Cebu Pacific apologizes, vows to solve challenges

By Ed Paolo Salting

BUDGET carrier Cebu Pacific on Wednesday apologized for flight delays and cancellations that have had passengers fuming and prompted a Senate investigation, blaming the situation on supply chain problems, bad weather and operational issues.

"We express our sincerest apologies to our passengers for the disruptions and assure you that we are committed to resolving these challenges," the airline said in a statement.

It noted that among others, several of its Airbus aircraft have had to be grounded due to an engine issue that was also affecting other carriers worldwide.

Pratt and Whitney (PW) engines powering Airbus A321/A320 NEO aircraft are being removed from service, with engine restorations taking 220 days instead of the standard 90.

"More than 120 aircraft worldwide are currently grounded due to this issue," the carrier claimed.

"Cebu Pacific has already encountered 12 unscheduled engine removals this year and had to ground 3 Airbus A321/A320 NEOs indefinitely since the middle of March," it added.

"Apart from the PW engine issues, we have also encountered delays from Airbus, our aircraft manufacturer. As a result, we have experienced delays ranging from 2 to 5 months for our scheduled deliveries in 2023."

Other incidents such as airplane damage from ground debris, severe weather, bird strikes and even from a burst tire, and a towing incident have compounded the operational situation, Cebu Pacific said.

"Moreover, Red Lightning Alerts have become more prevalent and are longer in duration this year," it added.

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Erst Hitzewarnung, dann „intensive Kaltfront“ – Gewitter mit extremen Unwettern in Franken möglich

Von: Katarina Amtmann, Merkur 

Am Dienstag warnt der DWD in weiten Teilen Bayerns vor Hitze, auch Franken ist betroffen. Nach Schauern und Gewittern nähert sich dann jedoch eine Kaltfront.

Update vom 20. Juni, 20.45 Uhr: Nach einem sehr heißen Tag in Franken warnt der Deutsche Wetterdienst nun vor „starken Gewittern“, unter anderem für den Landkreis Weißenburg-Gunzenhausen gilt am Dienstagabend die Warnstufe zwei.

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Nürnberg - Für Montagabend, 19. Juni, prognostizierte der Deutsche Wetterdienst (DWD) für Nürnberg und die Region „schweres Gewitter, heftigen Starkregen und Hagel.“ Wie der Wetter-Experte Stefan Ochs in seiner Prognose (wetterochs.de) berichtet, scheint am Dienstag nach ein paar morgendlichen Schauern und Gewittern in Franken erstmal die Sonne. Die Temperaturen steigen auf 32 Grad. Am späteren Nachmittag sind dann wieder vereinzelte Hitzegewitter möglich. 

Wetter in Nürnberg und der Region: DWD mit amtlicher Warnung vor Hitze

Am Dienstag liegt eine amtliche Warnung vor Hitze vor. Weite Teile Bayerns sind davon betroffen, auch Nürnberg und Umgebung. Die DWD-Warnung gilt zwischen 11 und 19 Uhr, dazu heißt es: „Hitzebelastung kann für den menschlichen Körper gefährlich werden und zu einer Vielzahl von gesundheitlichen Problemen führen. Vermeiden Sie nach Möglichkeit die Hitze, trinken Sie ausreichend Wasser und halten Sie die Innenräume kühl.“

Der DWD warnt in Bayern vor Hitze, bald darauf zieht eine Kaltfront über Franken. © IMAGO / Rene Traut / imagebroker / Screenshot DWD (Collage: Merkur.de) 

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Schauer und Gewitter in der Nacht zum Mittwoch? - „Intensive Kaltfront“ am Donnerstag

In der Nacht zum Mittwoch „überquert uns wahrscheinlich eine Schauer- und Gewitterzone“, so Wetter-Experte Ochs in seiner Franken-Prognose weiter. Dabei sind Sturmböen und auch Hagel möglich. Tagsüber ist es dann wolkig bis heiter, Schauer gibt es nur noch ganz vereinzelt. 

„Im Laufe des Donnerstagnachmittags erreicht uns von Westen her eine intensive Kaltfront. Diese schiebt vorderseitig heiße Luft vor sich her, so dass am frühen Nachmittag je nach Wettermodell 31 bis 35 Grad erreicht werden. Im Laufe des Nachmittags und am Abend erreichen dann die Labilitätsparameter die höchsten bei uns möglichen Werte“, so Ochs weiter. Potentiell könne es also Gewitter mit extremen Unwettern geben, das sei aber kein Muss, so Ochs. „Sicher ist nur, dass starke bis stürmische Windböen aus West auftreten werden.“

Franken-Wetter: Hoch zum Wochenende - 26 bis 28 Grad

Die Kaltfront zieht laut Ochs am Freitag dann nach Osten weiter. Unklar sei dabei noch, wie schnell sie den Einfluss auf unser Wetter verlieren wird, so der Experte. In der ersten Tageshälfte sind noch Regenfälle und Gewitter möglich, am Nachmittag sollte es aber wieder ruhiger werdem. Es werden noch 19 bis 24 Grad erreicht.

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Das nächste Wochenende wird dann wieder von einem Hoch bestimmt. Die Temperaturen steigen auf 26 bis 28 Grad. (kam)

Possible Tropical Low in the Philippine Sea this weekend, westpacwx Update

DPWH’s drainage improvement project in Davao destroying trees – environmental group

BY ANTONIO COLINA IV

  

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DAVAO CITY – An environmental group lambasted the Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao region, calling its drainage improvement project on Dacudao Ave. in this city a “waste of time, funds, and resources.”

THE Department of Public Works and Highways' drainage improvement project is destroying the trees on Dacudao Ave. in Davao City. (Keith Bacongco)

The Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (IDIS) said in a statement that the DPWH’s project which consisted of fully paving the easements, including the root spaces, is destroying the trees on Dacudao Ave.

The group said the project, implemented in 2020 to "strengthen waterway embankment," has left a significant impact on the trees.

The IDIS said that about 67 trees have already deteriorated as a result of the project.

The environment group is urging the government to prioritize the “preservation and sustainable maintenance” of the remaining trees on Dacudao Ave.

“Considering the increasing urban heat index, Davao City needs to uphold utmost commitment to safeguard its remaining urban green-sheds, such as Dacudao's tree-line Ave.,” it said.

Although the city government of Davao instructed the DPWH “to break the concrete choking the trunk and roots of the trees,” the IDIS said it might not do much to ensure long-term health of the trees.

“While this step demonstrates a positive response, it alone is insufficient to ensure the long-term health of the trees since the concrete had damaged the root systems underneath, disallowing water and nutrient collection as well weakened tolerance to termite infestation,” it said.

The IDIS recommended the removal of concrete pavement on the sidewalk and root spaces and replacing it with permeable pavement such as turfs, blocks, or bricks to allow the roots to grow and spread.

It also called for the immediate replacement of dead trees with native tree species that are appropriate to its environment and regular monitoring and checking of the tree's health and condition.

The group also suggested the DPWH adopt low-impact designs such as permeable pavement and soft-scaping to prevent the deterioration of trees.

Summer solstice: PH to experience ‘longest day’ of the year on June 21

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Jun 21, 2023 09:17 AM

  

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The Philippines will experience its longest day and shortest night on Wednesday, June 21, in an astronomical event known as the “summer solstice.”

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that during the summer solstice, “the sun will reach its most northerly point in the sky, in Taurus, at a declination of 23.5°N.”

(Photo courtesy of Pixabay)

“The northern hemisphere will experience the longest day, and will mark the first day of summer,” PAGASA said in its June astronomical diary.

“Subsequently, it will also mark the first day of winter in the southern hemisphere, wherein the Sun will have a shorter time staying above the horizon than any other day of the year,” it said.

The day will last 13 hours in the Philippines on Wednesday, with sunrise at 5:28 a.m. and sunset at 6:28 p.m.

The summer solstice falls on June 20 or 21 every year in the Northern Hemisphere.

PH bows to Indonesia in AVC Challenge Cup

BY NIKOLE JAVIER

  

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AT A GLANCE

• The Philippine women’s volleyball team absorbed a straight-set beating at the hands of Indonesia, 25-17, 25-15, 25-10, in the 2023 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Women in Gresik, East Java on Tuesday night, June 20.

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The Philippine women’s volleyball team absorbed a straight set beating at the hands of Indonesia, 25-17, 25-15, 25-10, in the 2023 Asian Volleyball Confederation (AVC) Challenge Cup for Women in Gresik, East Java on Tuesday night, June 20.

The Philippine women's volleyball team. (Asian Volleyball Confederation)

The quarterfinals-bound Philippines, which is coming off a commanding opening 25-14, 25-12, 25-9 victory over Macau a day prior, settled for the second seed in Pool A.

With the loss, the Filipinas arranged a match against India on Wednesday, June 21 at 5:30 p.m. (Manila time).

The Philippines still couldn’t solve the puzzle against Indonesia as it turned out to be a repeat of their recent meeting in the 32nd Southeast Asian Games, where the PH spikers fell in their bronze medal match for the second straight edition.

Led by veteran Aiza-Maizo Pontillas and new pro spiker Faith Nisperos, the Philippines briefly held a one-point lead in the second set before the Indonesians went on a telling 11-4 run to put themselves on top, 20-14.

Still, the PH spikers came to their senses and responded with a 5-0 surge of their own to pull themselves within one, 20-19, but Indonesia was quick to get back on its feet with a finishing kick of 5-1 run.

Now holding a 2-0 set lead over the Philippines, it was all Indonesia in the third set as it easily raced to a 15-10 advantage.

However, there was no fightback from the Filipinas this time as the Indonesians breezily cruised to a 10-0 run capped by a painful attack error from Erika Raagas.

Mrs. Universe PH bestows special titles to Pokwang, Andrea del Rosario

BY STEPHANIE BERNARDINO

  

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They didn't have to compete for it.

These were simply handed to them.

Talking about the respective titles the Mrs. Universe Philippines Organization bestowed upon celebrities Pokwang and Andrea del Rosario: Mrs. Universe Queen Celebrity Icon Ambassadress 2023 and Mrs. Universe Philippines Tourism Ambassadress 2023.

The two expressed gratitude for their appointment.

"Thank you #MrsUniversemostExceptionalwoman2023 thank you po @daddie_wowie @charo.laude for the recognition. isa pong karangalan," said Pokwang, who accompanied her post with a series of photos and video.

Andrea is also thankful for the achievement.

"Exciting day ahead! Thank you #mrsuniversephilippines for the recognition! tourism ambassadress …bring it on!," she wrote.

"And now, Taking on the challenge of being @mrsuniversephilippinesfdn 2023 tourism ambassadress …. Im up for the challenge! Truly Honored and humbled."

Hiring unlicensed nurses is 'risky,' says PH Nurses Assoc head

BY LUISA K. CABATO

  

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Hiring nurses who earned a 70–74 percent board exam rating is "risky" as they have not yet achieved a certain level of confidence and competence, Philippine Nurses Association National President Melvin Miranda said in a TV interview on Tuesday, June 20.

Photo courtesy of Ali Vicoy | MB

"Kung ang isang nurse ay definitely recognized as licensed, yung level of confidence niya at tsaka yung kanyang competence ay maihahalintulad sa isang professional (If a nurse is definitely recognized as licensed, his or her level of confidence and competence can be compared to a professional)," he said.

READ: Herbosa to tap nursing grads with 70-74% board rating as add'l workforce

"Wala pa po kasing definite na pag-aaral na kung saan sila ay naka-achieve na ng high level of confidence sa pag-perform ng kanilang mga task, so I think medyo risky yung ganitong sitwasyon na kung saan dapat mabigyan pa ng mas masusing pag-aaral (There is no definite study in which they have already achieved a high level of confidence in performing their tasks, so I think this situation is quite risky and should be given a more thorough study)," he added.

This plan needs to be carefully studied first since the scope of work of the unlicensed nurses is still unclear, he said.

Also, if ever they commit a mistake in their duty, the 'burden' or sanction will be faced by their immediate licensed head.

"By principle ng respondent superior, ang nagssupervise pong professional nurse po ang posible pong mananagot (By principle of the respondent superior, the supervising professional nurse is the one who can be held responsible)," Miranda said.

Moreover, he called for an immediate solution to the root causes of why licensed nurses leave the country: lack of good salary and working environment.

There was also no shortage of nurses, but a mismatch, and in fact, over 10,000 nurses passed the recent board exam, and the government should work on publicizing job openings where they can apply.

But Miranda admitted that, despite the volume of newly licensed nurses each year, most of them choose to work in other industries like business process outsourcing to gain career stability.

Miranda wished to discuss the matter with the health and other related departments.

Mayon Volcano lava flow reaches ‘maximum length’ of up to 2.5 km — Phivolcs

BY ELLALYN DE VERA-RUIZ

Jun 20, 2023 02:24 AM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• Lava flows have advanced to maximum lengths of 2,500 meters and 1,800 meters along the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively.
• During its 24-hour monitoring of the restive volcano, Phivolcs recorded two dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDC) that lasted two to three minutes, 301 rockfall events, and one volcanic earthquake.
• Mayon’s current state could last for a few months and its alert level 3 status could be maintained.

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Lava flow from Mayon Volcano’s effusive eruption has reached a “maximum length” of up to 2.5 kilometers from the summit crater, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Tuesday, June 20.

Phivolcs said a “very slow effusion of lava from the summit crater of Mayon Volcano continued to feed lava flows and collapse debris” on the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies on the south and southeastern sides of the crater, respectively.

It pointed out that the lava flows have advanced to maximum lengths of 2,500 meters and 1,800 meters along the Mi-isi and Bonga gullies, respectively.

Meanwhile, it has displaced collapsed debris up to 3,300 meters from the crater.

During its 24-hour monitoring of the restive volcano, Phivolcs recorded two dome-collapse pyroclastic density currents (PDC) that lasted two to three minutes, 301 rockfall events, and one volcanic earthquake

“Continuous moderate degassing from the summit crater produced steam-laden plumes that rose 800 meters before drifting to the general west,” it added.

The effusive eruption of Mayon Volcano produced more than one kilometer-long lava flow, as seen in this photo taken on June 17, 2023. (ALI VICOY/MANILA BULLETIN)

‘High-level’ unrest persists

Phivolcs said that Mayon’s current state could last for a few months and its alert level 3 status could be maintained.

Mayon Volcano has been on alert level 3 since June 8, indicating that a “hazardous eruption is possible within weeks or even days.”

It is “currently in a relatively high level of unrest as magma is at the crater,” Phivolcs pointed out.

The evacuation of residents within the six-kilometer permanent danger zone has been recommended due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards.

Phivolcs warned the public to be cautious of PDCs, lahars, and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice.

It pointed out that heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahars and sediment-laden stream flows on channels where PDC deposits were emplaced.

Likewise, it said that ash fall events may “most likely” occur on the south side of the volcano, based on the current wind pattern.

Phivolcs advised civil aviation authorities to ask pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano because ash from sudden eruption may pose hazards to aircraft.