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.
Showing posts with label typhoon. Show all posts
Showing posts with label typhoon. Show all posts
Monday, January 4, 2010
Monday, November 9, 2009
Typhoon Ondoy: Marikina
Marikina, Philippines is one of the places severely damaged by typhoon Ondoy. One of my sisters-in-law is from Marikina. I admire her because she has a positive outlook in life, and even in the midst of Ondoy, she retains that attitude.
To give you an idea regarding the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy at Marikina, here's a video entitled typhoon Ondoy- Aftermath (Marikina) uploaded by ondoy2609.
SOURCE
To give you an idea regarding the aftermath of typhoon Ondoy at Marikina, here's a video entitled typhoon Ondoy- Aftermath (Marikina) uploaded by ondoy2609.
SOURCE
Thursday, November 5, 2009
Space-based technology to help RP prepare for next Ondoy, Pepeng
by JOSEPH HOLANDES UBALDE, GMANews.TV
If it weren’t for satellite technology, the Philippines would have a difficult time assessing the damage done by two recent tropical cyclone visitors, said Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Hilario Davide, Jr.
During the Fourth Committee of the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Davide thanked the UN’s help for their valuable assistance when tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana) and typhoon Pepeng (Parma) pummeled the country last month.
In his statement on Agenda Item 30: International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Davide thanked the UN Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) of the United Nations Office for Outer Space (UNOOSA).
“The recent onslaught and damage wrought by Ondoy and Pepeng in the Asia-Pacific region allowed the Philippines to experience the usefulness and effectiveness of satellite imagery in tracking the movement of these massive typhoons," he said in a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Tuesday.
According to Davide, the Philippine government has found the satellite imagery of flooded areas in Metro Manila and Northern and Central Luzon useful in the planning for future disaster mitigation and response, particularly in high-risk areas.
“When efficiently combined with modern information distribution methods, such data can be sent rapidly to affected communities and local emergency agencies as early warning before the disaster occurs or as post-disaster maps to assist in recovery operations," he said.
Linked by the UN-SPIDER,the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service showed meteorologists the satellite image of tropical storm Ondoy as it unleashed a month’s worth of rain in Luzon in just six hours last September 26. NESDIS screen grab
During Ondoy’s height, Davide said the UN-SPIDER immediately made an effort to consolidate satellite date on the tropical storm and its impact, including post-disaster imagery to support the response effort in the Philippines.
“An officer was also put on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week," he added."It also contacted additional satellite providers; sourced funds for non-free satellite imagery; and compiled, uploaded and shared this satellite information with the Philippines and other users."
Davide said that the Philippines is hoping to join the ranks of Asian countries that have signed cooperation agreements with UNOOSA to allow the establishment of a UN-SPIDER Office in Manila by June 2010.
Established in 2006, the UN-SPIDER is a special knowledge portal created to provide space-based information and services relevant to disaster management to all countries. - GMANews.TV
SOURCE
================================================
Yup! We definitely need all the hi-tech equiptments that we could get. Planning for future disasters and immediate distribution of data to all local emergency agencies as early warning before the disaster occurs are key factors to at least minimize damage and of course to save lives.
If it weren’t for satellite technology, the Philippines would have a difficult time assessing the damage done by two recent tropical cyclone visitors, said Philippine Permanent Representative to the United Nations Ambassador Hilario Davide, Jr.
During the Fourth Committee of the 64th Session of the United Nations General Assembly, Davide thanked the UN’s help for their valuable assistance when tropical storm Ondoy (Ketsana) and typhoon Pepeng (Parma) pummeled the country last month.
In his statement on Agenda Item 30: International Cooperation in the Peaceful Uses of Outer Space, Davide thanked the UN Platform for Space-Based Information for Disaster Management and Emergency Response (UN-SPIDER) of the United Nations Office for Outer Space (UNOOSA).
“The recent onslaught and damage wrought by Ondoy and Pepeng in the Asia-Pacific region allowed the Philippines to experience the usefulness and effectiveness of satellite imagery in tracking the movement of these massive typhoons," he said in a statement released by the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Tuesday.
According to Davide, the Philippine government has found the satellite imagery of flooded areas in Metro Manila and Northern and Central Luzon useful in the planning for future disaster mitigation and response, particularly in high-risk areas.
“When efficiently combined with modern information distribution methods, such data can be sent rapidly to affected communities and local emergency agencies as early warning before the disaster occurs or as post-disaster maps to assist in recovery operations," he said.
Linked by the UN-SPIDER,the National Environmental Satellite, Data and Information Service showed meteorologists the satellite image of tropical storm Ondoy as it unleashed a month’s worth of rain in Luzon in just six hours last September 26. NESDIS screen grab
During Ondoy’s height, Davide said the UN-SPIDER immediately made an effort to consolidate satellite date on the tropical storm and its impact, including post-disaster imagery to support the response effort in the Philippines.
“An officer was also put on duty 24-hours a day, seven days a week," he added."It also contacted additional satellite providers; sourced funds for non-free satellite imagery; and compiled, uploaded and shared this satellite information with the Philippines and other users."
Davide said that the Philippines is hoping to join the ranks of Asian countries that have signed cooperation agreements with UNOOSA to allow the establishment of a UN-SPIDER Office in Manila by June 2010.
Established in 2006, the UN-SPIDER is a special knowledge portal created to provide space-based information and services relevant to disaster management to all countries. - GMANews.TV
SOURCE
================================================
Yup! We definitely need all the hi-tech equiptments that we could get. Planning for future disasters and immediate distribution of data to all local emergency agencies as early warning before the disaster occurs are key factors to at least minimize damage and of course to save lives.
Sunday, October 25, 2009
DOH to Expand Subsidized Scheme for Lepto Cases Treatment
According to GMANews.TV,
The Department of Health (DOH) is considering expanding its program for subsidized leptospirosis treatments in the provinces, in the wake of calamities caused by tropical cyclones “Ondoy" (Ketsana) and “Pepeng" (Parma).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also reminded hospitals already under the program to show corporate social responsibility by not charging poor patients if the government subsidy is not enough.
“Dito sa Manila maraming tao, dito ang pinakamalaking bilang ng leptospirosis cases. Pero i-expand namin ang programa at ita-tap ang mga ospital sa mga lugar kung saan tumataas ang bilang ng mga kaso ng leptospirosis (Most cases have been in Metro Manila so far. But there is no reason for us not to expand this effort and tap hospitals in the provinces to help us handle leptospirosis cases)," Duque said in an interview on dzBB radio.
Metro Manila was flooded in the wake of tropical storm Ondoy, while several areas in Northern and Central Luzon were flooded due to cyclone Pepeng.
Duque said there are many possible cases of leptospirosis in flooded provinces like La Union, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija, though he said government hospitals have so far been able to handle the cases there.
“Meron tayo sa La Union, sa Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, pero kakaunti pa rin. Kayang kaya gamutin sa pagamutan ng ating gobyerno (We have leptospirosis cases in La Union, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija but they are relatively few and our government hospitals can handle them)," he said.
He also said there appears to be a decline in new cases of leptospirosis, at least for now.
Citing reports reaching him, he said leptospirosis cases peaked from October 14 to 19, with hospitals admitting up to 350 cases a day. But from October 20 to 22, the new cases declined to about 50 to 80 cases a day.
To read more, click here
-----------------------------------------
I believe that awareness regarding prevention and treatment of leptospirosis played a major role here. That's why knowledge is power! =)
SOURCE
The Department of Health (DOH) is considering expanding its program for subsidized leptospirosis treatments in the provinces, in the wake of calamities caused by tropical cyclones “Ondoy" (Ketsana) and “Pepeng" (Parma).
Health Secretary Francisco Duque III also reminded hospitals already under the program to show corporate social responsibility by not charging poor patients if the government subsidy is not enough.
“Dito sa Manila maraming tao, dito ang pinakamalaking bilang ng leptospirosis cases. Pero i-expand namin ang programa at ita-tap ang mga ospital sa mga lugar kung saan tumataas ang bilang ng mga kaso ng leptospirosis (Most cases have been in Metro Manila so far. But there is no reason for us not to expand this effort and tap hospitals in the provinces to help us handle leptospirosis cases)," Duque said in an interview on dzBB radio.
Metro Manila was flooded in the wake of tropical storm Ondoy, while several areas in Northern and Central Luzon were flooded due to cyclone Pepeng.
Duque said there are many possible cases of leptospirosis in flooded provinces like La Union, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija, though he said government hospitals have so far been able to handle the cases there.
“Meron tayo sa La Union, sa Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, pero kakaunti pa rin. Kayang kaya gamutin sa pagamutan ng ating gobyerno (We have leptospirosis cases in La Union, Bulacan and Nueva Ecija but they are relatively few and our government hospitals can handle them)," he said.
He also said there appears to be a decline in new cases of leptospirosis, at least for now.
Citing reports reaching him, he said leptospirosis cases peaked from October 14 to 19, with hospitals admitting up to 350 cases a day. But from October 20 to 22, the new cases declined to about 50 to 80 cases a day.
To read more, click here
-----------------------------------------
I believe that awareness regarding prevention and treatment of leptospirosis played a major role here. That's why knowledge is power! =)
SOURCE
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Filipinos helping Filipinos in a Fun Way
Huge help coming from Filipinos in Kent, England!
This is another good news!!! =)
Filipinos are naturally artistic people, they come up with innovative ways to raise funds to help fellow Pinoys in need particularly in times of crisis.
According to abs-cbnNEWS, Filipinos in Kent recently held a basketball tournament to help those who were affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in the Philippines. The basketball tournament was not an ordinary game because every basket that a team makes is equivalent to one pound or 8 pesos that will be donated to typhoon victims in the Philippines. The organizers were able to gather 506 pounds or about P80,000 in the four games during the opening day, and the same mechanics applied during the championship game.
To read more about the report from Danny Buenafe [ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau chief], click here.
SOURCE
This is another good news!!! =)
Filipinos are naturally artistic people, they come up with innovative ways to raise funds to help fellow Pinoys in need particularly in times of crisis.
According to abs-cbnNEWS, Filipinos in Kent recently held a basketball tournament to help those who were affected by typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng in the Philippines. The basketball tournament was not an ordinary game because every basket that a team makes is equivalent to one pound or 8 pesos that will be donated to typhoon victims in the Philippines. The organizers were able to gather 506 pounds or about P80,000 in the four games during the opening day, and the same mechanics applied during the championship game.
To read more about the report from Danny Buenafe [ABS-CBN Europe News Bureau chief], click here.
SOURCE
Wednesday, October 21, 2009
LEPTOSPIROSIS : UNILAB HEALTH ADVISORY
Reports regarding people infected with leptospirosis due to floods caused by Typhoon Ondoy are increasing.
An email with an attachment regarding UNILAB HEALTH ADVISORY is now being circulated to create awareness. So, I decided to post it here in order to promote prevention and control to help not only those who are survivors of typhoon Ondoy but also anyone who could be at risk mainly due to urine-polluted environment.
Please read on and pass the info to help more people:
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria (Leptospira), that are transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. Human to-human transmission is rare.
From which animals can you get leptospirosis?
Many animals can harbour leptospires in their kidneys and act as source of infection to humans and other animals. Rodents are incriminated as a primary source of infection to human beings. In the Philippines, rodents and dogs are recognized as sources of infection.
How do you get leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis results primarily from direct or indirect exposure to the urine of infected animals. Moisture is an important factor of the survival of the leptospires in the environment. Other modes of transmission of infection include handling infected animal tissues and ingestion of contaminated food and water.
How do leptospires enter the body of humans and animals?
Leptospires can gain entry into humans through cuts and abrasions in the skin, through the nose, mouth, and eyes, and perhaps through waterlogged skin. Occasionally, they may enter the human body via the inhalation of droplets of urine or via drinking-water.
Can leptospires be transmitted from human to human?
Yes, but rarely. They can be transmitted human-to-human by sexual intercourse, transplacentally from the mother to the fetus and via breast milk to a child. Urine from a patient suffering from leptospirosis should be considered infectious. As leptospires can be cultured from blood, this should be viewed as infectious up to 7–10 days of illness.
How long is the incubation period?
The incubation period is usually 7–10 days, with a range of 2–30 days.
Where does leptospirosis occur?
The disease is found mainly wherever humans come into contact with the urine of infected animals or a urine-polluted environment. It often has a is seasonal, increasing with increased rainfall or higher temperature. Epidemics may be associated with animal or sewage contamination of water, or follow natural disasters (typhoons and floods).
Who are at risk?
At risk are farm/agricultural workers, pet shop workers, veterinarians, sewer workers, abattoir workers, meat handlers, and the military. Other groups at high risk for leptospirosis include survivors of natural disasters (e.g. flooding) and those engaged in water sports.
When should a diagnosis of leptospirosis be considered?
The diagnosis of leptospirosis should be considered in anyone presenting with:
1. an abrupt onset of fever
2. chills
3. conjunctival suffusion (redness of the eyes)
4. headache
5. myalgia (muscle pain and soreness) and
6. jaundice (yellowing of eyes and/or skin).
Conjunctival suffusion and muscle tenderness, most notable in the calf and lumbar areas, are the most distinguishing physical findings. Others may complain of cough, difficulty of breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint pains and skin rash.
Suspicion is further increased if there is a history of occupational or recreational exposure to infected animals or to an environment potentially contaminated with animal urine (flood). Once the possibility of leptospirosis has been considered, appropriate diagnostic tests and clinical management should be instituted.
How dangerous is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis can be treated. However, it can be deadly in about <5% to 70% in different parts of the world. Complications include kidney failure, liver failure and lung bleeding. Major improvements in medical care however, have been made in recent years.
What is the optimal treatment for leptospirosis?
Consult a physician immediately once symptoms appear. Treatment with effective antibiotics should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis of leptospirosis is suspected and preferably before the fifth day after the onset of illness.
How can leptospirosis be prevented and controlled?
Prevention and control should be targeted at :
(a) the infection source, e.g.rats
• removal of rubbish and keeping areas around human habitations clean;
• encourage people not to leave food around, especially in recreational areas where rats may be present;
(b) the route of transmission between the infection source and the human host;
• leptospires are rapidly killed by disinfectants and desiccation, so keep surroundings clean and dry.
• small areas, such as floors, can be cleaned and disinfected, but disinfecting large natural areas such as lakes or rivers is not possible
• avoid contact with animal urine, infected animals or an infected environment,
* avoid wading in the floods
* protective clothing should be worn and wounds covered with waterproof dressings to reduce the chance of infection if exposure is likely, e.g. floods, occupational or recreational exposure.
(c) infection or disease in the human host
• early recognition and treatment
• care in handling urine and blood of those infected
How can humans be protected?
Increased awareness of the disease is important for early recognition and treatment. Doxycycline has been reported to give some protection against infection and disease. A vaccine for dogs is available, but a vaccine for humans is not available in the Philippines.
An email with an attachment regarding UNILAB HEALTH ADVISORY is now being circulated to create awareness. So, I decided to post it here in order to promote prevention and control to help not only those who are survivors of typhoon Ondoy but also anyone who could be at risk mainly due to urine-polluted environment.
Please read on and pass the info to help more people:
UNILAB HEALTH ADVISORY
LEPTOSPIROSIS
(Abstracted by Medical and Regulatory Affairs from the Fact Sheet of WHO)
LEPTOSPIROSIS
(Abstracted by Medical and Regulatory Affairs from the Fact Sheet of WHO)
What is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis is an infection caused by bacteria (Leptospira), that are transmitted directly or indirectly from animals to humans. Human to-human transmission is rare.
From which animals can you get leptospirosis?
Many animals can harbour leptospires in their kidneys and act as source of infection to humans and other animals. Rodents are incriminated as a primary source of infection to human beings. In the Philippines, rodents and dogs are recognized as sources of infection.
How do you get leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis results primarily from direct or indirect exposure to the urine of infected animals. Moisture is an important factor of the survival of the leptospires in the environment. Other modes of transmission of infection include handling infected animal tissues and ingestion of contaminated food and water.
How do leptospires enter the body of humans and animals?
Leptospires can gain entry into humans through cuts and abrasions in the skin, through the nose, mouth, and eyes, and perhaps through waterlogged skin. Occasionally, they may enter the human body via the inhalation of droplets of urine or via drinking-water.
Can leptospires be transmitted from human to human?
Yes, but rarely. They can be transmitted human-to-human by sexual intercourse, transplacentally from the mother to the fetus and via breast milk to a child. Urine from a patient suffering from leptospirosis should be considered infectious. As leptospires can be cultured from blood, this should be viewed as infectious up to 7–10 days of illness.
How long is the incubation period?
The incubation period is usually 7–10 days, with a range of 2–30 days.
Where does leptospirosis occur?
The disease is found mainly wherever humans come into contact with the urine of infected animals or a urine-polluted environment. It often has a is seasonal, increasing with increased rainfall or higher temperature. Epidemics may be associated with animal or sewage contamination of water, or follow natural disasters (typhoons and floods).
Who are at risk?
At risk are farm/agricultural workers, pet shop workers, veterinarians, sewer workers, abattoir workers, meat handlers, and the military. Other groups at high risk for leptospirosis include survivors of natural disasters (e.g. flooding) and those engaged in water sports.
When should a diagnosis of leptospirosis be considered?
The diagnosis of leptospirosis should be considered in anyone presenting with:
1. an abrupt onset of fever
2. chills
3. conjunctival suffusion (redness of the eyes)
4. headache
5. myalgia (muscle pain and soreness) and
6. jaundice (yellowing of eyes and/or skin).
Conjunctival suffusion and muscle tenderness, most notable in the calf and lumbar areas, are the most distinguishing physical findings. Others may complain of cough, difficulty of breathing, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, joint pains and skin rash.
Suspicion is further increased if there is a history of occupational or recreational exposure to infected animals or to an environment potentially contaminated with animal urine (flood). Once the possibility of leptospirosis has been considered, appropriate diagnostic tests and clinical management should be instituted.
How dangerous is leptospirosis?
Leptospirosis can be treated. However, it can be deadly in about <5% to 70% in different parts of the world. Complications include kidney failure, liver failure and lung bleeding. Major improvements in medical care however, have been made in recent years.
What is the optimal treatment for leptospirosis?
Consult a physician immediately once symptoms appear. Treatment with effective antibiotics should be initiated as soon as the diagnosis of leptospirosis is suspected and preferably before the fifth day after the onset of illness.
How can leptospirosis be prevented and controlled?
Prevention and control should be targeted at :
(a) the infection source, e.g.rats
• removal of rubbish and keeping areas around human habitations clean;
• encourage people not to leave food around, especially in recreational areas where rats may be present;
(b) the route of transmission between the infection source and the human host;
• leptospires are rapidly killed by disinfectants and desiccation, so keep surroundings clean and dry.
• small areas, such as floors, can be cleaned and disinfected, but disinfecting large natural areas such as lakes or rivers is not possible
• avoid contact with animal urine, infected animals or an infected environment,
* avoid wading in the floods
* protective clothing should be worn and wounds covered with waterproof dressings to reduce the chance of infection if exposure is likely, e.g. floods, occupational or recreational exposure.
(c) infection or disease in the human host
• early recognition and treatment
• care in handling urine and blood of those infected
How can humans be protected?
Increased awareness of the disease is important for early recognition and treatment. Doxycycline has been reported to give some protection against infection and disease. A vaccine for dogs is available, but a vaccine for humans is not available in the Philippines.
Tuesday, October 20, 2009
Typhoon Ondoy in Manila
I saw this video from
carbotot
He said that he was suppose to go to work at around 9am at Sta Cruz Manila. Due to heavy rain he decided to stay at SM Centerpoint....he was so thankful to SM because according to him the administration of the said mall allowed them to to stay and even use one of the movie houses and the Hall of Bingo Bonanza as a resting place...
SOURCE: carbotot
carbotot
He said that he was suppose to go to work at around 9am at Sta Cruz Manila. Due to heavy rain he decided to stay at SM Centerpoint....he was so thankful to SM because according to him the administration of the said mall allowed them to to stay and even use one of the movie houses and the Hall of Bingo Bonanza as a resting place...
SOURCE: carbotot
Friday, October 16, 2009
Philippine News: Helping Each Other B-)
It's really great to hear people helping each other. We see volunteers in TV who are actual victims themselves helping to repack goods or assist in any way they can. There are also thousands of overseas Filipino workers and even people from different countries who have Filipino friends, wife, etc., that offer help and give donations. And according to ABS-CBN, thousands of overseas Filipino workers based in Dubai joined a fund-raising event that generated roughly P4 million for typhoon victims in the Philippines. =)
Here's another good news from Philippine Star,
The Philippine Embassy in London and members of the Filipino-UK community have sent the first batch of collected donated relief goods to the Philippines for those affected by typhoon 'Ondoy' (Ketsana) last Oct. 8, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The embassy has been serving as a collection point for relief goods donated from within the UK since the storm hit the Philippines. Other individuals and organizations also volunteered their offices and residences as donation drop-off areas.
Subsequent shipments are scheduled on Oct. 15 and 20.
The DFA added that the embassy has been utilizing the tremendous support of concerned groups and individuals who have generously contributed their time and resources towards helping those most in need.
Banking and financial companies such as Allied Bank, I-Remit, PNB, Metro Remit, LCC Trans-Sending and CBN Grupo informed the Embassy that they were waiving remittance charges for donations to several relief agencies.
The Embassy has been regularly issuing advisories through e-mails and its website (www.philembassy-uk.org) to help centralize information on ways to help those affected by the tropical storm.
SOURCE: philstar
Also, to read more good news go to Dubai's 'Walk for a Cause'
Here's another good news from Philippine Star,
The Philippine Embassy in London and members of the Filipino-UK community have sent the first batch of collected donated relief goods to the Philippines for those affected by typhoon 'Ondoy' (Ketsana) last Oct. 8, according to the Department of Foreign Affairs.
The embassy has been serving as a collection point for relief goods donated from within the UK since the storm hit the Philippines. Other individuals and organizations also volunteered their offices and residences as donation drop-off areas.
Subsequent shipments are scheduled on Oct. 15 and 20.
The DFA added that the embassy has been utilizing the tremendous support of concerned groups and individuals who have generously contributed their time and resources towards helping those most in need.
Banking and financial companies such as Allied Bank, I-Remit, PNB, Metro Remit, LCC Trans-Sending and CBN Grupo informed the Embassy that they were waiving remittance charges for donations to several relief agencies.
The Embassy has been regularly issuing advisories through e-mails and its website (www.philembassy-uk.org) to help centralize information on ways to help those affected by the tropical storm.
SOURCE: philstar
Also, to read more good news go to Dubai's 'Walk for a Cause'
Saturday, October 3, 2009
Bocaue Area at NLEX
We were stranded near Bocaue area in NLEX during typhoon Ondoy. NLEX Patrols said that the area is not passable anymore (around 3:30pm). Then I saw this video a few days after typhoon Ondoy. I believe this video was taken before the area was starting to be flooded. Because some large vehicles were still able to pass and it's still daytime. When we were stranded, even buses and trucks were not able to pass.
This is from auxmic24
SOURCE: auxmic24
This is from auxmic24
SOURCE: auxmic24
Friday, October 2, 2009
Typhoon Ondoy, Bagyong Ondoy
September 26, 2009, Saturday, Philippines
My wife and I went to her office in Balagtas at around 12nn via NLEX (North Luzon Express Way) to attend an activity. We were confident that our place in Marilao will not be flooded; but since adjacent subdivisions can easily get submerged in water, we already made plans where we should pass or where we should stay should the roads be flooded.
With a canceled event, we went home before 3pm via Tabang NLEX again. By then, Balagtas Public Market was already in knee deep water. We were getting information from home that no jeepneys were already reaching our subdivision, since Meycauayan tollgate was already flooded. That was when we decided to stay in Petron NLEX to wait for the roads to be passable again.
Finding a parking area in Petron proved to be a major challenge...that was also the time when we learned that even the Bocaue toll plaza was flooded.
We were stranded at NLEX Petron gas station from 3pm of Sept 26 up to 1am of September 27.
This was the scenario:
...at 5:38pm
...gas station became a carpark...with buses!
...our last communication with our family (my mom, our 8-year old son, and two helpers) in Marilao was around 5pm...we're already getting so worried [of course]...
5:40pm
See those trucks?! They were already parked along NLEX!
6:43pm
We stayed here in McDonalds (still in Petron gas station)
According to one of the employees of McDo, some of the crew for the next shift were not able to come to work due to to the flood. So, this is their 2nd shift!!!
I would like to say that despite the circumstances they were still hospitable. While other restos closed earlier than scheduled, McDonalds continued with their 24 hour service. It was very commendable of the crew to stay smiling and alert while preparing orders, still shouting "Good evening Sir, Mam, welcome to McDonalds!" in their lively tone. An order can be just a cup of coffee to as many as meals for a truck load of people or a group of children in a bus. Still, they were very generous with their smiles and apologies to their tensed and panicky customers.
People were also buying food, toothbrush, cigarettes in Treats since we all had the feeling that we will be spending the night here at NLEX.
In our case, we passed the 10 hours with nuggets, the burger we bought for lunch, PikNik, water, fries, spaghetti, hot chocolate and a magazine we read from cover to cover. In between, we would go to the restroom and get news alternately, so as not to lose the precious table we got. My wife and I have 2 cellphones each, but both remained unable to contact our family at home. Every failed call proved to be a heartache for me and my wife, who is also carrying our second child. She would break into tears not knowing what was happening at home. Our only hope then was my brother who was traveling from Quezon City whom we could still contact, but was also stranded for hours in a bus in front of SM North.
As we walked around trying to relax and get news, we also got to learn a few stories of the people stranded with us.
There was a group of people between Starbucks and McDonalds earlier browsing through their laptops for news of Bagyong Ondoy and having a blast with their music on and out loud through a speaker. They gave life to the place. According to them, their other companions traveled a few minutes earlier than they did, got through NLEX, and were now stranded along the road.
Later on, this group's batteries went down, so they packed their laptops and this became the scenario...
10:48pm A Chess tournament replaced the hi-tech scene earlier, and was exciting enough to capture the attention of many as they let the time (and water) pass.
A group of 4 senior gentlemen sitting near us came from a church event in Tarlac, and needed to travel back to Paranaque. Even if NLEX becomes passable, they still needed to travel along EDSA and to SLEX...another major challenge for them.
Another group went to a wedding in Malolos and insisted on going home to Manila. Their companion wore her dress as part of the bridal entourage the whole time they were stranded.
By 11:30 pm, we received a call from my brother telling us that Meycauayan is now passable, and that he is now safely home with my mom and son. Tears of relief and joy welled up my wife's eyes as we said prayers of thanks for keeping them safe.12:16am
We were told that after approximately 30mins, Bocaue and Meycauayan NLEX area could be passable already! So, we bought food for my mom, my son, and my brother who were waiting for us in Marilao.
Initially, the buses and trucks went on to travel. Like the dove in Noah's ark, we all waited in case they came back. After a few minutes, vans and SUVs came out next, followed by a brave taxi cab...the cab went back. Another few minutes passed, and the taxi cab went out again, this time, he was a successful risk taker.
We made more minutes pass, and by 1am, we decided to travel along NLEX. We reached home after 2 hours of what usually was a fifteen-minute drive, but we're still thankful to the Lord for keeping us safe.
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