By JULLIE Y. DAZA of www.mb.com.ph
Killer earthquakes. Catastrophic tsunamis. Volcanic eruptions. Deadly deluges. Eerie erosions. Snow storms. Melting ice caps. Drought – El Nino, now.
Which candidate up for election has prepared a contingency plan for climate change? Loren Legarda, vice presidential candidate, seems the most ready to answer questions. Gibo Teodoro, presidential candidate, foresees a R208-billion plan to drain Metro Manila of flood waters when the next Ondoy or its Jr. hits. (Remember, he was the only government official who was at his desk, in the field, flying a chopper, riding in a truck and not sleeping for three days to oversee government relief and rescue operations as Ondoy and Pepeng turned the big city and Luzon into a stinky lake. In short, his vision of a flood-free metropolis is based on eyewitness accounts and experience – his own.)
Pity that Jun Palafox, architect and urban planner, does not have the ear of a candidate, because he’s in a state of near-panic as he sounds the alarm: Take immediate action, now! The world is turning and there is no time to lose as climate change sweeps the planet. Making do with what is do-able is the order of the day – carpe diem! – so he suggests with a note of urgency:
“1. Create awareness. [Ignorance is not bliss, it is dangerous.] 2. Publish hazard maps [instead of survey results and more survey results]. 3. Conduct geologic, hydraulogic, structural audit of buildings and infrastructures [even if the ugly truth be known], particularly if those projects were tainted with corruption in the award, construction, and obtaining of permits.”
Weathermen have forecast 19 typhoons hitting the Philippines this year. Weathermen have already told us to expect another blue moon on Jan. 30. But weathermen cannot predict when an earthquake will occur. However, we can predict that someone will deliver a nice little speech after the next disaster shakes, rattles, and ruins us to say that everything is being done to assuage the situation,
minimize the damage, and help the victims while condoling with their families. And then we’ll be able to predict that no one will believe him or her.
SOURCE
=================================
I hope the candidates would prioritized plans for climate change. Of course, our awareness (and avoidance) regarding the activities that may contribute in Global Warming is a great factor in taking care of Mother Earth.
I am not sure where exactly in Metro Manila but I think there are now bicycle lanes in some parts of the Metro. This is not only a campaign for environmental care, but also [of course] for our health. I hope there would be more bicycle lanes in Metro Manila [most especially] as well as in provinces where cars and motorbikes dominate the road.
Gosh! A forecast of 19 typhoons hitting the Philippines this year?! =(
Monday, January 18, 2010
Sunday, January 17, 2010
RP pays it forward to Haiti with medical teams
By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas
MALAY, Aklan, Philippines—Citing the country's own disasters and the outpouring of international assistance when a series of calamities ravaged the country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday said the Philippines would be sending aid to earthquake-devastated Haiti to help hundreds of thousands of victims.
"I had instructed the (Department of Health) to send medical teams to Haiti to help the earthquake victims there. And I instructed the (Armed Forces) to put our reserve peacekeeping company on standby in case the US asks for additional troops," the President said in a speech during the launching of the P2.5-billion Caticlan Airport Development Project here.
"Why? Because we are more than ready to give a helping hand as we were victims ourselves (tropical storm) ‘Ondoy,’ and (typhoons) ‘Pepeng’ and ‘Frank’ a few months ago and a year ago," she said.
"We have also been a recipient of international assistance. Now it is our turn to do that," she added.
She said that in past, the country's worst typhoons—including Reming, Ondoy and Pepeng—claimed almost a thousand lives each but in the earthquake in Haiti, at least 100,000 were casualties.
"If we suffered that way we can imagine their suffering a hundred times," Ms Arroyo said.
She said Haiti is "especially close to our hearts" because of the Filipino peacekeeping troops "who are doing a good job there and who have once again risen to the occasion as they (done) here in the Philippines each time."
The peacekeeping troops would be given medals when they return from duty, Arroyo said.
The President recalled the devastation wrought by Typhoon Frank in 2007, which ravaged Western Visayas, especially Aklan.
"Not so long ago, it was like Armageddon hit the province of Aklan. Kalibo was the worst-hit urban area in the whole impact area of typhoon Frank but now everything is back to normal," Arroyo said.
She said she was happy that Aklan has turned around from the devastation of Frank as symbolized by the new airport project.
"We are here very grateful to the Lord for our recovedry from our own calamities of nature," she said.
SOURCE
====================================
I love the principle of "paying it forward."
Doing this principle will make the world a better place whether there is or no crisis.
Inquirer Visayas
MALAY, Aklan, Philippines—Citing the country's own disasters and the outpouring of international assistance when a series of calamities ravaged the country, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Friday said the Philippines would be sending aid to earthquake-devastated Haiti to help hundreds of thousands of victims.
"I had instructed the (Department of Health) to send medical teams to Haiti to help the earthquake victims there. And I instructed the (Armed Forces) to put our reserve peacekeeping company on standby in case the US asks for additional troops," the President said in a speech during the launching of the P2.5-billion Caticlan Airport Development Project here.
"Why? Because we are more than ready to give a helping hand as we were victims ourselves (tropical storm) ‘Ondoy,’ and (typhoons) ‘Pepeng’ and ‘Frank’ a few months ago and a year ago," she said.
"We have also been a recipient of international assistance. Now it is our turn to do that," she added.
She said that in past, the country's worst typhoons—including Reming, Ondoy and Pepeng—claimed almost a thousand lives each but in the earthquake in Haiti, at least 100,000 were casualties.
"If we suffered that way we can imagine their suffering a hundred times," Ms Arroyo said.
She said Haiti is "especially close to our hearts" because of the Filipino peacekeeping troops "who are doing a good job there and who have once again risen to the occasion as they (done) here in the Philippines each time."
The peacekeeping troops would be given medals when they return from duty, Arroyo said.
The President recalled the devastation wrought by Typhoon Frank in 2007, which ravaged Western Visayas, especially Aklan.
"Not so long ago, it was like Armageddon hit the province of Aklan. Kalibo was the worst-hit urban area in the whole impact area of typhoon Frank but now everything is back to normal," Arroyo said.
She said she was happy that Aklan has turned around from the devastation of Frank as symbolized by the new airport project.
"We are here very grateful to the Lord for our recovedry from our own calamities of nature," she said.
SOURCE
====================================
I love the principle of "paying it forward."
Doing this principle will make the world a better place whether there is or no crisis.
Monday, January 11, 2010
Top artists give back to Ondoy victims
By Patricia Esteves
MANILA, Philippines
- The country’s most prolific and innovative artists banded together to raise funds for the construction of the new homes of victims of typhoon Ondoy through Gawad Kalinga.
The artworks generated some P4-M plus in a live auction/exhibit titled Art to Heart put together by Julius Babao, wife Tin-Tin Bersola and friends.
At the auction, a painting titled Casta Diva by world-renowned provocative artist Geraldine Javier was sold for P 1-M.
The devastation wrought by Ondoy has deeply affected Julius and friends and he thought of doing something to alleviate their suffering, particularly help those who lost their homes.
One day, he and friends John Jaylo and Tina Fernandez talked about a project that will help the victims.
For Julius, giving them permanent aid, rather than a band-aid solution was the best way to help. What better way to give them permanent assistance but build their homes again, Julius said.
“We brainstormed and conceptualized and then we came out with Art to Heart,” said Julius.
“It’s an auction/exhibit because I feel that the best way we can contribute to the victims of typhoon Ondoy is by giving them houses through GK,” he said.
“We came up with a project, came up with art pieces and held live auction and it’s been very successful,” he added.
Julius said he didn’t expect the turnout of support for their project and feels very grateful to the magnanimity of the artists and the art collectors.
“The turnout is more than expected. We raised about P4-M, but that is not the final amount yet,” he said.
He also shared the good news that most of the artworks of the 45 artists who participated were sold.
Julius said proceeds of the auction would be used in constructing new homes of Ondoy victims in Sitio Amparo in Caloocan.
“As much as possible we are planning to build another village. What GK needs is P3-M I think. We can raise that based on the amount we raised,” Julius said.
He lauded the artists and art collectors who participated in Art to Heart, which only proves they care for their fellow Filipinos’ plight.
“I’m very thankful to artists and art collectors because to invest in this kind of work, I am amazed at their humility and willingness to help people. Of course, they are doing well in auction houses abroad and getting so much appreciation in other countries. With this project, madali silang lapitan. It’s the artists’ way of giving back. Ganun din naman ang collectors. They felt now is the best time to give. They’re not only getting the best artworks but they’re also helping save lives,” said Julius.
“If you have so much money to spare, don’t think about the amount you spent. That amount will help a lot people. Aside from helping, they’re also getting good artworks,” he added.
Julius said the artworks would remind them of their compassion and generosity.
GK founder Tony Meloto agrees, saying the auction is commendable.
“What makes it really significant is the creative talents of the people, and the generosity of the art collectors combined to give new life to the victims of typhoon Ondoy,” said Meloto.
“The idea is to relocate the victims to safe homes and safe environment and where they will no longer be informal settlers,” Meloto added.
He said this time, the houses are sturdier and the good thing is, aside from giving them homes, they will also help in declogging the passageway of waters.
Meloto reiterated that it’s not just “building homes” but building the nation as well.
“They will be given houses that will withstand typhoons. This project will help our effort in the Philippine reconstruction group led by Manny Pangilinan to relocate 200,000 squatters in Metro Manila, not only affected by floods but which cause the flooding. They block the passage of the water to the spillways, so what we are seeing is the work of nation building, the work of every Filipino from the ordinary citizen from the ground and from top artists, contributing paintings and art collectors for encouraging local talent and for social artists like Julius and Tintin, for using their own popularity, credibility and love for art and channel this love for the people,” Meloto said.
Artist Igan D’Bayan said he is very proud to be a part of the project.
“When Julius told me he wanted me to be part of the Art 2 Heart auction-exhibition, I was so flattered. Well, I saw the names on the list — such as Ronald Ventura, Geraldine Javier, Wire Tuazon, and the former members of the legendary Salingpusa. (And it got me thinking I am not worthy to be on the list with those people.)”
“We all know them as provocative and innovative artists, and it is heartening to know that they also give a damn about the plight of typhoon victims. That just goes to show that artists do not live in so-called ivory towers. And what Julius is doing should be lauded. It takes heart and guts to do such an endeavor,” D’Bayan said.
For more news go to: SOURCE
================================================
Using God-given talents to help and improve lives is the heart and soul of being human. Giving new homes to the victims of Ondoy is also giving them new hope, and them experiencing the love of God.
I was a frustrated artist, but now I am a budding artist! =) When the time comes when my works are already considered artworks =), I would also offer my talent to help empower others. =)
MANILA, Philippines
- The country’s most prolific and innovative artists banded together to raise funds for the construction of the new homes of victims of typhoon Ondoy through Gawad Kalinga.
The artworks generated some P4-M plus in a live auction/exhibit titled Art to Heart put together by Julius Babao, wife Tin-Tin Bersola and friends.
At the auction, a painting titled Casta Diva by world-renowned provocative artist Geraldine Javier was sold for P 1-M.
The devastation wrought by Ondoy has deeply affected Julius and friends and he thought of doing something to alleviate their suffering, particularly help those who lost their homes.
One day, he and friends John Jaylo and Tina Fernandez talked about a project that will help the victims.
For Julius, giving them permanent aid, rather than a band-aid solution was the best way to help. What better way to give them permanent assistance but build their homes again, Julius said.
“We brainstormed and conceptualized and then we came out with Art to Heart,” said Julius.
“It’s an auction/exhibit because I feel that the best way we can contribute to the victims of typhoon Ondoy is by giving them houses through GK,” he said.
“We came up with a project, came up with art pieces and held live auction and it’s been very successful,” he added.
Julius said he didn’t expect the turnout of support for their project and feels very grateful to the magnanimity of the artists and the art collectors.
“The turnout is more than expected. We raised about P4-M, but that is not the final amount yet,” he said.
He also shared the good news that most of the artworks of the 45 artists who participated were sold.
Julius said proceeds of the auction would be used in constructing new homes of Ondoy victims in Sitio Amparo in Caloocan.
“As much as possible we are planning to build another village. What GK needs is P3-M I think. We can raise that based on the amount we raised,” Julius said.
He lauded the artists and art collectors who participated in Art to Heart, which only proves they care for their fellow Filipinos’ plight.
“I’m very thankful to artists and art collectors because to invest in this kind of work, I am amazed at their humility and willingness to help people. Of course, they are doing well in auction houses abroad and getting so much appreciation in other countries. With this project, madali silang lapitan. It’s the artists’ way of giving back. Ganun din naman ang collectors. They felt now is the best time to give. They’re not only getting the best artworks but they’re also helping save lives,” said Julius.
“If you have so much money to spare, don’t think about the amount you spent. That amount will help a lot people. Aside from helping, they’re also getting good artworks,” he added.
Julius said the artworks would remind them of their compassion and generosity.
GK founder Tony Meloto agrees, saying the auction is commendable.
“What makes it really significant is the creative talents of the people, and the generosity of the art collectors combined to give new life to the victims of typhoon Ondoy,” said Meloto.
“The idea is to relocate the victims to safe homes and safe environment and where they will no longer be informal settlers,” Meloto added.
He said this time, the houses are sturdier and the good thing is, aside from giving them homes, they will also help in declogging the passageway of waters.
Meloto reiterated that it’s not just “building homes” but building the nation as well.
“They will be given houses that will withstand typhoons. This project will help our effort in the Philippine reconstruction group led by Manny Pangilinan to relocate 200,000 squatters in Metro Manila, not only affected by floods but which cause the flooding. They block the passage of the water to the spillways, so what we are seeing is the work of nation building, the work of every Filipino from the ordinary citizen from the ground and from top artists, contributing paintings and art collectors for encouraging local talent and for social artists like Julius and Tintin, for using their own popularity, credibility and love for art and channel this love for the people,” Meloto said.
Artist Igan D’Bayan said he is very proud to be a part of the project.
“When Julius told me he wanted me to be part of the Art 2 Heart auction-exhibition, I was so flattered. Well, I saw the names on the list — such as Ronald Ventura, Geraldine Javier, Wire Tuazon, and the former members of the legendary Salingpusa. (And it got me thinking I am not worthy to be on the list with those people.)”
“We all know them as provocative and innovative artists, and it is heartening to know that they also give a damn about the plight of typhoon victims. That just goes to show that artists do not live in so-called ivory towers. And what Julius is doing should be lauded. It takes heart and guts to do such an endeavor,” D’Bayan said.
For more news go to: SOURCE
================================================
Using God-given talents to help and improve lives is the heart and soul of being human. Giving new homes to the victims of Ondoy is also giving them new hope, and them experiencing the love of God.
I was a frustrated artist, but now I am a budding artist! =) When the time comes when my works are already considered artworks =), I would also offer my talent to help empower others. =)
Wednesday, January 6, 2010
Yoko Ono donates P2.5M to ‘Ondoy’ victims
by Nikka Corsino/KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV
Yoko Ono sympathizes with victims of storm Ondoy (Ketsana) which devastated the Philippines in September 2009. Photo courtesy of Philippine Embassy in Japan
A statement from the Philippine Embassy in Japan said Ono visited the Philippine Embassy in Fujimi, Tokyo before Christmas to personally pledge the donation.
"[Ono] learned about the very severe and continuing conditions of the "Ondoy" victims and decided to take action. As a mother herself, she feels deep sympathy and love for suffering children," the statement read.
A total of 464 people were killed when Ondoy brought a record rainfall in Metro Manila and several nearby provinces on Sept. 26, 2009. Thousands were left homeless by the floods it caused.
Ono, an artist herself who belongs to an aristocratic family, grew up in the Fujimi manor that now houses the Philippine Embassy in Tokyo. The mansion was built by Ono’s uncle, who later sold it to the late President Jose P. Laurel.
After World War II, the Philippines bought the property from the Laurel family and is now called the "Jewel of the Philippines."
"The Fujimi residence is very close to my heart and I consider it my home sweet home in Japan. I am therefore very grateful to the Philippine government for maintaining the house in a good condition all these years," the statement quoted Ono as saying.
Ono and Lennon married in 1969 and collaborated on several projects. They have a son named Sean. John was shot dead Dec. 8, 1980 in New York by Mark David Chapman. - Nikka Corsino/KBK/RSJ, GMANews.TV
SOURCE
====================================
This is a very inspiring move by Yoko Ono. A mother's love for children.
Thank you so much.
Monday, January 4, 2010
Pagasa: RP should brace for long, hot summer
Agri sector to suffer, weather bureau warns
By Yolanda Sotelo-Fuertes
Inquirer Northern Luzon
DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – After being pummeled by cyclones in 2009 Pangasinan and most parts of the country will experience a long, hot summer in 2010, according to an official of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Nathaniel Cruz, Pagasa weather services bureau head, said the cold weather being experienced in the country since December has not been as cold as it was in December 2008 because of the El Niño phenomenon (an abnormal dry spell).
The country has been experiencing the El Nino since September and might continue to feel it until June 2010, he said.
Cruz was in this city on Monday to brief the city council on Pagasa’s program on preparedness and mitigation for extreme weather conditions.
“It could be a long, hot summer. The rainy season may come late, maybe in the last week of May or first week of June, instead of April,” he said.
He said Pagasa has started linking with the Department of Agriculture to discuss mitigation measures as the country’s agriculture sector would be severely hit by the dry spell.
No typhoon is expected to enter the Philippines in the first half of 2010 because of the El Niño, according to Cruz. He added that there would be less typhoons in the second half of 2010.
About 20 typhoons entered the country every year in the past few years and “we are expecting less than that number this year,” Cruz said.
But he warned that the typhoons that would come would be just as strong and potentially devastating as those experienced in 2009.
“It does not mean that less typhoons mean weak ones. Some could be as strong as ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng,’” he said.
Tropical Storm “Ondoy” (international name: Ketsana) caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog in September while typhoon “Pepeng,” (international name: Parma) which entered the country thrice, eventually weakening into a tropical depression, flooded more than 30 towns and cities in Pangasinan in October.
“What is important is that we should always be ready long before the typhoon season is here. We should always be prepared because climate change may cause more terrible typhoons,” Cruz said.
He said people should learn about the impact of climate change, a phenomenon that would not only increase temperature but could cause severe typhoons and floods.
“From now on let’s keep in mind that what we have not experienced in the past, we can experience now. If during the past flooding, it was only the first floor of the house that can be flooded, it is possible that the second floor will be flooded when the next typhoons hit the country,” he said.
Cruz also asked Filipinos to do their share in using water wisely in preparation for the dry spell.
“For instance, those who wash clothes… should not throw away laundry water and use it for cleaning. Restaurants should not give water to customers unless they ask for it. We should also save on electricity,” he said.
SOURCE
===================================
I think I need to check our Air Conditioner unit as early as possible...plus double check all the electrical set-up to get ready for this long summer...
Of course, I agree that we must all use our resources efficiently, not only during dry season...Filipinos are creative. Almost all Filipinos (or majority of Filipinos) use tabo and timba (dipper and pail) in our restrooms. It's more efficient than using a shower head. Also, when flushing the bowl, using the laundry water in a pail may save a lot of clean water.
By Yolanda Sotelo-Fuertes
Inquirer Northern Luzon
DAGUPAN CITY, Pangasinan – After being pummeled by cyclones in 2009 Pangasinan and most parts of the country will experience a long, hot summer in 2010, according to an official of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa).
Nathaniel Cruz, Pagasa weather services bureau head, said the cold weather being experienced in the country since December has not been as cold as it was in December 2008 because of the El Niño phenomenon (an abnormal dry spell).
The country has been experiencing the El Nino since September and might continue to feel it until June 2010, he said.
Cruz was in this city on Monday to brief the city council on Pagasa’s program on preparedness and mitigation for extreme weather conditions.
“It could be a long, hot summer. The rainy season may come late, maybe in the last week of May or first week of June, instead of April,” he said.
He said Pagasa has started linking with the Department of Agriculture to discuss mitigation measures as the country’s agriculture sector would be severely hit by the dry spell.
No typhoon is expected to enter the Philippines in the first half of 2010 because of the El Niño, according to Cruz. He added that there would be less typhoons in the second half of 2010.
About 20 typhoons entered the country every year in the past few years and “we are expecting less than that number this year,” Cruz said.
But he warned that the typhoons that would come would be just as strong and potentially devastating as those experienced in 2009.
“It does not mean that less typhoons mean weak ones. Some could be as strong as ‘Ondoy’ and ‘Pepeng,’” he said.
Tropical Storm “Ondoy” (international name: Ketsana) caused massive flooding in Metro Manila and Southern Tagalog in September while typhoon “Pepeng,” (international name: Parma) which entered the country thrice, eventually weakening into a tropical depression, flooded more than 30 towns and cities in Pangasinan in October.
“What is important is that we should always be ready long before the typhoon season is here. We should always be prepared because climate change may cause more terrible typhoons,” Cruz said.
He said people should learn about the impact of climate change, a phenomenon that would not only increase temperature but could cause severe typhoons and floods.
“From now on let’s keep in mind that what we have not experienced in the past, we can experience now. If during the past flooding, it was only the first floor of the house that can be flooded, it is possible that the second floor will be flooded when the next typhoons hit the country,” he said.
Cruz also asked Filipinos to do their share in using water wisely in preparation for the dry spell.
“For instance, those who wash clothes… should not throw away laundry water and use it for cleaning. Restaurants should not give water to customers unless they ask for it. We should also save on electricity,” he said.
SOURCE
===================================
I think I need to check our Air Conditioner unit as early as possible...plus double check all the electrical set-up to get ready for this long summer...
Of course, I agree that we must all use our resources efficiently, not only during dry season...Filipinos are creative. Almost all Filipinos (or majority of Filipinos) use tabo and timba (dipper and pail) in our restrooms. It's more efficient than using a shower head. Also, when flushing the bowl, using the laundry water in a pail may save a lot of clean water.
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