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Humans increasingly settling in high-risk flood zones, study warns
Humans are increasingly settling in areas highly exposed to dangerous flooding, a study warned Wednesday, with China helping drive the rise in risky urban expansion into exposed areas. The research, led by a World Bank economist, warns that settlement growth in flood zones has vastly outpaced growth in safe areas since 1985. "In a time when human settlements should be adapting to climate change, many countries are actually rapidly increasing their exposure to floods," author Jun Rentschler told AFP. The study analysed 30 years of satellite imagery tracking the expansion of human settlement globally, along with flood maps. While past studies have tended to focus on a particular region or type of flooding, the new research looked worldwide at coastal, rainfall and river flooding risks. It found that by 2015, 20 percent of all settlement areas were in zones with medium or higher flood risks, up from 17.9 percent three decades earlier. The percentage rise might not seem substantial, but it represents an enormous area because of how quickly human settlement has expanded globally since 1985. About 76,400 square kilometres (29,500 square miles) of human settlement -- about 48 times the size of greater London -- now faces flooding of more than half a metre, Rentschler said. "These expanding settlements in high-hazard areas lock in flood exposure, as well as future losses and the need for mounting flood-protection investments," the paper published in Nature warns. East Asia and the Pacific region are among the most exposed, driven particularly by urban expansion in China, as well as Vietnam and Bangladesh. "In Vietnam, where almost one-third of the coastline is now built up, the safest and most productive locations are increasingly occupied," the authors wrote. "Thus, new developments are disproportionately forced onto hazardous land and previously avoided areas, such as riverbeds or floodplains." 'Authorities can do much more' The analysis does not incorporate potential increases in flood risks caused by climate change, deforestation or changes to features such as riverbeds. But Rentschler said there was little evidence flood zones were expanding at a rate similar to human settlement in known risk areas, suggesting settlement patterns remain the key factor for policymakers to address. The research does not distinguish between flood zones in countries with strong protections, such as the Netherlands, and those without. "There are large differences in flood protection systems, especially when comparing high- and low-income countries," Rentschler acknowledged. "However, in this study we consider relatively rare and intense flood scenarios, against which even most high-income countries cannot provide full protection," he said. Climate change increases the risk of devastating flooding, because a warmer atmosphere holds more moisture, making rain events potentially more powerful. That has meant flood events once considered likely just every hundred years or so are now increasingly common. Rentschler argues understanding the settlement trend should be the first step in shifting urbanisation policies. "This is where you want to start: before reducing risks, countries need to stop increasing it," he said. "Local authorities can actually do much more to protect people and prevent future climate change impacts." The post Humans increasingly settling in high-risk flood zones, study warns appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ARI in troika to build Visayas wind project
Aboitiz Renewables Inc. or ARI, the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., Singapore-headquartered Vena Energy, and Cebu-based Vivant Energy Corp., have teamed up to develop, build, and operate a 200-megawatt or MW wind project in the Visayas. The project, dubbed as San Isidro Wind Power Project, will be built in San Isidro, a fourth-class coastal municipality in the Province of Northern Samar. It will be undertaken by the joint venture company that the parties formed called Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. Construction starts Q4 2023 As disclosed in the separate stock reports of ARI and Vivant Energy on Wednesday, which are both publicly listed companies, the wind plant will begin construction within the last quarter of the year. It is scheduled to be completed by early 2025. “We are excited to partner with Vena Energy and Vivant Energy so that together, we can contribute to the Philippines’ clean energy aspirations. This undertaking demonstrates ARI’s progress in growing its renewable energy capacity to 4,600 MW,” ARI president and chief operating officer James Arnold Villaroman. “Each of these investments is an important step to achieving a 50:50 balance in our renewable and thermal portfolios. We are very excited about these opportunities to contribute to the country’s energy transition journey,” he added. Meanwhile, Emil Andre Garcia, president and COO of Vivant Energy, reiterated that their undertaking will “bring us closer to the goal to expand our RE portfolio to 30 percent by 2030.” “We welcome this opportunity to partner with two leaders in renewable energy development who share our vision of helping the country attain energy security while promoting renewable energy and contributing to countrywide development,” Garcia said. Most diversified AboitizPower presently has the largest and most diversified local renewable energy platform in terms of installed capacity under its operational control. Currently, close to 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects — including wind and solar farms and more geothermal capacities — are in its pipeline. The post ARI in troika to build Visayas wind project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
How coastal land reclamation can benefit cities and communities
Coastal land reclamation is increasing and will continue to grow and be a popular urban strategy in places that experience urban growth. [caption id="attachment_176366" align="aligncenter" width="1041"] Palm Jumeirah in Dubai, an artificial archipelago that houses some of Dubai’s luxury hotels, residences and entertainment venues. | Photograph Courtesy of Abid Bin Nazar.[/caption] This is according to a study, “Mapping 21st Century Global Coastal Land Reclamation,” that analyzed landsat satellite images from 2000 to 2020 to quantify spatial extent, scale and land use of urban coastal reclamation of 135 cities globally with populations exceeding one million. Key findings indicate that 78 percent of these cities have turned to reclamation to create additional land, resulting in 253,000 hectares of new land, an area equivalent to Luxembourg. Land reclamation is the process of creating new land from the sea. It’s often used in places with scarcity of land and high population density for many purposes. From Western Europe and West Africa to the Middle East, East Asia and Southeast Asia, these countries’ cities reclaim lands for port extension, residential/commercial and industrial purposes aimed at creating tourist and green spaces. “Coastal land reclamation is a forward-looking approach to urban development,” said Architect Ian Fulgar, the principal architect of Fulgar Architects. It allows cities to preserve valuable ecosystems and resources from urban sprawl by expanding spaces without encroaching on existing natural land. More importantly for architects, urban planners and modern city dwellers, it presents an opportunity to have purpose-built urban environments specifically designed to meet their needs. “Architects and urban planners can design sustainable and efficient infrastructure with a blank canvas, incorporating the latest technologies and best practices in urban planning. This approach can lead to more resilient and adaptive cities capable of mitigating the effects of climate change and other environmental challenges,” Fulgar added. Innovation, sustainability Singapore, Dubai and Hong Kong are some of the world’s most notable cities with impressive urban reclamation projects. Singapore’s Marina Bay Sands and Gardens by the Bay are testaments to the city-state’s commitment to innovation and sustainability. The former is a luxury integrated resort famed for transforming Singapore’s coastline and city skyline, while the latter is a spectacularly unique horticultural destination that combines art, science and nature. These reclaimed land developments further boost the country’s international reputation and real estate value around the area. Coastal land reclamation has significantly changed the geography of the United Arab Emirates. Dubai features ambitious projects now known as some of the most recognizable developments in the world, like Palm Jumeirah, an artificial archipelago shaped like a palm tree when viewed from above that houses some of Dubai’s luxury hotels, residences and entertainment venues, and The World, a groundbreaking project composed of small artificial islands in the shape of a world map. Lastly, Hong Kong’s commitment to preserving art, culture and ongoing sustainable urban development is exemplified by its West Kowloon Cultural District, a 40-hectare reclaimed site along Victoria Harbour’s waterfront designated as the city’s vibrant cultural quarter where the local arts scene can interact, develop and collaborate throughout its sustainability principles. “These projects have created iconic and visually striking landscapes by pushing the boundaries of engineering and urban design. Sustainability is often at the forefront, integrating practices and technologies that minimize environmental impact and enhance the quality of life for residents and visitors,” Fulgar pointed out. “Trends and insights on global reclamation illustrate the potential of reclamation projects in addressing various urban development, environmental conservation and community well-being needs, leading to more sustainable and resilient urban planning worldwide. By adopting these lessons and focusing on sustainable growth, the Philippines can capitalize on its potential and carve a path to a brighter future,“ Fulgar added. The post How coastal land reclamation can benefit cities and communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tale of two cities
If Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano of Pasay City aspires to make her city the first “Eco-City” of the Philippines, Mayor Eric L. Olivarez of Parañaque City wants his city to be the first with the eGov Super App in the country. If Mayor Emi will have her iconic Manhattan in Pasay City, Mayor Eric has his equally iconic Fisherman’s Wharf in Parañaque City. Behind this backdrop of local initiatives, creative planning and responsible leadership are amazing changes in the economy and infrastructure of the two surging cities complementing wonderfully the overwhelming optimism of the national government to transform the Republic of the Philippines into the richest and most beautiful country in the world. Pasay aspires to be the very first eco-sustainable city or “eco-city” in the Philippines, as it continues to strive for excellence and growth while taking utmost consideration of its environment. “To serve its constituents and stakeholders with enthusiasm and efficiency, with a firm commitment to adhering to the principles of good governance, and providing services and infrastructure essential to making the city progressive, healthy and peaceful, worthy of respect and emulation” is the mission of Pasay City. The focus of its mission is ensuring that development ultimately benefits every individual in the City of Pasay, that the service is characterized by the willingness to serve, transparent and responsive to the needs of the constituents. The identified goals to be achieved included: 1) that Pasay City shall be recognized as the new international center for business, knowledge process outsourcing, meetings-incentives-conferences-exhibitions tourism and a model for governance; 2) a safe, secure, livable and inspiringly built environment; 3) efficient infrastructure; 4) carefully managed image of the city; 5) affordable housing to qualified beneficiaries. Why did Pasay City go into reclamation? Pasay City is one of the smallest cities in the National Capital Region. Much of its land is occupied and utilized by the national government. The rest is too limited for the population of the city. It has no choice but to expand its land area by reclamation. The City of Pasay was granted Environment Compliance Certificate, or ECC, No. ECC-CD-1601-003 dated 2017. The reclamation project covers 265 hectares involving two islands with areas of 210 hectares and 55 hectares, respectively. The important landmarks adjacent to the project site include the Cultural Center of the Philippines, the Coconut Palace, the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, the Philippine International Convention Center, the Government Service Insurance System, Mall of Asia, casinos Okada Manila and Solaire Resort, and Diosdado Macapagal Avenue. Reasons for the 265-hectare reclamation The increasing demand for readily developable land for urban expansion has pushed the real estate market in Metro Manila to its highest since the 1997 Asian financial crisis. Since the other urban centers of Mega Manila have no other way of expanding their existing inventory of land, the increasing requirements for areas to accommodate and satisfy the demand for rapid commercial and residential growth fall on the coastal LGUs. This, therefore, necessitates the creation of more land for economic activities through reclamation developments along the coastal areas of Manila Bay. The Pasay City reclamation project, near the SM Mall of Asia complex, can produce millions of square meters of additional buildable and developable space. This could translate to millions of square meters of building gross floor area, based on the existing buildable vis-a-vis to open space/public area ratio. The additional millions of open meters of building gross floor area can be allocated to tourism, office, residential, commercial and other non-industrial mixed uses. (To be continued) The post Tale of two cities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
The lives and traditions of Davao City’s 11 ethnic groups
Considered to be the Philippines’ largest city in terms of land area, Davao City is a sprawling 2,444-square kilometer area that has a population of about 1.632,991 million people based on the 2015 census. Dabawenyos (meaning the residents of Davao City and not the ethnic group of the same name) which is how local residents of the city are called, are mostly Visayans. The rest of the population are lumads or indigenous people belonging to different ethnic groups, while massive immigration is a continuing trend since the start of the 20th century. Davao City boasts of unity in diversity among the city’s population including the 11 ethnic groups with respect for one’s culture and traditions. Dabawenyos, migrants, lumads, not to mention ethnic Americans, Chinese, Koreans, Indians, Japanese, Indonesians and Malaysians co-exist in a city that is said to be one of the world’s safest cities. Let’s get to know these 11 ethnic communities, whose colorful and rich culture contributes to a vibrant and interesting metropolis, that is Davao City. [caption id="attachment_173319" align="aligncenter" width="948"] MERANAW - The Meranaw are said to have the best traditional clothes out of all Filipino ethnic groups. The name means “People of the Lake” and they are known to be brave. Historically, the Meranaw are believed to have offered sacrifices in defense of their homelands and to pay homage to Islam, their religion. Among those the ethnic group takes pride in is their rich literature which includes the chanted epic Darangen as well as their sophisticated wood and metal crafts expressed in their Torogan — a special house built for a Meranaw maiden — Okir, a design motif.| Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173320" align="aligncenter" width="1044"] Ata MANOBO — The Ata Manobo or “dwellers in highlands” are powerful people who appear to be a mixture of Negritos and other ethnicities in the area. As occupants of the headwaters of Davao, Tuganay and Libuganon rivers, the Ata Manobo depend primarily on hunting as their livelihood. They are thought to be sensitive and vindictive but can be easily pacified if handled with utmost diplomacy. | Photograph Courtesy Of Gerald Macfred Dillera[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173321" align="aligncenter" width="683"] Kagan— The group’s name was derived from the word kaog which means “whisper.” The Kagan people are known as agriculturists—cultivating rice, corn, abaca and coconut for cash crops. Those who are living near the coasts practice fishing. They are Tagakaolo who have converted to Islam either through intermarriage or contact with the Maguindanaos. | Photograph Courtesy Of Fb.com/davao Group 6 B[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173322" align="aligncenter" width="1149"] Klata-guiangan — Klatas occupy a very small territory stretching from Catalunan to Calinan within Davao City. Their traditional population centers included Blao, Tagakpan, Dulian, Sirib, Gunalong and Tamugan. They are called the “forest dwellers.” | Photograph Courtesy Of Fb.com/kadayawan Festival[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173323" align="aligncenter" width="885"] Iranun — They are regarded as the fiercest pirates in Southeast Asia, adopting a typical maritime lifestyle of sea invaders. They attacked merchant shipping and coastal settlements in the Philippines, the straits of Malacca and the islands beyond Sulawesi. These days, they work as fishermen and long-distance traders. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173324" align="aligncenter" width="967"] Sama — The Sama people are described as peace-loving and cohesive people, thus putting so much value on togetherness. Their forebears are said to possess special powers having the supernatural ability to invite spirits called Jin to do things for them. Majority of the Sama people are mostly living in the Bunawan and other coastal areas in Davao City. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173325" align="aligncenter" width="1034"] Maguindanao — Their name means “people of the flood plain” and their traditional home range includes Maguindanao del Sur and Maguindanao del Norte. Outside these provinces, they are scattered around the three districts of Davao City and other nearby provinces like Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte and Davao Oriental. Living mostly along the mouths of rivers, they impeded the Spanish colonizers’ efforts in bringing the other indigenous groups of Davao into the Christian fold. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173326" align="aligncenter" width="973"] OBO Monobo — The Obo Monobo are known for their intricate casting, fine weaponry and jewelry. For them, these things possess souls, as souls also possess animate objects. Obo oral tradition tells of Apo Sandawa’s journey from the north to Davao. Apo Sandawa’s point of entry in Davao was at Ulas. From Ulas, Apo Sandawa and family moved north towards the Talomo mountains, even reaching Mt. Sinaka. Apo Sandawa’s journey ended in Mt. Apo where he was buried. Apo Sandawa is considered the ancestor of the Obo. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173327" align="aligncenter" width="919"] Tausug — The Tausugs traditionally reside in the archipelago of Sulu. Their name means “people of the current,” and they are known for their courage and bravery. Loyalty is an important trait among the Tausugs. They practice the ritual of blood compact to signify the depth of their loyalty to one another. They are fierce and dangerous but the moment one befriends one of them, the bond will be enduring. | Photograph By Roel Hoang Manipon[/caption] [caption id="attachment_173328" align="aligncenter" width="903"] Matigsalog — A subgroup of the Manobo, the Matigsalog or “river people” are considered to be the most aboriginal inhabitants of Mindanao chiefly occupying the Agusan River valley in Compostella, from Malalag to Sarangani and between Cuabo and Cape San Agustin. In Davao City, they live mostly in the hinterlands of Marilog, Marahan or Paquibato. Their houses are built near the rivers, often on the forks of trees. Of Malay descent, the Matigsalog are of slight built but athletic. Their name is made up of two words Matig (place of origin) and Salug (river). They are regarded as one of Davao’s colorful ethnic groups. | Photograph Courtesy Of Wikicommons/nick Nichols Cc By 2.0[/caption] The post The lives and traditions of Davao City’s 11 ethnic groups appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Environmental group appeals to PBBM, DENR to stop reclamation in Batangas as well
An environmental advocacy group is also calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to also stop ongoing reclamation projects on the coast of Batangas. The Protect the Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) said the reclamation in Batangas province would pave the way for the construction of more liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and power plants. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Protect VIP convenor, said in a radio interview that the ongoing reclamation projects in VIP for the construction of fossil gas projects "will result in turbid waters and make (seagrass), coral reefs, and marine fauna vulnerable to stressors.” The Verde Island Passage according to Conservation International (Philippines), is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and is recognized as the center of global shore-fish biodiversity. It is also home to species such as whale sharks, sea turtles, and an impressive array of corals. It extends to the coastlines of Batangas, Romblon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro provinces. Gariguez said the VIP waters continue to yield new species to science, further underscoring its global biological significance. The marine corridor is the “epicenter” of fossil gas and LNG developments in the country now that eight of 27 proposed new plants and seven of the nine planned LNG terminals in the country will be located in Batangas. Protect group warned that by allowing fossil gas facilities to be built and operated, it will expose the VIP to the frequent entry of LNG barges, and inadvertent oil spills or disposal of shipboard liquid waste and bilge water. “Putting up these gas terminals and power plants is destructive as the dumping and filling of land disturb the existing coastal habitats in VIP, ” Gariguez said. In May 2023, while the passage is currently a marine protected area, the governors of five provinces governors want it to be a “legislated protected area", with DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga agreeing with them. “Considering its mandate, the DENR is committed to strengthening the protection and management of the VIP as a priority conservation area,” Loyzaga said. When Gariguez's group learned of the President's decision to suspend all 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, they believed this was also the best time to bring the matter to the DENR. 22 Manila Bay reclamation projects Meanwhile, DENR also on Tuesday clarified that the subject of the suspension order by the President are the 22 reclamation projects in the Manila Bay Area only and not the entire Philippines. Of the 22 reclamation projects, DENR records showed that 15 are in the jurisdiction of the National Capital Region where three projects are already ongoing. The remaining 7 projects are located in CALABARZON. The agency said Manila Bay is not only limited to Metro Manila shorelines. It also has areas in Region 3 and 4A--several provinces like Bulacan, Cavite and Bataan. The post Environmental group appeals to PBBM, DENR to stop reclamation in Batangas as well appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bulacan water world
The government should probe the connection between the recent destructive flooding in Bulacan and Pampanga to the construction of the massive San Miguel Corp. airport project. Residents, environmental groups and scientists had foretold the damaging effects on the environment of disturbing the ecology of the area. Experts have said delicate ecosystems are under threat from the $15-billion airport development called the New Manila International Airport. It is currently the Philippines’ most expensive infrastructure deal ever and will cover an area seven and a half times the size of New York’s Central Park which is 3.41 square kilometers. When completed, it will cater to approximately 100 million passengers a year and is targeted to be one of the busiest airports by passenger traffic globally. Despite the denials and assurances of SMC officials that the project will include spillways and other anti-flood structures, the almost one week of continuous rain as typhoons Egay and Falcon passed near the northern Philippines point to the worst fears of the residents transpiring. The provinces of Bulacan and Pampanga have been placed under a state of calamity due to the flooding that has persisted days after the typhoons passed and the southwest monsoon rain had stopped. Some 172 barangays in 16 towns and three cities in Bulacan are still affected by floods ranging from six inches to seven feet, according to the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. London and Washington-based group Global Witness said in a report that the project’s environmental costs are already significant as hundreds of mangrove trees, “which not only absorb and store climate-wrecking carbon dioxide but also form natural flood barriers,” had been cleared. Environmental and climate-related damage is expected to worsen and permanently damage natural habitats on the airport development site, the report added. A census of waterbirds in Manila Bay, according to Global Watch, revealed that their presence has declined by over 20 percent since 2017. Massive land reclamation projects — like the airport — are set to see these numbers dwindle even further. SMC promised to construct a $1-billion spillway from Bulacan’s upstream river sources to drain directly to Manila Bay, saying it will resolve the flooding problem of the province. An SMC official even boasted during a meeting with residents and representatives of environmental groups that “SMC is not stupid that it will build an airport only to be flooded.” Kalikasan People’s Network for the Environment warned against relying on the SMC promises as recent typhoons showed the location as being increasingly prone to flooding as a result of the reclamation and airport construction. The waterways from Bulacan’s ridges down to its reefs are complex systems that cannot be simply resolved with just a spillway, according to environmental advocates. Recent torrential monsoon rains were cited as an example, as the flood comes not only from waters in the Sierra Madre but also from extreme rainfall directly falling on Bulacan’s river basin and from coastal overflow. Continuing land subsidence, aggravated by groundwater extraction, is worsening the flood situation in Bulacan, according to a geological expert. The urban sprawl resulting from the expected influx of over one million workers and 100-200 million air passengers constantly in transit in the area, if the SMC Aerotropolis were built, would intensify land subsidence and increase the exposure of populations to flooding hazards. Engineering solutions and simplistic development promises are always impressive until you start looking into the devil in the details, according to the expert. With an average number of typhoons that uses up all the letters of the alphabet each year, Bulacan and nearby provinces are destined to be constantly submerged in exchange for the Aerotopolis. The post Bulacan water world appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reclamation opposition, misplaced and misleading
In what appears to be a move that might be viewed as laced with political undertones given the US’ ongoing conflict with China, or at best a misplaced and misleading concern, the US Embassy thru its spokesman issued a media statement stating: “We have expressed concerns about the long-term negative and irreversible impacts to the environment, the resilience to the natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce.” “We are also concerned that the projects have ties with the China Communications Construction Co. or CCCC, which has been added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese build and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea.” The US Embassy communication reminded of the World Bank’s 8-year debarment of CCCC’s predecessor of its funded roads project improvement in the Philippines. There are presently six approved reclamation projects by the Philippine Reclamation Authority, i.e. Horizon Manila (Manila), Manila Waterfront City (Manila), the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay Harbor Reclamation Project, 360-Pasay Reclamation Project. Curiously, the US Embassy is zeroing in on the Manila Waterfront City simply because the Gatchalian family that runs it has for its business partner the China Communications Construction Co. What do the experts have to say about the environmental concerns on reclamation projects? As early as 2013, the renowned Filipino architect and urban development planner Felino “Jun” Palafox, debunked fears about reclamation projects, particularly on their effect on the environment. Palafox shrugged off criticisms that a reclamation project in Manila Bay would place Manila more vulnerable to storm surges. Palafox, who designed two reclamation mega projects in Dubai, the Palm Islands Resorts and Map of the World, which are both acknowledged architectural wonders and tourist destinations, said that a reclamation project is OK provided “it is planned, designed, engineered, and implemented properly.” He pointed out that reclamation projects have been done in many parts of the world but there were no environmental impacts on the communities. He cited the example of Singapore, recalling: “Like Singapore, it used to be 65,000 hectares. They reclaimed 6,000 ha, so (it’s now) 71,000 ha. But they did it properly.” He added experiences in Dubai. Hongkong and the Netherlands showed that those fears of reclamations are unfounded. Palafox also pointed out that reclaimed land may be designed as a natural barrier against tidal waves. He also explained that concerns about the environment and the economy could be addressed simultaneously through thorough planning, citing the example of Dubai. “Dubai was able to expand its waterfront from 70 kilometers to 2,000 kilometers through reclamation. The Philippines has the longest waterfront but we don’t use our waterfronts properly.” Another expert on the matter, a former official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Leo Jasareno, expressed support in 2013 for a plan of the late Mayor Alfredo Lim to build a reclamation in a portion of the Manila Bay. He cited two airports built on reclaimed lands, the Singapore Changi Airport and the Hongkong Airport. He dispelled apprehensions that reclamation will cause flooding. He cited a study by the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Science. “Studies show that some parts of Manila experienced land subsidence due to over extraction of groundwater as water from wells. Sea levels will continue to rise due to global warming. The land is sinking while the sea level continues to rise.” Palafox agreed with Jasareno saying that: “If done properly, it is the solution to flooding in Metro Manila, it is the solution to tsunami; solution to storm surges, solution to (producing) prime land.” Jasareno likewise said then that reclamation “could be Manila’s defense against climate change. Reclamation is a normal development option and can be good if properly engineered and the drainage system (is) properly installed.” In a statement, the Gatchalian family said that their company is compliant with all government regulations which is precisely why it has been given, like the others, the approval to proceed with the reclamation by the Philippine Port Authority. As regards the CCCC, the regulating agency is aware of its participation in the reclamation project and it must have exercised due diligence on the matter. Suddenly just because the US has raised concerns, which, evidently, are misplaced and misleading, given the expert opinions of those knowledgeable on the subject plus the favorable experiences of other countries with their reclamations, some eager beaver officials of the government are making noise about it and have expressed intentions of investigating while subtly implying irregularities in the approval of the reclamation projects. Another opportunity for self-projection and publicity for them. A nasty and odorous habit they can’t escape from. The post Reclamation opposition, misplaced and misleading appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Why marine turtles are worth more to us alive than dead
If a marine turtle, locally known as pawikan, is allowed to live up to 57 years, how much would be its value? Believe it or not, a whopping P4.80 million can be derived from the endangered species, said the Biodiversity Management Bureau. BMB is a line agency of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, which conducted the study under the Asian Development Bank/Global Environment Facility project on Combating Environmental Organized Crime in the Philippines. In the study, the estimation was based on the marine turtle’s ecological role in coastal and marine ecosystems and on the tourism value it generates: P900,000 and P3.90 million, respectively. “The annual use value of the entire population of the Philippine marine turtle, which is conservatively estimated at 7,294 individuals, ranged between P2.89 billion and P3.19 billion (US$57.88-63.85 million) per year,” the study said. According to the World-Wide Fund for Nature, the economic value of conserving healthy and diverse turtle populations to avoid marine turtle extinctions is more than 50 thousand times greater than the value of harvesting turtles for their meat and shells. Eight species There are only eight species of marine turtles known. Fortunately, five of them can be found in the Philippines, mostly in the Turtle Islands (located along the boundary of Malaysia and the Philippines). These are the Green Sea (scientific name: Chelonia mydas), Hawksbill (Eretmochelys imbricata), Leatherback (Dermocheyls coriacea), Loggerhead (Caretta caretta) and Olive Ridley (Lepidochelys olivacea). The three other species, not found in the Philippines, are the Kemp’s Ridley (Lepidochelys kempi), Flatback (Chelonia depressa) and Black Sea (Chelonia agassizi). All marine turtle species are protected under Republic Act 9147 or the Philippine Wildlife Act. This means it is illegal to collect, possess, buy, sell, import and export marine turtles, their by-products and derivatives. “All of the species found in our country are endangered except for the Hawksbill which is critically endangered,” said Dr. Arnel “AA” Yaptinchay, founder and director of the Marine Wildlife Watch of the Philippines. “The only sure thing is that marine turtle populations are under tremendous threats and if these are not stopped, extinction is imminent.” Aside from their meat, marine turtles are valued for their eggs, which look like ping-pong balls and rounder than chicken eggs. The yellow or yolk of turtle eggs is considered medicinal by some people. Marine turtles are also hunted to make different products. The Hawksbill’s carapace is used to make combs, brush handles, eyeglass frames, buttons, hairclips and jewelry. Pollution is another culprit for its decimation. In the past, marine turtles used to occupy the shallow waters of Manila Bay. But toxic wastes flowing from the Pasig River, ocean-going vessels plying the bay, and the government’s reclamation projects have long driven the marine turtles away. Marine turtles also face danger from the day they are born; they are hunted by monitor lizards or bayawak, dogs and ghost crabs. For every 1,000 hatchlings released in the open sea, only one survives. Dynamite fishing and the use of trawl nets where turtles abound have also threatened the marine turtles. Ditto for the rapid development of beach resorts for the tourism industry as these destroy the nesting beaches of marine turtles. “Unless we seriously take on the task of protecting our much-endangered marine turtles, these ancient creatures will no longer be swimming in our waters,” warned the environmental group Haribon. Marine protected area In Davao City, the Aboitiz Group is trying to protect the endangered marine species. It owns eight hectares in the southeastern portion of the 37-hectare Marine Protected Area located in Punta Dumalag in Matina Aplaya. As part of its corporate responsibility, it converted the area into an eight-hectare ecological preserve, called Cleanergy Park and managed by Davao Light, an AboitizPower subsidiary. In partnership with the regional office of Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the local government of Davao City, the team at the Aboitiz Cleanergy Park established a Pawikan Rescue Center inside the park to conserve and protect the pawikan and their marine habitat. The park is completely wireless and is built entirely using recycled materials. Even at night, lights and lamps are not used, except for flashlights by the roving guards and staff, in order not to disturb or confuse the pawikan’s nesting in the area and other animals that consider the park their home. “We are fully committed to our cause of saving the pawikans,” said Fermin Edillon, the park’s reputation enhancement manager. “We must all carry this responsibility so that our future generations will be able to see them. It can be through small acts such as keeping our coastal areas clean, not littering and having safe practices when fishing. These are very simple but have a large impact on preserving our environment.” Marine turtles are the contemporaries of the dinosaurs. These ancient creatures have been around for about 110 million years. Their natural lifespan is estimated to be from 50 to 100 years. But, like many other creatures, they may soon be gone — if we don’t do enough to save them from extinction. The post Why marine turtles are worth more to us alive than dead appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NASA launches final pair of storm tracker satellite quartet
NASA has launched the final pair of a satellite quartet designed to track tropical cyclones hour by hour, in a project that could improve weather predictions on devastating storms. The storm trackers, sent into orbit on a rocket built by US company Rocket Lab and launched from New Zealand's Mahia Peninsula early Friday, completed the TROPICS constellation of shoebox-sized satellites. They can fly over hurricanes (or typhoons in the Pacific) every hour, compared to every six hours with current satellites. "As a lifelong Floridian, I know firsthand how critical it is for millions of Americans to have timely and accurate forecasts for hurricanes," NASA administrator Bill Nelson said in a statement. "More intense rainfall and increased coastal flooding are devastating livelihoods and taking lives, demonstrating the importance of NASA's cutting-edge science to help answer questions that nobody else can." The first pair of satellites were launched successfully earlier this month. The information gathered on rainfall, temperature, and humidity could help scientists determine where a hurricane will make landfall and how intense it will be, helping people living in coastal areas be better prepared for possible evacuations. In the long term, a better understanding of the formation and evolution of these storms could help improve climate models. The constellation was originally intended to have six satellites, not four, but the first two were lost when a US Astra rocket malfunctioned shortly after lift-off last year. Hurricanes, or typhoons, are becoming more powerful as the ocean surface warms, scientists say. Hurricane Ian, which devastated Florida in 2022, killed dozens of people and caused more than $100 billion in damage, making it by far the world's most expensive weather disaster of the year. The US National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration on Thursday predicted a "near normal" hurricane season with 12 to 17 named storms packing winds of at least 39 mph (63 kph). After three seasons with an atmospheric phenomenon called La Nina, which worsens hurricanes in the Atlantic, NOAA predicts an El Nino to develop this summer, which has a suppressive effect on hurricane activity. But this could be offset by more localized conditions favorable for hurricanes, such as an above-normal West African monsoon, "which produces African easterly waves and seeds some of the stronger and longer-lived Atlantic storms," NOAA said. The post NASA launches final pair of storm tracker satellite quartet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Quezon province inaugurates emergency shelters
Quezon province has become more prepared against future calamities after the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation inaugurated newly-built emergency shelters in two municipalities on 14 and 15 April 2023. PAGCOR unveiled a two-story multipurpose evacuation center worth P50 million at Barangay Camflora in the distant San Andres town which lacked emergency shelters for families and individuals who are affected by various calamities. The state-run gaming firm also formally inaugurated a basketball court-type multipurpose evacuation structure amounting to P12.7 million at a small community in the fifth-class municipality of Plaridel. It is seen to help address the town’s perennial need for a permanent site to safely accommodate locals during emergency situations. Located in the mountainside community of Barangay Tanauan, the new evacuation structure in Plaridel will provide a spacious venue for residents from the town’s nine villages, whenever they will need to flee their homes in times of calamities. Being situated in coastal communities, the towns of San Andres and Plaridel frequently suffer from extreme weather disturbances such as storm surge and severe flooding. The post Quezon province inaugurates emergency shelters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Casino gaming around the globe
Gaming has always been a popular human activity. Long before land-based casinos were built, casino games existed and flourished. Bingo, for example, first appeared in.....»»
Emergency protocols in case of bridge collapse sought
Emergency protocols in case of bridge collapse sought.....»»
13 killed in vehicles collision in southern Philippines
MANILA, March 25 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen people were killed after a passenger van and a dump truck collided on a highway in Cotabato province in the southern Philippines on Monday, police and local media said. Police said the van, with about 15 passengers aboard, was negotiating a sloping curve when it was hit by the speeding dump truck in the opposite lane. The accident happened after 12 noon local time. In.....»»
EAM Jaishankar, Singapore PM exchange views on deepening engagement in fintech, digitalization, green economy
New Delhi [India], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exchanged views on deepening engagement in fintech, digitalization, the green economy, skills development and food security. EAM Jaishankar concluded his visit to Singapore on March 25. He was on an official visit to Singapore from March 23-25, the first leg of his visit to Singapore, Philippines and Mala.....»»
Baltimore bridge collapses after cargo ship rams it
A major bridge in the US city of Baltimore almost entirely collapsed Tuesday after being struck by a cargo ship, sending multiple vehicles and up to 20 people plunging into the harbor below. Dramatic footage shows a container ship hitting a footing of the Francis Scott Key Bridge, sending the steel-built structure into the Patapsco.....»»
‘Serenade of the Seas’ arrival restarts Subic cruise tourism program
The arrival here of GTS Serenade of the Seas, a 12-decker cruise liner operated by Royal Caribbean International, is expected to resurrect Subic’s cruise tourism program, which had gained momentum before being halted by the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago......»»
EAM Jaishankar, Singapore PM exchange views on deepening engagement in fintech, digitalization, green economy
New Delhi [India], March 26 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar and Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong exchanged views on deepening engagement in fintech, digitalization, the green economy, skills development and food security. EAM Jaishankar concluded his visit to Singapore on March 25. He was on an official visit to Singapore from March 23-25, the first leg of his visit to Singapore, Philippines and Mala.....»»
Authorities verifying 13 dead in North Cotabato road mishap
Authorities are still verifying the 13 fatalities in a vehicular accident involving a passenger van that collided with a dump truck along the National Highway in Barangay Luhong, Antipas, around 12:15 p.m. in North Cotabato on March 25, 2024......»»
DPWH-Davao: Coastal Road lights inactive due to stolen wires
THE Department of Public Works and Highways-Davao Region (DPWH-Davao) confirmed that a portion of lights along the Davao City Coastal Road are inactive due to wire theft......»»