Media Center Building, Visayas Ave, Diliman, Quezon City, Philippines
DOE BARES ACCOMPLISHMENTS OF PHIL. ENERGY EFFICIENCY PROJECT
Friday 17th of May 2013
BAGUIO CITY, May 17 (PIA) - - The Department of Energy (DOE) bared the accomplishments under the Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP) which is now on the homestretch of implementation.
In a press conference here Thursday, DOE Undersecretary Loreta Ayson explained that the PEEP is a DOE - initiated project aimed at reducing the demand for electricity and greenhouse gas emissions that lead to climate change.
It was conceptualized during an Energy Summit in 2008. The Asian Development Bank(ADB) provided financial assistance to the project.
Ayson reported that under the project’s Efficient Lighting initiative, their targe...
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15May2013ILOILO CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Climate Change Commission (CCC) has identified the University of the Philippines Visayas (UPV) as partner in the management of disaster risks and the adaptation of the impact of climate change towards sustainable development. In a media statement, the CCC recognized UPV as a leading academic institution that will collaborate with the commission to raise the capacity of key local actors in the cities and municipalities within the Jalaur River Basin in Iloilo for...
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15May2013BUTUAN CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in Caraga upgraded its training in Incident Command System (ICS) through participating in a five-day Integrated Planning Course held at Pietros Square. The course contains the duties and responsibilities of the planning section chief (PSC), one of the general staff under the incident commander (IC). The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Caraga led the activity through Regional Director Liza Mazo, chai...
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15May2013Climate change is here to stay and mankind’s perils are inevitable without putting in place the safety net of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System (DRRMS). The Provision Republic Act (RA) 10121, also known as The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, provides that funds be appropriated to uphold the people’s constitutional life and property by addressing the root causes of vulnerabilities to disasters, strengthening the country’s institutional capaci...
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15May2013BAGUIO CITY, May 15 (PIA) -- The Balili River System Revitalization Coalition (BRSRC), a multi-sectoral group organized to harmonize efforts for the rehabilitation of the Balili River System, will soon have its own official website and web-based pollution monitoring system of the river. Developed by the University of the Cordilleras (UC), an academe member of the coalition, the BRSRC website project is expected to have its soft launching by June this year. The Balili River System is locate...
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14May2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, May 14 (PIA) -- The intensified campaign by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office here, the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the Philippine National Police (PNP) against forest laws violation resulted to the confiscation of thousands of board feet of illegally transported lumber for the first quarter of this year . Severino Dalutag, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO), said two confiscations ...
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14May2013QUEZON CITY, May 13 (PIA) -- Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. Paje has appealed to candidates and their followers to keep the polling precincts clean and remove campaign posters, banners and other paraphernalia after the elections. “It is about time we change the face of Philippine politics with clean elections defined not only by an intelligent electorate, but a trash-free one as well,” Secretary Paje said. He said candidates should order their supporters not to clutte...
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13May2013ILOILO CITY, May 13 (PIA6) -- Political parties and candidates have received several kinds of warnings, admonitions and advisories from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) in connection with the May 13, 2013 midterm elections. Many if not all of these are reiterations of previous issuances made by the election body. But this one surely rings a new message – a basura-free elections 2013. And this one comes not only from the poll authority but also from its partners who want ...
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10May2013NAGA CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Regional Office V led the Bicol Fisheries Summit and Commercial Fishing Vessel Operators Dialogue held May 8 at Villa Caceres Hotel here. The activity aims to gather and collate information on the current status of Bicol coastal ecosystem specifically on the area around Burias-Ticao Pass. The attendees composed of 166 stakeholders representing the local government units, People’s organization, non-government organizations, aca...
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10May2013QUEZON CITY, May 10 -- The Department of Agriculture is allotting an initial P28.8 million to help develop and promote agri-tourism sites under a multi-sectoral collaboration, aptly called “Green Initiative,” involving other concerned government agencies, academe and private institutions. Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala said the DA is privileged to be a part of the ‘Green Initiative,’ which aims to protect the country’s biodiversity, create livelihood opportunities and thus e...
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10May2013LAOAG CITY, May 10 (PIA) -- The provincial government has hired additional forest keepers to monitor the effect of rising temperatures on the environment during summer. At least 71 new barangay ranger officers (BROs) were hired for deployment in the villages of Maananteng, Manalpac, Sta. Ana and Catangraran all in Solsona town where upland forests and wetlands are located. Estrella Sacro, community development assistant of the provincial government’s Energy and Natural Resources Office (ENR...
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10May2013ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, May 10 (PIA) --Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently conducted an Environmental Compliance Audit (ECA) on the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 in the 13 cities, 81 municipalities and 2,324 barangays of Central Luzon that is within the Manila Bay Watershed Area. “The objective of the activity is to assess the compliance of the Local Government Units with the key legal provisions of Basic Environmental Laws particularly RA 9003 or the ...
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09May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- Thai Consul Rooge Thammongkol in Manila arrived in this city at 10 a.m. Thursday visiting three rescued Thai nationals and monitor the rescue operation for the remaining climber of the same nationality caught up by Mayon’s ash explosion on Tuesday. The Thai mountaineers were among the 27 climbers who went up the volcano. Thammongkol met with Office of Civil Defense Bicol regional director Raffy Alejandro discussing the ordeal and next steps for the rescue opera...
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09May2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, May 9 (PIA) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is giving P100,000 each to identified barangays in the province to implement the Barangay Forest Program (BFP) of the Aquino administration. Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Severino Dalutag said 29 barangays in Kalinga will be included this year under the program. Fifteen barangays will be covered in the area of Tabuk while 14 for Pinukpuk CENRO area. “This is in sup...
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09May2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, May 9 (PIA) -- Detailed geohazard assessment of 19 areas in Soccsksargen region or Region 12 have been completed, an official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 12. Constancio Paye Jr., regional director of the DENR-MGB 12 told Philippine Information Agency 12 today that they have already completed geohazard assessment of the municipality of Magpet in North Cotabato and Polomolok in South Cotabato. This increases the ...
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09May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 9 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in this province said that casualties in the Mayon Volcano ash eruption last Tuesday has been accounted for and the other victims are now being attended to. Filipino tour guide Jerome Berin, and four German nationals Joanne Edosa, Roland Pietieze, Farah Frances and Furian Stelter died in the ash explosion. Berin’s remains have been airlifted from Camp 1 to the Legazpi City airport at around 7:...
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07May2013FERNANDO CITY, May 7 (PIA) – The Community and Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) will start raising community forests to support the government’s national greening program. The barangay forest program, which is a joint effort of the Cenro and local governments, will be adopted in the communities as part of the campaign against climate change. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is mandated to provide technical assistance in identifying seedlings that are suit...
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07May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- Response teams continue to scour the down slopes of the eastern side of Mayon volcano to rescue the reported casualties in the wake of ash explosion of the volcano this morning. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said composite teams from Bicol Regional and Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils (PDRRMC), including military, police, emergency response units, Philippine Red Cross personnel were dispatched since mid-morning in Sto. Domingo, Bacacay and ...
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07May2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, May 7 (PIA) -- The city environment and waste management office (CEWMO) here spearheaded a clean-up operation in celebrating Earth Day 2013 last April 27. Included in the activity are the "Linis Creek" operation along Sapang Tae Creek located at Sumulong St. up to P. Oliveros St. and street sweeping on the stretch of Sumulong St., ML Quezon St., Gen. Luna St., M. Santos St., Dimanlig St., Martinez St., and P. Oliveros St., Barangay San Roque, Antipolo City. About 64 per...
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07May2013LEGAZPI CITY, May 7 (PIA) -- Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) has issued an advisory to suspend human activity within and down slopes of Mayon volcano following an ash explosion around 8:04 this morning. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said in the same advisory that Phivolcs Director Rene Solidum conveyed to him in a phone call that an ash explosion of at least 500 meters in height occurred but on precautionary warnings since it was essentially steam-driven. Sa...
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07May2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, May 7 (PIA) -- Personnel of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 3 have participated in a 10-day training on Community Action for Disaster Response (CADRE). “The April 24-May 3 undertaking was aimed at enhancing the existing community response training by giving additional inputs on managing community multi-casualty incidents, triage, and light search, and rescue focusing on specific hazards in a community. With this, my staff are now certified instructo...
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06May2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, May 5 (PIA) -- The establishment of an early warning system (EWS) is crucial in emerging dangerous situations to reduce the possibility of harm or losses. Carlo U. Racelis, a consultant who served as resource speaker on EWS said that such a need which involves the provision of information of an imminent danger enables prior action to reduce risk. The seminar workshop on EWS is under the disaster preparedness program of the provincial government sponsored by the World...
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06May2013ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, May 6 (PIA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) recently held a series of workshops that seeks to revisit the five-year action plan of Central Luzon provinces within the so-called Manila Bay area namely Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, and Tarlac on clean up, rehabilitation, and preservation. “The objective of the activity is to align the Local Government Unit (LGU) Five-year Action Plan with the Implementation Plan of the Operational Plan of t...
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06May2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, May 6 (PIA)--The Provincial Government of Bohol, in coordination with the member agencies of the Bohol Coastal Resource Management Task Force (BCRMTF), led the Boholano community in celebrating the month of May as Month of the Ocean. The celebration is in pursuant to Presidential Proclamation No. 57 issued in 1999. The month-long celebration here kicked-off last May 2 with a motorcade to heighten awareness about the annual observance and participated in by all member age...
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05May2013PANIQUI, Tarlac, May 5 (PIA) -- Hundreds of houses were totally or partially damaged by a mini-tornado that struck five barangays in Paniqui town late Friday afternoon. In its 7 p.m. report last night, Tarlac Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said that 49 houses were totally damaged while 205 were partially damaged. “254 families or 1,095 persons in the villages of Ventinilla, Cabayaoasan, Tablang, Salumague, and Nancamarinan were affected by this unfortunat...
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03May2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, May 3 (PIA) -- Cagayan Valley power firm SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) recently received an environmental award from a pollution control body for its various programs which contributed to the reduction of gas emissions. The award was given by the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PCAPI) to SN Aboitiz Power-Magat (SNAP-Magat) through its recent annual awarding ceremony and national convention at the KCC Convention Hall in General Santos C...
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03May2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas has created a multi-sectoral task force to address the water shortage in Catbalogan City and nearby communities due to an alleged degradation of the Catbalogan Watershed. Purificacion S. Daloos, officer-in-charge of the Regional Public Affairs Office said in a statement that this was the result of the dialogue conducted at the Catbalogan Water District Hall. Several local and nat...
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03May2013LA TRINIDAD Benguet, May 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is continuing with its disaster mitigation efforts and currently installing more automatic rain gauges (ARGS) and Water Level Monitoring System (WLMS) in the country time for the rainy season. DOST–Cordillera Regional Director Julius Caesar Sicat, in a kapihan media forum, Thursday, disclosed that 27 new ARGs and six WLMS are set for installation in the different parts of the region and will be operational b...
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03May2013BONTOC, Mountain Province, May 3(PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office here is encouraging parent groups to participate in the government’s risk reduction programs and activities. In his talk before members and youth of the Cordillera Parents Federation, Inc. (CPFI) during their assembly meeting at the Ridge Brooke Hotel here, PDRRM Officer Anacleto Tangilag emphasized the vital role of the private sectors in disaster preparedness and disaster management i...
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02May2013DUMAGUETE CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- The Dumaguete City government is eyeing measures to solve the waste disposal problem here. One option the city government is considering is an “unsolicited” proposal from a private firm in Israel that is interested in buying the city’s plastic waste, according to Dumaguete City Mayor Manuelduring a Kapihan forum held recently to mark this year’s Earth Day. Said proposal is still being studied by the city government. “The establishment of a sanita...
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02May2013BASEY, Samar, May 2 (PIA) – The anti-illegal logging campaign of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources recently gained a much-needed boost with the conviction of three illegal logging suspects by the Municipal Trial Court of Basey, Samar. Convicted to an imprisonment of two years, four months and one day of prison correctional for violation of Section 77 of Presidential Decree 705, otherwise known as the Revised Forestry Code of the Philippines, were three villagers from Barang...
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02May2013LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, May 2 (PIA) -- The provincial government wants to involve the youth in promoting environmental protection by conducting a poster-making contest focused on the environment. Rowena Dela Cruz, administrative assistant of the Solid Waste Management Office, said the contest held last week was one of the highlights in this year’s Pistay Dayat (Sea Festival) celebration. “It is a form of information, education campaign to heighten peoples’ awareness especially the youth o...
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02May2013ODIONGAN, Romblon, May 1 (PIA) -- A rare matured female green turtle (Chelonia Mydas), commonly known as “pawikan”, was accidentally captured by a fisherfolk, surrendered and released back to wild off the coast of Sitio Tabing-Ilog, Barangay Batiano, Odiongan, Romblon. Rogen M. Fabon, a local fisherman of Barangay Batiano, Odiongan, Romblon accidentally caught the marine turtle while fishing. Based on the documentation of Environment and Natural Resources Office personnel headed by Engr....
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30Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 (PIA) -- The regional selection committee (RSC) convened Monday to plan activities and ensure the successful implementation of the regional assessment and awards system in the search for excellence in disaster risk reduction management (DRRM). Dubbed ‘Gawad KALASAG’ or KAlamidad at Sakuna LAbanan, SAriling Galing ang Kaligtasan, the search was initiated by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) to recognize the outstanding performanc...
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30Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 30 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) region 10 is fast tracking the implementation of its new awards program - the Seal of Disaster Preparedness (SDP). Atty. Rene K. Burdeos, DILG 10 regional director, said SDP is an offshoot of the Seal of Good Housekeeping (SGH) which intends to scale up a local government unit’s (LGU) performance in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRMM). Burdeos said the SDP is conferred as an official symbol ...
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29Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO, April 29 (PIA) -- The Climate Change Commission will hold ‘Greeneration’ summit on July 23 here. Dandy Gomez, consultant and press relations officer of the Commission said this summit aims to gather 1,000 youths specifically college students from different schools and universities for a green environment initiative. ‘Greeneration’ is intended for the youth. Pebbles Sanchez, national youth leader of the Greeneration project said, “This is our way of raising awareness ...
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29Apr2013OLONGAPO CITY, April 29 (PIA) -- Officials and employees of SM City Olongapo along with other stakeholders planted 500 Mangrove propagules and holding a clean-up along Calapandayan River in Subic town, Zambales in observation of the 2013 Earth Day. Assistant Mall Manager Junias Eusebio said “the activity is among our modest contributions in helping ease the ill-effects of global warming.” On the same day, SM Olongapo launched a fair which showcased eco-friendly products and innovations by ...
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27Apr2013DUMAGUETE CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- In support of International Earth Day on April 22 celebration, Dumaguete City will hold a coastal and waterways clean-up drive on April 27 at 7am along the city's coastal line. Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria issued an order to all city government offices to support the coastal clean-up to unclog water waste materials and at the along seashores. Environment and Natural Resources Officer-incharge Roy Lumjod said, the clean-up drive activity, also in...
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27Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has urged the public to be watchful of one’s carbon footprint as the rise of carbon emissions in the atmosphere will set off a greater global warming and thus resulting to climate change. DENR-7 Regional Executive Director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said that if there is anything that we need to do very seriously and urgently, it is to reduce our individual carbon footprint. Montejo made this call in celebrati...
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26Apr2013Cebu City, April 27 (PIA) -- The Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) and the Kapunongan sa Mag-uuma sa Cansomoroy (Kasamaca) agreed on March 25 to plant 500 native tree seedlings with RAFI providing the seedlings. Kasamaca will plant these seedlings at Cansomoroy Elementary School in the municipality of Balamban, Cebu with assurance that the group will give proper care and maintain ythe plants to ensure at least 95 percent of seedling survival rate. Part of the agreement is that Kasamaca will...
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26Apr2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, April 26 (PIA) -- The city government has tapped barangay-based women groups in a bid to save the city’s watersheds under its forest protection program for 2013. Reports from the Tabuk City Mayor’s Office said there is massive clearing of forest areas along the watershed barangays near the Chico River in Tabuk, which threatens the city’s watersheds. People in the place are reportedly converting the lands for corn production, now a booming industry in this city. T...
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26Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 26 (PIA) -- Forest fires, when not prevented or contained, can destroy the gains of the National Greening Program (NGP), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources warned in a statement. The DENR said that the extreme dry season may extend longer until end of May so campaign against forest fires must be intensified. DENR-6 Regional Executive Director Adeluisa Siapno said their people in the field should be knowledgeable enough to arrest forest fires before they tota...
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25Apr2013DAVAO CITY April 25 (PIA) -- Fruit wastes and campaign materials have contributed to the rise of the daily collected trash in Davao City. Dolores Remojo Officer-In-Charge of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office said that based on data taken from the weighbridge at the Davao City Sanitary Landfill daily trash collections for the month of April has gone up to 430 tons as compared to the previous collections weighing 410 tons a day. Remojo said that the 20 tons increase are mostly fr...
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25Apr2013LAOAG CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- If you haven’t noticed, summer has been searing and wet alternately, at least in some parts of the country. It is called climate change and it is time to take notice. This was what the government reminded the public last April 22 when it marked Earth Day. To environment leaders, however, everyday should be Earth Day. “We can turn everyday an Earth Day by being good to our environment,” Juan P. delos Reyes, provincial environment and natural resources office...
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25Apr2013SOUTHERN LEYTE, April 25 (PIA) -- The municipality of Saint Bernard, this province is one of the nominees for this year’s Sasakawa Award 2013 initiated by the United Nations International Strategy for Disaster Risk Reduction (UNISDR), Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) Public Information Committee Chair Rosalinda Jane Araneta said. “The UNISDRR recognized the nomination which is supported by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fuer Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ),...
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24Apr2013SAN JOSE, Antique, April 24 (PIA) -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has strengthened Antiqueños' emergency preparedness with the conduct of a training on the use of Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System (Redas) software. “It is high time that we integrate risk reduction and planning, and climate change adaptation into your local development plan,” said Phivolcs Director Renato U. Solidum, Jr. as he reminded the participants to the training that “...
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24Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 24 -- The Philippines is taking part in the world’s largest gathering of ocean stakeholders that seeks to develop leadership and collaboration in the sustainability risks and opportunities affecting the future of marine environment. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje represents the country to the second Sustainable Ocean Summit (SOS) being held from April 22 to 24 in Washington, D.C., a statement from the Department of Energy said. Organized by ...
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24Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 24 (PIA) -- Benefits await landowners who will commit their farm lots to the city government’s Tree-Growing Festival on June 29. City environment officer Augustus Bretaña said they have already identified at least 60 areas in Roxas and Quezon mountain ranges surrounding the city that would be covered by the third staging of the massive annual tree planting activity of the city government, which has so far ...
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24Apr2013DAGUPAN CITY, April 24 (PIA) -- The United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) has chosen Dagupan City as a partner in developing programs to address calamities and disasters caused by climate change. In a statement, City Administrator Vlad Mata, the project’s focal person, said the UN Habitat will provide funds to support the city’s disaster resilience for a four-year period. She said the funds will be drawn from a $7 million (or P294 million)- budget allotted by the UN Habit...
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24Apr2013MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL, April 24 (PIA) -- Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon assures the public that distribution of relief goods for Typhoon Pablo victims are being properly monitored. In a statement, Malanyaon said that the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the World Food Organization (WFO) are accounting and monitoring the distribution of relief goods to Pablo victims in hard-hit towns of Baganga, Boston and Cateel in the province of Davao Oriental. “How can ...
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24Apr2013BUTUAN CITY, April 24 (PIA) – In an effort to curb illegal logging activities in this city, members of Regional Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (RMFPC) has intensified the conduct of checkpoint operations in the entrance and exit points here. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Regional Technical Director Maritess Ocampo said the proposed establishment of checkpoint is a way to curb the transporting of illegally-cut forest products in Caraga Region. During the ...
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23Apr2013BAGUIO CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The regional search is on for the Gawad KALASAG Award, an honor given to best government office (GO), non-government organization (NGO) and individuals who have shown heroic acts in time of disasters and calamities and in working on disaster risk management (DRM). According to Alex Uy, chairman of the Cordillera Region Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CRDRRMC), they are presenting the award as a recognition scheme in its search for excellence on ...
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23Apr2013PALO, Leyte, April 23 (PIA) – As part of the observance of Earth Day on 22 April 2013, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) – Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) conducted a clean-up activity at the MacArthur Park and Binog Creek in Palo, Leyte at 6:30 a.m. After the said clean-up activity, DENR-EMB conducted an Earth Day Program at the MacArthur Landing Memorial Park Grounds centered on the them “Earth Day Every Day, Everywhere, for Everyone.” During the progr...
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22Apr2013OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, April 22 (PIA) -- Several activities have been lined-up by the Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC), relative to the celebration of the Earth Day on April 22, this year. Focused on the theme: “Earth Day: The Face of Climate Change,” these activities include the conduct of a costal clean-up along Cotta Beach, this city, today, April 22, Grace Ongco, General Services Officer and Concurrent City Administrator, said. The other acti...
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22Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 22 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas is implementing the “Basura-free Election 2013: Kalat Ko Sisinupin Ko” campaign in line with the forthcoming conduct of the May 13 mid-term elections. Through this advocacy campaign, the DENR calls on candidates to show their care for Mother Earth by being conscientious on where to place and throw their trash while campaigning, Ms. Purificacion Daloos, Regional Information Officer ...
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20Apr2013VIGAN CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- Ilocos Sur residents are finding ways to keep cool during this intense summer heat by getting rid of debris from canals, creeks and other bodies of water to promote cleanliness and environmental conservation. The cleanup drive, which will be observed in the towns of Tagudin and Santa and Candon City, is part of the Earth Day celebrations on April 22. Benjamin Abucay, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (Penro) Officer, said that cleaning the surroundings ...
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20Apr2013CEBU CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) urges all political parties and candidates for the May 2013 mid-term polls to observe “green” or earth-friendly campaign practices to ensure a waste-free election. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo appeals to the candidates to take a closer look at the environment by placing waste avoidance and reduction as part of their advocacy and strategy. Montejo encourages them to use campa...
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19Apr2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, April 19 (PIA) – An hour-long cultural presentation on environmental protection will be staged by the Capiz provincial government on April 22 at the Provincial Park here. This is in line with the Earth Day celebration this month. “Philippine and Capiz folk dances depicting plants and animals will be performed during the show,” said Provincial Tourism and Cultural Affairs Officer Alphonsus Tesoro. The Saot Capiz Performing Arts composed of Colegio dela Purisima Concep...
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19Apr2013MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, April 19 (PIA) -- The 24-hectare Bonbon Pasil Marine Protected Area (MPA) will soon get some lift following the release of assistance from the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project (CRMP). The CRMP, through its Enterprise Development Committee, has endorsed the approval of the Pasil Eco-Tourism Support Services Enterprise Project with a corresponding cost of P1.8 million. This project is designed as an enterprise and will be operated under the Municipal Economic Deve...
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19Apr2013TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, April 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau of Region IV-A (DENR-EMB) has turned over P500,000 support fund to the local government of Carmona for the latter’s Ecology Center’s Material Recovery Facility (MRF). The turnover of symbolic cheque was formally handed by DENR-EMB IV-A Regional Director Engineer Carlos J. Magno to Mayor Dahlia Loyola during the regular Monday Flag-raising ceremony at Carmona town ...
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18Apr2013COMPOSTELA VALLEY, April 18 (PIA) -- Military commanders in typhoon Pablo-hit provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental have proposed measures to strengthen disaster preparedness, mitigation and response during the recently conducted Typhoon Pablo Lessons Learned/After Action Review. The review was organized by the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Agencies (UN OCHA) in close coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), held in Nabunturan, Compostel...
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18Apr2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 18 (PIA6) -- The Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) together with other stakeholders have set activities for the Earth Day celebration on April 22. Among the activities lined up are Bird watching in Barangay Tibsoc in San Enrique and Mangrove Replanting in Barangay San Juan in the towns of San Enrique and Pontevedra, respectively. PEMO has also invited resource persons from the Department of Energy to talk about “Climate Change and Energy” on April...
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18Apr2013COMPOSTELA VALLEY, April 18 (PIA) -- Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) regional director retired BGen Lorito G. Rirao is planning to strengthen disaster councils in the Davao Region. Attending the series of After Typhoon Pablo Action Review conducted in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, Rirao gathered inputs on how to strengthen the capacity of local governments to carry out disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation. In an interview, he sa...
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18Apr2013AGUSAN DEL SUR, April 18 (PIA) -- The province of Agusan del Sur has received financial assistance worth P1 million from Cebu City for the victims of typhoon Pablo that hit the province last December 4, 2012. Agusan del Sur Gov. Adolph Edward Plaza made the announcement during the provincial regular flag raising ceremony at the provincial capitol grounds here in Patin-ay, Prosperidad. The governor said the help from the city government of Cebu will go a long way in helping the victims recover ...
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18Apr2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, April 18 (PIA) -- The province of Northern Samar is set to participate in the inception workshop on Child-Centered –Community Based Climate Change Adaptation (CC-CBA) level indicators on April 18 at Mabini Social Hall, Malacanang Palace in Manila City. Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator of Northern Samar Engr. Romeo M. Cardenas who will represent the Provincial Government in the activity said the inception workshop will be conducted to support the outcom...
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17Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-6 and the ZONTA International Club of Iloilo City will hold events for the celebration of 2013 Earth Day on April 22. The activities are aimed at creating “Earth Friendly” awareness among the Iloilo folks. Artemio Colacion, DENR-Regional Public Affairs Officer, said the office will mount an exhibit at the Gaisano City from April 22-30. The exhibits will feature the Linis-Estero activities of the DENR-Environ...
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17Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 17 (PIA) - The National Council on Disability Affairs is set to conduct training on disaster preparedness for persons with disabilities in Hilongos, Leyte on April 22. Acting Executive Director Carmen Zubiaga said the NCDA is spearheading said activity in partnership with the Civil Defense Action Group, Metropolitan Manila Development Authority and the municipal government of Hilongos, Leyte, in order to address specific needs of persons with disabilities and sensiti...
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17Apr2013COMPOSTELA VALLEY, April 17 (PIA): Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) regional director Brig. Gen (ret.) is eyeing for a much strengthened disaster councils in the Davao Region. COMPOSTELA VALLEY, April 17 (PIA) -- The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) plans to strengthen disaster councils in the Davao Region. In a series of After Typhoon Pablo Action Review in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, OCD regional director Lorito G. Rirao gathered inputs on how to str...
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16Apr2013VIGAN CITY, Apr 16 (PIA) -- A private group has started converting upland villages in the province into green communities with its massive seed-planting activities. The Tanim Kalikasan has planted some 2.6 million mahogany and gmelina seedlings including fruit- bearing trees in the province’s upland communities. Provincial board member Robert Tudayan, the board’s committee on the environment chair, said the group initiated the program to help protect upland communities from the devastatin...
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16Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 16 -- The Philippines is getting €3.5 million (roughly P189 million) in grants from the European Union (EU) under its SWITCH-Asia Programme for projects aimed at promoting cleaner and more energy efficient industrial production in one of Asia's rapidly transforming economies. Undersecretary Manuel Gerochi of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in a press release said the awarding of the financial aid on Tuesday will formally put into implementation t...
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16Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and Pag-asa ((Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) are urging local government units (LGUs) to have their own community-based flood early warning system (CBFEWS). Danny Flores of the Hydrometeorology Division of DOST-Pag-asa said the system is a locally based operational flood forecasting and warning activities of a community that aids them in mitigating the effects of floodi...
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16Apr2013NEGROS OCC., April 16 (PIA) -- As summer heat goes on a scorching gear, the Provincial Health Office here continues to warn the public of diseases that could be life-threatening. Dr. Jessica Fama, medical officer, refers to heat stroke which is one of the concerns of many during summer because of extreme temperature. Medical experts describe heat stroke as a form of hyperthermia or high body temperature. Patients normally experience, among others, rapid pulse, difficulty in breathing, hal...
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16Apr2013LEGAZPI CITY, April 16 (PIA) -- The German government has donated P1.6 million to install local flood early warning system in the town of Malinao and Tabaco City in Albay. This following the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) Thursday last week by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda for the provincial government and Olaff Neussner for the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ), The signing of the MOA also marked the start of implementation of the project. Neussner, chief of...
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14Apr2013PALOMPON, Leyte, April 14 (PIA) -- The establishment and development of Aquasilviculture at the town of Palompon, Leyte is envisioned to mitigate the ill effects of climate change. With this as the goal and in support of the National Greening Program of the government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has partnered with the Aqua Peace Farm for the development of an Aquasilviculture project in Barangay Mazawalo, Palompon, Leyte. DENR Regional Executive Director Manolito Ragu...
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13Apr2013DAVAO ORIENTAL, April 13 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI along with the United Nations Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Agencies (UN-OCHA) will visit the Davao Oriental to conduct Typhoon ‘Bopha’ Pablo Lessons Learned/After Action Review. Barry Armstrong, head of UN-OCHA Davao Sub-Office explained the activity was designed to capture the various interventions delivered by multi-responding agencies including that of the national and local governments. Retired Brig...
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13Apr2013DUMAGUETE CITY, April 13 (PIA) --Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR7) regional director, Dr. Isabelo Montejo challenged about 500 chemistry teachers, researchers, industry practitioners and students from all over the Philippines to create better and effective measures in minimizing pollutants that are present in the environment. On its 28th Philippine Chemistry Congress hosted by Silliman University, Dir. Montejo in his message, placed the task to the participants in formula...
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13Apr2013DUMAGUETE CITY, April 13 (PIA) -- The municipality of Manjuyod, Negros Oriental signed recently a memorandum of agreement with AboitizPower’s wholly-owned subsidiary, Hedcor, to build a hydropower plant. Corporate communications officer Karen Padawag of Hedcor Inc. said the Mabinay-Manjuyod Hydropower project is expected to have a generating capacity of 21.9 megawatt of clean and renewable energy. Barangay officials of Kauswagan, Manjuyod led by barangay chairman Aanthony Guillen, and Jesus...
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13Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 13 (PIA) -- Members of the Oro Association of Rafters, river guides and their dependents took time out from their busy schedules to participate in the tree growing activity of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE). Conceptualized to increase environmental consciousness to help save and protect Mother earth, the activity called “Iswag Kagay-an” kicked-off on April 11 along the riverside in Barangay Mambuaya, here. It aims to restore the aesthetic value of ...
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13Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) is encouraging the public to visit the website of Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards) for information on weather and flooding data. Dr. Alfredo Lagmay, Project NOAH Executive Director, said the government including the DOST and PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) are exploring all means to disseminate timely information on disaster mitigation ...
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12Apr2013ILOILO CITY, April 12 (PIA6) -- The DENR-Ecosystems Research and Development (ERDS) is stepping up its technical assistance to its provincial personnel for the implementation of the Seed Production Areas (SPAs). ERDS Regional Technical Director Alicia Lustica said the SPA is a necessary step to ensure the production of quality seeds. “We must be able to identify good mother trees to establish a model and ensure quality seedlings for the National Greening Program,” Lustica said. S...
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12Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office 10 led a tree growing activity Thursday, April 11 along the riversides in Barangay Mambuaya, this city. Lawyer Johnson Cañete, DOLE-10 Regional Director, said they came up with this activity to help save and protect the environment by restoring the aesthetic value of the riversides and rehabilitating the natural catchment basin of the city that will control flooding and other calamities. “Th...
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12Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- Partners and stakeholders of the Iswag Kagay-an tree growing project signed a memorandum of cooperation to rehabilitate and enhance the riverbanks here. The signing was held during the kick-off ceremony of the Iswag Kagay-an in Barangay Mambuaya yesterday, April 11. The pact stipulates for the promotion and development of the Cagayan de Oro river through cooperative activities. It was signed in by Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Northern Mindan...
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12Apr2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, April 12 (PIA) -- Cagayan Valley region’s “Protocol on Warning and Disaster Reporting” is expected to be submitted to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) middle of next month. The assurance was made by Director Norma Talosig of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) after the regional council members finalized their roles and responsibilities on disaster risk reduction management in a meeting yesterday. Talosig said that the protocol ...
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11Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 11 (PIA) -- The Maynilad Water Services, Inc. recently teamed-up with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the municipality of Rosario in Cavite in planting 5,000 mangrove propagules in the Isla Bonita Resort in Rosario, Cavite. Joining Maynilad in the effort were representatives from Bantay Dagat–Rosario, DENR–Cavite, Philippine Coast Guard, and the Philippine National Police. “The Plant for Life program is part of our effort to safeguard wa...
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11Apr2013CABUYAO CITY, Laguna, April 11 (PIA) --The city government of Cabuyao has launched a multi-sectoral shoreland clean-up and tree planting activity to address the increasing need to free its lake shores of garbage. The activity is part of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office’s (CENRO) citywide caravan for proper waste disposal. The activity kicked off at Barangay Baclaran in which members of the CENRO, 30 volunteers of the environmental army, and 20 additional volunteers from di...
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11Apr2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 11 (PIA) -- Central Luzon’s forest cover is expected to increase from 589,495 to 728,995 hectares in 10 years with the vigorous implementation of the twin policy on National Greening Program (NGP) and a total logging ban on natural and residual forests, environment authorities announced recently. Maximo Dichoso, Regional Executive Director of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), said this 80% projected increase in forest cover within t...
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11Apr2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, April 11 (PIA6) -- Operatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Community Environment and Natural Resources Office seized wildlife by-products displayed at the Panaad Park. Several local government units and entrepreneurs currently display and sell products of all kinds for the celebration of the 20th Panaad sa Negros Festival until April 14. PAW Unit Chief Forester Rosendo Lopez and Forest Ranger Rolando Estil confiscated the products from a certa...
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11Apr2013BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, April 11 (PIA) – The municipality of Bayog marked its 46th founding anniversary on Tuesday featuring street dancing competition locally known as “Palad-Palad Festival 2013.” “This annual Palad-Palad- Festival is our way of expressing our thanksgiving to the ‘Most High’ for all the blessings we have received for the past days, months and years,” Mayor Leonardo Babasa Jr. said. He also urged his constituents “to always cooperate and support the programs ...
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10Apr2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, April 10 (PIA) - Barely two weeks after the USS Guardian salvage operation, a 48-meter Chinese fishing boat ran aground yesterday in the north atoll of the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP), a strictly no-take marine protected area in the heart of the Sulu Sea. The steel-hulled vessel with bow number 63168 was sighted 1.1 nautical miles east of the ranger station. Tubbataha marine park rangers reported that there were fishing nets in the vessel but no fish or ma...
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09Apr2013APARRI , Cagayan, April 9 (PIA) -- Expect a more accurate and dependable weather forecast in the country, particularly along Northern Luzon. This after the Department of Science and Technology- Philippine Atmospheric, Geo-Physical, Astronomical Services Administration (DOST-PAG-ASA) installed one of the four Doppler radar systems in this municipality which is expected to be inaugurated any time this year. “The system is equipped with the latest weather monitoring technology with a range of...
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08Apr2013DAVAO CITY, April 8 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is set to undertake a population count of the Philippine Tarsier (Tarsius syrichta) in Mati, Davao Oriental and in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. In his report to DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, DENR-Region 11 Executive Director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada said the study will also include an assessment of the natural habitats of the tarsier in the two provinces. “The results of the study will serve as basis in craf...
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08Apr2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, April 8 (PIA) – There is enough water in the city and neighboring towns. This was the assurance made by the Metropolitan Tuguegarao Water District (MTWD). Despite the extremely hot weather condition, water supply is adequate at source especially at the water reservoir in Penabalanca and Solana towns, Engr. Miller Tanguilan, MTWD general manager, said. He allayed fears among consumers on possible occurrence of drought in the whole province. “So far, we have enough water...
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08Apr2013BANTAY, Ilocos Sur, April 8 (PIA) – About 1,084 hectares is targeted for planting under the National Greening Program in Ilocos Sur this year, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Ilocos Sur said. Another 100 hectares are also set for the DENR barangay forest program in the province. Benjamin Abucay, chief of DENR Ilocos Sur, said forest and fruit trees ranging from Narra, Kakawate, Ipil-Ipil, Bittaog, Kupang, Cacao, Cofee, Avocado, Cashew and Tamarind will be plant...
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06Apr2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, April 6 (PIA) -- The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) is seeking P58.3 million from the United States for damages to the coral reefs when its minesweeper USS Guardian run aground in January. A demand letter for payment of the reef damage will be issued to the United States navy through the Department of Foreign Affairs at the soonest possible time according to TPAMB. The computation was concluded Friday afternoon based on what is in Republic A...
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05Apr2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, April 5 (PIA) – A 3.0-magnitude earthquake shook Isabela at 10:27 a.m. yesterday. Local authorities through the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) immediately monitored any damages brought by the earthquake that struck the province as the same was felt in nearby western, southern and eastern Isabela towns of Isabela and as of press time there were no reported damages particularly on infrastructures. At the Isabela capitol, employees insid...
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04Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 4 (PIA) – A 5.4-magnitude earthquake hit Metro Manila including Baguio, Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija at 10:26 a.m. today. Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOCS) Director Renato Solidum said the tremor’s epicenter was located at 17km northeast of Baler, Aurora with a depth of 5km. Intensity V was felt in Baler, Intensity IV in Cabiao,Nueva Ecija, Intensity III in Cauayan, Quezon, Taguig, Pasay, Antipolo and Mandaluyong City, Intensity II in Manila; Mal...
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04Apr2013QUEZON CITY, April 4 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is boosting its production of bio-fertilizers by 55 percent during the first half of 2013 to ensure the supply of root growth enhancers for planting materials to be used in the government’s National Greening Program (NGP). According to the DENR’s Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB), some 155 tons of bio-fertilizers will be made this semester or 55 tons higher than what was produced during the s...
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04Apr2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- Around 1,000 bamboo seedlings will be grown by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) along the riverbanks of Cagayan River starting this month. The tree growing initiative called “Iswag Kagay-an” will kick-off on April 11 in Barangay Mambuaya, the beginners’ point of the white water rafting here. It will be participated by local folks including members of the Oro Association of Rafters, river guides and their dependents. Atheneus Vasallo, o...
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04Apr2013BUTUAN CITY, April 4 (PIA) -- Caraga region now has 17 illegal logging hotspot areas, down from 37. The Caraga Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (MFPC) reported that the 17 illegal logging hotspot areas comprise eight areas from the province of Agusan del Sur, eight areas from Surigao del Sur and one from the province of Dinagat Islands. The MFPC is lead by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. The continuous monitoring and the implementation of Executive Order (EO) No...
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04Apr2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, April 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is set to implement a project that would address environmental problems brought about by invasive alien species. DENR 12 Executive Director Tungko Saikol in an interview with Philippine Information Agency (PIA) 12 explained invasive alien species or IAS are animals and plants that are introduced, deliberately or accidentally, in enviro...
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04Apr2013ORMOC CITY, April 4 (PIA) – The personnel and staff of the Department of Public Works and Highways – Fourth Leyte Engineering District headed by Engr. Lino Francisco C. Gonzalez recently underwent a half day fire and earthquake simulation drill spearheaded by the Ormoc City Fire Department. The activity started with the lecturer presenting the four standard operating procedures (SOP) on what to do during occurrence of fire. It was bared that the first thing to do when fire occurs is to re...
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03Apr2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, April 3 (PIA) -- A joint assessment team of marine scientists and a representative of the United States navy is now at the Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park (TRNP) to measure the damage caused by the grounding of the USS Guardian. The Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) through the Tubbataha Management Office (TMO) is leading the joint assessment with the help of experts it tapped from other institutions. Helping in the task are experts and scientists...
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03Apr2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, April 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Eastern Visayas is closely monitoring the construction of the $214.44 million Secondary National Road Project in Samar Island municipalities to ensure adherence to the Environmental Compliance Certificate issued by the DENR Environmental Management Bureau. DENR Regional Executive Director Manolito Ragub said that a Multi-partite Monitoring Team (MMT) has been organized to monitor compliance to ...
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03Apr2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, April3(PIA) - - The use and sale of plastic bags and styrofoam will soon be regulated in the town of Tublay in Benguet. The provincial board approved on second and final reading Tublay Ordinance No. 2012-06 which regulates the use and sale of polysterene (plastic bags and styrofoam) materials. It also mandates the shift and use of biodegradable containers and packing materials instead of polysterene within the town. The primary goal of the ordinance is to achieve eco...
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03Apr2013NEW BATAAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY, April 3 (PIA) -- Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Geologist Beverly Brebante has urged residents of New Bataan to be always vigilant of flash floods and floods which she said would usually occur due to the towns topographic location. During the Makigsayod Information Forum in New Bataan held last month, Brebante made residents especially of the town poblacion (referred to as Barangay Cabinuangan), understand the geographic hazards that they have to deal with...
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02Apr2013TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, April 2 (PIA) - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Cavite spearheaded clean-up drive and mangrove planting activities in two coastal towns and one city in the province recently. In cooperation with the local government units of Cavite City, Noveleta and Rosario including Maynilad Water Services, Incorporated DENR-Cavite entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with all parties to jointly protect and maintain approximately 4.5 hectares of ...
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01Apr2013CEBU, April 1 (PIA) -- The Forest Management Service of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 urged the public and the national government agencies (NGAs) particularly the students for continued support to the National Greening Program (NGP). In a recent Association of Government Information Officers (AGIO) 7 forum, Ambrosio Wenceslao of the Forest Management Services called for maintenance of the trees planted under the NGP. “Dapat ang tawo makasabot unsa ka importa...
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01Apr2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, April 1 (PIA) -- With the start of summer season, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is now on alert for possible wildfires within the forests of Central Luzon. “More than 2,000 forest and fire protection officers and upland farmers who are active members of people’s organizations are ready to combat the threats of wildfire in vast tracts of dry grasslands in Zambales, Tarlac, Bulacan, and Nueva Ecija” said DENR Regional Executive Direct...
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01Apr2013ZAMBOANGA CITY, April 1 - - The city joined the rest of the world in the recent observance of Earth Hour, a worldwide movement to reduce the impact of global warming. More than a hundred participants, mostly city hall employees, gathered at the Zamboanga City Electric Cooperative (Zamcelco) covered court for the Earth Hour observance which was marked by a ceremonial switch-off of lights at 8:30 in the evening. Sheila Covarrubias, Public Information Officer (PIO), said “Mayor Celso Lobregat ...
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31Mar2013BAGUIO CITY, March 31(PIA) -- Inmates and jail guards of the Baguio City Jail joined the worldwide call for action on climate change by switching off their lights and other electronic devices during the Earth Hour event last March 23. Baguio City Jail Warden Chief Inspector Wilson Banasen said the lights were put off for two hours and 25 minutes last Saturday night at the city jail. The putting off of lights is an annual event the jail inmates started five years ago. He said that this...
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29Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 29 (PIA) --The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas directed the Energy Development Corporation to conduct immediate slope stabilization and rehabilitation measures in the areas affected by the landslide on March 1. The directive was made following the damaging effect of the landslide which occurred at the EDC Geothermal Plant in Kananga Leyte, DENR Regional Executive Director Manolito Ragub said. RED Ragub added that he also ordered th...
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28Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Eastern Samar State University have inked a memorandum of agreement in a bid to protect and develop the ecologically rich Monbon and Batan Islets in Barangay Bungtod, Guiuan, Eastern Samar. In a memorandum of agreement (MOA) signed last March 18, the DENR grants rights to ESSU for the special use of the 21.8 hectares Monbon/Batan Islets and pursue the implementation of activities related to susta...
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27Mar2013LEGAZPI CITY, March 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office in Bicol has come up with a comprehensive strategy to further strengthen the protection and conservation of Bicol Natural Park (BNP) in Camarines provinces. “These strategies will provide solutions to various issues that are besetting the BNP which is contributing to further degradation of the protected area (PA)” said DENR Bicol regional executive director Gilbert Gonzales. Gonzales...
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27Mar2013CEBU, March 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources Resources (DENR-7) recently urged the public to observe a “green” Lenten break by reducing air pollution over the weekend; lower vehicle emissions and a separate trash for biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo reminds the public to also think of the well-being of the environment by taking measures to protect it as the nation commemorates the special days f...
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27Mar2013CEBU, March 27 (PIA) --- About 700 stakeholders mostly students joined a one-day simultaneous clean-up drive covering six rivers and four creeks in Cebu as part of the celebration of the World Water Day (WWD) on March 23. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, this is a DENR's major feature of the Adopt-an-Estero program which encourages the business sector, with the LGUs and the civil society to clean up and maintain a particular estero. The activity was done in the riv...
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27Mar2013DAGUPAN CITY, Mar. 27 (PIA) -- A government expert said siltation at the mouth of the Cayanga River in San Fabian town has reached an alarming level causing the formation of two islets and impeding river flow. Jose Lignes Jr., senior geologist at the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the Ilocos Region, said the river needs immediate dredging as several towns may experience flooding once the rainy season starts. Lignes made the advice during a public forum last Friday, citing a 2005 study on the ...
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27Mar2013BACOLOD CITY, March 27 (PIA6) -- The one-hour switching off of lights and other electrical appliances in Bacolod City from 8:30-9:30 p.m., March 23, saved 8.36 megawatts of power based on the records of the Central Negros Electric Cooperative (CENECO). More than the electricity savings, the proponents of Earth Hour 2013 once again spread the consciousness of not just saving electricity but saving mother earth. Dr. Felicidad N. Altalaguire, lead proponent of the celebration and Dean of the Co...
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27Mar2013ROSARIO, Cavite, March 27 (PIA) --Hundreds or even a thousand of Asian migratory birds was seen in the coastal waters of Rosario particularly in the Isla Bonita Resort in Barangay Muzon 1 and was also observed in profuse number in Barangay San Rafael III in Noveleta. The recent occurrence of these migratory birds amazed the local residents here and the local officials through Engineer Marconi Austria, Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Rosario requested the Department of Env...
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26Mar2013LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, March 26(PIA) - - The Benguet Environment and Natural Resources Council approved the draft communal forest management plans of some towns in the province as a step towards saving what is left of the communal forests. The forest management plans serve as roadmap in sustaining the forest and watershed resources of the different municipalities. The BENRC in a meeting held March 13, approved the six communal forest management plans of Salingew in Atok, Loo in Buguias, P...
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26Mar2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Mar 26 (PIA) -- A group of students took the frontline in Saturday’s ceremonial switch off that marked the Earth Hour celebrations at the city plaza. The city plaza went dark for an hour at 8:30 p.m. on Saturday to draw attention to climate change and the need to protect Mother Earth. This year’s event focused on the theme “I Will If You Will,” which a challenge to the world to go beyond the hour to protect the planet. Rolyne Pajarillo, Bacnotan town’s M...
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26Mar2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 26 (PIA) – Capiz folks have been reminded to take extra precaution against too much heat especially while observing the Holy Week. Dr. Leah Del Rosario of the Capiz Provincial health Office calls on the public to avoid too much exposure to heat as the same could result to heat stroke. She said that over crowded areas should be avoided and more water should be taken in to prevent dehydration. “Those who are to join the procession should eat to avoid hypoglycemia an...
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25Mar2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 25 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) here will be putting up their sub-offices in watershed areas in the province to raise the awareness among villagers in protecting and preserving the environment. Forester Henry Patricio, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer(PENRO) said the establishment of sub-offices in watershed areas of the province is necessary to enhance their condition and to closely monitor their growth ...
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25Mar2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Mar 25 (PIA) -- The lowly bamboo is now the city’s one-town-one-product following the launch of the plant in the recent agri-trade fair here. Hermenegildo A. Gualberto, city vice mayor, said the town chose the bamboo plant to promote because of its versatility. “It can be applied for construction purposes and even designed as kitchen tools and displays in our homes,” he said. Gualberto said the bamboo plant also plays a significant role during disasters as it helps in...
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25Mar2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Mar 25 (PIA) -- The Naval Forces Northern Luzon (NFNL) and the Disaster Emergencies Land Traffic Assistance Communicators Philippines Inc. (Deltacom) inked an agreement to strengthen their disaster response operation in Northern Luzon. Commodore Nodolfo V. Tejada, NFNL commander, said the agreement is a significant step towards the realization of its aspiration to provide responsive, competent and excellent service to the people. Under the agreement, the NFNL will provide g...
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25Mar2013VIGAN CITY, March 25 (PIA) -- The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has signed an agreement for the preservation of the Northern Luzon Heroes Hill National Park in Barangay Magsaysay, Santa town here. This developed as the NGCP’s new 230 kv transmission line project from San Esteban, Ilocos Sur to Laoag, Ilocos Norte will pass through the national park. The 1,300 hactare-park, consisting of a molave forest an...
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25Mar2013DAGUPAN CITY, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- This city’s efforts to reduce waste pursuant to the Ecological Solid Waste Management law did not go unnoticed by the environment department. Leduina Co, director of Provincial Environment and Natural Resources (PENRO)-Pangasinan, lauded the efforts of the Dagupan City Waste Management Division (WMD), on waste segregation and the rehabilitation of the city’s dumpsite. “We commend the city, particularly the Waste Management Division, on their initiative to r...
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25Mar2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, March 25 (PIA) -- Around 500 upland farmers in Central Luzon are bound to benefit from the P5 million bamboo project of Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Philippine Council for Agriculture, Aquatic, and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD). “The two-year cash-for-work undertaking will establish an initial 40 hectares of bamboo plantation in Pampanga, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, and Zambales,” DENR Regional Executive Director Ma...
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25Mar2013LAOAG CITY, Mar. 25 (PIA) -- An expert on land and water resources said that rising temperatures may result in drought and reduced farm yield. Drought and reduced rice yields are only two of the common effects of increasing temperature in the province according to Dr. Nathaniel Alibuyog, research and development director of the Mariano Marcos State University in Batac City and a known climate change expert. Alibuyog, who holds a doctorate degree on land and water resources engineering from the...
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25Mar2013ALFONSO LISTA, Ifugao, March 25 (PIA) -- The government's Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) project will establish a seedling nursery at the Ifugao State University (IFSU) here as climate change adaptation intervention. The provincial government, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Cordillera Forum For Peace and Development Inc. (CFPD) and IFSU signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the project on March 8. The establishment of a seedling nursery ...
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23Mar2013CEBU CITY, March 23 (PIA) --- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) appealed to the public to switch off not only their lights but also other non-essential electrical appliances for one hour and beyond today, March 23 from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. in observance of Earth Hour 2013. DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said people, businesses and communities from across the globe are urged to turn off their lights for one hour to send a message on taking steps ag...
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23Mar2013CEBU CITY, March 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) has urged the public to conserve water and at the same time, protect the rivers and lakes which are the sources of potable water amid fears of a threatening water shortage due to the summer months. DENR-7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said water becomes even more essential and very precious during the hot summer months as the human body is 70 percent water and we should replenish the wat...
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23Mar2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 23 (PIA) -- In observance with the National Meteorological Day celebration Friday , the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) northern Luzon has announced its efforts in enhancing its equipment and weather monitoring facilities for accurate weather forecasting. Engr. Leo Bunyag, assistant weather bureau chief, said part of the enhancement efforts now is the operationalization of doppler radar in Aparri Cagayan, installation of ad...
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23Mar2013SILAY CITY, Negros Occ., March 23 (PIA6) -- “Kon Mahimo Ko, Mahimo Mo’ (I Will If You Will) on the Earth Hour Program will be held at Sen. Jose C. Locsin Cultural and Civic Center as the share of the Silay City Government on the largest environmental event in the world today, March 23, a statement from the City Tourism Office said. Mayor Jose Montelibano said that the celebration will be participated in by government employees and residents of Silay where they will be enjoined to turn off...
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23Mar2013MANILA, March 23 -- Malacanang is encouraging government departments and entities to participate in this year’s Earth Hour to raise awareness on climate change and environmental protection. Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. issued a memorandum dated March 21, enjoining all the heads of departments, and agencies of the national government to participate in this year’s Earth Hour, Deputy Presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a radio interview over dzRB Radyo ng Bayan on Saturday...
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23Mar2013LUCENA CITY, Quezon, March 23 (PIA) --The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (DENR-PENRO), Quezon will plant more than eight million seedlings of forest and fruit bearing trees in 10,800 hectares land of public domain in the province of Quezon this year. DENR-PENRO Quezon said the tree planting activity will be undertaken by the office along with five community environment and natural resources officers (CENROs) in the p...
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23Mar2013BAGUIO CITY, Mar. 23 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Paje has approved last January the designation of the Balili River system as Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) to protect and improve water quality of the river system. DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-05 designated the Balili River as WQMA covering the areas of La Trinidad and Sablan in Benguet and the city, pursuant to the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 With the designation, ...
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22Mar2013DIPOLOG CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- The Dipolog City Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) has successfully conducted an earthquake drill at Dipolog City National High School (DCNHS) in Barangay Barra this city. Felipe T. Mangila Jr., Dipolog City CDRRMC officer-in-charge said the drill was in compliance with the directive from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), urging all DRRMCs throughout the country to conduct the First Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous ...
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22Mar2013DAVAO CITY, Mar 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-XI) would no longer recommend for the construction of structures in Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Compostela Valley, after the Department of Science and Technology classified the area as critical for dwelling following typhoon Pablo which wrecked havoc in the area on December 4, 2012. DPWH-XI Regional Director Engr. Mariano Alquiza said residents in Brgy. Andap are even advised to relocate since their place is prone to ...
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22Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 22 (PIA) -- Koronadal City’s local government unit will be joining the global “lights out “ event tomorrow, March 23. But according to plans, the city LGU’s participation to the Earth Hour would last for at least 17 hours, with several activities intended to promote environmental protection lined up from 6:00 am until 11:00 p.m. Koronadal City, the capital of South Cotabato, is also the administrative sea...
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22Mar2013PARAÑAQUE CITY, March 22 (PIA) -- Parañaque City is all set to participate in this year’s celebration of Earth Hour on Saturday, March 23. “Parañaque reaffirms its commitment to implement environment-friendly programs and projects in support to the worldwide effort to protect the environment and halt global warming and climate change,” Parañaque City Mayor Florencio Bernabe Jr. said. In line with the celebration, residents, building administrators and government functionaries will s...
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22Mar2013ILOILO CITY, Mar. 22 (PIA) -- The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-6) is leading the synchronized clean-up activities in celebration of 2013 World Water Day, on March 23. The clean-up is under the Adopt-an-Estero program, seeking to address water pollution in the country. EMB OIC Regional Director Atty. Jonathan Bullos said the clean-up activities will be done in 10 adopted estero areas around Iloilo, with their respective do...
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22Mar2013CEBU, March 22 (PIA) -- The youths are expected to take a big part in this year’s Earth Hour celebration as experts believe that the youth can do much in propelling environmental advocacy forward. In a local radio program, Roxanne Hernaez, Young Minds Academy (YMA) 5 scholar by Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI), dwelt on the fact that battling the effects of climate change and global warming is a task not only for government and experts but also for the general public. “Youth can spark...
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22Mar2013SAN JOSE, Antique (PIA) - - Mayor Rony L. Molina of San Jose de Buenvista, Antique shared his town's best practices during the national summit on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management for local chief executives at the Philippine International Convention Center on Wednesday. San Jose is the National Gawad Kalasag Best Municipal DRRM Council, from 2010-2012 and now a Gawad Kalasag Hall of Famer. Among the best practices shared were the prevention and mitigation measures in place such as Compr...
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21Mar2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, March 21(PIA) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office here is identifying sites for its reforestation projects this year under the National Greening Program (NGP) of government. Tammy Baggay of the DENR provincial environment and natural resources office (PENRO) said sites to be identified have to be within forest zone classified areas. “After sites are identified, will be the preparation of seedling nurseries, site clearing, and ...
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21Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 21 (PIA) -- In celebration of Women’s Month this year, the Department of Agrarian Reform in Region 10 (DAR-10) held a tree-planting activity on March 15 in Malasag, a reforestation area in this city. DAR-10 Regional Director Felix Aguhob together with Asst. Regional Directors Eddie Agac-ac and Nicky Peralta led the officers and staff in planting 350 seedlings that included durian, rambutan, mangosteen, lanzones, and coconut in the 3.5 hectare area that DAR-10 has...
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21Mar2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol,March 21 (PIA) -- To adapt to climate change, Bohol farmers have sought the climate-smart organic rice variety that will deliver the best harvest for specific types of climates. Dr. Marina Labonite, research for development director at the Bohol Island State University (BISU), said since 1998, farmers and non-government organizations here have bred more than 200 organic rice “accessions” in the search for the most suitable breed fitting the challenges of adaptation. ...
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21Mar2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 21 (PIA) -- A multi-sectoral monitoring team (MMT) of the Northern Negros Geothermal Project (NNGP) chaired by the Environment Management Bureau and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) conducted an inspection for the air and water quality compliance of NNGP. The inspection result showed that the Energy Development Corporation-NNGP meets the DENR Effluent Standards for Air and Water Quality. Water samples were gathered from the surrounding river...
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21Mar2013BACOLOD CITY, March 20 (PIA)—Bacolod City homes, establishments and other various organizations in the city will observe Earth Hour on on March 23. This will be highlighted by a ceremonial switching off of light for an hour at 8:30 p.m. at the SM City Bacolod. SM Bacolod Public Relations Manager Floressa May Castro said city officials led by Mayor Evelio Leonardia and Vice Mayor Jude Thaddeus Sayson have confirmed to grace the activity. The annual environmental activity will also be att...
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21Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 21 (PIA) -- The celebration of the 2013 World Water Day this March 22, Friday, will be highlighted by the clean-up of all adopted water bodies in Eastern Visayas. Highlighted during the event are the water bodies adopted by local government units, industries and non-government organizations donor partners in at least 11 towns and cities in the region. Maribel Munsayac, information section chief of the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), said the clean-up will be ...
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21Mar2013LAS PIÑAS, March 21 (PIA) -- Las Piñas City Mayor Vergel "Nene" Aguilar urged residents to participate in the celebration of Earth Hour on Saturday, March 23. In a statement, Aguilar encouraged residents to take part in turning off lights and minimize the use of electricity for one hour starting at 8:30 p.m., as well as continue the practice of energy-saving. “Earth Hour is more than just switching off lights and cutting on other electricity consumption. We must create and adopt doable ap...
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20Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 20 (PIA) -- Pedestrians couldn’t help but notice the new look of the old and mature native trees at the regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources along Santo Niño Extension in Tacloban City. The curious minds got the answer. Old trees can be rejuvenated or rehabilitated. Several staff revealed that tree rehabilitation which includes activities like tree surgery, sanitation cutting, pruning and cleaning have been conducted from January ...
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20Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 20 -- The city government of Cagayan de Oro and the province of Bukidnon are set to sign a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to undertake harmonized measures on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management/Climate Change Act on March 21. Spearheaded by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) in region 10, the parties to the MOA shall agree to undertake climate change adaptation measures and disaster preparedness activities; pursue advocacy, monitoring and dat...
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20Mar2013PAGADIAN CITY, March 20 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense – Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (OCD-RDRRMC) in coordination with the Department of Education conducted on Friday its 1st Quarter School-Based Tsunami and Earthquake Drill at Sta. Lucia National High School, this city. An estimated 800 high school students and faculty members participated in the drill. OCD-9 Regional Director and RDRRMC-9 chairperson Adriano D. Fuego said the activity aims to promote disaster ...
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20Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 20 (PIA) -- Half a million seedlings will be planted on two mountain ranges surrounding this city on June 29, 2013. Koronadal City environment officer Augustus Bretaña confirmed that for the Tree Growing Festival 3 (TGF 3) the city government has aimed at planting at least 500,000 seedlings in 2,000 hectares within Roxas and Quezon Mountain Ranges, sites of the first and second tree-growing festivals in 2...
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20Mar2013PALO, Leyte, March 20 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Eastern Visayas recommended the immediate slope stabilization and rehabilitation measures at the landslide- damaged area of Energy Development Corporation’s PAD 403 at Upper Mahiao, Barangay Lim-ao, Kananga, Leyte. This will serve as non-structural blockade to flooding during heavy rains and typhoons, aside from the construction of dikes, retaining walls, groins and break...
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20Mar2013MATI CITY, DAVAO ORIENTAL March 20 (PIA) -- Theirs is a story of exceptional courage, determination and strength in a time of overpowering grief, hardship and weariness. Survivors of the most monstrous typhoon Pablo nodded in agreement as the province’s chief executive Governor Corazon Malanyaon told them that they would “soon see the better days.” The Governor says the super typhoon Pablo tagged as one of the world’s deadliest “has brought out all the inner personal strength” th...
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20Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 20 (PIA) – A simultaneous clean-up of all adopted bodies of water in the region will highlight the celebration of World Water Day on March 22 in Eastern Visayas, the DENR-Environmental Management Bureau said. EMB Region 8 Director Leticia Maceda said eighteen (18) water bodies adopted by local government units, industries and non-government organization donor partners in at least 11 municipalities and cities in Eastern Visayas, will be the site of the clean-up acti...
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20Mar2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, March 20 (PIA6) -- Capiz is now ready for the hosting of the 2013 World Water Day celebration in Western Visayas. Information Officer Dante Arcangeles of the Metro Roxas Water District disclosed that their water utility here in cooperation with the Panay Water Districts General Managers’ Association (Panay-WDGMA) is all set to host this year’s National Water Caravan on March 22. He said that the caravan is an activity which is being organized by the Local Water Utiliti...
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19Mar2013DAVAO CITY, March 19 -- Originally aimed as back-up power generation plants, the power barges of Therma Marine are now operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week with rising demand for power coupled with thinning power supply in Mindanao. Therma Marine, a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power has two power barges moored off Nasipit in Agusan del Sur and in Maco in Compostela Valley- the two barges produce about 200 Mega Watts for the Mindanao Grid. About 23 electric cooperatives and distribution utilit...
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19Mar2013DUMAGUETE CITY, March 19 (PIA) -- Barangay Candau-ay, a flood-prone community in Dumaguete City is trained on camp management recently to become more disaster-resilient. Smart Communications, Inc. (Smart) and the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (CNDR) handled the training in a bid to build capacities of flood-prone communities to cope with disasters under Project Noah’s Ark. The barangay was one of those hardest-hit by Typhoon Sendong in 2011 with 911 households displaced by the typh...
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18Mar2013PARAÑAQUE CITY, March 18 (PIA) -- The Parañaque Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office’s (DRRMO) response capabilities recently received a welcome boost following approval of project grants for a Tsunami Early Warning System and a Compact Automated Weather Station for the city. According to the city government, the early warning system will be provided by the DOST-Philvolcs and the Advance Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) while the latter will come from the Aboitiz Group of C...
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18Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 18 (PIA) -- The City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) and the local government of Marikina will conduct a three-day training workshop between March 19 and 21 to increase the effectiveness of volunteers and quality of volunteer service to citizens and communities. The event, entitled, “Volunteer Management Systems Training Workshop,” will be for disaster volunteers from different non-government organizations (NGOs). The workshop also aims to discuss th...
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18Mar2013PROSPERIDAD, Agusan del Sur, March 18 - Typhoon Pablo victims received another donation from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) . Regional Director Ofelia Domingo of DOLE Caraga handed over recently to Governor Adolph Edward Plaza a check worth P577, 000 as livelihood assistance at the Provincial Governor’s Office here. Domingo said the amount is intended for Trento, Sta. Josefa, Veruela and Loreto towns as they were identified as the worst-affected municipalities in the province...
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18Mar2013LAOAG CITY, March 18 (PIA) - Government leaders and climate change experts have gathered for a conference-workshop to ensure that Ilocanos are better prepared for natural disasters caused by climate change. With the theme “Rise to the Challenge of Climate Change,” the event early this month is intended to adapt and operationalize the climate change provincial calendar. Last February 27, Gov. Imee R. Marcos issued Executive Order 149-13 creating and organizing a provincial task force on cl...
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17Mar2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has created municipal-based task forces to intensify the campaign against illegal logging in various parts of the country. Forester Constante Espiritu, Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer(CENRO) of this town said the creation of the Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF) was formed last year in the 15 local government units in this province to help the agency in curbing illega...
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16Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 16 -- Eighteen wood processing plants (WPPs) in Davao del Norte have forged an agreement with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to fund seedling production and establishment of 210 hectares of commercial tree plantations in the province in support of the National Greening Program (NGP). In a report to Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, DENR-Region 11 Executive Director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada said the wood processing plan...
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15Mar2013CEBU CITY, March 15 (PIA) -- About 377 barangays covering 17 cities and municipalities in Central Visayas are up for a detailed geohazard assessment and mapping in a zoom-in scale of 1:10,000 this year. Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-7) regional director Loreto Alburao said, this is an ongoing priority program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) with a budget of P2.65 million that is in line with President Aquino’s Philippine Development Plan (PDP). It aims to i...
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14Mar2013DAVAO CITY, Mar 14 (PIA) -- The Environment Management Bureau Resources XI (EMB-XI) has organized today, March 14, the Davao River Water Quality Management Area Board that will oversee protection and improvement of the water quality of Davao River. The organization was based on the DENR Administrative Order No. 2013-04, aimed at protecting and improving the water quality of the Davao River to make it a sustaining resource for the people of the city. Speaking in the organizational meeting at ...
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14Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 14 (PIA) -- Various stakeholders in Eastern Visayas are scheduled to converge in the Robinsons Place on March 15 to sign a memorandum of agreement supporting the Earth Hour Commemoration in Eastern Visayas on March 23. The activity will be led by the JCI Candahug Liberation headed by its President JCI Member Clark Cabelin, and the World Wildlife Fund for Nature-Philippines. Among those expected to attend the MOA signing include representatives from the departments ...
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13Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 13 -- More schools and colleges with green practices can join the 2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools with the deadline for application reset on April 16. The search aims to raise awareness on environmental protection among students, teachers and their communities as well as encourage schools to hold environmental programs. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) pushed the extension of deadline ...
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13Mar2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, March 12 (PIA) -- Birdwatch Palawan Ornithological Society (BPOS) will be hosting “Colors Of Palawan” Photo Exhibit featuring stunning photographs of wildlife that depicts the beauty and natural hues of the last ecological frontier. The exhibit also aims to raise wildlife awareness and conservation. The event is scheduled on March 16-30 and is done in partnership with Eco-Education and Resources Center-HK, Eco-Discovery Travel and Tours and Robinsons Plac...
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12Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 12 -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is providing P41 million-rehabilitation assistance to high-value crops farmers in Compostela Valley province. DA regional director for Davao Region Remelyn Recoter in a statement said the assistance is part of the commitment of Secretary Proceso Alcala through the agency’s Task Force Alayon (cooperation) and High Value Crops Development Program (HVCDP) to immediately provide assistance to farmers and their families who were greatly ...
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11Mar2013QUEZON CITY, Mar 11 (PIA) -- Citing the recently released Socioeconomic Report (SER): 2010-2012, the National Economic Development Authority is now calling for the greater participation of Metro Manila local government units (LGUs) in improving waste disposal through the formulation of their respective Solid Waste Management (SWM) Plans. Based on the report, only nine or 52.94 percent out of the 16 cities and one municipality that comprise Metro Manila have submitted complete SWM plans. At the...
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11Mar2013TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, March 11 -- Women organizations from all over the province planted 1,000 mangrove seedlings at the town of Bacolod last March 8 in celebration of International Women’s Day. Among those who participated in the activity were policewomen from the provincial headquarters, members of the provincial gender and development committee, women’s groups from Magsaysay and Bacolod, members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), provincial employees, provincial board member...
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11Mar2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Mar 11 (PIA) -- The Office of the Civil Defense is giving a face to heroes of those who responded during times of disaster by recognizing individuals in the public and private sectors. More than 2,000 individuals in the Ilocos Region were recognized as “Bannuar ti Amianan (Heroes of the North)" in fitting ceremonies last March 1. The Bannuar ti Amianan, the OCD’s first project this year, was meant to honor people who supported and contributed in various disaste...
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11Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 11 (PIA) -- Local schools interested in joining the national search for sustainable and eco-friendly schools but have not yet filed their application for the competition have been given an extension, an official of the Environment Management Bureau (EMB)12, announced today. In a statement, EMB 12 acting regional director Ma. Socorro Lanto said, the deadline for the submission of entries for the nationwide search ...
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11Mar2013SIQUIJOR, March 11 (PIA)--The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Bureau of Fire Protection in Siquijor province joined the whole nation in celebrating once again the Fire Prevention Month. This year anchored on the theme: “Sunog at Sakuna ay Paghandaan, Kalikasan ay Pangalagaan ng Matamasa ang Pag-unlad ng Bayan.” The opening of event was a fun walk and parade last Friday (March 1) at 5:30 am. Another activity was the Poster Making Contest this a...
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10Mar2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Mar 10 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in the province of Southern Leyte conducted a three-day seminar-workshop on community-based hazard mapping and contingency planning in the identified barangays of the municipality of San Juan. OCD-Provincial Civil Defense Officer Marichu Tan reported that at least three barangays participated in the said activity that included barangays of San Jose, Sto. Niṅo, and Sta. Cruz, all of San Juan town, on March 5-7. Par...
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09Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 9 (PIA) --The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Region 10 is supporting the local government of Baliangao, Misamis Occidental in promoting Baliangao Protected Landscape and Seascape (BPLS) as an eco-tourism site. Located in barangays Tugas, Misom, Sinian and Landing, the 299.9 hectare protected area thrives with 21 species of mangroves with Bakauan dominant in the said area. It has a 75 hectare marine sanctuary which is home to 39 color...
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08Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 8 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s provincial government is enlisting schoolchildren in its activities for the re-greening of the upland areas. Engr. Siegfred Flaviano, acting chief of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO) said they have devised a scheme where schoolchildren could help in the reforestation program in the provinces’ Upper Valley area and receive school supplies in return. The initiati...
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08Mar2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, March 8 (PIA) -- Bohol farmers have interbred local upland rice with other local breeds to produce locally-organic rice resistant to climate change to gain more productive harvests. Dr. Marina Labonite, research for development director at the Bohol Island State University (BISU), disclosed that since 1998, farmers and non-government organizations here have bred more than 200 organic rice “accessions” in the search for the most suitable breed fitting the challenges o...
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08Mar2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 8 (PIA) -- A hundred of young environmentalists and media practitioners converged in a mission to produce wildlings or seedlings that grow wild in the forests, for a reforestation project in a watershed and protected landscape area in the municipality of Penablanca, Cagayan on February 9. The activity was organized in collaboration with the Informers Club (i-Club) of Cagayan, a media organization here, and the Bible Readers Society (Bread) in partnership with the Metropol...
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08Mar2013TAGUM CITY, March 8 -- The Catholic Relief Services (CRS) recommended the re-education of communities affected by Typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental, especially when it comes to water treatment methods. “A very big majority of the beneficiaries source their drinking water from deep well through jetmatic pumps and springs so there is a need to re-educate them on proper water treatment methods,” CRS Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) Coordinator Lucille Isnani said. The CRS conducted a KAP or...
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07Mar2013VIRAC, Catanduanes, March 7 (PIA) -- The Office of Student Services (OSS) of the Catanduanes State University (CSU) led the early morning clean-up drive on February 27. The activity, also joined by the Federated College Supreme Council, Student Body Organizations, the NSTP class, and other student groups, formed part of the SUPER or Students Undertaking Projects for Environmental Regeneration. OSA lists several student organizations whose main mission is geared towards environmental protectio...
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07Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 10 reported that in 2012 the region planted 13,855 hectares (ha) of public lands to include mangrove forests, riverbank rehabilitation, and urban greening. The National Greening Program (NGP) of the Aquino administration is a vehicle of government to enhance the country’s forest stock to absorb carbon dioxide largely blamed for global warming. This massive forest rehabilitation program seeks ...
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07Mar2013NABUNTURAN, COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, March 7 -- The Water, Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) sector, headed by the Department of Health, has agreed on a set of sanitation indicators for the communities affected by Typhoon Pablo. “These indicators will help us ensure that the Pablo-affected communities who may be living in evacuation centers or occupying temporary learning centers have good sanitation practices,” Engineer Rex Labadia of the DOH said during Tuesday’s WASH meeting held in Na...
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06Mar2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 6 (PIA) -- The local government of Silay City through the Silay City Tourism Office will undertake an intensive advocacy on “Commit to Change” by switching off lights from 8:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. on March 23. This is in coordination with the League of Barangays, Friends of Tourism, non-government organizations and the Department of Education. The advocacy is Silay City government’s contribution to the Earth Hour Global Switch-Off Program on March 23. Mayor Jose...
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06Mar2013LOS BANOS, Laguna, Mar. 6 (PIA) --Project HaNDA, a local, wide-area coverage information system for disaster notification, has caught the attention of developers of Project NOAH. Developed by DOST IV-A in 2010 as an infosys in support of RA 10121, known as the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, Project HaNDA boasts of wide-area information dissemination and feedback functionalities. The moniker translates to Hazard Notification, Dissemination, and Awareness. HaNDA ca...
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06Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 6 (PIA) -- After more than two months of operations in Compostela Valley, Task Force Alayon has completed land preparations for 607.65 hectares of farmlands in areas most hit by Typhoon Pablo in December last year. On Friday, TF Alayon held an exit conference in Nabunturan town to report their accomplishments to ComVal Gov. Arturo Uy, local officials, and other stakeholders before they finally go back to their ...
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06Mar2013HINGYON, Ifugao, Mar. 6 (PIA) -- Barangay folks, policemen and volunteers planted recently 300 ipil ipil trees in Mount Atugo here. Joma Umingli, a volunteer, said the tree planting which is in support to President Aquino’s National Greening Program (NGP), was led by Vice Mayor Marcos Bantiyan and barangay captain Johnny Binwag. Umingli said Hingyon is considered as one of the landslide prone areas in the province and the activity also aims to help prevent soil erosion and at the same...
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06Mar2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 2 is set to start the second level of assessment and evaluation of local government units (LGUs) to obtain the seal of disaster preparedness. Marydine Cambri, focal person on the seal of disaster preparedness, said that last year there were 47 LGUs that were enlisted as pilot areas for the first level assessment and evaluation for the seal. She said the towns are those that were categorized as high...
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06Mar2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, March 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) based at Echague town said that the recurrence of northeast monsoon is bringing light to moderate rains in Isabela. PAGASA Weather Specialist Ramil Tuppil said that the northeast monsoon usually occurs from December to February but sometimes extended up to first half of March. The remaining half of March will bring about the tail of the cold front or a ridge of high ...
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05Mar2013KORONADAL, South Cotabato, March 5 (PIA) -- Governance principles of transparency, accountability, and participatory are taking stage in the formulation and eventual implementation of Forest Land Use Plans ( FLUP). The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 here recently gathered at least 65 officials of local government units of Banga, Tantangan, Polomolok, Tupi, and Tampakan towns as well as Koronadal city for an orientation of the FLUP. To...
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05Mar2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, March 5 (PIA) -- Tuguegarao City Archbishop Sergio Utleg lauded the authors of the book, “Earthsavers Viewpoint,” for coming up with the book's second edition after it was launched in 2010. The book contains news write ups, opinions, observations and many suggestions for the public to protect Mother earth. Archbishop Utleg, once Isabela Bishop, earned support from Isabelinos because of his adamant fight against illegal logging when he was still in the province. ...
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05Mar2013MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, March 5 (PIA) -- Big, fluffy, blue-gray eyed hawk-owls were sighted by researchers in this volcanic island paradise at the northern tip of Mindanao. It is the only one of its kind. At night, it gives a long solo hoot that builds in intensity, with a distinctive low growling tone to attract mates or defend their territory. Pairs of these owls often do short barking duets (rapid yapping) that always starts with a growl. Recordings and observations made by scientists from the...
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05Mar2013DAVAO CITY March 5 (PIA) -- The lives of two Philippine Eagles are being streamed online as part of a global awareness project for the endangered avian species. Dennis Salvador, executive-director of the Philippine Eagle Foundation said that the project aims to present the Philippine Eagle on a global scale. Salvador said that little has been known of the raptor internationally which is listed as critically endangered. The set-up involves placing video cameras on a cage containing two breeding...
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05Mar2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, March 5 (PIA) -- The E.B.Magalona National High School has implemented a project called “Clean as You Go (CLAY-GO)” to instill proper waste disposal practices in the school. The objective of the project is to implement and manage an integrated Solid Waste Management System, which includes the use of model trash bins from recycled plastics and a materials recovery facility, a school statement said. Emilie Santos Diaz, head, values education department, said the CLAY-GO e...
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04Mar2013NAGA CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology in Bicol Region (DOST-5) and the Libmanan Pulantuna Planters Federation, Inc. (LPPFI) recently inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) in support of the implementation of the project, “Development of Hybrid Weather Monitoring System and Production of Weather and Rain Automated Stations.” The project is the main component of the Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards, popularly called Project NOAH. The partnership is i...
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04Mar2013MAMBAJAO, Camiguin, March 4 (PIA) -- The Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) has taken a closer look into the management and operations of the Mt. Timpoong-Hibok-Hibok Natural Monument. It is a multi-sectoral body responsible for the administration and management of all protected areas such as the Timpoong-Hibok-hibok Natural Monument which was declared a protected area in 2004 under Presidential Proclamation 570. PAMB, together with the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (...
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04Mar2013BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA) -- The Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chaired by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) and vice-chaired by four agencies, such as the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for Disaster Preparedness, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for Disaster Prevention and Mitigation, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for Disaster Response and the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) for ...
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04Mar2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- The Environment Management Bureau (EMB) Region 2 has urged the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) to incorporate climate change adaptation subjects to tertiary courses curriculum. Regional Climate Change Coordinator Romeo Fragata said that climate change is one of the pressing issues worldwide that need to be addressed to mitigate its effect to human and the environment. Fragata said several moves have been initiated by different groups and organizations to...
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04Mar2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, March 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment and Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) 12 is engaging communities for a more sustained protection of the Bulok Creek. Bulok Creek, which cuts through the city’s commercial center and traverses at least seven barangays here, is considered a very important water body in Koronadal City. It is a pilot water body for the implementation of the agency...
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04Mar2013ILOILO CITY, Mar. 4 (PIA6) -- Involving the mining sector in the National Greening Program (NGP) and in the preparation of the geohazard map can speed up work on environmental protection and rehabilitation. This is part of its public-partnership according to Mines and Geosciences Bureau-6 Director Leo Van Juguan. The MGB-6 held recently a meeting with the mining contractors and permit holders in Western Visayas to enjoin their support and participation in the NGP and in the completion of the...
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04Mar2013SORSOGON CITY, March 4 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Sorsogon and municipal governments of Irosin and Juban entered into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Deutsche Gesellschaft Fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) for a flood warning project along Cadac-an river stretching in two towns in the second district of Sorsogon. Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (SPDRRMO) chief Raden Dimaano said the agreement seeks to empower local governments and commun...
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04Mar2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, March 4 (PIA) -- The Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO)-Isabela launched today the second edition of the book titled “Earthsavers Viewpoint”, a compendium of environmental issues and concerns. The book contains selected -lingual news, editorials and views of writers from PENRO and from the Isabela monthly newsletter “Kalikasan Updates” and compiled into a book. “The Earthsavers Viewpoint, Second Edition, book came into reality due to th...
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04Mar2013QUEZON CITY, March 4 -- A greener Pasig river. This is what government hopes to achieve as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) partnered with the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) to embark on a P50-million mangrove-planting project along the banks of one of Metro Manila’s most important waterways. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje and PRRC Chair Regina Paz Lopez formalized this partnership to plant mangroves along the banks of a 19-kilometer stretch of the Pa...
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04Mar2013TUBOD, Lanao del Norte, March 4 -- A fuel tanker truck containing 18 thousand liters of petroleum products overturned in the capital town of Tubod last February 27, blocking the main street of the community. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) immediately dispatched a response team to assess the accident around 2 a.m. Standard operating procedures and protocols in handling hazardous and volatile materials were strictly observed by emergency responders to stabilize ...
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03Mar2013CEBU, March 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environment Management Bureau (DENR7-EMB) through the Regional Inter-Agency Steering Committee on Environmental Education (RIASCEE-7) in Central Visayas plans to initiate an advocacy campaign on how to secure sustainability of safe water and air in the region. DENR 7 regional executive director Isabelo Montejo said the EMB-7 and the RIASCEE-7 are tasked to develop strategies and action implementation plans integratin...
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02Mar2013KANANGA, Leyte, March 2 (PIA) -- Five workers were confirmed dead while nine others remain missing after they were buried when a landslide occurred at the vicinity of the road leading to PAD 403 of the EDC Complex at Sitio Upper Mahiao, Barangay Lim-ao, Kananga, Leyte. Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Chairman Rey Gozon, who immediately rushed to the scene of the accident, said the construction workers of First Balfur/Aradaza Corporation were working on a riprap or slope ...
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02Mar2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, March 2 (PIA) -- The multi-partite protection and law enforcement of the Iponan river watershed was formally kicked off on Thursday with the signing of the memorandum of agreement (MOA). The MOA stipulates the immediate stoppage of all illegal and destructive mining and other resources extractive activities within the watershed. It further dictates the review of compliance to Environmental Compliance Certificate, including the terms and conditions, issued by the Environm...
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02Mar2013BUTUAN CITY, Mar. 2 (PIA) -- Local chief executives, heads and representatives of government agencies, and other partner stakeholders convened on Thursday at the Almont Hotel's Inland Resort, this city to witness the launching of the Caraga Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (RDRRM) Plan 2013-2017. The activity was led by the RDRRMC chaired by Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga Regional Director Blanche Gobenciong. Gobenciong said the Caraga DRRM Plan contains four thematic are...
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01Mar2013LEGAZPI CITY, March 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol has tasked the Ecosystem Research and Development Service (ERDS) to produce some 1.2 million indigenous tree seedlings for the implementation of the National Greening Program’s (NGP) this year. Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales said the measure will complement on the national target of planting 25 million native trees in the course of the greening program. “We are abiding with the...
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01Mar2013BAYOG, Zamboanga del Sur, Feb. 28 (PIA) - - “Glupa Gulian,” which was once an open pit dumpsite, is now called a paradise. Situated on a hilly portion of Sitio Quibranza, Barangay Kahayagan, some five kilometers away from the municipal seat of government and commercial center of this town, this dumpsite has metamorphosed into an agro-tourism park now frequented by visitors from other towns, cities, and provinces. Glupa Gulian is a Subanen term which means “land of paradise,” as “glup...
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01Mar2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, March 1 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here encourages the public to continue supporting the National Greening Program (NGP) of government. In an announcement aired in the radio program “PIA hour” the DENR said that their office is accepting interested participants for NGP implementation within its area of jurisdiction. The program aims to address poverty, food security, protection and resource conservation, productivity enhancement, c...
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01Mar2013KALIBO, Aklan, March 1 (PIA6) -- Carrying or clutching glass bottles while walking along Boracay Island’s 7 kilometer-stretch of white beach will soon be a thing of the past. This, with the recent approval of Municipal Ordinance No. 319 – “An Ordinance Prohibiting the Carrying or Clutching of Glass Bottles of any Beverage in the Beaches of Boracay Island and Prescribing Penalties Thereof”. The ordinance was sponsored by Malay SB Member Ezel Flores, and would apply to all kinds or var...
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01Mar2013TAGUM CITY, March 1 -- The Musikahan Festival held in the city from February 19 to 24, was able to raise P110,000 based on the initial assessment of the organizers. “The Festival was able to get more than P100,000 in pledges alone during the festivity,” Tagum City Information Officer Cromwell Bonghanoy said. He added that the donation boxes alone, which were placed in strategic locations during the nightly concerts, raised P10,000 in cash. Bonghanoy said this year’s Musikahan sa Tagum Fe...
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01Mar2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, March 1 (PIA) -- A seminar on Fuel Efficiency and Conservation in Driving intended for public utility drivers, fleet drivers, and operators and LGU drivers was conducted on February 28 at the UP Tacloban College. The organizers ran the seminar in two batches with 100 participants per batch, said Professor Adeline A. Pacia, deputy executive director of the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center. The seminar was held from 8 a.m. to 12 noon for the first b...
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28Feb2013CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Calabarzon is preparing to rehabilitate 22,326 hectares of public forest in 2013 which will form part of the total regional target of 102,560 hectares to be accomplished by 2016. The rehabilitation includes 900 hectares in Cavite, 1,300 in Laguna, 1,000 in Batangas, 8,300 in Rizal, 10,800 hectares in Quezon and the 26 hectares target of the regional office located in Quezon and Calauan, Laguna. R...
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28Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 28 (PIA) -- The production of craft-door panels, shelves, wood tiles, and other wood products in Lanao del Norte has shifted totally to utilizing bamboo as raw material. Under Executive Order 23 signed by President Aquino in 2011, it declares a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of timber in the natural and residual forests and creating the anti-illegal logging task force. According to Irwin Jayson Jamaca of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Lanao del N...
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28Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb 28 (PIA) -- Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer (PENRO) Arthur Salazar, shared his thoughts about forest protection saying, that protecting the forest is everybody’s business and not exclusively theirs at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR). He said this in the open forum yesterday, during the 8th Eastern Samar Peace and Development Forum, (ESPDF), in his straight forward answer to an obvious charge of DENR’s incapa...
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27Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- President Aquino commended the efforts of the residents in Cagayan de Oro City to recover from the tragic experience brought about by Typhoon Sendong last December 2011 in his visit to the Xavier Ecoville-Xavier University Resettlement Site at Barangay Lumbia here. “Ngayon ho talagang nakikita natin pabangon na kayo nang pabangon at saka pero nagbibigay sigla ho sa amin ‘yung kasiglahan niyo. Talagang palaban, talaga hong hindi tayo patatalo maski ano...
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27Feb2013PATIN-AY, Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- One person died by drowning while 49,073 persons or 10,599 families were affected by the recent floods that hit Agusan del Sur since last week due to continuous rains, according to partial report by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office here. Iped Manligayan, a four-year-old boy from San Luis, died by drowning, while consolidated partial report from six municipalities reveal that 45 barangays were affected. As of Fe...
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27Feb2013CASTILLA, Sorsogon Feb 27 (PIA) -- A sea turtle locally known as “pawikan” measuring 29 inches length and 27 inches width was caught by a fisherman and brought to the 903rd Brigade headquarters on Friday, February 22. 903rd Bde Spokesperson Capt. Mardjorie Paimela P. Panesa, said The turtle was brought to the headquarters by Eugene I. Gilliam, a Bantay-Dagat member, who also reported that it was seen captured by a certain, Welard Camata, a fisherman in the same town. “Immediately, we rep...
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27Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Families affected by recent flooding in nine villages in Kabacan, North Cotabato have already returned to their homes. Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer Susan Macalipat said that last Saturday, villagers came back to their homes after the water level of Pulangi River has subsided. However, Macalipat emphasized that these families are still in need of food and clean water. At the height of flooding last week, about 3,50...
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27Feb2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Feb.27 (PIA) -- Environment authorities appealed to midterm election candidates in Central Luzon to mind their garbage and avoid nailing campaign materials on trees. “Candidates should stick to environment-friendly campaigning to ensure clean and orderly elections in the coming polls” said Department of Environment and National Resources Regional Executive Director Maximo Dichoso. He said well-meaning candidates and their supporters, even as they run on en...
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27Feb2013BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 27 (PIA) - - The Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (EMB- DENR) Cordillera Regional Office, headed by OIC Regional Director Oscar Cabanayan, reiterated their call to the public to properly segregate their waste and help address our growing concern on garbage which pose dangers to the environment and the health of the people. Over 12 years since the passage of Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of ...
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27Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) hopes to welcome students of typhoon-Pablo stricken areas in Compostela Valley and in Davao Oriental in regular classrooms by June 2013. “The Department has already shelled out P1 billion for the rehabilitation of damaged classrooms in the provinces hit by Pablo,” DepEd spokesperson Jenielito Atillo said. Atillo said they are doing everything to make sure that before school year 2013 to 2014 starts, all classrooms in the said ...
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27Feb2013GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Feb 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways in Eastern Visayas (DPWH-8) has introduced the planting of peanut grass or “mani-mani” on mountain slopes along the national roads to control soil erosion. Planting mani-mani may prevent possible landslides that may block the roads during a heavy downpour, said Rolando Asis, DPWH director. Asis disclosed that a seven-kilometer stretch of Daang Maharlika, also known as Pan-Philippine Highway, along ...
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27Feb2013TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 27 - The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) in Surigao del Sur distributed relief goods to victims of typhoon “Pablo” in the various barangays of Lingig, this province recently. About 1,500 households comprising of three (3) barangays (Tagpoporan, Bong-gan and Barcelona) were extended of the help not only the affected agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) but as well as the residents of the said barangays. Donations came from DAR Caraga 13, DAR Region ...
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27Feb2013CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Feb. 27 (PIA) -- Forest protection operatives from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-Laguna and members of the composite Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (Oplan Berde) continue to scour the Sierra Madre mountain range in Kalayaan, Laguna in search for illegal logging activities in the area. Illegal logging activities were confirmed in an aerial surveillance done earlier which positively identified their exact locations. Forester Emiliano Leviste, ...
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26Feb2013KALIBO, Aklan, February 26 (PIA6) -- The municipality of Malay will soon be plastic-free. Business establishments in the municipality of Malay, including those in Boracay Island, will be prohibited from selling and providing plastic bags to consumers as secondary packaging materials on wet goods; selling and providing plastic bags to consumers as primary packaging material on dry goods; and selling and providing Styrofoam/styrophor as containers. This after the Malay Sangguniang Bayan approve...
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26Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb 26 (PIA) -- An officer of the Department of Social Welfare and Development XI has remained steadfast in its stand not to release the 10,000 sacks of rice being demanded by Barug Katawhan, a coalition of progressive organizations allegedly for the survivors of typhoon Pablo as long as the group does not comply with the list of beneficiaries. Priscilla Razon, director of the DSWD XI issued the statement even as several boxes of foodstuff were allegedly looted by members of the Bar...
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26Feb2013CATEEL, Davao Oriental, Feb. 26 -- The United States Government has donated 2.1 million kilos of rice for the typhoon-stricken provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley to help feed thousands of families affected by typhoon Pablo. US Ambassador to the Philippines, Harry K. Thomas, Jr. personally handed over the rice donation at the Cateel Typhoon Response Hub last February 20, which will be channeled through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) for fair and transpare...
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26Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA6) – The local government of Guimaras and the Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA) has embarked on a research project to strengthen the disaster prevention and management efforts in the province. The research project aims to promote disaster prevention through critical habitat conservation, Leny Fible, Guimaras information officer, said in a statement. Duration is from February to end of 2014. Fible said the Korean team will lead in the conduct of a...
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26Feb2013BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 26 (PIA) - - The city government is committed to planting more trees under the National Greening Program (NGP) and is serious in bringing back the pine trees of Baguio. In a recent Ugnayan at the City Hall, Mayor Mauricio Domogan said that they are serious in increasing the existing volume of pine trees in the city in efforts to bring back the scent of pine trees that used to be an indication while travelling along Kennon Road or Marcos Highway that one ha...
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26Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb 26 (PIA) -- Unreliable automated devices that monitor water-river levels, volume of rain, and weather station, will now be a thing of the past. Personnel from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) are now going around the province to update to satellite signals all automated rain gauges (ARGs), water/ river sensors, and the weather station based in Maasin City assured Dominador Clavejo, engineer and DOST director. ARG stations monitor the volume of r...
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26Feb2013TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 26 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council of region 10 (RDC-X) has endorsed the proposal to designate a Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) in the water systems of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental and Bukidnon. Designating a WQMA enables the formulation of focused interventions or actions that are designed to address specific water quality issues of the area, thus ensuring that Republic Act No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 is enforce...
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25Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), on Thursday, assured that enough funds and relief supplies are in place for the victims of typhoon ‘Crising.’ Social Welfare and Development Secretary Dinky Soliman said that P15.84 million in standby funds, P10.45 million in family food packs, and P42.44 million worth of relief supplies were prepositioned in the DSWD Field Offices 4-B, 9, 10, 11, 12, CARAGA and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao...
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25Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 25 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is pushing for a different brand of tourism promotion in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT) to rehabilitate and protect the country’s environment while luring visitors. Called “voluntourism,” from the words volunteer and tourism, Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje in a statement said this campaign is envisioned to stir the Filipinos’ bayanihan spirit to help rebuild the environment, especially in a...
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25Feb2013BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- SM City Baguio officials joined by city government heads and celebrity guests, marked the planting of the 30,000th tree in support of the National Greening Program (NGP) within the mall premises in the heart of Baguio last Wednesday. The “Green Road to 50,000” photo exhibit was also opened inside the mall featuring photos during their tree planting activities in the city and surrounding communities. As they marked the 30,000th tree they have pla...
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25Feb2013SIQUIJOR. Feb 25 (PIA)—The Provincial Organic Agriculture Board (POAB) with its Technical Working Committee (TWC) is conducting a series of forums and information caravans to all municipalities and schools in Siquijor Island. This is to effectively implement and give more priority to the mandate of RA 10068, also known as Organic Agriculture Act, says the POAB. The POAB headed by provincial agriculturist Arturo Pacatang saw the need to bring the law to the municipal and school levels. The ...
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25Feb2013PILI, Camarines Sur, Feb. 25 (PIA) -- The Provincial Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and local DRRMCs in cities and municipalities in Camarines Sur completed Friday the six-day training on disaster risk reduction with emphasis on utilization of Rapid Earthquake Damage Assessment System or REDAS. Camarines Sur headed the training aimed at equipping provincial and municipal officers, particularly those directly involved in disaster risk reduction programs and technical know-how on ...
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25Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 25 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has created a one-stop web page that contains all data on the state of the country’s environment and natural resources in one place. A statement from the DENR said the site is called the Environment and Natural Resources Statistics Information Systems (ENRSIS), – http://enrsis.denr.gov.ph/ – . It is a centralized database online destination that provides an integrated information bank on current environme...
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24Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 24 -- In a bid to fast-track debris clearing in areas affected by Typhoon Pablo, nearly six million damaged coconut trees in Davao Oriental will be utilized as coco lumber, construction materials, handicraft and furniture. This is a move also seen to accelerate rehabilitation and provide livelihood opportunities for 21,000 affected families, a statement from the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) said. “The damaged coconut trees hamper our relief and rehabilitation effor...
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23Feb2013BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Feb. 23 (PIA) - - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Provincial Office conducted here, a two-day workshop in order to craft the 2014 Provincial Climate Change Mitigation and Adaptation Plan (PCCMAP), using the Bottoms-up Budgeting (BuB) approach. Some 50 participants from local government units (LGUs), national government agencies (NGAs), and civil society organizations (CSOs) attended the said workshop. The output, which was the PCCMAP,...
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22Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 22 (PIA) -- Over 3,500 families in Kabacan town in North Cotabato were forced to seek refuge to higher grounds after the Pulangi River broke its banks in the area. Municipal social welfare and development officer Susan Macalipat said, Pulangi River started to spill over along the area of Barangays Kayaga and Salapungan on Wednesday morning, following heavy rains in parts of Bukidnon province on Tuesday, at the ...
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22Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- To drumbeat the National Year of Rice observance, the National Food Authority (NFA) Misamis Oriental provincial office is conducting “Ugnayan” activities to various palay/corn farmers organizations. The Ugnayan project, according to NFA, aims to inform farmers on the procurement activities of NFA, specifically, on the government support price for corn and rice. NFA said this will ensure market for farmers’ produce and enable a fair return on producti...
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22Feb2013GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Feb 22 (PIA) -- Two days of incessant rain brought flooding and landslides in Eastern Visayas on February 20. A major landslide was reported by the Department of Public Works and Highways Region 8 to have occurred at 10:30 p.m. of February 20, along the Taft-Borongan Highway particularly in Barangay del Remedios, Sulat, Eastern Samar, causing the blockade of the road by about 6,000 cubic meters of debris. DPWH equipment and crew were immediately dispatched to th...
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22Feb2013MAKATI CITY, Feb 22 (PIA) - - The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) opened, Wednesday, to public its “Shake, Rattle and Learn House.” The house is an earthquake-learning facility with an earthquake simulator to train rescue personnel and educate the public about earthquake and its effects. MMDA Chairman Tolentino said, “To better understand earthquake and be prepared for it, we have to experience what it feels like. Shake, Rattle and Learn House will help raise the public...
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22Feb2013OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) in Ozamiz City has relocated the Guimad Elementary School, 1.3 km. southeast of its former location for the safety of the schoolchildren. The move was prompted by a geohazard assessment done on the school site located in Purok 1, Barangay Guimad by a team from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 10 led by supervising geologist Osin Sinsua...
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22Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb 22 (PIA) -- A family of inventors formally launched today the first bio-medical waste treatment facility at the landfill in Barangay Carmen, Davao City. Roderick Dayot, co-founder of RAD Green Solutions, said their machines will use pyroclave technology in disinfecting infectious medical wastes disposed by hospitals and health centers. He said using the novel technology of exposing the wastes to heat energy without burning them, medical wastes can be reduced to its simplest for...
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22Feb2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Feb. 22 (PIA) -- The Research Development and Extension (RD and E) programs of the Kalinga Apayao State College (KASC) should set their goals on studies preserving food and natural resources to mitigate the effects of climate change especially in the food chain. Rex Navarro, Communication Director of the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi-AridTropics (ICRISAT), stressed during the Capability Enhancement on Project Development and Resource Generation sem...
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22Feb2013DAVAO ORIENTAL, Feb.22 (PIA XI)- The Bayanihan Spirit prevailed among Filipinos abroad who pulled their resources together to help the victims of typhoon Pablo in Davao Oriental. ZAMNAC (Zamboanga Del Norte Association of California), a group of Zamboanga natives residing in California, USA, turned over to the Provincial Government of Davao Oriental a total of 13 boxes of medicines and medical supplies for the three severely-hit municipalities in the province namely Boston, Cateel and Baganga. ...
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21Feb2013The scene was like straight out from a movie---except that it wasn't cinematic fiction, it was real. As onrushing water held them captive - Rogelio Saging held tight his 3-year-old special child while his child, Rudyard, a third year high school student, followed close behind. The current was so strong, the water heavy with silt, gravel, boulders and clumps of fallen trees that they almost lost their hope of surviving. And then the unthinkable happened, he and his wife Violeta saw with their ...
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21Feb2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Feb 14 (PIA) -- The town of Jagna proved quite clearly that there is money in garbage, and a bigger promise for keeping its people responsible for whatever wastes they dispose irresponsibly. A port town sitting next to a largely bio-diverse marine highway, Jagna leaders insist that their wastes must not go to the sea which could harm marine mammals and their rare marine treasures. By putting up a recycling program and instilling in their kids an ingenious way of conv...
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21Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb 21 (PIA) -- A local rescuer drowned as he tried to save residents trapped in rampaging waters during flash floods that occurred Thursday dawn, Feb. 21, in Barangay Sampao, Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Nelson Jeminez, 40, a member of the Marilag rescue group, was found dead in a nearby packing plant minutes after the rope he was clinging on snapped. Fourteen houses were also totally destroyed and 26 houses partially damaged in nearby Barangay Sto. Nino, Talaingod town, when the...
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21Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb. 21 -- The Davao del Norte Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) is presently conducting an assessment of the actual state of its forest land. “Out of the 346,280 total land area of the province, up to 46.5 percent or 160,833 hectares are forested land,” PENRO officer-in-charge Brigida Q. Cudal said. Of the total land area, 53.5 percent or 185,447 are classified as alienable and disposable land. Cudal said they have sought the assistance of the Munic...
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21Feb2013CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela, Feb 21 (PIA) -- The National Irrigation Administration – Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MRIIS) called on rice farmers to use irrigation waters wisely especially now that the agency is implementing rotational water release. The rotational water release is a measure seen by the MRIIS to ensure continuous supply of water on rice fields until the harvesting season. Engr. Mariano Dancel made the call on farmers to share water resources with other farmers. ...
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21Feb2013LAGAWE, Ifugao Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The provincial local government unit (PLGU) here signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Energy (DOE) for the implementation of the Likud Mini-hydro Power Plant project located at Barangay Haliap in Asipulo town. The project seeks to contribute to diversifying energy and reducing gas emissions by using domestic renewable energy by developing untapped hydropower potentials in the province. It also aims to maintain and improve the quality of l...
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21Feb2013BUTUAN CITY, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- A total of 1,824 families or 8,695 persons have evacuated here during the onslaught of tropical depression “Crising” the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)-Caraga reported on Thursday. In a report submitted to the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), Loren Catedral of the OCD who is also the duty officer of the council, said these families came from 15 different barangays located along the river banks in the city who were affected after ...
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21Feb2013CEBU CITY, February 21 (PIA) -- Over 500 youths from all over the Visayas Region will gather on Tuesday, February 26 in Cebu for the ‘Greeneration Summit-Visayas.’ The event is a gathering for youth empowerment that aims to raise the consciousness of today’s generation on the causes and impact of climate change. Sec. Lucille Sering of the Climate Change Commission (CCC) will lead the one-day event and will brief the youths on ‘Understanding Climate Change and Its Impact on the Youth....
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21Feb2013OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 21 (PIA) -- The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) effected a voluntary pre-emptive evacuation relative to Typhoon "Crising" at 3 p.m. last February 19. Residents in at least seven flood-prone areas of the city were alerted through local radio stations and public address system using megaphones of the impending landfall of Typhoon "Crising" in nearby Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur which was supposed to take place from 6 p.m. to 7...
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20Feb2013OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 20 (PIA) --The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Ozamiz City Station has given at least two sea vessels the clearance to sail to their respective destinations, today, Feb. 20. This, after the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has lifted the Storm Signal No. 1 it hoisted in Misamis Occidental due to Typhoon Crising, as of 5:00 a.m., this morning. These vessels, MV Trans Asia bound for Cebu City and 2GO bound f...
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20Feb2013NABUNTURAN, Compostela Valley, Feb 20 (PIA) -- The National Government Secretaries comprising the National Task Force Pablo arrived in Nabunturan for a meeting and briefing at the Compostela Valley Provincial Capitol on February 15, together with the provincial team headed by Governor Arturo T. Uy, Congresswoman Maria Carmen Zamora, Congressman Rommel Amatong, and Vice Governor Ramil L. Gentugaya. Also present also were Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) members, mayors, heads of national line agen...
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20Feb2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Feb 20 (PIA) -- To further increase the foliage for the greening program of the national government and to meet its target up to 2016, the Department of Environmental and Natural Resources in Region 2 (DENR-2) in targeting 14, 532 hectares of land to be planted with 7.36 million seedlings of different species of trees all over Region 2. The target is almost thrice bigger than the target of 5, 995 hectares and even the actual accomplishments of 6, 776.56 hectares with 3.29 mill...
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20Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb. 20 -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has declared three puroks in Barangay Mambing in New Corella in Davao del Norte Province as no-habitation zones after a landslide occurred in the said areas on Saturday, February 17. “We will no longer allow the evacuated families to come back to their old residences as it is no longer safe for them,” Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) Executive Officer Sonio Sanchez said Tuesday. The safety of Puroks...
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19Feb2013KIANGAN, Ifugao, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- With the advent of the summer season, the mayor here is pushing for the creation of Task Force "Danum”(water) in anticipation of water shortage problem. Mayor Joselito Guyguyon recently issued an executive order creating the task force to rationalize water distribution to households with the approaching summer months expected to greatly reduce the volume of water. Many festivals are celebrated during summer and tourist arrivals peak. The Task Force will ensu...
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19Feb2013SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The 3rd Infantry Division together with the 301st Infantry and the 82nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army based in Miag-ao has entered into a partnership with the local government of Anini-y, southernmost municipality in the province of Antique. The partnership is in line with efforts to help restore the damaged coral reefs in Nogas Island in Anini-y, headed by Mayor Reynaldo Pollicar. The partnership was made possible with the assistance of the Dep...
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19Feb2013JHMC clarifies issue of tree cutting inside Camp John Hay BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 20(PIA) -- John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC) President Jamie Agbayani assured that the corporation is pro-environment and is committed to forest preservation as she clarified that the harvesting of 60 trees inside the former American rest and recreation facility is pursuant to existing rules. Agbayani, in a press conference here last Friday, attested that the trees were dead as classified by the JHMC Multipar...
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19Feb2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, February 19 (PIA) -- The partnership with the private sector has invigorated the “ Adopt-an-Estero” program of the Manila Bay Rehabilitation Project in Central Luzon. “Private industries adopted creeks and rivers where they initiated various activities to clean up these bodies of water” DENR Regional Director Maximo Dichoso said. In Pampanga, Coca-Cola Bottlers Inc. conducted two clean-up drives of the Saguin Creek in the City of San Fernando while San...
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19Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 19 (PIA)-- The race had been on for decades now on the reduction of carbon emissions and climate change mitigation. Before, it had the more technical name of ozone-depleting subtances and global warming. Led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and helped by government agencies like the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Department of Agriculture (DA) at the regional levels, initiatives are being continued in the implementation of program...
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19Feb2013TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Feb. 19 (PIA) -- The Tago River overflowed Tuesday morning, submerging the interior municipality of San Miguel, Surigao del Sur and also some barangays in Tago town. According to the Miguel local Disaster and Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) officer Charles Suhian, the river overflowed around 9 a.m. today, affecting more than five barangays in the area including Barangay Poblacion. Meanwhile, according to the press statement of the local DRRMC of Bislig, Tandag,...
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19Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Feb 19 (PIA) -- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) has begun various projects that will revive marine life in the Manila Bay area. In Central Luzon, BFAR Regional Director Remedios Ongtangco disclosed, “Around 1,351,300 propagules had been planted in 14 mangrove reforestation areas of Paombong, Obando, Meycuayan, and Bulakan in Bulacan; Sasmuan, Lubao, Minalin, and Masantol in Pampanga; and Abucay, Orion, Orani, Samal, Limay, and Balanga Cit...
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19Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb 19 (PIA) -- Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has declared the suspension of classes in eight municipalities in the province in view of tropical depression “Crising” which, according to the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa), was moving closer to the southern tip of Davao del Sur as of 11 a.m. Tuesday (Feb. 19). “The Governor has declared the suspension of classes only in the eight municipalities under the Dava...
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19Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb 19 (PIA) -- Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio ordered the suspension of classes from preschool to high school Tuesday due to bad weather brought about by tropical depression Crising. She also placed all rescue units run by the Emergency Response Center Central 911 and the barangays rescue groups on heightened alert due to the possible swelling of Davao River and other tributaries in the city and landslide on the highland areas. “Per Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomic...
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19Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb. 19 -- The response team of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) in Davao del Norte continues to be vigilant even as the water levels in the different tributaries in the province continue to rise. “The water levels in the different tributaries are gradually on the rise due to the continued rains,” PDRRMC Executive Officer Sonio Sanchez said. He said there is a noted swelling of the waters in Libuganon, Saub and other tributaries in the provinc...
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18Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA6) -- The government has stepped up its efforts to help in the ongoing search, rescue and retrieval operation for mine workers who remain missing as of this report, following a landslide at an open coal pit mine in Semirara, Caluya, Antique. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Region VI has collaborated with the 301st Brigade of the Philippine Army (PA) to deploy five K-9 sniffing dogs and seven of the Army unit’s personnel to the island to support the...
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18Feb2013TAGUM CITY-The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Center (PDRRMC) vowed to promote a culture of safety in the province to enable its residents to become resilient amid the onslaught of natural disasters in the province. The pronouncement came even as the PDRRMC officially launched “Oplan Andam” during the provincial employees’ regular Monday Convocation held at the Bulwagan Hall of the Provincial Capitol in Mankilam, this city. “We are officially launching Oplan Andam which ...
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18Feb2013COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- The poblacion areas of New Bataan town in Compostela Valley Province will suffer the same fate as the ill-fated Barangay Andap if another storm as strong as Pablo will again come, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman revealed in a meeting of Task Force Pablo held Friday at the Provincial Capitol of Compostela Valley. She, however, said that a place about 400 meters north of the Poblacion is safe for relocation of residents. Soliman b...
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18Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb 18 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), in Northern Mindanao, has advised the provincial/city/municipal and barangay DRRMCs to monitor the situation and undertake precautionary measures to mitigate potential adverse impacts of weather systems and climate event this February. Per Advisory of the National DRRMC in its Weather Outlook for February 2013, most climate models predict a near average to below average Sea Surface Tempera...
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18Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) - The Australian Center for International Agricultural Research (ACIAR), together with Ecosystems Research and Development Service-10 (ERDS-10), has started implementing the project dubbed Improving Watershed Rehabilitation Outcomes in the Philippines using a Systems Approach in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. The project aims to rehabilitate the Cabulig River Watershed in Claveria, Misamis Oriental. An assessment on the status of selected National Greening Progra...
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18Feb2013ANGELES CITY, Pampanga, Feb.18 (PIA) -- Angeles government has inked a memorandum of agreement with Department of Science and Technology (DOST) for the installation of an automatic rain gauge (ARG) that will help the city in its disaster preparedness capabilities. “The gauge will serve as an early warning device that can aid in the evacuation of residents," explained DOST Pampanga Director Mary Michelle Quiambao. Quiambao added, “Since Angeles is in a favorable location, it will be easie...
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18Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Hundreds of search and rescue (SaR) volunteers from different parts of Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 are expected to converge in Sarangani province for the second regional SaR summit. The four-day event, now called the 2013 Proficiency Test for the Search and Rescue Network XII (SarNet12), will start tomorrow, February 19. It will be held at Camp Brig. Gen. Hermenegildo Agaab (Headquarters of the 10...
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18Feb2013LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 18 (PIA) -- Thousands of advocates for the environment joined in a five-km brisk walk and tree-planting activity to celebrate the 7th year of the Lakad Tanim para sa Puso last February 14, Valentine’s Day. The advocates walked from the Philippine Air Force Camp in Barangay Bogtong up to Barangay Pawa before planting at least 3,000 seedlings of pine trees and “ipil-ipil” given by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Barangay Pawa, located at the ...
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17Feb2013SIQUIJOR, Feb 17 (PIA)—Assistance from the private and public sector continue to pour for the victims of typhoon Pablo that hit Siquijor island in December 2012. The Mercury Drug Foundation, Inc. donated 100 bags of 10kg. rice per bag for the Siquijor resident. “We have been monitoring the situation in areas affected by the recent typhoon and have decided to make donations of rice to the provinces declared under a state of calamity by the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Cou...
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17Feb2013LARENA, Siquijor, Feb 17 (PIA) -- The Philippine Army (PA) calls on young Siquijor residents to join the army and register for the examinations on March 2 at 8 a.m. at the Siquijor Capital Square, Siquijor, Siquijor. Army Recruitment Office-Visayas, Sgt. Wenceslao Cainglet, said this is the first time that the PA comes to Siquijor to offer the exam because it saw in the past, young residents had been coming to Manila to take the exam. "We want to help interested individuals from spending much f...
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17Feb2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Feb. 17 (PIA) – Officials of the city government of Tuguegarao have conducted a conference on environment and development to create awareness on the city’s susceptibility on disaster and to strengthen public preparedness. Mari Fe Agu-Villania, city planning coordinator, presented to hundreds of the city’s constituents the vulnerabilities of the city on typhoon, flooding and landslide. She said studies show that frequency of typhoons is increasing and the heat temperatur...
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15Feb2013DAET, Camarines Norte, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- A 30-hectare mangrove rehabilitation and maintenance project of the Camarines Norte Water District (CNWD) in Barangay Manguisoc in Mercedes town was declared mangrove sanctuary by the Sanguniang Panlalawigan (SP) here recently. Camarines Norte SP Resolution No. 357-2012 has adopted and confirmed the Municipal Ordinance No. 187-2012 of Sangguniang Bayan of Mercedes declaring Sitios Sagkadun and Libis of Barangay Manguisoc, Mercedes as a mangrove sanctuary ...
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15Feb2013BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation popularly known as PhilHealth turned 18 years, Thursday, and for its anniversary celebration, PhilHealth – Cordillera hosted a kapihan to report its 2012 accomplishments and updated the public on the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP). In 2012 , PhilHealth paid P1.016 billion for its members' in-patient benefit payments which included fees for service, surgical and medical case rates, as well as for overseas confi...
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15Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb.13 (PIA)-The Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management Service (PAWCZMS) of DENR 10 garnered 100 percent accomplishment of its target for 2012 for its two divisions: Protected Area Wildlife Division (PAWD) and the Coastal and Marine Management Division (CMMD). In her report to Regional Executive Director Ruth M. Tawantawan, Regional Technical Director of PAWCZMS disclosed that the Protected Area Wildlife Division (PAWD) remains steadfast in implementing the...
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15Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb 15 (PIA) -- An officer of the Tropical Disease Unit of the City Health Office urged households to be more serious in destroying breeding grounds of dengue-carrying-mosquitoes by cleaning their home and surroundings regularly amid changing weather condition. Elizabeth Banzon, public health nurse and head of the Tropical Disease Unit said the residents still need to improve the observation of the four o’clock habit which calls for regular cleaning inside and outside the houses...
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15Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Feb. 15 --The Education Cluster is now in the process of assessing the WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) requirements of around 163 Temporary Learning Spaces (TLS) in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. The TLS were set up as a response by the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Education Cluster, to the academic requirements of the children in areas affected by Typhoon Pablo, specifically where most schools have either been partially or totally damaged. D...
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14Feb2013PAGADIAN CITY, Feb 14 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Region 9 (DENR-9) and the local government of Labangan, Zamboanga del Sur recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Integrated Coastal Management (ICM) project in said municipality. The project aims to come up with an effective approach of a sustainable coastal and marine development with demonstrated benefits in enhancing economic growth, ecosystem protection, promotion of...
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14Feb2013TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Feb. 14 (PIA) --The United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has noted a huge gap in the distribution of water kits between the typhoon-Pablo affected municipalities in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Davao Oriental WASH Coordinator Burgess reported a gap of 5,985 water kits in the distribution of these materials in the province. Compostela Valley WASH Coordinator Jose Luis Diago however reported that in his area, there is a huge gap of 64,260 in the distribu...
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14Feb2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Feb. 14 (PIA) -- Mt. Kitanglad Range Natural Park in the province of Bukidnon and Mt. Malindang in the province of Misamis Occidental garnered good ratings in the management effectiveness study of ASEAN Heritage Parks (AHPs) conducted by Asean Centre for Biodiversity (ACB) last year. The ACB has declared 30 protected areas in the Asean region as Heritage Parks and four of those are from the Philippines, including Iglit-Baco in Region 4 and Mt. Apo National Park in Region...
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14Feb2013NEGROS OCC., Feb. 14 (PIA6) -- Buoyed by its last year’s tree planting output, accomplished before its target date, DENR Negros Occ. will further intensify its re-greening efforts this 2013 with a goal to plant more than P1.4 million seedlings, Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Officer Valentin Talavero said. In an interview, he disclosed the project entails a budget of P 34.5 million involving 2,824 ha of land in the province that they also hope to accomplish before year-end. D...
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13Feb2013COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- Partner agencies of the Program Monitoring and Coordination Center of the National Task Force Diwalwal (PMCC NTFD) are enjoined to use the remaining funds for 2012 activities to rehabilitate typhoon Pablo-affected areas within the Diwalwal Mineral Reservation Area (DMRA). Agencies are called to put in their funds “for the rehabilitation of infrastructure, shelters and school facilities affected by typhoon Pablo at the DMRA in accordance with their respe...
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13Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Feb.13 (PIA) -- This government and even local governments are serious in addressing environment degradation through the National Greening Program. Here in the Central Luzon, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has allotted P357 million this 2013 to intensify the reforestation of denuded areas in Central Luzon. “The region is vulnerable to strong typhoons and torrential rains and we are bracing for the worse. Increasing our forest cover is ...
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13Feb2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Feb. 13 (PIA) -- The Regional Anti-Illegal Logging Task Force (AILTF) in Central Luzon confiscated 258,427 board feet of forest contraband and conveyances worth at least P6 million in 2012. “Our reforestation effort is matched with heightened forest protection and vigorous law enforcement to sustain our gains in conserving the environment,” DENR Regional Executive Director and AILTF Chair Maximo Dichoso explained. Four individuals were convicted by local co...
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12Feb2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Feb 12 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), in coordination with the city government of Maasin, conducted a Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Strategic Plan Formulation Workshop for 2013 - 2017 at Jaimees Hotel and Restaurant in Barangay Ibarra, Maasin City. Topics to be discussed during the four-day workshop include Climate Change Adaptation Plan; the Hyogo Framework of Action; Republic Act 10121 or the strengthening of Philippines disaster risk redu...
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12Feb2013MAKATI, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- A high-level event dubbed as Philippine-German Policy Dialogue on Renewable Energy is set to be held at Manila A&B Function Room at Shangri-La Hotel, Makati on February 14, from 3 p.m. to 6 p.m. Organized by the Department of Energy in cooperation with the Climate Change Commission, the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany and the German Development Cooperation – Deutche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH, the event will bring together pol...
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12Feb2013PAGADIAN CITY, Feb. 12 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education (DepEd) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) recently inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with fast-food giant Jollibee Group Corp. (JGC) boosting the government’s logs-to-chair project. In a press statement released by DENR, the parties agreed to a P2-million deal with JGC to produce school chairs out of confiscated logs. Signatories of the MOA wer...
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12Feb2013SORSOGON CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- United Nations World Food Program (WFP) project coordinator Michelle McGonagle will be in Sorsogon today for a three-day visit, institutionalizing the Disaster Preparedness and Response (DPR) Program in the province to build resilient communities, boosting the capacity of its government, academe and non-government partners. McGonagle initially met with officials of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), local chief executives and ...
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12Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb. 12 (PIA8) -- Electronic gadgets and appliances can still be utilized even after it has outlived its use. The regional Department of Environment and Natural Resources – Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB8) has listed three options for used electronic gadgets and appliances into “trade it, donate it, or recycle it”. Maribel Munsayac, EMB regional solid waste management coordinator said that used electronic gadgets known as electronic waste or e-waste shoul...
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12Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb. 12 (PIA6) -- Responding expeditiously to situations arising from disasters is the primary goal of the Committee on Disaster Response of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC, an official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development 6 said. DSWD-6Regional Director Evelyn B. Macapobre during the first quarterly meeting of the committee held recently at Iloilo Grand Hotel here said that this is to provide immediate relief assistance and emer...
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12Feb2013FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Feb. 12 (PIA) -- A P46.283 million three-in-one facility of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) will soon rise inside Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija. “This one unit, two-story edifice will be utilized for the storage of relief goods, an extension work area of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), and a command center in times of disaster,” OCD regional director and RDRRMC Chair Josefina Timoteo disclosed. The 522nd Engineering Comba...
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11Feb2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb 11 (PIA6) -- Residents of Capiz will be observing “Earth Day” every April 22 of each year. This after, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz approved Ordinance No. 007, series of 2012 that declares April 22 of every year as Earth Day in Capiz. The measure was authored by Sangguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation President and Ex-Officio Sangguniang Panlalawigan member Zoe Maria Felipe Herrera. Herrera said that through the ordinance, residents will be reminded o...
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11Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 11 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), today sent a team of veterinarians and biological experts to Bunawan, Agusan del Sur to help determine the cause of death of Lolong, considered the largest crocodile in the world. DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje in a statement said the team is composed of representatives from the Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) and the National Museum, who will make sure that Lolong's skin will be preserved la...
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11Feb2013MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Feb 11 (PIA) -- Another quake rocked Maramag town, this province, at 3:08 a.m., February 10. Marcial Labininay, Northern Mindanao Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the tremor was recorded at magnitude 3.8 with Intensity II. He said the quakes epicenter was 7.72 km north, 125 km east, 4 km south and 23 km west of Maramag, Bukidnon. “Actually, a series of 3 quakes rocked the area at 3:08 a.m., 3:33 a.m. and 3:46 a.m...
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09Feb2013ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Febr 9 (PIA) -- Provincial and municipal agriculture and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) officials of Isabela met Friday in crafting solutions and measures to mitigate the worsening impact of dry spell in Isabela particularly to rice crops. Provincial agriculturist Danilo Tumamao said the effect of El Nino is already being felt by Isabela rice farmers particularly in areas of rain-fed rice farms. He said the five-croppings-in-two-years scheme might also be affect...
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08Feb2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with radio groups in Central Luzon for collaboration during calamities. “We have agreed to work together in providing real time information of disaster occurrences to facilitate decision making and appropriate response action,” NTC Regional Director Azor Sitchon said. Under the MOU, radio groups will be allowed to use NTC’s communication facilit...
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08Feb2013CARMEN, Davao del Norte, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Some residents in four flooded barangays in Carmen, Davao del Norte received food packs over the weekend donated by cooperatives from Luzon and Visayas. Four hundred residents in barangays Guadalupe, Tuganay, Salvacion and Maligaya of Carmen town benefited from the food assistance distributed by Tagum Cooperative which served as the conduit of Cebu CFI (Court of the First Instance) Community Cooperative, San Jose Del Monte Cooperative in Bulacan, Nova...
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08Feb2013VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 7 (PIA) -- A training-workshop on disaster risk reduction and management was conducted last January 14-26 by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office of Virac town here. The 12-day activity was aimed at institutionalizing disaster awareness and preparedness of the LGUs in times of calamity and as well as the formulation of Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee as mandated by law under RA 10121 also known as the Philippine Disaster...
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08Feb2013SAN JOSE, Antique, Feb. 8 (PIA6) -- The province of Antique has registered 5,346 waterbird count at the various identified wetland sites during the recent bird counting activity of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Beverly Lyneth Salvan, Information Officer of DENR said that 19 migratory bird species were identified namely; Cinnamon Bittern, Javan Pond Heron, Cattle Egret, Little Egret, Intermediate Egret, Great Egret, Grey Heron Unidentified Herons and Egrets, Barred...
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07Feb2013COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, Feb. 7 -- Speaking during the plenary session of the House of Representatives last January 21, 2013, Rep. Maria Carmen Zamora recounted the misery Typhoon Pablo brought to her constituents, and appealed for more assistance and compassion for the victims. The ComVal lawmaker emotionally articulated that, in all her years, Compostela Valley has not been visited by a strong typhoon, and that people knew nothing about this natural calamity. “Pero noong ika-4 ng Disye...
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07Feb2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Feb 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here is employing geotagging technology to improve the integrity of its reports regarding their implementation of the National Greening Program. Over 80 NGP field implementers across Soccsksargen Region were trained on geotagging last January 22-24 , according to information from DENR 12’s Regional Public Affairs Office. “The main objective of the training i...
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07Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Feb 7 (PIA) -- Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Central Luzon cited the vital role of communication devices in disaster preparedness and response as was experienced during the onslaught of “Pedring” in 2011 and torrential rains brought by the southwest monsoon in 2012. “These devices educate, inform, and empower people to take practical steps to protect themselves from natural hazards,” OCD Central Luzon chief and Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Managem...
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07Feb2013CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, Feb 7 (PIA) -- A top official in Orani town vowed to pass needed laws and take steps to improve the disaster preparedness and response capability of the town’s rescuers to avert the loss of lives and properties during calamities. During a recent earthquake drill at the Orani Municipal Hall, Vice Mayor Bong Galicia said the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has enough fund to procure needed equipment and undergo enhancement trainings. What is...
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07Feb2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Feb 7 (PIA) -- The National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) in Central Luzon underscored the need for government institutions to partner with the private sector in times of calamities. “While the primary responsibility for risk reduction and management as well as response and rehabilitation is vested in government, partnership with the private sector is a must especially today that calamities have become part of our lives” NTC Regional Director Azor Sitcho...
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07Feb2013DAVAO CTY, Feb 7 (PIA) -- President Aquino said government is focused on looking for safe relocation sites for typhoon Pablo-affected communities in the three Davao provinces as part of its long-term rehabilitation program. Aquino, who was in the city Tuesday to address the 2013 Philippines Development Forum, said the Mines and GeoSciences Bureau is expected to come up with a list of geo-hazard or build and no-build zones that are unsafe to flooding and landslides. The priority of government, ...
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06Feb2013LARENA, Feb 6 (PIA) -- At least 350 bags of rice and relief goods were distributed by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) to Siquijor province recently as calamity assistance to the victims of typhoon Pablo that hit the province early December last year. In a report, Siquijor branch manager Joferdine Y. Cui turned over the donation of 50 bags of rice for each municipality. The LBP, according to its report, has raised a total P12 million in assistance fund. The P2 million comes from the bank...
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06Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb.6 -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) has cancelled its Tsunami Alert No. 1. Earlier, the PhiVolcs declared Tsunami Alert No. 1 on provinces on the Eastern Seaboard after an earthquake with a Magnitude of 8 hit Santa Cruz Island in the Solomonsat at 9:12 a.m. today. In its advisory lifting the tsunami alert this noon, PhiVolcs said, "The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center (PTWC) reported a 0.91m tsunami recorded by the tide gauge in Santa Cruz ...
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06Feb2013DIPOLOG CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) - - Seventy-five hatchlings of sea turtles locally known as “pawikan” were found along the shore of Surf, Barangay Miputak in this city recently. Children swimming in said beach reportedly saw these baby turtles and told a certain resident trained on handling endangered species about the hatchlings on the beach. Fish Warden Teresa Sañado said these hatchlings were believed to be two days old. Sañado also believed that there are more sea turtles from the ...
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06Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb 6 (PIA) -- President Aquino underscored that saving lives as the primary reason for relocating residents living along hazard-prone areas like river banks in response to the changing weather condition. Speaking in a press briefing following the closing program of the Philippine Development Forum held in Davao City, he explained that it is imperative for government to look for funds to realize the effort of keeping people from harm’s way. Aquino said it is a disservice if gover...
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06Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 06 (PIA) -- Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Twedel announced that the Australian Government has so far infused a total of P432 million to Philippine government as response and rehabilitation efforts to build back typhoon Pablo-hit areas and to assist affected families. He revealed that the total humanitarian response and rehab funds of Australian government include the fresh assistance worth P126 million in response to appeals of the Philippine Government and the United N...
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06Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb. 6 (PIA) -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs) has declared a Tsunami Alert No. 1 over coastal provinces facing the Pacific ocean after an earthquake with a magnitude of 8 hit Santa Cruz Island in the Solomons at 9:12 a.m. (Philippine time). The PhiVolcs said Tsunami Alert No.1 does not require evacuation but authorities and residents in coastal areas under its coverage may prepare to leave for safe grounds whenever needed. The areas covered...
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05Feb2013DAVAO CITY, Feb. 5 (PIA) --The provincial governments of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley, entered into a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Climate Change Commission (CCC) on Monday to roll out a project designed to enhance their capacity to handle disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM). The MOU was signed in the presence of Australian Ambassador to the Philippines Bill Twedell and United Nations Development Program (UNDP) Country Director Toshihiro Tanaka, who both pledg...
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05Feb2013MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Feb 5 (PIA) --A mild quake rocked Maramag and Don Carlos towns, this province, at 1:01 p.m., today February 5. Marcial Labininay, Northern Mindanao Director of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said the tremor was recorded at Intensity II with 3.2 magnitude in Maramag and Intensity I in Don Carlos. He said the quake’s epicenter was 7.84 km north, 124.27 km east, 9 km south and 32 km west of Maramag, Bukidnon. “The quake, hitting ...
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05Feb2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Feb 5 (PIA) -- In line with the National Greening Program of the Aquino Administration, Eastern Visayas targets to cover 17,714 hectares of land with various trees in 2013, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources informed. DENR-8 Regional Executive Director Manolito D. Ragub informed that various trees include forest & fruit trees, as well as mangrove and other non-timber forest products. In pursuit of this endeavor, the provinces of Leyte, Southern Leyte, Bi...
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05Feb2013KIANGAN, Ifugao, Feb. 5 (PIA)-- The police force here recovered 670 board feet of germelina lumber ready to be ferried. Senior Police Officer 2 Franklin Buyagawon , who investigated the case, said that a certain Sammy Allaga, 54 farmer reported to their office that a certain Jefky Pumihic and company are cutting the Germelina trees he planted at his land at Sitio Abing in Barangay Pindongan here. Immediately, a team led by Chief of Police, Inspector Christian Salonga, proceeded at s...
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04Feb2013QUEZON CITY, Feb 4 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Department of Tourism (DOT) have teamed up to ensure that the government’s biodiversity conservation efforts would not be compromised by ongoing tourism development projects in various parts of the country. In line with the Aquino administration’s convergence strategy for sustainable development, a memorandum of agreement (MOA) was entered into by the DENR and the DOT to make sure that known ecotourism ...
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04Feb2013BAGUIO CITY, Feb. 4 (PIA) - - The city government formally launches today initiatives to protect the inland waterway in the city which was initiated three years ago. Dubbed “Salaknib ti Waig” meaning guardians or protectors of the rivers/waterways, this is the inland waterway protection program of the city government engaging the commitment of barangays along waterways, according to Chief of the City Environment and Parks Management Office Cordelia Lacsamana. Lacsamana said efforts to...
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04Feb2013NAGA CITY, Feb. 4 (PIA) -- The International Council for Local Environmental Initiatives, international financing community and international non-government organizations have given their support to the Naga River Integrated Revitalization Project. Mayor John Bongat of this city arrived last week from Basel, Switzerland assured of the international organizations' support to the program, basically the core of Bongat's visit in Switzerland whose trip was sponsored by the Cities Development Initi...
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03Feb2013CEBU CITY, Feb 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) allocated P9.501-million budget to further stabilize banks and streams of nine identified watershed areas in Central Visayas in 2013. The nine pre-determined watersheds which are up for bank stabilization are those from Buhisan, Argao, Asturias, and Luyang in Carmen in Cebu province. It also includes the Wahig and Acar Watersheds in Carmen, Bohol province; Hilabagan and Bayawan Watersheds in Negros Oriental ...
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02Feb2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Feb 2 (PIA) -- The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Office VI conducted a three-day Basic/Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS) training course to selected 40 members of the Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Committee on Response Some representatives from the two towns, Sigma and Sapian also participated. Capiz Police Provincial Director Domingo Cabillan, who is also the province’s PDRRMC vice chairperson, said that the training cours...
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02Feb2013CEBU CITY, Feb. 2 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) has urged the public to recycle electronic gadgets and appliances or dispose them properly instead of throwing them away. DENR-7 regional director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said electronics products or devices have certain toxic chemicals, such as lead, chromium, nickel, zinc and mercury that when mix with other harmful substances in dump sites or sanitary landfills may even pose a graver danger. This electroni...
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02Feb2013MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Feb. 2 (PIA) -- More than 200 residents in Boston, Davao Oriental have received medical attention and care from the Integrated Provincial Health Office (IPHO) here. IPHO Chief Dr. Alinader Minalang said around 137 residents in Barangay Poblacion and 151 in Barangay Nicolas were provided with free medical services during the IPHO solidarity medical mission in the said municipality last January 29 and 30. These services include free consultations, tetanus toxoid injec...
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01Feb2013TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council, region 10 (RDC-X) supports the preparatory survey for Flood Risk Management Project of the Cagayan de Oro River (FRIMP-CDOR). During its recent meeting, here, RDC-X said the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), with the technical assistance of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) is currently undertaking the survey for the FRIMP-CDOR. Deemed supportive to the realization of the constructi...
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01Feb2013TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Feb. 1 (PIA) -- The provincial government - Environment and Natural Resources Office (PG-ENRO) through the Waste Management Division (WMD) is monitoring the compliance of local governments on the campaign against the use of plastic bags in their localities. This is support of provincial Ordinance No. 007-2012 or, “An Ordinance prohibiting, regulating and prescribing certain use of plastics for goods and commodities that end up as residual waste and promoting the u...
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01Feb2013IBA, Zambales, Feb.1 (PIA) -- Zambales Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (Penro) and 7th Infantry Division (7ID) of the Philippine Army seized around P50,000-worth of illegally cut quality wood (tanguile) during a recent joint operation in Barangay San Lorenzo, Masinloc town. In a statement, 7ID commander Brigadier General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. commended Penro and the 24th Infantry Battalion for successfully promoting environmental protection and preservation. Catapang sa...
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01Feb2013BACOLOR, Pampanga, Feb.1 (PIA) -- Ricardo P. Rodriguez Memorial Hospital-Annex (RPRMH-Annex) in Bacolor town conducted on Wednesday an earthquake and fire drill to better equip its employees on what to do during calamities. “Employees took part in the exercise which covered six stages namely alarm, response (duck, cover, and hold), evacuation, assembly or head counting, incident command system, and mass casualty handling,” Michael Dumlao of the Office of Civil Defense - 3 said. Dumlao add...
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01Feb2013ILOILO CITY, Feb 1 (PIA) – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-6 has recommended relocation for villages with ready relocation sites as deemed by the assessment it has undertaken. MGB-6 Information Officer Lara Artajo said that there are 12 relocation sites assessed so far as part of the bureau’s geohazard mapping program. MGB record showed that in Aklan, the barangays of Old Buswang in Kalibo and Cauayan in New Washington as potential relocation sites for the two municipalities. In...
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31Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- Davao City officials are banking on the United Nations Human Settlements Programme (UN-Habitat) to look for fund sources for the city’s climate change adaptation plans. The city is one of the four cities identified as pilot areas for UN-Habitat’s climate change adaptation studies. The other cities are Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo and Butuan. “We are still in the planning stage where the agencies concerned are conducting workshops and databanking for the formulatio...
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31Jan2013GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Jan. 31 (PIA) -- The local government here along with other concerned national government agencies has lined up programs and services for the survivors and families of fishermen who went missing in the aftermath of the devastation brought by super typhoon Pablo in Mindanao. Ephraim Beliran, action officer of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) said government efforts now shifted to rehabilitation and delivering of aid to the victims and affected...
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31Jan2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 31 (PIA6) – A three-day training on environmental laws, policies and regulation was conducted last Jan. 16 to 18 at the 3rd Infantry Division (3ID) at Camp Macario Peralta, Jr in Jamindan town. The 3ID initiative aims to effectively implement the Executive Order (EO) No. 23 or the declaration of a moratorium on the cutting and harvesting of trees in the natural and residual forests. “The training enabled our soldiers to have a better understanding about the guidel...
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30Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Province of Davao del Norte is taking its successful emergency planning to a higher level by launching this February the barangay disaster preparedness campaign to make every household ever ready to face natural calamities. Dubbed Oplan ANDAM (Advocacy on Natural Disasters Awareness and Management), the community-based disaster risk reduction campaign seeks to protect, especially the vulnerable families from the adverse impact of natural catac...
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30Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department Agriculture (DA-12) here have contributed over 92,000 seedlings to the National Greening Program in 2012, data from the agency reveals. In June, DA 12 provided 4,000 assorted seedlings for the second Tree-Growing Festival of Koronadal City local government unit. These planting materials included coffee, durian, marang, mango, lanzones, rambutan, coconut, cacao and oth...
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30Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has classified 51 additional water bodies in terms of best usage and water quality in order to boost protection and ensure proper management of these water resources. This brings to 676 the number of water bodies which have been classified nationwide, and DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje explained that the classification is necessary to determine the best uses to be implemented within these waters and the se...
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30Jan2013SIQUIJOR, Jan 30 (PIA)—Siquijor province has allocated over P16 milliion for its disaster fund this year. Of these sum, 30% (or P4,809,340.35) will be used for quick response activities, while the 70% (or P11,221,794.15) was allocated for disaster preparedness and mitigation, said Arturo Pacatang, executive officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council (PDRRMC), in a recent meeting. Preparedness activities include trainings on Water Search and Rescue (WaSAR), mountain search a...
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30Jan2013CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Jan. 30 (PIA) -- Thirty members of the Emergency Medical Service (EMS) from San Fernando have completed training on basic life support, advance cardiac life support, incident command system and emergency medical services. City Mayor Oscar Rodriguez congratulated the trainees during their graduation rites at Heroes Hall. With the goal of “zero casualty,” the graduates are expected to respond immediately to emergency situations and the city government who spon...
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29Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 29 -- Avoid sailing, flying, or fishing on the eastern board on Wednesday as South Koreans attempt to send a satellite in space for the third time, warned the National Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC). Based on the initial information forwarded by the Office of the Asian Affairs of the Department of Foreign Affairs, the launching could take place between January 30 and February 8 from the Naro Space Center, Go Heung, Jeollanam-do. In a TV interview Tuesd...
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29Jan2013TAGBILARAN CITY, Bohol, Jan 28, 2013 (PIA) – Bohol has reported a high survival rating for Molave, (vitex parviflora), that sturdy and tough hardwood locally known as "tugas" which was believed to be naturally grown. Bohol has been successful in growing molave from seedlings, according to Leonilo Lafuente, chief of the Bohol Environment Management Office, which is the administrative caretaker of the Bohol Biodiversity Complex. Bohol Biodiversity Complex is a local government-run facility tha...
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29Jan2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan. 29 (PIA) – The Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator of Northern Samar Engr. Romeo M. Cardenas is now attending a study mission on climate change adaptation initiatives and policy at Vancouver, British Columbia and Winnipeg, Manitoba from January 24 to February 2, 2013. In a letter sent to Cardenas, Program Manager Regan Mancini of International Program Institute of Public Administration of Canada (IPAC) said that as a mission participant, the planni...
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29Jan2013CEBU CITY, Jan. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Region 7 (DENR-7) has put aside P136.566 million for the production of 12.9 million seedlings of various native and endemic species this year for the national greening program (NGP) in Central Visayas. Dr. Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 regional executive director, said this is to meet DENR 7’s target on reforesting 24,461 hectares of identified forest land and NGP sites in the four provinces here in the region. As i...
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29Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan 29 --Musikahan sa Tagum 2013, slated in the city from February 19 to 24, 2013, is not only about music. It will also also promote the spirit of volunteerism in the country. “The promotion of Volunteerism is one of the commendable aspects that we should not forget about Musikahan,” Davao del Norte Provincial Tourism officer Noel Daquioag said. Daquioag said the the proceeds of the Musikahan will be used to help in the rehabilitation of typhoon-stricken Compostela Valley ...
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28Jan2013KAPALONG, Davao del Norte, Jan. 28 -- Days of heavy rains and strong winds caused by the tail end of a cold front brought flooding to the municipality of Kapalong last January 19-20, 2013 which was higher compared to the flooding brought by Typhoon Pablo. After the reported water upsurge in the river tributaries in some barangays, Mayor Edgardo L. Timbol, Municipal Disaster Risk Reducation Management Council Chairperson thru the Action Officer Mr. Gaspar T. Balinggao mobilized the Communica...
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28Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- The recent flooding in Davao del Norte due to incessant rains of the tail-end of the cold-front displaced more families compared to the number of residents who had left their homes due to Typhoon Pablo. Progress report released by Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) last Friday showed a total of 59,008 affected families with a number of affected individuals which ran a total of 274,537. Of the affected families, a to...
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28Jan2013TANGUB CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- The Regional Development Council of Region 10 (RDC-10) has endorsed the proposal to designate a Water Quality Management Area (WQMA) in the water systems of Cagayan de Oro, Misamis Oriental, and Bukidnon. Designating a WQMA enables the formulation of focused interventions or actions designed to address specific water quality issues of the area, thus ensuring that Republic Act No. 9275 or the Philippine Clean Water Act of 2004 is enforced and w...
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28Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 28 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) will immediately survey and map as well as plan the National Greening Program (NGP) sites in the region. These activities, which are geared toward bolstering the region’s implementation of the NGP will be using the Global Positioning System (GPS) technology. This was disclosed during the January 16-17 workshop of some 50 regional and field of...
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28Jan2013MANILA, Jan 28 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Davao City is set to start the rehabilitation of upland areas affected by typhoon ‘Pablo’ under the National Greening Program (NGP) according to a press statement of DENR. DENR will be prioritizing typhoon-ravaged areas in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental by reforestation or rehabilitation under the NGP this year, said Environment Secretary Ramon Paje. DENR has earmarked P34,652...
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28Jan2013SOUTHERN LEYTE, Jan. 28 (PIA) -- Approximately 100 delegates including the International Recovery Platform (IRP) community of practitioners, experts, professionals, national and local government officials, and the academe attended the International Recovery Forum held in Kobe, Japan, January 20-23. Here, St. Bernard Mayor Rico Rentuza, of Southern Leyte was one of the panelists and speaker. The annual event serves as a venue to explore specific measures to address gaps in the recovery practice...
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28Jan2013LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 28 (PIA) -- The Incident Command System (ICS) will also be established in the provinces of Camarines Norte and Masbate within the first quarter this year after its launch in Albay, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and Sorsogon last May 2012. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 5 said ICS will be launched in two more provinces of the region, providing an improved and more organized system of responding to emergency situations. Known as the “synchronized response system,” ICS is ...
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26Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- Communities must test and practice their disaster risk reduction and management plans to save lives and properties, the head of the Department of Social Welfare and Development said Friday. Secretary Corazon Juliano Soliman made the call following the recent launching of the Typhoon Bopha/Pablo Revised Recovery Plan of Action at the Department of Foreign Affairs. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has constantly been reminding loc...
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26Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will grant shelter assistance only for units built in certified hazard-free zones. In a presentation during the Partners Forum and Consultation last Thursday (Jan. 24), DSWD said it will require from borrowers, clearance from the Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB) to make sure that any housing units or even a temporary shelter is built in safe areas. “Dapat dili na sila mobalik sa area nga gibahaan, ug d...
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26Jan2013DAVAO DEL NORTE, Jan 26 (PIA) -- The provincial government responded immediately to the needs of thousands of residents affected by the massive flooding that recently hit the province. After dispatching the rescue teams from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) to assist local rescuers at the height of the flash floods since Sunday, the province promptly responded to the requests of the flood-hit municipalities for augmentation of relief assistance. As of Januar...
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25Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan 25 (PIA) A resident and spokesperson of the local government unit in Boston, Davao Oriental cited the need for a livelihood that will provide income to coconut communities displaced by typhoon Pablo in Boston, Davao Oriental in December 4. Judith Binabae, spokesperson of the municipal government of Boston said a sustainable livelihood is important for affected resident to regain back their purchasing and to spur again the local economy. He said many families depended much on th...
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25Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Flashfloods brought by the incessant heavy rains that occurred from late afternoon up to late evening on Thursday in some parts of the region, struck five barangays in Hagonoy and Sta. Cruz towns of Davao del Sur province, causing some 25 families to evacuate to nearby elementary school. Though there were no reports of casualty, injury and missing persons from both affected towns of Hagonoy and Sta. Cruz, damage assessment to properties have been pursued by the resp...
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25Jan2013ILOILO CITY, Jan 25 (PIA6) -- A database on disaster risk reduction and management highlighting the record of natural disaster and the extent of damages and losses incurred from these catastrophes will serve well for the Philippines, according to a Filipino official working for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (Asean). Asean Technical Advisor for Disaster Risk Reduction Dr. Marqueza L. Reyes said the government has realized its value and initial steps have been taken ...
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25Jan2013TAGUM CITY-The typhoon and the continuous flooding in Davao del Norte can only get worse unless the people realize that it is time to seriously plant trees and nurture their growth. “It is time to reforest and plant trees to address the problem,” Davao del Norte Provincial Agriculturist Dominador Encarnacio said, admitting that the flooding problem is escalating every year. He said the water level in Davao del Norte during last week’s flooding as a result of the continuous rain is worse ...
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25Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, January 25 (PIA) – Some 55 to 60 student youth are expected to participate in a youth congress in November this year to be held in Antipolo City. The Energy Development Corporation based in Ormoc City is organizing a youth congress aimed to inspire and encourage the youth to become an environment warrior to protect nature. Dave Jesus Devilles, communication officer of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) revealed the information saying that the Binhi Youth Congress ...
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25Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Detailed mapping of 17 locations considered as critical areas in Soccksargen Region have already been completed, according to an official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) -12. MGB 12 regional director Constancio Paye Jr., said these new geo-hazard maps were prepared at scale of 1:10,000, much larger than the initial maps of the entire Socc...
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24Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan 24 (PIA) -- Members of the Mindanao Development Authority MinDA) Board of Directors have passed a resolution for the creation of a river way task force that will look into the condition of river systems in Mindanao as initial step to rehabilitate local government units hit by flood during the onslaught of typhoon Pablo and the current weather disturbance. Speaking to reporters following the first planning session for the Mindanao Development Plan for 2013 at the office of the Mi...
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24Jan2013BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- Various sectoral Baguio groups revived their protest against the planned cutting of trees at Luneta Hill atop Session Road for the expansion project of SM City Baguio despite a court order affirming the legality of the project. Just this weekend, the "Movement to Save all Trees in Baguio," a multi-sectoral group composed of the Catholic Diocese of Baguio, Association of Women Religious in Baguio-Benguet, Cordillera Ecological Center, A Tree A Day, and Save 182, i...
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23Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 23 (PIA)-- The City Planning and Development Office of Davao City is eyeing the revision of its Comprehensive Land Use Plan particularly in reclassifying flood-prone areas. Robbie Alabado CPDO head said that flood-prone areas as identified in the flood map prepared by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in 2007 will be reclassified from residential zones into parks and commercials zones. He said that the revisions in the city’s zoning ordinance will take into consideratio...
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23Jan2013BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) in the region assured there is no frostbite incidence yet in frost- prone areas in Atok, Kibungan, Buguias, Mankayan, all in Benguet and Bauko in Mountain Province despite the drop in temperature in the past days. This was the assurance given by DA Executive Director Marilyn Sta. Catalina during the “Lingguhang Talakayan” program over DZEQ-Radio ng Bayan here Tuesday. She said, however, the dip in temperature is a ca...
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23Jan2013DAVAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 23 (PIA): The Municipality of Carmen is losing more than P21 million in agriculture and fisheries when floodwaters from three major rivers have swamped for two days its rice fields and aquaculture fishpens. Municipal Mayor Marcelino Perandos, in an interview Tuesday, said the massive flooding that has hit his town since Sunday evening (Jan. 20) has displaced a number of families and has substantially ruined farming livelihood of his people. In a separate interview, M...
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23Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan. 23 -- Continuous rains that caused flooding in Davao del Norte province has resulted to a cumulative agriculture damage amounting to P301,705,290 as of January 21, 2013. This is only a partial and initial result as it does not include the agricultural damages in the municipality of Kapalong yet, the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist said. “The damage in agricultural is greater now compared to the damages resulting from Typhoon Pablo because the water level is higher no...
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23Jan2013PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- “It’s the reef not the ship that we should focus on,” Palawan Governor Baham Mitra reiterated as the stand of the Tubbataha Protected Area Management Board (TPAMB) in Tuesday's press conference at the Provincial Capitol this city. Mitra presided over the meeting attended by the agency-members of the TPAMB and the National Task Force on Tubbataha to determine and agree on immediate actions to be taken following the grounding of the USS Guardi...
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23Jan2013MATI CITY, Jan. 23 -- Heeding the province’s call for help, international organizations and national agencies responds to Davao Oriental’s aid with the hopes to help rebuild after the devastation caused by the ravaging super typhoon Pablo that nearly wiped out all properties and livelihood in the three towns of Boston, Cateel and Baganga. Recently, representatives from big donor countries head out in a donor mission program to the typhoon-stricken towns within Davao Oriental after its first...
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23Jan2013LAGAWE, Ifugao, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- In line with the administration’s greening program, members of the police force, the Armed Forces of the Philippines, and employees of the local government of Lagawe planted recently 400 trees in Mt. Banahaw here.The seedlings were produced by the LGU. Jenny Marie Ang, land Investigator of the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, this is also in line with the plan of the LGU to develop the said mountain into an eco park. “This is one way o...
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23Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 23 (PIA) -- The head of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 has called on the management of oil giant, Petron Corporation to join the National Greening Program (NGP) to mitigate the effects of climate change. DENR 12 Regional Executive Director Datu Tungko M. Saikol made the call in his keynote message during the awarding of certificate of compliance to ISO 14001:2004 to eight of the 71 Petron service stations in the region....
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23Jan2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Red Cross-Southern Leyte Chapter will join the whole nation in the synchronized Million Volunteer Run on February 10, 2013 at 6:00 in the morning. Red Cross Officer-in-charge Noli Casas reported that the Million Volunteer Run “is not only good for the health but rather to raise awareness among the constituents on the effects of climate change.” The outcome of disasters, including other hazardous activities are due to cli...
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23Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan. 23 -- The Department of Education Division of Davao del Norte has ordered the indefinite suspension of classes in the elementary and high school levels of the areas greatly affected by the flooding. “We have directed our district supervisors to suspend classes in the areas affected by the flood starting Monday,” DepEd Davao del Norte Division officer-in-charge Aurelio Divinagracia said. The suspension order stands for as long as the floodwaters subside, he added. He said m...
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23Jan2013TUDELA, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 23 (PIA) -- The local government, here, will continue its disaster preparedness training in the barangays, especially those that have been identified by the geo-hazard map as highly susceptible to floods and landslides. This was revealed by Mayor Estela Obot-Estaňo who said the LGU is bent to conduct the training, during the first quarter of the month according to its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council l (DRRMC) Plan. These trainings wi...
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22Jan2013KALIBO, Aklan, Jan 22 (PIA) – Tropical storm “Quinta” that hit Aklan last year has caused P15.3 million worth of damages in the province. Heavy rains on December 26 last year caused flooding and damages to agricultural crops, fisheries, livestock and poultry. Low-lying towns and those traversed by the Aklan River were severely affected, data from the Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) revealed. Provincial Agricultural Statistics Officer of BAS-Aklan said the reported damages in Akl...
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22Jan2013DAVAO CITY – Several private educational institutions in Davao City cancelled their classes this Tuesday afternoon in anticipation of heavy rains as forecasted by the PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Astronomical Services Administration). As of 3 pm, 12 private schools suspended their classes among these included Ateneo de Davao University, San Pedro College, University of Immaculate Conception, Brokenshire College, St. Peter’s College of Davao, Holy Child College, Jose Maria Coll...
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22Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Davao del Norte, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The three-day continuous rain due to tail-end of the cold-front since Friday evening has sent huge volume of water spilling over the national highway connecting Davao del Norte to Davao City. Since yesterday morning until today, portions of the national highway connecting Davao City to Davao del Norte capital city of Tagum particularly along barangays Tuganay to Guadalupe in Carmen town, are still submerged in about knee-deep flood-water, hinde...
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22Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan 22 (PIA) -- The Davao City Government gave school authorities and private firms the discretion to suspend classes and work, respectively due to the bad weather brought about by the tail-end of cold front which the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical Services Administration predicted to prevail up to January 26. Emmanuel Jaldon, chief of the Emergency Response Center Central 911 said the alert has been issued based on the weather advisory that the light to moderate to heavy rainfa...
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22Jan2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Jan. 22 (PIA) - - Peoples organizations (POs) in the 20 barangays in four municipalities of the province covered by the Second Cordillera Agricultural Resource Management Program (CHARMP2) are engaged in reforestation projects. Alpha Lumetic, Kalinga coordinator of CHARMP2, said except for Tanglag in Lubuagan, the 19 POs are planting seedlings they propagated. “Everyone is busy planting now on their reforestation projects,” she said. At least two hectares are ...
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22Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan 22 -- Like the rains that show no sign of letting up, the number of evacuees also continues to rise in the province of Davao del Norte. As of Monday, Jan. 21, 9:15 a.m. the provincial disaster and risk reduction management report said that after four days of continuous rains, 9,425 families or 39,037 individuals have been displaced due to the tail-end of the cold front, which is now considered to be an inter-tropical convergence zone (ITCZ). Of this exodus, the municipality o...
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22Jan2013TAGUM CITY – The distribution of relief goods for the victims of Typhoon Pablo in the province continues with the arrival of more truckloads of food packs coming from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). Provincial Social Welfare and Development Officer Arlene Semblante said the agency has already sent over P35-million worth of relief assistance to the province. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario hailed the aid from the DSWD, which,he said, has given a big boost to the relief...
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22Jan2013TAGUM CITY- The continuous rains since last week resulting to flooding in most parts of Davao del Norte has left most of the province’s vital roads impassable althought there is power, water and communication in the province. Provincial Information Officer Romulo Tagalo said latest reports from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) show flooding in various low-lying areas due to heavy rains with moderate to strong winds. Among the roads that have remained imp...
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22Jan2013CATARMAN, Northern Samar, Jan. 22 (PIA) -- The National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (Namria) is conducting an on-the-job-training on Geographic Information System (GIS) at the Provincial Capitol Building, Catarman, Northern Samar on January 21-25. Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator Romeo Cardenas, an engineer, said the training is part of United Nations Children’s Fund (UNicef) continuing support to local government units in building their own GIS mapping capabilit...
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22Jan2013CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Jan 22 -- The Chamber of Commerce and Industry here is glad that it gained an ally in Kagawad Juan Sia who understands the plight of tropical storm Sendong survivors. “The proposed 50 percent discount on the real property taxes from 2012 up to 2014 will not only benefit member-companies but also victims of Sendong,” said Chamber President Efren Uy. In fact, the request was more of a reminder to the city that it is empowered under the Local Government Code to grant tax...
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21Jan2013DAET, Camarines Norte, Jan. 21 (PIA) -- A three-day training on Participatory 3 Dimensional Mapping (P3DM) for Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) was conducted in Palm Resort, Barangay Cayucyucan of Mercedes town headed by The University of Auckland, New Zealand from January 15-17. Dr. JC Gaillard, Associate Professor of the School of Environment of the university said the training was in partnership with the DRR Net Philippines, local government units of Camarines Norte and Mercedes through their L...
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21Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan. 21 -- Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario has declared a State of Emergency in the province due to the continuous rains and flood that has inundated the province for several days now. “The province is practically under the water for four days now so I have declared a state of emergency,” del Rosario said. The declaration included the suspension of classes in the elementary and high school department in all municipalities Monday, he said, excluding the three cities...
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21Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan 21 (PIA) -- Local authorities continued to monitor the extent of the flood caused by the overflowing of the Davao, Lasang, Lipadas and Talomo Rivers which affected a total of 10,280 families with 35,136 dependents in 17 barangays Sunday, January 20 due to bad weather. Emmanuel Jaldon, chief of the Emergency Response Center Central 911 told a meeting of the members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council at the city hall that all displaced families are housed ...
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20Jan2013DAVAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 20 (PIA) --Widespread flooding occurred in the previously typhoon-hit provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental due to continuous rains since Friday night brought by the tail-end of the cold front. Two bridges in Davao Oriental have collapsed; some areas in the four towns in Davao del Norte were flooded; and barangays in almost all towns in Compostela Valley are experiencing flooding as rivers and creeks overflow with surging flood-waters. Thi...
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19Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB)-8 strongly urged the local chief executives to make full use of the geohazard maps in their respective contingency planning. “All of the municipal/city mayors in the region have already received their own copies of the 1: 50,000 centimeters - scale geohazard maps,” MGB-8 Regional Director Alilo Ensomo, Jr disclosed during the first INFO FEST launched at Harampang (Kapihan) ha PIA in Tacloban City. Ensomo said he is ...
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19Jan2013BAGUIO CITY, Jan . 19 (PIA) -- The country's Summer Capital recorded the lowest temperature of the year so far at 9.5 degrees Celsius on Friday, January 18. PAGASA weather specialist Salvador Olinares said that the lowest temperature was recorded at around 5 in the morning. Olinares said that cold temperature being experienced now is due to the cold front and ice formation in China continues to thicken. He added that the Siberian winds continue to affect the northern part of the country down...
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18Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region or Region 12 had planted 4,460,688 seedlings of agricultural crops, forest and fruit trees in 2012 in line with the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP), according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR). Soccsksargen Region covers the provinces of South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, and Sultan Kudarat as well as the cities of General Santos City, Koronadal, Tacurong, Ki...
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18Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 is set to produce at least 1.2 million seedlings of premium native trees until September this year. This information was disclosed during the holding of the strategic planning and team building workshop of the DENR 12’s Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS) on January 11-13 in Maasim, Sarangani Province. Regional technical director for research Bighani M. Manip...
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18Jan2013DAVAO DEL NORTE, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Officials from the Philippine Arm's 10th Infantry Division yesterday urged militant groups to suggest and share a system of distribution for the relief goods rather than disrupt government operation to serve families and individuals who suffered from the blows of super-typhoon Pablo. Lt. Col. Lyndon Paniza, spokesperson of the 10th ID, made the call as he pointed out the need for solidarity among the people in communities, including militants and insurgent...
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18Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan. 18 -- Farmers in the province may no longer be anxious about the onset of pestilence and calamities that could wipe their crops out with the enrollment of their farms in the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC). Governor Rodolfo del Rosario on Tuesday signed the memorandum of agreement for the insurance coverage of an initial 2,000 ricelands in the province, together with PCIC-XI OIC-Regional Manager Bonifacio Pales and Dioscoro Granada, Board of Director of the PCIC M...
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17Jan2013VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial office here said almost one million seedlings and mangrove propagules were planted in the province of Catanduanes in 2012 in line with the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government. According to Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) officer-in-charge Joaquin Ed Guerrero, 574,290 timber-fruit trees and ornamental seedlings were planted in 1,160 hectares in the...
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17Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 17 -- Typhoon Pablo damaged P94 million-worth of forestry and coastal management projects of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Region XI. Based on the Geographical Information System (GIS) data, Pablo wiped out P28 million worth of seedlings planted under the National Greening Program (NGP) in 2011 and 2012, DENR 11 reported. Most seedlings planted in the affected areas were falcata, rubber, narra, cacao, coffee, indigenous species and other fruit t...
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17Jan2013LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- Pursuing its objective to educate the country’s local government units and non-government organizations on disaster risk reduction and climate change awareness, Albay Climate Change Academy is now on its eighth batch of trainees from Region 11 or Southern Mindanao. The DRRM and CCA training started in October 12, 2012 and had already trained many local government units and non-government organizations coming from Regions of Mimaropa, Calabarzon, Western Visayas,...
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17Jan2013DAVAO CITY Jan. 17 (PIA)-- The Department of Social Welfare and Development is working on providing Core Shelter Assistance to victims of typhoon Pablo whose homes were totally devastated. DSWD-XI Regional Director Priscilla Razon said the project is expected to be started after six months as they are still identifying suitable sites for resettlement with the help of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB). Razon said the CSA are for permanent structures and hopes that the sites being prepare...
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17Jan2013SURIGAO DEL NORTE, Jan. 17 (PIA) -- The Ecosystems Improved for Sustainable Fisheries (Ecofish) Project of the Philippine Government and the United States Government will be launched in the province this year, said Gov. Sol Matugas recently. The lady governor said the project seeks to address the complex problems of ecosystem degradation, fish stock depletion and poverty in the fishing communities. Based on records, fish production in the province is declining due to excessive fishing, destruc...
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17Jan2013STA. CRUZ, DAVAO DEL SUR, Jan. 17 – Renewable energy developer Hedcor reaffirmed its bid to preserve and protect watersheds by planting thousands of trees. Recently, the company attained a milestone of over 600,000 trees planted in watersheds across the country. “This year our target is to plant at least 200 thousand trees in our watersheds,” Jabonillo said. “We will also strive to maintain a survival rate of 90% or more,” he added. Hedcor has long recognized the importance of wa...
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17Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 17 (PIA) -- Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje advised the public to recycle old electronic gadgets and appliances, instead of throwing them away. This was his reminder which also serves as warning that throwing electronic wastes in the trash causes serious problems to the environment and human health. Electronic waste, also known as e-waste, could have potentially toxic chemicals that can seep into the soil or water supply and escape into the air, posing danger to hu...
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17Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is working toward protecting more river systems in the country as part of its efforts to ensure clean, safe, and sustainable water quality for a greater number of Filipinos. This developed as DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje recently signed an administrative order designating another important river system in Mindanao as a water quality management area (WQMA) pursuant to Republic Act 9275, or the Philippine Cl...
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17Jan2013BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 17 - - The Baguio Brahma Kumaris Center in celebration of its 25th year anniversary, launched its environment initiative: “Living in Harmony Program” in coordination with the city government of Baguio in kapihan forum last Tuesday at the City Hall here. Brahma Kumaris Philippines National Coordinating Council Head Becky Ortega explained that through the initiative, the organization aims to awaken people to a greater environmental awareness and to promote a su...
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16Jan2013LINGAYEN, Pangasinan, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- At least 300 blown-up geo hazard maps were distributed to local governments in Pangasinan to aid them in preparing plans to avert natural disasters. Senator Loren Legarda, together with Pangasinan provincial officials, led the distribution of maps after a public briefing on the use and implementation of the valuable tool held at the Sison Auditorium here on Tuesday. Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, said it has been her advocacy ...
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16Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- Relief and recovery efforts by government in disaster affected areas will continue to ensure that all survivors of typhoon Pablo receive assistance and their lives return to normalcy, a top official of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Davao Region said. Priscilla Razon, regional director of DSWD XI said their agency will maintain its relief distribution system, despite the claim of progressive organizations that the goods do not reach the...
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16Jan2013COMPOSTELA VALLEY PROVINCE, January 16 -- In a Geo-Hazard Mapping Presentation conducted last January 10 at the Provincial Capitol, The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) reported on January 10 to the officials at the Provincial Capitol what happened in New Bataan on December 4, 2012 during the occurrence of Typhoon Pablo was a debris flow or a moving mass of loose mud, sand, soil,water, and boulders. ...
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16Jan2013VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- The Mountain Cares and Hikers Association (MCHA), in its relentless commitment to ensure the preservation of mountain and shoreline environments, has called the attention of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) of Catanduanes to regulate the construction of buildings and structures along the shorelines of Virac and Bato towns. MCHA is a non-profit organization dedicated to protection and conservation of mountains and coastlines in the province. The organizatio...
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16Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 16 (PIA) -- The Department of Agriculture (DA) is proposing for an additional P1.6 billion budget for the rehabilitation of the typhoon-ravaged agricultural areas in Davao Region. In a statement, Agriculture Assistant Secretary for Operations Dante Delima said that based on the outcome of the meeting of the Quick Response Team, the group that was tasked to assess the actual damage and formulate the rehabilitation plans for the devastation wrought by the super typhoon Pablo, DA...
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15Jan2013BASCO, Batanes, Jan 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine Energy Efficiency Project (PEEP), a program of the Department of Energy (DOE), that aims to propagate the efficient use of energy by changing light bulbs had finally reached this island province. PEEP will be distributing compact fluorescent lamps (CFLs) replacing incandescent bulb (IBs) to the residents. The island has 29 barangays and DOE has allotted 10,000 pieces of CFLs to qualified beneficiaries in every legislative district in the country ...
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15Jan2013ASUNCION, DAVAO DEL NORTE—Living near a bridge in this town also has an advantage despite the perennial flooding. Though their houses are the first to be flooded whenever the river overflows, residents near a river in Brgy. Cambanogoy counts on the bridge near their houses as their refuge in the event flood becomes unbearable. “If floodwater rises so high that we have to leave, we will all go to the bridge,” said Virginia Baltazar having experienced the December 2012 flooding when typhoo...
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15Jan2013NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Jan. 14 (PIA6) - - Negros Island, particulary the southern part of Negros Occidental is considered an important migratory flyway or traditional route taken by migratory birds according to the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO). In Negros Island, several wetlands were already identified by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as important sites for migratory species. According to Lisa Marie Paguntalan, biologist from the Philippines Biodiv...
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15Jan2013CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Calabarzon Region recently completed the detailed geological hazard assessment and mapping of 142 barangays in Rizal Province and 15 barangays in Laguna. The area covered by the assessment and mapping operations for the first semester of CY 2012 includes nine municipalities in Rizal province and one municipality in Laguna province for a total of 157 barangays assessed. Among the municipalities assessed and mapped i...
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15Jan2013MAKATI CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- The Green Urban Design Center (GUDC) of the local government will hold the third in a series of presentations of green urban designs prepared by barangays on January 16, 23, and 30 at the Sampiro Conference Room, 21st floor of Makati City Hall. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said for each date, five barangays will be presenting their outputs after taking part in the third and fourth cycles of the six-day workshop held by GUDC for barangay offic...
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15Jan2013TAGUM CITY – Banking on its initial success in terms of disaster response and emergency relief, the provincial government is taking further steps in improving its system to sharpen the data it gets from the ground during disasters. The province has conceptualized a model for the systematic reporting of disaster loss, after Governor Rodolfo del Rosario mandated the frontline offices of the Capitol to put in place vital mechanisms for the standard accounting of extent of damages. He said acc...
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15Jan2013CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Jan 15 (PIA) --The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Region 4A is targeting 584.0402 hectares of land for the National Greening Program (NGP) to be implemented by mines and quarries in CALBARZON region. The target was based on the total disturbed area estimation system adopted by the mines sector. In CALABARZON Region, the total disturbed area is 389.3601 ha, based on the NGP registrations submitted by various mining companies. On the ratio 1:1.5, the total reforestati...
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15Jan2013CEBU CITY, Jan 15 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has urged the local government units (LGUs) and business establishments to provide waste receptacles in their offices' vicinity. DENR issued the call in view of thousands of people expected to join the grand procession of the Sinulog Festival on Jan. 20 in the city. Dr. Isabelo Montejo said, DENR-7 regional executive director, said the feast of the Santo Niño is a well-cherished and treasured tradition a...
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15Jan2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- Aiming to give tribute to the heroic display of valor and selfless commitment of partners in disaster operations to public service and saving lives, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council 1 (RDRRMC-1) will be recognizing individuals, groups and agencies by the third week of January, this year. “The council will conduct the ‘Banuar iti Amianan’ Awards to show gratitude and inspire others to emulate these selfless and heroi...
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15Jan2013ILOILO CITY, Jan 15 (PIA) -- Five of the 69 seismic events recorded by Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in the first two weeks of 2013 occurred in Western Visayas. A Magnitude 5 quake occurred in west of Sipalay City in Negros Occidental on January 13 at 9:08 p.m. It registered at Intensity III in Sipalay City and Intensity II in Iloilo City. The intensity ratings are based on the Phivolcs Earthquake Intensity Scale. The five seismic events occurred...
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15Jan2013BUTUAN CITY, Jan. 15 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Panlungsod here has unanimously approved SP Resolution 085-2013 in the regular session held recently, declaring the city under state of calamity. The resolution, which was jointly authored by all the members of the SP led by Vice Mayor Law Fortun, stemmed from the recent flooding that the city experienced since last week. Fortun said the declaration was based on the data submitted to the SP by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (C...
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14Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- More humanitarian aid arrived from Indonesia on Saturday for the survivors of Typhoon Pablo in the hardest hit areas in Davao Region as relief and rehabilitation effort continues to bring back normalcy on the affected communities. Captain Severino David, deputy commander and spokesperson of the Eastern Mindanao Command formally received the goods brought in by Commodore Ari Soedewo of the Indonesian Armed Forces on board naval vessel Kri Makasaar 7 pm Saturday at th...
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14Jan2013MANILA, Jan. 14 -- Filipinos in Dubai continue to pour their support to the victims of Typhoon ‘Pablo’ which ravaged the southern Philippines last December. A statement from the Department of Foreign Affairs said that Mr. and Mrs. Clayton Sum of Tipanan Restaurant, a restaurant chain operating in Dubai and serving Filipino dishes, donated P80,000 through the ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Similarly, Overseas Pinoy Professional Photographers Society (OPPPS), a Dubai-based Filipino organization ...
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14Jan2013ANTIPOLO CITY, Rizal, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The Antipolo City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office (CDRRMO) Central Command and Communication Center, is being constructed. The four-storey building will include an rescue operation information office, parking for the emergency dispatch vehicles, the office of the Antipolo City Civil Defense, equipment for the earthquake and flood warning devices, CCTV monitoring, and radio communication room, equipment for rain gauges and the CDRRMO operation ...
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14Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently launched the Philippine component of an internationally-funded project on invasive alien species (IAS). The project, entitled “Removing Barriers to Invasive Species Management in the Production and Protection Forests in Southeast Asia,” is funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) through the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), with the DENR-Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB)...
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14Jan2013LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) urges foresters and agriculture professionals in the Bicol region to support initiatives to safeguard the environment such as its National Greening and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) programs. DENR Secretary Ramon J. Paje made the said call during the 100th year foundation anniversary of the Bicol University College of Agriculture and Forestry (BU-CAF) Guinobatan campus. The Philippines, Paje said, is vu...
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14Jan2013KASIBU, Nueva Vizcaya, Jan 14(PIA) -- OceanaGold Philippines, Inc (OGPI), an Australian mining firm, has produced and distributed 101,620 forest and fruit tree seedlings in various villages here in support of Executive Order 26 dated Feb. 24, 2011, creating the National Greening Program (NGP). The company, which operates the Didipio gold-copper project in the mineral-rich upland barangay of Didipio, made its share of the tree and fruit seedlings from 2011 to 2012 through a memorandum of agree...
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14Jan2013LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 14 (PIA) -- A local official said a campaign to promote the local whale shark "abusive" and "violated ecological standards." Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the recent underwater fashion photo shoots of international fashion models swimming with the Butanding (Rhincodon typus ) put the whale shark and the tourism industry at risk. The whale sharks were also being fed. Salceda, who also chairs the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) and heads the Almasor (Albay-Masbate-Sor...
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14Jan2013MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, Jan 14 (PIA) -- Camiguin has opened a new and bigger disposal facility cell for healthcare wastes. The Camiguin Solid Waste Sanitary Landfill Management and Research Development Project is in compliance with Republic Act 9003 (Ecological Solid Waste Management), Dr. Sabdullah C. Abubacar, Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environment and Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Region 10 drector said. Abubacar said putting up the facility was a wise investment for the ...
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12Jan2013DAET, Camarines Norte, Jan 12 (PIA) –- Daet will feature its new environmental protection advocacy dubbed Go Green Daet (G2D). This is part of the local government's campaign under its slogan Daet On The Go launched last January 6. Mayor Tito Sarte-Sarion said after promoting Daet via Visit Daet (V2D) 2012, the G2D will support and sustain the reason why the Balikbayans and tourists will go back to Daet more often. The G2D has a 13 points agenda or plan of action for the protection of the en...
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11Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- Government agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Education in Davao Region have hastened efforts to normalize the lives and activities of typhoon Pablo survivors in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Carmela Duron, spokesperson of the DSWD XI said that as the agency sustains the basic needs of the survivors, it is also conducting needs assessment to determine the extent and duration of helping typhoon Pablo survivors...
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11Jan2013NEGROS OCC., Jan 11 (PIA6) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources here has planted more than 1.5 million seedlings covering 3,035 hectares in the province, Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Officer Valentin Talavero said. More than P27 million was spent in the project last year, he added. Different agency programs took part in planting seeds in the province. Among these are the National Greening Program with 936,000 seedlings planted at Don Salvador Benedicto cover...
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11Jan2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Jan 11 (PIA) -- An executive of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) has urged local officials, government employees, and villagers here to support the Forest Land Management Project (FMLP). The 10-year program seeks to improve and enhance the watershed potentials of the provinces of Quirino and Nueva Vizcaya. “People’s support is very crucial to this program and therefore we are encouraging everyone to give their best effort in carrying out t...
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11Jan2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 11 (PIA6) -- The more than 2,000 members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Capiz who have not filed for the emergency loan offered by agency could still avail until January 18. This as Capiz GSIS Branch Manager Glorietta Dublas disclosed that the granting of the GSIS emergency loan has been extended until January 18 for those who will be applying through the GWAPS kiosks and until January 16 for the over-the-counter (OTC) applicants. “The applica...
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11Jan2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Jan 11 (PIA) -- Efforts to improve the air quality of Metro Manila and nearby provinces is gaining ground with the designation of the Bulacan-Pampanga-Bataan Airshed in Central Luzon and the constitution of a governing board to oversee industry compliance to air quality standards in these areas, environment authorities announced recently. Republic Act 8749, or the Philippine Clean Air Act, and Administrative Order 2011-11 signed by Environment Secretary Ramon Paje f...
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11Jan2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Jan 11 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Pampanga will be extending financial assistance to towns in the Compostela Valley affected by tropical storm Pablo last year. Engr. Lulu Alingcastre, head of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO), said funds will be sourced from its unspent 2012 allocation to help the municipalities of Laac, New Bataan, Montevista, Compostela, and Nabunturan, with P500,000 each. Last December, a team wa...
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11Jan2013LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the provincial government of Albay recently signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) for the construction of an evacuation center at San Jose Elementary School in Malilipot, Albay worth P10 million. Evelyn Jerusalem, DSWD regional information officer, said that the project will benefit around 1,000 families from barangays San Roque, Canauay, Calbayog and San Jose. “These barangays have been affected by ...
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11Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- The typhoon hit provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley recently got the commitment from the Senate Climate Change Committee chair Senator Loren Legarda for financial assistance for building houses for displaced families. In her visit to Compostela Valley Province, Legarda promised First District House Representative Maria Carmen Zamora to donate P1 million to each of the severely affected towns which mostly are located in the 1st district of the pr...
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11Jan2013LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- With the recent spates of typhoons and continuous heavy rains, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) has called on local chief executives in Bicol to take heed the warnings on the likelihood of geological hazard occurrence in their respective areas. MGB OIC regional director Theodore Rommel E. Pestaño in a statement said, “on the on-set of the rainy season during the last quarter of 2012 which normally continues until the month of February, more landslides and...
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11Jan2013MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, Jan 11 (PIA) –A multi-million waste disposal facility was launched here on Monday in time for its 45th founding anniversary. Dubbed the Camiguin Solid Waste Sanitary Landfill Management and Research Development Project (CS2MRDP), the facility was established to ensure a sustainable garbage management system in the island, as well as, facilitate research development studies on waste utilization technologies. The 5-hectare sanitary landfill houses waste processing facility,...
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11Jan2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan 11 (PIA) -- The Community Environment and Natural Resources (CENRO) office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)- Southern Leyte with support from four people's organizations will spearhead the planting of 400,000 seedlings this year under the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government. The people’s organization identified as the Young Innovators for Social Environment Development Association (YISEDA) based in Maasin City, ...
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10Jan2013ILOILO CITY, Jan 10 (PIA6) -- Relief assistance worth P7.8 million have already been extended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development – 6 (DSWD-6) as well as by local government units to families and individuals adversely affected by typhoon “Quinta” in Western Visayas especially in the provinces of Aklan, Capiz, and Iloilo. The assistance included family food packs part of which National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) and Office of Civil Defense Admi...
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10Jan2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 10 (PIA6) -- Typhoon Quinta left nearly P200-million worth of damages in agriculture, fishery, and infrastructure sectors. In a final report of the Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) chaired by Governor Victor Tanco, it shows that the damage on agriculture, particularly on rice, corn and fishery, reached more than P60.12 million. Specifically, 17,300.21 hectares of rice plantation estimated at more than P50.86 million was damaged ...
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10Jan2013LAOAG CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- The Ilocos Norte National High School bagged the second runner-up trophy in the “Best School Forest Park” national competition during the awarding ceremonies at the Department of Education Complex, Thursday. The school was among the five national finalists in the school park competition that included Cauayan National High School of Region 2 (grand winner), Tubungan National High School of Region 6 (first runner-up), Barobo National School of the Caraga Region (t...
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10Jan2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 10 (PIA6) -- A total of 343,570 seedlings were planted in the province in view of the National Greening Program (NGP) implementation last year. Based on the records of the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), upland areas got the bulk of seedlings with about 304,720 young trees planted while lowland areas which cover mostly school grounds provincewide were planted with 38,850 seedlings. The figure on planted seedlings at upland areas also inclu...
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10Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will continue to implement programs geared towards the reduction of carbon emissions and climate change mitigation as a way of dealing with extreme weather events and other impacts of global warming. Environment Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said addressing climate change remains a top priority of the department considering that the Philippines is among the countries in the world most vulnerable to this global ...
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10Jan2013SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Jan 10 (PIA) -- The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), through its Ecology Center, is now enforcing a “No Plastic” policy among retail establishments inside the Freeport Zone and has put in place stiff penalties for repeated violations. In a memorandum issued by the Ecology Center on December 27, the Subic agency said that no retail establishment in the Freeport shall provide any customer at the point of sale plastic bags as packaging material for dry goods. Inst...
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10Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan 10 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched on Wednesday, Jan. 9 the Philippine component of an internationally-funded project on invasive alien species (IAS). The project, entitled “Removing Barriers to Invasive Species Management in the Production and Protection Forests in Southeast Asia” is funded by the Global Environment Fund (GEF) through the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP), with the DENR-Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau ...
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10Jan2013TRECE MARTIRES CITY, Cavite, Jan 10 (PIA) -- An ordinance banning and regulating the use of plastic and similar materials is now being implemented in the town of Silang to protect the environment and minimize clogging of waterways and canals. Local officials are urging the residents not to use the so-called “sando” bags or styrofoam, but to use eco-friendly bags or “bayong” (native basket) instead. Plastic bags and styrofoam are non-biodegradable which means they take don't break down ...
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10Jan2013SURIGAO CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) – An alert level one was raised early today in Surigao City, the provinces of Dinagat Islands and the entire municipalities of Surigao del Norte following a continuous rainfall which started Wednesday morning, January 9. Surigao City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Coiuncil (DRRMC), Dinagat Islands PDRRMC and the municipal DRRMCs hoisted early this morning an alert level one upon recommendation from the weather bureau Pagasa. The councils advised the suspe...
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10Jan2013SAN JOSE, Antique, Jan 10 (PIA) – The Antique Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) will conduct an aerial survey on a landslide reported to have occurred in the town of San Remigio, this province. The Municipality of San Remigio is about 21 kilometers from the provincial capital town of San Jose. Antique Governor and PDRRMC chairman Exequiel B. Javier today convened a meeting of the council to iron out plans for the speedy monitoring of the reported landslide....
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10Jan2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1(DENR-1) hopes to reach its target of 9,630,175 seedlings for planting in support to the National Greening Program (NGP) this 2013, according to Forest Management Specialist II Marietta M. Javierto. Among the seedlings to be planted include fuel wood, coffee, cacao, bamboo, urban, timber and high value fruit trees. For Ilocos Norte, 3,052,171 seedlings are required to be planted in the target ar...
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10Jan2013CEBU CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) urges public and private schools, universities and colleges in Central Visayas to establish a plant nursery facility of native tree species within their respective campuses in a move to boost the “greening” campaign. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo encourages school institutions to join in the national greening program (NGP) as key area in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP). ...
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09Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA)- Senate Committee chair on Climate Change Senator Loren Legarda presses for the implementation of geo-hazard assessment as she wages an education and information campaign on better understanding of geo-hazard maps and weather reports. In a press conference upon her arrival in Davao City last Monday, Legarda pointed out the need to get serious about implementing the geo-hazard assessment but she called on the concerned agencies of the government to conduct grassr...
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09Jan2013SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Jan 9 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) recently turned over 1,000 school armchairs to the Department of Education district offices in Candelaria, North Sta. Cruz, and South Sta. Cruz in Zambales. “Zambales Mining Alliance, under its memorandum of agreement with DENR, agreed to fabricate the school armchairs out of the 864 pieces of wood we had seized during a three-month anti-illegal logging operations at the boundary of Sta. Cr...
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09Jan2013QUEZON CITY, Jan. 9 (PIA) -- About 651 families or 3,195 individuals were affected by flooding in some barangays of regions 11 and 12 caused by a Low Pressure Area (LPA) in Southeast of Mindanao. The National Disaster Risk Reduction Council (NDRRMC) monitored a flash flood incident Monday (January 7) at Barangay Pangyan, Glan, Sarangani Province caused by heavy rains which displaced 18 families. A flooding incident also occurred Sunday (January 6) in Barangay New Visayas, Montevista, Compostel...
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09Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Jan 9 (PIA) -- The 8th Infantry Division (8th ID) of the Philippine Army teamed up with the Most Reverend Isabelo C. Abarquez, DD, Bishop of Calbayog in donating relief goods for Typhoon Pablo victims in Compostela Valley on January 5, 2013. Capt. Gene Orense of the Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO) in a statement said that Bishop Abarquez donated 10 sacks of assorted relief goods which were shipped by Cokaliong Shipping Lines Incorporated from Calbayog to Cebu Port...
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08Jan2013LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- Classes in the afternoon from pre-school up to high school in both public and privates schools in Albay are suspended today due to heavy rainfall since this morning. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, also chair of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC), has directed all concerned school administrators in an advisory before lunch time today to suspend classes in pre-school to high school in the wake of heavy rains since early morning and the ...
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08Jan2013BAGUIO CITY, Jan 8 (PIA) -- Taking off from what the office had accomplished in 2012, the Office of Civil Defense – Cordillera (OCD-CAR) will exert more effort to build resilient communities in line with its goal of attaining zero-casualties in times of calamity or disasters. OCD-CAR OIC Regional Director Andrew Alex Uy said that in 2012 their efforts were focused on strengthening the region’s local government units’ disaster preparedness measures. Capacity building activities were un...
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08Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan 8 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense XI has warned communities near rivers and mountains to be alert all the time due to the possibility of landslides and flash floods brought about by intermittent rain caused by a low pressure area hovering Mindanao. Tony Cloma, Jr., operations head of the OCD XI said the uncertainty generated by the current weather condition must keep all disaster risk reduction and management councils ready. He said that disaster risk reduction and managem...
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08Jan2013SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental, Jan 8 (PIA6) -- Residents here, together with Ikaw-Ako Foundation and the Silay City Housing Authority, have planted a total of 500 mangrove and conducted a clean-up drive in the shorelines of Brgy. Mambulac, Silay City, recently, a press release from the city said. Alore Golez, Silay City housing officer, said the activities are aimed to mitigate flooding in the area where the beneficiaries of the Fisherman’s Village Project are situated. The Fisherman’s ...
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08Jan2013DIPOLOG CITY, JAN. 8 (PIA) -- Dipolog City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DCDRRMC) evacuated 230 families during the onslaught of Tropical Storm Auring. Tropical Storm Auring is the first typhoon to hit the country in 2013. Councilor Cyril Ruiz, adviser of the DCDRRMC, said the evacuation of the affected families was done as water level at Dipolog River and other water tributaries rose due to heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Auring. Ruiz said the affected families are re...
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08Jan2013CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela, Jan 8 (PIA) – The city government of Cauayan is set to plant 500 bamboo seedlings along the creeks and river banks of in the city to prevent soil erosion. City agriculturist Rufino Arcega said the city government has seedlings to be planted in soil-erosion prone areas like creeks and river banks of Cauayan city. The city government has expressed concern about the rising number of areas prone to soil erosion. Among these areas are barangays Amobocan, Santa Luciana, Bar...
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08Jan2013TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Jan.8 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) will bring down the drill plans to local government units in Kalinga to strengthen disaster preparedness. Gemma Bawanta of DILG-Kalinga said they are conducting risk mapping in all the municipalities of this province and have evaluated the respective risk reduction management plans of the different local government units and found that all have formulated their hazard prevention plans. “From the re...
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08Jan2013BAGUIO CITY, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- The implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP) in the Cordillera Administrative Region in 2012 showed an increase in seedlings planted compared to the previous year. For 2012, there were 4,271,509 assorted seedlings planted in 8,546 hectares compared to its first year of implementation with 3,400,000 trees planted in 6,800 hectares. Non-government organizations (NGO) coming planted 314,478 seedlings covering 396 hectares. Regional Executive Direc...
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08Jan2013MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Jan. 8 (PIA) -- The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) – Southern Leyte continues to conduct seminar-workshops down to the barangay level to assist them in formulating their own contingency plans according to hazards that poses threat to their respective areas. “The Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (BDRRMCs) must have their own contingency plans since they have distinct hazards that needed to be specifically prepared for,” Marichu Tan, OCD...
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08Jan2013SIQUIJOR, Jan. 8 (PIA) --The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) in Siquijor conducted a two-day training on “Sustainable Energy Management and Assessment /Identification of Energy Conservation Measures (ECMs) or Energy Management Opportunities (EMOs)” recently. The training, according to provincial director Mario E. de la Pena, is aimed at providing basic concepts , effective tools for evaluation and to understand the methodologies of energy management system. Participants are al...
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07Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan 07 – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-XI) will soon start reforestation and rehabilitation efforts in the typhoon Pablo-affected areas of Compostela Valley Province and Davao Oriental. This is part of its National Greening Program (NGP) target for 2013. Through the cash for work scheme, members of people’s organizations (POs), local people and barangays residents will be hired for a continuous period of 90 days for site preparation, hauling of seedli...
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07Jan2013CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, January 7 (PIA)—Paranas Mayor Felix Babalcon, in his annual State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) yesterday, urged his fellow Paranasnon to preserve the remaining forest cover in this town. Babalcon cited the tragedies that struck Mindanao last year. “For a while they did not experience destructive typhoons, but because of neglect and abuse of the environment, they experienced the destructive Pablo,” Babalcon said. According to Ulot Watershed Eco-tourism Devel...
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07Jan2013OROQUIETA CITY, Misamis Occidental, Jan. 7 (PIA) --The Pacita Mequiabas National High School (PMNHS) in Barangay Lapinig, Kapatagan, Lanao Norte was declared Northern Mindanao’s regional winner of the 2012 Search for the Best School Forest Park. Launched by the Department of Education (DepEd), the search aims to encourage the schools to actively participate in putting up of forest parks inside the school premises as part of their development projects, Allan G. Fornazo, Officer-in-Charge of De...
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07Jan2013TAGUM CITY Jan. 7 (PIA) -- Davao del Norte officials continues to monitor the weather in the province as the state weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) reports in its 5 am bulletin that at 4 a.m. Monday, a low pressure area (LPA) was estimated at 300 KM Southeast of Mindanao. “The Office of Civil Defense (KCD) has advised the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management (PDRRMC) to encourage the local government units to con...
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07Jan2013SINAIT, Ilocos Sur, Jan 7 (PIA) -- A mild earthquake rocked the province of Ilocos Sur early Friday morning but was too weak to cause damage to property, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said. Local Phivolcs Researcher Porferio De Peralta said the quake had a 2.8 magnitude in the Richter scale and occurred at 5 a.m. last Friday. Its epicenter was located at 61 kilometers southwest of San Esteban, Ilocos Sur with a depth of 18 kilometers. He said the tremor w...
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07Jan2013TUGUEGARAO CITY, Jan 7 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) was able to surpass its target in the greening program in 2012 nationwide as per report of in his visit here. DENR Undersecretary Demetrio L. Ignacio said while the agency targeted 300,000 hectares of national greening program (NGP) planting sites in 2012, some 329, 000 hectares of NGP sites were planted with different species of forest trees and fruit bearing trees. “This is a very good indication o...
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06Jan2013CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Jan. 6 (PIA) -- Soon, it’s home sweet home for the 17 volunteers from the Department of Social Welfare and Development 2 and from the provincial government of Quirino who chose to serve the victims of typhoon Pablo over spending Christmas and New year with their families. The team is composed of Franco Lopez, Matthias James Tangonan, Joselito Eslabon, Manuel Bautista, Vienalyn Rafallo, Pasencia Ancheta, Hazel Taccaban, Rommel Gamiao, Carmelita Buere, Vicenta Pamittan, J...
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05Jan2013CABARROGGUIS, Quirino, Jan. 5 (PIA)--The Quirino Police Provincial Office (QPPO) has reported a 280 percent accomplishment in its tree planting activities under the Pulis Makakalikasan: 10 Milyong Puno Pamana sa Kinabukasan project in support to the EO 26 or the National Greening Program of the national government. The QPPO targeted to plant 18,546 trees from February 1, 2012 to January 31, 2013, wherein each of the 281 personnel was required to plant six trees every month. “We have already...
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05Jan2013TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, January 5 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources has inked a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Visayas State University to improve watershed rehabilitation efforts in the country. Under the agreement, the DENR will assist in carrying out the four major objectives of the project: identify success and failure factors of watershed rehabilitation and reforestation in the country; identify key intervention points and design initiatives to improve wat...
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05Jan2013MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Jan 5 (PIA)—At least 477 families left their homes in Valencia City, Bukidnon, Wednesday dawn, as flash floods hit the city’s 10 villages due to continuous rains spawned by tropical storm ‘Auring’. Alejandro Larosa, Operations Chief, City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), said 156 families from Maapag, 114 families from Batangan, and a total of 207 families from the villages of Catumbalon, Lumbayao, Lumbo, Pinatilan, Poblacion, San Isidro...
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05Jan2013ILOILO CITY, Jan 5 (PIA6) -- The number of families still staying in evacuation centers in provinces affected by typhoon “Quinta” went down further to 1,045 from more than 10,000 as of last Monday and about 25,000 before that as most of them have returned to their homes after floodwaters that had inundated their communities have now subsided. Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) chair and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Rosario Cabrera said, howev...
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04Jan2013RAMON, Isabela, Jan 4 (PIA) – The National Irrigation Administration-Magat River Integrated Irrigation System (NIA-MRIIS) and the SN Aboitiz Power Magat have started conducting cloud seeding operations to supply the Magat reservoir with enough water for irrigation and power use. Engr. Wilfredo Gloria, engineering and operations chief of NIA-MRIIS, said the SN Aboitiz Power based at Magat reservoir in Ramon town has allotted and financed 30 flying hours for cloud seeding operations to be cond...
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04Jan2013TAGUM CITY Jan. 4 (PIA) - The Provincial Social Welfare Department Office of Davao del Norte has assured evacuees that there is enough supply of food packs for them despite the huge requirement brought about by Typhoon Pablo and the continuous flooding in the area. “We are coordinating with concerned national agencies like the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) when it comes to food supply as they are providing us with food packs,” PSWDO-Davao del Norte Department Head Arle...
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04Jan2013BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Jan 4 (PIA) – The country has earned an excellent rating on its environmental performance last year because of its improved forest cover, an official of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) said. Rommel Abesamis, DENR assistant secretary for foreign-assisted and special projects, said the country achieved 100 percent Environment Performance Index (EPI) last year as reported by the World Economic Forum(WEF). He made the statement during t...
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04Jan2013KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- After delivering two batches of relief assistance to Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental, the regional office of the Department of Agriculture (DA 12) extended help to farmers in North Cotabato, also hit by typhoon Pablo last December. Last week, DA 12 regional technical director for research and regulations Enriqueto Natividad led the distribution of more than P2 million worth of aid to municipalities in North Co...
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04Jan2013KALIBO, Aklan, Jan 4 (PIA6) -- Municipalities in the province of Aklan have until January 4, Friday, to submit report on damages caused by the deep flood brought by Typhoon Quinta, according to Galo Ibardolaza, Executive Officer of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) here. Ibardolaza said this was agreed upon with the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office as both the PDRRMC and and the PSWDO continue to monitor damages and assist Aklanons affected by ...
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03Jan2013DAVAO CITY, Jan. 3 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development Office in Davao Region has called for more volunteers to help in the repacking of relief goods for the survivors of typhoon Pablo in the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela at the Interagency Relief Operations Center within the compound of the Department and Highways XI in Panacan. Evangeline Grandeza, integrated-gender development officer of the Pantawid-Pamilyang Pilipino Program of DSWD XI said the number o...
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03Jan2013DAVAO CITY Jan.3 (PIA)- Rural electric cooperatives in Mindanao have learned something after the onslaught of typhoon Pablo last December 4, which damaged hundreds of millions of electric cooperative equipment. The Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative lost about P258-million of equipment mostly poles and other electrical equipment, about P218-million of these destroyed equipment were in the hard-hit Compostela Valley Province. Sergio Dagooc, president of the Association of Mindanao Rural Elect...
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03Jan2013TAGUM CITY, Jan. 3 -- The Davao del Norte Electric Cooperative (DANECO) is set to lose at least P66 million worth of revenue every month, until its power lines are able to transmit power to its consumers as a result of the damage wrought by Typhoon Pablo last December. “Mga 30 to 40 percent ang mawala sa DANECO in terms of revenues (DANECO is set to lose 30 to 40 percent in revenues),” said DANECO OIC Manager Engr. Benedicto Ongking said during the Kapihan sa PIA Friday. Ongking said the ...
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02Jan2013ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Jan. 2 (PIA6) -- The flood-affected towns in Capiz have already been placed under the state of calamity. In a session by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Capiz on December 28, towns and barangays were put under the state of calamity after these were affected by flood brought about by heavy rains due to typhoon Quinta. The declaration came after the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here, chaired by Governor Victor Tanco, passed a resolution re...
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02Jan2013ILOILO CITY, Jan 2 (PIA6) – Farmers whose crops were affected by tropical depression “Quinta” will receive assistance from the Department of Agriculture here. In media interviews, DA-6 Executive Director Larry Nacionales said they are preparing appropriate interventions now after the agency has assessed the impact of “Quinta” on agriculture. Nacionales said farmers whose rice crops were totally damaged will be given certified seeds from their stocks under the rice program. ...
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02Jan2013ILOILO CITY, Jan 2 (PIA6) -- Typhoon “Quinta” with its adverse effects on properties and human lives should serve as another lesson on the importance of disaster preparedness. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) Executive Director and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Administrator Usec. Benito Ramos told media practitioners here that the typhoon should teach us to be always prepared and it is a lesson for all of us that whenever there is a weather di...
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02Jan2013ILOILO CITY, Jan 2 (PIA6) -- “The mountains can no longer hold the water generated by rains because they lack trees cover or canopy,” said Undersecretary Benito Ramos, National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) executive director and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) administrator. People must plant more trees and sustain the activity as a long-term solution to flooding, he said. This was Ramos’ immediate reaction after an aerial survey, Dec. 30, of areas in Iloilo and ...
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29Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 29 (PIA) -- Tropical storm Quinta made landfalls at Guiuan, Eastern Samar, and Abuyog, Leyte early this week, left four dead, one injured in the region. Office of Civil Defense Director Rey Gozon, chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said Quinta also caused landslides rendering roads impassable, caused flooding in several municipalities, affected at least 390 families and evacuated at least 43 families. It also paralyzed the sea...
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29Dec2012KALIBO, Aklan, Dis. 29 (PIA6) -- The Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPA) here reported an initial P209,857,300.73 damage on crops due to flood brought by Typhoon Quinta. The report, which was submitted to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) covered the towns of Kalibo, Libacao, Banga, Numancia, Lezo, Malinao, Madalag and Ibajay. The PDRRMC is still awaiting reports coming from the rest of Aklan’s 17 towns. Crops affected included vegetables, rice...
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29Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA6) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) passed a resolution requesting President Benigno S. Aquino III to declare a state of calamity in areas of Western Visayas adversely affected by typhoon “Quinta”. The move was made by the council chaired by Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Rosario T. Cabrera to hasten relief, rehabilitation and other response efforts for affected areas, families and individuals with the neede...
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29Dec2012CEBU CITY, Dec. 29 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) allocated nearly P370 million for the national greening program (NGP) in 2013. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said this amount is intended for the region to reforest around 24,461 hectares of identified forest land up by 230 percent of this year’s 10,623-hectare target. As indicated in the physical and financial plan (PFP) for 2013 released by the Planning Management Division (P...
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29Dec2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec 29 (PIA) -- The body of fisherman Joliber Casipong, 34, was found dead three days after his boat capsized off the waters of Borongan, due to typhoon Quinta. Casipong’s body was located on the shore of an islet called Monbon. His companion, Jay-R, survived the tragedy by clinging-on tightly to a styrofor used to contain their daily catch. Although wounded, he clung to dear life until he was found and brought to the Eastern Samar Provincial Hospital (ESPH) ...
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28Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) has stepped up its efforts to coordinate the delivery of government services in Western Visayas as it continues to assess the damage resulting from the onslaught of tropical depression “Quinta.” In a statement, DILG Undersecretaries Rafael Antonio M. Santos and Austere A. Panadero said they have instructed DILG Region 6 Director Evelyn A. Trompeta to continue working with the local government units heads in ...
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28Dec2012DIPOLOG CITY,Dec. 28 (PIA)- - The Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Councils of Zamboanga del Norte and Dipolog City were recently adjudged best disaster councils in the Zamboanga Peninsula Region for 2012. The “Kalasag Award” was given to Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (ZN-PDRRMC) and Dipolog City Risk Reduction and Management Council(DC-DRMMC) in an awarding ceremony held in Pagadian City, December 20, said Victor Bernido, Civil Defense ...
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28Dec2012FORT MAGSAYSAY, Nueva Ecija, Dec 28 (PIA) -- Army’s 7th Infantry Division (7ID) Commander Brigadier General Gregorio Pio Catapang Jr. called on the Communist Party of the Philippines-National Democratic Front-New People’s Army (CPP-NDF-NPA) to join the Armed Forces of the Philippines in its fight against climate change. “We are now fighting a new war that is climate change. Hence, I challenge the CPP-NDF-NPA to declare a bilateral ceasefire in disaster-prone areas and help in the construc...
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28Dec2012PILI, Camarines Sur, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- Torrential rains brought by the northeast monsoon and tropical depression (TC) Quinta has left 31 barangays in six municipalities in the province of Camarines Sur flooded. The weather system has also stranded 140 passengers in various ports in Camarines Sur. In the information released by the Camarines Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMS), rivers in barangays Timbang, Baliuag Viejo, Catanusan, and Ombao Polpog all in Bu...
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28Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- Classrooms and buildings in some schools in the Division of Iloilo provided shelter for evacuees affected by the heavy rainfall and flood brought by the recent passing of the tropical depression Quinta. Department of Education 6 (Dep-Ed 6) Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Focal Person Wendyl Mae Villaprudente said 28 schools in northern and central Iloilo and three classrooms in Passi Central School are serving as evacuation centers for these affected residents. ...
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28Dec2012ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 28 (PIA6) -- Relief operations are ongoing in the different barangays affected by flooding in Capiz, particularly in the second district. The provincial government here has been distributing augmentation relief goods to families affected by the flood brought about by heavy and continued rains due to tropical storm Quinta, said Capiz Sangguniang Panlalawigan Secretary Zoe Herrera. Herrera said that the relief operation of the province started yesterday to augment the ...
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28Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- More disaster risk reduction (DRR) workshops are being planned this coming year to reach not only cities but also provinces and barangays for a more disaster resilient Philippines, a statement from Senator Loren Legarda said. Legarda, environmental legislator and United Nation’s (UN) Regional Champion for disaster risk reduction (DRR ) and Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) for Asia – Pacific said she aims to conduct more DRR workshops in 2013 to reach not only ci...
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28Dec2012LAOAG CITY, Dec. 28 (PIA) -- A study conducted by a global conservation group showed that Laoag is the least vulnerable to climate change impacts among four cities that were assessed which included the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Zamboanga and Dagupan. The study titled “Business Risk Assessment and the Management of Climate Change Impacts,” which the World Wide Fund-Philippines conducted this year looked into the four cities’ climate exposure, socio-economic sensitivity and adaptive capaci...
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27Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- Nineteen municipalities in the province of Iloilo have been reported to be greatly affected by the heavy rainfall and flood brought by tropical depression Quinta. Data from the Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) revealed that the towns of Janiuay, Alimodian, Lambunao, Dueñas, Ajuy, Barotac Nuevo, Barotac Viejo, Anilao, Mina, Concepcion, Dingle, San Miguel, Cabatuan, Pototan, Balasan, Bingawan, Calinog, San Rafael, and the city...
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27Dec2012NEGROS OCC., Dec 27 (PIA6)—At least seven houses were totally damaged and 44 others partially damaged as Quinta battered the province yesterday, a report from the Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office showed. The report said 59 families were evacuated to safer grounds. Out of the figure, 25 families have already left the evacuation center as of 6:00am today the PSWD said. Affected families were given aid and their needs attended by responding government agencies. Passengers w...
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27Dec2012KALIBO, Aklan, Dec 27 (PIA6) -- Low-lying towns in the province of Aklan were flooded last night due to heavy rains that pummeled the hinterland municipality of Libacao, where headwaters of the Aklan River are located, as intense rain brought about by Tropical Storm "Quinta" hit the towns a day after Christmas. Rains began to pour on Christmas Day, and intensified the following day that brought floods, not only in Kalibo, Numancia, Malinao and Madalag, but to Libacao itself, a mountainous and ...
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27Dec2012NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley, Dec 27 (PIA) -- At the heart of Barangay Andap in New Bataan, Compostela Valley boulders, huge rocks and rushing waters now occupy the spot where the barangay hall, the covered court, the health center and the complete elementary school building once stood. There used to be flourishing agricultural farms of various crops, a thriving tourism industry with mountain and spring resorts, a growing barangay with its infrastructure but these were gone after that earl...
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27Dec2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec 27(PIA) -- Typhoon “Quinta” caused the death of three residents in the municipality of Maydolong this province. This was reported by Dr. Perry Balase, chairman of the Provincial Risk Reduction Management Committee (PRRMC) here. He said that Rodrigo Busa, 55, his wife Rosita, 50, and son Rinjie, 7, were all asleep in their shanty on the evening of December 25 when a big tree fell on their house and crushed them. One Busa child, Rodito, 12, survived but ...
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27Dec2012ILOILO CITY, December 27 (PIA 6) - - A total of 2,531 families and 2111 persons in various municipalities of the province of Iloilo were badly affected by the flood caused by the intense rains brought by typhoon Quinta. The Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) said a consolidated damage report is still being prepared by the local governments. “Only 22 municipalities have submitted the typhoon damage report, and we expect more reports to come from the ...
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27Dec2012ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 27 (PIA6) -- Many barangays in Capiz are still underwater due to the effects of Tropical Storm Quinta. Reports from the Capiz Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council action office showed that as of 1 p.m. today, 103 barangays are flooded and some roads going to and from Iloilo-Capiz are still unpassable. Most of the barangays that are experiencing the sudden rise of flood water are in the second district of Capiz, particularly from Tapaz, Dumalag, Cua...
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27Dec2012TAGUM CITY, Dec 27 -Typhoon-affected residents of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental do not only need water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH). They also need proper information on how to maximize these resources. “A lot of people think that Hyposol is sprayed on the mouth just like Listerine which is a wrong notion,” Department Of Health XI WASH Coordinator Engr. Rex Labadia said yesterday during the regular meeting of the WASH Cluster consisting of the DOH and various international organiza...
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27Dec2012CEBU CITY, December 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 has urged motorists to consider leaving their cars at home for a day in each week and use public transportation and bikes in a bid to trim down carbon emissions and conserve energy resources. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo encouraged the use of alternative means such as cycling, walking or taking public transportation for a cleaner and healthier environment even though using a pr...
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27Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- Government continued the relief and rehabilitation efforts for victims of typhoon Pablo in calamity-affected areas of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley. Priscilla Razon, director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office 11, told reporters that except for the towns of Laak and Maco, almost all towns in Compostela Valley already received their noche buena packs. Speaking at a press briefing, she said the DSWD still has to deliver 7,705 noche bue...
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27Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 27 (PIA) -- A top military commander cited the need to improve all stakeholders' skill, awareness, preparedness and response in handling disasters such as that of the impact of typhoon Pablo. Speaking during the press briefing at the Inter-agency Relief Operations Center at the depot of the Department of Public Works and Highways in Panacan, Major General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said local government units must be given the proper risk assessmen...
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27Dec2012MATI CITY, Davao Oriental – The National Housing Authority and the provincial government of Davao Oriental are developing ways to provide shelter assistance to Typhoon Pablo victims, “We will work on the restoration. Meaning we will build a new Baganga, new Cateel, and new Boston. And to do this, the provincial government will ask the concerned local government units for an ordinance delineating areas on the ground that are no building zones. No building zone are 30 meters away from the sh...
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26Dec2012BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 26 (PIA) – Tropical Storm “Quinta” has weakened into Tropical Depression as it continues to move across Western Visayas. In its 10 a.m. weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (Pagasa) said Quinta is moving West of Visayas at 24 kph, with maximum sustained winds of 55 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph, with its center located in the vicinity of Roxas City, Capiz. Signal No. 1 is up in Mindoro Provinces, Romblon, ...
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26Dec2012PALO, Leyte, December 26 (PIA) – Flooding was reported in at least six towns in the province due to rains brought about by Tropical Depression "Quinta," the Leyte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Affected municipalities were La Paz, Palo, Burauen, and Babatngon, according to Danny Pederise of Leyte PDRRMC. Barangay officials reported that several barangays in Tanauan were also flooded. The latest report on flooding came from Dagami town at noontime of December ...
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26Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) -- Information-education campaigns (IEC) and capability building are two major components of the 2013 Forest Protection Plan (FPP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region VI. DENR VI Planning and Management Division Chief Edna Locsin, who presented the FPP during the Regional Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee (RMFPC) Meeting, said the updating and formulation of this plan included the integration of activities gearing towards info...
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26Dec2012CEBU, Dec 26 (PIA) --- Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) -7 regional director Ahmed Cuizon revealed in a local radio interview this morning that bus operators in the northern part of Cebu have conducted constant monitoring on the operation of their respective buses amidst occurrence of typhoon Quinta as northern part of Cebu is placed under signal no.2 . ”Bus operators also notified that their drivers of the buses operating since yesterday afternoon and early mornin...
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26Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) -- Around 1,654 passengers were stranded in several Iloilo ports after the operations of sea transportation vessels here were suspended due to bad weather brought about by tropical depression “Quinta.” In its 5 p.m. bulletin on Tuesday, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has placed Panay Island including Iloilo under signal no. 1 which prompted the Philippine Coast Guard-Iloilo to cancel sea trips starting 5:30...
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26Dec2012ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 26 (PIA6) – Capiz province residents have been alerted against possible landfall. Tropical Depression “Quinta” might make landfall tonight in Capiz, particularly in Dumarao, Cuartero and the neighboring areas in the second district of the province, according to Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, who chairs the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here. He urged the public to take extra precautionary measures to mitigate the impacts of said ...
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26Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) -- Tropical Storm "Quinta" has slightly weakened after making landfall over Leyte and is now traversing Camotes Island. In its 5 a.m. bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said Quinta has maximum winds of 65 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gustiness of up to 80 kph. It is forecast move West at 20 kph. Pagasa said Quinta will be 70 km Southwest of Coron, Palawan on Thursday morning, and 460 km N...
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26Dec2012GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Dec 26 (PIA) -- Tropical Storm Quinta caused two landslides in two areas in Southern Leyte, rendering roads impassable. The Department of Public Works and Highways in Eastern Visayas reported that the landslides occurred on or about 4 a.m., December 26. DPWH Region 8 Director Rolando Asis said that one landslide was in Km 1005+900 portion of the Maharlika Highway along Mahaplag-Sogod Road, Barangay Kahupian at Sogod, Southern Leyte. The second landslide, Asis s...
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26Dec2012SORSOGON CITY, Dec 26 (PIA) -- Republic Act 7160, known as the Local Government Code of 1991 directs the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) as the youth representation in various civic and social gatherings, and arranges activities in response to national as well as local issues and concerns. Said decree prompted the SK Provincial Federation of Sorsogon headed by Patrick Lee Rodrigueza to carry out various activities as a way of observing the annual “Linggo ng Kabataan” activity. The SK here, to...
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26Dec2012LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 26 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Albay has placed the province under the state of heightened alert and close monitoring in the wake of tropical storm Quinta which may bring increased volume of rainfall and may result to flooding and landslides. Albay is among the areas where public storm warning signal#1 was hoisted at 5 a.m. weather bulletin of Pagasa on TS Quinta. Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said he has already directed member agen...
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26Dec2012OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Dec. 26 (PIA) – Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez has called on the residents in the low-lying areas, coastal barangays and in the mountain slopes and river banks of the city not to lower their guard in the wake of Tropical Depression "Quinta." The Mayor sounded the call as soon as the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) started to issue the weather updates relative to Quinta, a few days before Christma...
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25Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, December 25 (PIA) – It is a wet Christmas Day in Eastern Visayas as the Low Pressure Area spotted over East of Northern Mindanao has developed into a Tropical Depression named “Quinta.” Bringing maximum winds of 55 kilometers per hour and moderate to heavy rainfall estimated from 5 - 15 mm per hour, Quinta has already prevented children, except for a few brave ones, from enjoying their traditional Christmas morning activity, that of going from one house to another to...
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24Dec2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Dec 24 (PIA) – The Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council called on local government units and the public to heed weather advisories and to take geohazard maps seriously. Office of Civil Defense Director Rey Gozon made the call as Pagasa has spotted and is currently monitoring a Low Pressure Area off Eastern Mindanao. The LPA is expected to bring moderate to heavy rains (5.0 - 15.0 mm/hr) and thunderstorms in Bicol Region...
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22Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 22 -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is urging the public to shun the costly firecrackers and fireworks and switch to eco-friendly alternatives to celebrate Christmas and welcome the New Year to help sustain the gains made to improve the quality of air in Metro Manila, Environment Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje in a statement said these traditional ways of marking the Christmas holidays after all are also taking their toll on the environment and human health, ...
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22Dec2012CAMP RUPERTO KANGLEON, Palo, Leyte, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- A team from the Eastern Visayas Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council is set to leave on December 26 for augmentation of relief operations in the Pablo stricken areas in Mindanao. Office of Civil Defense Region 8 Director Rey Gozon, during the December 21 special meeting of the RDRRMC Technical Working Group said the team from Eastern Visayas will go to Region 11 particularly in the thirteen municipalities which severely aff...
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22Dec2012CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) will jointly allocate some P3.2 million to reforest an initial 130 hectares of the Mariveles watershed to boost the water potential of the Freeport Area of Bataan dam. Aside from the DENR and AFAB, officials of the Export Processing Zone Chamber of Exporters and Manufacturing, Inc. (EPZCEM) also committed to support the 25-year reforesta...
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22Dec2012DAVAO City, Dec. 22 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development with several cabinet secretaries will distribute ‘noche buena’ packs in Compostela and New Bataan, Compostela Valley province today, December 22 to share the spirit of Christmas with the families affected by Typhoon ‘Pablo’. A statement from the DSWD said, each ‘noche buena’ pack contains 1.5 kilos bihon for pancit, 2 cans corned beef, 2 packs fudgee bar, 1 can fruit cocktail, 1 can condensed milk, 1 box cheese...
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22Dec2012COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Dec. 22 (PIA) -- Aid is pouring in to the province of Compostela Valley as the province is bracing to rise again amidst the devastation brought about by Typhoon Pablo. The list of donors from the Incident Command Post (ICP) of Compostela Valley showed more than 360 individuals, families, corporations, small and medium entrepreneurs, academe, civic and non-government organizations which have extended relief assistance for the displaced families and individuals. The I...
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21Dec2012BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Dec 21 (PIA) -- Local as well as national government officials have vowed to support the forest management project which will be undertaken by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) in this province. Vice governor Jose Gambito signed a pledge of commitment for the 12-year implementation of the Forest Land Management Project(FLMP), which seeks to strengthen the potentials of the nine subwatersheds of the Upper Magat and Cagayan River Basin in Cagayan...
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21Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 21 (PIA) -- Catbalogan City through the personal supervision of Mayor Coeferedo "Tekwa" Uy installed LED lamps replacing old halogen bulbs. The program started early this December and ensures that before the month ends, installation will be finished. According to the mayor’s office, the use of LED lamps aims to reduce the electrical consumption of the city and at the same join the Aquino government’s campaign of using energy efficient bulbs. The LED lamps are ...
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21Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 21 (PIA)-- Davao Oriental Governor Corazon Malanyaon has ordered a total evacuation of residents in Baganga, Cateel and Boston as another weather system threatens to hit these areas recently ravaged by typhoon Pablo. Speaking at the Kapihan sa Philippine Information Agency, she said it is the best move in order to save and protect the residents from any eventuality as the looming storm might batter again the disaster-stricken areas in the coming days. Malanyaon said the pro...
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21Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- As the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical & Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) warns of another tropical storm coming, Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon N. Malanyaon is eyeing mass evacuation of residents especially from the three newly typhoon Pablo -hit towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston. Guesting in the Kapihan sa PIA, Malanyaon said the absence of any safe place where people can be evacuated from the three coastal towns where typhoon Pablo left imme...
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21Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA6) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau has completed the detailed maps of the towns of Dao and Sigma in Capiz province and Kalibo and Numancia in Aklan. MGB-6 geologist May Magarzo said detailed geohazard mapping produces geohazard maps on a scale of 1;10,000. “The detailed geohazard mapping allows a closer look at the geohazard condition in the field,” Magarzo said. “This, as compared to the rapid geohazard assessment on a scale of 1:50,000 conducted in th...
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21Dec2012TAGUM CITY Davao del Norte, Dec. 21 -- The food security program of the province got a boost from the P10-million worth of farm machineries, equipment, and post-harvest facilities given by the national government to the farmers. Governor Rodolfo del Rosario led the turn-over of the farm tools to 24 farmer associations and cooperatives, during a simple ceremony at the Bulwagan ng Lalawigan. He said the arrival of the implements is very timely as they came in handy for the rehabilitation of th...
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21Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec. 21 (PIA) -- The House of Representatives has called on the creation of a Presidential Task Force that will oversee the relief, resettlement, rehabilitation and livelihood services and infrastructure support for areas hardest hit by typhoon Pablo. Representative Maria Carmen Zamora said House Resolution No. 22 if considered by the President will give focus on the rehabilitation and rebuilding of devastated areas. The measure is authored principally by House Speaker Feliciano Be...
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21Dec2012COMPOSTELA VALLEY, Dec. 21 -- The ComVal Scholarship Program (CVSP) scholars of the province and youth volunteers spread ‘showers of love’ to children victims of Typhoon Pablo. In partnership with the Office of Congresswoman Maricar S. Zamora and the City government of Tagum, through its fire truck spearheads “Shower of Love” to children ages two to twelve (2-12) years of age who are temporarily living in the evacuation centers and temporary shelters in the respective municipalities...
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20Dec2012PASAY CITY, December 19 (PIA) -- For putting disaster preparedness on top of the City’s development agenda, the City Government of Pasay was awarded the “Seal of Disaster Preparedness (SDP)” by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Monday (December 17, 2012). Pasay City was given the SDP (Level 1) award after it “exhibited exemplary performance in local governance” for demonstrating an acceptable level of disaster preparedness and disaster preparedness response...
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20Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) hailed the move by the Department of Education (DepEd) to require all public schools in Metro Manila to plant at least five species of native trees within their campuses to boost the government’s urban greening campaign DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro had earlier instructed all teachers and students in 763 public schools in the National Capital Region to take part in the National Greening Program (NGP) of t...
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20Dec2012TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Dec. 20(PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) called anew its partners on forest protection for a renewal of partnership and re-orientation of their roles. Deputized law enforcers from the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and representatives of seven peoples organizations(POs) attended a two-day capacity building on Community-Based Forest Protection, Integrated Pest Ma...
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20Dec2012ROXAS, Isabela, Dec 20 (PIA) -- Hospital scraps from the Manuel Roxas District Hospital were recycled by hospital personnel and used as materials for the interior Christmas decorations in the hospital. Among the hospital scraps used were syringes, vials, straws, serum bottles recycled as stars, Christmas tree and Christmas decorations in hospital alleys, rooms/wards and in hospital staff offices. Emelita Pacis, chief nurse, said management thought of conducting a contest using hospital scrap m...
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19Dec2012DAVAO ORIENTAL, Dec 19 (PIA) -- Typhoon-affected families in Davao Oriental, especially in the three badly-hit towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston are seen getting off to start anew as some are now erecting makeshifts, tents while a few are opening up their small stores to sell few stuff of food. However, the wide-scale damage that typhoon Pablo made in Davao Oriental can still be seen: totally wrecked houses, warehouses, school buildings; gone to wastes farmlands; toppled communication line...
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19Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) -- Through the initiative of Junior Chamber International (JCI) – Bai Lawanen and support of city government, Kagay-anons witnessed the Sendong memorial wall successfully unveiled at Gaston Park, December 17. The main purpose of the memorial wall is to let everyone remember the victims who died in last year’s calamity brought by tropical storm “Sendong” (International name, Washi), said Gean Tulang-Cesar, chairperson of the organization. It serves as s...
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19Dec2012DAVAO DEL NORTE, Dec. 19 (PIA) -- They were saved as super typhoon Pablo hit their barangay but their homes and livelihood were not. The typhoon manifested its strength at around 5 a.m., recalled Teresita Luis, Purok 6 leader of Brgy. Cabidianan in the municipality of New Corella, Davao del Norte. What came after were roofs coming off, trees falling, and water rushing inundating their homes. “All the chicken we raised died,” said Luis whose house was damaged when a coconut tree fell. ...
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19Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 19 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense-10 launched their book, "Bul-og: Streams of Learning from Sendong" and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) Plan 2013-2016 at SM Activity Center as part of the City’s commemoration of typhoon Sendong. According to Director Ana Cañeda of OCD-10, Bul-og is part of the office’s continuing effort to educate and promote the adoption of DRR in all development processes in line with the agency’s vision of ...
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19Dec2012DAET, Camarines Norte, Dec 19 (PIA) - More than 1.2 million assorted tree seedlings were planted in some 2,448 hectares established for the months of January to November this year as part of the National Greening Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Community Environment and Natural Resources Officer Ponciano M. Mabeza said that NGP is one of the priority program of the government and its objective is to breen bald forests, uplift the living condition of the up...
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18Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 18 (PIA) -- The local government unit (LGU) of Kabacan, North Cotabato will be extending help to affected residents of the Compostela Valley province due to typhoon Pablo. The LGU allotted financial aid worth P100,000 for the victims. Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction officer Dr. Cedric Mantawil said that their office is accepting donations in cash or in kind. Also, they have launched hotline numbers 248-2123, 0920-948-5004, and 0919-319-0840 for those who w...
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18Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO, Dec. 17 (PIA) -- To remember, retell and to be used in preparation for any future calamity in Cagayan de Oro, the Capitol University Press launched "Sa Kagabhion sa Sendong (On the Night of Sendong)," a book of narratives of Children Survivors on December 14, the day typhoon Sendong came here. The book began in January 2012 according to Dr. Amor Q. De Torres of Capitol University. This was along the goal of the University to take part in national preparedness against typhoons a...
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18Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 18 (PIA) -- Plan International, a child-centered NGO in Samar took the challenge to train children in Gandara, Samar about Risk Reduction & Management and Climate Change Adaptation. On December 14-16, participants comprising of elementary and high school students, were oriented on the basic concepts of disasters and calamities, such as earthquakes, floods, tsunamis, and other climate change-related disasters that affect their schools and their communities, and how ...
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18Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 18 (PIA) -- The government of Germany through the German International Cooporation or GIZ gave Calbayog City five sets of Mobile Water Purification System (MWPS). The MWPS has a capacity of 1,000 liters of water each which Calbayog will use for the city’s disaster-relief efforts. Mayor Ronald Aquino received the water purifiers at the city hall, expressing his gratitude to the donor, as he said that these will be a great help to the people of Calbayog. Accordin...
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18Dec2012CABARROGGUIS, Quirino, Dec. 18 (PIA) -- Quirino province has two big environment projects to be implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) according to Natural Resources Officer Celso Aresta. Aresta said the DENR is currently implementing the Forestland Management Project (FMP) funded by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and the local government units of this province. “The project aims to rehabilitate the degraded forestland and provide live...
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18Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 18 (PIA) -- The military has changed the focus of its on-land procedure from search and rescue to search and retrieval operation on the areas hardest hit by storm Pablo. Speaking at a press briefing, Major Jacob Thaddeus Obligado, commanding officer of the 10th Civil-Military Operations Battalion said the soldiers continue to search for missing bodies particularly in the barangays of New Bataan, Compostela Valley, where a flash flood drowned several people and trapped them in de...
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18Dec2012MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Dec 18 (PIA)—The ‘Pilipinas Natin’ Builders distributed family food packs for tropical cyclone Pablo (Bopha) survivors in Valencia City, Bukidnon, a day after the typhoon’s onslaught. Kristoffer Rivera, Pilipinas Natin regional head coordinator, said more than 1,000 families from the villages of Batangan, San Isidro and six (6) zones in the Poblacion—including those about 200 families sheltered in the city gynmnasium—directly benefited from the PN’s outr...
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18Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 18 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has released P3.73 million as burial assistance to the families of Typhoon ‘Pablo’ casualties in Davao Region. The agency has allotted P10,000 for each deceased household member. Laureana Quinto, 75, of Brgy. Poblacion Monkayo, lost her husband due to cardiac arrest at the height of Pablo’s onslaught. “First time gyud ni nga nahitabo diri sa Monkayo. Hadlok kaayo gyud. Dako kaayo nga tabang ang diyes ...
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17Dec2012TAGUM CITY, Dec 17 (PIA) -- Davao del Norte may be the least-hit province of typhoon Pablo’s wrath but it nevertheless needs the aid of various national government agencies for rehabilitation. “In the rehabilitation phase of this disaster, we are hoping that the horrible magnitude of damage will urge various national government agencies concerned to also come to our aid and help bring normalcy in the lives and economy to Davao del Norte,” Davao del Norte Governor Rodolfo del Rosario said...
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17Dec2012PAGADIAN CITY, Dec 17 (PIA) -- The Office of Civil Defense (OCD-9) headed the conduct of a three-day Basic/Intermediate Incident Command System (ICS) training course from December 10-12 at Four Queens Resort, this city. The training is designed to equip local government units to heighten its vigilance in ensuring that disaster risks are prevented or minimized and it is prepared to address and respond to the needs of affected population when disaster or emergencies occur said Adriano D. Fuego, O...
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17Dec2012TAGUM CITY Dec. 17 (PIA)-The provincial capitol in Davao del Norte is set to house the Tagum-Liboganon River Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (TLRFFWC) which will be partly financed by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). “The Center will serve as a hub for all forecasting and warning activities for the Tagum-Liboganon River Basin and all its tributaries and allied rivers,” Engineer Rogelio Corcino, DOST XI provincial science and technology coordinator for Davao del Norte, ...
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17Dec2012TUGUEGARAO CITY, Dec. 17 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Region 2 (DENR - 2) commended some Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (Cenros) in Cagayan for exceeding the targets in the national greening project. Forester Nilda Reguelos said five local government units: Alcala, Aparri, Sanchez Mira, Solana, and Tuguegarao City have contributed much to the program for planting 1.7 million trees in the estimated 2,000 hectares of barren land. She said th...
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17Dec2012SIQUIJOR, Dec 17 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo that also hit Siquijor province on December 4 this year resulted in over P50 million in damages to the province’s crops, livestock, houses, and other infrastructure, a report obtained from the provincial and municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Centers (DRRMCs) said. Of the six towns in the province, Siquijor was reported to be severely affected with a total estimated cost of damage at P19,482,697 including the almost 1,000 households wrecked ...
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17Dec2012BORONGAN CITY, Eastern Samar, Dec 17 (PIA) -- Borongan City Mayor, Ma. Fe Abunda recently rejected a check purportedly intended for a two-year occupational fee of a Chinese corporation that applied for a mining operation here. She disclosed this during the Climate Change Symposium held at the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU). According to her, she did not take the check because she cannot afford to accept money at the expense of her constituents. She added that she sees the condition...
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17Dec2012PAGADIAN CITY, December 17 (PIA) –- The Office of Civil Defense, Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) IX in partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), Pagadian City will conduct the CY 2012 4th quarter simultaneous school-based tsunami and earthquake drill on Wednesday, December 19. OCD-9 Regional Director Adriano D. Fuego said the activity endeavors to promote disaster preparedness, mitigation and awareness of the community especially among students and t...
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17Dec2012ISABEL, Leyte, December 17 (PIA) – Aquasilviculture, a climate-smart and environmental-friendly agriculture will soon be showcased in Isabel, Leyte through the public-private partnership scheme that the P-Noy Administration is promoting. The establishment of a 69.33-hectare aquasilviculture project was launched with the forging of a memorandum of agreement among the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through its Regional Executive Director Manolito Ragub, the local govern...
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15Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- The Cagayan de Oro Branch of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) is granting an extended loan moratorium for members who availed of the program last year. Members who already availed themselves of the moratorium last year due to typhoon Sendong will be given another six months’ extension or up to June 2013, the GSIS said in a statement. GSIS borrowers were offered a moratorium last year to enable them to use the deferred payments on their outs...
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15Dec2012BORONGAN CITY, EASTERN Samar, Dec. 15 (PIA) -- Ms. Stephany Dianne Stefanowitz, Ms. Philippines Earth 2012 led other candidate s of the 2012 Ms Earth in calling all Eastern Samarenos to take care of the environment. In a symposium held Friday at the Filature building of the Eastern Samar State University (ESSU), barangay Maypangdan, this city, Stefanowitz said that Eastern Samar has a natural beauty that needs to be protected. “You have a very beautiful place and must treasure and preserv...
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15Dec2012CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Dec. 15 -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division Commander led the tree planting activity at Sitio Salawagan, Tingalan,Opol, Misamis Oriental today. The tree planting is part of the series of activities in line with the celebration of the 77th Armed Forces of the Philippines Founding Anniversary with the theme, “Bayanihan at Kahandaan: Tuwid na Daan Tungo sa Kapayapaan." A total of 2000 narra seedlings were planted at the tree planting site at Opol ...
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14Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 14 -- The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has set aside P50 million for the extension of economic assistance to coconut farming communities in Southern Mindanao and rehabilitation of coconut farms ravaged by Typhoon Pablo. “We begin with the immediate payments to participant-beneficiaries of Phase 2 of the Participatory Coconut Planting Program, which amount, for humanitarian consideration, is increased to P20 per seedlings already transplanted before the onslaught of th...
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14Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- Local government units (LGUs) in Northern Mindanao are able to manage the response within their resources and capacities during typhoon Pablo, according to the results of the rapid needs assessment (RNA) conducted by the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC). Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director and RDRRMC Chairperson Ana Cañeda said in a media forum Thursday that the assessment indicates that the response require...
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14Dec2012MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- The Singapore Red Cross (SRC) helped the Philippine Red Cross’ relief efforts for typhoon-stricken families in the villages of Catumbalon and Sugod all in Valencia City last Tuesday and Wednesday. Headed by Chan Si Hui Charis, the SRC distributed plastic mats, blankets, mosquito nets, foodstuffs, and toiletries to more than 600 families in said barangays. Of the two cities and 13 towns hit by Typhoon Pablo, Valencia is the hardest-hit area in Buki...
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14Dec2012VIRAC, Catanduanes, Dec 14 (PIA) -- At least 200,000 mangrove propagules were planted by volunteers to the different mangrove sites in the town particularly at Brgy. Palnab del Sur, Virac. The mangrove planting activity dubbed as “Project 12.12.12” was a joint activity of the Congressional District Office, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Provincial Government of Catanduanes. The event focused on the rehabilitation of the island’s mangrove areas and also ser...
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14Dec2012MONKAYO, Compostela Valley Province Dec. 14 (PIA) -- Barangay Naboc of Monkayo, Compostela Valley this morning, Dec. 14 received relief assistance it ever had so far after typhoon Pablo, and this came from the provincial government of Davao del Norte. Barangay Captain Alex Avila was glad that Davao del Norte Gov. Rodolfo P. Del Rosario along with other local chief executives and department heads took time delivering relief goods and medical services to barangay Naboc which lies along Na...
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14Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- Xavier University in coordination with the Office of Civil Defense (OCD)- Region 10 and the Department of Education (DepEd) organized various events to encourage everyone to reflect on the lessons learned from tropical storm Sendong and to elicit gratitude for the grace of having moved on and rebuild lives. According to Fr. Eric Velandria, director of Regional Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development of Xavier University, they have lined-up sever...
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14Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 14 (PIA) -- A top military commander affirmed receiving a recommendation from the incident command posts in the disaster stricken towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston, Davao Oriental to shift the focus of the soldiers from search, rescue and retrieval to recovery and rebuilding of destroyed communities. General Ariel Bernardo, commander of the 10th Infantry Division said the ICTs recommended the termination of the search and rescue operation and concentrate instead on early rec...
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14Dec2012BUTUAN CITY, Dec. 14 (PIA) -- Police personnel in Caraga region may miss their Christmas revelries this year but they may carve a memory in the hearts of the recent typhoon “Pablo” victims. Caraga Police Director CSupt Carmelo Valmoria issued a memorandum this morning for strict compliance and for wide dissemination to all police provincial and city offices, municipal police stations and units “to cancel all Christmas parties.” Their parties are supposed to be simultaneously held this...
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14Dec2012MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Dec 14 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo (Bopha) has left at least six people dead and one missing in Bukidnon, Arsenio L. Alagenio, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (PDRRM) Officer, said on Thursday. The fatalities include a 6-year-old boy hit by a tree, toppled by strong winds, and another who was drowned while trying to save his hog floating in the gushing floodwaters in the river. ‘Pablo’ cut through the Province of Bukidnon, Tuesday, December 4, with m...
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13Dec2012CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte, Dec. 13 (PIA) - The first solar power plant that will be fed to the Luzon power grid has found a home in the sunniest corner of the province--the sun-drenched village of Paguludan in Currimao. This town, facing the west Philippine Sea, is best known for its stretch of quaint beaches and was declared in 2010 as one of the top emerging tourist destinations in the Philippines by the Philippine Tour Operators Association . The Currimao solar farm is one of two projects tha...
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13Dec2012LAGAWE, Ifugao, Dec. 13 (PIA) - - Local officials led by Governor Eugene Balitang had drafted the proposed implementing rules and regulations (IRR) for the establishment of a municipal hospital in Aguinaldo town. The rules shall be known and cited as IRR of Republic Act No. 10090 otherwise known as “An act establishing a 25 bed capacity in the municipality of Aguinaldo or the Aguinaldo municipal hospital.” The IRR aims to provide quality and affordable health care to the people of Aguinald...
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13Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 13 -- The Department of Education announced on Wednesday that they are accepting cash donations to help buy food, clothing and school supplies for over 50,000 student victims of Typhoon Pablo. In the latest report of DepEd’s Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, eight regions have reported damages in school buildings scattered around 445 schools. Initial reports from the field revealed that 355 classrooms were partially damaged while over 800 are totally damaged. ...
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13Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 13 (PIA) -- Local government units (LGUs) across Eastern Visayas went for a proactive stance in the face of typhoon Pablo even if the region was not in the direct path of the typhoon. The act of instituting precautionary measures coupled with the combined efforts of concerned government agencies and various communication sectors resulted to minimal casualty and damage in the region. LGUs can still perfect the said measures towards ensuring zero casualty in times of na...
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13Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 13 -- The Department of the Interior and Local Government Region (DILG) 10 is appealing to all governors, city and municipal mayors to donate goods for the victims of typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. DILG-10 Regional Director Rene K. Burdeos in an advisory today said the devastation brought about by typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental brought so much grief and discomfort to the victims and survivors that bestowing to them thes...
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13Dec2012ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Dec. 13 (PIA)--The Department of Education (DepEd) Iligan will take the lead in planting tree seedlings for the different parts of Iligan particularly in places near rivers. The tree planting is one of the activities to be conducted in commemoration of Tropical Storm Sendong’s devastation which caused loss of lives and properties to the city of Iligan on December 17 last year. Schools Division Superintendent Randolph Tortola of Iligan said around 2,500 teachers ...
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13Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- Xavier University in partnership with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC)-10, Capitol University and UNTV held the Read Along sa Dunong Gulong Featuring: Sa Kagab-ihon sa Sendong, Narratives of Children Survivors of Sendong at Calaanan Relocation Site. Fr. Eric Velandria, Director of Regional Expertise on Education for Sustainable Development of Xavier University, shared that the project is targeted to Sendong children and ...
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13Dec2012TAYABAS CITY, Quezon, Dec. 13 (PIA) --The Tayabas city disaster risk reduction and management office is holding today an inter- barangay first aid Olympics 2012 at the Kamayan sa Palaisdaan hotel and resort, this city. Provincial civil defense deputy coordinator Henry Buzar of the PDRRMC- Quezon said the first aid Olympics aims to train the barangay officials, barangay rescue volunteers and barangay tanods of Tayabas city on rescue operation that will help them during disasters. Bar...
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13Dec2012SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 13 (PIA) -- Troops from the 30th Infantry "Python" Battalion, 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army have planted a total of 100 assorted fruit tree seedlings during the tree-planting activity at the Military Reservation Area in Sta. Cruz, Placer, Surigao del Norte. The conduct of the tree-planting activity is in line with this year’s celebration of the 77th Founding Anniversary of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on December 21, 2012 with the theme, “Bayanihan...
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12Dec2012NEGROS OCCIDENTAL, Dec. 12 (PIA 6) -- The Negros Occidental provincial government has released P2,141,000 to assist families affected by typhoon “Pablo” in Hinoba-an, Cauayan, and Sipalay. Gov. Alfredo Marañon, Jr. approved the aid to help families whose houses were destroyed giving them P5,000 each while those whose houses were damaged received P3,000. A total of 76 houses were destroyed - 64 in Hinoba-an, five in Sipalay City and seven in Cauayan. Out of the 587 damaged houses, 55...
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12Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB), has conducted a review of conservation efforts for the Philippine Eagle. The Regional Eagle Watch Teams (REWT) 2012 Annual Meeting and 2013 Planning Workshop was held from December 3 – 5 in cognizance of the national bird’s plight as well as sustain its conservation and protection DENR – PAWB representative ...
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12Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 12 (PIA) Compostela Valley Governor Arthur Uy ordered all Mayors to submit to him all data pertaining to the impact of typhoon Pablo to their respective communities. In a meeting with the League of Municipal Mayors yesterday, he said local chief executives must submit number of families affected, number of houses either partially or totally damaged, destroyed infrastructure like roads and bridges or estimated damage cost to agriculture. Uy said the data must be submitted to hi...
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12Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 12 (PIA) -- A report from the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas showed minimal casualty in the region as a result of typhoon Pablo. While the typhoon wrought devastation to properties and loss of lives to some areas in Mindanao, Eastern Visayas’ casualties included the death of a woman from Southern Leyte; two fishermen from Kawayan, Leyte who went missing while fishing and damaged houses, bancas and motorboats, and beach houses in Can-avid, Eastern Sa...
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12Dec2012TAGUDIN, Ilocos Sur, Dec 12 (PIA) -- Students and personeel of the Saint Augustine School of this town joined the nationwide simultaneous earthquake drill on December 3 conducted by the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) - Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council 1 in this pilot area in Region 1 . The actual earthquake drill started with the simulated one-minute ground shaking at 9 a.m. or the recognition of a possible 4.5 magnitude earthquake. After this, the earthquake drill ...
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12Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- The Climate Change Commission in partnership with the United National Development Program and Australian Aid launched the Twin Phoenix Project or the “Enabling the Cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan to Cope with Climate Change” project here. The project launching was graced by Mary Ann Lucille L. Sering, vice chairperson of CCC and Toshihiro Tanaka, UNDP country director. The local governments were represented by Mayor Lawrence LL. Cruz of Iligan and V...
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12Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec 12 -- Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Mar Roxas congratulated the province of Cagayan de Oro after it reported zero casualty from Typhoon 'Pedro'. In a press conference last week, Roxas said, "‘Fifty percent you have done well, 50 percent nature cooperated." But he said people must not be negligent and all the more become cautious and cooperative in preparation for the next season. He asked each one to reflect on these questions: What...
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12Dec2012MANILA, Dec 12 (PIA) – Key shelter agencies (KSAs) of the government have donated P3.6 million pesos to help the victims of typhoon ‘Pablo’ that recently lashed areas in Mindanao. In a statement, Vice President and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) Chairman Jejomar C. Binay said the amount will be used to purchase relief goods for typhoon victims. “The KSAs will distribute the goods directly to the beneficiaries, in coordination with the concerned provincial...
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12Dec2012ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Dec 12 (PIA) – The provincial government of Isabela sent on Monday two rescue teams composed of seven rescue personnel to the province of Mindanao that was hardly hit by typhoon Pablo. The rescue teams brought with the Rescue 831’s water purifying equipment to help provide potable water in the area. Noel Manuel R. Lopez, provincial administrator and action officer of PDRRMC, said the provincial government through Governor Faustino G. Dy III found it necessary to sen...
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12Dec2012TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Dec. 12 (PIA) – The Tabuk City government has warned farmers on anti-environment practices like burning of rice straws and other farm wastes due to high hazard they cause on the environment. City Ordinance Number 2, Series of 2012, prohibits burning of rice straws and other farm wastes because of the smoke that triggers destruction of the ozone layer and contributes to global warming. The city government has reminded rice farmers, here, of the ordinance this time when...
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12Dec2012DAVAO CITY Dec. 12 (PIA)- The Department of Education in Region XI is wants classes to resume even in an "informal" mode in some areas affected by Typhoon Pablo. DepEd XI regional spokesman Geneilito Atillo said some classes have already been resumed particularly in Compostela Valley which were among the provinces worst-hit by the typhoon which made landfall last December 4. Atillo said they are eyeing the return of classes through informal education services among which included holding class...
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12Dec2012DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 12 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo claimed two casualties in Tanjay City, Negros Oriental and one in Siquijor, a report by the local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said. Prior to the typhoon's landfall, hundreds of families from Dumaguete City and other flood-prone areas in Negros Oriental were already evacuated to safer grounds. Reports from the PDRRMC revealed that 100 families near the Tabianan River in Basay town were evacuated along with another 100 families in...
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12Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 12 (PIA) – The top official of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Eastern Visayas has reminded local government units (LGUs) in the region to follow the mandate stated in Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010. The law states that LGUs should ensure the membership of Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) in their respective Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (LDRRMC). Rey Gozon, OCD regional director, sai...
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11Dec2012CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Dec. 11 -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division activated the Task Group Diamond Response with its command post at the Division Grandstand on December 3 a day before the typhoon made landfall. All the soldiers at 4ID headquarters were reorganized to act as manpower of the task group to provide disaster response and rescue operation to the affected areas caused by typhoon “Pablo” in the division area of responsibility, particular in Cagayan de Oro C...
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11Dec2012ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Dec. 11 (PIA6) -- The more than 11,000 active members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) in Capiz may now avail of the emergency loan, an official of the GSIS here said. Capiz GSIS Branch Manager Glorietta Dublas said they have started accepting applications for emergency loan from their members after Capiz was identified as among the 34 provinces in the Visayas and Mindanao adversely affected by typhoon “Pablo” covered by the GSIS emergency loan program....
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11Dec2012LAGAWE, Ifugao, Dec. 11 (PIA) -- The Sangguniang Panlalawigan here approved the clean and green contest ordinance of the province to provide a healthy environment to its populace. Authored by board members Jose Jordan Gullitiw and Robert Humiwat, Provincial Ordinance No. 2012-17 seeks to promote proper sanitation, clean, healthy and friendly environment as a sustainable and less expensive approach for the prevention of sickness especially caused by waterborne and airborne viruses. It will ...
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11Dec2012PASAY CITY, December 11 (PIA) – The Japanese government has extended emergency assistance amounting to almost P22 million (¥45 million) for the typhoon 'Pablo' victims in Mindanao. Japan Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda earlier has sent his message of sympathies to President Benigno S. Aquino III. Likewise, Japan top government officials Minister for Foreign Affairs Koichiro Gemba and Minister of Defense Satoshi Morimoto expressed the same to Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario and ...
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11Dec2012ORMOC CITY, Leyte, December 11 (PIA) – The Local government of Ormoc City is set to inaugurate its P55.506 million integrated waste management facility at Barangay Green Valley on December 12. Dubbed the “Ormoc City Eco-waste Center (CEC),” the 32-hectare facility features a recycling, composting, and sanitary landfill in a single site serves as the local government’s strategic response to address solid waste management within its jurisdiction. The inauguration of the CEC at 9 a.m. i...
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11Dec2012LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 11 (PIA) – Albay Governor Joey Salceda has proposed the creation of a National Coordinating Group for relief, early recovery and rehabilitation for areas heavily afflicted by typhoon Pablo in Mindanao. Salceda said that there is an exigent need for such coordinating body to carry out more effective resource mobilization, fair allocation and efficient yet expeditious utilization. The coordinating group, according to Salceda, will also help to coordinate the response of the ...
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11Dec2012DAVAO CITY Dec. 11 (PIA) -- Vessels and aircraft of the Philippine Navy are deployed to conduct search operations for hundreds of missing fisherman, nearly a week after typhoon Pablo hit a huge area in Southern Mindanao. Captain Robert Empedrad Commander of the Joint Task Force Maritime Search and Rescue, the Philippine Navy has deployed four ships and two islander aircraft for the search of an estimated 300 fishers mostly tuna catchers who remains unaccounted for. Among the vessels are the P...
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11Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 11 (PIA) -- South Cotabato’s provincial government plans to send today assistance to the victims of Typhoon Pablo in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. This after the Sangguniang Panlalawigan yesterday approved Gov. Arthur Y. Pingoy Jr.’s urgent request for an authority to donate P500,000 to each of two provinces that took the hardest hit. Per letter of the governor, the amount will be charged agains...
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11Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec 11 (PIA 6) -- “In the era of climate change, no area is safe. Anything can happen anywhere.” This was the statement made by Presidential Communication Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Coloma to more than a hundred fifty government information officers from the Regions 6 and 7 who attended a year-end assembly held in Talisay, Negros Occidental, recently. The activity was reset from its original schedule, December 4 due to the onslaught of typhoon Pablo in the country, ...
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11Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 11-- The Department of Environment and National Resources (DENR) and the Department of Education (DepEd) are taking the government’s recycling campaign involving public school students to a national scale. The two departments have partnered with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) for the implementation of the National Ecosavers Program (NEP) in more than 1,500 municipalities all over the country, a statement from the DENR said. Launched in Metro Manila ...
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10Dec2012CEBU CITY, December 10 (PIA) – Secretary Sonny Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) urged public information officers (PIOs) to access the website of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) where the geohazard maps containing areas highly vulnerable to landslides and flooding per region to province are found. By accessing the ‘geohazard maps,’ Coloma said the PIOs can significantly help in educating the people especially those living in danger zones what to d...
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10Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 10 (PIA) -- More relief assistance arrived from Indonesia and the United States of America as the government continues its search, rescue and retrieval operation and in sending more help to areas affected by Typhoon Pablo. The Indonesian National Defense Force handed the relief goods and cash assistance to the government 8 am Monday at the Davao International Airport. The delegation was welcomed by Lt. General Jorge Segovia, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command. Brian G...
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10Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- Members of the Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) who were adversely affected by typhoon Pablo may apply for emergency loan, the GSIS Cagayan de Oro branch announced. Branch Manager Ma. Cecilia G. Vega said the emergency loan will be made available to GSIS members living or working in Misamis Oriental, Misamis Occidental, Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, Zamboanga del Norte, Camiguin, Surigao del Norte, Siargao, Surigao del Sur...
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10Dec2012CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Dec. 10 -- The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division in partnership with Banco de Oro Foundation incorporated conducted relief operation at Barangay Consolacion, this city, Dec. 8. Five hundred families benefited from the relief operation receiving a pack of assorted canned goods and noodles that will help them supplement their daily meal as they continue repairing and cleaning their houses. Soldiers with BDO headed by managers June Bañados and Mafel Gat...
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10Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- A state-of-the art clonal facility worth P3.5 million will soon rise at the government-run University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in Kabacan town in North Cotabato. Information released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 12 today said that DENR-12 and USM jointly conducted on November 28 a ground breaking ceremony marking the site were a clonal facility for production of quality seedlings wil...
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10Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- Relief hubs will be established to fast-track distribution of relief goods to typhoon Pablo-displaced families and individuals, Social Welfare Secretary Corazon Soliman said over the weekend. In a press interview Sunday, during her meeting with humanitarian agencies, Soliman said outside of Davao City, Nabunturan will serve the badly hit areas in Compostela Valley and Trento (Agusan del Sur) will cater the typhoon-struck areas in the provinces of Agusan del Sur a...
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10Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 10 (PIA) -- A top officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Davao Region cited the depletion of the forest cover which aggravated the occurrence of flash flood in New Bataan, Compostela Valley and the towns of Cateel, Baganga, and Boston, Davao Oriental amid the onslaught of typhoon Pablo Tuesday. Josilyn Marcus Fragada, director of the DENR-11 said the devastation created by the storm to many communities only revealed the long practice of illegal loggin...
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10Dec2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- Faith, it has often been said, can move mountains. But, like the situation experienced last week by this city and province, faith can also divert a super typhoon such as “Pablo.” Forecasts as early as the wee hours of Monday, December 3, had Pablo moving in a trajectory that would hit Southern Leyte. In fact, storm signal number 2 had been raised early on -- despite the bright Tuesday sky -- presumably to pre-warn the residents living in...
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10Dec2012TALISAY CITY, Negros Occidental, Dec 10 (PIA) -- “Information plays a crucial role in disaster mitigation,” said Presidential Communications Operations Office Secretary Sonny Coloma during the government information officers year-end assembly attended by information officers from regions 6 and 7. Coloma, who was the event’s keynote speaker, said the recent disastrous event brought by typhoon Pablo in the country was a valuable lesson on information and being informed. Compostela Valle...
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10Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 10 -- At least 6,000 trees will be planted all over Mindanao by the Mindanao Alliance of Self-Help Societies-Southern Philippines Educational Cooperative Center (MASS-SPECC) Cooperative Development Center on Monday. The activity was conducted to help curb future incidence of flash floods and landslides and to raise the awareness on Mindanao Nurturing Our Waters (MindanaNOW) program of the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA). “We have been planting trees before. ...
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10Dec2012ILIGAN CITY, Lanao del Norte, Dec. 10 (PIA) -- The City Agriculture Office (CAO) of Iligan has been monitoring the damages caused by Typhoon Pablo on December 4 this year. In the initial report during the Damaged Needs Assessment (DaNA) conducted by the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC), City Agriculturist Octavius Molo said that 12 agricultural barangays were affected by strong winds and rains brought about by the inclement weather. Damaged were 58 hectares planted with...
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09Dec2012TUGUEGARAO CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) -- The Environment Management Bureau (EMB) Region 2 has urged farmers not to extract waters from the underground to irrigate farmlands. Ana Cabatbat, science research specialist, said farmers using pump engines to extract underground waters to irrigate agricultural lands became widespread practice, especially during drought. She said that though the practice is effective to ensure food security, it also posts threat on water security. She also explained that of ...
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08Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 8 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo maintains its strength as it travels up north of Philippines and is now threatening the Ilocos provinces and La Union area. As of 7 p.m. tonight, the eye of typhoon was located at 170 kilometers (km) West of Vigan, Ilocos Sur with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 160 kilometers per hour (kph) and is moving East Northeast at 17 kph. It is expected to be 50 km North of Aparri, Cagayan by tomorrow afternoon; 320 km...
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08Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 8 -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje called on local government units (LGUs) to strictly enforce the “no man’s land” rule in permanent danger zones identified by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) to mitigate the effects of flashfloods and landslides. Paje in a statement said the massive devastation following the onslaught of Typhoon “Pablo” should prompt LGUs to review and carefully study the geohazard maps prepa...
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08Dec2012LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Dec. 8 (PIA) - - The yearly information campaign on solid waste management along the Halsema Highway and Benguet –Vizcaya Road stirred up other areas to do clean-up activities along thoroughfares and adopt similar schemes. Julius Kollin of the Environment and Natural Resources Office said the Solid Waste Management Act is generating good results. The activity is in line with the yearly celebration of the province’s founding anniversary through the Adivay festival e...
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08Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 8 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III declared on Saturday a state of national calamity due to the damage brought about by Typhoon Pablo. In Proclamation 522 signed on December 7, Aquino cited the devastating rains, floods and flashfloods and landslides caused by Typhoon “Pablo” (international name: Bopha) which have brought death, destruction, and incalculable damage to the lives and properties of Filipinos in Provinces of Compostela Valley, Davao Oriental and Davao ...
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08Dec2012TUGUEGARAO CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Region 2 has met its target planting sites for the National Greening Program this year. Ricardo Soriano, assistant chief of the forestry division, said the department has targeted 5, 995 hectares as NGP site all over the region and all were planted with different species of forest and fruit trees. For this feat, the regional office was given a commendation and incentive by the DENR central office. Cagay...
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08Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has partnered with the United Nations to boost conservation and sustainability of biodiversity by aligning the economic and ecological development initiatives in five key biogeographic regions of the country. The project, called Partnerships for Biodiversity Conservation: Mainstreaming in Local Agricultural Landscapes/Biodiversity Partnerships Project, aims to synergize systems, policies and capacities that...
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08Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The need for a permanent evacuation center where people can take refuge during a typhoon was agreed upon by members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council – Technical Working Group (RDRRMC-TWG) during the special meeting on the progress report for the Rapid Needs Assessment for Typhoon “Pablo.” Rey Gozon, RDRRMC chair and regional director of the Office of Civil Defense said the presence of a structure where residents can immedi...
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07Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 7 (PIA) -- A magnitude 7.3 teleseismic earthquake occurred off the East Coast of Honshu, Japan (37.7 north, 144.6 east) at 4:18 p.m. (Philippine Time) with depth of 33 km. Based on the tsunami bulletin released by the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology (PhiVolcs), there is no destructive Pacific-wide threat that exist based on the historical and tsunami data. However, earthquakes of this size sometimes generate local tsunamis that can be destructive along the coast located...
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07Dec2012LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC) and provincial government of Albay will hold a medical, sanitary psycho-social and relief mission dubbed "Tabang MindaNow" for victims of typhoon Pablo in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental from Dec. 8 until Dec. 18. Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) 5 regional director Bernardo Alejandro, who is also chair of the BDRRMC, said the joint humanitarian mission will be conducted ...
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07Dec2012NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- President Aquino flew to New Bataan, Compostela Valley today, Friday, to inspect and see if the rescue and relief operations were proceeding smoothly. In a short speech, Aquino said, “The government will not stop to serve you and we will make sure that we will help you especially in calamities like this,” he added. The President distributed relief goods and P10,000 financial assistance to the victims. “The number one priority in this si...
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07Dec2012NEW BATAAN, Compostela Valley, Dec. 7 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III distributed relief assistance to victims of Typhoon Pablo here even as he called for the speedy retrieval of missing victims. Speaking before some 559 displaced families in New Bataan, President Aquino said he wanted that the missing are properly accounted, and that all efforts are exerted to recover them, if possible “all of them alive.” He also wanted to know why New Bataan experienced such tragedy, and h...
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07Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 8 (PIA) -- More relief goods are on its way to the coastal municipalities of Boston, Cateel, and Baganga in Davao Oriental as a road in the north route is now passable, opening up land access to the towns earlier rendered isolated by typhoon Pablo. In a statement, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas on Friday said the towns are now accessible via the Bislig-Baganga route. He said another temporary detour is also being constructed in Palma Gil Bridge which should be o...
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07Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Aquino administration is working to provide much needed relief for the affected families in Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley who were badly hit by Typhoon “Pablo” (international name Bopha). In a statement, Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas said the government's immediate goal is to send aid to the isolated coastal municipalities of Boston, Cateel, and Baganga in Davao Oriental and New Bataan in Compostela Valley. “Damage from Typhoon Pabl...
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07Dec2012DAVAO CITY Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine Atmospheric and Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has urged the public to become more vigilant in the aftermath of typhoon Pablo which lashed southeastern Mindanao last December 4. "Kinahanglan magpakabana ug magbantay " (We should become more aware and be vigilant) ,Gerry Pedrico, PAGASA Davao weather station chief said. Aside from the typhoon the region will have to contend with other weather systems like thunderstorms an...
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07Dec2012MANILA, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The United States government, through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), is providing US$100,000 to Catholic Relief Services to support disaster relief efforts in affected areas of the Philippines. In a statement, U.S. Embassy Manila Chargé d’ Affaires Brian L. Goldbeck has offered to provide immediate relief assistance following reports of widespread destruction due to the storm in various areas of the Philippines. “On behalf of the ...
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07Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Soccsksargen Region’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has inaugurated the Regional Clonal Nursery in Barangay Amas, Kidapawan City to boost the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP). DENR Assistant Secretary Marcial C. Amaro, Jr., led the ribbon- cutting ceremony on November 28 marking the official opening of the clonal nursery, which has already produced at least 407,000 seedlings o...
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07Dec2012LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 7 -- The Albay provincial government will donate some P1 million in financial assistance to the disaster-stricken provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental in Mindanao, Albay Governor Joey Salceda announced Thursday. Salceda said he has approved the donation of P1-million assistance to be delivered the soonest possible time to augment resources of local governments in providing the most needed relief goods and services of the residents of these areas hardest hit by ty...
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07Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 7 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo maintained its strength as it moved away from the country. As of 5 a.m. today, the eye of the typhoon was located 410 km West of Coron, Palawan with maximum sustained winds of 120 kph near the center with gustiness of up to 150 kph moving slowly North Northwest. It is estimated to be 600 km west of Metro Manila by Friday evening and 610 km west of Iba, Zambales or outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). According to National Disaster R...
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07Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 7 -- The National Food Authority has already released a total of 2,813 bags of rice of 50 kilograms each to the local government units (LGUs) and relief agencies in Regions 7,8,10,11 and 15 for distribution to typhoon “Pablo” victims. Some 900 bags were released through the local government of Region 7; 53 bags went to Region 8; 85 bags to Region 10 and 145 bags to Region 11. In Region 15, a total of 900 bags were released through the Department of Social Welfare and D...
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07Dec2012MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- Local chief executives in the province fully support the forest land boundary assessment and delineation (FLBD) project of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). Provincial Governor Mamintal Adiong Jr. expressed his unwavering commitment during the launching of the project held in Xavier Estates, Cagayan de Oro City on Sunday, December 2. He is also thankful for the implementation of the project in the region which is set to kick...
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07Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 7 (PIA) -- The “Adopt-an-Estero” program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has received a major boost after nine private companies had committed to clean up and rehabilitate four creeks located in the cities of Mandaluyong and Valenzuela. Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje recently announced that the DENR and private companies have partnered together to “restore to life” the Maytunas and Buayang Bato Creeks in Mand...
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06Dec2012VALENCIA CITY, Dec. 6 --- The local government of Valencia City headed by Mayor Leandro Jose H. Catarata and the 8th Infantry (Dependable) Battalion headed by Lieutenant Colonel Jose Maria R. Cuerpo II, conducted rescue and operation to more than 2,809 flashflood-affected families brought about by typhoon Pablo in barangays Poblacion, Catumbalon, Vintar, Dagat Kidavao, Laligan, Maapag, Pinatilan, San Isidro, Sinabuagan, San Carlos, Lumbayao, and Batangan, this city on. The flash flood destroye...
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06Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The death toll from typhoon “Pablo” has risen to 327, even as government agencies continue to conduct search and rescue operations in areas hit by the worst typhoon this year. The National Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC) said only 68 cadavers have been identified so far. The agency gets its official data from the Department of Health, which follows a standard protocol for identifying casualties such as DNA testing before issuing a final report. Da...
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06Dec2012GOV’T CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Dec 6 (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways-Region 8 Director Rolando M. Asis said that typhoon Pablo caused no significant damage to infrastructure in Eastern Visayas. All roads and bridges are passable to traffic, Asis assured, even during the onslaught of super typhoon Pablo. No considerable impairment to roads caused by Pablo was noted in the region, Director Asis added. As the country anticipated the onslaught of Pablo, the DPWH Disaster Prepared...
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06Dec2012TAGUM CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas, Thursday afternoon, visited the provinces of Davao Oriental and Compostela Valley to see how government can best assist the victims of typhoon Pablo which swept Tuesday, December 4, in almost the whole Davao Region. Roxas told media President Aquino is making sure that needed services and assistance are delivered immediately to answer the needs of displaced families, victims whether injured or dead. His first stop was Davao Ori...
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06Dec2012TAGUM CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) --Typhoon Pablo left the province without any casualties but with almost P1-billion worth of damages in agriculture and infrastructure. “The zero casualty status is an indication of how well-prepared the disaster workers in the province are,” Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) executive officer Sonio J. Sanchez said yesterday. However, he said, the province’s agriculture and infrastructure has not been spared with P60,000 worth of ...
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06Dec2012NAGA CITY, Dec. 6 (PIA) --- Some 968 teaching and non-teaching personnel and pupils from kindergarten to sixth grade of Sipocot North Central School joined the earthquake emergency and life-saving drills last Monday, Dec. 3 at the school's covered court. Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Sipocot municipal station, led by F/Insp. Alex A. Lagarde, led the earthquake drill to educate and train school personnel and pupils with proper earthquake responses, including duck cover and protection of the h...
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06Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Soccksargen Region’s Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-12) and government-run University of Southern Mindanao (USM) in North Cotabato have agreed to establish a center that would push for the protection of the region’s biodiversity. DENR 12 regional executive director Datu Tungko Saikol and USM President Jesus Antonio Derije signed a memorandum agreement for the establishment of the facility, w...
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06Dec2012AGUSAN DEL SUR, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Typhoon "Pablo" death toll in Agusan del Sur has risen to four, as another casualty was identified, a report by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) said. The casualty was identified as Edgardo Gargar from San Vicente, Sibagat, Agusan del Sur who was killed inside his house when it collapsed due to a falling tree. Totally and partially damaged houses increased by more than 900 percent to 9,409 houses, from 1,737 houses reported ...
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06Dec2012OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Dec. 6 (PIA) – Strong political will of the local chief executive and understanding the benefits of pre-emptive evacuation by the residents of Ozamiz City paid off. These were among the reasons why no one was hurt and no casualty resulted from the onslaught of Typhoon “Pablo” last Dec. 4. This assessment came about during the post-Pablo meeting of the members of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) composed of the different clu...
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06Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 6 (PIA) -- Search and retrieval operation yielded more bodies on the third day in the aftermath of typhoon Pablo as authorities searched for missing residents in the hardest hit areas in Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Liza Mazo, director of the Office of Civil Defense XI in her report to the National Risk Reduction and Management Council said that as of 6:00a am Thursday, the death toll in the provinces of Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental rose at 322 with 194 in Co...
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06Dec2012MALAYBALAY CITY, Bukidnon, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- Tropical Cyclone Pablo (Bopha) struck 14 towns and two cities of Bukidnon that destroyed homes and killed at least four people, as it passed through the province, Tuesday, December 4. With maximum winds of 175 kilometers per hour (kph) and forceful wind bursts of 210 kph, ‘Pablo’ knocked down electric powerlines, uprooted sturdy trees and ripped up roofs of houses and infrastructures in the towns of Baungon, Libona, Malitbog, Manolo Fortich, Sumila...
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06Dec2012MANILA, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The Catholic dioceses in Eastern Mindanao have appealed for aid for thousands of affected and displaced families brought by the onslaught of typhoon Pablo. According to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP), Fr. Antonio Galela, social action director of the Diocese of Tandag in a statement said that victims in around 35 evacuation centers in the province currently need food, potable water, clothing, and other basic necessities. “Food is the immedia...
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06Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 6 (PIA) – The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council and the Humanitarian Country Team (HCT) will conduct Rapid Needs Assessment in areas affected by typhoon Pablo. Office of Civil Defense Region 8 Director Rey Gozon said that per Memorandum from NDRRMC Executive Director Benito T. Ramos, the team from the national level will be deployed in regions 10, 11, and Caraga on December 5 to7 and to regions 4-B, 6, 7, and 8 on December 7 to 9. In view of t...
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06Dec2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has released information that about 3,000 trees of various varieties are to be cut in the implementation of the Samar road development project funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC). The project cost, placed at $214.44 million covers 220 kilometers (km) spanning a town in Samar and several municipalities including Borongan City in Eastern Samar. Rene Galapon, project en...
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06Dec2012MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (DENR-ARMM) launched on Sunday the forest land boundary assessment and delineation (FLBD) project in the region. The project aims to map areas that can be potential for agroforestry development, delineate our agricultural lands with that of forest lands, and protect our established protected area systems, said DENR-ARMM Secretary Hadji Kahal Q. Kedtag. He ...
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06Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 6 (PIA) -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has placed the damages from typhoon Pablo at P178,340,500. This amount includes damages worth P172.6 million in infrastructure and P2,520,500 in agriculture. Total damage to properties was estimated at P3,22 million. In its report this morning, the NDRRMC said there were 4,704 damaged houses in Regions 4B, 10, 11 & Caraga. A total of 2,634 houses were partially damaged, while 2,069 were totally da...
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06Dec2012MANILA, Dec 6 (PIA) -- National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council Executive Director Benito Ramos today asked the public to donate goods for victims of typhoon "Pablo" (international code name: Bopha). Executive Director Benito Ramos said food, clothes, tents, pillows, bottled water, mosquito nets, and blankets are just some of the immediately needed materials of victims and survivors. "I am asking kind-hearted souls for donations," Ramos said. "Those who are willing to donate can...
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06Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec. 6 -- The City Council during its regular session Wednesday afternoon presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian E. Acenas declared Cagayan de Oro City as a calamity area. This, after the city was hit by Typhoon Pablo Tuesday. Storm Signal number 3 was raised in the city after the storm, with international code “Bopha” bringing maximum sustained winds of 160 kph and heavy rains, also flooded some portions of the city. In the wake of weather advisories that the typhoo...
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05Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 5, ( PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) field offices along the path of typhoon “Pablo” are on alert and ready to extend relief assistance. This was the assurance given by DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman. She added that DSWD has enough resources with a standby fund amounting to P4.27 million and P43.41 million worth of relief supplies in all DSWD field offices along the typhoon path ready to augment resources of affected local government unit...
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05Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 5 -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development said that as of 8 a.m. today P3.29 million worth of relief assistance was provided to families affected by typhoon “Pablo.” Secretary Dinky Soliman said the amount came from the combined resources of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) with P1,250,000.00, Local Government Units (LGUs) with P2,044,199.68 and NGOs/other GOs (P2,600.00). The DSWD also reported that 359 evacuation centers remain open...
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05Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 5 (PIA XI) -- A top military officer has placed all units in Eastern Mindanao in “disaster response mode,” even if typhoon Pablo has left Mindanao. Lt. General Jorge Segovia, commander of the Eastern Mindanao Command said the soldiers expect an increase in search, rescue, relief and retrieval operations in the next hours. He said preparations are also being done for the collection of relief goods with the arrival of assistance and donations for the affected residents. “W...
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05Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec. 5 -- The Maritime Industry Authority Regional Office XI (MARINA XI) is appealing to all motorboat and fishing boat operators in Mati City and in nearby localities to provide assistance in carrying needed goods and supplies to isolated towns in Davao Oriental. This as the towns of Cateel, Baganga and Boston has been rendered inaccessible due to roads and bridges destroyed by typhoon Pablo which struck the province last December 4. The MARINA XI appeal comes in the wake of Dep...
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05Dec2012CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, Dec 5 (PIA) -- To enlighten the public on the critical role of pawikan in the ecosystem, Senator Loren Legarda will fund the construction of an audiovisual room in the Pawikan Conservation Center (PCC) after she disclosed that the marine reptiles in the country are “in danger of becoming extinct.” The chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change cited a report from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources which said 90 percent of coral reefs in the cou...
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05Dec2012MATI, Davao Oriental, Dec. 5 -- Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas has ordered the mobilization of all transportation assets that could bring goods and services to the three isolated coastal towns of Baganga, Cateel and Boston. In a briefing this morning, he told the media that transporting such goods and services will take a 300-kilometer travel from Mati City. He directed Davao Oriental Gov. Corazon Malanyaon and Mati City Mayor Michelle Rabat to "commandeer" the fishing ve...
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05Dec2012MANILA, Dec.5 (PIA) -- It was a somber atmosphere when DILG Secretary Mar Roxas went to Davao City to look into the casualties and devastation wrought by the latest typhoon to slam in the area. In particular, the secretary was looking into reports of soldiers allegedly victims of typhoon Pablo in New Bataan in Compostella Valley . Pablo slammed into the mining province of Compostella Valley last Tuesday that resulted in a flash flood with 49 fatalities in the town of New Bataan while 33 mor...
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05Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 5 (PIA) – The head of the National Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (NDRRMC) said the public should rely only official casualty figures released by the Department of Health (DOH). Explaining the disparity in casualty data released by private media outfits and the NDRRMC, Undersecretary Benito Ramos, NDRRMC executive director, said the agency only uses official reports coming from the DOH. Ramos said the DOH follows a standard protocol for identifying casualtie...
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05Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 5 (PIA) -- The military confirmed losing several personnel in a flash flood which washed away a temporary detachment in Barangay Andap, New Bataan, Compostela Valley as Typhoon Pablo swept through the province Tuesday morning. Brig. General Yerson Depayso, deputy commander of the 10th Infantry Division in his briefing to Interior and Local Government Secretary Mar Roxas at the Police Regional Office XI prior the visit to disaster-stricken areas, said the soldiers were deployed ...
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05Dec2012SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- No major damage has been reported as Typhoon Pablo struck Surigao del Norte and the province of Dinagat Islands on Tuesday. The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Surigao del Norte said they received no reports of significant damage of infrastructure in the entire province as of 11 a.m. Wednesday. “What we only have here is the report from Brgy. Consolacion, Dapa that six houses were totally damaged and only one in Mainit whil...
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05Dec2012DIGOS CITY, Davao del Sur, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The local government of Don Marcelino town immediately responded to the need of food for the 229 families whose houses were either swept away or partially damaged by a storm surge brought by Typhoon Pablo on Tuesday. The LGU provided rice and medicines to the affected families who have been taken in by relatives shortly after having been temporarily housed in schools and barangay gymnasiums, said Maya Johnson, action officer of Municipal Disaster Risk ...
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05Dec2012CEBU CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Field Office-7 has deployed social workers to assess the situation of the passengers stranded at Pier 3 in Cebu City after vessels from Cebu ports cancelled their trips to Bohol, Leyte, Ormoc, Camotes island, Cagayan de Oro, Iloilo, Masbate and Nasipit on orders of the Philippine Coast Guard Cebu Station. Social Worker and Unit Head of the DSWD’s Crisis Intervention Unit (CIU), Eppie Partosa, revealed tha...
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05Dec2012PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) concluded a three-day training to better equip first responders with knowledge and skills on water safety, survival, and rescue. The project is a collaboration of the PDRRMO with the Office of the Civil Defense Region 4B and was administered by the Special Operations Group of the Philippine Coast Guard. There were 59 participants from the PDRRMO and its municipal counterparts from ...
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05Dec2012SIQUIJOR, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Prevention/Mitigation Committee of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) here joined hands in rendering assistance to the constituents in coping with Typhoon Pablo. The provincial office of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) served as its communication center as it has internet connections even during power outages. Committee chair and DOST provincial director Engr. Mario de la Pena monitored the PAGASA Weather Bulletin th...
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05Dec2012MAMBAJAO, CAMIGUIN, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Tropical cyclone Pablo (BOPHA) left P1.1M worth of damages to fruit crops and livestock, as it passes the island yesterday. Partial report from the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) recorded around P800,000 worth of fruit crops, reportedly ravaged by strong winds and heavy downpour of rain, which started to affect the island as early as Monday, December 3. Around P300,000 worth of livestock and poultry animals were reportedly...
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05Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 5 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo left “minimal” damages to the province of North Cotabato, Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza confirmed this morning. “We have submitted an initial report to the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 noting minimal damage to properties in the province,” she said. Typhoon Pablo, she said, resulted in the evacuation of some 60 families in a village in Kidapawan City and toppling of several electric...
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05Dec2012MATI CITY, Davao Oriental, Dec. 05 (PIA) -- Three coastal towns in Davao Oriental remain isolated a day after Typhoon Pablo swept over the province, prompting the provincial government to step up efforts to reach the areas. Provincial Governor Corazon Malanyaon this morning revealed that her efforts to reach Baganga where Typhoon Pablo made a landfall, failed because part of the Manurigao Bridge connecting Caraga town to Baganga, collapsed. Few hours after Pablo made a landfall at around 3:3...
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05Dec2012SURIGAO DEL SUR, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo leaves two casualties in Barangay Mansa-ilao, Lingig yesterday December 4, Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Officer Mayosito Dano said. According to Dano the victims were identified as Fritzel Cortes, 48 years old and Jemark Acevedo, 15 years old who were reportedly hit by falling trees. During the assessment conducted by Provincial DRRM council team yesterday in southern areas of this province, several houses were totally damaged by ...
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05Dec2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- At 11 a.m. Wednesday, Pag-asa’s weather bulletin number 8 lowered Southern Leyte to signal number 2 in its public storm signal warning, down a notch below signal number 3 only Wednesday morning. Current location of Pablo was placed 50 kilometers (km) east of Malaybalay, Bukidnon, at coordinates 8.1 degrees north, 125.5 degrees east. Signal number 2 meant winds at 81 to 100 kph were expected. The Office of Civil Defense through its provincial h...
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05Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec 5 (PIA 6) -- The Department of Trade and Industry Iloilo provincial office has assured availability of sufficient supply of basic commodities. DTI Iloilo provincial director Wilhelm Malones disclosed this in a PIA interview as the Visayas and Mindanao are experiencing the onslaught of “typhoon Pablo”. Malones said that they checked the business establishments’ supply of basic commodities and “they assured sufficient supply of basic commodities and are sold based...
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05Dec2012SAN JOSE, Antique Dec 5 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Council chaired by Governor Exequiel Javier issued an order calling for all its members to be on alert status. Javier issued this order on Sunday, said Broderick Train, PDRRM Officer. "We aim for zero casualty, thus, we need to be alert and our response teams ready for any eventuality," said Train in an interview. Inventory and setting up of response and rescue equipment including volunteers/ team were done early Mon...
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05Dec2012MARAWI CITY, Lanao del Sur, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) in the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) is currently undertaking damage and needs assessment (DANA) after typhoon Pablo hit some parts of the region yesterday. Three teams were dispatched in the province and one in Maguindanao to determine the extent of effect of the typhoon in the areas. Initial reports from the RDRRMC said typhoon Pablo brought heavy rains and strong wi...
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05Dec2012CEBU CITY, Dec. 5 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 7 will conduct a post-assessmenthis week to determine the extent of damages wrought by Typhoon ‘Pablo’ . RDRRMC 7 Chair Minda Morante earlier created the Rapid Assessment Team (RAT) for post-disaster assessment. Critical areas to be given focus are damages to infrastructures including roads, bridges and buildings, crops and livestock for agriculture, irrigation facilities, school buildings and p...
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05Dec2012CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, Dec 4 (PIA) – Vowing to bring to national attention the advocacy of protecting the endangered pawikan species, Senator Loren Legarda called for citizen involvement to steer these “majestic creatures” away from the brink of extinction. Speaking during the recent Pawikan Festival in Morong town, the chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change said humans have become the biggest threat to the existence of pawikan. Poachers take advantage on the nesting period, wh...
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05Dec2012GUAGUA, Pampanga, December 5 (PIA) -- Diosdado P. Macapagal Memorial Hospital (DPMMH), the biggest district hospital in Pampanga, conducted on Tuesday an earthquake and fire drill to better equip its employees on what to do during calamities in order to prevent casualties. “Around 50 employees took part on the exercise which covered six stages namely alarm, response (duck, cover, and hold), evacuation, assembly or head counting, incident command system, and mass casualty handling,” Office ...
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05Dec2012LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Dec. 5 (PIA) --The provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) has organized the association of risk management officers and responders (ARMORS). Nixon Alcala of Catanauan MDRRMC was elected president. Quezon ARMORS is composed of all municipal disaster risk reduction and management officers, accredited community disaster volunteers, disaster risk reduction management council (DRRMC) members, private organizations, civil society organizations and ot...
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04Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 4 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III directed various concerned government agencies to strengthen the disaster mitigation and prevention strategies in order to prevent loss of lives and damage to properties as typhoon “Pablo” remains in the Philippine area of responsibility, a Palace official said on Tuesday. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte said during the regular press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday that the Chief Executive is closely monitoring the situa...
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04Dec2012DAVAO ORIENTAL, Dec. 04, (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo swept through the Province of Davao Oriental causing death to six individuals, toppling electrical posts and cutting communication lines and felling a number of trees along highways and local roads. Provincial Planning and Development Officer Freddie Bendulo, vice team leader of the Disaster Assessment and Monitoring Center of PDRRMC Davao Oriental said, his team still has to get the names of the six casualties monitored and still has to con...
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04Dec2012DAGUPAN CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The world’s climate may have already changed, but some people remain skeptical whether Climate Change is real or not. Ernesto Corpuz, senior research science specialist at the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)—Pangasinan, said that many people, particularly those in the Third World countries, do even know what climate change and global warming are. “Climate is not just changing, it has already changed,” he said, pointing out the assess...
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04Dec2012BAGUIO CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources here reported that 6,570 hectares (ha) have been reforested under the National Greening Program (NGP) in the Cordillera Administrative Region this year. Imelda Casiwan of the Forest Management Service (FMS) of the DENR said that during the 4th quarter meeting of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Sectoral Committee on Watershed and Environmental Management that the region was able to plant 4,832,431 seedlings ...
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04Dec2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec 4 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) made an inventory of government resources in an emergency meeting Tuesday, in preparation of typhoon Pablo. PDRRMC Chairperson Gov. Damian Mercado directed PNP Director PSupt Allan Cuevillas to enforce pre-emptive evacuation especially those residing in low-lying areas, along the coastal lines, and in landslide and flood-prone areas immediately. He further instructed the PNP to ord...
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04Dec2012MANILA, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Typhoon “Pablo" (international code name Bopha) that made landfall early Tuesday morning in Mindanao is one of the strongest typhoons to visit the Philippines, judging from the wide swath of regions affected by Pablo. And yet, there were no casualty nor injury reported as of this posting. The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) based its statement on reports coming from Agusan del Norte, Surigao del Sur and Davao Oriental where Pablo made...
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04Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Typhoon Pablo with the international name “Bopha” made landfall at 4:45 a.m. in Banganga, Davao Oriental. According to Philippine Red Cross twitter account, 114 persons have been evacuated from Barangay Central and Sainz since 5 a.m. The province is experiencing moderate rains with strong winds and there is no power supply in Mati area. At least 8,312 families were given preemptive evacuation to 69 evacuation centers in Surigao del Sur, Surigao del Norte, Iliga...
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04Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 4 (PIA) – National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) has issued a warning to residents in the Visayas as Typhoon ‘Pablo’ (international code name “Bopha”) changed direction. In an early afternoon briefing, NDRRMC Executive Director Benito Ramos said Pablo was spotted 70 km south of Tagbilaran City (in Bohol province in the Visayas) as it moved Northwest from Cagayan de Oro province in Mindanao. Ramos said the typhoon will hit Cebu, Negros and...
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04Dec2012DIGOS CITY, DAVAO DEL SUR, Dec. 4 (PIA) – Several residential houses along the coastal barangays in two towns in Davao del Sur were damaged after a storm surge generated by Typhoon Pablo hit the affected areas at dawn today. In Don Marcelino, some 58 houses in four coastal barangays were totally damaged and 20 were partially destroyed, affecting 79 families with 395 individuals. Maia Johnson, chair of Don Marcelino Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, said the prevent...
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04Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 4 (PIA)- A storm surge brought about by a rare typhoon (Tropical Storm Pablo) which visited the city led 275 families to vacate their homes along seven communities along the shoreline of Davao City. In a post-storm-assessment at the Public Safety Command Center, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio assured the affected families who are temporarily housed at the gymnasium of their respective areas that the city government will provide them assistance in terms of food and shelter. She said ...
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04Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- A total of 2,810 people from 554 families were displaced in the onslaught of typhoon Pablo in Mabini, Compostela Valley, Tagum City and Island Garden City of Samal in Davao del Norte; and Baganga, Boston, Caraga, Mati City, Banaybanay, Manay and Lupon in Davao Oriental. Liza Mazo, director of the Office of Civil Defense XI in her report to the National Risk Reduction and Management Council said many of the displaced families were those who were evacuated from baranga...
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04Dec2012TALISAY, Batangas, Dec. 4 (PIA) --Undersecretary Benito Ramos, National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council executive director and Office Civil Defense administrator said they are promoting the concept of “bayanihan” in times of calamities. Ramos along with Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) Director Renato U. Solidum Jr. led yesterday the holding of the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake Drill held in Barangay Poblacion in this lakeshore munici...
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04Dec2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Catbalogan City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (CDRRMC) is now on the alert tapping all radio groups to monitor situations in landslide- and flood-prone areas. In a text message, Elliot Lopez, CDRRMC officer said that Mayor Coefredo "Tekwa" Uy met the members of the radio group like Access 5, Alert, Kabalikat civicom, security officers like PNP and the army, Tuesday afternoon, to be prepared for the worst weather situation. The radio groups h...
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04Dec2012ILOILO CITY, December 4 (PIA) -- Gov. Arthur Defensor, Sr. convened in an urgent meeting today members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) to heighten alert as super typhoon “Pablo” is expected to hit the region Wednesday morning. Gov. Defensor instructed all members to undertake precautionary measures and be ready with rescue and emergency response units. “Make the necessary preparations, safeguard and inform the residents in your jurisdiction to be upd...
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04Dec2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Officials of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Soccsksargen Region have warned people in the entire region to be vigilant and to take precautionary measures against possible disasters that Typhoon Pablo may bring. MGB 12 regional director Constancio Paye Jr, yesterday afternoon released an advisory reminding residents in the four provinces and five cities of the regi...
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04Dec2012CEBU CITY, December 4 (PIA) – Members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 7 are prepared and have mapped out the necessary measures as Typhoon Pablo is due to hit Central Visayas tonight. RDRRMC 7 Chair and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 7 Regional Director Minda Morante said they have activated the command control center based at the Media Conference Room of the Police Regional Office 7 in Cebu City. Morante who presided over the media briefing on disaster...
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04Dec2012CEBU CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 has issued anew advisories to nearly 20 local chief executives in region 7 on the possibility of landslides and flooding as a result of Typhoon Pablo. MGB-7 regional director Loreto Alburo made the warning amidst reports by the weather bureau of heavier rains which has an estimated rainfall amount from 15 to 30 millimeters or heavy to intense within the 600-kilometer radius. “It is highly important that our local officials ...
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04Dec2012PAOAY, Ilocos Norte, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- A team of bird watchers started monitoring the presence of migratory birds escaping the temperate regions and seeking safety in the wetland of Paoay Lake, considered one of the migratory bird sites in the country. Dr. Petrus Calope, a local birder who introduced bird watching and monitoring in the province, teamed up with the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) in monitoring the lake for the presence of migratory birds on November 28. ...
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04Dec2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- By all indications, super typhoon “Pablo” skirted this city and province, leaving only ordinary rains much like a low pressure area would bring sans strong winds. In its Severe Weather Bulletin number 7 issued 4 a.m. today, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) announced that Pablo has made landfall over Baganga, Davao Oriental, its eye located at 40 kilometers east of the eastern coast of Da...
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04Dec2012CEBU CITY, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Cebu Gov. Gwen Garcia firmly reminded mayors here to use their calamity funds and open their credit with the National Food Authority (NFA) as part of their disaster preparations as strong typhoon "Pablo" is expected to hit the southern part of the province Wednesday evening. “The Capitol is ready to help local government units anytime but they are the first line of responders so we will just augment their needs," according to Garcia during a meeting with members of ...
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04Dec2012DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 4 (PIA) -- The Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) of Negros Oriental intensifies alert and prepares with its incident plan to lessen the impact of typhoon Pablo. The disaster operation center located at the Aqua Center is now open 24-hour and will receive reports from the fields and dispatch advisories for immediate response, said Arnel Francisco,provincial administrator, in an emergency meeting. As host province of the on-going Central Visayas Regional Ath...
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04Dec2012CEBU CITY, Dec 4 (PIA) -- The Mines and Geosciences Bureau - Region 7 (MGB-7) is calling on local officials to revisit the geohazard maps to see where landslides and flooding advisories are color coded in relation to the heavy rains that come with typhoon "Pablo." MGB-7 regional director Loreto Alburo made the appeal following a warning from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) that an Ondoy-like rain with a gustiness of typhoon Ruping is exp...
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04Dec2012CENTRAL VISAYAS, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- Dumaguete City mayor Manuel Sagarbarria declared suspension of classes and work in government offices in the City today, December 4 after Pag-asa placed Negros Oriental under signal no. 2, Monday. Sagarbarria earlier led a team from the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council in going around the 30 barangays in the city especially the coastal areas to inspect the barangay halls which will be used as evacuation centers. In the advent of the Central Visa...
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04Dec2012DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- Barangay halls and churches in Dumaguete City will be utilized as evacuation centers for residents who will be affected by the typhoon Pablo that is expected to hit Dumaguete on today or Wednesday morning. The city disaster risk reduction management council (CDRRMC) in an emergency meeting Monday agreed to utilize the churches and barangay halls as the designated evacuation centers since the schools are being used by athletes and coaches for the Central Visayas ...
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04Dec2012ROMBLON, Romblon, Dec 4 (PIA) -- A four-day training was recently conducted on the basic water search and rescue (Wasar) and rubber boat operation and maintenance (RBOM) at Talipasak Beach Resort, Romblon, Romblon. The training was organized and conducted by the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in partnership with the Philippine Coastguard, headed by Lt. Geoffrey G. Espaldon, PCG, station commander of Coast Guard Station Romblon. The said training was partici...
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04Dec2012BANGUED, Abra, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- As the Abra Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) aims for the challenging Seal of Disaster Preparedness launched by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), it had started its series of trainings to capacitate local DRRMCs in the province. On November 26-28 the PRDDMC’s training arm, the 12-member team Health Emergency Management Staff (HEMS) of Abra with Dr. Apolinar Turqueza as coordinator and April Rose Bernal as ...
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04Dec2012TAGUM CITY Dec. 4 (PIA)- The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) has lowered the Public Storm Warning Signal (PSWS) for Davao del Norte province to Signal No. 2 as of 11 a.m. today (from Signal No. 3 as of 5 o'clock this morning). This came after the slight weakening of typhoon Pablo when it made a landfall over Baganga, Davao Oriental this morning. Pagasa reported that Pablo is now traversing Bukidnon province and is expected to be 140 km Southw...
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04Dec2012CEBU CITY, Dec 4 (PIA) -- Six hundred nineteen passengers were stranded in various ports in Central Visayas following the suspension of sea vessels by the Philippine Coast Guard in Region 7(PCG-7) due to typhoon "Pablo" which will hit all four provinces of Region 7 tonight. Out of the 619 stranded passengers, 446 passengers were in Cebu; 153 in Dumaguete City, Negros Oriental; and 11 at the Bohol port said PCG 7 Deputy Commander Capt. Anelito Gabisan, during the media briefing of the disaster c...
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04Dec2012LAOAG CITY, Dec. 4 (PIA) -- Fifty-four police officers in the province have passed as Deputy Environment and Natural Resources Officers (DENROS) to help the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in protection, conservation and sustainable development of the province’s natural resources. The police officers underwent a two-day orientation and seminar conducted by the Provincial DENR office. The deputies were familiarized with their functions and duties as well as the exte...
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03Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- President Aquino urged the public to monitor weather bulletins and follow advisories issued by government agencies to reduce the possible disastrous effects of the coming super typhoon “Pablo.” The President said Pablo will bring intense rainfall and is considered the strongest typhoon that will hit the country this year. It is expected to make landfall tomorrow, Tuesday, between 4 a.m. and 6 a.m. He said residents should heed evacuation orders even if the lo...
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03Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- As of 6 p.m. Sunday, Typhoon "Pablo" with international name “Bopha” has entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility, located at 900 km South East of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur. At 12 midnight today, the eye of the typhoon was located at 770 km Southeast of Hinatuan, Surigao Del Sur with maximum sustained winds of 185 kph and gustiness of up to 220 kph. It is moving West Northwest at 26 kph. Pablo is expected to be at 235 km East of Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur to...
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03Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec. 3 -- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje today ordered all his key field officials, including the regional directors of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), to link up with local disaster management councils and issue geohazard advisories in areas that are expected to be affected by typhoon “Pablo” (BOPHA). Paje’s order was issued in response to the advisory of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical ...
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03Dec2012CENTRAL VISAYAS, Dec 3 (PIA) – The Regional Development Council (RDC-7) Task Force will hold an emergency meeting at 2 p.m. today to map out preparations for the expected landfall of typhoon “Pablo” within the next 48 hours in Central Visayas. The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC-7) also called for an emergency meeting on Sunday, December 2 to advise its members and the local government units within the region to take appropriate actions and further intensify th...
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03Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) – The country’s disaster reduction council has urged local governments to conduct preemptive evacuation as flash flood and landslide are expected when the slow-moving super typhoon “Pablo” makes landfall early morning tomorrow. Residents in landslide and flood prone areas should be on alert and follow evacuation instructions to avoid a repeat of the disaster brought about by tropical storm Sendong in Cagayan de Oro City last year, Edgardo Ollet, National Di...
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03Dec2012TUGUEGARAO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- Cagayan has recognized local governments and schools that excelled on solid waste management in the province on November 28 at the Amphi Theater of Cagayan State University, here. Claveria town brought home the Cleanest and Greenest Municipality award this year as the highest award in the just concluded Friends of Environment Awarding. Next is Allacapan and Solana towns that bagged second and third placers, respectively, out of 28 towns and one city of the pro...
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03Dec2012DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The local government units (LGUs) of Negros Oriental and the German Development Corporation (GIZ) recently signed a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of Local Flood Early Warning System (LFEWS). In a ceremonial MOA signing, Environment and Natural Resources Division Chief Mercy Teves said the three LGUs participated in the LFEWS project are those badly hit by typhoon Sendong in December 2011 include Dumaguete City, the municipalities of Valencia and Si...
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03Dec2012DAVAO DEL NORTE, Dec. 03 (PIA): Classes were suspended in the provinces of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) raises public storm warning signal (PSWS) in Davao Region provinces from No 1 early today to No. 3 in Davao Oriental and to No.2 in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley with the entry of typhoon Pablo. As of 1:00 p.m. Davao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDR...
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03Dec2012DAVAO DEL NORTE, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- Classes were suspended in the provinces of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) raises public storm warning signal (PSWS) in Davao Region provinces from No 1 early today to No. 3 in Davao Oriental and to No.2 in Davao del Norte and Compostela Valley. As of 1 p.m. Davao del Norte Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) executive officer Sonio Sanc...
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03Dec2012PALO, Leyte, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council of Eastern Visayas is now under Red Alert status in view of the impending onslaught of typhoon Pablo. Office of Civil Defense Region 8 Director Rey Gozon who is the chairman of the Regional DRRMC, in a memo to all chairpersons of the various local disaster councils in Eastern Visayas, has directed all regional and local disaster risk reduction and management councils concerned to be on Red Alert status for ...
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03Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA6) – The Mines and Geosciences Bureau here warned residents in landslide- and flood-prone areas to be ready for evacuation. This, as Panay prepares for possible onslaught of typhoon PABLO, particularly the southern part of the island which is expected to be directly hit. MGB-6 Director Leo Van Juguan said they have issued advisories to all provinces in Western Visayas that are highly susceptible, based on the rapid geohazard assessments conducted for the period ...
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03Dec2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- Disaster councils from the province to the barangays, are currently being mobilized, ready for the onslaught of another typhoon. This developed as Southern Leyte was included in the declaration by the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration (Pag-asa) under public storm signal No. 1 today due to a weather disturbance locally called “Pablo” (international codename Bopha). “We are on Red Alert Status,” said D...
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03Dec2012QUEZON CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) advised residents in affected areas of typhoon Pablo to be prepared for a heavy down pour this afternoon. Although Pablo has slightly weakened as it moves west north westward, its estimated rainfall amount is expected to be from 20 mm to 30 mm per hour (categorized as heavy to intense) within the 600 km diameter of the typhoon. As of 9 a.m. the eye of the typhoon was located ...
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03Dec2012DUMAGUETE CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- With the super typhoon Pablo (international name “Bopha) expected to hit Dumaguete City on Tuesday evening or Wednesday morning, the city disaster risk reduction management council in Dumaguete has now put in motion its pre-disaster measures as it braces for the onslaught of the typhoon. In an emergency meeting held this morning, Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said the city session hall now serves as the command center for disaster operations. The mayor instructed...
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03Dec2012ILAGAN CITY, Isabela, Dec 3 (PIA) -- The provincial disaster risk reduction and management council (PDRRMC) here held an emergency meeting today to tackle preparations for the possible effects of super typhoon “Pablo,” though the province is not included in provinces with typhoon signals. The PDRRMC’s holding of emergency meeting is a precautionary measure to avert any damages that may bring by the typhoon in the province. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services ...
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03Dec2012SURIGAO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- The local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) of Surigao del Norte, Dinagat Islands and this city have already set-up their command operation center on 24/7 basis in preparation for typhoon Pablo. Surigao City Mayor Ernesto Matugas, Surigao del Norte Gov. Sol Matugas and Dinagat Islands Governor Glenda B. Ecleo made the announcement thru their respective DRRMC coordinators as Typhoon Pablo is threatening the area based from the latest forecast fr...
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03Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec 3 (PIA6) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Western Visayas has raised some 47.2 million of indigenous species, or 83 percent of the nearly 57 million seedlings it has sown as of date. The agency and its partners have pooled efforts for the use of indigenous seedlings for the implementation of the National Greening Program (NGP). DENR-6 Executive Director Adeluisa Siapno said indigenous seedlings are more adaptive to local conditions such as topograph...
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03Dec2012DAVAO CITY, Dec 3 (PIA) -- Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio has placed the all personnel of the Emergency Response Center Central 911, police, military and all volunteer groups on alert in preparation for the onslaught of the tropical storm Pablo. She ordered the agencies to assign half of their personnel to disaster response activities at this time. Duterte-Carpio also ordered barangay disaster teams to conduct pre-emptive evacuation once rivers and other tributaries swell due to heavy ...
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03Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Dec 3 -- The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) headed by Mayor Vicente Emano is now on “Blue Alert” and prepared for Typhoon Pablo. This, in the wake of weather advisories that the typhoon has entered the Philippine area of responsibility and will affect the country within the next few days. Mayor Emano ordered the CDRRMO to make service vehicles, dumptrucks, payloaders, rubber boats as well as relief goods available. The city’s rescue team...
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03Dec2012ILOILO CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA6) -- The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council-6 (RDRRMC-6) has firmed up its preparations for any contingencies that may arise due to typhoon “Pablo,” which is expected to pass through Western Visayas this week bringing gusty winds and heavy to intense rainfall. The preparations were made by RDRRMC-6 chairperson and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Director Rosario T. Cabrera during an emergency meeting held Dec. 3 at the OCD...
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03Dec2012PILI, Camarines Sur, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- As typhoon Pablo entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) early this morning, Camarines Sur Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office ( PDRRMO) has stepped up preparation efforts and placed disaster- and relief-related agencies on heightened alert status. On Saturday, Dec. 1, the agency initiated conference among agencies including the Provincial Safety Services Office, Provincial Health Office and Provincial Engineering Office, re...
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03Dec2012ILOILO CITY, December 3 (PIA) -- Regional and local efforts toward disaster risk reduction in Western Visayas are a cut above the rest. Disaster Resilience Advisor Emmanuel De Guzman, keynote speaker during the 2012 Gawad Kalasag Awarding Ceremony, lauded the programs and initiatives of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) 6. “The Gawad Kalasag Regional Awarding is a test the region exemplified in the field of disaster risk reduction manageme...
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03Dec2012BATANGAS CITY, Dec. 3 -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) is set to stage the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake, Tsunami Drill that will be held in the municipalities of Lian and Talisay, Batangas, and Puerto Galera, Oriental Mindoro today, December 3. The quarterly earthquake drill aims to increase public awareness on disaster preparedness as well as assess the capabilities of government agencies and the local governments units (LGUs) in responding...
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03Dec2012LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 3 (PIA) -- Bicol Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) on Sunday has activated Task Force Pablo (TFP) that would undertake pre-emptive evacuation, search and rescue operations in the wake of typhoon Pablo. Office of Civil Defense 5 Regional Director Bernardo Alejandro said Task Force Pablo is composed of over 200 trained personnel from various units of the Philippine Army, Navy and Air Force, Philippine National Police (PNP) Bureau of Fire Protectio...
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02Dec2012MANILA, Dec 2 (PIA) -- The country is in for long, wet week as typhoon “Bopha (international name)” has been located 1,380 kilometers east of Southern Mindanao, reported Pagasa (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, Astronomical Services Administration), Sunday. Overcast skies precede Bopha which is expected to make landfall on Tuesday or Wednesday with estimated amount of rainfall of 13 – 20 mm/hr. Bopha has maximum sustained winds of 175 kph and gustiness of up to 210 kph. Those from...
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02Dec2012LOS BANOS, Laguna, Dec. 2 (PIA) -- Two aircrafts carrying state-of-the-art Light Detection and Ranging or LiDAR instruments took off last week at Clark Airbase to begin scanning the Pampanga river basin to jumpstart the country’s first extensive three dimensional (3D) mapping program. The development of 3D maps is part of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST)’s Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards or Project NOAH, the country’s flagship program in disaster mitigation. I...
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01Dec2012LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- Albay province, like other provinces in the Bicol region, is now placed under Red Alert Status in anticipation of and preparation for the possible adverse effects of typhoon Pablo (international name: Bopha). Albay Governor Joey Salceda, chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), said the province is implementing counter measures in compliance with Bicol DRRMC advisory, Saturday, in the wake of an impending weather disturbanc...
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01Dec2012CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Dec. 1 (PIA) -- The National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC) is all set to stage the 4th Quarter Nationwide Simultaneous Earthquake, Tsunami Drill that will be held in the municipalities of Lian and Talisay, Batangas, and Puerto Galera, Or. Mindoro on Monday, December 3. The quarterly earthquake drill aims to increase public awareness on disaster preparedness as well as assess the capabilities of government agencies and the local governments units (LGUs...
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01Dec2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- Residents of Cagayan de Oro can now view and search the city’s weather updates, rainfall probabilities or chances of typhoon in real time through NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment on Hazards) website noah.dost.gov.ph. Dr. Alfredo Mahar Lagmay, Executive Director of Project NOAH said during the one-day training of Project NOAH last November 27 that this project is directed locally. This development of tools and high-tech weather forecasting instrum...
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30Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 30 -- Eighteen business companies which included four multinational firms join the roster of most environmentally responsible corporations operating in the country for their exemplary performance under the Philippine Environmental Partnership Program (PEPP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The companies were awarded the Official Seal of Approval, which is valid for one year, by the DENR in recognition of their efforts for incorporating green pol...
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30Nov2012TUDELA, Misamis Occidental, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- Some 100 members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) from the different municipal police stations in Misamis Occidental participated in the tree-planting activities in Barangay Gala, Tudela town, this province, recently. The activity was an off-shot of the resolution passed by Sangguniang Panalalawigan (SP) Board Member Lelit Yape of the First District encouraging the PNP and other groups involved in the maintenance of peace and order in the prov...
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30Nov2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 30 (PIA) -- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in partnership with the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) conducted their third Regional Forum on Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation: A Collaboration Workshop for the Agus River Basin held in Cagayan de Oro, Nov. 26. City and municipal mayors, sanggunian members, punong barangays and local func...
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29Nov2012VIRAC, Catanduanes, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- The latest list of classified caves released by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) only included one local cave in the province of Catanduanes. Luyang Cave in Lictin, San Andres was classified as “Class III” cave along with 39 other caves in the country. Class III caves are those which are “generally safe” for inexperienced visitors. They have no known threatened species within, nor any archaeological, geological, historical,...
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29Nov2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- Starting this year and every year hence, the city of Cagayan de Oro will commemorate the tropical storm Sendong tragedy, which caused devastation, rendered thousands of families homeless and claimed lives. The City Council, during its regular session Tuesday, presided over by Vice Mayor Caesar Ian Acenas declared Dec. 17 and every year after as a Day of Mourning and Remembrance in the city and authorized the holding of a fitting commemorative program for th...
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29Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 29 (PIA) -- The maintenance activities of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte Fourth Engineering District are advantageous to travelers. Cutting of trees in Barangay Liloan, which is a regular activity of DPWH, along the Palompon-Isabel-Merida-Ormoc road, is being conducted to avoid obstruction for vehicles that travel the national roads most especially during typhoons. Quadrails along the same route are also being repainted by DPWH in order to ...
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29Nov2012LAOAG CITY, November 29 (PIA) – The World Wide Fund (WWF) for Nature-Philippines, the world’s largest conservation organization, has completed a study on climate change impacts on the cities of Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, Zamboanga and Laoag. Maia C. Melencio, Marketing Services Manager of WWF-Philippines, said the results of the study will be presented during a briefing at the Java Hotel on December 7 with members of the media, local government officials and other stakeholders. The study is...
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29Nov2012LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 29 (PIA) -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has lowered on Tuesday, Nov. 27, from Alert Level 1 (abnormal) to normal level the condition of Mayon Volcano in Albay province. Ed Laguerta, Phivolcs resident volcanologist, said the institute decided to declare the state of the volcano to normal after Mayon volcano ceased to exhibit abnormal seismicity such as crater glow, ground deformation, volcanic quakes and sulphur dioxide emission. The v...
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29Nov2012TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, Nov 29 (PIA) -- The absence of a strong political will may have caused some 400 local government units in the country to violate provisions of RA 9003 otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. Deputy Director Eligio Ildefonso, deputy director of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) said that unfortunately, the agency has no jurisdiction over the LGUs. “All we can do is to file the report to the Ombudsman,” Ildefo...
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29Nov2012ILOILO CITY, Nov 29 (PIA) -- Right tools and effective strategies on disaster preparedness are weapons against the country’s vulnerability to natural hazards and climate change. These are now provided in the manual for the participatory risk assessment, which was launched here today during the 4th Quarter Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) Regular Meeting led by Regional Director Rosario T. Cabrera of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD 6) and Chairperson of the ...
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29Nov2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 29 --The local government of Cagayan de Oro City will enter into a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) Regional Office and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) for the establishment of a Flood Forecasting and Warming Center (FFWC) for the Cagayan de Oro River Basin This, after the City Council during its regular session on Nov. 27, approved Ordinance No. 12471-2012 f...
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28Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 28 -- Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje is seeking public support to help turn Metro Manila into a “healthy metropolis” by bringing down the air pollution levels to acceptable standards. “We need the cooperation of the public and the civil society. We want to reach acceptable air quality levels so that we can really sell Metro Manila as a tourist destination, as you know, as a healthy metropolis,” Paje said in a statement. Paje earlier repo...
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28Nov2012TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 28 (PIA)-- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Kalinga has organized the Kalinga Bamboo Council (KBC) to formulate the province’s Bamboo Propagation and Plantation Development Plan. The KBC is chaired by the DTI with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as vice chair. Technical Working Group (TWG) on Trainings is headed by the Kalinga Apayao State College (KASC), TWG for Advocacy are DTI and DENR, TWG for propagation is KASC, while the TWG on ...
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28Nov2012SAN FERNANDO CITY, La Union, Nov 28 (PIA) -- The Environment Sector Committee (SeCom) members of the Regional Development Council Region 1 convened on Friday for their third regular meeting tackle the issues, impacts and accomplishments of their projects/programs this year and the 2013 plans towards finding solutions to the threats of climate change. Regional Executive Director Samuel R. Peñafiel of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 1 (DENR-1) said the assembly also aimed to...
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28Nov2012KIANGAN, Ifugao, Nov. 28 (PIA)--Woodcarvers have appealed to their congress representative to make representations to the Office of the President to exempt the province from the total log ban of the national government. Rey Lopez Nauyac, a woodcarver from Hungduan town, said the woodcarvers suffered so much loss of income when the national government implemented the total log ban which affected the said sector in the province. Nauyac said that the industry will die if the government will stop ...
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27Nov2012LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The Bicol Consortium for Agriculture Resources Research and Development (BCARRD) lauded the research conducted by the Ecosystem Research and Development Service (ERDS) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol. The project entitled, “Stabilization Strategies for Riverbank and Floodplain Areas in Guinobatan, Albay” by Alejo Balaguer and ERDS OIC regional technical director Lida Borboran, landed third among the best studies chosen by th...
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27Nov2012CEBU CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 7 recently signed another memorandum of agreement (MOA) with eight private companies and corporations under its “adopt-an estero or waterbody” program to clean up seven rivers, creeks and esteros in the region. DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said with the concerted efforts of the DENR and the private sector, the agency intends to institutionalize proper waste management practices s...
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27Nov2012LAMUT, Ifugao, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Officials and peoples organizations in the province signed recently the commitment to support the Forest Management Project (FMP) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to be implemented in the province. Led by Vice Governor Pedro Mayam-o and Felix Baguilat for the office of the congressman, the participants, composed of peoples’ organizations/indigenous peoples committed to see to it that all goals of the project are implemented, effecte...
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27Nov2012DA, IRRI to sign pact on Phl food security QUEZON CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Proceso J. Alcala and International Rice Research Institute (IRRI) Director General Robert Zeigler are set to sign an agreement on December 3, 2012 to formalize their collaboration in line with the Philippine government’s Food Staples Sufficiency Program. Through the signing of a new agreement, which addresses the effects of the climate change on Philippine agricultural scene, D...
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27Nov2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov. 27 -- A memorandum of agreement (MOA) will be forged between the city government, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), and the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) for the establishment of a Flood Forecasting and Warning Center. The city will provide the lot for the Cagayan de Oro Flood Forecasting and Warning Center (CDORFFWC), which will serve as the hub for all flood forecasting and warning activities for ...
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27Nov2012ILOILO CITY, Nov 27 (PIA) -- The key to disaster preparedness and risk reduction is adequate knowledge and awareness. It is important to update ourselves with appropriate information regarding natural disaster or hazard that may occur which can result to loss of life and property, said Jerry Bionat, Iloilo Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) executive officer. “There is a need for members and for the public sector to be educated on natural hazards because disa...
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27Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 27 (PIA) -- Saying that the country is already experiencing the adverse effects of global warming and climate change, Presidential Assistant for Climate Change Elisea Gozun urged the public to go into mitigation and adaptation activities. Gozun was the speaker in a recent Climate Change Forum and Greening the Environment activity initiated by the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Eastern Visayas. Gozun, a former Environment Secretary, said humans are contributory to the r...
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26Nov2012TAGUM CITY, November 26 (PIA) – The recent spate of flooding that hit the province left one man dead and an initial damage to crops worth P18.7 million. Its impact on infrastructure and properties is still being accounted for. Displaced residents of the municipalities of Kapalong and Asuncion have already returned home and started getting back on their feet after the floodwaters subsided in their towns last Thursday (Nov. 22). However, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Di...
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26Nov2012TANDAG CITY, Surigao del Sur, Nov 26 (PIA) -- The Ateneo School of the Government (AsoG) recently conducted three-day training on Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) Localization and Budget Monitoring in coordination with the provincial government here headed by Governor Johnny T. Pimentel. According to Shirley Bolaños, Mentor of Ateneo School of Government, the shift of focus from emergency response to disaster prevention and risk reduction is to directly address the vulnerability of t...
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26Nov2012CALAMBA CITY, Laguna, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- About 1,500 running enthusiasts from the city and neighboring towns are expected to join the Run for Calamba Rivers 2012 slated Dec. 2. The fun run organized by the city environment and natural resources (Cenro) led by Loida Humarang aims to raise funds for the rehabilitation of three major rivers in Calamba - the San Cristobal, San Juan, and Baranca de Sipit. Irene Tenorio of Cenro said they have invited companies located in the city as well as city resi...
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26Nov2012DAET, Camarines Norte, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in this province has finally crafted the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (PDRRMP) in a series of talks and workshops within this month fulfilling the requirements of RA No. 10121 of 2010, which provides the legal basis for policies, plans, and programs to deal with disasters. PDRRM office chief Carlos Galvez said that the formulation of the plan covers the four t...
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26Nov2012BANGUED, Abra, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) and the local DRRMCs have agreed to focus their efforts and resources on the rehabilitation of the Abra River to prevent flash flooding and loss of lives and properties. This was the agreement among the local DRRMCs during the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan formulation workshop conducted at the Pines View Hotel in Baguio City last week. The planning workshop which was jo...
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26Nov2012MAKATI CITY, Nov. 26 (PIA) -- The local government led on Sunday the kick-off ceremony for the campaign for at least one ‘car-free day’ in Metro Manila during the month of November, dubbed “Clean Air? Pwede!!!” at the Ayala Triangle Gardens. In a statement, Makati Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the campaign aimed to raise public awareness on the health benefits of walking and using non-motorized transport like bicycles to promote them as better alternatives to using cars and other ...
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26Nov2012RAMON, Isabela, November 26 (PIA) – The Kapisanan ng Broadkasters ng Pilipinas (KBP) – Isabela led a tree planting at barangay Aguinaldo here on Saturday in support to the National Greening Program of the government. At least 1,000 individuals joined the activity from different sectors in the province seeing the good intent of the association of helping the government re-green the environment. Alvin Alivia, KBP-Isabela chapter president said the set tree planting activity is a nationwi...
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26Nov2012CEBU CITY, November 26 (PIA) -- A five-year tree improvement program for indigenous and endangered species in Central Visayas is being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR)-7, through its Ecosystems Research and Development Service (ERDS). DENR 7 regional executive director Dr. Isabelo Montejo said this aims to establish sustainable sources of superior seeds and vegetative materials of indigenous and endangered species. The program will also promote seedling...
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26Nov2012BACOLOD CITY, November 26 (PIA6)--Bacolod’s urban poor underwent a two-day training on disaster preparedness from the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor at the Masskara Hall of the New Government Center represented by Assistant Regional Director, Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor, Victor Saril, a press release from the Bacolod City PIO said. “We are here to help in cooperation with the City Gov’t of Bacolod the urban poor who are almost always hit by disasters and calamit...
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26Nov2012CLARK FREEPORT, Nov 26 (PIA) -- Leading Japanese tire exporter Yokohama Tire Philippines Inc. (YTPI) is set to plant at least 2,896 tree seedlings as part of the company’s fifth annual installment of the Forever Forest activity. In a press statement, YTPI said that the undertaking will be held on December 8 at 7:30 a.m. in its manufacturing site inside Clark Freeport. Forever Forest is a tree-planting project that uses the concept of natural vegetation and aims to develop forests around the ...
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24Nov2012OPOL, Misamis Oriental, Nov. 24 (PIA) -- A groundbreaking ceremony on the P1.2-million Slope Protection Project was held on November 21, 2012 in Opol, Misamis Oriental. The event was led by representatives of the local government and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Mayor Dexter Yasay said the project, which is implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and is funded by the national government, aims to protect those who live near the river. He said the cons...
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24Nov2012NAGA CITY, Nov. 24 (PIA) -- A P3-billion facility will soon rise at Barangay San Isidro to address the problem on solid waste disposal that has beset this city for the past decade. A ground breaking ceremony for the construction of the said waste-to-energy facility has been held on Nov 22. Among those who attended were Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Carlos Jericho Petilla and Department of Natural Resources and Environment Secretary Ramon Paje, representatives of the CJ Global Green En...
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24Nov2012CLARK FREEPORT ZONE, Pampanga, Nov 24 (PIA) – The Philippine Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR), which is the country’s first three-dimensional (3D) mapping of 18 major river basins, will provide “real-time forecasting” hazard maps of the country. It is under the program project Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazards (NOAH) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) which is the Aquino administration’s flagship program for disaster mitigation. A powerful tool During t...
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23Nov2012TABUK CITY, Kalinga, Nov. 23 (PIA) - - The Community Environment and Natural resources Office (Cenro) in Pinukpuk and the Second Cordillera Highland Agricultural Resources Management Program (CHARMP2) are using the Global Positioning System (GPS) and the Geographic Information System on Google Earth in identifying reforestation sites and validating plantation projects. This was learned from Magdalen Buyogan Cenro Pinukpuk Eco-System Management specialist and Norma Frances Damian CHARMP2 provin...
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23Nov2012CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY, Nov 23 (PIA) -- The Environment and Management Bureau (EMB) conducted on Wednesday a public hearing for the water classification of Macajalar Bay in Misamis Oriental. The activity is a way of getting comments and consensus from the stakeholders on their preferred classification based on the revised water criteria under DENR Administrative Order No. 34 (DAO 34). EMB 10 director Sabdullah C. Abubacar said there were two basic considerations for the process, one is based o...
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23Nov2012CAMP EVANGELISTA, Cagayan de Oro City, Nov. 23 – The 4th Infantry “Diamond” Division in partnership with the city government and other stakeholders helped clean the waterways in barangays Patag, Bulua and Kauswagan all of Cagayan de Oro City at 5 a.m. today. This activity aims to rehabilitate Cagayan de Oro in the fastest way possible through the concerted effort of the Cagayanons which started since early February of this year, after devastation of tropical storm “Sendong.” It ...
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23Nov2012LAMUT, Ifugao, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) launched this week the Forest Management Project at the Ifugao State University (IFSU) here in efforts to improve management through collaborations and holistic implementation of comprehensive and sustainable forestland management strategies. Costing P1,202,758,000, this is a project of the government and the Japan International Corporation Agency (JICA) that aims to ensure sustainability of forest cove...
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23Nov2012DAGUPAN CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) — Pangasinan Provincial Administrator Rafael Howard F. Baraan pointed out the difficulty that the provincial government went thru to implement coastal management efforts and river clean ups. The provincial government underwent dismantling of illegal fish pens, dredging, mangrove planting and dispersal of fingerlings along the river systems of the province to revitalize the ecosystem there. Dismantling of fish pens involved dislocating few people who engaged in fi...
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23Nov2012CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, November 23 (PIA)-- Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) ordered the cancellation of six Socialized Industrial Forest Management Agreement (SIFMA) covering 735 hectares of forestland in four Central Luzon provinces after a performance evaluation showed its holders failed to adequately develop their areas. “Not only did the SIFMA holders fail to develop and protect their areas, they also failed to pay their annual rentals resulting to losses in...
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23Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 23 (PIA) -- November as Philippine Clean Air Month underscores the urgent need for collective action to clean the air, with the Environmental Management Bureau of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources as the lead agency. Director Leticia Maceda of the Environmental Management Bureau in Eastern Visayas said November had been declared Clean Air Month through Presidential Proclamation No. 1101 issued in 1997. This brings to focus the issues and concerns an...
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23Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- Representatives from different government agencies are now undergoing a seminar-workshop on all hazard Early Warning System (EWS) and Early Broadcast System (EBS). This activity is one of the initiatives of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12 headed by Regional Director Lita B. Enok to mitigate the effects of calamities. The event which started yesterday presented the EWS and EBS guidelines for flooding and landslide which was tackled by a rep...
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23Nov2012LAOAG CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Ilocos Norte in cooperation with the Provincial Environment and National Resources Office (Penro) is hiring 200 indigents to serve as barangay ranger officers (BROs) tp protect the 2,000 hectares of reforested lands in the province. “The idea started last month after the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) Program of the provincial government conducted a tree-planting activity in support to the National Greening Program,” said Juan De...
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23Nov2012GENERAL SANTOS CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The city government here is lobbying for the development support of Mt. Matutum, Mt. Parker, and Silway River Basin into a sustainable resource-based project. Through the City Economic Management and Cooperative Development Office (CEMCDO), the local government of GenSan has asked the Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) to fund the project development of the areas into a sustainable management ecosystem based tourism resource to cushion the impact of rai...
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23Nov2012SILAY CITY, Negros Occidental, Nov 23 (PIA6) -- Silay City joins the Province of Negros Occidental in celebrating ‘Wildlife Month’ in November in cooperation with the Provincial Environment Management Office, Negros Forest Ecological Foundation, Philippine Biodiversity Conservation Foundation and DENR, a press release from the city said. A biodiversity symposium and animal foot parade were on November 19 in line with the Wildlife Month celebration. Representatives of public and private...
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23Nov2012BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Nov 23(PIA) – Officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resouces(DENR), Japan International Cooperation Agency(JICA) and the local government units of this province and Quirino will launch a forestland management project today which seeks to strengthen watershed potentials of Cagayan Valley region. Wilfredo Malvar, DENR’s regional technical director for forestry, said the “Upper Magat and Cagayan River Basin Forestland Management Project”(UMCRBFM...
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23Nov2012TUGUEGARAO CITY, Nov. 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) region 2 has installed additional four automatic rain gauges (ARGs) to help local government units in giving early warning forecast as rains and typhoons frequent the region causing floods in especially in the low lying areas of the region. Benjamin Nicdao, science research specialists said the four automatic rain gauges were installed at Alfonso Castaneda, Nueva Vizacaya and in the cities of Ilagan, Cauayan ...
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22Nov2012BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) has classified the Capissaan Cave system in Kasibu town here for protection, conservation and management of the government. “Caves are natural, non-renewable resources that are of tremendous value to man, whether scientific, economic, cultural, historical or aesthetic. Yet they are also in constant threat from destructive human activities like vandalism, treasure hunting, pollution and illega...
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22Nov2012NAGA CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Camarines Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resource Office (Penro) has intensified its campaign against the hauling and conveyance of wood charcoal from the province. Camarines Sur Penro chief Atty. Arnel Rodriguez said that he has already directed community ENROs in the cities of Iriga and Naga monitor and prevent the transport of charcoal out of the province without the Certificate of Verification (COVs). He has also notified the ENROs in the municipalitie...
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22Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY, Leyte, Nov 22 (PIA) -- “It is commendable that a government agency such as the Bureau of Internal Revenue Region XIV which has nothing to do with the environment, initiated a forum on mitigation effects on climate change.” So said Presidential Assistant for Climate Change Secretary Elisea Gozun who was the guest speaker during the “Greening the Environment “forum, November 16 held at the BIR grounds, Palo, Leyte. Gozun commended BIR-Eastern Visayas regional director Att...
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22Nov2012DAGUPAN CITY, Nov 22 (PIA) -- Malacañang is encouraging officials and employees of all its department and agencies to support the National Climate Change Consciousness Week, which is being observed from November 19 to 25. Proclamation No. 1667, which was created in 2008, declares National Climate Change Consciousness Week to be observed annually on this period. The proclamation states, “The country aims to create awareness on global warming and climate change through broad and intensive inf...
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22Nov2012MAKATI CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- The city has become the first local government in the country to conduct its greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory and is now making its GHG Management Plan. In a statement, Mayor Jejomar Erwin S. Binay said the crafting of the city’s GHG management plan is being based on the results of the GHG inventory done by the city at the entity and community levels in 2010 and 2011, respectively, according to the standards set by the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IP...
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22Nov2012LUCENA CITY, Quezon, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- The intensive campaign against illegal-quarrying activities of the provincial government of Quezon merited a citation recently from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). MGB director Samuel Paragas presented a plaque of appreciation to Gov. David Suarez for its campaign against illegal-quarrying activities particularly in the areas of the Mt. Banahaw-San Cristobal protected landscape in a cere...
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22Nov2012TAGUM CITY, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Floods affected a total of 745 families when an inter-tropical convergence zone last November 20 (Tuesday) brought heavy rains to the provinces of Davao del Norte, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental. Reports from Office of Civil Defense (OCD) XI Regional Director Liza R. Mazo said these families were residents of 32 barangays in nine towns of the three flood-affected Davao Region provinces. Davao Oriental was hardly hit as two persons drowned with one still m...
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22Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 22 (PIA) -- On November 25, thousands of clean air advocates will gather and move from the Ayala Triangle in Makati City to Ortigas Avenue in Pasig City, to call for cleaner air and better health. The event, dubbed “Clean Air? Pwede!!!” is campaigning for at least one Car-Free Day in Metro Manila’s roads every November as National Clean Air Month, primarily to lessen air pollution in its busy thoroughfares. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said that motor vehicles remai...
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22Nov2012MINDORO, BANGAR, La Union, Nov 22 (PIA) -- Two hundred mahogany and other types of seedlings were planted by officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) in an outreach program cum tree planting held at the isolated barangay of Mindoro in Bangar, La Union last November 17. BJMP Community Relations Service National Headquarters (BJMP NHQ CRS) Officer Jail Inspector Xavier A. Solda said the trees will be barangay Mindoro’s protection against possible natural disasters. The BJ...
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22Nov2012CITY OF BALANGA, Bataan, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- Over 4,000 high school students of Bataan National High School (BNHS) ran for safety during the biggest earthquake drill conducted in a secondary school in the province. Participating government agencies including the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and Philippine National Police led the evaluation of the drill which simulated a magnitude 7.2 earthquake in the province’s biggest secondary school. The students all the way from their classrooms located...
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21Nov2012DAVAO CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA)- Two persons drowned and one missing as flashflood brought about by a heavy downpour hit Barangay Poblacion and Barangay Bitaogan, San Isidro and Barangay Kabagayan in Tarragona, Davao Oriental. Liza Mazo, regional director of the Office of Civil Defense XI identified the fatalities as Romeo Luis, 55 of Tarragona and Nicholas Rota, 11 of San Isidro, all in Davao Oriental. She said the search is still on for Dindo Ugapang, 15 of Barangay Bitaogan, San Isidro. “Lui...
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21Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, November 21 (PIA) – The recently- conducted GIS 8 Network 6th Conference and 14th Regional Assembly underscored the benefits of optimizing the use of geospatial information in support to disaster risk reduction and management. Held on November 15-16, 2012 at the Leyte Park Resort Hotel, the conference which was hosted by the Department of Agriculture Region 8, centered on the theme “GIS in Aid for Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.” It was attended by more than ...
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21Nov2012BAGUIO CITY, Nov. 21 (PIA) - - The City Health Services Office-Baguio, opened Tuesday the First Barangay Health Summit in line with its thrust to provide quality health care for all city folks and address the health concerns brought by rapid urbanization. The two-day summit, attended by local officials, health workers/partners and other stakeholders from Baguio’s 128 barangays, aims to assist the local communities identify the health gaps and the needed interventions that would promote health...
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21Nov2012CARIGARA, Leyte, Nov 21 (PIA) -- Who would have thought that the bunot (coco husk/coco coir), a by-product of the coconut tree, has a far more useful thing than shining floors? The Department of Public Works-Region 8 is all set to install coconets, along a 20-kilometer (km) road stretch in Capoocan, Leyte following a major landslide in said road section. District Engineer Margarita Junia said the Department is optimistic that the coconets will solve the problem of unstable slopes, particular...
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21Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 21 (PIA) -- At least 16,500 bamboo seedlings have been planted along riverbanks and other riparian zones across South Cotabato from January to October this year, an environment official here said. Loida Villa, senior environment management specialist of the Provincial Environment Management Office (PEMO), said that in the last two months more than 8,500 seedlings were planted in identified critical zones. Planting locations ...
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20Nov2012VIGAN CITY, Nov 20 (PIA) -- The province of Ilocos Sur has embarked on a tree planting activity that will cover vacant lots in the rural areas and in the urban communities in response to the national greening program (NGP) of President Benigno Aquino III to ease the ill effects of climate change. The provincial offices of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have jointly mobilized its efforts f...
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20Nov2012CURRIMAO, Ilocos Norte, Nov. 16 (PIA) – Korean firm Mirae Asia Energy Corp. (MAEC) and the Ilocos Norte provincial government broke ground on Thursday (November 15) to pave the way for the construction of the 20-MW Currimao solar park on a 60-hectare plot that is within a stretch of sand dunes in Barangay Paguludan here. The Currimao solar farm is one of two projects the Department of Energy has approved for Ilocos Norte. In the pipeline is the 50-MW solar power project of Energy Logics Phili...
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20Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov 20 (PIA) -- At least 15 rescue teams from across Soccsksargen region recently gathered in Isulan, Sultan Kudarat to compete in the 1st Gov. Teng Search and Rescue Olympics. A joint undertaking of the Provincial Disaster Risk and Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) of Sultan Kudarat and the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council RDRRMC) XII and the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) 12, the SAR olympics held from Novembe...
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20Nov2012PINUKPUK, Kalinga, Nov. 20(PIA) - - The Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (Cenro) here reported that as of October, it has accomplished 95 percent of its target planting area of 1,300 hectares this year under the National Greening Program (NGP). Magdalen Buyogan, Cenro planning officer and eco-system management specialist, is optimistic that they will accomplish their target 100 percent by the end of this year. “Validation is on-going on those areas planted with the aid ...
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19Nov2012DAVAO CITY Nov. 19 (PIA)- A total of 18.4 kilometers of watershed perimeter in Davao City's watershed areas were delineated this November in a five-day survey which covered four barangays. According to Edgar Barquin of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region XI (DENR-XI) and team leader of the 11-man delineation team, the survey covered the barangays of Tambobong,Tamugan, Gumalang and Wines in Davao City's Calinan District. He said that the 18.4 kilometers of delineated per...
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19Nov2012ILOILO, Nov. 19 (PIA6) -- The Japan International Cooperation Agency is providing a loan assistance of P500 million for the forestlands in the central towns of Iloilo. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said this assistance will fuel its 10-year forestland management project which aims to boost forestlands in the hinterlands of Calinog, Janiuay, and Lambunao towns covering 25 barangays. DENR said the surveys for the areas to be prioritized, which are landslide prone, ...
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19Nov2012CARRANGLAN, Nueva Ecija, Nov. 19 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), through its Forest Management Bureau has launched the Forestland Management Program (FMP) at the agency’s academy in Carangglan, Nueva Ecija. “The ten year Japan-aided undertaking seeks to reforest by 2022 at least 44,000 hectares of denuded forestlands at the Upper Pampanga Basin by organizing and enlisting the support of local communities and peoples organizations from seven barangays i...
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18Nov2012Molave is a first -class municipality with a population of 48,215 people. It is the agro-industrial hub of the entire Salug Valley area and the fastest-growing municipality in the first district of Zamboanga del Sur. Likened to a tree with the same name – Molave, described as hard, strong and resilient aptly portrays the municipality that withstood numerous flashfloods which hit this progressive neighborhood. Creation of the MDRRMC/LGU support Under the leadership of Mayor Ireneo Q. Gle...
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17Nov2012CITY OF SAN FERNANDO, Pampanga, Nov. 17 (PIA) -- Pampanga will host next week the 2012 Southern Luzon Cluster Science and Technology Fair at Walter Mart Activity Center in the City of San Fernando. Department of Science and Technolgy (DOST) Region 3 chief Victor Mariano said the November 22-24 affair will showcase the recent scientific breakthroughs and advanced technologies developed by government and private research institutions in Metro Manila, Central Luzon, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA and Bicol....
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16Nov2012LAMUT, Ifugao, Nov.16 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) here recently conducted a one-day training to the barangay council and volunteers of Sanafe this municipality upon the request of its barangay captain. Sanafe barangay captain Alex Dulnuan Sr. in his letter-request to Governor Eugene Balitang asked for the conduct of a training on disaster risk reduction and management planning and training on basic life support so that the people can respond ...
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15Nov2012BALER, Aurora, Nov 15 (PIA) -- Over 9,500 kids and 1,900 households in Aurora are bound to benefit from the child-centered climate change adaptation project of international group Save the Children. In its start-up meeting and orientation with concerned government and private institutions, William Azucena, Save the Children program manager, said, “The project aims to prepare households on what to do and how to reduce risks of earthquakes, tsunamis, typhoons and floods through a localized info...
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15Nov2012SAN FERNANDO CITY, Pampanga, Nov 15 (PIA) -- The 30-day anti-illegal logging campaign ordered by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) against suspected illegal loggers in Nueva Ecija resulted in the confiscation of about 20,000 board feet of forest contraband worth at least P1.3 million. Confiscations also included a total of 8,024 board feet of premium hardwood dipterocarp valued at half-million pesos recovered from the backyard of a furniture maker, and 329 sacks of cha...
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15Nov2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police-Southern Leyte Police Provincial Office (PNP-SLPPO) personnel in living up to the PNP’s commitment to protect the environment, conducted their own tree-planting activity within the compound of Camp Alfredo K. Bantug at the PNP headquarters here. Acting Chief of Provincial Police and Community Relations Branch Ariel P. Nuñez disclosed that The cops planted at least 50 mahogany and jackfruit seedlings in addition to ...
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14Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 14 (PIA) -- A magnitude 5.8 earthquake rocked Cauayan, Negros Occidental Wednesday afternoon. The quake, which hit the province at 1:21 p.m., is tectonic in origin or is caused by movement of plates, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said in an update. Sigma town in Capiz and Alimodian in Iloilo also experienced an intensity 4 quake while the towns of Binalbagan, Hinobaan and Hinigaran in Negros Occidental felt an intensity 5 earthquake. Aft...
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14Nov2012LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Nov. 14 (PIA) - - Even at this relatively unknown town of Kibungan, they are taking waste management seriously. Kibungan in Benguet will soon have its own ecological solid waste management program which gives direction in carrying out solid wastes plans in protecting the environment as well as the health of its residents. Town officials crafted anecological solid waste management (ESWM) ordinance which calls for the formulation of a plan, create necessary institutional ...
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14Nov2012Iloilo City feels Magnitude 5.8 tremor ILOILO CITY (PIA6) -- An magnitude 5.8 earthquake was felt in Iloilo City at around 1:20 this afternoon. No damages were immediately reported. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) said the was located at Cauayan, Negros Occidental and had a depth of 10 kilometers. Intensity 5 was felt in this city and in Hinigaran and Binalbagan, in the Negros province. The tremor prompted people to hastily leave buildings, establishments, o...
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14Nov2012MAKATI CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- Key officials representing local and foreign member-cities of CityNet comprising the Disaster Cluster has crafted a four-year strategic action plan on disaster risk reduction and management (DRRM) covering 2013 to 2016 during a two-day workshop hosted by the local government. The action plan will be presented to key representatives of international organizations, including World Bank, Asian Development Bank and its Cities Development Initiative for Asia, UN Interna...
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14Nov2012GOVERNMENT CENTER, Palo, Leyte, Nov 14 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue in Eastern Visayas under the leadership of Regional Director Atty. Diosdado R. Mendoza, is spearheading two environment activities on November 16 from 9 to 11 a.m. Mendoza said that a forum on climate change is scheduled to be conducted at the BIR Records which will coincide with a tree-planting activity dubbed as Greening the Environment, on BIR grounds. Guest of honor, Elisea G. Gozun, Presidential Assistant on ...
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14Nov2012LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Nov. 14 (PIA) - - Be counted and make a difference in saving the Balili River through a fun run slated December. The Balili River System Revitalization Coalition (BRSRC) will spearhead a fun run on December 15 dubbed “Run for Balili River” which aims to raise awareness and enlist commitment to the ongoing campaign to save the Sagudin-Balili River system. The fun run is coordinated by the University of the Philippines Baguio and co-coordinated by the Benguet State Uni...
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14Nov2012STA. CRUZ, Davao del Sur, Nov 14 – Hydro-electric power firm Hedcor has partnered with the Weather Philippines Foundation to deliver faster and more reliable weather forecasts. The run-of-river hydropower developer has installed an automated weather system (AWS) in its Sibulan hydropower plant at Barangay Sibulan in the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Davao del Sur province. This enables Weather Philippines to monitor weather conditions in real time. Using solar power, the AWS measures wind ve...
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14Nov2012TUGUEGARAO CITY, Nov. 14 (PIA) -- The Department of Education (DepEd) region 2 has urged evacuees housed in schools during calamities to take good care of its facilities. Dr. Basilio Bacuyag, disaster action officer said majority of the identified evacuation centers in the region are schools, that is why they need to educate the public to use the schools facilities properly. He said school officials in other regions have shared negative experiences during calamities when their school facilitie...
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13Nov2012MAASIN CITY, Southern Leyte, Nov. 13 (PIA) -- Maasin City received a rescue boat from the Deutsche Gsellschaft fúr Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) in a turn-over ceremony held Monday, November 12 at the city hall grounds. Mayor Maloney Samaco said during the “Maasin City in Action” radio program, Tuesday, November 13, that the donated rescue boat is worth P900,000 or “almost P1 million which will be used strictly for rescue operations only, specifically during calamities,” Mayor S...
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13Nov2012CATBALOGAN CITY, Samar, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc donated a two-room school building to the Bliss Community School at Barangay Canlapwas in Catbalogan. The officers and members of the Chamber in Manila along with Gil Jao and Albert Uy of the Chamber in Catbalogan City turned-over the classrooms on Thursday, November 8. In behalf of Catbalogan, Councilor Stephany Uy-Tan was present during the turn-over ceremony along with Roy Gabi...
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13Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The government’s disaster management agency has again advised the public to take safety precautions as South Korea announced plans to launch its Science and Technology Satellite (STSAT-2) on November 15, 2012. National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Director Benito Ramos said government will ban fishing, and travel by sea and air in “exclusive zones.” These zones are areas where the debris from the rocket is likely to fall. These are...
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13Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 13 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and its partners have grown nearly 57 million seedlings in October this year. Of the 57 million, 83 percent or 47.2 million comprise indigenous forest tree species. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje said the importance given to Philippine native species for the National Greening Program (NGP) is “In pursuit of DENR’s phased approach to a shift from use of exotic to indigenous species.” “We can now sa...
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12Nov2012ROXAS CITY, Capiz, Nov. 12 (PIA6) -- About 40,000 trees have been planted by Capiz policemen since the Philippine National Police’s (PNP) greening initiative was launched in the province early this year. The figure is based on the Capiz Police Provincial Office’s Tree Planting Monitoring Report in line the project dubbed “Pulis Makakalikasan: 10 Milyong Puno, Pamana sa Kinabukasan.” The project targets to reforest about 125 hectares of Capiz timberlands. Capiz Police Provincial Off...
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12Nov2012LAMUT, Ifugao, Nov12 (PIA) --The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will conduct a seminar-workshop for municipal mayors and members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC)on the use of weather warning systems on November 20. DOST agencies involved in the workshop are the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI). This will be held at Ifugao State Univ...
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12Nov2012OZAMIZ CITY, Misamis Occidental, Nov 12 (PIA) – The Ozamiz City Disaster Risk Reduction Council (CDRRMC) has approved the “Prutas Alang sa Kaugmaon (Fruits for the Future) Program of the City Nutrition Services Division (CNSD), here. The program will be among those undertaken during the tree-planting activities of the city, as a climate change adaptation measure for disaster preparedness, Mayor Nova Princess E. Parojinog-Echavez, Chairperson of the OCDRRMC, said. Particularly, the program ...
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12Nov2012CEBU CITY, Nov 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) with Cebu Normal University – Main Campus (CNU-MC) and the local government unit of Barangay Gaas, Balamban Cebu for the establishment of a five-hectare forest plantations within the identified planting sites in these barangays in support to the national greening program (NGP). DENR supports the noble endeavor of CNU and Barangay Gaas to reforest some of the denuded a...
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12Nov2012CEBU CITY, Nov 12 (PIA) -- Central Visayas exceeded its mark in seedling production under the national greening program (NGP) by seven percent or equivalent to 6,087,255 seedlings produced against its target of 5,693,770 this year. Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) Executive Director Isabelo Montejo revealed that they were able to meet their objective ahead of schedule and even surpassing it. Montejo also said that almost 111 nurseries are operating and functional in the...
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12Nov2012TACLOBAN CITY Leyte, Nov 12 (PIA) -- Coastal waters in Eastern Visayas region are free from toxic Red Tide, the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources said. BFAR-8 Regional Director Juan Albaladejo, Jr. said this is based on the latest laboratory results of the BFAR and Marine Biotoxins Laboratory of the local government units of the provinces of Leyte and Samar. Free from toxic Red Tide organisms are the coastal waters of Carigara Bay covering the municipalities of Carigara, San Miguel, Ba...
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10Nov2012LA TRINIDAD, Benguet, Nov. 10 (PIA) -- Following the consecutive earthquakes that were felt in the Cordillera these past days, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) reminded the public to remain calm and stay on alert. Earthquakes are normal occurrences, Phivolcs-Baguio OIC Salvador Cesario said. Phivolcs detects an average of 20 earthquakes a day, most of which can not be felt as these have very low intensity. As earthquakes cannot be predicted, Cesario remind...
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09Nov2012Seldom do we hear reports about Davao del Norte flooding that reaches the national highway, the way it happened in the 1980s or in 1990s. Despite such a lull, the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) has not let its guard down against possible floods. Last week of October, the Reduce the Risk (RDR) Rescue Teams of PDRRMO took some members of the Davao del Norte media to a familiarization tour of Liboganon River, considered as one of the river basins in Mindanao. It wa...
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09Nov2012COTABATO CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- A delegation of the United Nations-Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (UN-OCHA) visited Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) regional officials on Wednesday, November 7 to strengthen partnership on emergency preparedness and mitigation. The delegation was led by UN-OCHA-Geneva Director Rashid Khalikov with members Pierre Bessuges, Chief of Emergency Preparedness Section, Special Assistant to the Director Justyna Susia, David Carden- head...
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09Nov2012LA TRINIDAD Benguet, Nov. 9 (PIA) - - The Department of Science and Technology(DOST) reported in a forum last week the disaster mitigation initiatives anchored on Project NOAH (Nationwide Operational Assessment of Hazard) in ensuring the safety and preparedness of the people during calamities, in a kapihan forum this week. Project Noah, through the use of information technology (IT) and advances in Science and Technology (S & T), it aims to give the public timely and accurate information th...
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09Nov2012BACOLOD CITY, Nov 9 (PIA6) -- The Bacolod City Sanggunian Panlungsod has approved an ordinance on septage management. The ordinance requires all houses and buildings to have an approved excreta disposal system for the primary treatment of domestic sewage. Water pollution in the city is largely brought about by untreated water sewage from human, commercial, industrial and other organic wastes, councilors Carl Lopez and Al Victor Espino, authors of the ordinance, said. Untreated water wastes...
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09Nov2012ILOILO CITY, Nov. 9 (PIA) -- The Community Environment and Natural Resources Offices (CENROs) in the region will be conducting massive tree planting activities this month in support of the National Greening Program, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources said. Dr. Adeluisa G. Sapio, DENR6 regional executive director, in a statement said the office continues to strengthen its campaign for a greener forest by extending the NGP-related activities to different municipalities in the ...
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08Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 8 -- Metro Manila’s public school students will now be able to exchange their recyclables for school supplies or even cash, with the launching today of the National Ecosavers Program (NEP) by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Education, and the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA). DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro, and MMDA Chair Francisco Tolentino launched the program with Senator Loren Legarda, L...
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08Nov2012DAVAO CITY, Nov. 8 (PIA) - Members of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management (RDRRMC) in Davao Region are mapping out plans to effectively mitigate, prevent and respond to natural and man-made calamities in a three-day session at the Apo View Hotel. Liza Mazo, director of the Office of Civil Defense said the activity participated in by more than 39 partner government agencies revolves on the discussions on prevention and mitigation, disaster preparedness, disaster response anchored on ...
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08Nov2012TABUK CITY Nov. 8 (PIA) -– With his active involvement in the protection of environment, the assistant environmental and natural resources officer of the province was recently bestowed an award of recognition by the independent non-profit, environmental international organization, BAN Toxics! During the recent flag ceremony at the provincial capitol, BAN Toxics Board of Director Leoncio Na-oy handed the award to Engineer Dominic Jude Sugguiyao who was cited, “For his invaluable contributi...
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08Nov2012BONIFACIO, Misamis Occidental, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) here, has passed a resolution recommending to the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), the declaration of a state of calamity in areas greatly affected by the recent floods. The floods was due to the heavy rains brought about by Typhoon Ofel, last October 24-25, causing the Usogan River to overflow and submerged the rice fields of at least seven barangays, namely: Lilo-an, Lower Usogan, Linco...
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08Nov2012KORONADAL CITY, South Cotabato, Nov. 8 (PIA) -- A wake-up call. This is how Gabriel Untang, chairman of Barangay Lamlahak in Lake Sebu, described the occurrence of tension cracks in steep slopes across four sitios in the area and consequent evacuation of 150 families. “This incident is a reminder that we need to be alert and that local officials need to be prepared for potentially disastrous events that may occur here,” Untang said in the vernacular. ...
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07Nov2012TUGUEGARAO CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) –The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) in Region 2 has initiated the creation of a protocol on disaster damage reporting. A unified system in reporting of disaster-related events should be established to effect easy, fast and smooth access of accurate and real time reports, Norma Talosig, OCD regional director and chairperson of the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC), said. “One major problem we encountered is the different damag...
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07Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov 7 (PIA) -- The white beach of tourism destination site, Puerto Galera town in Oriental Mindoro, is the target area of an earthquake-tsunami drill on December 3. The drill aims to raise the level of awareness of the public in times of disaster brought by strong earthquakes that may be aggravated by a tsunami, said Regional Director Eugene Cabrera of the Office of Civil Defense 4B. Puerto Galera was chosen as the drill site because of the possibility that tsunami may strike afte...
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07Nov2012VIGAN CITY, November 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded two pre- dawn weak tremors affecting some areas in extreme Northern Luzon. No damage to property has been reported. Phivolcs said the first earthquake with a 3.9 magnitude in the ritcher scale occurred at 2:48 a.m. with epicenter at 11 kilometers northwest of Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte at a depth of 12 kilometers. The second quake with a 3.5 magnitude happened at 3 a.m. with epicenter at 14...
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07Nov2012ILOILO CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA6) – The setting up of biodiversity conservation initiatives in Western Visayas provinces is seen to enhance local government units’ capability in ecological management. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-6 said these biodiversity efforts, which include studies, information dissemination and trainings are being undertaken particularly in the mountains of Panay and Negros Occidental. Implemented under the Biodiversity Partnership Project (BPP),...
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07Nov2012CABARROGUIS, Quirino, Nov 7 (PIA) -- In support of the National Greening Program, the Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office (PNREO) here spearheaded tree-planting activities on November 3 and Quirino Day on September 7. Earlier, 1,020 narra seedlings were planted at the Mt. Susong Dalaga, breast-shaped caves located two kilometers (km) from the poblacion and three km from the provincial capitol. Another 1,552 narra, ipil, guijo, and tanguile seedlings were planted at the Capito...
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07Nov2012BASCO, Batanes Nov 7 (PIA) -- The Philippine Emergency Management System in Asian and the Pacific and the Department of Health (DOH) - Center for Health Development (CHD) -2 conducted a three-day orientation to stakeholders on how to respond to calamities. Per interview with Leticia C. Bayaras, DOH-Batanes representative, the orientation on October 17-19 attended by lifeline support agencies composed of DOH, Philippine National Police, Philippine Coast Guard, municipal planning and development...
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07Nov2012BONIFACIO, Misamis Occidental, Nov 7 (PIA) – At least P21.4 million worth of government projects and properties here were damaged due to the floods brought about by Typhoon Ofel from October 24 to 25. Heavy rains caused the Usogan River to overflow destroying the flood control structure that led the water to change its course and subsequently turned the ricefields into a vast lake, Mayor Samson R. Dumajug said. No casualties and no injuries were reported, Dumanjug said. He is also chairpers...
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07Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 7 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) is announcing the opening of the 2013 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools for all public or private-run elementary and high schools, as well as colleges and universities. The DENR said that interested schools may now start submitting the documentation of their eco-friendly programs and activities until March 15, 2013. DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje in a statement said, the eco-friendly...
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06Nov2012LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA/PGA) --Fifteen members of the Cambodian Joint Climate Change Initiative (JCCI) are visiting Albay this week to study in brief the province’s valuable strategies on climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR). Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the visitors will be in the province for five days starting November 5, for a learning exchange with the Climate Change Academy and to share approaches on coping mechanisms through community based organizations....
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06Nov2012SARIAYA, Quezon, Nov 6 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the provincial government of Quezon have suspended the operations of five quarrying companies at the foot of Mt. Banahaw in this town for violating their mining permits. Authorities said these quarrying operators have violated their mining permits by conducting quarrying beyond permitted areas. DENR has assigned "deputy environment and natural resources officers" to monitor the operations of other q...
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06Nov2012QUEZON CITY, Nov. 6 (PIA) -- The municipality of Lubang in Oriental Mindoro has never experienced flooding even at the height of the heavy rainfall brought by the Southwest Monsoon that caused major flooding in some municipalities of Mindoro. Mayor Juan Sanchez of Lubang made this claim during the Mindoro Water Summit 2012 held recently at the University Hotel of the University of the Philippines in Diliman. Sanchez attributed it to what he described as “perfect forests” that helped in pr...
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04Nov2012VIGAN CITY, Nov. 4 (PIA) - - A pre-dawn earthquake with a strength of 4.4 magnitude rocked several towns in Ilocos Sur this Sunday but no damages to property was reported, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) based in Sinait town said. Local Phivolcs researcher Porferio De Peralta said the 4.4 magnitude tremor happened at 2:40 a.m. with epicenter at 38 kilometers (km) northwest of Santa Catalina town with a depth of 26 km. He said intensity 3 was felt in the towns...
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03Nov2012QUEZON CITY, November 3 (PIA) - Marine turtles are now assured of a safe haven along the coasts of Carmen, Agusan del Norte which has been declared as a critical habitat by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). DENR Administrative Order (DAO) No. 2012-08 has designated a 5,756-hectare (57.56 square kilometer) area spanning the five barangays of Vinapor, Gosoon, San Agustin, Cahayagan and Tagcatong as the “Carmen Critical Habitat” for marine turtles. DENR Secretary Ram...
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02Nov2012LAGAWE, Ifugao,Nov. 2 (PIA) --The National Educators Academy (NEAP) of the Department of Education (DepEd) recently notified the Schools Division of this province that the 2012 National Qualifying Examination for School Heads (NQESH) which was originally scheduled November 11 is postponed until further notice. NEAP Director Ruth Fuentes said that the postponement is needed to allow enough lead time for the procurement of external service providers for the production of the scannable answer shee...