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Batanes still under Signal No. 2 as ‘Jenny’ moves over Phl Sea
The state weather bureau on Tuesday said Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal or TCWS No. 2 is still hoisted over Batanes as Typhoon Jenny moves north-northwestward over the Philippine Sea. In its latest weather bulletin, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration, said typhoon Jenny was last tracked 325 kilometers east northeast of Itbayat, Batanes. The weather disturbance maintained its strength, packing maximum sustained winds of 155 kilometers per hour near the center, and gustiness of up to 190 kph. Gale-force winds will prevail in Batanes. Meanwhile, strong winds will prevail in areas where TCWS No. 1 remains hoisted: Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern and eastern portions of Isabela (Maconacon, Divilacan, Palanan, Santa Maria, San Pablo, Tumauini, Cabagan, Ilagan City, San Mariano, Santo Tomas, Dinapigue, Benito Soliven, Naguilian, Gamu, Quirino, Delfin Albano, Quezon, Mallig), Apayao, the northeastern portion of Abra (Tineg, Lacub, Malibcong), the northern portion of Kalinga (Balbalan, Pinukpuk, Rizal, City of Tabuk), and Ilocos Norte. Typhoon Jenny will continue to enhance the southwest monsoon, causing occasional rains over the western portions of Central and Southern Luzon, and the Visayas in the next three days. Gusty conditions due to the enhanced southwest monsoon continue to prevail in Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Calabarzon, Bicol Region, and most of Mimaropa and Western Visayas. Rough to very rough seas are forecast over the coastal waters along the seaboards of Northern Luzon. PAGASA said moderate to rough seas will prevail over the coastal waters of northern Aurora due to the Typhoon. Mariners of motor bancas and similarly-sized vessels are advised to take precautionary measures while venturing to the sea. Typhoon Jenny is forecast to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Thursday. The post Batanes still under Signal No. 2 as ‘Jenny’ moves over Phl Sea appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGASA: 2-3 cyclones may enter or develop inside PAR in August
Around two or three tropical cyclones are expected to enter or develop inside the Philippine area of responsibility within this month, according to the forecast of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration. These cyclones will either make landfall and cross the Philippines, or “recurve” and do not make landfall. In the latest PAGASA weather bulletin, the typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat" will still bring significant rains over the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Pampanga, Bulacan, Occidental Mindoro, and the northern portion of Palawan, including Calamian, Cuyo and Kalayaan Islands, in the next three days. PAGASA warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides may be experienced in the affected communities. The state weather bureau said the next tropical cyclones will be given the local names of Goring, Hanna and Ineng. It is projecting "near-normal" rainfall for most of the Philippines between August and September, with a "higher probability of near to above-normal rainfall throughout the country.” In August, PAGASA said four common climatological tracks occur, including the recurving toward the northern part of PAR (non-landfalling) or Japan, enhancing the effect of the southwest monsoon, or “habagat”; recurving toward the northwestern part of PAR (non-landfalling) or Taiwan, strengthening "habagat’s" effect; landfalling and traversing the extreme northern islands of the Philippines, then moving toward Hong Kong or Vietnam; and landfalling or traversing the northern parts of Luzon, then moving toward Vietnam. The Philippines is so far hit by tropical cyclones Amang, Betty, Chedeng, Dodong, Egay and the latest was Falcon. The post PAGASA: 2-3 cyclones may enter or develop inside PAR in August appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Typhoon Falcon strengthens, enhances ‘habagat’
Typhoon Falcon's enhancement of the southwest monsoon or "habagat" will bring a significant amount of rain in the next three days, according to the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Monday In its latest weather bulletin, PAGASA said "Falcon" has maintained its strength as it moves north-northwestward at 15 kilometers per hour on Monday morning—with its center last tracked over 1,045 km east of extreme Northern Luzon. It packs maximum sustained winds of 150 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 185 kph. PAGASA said "Falcon" may exit the Philippine area of responsibility between Tuesday afternoon and Tuesday evening. It is forecast to further intensify over the next two days and may reach its peak intensity Tuesday or on Wednesday. When outside the PAR region, the typhoon will turn west-northwestward and pass close— with landfall not ruled out—over Okinawa Islands in the Ryukyu archipelago between Tuesday evening and Wednesday morning while gradually decelerating. The "Falcon"-enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to bring occasional monsoon rains over the western portion of Luzon and Visayas. ‘Falcon’ is the sixth cyclone to hit the Philippines this year. PAGASA said the hoisting of Wind Signal due to "Falcon" over any locality in the country remains “unlikely” based on the current forecast scenario. However, the enhanced Southwest Monsoon will bring gusty conditions over Zambales, Bataan, the central and southern portions of Aurora, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, and most of Ilocos Region, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region and Western Visayas on Monday. Gusty conditions will prevail in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Abra, Benguet, Zambales, Bataan, the central and southern portions of Aurora, Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila, and most of Ilocos Region, Calabarzon, Mimaropa, Bicol Region and Western Visayas throughout on Tuesday. On Wednesday, gusty conditions will be experienced in Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, the western portion of Northern Samar and most of Western Visayas. The typhoon-enhanced "habagat" will bring moderate to rough seas over the coastal waters along the northern (1.2 to 2.8 m), western (2.5 to 3.5 m), and southern (1.5 to 3.0 m) seaboards of Luzon. PAGASA advised mariners of small seacraft to take precautionary measures when venturing over these waters. “If inexperienced or operating ill-equipped vessels, avoid navigating in these conditions,” it warned. The post Typhoon Falcon strengthens, enhances ‘habagat’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Egay’ makes landfall over Aparri
Typhoon "Egay" made landfall over Fuga island in Aparri, Cagayan as it moves westward at 20 kilometers per hour according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration early Wednesday, 26 July. The state weather bureau's 5:00 a.m. bulletin said that Egay may exhibit wobbling motion while in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands in the next 6 hours. Egay is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 215 km/h. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 4 is still raised over the northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte. Meanwhile, Signal no. 3 is raised over Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, the rest of Apayao, the northern portion of Kalinga, the northern portion of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur. Isabela, the rest of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Sur, and La Union are under Signal no. 2. Signal No. 1 is raised over Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, the northern portion of Batangas, the northern and central portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, the northern portion of Camarines Sur. Pagasa said a landfall over northwestern Cagayan is not ruled out. Egay is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday afternoon, 27 July. The post ‘Egay’ makes landfall over Aparri appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
All wind signals down as Dodong maintains strength over WPS
All wind signals have been lifted as Tropical Depression "Dodong" maintains its strength over the West Philippine Sea according to PAGASA early Saturday, 15 July. In its 5:00 am bulletin, the state weather bureau said Dodong's center has been found west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur packing maximum sustained winds of 55 kilometers per hour near the center and gustiness of up to 70 km/h. The tropical depression is currently moving westward at 20km/h. PAGASA, however, said that the enhanced Southwest Monsoon or habagat may still bring gusty conditions over Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Batanes, the eastern portion of Isabela, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Aurora, Metro Manila, CALABARZON, MIMAROPA, Bicol Region, and Western Visayas today. Meanwhile, a marine gale warning is in effect over the western seaboards of the Ilocos Region, Zambales, Bataan, Occidental Mindoro, and Palawan. The post All wind signals down as Dodong maintains strength over WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WRMO expands save-water order
The Water Resources Management Office or WRMO of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has expanded the coverage of its water conservation directive to residents of the National Capital Region and adjacent provinces. In its Bulletin 2, the WRMO instructed all barangay officials and condominium and subdivision managers to advise residents to conserve water through the reduction of activities that consume a large amount of water, such as watering the lawn and washing vehicles. This is to avert massive water interruptions in the coming months, the WRMO said in its bulletin. Residents were also encouraged to promote rainwater collection for non-potable use of water and to reuse laundry and dishwashing wastewater for watering plants. The WRMO also directed all local government units in NCR to fast-track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad. “As we prepare for even drier conditions due to El Niño, it is, more than ever, important to conserve water in order to prevent massive water interruptions later this year,” the WRMO said. The water level in Angat Dam, which supplies potable water to NCR and nearby provinces, has continued to drop amid an impending El Niño dry spell. The WRMO also directed all local government units in NCR to fast-track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad. As of 8 July, the water level in Angat Dam was at 179.99 meters, which was below the 180-meter minimum operating level. When below operating levels, the allocation for irrigation will be reduced and supply for NCR and the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan will be at the minimum volume. Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, urged state regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to take urgent action on the planned water service interruption on 12 July. “MWSS should not take this matter sitting down as these recurring service cuts will affect over half a million consumers,” Poe said in a statement. She noted that the frequent and longer hours of water service interruption which affects more people is “unacceptable.” Last week, Maynilad advised its customers of up to 9 hours of nightly water service interruptions starting 12 July due to the decreasing water level of Angat Dam. According to Poe, MWSS should determine whether water utilities are adhering to their obligations based on their franchise. The post WRMO expands save-water order appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Water conservation directive now includes Metro residents and nearby provinces
The Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Sunday said it has expanded the coverage of its water conservation directive to residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjacent provinces. In its Bulletin No. 2, the WRMO instructed all barangay officials and condominium and subdivision managers to advise residents to conserve water through the reduction of activities that consume a large amount of water, such as watering the lawn and washing vehicles. This is to avert massive water interruptions in the coming months, the WRMO said in its release. The WRMO added that residents should likewise be encouraged to promote rainwater collection for non-potable use of water and to reuse laundry and dishwashing wastewater for watering plants. The WRMO also directed all local government units in NCR to fast-track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad. “As we prepare for even drier conditions due to El Niño, it is, more than ever, important to conserve water in order to prevent massive water interruptions later this year,” the WRMO said. Earlier, the WRMO issued its first-ever bulletin containing the guidelines for effective implementation of water conservation measures by all government offices, through their building administrators. WRMO’s Bulletin No. 1 was issued pursuant to Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 22 in which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. mandated all government agencies and instrumentalities to strictly implement water conservation measures as part of efforts to prevent a water crisis amid a looming El Niño phenomenon. In its second bulletin, the WRMO said its team shall conduct spot inspections of office buildings for unwarranted use of water, leaks, and faulty bathroom fixtures. The team will ensure that WRMO Bulletin Nos. 1 and 2 are posted in offices accordingly. The WRMO said that together with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS), it will review the monthly water bills of all government facilities in accordance with MC 22. Notices on excessive use of water shall be issued, it added. The office also advised the public to report leaks along streets to the MWSS (8929-5691, 8922-2969, 0967-3197144, or cch@mwss.gov.ph), or to the water service providers Manila Water (1627) or Maynilad (1626). Leaks within compounds which may need major repairs may be reported to the DENR-WRMO through wrmo@denr.gov.ph. WMRO’s Bulletin No. 2 was issued as the water level in Angat Dam, which supplies potable water to NCR and nearby provinces, continues to drop amid an impending El Niño dry spell. As of 8 July 2023, the water level in Angat Dam was at 179.99 meters, which is below the 180-meter minimum operating level. When below operating levels, the allocation for irrigation will be reduced and supply for NCR and the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan will be at the minimum volume. As such, residents could expect lower water pressures mainly during the night and possible interruptions in certain areas serviced by MWSS. Under MC 22, President Marcos directed the WRMO to monitor the progress of all agencies towards conserving water through the analysis of their monthly water bills, with the aim of reducing their consumption by 10 percent. Created last April by virtue of Executive Order No. 22, WRMO is mandated to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water resources in the country. The post Water conservation directive now includes Metro residents and nearby provinces appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Paeng’ to exit Luzon landmass within 6 to 12 hours; out of PAR by Monday – PAGASA
The state weather bureau, on Saturday evening, Oct. 29, said severe tropical storm Paeng (international name: Nalgae) will likely exit the Luzon landmass within 6 to 12 hours, adding that based on the latest forecast track, it may leave the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Monday, Oct. 31. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), in its bulletin issued at 11 p.m., said Paeng has crossed the Laguna de Bay and the Metro Manila-Rizal-Bulacan area and is now in the vicinity of Baliuag, Bulacan. Paeng has maximum sustained winds of 95 kilometers per hour (kph) and gustiness of up to 160 kph. “Paeng may maintain its strength from the remainder of its traverse of the Luzon landmass, although the possibility of slight weakening is not ruled out within the next 6 hours,” said PAGASA. (MB Visual Content Group) Hazards affecting PH The weather disturbance, before it emerges over the West Philippine Sea, will continue to bring heavy to intense rains in Metro Manila, Zambales, Bataan, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, and the northern portion of mainland Quezon until Sunday, Oct. 30. Meanwhile, moderate to at times intense rains may be experienced over mainland Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Mindoro Provinces, the central portion of Quezon including Polillo islands, and the rest of Central Luzon. “Under these conditions, widespread flooding and rain-induced landslides are expected,” PAGASA said. Wind Signals in effect Tropical Cyclone Wind Signals (TCWS) are still raised due to the weather disturbance. Wind Signal no. 3 remained hoisted in the northern portion of Metro Manila, Bataan, the southern portion of Zambales, Pampanga, Bulacan, and the southern portion of Tarlac. Areas placed under Signal No. 2 were Pangasinan, the southern portion of Aurora, the rest of Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, the rest of Zambales, Laguna, Batangas, the northern and central portions of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Rizal, Cavite, the rest of Metro Manila, Cavite, the northern portion of Oriental Mindoro, and the northern portion of Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Islands. Meanwhile, Signal No. 1 was hoisted over La Union, Kalinga, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Isabela, the rest of Aurora, the rest of Quezon, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay, Sorsogon, the western portion of Masbate including Burias and Ticao Islands, the rest of Occidental Mindoro, the rest of Oriental Mindoro, Palawan including Calamian Islands, Cuyo Islands, Romblon, and Marinduque, Capiz, Aklan, and the northern portion of Antique including Caluya Islands. Wind Signals in other areas were lifted by PAGASA......»»
‘Paeng’ could reach typhoon status ahead of Luzon landfall — PAGASA
Tropical depression Paeng (PAGASA FACEBOOK PAGE) Tropical depression Paeng may reach the typhoon category prior to landfall over northern Luzon by weekend, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said in its latest bulletin. In its 5 p.m. bulletin issued on Wednesday, Oct. 26, PAGASA said Paeng has maintained its maximum sustained winds of 45 kilometers per hour (kph) near the center and gusts of up to 55 kph. “Paeng is forecast to intensify into a tropical storm tomorrow (Oct. 27) [while] further intensification is likely while moving over the Philippine Sea and may reach the typhoon category prior to its landfall,” it said. A typhoon has maximum sustained winds of 118 kph to 184 kph. In a press conference, PAGASA senior weather specialist Raymond Ordinario said Paeng may intensify into a typhoon by Saturday, Oct. 29, and may hit the Isabela-Cagayan area on Sunday, Oct. 30. “This is the scenario we are looking at right now,” he said in Filipino. As of 4 p.m., Wednesday, tropical depression Paeng was estimated to be 945 kilometers east of Eastern Visayas, and was moving westward at 10 kph. “Tropical depression Paeng is forecast to track generally westward until tomorrow afternoon (Oct. 27) before turning west northwestward for the remainder of tomorrow through Saturday afternoon (Oct. 30), while moving towards Northern Luzon. On the forecast track, this tropical cyclone is forecast to maintain this heading until it makes landfall on the eastern coast of Isabela or Cagayan,” PAGASA said. However, Ordinario has not ruled out the possibility of a lower cyclone track. If the weather disturbance takes a lower track, it may hit the central-southern Luzon area, which may also directly affect Metro Manila. He asked those in Luzon to prepare for the approaching cyclone. Signal No. 4 likely As early as Thursday, Oct. 27, PAGASA may raise tropical cyclone wind signal over some portions of Eastern Visayas and Bicol Region in anticipation of strong winds from Paeng. “Per latest track and intensity forecast, the most likely highest wind signal that will be hoisted is Wind Signal No. 4,” it added. From early Friday to early Saturday, Oct. 28 to Oct. 29, Bicol Region may experience heavy to intense rains. Moderate to intense rains may also prevail over Eastern Visayas, Oriental Mindoro, Occidental Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon, Quezon, Aurora, Isabela, and Cagayan, while light to heavy rains are possible over Rizal, Laguna, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Cordillera Administrative Region, and the rest of Visayas and Cagayan Valley. From early Saturday to Sunday afternoon, Oct. 29 to Oct. 30, heavy to torrential rains may persist in Bicol Region, Cagayan Valley, Aurora, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, northern portion of Zambales, Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, Ilocos Sur, La Union, and Pangasinan. Meanwhile, moderate to intense rains are possible over Ilocos Norte, Metro Manila, Batangas, Cavite, Occidental Mindoro, and the rest of Cordillera Administrative Region and Central Luzon. Light to heavy rains are likely over Western Visayas and the rest of Luzon. “Under these conditions, flooding and rain-induced landslides are possible, especially in areas that are highly or very highly susceptible to these hazards as identified in hazard maps and in localities with significant antecedent rainfall,” PAGASA said......»»
Typhoon renders 14 road sections in Bulacan impassable
Fourteen road sections in Bulacan became impassable due to typhoon “Ulysses” Thursday. (MANILA BULLETIN FILE PHOTO) Initial road assessment by the Department of Public Works and Highways showed that 14 sections of nine national roads are not passable as of 10 a.m. Three sections of the Manila North Road were closed. The Banga Section is not passable to light vehicles due to .40-meter deep flood; Saluysoy Section in Meycauayan, Bulacan is also not passable to light vehicles due to .30-meter deep flood; and Ibayo Section (SM Marilao) in Marilao, Bulacan is impassable to light and medium vehicles due to .50-meter flood. The Salacot Section of the Daang Maharlika Road in San Miguel, Bulacan and the San Ildefonso Section in San Ildefonso, Bulacan became impassable to all types of vehicles due to .20-meter deep flood and fallen electrical posts, respectively. The road’s Maasim Section in San Ildefonso was also closed to light vehicles due to .30-meter deep flood. Camias Section of thebSan Miguel – Sibul Road in San Miguel is not passable to light and medium vehicles due to .80-meter deep flood. Partida Section of the Sta. Maria-Norzagaray Road at the Norzagaray-Sta.Maria boundary will remain impassable until the fallen camachile tree in the area is cleared, the department said. The Gen. Alejo Santos Highway in Angat, Bulacan also became impassable to heavy and large vehicles due to fallen tree. The Sta. Rita-Camias Old Road in San Miguel is not passable to light vehicles due to .50-meter deep flood. A .30-meter deep flood also caused the closure of the Camalig Section of the Meycauyan-Camalig Road, a section of the Sta. Maria Bypass Road in Sta. Maria, Bulacan, and the Bagbaguin Section of Bocaue-San Jose Road in Sta. Maria. All three road sections are not passable to light vehicles. According to the department, roving maintenance personnel and crew have been deployed to undertake initial response and monitoring of the affected road networks. “Rest of national roads and bridges are passable with extra caution,” it added. Four road sections in Zambales were also affected. As of 11 a.m., a section of the Olangapo-Bugallon Road was flooded due to overflowing NIA waterway. Sandbagging of the flooded portion have been done, the agency said. The Kalaklan Gate Bridge of Olongapo-Bugallon Road was also flooded. Maintenance crew were already deployed to clean its bridge drains. Another section of the road became impassable due to its obstructed canal. Clearing operations are now under way. Soil erosion was reported on Jose Abad Santos Ave. Sandbagging on the affected section have been implemented. According to the department, roving maintenance personnel and crew have been deployed to undertake initial response and monitoring of the affected road networks. Heavy equipment were also pre-positioned in flood and landslide prone areas......»»
Palay prices dip to P11/kg in some areas
Palay prices continued to go down, even dipping to as low as P11 per kilogram (/kg) as farmers approach the tail-end of the harvest season with a series of strong typhoons. Latest data from the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) showed that the average farm-gate price of palay continued its downward movement, falling by 4.1 percent to P15.79/kg from the price level of P16.47/kg in the previous week. Year-on-year, the price increased by 0.2 percent from its average price of P15.76/kg in the same week of the previous year. Unfortunately, prices went down to as low as P11/kg in areas like Surigao del Sur and Cavite, which means some farmers were forced to sell their produce at a loss. In other areas like Agusan del Sur and Bulacan, farmers barely made money, with palay sold at exactly or just slightly above P12/kg. In the Philippines, the average production cost of rice farmers stood around P12.72/kg, which is higher or nearly double than what rice farmers in Vietnam and Thailand spend to produce the staple. This means that if prices fell below that amount, farmers would receive earnings that are lower than what they spent for. Some said that with the current production cost, the breakeven farmgate price of fresh harvest should be around P14.50/kg. Meanwhile, highest palay prices were recorded in areas like Bataan, Nueva Ecija, Zambales, Pampanga, Rizal, and Palawan wherein the commodity were sold at P18/kg to P21/kg, the same PSA data showed. Federation of Free Farmers (FFF) National Manager Raul Montemayor said that in the next few weeks, as farmers approach the tail-end of the harvest season, palay prices will definitely go down further. This, as palay, when damaged by storms, could yield to poor quality rice, which, among other reasons like the continuous entry of imported rice, could result in traders deciding not to buy at all. “Rainy weather is also to blame since traders have to discount for grain deterioration due to lack of drying facilities,” he said. A data from the Department of Agriculture (DA) showed that as of October 29, Typhoon Quinta already destroyed 79,239 metric tons (MT) of palay worth P1.13 billion within 62,880 hectares of farms. Then there’s the threat of Typhoon Rolly, which is expected to make landfall in Quezon and Aurora provinces on Saturday (October 31) and become a super typhoon. Montemayor also thinks that the continuous decline in palay prices is already “not surprising” since government intervention is doing very little for farmers. According to him, the National Food Authority’s (NFA) palay procurement has had minimal impact despite pronouncements of DA, while the planned suspension of sanitary and phytosanitary import clearances (SPS-ICs) on rice “came in too late, as in last year, to influence farmgate prices.” “Too little too late [actions] again by the DA,” Montemayor said. “At this time, [DA can do] very little. Damage was already done and most farmers have already harvested. Some typhoon-affected farmers (like those in Occidental Mindoro and Isabela) are asking NFA to buy storm-damaged palay but I doubt if they will do that since the agency itself doesn’t have dryers,” he added. Montemayor was particularly referring to Agriculture Secretary William Dar’s previous order for NFA to intensify its palay procurement in order to address decline in palay prices. To recall, NFA, whose sole mandate now is to secure the government’s buffer stock, buys palay at P19/kg and is given P7 billion every year to do this. Also, more than a week ago, Senator Cynthia Villar, chairperson of the senate agriculture committee, asked the DA to stop issuing SPS-ICs to rice importers during harvest time, which would probably take effect after the next planting season. Business Bulletin sought the reaction of DA Spokesperson Noel Reyes regarding the decline in palay prices, but he is yet to respond......»»
‘Rolly’ may pass close to Metro Manila after Quezon landfall Sunday
After its landfall over Quezon province this Sunday, typhoon “Rolly” (international name: “Goni”) will possibly pass close to Metro Manila between Sunday evening and Monday morning. In its weather bulletin Saturday morning, Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) weather specialist Benison Estareja said Rolly will move west-southwest this Saturday toward the sea off the coast of Bicol region. (DOST PAGASA / MANILA BULLETIN) The typhoon was already around 540 kilometers east-northeast of Virac, Catanduanes, moving at 20 kilometers per hour (kph) around 7 a.m. Beginning early Sunday, it will gradually turn west-northwest, bringing its inner rainbands-eyewall region near or over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, and Camarines Sur during the morning-afternoon hours and over Quezon-southern Aurora area during the afternoon-evening hours. The center of the eye of the typhoon may pass very close or over the Calaguas Islands by Sunday afternoon and make landfall in Polillo Islands and mainland Quezon in the evening. Estareja said the eye of Rolly will likely pass directly over Quezon-Aurora, entire Central Luzon, “where Metro Manila and Rizal will be closest,” and over parts of Ilocos Region, particularly Pangasinan and La Union. After crossing Central Luzon, the center of Rolly may exit the mainland Luzon landmass, most likely through the Zambales-Bataan area by Monday morning, Estareja said. Signal No. 2 up; Metro Manila under signal No. 1 The wind signal in some provinces in the Bicol region were upgraded to tropical cyclone wind signal No. 2 as damaging gale-force to storm-force winds is expected to affect these areas in the next 24 hours. Signal No. 2 has been hoisted over Catanduanes, Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Albay, Sorsogon, Burias Island, and the southeastern portion of Quezon (San Francisco, San Andres, San Narciso, Mulanay, Catanauan, Buenavista, Lopez, Guinayangan, Calauag, Tagkawayan). More areas were also placed under signal No. 1 in anticipation of strong breeze to near gale conditions associated with the approaching typhoon. These areas were Metro Manila, the rest of Masbate including Ticao Island, the rest of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Marinduque, Romblon, Occidental Mindoro including Lubang Island, Oriental Mindoro, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, Zambales, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Aurora, Pangasinan, La Union, Benguet, Ifugao, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, southern portion of Isabela (Aurora, Luna, Reina Mercedes, Naguilian, Benito Soliven, San Mariano, Palanan, Dinapigue, San Guillermo, Echague, San Agustin, Jones, Cordon, Santiago City, Ramon, San Isidro, Angadanan, Alicia, Cauayan City, Cabatuan, San Mateo), Northern Samar, northern portion of Samar (Tagapul-An, Almagro, Santo Nino, Tarangnan, Catbalogan City, Calbayog City, Santa Margarita, Gandara, Pagsanghan, San Jorge, Jiabong, Motiong, Paranas, San Jose de Buan, Matuguinao), the northern portion of Eastern Samar (Taft, Can-Avid, Dolores, Maslog, Jipapad, Arteche, Oras, San Policarpo), and the northern portion of Biliran (Kawayan, Maripipi). PAGASA said signal No. 3 may be raised over portions of Bicol region late Saturday. Based on the intensity forecast, the highest possible wind signal to be raised will be signal No. 4 for very destructive typhoon-force winds. Elsewhere, areas that are not under not under tropical cyclone warning signal may experience strong breeze to near gale conditions due to the northeasterlies, particularly over Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Norte, Apayao, and the coastal and mountainous areas of Cagayan and Isabela. Nears super-typhoon status As of Saturday morning, Rolly has maximum sustained winds of 215 kph and gustiness of up to 265 kph. It is close to reaching the 220 kph maximum wind speed to be classified as a supertyphoon. PAGASA is not ruling its possible intensification into a supertyphoon within 12 hours. Estareja said Rolly has a high chance of intensifying into a supertyphoon while on its way to the country, but there is still a slim probability that it may make landfall as a supertyphoon. However, it is still expected to remain a strong typhoon or near supertyphoon strength by the time it makes landfall over Quezon. While traversing Luzon, the tropical cyclone may weaken considerably to a minimal typhoon (120 kph to 140 kph yung maximum sustained winds), Estareja said. Nonetheless, Rolly is still possibly destructive. It may emerge as a severe tropical storm over the West Philippine Sea. Typhoon impacts This Saturday, the trough or extension of Rolly will bring light to moderate with at times heavy rains over Central Visayas, Negros Occidental, Leyte, Southern Leyte, Palawan, including Cuyo Islands, Zamboanga Peninsula, Northern Mindanao, Caraga, and Sulu archipelago. From late Saturday throughout Sunday, heavy to intense rains due to the direct impact of Rolly will already be felt over Bicol region, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon, Metro Manila, Central Luzon Marinduque, and the northern portions of Occidental and Oriental Mindoro. Moderate to heavy rains will also be experienced over Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, and Quirino. PAGASA warned that flooding, rain-induced landslides, and sediment-laden streamflows or lahar may occur during heavy or prolonged rainfall, especially in areas that are highly susceptible to these hazards. There is a moderate to high risk of storm surge of up to 3.0 meters (m) over the northern coastal areas of Quezon including Polillo Islands and up to 2.0 m over the coastal areas of Aurora, Marinduque, Bicol region, and Northern Samar, and the other coastal areas of Quezon in the next 48 hours which may result in life-threatening and damaging coastal inundation. PAGASA said this storm surge may be accompanied by swells and breaking waves reaching the coast. Rough to “phenomenal” seas (2.5 to 15.0 m) will be experienced over the seaboard of areas where tropical cyclone warning signal is in effect and rough to very rough seas (2.5 to 5.0 m) over the remaining seaboards of Northern Luzon and the eastern seaboards of Eastern Visayas (that are not under tropical cyclone warning signals) and Caraga. Sea travel is risky for all types of seacraft over these waters, especially those under storm warning signals. Meanwhile, moderate to rough seas (1.2 to 2.5 m) will be experienced over the remaining seaboards of the country. Mariners of small sea vessels were advised to take precautionary measures when venturing out to sea, while inexperienced mariners should avoid navigating in these conditions. Another cyclone approaching While Rolly is raging over Luzon, Estareja said the tropical depression with international name “Atsani” could enter the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR) on Sunday afternoon. It will be assigned its local name “Siony” once inside the PAR. It was estimated at 1,605 km east of Visayas around 4 a.m. Saturday. Atsani has maximum sustained winds of 55 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 70 kph, while moving west-northwestward at 25 kph. It is likely to re-intensify into a tropical storm in the next 24 to 48 hours, and further into a typhoon in the next few days. It remains less likely to affect any portion of the country over the next three days. But Estareja said PAGASA is not ruling out a possible landfall in Central or Southern Luzon, before recurving toward the southern islands of Japan in the coming days. He also reiterated that a Fujiwhara effect is unlikely between Rolly and Atsani. 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