Bong Go warns vs possible water crisis

SEN. Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go Photo by Bibo Nueva España /Senate PRIB

By Javier Joe Ismael, Manila Times

April 15, 2023 

SEN. Christopher Lawrence "Bong" Go is urging the government to strengthen its reforestation and greening programs as the reported possibility of a water crisis looms.

In a chance interview after aiding fire victims in Parañaque City on Wednesday, April 12, Go, a member of Senate Committees on Agriculture and on Environment, noted the importance of enhancing the country's greening efforts, involving local communities, local government units and the private sector to address growing concerns over the country's water supply.

"If there are more trees in our forests, more rainwater will be accumulated in the soil," the senator said.

Go acknowledged the move of the previous administration of then-president Rodrigo Duterte to make irrigation free for farmers.

He, however, said the incoming El Niño phenomenon may make it difficult to release sufficient volume of water from dams, affecting the farmers' ability to plant their crops.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration has issued a warning that the country may experience El Niño starting in the latter part of this year and persisting until 2024.

The weather phenomenon can cause a prolonged drought and significantly impact the country's agricultural crops, a vital source of livelihood for many Filipinos.

The senator expressed concern for the plight of farmers and called on government agencies to take action.

He called on the government to enhance and build more water-related infrastructure, such as irrigation canals and water pumping stations, to help support the agriculture industry.

"The effect of climate change has intensified. We cannot 100 percent rely on rain to irrigate our farmlands, especially during the summer dry season," Go said.

He also called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to provide alternative sources of income or assistance to farmers who could be affected by the possible water crisis.

As part of its 2023 El Niño Mitigation and Adaptation Plan, the DA has announced that it will promote several measures to help farmers cope with the anticipated drought.

These measures include encouraging the use of organic fertilizers, promoting the use of drought-tolerant and early-maturing crops and adjusting planting calendars to optimize crop yields.

A consistent advocate for stronger agricultural support systems and infrastructure in the country, Go co-authored Republic Act 11901, which expanded the financing system for agriculture, fisheries and rural development.

He also supported programs to enhance irrigation, expand the National Rice Program and combat agricultural smuggling.

Additionally, the senator backed proposals to convert idle government lands into agricultural areas to boost food production.

He cited the vital role of farmers in ensuring food security and he aims to provide them with the necessary support to succeed.

Go co-sponsored Senate Bill 1850 or the proposed "New Agrarian Emancipation Act," which seeks to condone almost P58 billion worth of loans that agrarian reform beneficiaries incurred in owning lands under the government's Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Program or from other agrarian reform programs.

The measure is now awaiting President Ferdinand Marcos Jr.'s signature to become a law.

Manila shows sharp increase of COVID-19 cases

By: John Eric Mendoza - Reporter / @JEMendozaINQ

INQUIRER.net 

MANILA, Philippines — The number of COVID-19 cases in Manila City has shown a sharp increase, its mayor Honey Lacuna said on Friday.

Lacuna said that as of April 14, there are 19 new confirmed active cases, bringing the total count to 71.

“Ano pong ibig sabihin niyan? Ibig sabihin po tumataas na naman po ang kaso ng COVID-19. Although, ‘di ba kung tutuusin hindi naman po ganoon kalaki ang pagtaas, pero tumaas pa din po, yun ang nakakatakot,” Lacuna said in a social media address.

(What does that mean? It means the COVID-19 cases have increased, but if we look at it, the increase is not that high, but it is still increasing, which is still alarming.)

“For the past few weeks, bumababa ang kaso; ngayon, sunod-sunod na araw tumataas po ang mga cases,” she added.

(For the past few weeks, the cases had been decreasing, but now, for the past few days, the cases have been increasing.)

Despite this, Lacuna said that the reimposition of the mandatory face mask policy is not yet needed at present.

However, Lacuna said the city will continue to observe closely in the next coming days the trend of new COVID-19 cases to determine if mandating the use of face masks indoors and outdoors will be necessary.

Meanwhile, Manila also recorded 122,939 recoveries and 2,065 deaths.

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Foreigners German Filipino Island Party

8,168 views Apr 12, 2023

In This Video Foreigners German Filipino Island Party We went to the Island of Nagarao again not only to celebrate Easter but as well a Filipino German Birthday and we had such an amazing time Join this channel to get access to Bonus Videos, Shout Outs and Highlighted Comments:    / @thatphilippineslife   About Us, Two years ago we made a plan we Sold Everything & Now Living In The Philippines On A Budget in 2023, we had paid our debts, sold everything and made a budget. Its been a crazy journey from Cambodia to Albania then in Boracay before moving to Iloilo City, check out why we moved to the Philippines and specifically why Iloilo City.

It's now hot and humid weather after the rain--Pagasa

By Arlie O. Calalo

April 14, 2023 20

A combination of hot and humid weather will prevail in most parts of the Philippines in the coming days, after almost a week of rain caused by Tropical Depression "Amang", the state-run weather bureau said on Friday.

Weather specialist Benison Estareja of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) said the remnant circulation of Amang, which was some 40 kilometers southwest of Iba, Zambales, will still bring rain in some areas in Luzon.

"But with no weather disturbance being monitored that may enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) in the coming days, we are back with hot and humid weather conditions in most parts of the country," Estareja said.

The Pagasa weatherman said the low pressure area (LPA), formerly Amang, may dissipate in the next few hours.

The LPA is bringing overcast skies with scattered rain showers and thunderstorms over Metro Manila, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales and Bataan, the state weather bureau said.

Along with the localized thunderstorms, the same weather disturbance is affecting the rest of the country where partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms may be likely within 24 hours, Pagasa said.

Going to Iloilo City? Then, keep your masks on.

By: Joey Marzan - @inquirerdotnet

PANDEMIC HEROES Young artists commissioned by the Iloilo City government in 2020 honor COVID-19 front-liners through colorful murals along the city’s main streets. Mayor Jerry Treñas has reimposed the policy on mask wearing at City Hall amid the increase in COVID cases in the city. —PHOTO COURTESY OF ARNOLD ALMACEN/ILOILO CITY MAYOR’S OFFICE

ILOILO CITY—Mayor Jerry Treñas has reimposed a policy requiring all employees and visitors to wear face masks inside City Hall starting April 11.

Treñas said cases of COVID-19 in Iloilo City increased recently, although hospital utilization rates remained low since most of the cases were considered mild.

Earlier, several visitors, including those from national and regional government agencies, were not allowed to enter City Hall because they did not wear masks.

“We have once again required the wearing of face masks inside Iloilo City Hall. Face masks will only ensure that infection will not increase in closed areas while continuing with the services of the city,” Treñas said.

On March 30, Treñas contracted COVID-19 and was admitted to a hospital the following day. He underwent home quarantine and was able to report back to work only last Tuesday.

On Oct. 28 last year, President Marcos issued Executive Order No. 7 allowing the voluntary wearing of face masks in indoor and outdoor settings. The order also reiterated the continued implementation of minimum public health standards amid the pandemic.

Hospitalization rate low

The Iloilo City Health Office (Icho) said at least 37 COVID-19 cases were recorded in the city from April 1 to April 12. The number was already more than half of the 44 cases logged in March.

Records from the Regional Epidemiology and Surveillance Unit of the Department of Health (DOH) in Western Visayas showed that the city logged 34 cases in January, 23 cases in February, 44 cases in March, and 26 from April 1 to April 10.

Treñas said the city needed to reimpose some policies to prevent another surge in COVID cases.

“COVID positives are increasing. It is important that we ensure our economic recovery is not derailed. The use of face masks is important to minimize infection,” he said.

Dr. Bea Camille Natalaray, chief of the Infectious Diseases Unit of the DOH Western Visayas Center for Health Development, said COVID hospitalization rates remained low in the region, citing the latest data showing that of 2,012 beds intended for COVID patients, only 384 or 19.09 percent were being used.

Dr. Roland Jay Fortuna, Icho’s COVID-19 coordinator, on Wednesday said the spike in cases might have been caused by mass gatherings as well as the closure of testing centers during the Holy Week.

Fortuna urged people to continue practicing minimum public health standards—physical distancing, observing cough etiquette, proper and constant washing of hands, and wearing face masks regardless of vaccination status—in places of work and recreation.

No surge in Davao

In Davao City, the head of Mindanao’s largest COVID-19 facility allayed fears over the recently reported rise of COVID-19 cases in the Davao Region but clarified that it was not a surge and that the facility had enough rooms to accommodate patients.

Dr. Ricardo Audan, chief of the Southern Philippines Medical Center (SPMC), said that although the hospital saw an increase in COVID-19 positivity rate among patients admitted in the past week, the number had since stabilized.

Audan said the positivity rate of patients admitted at SPMC had climbed from only 9 percent on April 2 to 12 percent on April 3 and peaked as high as 17 and 18 percent last week. This dropped to 11 percent this week.

He also assured that the hospital still had enough rooms to accommodate patients as only 50 percent of existing intensive care unit (ICU) beds were occupied while 70 percent of non-ICU beds were being used.

“In the past week, there was an increase in the COVID-19 cases in the hospital but it was not a surge,” Audan said. “In fact, that was what can be expected following the crowd-drawing events such as the Ironman, the Araw ng Dabaw previous to that, and the recent observance of the Holy Week. But fortunately, the positivity rate has gone down to 11 percent,” he added.

The DOH noted a total of 339 COVID-19 patients admitted in the region’s hospitals as of April 10.

Of the total, only 26 were considered severe and critical. Of the 339 patients, 223 were new cases recorded from April 3 to April 9.

“We’re still in a pandemic. We should continue wearing masks since we could no longer impose physical distancing,” said Audan. —WITH A REPORT FROM GERMELINA LACORTE

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Magnitude 5.1 quake hits Agusan del Norte — Phivolcs

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Apr 14, 2023 00:37 AM

  

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The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said a 5.1-magnitude earthquake hit Agusan del Norte past midnight on Friday, April 14.

Based on its earthquake information, Phivolcs said the quake struck 6 kilometers southeast of Santiago, Agusan del Norte around 12:04 a.m.

The tremor was felt at Intensity IV (moderately strong) in Santiago, Jabonga and Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte; Intensity III (weak) in Talacogon, Agusan del Sur; Intensity II (slightly felt) in Lanuza, Surigao del Sur; and Intensity I (scarcely perceptible) in Guinsiliban, Camiguin.

This image from Phivolcs shows the epicenter of the 5.1-magnitude earthquake that struck Agusan del Norte on Friday, April 14, 2023.

Phivolcs’ instruments also recorded the quake at Intensity III in Surigao City, Surigao del Norte and Intensity I in Talakag, Bukidnon and Abuyog and Mahaplag in Leyte.

Phivolcs said the earthquake was tectonic, which means it was caused by the movement of an active fault near the area.

The quake may have caused damage to houses, buildings, and other infrastructures, Phivolcs said.

It also warned the public against possible aftershocks due to this earthquake.

Make modern jeepneys cheaper to magnify benefit of reduced CO2 emissions--Salceda

BY ELLSON QUISMORIO

Apr 14, 2023 03:31 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Modern jeepneys have lower carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions compared to traditional jeepneys, but they are still too expensive, say Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda.

• Salceda suggests strengthening local manufacturers so they could produce cheaper modern jeepneys.

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Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda (Rep. Salceda's office)

Albay 2nd district Rep. Joey Salceda has presented figures that should motivate anti-climate change crusaders to call for the production of cheaper modern jeepneys.

In a statement Thursday afternoon, April 13, the economist-lawmaker tackled the matter of carbon dioxide or CO2 emissions as it pertains to modern jeepneys versus traditional jeepneys that the former seek to replace.

Conventional wisdom says that modern jeepneys have less CO2 emissions than the old, traditional ones. And this isn't wrong.

But Salceda told the Department of Transportation (DOTr) to consider emissions “on a per capita basis".

This is primarily because more modern jeepneys “can accommodate fewer passengers than traditional jeepneys".

According to the number-crunching solon, a traditional jeepney produces some 0.33 kilograms (kg) of CO2 emissions per passenger per year, while the modern jeepneys would still produce some 0.25 kg per passenger due to smaller capacity.

“It’s a 31 percent saving in per passenger emissions for a vehicle that costs as much as 620 percent more. We need a cheaper, domestically manufactured jeepney that modernizes the traditional one," Salceda said.

Theoretically, having the choice of a cheaper modern jeepney will help broaden its use in the country, thereby magnifying the benefit of reduced emissions.

Carbon dioxide in the atmosphere warms the planet, causing climate change. Experts say this has triggered severe weather events, and that the Philippines is of high risk to such natural disasters.

Salceda said the government should first ensure that the domestic jeepney manufacturing sector is an option for the public utility vehicle (PUV) modernization program, and assist it in producing cheaper but similarly modern and efficient units.

A modern jeepney is reported to cost as much as P2.8 million per unit.

“If we can bring the cost of the unit to P600,000 to P1 million, that becomes more realistic for both the jeepney operator, and on a cost-benefit basis. I think the domestic manufacturing sector can do it. But we need to support them," explained the Bicolano.

K-pop artists Aespa, Taeyeon, The Boyz captivate fans at K-Verse in Manila

BY JONATHAN HICAP

  

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The “K-Verse: The Ultimate Pop Universe” show in Manila showcased the debut performance and return of K-pop stars. 

K-pop artists Aespa, Girls’ Generation’s Taeyeon and The Boyz mesmerized the audience in their two-hour show held on April 11 at the Araneta Coliseum. 

(Clockwise from top left) Taeyeon, Aespa and The Boyz (Jonathan Hicap)

Aespa’s debut performance in the Philippines 

“K-Verse” marked the first performance in the Philippines of Aespa, the four-member girl group composed of Giselle, Karina, Winter and Ningning which debuted during the pandemic in November 2020 with the song “Black Mamba.”  

“It is our first time and we really wanted to come to the Philippines,” said Karina. 

Aespa at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)

Winter said, “We really wanted to see Filipino MYs [fans]. We hope that Filipino MYs here today will enjoy.” 

Aespa opened the show and started their setlist with “Black Mamba” and “Illusion,” a track from their 2022 album “Girls.” 

They were asked what Filipino food they wanted to try and Giselle said her Filipino friend told her about adobo. 

“My Filipino friend…She told me a lot about adobo. I used to have some at her house when I was in high school. Now it is really exciting to try adobo in the Philippines like authentically,” said Giselle. 

Aespa also performed “Life’s Too Short,” which they performed at Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival in California in April last year, and “Lingo,” “Savage” and “Next Level.”

Aespa at "K-Verse" in Manila (Jonathan Hicap)

During the show, the audience sang “Happy Birthday” to Karina who turned 23 on April 11. 

“This is such a memorable birthday for me. Thank you so much,” said Karina. 

 Before performing their last song, Aespa thanked the crowd. 

“You guys are my gift,” said Karina. “I’m very thankful that you guys have given me a moment that is such a precious present and gift for me.” 

Ningning said, “First of all, all the members are here. I’m very happy. And all of you, the Philippines itself, like the weather, you guys are so passionate and we loved it. I really had a wonderful time here in the Philippines. We enjoyed the food here [like] mango. So delicious. And we really had a precious time together.” 

“First of all, I’m excited to come to the Philippines for the first time. We really, really enjoyed the food like Ningning said. The mango is so good. I just wanna say, thank you, thank you so much for coming here tonight to be with us. We hope we can come back soon, hopefully for our concert. I had fun tonight,” said Giselle. 

Winter said, “We actually arrived yesterday and we have to leave for Korea tonight, and I think it’s such a shame that we’re having such a short time here in the Philippines. We thank you all for spending your time with us and we’ll make sure that Aespa will come back.” 

‘The Write One’ cast to treat Cebuano fans this Saturday, Sparkle Caravan continues

BY MANILA BULLETIN ENTERTAINMENT

Apr 14, 2023 07:24 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

•  “We are very much delighted to bring the stars of the primetime series “The Write One” to Cebu City as it is our way of continuously building rapport and expressing gratitude for the continuous support of our Kapusong Cebuanos. Through the regional arm of GMA Network, GMA Regional TV,  fans can expect more surprises from our Kapuso stars as they visit different provinces and cities throughout the year,” said First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy, and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

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The weekend will be made even more exciting for Kapusong Cebuanos as GMA Regional TV brings some of the stars of GMA Public Affairs’ hit romantic drama series ‘The Write One’ to the Queen City of the South this Saturday, April 15.

Sparkle artists Paul Salas and Mikee Quintos, together with Analyn Barro, will treat their fans to an entertaining and fun-filled Kapuso Mall Show at Ayala Malls Central Bloc, Cebu City. The fun begins at 5 PM. 

Prior to the Kapuso Mall Show, the search for the next big Kapuso star continues with the second leg of Sparkle Caravan. Aspiring Kapuso artists will be given a chance to showcase their singing talent in the Sparkle Caravan Singing Audition from 10 AM to 5 PM. The audition is open for solo singers, singing duos, choir groups, acapella groups, and bands.

 “We are very much delighted to bring the stars of the primetime series “The Write One” to Cebu City as it is our way of continuously building rapport and expressing gratitude for the continuous support of our Kapusong Cebuanos. Through the regional arm of GMA Network, GMA Regional TV,  fans can expect more surprises from our Kapuso stars as they visit different provinces and cities throughout the year,” said First Vice President and Head of GMA Regional TV and Synergy, and Acting Head of GMA Integrated News Oliver Victor B. Amoroso.

Now in its fourth week, “The Write One” remains to be the most-watched program in its timeslot. The first-ever collaboration of GMA Network and Viu, “The Write One” tells the story of Liam (Ruru Madrid), a frustrated writer who is given a chance to rewrite his love and life story with the help of a mysterious typewriter. 

Viewers continue to be enthralled by the story as Liam, a creative director of a film production company in an alternate reality, finally finds the love of her life Joyce (Bianca Umali) in the person of Savana who is now a celebrity superstar. Unfortunately, Savana seems to hate Liam. In the new timeline, Liam is in a relationship with fashion icon Via (Mikee), while Savana is being wooed by Hans (Paul) – a lawyer who offers her both emotional and financial security.

The Write One airs 9:35 PM from Mondays to Thursdays on GMA Telebabad with simulcast airing on Pinoy Hits and I Heart Movies, and at 11:25 PM on GTV. Viewers abroad can also catch the program via GMA Pinoy TV. Advance episodes can be watched on Viu Philippines from Saturdays to Tuesdays.  

Filipino fashion designer Edgar Madamba has passed away

The seasoned designer was known for his signature Balimbing fashion creations

BY JOHN LEGASPI

Apr 12, 2023 09:32 AM

  

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Earlier this week, the local fashion scene remembered the life and works of Edgar Madamba as the seasoned fashion designer sadly passed away on April 9. He was 73.

Edgar Madamba (Photo by Troi Santos)

Born on June 17, 1949, Edgar started his journey as a fashion designer by creating ready-to-wear pieces for his relative’s shop. Soon enough, he was tapped to create custom pieces, design the best fashions for the women of upper society, and make the most breathtaking wedding dresses.

Through a social media post, Philippine Cultural Foundation, Inc.’s director of cultural affairs Joey Omila shared that Edgar was always “fascinated by the ‘50s and ‘60s,” enabling him to manipulate fabric and create architectural design elements and modern silhouettes.

Apart from championing local textiles and creating beautiful terno pieces, he was best known for his signature Balimbing designs, which were pieces featuring round accordion pleats mimicking the shape of the known tropical fruit.

Throughout his career, Edgar was able to present his design prowess abroad, showcasing his collection in Florida and New York, among others. Even during the pandemic, he continued to design collections, which were shown at the Balay San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte (2021) and at the “Harana sa Rampa” event by the Philippine Heritage Society (2022).

Edgar’s friends and colleagues in the industry expressed their love for the seasoned designer with tributes posted on social media:

Your vision gave us the iconic Balimbing skirt. Your kindness and sweetness are [your] personal trademarks. We’ve done a number of fashion shows together and I am thankful for our friendship. Another pillar of Philippine fashion said his final adieus. Rest in the arms of the Lord, dear Edgar Madamba.—Dong Omaga Diaz, fashion designer.

Your words mean a lot to me. You meant a lot to me. It’s a sad sad day for many of us you’ve touched and inspired. I will miss you, Edgar Madamba. Love you forever.—Nina Corpuz, broadcaster

May your spirit rise as you are reborn to eternal life on this Easter Sunday, Edgar Madamba, and may the Holy Angels bring you to eternal rest in Paradise. We will miss you very much but you will always be a part of our prayers, and you will live forever in our memories.—Barge Ramos, fashion designer

You will be missed forever and always, Edgar! The beautiful moments you shared with us will always speak of the great person that you were. Rest in peace up in heaven—Albert Andrada, fashion designer

Rest in power, Edgar Madamba.