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:

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/8/86/HAARP_site.jpg/300px-HAARP_site.jpg

High Frequency Active Auroral Research Program (HAARP)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/High_Frequency_Active_Auroral_Research_Program

Is an ionospheric research program jointly funded by the US Air Force, the US Navy, the University of Alaska and the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA).[1] Its purpose is to analyze the ionosphere and investigate the potential for developing ionospheric enhancement technology for radio communications and surveillance purposes (such as missile detection).[2] The HAARP program operates a major Arctic facility, known as the HAARP Research Station, on an Air Force owned site near Gakona, Alaska.

The most prominent instrument at the HAARP Station is the Ionospheric Research Instrument (IRI), a high power radio frequency transmitter facility operating in the high frequency (HF) band. The IRI is used to temporarily excite a limited area of the ionosphere. Other instruments, such as a VHF and a UHF radar, a fluxgate magnetometer, a digisonde and an induction magnetometer, are used to study the physical processes that occur in the excited region.

Work on the HAARP Station began in 1993. The current working IRI was completed in 2007, and its prime contractor was BAE Advanced Technologies.[1]

As of 2008, HAARP had incurred around $250 million in tax-funded construction and operating costs. HAARP has also been blamed by conspiracy theorists for a range of events, including numerous natural disasters.


Objectives

The HAARP project aims to direct a 3.6 MW signal, in the 2.8–10 MHz region of the HF [High Frequency] band, into the ionosphere. The signal may be pulsed or continuous. Then, effects of the transmission and any recovery period can be examined using associated instrumentation, including VHF and UHF radars, HF receivers, and optical cameras. According to the HAARP team, this will advance the study of basic natural processes that occur in the ionosphere under the natural but much stronger influence of solar interaction, as well as how the natural ionosphere affects radio signals.
This will enable scientists to develop techniques to mitigate these effects in order to improve the reliability and/or performance of communication and navigation systems, which would have a wide range of applications in both the civilian and military sectors, such as an increased accuracy of GPS navigation, and advancements in underwater and underground research and applications. This may lead to improved methods for submarine communication and the ability to remotely sense the mineral content of the terrestrial subsurface, among other things. One application would be to map out the underground complexes of countries such as Iran and North Korea. The current facility lacks the range to reach these countries, but the research could be used to develop a mobile platform.[3]
The HAARP program began in 1990. The project is funded by the Office of Naval Research and jointly managed by the ONR and Air Force Research Laboratory, with the principal involvement of the University of Alaska. Many other universities and educational institutions have been involved in the development of the project and its instruments, namely the University of Alaska (Fairbanks), Stanford University, Penn State University (ARL), Boston College, UCLA, Clemson University, Dartmouth College, Cornell University, Johns Hopkins University, University of Maryland, College Park, University of Massachusetts, MIT, Polytechnic Institute of New York University, and the University of Tulsa. The project's specifications were developed by the universities, which are continuing to play a major role in the design of future research efforts.

According to HAARP's management, the project strives for openness and all activities are logged and publicly available. Scientists without security clearances, even foreign nationals, are routinely allowed on site. The HAARP facility regularly (once a year on most years according to the HAARP home page) hosts open houses, during which time any civilian may tour the entire facility. In addition, scientific results obtained with HAARP are routinely published in major research journals (such as Geophysical Research Letters, or Journal of Geophysical Research), written both by university scientists (American and foreign) or by US Department of Defense research lab scientists. Each summer, the HAARP holds a summer-school for visiting students, including foreign nationals, giving them an opportunity to do research with one of the world's foremost research instruments.

Research

HAARP's main goal is basic science research of the uppermost portion of the atmosphere, known as the ionosphere. Essentially a transition between the atmosphere and the magnetosphere, the ionosphere is where the atmosphere is thin enough that the sun's x-rays and UV rays can reach it, but thick enough that there are still enough molecules present to absorb those rays. Consequently, the ionosphere consists of a rapid increase in density of free electrons, beginning at ~70 km, reaching a peak at ~300 km, and then falling off again as the atmosphere disappears entirely by ~1000 km. Various aspects of HAARP can study all of the main layers of the ionosphere.
The profile of the ionosphere, however, is highly variable, showing minute-to-minute changes, daily changes, seasonal changes, and year-to-year changes. This becomes particularly complicated near the Earth's poles, where a host of physical processes (like auroral lights) are unlocked by the fact that the alignment of the Earth's magnetic field is nearly vertical.
On the other hand, the ionosphere is traditionally very difficult to measure. Balloons cannot reach it because the air is too thin, but satellites cannot orbit there because the air is still too thick. Hence, most experiments on the ionosphere give only small pieces of information. HAARP approaches the study of the ionosphere by following in the footsteps of an ionospheric heater called EISCAT near Tromsø, Norway. There, scientists pioneered exploration of the ionosphere by perturbing it with radio waves in the 2–10 MHz range, and studying how the ionosphere reacts. HAARP performs the same functions but with more power, and a more flexible and agile HF beam.
Some of the main scientific findings from HAARP include:
Generation of very low frequency radio waves by modulated heating of the auroral electrojet, useful because generating VLF waves ordinarily requires gigantic antennas
Production of weak luminous glow (below what can be seen with the naked eye, but measurable) from absorption of HAARP's signal
Production of extremely low frequency waves in the 0.1 Hz range. These are next to impossible to produce any other way, because the length of a transmit antenna is dictated by the wavelength of the signal it is designed to produce.
Generation of whistler-mode VLF signals which enter the magnetosphere, and propagate to the other hemisphere, interacting with Van Allen radiation belt particles along the way
VLF remote sensing of the heated ionosphere
Research at the HAARP includes:
Ionospheric super heating
Plasma line observations
Stimulated electron emission observations
Gyro frequency heating research
Spread F observations
High velocity trace runs
Airglow observations
Heating induced scintillation observations
VLF and ELF generation observations [4]
Radio observations of meteors
Polar mesospheric summer echoes: PMSE have been studied using the IRI as a powerful radar, as well as with the 28 MHz radar, and the two VHF radars at 49 MHz and 139 MHz. The presence of multiple radars spanning both HF and VHF bands allows scientists to make comparative measurements that may someday lead to an understanding of the processes that form these elusive phenomena.
Research on extraterrestrial HF radar echos: the Lunar Echo experiment (2008).[5][6]
Testing of Spread Spectrum Transmitters (2009)
Meteor shower impacts on the ionosphere
Response and recovery of the ionosphere from solar flares and geomagnetic storms
The effect of ionospheric disturbances on GPS satellite signal quality.

Instrumentation and operation

The main instrument at HAARP Station is the Ionospheric Research Instrument (IRI). This is a high power, high-frequency phased array radio transmitter with a set of 180 antennas, disposed in an array of 12x15 units that occupy a rectangle of about 33 acres (13 hectares). The IRI is used to temporarily energize a small portion of the ionosphere. The study of these disturbed volumes yields important information for understanding natural ionospheric processes.
During active ionospheric research, the signal generated by the transmitter system is delivered to the antenna array and transmitted in an upward direction. At an altitude between 70 km (43 mi) to 350 km (217 mi) (depending on operating frequency), the signal is partially absorbed in a small volume several tens of kilometers in diameter and a few meters thick over the IRI. The intensity of the HF signal in the ionosphere is less than 3 µW/cm², tens of thousands of times less than the Sun's natural electromagnetic radiation reaching the earth and hundreds of times less than even the normal random variations in intensity of the Sun's natural ultraviolet (UV) energy which creates the ionosphere. The small effects that are produced, however, can be observed with the sensitive scientific instruments installed at the HAARP Station, and these observations can provide information about the dynamics of plasmas and insight into the processes of solar-terrestrial interactions.[7]
Each antenna element consists of a crossed dipole that can be polarized for linear, ordinary mode (O-mode), or extraordinary mode (X-mode) transmission and reception.[8][9] Each part of the two section crossed dipoles are individually fed from a custom built transmitter, that has been specially designed with very low distortion. The Effective Radiated Power (ERP) of the IRI is limited by more than a factor of 10 at its lower operating frequencies. Much of this is due to higher antenna losses and a less efficient antenna pattern.
The IRI can transmit between 2.7 and 10 MHz, a frequency range that lies above the AM radio broadcast band and well below Citizens' Band frequency allocations. The HAARP Station is licensed to transmit only in certain segments of this frequency range, however. When the IRI is transmitting, the bandwidth of the transmitted signal is 100 kHz or less. The IRI can transmit in continuous waves (CW) or in pulses as short as 10 microseconds (µs). CW transmission is generally used for ionospheric modification, while transmission in short pulses frequently repeated is used as a radar system. Researchers can run experiments that use both modes of transmission, first modifying the ionosphere for a predetermined amount of time, then measuring the decay of modification effects with pulsed transmissions.
There are other geophysical instruments for research at the Station. Some of them are:
A fluxgate magnetometer built by the University of Alaska Fairbanks Geophysical Institute, available to chart variations in the Earth's magnetic field. Rapid and sharp changes of it may indicate a geomagnetic storm.
A digisonde that provides ionospheric profiles, allowing scientists to choose appropriate frequencies for IRI operation. The HAARP makes current and historic digisonde information available online.
An induction magnetometer, provided by the University of Tokyo, that measures the changing geomagnetic field in the Ultra Low Frequency (ULF) range of 0–5 Hz.


Related facilities

In America, there are two related ionospheric heating facilities: the HIPAS, near Fairbanks, Alaska, and (currently offline for reconstruction) one at the Arecibo Observatory Link text in Puerto Rico. The European Incoherent Scatter Scientific Association (EISCAT) operates an ionospheric heating facility, capable of transmitting over 1 GW effective radiated power (ERP), near Tromsø, Norway.[13] Russia has the Sura Ionospheric Heating Facility, in Vasilsursk near Nizhniy Novgorod, capable of transmitting 190 MW ERP.

Conspiracy theories

Main article: List of conspiracy theories: Development of weapons technology
HAARP is the subject of numerous conspiracy theories, with individuals ascribing various hidden motives and capabilities to the project. Journalist Sharon Weinberger called HAARP "the Moby Dick of conspiracy theories" and said the popularity of conspiracy theories often overshadows the benefits HAARP may provide to the scientific community.[14][15] Skeptic computer scientist David Naiditch called HAARP "a magnet for conspiracy theorists", saying the project has been blamed for triggering catastrophes such as floods, droughts, hurricanes, thunderstorms, and devastating earthquakes in Pakistan and the Philippines aimed to "shake up" terrorists. Naiditch says HAARP has been blamed for diverse events including major power outages, the downing of TWA Flight 800, Gulf War syndrome, and chronic fatigue syndrome. Conspiracy theorists have also suggested links between HAARP and the work of Nikola Tesla (particularly potential combinations of HAARP energy with Tesla's work on pneumatic small-scale earthquake generation) and physicist Bernard Eastlund. According to Naiditch, HAARP is an attractive target for conspiracy theorists because "its purpose seems deeply mysterious to the scientifically uninformed".[16] Conspiracy theorists have linked HAARP to numerous earthquakes. An opinion piece on a Venezuelan state-run television channel's website named HAARP as a cause of the 2010 Haiti earthquake.

PHL prepares team to help quake, tsunami victims in Japan
03/12/2011 | 12:53 PM
http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215099/nation/...ictims-in-japan (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215099/nation/phl-prepares-team-to-help-quake-tsunami-victims-in-japan)

The Philippine government is organizing a team to be sent to Japan to help in the search, rescue and relief efforts for victims of a devastating magnitude-8.9 quake Friday and the 10-meter-high tsunami that followed it.

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC)’s team may proceed to Japan once it gets the green light.

“From what I understand from Undersecretary (Benito) Ramos of NDRRMC, nag-form sila ng search and rescue team ... pantulong. Narinig ko kanina na ang Philippine Red Cross magpapadala ng contingent. (Pero) ang government team di pa malinaw kailan aalis," Valte said on government-run dzRB radio.

(From what I understand, NDRRMC head Benito Ramos said they are forming a team to send for search-and-rescue operations. I also learned the Philippine Red Cross will send a contingent. At this time I am not sure when the government team will leave.)

“Once Japan is ready to receive our assistance we will be ready to send our people there," she added.

On Friday, President Benigno Aquino III had written Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan relaying the Philippines' sympathies and solidarity with Japan after the quake and tsunami.

In his letter, Aquino promised Kan of help from the Philippines at this “difficult time" for Japan.

“As a close friend and neighbor, Japan has constantly stood by the Philippines, as we dealt with past tribulations wrought by nature. Our extensive and long-standing ties of friendship means that Japan is also home to a vast number of Filipinos, whose welfare also represents a paramount concern. During this difficult time, I assure Your Excellency that the Philippine Government stands ready, to extend any support and assistance within its capability, as Japan strives to cope with the aftermath of this tragic event," he said in his letter.

Department of Foreign Affairs records show a total of 305,972 Filipinos in Japan.

Meanwhile, government-run dzRB reported the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) is sending a team to Japan to help in rescue and relief operations there.

The dzRB report said an initial PRC team will include an exert on psycho-social problems; and two dog handlers and two K-9 units to help in search operations.

Also, the PRC team will bring equipment for communication and water treatment. — LBG, GMA News



RELATED STORIES:

Philippines sending search and rescue team to japan (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=665720&publicationSubCategoryId=63)

JAP PORN STAR SURVIVED THE QUAKE:

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/sites/default/files/a_images/topics/tvpatrol/2011march/031411_MariaOzawa.jpg


Maria Ozawa: Japan will overcome hardships
By Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/14/2011 8:04 PM | Updated as of 03/14/2011 11:34 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Fans of Japanese porn actress Maria Ozawa need not worry.

The Hokkaido-born Japanese-French-Canadian adult video (AV) actress said Monday in her Twitter account that she survived the magnitude-9 earthquake and tsunami in the country.

Writing in Kanji, Ozawa said she was fine and is in a "camp with team members."

However, she did not say exactly where she is, according to aggregation website Daily News Global, which monitored her tweets.

The 25-year-old Ozawa, who also has a personal blog, remained rosy on Japan's future amid the disaster.

"We as Japanese people can overcome these hardships #PrayForJapan," she said in English.

"When you walk through a storm. Hold your head up high. And don't be afraid of the dark. At the end of a storm is a golden sky #PrayForJapan," she added.

Ozawa also thanked her fans for praying for her country.

"Thanks for supporting #PrayForJapan i love you forever and ever! guys ^^"

The 25-year-old actress made her AV debut in 2005 and has since appeared in dozens of porn videos.

She is popular in many parts of Asia, including the Philippines and Muslim-majority Indonesia.

According to Yahoo!, microblogging site Twitter was flooded with questions from Indonesians regarding Ozawa's well-being after the massive earthquake and tsunami struck Japan.

Another popular Japanese AV actress, Sola Aoi, also apparently survived the disaster, based on her latest tweets and blog posts.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

ANYONE here haven't seen her videos yet? Go to pornhub.com. (WARNING: 18 yrs old and above only).

^^ Akala ko nung una si Angelica Panganiban :lol:

Duterte offers to send rescue team to Japan


By Gigie Arcilla-Agtay

Tuesday, March 15, 2011
More Sections


DAVAO City Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte offered to send a team of Central 911 personnel, at the city's expense, to help in the search and rescue efforts in Japan after a magnitude-8.9 quake and tsunami hit the country Friday.

In a letter dated March 14 addressed to Japan Prime Minister Naoto Kan through Consul Yoshiyuki Isoda, director of Japan Consular Office in Davao, Duterte said the offer is the city's expression of solidarity and gratitude for all the assistance that the Japanese government has extended to Davao through the years.

Post your online prayers for Japan earthquake victims

"We know that any help that can be extended to support your rescue efforts can be significant hence, Davao City offers you a team of its search and rescue personnel from its Central Communications and Emergency Response Center - Central 911 at our expense to help you in your efforts," Duterte said in his letter, which he personally delivered Monday to Japan Consular Office in Plaza de Luisa Complex on Magsaysay Avenue, Davao City.

The vice mayor said Davao City has a huge number of Japanese migrants especially in Mintal, dubbed as "Little Tokyo," because it used to be settlement area of Japanese nationals during the pre and post World War II period.

Citing the innumerable Japan-funded projects in the city, Duterte said it is about time the city show its gratitude to the Japanese government and its people who are now faced with unimaginable deprivation.

More than 10,000 people are estimated to have died in Friday's double-headed tragedy. Reports said that in many areas there is no running water, no power and four to five-hour waits for gasoline, and people suppressing hunger with instant noodles or rice balls while dealing with the loss of loved ones and properties.

"No words can express the grief, agony and worry that we feel for your country and people as we watch scene after scene of devastation, death and destruction unfolding before our eyes in TV screens all over the city," Duterte added.

"But we comfort ourselves with the thoughts that Japan, finding strength in its resiliency and disciplined citizenry, will rise from this tragedy, stronger and more progressive than ever," he added.

In expressing confidence on Japan to rise up again, Duterte said "the tragedy and the speedy recovery of Kobe, Japan not too long ago is a testament to your country's determination to triumph over disaster however destructive it may be."

Davao City can only offer prayers, Duterte added, with the wish that as Japan confronts the problems besetting the country and start with recovery, God will always be with there to lead, guide and protect.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 15, 2011.

Sun-Sta Davao (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2011/03/15/duterte-offers-send-rescue-team-japan-144915)

Japan-like quake not seen in PHL, but...
By Anjo C. Alimario / Researcher/Writer
Business Mirror
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/science/8535-japan-like-quake-not-seen-in-phl-but

THE Philippines is not likely to experience a strong earthquake similar to the 8.9-magnitude tremor that hit northern Japan on Friday because the plate that is subducting the Philippines is different from that of Japan, but an expert from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that the agency still would look into how the foreign experts analyze the Japanese experience.

The 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan—which has prepared its infrastructures against tremors that frequently visit the country that is crisscrossed by earthquake faults—caused 10-meter-high tsunami that washed away cars, fishing boats and even whole villages.

Asked by the BusinessMirror on the connection of the Philippine plate to the Japan plate, Ishmael Narag, Phivolcs Seismological Observation and Earthquake Division Supervising Science Research specialist officer in charge, noted that what moved was a different plate.

“The one that is subducting in the Philippines is the Philippine Sea plate. In Japan, it’s a different plate, it is the Pacific plate.”

However, Narag emphasized that it is still interesting to see what the experts from Japan could see from the event because the plates belong to one whole zone, which is the Pacific Ring of Fire.

“We would like to learn as well on what occurred in Japan to check if what they saw there could also happen here in the Philippines. Our projection is 8.5-magnitude earthquake for each of the segments of the Philippine Trench and Manila Trench.”

But Narag pointed out that Phivolcs needs to review whether there is a need to research if it is possible to have a mega-thrust event in the Philippines.

A mega-thrust event occurs at subduction zones at destructive plate boundaries (convergent boundaries), where one tectonic plate is forced under (subducts) another.

He explained that an 8.5 magnitude is the projected magnitude of the segments in the Philippine Trench.

“That was the maximum magnitude we saw, not like this one [the 8.9-magnitude earthquake in Japan] which was class 9.”

“The class 9 events, the way I see it, have 600-700 kilometer [km] rupture. If you look at the length of 700-km rupture there are trenches which are long like the Manila Trench and Philippine Trench. The question right now is whether they are capable of rupturing 700 km at one time. Because they could move as segments or they could move together,” Narag said.

He added that there is still a debate about the real magnitude of the last earthquake.

“Now the magnitude is playing between 8.9 to 9.1. The US Geology Survey came up with a different magnitude for the event.”

According to USGS data, the March 11 earthquake occurred as a result of thrust faulting on or near the subduction zone interface plate boundary between the Pacific and North America plates.

At the latitude of this earthquake, the Pacific plate moves approximately westward with respect to the North America plate at a velocity of 83 mm per year. The Pacific plate thrusts underneath Japan at the Japan Trench, and dips to the west beneath Eurasia.

The location, depth and focal mechanism of the March 11 earthquake were consistent with the event having occurred as thrust faulting associated with subduction along this plate boundary, the agency reported.

The March 11 earthquake was preceded by a series of large foreshocks over the previous two days, beginning on March 9 with a magnitude-7.2 event approximately 40 km from the March 11 earthquake, and continuing with a further three earthquakes greater than magnitude 6 on the same day.

Narag also observed that as early as Wednesday there was already an earthquake with 7.2 magnitude.

“We issued a bulletin but it was alert level zero, meaning no threat to the Philippines. There was 50 cm tsunami in Japan that day. We didn’t realize that it would be a foreshock for this 8.9 [-magnitude] event,” he added.

On Friday night, around 11 p.m., Phivolcs issued the cancellation of the alert level 2, but the institute is still monitoring the events in the Philippines.

“The real problem right now is there are a lot of aftershocks coming from the Japan event. It is masking most of the local events. We should be careful in looking at earthquakes in the Philippines because aftershocks occur on top of each other. There was even a magnitude-8 aftershock last night [Friday] in Japan,” Narag pointed out.

Narag said the scientific problem right now is how to look at the data.

“How much useful information you can gather from the data to be used by the Japanese government to decide what would be the next steps, especially now that they are in rescue and relief stage,” he said.

Tsunami: PHL is parallel to quake source

Because of the country’s position being parallel to the source of Japan earthquake on Friday—contrary to the direction of the wave that was supposed to be perpendicular to the rupture zone—smaller tsunami wave heights hit the Philippines, leaving no damage or casualty.

“All of the large waves are going to the direction away perpendicular to the source. The Philippines is not perpendicular but we’re parallel to the source and yet there were still projected wave heights,” Narag said.

He added that one factor that should be taken into consideration is whether there was high or low tide at the time when the earthquake occurred.

“So when the waves were approaching the high tide was just starting. Fortunately, it was not yet high tide. That’s the situation of the passage of the tsunami in the Philippines,” he said.

Phivolcs is using the travel-time model, which shows the earliest arrival time of the wave and another model to check the amplitude.


____________________________



[U]Learning from Japan
Business Mirror Editorial
Monday, 14 March 2011
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/opinion/8597-learning-from-japan

ONE way we can make sense of the sacrifice and pain of the Japanese people, who are still reeling from the impact of Friday’s 8.9-magnitude quake, tsunami and the still-raging nuclear reactors’ crisis, is to learn well, and act accordingly, the lessons they have taught the world in disaster mitigation.

For many years, the whole world has known of Japan’s valiant efforts to prepare itself for disaster, lying as it does on one of the most active segments of the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” that deadly cluster of active volcanoes where the Philippines also belongs.

Having seen the extent of quake damage—in Kobe, where more than 6,000 people died in 1995; and in the great Kanto earthquake that killed more than 100,000—Japan has perfected the art and science of disaster mitigation as far as retrofitting its infrastructure is concerned. The best proof of its success was Friday, March 11, 2011. It should be noted that almost all of the buildings and key infrastructure shown destroyed were those swept away by the tsunami—an understandable consequence, considering its speed and force. True to its billing of having the most earthquake-resistant buildings on the planet, Japan taught us a crucial lesson in national discipline and political will when it comes to enforcing its tough building codes—besides setting sterling examples of individual and community sacrifice and self-help. Why, even the Chinese media, according to Bloomberg’s William Pesek, shifted from Japan-bashing in recent days to extolling the lessons in discipline and orderliness that the Japanese could teach the Chinese.

Countless drills involving Japanese citizens, as well as year-round training for its self-defense forces, have allowed disaster-response teams to quickly act at the community level, unlike what happened in America’s Katrina, when federal emergency units took days to reach victims and were severely criticized. A similar problem was observed in the Philippines’ Ondoy, as community-level, or even town- or city-level equipment and manpower for search and rescue were almost nil.

The enforcement of its legendary building codes has helped most of Japan’s buildings escape destruction from the earthquake. Sadly, the opposite could happen in the Philippines, where experts recently sounded anew the alarm over quake preparedness after the Christchurch, New Zealand, temblor—and just days before Japan’s Big One.

According to one major study they cited, at least 34,000 people would die and communication lines and utilities in Metro Manila would see extensive damage should a shallow earthquake of 7.2 magnitude hit the West Valley Fault that bisects Metro Manila.

This was the worst case of the 18 scenarios generated by the Earthquake Impact Reduction Study for Metro Manila, done by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) and the Japan International Cooperation Agency (Jica).

Per that study, most of the 34,000 deaths and 114,000 injuries within the first hour of the earthquake would be the result of houses and buildings collapsing, and debris raining from mid-rise and high-rise buildings.

As a key recommendation, experts strongly suggested a massive retrofitting of Metro Manila’s buildings and houses to make them earthquake-resistant, considering that the Philippines is in the Pacific Ring of Fire and a “Big One” is foreseeable in the near future. Its second key recommendation, which has just been validated by Japan, is to set up at the community level the disaster-risk management teams.

There’s a very concrete lesson that Philippine experts also gave last week, again taking a cue from a side study, also partly funded by Jica. In an article in this paper’s Sunday issue (March 13), they pointed as well to the need to double-check the “nonengineered construction” of houses in, ironically, “seismically prone” sites. Phivolcs Director Renato Solidum cited during the monthly DOST Forum the crucial difference between the products of such “nonengineered construction,” such as masonry houses made of concrete blocks or adobe stones with no structural beams and columns, and those Philippine masonry houses that follow the required size of concrete hollow blocks and reinforcing bars.

In that experiment, two full-scale model masonry houses, one following the local building code, were built on top of a one-directional large-scale shaking-table laboratory provided by Japan’s National Research Institute for Earth Science and Disaster Prevention. The code-compliant structure survived 100 percent of the Kobe-type earthquake input motion with minor damage. The other one was easily damaged and eventually collapsed.

Solidum now wants that “shaking-table test” to be part of a massive education campaign to make people comply with building codes and redress the defects in their homes and buildings. Phivolcs will provide an assessment tool that lets homeowners tick off a set of questions and answers. The implication is that, beyond the high rises that are—presumably—subjected to stricter local government enforcement, authorities should ensure that all other buildings, including individual homes, are compliant.

In the aftermath of Ondoy, so much hot air and nonsense had been spewed by publicity-seeking know-it-alls and politicians—sadly lapped up by some in the media—about climate change and the need for disaster-risk reduction and damage mitigation. But the most recent assessment reports have shown that a lot of what we were supposed to do to avert another Ondoy-level disaster has remained on paper. The Japan earthquake presents us with yet another major challenge in preparing for a very real threat, considering our earthquake history.

If the Japanese should teach us anything besides their discipline, absence of looting, patience and an exquisite ability not to whine, it is also this: sometimes, not even the best-laid and enforced scientific plans to avert or mitigate disaster can be enough. But they are still worth taking, because the alternative would be unthinkable.

Just paid the Japanese Embassy in Hanoi a visit, spoke to one of the secretaries from the protocol section, offered my condolences to the people of Japan and gave flowers. Told him that our country is a good friend of Japan and Japan have always helped the Philippines in terms of development aid, scholarship grants as well as assistance in disasters in our country..

^^ Akala ko nung una si Angelica Panganiban :lol:
:banana:

Japan porn stars alive and rooting for countrymen
TJ DIMACALI, GMA News
03/15/2011 | 04:29 PM

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215303/technology/japan-porn-stars-alive-and-rooting-for-countrymen

Just paid the Japanese Embassy in Hanoi a visit, spoke to one of the secretaries from the protocol section, offered my condolences to the people of Japan and gave flowers. Told him that our country is a good friend of Japan and Japan have always helped the Philippines in terms of development aid, scholarship grants as well as assistance in disasters in our country..

I thought those economic aids from japan were actually their post war repayments for destructions and massacre of our people and country.

But yes, nevertheless we are now still at peace with japan ever since after the war.

It's a very good gesture of yours btw, by paying a visit to japa embassy and for the flowers.
:cheers:

:banana:

Japan porn stars alive and rooting for countrymen
TJ DIMACALI, GMA News
03/15/2011 | 04:29 PM

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/215303/technology/japan-porn-stars-alive-and-rooting-for-countrymen



I thought those economic aids from japan were actually their post war repayments for destructions and massacre of our people and country.

But yes, nevertheless we are now still at peace with japan ever since after the war.

It's a very good gesture of yours btw, by paying a visit to japa embassy and for the flowers.
:cheers:


Correct me if I am wrong but Japan already completed war payments...

Correct me if I am wrong but Japan already completed war payments...

The last payment of japanese reparations and other compensation to the philippines was long done by July 22, 1976. I was wrong hehe... So indeed the japanese people were being nice to us since then. :)

The last payment of japanese reparations and other compensation to the philippines was long done by July 22, 1976. I was wrong hehe... So indeed the japanese people were being nice to us since then. :)

There's some issues of course like a formal apology and the revisionist history books... but yes, I went there because Filipinos can remember kindness, and as global citizens, we are all in this together..

Correct me if I am wrong but Japan already completed war payments...

Maybe except the reparations for China....

The United States administered removal of capital goods from Japan, and the USSR seized Japanese assets in the former puppet state of Manchukuo. The United States ended collections from Japan in 1949 and renounced further claims in 1951. At that time Japan agreed to settle the reparations claims of Asian nations by individual treaties with those countries. These treaties were subsequently negotiated.

From: http://www.infoplease.com/ce6/history/A0841546.html#ixzz1Gfr4GThe

Better brush up on geography, says Phivolcs
By Jocelyn R. Uy, Nikko Dizon, Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer
03/16/2011
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/nation/view/20110316-325696/Better-brush-up-on-geography-says-Phivolcs

MANILA, Philippines—Better brush up on geography so you won’t get fooled by hoax text messages and erroneous information amid the radiation alert in Japan, the country’s chief volcanologist said Tuesday.

“It is important for us to go back to what we’ve learned in Araling Panlipunan, particularly geography so that we won’t be alarmed by such text messages and we can avoid the unnecessary worry,” said Renato Solidum Jr., head of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Solidum said the tsunami alert, which the Phivolcs raised on the eastern coast of the country following the powerful quake and tsunami that ravaged Japan on Friday, also caused residents in the Philippines’ western region to suffer needless panic attacks.

Solidum requested the media to incorporate a little background on geography whenever they broadcast reports about the effects of the nuclear power crisis on the quake-ravaged northeastern coast of Japan.

“We need to educate them so when you present news, give them a little bit of a background because there are a lot of people panicking even if they don’t have to,” he said at a forum hosted by the Catholic Media Network in Intramuros, Manila.

Fear also gripped some parts of the country on Monday following false reports that radioactive fallout from crippled nuclear plants in Japan would reach the Philippines.

The rumors, which circulated through text messages, sent people home from school and work and drove a number of them to buy the antiseptic Betadine in the false belief that it would protect them from radioactive particles blowing from Japan.

The rumors prompted the president of Polytechnic University of the Philippines to suspend classes on Monday.

The text messages spread even as officials and experts repeatedly announced that the prevailing wind was blowing northeast from Japan toward the Pacific Ocean and would not reach the country.

Government physicists reiterated Tuesday that radiation from the damaged nuclear plants in Fukushima, Japan, posed no danger to the Philippines.

Normal radiation

Even after another explosion rocked the nuclear plant in Fukushima on Tuesday morning, Alumanda de la Rosa of the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute said radiation in the Philippine atmosphere was normal, at 105.16 nanosievert per hour as of Tuesday.
This was equivalent to .000105 millisievert (mSv) per hour, significantly much lower than the radiation at the crippled Japanese nuclear plant.

The International Atomic Energy Agency said the fire at the plant’s fourth unit Tuesday released radiation at 400 mSv per hour.

De la Rosa said ambient or background radiation in the country was similar to last year’s measurement.

Other Asian countries

Solidum’s advice also applies to people in neighboring countries who have received similar text messages or e-mails.

“It is crazy, people have been reading about the situation in Japan and they are demanding iodine tablets but most pharmacies don’t stock the tablets,” said Kuala Lumpur pharmacist Paul Ho.

US-based firms selling potassium iodide, a radiation sickness preventative, completely ran out of stock and pharmacies across the country’s Pacific-facing West Coast had a rush on the over-the-counter pills.

Potassium iodide is a salt used to saturate the thyroid gland to block the uptake of radioactive iodine, a highly carcinogenic substance that can leak from nuclear reactors in an accident.

Not radiation antidotes

Talk about radiation poisoning was so feverish on Twitter and other forums that the World Health Organization (WHO) issued a statement urging calm.

“Consult your #doctor before taking #iodine pills. Do not self-medicate!” the WHO said on its Twitter page.

Iodine pills are “not radiation antidotes” and offer no protection against radioactive elements such as cesium, the UN health agency said, stressing they also carried health risks for some people, including pregnant women.

The WHO also cautioned against drinking or applying iodine liquid, commonly used as an antiseptic, after a rush on the wound cleaner in Asian countries, where iodine is typically only available in hospitals or by prescription.

De Lima got message, too

Even Justice Secretary Leila de Lima almost fell for the hoax.

De Lima said a simple check with the BBC news channel showed that the supposed “news flash” from the British broadcaster was untrue.

She joked at a press conference that she almost asked someone to buy Betadine as well, as instructed by the text message.

With the panic generated by fake warnings, she said she was inclined to “propose” that the authorities track down its source.

De Lima said the source of the message should be held accountable especially if he or she sent it out “in bad faith.”

Be discerning

Education officials called on the public to be more discerning about alarming text messages.

Education Secretary Armin Luistro called on school officials, students and parents to use prudence in handling sensitive information from unconfirmed sources.

The Department of Education on Monday issued an advisory to public elementary and high schools nationwide that “there is no need to suspend classes” amid rumors about acid rain.

Executive Director Julito Vitriolo of the Commission on Higher Education said school officials must first check with the commission or the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council before exercising their discretion to suspend classes.

In Bacolod City, Bishop Vicente Navarra called on the public to stop causing fear by spreading false rumors and text messages.

He urged the people to instead offer prayers for the tsunami victims.


With reports from Tarra Quismundo in Manila; Carla P. Gomez, Inquirer Visayas; and Agence France-Presse

Lopez: Relief goods needed, rather than rescue team

abs-cbnNEWS.com
Posted at 03/16/2011 1:05 PM | Updated as of 03/16/2011 2:39 PM
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/03/16/11/lopez-relief-goods-needed-rather-rescue-team

MANILA, Philippines - Philippine Ambassador to Japan Manolo Lopez advised the government to instead send relief goods rather than a rescue team to help the quake- and tsunami-hit country of Japan.

In an interview with radio dzMM, Lopez said other countries are already pulling out their rescue teams because of the risk of exposure to radiation from an earthquake-crippled nuclear plant.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Department of Foreign Affairs are set to deploy a 41-member search and rescue contingent to help in rescue efforts in Japan.

Lopez said the government still has to ask for permission from the Japanese authorities before sending the contingent.

Nonetheless, the ambassador said “in case, relief goods should be prioritized.”

He said they are preparing logistics as to how the relief goods could be distributed amid the lack of gasoline for trucks and other transport vehicles.

“The rationing [of gasoline] can only take you so far…But we’re already looking for ways as to how we could distribute the goods,” he said.

Lopez also apologized to Filipinos in Japan who have been receiving limited goods from the embassy.

“It’s not easy to buy food now. We can only buy so much. It’s not that easy,” he said.

Panic buying gripped the nation following the 9-magnitude earthquake that hit the northeast part of Japan on Friday.

Red Cross urged Pinoys to help Japan

SunStar Manila, Philippines
Wednesday, March 16, 2011
http://www.sunstar.com.ph/breaking-news/2011/03/16/red-cross-urged-pinoys-help-japan-145150

THE Philippine Red Cross (PRC) called on Filipinos to lend a hand in assisting those that have been devastated by the magnitude-9.0 earthquake and 30-feet tsunami in Japan.

In a statement, the PRC said it has been authorized by the Japanese Red Cross to accept donations on the latter’s behalf.

“With your generosity, you can help us do everything we can to assist Japan Earthquake early relief and recovery efforts,” said the PRC.

On Tuesday, the Japanese Embassy in the Philippines announced that donations may be directed through the PRC.

In a separate interview, PRC Secretary General Gwendolyn Pang clarified that only financial donations will be accepted.

“Only monetary donations since it would be expensive to send material donations to Japan,” said Pang.

The PRC said donations can be sent through www.redcross.org.ph/donate or by SMS by texting RED AMOUNT to 2899 (Globe) or 4483 (Smart).

Last Friday, a powerful earthquake struck the northeastern region of Japan and was eventually followed by a massive tsunami carrying waves as high as 10 meters.

The twin tragedies have already resulted in the death of almost 2,500 although there are fears that it might reach to more than 10,000. (AMN/Sunnex)

FILIPINOS IN JAPAN WHO NEEDS IMMEDIATE HELP:
1. Mrs. Dennies Isozaki and Other Filipinos (Oarai Tsunami Victims/survivor)
Contact Number:09085059984
Temporary Shelter:Isohama Cho Oarai Machi 3458-5 Ibaraki Ken
Status: One of her friends messag...e me on FB for help then I called her . She said that Her house and that of other Filipinos in Oarai Ibaraki was swept by the Oarai Tsunami last Friday and They need food, water, towels, toiletries, blankets and clothes . ( I have clothes here, I am looking for volunteers who can pick these clothes and bring to the above address or sponsor the Takyubin) by Joseph de Leon of Tochigi Ken

Some messages I saw on the net (http://www.facebook.com/home.php?sk=group_189369211099627). I am just sounding it off.

Please share:


PLEASE SAVE THE PHONE NUMBERS YOU CAN CONTACT IN CASE OF EMERGENCY.



11 March 2011, as of 8:10 pm



According to Japanese government authorities, in case of emergency, Japanese

and foreign nationals are advised to proceed to the nearest fire station or city hall

to receive instructions/assistance.



Furthermore, in addition to the Philippine Embassy hotline numbers listed in the

first Advisory to the Filipino Community (below), members of the FilCom may

also contact the following Embassy numbers as soon as the telephone service

resumes operations:



(03) 5562- 1573

(03) 5562- 1574



ADVISORY TO THE FILIPINO COMMUNITY IN JAPAN

11 March 2011, as of 6:43 pm



In view of the recent strong earthquake and tsunami that hit Japan, members of

the Filipino community are strongly advised to contact the Embassy at any of the

following hotline numbers as soon as the telephone service resumes operations:

(03) 5562-1570 (03) 5562-1570

(03) 5562- 1577

(03) 5562-1590 (03) 5562-1590



The Embassy can also be reached by email through:

emergency@philembassy.net



You may also get in touch with the following Philippine Consulates in Japan as

soon as the telephone service resumes operations:

Philippine Consulate General in Osaka (06) 6910-7881 (06) 6910-7881

Philippine Honorary Consulate in Sapporo (011) 614-8090 (011) 614-8090

Philippine Honorary Consulate in Morioka (019) 626-9139 (019) 626-9139

Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Nagoya (052) 584-5698 (052) 584-5698

Philippine Honorary Consulate General in Naha (098) 892-5486 (098) 892-5486

Japan thanks Phl for offer of humanitarian aid :kiss:

By Jun Pasaylo (philstar.com)
Updated March 18, 2011 03:02 PM
http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=667418&publicationSubCategoryId=200

MANILA, Philippines – Officials of the Japanese government here thanked the Philippines for its many offers of assistance following the devastation brought about by the 8.9 magnitude earthquake followed by a ferocious tsunami last week.

“(We) express sincere appreciation for the heartfelt messages of sympathies being extended to those who have suffered in the Northeastern part of Japan,” the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines said in a statement.

While it remains mum on the offer of the Philippines to send rescue workers, Japan expressed interest if the country could provide financial donations.

It also announced that those who wish to extend assistance through financial donations may direct the donations to the Philippine Red Cross. The Japanese Red Cross Society can receive donations as well.

Financial donations could be directed to the following accounts of the Japanese Red Cross Society:

Name of Bank: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation

Name of Branch: Ginza

Account No.: 8047670 (Ordinary Account)

SWIFT Code: SMBC JP JTPayee

Name: The Japanese Red Cross Society

Payee Address: 1-1-3 Shiba-Daimon Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan

Name of Bank: Sumitomo Mitsui Banking

Corporation Name of Branch: Ginza

Account No.: 8047705 (Ordinary Account)

SWIFT Code: SMBC JP JT

Payee Name: The Japanese Red Cross Society

Payee Address: 1-1-3 Shiba-Daimon Minato-ku, Tokyo Japan

Donations coursed through the Philippine Red Cross will be directed to the Japanese Red Cross.

“The Government of Japan, together with the people of the affected region and the entire nation, is doing its utmost efforts to provide rapid emergency support and recovery in the region,” the embassy noted.

For those who wish to express condolences to the victims, the embassy advises that a Book of Condolence is available for signing on March 18 (Friday) 10.00 am – 5.00 pm; March 20 (Sunday) 2.00 pm – 5.00 pm; March 21 (Monday) 10.00 am – 5.00 pm at the JICC Hall of Embassy of Japan in Pasay City.

TOKYO – The Japanese government acknowledged Friday that it was overwhelmed by the scale of last week's twin natural disasters, slowing the response to the nuclear crisis that was triggered by the earthquake and tsunami that left at least 10,000 people dead.

The admission came as Japan welcomed U.S. help in stabilizing its overheated, radiation-leaking nuclear complex, and reclassified the rating of the nuclear accident from Level 4 to Level 5 on a seven-level international scale, putting it on a par with the 1979 Three Mile Island accident.

Nuclear experts have been saying for days that Japan was underplaying the severity of the nuclear crisis, which later Friday the prime minister called "very grave."

The International Nuclear Event Scale defines a Level 4 incident as having local consequences and a Level 5 as having wider consequences.

Hidehiko Nishiyama of Japan's nuclear safety agency said the rating was raised when officials realized that at least 3 percent of the fuel in three of the reactors at the Fukushima Dai-ichi plant had been severely damaged, suggesting those reactor cores have partially melted down and thrown radioactivity into the environment.

"The unprecedented scale of the earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan, frankly speaking, were among many things that happened that had not been anticipated under our disaster management contingency plans," said Chief Cabinet Secretary Yukio Edano, admitting that information had not been shared quickly enough.

"In hindsight, we could have moved a little quicker in assessing the situation and coordinating all that information and provided it faster," he said.

Later, Prime Minister Naoto Kan urged the nation to unite.

"We will rebuild Japan from scratch. We must all share this resolve," he said in a nationally televised address, calling the crises a "great test for the Japanese people."

At the stricken complex, military fire trucks sprayed the reactor units for a second day, with tons of water arcing over the facility in desperate attempts to prevent the fuel from overheating and spewing dangerous levels of radiation.
LINK (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_japan_earthquake)

where could we drop our donations? Japanese embassy?

kung cash yan, sa red cross japan, derecho mo na, baka mahawakan pa yan ng mga makakati ang kamay:D

Man rescued 8 days after Japan's quake-tsunami (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/as_japan_earthquake) (Corrected)
By MARI YAMAGUCHI and ERIC TALMADGE Mari Yamaguchi And Eric Talmadge

Correction: TOKYO – Military search teams pulled a young man from a crushed house Saturday in Japan's disaster zone but a news report later said he returned there a week after the quake and tsunami struck and that he was trapped only for one day.

The young man, found in the rubble in Kesennuma city, was too weak to talk and was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital, said a military official. The official, who declined to give his name because he was not authorized to speak to the media, had no other details


Latest Photos: (http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/1/grid?q=Japan)

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/05j74GiblnaVk/610x.jpg (http://www.daylife.com/search/photos/1/grid?q=Japan)

“Apocalypse now?”
Zoilo ‘Bingo’ Dejaresco III / Free Enterprise
Business Mirror
March 17, 2011
http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/banking-a-finance/8727-apocalypse-now

CNN and BBC helped bring the horrifying spectacle  of the “Apocalypse Now”, the mega earthquake-cum tsunami in Japan, into our living rooms and offices with their graphic, clear pictures in all its gory, apocalyptic details.

The 8.9-scaled super earthquake rocked cities in Japan and up to 30-feet tsunami waves of terrifying force added the final blow.

Certainly not the biblical deluge of Noah, but this was the worst disaster in Japan since World War II. A larger one of 8.3 magnitude in 1923 hit Kanau, Japan wiped out 143,000 people. The one in Kobe (1995) had 6,400 casualties.

This time, in one city (Minami Sanrik) alone 10,000 of the 18,000 residents are still missing.

Kasenuma is one-third submerged by floodwaters and in Kamaichi, witnesses swore they saw boats, cars and trucks tossed by the tsunami like toys. Even large boats were thrown to land and in some places, the Japanese could not tell where “the sea begins and the land ends.”

Tokyo’s public transportation system halted and car giants Toyota, Nissan and Honda stopped operations although breaking news seems to indicate things are getting better in the Nippon capital. The Tokyo government will have to do a massive reconstruction and prevent a recession in the Land of the Rising Sun (no more?).

In some parts of this world’s third most-powerful nation, gas and food are thinning and water is rationed for one million households who lost their homes.

Volcanos are erupting with regularity everywhere; earthquakes are a dime a dozen in smaller scale. New Zealand just survived a huge one last month as Chile, Haiti, Schezhuan did in the previous recent years.

In 2004, 12 countries were affected by a killer quake and tsunami that killed over 240,000 including large losses in the tourist city Bali in Indonesia.

Thank goodness that Japan is so devoted  as an environmental protector that despite  the troubles with six of their nuclear reactors, the radioactive fallout is largely contained.

Japan is still nursing a guilt conscience over the consequences of its bellicose activities in the last war and is living the trauma of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima and Nagasaki.

Consider that it was just in 1986 when the Chernobyl nuclear facility melted down and recorded 4,000 dead among the 600,000  men affected over a vast expanse of land that enveloped Russia and a large part of Europe.

In Chernobyl, no flora or fauna can survive the next 100 years within the three-mile radius of the reactor and mutants of flowers, animals and babies have been documented as a result of the nuclear toxin infection near the area.

Although Japan has 55 of the world’s 456 nuclear plants, they are covered by thick domes and fail-safe measures. It was just the gigantic tsunami that destroyed the nuclear-plant system as it did the most damage that the earthquake could not inflict upon Japan’s quake-insulated buildings.

So, what should worry the Philippines then?

It is unfortunate that the Philippines is within the “Pacific Rim of Fire” where 90 percent of the world’s earthquakes occur. Moreover, if the quake occurs in China, then a tsunami from the China Sea can hit RP; if from Japan, from the Pacific Ocean. It is a worrisome situation for our coastal towns and cities, both east and west. Remember, we, too, have 7,100 islands (high tide) which are almost defenseless against gigantic tidal waves.

Also, we can continue to be in a state of denial about the three earthquake fault lines in the Philippines (Manila, Marikina and the Eastern Philippine Fault) until the Big One strikes to our own peril.

Renowned architect and urban planner Jun Palafox says many of Metro Manila buildings are quake risks (JICA says it is 40 percent) and the Palace calls him an alarmist. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chair Benito Ramos proudly said the other day that all the new high-rise residential and commercial buildings in Manila can withstand a 7.0- magnitude quake. And the UP Institute of Geological Services claimed the shortness of our fault lines in Manila makes those magnitudes in Japan unlikely to occur here.

But the three Philippine fault lines are great equalizers of misery in the sense that they do cut across all class levels of dwelling and business homes of the rich and the poor.

Moreover, the Building Code in the country is observed more on the breach and the DPWH checking out its own infrastructure status is the moral equivalentof asking a comptroller to audit himself. We need an independent building and infrastructure audit pronto nationwide.

God forbid, when the Big One strikes, all the “corruptors and corrupted” will stand trial before their own conscience as roads and bridges, school buildings, public buildings, condos and hospitals built on inferior materials and designed to give way to “kickbacks”, will collapse and they will see their own countrymen and perhaps even their loved ones suffer. Karma?

Recently, moves to revive the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPN) again surfaced. What they should studiously consider is that although the BNPN is perched 18 meters above sea level, the Japan tsunami waves at peak points reached 30 meters and the fact that while Westinghouse designed the plant (during the Marcos era) that does not guarantee that its local sub-contractors did not do the notoriously Filipino “structural shortcuts.”

Meantime, the deep embankments and breakwaters at the seashores (versus tsunami) and the water storage tanks per two kilometers as proposed by disaster experts remain unheeded to this day, to a large degree.

“Apocalypse Now” happened in well-prepared neighbor Japan.

What in the name of the merciful saints is this Third World country called the Philippines waiting for?

Correction: Just one day as to the 8 days from the earlier news.

Man pulled from house in Japan's disaster zone (http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20110319/ap_on_re_as/as_japan_earthquake_rescue;_ylt=Aln82rx1om8DsPTSjODQO3Bv24cA;_ylu=X3oDMTNlNGg4ZGpnBGFzc2V0A2FwLzIwMTEwMzE5L2FzX2phcGFuX2VhcnRocXVha2VfcmVzY3VlBGNjb2RlA21wX2VjXzhfMTAEY3BvcwM0BHBvcwM0BHNlYwN5bl90b3Bfc3RvcmllcwRzbGsDbWFucHVsbGVkZnJv)
By SHINO YUASA, Associated Press Shino Yuasa, Associated Press – 1 hr 4 mins ago


TOKYO – Military search teams pulled a young man from a crushed house Saturday in Japan's disaster zone but a news report later said he returned there a week after the quake and tsunami struck and that he was trapped only for one day.The young man, found in the rubble in Kesennuma city, was too weak to talk and was immediately transferred to a nearby hospital, said a military official. The official, who declined to give his name because he was not authorized to speak to the media, had no other details.

Kyodo, the Japanese news agency, said the man was in his 20s. In a later report, Kyodo quoted his family as saying that he had been separated from them after the March 11 quake and had stayed in a shelter before returning home Friday.

-deleted-

where could we drop our donations? Japanese embassy?

Red Cross. Details above

Cracks are beginning to show...

Desperation tests taboo on theft after Japan tsunami
By OLIVIA HAMPTON
March 20, 2011, 1:44pm


KAMAISHI, Japan (AFP) – Isolated reports of looting by desperate tsunami survivors have emerged in Japan, whose people have been widely applauded for their discipline in the face of appalling adversity.

Other countries have noted with admiration, and some envy, the almost total absence of social disorder following the massive March 11 earthquake and ensuing tsunami that has left nearly 20,000 people dead or missing.

In stark contrast to the chaos and violence that followed last year's quake in Haiti or Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans in 2005, the response to Japan's worst natural disaster since 1923 has been a showcase for the restraint and resilience of one of the world's most stable societies.

Despite chronic food and water shortages in the worst-affected areas, even abandoned vending machines went untouched, their edible contents still sitting behind their transparent fronts.

But now, more than a week after the tsunami hit, police say some incidents of looting and theft are being reported from battered and abandoned homes and stores.

The phenomenon is rare in Japan, a country where police crack down hard on petty crime and residents are rewarded with a finder's fee for returning lost or stolen items. Tales of misplaced wallets being returned are legendary.

"Since we have been so busy with the search and rescue operations and then the clean-up, it's hard for us to be aware of everyone who is looting," said Hironori Kodashima, vice-chief of police in the small, badly hit fishing port of Kamaishi in northeastern Iwate prefecture.

"We have just begun receiving reports about this and making arrests. But we are concerned about it and want it stopped," he said, citing the case of a man arrested as he was trying to prise open an ATM machine.

"Generally speaking, people are looting due to lack of food and money. Thieves break in and loot homes because they have been abandoned and nobody is living there any more," he said.

Others were less generous in their assessment, insisting that an increasing number of people were coming to the devastated northeast coast with a view to profiting from the chaos and destruction.

Masayuki Sasaki, 42, lost his mother to the tsunami that almost obliterated the town of Rikuzentakata, some 50 kilometres (30 miles) south of Kamaishi.

He and his widower father returned to the flattened remains of their home to try and salvage anything useful or personal.

But, Sasaki complained, survivors and rescuers were not the only ones hunting around.

"I can cope with living in the refugee centre and all that, but what I really can't stand is the thieves who come here," he said.

"They pretend to be helping, but they're looking for money, or maybe for bank books. I have lost everything and they come here looking for money. It's disgusting."

The vast majority of Japanese have remained calm and stoical, putting up with difficult conditions at evacuation shelters and waiting patiently in line for hours at gas stations and outside supermarkets running low on supplies.

And what theft has taken place has generally been low-level, including cases of people siphoning fuel out of abandoned vehicles.

Nevertheless, some people have still been appalled that any crimes have been committed at all at a time when people are trying to pull together -- and in a usually safe country where such behaviour is not common.

"Is it safe now? No, in fact you can?t say it's safe," said Ayako Ito, 84, whose mountainside home overlooking Kamaishi was high enough to be spared the ravages of the tsunami.

"People who see the thieves scream 'Stop it, stop it!' It's best to not go far from your house because our belongings are inside," said Ito, who had only eaten one rice ball all day and said she was suffering from the cold at night with no power or electricity.

Masuya Misato, 33, a volunteer worker in Kamaishi, said he had witnessed several cases of smash-and-grab raids.

"They steal items from stores and cash from the destroyed houses. They also steal beer and cigarettes," Misato said.

"There are cars everywhere that were swept away by the tsunami, and since they have been abandoned, they steal gas," he added.

"It's shocking and I hope it stops soon."

source: http://mb.com.ph/articles/310461/desperation-tests-taboo-theft-after-japan-tsunami

^^Well that's when desperate measure are needed.

^^ The Yakuza will handle those thieves. :D

^^Riiight. :lol:

Japan's Rambo:

For one quake survivor, self-help in the face of seeming helplessness


Hideaki Akaiwa, in Miyagi prefecture, has decided not to wait for rescue workers. With a scuba suit on, he waded through flooded streets to rescue his wife, and later his mother. He continues to look for more survivors.


Hideaki Akaiwa, 43, right, put on a scuba suit and went out to look for his wife, and later his mother. He has continued to look for survivors in his town of Ishinomake, in Miyagi prefecture.



Reporting from Ishinomaki, Japan —— Most of the dozens of tsunami-battered towns along Japan's northeastern coast remain mired in mud, but the situation in Ishinomaki is a bit different. Nearly a week after the massive earthquake and tsunami hit the city of 162,000, large portions remain underwater, an instant lake clearly visible on NASA satellite photographs.

Amid the aqueous landscape looms Hideaki Akaiwa, 43, in full battle gear.

In a nation of careful dressers, Akaiwa sports Rambo-style army pants, a blue sweatshirt, muddy sneakers, legs wrapped in plastic secured with orange duct tape, and three different backpacks, including an L.L. Bean fanny pack with a tiny plastic anime character affixed, a doctor that saves people.


Whereas many Japanese have adopted the nation's unofficial mantra: Shou ga nai, or, more politely, Shikata ga nai, loosely translated as, "What can you do?," "It's beyond our control" or "It's out of my hands," Akaiwa stands out as a virtual live-action hero.

Akaiwa said he was at work a few miles away when the tsunami hit, and he rushed back to find his neighborhood inundated with up to 10 feet of water. Not willing to wait until the government or any international organization did, or did not, arrive to rescue his wife of two decades — whom he had met while they were surfing in a local bay — Akaiwa got hold of some scuba gear. He then hit the water, wended his way through the debris and underwater hazards and managed to reach his house, from which he dragged his wife to safety.

"The water felt very cold, dark and scary," he recalled. "I had to swim about 200 yards to her, which was quite difficult with all the floating wreckage."

With his mother still unaccounted for several days later, Akaiwa stewed with frustration as he watched the water recede by only a foot or two. He repeatedly searched for her at City Hall and nearby evacuation centers.

Finally, on Tuesday, he waded through neck-deep water, searching the neighborhood where she'd last been seen. He found her, he said, on the second floor of a flooded house where she'd been waiting for help for four days.

"She was very much panicked because she was trapped with all this water around," Akaiwa said. "I didn't know where she was. It was such a relief to find her."

Ishinomaki, a rice-shipping port in Miyagi prefecture founded in the fourth century, is known for its huge fish market, a museum devoted to "manga" comic books and a replica of the Statue of Liberty looming over a small island in the Kitakami River.

Now, the still-proud statue looks out over legions of logs liberated from a hidden loading dock. Downtown streets, replete with KFC and Coco's Restaurant signs, can best be reached by boat.

Two-thousand pound cars have punched their way into tractor trailers, through plate-glass windows, up into trees, defying logic as they to rest bumper-to-bumper in seemingly impossible embraces, all a few hundred yards from blocks of untouched Japanese-style strip malls just beyond the high-water mark, stores with names such as "Beauty Shiny," "Hotel Kiss" and "Restaurant Joyfill."

Nearby, battered and bruised residents, bracing for the latest aftershock, walk their bicycles on elevated rail lines, the only high-water refuge for many in this flooded community.

Residents such as office worker Takahiru Haryuu, 47, said Wednesday that they are waiting for authorities to give the all-clear to return to their neighborhoods. Haryuu smoked a cigarette and chatted with his wife Hiroko on an overpass where the city's four-lane highway ends.

The road wasn't designed to end here. But now, the newly formed lake extends into his neighborhood, which abuts the sea, its roads and byways still flooded to neck level.

The couple haven't seen their house since Friday and have no idea what to expect. But they aren't about to swim or scuba, preferring instead to wait patiently and hope. "The family is all right, thankfully, but we're very worried about the house," Haryuu said. "But we'll just have to keep checking back until we can get in."

Akaiwai, on the other hand, isn't big on waiting. He can't sit still. He pokes around in his car, battered and likely ruined by the tsunami, pointing out a three-inch fish lying dead almost half a mile inland, one of the tsunami's smallest victims.

Then, he adjusts his pants, reaches into his still-wet car and pulls out a pair of Ray-Ban aviator glasses from a light brown case, pours out the sea water and puts them on to complete his outfit before mounting the bicycle he's using since his wheels are disabled. Akaiwai next reviews the contents of his fanny pack: green tea, water, a flashlight, camouflage work gloves, a Swiss Army-style knife and a change of clothes.

Finally, he adjusts the grip on his bicycle and heads off in search of other trapped survivors.

"Sorry, I have to get going," he says as he navigates around the dead fish, through a puddle and around the corner.

Source: http://www.latimes.com/news/nationworld/world/la-fg-japan-quake-scuba-20110317,0,7192950.story

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04NP3QT6dmf95/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02gW6Ix1UR2He/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04ST6m18mK1i3/610x.jpg

Workers construct the temporary housing facility for those forced to evacuate following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, Sunday, April 10, 2011.

Workers construct the temporary housing facility for those forced to evacuate following the March 11 earthquake and tsunami in Rikuzentakata, Iwate Prefecture, Japan, Sunday, April 10, 2011.

Kung sa atin yan, dadaan pa sa senado yan bago matayuan. :lol:

Ganyan kasama ang accountability sa atin.

^^ Hindi ko alam ang specs ng mga temporary shelters na yan but anything with good foundation and a roof will do for the evacuees. Nakita ko na yan sa isang town sa Japan but this one is more rigid with metal rafters and beams.

Kaya gawin sa Pinas yan, sayang lang ang Pinoy ingenuity kung hindi nila gamitin.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/08wu3hvf0eea4/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/04NP3QT6dmf95/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00qv2928FheIx/610x.jpg

and compare to these... :lol: na mulitika ang mga gov't officials ng New Orleans during Katrina disaster.

FEMA mobile homes-Hurricane Katrina trailer park

http://static.guim.co.uk/Guardian/world/gallery/2008/jun/06/hurricanekatrina.photography/GD7507566@-FILE--In-this-March--6967.jpg

Cebu Province Rescue Boat On Patrol
Bantayan Island, Cebu
photo by @leylander (MCPB (http://mycebuphotoblog.wordpress.com/2011/05/13/bantayan-island-sizzles/#more-3426))

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5182/5661702506_a0b02d0ace_z.jpg

Floods
Philippine Daily Inquirer
6:19 am | Tuesday, June 28th, 2011

Last Thursday saw a mini-reprise of the horrific “Ondoy” storm and floods of 2009. Many of the main streets were flooded, and some of the notorious areas like Marikina had water rising almost two stories high. The heavy rains fell during the rush hours, causing a traffic gridlock that in some instances took nearly 10 hours to untangle.

Tropical Storm “Falcon” and the southwest monsoon spawned rainfall that reached the abnormal level of 44.4 millimeters in just three hours, way above the normal level for June of 10 mm per day. The flood kept employees in their offices for hours, way beyond quitting time. Motorists kept their engines running for hours, waiting for the gridlock to clear up, and some pedestrians waded through the rising waters just so they could get home.

As in the case of Ondoy, the heavy rains and the resulting flood caught many towns and cities unprepared. But apparently some cities did prepare for such an eventuality.

One of them was Muntinlupa City which enforced a landmark ban on plastics and polystyrene containers earlier this year. Muntinlupa Mayor Aldrin San Pedro said the ban was among the factors that kept the city free from flooding. Because the city’s personnel did a thorough cleanup, there was less trash on the waterways and rainwater flowed freely through esteros and canals and made their way to Laguna de Bay. Muntinlupa City has set a good example that other cities and towns should study and emulate it.

Some cities and towns in the metropolis have set negative examples. Almost all canals and esteros are fenced off and bear signs telling people not to throw their garbage in the canal. But people living near the esteros cut out holes in the wire fence and throw their garbage in the canal anyway. A good example of contrariness and indiscipline. They probably do not realize that they are harming themselves: When the rains come and the winds blow and the floods spread, their homes will be damaged, if not destroyed, and some of them could die in the rising flood.
An intensive and extensive campaign on the municipal and barangay level is needed to educate and to convince people to protect themselves by properly disposing of their waste so that they would not contribute to the worsening of floods in the metropolis.

Another major cause of flooding in both the metropolis and the provinces is the proliferation of water lilies or hyacinths. Feeding on the nutrients in the garbage that find their way to inland bodies of water, they have grown big, some several feet long, and have proliferated in geometric proportion.

The officials of Cotabato City have appealed to President Aquino to help them solve the city’s flood problem which they blame on tons of water lilies that are causing rivers to overflow. Cotabato Archbishop Orlando Quevedo said he believed the main cause of the floods were the water lilies on the Rio Grande. But the officials and people of Cotabato can solve the problem themselves. With the help of soldiers, policemen and civilian volunteers, they can clear their waterways of these aquatic pests. The irony of it is that on the same day that the problem was being discussed, two early morning TV shows indicated that water hyacinths can be a source of livelihood: they can be manufactured into bags, mats and other household articles that can be sold in markets and shops.

The flood problem could be mitigated if only national and municipal officials would take an orderly, targeted approach. We all know when the rainy season starts and we are given timely advice by the weather bureau. Why then not fix clogged drainage systems, complete unfinished road repairs and cover road diggings? Something should also be done about the traffic system to prevent a recurrence of the gridlock that kept thousands of motorists and pedestrians on the road for hours.

We have had a bad experience with Ondoy and other powerful storms and rains that killed scores of people and destroyed millions of pesos in property. By now we should have learned our lessons. Many big and ambitious plans were discussed in the months after Ondoy. Whatever happened to them? Shall we again do just a lot of talking after another Ondoy-type disaster hits us?

ERUF now one of Asia's best (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=713202&publicationSubCategoryId=107)
By Ryan Christopher J. Sorote/FPL (The Freeman) Updated August 04, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0)


Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation officials, (L-R) Atty. Terrence Fernandez, Dr. Jesus Ravanes, Dr. Pek Eng Lim, chairman, Mona Li, Charlie Taguiam, Herminio Cortes and Dr. Kenneth Chan, answer questions from the media for their upcoming 25th year anniversary celebration. PAUL JUN E. ROSAROSO
| Zoom
CEBU, Philippines - After years of struggle and toil, the Cebu based Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) now stand as one of the best emergency units in Southeast Asia.

As they celebrate their 25th anniversary on September 13, the group looked back at how they started with only few old junked vehicles at their disposal during emergencies.

Dr. Jesus Ravanes, over all chairperson of the ERUF silver jubilee celebration, told The FREEMAN how proud their team is to have become one of best emergency teams in Asia.

Ravanes said they have exceeded other emergency units in Metro Manila, Makati and Davao City with their relentless efforts in the past years.

They are the only accredited and recognized medical team by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) based in the United States of America together with another emergency medical service (EMS) team in Hong Kong.

NAEMT is a professional association representing all EMS practitioners, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders and other professionals working in pre-hospital emergency medicine throughout the globe.

In their aim to “serve so others may live,” ERUF has worked the path of sacrifice and true service as they are now recognized by various agencies in America and the European Union.

Though with only minimal supports from local government units where they serve, volunteers have exceeded what the forefathers of ERUF have dreamed in the past – to be world class.

Since 1986, ERUF has grown in terms of manpower, accomplishments both locally and abroad. The group which started with only 24 men has grown to an army of 300 well-trained and selfless personnel.

ERUF has also extended their world class knowledge by training barangay volunteers in Paramedic Training operations like the very active Pardo Emergency Rescue Unit.

With over 31 vehicles used in various purposes from emergency response and rescue, ERUF is one of the most equipped EMS team in the country. Although they said they are just 75-percent equipped, but no other teams have come close to what they now have.

ERUF RUN



In celebration of their 25th year of existence, the ERUF will host an “ERUF 161 RUN” on September 11, 2011 to raise funds to purchase new portable defibrillators to be used in their day-to-day operations.

A portable defibrillator, which costs P500, 000, is a machine used to shock victim’s heart into action after cardiac arrest.

With such machine on each of their 13 ambulances means more lives could be saved. ERUF is asking the public to support their endeavor for the benefit of every Cebuano under their care.

The run will have 12K, 6K, and 3K which will start and end at Mandaue City Reclamation Area, across Park Mall. The course is fat and fast and will be ideal for all ages. The run will start at 5:30 a.m until 8:30 a.m.

Prize will also be awarded to the top ten over all male and female runners in each category while special awards will also be given to the best in costume, the oldest and youngest runners.

Interested participants can register for only P250 at their headquarters in Banilad Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City Hall, and the Cebu City Sports Center. — (FREEMAN)

ERUF now one of Asia's best (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=713202&publicationSubCategoryId=107)
By Ryan Christopher J. Sorote/FPL (The Freeman) Updated August 04, 2011 12:00 AM Comments (0)


Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation officials, (L-R) Atty. Terrence Fernandez, Dr. Jesus Ravanes, Dr. Pek Eng Lim, chairman, Mona Li, Charlie Taguiam, Herminio Cortes and Dr. Kenneth Chan, answer questions from the media for their upcoming 25th year anniversary celebration. PAUL JUN E. ROSAROSO
| Zoom
CEBU, Philippines - After years of struggle and toil, the Cebu based Emergency Rescue Unit Foundation (ERUF) now stand as one of the best emergency units in Southeast Asia.

As they celebrate their 25th anniversary on September 13, the group looked back at how they started with only few old junked vehicles at their disposal during emergencies.

Dr. Jesus Ravanes, over all chairperson of the ERUF silver jubilee celebration, told The FREEMAN how proud their team is to have become one of best emergency teams in Asia.

Ravanes said they have exceeded other emergency units in Metro Manila, Makati and Davao City with their relentless efforts in the past years.

They are the only accredited and recognized medical team by the National Association of Emergency Medical Technicians (NAEMT) based in the United States of America together with another emergency medical service (EMS) team in Hong Kong.

NAEMT is a professional association representing all EMS practitioners, including paramedics, emergency medical technicians, first responders and other professionals working in pre-hospital emergency medicine throughout the globe.

In their aim to “serve so others may live,” ERUF has worked the path of sacrifice and true service as they are now recognized by various agencies in America and the European Union.

Though with only minimal supports from local government units where they serve, volunteers have exceeded what the forefathers of ERUF have dreamed in the past – to be world class.

Since 1986, ERUF has grown in terms of manpower, accomplishments both locally and abroad. The group which started with only 24 men has grown to an army of 300 well-trained and selfless personnel.

ERUF has also extended their world class knowledge by training barangay volunteers in Paramedic Training operations like the very active Pardo Emergency Rescue Unit.

With over 31 vehicles used in various purposes from emergency response and rescue, ERUF is one of the most equipped EMS team in the country. Although they said they are just 75-percent equipped, but no other teams have come close to what they now have.

ERUF RUN



In celebration of their 25th year of existence, the ERUF will host an “ERUF 161 RUN” on September 11, 2011 to raise funds to purchase new portable defibrillators to be used in their day-to-day operations.

A portable defibrillator, which costs P500, 000, is a machine used to shock victim’s heart into action after cardiac arrest.

With such machine on each of their 13 ambulances means more lives could be saved. ERUF is asking the public to support their endeavor for the benefit of every Cebuano under their care.

The run will have 12K, 6K, and 3K which will start and end at Mandaue City Reclamation Area, across Park Mall. The course is fat and fast and will be ideal for all ages. The run will start at 5:30 a.m until 8:30 a.m.

Prize will also be awarded to the top ten over all male and female runners in each category while special awards will also be given to the best in costume, the oldest and youngest runners.

Interested participants can register for only P250 at their headquarters in Banilad Cebu City, Lapu-Lapu City Hall, and the Cebu City Sports Center. — (FREEMAN)

i thought 911 is number one kay may name recall sila bakit eruf 116 ang na recognize sa southeast asia? dapat mali na award yan kasi sila palagi ang nangunguna. duda ko bias ang nag judge diyan. kung sino man nag sulat na article na yan sana hindi na binanggit ang ibang lugar para walang magrereklamo.

i thought 911 is number one kay may name recall sila bakit eruf 116 ang na recognize sa southeast asia? dapat mali na award yan kasi sila palagi ang nangunguna. duda ko bias ang nag judge diyan. kung sino man nag sulat na article na yan sana hindi na binanggit ang ibang lugar para walang magrereklamo.

Hindi rin p're! Ang alam ko bawal na ang wang-wang. Paano sisikat ang nayn wang-wang (911)! :bash::bash::bash:

i thought 911 is number one kay may name recall sila bakit eruf 116 ang na recognize sa southeast asia? dapat mali na award yan kasi sila palagi ang nangunguna. duda ko bias ang nag judge diyan. kung sino man nag sulat na article na yan sana hindi na binanggit ang ibang lugar para walang magrereklamo.
Ana man jud na bai..!! hilum-hilum lng ba nya sa uban naka makahibalo sa ila achievements and not just locally. In fairness to the writer, I believe he have seen the evidence and it is very evident also in Facebook. It is still fresh in my mind nga naa rescue group (dili lng nako isulta ang pangalan) nga gi-train before sa ERUF and now they claimed nga mas nauna pa sila sa ERUF og maayong laki na kaayo sila.

Then katong naa training sa Changmai, Thailand regarding Collapse Structure, nakasab-an sa organizer ang katong taga (name intentionally deleted) kay ngano wala nila gi-apil ang taga ERUF. Himan-himan pirme diay sila (katong wla magpa-apil sa ERUF) nangamuti sa training matudpa sa usa ka representative nga taga ERUF and the comment from the training coordinators.

BTW, 161 ha dili 116. lol

^^

nice info you got there, but please, edit your post, this is not a local thread. english is very much appreciated. :)

Typhoon Ondoy's 2009 disaster will probably be prevented from happening again since PAGASA now has now 7 brand new Doppler Radars in full operations which gives the agency the capability to alert the public on the amount of rain that's approaching and about to fall in certain areas so that mandatory evacuations can be enforce, another 3 stations will be added next year for a total of 10 Doppler Radars covering the entire archipelago...

It will be very audacious for man to claim mastery of the earth when he is just a speck or a dot in the sands of the shore. To make the story short: "Mahirap magsalita nang patapos, marumi ang nai-dura, hindi na maaring ibalik."

A good program will always have these three: men, equipment, plan/procedure. It will be a dis-service to the Filipino people to say "Ondoy's disaster will never be repeated" by just having the equipment. What if another big one comes and flooding can't be avoided? Or are we to say that the US, with all its high-tech equipment, do not have a group of very capable people and a good plan to start with just because New Orleans got flooded?

It will be very audacious for man to claim mastery of the earth when he is just a speck or a dot in the sands of the shore. To make the story short: "Mahirap magsalita nang patapos, marumi ang nai-dura, hindi na maaring ibalik."

A good program will always have these three: men, equipment, plan/procedure. It will be a dis-service to the Filipino people to say "Ondoy's disaster will never be repeated" by just having the equipment. What if another big one comes and flooding can't be avoided? Or are we to say that the US, with all its high-tech equipment, do not have a group of very capable people and a good plan to start with just because New Orleans got flooded?

WOW! That's DEEP, I actually did not comprehend what your trying to say... :doh:

WOW! That's DEEP, I actually did not comprehend what your trying to say... :doh:

Not that deep dude!

Having the equipment is good. The US have theirs too. But what did Katrina do to New Orleans? Now we just have our equipment! Do we have the bragging rights to say "no more flooding" just because we have the new equipment? Of course not. Because you have to factor-in the required capable men to man those equipment and a damn good plan to execute if things develop into an eminent flooding. Knowing an event in advance does not mean you are secure. It is only by how the countermeasures were successfully implemented that we can gauge how good we are.

Else, it would be better to have those equipment and the readiness of our response teams tested by coming flood-bringing typhoons. If we succeed, then we can brag about it later. Those statement of yours are perhaps out of timing but could become true depending our responses to future typhoons.

Crystal!

Tropical Storm Nesat is forecast to move directly towards the main island of Luzon in the Philippines and should hit the island nation by tuesday as a powerful category 3 typhoon...


http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/TSNesat.gif

http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/warnings/wp2011.gif

Source (http://www.usno.navy.mil/NOOC/nmfc-ph/RSS/jtwc/warnings/wp2011.gif)




Signal No.1 raised over 3 Bicol provinces
By TJ Burgonio
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/64837/signal-no-1-raised-over-3-bicol-provinces)
12:21 pm | Sunday, September 25th, 2011

The weather bureau on Sunday morning raised Signal No. 1 over Catanduanes, Albay and Camarines Sur that lie in the direct path of tropical storm “Pedring’’ which intensified over East Philippine Sea.

“These areas should expect stormy weather tonight,’’ said forecaster Aldczar Aurelio of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration.

“Pedring,’’ packing maximum winds of 95 kilometers per hour, and gustiness of 120 kph, would also enhance the southwest monsoon to bring moderate to heavy rain and strong winds over the western section of Southern Luzon, including Metro Manila, and Visayas, he said.

As of 10 a.m. Sunday, the storm was swirling westward at 22 kph over the East Philippine Sea, some 600 km east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, toward northern Luzon, where it’s expected to make a landfall Tuesday morning, Aurelio said.

“It’s over the sea, so it’s expected to intensify into a typhoon,’’ he said by phone.

At 4 a.m. Sunday, the storm had maximum winds of 85 kph and gustiness of 100 kph.

'Pedring' to become a typhoon
abs-cbnNEWS.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/26/11/pedring-become-typhoon-threatens-aurora-isabela)
Posted at 09/26/2011 8:12 AM | Updated as of 09/26/2011 8:53 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Tropical storm “Pedring” will intensify into a full-blown typhoon as it makes a landfall in Aurora and Isabela on Tuesday, weather bureau PAGASA said on Monday.

PAGASA acting administrator Nathaniel Servando said Pedring, last spotted 260 kilometers east northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, is expected to make a landfall in Aurora and Isabela provinces by Tuesday morning.

"Kung hindi po magbabago ang takbo, inaashan na tatama ng kalupaan si Pedring bandang Tuesday ng umaga sa may bandang Aurora at Isabela,” he said in an interview on dzMM.

Servando added that Pedring has a potential of intensifying into a typhoon as it remains outside the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR).

“Napakalakas po nito (Pedring). Inaashan natin na ito'y lalakas pa dahil nasa karagatan pa siya. At bago tumama ng kalupaan, siguradong magiging typhoon po ito,” he said.

As of 5 a.m., the following areas were under public storm signals no. 1 and 2:

Signal no. 2:

Isabela
Aurora
Catanduanes
Polillo Island
Camarines Norte
Camarines Sur

Signal no. 1:

Albay
Burias Island
Sorsogon
Quezon
Quirino
Ifugao
Nueva Vizcaya
Mt. Province
Kalinga
Cagayan

Pedring was packing maximum sustained winds of 110 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center with gustiness of up to 140 kph.

PAGASA said this weather system is also expected to enhance the southwest monsoon (habagat), bringing rains over the southern Luzon and most parts of Visayas.

Pedring is estimated to bring 15 to 25 millimeters per hour of rain within its diameter of 600 kms.

According to PAGASA’s 3-hour rainfall data, heavy rainfall hit Virac (31.4 mm), Sorsogon (52.5 mm), Legaspi (35.5 mm) and Pili (31 mm).

By Tuesday morning, Pedring will be 180 kms northeast of Baler, Aurora. It is expected to leave PAR by Wednesday evening.

Evacuation

Meanwhile, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) director Benito Ramos said evacuation is ongoing for residents in the affected areas.

Ramos said residents in Sorsogon and Albay have been asked to prepare for possible lahar flows from Mt. Bulusan and Mt. Mayon.

Ramos warned residents in Cagayan Valley for possible flooding as Magat dam has opened three gates to release water.

He also warned motorists to avoid Kennon Road in Baguio for a possible rock slide.

PAGASA warned residents in low lying areas for possible flash floods and landslides. Fishing boats and other small sea crafts were advised not to venture out into the sea while larger sea vessels were alerted against big waves.

Cancelled flights

Several domestic flights were cancelled as of 7 a.m. due to bad weather. Philippine Airlines cancelled PR 277 Manila to Legaspi, PR 278 Legaspi to Manila, while Zest Air flights Z2 260 Manila to Masbate and Z2 261 Masbate to Manila were also affected.

Cebu Pacific cancelled the following 12 domestic flights:

2P 021 Mnl - Masbate
2P 022 Masbate - Mnl
2P 261 Mnl - Naga
2P 262 Naga - Mnl
5J 821 Mnl - Virac
5J 822 Virac - Mnl
5J 707 Mnl - Calbayog
5J 708 Calbayog - Mnl
5J 325 Mnl - Legaspi
5J 325 Legaspi - Mnl
5J 521 Mnl - Naga
5J 522 Naga - Mnl

Pedring may hit Central Luzon, Metro if it keeps westward track — PAGASA
By Kristine L. Alave
Philippine Daily Inquirer (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/65467/pedring-may-hit-central-luzon-metro-if-it-keeps-westward-track-pagasa)
5:05 pm | Monday, September 26th, 2011

MANILA, Philippines — Tropical typhoon Pedring would strengthen and hit the country’s agricultural crop lands and Metro Manila if it continued its westward move, the Philippine Atmospherics, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said on Monday.

Graciano Yumul, undersecretary of the Department of Science and Technology, said the past five hours showed Pedring on a westward track. “If this makes landfall in Quezon, it will hit Central Luzon and hit Metro Manila,” he said.

Yumul said a high pressure area on the northwest has been preventing Pedring from inching north. The typhoon was crossing the ocean at 17 kilometers per hour. As of 10 a.m. Monday, Pedring was packing maximum winds of 120 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 150 kph.

Pedring was seen to intensify as it hurtled to the east coast of Luzon as sea surface temperature was recorded at 28C. “This is still warm. This is conducive to intensification,” Yumul explained.




^^ MM now placed at typhoon signal number 2...




Typhoon Pedring to make landfall in Aurora
by Jojo Malig, abs-cbnNEWS.com (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/09/26/11/typhoon-pedring-make-landfall-aurora)
Posted at 09/26/2011 5:34 PM | Updated as of 09/26/2011 5:35 PM

ALBAY, Philippines - Typhoon Pedring (international name Nesat) will make landfall early Tuesday morning in Casiguran, Aurora, state weather bureau PAGASA said.

Public Storm Signal No. 3 has been hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Northern Quezon, including Polillo Island, Aurora,
Quirino, and Isabela.

The areas are expected to experience winds of 101-185 kilometers per hour in at least 18 hours, PAGASA said.

Metro Manila, meanwhile, has been placed under Public Storm Signal No. 2. The other areas where Public Storm Signal No 2 has been hoisted as of 5 p.m. Monday are Albay, Burias Island, Sorsogon, rest of Quezon, Rizal, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Ifugao, Benguet, Mt. Province, Kalinga, and Cagayan.

Public Storm Signal No. 1 is now raised over Ticao Island, Masbate, Marinduque, Batangas, Cavite, Bataan, Pampanga, Zambales, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte, Abra, Apayao, and the Calayan and Babuyan group of islands.

"Pedring" has slightly intensified as it makes its way toward land, according to PAGASA.

It has maximum sustained winds of 130 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kph.

It was 260 km east southeast of Casiguran, Aurora as of 4 p.m. and will be near Baguio City Tuesday afternoon.

"Residents in low lying and mountainous areas under public storm warning signals are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides. Likewise, those living in coastal areas are alerted against big waves or storm surges generated by this tropical cyclone," PAGASA said in its latest weather advisory.

The weather bureau said the estimated rainfall amount from "Pedring" is from 15 to 25 mm per hour within the typhoon's 650 km diameter.

'Pedring'-induced flood inundates 5-star hotel
PATERNO ESMAQUEL II, GMA News (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/233548/nation/pedring-induced-flood-inundates-5-star-hotel?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=GMANewsTwitter)
09/27/2011 | 03:33 PM

Waist-deep floods are inundating a five-star hotel in Manila with the collapse of a portion of the sea wall along Manila Bay as Typhoon Pedring battered the metropolis, an official of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) said Tuesday.

In a tweet using his Twitter account @doblezeta, MMDA communications group head Yves Gonzales said the affected hotel is Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila, located along Roxas Boulevard in Pasay City.

GMA News Online is still trying to reach the Sofitel management as of this posting.

http://images.gmanews.tv/pictures/sofitel1.jpg?
Water from Manila Bay inundates the pool area of five-star hotel Sofitel Philippine Plaza Manila in Pasay City. Photo by Jerick Bautista

Like Sofitel, the United States Embassy and other establishments along Roxas Boulevard were submerged in floodwaters. In an interview on GMA News TV’s “Balitanghali" newscast, Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul attributed this to a storm surge in Manila Bay.

"Stay away from the Roxas Boulevard area," tweeted Gonzales, adding that the MMDA is deploying rubber boats and equipment to the area. — VS, GMA News

1z7TR3YKKCo&feature=player_embedded#!

this will give big delays on the airport :(

GqhJwkGuXT4&feature=player_embedded

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/0dzl6i2636aeM/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02FV7Ejh0K7m9/610x.jpg

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/06RjgfH6VegaI/610x.jpg

Rescuers carry children to bring them to higher grounds as they evacuate in Navotas, north of Manila, Philippines Tuesday Sept. 27, 2011.

Roxas Blvd. under heavy flooding from storm surge of typhoon Nesat's fury on tuesday morning as seen from my 30th floor shaky condo unit during landfall...

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Roxas17.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Roxas11.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Roxas16.jpg

Raw video of typhoon Nesat's storm surge on Roxas Blvd as seen from my shaky 30th floor condo unit on tuesday morning's landfall...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CTQ5qTmoTM

Nasan na yung mga nagproprotesta, sila Casino, Rosales, etc?

Kahit may mg aasungot sa AFP at low tech ang kagamitan nila, tumutulong sila sa panahon na ganito.

Mga nagproprotesta?

Nasan na yung mga nagproprotesta, sila Casino, Rosales, etc?

Kahit may mg aasungot sa AFP at low tech ang kagamitan nila, tumutulong sila sa panahon na ganito.

Mga nagproprotesta?

Baka nadali rin ng bagyo! Barong-barong yata ang mga bahay nun.

Baka nadali rin ng bagyo! Barong-barong yata ang mga bahay nun.

Nakapasok ka na?

Nakapasok ka na?
What kind of question was that? Where to? I'm inside my hole, you know!

Firetrucks with rubber boats aboard and an ambulance from different emergency agencies in Manila patrols flooded Roxas Blvd for possible search and rescue during typhoon Nesat's fury and storm surge on tuesday morning's landfall as seen from my shaky 30th floor condo unit...

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Roxas.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Roxas3.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Roxas7.jpg

^^ I am satisfied with the emergency response of our government officials now. They are more prepared compared before. There were 5 fatalities in Metro Manila, a low figure compared to strong typhoons before.

I was in Robinson Galleria yesterday and the mall was filled with shoppers. The areas of Pasig, Ortigas, Corinthian, Greenhills, Eastwood were business as usual. :)

^^ I am satisfied with the emergency response of our government officials now. They are more prepared compared before. There were 5 fatalities in Metro Manila, a low figure compared to strong typhoons before.

I was in Robinson Galleria yesterday and the mall was filled with shoppers. The areas of Pasig, Ortigas, Corinthian, Greenhills, Eastwood were business as usual. :)

There is no comparing Pedring with Ondoy or any other storms in the past,IMO. Pedring's path did not include Metro Manila. It's just that this one storm's width was around 650 kms.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2011/09/pedring-pagasa-track-8pm.jpg

You also have to take into consideration the amount of rainfall Pedring brought along compared to Ondoy. Imagine 341mm of rain in 6 hours (56.83mm per hour - from 8am to 2pm) compared to Pedrings 15 to 25 mm per hour. NDRRMC already reported that Pedring is no Ondoy (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/233442/nation/ndrrmc-typhoon-pedring-will-not-be-like-ondoy) so we can't really have a common point to refer to.

The only thing that I noted was that there were no new projects/infra made after Ondoy to minimize flooding; when storms come, the same areas in Manila always gets flooded! But we do know some money already got out to take care of flooding problem. Where have all the money gone?

^^ yeah para ngang walang pinagbago..:( ung mindset siguro ng mga tao nagbago pero ung pagbaha di pa rin talaga napigilan: Marikina River, CAMANAVA, Roxas Blvd., etc...

There is no comparing Pedring with Ondoy or any other storms in the past,IMO. Pedring's path did not include Metro Manila. It's just that this one storm's width was around 650 kms.
http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/files/2011/09/pedring-pagasa-track-8pm.jpg

You also have to take into consideration the amount of rainfall Pedring brought along compared to Ondoy. Imagine 341mm of rain in 6 hours (56.83mm per hour - from 8am to 2pm) compared to Pedrings 15 to 25 mm per hour. NDRRMC already reported that Pedring is no Ondoy (http://www.gmanews.tv/story/233442/nation/ndrrmc-typhoon-pedring-will-not-be-like-ondoy) so we can't really have a common point to refer to.

The only thing that I noted was that there were no new projects/infra made after Ondoy to minimize flooding; when storms come, the same areas in Manila always gets flooded! But we do know some money already got out to take care of flooding problem. Where have all the money gone?

I didn't make comparison to Ondoy. I said to previous strong typhoons that hit metropolis. I live here for so long and I know how it is.

I guess you don't know much about Metro Manila. Didn't you notice that Espana's flood yesterday receded very fast? MMDA excavated canals there and they cleaned the esteros of Paco and other parts. Pasig City's drainage problem worked as there was no report of flooding after the city invested huge amount for overhaul of drainage system.

The CAMANAVA area is doomed, thus I'm not surprised. However, DPWH (again) claimed that they are addressing the problem. I don't wanna hear interviews by that mayor of Valenzuela - Gatchalian. He always blamed DPWH on the floods.

The CAMANAVA area is already flood prone the fact some areas are below sea level. And due to the heavy industry, most canals in this area are dirty thus contributing to the floods.

As with the big waves in Manila Bay, I'm wondering if The Coconut Place was hit. I never heard any news on it the fact The Vice President stays there.

Wala namang ginawa ang local gov't ng Marikina, Valenzuela at Caloocan to solve their flood problem after Ondoy.....ang malabon at Navotas...kahit anong gawin, wala ng pagasa..kahit walang bagyo, baha parati.

I
I guess you don't know much about Metro Manila. Didn't you notice that Espana's flood yesterday receded very fast? MMDA excavated canals there and they cleaned the esteros of Paco and other parts. Pasig City's drainage problem worked as there was no report of flooding after the city invested huge amount for overhaul of drainage system.

Yeah, I am not a Manileno. Being in the Navotas area for a time before doesn't even qualify me to be knowledgeable when it comes to floods during rains! And yes, I don't know Recto gets to be on waters up to maybe UST(Espana) before during hard rains.

pede ba icompare si pedring kay milenyo?

as for navotas at malabon konting ulan lang talagang baha na lalo na sa H. lopez at papuntas navotas city hall.....

World Bank, Philippines Sign $500-M Financing Deal On Disaster Mitigation

By LEE C. CHIPONGIAN September 28, 2011, 10:56pm

http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/335963/world-bank-philippines-sign-500m-financing-deal-on-disaster-mitigation

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines and the World Bank (WB) has signed a new financing agreement worth $500 million to “reduce the impact of natural disasters” such as typhoons in affected areas.

Based on a statement released by the World Bank yesterday, the new loan will immediately be released for emergency relief and post-disaster reconstruction.

The financing agreement was signed last September 23 as back-up financing that will help government prepare for natural disasters and to “reduce the vulnerability of Filipinos to the impact of these adverse events.”

The new loan was signed during the Annual Meetings of the World Bank and International Monetary Fund in Washington recently where President Aquino was invited as speaker.

The new financing agreement provides a $500 million contingent line of credit an instrument called the Disaster Risk Management Development Policy Loan with Catastrophe Deferred Drawdown Option ‘that the government can immediately tap for emergency relief, recovery, and reconstruction following a major natural disaster.

In a statement, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima said; “When disaster strikes, we are often confronted with the urgent need to provide emergency assistance to victims and to rebuild roads, hospitals, schools, irrigation systems, electric power and water supply, and other important infrastructure.

(The new loan) provides us with resources to finance immediate relief, recovery and reconstruction, thus lessening social and economic dislocation in affected communities, especially on the poor who are the most vulnerable.”

The World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors discussed and approved the loan on September 13, according to the statement. Drawdown from this new instrument will be triggered by a presidential declaration of a ‘state of calamity.’

The drawdown period is three years and renewable up to four times for a total of 15 years.

The new loan is the first financing for the Philippines signed for fiscal year 2012, and ‘reaffirms the World Bank's continued support to the country as discussed during meetings of Bank officials with the Philippines delegation at the Annual Meetings,” said the press release. The World Bank is also preparing other new loans for health, education, waste water management, and a policy development loan.

Subic Bay Doppler Radar image on Sept. 27th shows how intense the rain amount was from typhoon Nesat during tuesday morning's landfall over central Luzon...

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Subic0927.jpg

Typhoon Nalgae with winds up to 195 kph is currently tracking westward and will make a landfall in about 2 hous in the vicinity if Isabela/Aurora province just 5 days after typhoon Nesat barreled tru the same areas causing widespread damages... :ohno:

http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/wb/tcupdate.shtml

Subic Bay Doppler Radar image on Sept. 27th shows how intense the rain amount was from typhoon Nesat during tuesday morning's landfall over central Luzon...

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Subic0927.jpg

I don't understand. We have doppler capabilities but why don't they make it available 24/7 in order to help inform people what places within their areas would more likely receive the rainfall?

Perhaps they only intend the Doppler Radar images for media publicity stunt shows - after the Typhoon had passed? :D Either that or it's the wonderful Filipino Time bar none again, they're only gonna show the whole pictures when they feel like it or when they get around to it.

^^ So what's the use of that expensive equipment if they are not even making timely updates? :nuts:

^^ Time Management is an unknown phenomenon in Philippine government circles. :lol: The only concept of time is Filipino Time. They'll give the updates when they feel like it. :lol:

ewan ko nga ba, yan ang isa sa mga hinaing ko sa PAGASA, ni wala man lang link sa website nila... kung ipakita man sa Facebook o Twitter minsan 2 hours late na, eh di wala rin??:ohno::bash:

Siguro naman alam na natin kung anong uring serbisyo ang pwede natin ma-expect galing sa ahensiya na yan! Wag na kayang umasa sa "Pag-asa"!

Hangga't walang working flood control infra na gagawin sa kalakhang Maynila, babaha at babaha tuwing may bagyo o uulan ng napakalakas! Either you transfer to higher places or build your houses on stilts, enough to be above the flood level. We'll just hope our politicians stop talking and do what needs to be done.

^^ Time Management is an unknown phenomenon in Philippine government circles. :lol: The only concept of time is Filipino Time. They'll give the updates when they feel like it. :lol:

Yeah, they will only release the updates when people are already drowning or being swept away. :bash::nuts::lol:

What a waste of expensive modern equiptments if they are not even sharing it to the local medias here so that it can alert the general public of approaching heavy rains or thunderstorms, I was even excited when the radars were still being installed hoping that once it's completed they will finally have real time weather forecast capability here but it looks like it's not gonna happen... :doh:

PAGASA should share a live link like this to the local medias daily so that it can provide the information to the general public every single day during it's newscast and therefore can issue warning to everyone of any approaching flashfloods from heavy rains or thunderstorms...

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/SubicDoppler.gif

ewan ko nga ba, yan ang isa sa mga hinaing ko sa PAGASA, ni wala man lang link sa website nila... kung ipakita man sa Facebook o Twitter minsan 2 hours late na, eh di wala rin??:ohno::bash:

Yeah, they will only release the updates when people are already drowning or being swept away. :bash::nuts::lol:

ngayon lang napaandar ang Subic Bay doppler radar at hindi tama ang global positioning..hehehe... baka ibang lugar yung coverage.:lol:

o kaya, takot sila na mas magaling ang ibang tao sa pag basa ng rainfall intensity and wind strength.

Kulang kulang yata ang parts nuon niyan before PNoy's administration.

^^ anu palang yata ngayon, Subic, Baler, Tagaytay, at Hinatuan (galing JICA ng Japan)... may mga madadagdag pa daw na bago...

malamang ayaw pa nilang ilabas sa public ung mga radar images hanggat di pa kumpleto??:dunno:

tsaka may napansin din ako sa Baler Radar, parang bitin eh kasi ung coverage dun lang sa kanan (from 0 to 180 degrees), ung kabilang side walang coverage kasi may bundok..:nuts: bakit kaya dun nila nilagay parang sayang eh...:ohno:

^^ Mahirap naman talaga ma interpret ang data ng weather radar, yung mga eksperto lang ang marunong tapos nag compare notes din sila sa ibang meron data at field crew for actual reading. Ni wala akong na intindihan nuon masyado diyan...basta tumatakbo ang site, ayos na, sila na bahala..tapos na assign na kami sa ibang mga airfield. :lol:

bbSxKGPMzbM&feature

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/00sFagy5q333F/610x.jpg

A rescue worker carries a baby boy while wading through floodwater brought by Typhoon Nesat, in Candaba town, Pampanga province.

http://cache.daylife.com/imageserve/02shf1adw89JJ/610x.jpg

A truckload of people (R) and amphibious vehicle loaded with relief goods make their way down a street flooded in the aftermath of Typhoon Nalgae on October 2, 2011 in Calumpit, Bulacan.

Philippines hailed as model in disaster response
By Cynthia D. Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
1:13 am | Thursday, October 6th, 2011


FUKUOKA—The Philippines leads Japan and other countries prone to natural disasters in terms of system preparedness, governance and youth participation in mitigating the impact of climate change on people and property, a disaster risk specialist said here on Tuesday.

Addressing the United Nations Settlement Program (UN-Habitat)’s 6th Asian City Journalists Conference (ACJC), Professor Rajob Shaw of the International Environmental and Disaster Management Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies at the Kyoto University said the Philippine model on disaster response must be replicated in Japan and elsewhere in the world.

“The Philippines has a very good system, particularly in the governance system when it comes to disaster preparedness from the community to the national level, something that is lacking here in Japan and in other countries,” Shaw told a gathering of Asian journalists, UN regional officials, academicians, non-government organizations representatives in this oldest city in Japan.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the journalists-panelists in the conference which examines media’s role during a disaster and in making disaster-resilient cities.


Calamity fund


Shaw cited the calamity fund allocation, which is about five percent of the development budget, from the national down to the barangay (village) level.

He said the calamity fund had been in place for 20 years and can be used for preparedness measures.

“That’s a very, very important aspect. In Japan, we don’t have that one. We don’t have any specific amount of the city government budget that can be allocated for disaster preparedness,” he said.

Shaw said he had been examining the Philippines’ system of preparedness since he first came into the country in 1998 as an officer of the United Nations Center for Regional Development.

He had worked on several UN projects with officials of the Department of National Defense’s Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Coordinating Council, now the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

According to Shaw, a regular funding requirement was “a very important governance structure” that was absent in Japan and elsewhere.

Shaw also particularly cited the high visibility of the Philippine president during relief efforts which could ensure national and international assistance to pour in.

“In the Philippines, you can see the President on television at the forefront of relief efforts and this is very good in the sense that when a president is seen or has very high visibility, it gives hope to the people during a local calamity, it gives a lot of media coverage, and it gives a lot of money especially when it is covered by the press,” Shaw stressed.

“International money would surely come in that kind of situation and we call that the CNN (Cable News Network) syndrome. Unless it is covered by the press, international attention does not come,” he stressed.

Another plus in the Philippine model, he said, is the extent of youth participation in pre- and -post disaster relief operations, as in city planning and decision-making.

He said that Filipino youth belonging to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the villages has a seat in the city council and take part with the city mayor and other local officials in helping a community meet an emergency or make the city grow in the future.


Youth volunteers


Also, the presence of science clubs in Philippine high schools whose members can be tapped as volunteers in information dissemination during rescue efforts and in disseminating information before a disaster strikes was a good thing.

Shaw said the Japanese youth who went to the stricken areas as volunteers for relief operation when the 2011 Magnitude 9 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku struck Japan that triggered a tsunami, did that only for a week.

Then they went back to their homes, waiting for the next disaster to happen, making their participation in diaster relief efforts short-term, he said.

Also unlike their Filipino youth counterparts, young Japanese could not take part in the formal discussion on decision-making in the city.

On the minus side, Shaw noted the lack of specific mitigation projects in the Philippines in post-disaster setting and efforts to change the mindset of the people.

Like other nationals in Asia, he said Filipinos were “stubborn” and would refuse to leave their houses and belongings even in the face of death.


http://globalnation.inquirer.net/14565/philippines-hailed-as-model-in-disaster-response

Philippines hailed as model in disaster response
By Cynthia D. Balana
Philippine Daily Inquirer
1:13 am | Thursday, October 6th, 2011


FUKUOKA—The Philippines leads Japan and other countries prone to natural disasters in terms of system preparedness, governance and youth participation in mitigating the impact of climate change on people and property, a disaster risk specialist said here on Tuesday.

Addressing the United Nations Settlement Program (UN-Habitat)’s 6th Asian City Journalists Conference (ACJC), Professor Rajob Shaw of the International Environmental and Disaster Management Graduate School of Global Environmental Studies at the Kyoto University said the Philippine model on disaster response must be replicated in Japan and elsewhere in the world.

“The Philippines has a very good system, particularly in the governance system when it comes to disaster preparedness from the community to the national level, something that is lacking here in Japan and in other countries,” Shaw told a gathering of Asian journalists, UN regional officials, academicians, non-government organizations representatives in this oldest city in Japan.

The Philippine Daily Inquirer is one of the journalists-panelists in the conference which examines media’s role during a disaster and in making disaster-resilient cities.


Calamity fund


Shaw cited the calamity fund allocation, which is about five percent of the development budget, from the national down to the barangay (village) level.

He said the calamity fund had been in place for 20 years and can be used for preparedness measures.

“That’s a very, very important aspect. In Japan, we don’t have that one. We don’t have any specific amount of the city government budget that can be allocated for disaster preparedness,” he said.

Shaw said he had been examining the Philippines’ system of preparedness since he first came into the country in 1998 as an officer of the United Nations Center for Regional Development.

He had worked on several UN projects with officials of the Department of National Defense’s Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Coordinating Council, now the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

According to Shaw, a regular funding requirement was “a very important governance structure” that was absent in Japan and elsewhere.

Shaw also particularly cited the high visibility of the Philippine president during relief efforts which could ensure national and international assistance to pour in.

“In the Philippines, you can see the President on television at the forefront of relief efforts and this is very good in the sense that when a president is seen or has very high visibility, it gives hope to the people during a local calamity, it gives a lot of media coverage, and it gives a lot of money especially when it is covered by the press,” Shaw stressed.

“International money would surely come in that kind of situation and we call that the CNN (Cable News Network) syndrome. Unless it is covered by the press, international attention does not come,” he stressed.

Another plus in the Philippine model, he said, is the extent of youth participation in pre- and -post disaster relief operations, as in city planning and decision-making.

He said that Filipino youth belonging to the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) in the villages has a seat in the city council and take part with the city mayor and other local officials in helping a community meet an emergency or make the city grow in the future.


Youth volunteers


Also, the presence of science clubs in Philippine high schools whose members can be tapped as volunteers in information dissemination during rescue efforts and in disseminating information before a disaster strikes was a good thing.

Shaw said the Japanese youth who went to the stricken areas as volunteers for relief operation when the 2011 Magnitude 9 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku struck Japan that triggered a tsunami, did that only for a week.

Then they went back to their homes, waiting for the next disaster to happen, making their participation in diaster relief efforts short-term, he said.

Also unlike their Filipino youth counterparts, young Japanese could not take part in the formal discussion on decision-making in the city.

On the minus side, Shaw noted the lack of specific mitigation projects in the Philippines in post-disaster setting and efforts to change the mindset of the people.

Like other nationals in Asia, he said Filipinos were “stubborn” and would refuse to leave their houses and belongings even in the face of death.


http://globalnation.inquirer.net/14565/philippines-hailed-as-model-in-disaster-response

I'd rather that the speaker Shaw been appraised on how the Filipino mind works compared with our Japanese counterparts or any other nation! Honestly, we Filipinos are very good at making do with what we have. Japanese mentality is to toe the line in almost everything; from response procedures to funds and materials allocation. Simply said, when we don't have such equipment, we quickly improvise knowing time is of the essence during emergencies. Didn't we ever wonder why some LGU officials get tagged by COA for disallowed expenditures, especially during disasters and emergencies? Yet our leaders feel it's in their turf to do those things like spending whichever resources they may get their hands with, come what may. Just my opinion.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/76827/ph-has-enough-funds-for-disaster-response-says-belmonte

Sana nga we have enough funds para sa disaster....:banana:

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/76827/ph-has-enough-funds-for-disaster-response-says-belmonte

Sana nga we have enough funds para sa disaster....:banana:
Hehehe. You are correct in saying "sana"!

That link brought me to Inquirer.net which says "PHL has enough funds for disaster response, . . ".

When I read the body of the report, it says: "The country will have enough funds for next year’s disaster response to meet the challenges brought about by climate change and natural calamities,. ."

I wonder if these reporters or editors took a second look at their reports to verify if there are no errors.

I'd rather that the speaker Shaw been appraised on how the Filipino mind works compared with our Japanese counterparts or any other nation! Honestly, we Filipinos are very good at making do with what we have. Japanese mentality is to toe the line in almost everything; from response procedures to funds and materials allocation. Simply said, when we don't have such equipment, we quickly improvise knowing time is of the essence during emergencies. Didn't we ever wonder why some LGU officials get tagged by COA for disallowed expenditures, especially during disasters and emergencies? Yet our leaders feel it's in their turf to do those things like spending whichever resources they may get their hands with, come what may. Just my opinion.

But the philippines didn't even have enough funds to relocate the misplaced residents and other squatters who kept coming back to their old habits of squatting. Tuwing nalang pagkatapos ng bagyo, nandun parin sila, even natural disasters could not clean them up. :lol:

But its good that the philippines has been cited as a good example to this calamity fund, youth involvements, and natural disaster response system.

I'm just hoping that Belmonte was telling the truth kaya ko nasabi na "sana"....pero as I see it in reality eh..HINDI...kulang na kulang palagi!...:bash::ohno:

I'm just hoping that Belmonte was telling the truth kaya ko nasabi na "sana"....pero as I see it in reality eh..HINDI...kulang na kulang palagi!...:bash::ohno:
Yep. If I was born yesterday, I would believe politicians right away! What we usually hear nowadays are "future" tenses. They remain to be seen. And the fact that the government flip-flops, what's sure to be done?

It is not rocket science when you talk about disasters. You have three factors: the danger or risk, the exposure to those risks, and the ability of the people to resist the effects brought about by being exposed to the risks! What the government wants to tackle is the third (emergency responses), which I think is not enough.

Until the government implement a good information/communication capability to each LGU, until the government straighten-out the kinks in the drainage systems, dam controls, rivers rehabilitation, dike repairs, road infras, and most of all make sure PagAsa's weather forecasting accuracy brought up, we will continue to sacrifice poor people and will still be counting dead people in the future.

You can come back to me and say I was wrong after the next storm shall have passed us by this year.

Whirlwind destruction
to houses rises to
INJURES 5, LIFTS BABY ALONG WITH ROOF
BY CARLA GOMEZ

In a matter of seconds, the whirlwind that hit Pontevedra and Hinigaran towns in Negros Occidental on Tuesday afternoon damaged and destroyed 234 houses and injured five persons, including a one-year-old boy lying in his hammock that flew up along with the roof of his house.

In Pontevedra 89 houses were damaged and 27 were destroyed, while 78 houses were damaged and 40 were destroyed in Hinigaran, a Provincial Social Welfare Office updated report as of 5:30 p.m. yesterday showed.

xxx

BABY LIFTED

Year-old Loue Mar Sarrosa was lying in his hammock that was attached to the beams of the roof of his house when the whirlwind lifted it along with him. After being detached from the house the roof fell to the ground with the boy who, miraculously, only sustained a bruise on his back and was treated at the rural health clinic, Ponteverda Social Welfare Officer Terry Dimalaluan said.

xxx

ASSISTANCE

Acting Negros Occidental Gov. Genaro Alvarez said the provincial government will assist the towns affected with food and housing assistance.

Full story here (http://www.visayandailystar.com/2011/October/27/topstory1.htm)

Yep. If I was born yesterday, I would believe politicians right away! What we usually hear nowadays are "future" tenses. They remain to be seen. And the fact that the government flip-flops, what's sure to be done?

It is not rocket science when you talk about disasters. You have three factors: the danger or risk, the exposure to those risks, and the ability of the people to resist the effects brought about by being exposed to the risks! What the government wants to tackle is the third (emergency responses), which I think is not enough.

Until the government implement a good information/communication capability to each LGU, until the government straighten-out the kinks in the drainage systems, dam controls, rivers rehabilitation, dike repairs, road infras, and most of all make sure PagAsa's weather forecasting accuracy brought up, we will continue to sacrifice poor people and will still be counting dead people in the future.

You can come back to me and say I was wrong after the next storm shall have passed us by this year.

Well, you're right. I'm still hopeful that our government will do their part.The funds are there but it was not properly allocated nor spent for long term solutions to lessen the effects of disaster.(also to consider the vulture in the bureaucracy)

We cannot eliminate the destruction of disaster but we can minimize or mitigate its impact. Even Japan or the US during Katrina (which is by far the most equipt and technology advance nation) still can't stop the ravages and onslaught of the floods into the state Louisiana which more than a thousands of lives were lost and also to mention the recent tsunami in Japan. For me awareness and prepareness of the people are the best ways to deal with it. :bash::bash:

. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

We cannot eliminate the destruction of disaster but we can minimize or mitigate its impact. Even Japan or the US during Katrina (which is by far the most equipt and technology advance nation) still can't stop the ravages and onslaught of the floods into the state Louisiana which more than a thousands of lives were lost and also to mention the recent tsunami in Japan. For me awareness and prepareness of the people are the best ways to deal with it. :bash::bash:

I think we are at synch here. When more advanced countries get surprised by these natural phenomena, we ought to learn from their experiences and not be complacent because some patronizing persons said we are "good" at it.

At least 39 people were injured and dozens of homes were damage from a very shallow 5.2 magnitude quake in Mindanao yesterday afternoon with a depth of less than 1 KM as reported by local station ABS-CBN as of 7 p.m ...

At least 39 people were injured and dozens of homes were damage from a very shallow 5.2 magnitude quake in Mindanao yesterday afternoon with a depth of less than 1 KM as reported by local station ABS-CBN as of 7 p.m ...

AFAIK, if the focus of the earthquake is shallow, these kinds of earthquakes creates the most damage! If the report is true, an earthquake focus of just 1km will give the people no time to react (shallow earthquakes range from 10-100km, 1 km is very shallow indeed).

Quake damage in Valencia City P7.688 million
By Walter I. Balane | Saturday| November 12, 2011 | Filed under: Top Stories

MALAYBALAY CITY (MindaNews/11 November) – Damage to properties caused by the 5.2-intensity quake on Monday in Valencia City, Bukidnon had reached a total of P7.688 million, according to partial estimates of the City Engineer’s Office as quoted in the November 9 report of the Valencia City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

A total of 115 houses were damaged, mostly in Barangays Poblacion and Barobo with the cost of the damage placed at P7.149 million and P492,000, respectively.

The CDRRMC report cited that damage to fisheries and agriculture reached P47,545.

Jovy Ellacone, CDRRMC point person said they were yet to finish assessing the damage to commercial establishments.

story here (http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2011/11/12/quake-damage-in-valencia-city-p7-688-million/)

A 6.0 magnitude quake has struck about 100 kms off the coast of Luzon around 0830 hours today at a shallow depth of only 15 kilometers...

http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Maps/region/Asia.php

At least 13 people are confirmed dead after a plane that just took of from NAIA crashed into a school in Paranaque...

13 killed in Philippines plane crash
By the CNN Wire Staff
December 10, 2011 -- Updated 1109 GMT (1909 HKT)
http://edition.cnn.com/2011/12/10/world/asia/philippines-plane-crash/

http://i2.cdn.turner.com/cnn/dam/assets/111210104619-philippines-manila-slum-plane-crash-story-top.jpg

(CNN) -- A small plane crashed near the Philippine capital Saturday after its pilot requested an emergency landing, killing at least 13 people, CNN affiliate ABS-CBN reported.

The plane started a fire that scorched a nearby school and about 50 homes near Manila, a local mayor told the affiliate.At least 20 other people were injured.
The plane reported problems shortly after taking off from an airport, the affiliate reported.

One of the pilots put out an emergency request to land at Ninoy Aquino International Airport in Manila but did not make it.

One For Iligan
Donate $1 for the ILIGAN FLOOD VICTIMS OF TYPHOON SENDONG

Paypal ID: singcol.inquisitor@gmail.com

Maayong Iligan in this season of giving.

Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is humbly requesting your generous help for the victims Bagyong Sendong of Iligan City.

Iligan Bloggers Society, Inc. is accepting donations in kind for the victims of Typhoon Sendong in the city. We encourage the following items for donations: canned goods, noodles, bath and laundry soaps, toothpaste, rice, used clothings, slippers, and cash donations.


You can contact the following point persons for your donations and other inquiries.

ILIGAN BLOGGERS SOCIETY
SITE: http//:iliganbloggers.com
EMAIL: iliganbloggers@gmail.com
FB Fanpage: http://www.facebook.com/iliganbloggers


LISA (LAI) MARIE MIRASOL | Pinay Travelista, @pinaytravelista
(IBS, Inc. Web Content Manager)
http://www.pinaytravelista.com/
09062558863; (+63) 222-2117
ALEXANDER SINGCOL | iligan Inquisitor, @lexuzinquisitor
(IBS, Inc Board of Trustee Member)
http://theiliganinquisitor.blogspot.com/
09053117925, (+63) 8360272



For more Updates on Iligan City status after Typhoon Sendong:
http://www.ustream.tv/channel/rmn-dxic-iligan

Daghang Salamat.

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheet/viewform?hl=en_US&formkey=dDJOWDZ0ZWxoa1FFcS1nOVV2Y3ZsRlE6MQ#gid=0

BREAKING NEWS! OVER 60 PEOPLE ARE CONFIRMED DEAD AND MORE THAN 200 REMAINED MISSING AFTER SEVERE FLASHFLOODS CAUSED BY TS WASHI HITS MINDANAO ISLAND...


http://news.yahoo.com/storm-floods-south-philippines-kill-nearly-60-023802731.html

Malas talaga etong bayan natin!
Meron po ba kayong pampa-alis ng malas?

DEATH TOLL STANDS NEAR 200 AS OF 1600 HOURS WITH DOZENS STILL MISSING AFTER TS WASHI HITS MINDANAO ISLAND OVERNIGHT RESULTING IN WIDESPREAD SEVERE FLASHFLOODS ...


http://news.yahoo.com/storm-floods-south-philippines-kill-nearly-200-074145377.html

DEATH TOLL NEARS 500 AS OF 0800 HOURS LOCAL TIME WITH 100'S STILL MISSING IN MINDANAO ISLAND DUE TO SEVERE FLASHFLOODS CAUSED BY TORRENTIAL RAINS FROM TS WASHI...


http://news.yahoo.com/flash-floods-kill-more-400-philippines-184020611.html



R.I.P TO ALL THE SOULS THAT PERISHED FROM SUCH A TRAGIC EVENT...

condolences to the bereaved families and RIP to the victims who perished.

PAGASA FAILED TO ISSUE A SEVERE FLASHFLOOD WARNINGS EVEN THOUGH THEY COULD SEE FROM THEIR MONITORS FROM THE HINATUAN DOPPLER RADAR STATION THAT TORRENTIAL RAINS ARE APRROACHING THE AREAS WHERE MOST OF THE CASUALTIES WERE FOUND...MILLIONS WORTH OF MODERN EQUIPTMENTS ARE USELESS IF THE INFORMATION BEING RECEIVE IS NOT PROPERLY SHARED TO THE PUBLIC AND AND TIMELY WARNINGS ARE NOT ISSUED...

Well Aquino needs to get his ass to mindanao and negros. Why squabble over who is responsible for this disaster while it is still unfolding? Control the situation first and then figure out where things went wrong.

^^ Naisahan na sha ni VP Binay, nakapunta na sa disaster area.

After Christmas na daw bibisita si P.Noy.

^^ Naisahan na sha ni VP Binay, nakapunta na sa disaster area.

After Christmas na daw bibisita si P.Noy.

typo yung report, Noy will go there before Christmas.

nako ha dapat kahapon pa nasa disaster area na si Pnoy tsk tsk!

^^ The tragedy in Northern Mindanao could had been lessen if PNoy didn't chopped off disaster preparedness budget.


PNoy vetoed disaster preparation in 2011 budget :bash::bash:

05-Oct-11, 9:00 AM | Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com

MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno Aquino III vetoed a provision in the 2011 budget that allocates money for disaster preparation under the P5-billion Calamity Fund.

Kabataan party-list Representative Raymond Palatino said this has weakened the capability of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to beef up preparations against typhoons and other calamities such as the recent typhoon Pedring and Quiel that have affected about three million people mostly living in Luzon and Metro Manila.

“The President made a tactical blunder when he disallowed use of funds for pre-disaster activities, building of relocation sites, and training of personnel. The veto is man-made disaster that should be reversed by the President himself,” Palatino said.

In his veto message on the 2011 national budget, Aquino said that the P5-billion Calamity Fund should be mainly used by the NDRRMC for “actual calamities” and not for “preparation of relocation sites/facilities, and training personnel engaged in direct disaster.” :ohno:

“I caution the inclusion of pre-disaster activities such as preparation of relocation sites/facilities, and training of personnel engaged in direct disaster in the use of the Calamity Fund. While said purpose is laudable, the same must be weighed against the imperious need of maintaining sufficient provision under the Calamity Fund for actual calamities and prevent its full utilization for pre-disaster activities. Moreover, I note that the provision for pre-disaster activities are embedded and subsumed in the programs and projects of various implementing agencies under this Act,” Aquino had said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/14493/pnoy-vetoed-disaster-preparation-in-2011-budget

busy po si pnoy sa mga parties, just lately asa psg party sya ang very happy as per valerie c

https://img.skitch.com/20111218-f51uf46yer3shtt262aaxgr49r.png
https://img.skitch.com/20111218-f51uf46yer3shtt262aaxgr49r.png

repost

Davao City convenese special session for financial aid to victims in CDO, Iligan
By Mindanews | Sunday| December 18, 2011 | Filed under: Top Stories


DAVAO CITY (MindaNews/18 December) — Mayor Sara Duterte has called for a special session of the City Council tomorrow (Monday) to pass an ordinance authorizing the release of a portion of the city’s calamity fund for assistance to flood victims in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan.

Duterte told MindaNews she called for a special session at 10 a.m. on for the immediate release of the financial assistance.

“We are still waiting for the official tally of the Department of Social Welfare and Development before we can compute how much and/or what to give,” she said.

During the special session, the executive department will submit to the City Council the proposed amount for donation.

Davao City, which also suffered from a major flooding in late June still has P87.3 million in calamity funds, inclusive of the augmentation from the newly-approved supplemental budget.

This would be the second time in three months that the city government is extending financial assistance to calamity-stricken local government units.
The City Council on October 5 authorized the mayor to donate P7.4 million for the victims of typhoons Pedring and Quiel.

The financial aid can be utilized for relief operations and provision of emergency assistance to victims of flood such as provision of temporary shelter, distribution of relief goods and commodities, rehabilitation, reconstruction of public facilities and other infrastructure.

Sec. 5 of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of the Local Government Code says the local government unit can “provide financial assistance to other local government units whose area or portion thereof had been declared under state of calamity by its Sanggunian.” (MindaNews)

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2011/12/18/davao-city-convenese-special-session-for-financial-aid-to-victims-in-cdo-iligan/

hmmmmm busy siya sa hindi importanteng bagay, hehe kaysa dun sa mga nangangailan sa kanyang service.

mas importante pa kaya ang party kaysa kalamidad...:bash:

mas importante pa kaya ang party kaysa kalamidad...:bash:

Ang tawag po dyan, "RATIONAL" person!

umatend daw siya para solidarity daw, to show support sa PSG. Baka isipin daw na wala siyang paki alam sa PSG.

Pero hindi nya inisip na kapag umatend siya ng PARTY, iisipin talaga ng mga Typhoon victims na wala siyang paki alam sa kanila.

In the end, mas iniisip pa din nya ang PSG kaysa sa typhoon victims...:bash:

eto ba yung sinasabi nila walang delicadeza ang iba, eh sya buhay na ng mga tao nakataya pero inuna pa nya ang pag party, asan ang delicadeza mo dyan Pnoy??? pa party party ka pang ungas ka!!!Buti sa yo ibaon na lang kasama sa mga namatay don sa CDO...you really don't deserve the mandate of the people to be the president of this country!

LBC Express Inc. (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=2323563696484&set=p.2323563696484&type=1) now accepting donations for typhoon #Sendong victims. LBC
will ship your donations for free to those who need it the most. Just drop it off at the LBC branch nearest to you!

Urgent needs are: Blankets Bottled water Canned goods Clothes Food Mats (banig) Medicines Off lotion Rice Toothbrushes Towels Utensils

When u drop off your donations at the LBC branch, Please label as "Donations" and address it to LBC Foundation c/o Jose Garcia.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s320x320/390392_2323563696484_1471363074_31880780_209431946_n.jpg

isn't LBC the bank that closed already? sorry ha pero if you make donations i think it's better to channel it to more trusted organizations like red cross, etc...

^^ Your concern is well taken...

LBC Development Bank, a unit of the LBC Group, has been placed under receivership of the Philippine Deposit Insurance Corp. (PDIC).

LBC Express, Inc., founded in the 1950's, is the air cargo forwarding service provider.

Of course donors are free to choose however they want to send their donations. I posted this because some of my friends in Manila are sending their donations via courier, like LBC, and are appealing for lower freight charges. Just for info since LBC offers a wide coverage and network with over 800 strategically located branches nationwide and over 90 branches abroad. BTW, I am not in any way connected with LBC.

DEATH TOLL EXCEEDS 600 WHILE MORE THAN 800 REMAIN MISSING FROM THE SEVERE FLASHFLOODS CAUSED BY TS WASHI OVER MINDANAO ISLAND...

Very negative reports, and we're still counting right?

http://c0014094.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_9e7b546

Help is on the way!!


Karen Davila | Karen_DaviLa
Off to Cagayan de Oro w @itsmekrisaquino @vicegandako @annecurtissmith @143redangel


http://lockerz.com/s/166180166


(Parang pupunta ng Boracay ah)

^^ Hmm... Kris is in yellow...

Anyhow, ang bagal ng BDO... pano ako makakapagdonate nito ngayon. Kahit na i-course ko lang through my globe account.

:cripes: aaaargh. pati ba naman dito, must we suffer having to look at those Cows (except Anne Curtis of course & that other pretty well endowed one with the sunglasses)...

^^ onga, who's that other girl??:?:D

^^ Angel Locsin...

(dying and flood affected) Filipinos are worth partying for - you know who :lol::D

^^ This is how extend yun damage ng flooding at CdO :ohno:

Follow the link below:

http://www.cdodev.com/?p=18883

http://c0014094.r32.cf1.rackcdn.com/x2_9e7b546

Help is on the way!!


Karen Davila | Karen_DaviLa
Off to Cagayan de Oro w @itsmekrisaquino @vicegandako @annecurtissmith @143redangel


http://lockerz.com/s/166180166


(Parang pupunta ng Boracay ah)

Stupid people, may oras pa sila magpaganda sa mga panahon na ganito. Anong klaseng tulong yan baka tagapasa lang ng tissue paper. It's more like politics and pa-show off ni Kris Aquino with her entourage morel likely those ones from that picture. who arrived late when she blantly, unreasonably asked the food-relief convoy that was already at the vicinity of disaster area and were about to unload the relief goods for the hungry and still covered with mud survivors to get back to Consolacion just to pick her up for her to join the effort! Kiking ina, kung late ka then late, take another vehicle! :bash:

VIP like her and on this situation like this should not be given special treatment.

'SAD' to say that PAGASA ignored a warning from the joint US/Japan project called TRMM which forecasted a rainfall amount of over 50 mm per hour from TS Washi but instead the agency forecasted an amount of only 10-25 mm per hour, the area where most of the casualties happen is covered under the new Hinatuan Doppler Radar station as shown on this 'RARE' sample image on 08/18/11 and clearly they 'FAILED' to issue the right warnings even though they could see the torrential rains approaching CDO and Iligan from their 'PRIVATE' Doppler monitors...


http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Hinatuan081811.png

Stupid people, may oras pa sila magpaganda sa mga panahon na ganito. Anong klaseng tulong yan baka tagapasa lang ng tissue paper. It's more like politics and pa-show off ni Kris Aquino with her entourage morel likely those ones from that picture. who arrived late when she blantly, unreasonably asked the food-relief convoy that was already at the vicinity of disaster area and were about to unload the relief goods for the hungry and still covered with mud survivors to get back to Consolacion just to pick her up for her to join the effort! Kiking ina, kung late ka then late, take another vehicle! :bash:

VIP like her and on this situation like this should not be given special treatment.

No way!! Seriously, she did this?! Ah well, what do you expect from KriSTD. Parang papuntang Boracay lang nga o kaya photo op sa isang shooting location.:|

I tweeted karen davila regarding that pick for being insensitive and tasteless. And she immediately removed her tweet and this foto. Abs-cbn people are no different from pnoy, mga elitist. More concern about their image than what is important.

BACK TO TOPIC, THIS IS NOT A SHOWBIZ THREAD... :doh:

'SAD' to say that PAGASA ignored a warning from the joint US/Japan project called TRMM which forecasted a rainfall amount of over 50 mm per hour from TS Washi but instead the agency forecasted an amount of only 10-25 mm per hour, the area where most of the casualties happen is covered under the new Hinatuan Doppler Radar station as shown on this 'RARE' sample image on 08/18/11 and clearly they 'FAILED' to issue the right warnings even though they could see the torrential rains approaching CDO and Iligan from their 'PRIVATE' Doppler monitors...


http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Hinatuan081811.png

Palitan lahat nasa Posisyon mga bobo sa PAG-ASA nag upgrade nga ng radar tas mali-mali parin ang forecasted nila puro mga papogi lang alam at sahod lang inaabangan.... hindi nila alam kung gaano kabigat ang mga tungkulin nila kung ganyan lang ang alam nila mas mabuti pang wag nlng sila magserbisyo sa PAG-ASA magbabantay nlng sila ng internet cafe dahil customer nlng ang aabangan nila hindi ang bagyo...

^^ The tragedy in Northern Mindanao could had been lessen if PNoy didn't chopped off disaster preparedness budget.


PNoy vetoed disaster preparation in 2011 budget :bash::bash:

05-Oct-11, 9:00 AM | Lira Dalangin-Fernandez, InterAksyon.com

MANILA, Philippines -- President Benigno Aquino III vetoed a provision in the 2011 budget that allocates money for disaster preparation under the P5-billion Calamity Fund.

Kabataan party-list Representative Raymond Palatino said this has weakened the capability of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) to beef up preparations against typhoons and other calamities such as the recent typhoon Pedring and Quiel that have affected about three million people mostly living in Luzon and Metro Manila.

“The President made a tactical blunder when he disallowed use of funds for pre-disaster activities, building of relocation sites, and training of personnel. The veto is man-made disaster that should be reversed by the President himself,” Palatino said.

In his veto message on the 2011 national budget, Aquino said that the P5-billion Calamity Fund should be mainly used by the NDRRMC for “actual calamities” and not for “preparation of relocation sites/facilities, and training personnel engaged in direct disaster.” :ohno:

“I caution the inclusion of pre-disaster activities such as preparation of relocation sites/facilities, and training of personnel engaged in direct disaster in the use of the Calamity Fund. While said purpose is laudable, the same must be weighed against the imperious need of maintaining sufficient provision under the Calamity Fund for actual calamities and prevent its full utilization for pre-disaster activities. Moreover, I note that the provision for pre-disaster activities are embedded and subsumed in the programs and projects of various implementing agencies under this Act,” Aquino had said.

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/14493/pnoy-vetoed-disaster-preparation-in-2011-budget


naku proven na yan si Pnoy na pag may sakuna nag kakaphobia! nuong sa Davao flash flood tumawag lang ang Secretary sa Mayor at sabi: "How can we help you? how much you need?... sagot ng Mayor " No thanks we can manage. Hindi ako fan ni Bnay, pero pumupunta siya sa mga disasters, siguro sinabihan ni Cory si Bnay... take care of Pnoy... in other words Caretaker!LOL

DAVAO City sends P3-M aid to ‘Sendong’ victims

| More |
By Ben O. Tesiorna
Tuesday, December 20, 2011

SIX dump trucks containing P2 million worth of groceries were sent by the Davao City Government to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Tuesday, along with four other vehicles to complete a ten-vehicle convoy. The remaining P1 million will be in cash.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte headed the send-off party composed of 44 men from the City Hall.

Plan your Sinulog week ahead and find out what's in store for Sinulog 2012.

The Davao team, headed by Magno Adali, left around 6 a.m. and arrived in Cagayan de Oro past 3 p.m.

Related Articles
Board to approve funds for 'Sendong' victims
Fund campaign for victims a way of thanksgiving
Lawmaker: 'Sendong' devastation is lesson learned
Red Cross leads relief, recovery efforts
Power being restored in Sendong-stricken areas
The team left three dump trucks of groceries in Cagayan de Oro and brought the other three to Iligan City.

Duterte said they initially included El Salvador City in the beneficiaries, but officials of the city requested Duterte to instead donate their share to Cagayan de Oro victims.

Davao Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to fly to Cagayan de Oro Wednesday or Thursday to personally deliver the P1-million cash that will be divided among the two most affected cities in Northern Mindanao.

1,000 mark


DAVAO. The 10-vehicle convoy from Davao, bearing relief goods for Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, was spotted at Barangay San Miguel, Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon to fill up their tanks and check tires. (Toto Lozano)
Meanwhile, the number of deaths in the Tropical Storm Sendong (international codename: Washi) that ravaged Mindanao Friday evening could surpass the 1,000 mark, making it the world's worst typhoon this year.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the death toll has reached 957 as of Tuesday. Injured people numbered to 1,582 and missing has remarkably decreased to 49.

Northern Mindanao has the most number of casualties with 905, of which Cagayan de Oro has 579, Iligan with 279, and Bukidnon with 47 deaths. Central Visayas Region has 39 deaths, Davao Region has five deaths, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has four deaths, Zamboanga Peninsula has three dead and Caraga Region has one dead.

In Bukidnon, three of the 47 reported deaths were said to be police responders doing disaster response operations.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6543961005_8a1e9be519_z.jpg

No way!! Seriously, she did this?! Ah well, what do you expect from KriSTD. Parang papuntang Boracay lang nga o kaya photo op sa isang shooting location.:|

I tweeted karen davila regarding that pick for being insensitive and tasteless. And she immediately removed her tweet and this foto. Abs-cbn people are no different from pnoy, mga elitist. More concern about their image than what is important.

I got the info from a coforumer from another thread, same info they got from that tweet message. The survivors were also appalled/shocked to what they seen in front of their eyes when the convoy suddenly left and came back later.

Its really stupid. No wonder the person deleted that tweet mssge and the photos. Very insensitive indeed. :bash:

BACK TO TOPIC, THIS IS NOT A SHOWBIZ THREAD... :doh:

Dont worry keep posting your forecasts and dont mind us. We're discussing something stupid happened down there in mindanao and is indeed related to the topic as you can read.

naku proven na yan si Pnoy na pag may sakuna nag kakaphobia! nuong sa Davao flash flood tumawag lang ang Secretary sa Mayor at sabi: "How can we help you? how much you need?... sagot ng Mayor " No thanks we can manage. Hindi ako fan ni Bnay, pero pumupunta siya sa mga disasters, siguro sinabihan ni Cory si Bnay... take care of Pnoy... in other words Caretaker!LOL

Ang mga Dilaw Na Tao lang ang nakikinabang sa mga kagustuhan nilang mangyari at wala silang pakielam sa inyo. Pure politics. Remember, they have chinese blood.

DAVAO City sends P3-M aid to ‘Sendong’ victims

| More |
By Ben O. Tesiorna
Tuesday, December 20, 2011

SIX dump trucks containing P2 million worth of groceries were sent by the Davao City Government to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Tuesday, along with four other vehicles to complete a ten-vehicle convoy. The remaining P1 million will be in cash.

Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte headed the send-off party composed of 44 men from the City Hall.

Plan your Sinulog week ahead and find out what's in store for Sinulog 2012.

The Davao team, headed by Magno Adali, left around 6 a.m. and arrived in Cagayan de Oro past 3 p.m.

Related Articles
Board to approve funds for 'Sendong' victims
Fund campaign for victims a way of thanksgiving
Lawmaker: 'Sendong' devastation is lesson learned
Red Cross leads relief, recovery efforts
Power being restored in Sendong-stricken areas
The team left three dump trucks of groceries in Cagayan de Oro and brought the other three to Iligan City.

Duterte said they initially included El Salvador City in the beneficiaries, but officials of the city requested Duterte to instead donate their share to Cagayan de Oro victims.

Davao Vice Mayor Rodrigo Duterte is scheduled to fly to Cagayan de Oro Wednesday or Thursday to personally deliver the P1-million cash that will be divided among the two most affected cities in Northern Mindanao.

1,000 mark


DAVAO. The 10-vehicle convoy from Davao, bearing relief goods for Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, was spotted at Barangay San Miguel, Manolo Fortich in Bukidnon to fill up their tanks and check tires. (Toto Lozano)
Meanwhile, the number of deaths in the Tropical Storm Sendong (international codename: Washi) that ravaged Mindanao Friday evening could surpass the 1,000 mark, making it the world's worst typhoon this year.

Based on the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, the death toll has reached 957 as of Tuesday. Injured people numbered to 1,582 and missing has remarkably decreased to 49.

Northern Mindanao has the most number of casualties with 905, of which Cagayan de Oro has 579, Iligan with 279, and Bukidnon with 47 deaths. Central Visayas Region has 39 deaths, Davao Region has five deaths, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao has four deaths, Zamboanga Peninsula has three dead and Caraga Region has one dead.

In Bukidnon, three of the 47 reported deaths were said to be police responders doing disaster response operations.

http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6543961005_8a1e9be519_z.jpg

they need these reliefs most especially to areas mostly affected by the typhoon 'Sendong'. I really appreciate the cooperation of El salvador City officials to choose to donate their shares to most affected ones. :cheers:

so pede na siguro si Binay na lang mag take care ng bansa kasi sya naman ngayon ang caretaker o si gordon siguro kasi wlang kupas yung kawanggawa nila with red cross.

BACK TO TOPIC, THIS IS NOT A SHOWBIZ THREAD... :doh:

yeah kick that bunch of kabayo's out sana dinala na yan sila ni Sendong papuntang tsina:lol:

Stupid people, may oras pa sila magpaganda sa mga panahon na ganito. Anong klaseng tulong yan baka tagapasa lang ng tissue paper. It's more like politics and pa-show off ni Kris Aquino with her entourage morel likely those ones from that picture. who arrived late when she blantly, unreasonably asked the food-relief convoy that was already at the vicinity of disaster area and were about to unload the relief goods for the hungry and still covered with mud survivors to get back to Consolacion just to pick her up for her to join the effort! Kiking ina, kung late ka then late, take another vehicle! :bash:

VIP like her and on this situation like this should not be given special treatment.

That is crazy.. :nuts::nuts::nuts::ohno::ohno::ohno::bash::bash:

I got the info from a coforumer from another thread, same info they got from that tweet message. The survivors were also appalled/shocked to what they seen in front of their eyes when the convoy suddenly left and came back later.

Its really stupid. No wonder the person deleted that tweet mssge and the photos. Very insensitive indeed. :bash:

Also saw that msg on FB regarding the txt from the worker who personally witnessed that scene daw. That FB post is gone now:|
Pasalamat ang mga dilaw di alam ng mga masa/survivors ang mga behind the scenes. Kung alam lang nila...ah well.

Legal issue impedes mass burial in CDO

Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Vicente Emano on Wednesday said a legal issue is stopping him from ordering the mass burial of the hundreds of victims who perished from tropical storm “Sendong.”

Emano said he was advised to allow DNA samples to be collected from all the bodies before proceeding with the mass burial.

He explained that heirs who have yet to find their deceased relatives might face future problems when claiming their inheritances if they are not able to produce proof of death.

“Kailangan ang forensics team ng NBI (National Bureau of Investigation) ay tapusin muna ang pag-identify sa kanila (victims). Tapos kapag na-tag na tsaka na maililibing,” Emano told radio dzMM.

Emano added he could also face charges if the mass burial to allowed to proceed.

Nevertheless, Emano said the local government has already finished digging a mass grave that could accommodate some 150 to 200 bodies.

As of the local government’s latest count, Emano said 622 bodies have been recovered in the city.

Meanwhile, latest data from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) released at 5:00 a.m. on Wednesday showed the death toll from the calamity has risen to 976, with 46 still missing.

NDRRMC said Cagayan de Oro recorded 916 deaths, while Iligan City recorded 283.

Some of the bodies were already beyond recognition, Emano said.

“Sabi ng recovery team, kapag hahawakan, natatanggal na yung mga balat-balat sa katawan,” he said.

Meanwhile, dzMM’s Edwin Sevidal reported that some of the bodies who have already been identified by their relatives were already buried in an apartment-style grave.

Read more here (http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/12/21/11/legal-issue-impedes-mass-burial-cdo)

Come to think of it, why didn't we see any locally made weather map of Washi? In the same manner that we hadn't heard anything at all from Malacanan about relief efforts.

The silence is deafening. Exasperating people. :ohno: The areas in red and magenta show the strength and intensity of the killer monster.
Consider this size of Washi, it is as big as Mindanao.

http://weather.pdc.org/wp-content/uploads/2011/12/27W7.jpg

http://weather.pdc.org/index.php/2011/12/15/tropical-cyclone-activity-report-pm-pacific-indian-oceans-arabian-sea-6/The coincidences are striking, indeed. From the Davao flash floods to the ambush of neophyte soldiers by the MILF whilst he partyed with the Black Eyed Peas and now with the Washi victims whilst he chooses to party, and up to now remain aloof in his ivory tower with just paltry token half hearted gestures with the relief efforts, what can one say ... 'tis clear that the powers-that-be these days have Mindanao as last priority in most things. :ohno:

Lesson learnt, from henceforth, all ye Southerners, we seem to be on our own in all future disasters...

Just a gentle reminder from @Togak.

Pnoy visited only 1, only 1 evacuation center here in CDeO.. he don't even bother to visit or take a glimpse of the affected areas :ohno: :ohno:


"GIVE TO NORTHERN MINDANAO"
(Death and Devastation in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan Cities)

Xavier University is now accepting donations. You may contact:

Fr. Eric Garcia Velandria S.J.
Coordinator of Sendong Operation,
KKP Office, Xavier University-Ateneo de Cagayan, Corrales Ave.
9000 Cagayan de Oro City, Philippines.

SIMBAHANG LINGKOD NG BAYAN (Account Name/Payee)
Bank of the Philippine Islands (Loyola-Katipunan Branch)
BPI Peso Checking Account Number: 3081-1111-61
BPI Dollar Savings Account Number: 3084-0420-12

^^what's beyond me is that it took the president 3 days to declare a state of calamity or national emergency! the president could have done that when the body reached 50 (or even less, due to the nature of the flooding itself). it's not as if we are in an age where information is made available in trickles.

Sendong death toll tops 1,000

The death toll from flashfloods spawned by tropical storm Sendong has breached the 1,000 mark as more bodies were recovered today, the government's disaster response agency reported this afternoon.

Undersecretary Benito Ramos, chairman of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), said that a total of 1,002 people have been confirmed dead, including 650 in Cagayan de Oro City and an additional 283 in Iligan City.

Full story here (http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=63&articleid=760723)

NDRRMC: 3 killed, 7 missing, 56,000 affected by Amihan in north PHL

Three people were killed, seven were reported missing, and more than 56,000 were affected by heavy rain brought by the northeast monsoon on Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon last weekend, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Wednesday.

In its report, the NDRRMC said two of the three fatalities were from Isabela province while the third was from Baguio City. Six of the seven missing people were from Baler and Dilasag towns in Aurora province, while the seventh was a fisherman from San Fernando City in La Union.

The NDRRMC also said 15 road and bridge sections — 13 in Cagayan Valley and two in Central Luzon — were not passable as of 8 a.m. Wednesday.

Heavy rain from the northeast monsoon fell on parts of Luzon since last weekend. Isabela Gov. Faustino Dy III said the rain eased only Tuesday.

Full story here (http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/242315/news/regions/ndrrmc-3-killed-7-missing-56-000-affected-by-amihan-in-north-phl?utm_source=GMANews&utm_medium=Twitter&utm_campaign=GMANewsTwitter)

Residents in Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan won’t be allowed to return to their homes–NDRRMC exec

After the disaster brought about by Tropical storm “Sendong”, residents living near the river and along the sea shore in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities will no longer be allowed to return to their homes and will be relocated to safer areas, Benito Ramos, executive director of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management told Radyo Inquirer 990AM Thursday.

Here (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/115577/residents-in-cagayan-de-oro-city-iligan-wont-be-allowed-to-return-to-their-homes-ndrrmc-exec)

More ‘Sendong’ bodies recovered from as far as Bohol–NDRRMC exec

More bodies washed into seas reaching as far as Bohol province by floods triggered by Tropical storm “Sendong” are still being recovered, Undersecretary Benito Ramos of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Thursday in an exclusive interview with Radyo Inquirer 990AM.

Read full story here (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/115609/more-sendong-bodies-recovered-from-as-far-as-bohol-ndrrmc-exec?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

More ‘Sendong’ bodies recovered from as far as Bohol–NDRRMC exec



Read full story here (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/115609/more-sendong-bodies-recovered-from-as-far-as-bohol-ndrrmc-exec?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter)

^^^^
grabe talaga yung flashflood hindi lang mga ari-arian ang inalis pati mga buhay:ohno: kung meron lang sana silang maayos na tirahan sa isang maayos na lugar hindi sana naging malala ang epekto nito.

^^ not only that

Mining and logging too.

I don't know what to say after seeing the photos here:
http://www.theatlantic.com/infocus/2011/12/deadly-tropical-storm-washi/100212/

The girl at photo # 21 reminds me of my twin sisters when they were still young. These kids are vulnerable, they're not prepared for this kind of distress. The terrible memories are there to stay. What now for those who lost their parents and siblings? What makes things worse is the fact that the high casualties could have been prevented if only those people who should be serving as our 'watchtower' cared a little and issued the warnings. I cried silently....

Tent cities loom for Philippine flood victims

Tens of thousands of flash flood survivors in the Philippines face life in tent cities for months while safe areas to resettle them are sought, top relief officials said Monday.

Full story here (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g0liwM7pFZQabPG6Af8lcio2mHlQ?docId=CNG.ef96f040ab7430954a9e6fb547e29fb3.371)

Government hit for failure to act on flood peril
Cabinet ignored scientists’ warning
By Fernando del Mundo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
12:22 am | Tuesday, December 27th, 2011

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/117605/government-hit-for-failure-to-act-on-flood-peril

Barely a month into the Aquino presidency, green activists warned Cabinet officials of a looming climatic catastrophe.

The warning went largely ignored, but the Climate Change Congress of the Philippines (CCCP) headed by Archbishop Antonio Ledesma plodded on, raising alarm bells.

The warning was repeated to Cabinet officials in an antipoverty conference two weeks before Tropical Storm “Sendong” struck on December 16.

Officials on the ground were caught unprepared as the howler strayed from the normal typhoon corridor and turned its wrath on the largest and widely denuded watershed in Northern Mindanao.

The deaths and destruction in the storm rampage and the flash floods it ignited surpassed anything the world has seen in the past 12 years, according to a US meteorologist.

Swaths of impoverished urban settlements mainly from the hard-hit cities of Cagayan de Oro (CDO) and Iligan disappeared in the deadly brown torrents of slime and mud. Freshly cut timber from the Lanao mountains tumbled and smashed communities in the lowlands.

The official death toll has reached 1,200 and around 2,000 are missing—more than the 902 people who perished in the storm in Brazil in January, or the 657 who died in massive floods in Thailand in the past three months.

Scores of bodies are still being fished out of the waters of Macajalar Bay more than a week later.

“The point is that the country was fully forewarned about the CDO watershed vulnerabilities,” the CCCP said.

A visiting UN official likened the devastation in the Misamis Oriental capital to a destruction by a tsunami. Photographs of the city certainly reminded this writer of Banda Aceh in Sumatra, which was destroyed in the aftermath of the tsunami that a massive earthquake unleashed in December 2004.

As the magnitude of the Sendong disaster unfolded in Mindanao, the CCCP issued its oft-repeated plea, “Let us avoid another catastrophe … Let us save the future—now!”
The organization of civil society groups urged President Aquino to put in place an integrated watershed management program “immediately and decisively” instead of a “narrow and selective” rehabilitation initiative.

“The reality is that the whole country can be divided into different watersheds, with varying levels of vulnerabilities. We all live in a watershed,” said the statement signed by Ledesma, the archbishop of Cagayan de Oro, and CCCP coconvenor Christian Monsod.

Poor dwellers

The group denounced attempts to blame the urban poor victims for the tragedy, declaring, “Biktima na, sinisisi pa!”

It pointed instead to the “utter lack of integrated area planning, integrated watershed management and coherent agro-industrial development program. This also includes “asset reform”—the social justice program designed to ease poverty—and encompasses such issues as agrarian reform and addressing the needs of squatters in the cities, fishermen and indigenous peoples.

“The dumping of the dead in the dump is another detestable act. This is unspeakable and unconscionable,” the group said.

Over the past two years, in the wake of the disastrous flooding of Tropical Storm “Ondoy” in Metro Manila, the CCCP has been conducting nationwide multicultural seminars, workshops and dialogues with government agencies on how to reduce the risks facing the people and communities on the climate change front line.

The term gained worldwide currency in 2006 following the screening of Al Gore’s award-winning documentary “Inconvenient Truth.” The film warned of melting ice caps and rising sea levels as a result of global warming, stoked by greenhouse gas emissions in the industrial world.

Climate change impact

In the Philippines, Esteban C. Godilano, a geospatial-watershed specialist, outlined in a recent seminar the effects of the phenomenon:

Rainy days: decrease but intensity higher than normal.

Typhoon: increase intensity and frequency.

Temperature: increase by 3 percent, more frequent and persistent El Niño and La Niña episodes of dry and wet spells and increased evaporation.

Flooding: increase depth, frequency, intensity and severe landslides.

Humidity: upward trend, can alter geographic distribution of pest and diseases.

Godilano also warned of soil erosion, forest fires and overall land degradation severely affecting 20 million hectares, or 67 percent of the Philippines.

He said that 69 provinces in the archipelago’s eastern seaboard were in the grip of La Niña and could be prone to severe flooding and landslides almost year round.

At least 18 provinces are at La Niña risk in the next three months, according to Godilano.

Biblical deluge

This unusual weather disturbance was first felt in the Philippines four decades ago, when the nation went through a veritable biblical deluge that spanned more than 40 days and 40 nights. The July-August downpours in 1972 turned an area from Metro Manila to Pangasinan into a lake.

The need to rebuild the region was one of the justifications cited by President Ferdinand Marcos for his declaration of martial law a month later and assumption of dictatorial powers.

The Ondoy inundation two years ago drove home yet again the climatic risks confronting the country. At least 464 people died in the flooding.

Tropical Storm “Pepeng” followed on its heels with equal ferocity, killing 465.

Godilano has in fact been putting together climate change impact maps since 2003 and knocking on government doors pleading with officials in the previous Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo administration to prepare at least to mitigate the anticipated disasters.

Meeting with execs

The CCCP officials in July 2010 met with Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, who heads the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council. He got the Godilano maps, expressed appreciation and said that these would be integrated in the government planning.

Also in the same month, the group met with Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo, who expressed awe of the risks and appreciation of the dangers confronting the country.

In January, the group brought up the possibility that Cagayan de Oro would suffer the same fate as Marikina, the worst hit city in Ondoy’s onslaught. It presented the differences between the official geohazard maps and the climate change maps done by Godilano.

Mapping controversy

CCCP scientists in February drew up a draft proposal for a P700-million “vulnerability and poverty mapping”—programs discussed with Cabinet officials in the antipoverty summit early this month.

Unfortunately, material and budgetary support for the Cagayan de Oro watershed plan was slow in coming.

Jose Ma. Lorenzo Tan, chief of the World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines, said he also had warned about the Mindanao disaster three years ago but that he was dismissed by lawmakers as “too alarmist.”

Palace reaction

Presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda declined immediate comment, saying he still had to verify the charges.

Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said, “It’s obvious the main responsible authority on this is really the LGU (local government unit) and therefore this is something they are already correcting.”

She added it was also “common sense” that the victims should not have been in areas at risk of flooding.

In the finger-pointing, the Aquino administration has asked why geohazard maps purportedly distributed to LGUs as guide to climate change adaptation measures were not used.

The CCCP said that the mapping issue was more complex and that it was difficult to put all the blame on the LGUs alone.

“In the first place, assuming that these were indeed distributed, these geohazard maps are able to show only landslide and flooding areas (within the LGU area) but not the overall watershed boundaries,” the group said.

The Cagayan de Oro government has no control over the water and debris coming from the 174,000 hectares comprising its watershed area straddling the provinces of Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte and Misamis Oriental, the CCCP said.

This is why the government needs to adopt immediately “an integrated watershed management regardless of political boundaries among provinces, cities and towns.”

“There is an urgent need for technical support in information and education dissemination among the LGUs. Maps are too technical and need to be properly explained in layman terms. Above all, there should be watershed and area planning in the context of climate change, followed by action in support of the plan,” the CCCP said.

Plea to Pres. Aquino

The CCCP appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to carry out five important measures.

Immediately declare CDO as a protected area and support the strengthening of the Cagayan de Oro River Basin Management Multisectoral Council, integrating the political and administrative boundaries in planning and management and focusing not only on forests but also “on the three R’s—ridge, rivers and reefs.”

Implement anticipatory and community-based strategies to disaster preparedness and magnification of climate change maps to clearly identify barangays that are most vulnerable so that these can serve as a platform for disaster preparedness and watershed planning and management.

Declare a moratorium on all mining operations in highly vulnerable areas and the full implementation of the total log ban without exception to give way to the rehabilitation of the degraded environment and restoration of lost natural resources.

Prepare the most vulnerable 24 provinces and their watersheds on predicted La Niña risks.

Undertake nationwide community rebuilding of both the urban and rural sectors in the context of climate change adaptation, which can help create millions of jobs.

Yeah, a lot more people will find lots of reasons to answer why these loss of people's lives! I hope our government fold their sleeves up and work on the various proffered solutions.

Or they can take the easier way by implementing forced sterilization of people so that there will less people for storms to kill in the future? (You won't jump on me 'cuz I was being sarcastic, you know?)

^^ not only that

Mining and logging too.

that would be the main caused, excessive mining and illegal logging. dapat matigil na ang ganung klase ng activity:bash:, may makikinabang pero may marami ang mapapahamak kapag may kalamidad:ohno:

Avient Aviation arrived loaded with High Energy Biscuits from Dubai straight to Davao International Airport for Sendong Victims....http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sUE5shrr4kU

not sure where to post this but here.

Canon Aids Relief Activities Following Philippines Typhoon

LAKE SUCCESS, N.Y., December 28, 2011 – Canon U.S.A., Inc., a leader in digital imaging solutions, today announced that Canon Inc. will be providing aid for the victims of Typhoon Washi, which swept through the Southern Philippines earlier this month.

Canon will donate $64,000 to help provide aid for victims of the typhoon and support for recovery efforts throughout the region that experienced extensive damage due to record-setting rainfall and landslides.

We at Canon extend our heartfelt condolences to the people of the Philippines and our thoughts go out to the victims and their families.

About Canon U.S.A., Inc.

Canon U.S.A., Inc., is a leading provider of consumer, business-to-business, and industrial digital imaging solutions. With more than $45 billion in global revenue, its parent company, Canon Inc. (NYSE:CAJ), ranks fourth overall in patent holdings in the U.S. in 2010†, and is one of Fortune Magazine's World's Most Admired Companies in 2011. Canon U.S.A. is committed to the highest levels of customer satisfaction and loyalty, providing 100 percent U.S.-based consumer service and support for all of the products it distributes. Canon U.S.A. is dedicated to its Kyosei philosophy of social and environmental responsibility. To keep apprised of the latest news from Canon U.S.A., sign up for the Company's RSS news feed by visiting www.usa.canon.com/rss.

Tent cities loom for Philippine flood victims



Full story here (http://www.google.com/hostednews/afp/article/ALeqM5g0liwM7pFZQabPG6Af8lcio2mHlQ?docId=CNG.ef96f040ab7430954a9e6fb547e29fb3.371)

^^
These would do generate temporary shelter to them, sadly not that much comfort they needed :ohno: hope to see permanent and safe shelter to all survivors.!

^^ not only that

Mining and logging too.

that would be the main caused, excessive mining and illegal logging. dapat matigil na ang ganung klase ng activity:bash:, may makikinabang pero may marami ang mapapahamak kapag may kalamidad:ohno:

According to some news items, the main cause of the tragedy is logging in in some parts of Lanao del Sur (I don't remember there is a large-scale logging in Iligan City. if they do, Iligan City will not be deserved to be called as City of Waterfalls). That's why I'm shocked of the images of the aerial view of Tubod River and Mandulog River on why there are so many logs along the shoreline.

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/-OtDFzAqKRM4/TtckV-QPR6I/AAAAAAAABtY/iNQBbevu1iA/s1600/helping_hands.gif
Donations for 'Sendong' victims have evidently picked up as several foreign governments and agencies give over P43 million in relief goods. The Korean government turned over their donations to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Dec. 29. The donations include 500 sets of tents, 15,000 pieces of towels, 3,000 boxes of ready-to-eat meals, and 6,800 pieces of water purification tablets, amounting to over P21 million.

The German government collaborated with humanitarian aid agency Diakonie Katastrophenhilfe (DKH) to supply P14.2 million in relief items. Germany funded the supply of non-food items such as laundry soap, water containers, sleeping mattresses, blankets and sanitary napkins for 12,270 families in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan, while DKH provided food items such as rice, mung beans, dried fish, sardines, cooking oil, and sugar for 5,665 families in Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte and Negros Oriental. The goods were delivered on Dec. 29 by local NGO Citizens' Disaster Response Center (CDRC), and its regional centers Panday Bulig and Center for People's Resources and Services.

Read more... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/international-aid-starts-pouring-sendong-victims-140410603.html)

that would be the main caused, excessive mining and illegal logging. dapat matigil na ang ganung klase ng activity:bash:, may makikinabang pero may marami ang mapapahamak kapag may kalamidad:ohno:
Illegal logging, yes! "Excessive mining"? Never heard such! The limit is how deep and wide you are allowed to dig and your ability to prevent exigencies to occur! And that's not even excessive. Besides, legit companies are guided by their ECC's. Small-scale and artisanal type of mining groups are somewhat problematic though.

Recommend banning "irresponsible mining" instead.

Illegal logging, yes! "Excessive mining"? Never heard such! The limit is how deep and wide you are allowed to dig and your ability to prevent exigencies to occur! And that's not even excessive. Besides, legit companies are guided by their ECC's. Small-scale and artisanal type of mining groups are somewhat problematic though.

Recommend banning "irresponsible mining" instead.

^^
I strongly agree with your recommendation, thanks! :):cheers:

KADIRI.

http://beta.taopo.org/sites/default/files/super_anti_epal_bill_cong_benjo_benaldo_sendong_cdo.jpg

http://beta.taopo.org/sites/default/files/benjo_benaldo_gordon.jpeg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tD_8ZBNFf6k/S9UBbaX5MTI/AAAAAAAAAAY/jjzsfwy4GE0/s1600-R/14534_177314314838_680244838_2723962_4089919_n.jpg


http://beta.taopo.org/isyu/01/05/2012/anti-epal-cdo-congressman-benjo-benaldo#.Twb3PbnJ3eY.twitter

ANTI-EPAL BILL???

anti kapal-muks bill dapat yan:lol:

KADIRI.

http://beta.taopo.org/sites/default/files/super_anti_epal_bill_cong_benjo_benaldo_sendong_cdo.jpg

http://beta.taopo.org/sites/default/files/benjo_benaldo_gordon.jpeg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tD_8ZBNFf6k/S9UBbaX5MTI/AAAAAAAAAAY/jjzsfwy4GE0/s1600-R/14534_177314314838_680244838_2723962_4089919_n.jpg


http://beta.taopo.org/isyu/01/05/2012/anti-epal-cdo-congressman-benjo-benaldo#.Twb3PbnJ3eY.twitter

ANTI-EPAL BILL???

Whoa, credit-taking! Kapal-muks ha. Kahit na sabihing funds niya yan pero kung yung pinamigay naman niya e funds ng kaban ng bayan kapal-muks talaga.

Some photos of the BFP Firetrucks and Rescue units in the NCR areas...

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/060220111500.jpg

DILG SRU at Makati Central Fire Station taken by me last year...

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/060220111504.jpg

DILG SRU Ambulance at Makati Central Fire Station...

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/QCPierce.jpg

BFP Quezon City Pierce Aerial Ladder Firetruck...

Another tragedy at compostela valley - WHERE IS PNOY? the standard answer is:
- he's on top of d situation
- makakagulo lang sya sa rescue operation
- hindi sya manananggal na pwedeng hatiin ang katawan
- hindi mahilig sa photo op
- naghahanap pa ng mga masisisi
- baka pwedeng ikonekta ang disaster kay GMA
- it's a weekend and pagod na sya.
- mas importante ma impeach si corona
STILL ANG TANONG: WHERE IS PNOY??


Got this from FB haha. :lol: In spite of all this criticism he is still popular, I guess his anti-GMA stance is carrying him through all this lack of visibility during disasters.

^^ Bumibili ng bagong PlayStation Vita courtesy of GLOBE! :lol:

^^
gametime! :lol: for sure may uutusan na naman para gumawa ng kaukulang aksyon :rofl:

KADIRI.

http://beta.taopo.org/sites/default/files/super_anti_epal_bill_cong_benjo_benaldo_sendong_cdo.jpg

http://beta.taopo.org/sites/default/files/benjo_benaldo_gordon.jpeg

http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tD_8ZBNFf6k/S9UBbaX5MTI/AAAAAAAAAAY/jjzsfwy4GE0/s1600-R/14534_177314314838_680244838_2723962_4089919_n.jpg


http://beta.taopo.org/isyu/01/05/2012/anti-epal-cdo-congressman-benjo-benaldo#.Twb3PbnJ3eY.twitter

ANTI-EPAL BILL???

Pweeehhh! Sobrang kapal muks!

Mabuti pa si Gordon...doing his best in background...:cheers:

dp

Yan daw ang kongresista na parating Business Class/First Class sa PAL, at palaging may hatak hatak na Louis Vuitton maski sa pagbisita sa mga evacuation centre.

http://beta.taopo.org/sites/default/files/benjo_benaldo_gordon.jpeg

gusto niya laging maganda ang ayos at matunog ang pangalan gaya ng branded shirt niyang suot :lol: :rofl:

^ Ang laki ng logo ng RL. Baka daw hindi obvious yung brand. :lol:

La mona aunque se vista de seda, mona se queda.

^^ En inglés, por favor. :D

The monkey though dressed in silk is still a monkey!

4,246 families affected by floods

http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2599/3969072147_895feba507.jpg
MANILA, Philippines - Floods caused by a diffused tail-end of a cold front have affected at least 4,246 families in five regions.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director Benito Ramos said the figure is more than double the 9,482 persons or 2,053 families reported previously by the NDRRMC.

Most of the affected residents were from Western Visayas, Eastern Visayas, Davao and the Caraga region. Ramos said 3,202 persons or 753 families are now housed in 21 evacuation centers.

The NDRRMC said floodwaters in Compostela Valley and Northern Mindanao have subsided.

Local disaster management offices have distributed relief goods to evacuees and other affected families.

Ramos said the diffused tail-end of a cold front brought mostly cloudy skies with scattered rainshowers and thunderstorms in parts of Visayas and Mindanao.

Widespread rains were experienced in Leyte provinces, Central Visayas and Northeastern Mindanao.

Read full story here... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/4-246-families-affected-floods-161638220.html;_ylt=As2psd__ZpqKOtzxpEMXH0PmV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTNnNGs5NTM2BG1pdAMEcGtnA2FiNWM1N2M2LTQ4OTctMzYwYi1hNmM5LTIzNGU0ZmIxNGFmMgRwb3MDMQRzZWMDbG5fUGhpbFN0YXJfZ2FsBHZlcgM3N2E1MTdmMC00MDVkLTExZTEtYmZmNS0xNzMzOWI3NzZhMjk-;_ylv=3)

The monkey though dressed in silk is still a monkey!

+1 :banana:

PAGASA: La Niña may cause another cyclone soon

http://www.nicamandigma.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/05/la-nina-phenomenon.gif

According to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), the La Niña weather phenomenon is set to hit its peak this January and could still threaten the country with a tropical cyclone. The weather agency added that the La Niña is expected to continue through February until sometime in March or May. The months-long La Niña is characterized by colder-than-normal sea surface temperatures, which result in above-normal rainfall in equatorial Pacific countries like the Philippines. According to PAGASA, La Niña weather conditions were behind Sendong, the most destructive Philippine tropical cyclone in 2011 that claimed over 1,000 lives.

Read full story here (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/pagasa-la-ni-may-cause-another-cyclone-soon-033609966.html;_ylt=AhdokQ_.Tl12PU5_IUp8aAPmV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTNidjBrYjBxBG1pdAMEcGtnAzM2Zjc1MzhkLWVmNjYtMzg3NS05OGMyLTJiNGVhMmI2YjVhNARwb3MDMgRzZWMDbG5fR01BX2dhbAR2ZXIDNjRjZWNmOTAtNDBiYy0xMWUxLWJmZmYtY2UxYzUyY2FmOTY2;_ylv=3)...

BREAKING NEWS...

A POWERFUL 6.8 MAGNITUDE QUAKE HAS STRUCK THE CENTRAL VISAYAS REGION AROUND NOONTIME LOCAL TIME CAUSING WIDESPREAD DAMAGES AND 1 DEATH AS OF POSTING TIME, A TSUNAMI ALERT WAS ISSUED FOR THE NEXT 2 HOURS BUT HAS BEEN LIFTED ...

^^ Tsunami alert lifted na kaninang 2:30 p.m. :cheers:

To view the PHIVOLCS tsunami alert cancellation, click on this link (http://pcdspo.gov.ph/downloads/2012/02/PHIVOLCS-TSUNAMI-ALERT-CANCELLATION.-February-6-2012.pdf):

^ Ang laki ng logo ng RL. Baka daw hindi obvious yung brand. :lol:

OT: Diba mas mahal ang Big Pony na RL kaysa sa regular lang na RL?

Re: the tsunami alert..
wag mag false alarm,wag nyo ismolin ang report ng ndrrmc.sundin nlng kung may evacuation o wala..nag warning nmn sila..kasi hndi nyo matatancha ang lakas ng mother nature..buti walang naaksidente sa panic ng mga tao tsunami, just be prepared, better safe than sorry.

can somebody post a tsunami alert levels? how many?what it does, what does it mean?
1.
2.

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/396219_341521889213898_141976959168393_1047866_1763148841_n.jpg

here (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=341521889213898&set=a.144609985571757.19432.141976959168393&type=1&theater)

THE DEATH TOLL HAS JUST RISEN TO 5 AND 29 ARE MISSING POSSIBLY TRAPPED UNDERNEAT THE RUBBLES OF MORE THAN 30 HOMES DUE TO A MASSIVE LANDSLIDES IN NEGROS ORIENTAL CAUSED BY THE TEMBLOR ...


http://news.yahoo.com/6-8-quake-philippines-kills-5-buries-homes-072007805.html#

https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s320x320/396219_341521889213898_141976959168393_1047866_1763148841_n.jpg

here (https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=341521889213898&set=a.144609985571757.19432.141976959168393&type=1&theater)

Thanks Pare! This will Help People!

Re: the tsunami alert..
wag mag false alarm,wag nyo ismolin ang report ng ndrrmc.sundin nlng kung may evacuation o wala..nag warning nmn sila..kasi hndi nyo matatancha ang lakas ng mother nature..buti walang naaksidente sa panic ng mga tao tsunami, just be prepared, better safe than sorry.

can somebody post a tsunami alert levels? how many?what it does, what does it mean?
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TSUNAMI ALERT LEVELS: [as gathered from previous PHIVOLCS bulletins, hindi pa yata nagpapalabas ng alert level 3...]

0 - No evacuation. For information purposes only and there is no tsunami threat to the Philippines from an earthquake that has just occurred.

1 - Stand-by for Possible Evacuation. NO EVACUATION ORDER is in effect but communities along the east coast of the country (in list) are advised to wait for further information and to prepare for possible evacuation.

2 - Be on alert for unusual waves. The concerned public is advised to BE ON ALERT FOR UNUSUAL WAVES.

Death toll now stands at 13 with 29 missing and more than 50 injured from the powerful 6.8 magnitude quake ...


http://news.yahoo.com/6-8-quake-philippines-kills-13-buries-homes-090600155.html

^ Ang laki ng logo ng RL. Baka daw hindi obvious yung brand. :lol:

Diba bawal yan sa mga govt officials ang ostentatious display of wealth?

Tsunami map
https://fbcdn-sphotos-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/403200_362053413807692_100000091084850_1388509_443138545_n.jpg

Aftershocks dim hopes of finding survivors in quake-hit Negros Oriental

Hopes of finding survivors from the Feb. 6 earthquake-triggered landslides in Negros Oriental are fading fast as aftershocks continue to shake the affected areas. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) lists 71 persons missing in landslides in two barangays.

"We are praying and hoping that we will get some survivors, but it's likely that many of those missing in the landslides have died already," Roel Degamo, the governor of Negros Oriental, the worst-hit province, told Agence France-Presse (AFP) on Tuesday.

In a statement Tuesday, Malacañang said President Benigno Aquino III will fly to Dumaguete City on Wednesday, Feb. 8, his 52nd birthday.

“He will inspect damaged areas and meet with our countrymen affected by the calamity, as well as with the government workers who are providing much needed relief operations on the ground,” said presidential spokesperson Edwin Lacierda.

Read full story here... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/aftershocks-dim-hopes-finding-survivors-quake-hit-negros-143012773.html;_ylt=AgAp4Yk9fPrrCldD42zj2crmV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTQwbjA1cm0wBG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBQaGlsaXBwaW5lc1NGBHBrZwM2ZjA1MGEzMS1jZWYzLTMxZmMtOWIxMi0yNTQwYWE3ZDYxZWEEcG9zAzYEc2VjA3RvcF9zdG9yeQR2ZXIDN2I2M2UxZjctNTFhNi0xMWUxLWJiZmYtZjY1NzlmMmEwZWU1;_ylg=X3oDMTF2M3NpaDUyBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANwaGlsaXBwaW5lcwRwdANzZWN0aW9ucwR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3)

http://l.yimg.com/bt/api/res/1.2/0nPZfrHjthBNjCRnhNOUqg--/YXBwaWQ9eW5ld3M7Zmk9aW5zZXQ7aD0zMzE7cT04NTt3PTUxMg--/http://media.zenfs.com/en_sg/News/AFP/photo_1328530481192-4-0.jpg

I hate to say this, but we are not really prepared for disasters. :/

USGS website
http://earthquake.usgs.gov/earthquakes/recenteqsww/Quakes/quakes_big.php

LGUs should be prepared for disasters, says expert

MANILA, Philippines - An economist and local governance expert yesterday said it is imperative that local communities are prepared for and capable of addressing and managing the risks and ruinous effects caused by disasters.

Gilberto Llanto, a senior research fellow at the Philippine Institute for Development Studies (PIDS), said the country is inherently disaster-prone owing to its geographical location.

“It lies on the western rim of the Pacific and along the circum-Pacific seismic belt, subjecting it to typhoons, earthquakes, floods, volcanic eruptions, droughts, and other natural hazards. In fact, the country is ranked eighth by the World Bank’s Natural Disaster Hotspot list of countries most exposed to multiple hazards, with 268 recorded disasters over the last three decades,” he said.

In addition, Llanto said 60 percent of the country’s total land area is exposed to multiple hazards and as a result, 74 percent of Filipinos are at risk.

Last Monday, a magnitude 6.9 earthquake struck Negros Island, while Mindanao and Central Luzon were recently battered by heavy floods.

Read more here... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/lgus-prepared-disasters-says-expert-160438145.html;_ylt=AjZRdo2VzGGeISBgajEwjv3mV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTQwdm5vdGx2BG1pdANUb3BTdG9yeSBQaGlsaXBwaW5lc1NGBHBrZwNhNzhlNTIwZC1mYjc1LTNhNGMtYmQ5MS1mM2M2OTY5MjUxNjYEcG9zAzIEc2VjA3RvcF9zdG9yeQR2ZXIDOWExOWFlNDAtNTI2ZS0xMWUxLTllZmYtZTNhZmYyOTBiMDFk;_ylg=X3oDMTF2M3NpaDUyBGludGwDcGgEbGFuZwNlbi1waARwc3RhaWQDBHBzdGNhdANwaGlsaXBwaW5lcwRwdANzZWN0aW9ucwR0ZXN0Aw--;_ylv=3)

I haven't seen the Philippine Navy involved in the rescue efforts. I've seen the Air Force choppers, the PNP teams but not the Coast Guard and the navy! Don't we have Navy personnel who are from the quake areas or are they thinking of helping?

Nagtatanong lang po.

DILG Sec tells barangays: Be disaster ready
MANILA, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Roberdo has called on all punong barangays of the country to conduct disaster awareness and response campaign in their respective communities, following last Monday’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Visayas particularly Negros Oriental.


In a statement posted on the DILG website (www.dilg.gov.ph), it said that Robredo made the call in a speech at the 2nd general assembly and National Executive Board meeting of the Liga ng mga Barangay, the national association of the country’s 42,000 barangays, held in Manila recently.


The assembly was participated in by more than 100 participants composed of provincial and highly-urbanized cities’ chapter presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

“Sa aspetong ito malaki ang maitutulong ng mga barangay dahil sila ang nasa ibaba at sentro ng komunidad, at higit na nakakaalam kung saang lugar sa kanilang barangay ang madalas bahain pati na ang mga landslide-prone area,” he explained.

(The barangays can be big help in this aspect because down there they are the center of the community and they know better where the flood-prone and landslide areas are)


In his speech, the DILG secretary urged barangay chairmen to be always ready with their disaster risk reduction and management plans that include the evacuation of residents if necessary.


Robredo enjoined barangay officials to follow disaster protocols, install early warning systems, as well as conduct regular drills and exercises in order to prepare their constituents in addressing the adverse effect of disaster.

He also encouraged village officials to organize rescue teams, emergency group of responders and community service brigades that will provide immediate assistance to the victims of disaster.


“Makakatulong rin kung mayroon kayong mga nakatabing emergency equipment at supplies ( It helps if you have emergency equipment and supplies),” Robredo said.


He also said that in time of calamities, barangay officials should open their communication lines for easy coordination with local authorities, volunteer groups and other government agencies concerned, to ensure immediate assistance whenever needed. (DILG/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)
http://mb.com.ph/articles/351138/be-disasterready-barangays-urged

:cheers::banana: ZERO CASUALTY. :cheers::banana:

DILG Sec tells barangays: Be disaster ready
MANILA, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Roberdo has called on all punong barangays of the country to conduct disaster awareness and response campaign in their respective communities, following last Monday’s 6.9 magnitude earthquake that struck Central Visayas particularly Negros Oriental.


In a statement posted on the DILG website (www.dilg.gov.ph), it said that Robredo made the call in a speech at the 2nd general assembly and National Executive Board meeting of the Liga ng mga Barangay, the national association of the country’s 42,000 barangays, held in Manila recently.


The assembly was participated in by more than 100 participants composed of provincial and highly-urbanized cities’ chapter presidents of the Liga ng mga Barangay.

“Sa aspetong ito malaki ang maitutulong ng mga barangay dahil sila ang nasa ibaba at sentro ng komunidad, at higit na nakakaalam kung saang lugar sa kanilang barangay ang madalas bahain pati na ang mga landslide-prone area,” he explained.

(The barangays can be big help in this aspect because down there they are the center of the community and they know better where the flood-prone and landslide areas are)


In his speech, the DILG secretary urged barangay chairmen to be always ready with their disaster risk reduction and management plans that include the evacuation of residents if necessary.


Robredo enjoined barangay officials to follow disaster protocols, install early warning systems, as well as conduct regular drills and exercises in order to prepare their constituents in addressing the adverse effect of disaster.

He also encouraged village officials to organize rescue teams, emergency group of responders and community service brigades that will provide immediate assistance to the victims of disaster.


“Makakatulong rin kung mayroon kayong mga nakatabing emergency equipment at supplies ( It helps if you have emergency equipment and supplies),” Robredo said.


He also said that in time of calamities, barangay officials should open their communication lines for easy coordination with local authorities, volunteer groups and other government agencies concerned, to ensure immediate assistance whenever needed. (DILG/RJB/JCP-PIA NCR)
http://mb.com.ph/articles/351138/be-disasterready-barangays-urged

:cheers::banana: ZERO CASUALTY. :cheers::banana:

Yan po talaga ang mahirap. Gusto nila yung central control, pero pag may sakuna, kayo-kayo na lang dya'an! Ano ba talaga kuya?

:ohno: sad to share this news but it exist :bash:
60 Eastern Visayas towns have no fire stations, trucks

AT LEAST 60 municipalities in Eastern Visayas region do not have their own fire stations and fire trucks.

Fire Officer 3 Fernando Mandia, information officer of the Bureau of Fire Protection-Eastern Visayas, said the common reason why these towns do not have their own fire stations is due to the high cost of buying a fire truck.

Mandia said while some local government units could easily find a location where they could construct their own fire station, having the needed facility, the fire truck proves to be the problem.

“It is very costly on their part to acquire their own fire truck. What we can offer is to lend them their firemen,” Mandia said.

It was learned from him that a fire truck costs between P12 million to P50 million, depending on its water capacity.

The 60 towns, which do not have their own fire stations, are among the region’s most depressed areas. The region has 137 towns.

Mayor Viscuso de Lira of Balangiga town in Eastern Samar said while he has been “dreaming” for their town to have their own fire station, the high cost of acquiring a fire truck proves to be the problem.

“We cannot afford to have one simply because we do not have the necessary fund. But I just hope other government agencies and some officials could help us in this problem. We really need to have at least one which could help us in case there will be a fire in our town,” de Lira, reached on his phone, said.

Read more here... (http://ph.news.yahoo.com/60-eastern-visayas-towns-no-fire-stations-trucks-015156352.html;_ylt=ArkaVnTCB_4j8gfy2ie1jDfmV8d_;_ylu=X3oDMTNmbmRkdnNsBG1pdAMEcGtnAzA1Njk3YThkLWYyOGItMzczNi04NmFiLWM3ODMzODdkZGI1ZQRwb3MDNQRzZWMDbG5fU3VuU3Rhcl9nYWwEdmVyA2VlZmQ5ZjkwLTVjMzAtMTFlMS1hZWRmLTcwNGEzNDkzNjYyOQ--;_ylv=3)

http://a8.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/428244_260442150703829_100002141380484_602625_1673793546_n.jpg

Globe, Smart violated deal provisions: 911 says

By Jereco O. Paloma
Thursday, March 1, 2012

AN OFFICIAL of the Central Communications and Emergency Response Center (Central 911) in Davao City said Thursday theoretically, Globe and Smart violated provisions of the agreement governing the universal emergency hotline dial.

Retired Colonel Mario Verner Monsanto, Central 911 chief said in Thursday's I-Speak forum at City Hall that since the two telecommunication companies agreed on something, both parties are bound to comply with all the stipulations of the contract.

Monsanto refused to go into details on the specific violations that Smart and Globe Communications might have committed.

"Since your question is theoretical, my answer would also be theoretical, there was a violation because there was a deviation from the original agreement," Monsanto said when asked if a party to an agreement will be held liable if they deviate any from the provisions of the agreement.

To recall, City Vice Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte expressed disappointment when Globe blocked the direct 911 hotline, and when Smart altered the key number from 911 to *911, which is a deviation to the original agreement between the city and with the two telecoms several years ago.

Asked of the latest updates on the issue, Monsanto refused to give further details.

The City Council, meanwhile, moved the scheduled meeting with Smart and Globe to their first regular session in March.

Councilor Pilar Braga, chair of the committee on energy, transportation, and communication, in a text message told Sun.Star Davao, they decided to invite Smart and Globe in their next session instead of a meeting because they wanted all members of the City Council to hear the side of the two telecommunication giants on the issue of alleged deviation from the agreement between the city and the two firms over the 911 fracas.

"Mas gusto namo na ma dunggan sila sa amung session (We prefer to hear then during our session)," Braga said, adding that City Council's regular session is slated March 6.

Initially, Braga invited the two firms to a meeting last Tuesday to shed light on what had happened.

"We just want them to explain to us why they did that," Braga said.

Globe has already resumed direct 911 dial a day after Duterte issued a statement while Smart, as of this writing, has not yet issued their official statement regarding the matter.

Published in the Sun.Star Davao newspaper on March 02, 2012.

source (http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2012/03/01/globe-smart-violated-deal-provisions-911-says-209011)

This may not be in Phil. but I wanna share this one. I'm just amaze how japs done the clean-up.

Visit the site and drag the slider left/right of the photo to reveal the same area in 2012.
Then and now: The 2011 Japan tsunami (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46430477/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/#.T1TyrPHxo40)

There are 29 pics on the site. Here some of them.



http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-01a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-01b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-20a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-20b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-16a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-16b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-07a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-07b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-10a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-10b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-02a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-02b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-03a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-03b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-23a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-23b.grid-12x3.jpg

^^galing galing talaga ng mga hapon...!

^^galing galing talaga ng mga hapon...!

when i hear of japan what reverberates in my mind is the discipline among its people. sobra sila sa disciplina and it shows. saludo ako sa mga hapon. :bow:

when i hear of japan what reverberates in my mind is the discipline among its people. sobra sila sa disciplina and it shows. saludo ako sa mga hapon. :bow:

I have worked with some Japanese techs a long time ago and it is very true when it comes to discipline. They sometimes don't stop working until their scheduled work for the day is completely finished and verified functional! If it were a Filipino, work will have to wait until the next working hours! They are more dedicated to their work, even sacrificing a little of their personal comfort. I don't salute them, I bow lower than the usual bow that they do!

I have worked with some Japanese techs a long time ago and it is very true when it comes to discipline. They sometimes don't stop working until their scheduled work for the day is completely finished and verified functional! If it were a Filipino, work will have to wait until the next working hours! They are more dedicated to their work, even sacrificing a little of their personal comfort. I don't salute them, I bow lower than the usual bow that they do!

i have japanese classmates in graduate school and yes theyre formidable when it comes to work and study ethics. they maybe real quiet person but very competitive and thats why they excel in whatever they do. we have to much to learn from them.

A highrise fire has hit the Legaspi Condo Tower in Manila today, fortunately no injuries were reported and the fire was put out after an hour by the BFP who have to utilized aerial ladder firetrucks to reach the burning 15th floor unit ... :applause:

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/252346/news/metromanila/fire-hits-landmark-manila-condo-building-mayor-lim-s-residence?ref=related_stories


http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/LegazpiTower.jpg

^^:cheers:

With provincial cities also going into highrises today, I wonder if BFP is providing them better firefighting capabilities for establishments higher than 6 floors.

^^:cheers:

With provincial cities also going into highrises today, I wonder if BFP is providing them better firefighting capabilities for establishments higher than 6 floors.
High-rise buildings are required to be "sprinklered". It's a building requirement that will prevent occurrence of a "Towering Inferno" like in the movies.

All the BFP personnel does during high-rise fires is SAR, not fire quenching, IMHO.

High-rise buildings are required to be "sprinklered". It's a building requirement that will prevent occurrence of a "Towering Inferno" like in the movies.

All the BFP personnel does during high-rise fires is SAR, not fire quenching, IMHO.

The Legaspi Tower condo did not have any sprinkler system since it was built back in the early 80's and was not in the bldg. code yet, so the fire was put out manually by the BFP and volunteer brigades ...

The Legaspi Tower condo did not have any sprinkler system since it was built back in the early 80's and was not in the bldg. code yet, so the fire was put out manually by the BFP and volunteer brigades ...

That's the problem with some establishments hiding behind grandfathering clauses of most laws. But a diligent BFP inspector can always write down marginal recommendations for upgrading the fire protection of high-rise buildings done prior to the new building code of the Philippines every time owners apply for fire safety inspections.

That's the problem with some establishments hiding behind grandfathering clauses of most laws. But a diligent BFP inspector can always write down marginal recommendations for upgrading the fire protection of high-rise buildings done prior to the new building code of the Philippines every time owners apply for fire safety inspections.

good point. the building should not be given a business permit to operate without compliance to the building code especially if its a highrise.

Additional photos of last weeks highrise fire at Legaspi Tower condo in Manila ...


http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/LegaspiTower.jpg

http://i332.photobucket.com/albums/m335/filipinas40/Legaspi2.jpg

Davao 911

http://img835.imageshack.us/img835/4609/imgp4837.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/9177/imgp4829j.jpg

http://img153.imageshack.us/img153/7492/imgp4841.jpg

http://img256.imageshack.us/img256/1221/imgp4840q.jpg

http://img693.imageshack.us/img693/7363/imgp4843.jpg

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/7460/imgp4828.jpg

courtesy of Rod.

reporst from Davao thread

Central 911 adopts new system to improve emergency response


TO IMPROVE emergency response capability, the Davao City Central Communication and Emergency Response Center (Central 911) is now adopting a fast-reaction emergency unit modeled from a European technology.

Emmanuel Jaldon, Central 911 officer-in-charge, said Thursday that the adaptation of a new system will enable them to improve emergency responses even in remote areas of the city, or even at the middle of a congested road.


The city now has a total of six motorcycles whose drivers are capable not only of maneuvering a motorcycle out in the middle of a busy road, but also on basic emergency and first-aid procedures.

"These men are trained on the basic emergency response procedures and they will be the one who will first respond to an area where emergency situation happened," Jaldon said.

The six motorcycle-riding first aiders will be deployed to Central 911's satellite stations and to its main office on Quimpo blvd.

The city has two satellite offices located at Km 13 in Panacan and in Toril District.

Jaldon said they are still working on whether they will ask for more motorcycles this year.

The six motorcycles will be a big help to the 12 ambulances stationed at Central 911.

But Jaldo said of the 12 ambulances, only nine are functional while the rest are undergoing repair.

The quick reaction team will conduct an initial assessment in the area of emergency whether there is a need for an ambulance or if a simple first aid procedure is already enough.

35 GPS tracking system were installed in all 12 ambulances of 911 and the rest were installed on mobile patrol of the DCPO


di po BMW and sa Davao Central 911...Honda 200 xr lang sya..pero halos ganito ang dating nya

http://www.lonestarcycle.com/previmgs/ausems35.jpg
http://www.lonestarcycle.com/previmgs/ausems03.jpg

^^^ Nice photos, Thanks for sharing them ...

^^ youre welcome.

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg832/scaled.php?server=832&filename=davao911.jpg&res=landing

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/222887_116424168438962_100002141380484_148126_6725834_n.jpg

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/215891_116424288438950_100002141380484_148132_1815836_n.jpg

http://desmond.imageshack.us/Himg196/scaled.php?server=196&filename=dsc5992l.jpg&res=landing

Davao City Public Safety Command Center

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-e-mTWEwQMKQ/TsL441ZdmjI/AAAAAAAAD3E/azqHZ5U-i6s/s1600/Public+Safety+Command+Center.jpg

wow ganda ng gamit ng Davao.
Talo ang Makati.


hindi namn sa picture lang to ano?:D

This may not be in Phil. but I wanna share this one. I'm just amaze how japs done the clean-up.

Visit the site and drag the slider left/right of the photo to reveal the same area in 2012.
Then and now: The 2011 Japan tsunami (http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/46430477/ns/world_news-asia_pacific/#.T1TyrPHxo40)

There are 29 pics on the site. Here some of them.



http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-01a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-01b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-20a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-20b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-16a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-16b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-07a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-07b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-10a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-10b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-02a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-02b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-03a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-03b.grid-12x3.jpg

http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-23a.grid-12x3.jpg
http://msnbcmedia.msn.com/j/MSNBC/Components/Slideshows/_production/ss-120311-japan-slider/ss-120217-japan-slider-23b.grid-12x3.jpg

We really have so much to learn from the Japanese. It's also worth to commend how the Japanese people acted so calmly and composed despite the very tragic incident. A job well done for them and hope they recover fast. :cheers:

wow ganda ng gamit ng Davao.
Talo ang Makati.


hindi namn sa picture lang to ano?:D

dekorasyon lang yan. :lol:

everyday busy ang 911. rescuing people during accidents, fire, domestic violence and medical needs.

btw, last june 2011 when davao was hit by flashflood... di gaanong na highlight, tho more than 30 ang namatay, kasi mabilis ang rescue operation. natabunan ang flood ni mayor inday sara's punch.

hmmm, kaya pala ang kinis/kintab pa ng mga gulong, mukhang di nakakaapak ng lupa, mukhang hanggang dekorasyon nga lang:lol: o baka bagong deliver lang ito, pakikuha nga ng latest pic, tingnan natin kung meron nang gasgas:lol:

hmmm, kaya pala ang kinis/kintab pa ng mga gulong, mukhang di nakakaapak ng lupa, mukhang hanggang dekorasyon nga lang:lol: o baka bagong deliver lang ito, pakikuha nga ng latest pic, tingnan natin kung meron nang gasgas:lol:

matagal pa ang next parade nila. baka sa araw ng dabaw 2013. may isang taon pa sila para pakintabin. :lol:

hmmm, kaya pala ang kinis/kintab pa ng mga gulong, mukhang di nakakaapak ng lupa, mukhang hanggang dekorasyon nga lang:lol: o baka bagong deliver lang ito, pakikuha nga ng latest pic, tingnan natin kung meron nang gasgas:lol:

hmmm parang may alam ka yata sa problema ng 911 davao lately ha..don't worry Mayor Sarah sacked the old 911 chief and replaced him with a better (so far, so good) one..at nasabon na rin ni VM Digong ang Smart and Globe tungkol dun sa pag change nila ng protocol sa pag dial 911..ok na makakadial na ulit kami dito ng 911 free..:)

I even dialed 911 to complain against an asintonadong karaoke belting next block neighbor, nag-iingay ba naman kahit 6am ng umaga.

the next morning solved na at di nag-ingay pa kailanman :lol:

binaril ba sya sa ulo?

My Way ba kinanta?:D

binaril ba sya sa ulo?

My Way ba kinanta?:D

Mali.
Sinabihan lang siya ng nakasagot dun sa 911 na power rotation (read as: "power interruption) kinabukasan, kaya wala na munang magpa-party at videoke! Alang kuryente! Hehehehe

Mali.
Sinabihan lang siya ng nakasagot dun sa 911 na power rotation (read as: "power interruption) kinabukasan, kaya wala na munang magpa-party at videoke! Alang kuryente! Hehehehe

Wala namang power rotation or power interruption sa Davao, mali ka rin.

Wala namang power rotation or power interruption sa Davao, mali ka rin.

true. davao light generates electricity to back up power sold by ngcp. davao light owns therma marine power barge, mini-hydro in mintal and catalunan pequeno, diesel plant in bajada and hydro plant in sibulan.

btw, davao 911's major donor is davao light.

http://davaorepublic.com/DavaoImages/911.JPGhttp://www.aboitizfoundation.org/AF/uploads/logo_davao.jpg

binaril ba sya sa ulo?

My Way ba kinanta?:D

kung adik o pusher yun, most probably..:lol:

binaril ba sya sa ulo?

My Way ba kinanta?:D

di naman, dati na sigurong may butas ulo nun kung sino ba namang may topak na kumakanta ng ganyang dis-oras :nuts:

di yun kinanta ng mokong na dumistorbo sa himbing ko kaya tinawagan ko 911, pero marinig dati may kumanta ng my wee, videoke machine kasi yun :D