PAGASA: Extreme heat in Luzon, flood threat in Mindanao this Black Saturday

BY JEL SANTOS

 

(MB FILE PHOTO)

 

State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Black Saturday, April 19, said parts of Luzon are under extreme heat, while thunderstorms in eastern Mindanao may lead to flooding and landslides.

 

“Patuloy pa ring umiiral ang easterlies o ‘yung mainit na hangin mula sa dagat Pasipiko sa malaking bahagi ng ating bansa kung saan ngayong araw ay magdadala ito ng maulap na kalangitan at mataas na tiyansa ng pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog dito sa silangang bahagi ng Mindanao. So pag-iingat po para sa ating mga kababayan diyan, sa posibilidad ng pagbaha at pagguho ng lupa (The easterlies continue to affect much of the country and today will bring cloudy skies and a high chance of rain, lightning, and thunder to the eastern part of Mindanao. Residents are advised to take precautions due to possible flooding and landslides),” said PAGASA weather specialist Grace Castañeda.

 

Per PAGASA, parts of Luzon are expected to experience extreme heat on Black Saturday, with the heat index hitting 44°C in Ambulong (Tanauan, Batangas) and Infanta (Quezon), 43°C in NAIA (Pasay), and 41°C in Quezon City.  

 

The agency classifies a heat index between 42°C and 51°C as “Danger,” meaning heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, and heat stroke is possible with prolonged exposure.

 

“Samantala, sa nalalabing bahagi naman ng ating bansa ay patuloy pa ring makakaranas ng mainit maalinsangan na panahon lalong-lalo na sa tanghali at mayroon pa rin po tayong mga posibilidad ng mga isolated o mga biglaang pag-ulan, pagkidlat, at pagkulog na dulot ng easterlies (Meanwhile, the rest of the country will continue to experience hot and humid weather, especially at noon, with chances of isolated thunderstorms caused by the easterlies),” Castañeda added.

 

Despite the unstable weather, PAGASA said there is no tropical cyclone or low pressure area currently being monitored within or near the Philippine Area of Responsibility. 

 

“And sa kasalukuyan, wala tayong mino-monitor na bagyo or low pressure area na maaring makapaapekto sa ating bansa (As of now, we are not monitoring any typhoon or low pressure area that could affect the country),” Castañeda said.

 

 

PAGASA has advised the public to stay indoors during peak hours, drink plenty of water, and monitor local thunderstorm and heat index advisories.

Dengue cases surge by 56% nationwide—DOH

BY JEL SANTOS

Feb 21, 2025 02:19 PM

  

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(MB FILE PHOTO)

 

Dengue cases nationwide have increased by 56 percent, with a total of 43,732 cases reported from January to February 15, compared to 27,995 in the same period last year, the Department of Health (DOH) said on Friday, Feb. 21.

 

Despite this alarming rise, the health department noted a lower case fatality ratio (CFR) of 0.38 percent, down from 0.42 percent last year.

 

In response to President Marcos’ call for immediate action, the DOH said it has ramped up its dengue control measures, working closely with local government units (LGUs) to combat the outbreak in the most affected regions. 

 

“The high count may be found most in three regions that account for more than half of cases nationwide: CALABARZON (9,113), the National Capital Region (7,551), and Central Luzon (7,362). Seventeen (17) local government units within these regions are dengue hotspots,” the DOH said in a statement. 

 

Despite the overall surge in cases, DOH data indicates a 5 percent decline in new cases in the past four weeks, from 15,904 cases (Jan. 5 to 18) to 15,134 cases (Jan. 19 to Feb. 15). 

 

This was attributed by the health department to the slight improvement in public awareness campaigns, intensified clean-up efforts, and vector control measures.

 

“This welcome change may be due to heightened public awareness and collective action following the recent calls to action,” the agency noted. 

 

“In focus would be the more frequent clean-up drives to search and destroy stagnant water mosquito breeding sites, and misting or fogging in hotspot areas with high mosquito vector load.”

 

LGUs lead dengue response

 

Recognizing the authority of local chief executives to declare outbreaks, the DOH said it is ready to support LGUs in their intensified response efforts.

 

“The Centers for Health Development are also coordinating with local government units (LGUs) to implement necessary preventive measures to combat the spread of dengue,” the DOH stated. 

 

“LGUs have also launched intensive vector control measures and clean-up drives to eliminate mosquito breeding sites,” it added. 

 

To bolster frontline response, the DOH stated that it has prepositioned thousands of Dengue IgG/IgM and Dengue RDT (NS1) test kits to augment on-the-ground logistical needs. 

 

It added that government hospitals and health facilities have also been directed to reactivate dengue fast lanes for expedited triage, diagnosis, and treatment of suspected cases.

 

Children most affected 

 

According to the DOH, the latest data showed that children aged 5 to 14 years old are the most affected by the dengue outbreak, prompting the agency to issue stronger advisories to parents and caregivers.

 

“Parents and caregivers are urged to take protective measures including dressing children in long-sleeved clothes and pants, applying mosquito repellents, using mosquito nets while sleeping, and avoiding mosquito-prone areas,” the agency said.

 

Join 4 p.m. mosquito drive

 

As part of its national campaign, the DOH called on the public to participate in daily efforts to control mosquito breeding grounds.

 

The DOH’s 4 p.m. Mosquito Drive is a nationwide campaign urging Filipinos to take daily preventive measures against dengue-carrying mosquitoes at 4 p.m. when mosquito activity is at its peak. 

 

The initiative emphasizes clean-up drives, eliminating stagnant water, fogging in high-risk areas, and promoting personal protection measures like wearing long sleeves and using mosquito repellents.

 

“WHO itself says: mosquito control remains the main means for the control of dengue. Let’s unite from Batanes to Jolo, every four o’clock, against mosquitoes!” said Health Secretary Ted Herbosa.

 

The DOH chief also reiterated that early consultation is key, assuring the public that PhilHealth will cover medical expenses for dengue treatment.

 

“Keep the inside and outside of the house dry - do not allow mosquitoes to breed. Wear long sleeves and pants, use anti-mosquito lotion or spray. Consult early if you have symptoms - don’t worry about the cost, PhilHealth will cover it,” he said.

‘Half-cup rice’ key to curb rice wastage in PH—DA chief

BY JEL SANTOS

Dec 3, 2024 05:54 PM 

(JEL SANTOS/MB PHOTO)

The current rice wastage in the country could feed up to 2.8 million Filipinos every year, Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr. said on Tuesday, Dec. 3, as he pushed for the implementation of a “half-cup rice” policy in restaurants, canteens and even eateries. 

Citing data from the Philippine Rice Research Institute (PhilRice), Laurel also said that household rice wastage decreased to 255,000 metric tons in 2019, down from 340,000 metric tons in 2009.

Despite such improvement, Laurel said the matter is still very concerning.

“This progress is encouraging, but the numbers remain alarming,” he said.

The Philippines, according to him, needs to revisit the “‘half-cup rice’ proposal to encourage more responsible consumption.”

Based on the survey conducted by the Food and Nutrition Research Institute from 2018-2019, the average Filipino household wastes 53 grams of cooked rice every day, equivalent to 6.4 grams of uncooked rice per person.

The survey data exclude wastage from restaurants and other establishments, making the total potentially higher.

In 2013, President Marcos, who was then senator, introduced the “half-cup rice” initiative by filing a bill that seeks to promote serving smaller portions to reduce waste and diversify meals.

PhilRice Executive Director Dr. John de Leon supported the push for smaller portions, saying it could also address health concerns.

“Serving half a cup of rice reduces waste and promotes healthier, more balanced diets,” he said.

Rice overconsumption has been linked to the rising prevalence of diabetes in the Philippines.

In 2021, one in 14 Filipinos had diabetes, according to the International Diabetes Federation.

Laurel said the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals aim to halve global food waste by 2030. Cutting rice wastage aligns with these objectives while easing the financial strain on rice imports and healthcare costs. 

“This isn’t just about food security—it’s about sustainability and public health,” he went on.

PH needs to update its 15-year-old disaster risk reduction law —officials

BY JEL SANTOS

  

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Senator Loren Legarda (left) and DND Secretary Gilbert Teodoro (right)| JEL SANTOS/ MB PHOTO

The Philippines, which is located in the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Pacific Typhoon Belt, needs to update its 15-year-old disaster risk reduction law, two top officials of the country said during a plenary discussion of the Asia-Pacific Ministerial Conference on Disaster Risk Reduction (APMCDRR) in Pasay City on Wednesday, Oct. 16.

“The Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, which, upon consultation with DND Secretary Teodoro and his team, we hope to amend and revise to make it more up-to-date since it's a 15-year-old law,” Senator Loren Legarda said in her speech.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro said it was also timely to review the disaster risk reduction law which had been enacted 15 years ago.

“Because of changing circumstances, because of experiences in the field, we have been able to identify some gaps that need to be filled, some streamlining that needs to be done,” he said.

“And this is a constant exercise that should happen in most areas of government, but it is critical that it happens in disaster risk reduction in order to optimize and to focus government efforts in all aspects of the topic,” he added.

Teodoro thanked Legarda for being their “partner and champion” in the Senate and for
her advocacy.

Teodoro emphasized the importance of collaboration between policymakers, legislators, and the executive branch in implementing laws effectively. 

He highlighted the lawmaker’s point about the critical role of ongoing feedback between lawmakers and agencies, such as the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, in ensuring effective coordination and action.

“Hence, in this interaction between the legislators and us, it prevents the siloing because they are a source of important feedback and vice versa,” he said.

‘Leaving no one behind’

Leaving no one behind, according to Legarda, must drive the renovation of risk governance.

“We must take a look at hazards, risks, and vulnerabilities. Women, girls, persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples' communities, marginalized groups must be at the heart of shaping the post-2030 disaster risk governance framework, post-Sendai, ensuring their leadership in building truly resilient and inclusive systems,” the senator said.

From risk assessment to recovery, she said persons with disabilities (PWDs) must be included in all stages of disaster risk management.

“At the same time, disability-inclusive governance is equally critical,” she added.

Legarda said early warning systems, evacuation procedures, recovery plans must be accessible to everyone, especially in an archipelago of 110 million Filipinos in the most far-flung islands and the highest mountains, with inland rivers and lakes.

The lawmaker stressed that resilience cannot be achieved by working in silos, noting that governments sometimes are “very exclusive to each other and not inclusive.”

“Kanya-kanya, in the Tagalog word, to each his own, and that would spell disaster. Governance, the private sector, civil society, local communities, the education sector, all must collaborate to create inclusive and innovative solutions,” she said.

“Most importantly, local communities who are on the frontlines, whether you are in the provincial level, city, municipality, even barangay, purok, and sitio, at the frontlines of preparedness and disaster response in the whole scheme of things.”

Per the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), the Philippines is situated both the Pacific Ring of Fire and the Typhoon Belt due to its unique geography.

Environment Secretary Loyzaga said this has “perennially bore the brunt of ever-increasing natural disasters due to rapid and slow onset climate and weather-related hazards.”

“Our large growing population and our steady economic growth are factors resulting in the singular distinction of being among the world’s countries at highest risk for several years running,” she said earlier.

She said this distinction underscores the reality that climate hazards are a fact of life for all Filipinos.

350,000 kilos of trash collected from 250 coastal areas in cleanup drive—DENR

BY JEL SANTOS

Sep 22, 2024 05:09 PM

  

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(DENR PHOTO)

More than 350,000 kilograms of trash were collected from 250 coastal sites nationwide  during the International Coastal Cleanup (ICC) held on Saturday, Sept. 21, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said.

The cleanup drive, which seeks to raise awareness about the impact of plastic pollution on marine life and ecosystems, gathered a total of 352,479 kilograms of trash and debris, ranging from plastics to other waste materials.

According to DENR, a total of 74,075 volunteers from 1,913 government, academe, and private sector organizations collected trash at beaches, riverbanks, and coastlines.

The agency said the cleanup drive started from the northernmost Pasuquin municipality in the Ilocos Region to the southernmost Gian municipality in the Socksargen Region.

The information gathered during the cleanup, according to the DENR, will help identify the kinds of waste impacting the nation's waters, informing future efforts in conservation, waste recovery, and resource utilization. Recyclable trash will be delivered to the nearest Materials Recovery Facility (MRF).

Environment Secretary Maria Antonia “Toni” Yulo-Loyzaga said that this year represents a key milestone in the Philippines' ongoing commitment to coastal cleanliness and environmental conservation.

“With the ICC 2024 theme, ‘Clean Seas for Blue Economy’, this year’s cleanup not only aimed to address immediate pollution but also sought to inspire long-term behavioral changes among communities, encouraging everyone to reduce waste and participate in ongoing clean-up initiatives,” she said in her speech.

“Today, we witnessed an incredible outpouring of support and dedication from Filipinos who care deeply about our environment. As we celebrate the 30th year of the International Coastal Cleanup in the Philippines, we reaffirm our commitment to safeguarding our coastal resources and promoting sustainable practices that protect our marine ecosystems,” she went on.

President Marcos had earlier identified climate change and improper waste disposal as key contributors to the severe flooding in Metro Manila.

The ICC is one of the world’s largest volunteer initiatives, with over 150 countries and millions of participants annually. The Philippines began taking part in the ICC around 1994, and in 2003, the government formalized its participation through Presidential Proclamation 470, designating the third Saturday of September as the official ICC day in the country.

Philippines hailed as ‘Muslim-friendly destination’ anew—DOT

BY JEL SANTOS

Jun 1, 2024 08:22 PM

  

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The Philippines has once again been recognized as an “Emerging Muslim-friendly non-Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) destination” in the Mastercard-CrescentRating Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI) 2024 for the second consecutive year, the Department of Tourism (DOT) said on Saturday, June 1.

The citation was announced at the Halal in Travel Global Summit in Singapore on Thursday, May 30, coinciding with the release of the annual Global Muslim Travel Index (GMTI), which benchmarks destinations in the Muslim travel market.

“In its 2024 results, the GMTI described the Philippines as an ‘Emerging Muslim-friendly non-OIC Destination’ focusing on building capacity to welcome tourists through various initiatives,” the tourism department said in a statement.

These include offering Halal food throughout the destination and incorporating Muslim-friendly amenities at major tourist attractions, it added.

According to the DOT, tourism authorities have made Halal tourism a top priority, demonstrated by their actions to enhance the Halal tourism portfolio and increase awareness among stakeholders about the values and practices significant to Muslim travelers.

Mastercard said the Philippines logged an increase in its score on communications compared to 2023.

“Among non-OIC destinations, the Philippines has steadily increased its appeal to Muslim tourists by strategically developing their Halal Tourism portfolio, enhancing halal accreditation of hotels and restaurants, and conducting Halal awareness orientations. This effort builds on their achievement of winning the Emerging Muslim-friendly Destination of the Year award in last year’s Halal in Travel Global Summit, based on GMTI 2023 results,” it stated.

Tourism Secretary Christina G. Frasco said the DOT acknowledges the importance and potential of Halal Tourism in enhancing the growth and diversity of the country's tourism industry.

“As a country known for its warm hospitality, rich cultural heritage, and breathtaking natural attractions, catering to the needs of Muslim travelers through the development of Halal Tourism is crucial in ensuring that we raise our competitiveness in the global tourism market," she stated.

The DOT chief said Halal Tourism presents a rapidly growing market segment.

“By prioritizing this, we not only demonstrate our commitment to inclusivity and cultural sensitivity but also open up opportunities to attract more Muslim travelers from around the world, while expanding markets for our tourism stakeholders and creating more livelihood and employment for our fellow Filipinos,” said Frasco.

The summit coincided with President Marcos' state visit to Brunei Darussalam, during which Frasco signed a tourism cooperation agreement with her counterpart to enhance Halal Tourism in the Philippines, among other initiatives, according to the agency. 

Halal Tourism is a key focus of the recently approved National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) for 2023 to 2028.

PH exceeds goal of 4.8M international visitor arrivals, says DOT

BY JEL SANTOS

Nov 28, 2023 09:28 PM

  

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Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco (Photo by DOT)

The Philippines exceeded its goal of having 4.8 million international tourist arrivals before the end of 2023.

This was announced by Department of Tourism (DOT) Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco during the agency’s first Philippine Golf Tourism Summit held at Grand Hyatt Manila on Tuesday, Nov. 28.

“As of Nov. 27, 2023, the country has registered a total of 4,822,530 million visitors who visited the country, with foreign tourists still comprising the bulk of arrivals by 91.88 percent or 4,430,725, while the remaining 8.12 percent or 391,805 are returning overseas Filipinos,” the agency said in its statement. 

According to the tourism department, South Korea remains the Philippines’ top source market for foreign arrivals which brought in 1,271,602 tourists or 26.37 percent of the total.

The USA came in second with 797,181 tourists (16.53 percent), followed by Japan with 272,735 tourists (5.66 percent), China with 242,107 tourists (5.02 percent), and Australia with 225,464 tourists (4.68 percent).

Frasco said the agency targeted 4.8 million international arrivals by the end of 2023.

“We have now welcomed over 4.82 million international visitors, contributing an impressive P404 billion in foreign visitor receipts to date underscoring the value of tourism to our economy,” she stated. 

“Tourism continues to drive growth and provide income and jobs nationwide.”

Frasco shared the report of the country’s national economic managers, which indicates that the Philippines' second-largest source of economic growth is tourism.

“This cements our position as one of the strongest pillars of the Philippine economy that employs no less than 5.35 million Filipinos in the tourism industry sector, ensuring jobs, livelihood, and the well-being of communities all over the country,” she went on.

The chief of the tourism department said that the other factors that contributed to these accomplishments included the relaxation of visa requirements, the construction of tourist rest areas, the creation of the first-ever multi-platform tourist call center, the building of tourism roads, the growth of dive, heritage, and cultural tourism caravans, the development of cruise, education, medical, gastronomy, and sports tourism,among others.

Present during the event were tourism and golf industry leaders and stakeholders.

The summit was organized by the agency’s Office of Product Development of Golf Tourism and Special Projects.