’t they get everything as well?” some smart alecks would say.

Damp panties? Seriously?

The effort is not lost on me and the other volunteers. It takes time to go through your stuff, figure out which things you can let go of and which ones you absolutely have to keep. We know that and we appreciate that.

But it doesn’t end there. People who raid their closets for donations need to ask themselves important questions. Is this something they need? Would this make things easier for them? Would this make them a little more comfortable? If I was in their place, would I appreciate getting this?

And the easiest way to do it is to pretend you are putting together a relief package for your friends. I don’t think you’d throw your bacon briefs into that bag.

Garage sale

Angel Brigade has a plan for the strange donations they’ve received. “We might hold a garage sale for these items. Some of the donations may not work as great relief goods but can be somebody’s accessory. We’ll then use the money to buy more relief goods,” says Kat Holigores.

Because yes, some of these people did lose everything.

And when you’ve lost everything, the last thing you need is someone else’s trash.
http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/you/super/view/20091009-229277/Comic-relief-goods

Ngayon ko lang nabasa to, but in White Space where I volunteered - someone donated a pair of high heels and floral swimsuits. hehehe

The national government should start funding more of the 9-11 centers all over the Philippines especially Manila and Cebu, it really helps alot.

--You don't have to use 911 to be effective. Cebu's ERUF exist for many years already and it has reason why they haven't used the said number.

^^ In Manila, 117 is used for all emergencies the same way 911 is used in Davao. The point is this: if we already have a universal national emergency services number, why institute another one?

--I agree with you regarding universal emergency number but the thing is, just like the case in Cebu, 161 exist long time ago before 117 came to the mind of the government. People already know and get used to of calling 161 for whatever emergencies they have had.

siguro tama rin si skyharbor sa Manila puede sa lahat, but pag nasa probinsya ka

minsan 2 lang ang firetruck, old at minsan isa lang ang gumana wala kang maasahan sa 117 , ambulance? bomb sniffing dogs? pang gasolina nga wala ! it's really sad that our government don't intend to modernized our police, firefighting and medical facilities/equipments .... i think that was really the purpose of the mayor to have an effiecient emergency , medical & police assisstance , yeah it was really patterned from america, and puede naman siguro hindi 911 but the purpose was really for name recall , para madali lang matandaan ng mga tao . :)

--The same history with what happened to Cebu's ERUF. It used to be under the arm of Mandaue City government but when the adminstration changed, so does the personnel and the services. That's why from then on, they organized an NGO that won't be affected by any changes of government administration and it works pretty well until today.

I honestly don't get the proliferation of all of these "911" centers. We already have 117 for goodness' sake! :ohno:

--Just a funny question..! Since when 117 started?

that's lacking for 116. only the ambulance will be provided but if we'l ask about their quickness to respond, I will give them 10/10.

--I stand to disagree..!! ERUF responds to fire as well but in cooperation with the government fire station. If you call for a fire emergeny through ERUF, they will respond at the same time inform the government fire station of the said call.

and btw its better to have a name recall # 911 than say 117 or 116 :)

--I don't think soo..!!! 161 has been in the minds of the people in Cebu before the TV series Rescue 911 became popular, in fact, they even associate it with the series.

UN lauds RP gov’t for dealing with natural disasters (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=261953)

MAKATI CITY, March 1 (PNA) – The United Nations on Tuesday lauded the Philippine Government for rationalizing efforts toward disaster risk reduction in the country.

UN Development Programme (UNDP) Country Director Renaud Meyer issued his congratulatory message during the launch of the Strategic National Action Plan (SNAP) on Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) at the Hotel InterContinental here today.

The UNDP official noted that formulating the SNAP was difficult, owing to the many views that had to be considered to address the issue of disaster and their intensifying impacts due to climate change, among other factors.

“What kept this process going was the collective will to avoid additional loss of lives and forestall economic losses due to natural disaster,” Meyer said, as he also commended the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) for the taking the lead in this endeavor.

Together with civil society groups, the NDCC spearheaded the formulation of the SNAP, which now provides the country’s road map toward becoming disaster risk-resilient.

Civil society organizations also organized themselves into the DRR Network, enabling a systematic grassroots consultation process for SNAP.

The SNAP comes at the heels of the impending passage of the consolidated Disaster Risk Management Bill. It will enable the country to strategically position itself in the development arena.

By promoting risk-based change, SNAP will also enable the adoption of cost effective strategies for sustainable development.

Together with the Climate Change Framework/National Action Plan on Climate Change, the SNAP is considered a vital component of the country’s toolkit against disasters and other climate change dangers, and a critical element to attain the Millennium Development Goals.

The UNDP assisted the Philippine Government, through the NDCC, in formulating the SNAP, in collaboration with the European Commission and the International Strategy for Disaster Reduction, with the Office of Civil Defense providing backstopping support.

Other guests at the SNAP launch were National Defense Secretary and NDCC Chair Norberto Gonzales, and H.E. Alistair MacDonald, Head of Delegation of the European Union to the Philippines. (PNA)

Jinggoy presses for disaster program (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=554388&publicationSubCategoryId=67)
(The Philippine Star) Updated March 03, 2010 12:00 AM

Silay City, Negros Occidental , Philippines – Senate president pro tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada renewed yesterday his call on the national government to develop and operationalize a comprehensive disaster management program for the country.

Jinggoy made the appeal after Chile suffered a massive 8.8-magnitude earthquake early Saturday morning, followed by several strong aftershocks and tsunamis that roared across the Pacific ocean, with more than 300 deaths reported within the first 24 hours after the quake and some two million more feared heavily affected.

“First of all, I express deep sympathies to the people of Chile as well as to President Michelle Bachelet and incoming President Sebastian Pinera who all suffered dearly from this disaster, as I join all the nations of the world in prayer for the fast recovery of our children brothers and sisters,” he said.

Jinggoy has authored on August 2007 Senate Bill 699 titled “comprehensive disaster management act,” recommending the development and operationalization of a “disaster management program to handle and address disaster issues in their totality, encompassing the aspects of prevention, mitigation, preparedness, emergency operations, relief and rehabilitations, rather than the current emphasis on response operations.”

“In light of this, I reiterate my calls on our national government leaders to give priority and focus on beefing up our country’s own measures in addressing similar occurrences. Our country has always been coping with a hostile environment, continuously expending efforts to survive typhoons, floods, earthquakes, epidemics, fire and other calamities, both natural and man-made,” he said.

Jinggoy’s bill form part of the consolidated Senate Bill entitled “Philippine Disaster Risk Management Act” recently approved by the Upper Chamber on second reading.

Moreover, Jinggoy deplored yesterday the Commission on Elections (Comelec) for its lack of information campaign on automated elections for voters in the provinces.

In an interview with reporters, Jinggoy said that he did not vote for the automation of the May 10 presidential elections because Comelec Chairman Jose Melo admitted during the joint congressional inquiry conducted by the Senate and the House of Representatives on the full automation, that there is no guarantee that cheating will be eradicated in an automated elections.

“They can program the computer in favor of any candidate,” he said.

He said he also asked Melo if they are prepared in case of brownouts occur during the elections and the Comelec chief could not give him specific answer.

“I also asked that to Melo. He said they have contingency. I also asked him if that is enough. He did not give specific answer. I am one of the senators who did not vote in favor of the automation because we did not receive any assurance that cheatings will be eradicated through the automation,” Jinggoy said.

He said although it might be true that there is insufficient power that might affect the automated elections, he does not support the proposal to grant Arroyo emergency powers. – Jose Rodel Clapano

http://www.gmanews.tv/video/45136/Man-killed-in-hit-and-run-incident-in-QC

look at this report by GMA...:ohno:
i'm no expert when it comes to rescue operations but i think someone forgot the SOP...:bash:

--What SOP?

Nauna pang dumating yung mga kapamilya kesa emergency response team & paramdecis! :no:

--Could be but the video doesn't depict the whole story of the situation. There are a lot of circumstances that needs to be dealt with.

:bash: hindi puede dito yan!! suspendido yung persnnel ng rescue unit na yan.... wala man CPR na ginawa! :bash:

--You don't have to do CPR if it's futile. There are circumstances and guidelines that states that CPR is no longer needed. In this video, it is not clear and the scenario doesn't show the whole picture of it to warrant to do CPR or not.

well as i said over and over again it's name recall or i'll say number recall, that alone is a quick response. , ilang filipino ba nakakaalam ng 117 or 116 dito? and you should have known which emergency unit ang pina ka effecient na emergency systerm di na hinambug bay.

never doubt naman ang ibang system but as the saying "every second counts between life and death"

--I don't think so that it is name/number recall, because in Cebu 161 has been to known to it's people before they became so much aware of the TV series Rescue 911. You don't know how the dispatch system in ERUF works so you can't say that Rescue 911 is efficient and effective than the other (or 161).

^^ so why change eruf to 911? that alone is an indication there is something "lacking " in the system. what counts are saving lives whether its 911 or others.

--You are missing something there, I don't think ERUF is changing its number to 911. ERUF and Cebu City government are 2 different entities. There's no mention in the news that the mayor gonna use the 911 number and not sure if they gonna use that number instead of 161 (which is very well known already for more than 23 years now and counting).

My take on this discussion is that, being a country closely tied to the US, 911 is much easier for us to recall. We can immediately relate 911 to emergencies, because we always heard the number in most American movies and American news we watch.

--Could be but not sure since there's no statistics that prove it to be. But to recall history, ERUF has been around since Sept. 1986 and the TV series Rescue 911 wasn't aired until 1989 (if my memory serves me right).

^^Guys, let's just be happy, that inspite of the lack in national government supports, we are blessed with very aggresive and independent local leaders (well, they are just humans too, so flaws do exist).

Without the initiative of our local leaders, I think, we would not have this very effecient rescue units.

--Actually, ERUF was not under the initiative of local government but concerned private individuals who don't want their emergency rescue trainings to put in waste.

^^ hindi yan make believe bai totoo yan and i'm proud of it. kumuha ka nalang ng article na pinaka effiecient na emergency system sa iyo at mag komparahan tayo,kung hindi mag papa taasan lang tayo ng ehi, matatalino naman mga tao dito, they'll know the difference naman eh.wala ko ga brag diri ..may statements are all black and white.
^^^ bai hayaan mo na lang sila. they will realize how effective our 911 once their own version of 911 materialize with the help of veco (sister company ng DLPC). thanks to aboitiz family for helping mayor duterte.

--You both don't know the history of ERUF, so don't..!!!!

maybe you can do some research or even go to davao to know it for yourself how does the emergency response system of davao works...if its not effective howcome cebu wants to have 911 too...
by saying davao's 911 is effective, because its free and the response team is very fast in responding to emergencies..afterall, naka received na siya ng mga awards if hindi ito the best or effective...lets just respect each others opinion :) thank you.

--If you gonna read the news again, it does not say anything about using 911 instead it's their own version of 911 and there's no mention of using the hotlline 911 too. It's pretty not clear what they meant about it but IMO there is a big chance (99%) that the hotline number 161 would still be used in this program. OTOH, when you said the best and effective, to whom are you making any comparison with? Before we gonna respect each others opinion. And if your basis is only free of charge and fast response time.

I honestly admire eruf , as Sleepwalker said we should be proud of the efforts of our LGUs . i'm just baffled why the City Govenment of Cebu want to change a prestigous and very effiecient system like eruf , ok sleepwalker said bec the city wantsa to have it's own emergency system but why change it ? can the name ERUF be retained or the number 161? . I just cant imagine a reliable system with prestigous badge on the shoulder be change, for me its a reliable old dog replace by a new one that is untested or Mercedes to Porshe that whick i think is all hi-end automobile. Don't get me wrong here i'm just striking a balance here and we all want to know the pros and cons of both our systems , so our people can benefit from it. thanks.

--What's being said in the news is not pretty clear, as I have said on the above post. What was stated is, to have its own 911 service and have their own version of Rescue 911 but there's no mention of using the number itself. The system used by ERUF is patterned under it and I have a strong feelings that the number (161) would still be the same considering that it exist for more than 2 decades already (23 years and 5 months) and the name for sure will not be replaced since it is not a government entity and there's MOA involved already.

^^IMHO, since ERUF is serving the three cities of Cebu, Mandaue and Lapu-lapu, it will co-exist (might even be connected) with the proposed Cebu 911. Cebu 911 is only intended to serve Cebu City.

--Just wanna correct something here, ERUF only has direct agreement with Cebu and Lapu-lapu cities only yet it serves even to the neighboring towns and cities.

--That is because 117 is conceptualized (if it is) just recently and more to that there's no support to push it forward, you know the government..!! OTOH, there are rescue groups that exist for a long time already and uses local emergency hotline. Cebu has 161 (ERUF) for Fire, Medical and Rescue.

--I agree with you regarding universal emergency number but the thing is, just like the case in Cebu, 161 exist long time ago before 117 came to the mind of the government. People already know and get used to of calling 161 for whatever emergencies they have had.

--Just a funny question..! Since when 117 started?

117 has been the number for the PNP since at least the 1980s, if my memory serves me correctly. Originally implemented only in Metro Manila as a private-sector partnership between with the Foundation for Crime Prevention, the number became the national emergency telephone number through Executive Order No. 236 in 2003. Government involvement in fact was not serious until 1998.

The problem with projects like 117 is that there's no follow-through. Though the government is well-meaning, lack of funding means that 117 quality is uneven, and most people are unaware of it. However, that does not excuse cities from developing parallel networks using different numbers when they can invest the same in improving their own 117 call centers for everyone's benefit. I only want to call one number when I'm stuck in a rut somewhere, and 117 fits the bill.

let me correct the numbers,

Cebu City Fire - 160
Cebu City Police - 166
ERUF - 161

*ERUF can also help in case of fire.

but not as the same as the 911 of the US where if you call 911, the fire truck comes first and then the ambulance /police.

in Davao, if someone calls 911, will the 3 departments respond simultaneously or ambulance ra if ambulance ray gikinahanglan?

--Do you know why the fire truck arrives first? But this doesn't happen all the time and it depends on city wide, state wide or county wide EMS. In the states, there are a lot of EMS being organized and everything depends by locality. There are fire based EMS, there are hospital based EMS, there are privately owned EMS (some are being contracted by the government) and the list goes on... Another story is, to become a firefighter is the states you must have an EMT training, that's why fire trucks responds since there are a lot of fire stations available. When it comes to ERUF, the response is tailored based on the scenario or the case, like if it's fire, both fire truck and ambulance are automatically dispatched. if it's medical, only ambu is dispatched, if it's trauma and it involves extrication then both ambulance and rescue vehicle will be dispatched.

What I don't get from all of this discussion about emergency telephone numbers is that why can't local governments just invest in improving the national emergency telephone number (117). 911 in Cebu and Davao and 168 in Makati, among others, are redundant anyway, and the money that would be spent in building new emergency response systems would be better-spent improving upon current infrastructure.

If any other forumers want to complain to high heaven over the inefficiency of 117, there's always a simple solution: merge them. The problem here is that 911 centers are city-specific, and once you cross the telephone boundary for your locality, 911 service stops. If I were to go to Panabo or Tagum or Digos, for example, I won't be served by the local 911 center in Davao City, but I'd be served instead by the 117 regional center for the Davao Region, which is also in Davao City, whenever I dial 911. The sourgraping and complaining should go to productive means of improving upon national infrastructure, not by cities implementing systems which only their residents can use, leaving others with a "broken" 117.

--IMO, it's not about LGU's trying to adapt to national government. Let's try to dig deeper into ERUF's situation, it was founded 1986 using 161 and 117 was not conceptualized after a decade yet or more (not sure of the exact year). It's a matter of political bureaucracy from the government itself by trying to make their own project instead of developing and supporting the existing one (which was done by the mayors of Cebu and Lapu-lapu cities). This happened too while ERUF (MERU) was under the government before and when there was a change of government it was disbanded and everyone was displaced. 911 number was of course the chosen number during the implementation stage and improvement of facilities but it pose a big problem to cebu city at that time since there are telephone numbers before that statrs with 9. This is the telecommunication organizations problem and using 911 as the hotline will have a big problem (at least at that time being and as what they said).

117 has been the number for the PNP since at least the 1980s, if my memory serves me correctly. Originally implemented only in Metro Manila as a private-sector partnership between with the Foundation for Crime Prevention, the number became the national emergency telephone number through Executive Order No. 236 in 2003. Government involvement in fact was not serious until 1998.

The problem with projects like 117 is that there's no follow-through. Though the government is well-meaning, lack of funding means that 117 quality is uneven, and most people are unaware of it. However, that does not excuse cities from developing parallel networks using different numbers when they can invest the same in improving their own 117 call centers for everyone's benefit. I only want to call one number when I'm stuck in a rut somewhere, and 117 fits the bill.

--I don't think it's about lack of funding, they are not just serious of developing it and another thing is what will happen after the change in government administration. How can someone continue to build an organization in the government if every administration change they're going to change the system too? So, are we going to wait for them to initiate? This is the reason why ERUF came to exist and there history starts way back 1975 until they are disbanded by the administration who wants to have his own project.

so i'll ask you effective ba ang #911 in the mind of the Filipino? huwag ng mag paligoy-ligoy.

--I couldn't generally say that it is, depending only on your locality just like the situation of ERUF in Cebu as explained in my previous posts. 161 has been around for awhile before the TV series became popular.

now efficiency and effectiveness kamo? i provided videos & ariticles that show equipments and system of 911 thats efficency(please again i never mentioned BEST) eh kung gusto mong provide also video ng effectiveness ng sa tingin mo ang "pinaka".

--I am very much intrigue of what was in the video itself that says that it is efficient and effective. I just wanna know since I can't access the video you have provided. If it is only the equipment and the system then it is disputable in many sense.

Speaking of disaster management, I'm not sure if is OT, but crowd control should be part of this. I'll add pics of how police were controlling the Cory crowd in Makati! :D

--I agree with you that crowd control is really needed and should be strictly implemented but it is just very hard when it comes to fire fighting, specially in the squatter areas. Whereas, Cory crowd is a different thing and no basis for comparison.

^^ and if i may ask, bakit kaya sya na ban? :lol:

--The organization was disbanded because of the change in government administration. The mayor who institutionalized the organization was defeated in that election and the new administration would like to have and make their own. You know that how political system runs in our country.

repost...

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs199.snc1/6734_1085696951772_1506862380_30205634_6901748_n.jpg

http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs199.snc1/6734_1084540642865_1506862380_30203378_2956861_n.jpg

EMS
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/8-r.jpg

SAR
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/10-r.jpg

K9
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/101_0142.JPG

FAS
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/02202008290-r.jpg

CALL CENTER
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/Call%20Taker-r.jpg

VEHICLE
http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/101_0102-r.jpg

http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/101_0139-r.jpg

http://www.davaocentral911.ph/portal/Files/Davao911/GalleryPic/101_0140-r.jpg

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=davao+911&init=quick#!/photo.php?pid=30203378&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=111503556632&aid=-1&id=1506862380&oid=111503556632&fbid=1084540642865

http://img176.imageshack.us/img176/3871/65341082185383985150686.jpg (http://img176.imageshack.us/i/65341082185383985150686.jpg/)

http://img90.imageshack.us/img90/8223/65341082190384110150686.jpg (http://img90.imageshack.us/i/65341082190384110150686.jpg/)

http://img704.imageshack.us/img704/4808/65341082185423986150686.jpg (http://img704.imageshack.us/i/65341082185423986150686.jpg/)

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/944/65341082185303983150686.jpg (http://img28.imageshack.us/i/65341082185303983150686.jpg/)

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/4844/88201106272986160150686.jpg (http://img14.imageshack.us/i/88201106272986160150686.jpg/)
rescuers

http://img519.imageshack.us/img519/616/61741071560958381150686.jpg (http://img519.imageshack.us/i/61741071560958381150686.jpg/)
receivers

http://www.facebook.com/search/?q=davao+911&init=quick#!/photo.php?pid=30203378&o=all&op=1&view=all&subj=111503556632&aid=-1&id=1506862380&oid=111503556632&fbid=1084540642865

:cheers:

from a ramshackle station in 2004...

http://img229.imageshack.us/img229/2658/61741071560878379150686.jpg (http://img229.imageshack.us/i/61741071560878379150686.jpg/)


to one of the most sophisticated emergency complex in PI( south station)....

http://img690.imageshack.us/img690/1302/ab10.jpg (http://img690.imageshack.us/i/ab10.jpg/)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/files/images/davao-fire-bureau-2010-03-06.jpg

DAVAO CITY. Members of the Hazardous Material Team of the Bureau of Fire Protection rinse themselves after responding a carbon dioxide leak.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao

ERUF CEBU
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/themes/eruf-white/images/banner_651x213_01.jpg

Emergency Medical Services
ERUF is capable of responding to any medical accident in the city. Emergency Medical equipment includes EKG monitor defibrillators | AEDs | respirators | ambubags | pulse oxymeters | ACLS ( Advance Cardiac Life Support) kits | first response kits | automatic / mechanical sphygmomanometers | medical rescue kits | drug kits | automatic portable ventilators | portable and manual suction machines | stretchers | glucometers | first response disaster kits | backboards | litters | and more than 10 ambulance.

Firefighting
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/for-website-fire-300x209.jpg
Fire trucks are equipped with hoses | nozzles | adaptors | connectors | fire coats | proximity aluminum suits | self – contained breathing apparatus and portable fire pumps | a quick response vehicle with light water for vehicle fires is also available. Two trucks are capable of fighting oil and crash fires. All personnel have individual SCBA and has the capability to refill bottles on sight if needed.

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSCF0135-682x1024.jpg
Properly equipped rescuers need quality tested equipment. ERUF has the following to boost for Urban Search And Rescue | Motor driven and manual extricators and cutters | towing bars | electrical winch | block and tackle | dragging chains | low and high pressure extrication bags | percussive tools ( Paratech ) | cinch rescue collars | porto power circular saw | extenders | rotary rescue saw | reciprocating saw | rotary hammer drill | demolition hammer | ventilators

Technical High Angle Rescue and Rope Rescue (Technical Rope Rescue – Belgium)
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSC00990.jpg
ERUF have Rappelling rope (dynamic and static) | ascenders | harness | rescue pulleys | tents | belts | carabiners | stoves | sleeping bags. CMS Rescue Bags and Portable Global Positioning System. The unit has also the latest 3rd Gen Night Vision devise and Thermal Imager for SAR in the country.

Haz-Mat
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSCF0058-1024x682.jpg

Dive Rescue
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/USAR1-1024x358.jpg
Fiberglass boat with engine | aluminum boat | Boston Whaler | life preservers | life rings | Medical equipment | scuba and diving equipment | 10 personnel are certified rescue divers of which 2 are master divers and has 10 units of diving equipment.

Confined Space and Cave-In Rescue (Technical Rope Rescue – Belgium)
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSC00889.jpg

http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSCF00701-200x300.jpg

Air Crash Rescue (Schipol Air Crash Rescue Training Center – Amsterdam)
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/air-crash-rescue.jpg

History
Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation History

The Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation Phils. Inc. or ERUF is a corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commision on April 22, 1988. Prior to its formal incorporation, the group organized and became operational as early as July 1986.
The core group who formed ERUF and most of whom until now serve with the Foundation is composed of the members of the emergency rescue arm of the Mandaue City Fire Department. This rescue arm was later named and known as the Mandaue Emergency Rescue Unit or MERU.

MERU was the brainchild of then Mayor of Mandaue City, Hon. Demetrio M. Cortes, and was envisioned by him to provide emergency medical and rescue services to the residents of Mandaue City and others who would need the skills and expertise of this highly trained and dedicated group.

In 1986, following the EDSA Revolution and the change of administration, most of the members of MERU were replaced with new personnel. The displaced paramedics together with the group of civic-oriented citizens felt that there was a need to continue providing efficient and effective rescue and emergency medical services to the resident of Metro Cebu – something that was no longer addressed by the personnel of the government-run rescue groups.

Thus the birth of ERUF.

ERUF started with less than 60 members including the 13 displaced paramedics. There was very little cash available. Equipment and vehicles used were either donations or were restored from salvaged junk/scrap materials. Work done by the paramedics during the early months was purely on a voluntary basis with nobody receiving monetary compensation.

Today, ERUF boast of Modern equipment and vehicles ranging from, among others, fully equipped trauma vans, extrication equipment, 5 fire trucks, communication van with a variety of equipment and repeater system, search and rescue apparatus and more than 10 ambulances based in different strategic locations in Metro Cebu.

It is also the only rescue unit in the whole country with host of multi-response capability with international qualified complement to respond to Urban Search and Rescue, Technical and High Angle, Haz-Mat, Dive Rescue and is duly certified to teach the same. It has also been trained in Fire Crashed plane Rescue at Schipol Air Crash Training Center. It has also been elected by the National Association of Emergency Technician (NAEMT-USA) – to teach Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support Course (PHTLS). there are only two (2) training centers in the South East Asia Region certified to teach this course, with the other one in Hong Kong.

ERUF also has formal arrangements with the Cities of Cebu and Lapulapu to provide free emergency medical services to its resident in exchange for subsidy. Likewise, several private hospitals have contracted ERUF to provide for its ambulance service.

The efficient, effective and compassionate services provide by the members of ERUF have been recognized by numerous national and international agencies. But more than the prospects of getting awards and recognition. ERUF members find satisfaction in pursuing its vision of working for a safer community through a service oriented paramedics institution.

:okay::okay::okay:
http://www.eruf161.com/operations-deck/multi-response-capability/

ERUF CEBU
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/themes/eruf-white/images/banner_651x213_01.jpg

Emergency Medical Services
ERUF is capable of responding to any medical accident in the city. Emergency Medical equipment includes EKG monitor defibrillators | AEDs | respirators | ambubags | pulse oxymeters | ACLS ( Advance Cardiac Life Support) kits | first response kits | automatic / mechanical sphygmomanometers | medical rescue kits | drug kits | automatic portable ventilators | portable and manual suction machines | stretchers | glucometers | first response disaster kits | backboards | litters | and more than 10 ambulance.

Firefighting
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/for-website-fire-300x209.jpg
Fire trucks are equipped with hoses | nozzles | adaptors | connectors | fire coats | proximity aluminum suits | self – contained breathing apparatus and portable fire pumps | a quick response vehicle with light water for vehicle fires is also available. Two trucks are capable of fighting oil and crash fires. All personnel have individual SCBA and has the capability to refill bottles on sight if needed.

Urban Search and Rescue (USAR)
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSCF0135-682x1024.jpg
Properly equipped rescuers need quality tested equipment. ERUF has the following to boost for Urban Search And Rescue | Motor driven and manual extricators and cutters | towing bars | electrical winch | block and tackle | dragging chains | low and high pressure extrication bags | percussive tools ( Paratech ) | cinch rescue collars | porto power circular saw | extenders | rotary rescue saw | reciprocating saw | rotary hammer drill | demolition hammer | ventilators

Technical High Angle Rescue and Rope Rescue (Technical Rope Rescue – Belgium)
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSC00990.jpg
ERUF have Rappelling rope (dynamic and static) | ascenders | harness | rescue pulleys | tents | belts | carabiners | stoves | sleeping bags. CMS Rescue Bags and Portable Global Positioning System. The unit has also the latest 3rd Gen Night Vision devise and Thermal Imager for SAR in the country.

Haz-Mat
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSCF0058-1024x682.jpg

Dive Rescue
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/USAR1-1024x358.jpg
Fiberglass boat with engine | aluminum boat | Boston Whaler | life preservers | life rings | Medical equipment | scuba and diving equipment | 10 personnel are certified rescue divers of which 2 are master divers and has 10 units of diving equipment.

Confined Space and Cave-In Rescue (Technical Rope Rescue – Belgium)
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSC00889.jpg

http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/DSCF00701-200x300.jpg

Air Crash Rescue (Schipol Air Crash Rescue Training Center – Amsterdam)
http://www.eruf161.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/air-crash-rescue.jpg

History
Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation History

The Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation Phils. Inc. or ERUF is a corporation registered with the Securities and Exchange Commision on April 22, 1988. Prior to its formal incorporation, the group organized and became operational as early as July 1986.
The core group who formed ERUF and most of whom until now serve with the Foundation is composed of the members of the emergency rescue arm of the Mandaue City Fire Department. This rescue arm was later named and known as the Mandaue Emergency Rescue Unit or MERU.

MERU was the brainchild of then Mayor of Mandaue City, Hon. Demetrio M. Cortes, and was envisioned by him to provide emergency medical and rescue services to the residents of Mandaue City and others who would need the skills and expertise of this highly trained and dedicated group.

In 1986, following the EDSA Revolution and the change of administration, most of the members of MERU were replaced with new personnel. The displaced paramedics together with the group of civic-oriented citizens felt that there was a need to continue providing efficient and effective rescue and emergency medical services to the resident of Metro Cebu – something that was no longer addressed by the personnel of the government-run rescue groups.

Thus the birth of ERUF.

ERUF started with less than 60 members including the 13 displaced paramedics. There was very little cash available. Equipment and vehicles used were either donations or were restored from salvaged junk/scrap materials. Work done by the paramedics during the early months was purely on a voluntary basis with nobody receiving monetary compensation.

Today, ERUF boast of Modern equipment and vehicles ranging from, among others, fully equipped trauma vans, extrication equipment, 5 fire trucks, communication van with a variety of equipment and repeater system, search and rescue apparatus and more than 10 ambulances based in different strategic locations in Metro Cebu.

It is also the only rescue unit in the whole country with host of multi-response capability with international qualified complement to respond to Urban Search and Rescue, Technical and High Angle, Haz-Mat, Dive Rescue and is duly certified to teach the same. It has also been trained in Fire Crashed plane Rescue at Schipol Air Crash Training Center. It has also been elected by the National Association of Emergency Technician (NAEMT-USA) – to teach Pre-hospital Trauma Life Support Course (PHTLS). there are only two (2) training centers in the South East Asia Region certified to teach this course, with the other one in Hong Kong.

ERUF also has formal arrangements with the Cities of Cebu and Lapulapu to provide free emergency medical services to its resident in exchange for subsidy. Likewise, several private hospitals have contracted ERUF to provide for its ambulance service.

The efficient, effective and compassionate services provide by the members of ERUF have been recognized by numerous national and international agencies. But more than the prospects of getting awards and recognition. ERUF members find satisfaction in pursuing its vision of working for a safer community through a service oriented paramedics institution.

:okay::okay::okay:
http://www.eruf161.com/operations-deck/multi-response-capability/

are the eruf personnel trained paramedics? or mostly people with healthcare training. what school is offering firefighting and paramedic training?

--I don't think it's about lack of funding, they are not just serious of developing it and another thing is what will happen after the change in government administration. How can someone continue to build an organization in the government if every administration change they're going to change the system too? So, are we going to wait for them to initiate? This is the reason why ERUF came to exist and there history starts way back 1975 until they are disbanded by the administration who wants to have his own project.

117 became the national emergency telephone number by law. If cities invested in their call centers, succeeding mayors can't tear down the old system and put a new one up. They will be forced to work with what they have since the program was institutionalized by law, not by mayoral fiat.

are the eruf personnel trained paramedics? or mostly people with healthcare training. what school is offering firefighting and paramedic training?

Indeed, they are trained by the standards of US-DOT and by Paramedic/Fire Fighter of the Netherlands. Anyone who will join will be trained from scrap even if you are a healthcare provider already, you all go the same kind of training. You are also trained in basic fire fighting and SCBA aside from SAR and water rescue. Training is done in ERUF, unless the opportunity comes to you to be trained outside the country.

117 became the national emergency telephone number by law. If cities invested in their call centers, succeeding mayors can't tear down the old system and put a new one up. They will be forced to work with what they have since the program was institutionalized by law, not by mayoral fiat.

I understand that it became a law (just recently) but you know how politicians work out with it and you know what kind of politics does the Philippines have. OTOH, ERUF of Cebu won't be affected by this law since it is an NGO even so the city government is giving subsidy to the group (through MOA).

Indeed, they are trained by the standards of US-DOT and by Paramedic/Fire Fighter of the Netherlands. Anyone who will join will be trained from scrap even if you are a healthcare provider already, you all go the same kind of training. You are also trained in basic fire fighting and SCBA aside from SAR and water rescue. Training is done in ERUF, unless the opportunity comes to you to be trained outside the country.

aside from foreign training, are there schools that actually offer courses or degree in firefighting and paramedics like here in the states?

aside from foreign training, are there schools that actually offer courses or degree in firefighting and paramedics like here in the states?

--ERUF itself offer basic EMT and Fire Fighting courses but there isn't any school that will train you the highest level of it. BFP are offering fire fighting courses and I think even advanced FF. BTW, you can check out the website of ERUF for full details of the courses they offered. www.eruf161.com

I understand that it became a law (just recently) but you know how politicians work out with it and you know what kind of politics does the Philippines have. OTOH, ERUF of Cebu won't be affected by this law since it is an NGO even so the city government is giving subsidy to the group (through MOA).

117 was institutionalized nationwide in 2003 as a public-private partnership. NGOs are part of the institutionalization of 117 as well.

Politics is supposedly irrelevant because mayors can't tinker with national systems. They can't simply move call centers because it is very expensive to do so. But at any rate, if the moneyed Cebu City can subsidize a group like ERUF, why can't they invest in their own 117 call center? Or better yet, who not merge both together? It's not that hard.

117 was institutionalized nationwide in 2003 as a public-private partnership. NGOs are part of the institutionalization of 117 as well.

Politics is supposedly irrelevant because mayors can't tinker with national systems. They can't simply move call centers because it is very expensive to do so. But at any rate, if the moneyed Cebu City can subsidize a group like ERUF, why can't they invest in their own 117 call center? Or better yet, who not merge both together? It's not that hard.

--Are you really into politics? You don't know what and how politics screwed everyone as long as it benefits them. OTOH, have you work in an EMS system? By then you will understand how the systems works too and how complicated it is to work around those simple glitch we are talking. At the end of the day, it boils down to politics again.

Best to look at the numbers, e.g., the ratio of doctors or police officers to citizens. Those will allow us to see the severity of problems involving emergency preparedness.

117 was institutionalized nationwide in 2003 as a public-private partnership. NGOs are part of the institutionalization of 117 as well.

Politics is supposedly irrelevant because mayors can't tinker with national systems. They can't simply move call centers because it is very expensive to do so. But at any rate, if the moneyed Cebu City can subsidize a group like ERUF, why can't they invest in their own 117 call center? Or better yet, who not merge both together? It's not that hard.

whats the use of having a common nationwide number when we are separated by bodies of water. thats just not very practical instead a waste of time redirecting emergency calls from a national center to a regional center where the incident happened.

dont tell me you have to dispatch your firetrucks, paramedics and ambulances to far flung areas like say masbate. the best our government can do is create and equip more emergency centers in the regional and provincial levels.

^^ Each region (except the ARMM) has at least one 117 call center. If you were to call 117 for example in Tacloban, you will be redirected to the Tacloban center, not the Manila center. Using your Masbate example, you'd be redirected to the Legazpi center if you were to call from, let's say, Masbate City.

Some regions have more than one 117 call center. Western Visayas has at least two: Iloilo and Bacolod. I'm not sure if the Bacolod center (established by the city government of Bacolod) handles emergency calls for the rest of Negros Occidental, but the Iloilo center is supposed to handle calls from all of Western Visayas.

The real problem here though is lack of funding. The Cebu center for one is having a hard time answering calls because there's no funds to keep the equipment functional. Although the appropriations come from the DILG's national budget, it does not mean that the Cebu city government can't do anything to help them get on their feet. If the DILG centers are indeed that poorly-funded, then the better-funded call centers at the bare minimum should have 117 calls be redirected to them. It's no use having two competing systems.

Philippines gets 10 Doppler radars (http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/17/10/philippines-gets-10-doppler-radars)
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/17/2010 4:11 PM


MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine government on Wednesday said it has acquired 10 new Doppler radars, 5 of which are expected to be fully operational in the next two years.

President Arroyo announced the acquisition in her speech at the 28th anniversary of the Department of Science and Technology's Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development.

In an interview, DOST Undersecretary Graciano Yumul said Doppler radars are useful in providing detailed weather information including intensity and volume of rainfall in the country.

He said the radars still need to undergo debugging to make sure it reaches the standards and picks up signals properly. "Kung baga sa bagong kotse, it has to reach its first 5,000 kilometers to 'break-in,'" he told reporters.

He added that he hopes three Doppler radars in Subic, Baguio and Baler will be operation in time for typhoon season this year.

Officials of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier blamed lack of Doppler radars for its failure to accurately predict the amount of rainfall brought by Typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) last September and October.

The twin storms claimed the lives of over a thousand people and destroyed property worth about P38 billion.

PAGASA officials earlier said a Doppler radar costs around P100 million.

as of 03/17/2010 4:11 PM

---------------------------------------------------


FINALLY!!! :cheers::cheers::lol::lol::lol:

Philippines gets 10 Doppler radars (http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/17/10/philippines-gets-10-doppler-radars)
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/17/2010 4:11 PM

Officials of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) earlier blamed lack of Doppler radars for its failure to accurately predict the amount of rainfall brought by Typhoons Ondoy (Ketsana) and Pepeng (Parma) last September and October.

The twin storms claimed the lives of over a thousand people and destroyed property worth about P38 billion.

PAGASA officials earlier said a Doppler radar costs around P100 million.

as of 03/17/2010 4:11 PM

---------------------------------------------------


FINALLY!!! :cheers::cheers::lol::lol::lol:

doppler radars don't really depict the amount... they just show the intensity of the precipitation using the echos in the clouds.. it can also be inaccurate sometimes, depends on what's happening up there...

so kahit may doppler radar na nuong kasagsagan ni ondoy, konting oras lang din ang pagitan ng buhos ng ulan... isa pa, they wouldn't go in the air saying the metro will be under several feet of water, baka mas lalong hindi naniwala ang tao nuon...:D

doppler radars don't really depict the amount... they just show the intensity of the precipitation using the echos in the clouds.. it can also be inaccurate sometimes, depends on what's happening up there...

so kahit may doppler radar na nuong kasagsagan ni ondoy, konting oras lang din ang pagitan ng buhos ng ulan... isa pa, they wouldn't go in the air saying the metro will be under several feet of water, baka mas lalong hindi naniwala ang tao nuon...:D

Better na yan kesa wala at titingala lang ang Pag-asa sa langit. No need to be too cynical, at less may improvement kahit konti.

Philippines gets 10 Doppler radars (http://abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/17/10/philippines-gets-10-doppler-radars)


---------------------------------------------------


FINALLY!!! :cheers::cheers::lol::lol::lol:

Yeah. After two major landslides and two deluges. Blame to Congress for lack of foresight.

whats the use of having a common nationwide number when we are separated by bodies of water. thats just not very practical instead a waste of time redirecting emergency calls from a national center to a regional center where the incident happened.

dont tell me you have to dispatch your firetrucks, paramedics and ambulances to far flung areas like say masbate. the best our government can do is create and equip more emergency centers in the regional and provincial levels.

--You have literally understood the point of sky harbor, it only uses 1 number but it doesn't mean that the dispatch center is only located in one area.

The real problem here though is lack of funding. The Cebu center for one is having a hard time answering calls because there's no funds to keep the equipment functional. Although the appropriations come from the DILG's national budget, it does not mean that the Cebu city government can't do anything to help them get on their feet. If the DILG centers are indeed that poorly-funded, then the better-funded call centers at the bare minimum should have 117 calls be redirected to them. It's no use having two competing systems.

-I don't think it's about lack of funds, I'm sure they have funds for it but the hard truth still exist (corruptions), specially if the funding came from the national gov't. How much of it will reach the LGU's/regional/provincial? Let me quote you an example, some time ago in X city, the mayor received 2 donated ambulances but he opted not to have it operated by the LGU, instead to an NGO for the mere reason and that he knows these pieces of equipment will not be running after months or year in their hands. The same mayor also, wanted to have their own EMS system (government run), they have a budget but sustainability of it is a big question mark. More to that, creating another EMS unit is expensive than just supporting the existing one. And it is not about competition as well, instead the mayor is just wise in adapting to what is existing (not to mention the very much functional system) and redirect the supposed needed funds to other areas.

The only one in the Philippines - Davao's 911

http://i113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/Davao911.jpg (http://s113.photobucket.com/albums/n233/davaoeagle/?action=view&current=Davao911.jpg)


Credits to Michael W. Li

:cheers::cheers::cheers::cheers:

^^ brand new! :cheers:

Local telcos tapped for disaster preparedness (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=561244&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Mary Ann Ll. Reyes (The Philippine Star) Updated March 26, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Local mobile operators have formed a landmark partnership with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) and the Philippine Disaster Recovery Foundation (PDRF) on disaster preparedness.

The ground-breaking alliance among Globe Telecom, Smart Communications and Digitel Mobile Philippines Inc. paves the way for a formal cooperation to develop programs that will help Pagasa carry out its mission to protect lives and properties from natural hazards using scientific knowledge and information.

“Giving back to the communities that we serve has been part of our operations in Globe, which has led us to create a corporate social responsibility arm years ago. Thus, this new cooperation among the telcos, Pagasa and PDRF is a welcome development and we are glad to take part in a national effort to improve disaster preparedness and help save more lives,” Globe president and CEO Ernest Cu said.

With the memorandum of understanding (MOU) signed recently, the parties will now have a unified front in extending the much-needed help to those affected by natural calamities that may strike the country.

Under the MOU, the parties will develop a scientific research and monitoring system to help disaster preparedness efforts in the country, and closely collaborate with each other to identify and work on common projects that will help reduce disaster risks in vulnerable communities.

One of the first projects lined up is the co-location of rain gauges at designated cell sites of Globe and other mobile operators to better help Pagasa forecast floods and give out accurate and timely forewarnings to areas affected.

Davao Central 911

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Any news on the droughts and forest fires happening in the different parts of the country?

Forest fires in Benguet. Photo by Noli Gabilo:

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Rosales: Typhoon readiness in place
Manila StandardToday - May 27, 2010

Metro Manila Police Director Roberto Rosales has ordered the testing of search and rescue equipment to avoid getting caught in the destructive wake of typhoons similar to last year’s Ondoy and Pepeng.

In the frontline are 11 new wooden boats, six rubber boats and a lifeboat that can carry 25 persons for quick deployment in any flooded section of the national capital region.

Rosales on Wednesday said he has instructed the chiefs of the five police districts in Metro Manila to ensure the roadworthiness of their transport trucks to retrieve stranded people and ferry commuters in submerged areas.

“We have to be ready for the kind of situations that we have seen during the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng last year,” he said.

“The boats have radio communications, flood lamps, and Closed Circuit Television cameras with infrared to complement the GPS tracking devices for navigation at nighttime.”

Since November last year, at least 109 officers underwent Basic Rescue Operations, an intensive five-day course on knowledge and skills training on Emergency Medical Action, Rope Training, Water Safety and Survival, Boat Handling and Field Training Exercise.

Rosales said search and rescue units have been supplied with life vests, floatation devices, and thermal blankets. Ferdinand Fabella

^^ Very important. We need to prepare a lot, especially more on Earthquakes din. Kung lalago ang ekonomiya pero lilindol naman sa Manila (GOD forbid) wala din.

sa ARMM ba? red cross or red cresent

New cameras installed to monitor risk of floods (http://gulfnews.com/news/world/philippines/new-cameras-installed-to-monitor-risk-of-floods-1.634567)

20 CCTVs to help prevent disaster, which experts say is likely to happen

By Gilbert P. Felongco, Correspondent
Published: 00:00 May 31, 2010

CCTVs to monitor floods in Metro Manila; Another disastrous flood likely to occur warns experts

Manila Authorities in Metro Manila have installed closed circuit cameras at inundation prone areas of the metropolis as part of measures to prevent a repeat of a disastrous flood that hit Manila on September 26 last year.

Oscar Inocentes, chair of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), said 20 closed-circuit television (CCTV) cameras have been installed in the floodgates in strategic areas of the metropolis to warn of any rapid rise in the water level and guard against massive flooding.

Inocentes said the CCTV cameras are part of a new comprehensive system that allows the MMDA to closely monitor the status of the various pumping stations located in the area.

He said that with the new system, the MMDA can monitor not just the level of water in a certain locale but also get information on the fuel status, fuel consumption and the amount of fuel in the storage tanks of the pumps.

Data from each of the 20 pumping stations will then be transmitted wirelessly to the MMDA Command Centre central monitoring.

Aside from the MMDA, local government units (LGUs) in Metro Manila have started to set in place their own disaster mitigation plans to be able to prepare for natural disasters such as floods, earthquakes, landslides and mud flow.

Earlier, experts warned that abnormal heavy rainfalls and massive floods, including the one that typhoon Ketsana (local codename: Ondoy) brought in the country last year, will most likely occur in the country in the near future.

Dr Gemma T. Narisma of the Manila Observatory, said preparation should be set in place to mitigate the risk in populous areas of Metro Manila.

Dr Narisma, who said climate change has indeed set in as shown by the extreme weather events that have happened in the recent past, is urging the MMDA and LGUs to prepare for disastrous flood which, according to trend, is going to occur more often in the course of global climate change.

Why is Davao ambulances uses green strobelights instead of Blue? Blue light wavelength travel further than green and red lights. :ohno:

U.S. emergency vehicles are using blue strobelights overhead.

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Korean government provides $ 3-M flood forecasting system for RP
MANILA, June 2 (PNA) - The Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has signed an agreement with the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration(PAG-ASA) for the establishment of an early warning and monitoring system to be installed along the Pasig-Marikina river basin.

The Korean government will provide a US $ 3-million grant for the project.

KOICA Resident Representative Kim Jinoh said Korea pursued the implementation of the project in response to the devastation caused by typhoon Ondoy in Metro Manila.

“The events of September and October last year showed how vulnerable Metro Manila is to extreme weather conditions. Through this system, we aim to lessen damage to both property and lives in Manila. We also hope to minimize poverty caused by natural disasters,” he said.

The project involves the installation of automatic weather systems, as well as rain and water level gauges, automatic warning broadcasting system and advanced communications equipment.

It will also develop a weather and flood forecasting model using the data collected from the installed equipment.

The PAG-ASA database will eventually be linked to concerned agencies and local government units, which shall enable them to view real-time data.

The project also involves the training of local officials and staff in Korea, as well as the dispatch of Korean experts to the Philippines.

It will be implemented from 2010 to 2012. (PNA) http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=3&sid=&nid=3&rid=279541

New law imposes price control during calamity :banana:
by Joyce Pangco Pañares

President Gloria Arroyo has signed a law that will make mandatory the imposition of price ceiling on prime commodities during a state of calamity and will require state lending institutions to extend interest-free loans to citizens who are displaced by the calamity.

Republic Act No. 10121, signed on May 27, also made disaster risk education a mandatory component of school curriculum for high school and college students.

The new law is expected to better equip the country in dealing with natural disasters, such as killer typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng that damaged at least P200 billion in infrastructure and agricultural outputs, among others.

RA No. 10121 also renamed the National Disaster Coordinating Council into the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Under the new law, otherwise known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the secretary of defense shall serve as chairperson of the council.

The council shall have four vice-chairmen, namely the Interior chief for disaster preparedness; the Social Welfare chief for disaster response; the Science and Technology chief for disaster prevention and mitigation; and the National Economic and Development Authority director general for disaster rehabilitation and recovery.

Members of the council include the administrator of the Office of Civil Defense; the secretaries of health, environment, agriculture, education, energy, finance, trade, transportation, budget, public works, foreign affairs, justice, labor, tourism, and peace process; the Executive Secretary and Press Secretary; and the Armed Forces chief of staff and National Police director general, among others.

A salient point of the law is the integration of disaster risk education into the curriculum at the secondary and tertiary levels, including the National Service Training Program, in public and private schools, including non-formal, technical-vocational, indigenous learning, and out-of-school youth courses.

Section 17 of the new law also states that once a state of calamity is declared, the government shall immediately impose a price ceiling on basic and prime commodities.

The Local Price Coordination Council shall also prevent and control overpricing, profiteering, and hoarding of prime commodities, medicines, and petroleum products.

Why is Davao ambulances uses green strobelights instead of Blue? Blue light wavelength travel further than green and red lights. :ohno:

U.S. emergency vehicles are using blue strobelights overhead.

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I don't see any green strobelight on the pic above and i did not notice it either when i was there.

You sure it was green? Weird...

I always thought strobelights on emergency vehicles is pretty standard all over the world.

^^

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^^

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Strange...first time to notice this one.

It's always been blue and red for emergency vehicles, orange for those carrying flammable materials, etc. bakit kaya ginawang green eto?

Not all Mercedes vehicles are high-end. The company also make vehicles for commercial use.

There are countries that are on the same level or are less developed than The Philippines that uses Mercedes Sprinter for ambulance such as,

-It's not actually the cost of the vehicle itself that prompts most not to acquire them, it's the cost of it's maintenance, specially the spare parts which is not readily available. No one would have an ambulance to be laying in the shop for several weeks instead of it to be of purposefull use again. At least in Cebu that's one of the factor we consider but you'll see European models in their fleet and it's donated.

Strange...first time to notice this one.

It's always been blue and red for emergency vehicles, orange for those carrying flammable materials, etc. bakit kaya ginawang green eto?
-Because there is no regulatory body to implement and impose laws. So, anyone could have whatever color they would.

^^

standard yata yan ng mga south korean made ambulance, kasi ganyan din dito sa saudi green strobe lights din ang hyundai at kia ambulance.

Why is Davao ambulances uses green strobelights instead of Blue? Blue light wavelength travel further than green and red lights. :ohno:

U.S. emergency vehicles are using blue strobelights overhead.
-That is because in the US there are laws that governs it and unlike in the Philippines, there isn't.

OTOH, if we are just talking of wavelength here, red travels farthest than green and blue. And in fact, blue lights has the shortest wavelength among the 3 colors mentioned. But this is not just the only consideration experts and safety people are looking into. It has to involve the environmental condition as well. The blue colored light can be washed out by a strong skylight during the day yet it is better seen at night.
^^

standard yata yan ng mga south korean made ambulance, kasi ganyan din dito sa saudi green strobe lights din ang hyundai at kia ambulance.
-At some point you are right, it just depends whether it is government or privately owned. Private hospital ambulances use green and red while government-operated ambulances use red and white or green and white.

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:cheers::cheers::cheers:

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Why is Davao ambulances uses green strobelights instead of Blue? Blue light wavelength travel further than green and red lights. :ohno:

U.S. emergency vehicles are using blue strobelights overhead.

Kasi 'cool'. :lol:

44 provinces cited as vulnerable to floods, landslides (http://www.malaya.com.ph/07072010/news8.html)

BY REGINA BENGCO

PRESIDENT Aquino yesterday ordered the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC, formerly National Disaster Coordinating Council) to implement preventive evacuation and resettlement in high-risk villages in the 44 provinces identified to be the most vulnerable to floods and landslides.

Aquino met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman, Science Secretary Mario Montejo, Presidential Management Staff director general Julia Abad, and NEDA deputy director general Marcelina Bacani and ordered them to prepare for the disasters that are expected to hit the country by September.

"We are expected to have disasters in September. Right now, it’s the transition period between La Niño and La Niña, which explains the weather we are having," Soliman said.

"We are undertaking preventive measures as instructed by President Aquino…His marching order is, to the extent we can, we should be prepared," she said.

She said Aquino ordered all military assets for search and rescue deployed in areas where the risk is high.

She said 44 provinces in the eastern seaboard are highly vulnerable to flooding, landslides, and storm surges. These include the Bicol region, the Caraga region, Quezon province, and the Leyte and Samar provinces – and to a certain extent Isabela, Aurora, and Cagayan provinces.

She said two private sector groups have offered the use of their aircraft for free to augment the limited air assets of the military.

Soliman also said Aquino transferred from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority to the Department of Science and Technology the task of running Metro Manila’s flood control system.

She said Montejo is preparing the rain gauges and doppler radars and the science department is running models to determine how fast and how high the floods could rise. She said the government wants a two-hour minimum and six-hour maximum lead time (for highly vulnerable areas) to predict the floods.

Soliman said her department has pre-positioned standby funds and supplies of P500,000 for Metro Manila and P300,000 for the other regional offices to buy immediate needs, mainly rice, for evacuation centers.

"We have a stockpile of P153 million in repacked clothes, blankets, mats, cooking utensils, and tents to be distributed to the provinces in case of disasters," she said.

She said the DSWD has used up P186 million of its P333 million calamity fund for the rehabilitation of areas damaged by storm "Ondoy" and typhoon "Pepeng" last year and for the internally displaced persons in conflict areas in Mindanao.

"We are eating up into the 2010 budget for a 2009 disaster," she said.

She said in case more funds are needed, the President could give the DSWD additional budget from the P2-billion Calamity Fund on recommendation of the NDRRMC.

Davao Volunteer Fire Brigade
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Photo by KING CITY

An invitation to the
1st National Rescue & Disaster Response Competition

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/NRDRCposter.png

> 15 teams only (15 members for each team)

> Categories:
A. Water Rescue
B. Rough Country Rescue
C. Building/Fire Scenario

> Registration Fee: PHP 20,000.00 This includes Breakfast only for 3 days

> Optional Tour (P1,850/pax):
Whaleshark Interaction in Donsol (July 26, 2010)

> Registration/Waiver Forms must be received by July 15, 2010 by Fax at (052) 481-1297 or mail through albay.agrirehab@gmail.com, for more information about National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition please visit us at Albay Capitol Bldg., Ground Flr., Annex II, Old Albay, Legazpi City or call us at (052) 481-1297 look for Kat or Em.

Download Form > CLICK HERE (http://www.mediafire.com/?ogjzmymfyzy)

Source: National Rescue Competition (http://nationalrescuecompetition.com/nrdrc2010/)

Davao Central 911
^^ ditto!

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^^ Ang galing ng Davao ah

^^Salamat:)

Davao City Central 911

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Vice Mayor to open traffic center
Mindanao Daily Mirror
July 28, 2010
BY EDITHA Z. CADUAYA


Mayor Sara Duterte named Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte as the guest of honor in the grand inauguration and opening tomorrow (Wednesday) of the city’s traffic signalization program featuring state-of-the-art closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras in strategic areas in the city.

The vice mayor will open the Public Safety Coordination Command Center (PSCC) located beside the old SIR public market, which is now the new home of the city’s 911 emergency communications center.

The PSCC now houses 16 CCTV monitors for the city’s traffic signalization program, the 911 call center, and the command center for crisis management.

The building also has a 36-seat conference room.

“Vice Mayor Duterte will be the guest of honor because the traffic signalization program for the city is his dream,” Sara said.

She said the former mayor had anticipated the traffic situation of the city and worked towards the creation of the traffic center.

The multi-million-peso traffic signalization project is now in its third and final phase.

It can see the actual traffic condition of the city and has the capacity to track the movement of vehicles passing the entrance and exits of the city.

The city awarded the project to Abratique and Associates Philippines, a traffic and telecommunications contractor owned by Filipino traffic engineer Efren Abratique.

The same firm undertook the traffic system in California several years back and is still maintaining it.



DISCLAIMER: Views expressed in these section represent the views of the readers exercising their right to free expression and do not necessarily represent the editorial position of dailymirror.ph.

Home » Sun.Star Davao » Local News
City now under virtual watch
Wednesday, July 28, 2010


DAVAO City Government inaugurated Wednesday its multi-million Public Safety Command Center (PSCC), which keeps a virtual eye on the city's streets and major intersections for traffic and security concerns.

The two-storey building houses the monitoring system through cameras installed all over the city. It is also the central station of the city's traffic signalization program.

The PSCC, beside the Central 911 office at SIR New Matina, is set to assist other offices and departments, both local and national, in attaining the ends of public safety through facilitating coordination and providing technical services and support.

The PSCC building and its equipment were blessed at 5 p.m. Wednesday, followed by a turnover ceremony for an advanced weather monitoring and disaster alert system created for the city by the Ateneo de Davao University Engineering and Architecture Division and Smart Communications, with the help of Engr. Efren Abratique of the Abratique and Associates, who is behind the traffic signalization.

Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte spearheaded the creation of a traffic control center and installation of CCTV cameras in line with his prioritization of the city's peace and order.

The budget for the center and its equipment is part of the Phase 3 of the traffic signalization program, which costs a total of P704-million.

"It's not that this is what I want. It's because this is what the people want me to do for them. That's how the government should be 'this is what you told me to do that's why I am giving it to you' and not that people thank the government for what it did for them," Duterte said in vernacular.

Duterte disagreed in attributing the PSCC to him as he said he was only doing his job ad the city's chief executive.

“This is the dream of the Dabawenyos, not mine. This is what the people want me to do for them that's why I have to deliver. This is for the people," he added.

With the CCTV and traffic signalization in place, the PSCC can relay orders concerning the city's service delivery, especially during emergencies.

Central 911 chief Mario Verner Sebial Monsanto was given authority by Mayor Sara Duterte to supervise the PSCC, which is attached to the City Mayor's Office.

The PSCC is the first in the country wherein a City Government enhanced its response mechanism through the combined use of CCTVs and traffic signalization.

Seventeen wireless cameras, with a 35x optical zoom capacity, were imported from the United States and were installed in 16 strategic areas in city.

These are now functional and are being monitored in computers at the PSCC.

Monsanto said this monitoring system is even better than the ones used by the Emergency 911 of the United States.

As to the weather monitoring and disaster alert system, Monsanto is optimistic this will be of great help in warning the city in case of drastic weather changes.

"The advanced weather station was made through the efforts of the private sector. These equipment can help us monitor our weather, magiging mabilis malalaman yung pabago-bago ng panahon, and this will also show us the rise of water," Monsanto said in a mobile phone interview.

Mayor Duterte recently signed Executive Order No. 12 creating the PSCC grounded on the provision that every local government unit exercises the powers necessary and proper for the governance such as the promotion of health and safety, enhancement of prosperity, improvement of morals, the maintenance of peace and order, and the preservation of comfort and convenience of the inhabitants within their respective jurisdictions.

"The growing number of incidents and disasters and the increasing complexities of human activities demonstrate the need to bring together different government agencies to assure that any and all actions, measures, policies, and programs work in a coordinated manner with one another to better address public safety concerns," the mayor said.

The PSCC will serve as a venue for coordination on matters of public safety with:

* Davao City Police Office (DCPO) - on crime prevention, suppression, and investigation;

* Traffic Management Command, Traffic Group-DCPO - on traffic management and enforcement;

* City Health Office and City Social Services and Development Offices - on actual and emerging health emergencies and management of victims and emergency shelters;

* Central 911, Bureau of Fire Protection, Red Cross and volunteer organizations - on all types of rescue services, including fire prevention and suppression, and hazardous materials response;

* Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council, Office of the Civil Defense, and Regional Disasters Coordinating Council - on planning and responding during calamities, disasters, and other special events. (Jade C. Zaldivar)


Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on July 29, 2010.

I just wonder if we are ready on this kind of disaster.

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Rescue workers search amongst the debris after a mud slide swept away a large part of the town of Zhouqu, Gannan prefecture, in northwestern China's Gansu province, Monday, Aug. 9, 2010.

PNP. A bunch of incompetent and cowardly bastards. No effective training whatsoever. A waste of taxpayer money and an embarassment to the Philippine nation.

Where's that damn feedback mechanism P.Noy promised? Clearly, the PNP needs to go and it should be now.

Like every armed forces and law enforcement units, its has its ups and down.

And this includes the PNP or AFP.

Though they were not successful in this incident, they were successful in other situations that took place around Metro Manila. Such would be the Oakwood Mutiny, Manila Peninsula siege, Camp Bagong Diwa siege and providing security for important people and heads of state including the former US President George W. Bush.

^^ Actually I watched the Manila Peninsula siege. It looked a hell of alot like this one. Bunched up together like idiots. All the next hostage taker needs is a freaking rocket launcher or actually use a grenade. And bam, that entire squad will be bits and pieces.

Like every armed forces and law enforcement units, its has its ups and down.

But you're right about this one. Here's Sydney's.

TdnAaQ0n5-8

^^ Actually I watched the Manila Peninsula siege. It looked a hell of alot like this one. Bunched up together like idiots. All the next hostage taker needs is a freaking rocket launcher or actually use a grenade. And bam, that entire squad will be bits and pieces.

But there were no civilian casualties especially tourists and hotel guests. It was a victory.

I think it was more like cops vs cops so, it was hard for them to just kill their own fellow officers even though some of them already knew that mr. mendoza was already been terminated from his job. But then, the opportunity like what we seen when he went by the bus door and waved at the media, they could have just shot his legs, then wrestled him right away as soon as he drops down on the floor and out from the bus. It was indeed a perfect chance they blew up.

Yep all spot lights were on, media were on while mr. mendoza had an access watching it live from inside the bus, plus commandos were not completely armed even with throat mikes and NVG to supress the lone gunman at dark, no flashbangs and explosive devices used to blow up the windows for a quick entry, and finally we seen no ladders were used to board the bus. Oh yeah the cops also took a long march and crouching instead of using vehicles to quickly approach the bus with all their equipments, but oh well hehe...........

Im surprised though that the PNP-SAF were not specially trained on this kind of situation, oh crap, i think not even those local tactical police.

But hey, one bright observation here, there were not much elite units in the world have ever dealed with EXACT the same situation like what just happened in manila, only a few foreign special units actually had a similar experiences from israel's IDF special units, and a similar russian commando unit who stormed a bus in 1995 with 0 hostage casualty:

RUSSIAN EXPERIENCE:

October 15, 1995
MOSCOW Firing into the air, Russian commandos swarmed onto a tour bus near the Kremlin early today, freeing four South Koreans and a Russian driver held hostage for 10 hours by a rifle-wielding assailant. The gunman died during the attack.

About 20 commandos attacked the bus before dawn, unleashing a barrage of gunfire and tossing stun grenades. Several commandos crawled through the bus windows.

The five freed men were hustled from the bus looking shaken and dazed. The Interfax news agency reported that all were freed unhurt. About 20 other hostages had been released in the hours before.

The dead gunman was Russian, Moscow Mayor Yuri Luzhkov said. "We do not …

http://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/15/world/ru...-in-moscow.html (http://www.nytimes.com/1995/10/15/world/russian-seizes-27-koreans-in-moscow.html)


IDF "Coastal Road massacre" EXPERIENCE:

During the ride, the militants shot and threw grenades at passing cars, shot at the passengers and threw at least one body out of the bus.[5] At one point they commandeered another bus, and forced the passengers from the first bus to board the second one.[5] The bus was finally stopped by a police roadblock near Herzliya, and a long shooting battle ensued.[5] Passengers who attempted to escape were shot.[5] Time magazine speculated that more hostages may have been killed by the wild shooting of the police than by the terrorists."[10] An explosion, caused either by an exploding fuel tank, or a grenade set the bus on fire.[11] Thirty-eight civilians were killed in the attack, thirteen of them children, and seventy-one were wounded.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coastal_Road_Massacre


Thats why i hate those foreigners who trash talking us all over the world.

Well i seen some retraining of filipino tactical police and try to perfect this one next time, as its always good for them to be always prepared at all times and at any situation.

Ito isa sa mga videos na nakita ko, dito pinakita kung pano pa nangisay si sir mendoza, tsk tsk tsk.....
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AtFszNQ8SpU&feature=related
AtFszNQ8SpU

Davao Lifeline Medical Transport Services, Davao City
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Thursday, September 2, 2010
Do we still need the PAGASA in Davao City?

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With the completion of Davao city’s state-of-the-art Public Safety Command Center (PSCC) which is the sole facility ever mounted in the soil of the Philippines and with the city’s very own weather monitoring and disaster alert system installation, is it safe (or right) to say that Davao City doesn’t need the PAGASA anymore?

While reading skyscrapercity.com, an online forum for development and construction enthusiasts, a user’s post caught my attention and left me a big and interesting question. With these equipments we have right now, do we still need to rely on PAGASA to tell us what will be our weather condition everyday? PAGASA has been dumped for several times now due to inaccuracies in weather forecasting that has been witnessed during the devastation of the previous typhoons that have recently hit the northern part of the country.

That’s the big question that was bugging my mind to death since this afternoon, the moment after i read that forumer’s post. And after of several hours of critical thinking (LOL), I’m so glad that I’ve been able to come up with a good answer, i think. (Well, forgive me if this isn’t really the best answer for the question, this is only my personal opinion, and please take note I’m just an ordinary student and I’m not an expert. )

For me, I don’t think so. With these system that we have right now, I don’t think this will sustain all the works that PAGASA is doing. Although this will enhance the local authorities’ capabilities in terms of monitoring and weather condition awareness, I don’t think we should disregard PAGASA as a premier source of information when it comes to weather forecasting.

But one thing is clear, for sure this will speed-up the authorities’ response time when a disaster strikes the city since they don’t need to fully rely on PAGASA’s words anymore since they already have their own monitoring system and the information is already localized. Plus the construction of a central command center which centralizes all the units of the local government will surely boost the authorities’ scope within the city’s vicinity.



Davao City Public Safety Command Center (PSCC)

The Public Safety Command Center (PSCC) serves as the nerve center for 17 CCTVs installed in 16 strategic areas in the city, covering entry and exit points and populated areas in the downtown areas, and the traffic signalization for the entire city.

The PSCC will also serve as a venue for coordination on matters of public safety with:

* Davao City Police Office (DCPO) – on crime prevention, suppression, and investigation;

* Traffic Management Command, Traffic Group-DCPO – on traffic management and enforcement;

* City Health Office and City Social Services and Development Offices – on actual and emerging health emergencies and management of victims and emergency shelters;

* Central 911, Bureau of Fire Protection, Red Cross and volunteer organizations – on all types of rescue services, including fire prevention and suppression, and hazardous materials response;

* Davao City Disaster Coordinating Council, Office of the Civil Defense, and Regional Disasters Coordinating Council - on planning and responding during calamities, disasters, and other special events.







Davao City

Many factors have made Davao City different from other cities in the world, there are positive and negative factors but one thing is the key factor, our local leaders. We have a bunch good legislators (not all, of course), and most of all our city mayors (the Duterte -s) are true people and a true public servants.

From being a murder capital in the Philippines way back before, Davao city is now truly a venue for peace, harmony and prosperity.

Long live my homeland Davao City!


Davao City News Feed (http://davaocitynews.blogspot.com/2010/09/do-we-still-need-pagasa-in-davao-city.html?ref=nf)

Public-private partnership tapped for flood warning system in Davao City


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The partnership between the Davao City government, the Ateneo de Davao University (ADDU) and Smart Communications, Inc. (SMART) led to the setting up of a weather and flood alert system as part of the city’s disaster preparedness program.



The warning system was launched during the inauguration of the Public Safety Command Center (PSCC) attended by Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio, Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) deputy administrator Susan Espinueva, national and local government officials and other officials from the private sector.

In a briefing, it was explained that the system consisted of the automated weather station (AWS), river level gauge, personal tracker, land and sea tracking devices which were fabricated and programmed by ADDU engineering faculty and students.

The Ateneo students composed of Charese Olmoguez, Ann Marie Roselle Balinas and Flora May dela Cruz with Engr. Marloue O. Pidor as mentor, made the concept and design and was funded by SMART.

These students created an upgraded version of the search and rescue management system which placed second during the 2008 SWEEP Innovation Awards organized by SMART.

SWEEP or Smart Wireless Engineering Education Program is an educational initiative of telecommunications firm of which ADDU is a partner-school.

Data generated by these devices once deployed will be transmitted via SMART’s cellular network to a website which can be accessed by the PSCC.

PCSS head Mario Verner Sebial Monsanto said in cases where information would indicate the rise of water from where the gauges were deployed. This will be communicated immediately to the responders and to concerned officials and leaders.

He said SMART also donated 20 manual rain gauges and these units are deployed in the city’s flood-prone barangays. The barangay captains will then designate a point person to monitor these rain gauges everyday to ensure that the units are working and safe.

According to Mon Isberto, head of public affairs group of SMART he said that the AWS form the core of an early warning system for the city which has been experiencing floods in some of its districts in recent years.

Aside from the unit located within the Central 911 Compound, three more AWS will soon be deployed in SMART’s relay station in San Fernando, Bukidnon and cell sites in Marilog and Buda.

He said the reason they came in to support the project is because it is an idea that is demand driven as suggested by the Davao City officials.

There is also a need since Davao City is experiencing flooding even when there is no rain and Davao City is the only city in the country that has the capability for now.

”It is unique to Davao and no other local government unit has that capability,” he said.

Right now they are still developing the concept as to whether it is the ideal one because they still have to prove it.

“But the longer you do it, the more effective it becomes. And with more data collected you can already see relationships on how long and how big the water rises and its extent as to areas,” he said.

He said when we will succeed with this, and then we can in the future share it with other local government units although he said they have already about 3 or 4 local government units (LGUs) already in mind.

The Ateneo group calibrated their AWS based on World Meteorological Organization (WMO) standards under the guidance of weather specialists from PAGASA.

The group underwent a week-long immersion program with the state weather bureau. Complementary to the AWS is river monitoring instrument also developed by the engineering students and these will be set up along Bantol and Lacson Rivers and on the bridges of Suwawan and Waan, all in Davao City.

By observing both rainfall and river level information, the Davao’s Rescue 911 Service will be able to provide timely flood warning.

The original design of the disaster alert system to be implemented by Davao City where officials can better track sea vessels during emergencies was also expanded to track land vehicles where the ADDU group worked closely with Rescue 911, Davao City’s 24-hour emergency response team, and the Davao Gulf Management Council and the Philippine Coastguard in testing the sea and land-based prototypes.

Two sea tracking devices will be issued to the Coast Guard while two land vehicle tracking device will be assigned to Rescue 911 for use in their ambulance and mobile patrol vehicle. A personal tracker has also been designed to be worn on the vest of Rescue 911 personnel. (PNA) LAP/DDB/lvp


http://hdmf.wordpress.com/2010/07/30/public-private-partnership-tapped-for-flood-warning-system-in-davao-city/

Davao City 911

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RV IV (Rescue Vehicle IV - Big Brother)
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Not sure pero murag ARGUS yata name ani
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...

Sorry for the low res grainy images and video. Had to use my phone cam as my camera drained its battery during the tour.

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Fiber Optic Camera for Rescue Operation in Collapsed Structure situation
R7hjFe6fhEk

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Pasig City to Celebrate "Disaster Readiness Week" on September 23

By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD
September 17, 2010, 12:11am

Pasig City, Philippines - The local government of Pasig City is set to celebrate its "Disaster Readiness Week" from September 20-26 with the holding of a citywide earthquake and fire drill to help raise awareness on the importance of disaster preparedness.

According to Ritchie Angeles, head of the Pasig City Search and Rescue, the earthquake and fire drills will be held on Monday and will be participated in by all private and public high schools, all government buildings and private establishments.

Participating agencies also include all barangay fire rescue units, non-government organizations fire volunteers, the Bureau of Fire Protection-Pasig, Pasig City Search and Rescue, Pasig City Fire Brigade and Pasig City Emergency Unit.

Angeles said aside from the citywide fire and earthquake drill, other activities have been lined-up as part of Disaster Readiness Week.

This includes the Barangay Purok Timba Brigade Competition to be held at the Pasig City Motorpool on September 21; the barangay rescue boat challenge to be held at the Manggahan Flood way at 8 a.m. September 22; the Fire and Rescue Combat Challenge (school category) at the Pasig City Motorpool at 8 a.m. September 23; Fire and Rescue Combat Challenge (Barangay and Private levels) at the Pasig City Motorpool at 8 a.m. September 24; and the Fire and Rescue Combat Challenge (Barangay Fire/Rescue Volunteers and NGOs) at 8 a.m. on September 25.

Special awards/citations will also be given to all Ondoy Respondents who helped during the search and rescue operation for victims of the massive flooding last year.

On September 26 at 6 p.m., a Volunteers Motorcade will also be held which will close out the activities, Angeles said.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/277492/pasig-city-celebrate-disaster-readiness-week-september-23

LGUs Seeks PCG Assistance on Disaster Preparedness

September 25, 2010, 7:31pm

Manila, Philippines - A year after the country witnessed catastrophic scenarios during the height of Typhoon Ondoy, the Philippine Coast Guard continues to train several local government unit on disaster preparedness particularly in those areas which was hit by the said tragic incident.

According to Lieutenant Commander Armando Balilo, PCG Spokesman and deputy chief of staff for community relations that the disaster awareness is not only applicable to the local government units but everyone must also have knowledge on it after seeing what happened last year.

Last week, the City of Binan in Laguna and the town of Cainta underwent series of training particularly in water search and rescue and rubber boat maintenance and operations course which was held at the Coast Guard diving facilities at the PCG National Capital Region Headquarters in North Harbour, Manila.

The Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police three weeks ago also sought the assistance of the PCG on the said similar matter.

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/278978/lgus-seeks-pcg-assistance-disaster-preparedness

WHO Says RP 'On Its Way to be Prepared' for Disasters
By JENNY F. MANONGDO
October 12, 2010, 6:54pm

MANILA, Philippines – When strong typhoons hit the country last year, it became a wake-up call for everyone as it revealed the government’s capabilities in terms of disaster preparedness and response.

A year later, an official from the World Health Organization (WHO) said the country has learned its lesson and is “on its way to be prepared” for similar natural occurrences.

“I think the country is on its way to be prepared,” said Dr. Arturo Pesigan, technical officer of the office of emergency and humanitarian action of the WHO Western Pacific Office, during a forum organized by the Philippine College of Physicians (PCP) in Quezon City Tuesday.

“If you look at it, if it becomes a disaster, it becomes overwhelming no matter how prepared you may be,” he added.

An estimated 464 people died after typhoon “Ondoy” struck the Philippines on Sept. 26, 2009 that affected several areas in Metro Manila and the Southern Tagalog region, a briefer from the WHO noted. With as much as 80 percent of Manila flooded as the storm poured six months worth of rain in just eight hours, it affected more than 4.1 million people living in affected areas. Deaths resulted from drowning or from suffocation after being buried due to landslides.

In its briefer that summarized the events, challenges and actions WHO noted several problems that floated when rescue missions were launched.

“Rescue efforts were hampered by strong currents as well as garbage and debris in the water that threatened to damage or capsize rubber boats and rescue craft. Heavy vehicles and equipment were unable to reach many affected areas for days because of persistent floods...Preliminary rapid assessments showed that many health centers in places such as Marikina City could not deliver essential health services immediately after the floods. The few evacuation centers assessed had sufficient food, water and access to health care via mobile clinics but the distribution of water storage containers was weak. Access was also a problem, as some of the evacuation centers remained impossible to reach for weeks.”

WHO gave its full support to the Department of Health (DoH) in providing aid and relief assistance.

Water purification became an important concern after outbreaks of cholera were reported. From diarrhea kits to jerry cans and generator sets, the WHO has also recruited staff to be deployed in the centers for health development located in the provinces for swift reporting of activities in evacuation centers.

Clearly, the global health agency had its hands full with local health authorities.

While flooding may not be avoided, Pesigan said improvements have to come in on country’s disaster preparedness and response skills.

“The country really has a headway in terms of preparation…If you compare to countries in the same level, the Philippines is actually the leader in terms of preparedness but there are things that must be addressed,” he said.


http://www.mb.com.ph/node/281837/who-

Officials propose disaster relief, counter-terrorism, maritime security as priorities for ASEAN+3 military cooperation
(philstar.com) Updated October 14, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (0) View comments

SHIJIAZHUANG (Xinhua) - Defense officials Wednesday called for armed forces of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and China, Japan, the Republic of Korea (ROK) to work more closely in disaster relief, counter-terrorism and maritime security.

"When it comes to tackling non-traditional security threats, armed forces of ASEAN+3 countries should give a priority to seeking cooperation in disaster relief, counter-terrorism, maritime search and rescue, combating pirates," Zhan Yu, president of Shijiazhuang Army Command College (SACC) of Chinese People's Liberation Army (PLA), told a security forum Wednesday.

More than 20 defense officials from ASEAN+3 countries gathered at SACC, located Shijiazhuang, capital city of north China's Hebei Province, for a two-day forum on non-traditional security issues.

They agreed that over the past years non-traditional security threats, like tsunamis, earthquakes, hurricanes, floods, terrorism, pirating, cross-border crimes, were widely seen in the Asia Pacific region.

Stressing non-traditional security threats were on the rise, Vu Van Khanh, an official from Vietnam's Ministry of Defense, said 10+3 countries had exerted much efforts in enhancing cooperation to cope with those threats, though there remained some barriers.

"The first barrier is the difference of perception of non-traditional security threats of each country in the region." Khanh said.

Despite differences, the Vietnam official called for armed forces of the region to step up cooperation in crisis forecasting, information sharing and personnel training in commonly agreed areas of disaster relief and maritime security, among others.

Lee Wan Sig, official from the ROK defense ministry, said the diversification and increasing scope of disasters made it necessary for countries in the region to seek stronger cooperation, in which military had a greater role to play.

Citing international anti-piracy operations in Somali, Lee urged armed forces of countries to seek a joint response to the piracy and share experiences, knowledge and information.

Chen Shengwu, an official of SACC, called for the establishment of a disaster-warning network throughout ASEAN+3 countries, more technical and equipment assistance among countries and frequent joint exercises and operation in order to enhance capability to counter non-traditional security threats.

The forum concluded later Wednesday with a document summarizing what was said about how to improve the armed forces' capability to deal with non-traditional security threats in regions covering ASEAN+3 countries.

The member states of ASEAN are: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

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Philippine Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa (R) talks to National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) chair Voltaire Gazmin (L) during a disaster preparedness meeting for the entry of Super Typhoon Megi in Manila on October 18, 2010.

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The roof flies off a house as super typhoon Megi, known locally as Juan, hits Ilagan City, Isabela province, northern Philippines October 18, 2010.

^^ Wow grabe yan ah.

RP to US: Please help with your Chinooks
ABS-CBN - Tuesday, October 19


MANILA, Philippines - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has sought the assistance of the U.S. government regarding the use of 6 Chinook choppers of the U.S. Navy that are currently in the country.

Around 3,500 to 4,000 U.S. Navy and Marines are in the country for the joint PHIBLEX exercises.

PHIBLEX is an annual Philippine-US exercise designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the United States and Philippine armed forces.

Colonel Kevin Clark from the United States Army and defense attaché with the Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines said that they had to postpone the military exercise because of the typhoon.

Since Sunday, officials from the U.S. Navy and Marines had been continuously meeting with the OCD, discussing the possible assistance the US can extend.

According to OCD chief Benito Ramos, they still have to go through channels of the Philippine government and get the formal approval of the U.S. government.

A handful of nationalist politicians and and leftist groups have been against the Visiting Forces Agreement or VFA, which legalizes the temporary presence of US troops in the country.

The VFA has been the subject of continuing controversy in the country.

Ramos admitted the VFA controversy still has a big influence in the decision-making process of the government, even in the OCD.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) has to make do with the 2 helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for rescue operations.

The U.S. military, which is holding a 9-day drill with Philippine counterparts, had offered 7 helicopters, including 6 Chinooks, to deliver relief goods and rescue marooned residents if needed. -- with a report from Reuters

^^ Wow grabe yan ah.

Meron pinakita sa news kahapon, tricycle nililipad ng hangin ni Juan...

Ngayong bagyo ko lang nalaman na ang NDCC ay renamed na into National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC)...Sabi nga ni Mike Enriquez, ang haba naman ng acronym na yan :D

Meron pinakita sa news kahapon, tricycle nililipad ng hangin ni Juan...

Ngayong bagyo ko lang nalaman na ang NDCC ay renamed na into National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC)...Sabi nga ni Mike Enriquez, ang haba naman ng acronym na yan :D

parang ipo ipo ah

RP to US: Please help with your Chinooks
ABS-CBN - Tuesday, October 19


MANILA, Philippines - The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) has sought the assistance of the U.S. government regarding the use of 6 Chinook choppers of the U.S. Navy that are currently in the country.

Around 3,500 to 4,000 U.S. Navy and Marines are in the country for the joint PHIBLEX exercises.

PHIBLEX is an annual Philippine-US exercise designed to improve interoperability, increase readiness, and continue the professional relationships between the United States and Philippine armed forces.

Colonel Kevin Clark from the United States Army and defense attaché with the Joint US Military Advisory Group (JUSMAG)-Philippines said that they had to postpone the military exercise because of the typhoon.

Since Sunday, officials from the U.S. Navy and Marines had been continuously meeting with the OCD, discussing the possible assistance the US can extend.

According to OCD chief Benito Ramos, they still have to go through channels of the Philippine government and get the formal approval of the U.S. government.

A handful of nationalist politicians and and leftist groups have been against the Visiting Forces Agreement or VFA, which legalizes the temporary presence of US troops in the country.

The VFA has been the subject of continuing controversy in the country.

Ramos admitted the VFA controversy still has a big influence in the decision-making process of the government, even in the OCD.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) has to make do with the 2 helicopters of the Philippine Air Force (PAF) for rescue operations.

The U.S. military, which is holding a 9-day drill with Philippine counterparts, had offered 7 helicopters, including 6 Chinooks, to deliver relief goods and rescue marooned residents if needed. -- with a report from Reuters

Huh? Akala ko hindi natin kailangan ang US! Di ba yon ang pinagyayabang ng senado natin noon? "Pinatalsik natin ang mga Amerikano!". Ngayon, hihingi tayo ng tulong? The usual case of "doing without thinking first"!

Towns in Isabela

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Baguio City

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Disaster response exercise set

BACOLOD CITY -- A multi-scenario emergency response drill will be conducted here tomorrow in line with the first International Day for Disaster Response and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Day for Disaster Management.

The drill will be simultaneously held in three areas in the city: government center, old city hall and Andres Bonifacio Elementary School.

Joemarie Vargas, Bacolod City Risk Reduction Coordinating Council action officer, said Bacolod will be the first to conduct a multi-scenario response drill.

Carlos Ganihong, Amity Volunteer Fire Brigade chief, said they will stage a collapsed structure scenario at the old city hall, while the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade will handle a vehicular accident involving four vehicles on the highway in front of the government center.

Mr. Vargas also said the Bureau of Fire Protection will conduct a fire drill at the government center, while the police bomb explosive and disposal team will stage a bomb explosion at the old city hall.

Coast Guard Auxiliary will help in the evacuation of "victims" from Andres Bonifacio Elementary School, he added.

Mr. Vargas said modern rescue equipment worth P20 million will be used during the activity.

Other groups involved include the Chamber Volunteer Fire Brigade, the Bacolod City Police Office, Philippine Red Cross, Coast Guard and Patrol 117.

Disaster preparedness has ben institutionalized under the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Act. -- Chrysee G. Samillano

http://www.bworldonline.com/main/content.php?id=19824

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Hi Forum members,

I have been admiring this site for months and I only joined now. A lot of great pictures and information about the Philippines that I was unaware of. My first post though is with regard to helping out the victims of the recent typhoon Megi. We all know that not many of us may be able to join relief drives and buy the necessary items needed for the victims, if this is the case, please do visit this site :

http://www.redcross.org.ph/donatenow

It will give you Philippine Red Cross current account numbers so you can donate to any bank that is nearest or most convenient to you. The PRC and other organizations are only able to distribute the necessities right now to the victims as the floods recede and the roads clear up. Any donation be it in kind or cash will be appreciated by Red Cross and other organizations. Thanks for taking the time to read this.

Bulusan puts govt in a bind



Thursday, 11 November 2010 00:00

OCD appalled by Sorsogon’s unpreparedness
BY RHAYDZ BARCIA CORRESPONDENT

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay: The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the Bicol Region on Wednesday expressed dismay with disaster-management officials of Sorsogon province who were found to be ill-prepared against possibly deadly consequences from recent volatile behavior of Mount Bulusan there. “Our pressing concern in Sorsogon is that disaster managers in the province and [its] municipalities have no inventory of population at risk. They don’t know the [number of] people living within the 4-kilometer and extended zone except [those shown in] old data. There are no concrete measures [against emergencies that may come about as a result of Bulusan Volcano’s eruptions] and I have not seen any efforts from local officials to convene and come up with necessary action plans and contingency measures,” said Bernardo Alejandro, the executive director of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the OCD director for Bicol, during an emergency meeting.

The meeting was attended by local and regional officials from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police and concerned government agencies.

Towns of Sorsogon that could be affected if Bulusan erupted again are Barcelona, Bulusan, Casiguran, Gubat, Irosin and Juban.

Besides the disaster-management officials failing to come up with contingency plans, Alejandro noted that the officials also have not prohibited human activities within the 4-km permanent danger zone around the volcano.

He urged the regional office of the Department of Interior and Local Government to exercise its power over local governments in Sorsogon in formulating disaster-mitigation measures in the light of Mount Bulusan’s recent explosions, the latest of which were heard on Tuesday.

Because of the supposed lack of preparations, Alejandro created Joint Task Force Bulusan to take the lead in drawing up measures against more possible eruptions of the volcano.

No release of funds
According to Alejandro, there would be no transfer of disaster funds to the local governments if no disaster-mitigation plans were formulated by local officials.

“I called Gov. Raul Lee [of Sor-sogon] to come up with accurate data from the ground as early as possible as we could no longer wait for December as promised by disaster managers in Sorsogon [that they will] submit data next month [December] because [we do not know when] the volcano would erupt,” he said.

Ed Laguerta, the resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in Bicol, said before the emergency meeting that even with Alert Level 1 raised over Mount Bulusan since Sunday, the local government of Sorsogon still lacked contingency plans.

Under Alert Level 1, a volcano is in a restive state and an explosion may take place anytime if its activity intensifies.

Laguerta compared preparations being made by local officials in neighboring Albay province whenever Mayon Volcano there shows signs of activity.

“At level 1, Albay, unlike Sor-sogon, is ready with contingency plans,” he said.

Alejandro of the OCD said that he will ask the Phivolcs central office to put up additional monitoring devices around Mount Bulusan so that people living at the foot of the volcano could be easily alerted in case it continues to act up.

Meanwhile, the Department of Public Works in Highways office in Bicol said that Maharlika Road, a national highway, remains passable to all vehicles.

Edgar Curativo, a district engineer of Sorsogon, said that manpower and equipment were deployed to strategic areas along the national road where more ash ejections from the volcano could fall.

Residents start fleeing
Dozens of people fled their homes near the restive Mount Bulusan on Wednesday, while authorities advised pilots to avoid flying near clouds of fine ash shooting out from its crater.

More than 50 people left two villages at the base of the 1,565-meter volcano and more may follow, the Philippine Army command said in a statement.

Soldiers and police would also be posted to keep villagers out of the danger zone around the crater.

Government trucks stood by, ready to bring evacuees to government-run shelters, the Army statement said.

“Civic aviation authorities must advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ejected ash and volcanic fragments from sudden explosions may pose hazard to aircraft,” it added.

Bulusan, 250km southeast of Manila on the main island of Luzon, is one of the country’s 23 active volcanoes.

It has erupted 16 times in recorded history, the last time in 2006.

The Philippines is part of the Pacific “Ring of Fire,” where frequent volcanic eruptions and earthquakes take place.
WITH REPORT FROM AFP


http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/top-stories/31894-bulusan-puts-govt-in-a-bind

DoST gets P729.6-million grant for flood forecasting
By GABRIEL S. MABUTAS
November 13, 2010, 8:33pm

MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Science and Technology (DoST) is getting a 100.7- million Norwegian krone (P729.6-million) grant from the Norwegian government in a bid to improve further the country’s flood forecasting system, especially in the Cagayan Region which had been swept lately by floods due to heavy rains brought by typhoon “Juan,” DoST spokesperson Raymund Liboro said on Satuday.

He said the DoST is getting the grant through a memorandum of agreement (MoA) it had entered into Thursday with the Norwegian Water Resources and Energy Directorate (NVE) of the Kingdom of Norway. The MoA signing was led by DoST Secretary Mario Montejo and Norwegian Ambassador Knut Solem.

Asked why the Norweigan government took the initiative of giving the grant, Liboro said it must have taken note of the country’s effective monitoring of typhoon Juan from the time that it entered its area of responsibility.

“I think Pagasa (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration) now is reaping the gains of its effective performance during the last typhoon that hit the country. Now, the people have taken notice [of it], even the foreign institution,” Liboro said.

International institutions hardly relied on PAGASA’s forecast in the past as many had found it to be inaccurate. But when typhoon “Juan” hit the country in September as accurately predicted by PAGASA, international weather and news entities, including the US-based Cable News Network (CNN) started adopting its weather bulletins, which were signed, for the first time in the history, by the DoST chief himself.

It was gathered that Montejo had a direct hand in PAGASA’s typhoon monitoring even before “Juan” could enter the country to ravage the northern part of Luzon.

Liboro said the grant would certainly help a great deal in improving the flood forecasting and early warning capability of PAGASA, especially in the Cagayan river basin and the Magat Dam operations.

“This will help reduce the loss of lives and damage to properties during floods brought about by heavy rains.

According to the MoA, the 100.7-million Norwegian krone project will help restore the telecommunication system and rehabilitate the monitoring facilities of the existing flood forecasting and warning system and the flood forecasting and warning system for dam operations. The MoA also covers the installation of additional monitoring stations.

DoST and NVE also agreed to jointly conduct research on an integrated weather and flood forecasting system; establish a decision support system; and conduct training and capacity building activities, as well as intensive public information drives and campaigns for stakeholders and the public.

“DoST fully supports the continued enhancement and strengthening of PAGASA’S flood forecasting capability through the continued upgrading of its existing observing equipment and facilities, including the Magat Dam Flood Forecasting and Warning System. This will help improve the issuance of timely and accurate flood forecasts and warnings particularly in the Cagayan river basin, and will bring about a more effective operation of the Magat Dam spillway for the safety of the communities in the downstream area,” Montejo said.

Meanwhile, NVE International Affairs Manager Kjell Repp was glad at the joint undertaking between Norway and the Philippines. He said that the project is a great opportunity to learn the expertise and technology of each country. “With climate change on the rise, we (Norwegians) might have a similar situation in the future,” he said.

Margie Bautista, chief of PAGASA’s Hydro Meteorological Data Application of the Hydrometeorology Division, said that Cagayan Valley, specifically in the province of Isabela, recently experienced a 12.7 meters of flood water due to the tail of cold front. It is the highest recorded water level rise in the region after more than two decades. Previous records posted a 12.5-meter rise during a typhoon.

Bautista said that with the implementation of this project, new communication link between the Magat-Tuguegarao flood forecasting stations will be established. Before, only the PAGASA central office and the Tuguegarao station had existing link that relays important hydrometerological data.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/287467/dost-gets-p7296million-grant-flood-forecasting

Robredo urges LGUs to activate disaster councils
By Cecille Suerte Felipe (The Philippine Star) Updated November 24, 2010 12:00 AM Comments (1) View comments

MANILA, Philippines - With the continuous spewing of volcanic ash and debris by Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon province, governors and mayors were urged to activate their respective disaster risk reduction management councils in order to prepare residents for possible evacuation in case of a hazardous eruption.

Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo directed DILG regional and field officials to coordinate with the municipalities of Juban, Irosin, Casiguran, Gubat , Barcelona and Bulusan to ensure that their local disaster councils have been activated and all necessary mechanisms are in place.

Robredo said proper preparation would surely help residents reduce the effect on their lives.

He also directed DILG regional director Blandino Maceda to extend the necessary support and assistance to the eruption affected LGUs in the formulation of a responsive and doable contingency plan, as well as to coordinate with other agencies of the government to ensure the continuous delivery of basic services to the public.

At the same time, Robredo ordered the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection to closely coordinate with the local government units in handling the situation in areas around Mt. Bulusan.

“I also urge the local PNP and BFP to work hand in hand with the LGUs and to be prepared for any eventuality,” he said.

Robredo said police and firemen must play vital roles preparing residents in the towns of Juban, Irosin, Casiguran, Gubat, Barcelona and Bulusan, who are directly affected by volcanic ash from Mt. Bulusan.

Mt. Bulusan continued to become restless in the past few weeks, ejecting a voluminous ash that drifted and covered villages in the southwest flank of the volcano.

PHL, Japan hold coast guard exercises in Manila Bay
By JOHN CARLO M. CAHINHINAN
November 25, 2010, 5:49pm

MANILA, Philippines – Members of the coast guards of the Philippines and Japan conducted Thursday a joint exercise on maritime pollution prevention of hazardous and noxious substances (HNS) in Manila Bay.

Lieutenant Commander Armando Balilo, Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Public Information Officer and deputy chief of staff for Community Relations, said the activity was part of a commitment to establish technical and operational capabilities of the Philippine Coast Guard’s (PCG’s) Marine Environmental Protection Command (MEPCOM) in HNS spill response.

Together with members the National Strike Team of the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), a team of MEPCOM personnel trained side-by-side in responding to chemical spill-related incidents.

Participants in the exercise wore hazardous material (HAZMAT) suits and self-contained breathing apparatus (SCBA) which were donated to the PCG through the effort of the Japan Association for Maritime Safety (JAMS) and Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

Senior-Officer 2nd Class (Lieutenant-Colonel/Commander) Iwao Mabuchi, a JCG Officer and expert on maritime safety, said special training was timely in view of the growing number of HNS-related incidents in the country.

Assigned to the JICA Office at the PCG Headquarters in Manila, Mabuchi had been witness to the various chemical spillage incidents, including the controversial sinking of M/V Princess of Stars in 2008 in which, 10,000 kilograms of Endosulfan chemical was left onboard after the tragic incident.

Mabuchi said the joint training program they offered includes guidelines for chemical spill response operations and to bring various stakeholders involved in maritime pollution prevention particularly on the damage brought by the past oil and chemical spill incidents.

Since 1988, the JCG and JICA is very cooperative and helpful to the RP-Coast Guard not only on training but also in financial matters since many of their facilities have been made through the effort of the Japanese counterparts.


http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/289429/phl-japan-hold-coast-guard-exercises-manila-bay

Aquino orders review of disaster measures to further reduce risks
Tuesday, 04 January 2011 20:33 Mia M. Gonzalez / Reporter

PRESIDENT Aquino has ordered the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to further review measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties during calamities.

Mr. Aquino said he also ordered Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, chairman of the NDRRMC, to find out why residents of Saint Bernard in Southern Leyte remained in a place prone to landslides, leading to two casualties.

The President revealed these in an unscheduled interview at the Philippine Navy headquarters where he earlier presided over a command conference. He noted that a thousand people had died in Saint Bernard in 2006 due to landslides.

He said he also told the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to be part of the review process and to provide him “details” of what happened in the calamity areas.

“The aim is to reduce the risk that all of these communities are facing. The major issue is in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, where most have been relocated yet remain in danger,” he said.

The President said the “No.1” government priority is to make sure all the needs of the flood victims are addressed.

The NDRRMC reported that at least 37,124 families, or 197,641 people, from 242 barangays in 39 towns in 10 provinces had been affected.

Based on NDRRMC’s Monday update, the following areas are still affected either by floods or landslides:

· Region 4-A (Calabarzon): barangays El Vita and Paraca, Narra, Palawan

· Region 5 (Bicol region): barangays in Jovellar, Daraga, Camalig, Malinao, Polangui, Libon and Tiwi in Albay and Castilla, Sorsogon

· Region 8 (Eastern Visayas): barangay 92 in Tacloban City, Leyte; majority of the barangays in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte; upstream barangays in Oras, Maslog, Canavid, Dolores, Jipapad and Taft, Eastern Samar; barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Western Samar; and Northern Samar

· Region 10 (Northern Mindanao): Flooding incidents occurred in Tubod, Baroy and Lala, Lanao del Norte after continuous rains caused the overflowing of Bulod River

· Region 11 (Davao region): Monkayo, Compostela, New Bataan and Montevista in Compostela due to the overflowing of Agusan River

· Caraga: Surigao City, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur

· ARMM: 13 barangays in Maguindanao; 11 in Talayan and two in Datu Anggal Midtimban

Landslides were reported in Region 5 (Bicol region): Manito, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot and Bacacay, all of Albay with 18 barangays affected; and Region 8 (Eastern Visayas): Artemio Mate Avenue, Tacloban City, Leyte and barangay San Rafael, Hinabangan, Western Samar.

In Mindanao, Caraga experienced minor landslides in Surigao City and Dinagat Islands, barangays Salvacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, and three road sections in Agusan del Sur are still impassable to all types of vehicles due to flooding and landslide: Bah-Bah-Talacogon Road, Awa-Aspetia and Butuan Lapaz Road.

In Region 11 (Davao region), two footbridges in barangay Andap, New Bataan, Compostela Valley, were washed out while the National Highway along barangays Cabinuangan and San Roque, New Bataan, Compostela Valley is scoured.

Of the 10 fatalities, five were from Southern Leyte province in Eastern Visayas.



Aquino orders review of disaster measures to further reduce risks (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/economy/5770-aquino-orders-review-of-disaster-measures-to-further-reduce-risks)

Aquino orders review of disaster measures to further reduce risks
Tuesday, 04 January 2011 20:33 Mia M. Gonzalez / Reporter

PRESIDENT Aquino has ordered the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to further review measures aimed at reducing the risk of casualties during calamities.

Mr. Aquino said he also ordered Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, chairman of the NDRRMC, to find out why residents of Saint Bernard in Southern Leyte remained in a place prone to landslides, leading to two casualties.

The President revealed these in an unscheduled interview at the Philippine Navy headquarters where he earlier presided over a command conference. He noted that a thousand people had died in Saint Bernard in 2006 due to landslides.

He said he also told the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to be part of the review process and to provide him “details” of what happened in the calamity areas.

“The aim is to reduce the risk that all of these communities are facing. The major issue is in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte, where most have been relocated yet remain in danger,” he said.

The President said the “No.1” government priority is to make sure all the needs of the flood victims are addressed.

The NDRRMC reported that at least 37,124 families, or 197,641 people, from 242 barangays in 39 towns in 10 provinces had been affected.

Based on NDRRMC’s Monday update, the following areas are still affected either by floods or landslides:

· Region 4-A (Calabarzon): barangays El Vita and Paraca, Narra, Palawan

· Region 5 (Bicol region): barangays in Jovellar, Daraga, Camalig, Malinao, Polangui, Libon and Tiwi in Albay and Castilla, Sorsogon

· Region 8 (Eastern Visayas): barangay 92 in Tacloban City, Leyte; majority of the barangays in Saint Bernard, Southern Leyte; upstream barangays in Oras, Maslog, Canavid, Dolores, Jipapad and Taft, Eastern Samar; barangay Fatima, Hinabangan, Western Samar; and Northern Samar

· Region 10 (Northern Mindanao): Flooding incidents occurred in Tubod, Baroy and Lala, Lanao del Norte after continuous rains caused the overflowing of Bulod River

· Region 11 (Davao region): Monkayo, Compostela, New Bataan and Montevista in Compostela due to the overflowing of Agusan River

· Caraga: Surigao City, Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Norte and Agusan del Sur

· ARMM: 13 barangays in Maguindanao; 11 in Talayan and two in Datu Anggal Midtimban

Landslides were reported in Region 5 (Bicol region): Manito, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot and Bacacay, all of Albay with 18 barangays affected; and Region 8 (Eastern Visayas): Artemio Mate Avenue, Tacloban City, Leyte and barangay San Rafael, Hinabangan, Western Samar.

In Mindanao, Caraga experienced minor landslides in Surigao City and Dinagat Islands, barangays Salvacion, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, and three road sections in Agusan del Sur are still impassable to all types of vehicles due to flooding and landslide: Bah-Bah-Talacogon Road, Awa-Aspetia and Butuan Lapaz Road.

In Region 11 (Davao region), two footbridges in barangay Andap, New Bataan, Compostela Valley, were washed out while the National Highway along barangays Cabinuangan and San Roque, New Bataan, Compostela Valley is scoured.

Of the 10 fatalities, five were from Southern Leyte province in Eastern Visayas.

A good example of a report that is not proof-read!

Look at the Region IV-A where it lists Brgy's El Vita and Paraca, Narra, Palawan as included in that region (CALABARZON)! Sleeping on their butts? If the error was made by the government agency that handles emergency response, I don't know how help could come to that barangays when the aid agencies do not know where El Vita and Paraca are located! Does anybody know where "Paraca" is in NARRA? God help those poor souls!

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I dont know where to put this one!

Anyway, why did they drive the vehicle? Proper handling of vehicles involved in incidents like this that is subject for investigation has to be towed away so that they could fully preserve the evidence inside and not be contaminated with someone's hair or fingerprints. :nuts:
--------------------
Saksi:Kotseng ibebenta sana ni Venson Evangelista, narekober sa hotel sa Mandaluyong
02/10/2011 | 11:30 PM
http://www.gmanews.tv/video/73734/saksikotseng-ibebenta-sana-ni-venson-evangelista-narekober-sa-hotel-sa-mandaluyong

DAVAO CITY CENTRAL 911
Earthquake Drill

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The Best Air Ambulance in the Philippines
jQVY6yBmTlQ

^^ is that service free?

^^ is that service free?

I dont think so. It's a private firm that offers emergency lift. If it was a government owned then maybe it can be free, but it's not, too bad i know.

Mga nakatira sa babaying dagat lalo na sa norte. Napakalakas na lindol ang yumanig sa Japan 8.9 Sinasalasa ang Japan ngayon naman nang Tsunami!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!:ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno:

^^it sooo doesn't look good!:ohno:

10 meters Tsunami ang tumama sa Japan ngayon...:ohno::ohno::ohno::ohno:

PLEASE ADVISE EVERYONE ON PHL EAST COAST TO MOVE TO HIGHER GROUNDS. ALERT LEVEL 2 IS UP. WE ARE EXPECTING 1 METER WAVES.

http://wcatwc.arh.noaa.gov/2011/03/11/lhvpd9/01/ttvulhvpd9-01.jpg

TSUNAMI TIMELINE.

ripples na lang yan pagdating ng Pinas, sana...

Sana nga pader at sana paghandaan na agad ng gobyerno natin.

PLEASE ADVISE EVERYONE ON PHL EAST COAST TO MOVE TO HIGHER GROUNDS. ALERT LEVEL 2 IS UP. WE ARE EXPECTING 1 METER WAVES.

@riain, kahit 1 meter lang yan, sisirain niyan ang mga beaches facilities. Yan pa naman ang major contributor sa Tourism nang Pilipinas at halos buong SE Asian Region. Malapit lang ang Pinas sa Japan kung pagbabasihan ang laki nang Pacific Ocean.

After New Zealand now comes Japan and then what next?

Let's prepare everyone.


..

There's also China and Indonesia recently. Only weaker than NZ. We can now see the trend along the Pacific Ring of Fire which runs thru our country. Let's pray there wouldn't be too much casualties.

Yeah, it's a really hard time for Japan.....! Hope the world community will help them! God bless them and save other nations in the region/world!

shet yung CWC!!! baka masira!!!

Hope we could have this system as well, a minute warning will mean a lot in preparedness.


Japan quake warning system sounded early alarm

Agence France-Presse
Posted at 03/12/2011 12:14 AM | Updated as of 03/12/2011 12:23 AM


TOKYO, Japan - Millions of Japanese learnt about Friday's massive earthquake about one minute before they could feel its violent shockwaves, thanks to an early-warning system renowned to be the world's best.

The sophisticated system is connected to network of about 1,000 seismometers around the country which detect and analyse primary waves of quakes and issue warnings if the tremors are predicted to be powerful.

Primary waves travel faster than secondary waves, which are much more destructive -- meaning that alarms about quakes can arrive moments before the earth starts to shake, just enough time to take cover.

"The system functioned well because warnings were seen on television across the country," Hirohito Naito, a seismic specialist at the Japan Meteorological Agency, told AFP.

The warnings were also issued through radio, television and via satellite data transmission systems -- as well as on mobile phone and email services for special subscribers.

In Tokyo, an early warning was flashed by public broadcaster NHK and private networks with loud chimes, interrupting normal broadcasting.

The first big shock was felt about a minute later in the capital area, swaying high-rise buildings and sending millions fleeing outside.

The state-run agency fully implemented the system in late 2007 and had issued warnings 17 times up until Thursday.

Japan accounts for around 20 percent of the world's most powerful earthquakes as it sits on the Pacific "Ring of Fire".

Taiwan and Mexico are also known to have earthquake early-warning systems.

"Other countries, like Mexico, have put such systems to practical use," Naito said. "But the system operated by the Japan Meteorological Agency is the only one which covers the whole area of a country."

SOURCE:http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/global-filipino/world/03/11/11/japan-quake-warning-system-sounded-early-alarm

Luckily the tsunami did no damage to the Philippines. But in Japan, it's a different story. Check out these photos from : http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/03/earthquake-in-japan/100022/

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^^Holy cow! :no:

kakatakot. pagkatapos yanigin, sunugin yung tubig naman

^^ this struck a chord.. how minuscule and mundane our individual lives are against the grand scale of things.. our mortality are but reduced to statistics... We should make our lives count, we should all effect positive change to everyone we meet from now on.

Lets pray for japan! :jp:

We can join them with our prayers.

http://media.oregonlive.com/oregonian/photo/2011/03/9377709-standard.jpg

^^ this struck a chord.. how minuscule and mundane our individual lives are against the grand scale of things.. our mortality are but reduced to statistics... We should make our lives count, we should all effect positive change to everyone we meet from now on.

Lets pray for japan! :jp:

so true!

^^ this struck a chord.. how minuscule and mundane our individual lives are against the grand scale of things.. our mortality are but reduced to statistics... We should make our lives count, we should all effect positive change to everyone we meet from now on.

Lets pray for japan! :jp:

agree JP. let's make ourselves be blessings to others.

those photos are heartbreaking...
life is indeed fragile. and as wise King Solomon of old puts it...life of a man is short-lived, it's like a mist, we have it today, we might lose it tomorrow.

THe photos are so scary. Akalain mo, yung mga ganyan na scene eh akala natin pangHollywood lang :(

a triple tragedy of historical proportions! a strong earthquake, tsunami, and an imminent nuclear meltdown.


----


Quake-hit Japan plant faces new radiation threat
Reuters


SENDAI, Japan (Reuters) – Japan faced the threat of new radiation leaks at an earthquake-crippled nuclear plant on Sunday after the cooling system failed at a second reactor in what could be the world's worst nuclear disaster in 25 years.

Strong aftershocks continued to shake Japan's main island as the desperate search pressed on for survivors from Friday's massive earthquake and tsunami. The death toll was expected to rise above 2,000.

Thousands were evacuated on Saturday following an explosion and leak from the facility's No. 1 reactor in Fukushima, 240 km (150 miles) north of Tokyo, where there is believed to have been a partial meltdown of the fuel rods.

Now engineers were pumping in seawater, trying to prevent the same thing from happening at the No. 3 reactor, the government said in apparent acknowledgement that it had moved too slowly on Saturday.

"Unlike the No.1 reactor, we ventilated and injected water at an early stage," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano told a news briefing.

Asked if fuel rods were partially melting in the No. 1 reactor, Edano said: "There is that possibility. We cannot confirm this because it is in the reactor. But we are dealing with it under that assumption. We are also dealing with the No.3 reactor based on the assumption that it is a possibility."

Nuclear plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (TEPCO) said radiation levels around the Fukushima Daiichi plant had risen above the safety limit but that it did not mean an "immediate threat" to human health.

It said earlier it was preparing to vent steam to relieve pressure in the No.3 reactor at the plant and the government had warned of a rise in radiation during the procedure.

One anti-nuclear energy NGO in Japan said the disaster should have been foreseen.

"A nuclear disaster which the promoters of nuclear power in Japan said wouldn't happen is in progress," the Citizens' Nuclear Information Center said. "It is occurring as a result of an earthquake that they said would not happen."

Thousands spent another freezing night huddled in blankets over heaters in emergency shelters along the northeastern coast, a scene of devastation after the 8.9 magnitude quake sent a 10-meter (33-foot) wave surging through towns and cities in the Miyagi region, including its main coastal city of Sendai.

In one of the heavily hit areas, Rikuzentakata, a city close to the coast, more than 1,000 people took refuge in a school high on a hill. Some were talking with friends and family around a stove. The radio was giving updates. On the walls were posters where names of survivors at the shelter were listed.

Some were standing in front of the lists, weeping.

Kyodo news agency, which said the number of dead or unaccounted was expected to exceed 2,000, reported that there had been no contact with around 10,000 people in one town, more than half its population.

Japan's nuclear safety agency said the number of people exposed to radiation could reach 160. Workers in protective clothing were scanning people arriving at evacuation centers for radioactive exposure.

"They are working on relieving pressure and pumping in water into the No. 3 reactor," Edano said.

"This will result in some radiation leakage, although at a level that won't affect peoples' health. It will help stabilize the situation." He also said radiation from the No. 1 reactor was "low enough not to affect people's health".

The crisis has triggered anti-nuclear power protests in Europe. Up to 60,000 protesters formed a 45-km (27-mile) human chain in Germany to denounce the government's policy of extending the life of nuclear plants.

Officials in Japan ordered the evacuation of a 20-km (12-mile) radius zone around the plant and 10 km (6 miles) around another nuclear facility close by.

Around 140,000 people had left the area, while authorities prepared to distribute iodine to protect people from radioactive exposure.

"There is radiation leaking out, and since the possibility (of being exposed) is high, it's quite scary," said Masanori Ono, 17, standing in line on Saturday to be scanned for radiation at an evacuation center in Fukushima prefecture.

The wind over the plant would continue blowing from the south, which could affect residents north of the facility, an official at Japan's Meteorological Agency said.

"The use of seawater means they have run out of options. If they had any other water they would have used it. It likely means the power for their pumps is gone," said David Lochbaum, director of the Union of Concerned Scientists Nuclear Safety Project.

GOVERNMENT CRITICISED

The government, in power less than two years and which had already been struggling to push policy through a deeply divided parliament, came under criticism for its handling of the crisis.

"Crisis management is incoherent," blared a headline in the Asahi newspaper, charging that information disclosure and instructions to expand the evacuation area around the troubled plant were too slow.

"Every time they repeated 'stay calm' without giving concrete data, anxiety increased," it quoted an unidentified veteran party lawmaker as saying.

There have been proposal of an extra budget to help pay for huge cost of recovery but the government says there is also a 200 billion yen ($2.4 billion) budget reserve for the current fiscal year which can be used.

The Bank of Japan is expected to pledge on Monday to supply as much money as needed to prevent the disaster from destabilizing markets and its banking system. It is also expected to signal its readiness to ease monetary policy further if the damage from the worst quake since records began 140 years ago threatens a fragile economic recovery.

Before news of the problem with reactor No. 3, the U.N. nuclear safety agency said the plant accident was less serious than both the Three Mile Island accident in 1979 and Chernobyl in 1986.

An official at the agency said it rated the incident a 4 according to the International Nuclear and Radiological Event Scale (INES). Three Mile Island was rated 5 while Chernobyl was rated 7 on the 1 to 7 scale.

DEVASTATED COASTLINE

Along the northeast coast, rescue workers searched through the rubble of destroyed buildings, cars and boats, looking for survivors in hardest-hit areas such as Sendai, 300 km (180 miles) northeast of Tokyo.

Aerial footage showed buildings, trains and even light aircraft strewn like children's toys after powerful walls of seawater swamped areas around Sendai.

Kyodo said about 300,000 people were evacuated nationwide, many seeking refuge in shelters, wrapped in blankets, some clutching each other sobbing.

It said 5.5 million people were without power, while 20,800 buildings had been destroyed or damaged. Four trains were unaccounted for after the tsunami.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE

Plant operator TEPCO has had a rocky past in an industry plagued by scandal. In 2002, the president of the country's largest power utility was forced to resign along with four other senior executives, taking responsibility for suspected falsification of nuclear plant safety records.

Many Japanese flooded social networking sites with worries about the plant.

"I can't trust TEPCO," said a person with the handlename Tanuki Atsushi on mixi, the Japanese social networking site.

The disaster struck as the world's third-largest economy had been showing signs of reviving from an economic contraction in the final quarter of last year. It raised the prospect of major disruptions for many key businesses and a massive repair bill running into tens of billions of dollars.

Foreign countries have started to send disaster relief teams to help Japan, with the United Nations sending a group to help coordinate work.

The earthquake was the fifth most powerful to hit the world in the past century. It surpassed the Great Kanto quake of September 1, 1923, which had a magnitude of 7.9 and killed more than 140,000 people in the Tokyo area.

---
http://news.yahoo.com/s/nm/ts_nm/us_japan_quake

^The third one is man-made. Hehe. But I speculators say that it won't be as mad as that one in USSR back then. IDK but luckily, the Philippines does not have any operating nuclear plant. Though I think we should have more hydroelectric and geothermal plants. I'm not so sure about the efficacy of Solar and Wind energies. Any physicist or chemist here?

would our government give any help to japan?

would our government give any help to japan?

Yes.

Reposting my reply.

Magpapadala na tayo ng search and rescue teams dun, pati PNRC magpapadala din.

Hindi rin basta basta na lilipad ang rescue teams dun. Kelangan ng green light from the govt of Japan.

I think Germany, Switzerland, China and US palang ang nabigyan ng pahintulot.

Offer of Assistance from Foreign Countries and Regions (Tohoku Pacific Earthquake): update

March 13, 2011

With regard to the Tohoku Pacific Earthquake, as of 9:00 on Saturday, March 13, 2011, Japan has received offers of assistance from the following 69 countries and regions and 5 international organizations (in no particular order).

Australia, Taiwan, United States of America, Republic of Korea, China, Mexico, Thailand, New Zealand, Israel, Singapore, Indonesia, Azerbaijan, India, Russia, Turkey, Germany, France, Belgium, Ukraine, Slovakia, United Arab Emirates, Switzerland, Hungary, Poland, Jordan, United Kingdom, European Union, Chile, Spain, Greece, Hong Kong, Pakistan, Denmark, Serbia, Uruguay, Mongolia, Ecuador, Iran, Kyrgyz Republic, Malaysia, Argentine, Philippines, Canada, Italy, Sweden, Kosovo, Iceland, Norway, Romania, Slovenia, Ireland, Estonia, Austria, the Netherlands, Czech Republic, Luxemburg, Cambodia, Vietnam, Sri Lanka, Maldives, Bulgaria, Kazakhstan, Georgia, Tadzhikistan, Djibouti, Oman, Timor-Leste, Turkmenistan, ASEAN, OCHA, IOM, WFP, UNICEF and ICRC.

Source: Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Japan

(*This is a provisional translation. The above date denotes the date of the issue of the original press release in Japanese.)

^Why is there need for the gov't approval? ang weird

^Why is there need for the gov't approval? ang weird

Protocol. You can't just enter and help ng ganun ganun lang.

solar and wind very expensive pa tu investment. maybe in the near future. kung meron ng demand. economies of scale of eto.

solar and wind very expensive pa tu investment. maybe in the near future. kung meron ng demand. economies of scale of eto.

Very expensive yes, but if we think of long term benefits, the benefits outweigh the cost. You get cleaner and a safer world.

Red Cross: Pinoys may ‘text’ donations for Japan
PATERNO ESMAQUEL II, GMA News
03/13/2011 | 07:27 PM


Filipinos who wish to help earthquake- and tsunami-stricken Japan may send their monetary donations via text message to the Philippine Red Cross, the humanitarian organization’s secretary-general Gwendolyn Pang said Sunday.

People who wish to donate must type on their mobile phones ‘RED AMOUNT’ and send the message to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart).

Globe subscribers may also send donations through the G-Cash transfer scheme by typing ‘DONATE (space) AMOUNT (space) 4-digit M-PIN (space) REDCROSS’ and then sending the message to 2882.

The Philippine Red Cross website also lists donation schemes through PayPal, cash or check, or bank deposits.

In an interview with GMA News Online, Pang said the Philippine Red Cross and its counterparts worldwide can extend their assistance by initially assessing the situation in Japan, tallying the casualties and taking charge of the logistics.

She explained, however, that the Philippine chapter is waiting for the go-signal of the Japanese Red Cross before mobilizing a team of experts to Japan.

She noted that Japan, which continues to experience aftershocks, remains unstable. “We also have to check if we are clear to enter," Pang said.

Medical teams

Other groups from the Philippines have volunteered to pitch in their services for relief assistance to Japan.

Philippine Medical Association spokesperson Mike Aragon has disclosed plans to send an "elite volunteers' group" to the disaster-stricken country.

In a comment posted on GMA News Online, an Internet user identified as “Democracy_In_Action" also suggested that the government tap the Philippines’ unemployed nurses to help in the relief efforts.

“In this way, we can help our nurses' experience requirements, financially support them, and most of all do our share as a Christian Asian neighbor," the Internet user said. Due to an oversupply of nurses, Filipino nursing graduates have found it tougher to look for opportunities to gain professional experience, which will serve as their ticket for better-paying jobs abroad.

PHL once a beneficiary

The Philippines itself largely benefited from international aid storm Ondoy (Ketsana) inundated Metro Manila and nearby provinces with up to two-storey high floods.

Less than a week after Ondoy unleashed its wrath on the Philippines, half-a-billion pesos in foreign assistance poured in. The Philippine government then pegged the damages at almost P5 billion.

No less than the United Nations also called on the international community, at that time, to extend assistance to the Philippines.

Source: http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215177/red-cross-pinoys-may-text-donations-for-japan

Japanese volcano erupts
Mar 13, 2011 3:01 PM | By Sapa-AFP

A volcano in southwestern Japan erupted Sunday after nearly two weeks of relative silence, sending ash and rocks up to four kilometres (two and a half miles) into the air, a local official says.


It was not immediately clear if the eruption was a direct result of the massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked northern areas Friday, unleashing a fierce tsunami and sparking fears that more than 10,000 may have been killed.

The 1,421-metre (4,689-feet) Shinmoedake volcano in the Kirishima range saw its first major eruption for 52 years in January. There had not been any major activity at the site since March 1.

Authorities have maintained a volcano warning at a level of three out of five, restricting access to the entire mountain.

In April last year, the eruption of the Eyjafjoell volcano in Iceland dispersed a vast cloud of ash, triggering a huge shutdown of airspace that affected more than 100,000 flights and eight million passengers.

Source: http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/article965229.ece/Japanese-volcano-erupts

Interesting video:

HAARP caused japan earthquake
0VX0JvpW5q0


Is this for real? Hmmmm....
:nuts:

Japanese volcano erupts
Mar 13, 2011 3:01 PM | By Sapa-AFP

A volcano in southwestern Japan erupted Sunday after nearly two weeks of relative silence, sending ash and rocks up to four kilometres (two and a half miles) into the air, a local official says.


It was not immediately clear if the eruption was a direct result of the massive 8.9-magnitude earthquake that rocked northern areas Friday, unleashing a fierce tsunami and sparking fears that more than 10,000 may have been killed.

The 1,421-metre (4,689-feet) Shinmoedake volcano in the Kirishima range saw its first major eruption for 52 years in January. There had not been any major activity at the site since March 1.

Authorities have maintained a volcano warning at a level of three out of five, restricting access to the entire mountain.

In April last year, the eruption of the Eyjafjoell volcano in Iceland dispersed a vast cloud of ash, triggering a huge shutdown of airspace that affected more than 100,000 flights and eight million passengers.

Source: http://www.timeslive.co.za/world/article965229.ece/Japanese-volcano-erupts
:ohno: Such a very tough time for Japan. Hopefully, this is the last

Interesting video:

HAARP caused japan earthquake
0VX0JvpW5q0


Is this for real? Hmmmm....
:nuts:

wala yan, may napanood ako dito mga na-interview na "experts" galing Europe sabi dahil daw yan sa global warming...:nuts::bash:

wala yan, may napanood ako dito mga na-interview na "experts" galing Europe sabi dahil daw yan sa global warming...:nuts::bash:

HAARP? :nuts::nuts::nuts:

#BREAKING NEWS A new #tsunami warning has been issued in Sendai, NE #Japan Ppl r being told 2 evacuate now via @rosemaryCNN

Yesterday?

Yesterday?

No today. But the JMA backtracks, but maintains evacuations. Hydrogen explosion in one of the Fukushima plants.

A miracle!


Japan earthquake: Survivor was swept 10 miles into the ocean

http://www.globalpost.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/gp3_small_article/tsunami_rescue.jpg


A Japanese rescue team Sunday managed to save the life of Hiromitsu Shinkawa, a 60-year-old man who survived Japan's devastating earthquake and tsunami by clinging to the top of his roof.


Continue:http://www.globalpost.com/dispatch/news/regions/asia-pacific/japan/110313/hiromitsu-shinkawa-tsunami-rescue

Breaking News:

Due to 'radioactive rain' hoax texts: PUP suspends classes.... along with sanity and common sense. :nuts:

^^ Baka dahil dito, me nakita lang na me nag de-detect ng radiation nag panic na kaagad. :D

hmmm...medyo luma na yung gamit nila, yung bago maliit lang at mag rereport ng parang mapa ng lugar.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0e6T9vsdJY3W4/x610.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/07XC0Bg7X3fAD/x610.jpg

Filipino scientists at the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute use a SAM portable Gamma Spectrometer to measure the gamma radiation levels in the atmosphere near their reactor research facility (background) at suburban Quezon city northeast of Manila, Philippines, Monday, March 14, 2011.


Ganito ang gamit sa amin...

http://www.berkeleynucleonics.com/images/rc_940_closeup.jpg

In light of the tragic earthquake in Japan, I just want to share the Earthquake Risk Zonation in Metro Manila:
Earthquake Risk Zonation in Metro Manila

http://i685.photobucket.com/albums/vv213/feistyradical/metromanilafaultlinemap.gif

CNN Report: What will happen to Manila if a major earthquake strikes?
Mon, Mar 14, 2011 8:58 AM PHT
http://beta.ph.news.yahoo.com/happen-manila-major-earthquake-strikes-20110313-175800-959.html

A CNN report released April 2010 documents Manila's earthquake vulnerability...

In the wake of the massive 8.9-earthquake that hit Japan last week, the lingering question now on every Filipino's mind seems to be, "are we next?" And if so, "what will happen to us?"

Since the 7.0-magnitude earthquake struck Haiti in January 2010, local geologists have been anticipating a major earthquake to hit Manila termed as the "Big One."

CNN released a report last year that documented Manila's earthquake vulnerability citing the Marikina Valley fault as "ready to give in," according to Geologist Mahar Lagmay, an associate professor at the National Institute of Geological Sciences at the University of the Philippines. Lagmay said a 7.0-earthquake would be like a "1,000 Nagasaki atom bomb explosion underneath the Earth's surface along the Marikina Valley Fault."

In an ABS-CBN News report, director Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology warned residents living near the Marikina fault line that buildings and houses could collapse when the ground starts to shake. Meanwhile, an Inquirer report published today, March 14, listed catastrophic scenarios cited by Pacific Strategies and Assessments should a high-magnitude earthquake hit Manila, which could include: an estimated 117,000 homes that would "either collapse or suffer damage, rendering 1.2 million homeless," damaged water reservoirs and purification plants that would immediately cut 4,000 water supply points, and "at least 30 kilometers of electric cables cut, removing the supply of power instantly across the metropolis," among others.

Moreover, the 2010 CNN report said, "If a 7.2-magnitude earthquake hit here in Manila, it could damage 38% of homes, a third of public buildings, and cause more than 50,000 deaths."

For more on this story, log onto CNN, ABS-CBN News and Inquirer.net.


________________________________



Metro Manila may crumble if 7.2 quake strikes – JICA
Manila Bulletin
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/metro-manila-may-crumble-7-2-quake-strikes-20110312-030759-133.html

MANILA, Philippines - Light Rail Transit (LRT) structures are designed to withstand a 7.9-magnitude earthquake; however, a Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) study revealed that Metro Manila would crumble if a 7.2-magnitude earthquake strikes.

The JICA study, conducted with the World Bank and the Asian Development Bank, was presented during a hearing last month of the Senate Committee on National Defense and Security chaired by Senator Francis Escudero.

Expressing concern, Escudero reiterated his call on the urgency to update and strengthen the disaster risk and management capacity in Metro Manila.

Escudero made the call after a tsunami, triggered by a 8.9-magnitude earthquake, slammed Japan and left a swath of destruction and caused fears in coastal areas around the world.

He said there should be a comprehensive inventory of resources in order to appropriately respond to this type of disaster and its aftermath.

"We need to have a thorough audit of what expertise and logistics the agencies under the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) have so we can enhance, augment, and close whatever gaps are there in relation to our coping response and capability in the event of a natural disaster such as a strong earthquake," Escudero said.

The JICA study said Metro Manila was not prepared to deal with a 7.2-magnitude earthquake in terms of existing resources and given old building structures around and within the metropolis.

Such magnitude, the study showed, will result in major fires in Manila, Pasig, and Quezon City. Fire hydrants will not be enough that it would take seven days before authorities can declare "fire out" as major fire engines come from Quezon City and Pasig City, areas which are also at high risks.

Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) Spokesman Hernando Cabrera said a 2003 study made by the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) showed that the strongest temblor that could hit the country is 7.2, a magnitude that is lower than the maximum magnitude LRT structures could handle.

He explained that LRT's design was based on the California Building Code because the Philippine seismic condition is similar to that of California.

"Just a while ago, I heard (Phivolcs Director Renato) Solidum as saying over the radio that the maximum earthquake that could hit the country is 7.2," Cabrera said.

With this, he said, it could be concluded that the LRT designs are strong enough to stand earthquakes that could hit the country," he added.

The problem is, Metro Manila can't probably withstand an earthquake with magnitude 7.2 and above.

At a Senate hearing Wednesday, Solidum underscored the need for earthquake preparedness as he raised the probability of a strong earthquake hitting Metro Manila and certain provinces in Northern and Central Luzon.

Solidum said, citing a study called the "Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction" conducted by Phivolcs, that a 7.2-magnitude earthquake could devastate 40 percent of residential areas and 14 percent of high rise buildings in Metro Manila.

Solidum cited the Marikina fault line, now known as the Valley Point System, which runs from Sierra Madre to Sta. Rosa, Laguna. The line starts from the Sierra Madre and runs through Bulacan, Rodriguez, Rizal, Quezon City, the eastern side of Metro Manila, including Pasig, Taguig, Muntinlupa, San Pedro, and Sta. Rosa in Laguna and ends in Carmona Cavite.

He said a fault is classified active because it moved within the last 10,000 years. He, however, said that since it is locked now the probability of having it moved now is close to zero.

"But of course we need to prepare," Solidum added. According to him, historical and geological records show that the Marikina fault line had moved four times within the past 1,400 years with an interval of 200, 400, and 600 years.


________________________________________



‘Big One’ Is Possible But Metro Is Unprepared
BY AUBREY STA. CRUZ MAKILAN

Here’s something that the country’s national leaders should be bothered about: If a major earthquake were to hit Metro Manila today, the devastation would be so big even disaster response authorities cannot simply cope with it. And it even looks like disaster preparedness occupies a low priority among officials down to the municipal level.

Recent reports gathered by Bulatlat show that up to 35,000 residents of Metro Manila would die and up to three million others would need to be evacuated. In addition, some 175,000 buildings would be damaged. The pressure of collapsed buildings and the inability to rescue those who would be trapped inside would cause most of the deaths.


Distribution of active faults and trenches in the Philippines

With its current population of 10 million, Metropolitan Manila, which is composed of 13 cities and four municipalities, is densely populated with several clusters and districts having high-rise buildings close to each other. Investigations done by various disaster units and fire departments a few years ago found many buildings did not comply with construction standards and that these are prone not only to fires but also to damage by earthquakes of any scale.

One of the reports gathered by Bulatlat, the Metropolitan Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study (MMEIRS), cites “many research studies (indicating) that active phases of the (West) Valley Faults (formerly the Marikina Valley Faults) are approaching and that the estimated magnitude will be around 7 or more.” But MMEIRS also raised the possible intensity from 7 to even 9, which could be “devastating.”

The study projected the “big earthquake” to be “unlike any tragedy seen or imagined in Metro Manila.”

Asked for comment, however, a scientist-environmentalist theorized that such studies could be pressing the panic button now just to allow certain insurance companies to profit from a sudden surge of building insurance orders and the like.


Largest impact

MMEIRS, a Japan-funded study that was begun in August 2002, identified the West Valley Fault, which lies just northeast of Manila, as “the fault expected to cause the largest impact in the metropolis.” The West Valley Fault traverses Marikina town, Pasig going to Muntinlupa up to the south.

The Fault, other studies showed, caused at least two major earthquakes within the last 1,400 years. No earthquake is known to have taken place along the West Valley Fault after the 16th century. But based on the estimated return period of less than 500 years, the Fault is due to exhibit dangers this century – or even within the next few years, if the estimates of an official of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) are valid.

Dr. Norman Tungol of Phivolcs’ Geology, Geophysics, Research and Development Division (GGRDD) estimated the Fault’s movement of recurrence at 200-400 years and based on this, he told Bulatlat, it is due for another movement.

Tungol said however that since studies have a big margin of error, this projection “could be within the next few years, (or) few tens of years.” He also said that even if there is no need for the people to panic because there is no timetable yet, “dapat mag-prepare because it’s inevitable.”

He confirmed that an earthquake with intensity 8 or 9 could be expected in the Valley Fault with a possible magnitude of 7.2 because of the lengthy fault.

Another Phivolcs scientist, Dr. Elena Bautista, noted however that the MMEIRS study found no pattern for the frequency of earthquakes occurring in the West Valley Fault.

A noted engineer, Dr. Arthur Saldivar-Sali, saw MMEIRS’ assertion that “active phases of the Valley Faults are approaching” as vague. He noted that the study, which he admits he has never seen, was apparently based on “deterministic analysis” which focuses on the characteristics of the movement of a fault and can be a prejudgment based on studies done or merely on gut feel that has no scientific basis at all.

Saldivar-Sali is a member of the Council of Engineering Consultants of the Philippines (Cecophil), a group of corporations and companies doing civil engineering designs and foundations.


Probability theory

Saldivar-Sali, a former UP professor who is also now with the Geo-Technica Consultancy Group, told Bulatlat that he tends to believe in the “probability analysis” of former Phivolcs Director Raymundo Punongbayan. Shortly after the Mt. Pinatubo eruption in 1991, Punongbayan told of a higher probability of a major earthquake on the Valley Fault based on its rare movements. Since lesser energy is released in the friction of rocks, more energy is stored, like a rubber band, preparing for a big snap.

The higher the percentage of the probability of an earthquake, the dangerous it would be, Saldivar-Sali said.

Punongbayan also cited the danger of building anything five kms near the fault. The director’s warning caused alarm among the business community and Marikina local officials asked that the fault be renamed “West Valley Fault” instead.

In layman’s terms, a magnitude of 7.2 can be compared to a bomb explosion, Saldivar-Sali said. In exponential form of 10, a magnitude of 1 is equivalent to one ton (1 x 100), magnitude 2 to 10 tons (2 x 101), 3 to 300 tons (3 x 102), and so on. A 7.2 magnitude if multiplied to 106 is equivalent to 7.2 million tons of bomb explosion.

MMEIRS actually aimed to design a master plan for earthquake impact reduction in Metro Manila leading to the holding of training seminars on earthquake preparedness. Funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA-Philippines), the study was supported by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), the Department of Science and Technology (DoST), Phivolcs and JICA contractors Pacific Consultants International, Oyo Corporation, and Pasco Corporation.

Scientists from Phivolcs, the University of the Philippines as well as from Japan participated in the study. Due for completion last March, the report is being finalized in Japan, according to Cora Macasieb, Special Operations Officer II and acting division chief of the Directorate for Special Operations of the Metropolitan Manila Disaster Coordinating Council (MMDCC).

Separate studies on earthquake are also being done in cooperation with China, Japan and the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

Among others, three areas were tested under the MMEIRS study: Mataas na Lupa in Malate, Manila; Ugong, Pasig; and Cupang, Marikina. Studied were Metro Manila’s three fault lines, namely, the West Valley Fault, the Manila Trench and Manila Bay.

Analyzed were the areas’ earthquake history, length of the fault and vulnerability to earthquake. Damage scenarios and estimates of costs of destruction were also done.


Impact

The seismic intensity generated by the West Valley Fault earthquake and the damage felt in an area varied from place to place. The intensity may range from 7 in Quezon City, almost 8 and 9 alongside Marikina River and Manila Bay, and 8 at west of Metropolitan Manila and 7 at other areas. Based on the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale (PEIS), intensity 7 is “destructive,” while 8 and 9 are “very destructive” and “devastating,” respectively.

Aside from the estimated death toll, the West Valley Fault earthquake would cause injuries to 118,200 persons, the study reveals. MMDC’s Macasieb said that the death toll would rise if the earthquake occurs during office hours where most of the people are working inside buildings including those who would come from the province to process various papers in the metropolis.

The number of buildings expected to be destroyed by the Manila Trench earthquake would reach about 5,000 while 16,000 for the Manila Bay fault. The West Valley Fault earthquake will cause the collapse of buildings in northeastern Quezon City, western Marikina, eastern Pasig, Muntinlupa-Laguna Bay and Mandaluyong-Makati. Evacuation would be difficult in the metropolis’ fringes particularly in the north, Taguig and Las Piñas, the MMEIRS study also found.

Residential buildings around the Malacañang in Manila and the House of Representatives in Quezon City would be severely damaged. Other infrastructures such as bridges and power posts will also be destroyed.

The danger of spreading fire to the Malacañang presidential office is not ruled. Liquefaction around the House area might take place. Even the MMDA building would be severely damaged, the study adds.

Collapses would lead to electricity short circuit, petroleum and LPG leakages from storage tanks, among others, that would cause fire. Areas highly vulnerable to fire would be Valenzuela, Caloocan, and south of Quezon City west intersection.

Damages to the Angat reservoir and water purification plant would likely happen, causing a long-term stoppage in water supply. Public transportation facilities such as airport runways would be closed, leaving only helicopters available for operations. Ports in the North and South harbors would be damaged and tilted by liquefaction, making these inaccessible for loading and unloading. Damages would likely be expected on roads and bridges.

Including victims of fires and liquefaction caused by the earthquake, the study estimates the number of refugees or evacuees at three million. The figure would include 1.3 million persons who would be uprooted from their homes if the aftershock would last about seven days.

After liquefaction, there would be a possible regional separation. The western part of Metro Manila would be isolated from other parts of the metropolis. The same thing would happen to the northern and southern parts due to building collapse especially in the area intersecting Makati and Mandaluyong. Meanwhile, all road networks running east-west that are on the fault would be broken.

^^Baka tirahin narin tayo ng HAARP kasi ang titigas ng mga ulo ng squatters, tapos si Pnoy pa ang naging presidente! :lol: