Philippines: Third in World Risk Index in Terms of Disasters

I am a very busy week leaving behind me. Including another trip to Manila... . I was just very blessed being back home in Davao City save and sound, because the PAGASA weather forecasts didn't allow me to relax: Rain, flood, storm - cancelled flights etc. etc.

While waiting at the airport in Manila, I read a MindaNews article, informing us, that the wealthy Arabian Gulf country Qatar is the safest in terms of disasters, according to the World Risk Report 2011 released this week.

Making the top three most disaster prone countries are the South Pacific island countries of Vanuatu and Tonga (one of my German friends are still residing there) - AND the Philippines.

As this developed, the Philippine Senate had passed early this week on third and final reading a proposed legislation that would establish a People's Survival Fund to support Philippine communities in developing climate change adoption and dsiaster risk reduction projects.

Countries with the lowest risk index Qatar, Malta and Saudi Arabia, which are in the bottom list, are not prone to typhoons, tsunamis and earthquakes.

Weak governance, according to this report, is an important risk factor that directly correlates to disaster impacts like number of deaths. "States with strong institutions have fewer deaths after extreme natural events than those with weak or inexistent institutions,"the report said.

Philippines - quo vadis?

Sacred Classics on a Beautiful Sunday

The British Composer HENRY PURCELL.

Check out more here:

www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com

Tuna Capital General Santos City and its 43rd Anniversary

I have been in General Santos City many, many times. I love to stay there, especially while I experiencing the 43rd anniversary with the tuna festival.

The two week affair aimed to further strengthen the city's claim to being the "Tuna Capital of the Philippines" with an assortment of sport tournaments, entertainment and celebrity shows, and specia-interest events.

A brand new slogan the city wants to develop is "General Beyound the Bay: From the metropolis to the Hills", because of the many must-see places. Among these the Sansapan Cave Falls, the Nopol Hills overlooking the city and adjoining areas, and the Kalah Karst, which is being developed bu the department of Tourism to become the country's eco-parks.

General Santos City is also being promoted as "Land of the champions" being the hometown of boxing champ Manny P_acquiao, among others.

Here are some important links: visit http://www.gensantos.gov.ph for details or like them on Facebook.

My warm regards to GenSan Mayor Darlene Antonio-Custodio.

Alibin Reappointed USEP President

The University of Southeastern Philippines (USEP) Boards of Regents has re-appointed Dr. Perfecto Alibin president for a term of four years starting September1, 2011.

Alibin's reappointment to presidency was decided by the USEP BOR during August 26 meeting held at the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) central office in Quezon City.

An expert on education and a graduate of Doctor of Education in Educational Administration and Cognate in Public Administration, Alibin was elected to the USEP presidency on August 23, 2007 by the members of the USEP Board of Regents.

Dr. Alibin's interests extend to the whole of the university, across the engineering, technology, eduction and the professional spheres.

I am glad and honoured getting Dr. Alibin's full support as Faculty Member of the Institute of Languages for my German Language Course after signing a Memorandum of Understanding between USEP and the Goethe-Institute (German Cultural Center Manila).

Congratulations and God bless you, Dr. Alibin!

Rats!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

I saw them many times during my last stay in South Cotabato. Rats!!!!!

One could learn from MindaNews (here Allen V. Estabillo, thank you very much Allen!), that agriculture personnel in South Cotabato province will launch in September an intensified campaign against the continuing rodent or rat infestation in the area that already devastated some 36,9 million Pesos worth of palay and corn crops.

Reynaldo Legaste, South Cotabato provincial agriculture officer, said they have declared the month of September as rodent control month in the entire province to give more focus on their continuing efforts to effectively reduce the pest's population and the impact of its infestation on farm crops.

Good luck to you and your staff, Sir!

Manny Pacquiao - Retirement and Darts Propaganda

Philippine boxing superstar Manny said he considers retiring after a couple of fights to concentrate on his duties as public servant. "I am not gonna stay long in boxing. A couple of fights - ant then, it should be enough!"

Manny's iconic status will help promote the sport of darts in the Philippines, according to English darts legend Rod Harrington.

Harrington said Pacquiao, who now has his own line of darts courtesy of Target Darts, can influence his fellow Filipinos to enjoy the benefits of darts because they look up to him. 

Harrington was a former No. 1 darts player in the world. he won the 1991 Darts World Masters and the World Matchplay in 1998 and 1999.

Good luck, Manny!!!

Why Is The Search For Peace So Difficult?

How can peace be elusive as its is seemingly now when all you hear these days are clarion calls for stable peace down to dawn in Mindanao? Towards the end of Ramadan there pervades an aura of reconciliatory vibes and forgiveness. The yearning for peace is felt from east to west and from north to south. Despite all these we ask in desperation, "Why is the search of peace such a difficult task?"

If a cease fire agreement can be sustained, then why cannot a permanent truce be attained? What does it take for protagonists to yield to the deafening call of the overwhelming majority for the forces to lay down heir arms and silenced these forever? There is so much land to share, so much resources to develop, the seas are so rich with a cornucopia of marine wealth. But the opportunity to make these resources productive is lost in the futile struggle for an independent state that stirs apprehension among those who abhors it. That is why the partnerships and joint ventures among Filipinino Muslims, Lumads and Christians is so extremely difficult to attain because that struggle comes in the way to reconciliation, trust, unity and peace.

... .

When can we talk and talk and laugh and share our sorrows and joys without (?) having to ask what our religious faiths are, our ranks and station in life like children who harbor no hatred but only genuine friendship and love?

With friendly permission from my publisher of Mindanao Daily Mirror, Marietta Siongco, posted again on this website.

Comments are on my FACEBOOK site. Just follow me...!

The Rebirth of The Manisan Dance Group from Davao City

 

The Grand Alumni Homecoming of the International Harvardian University on August 21, 2011 in Davao City made it possible. The Manisan Dance Group, trained by former IHU principal and culture head Mr. Nick Balcom, with lead dancer Rossana Balcom-Doring has been back on stage.   

Philippine Schools Included in Tony Blair Foundation

(Ateneo de Zamboanga)

Here is the report from philstar.com:

Philippine schools included in Tony Blair Foundation

Rewind With More Classical Music

After some very busy days, including today, I need to take time out in between my tasks. Of course, you know me already: I am doing this with music. I found two more classical composers in my music library:

(Emil Nikolaus von Reznicek)

(Eugen d'Albert)

More about them and their music is here:

www.klausdoringclassicalmusic.webs.com