Taal Volcano remains abnormal – Phivolcs
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Friday that the situation at Taal Volcano remains “abnormal” as Alert Level 1 is still in place. In the latest volcano bulletin of Phivolcs issued Friday morning, at least six volcanic earthquakes have been recorded by the agency in the past 24-hour period. Weak […].....»»
From the Newsrooms: The state of the nation in ICU
DR. PAUL Alanis, Mayon's resident volcanologist, compared Mayon Volcano's condition to a patient in the intensive care unit (ICU): "not deteriorating but still abnormal." An unfortunate metaphor, as the volcanic activity for a volcano is in its nature. When co.....»»
Hurry up
Looking back to the first year of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s administration leads us to believe that he has pivoted out of his predecessor Rodrigo Duterte’s tight embrace of China and rebuilt friendships with old allies, particularly the US and Europe. In his official trips abroad to meet with leaders of other Association of Southeast Asian Nations, he never failed to be emphatic about the need to comply with international law and the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea. Explicit appeals had also been made to European nations to support the enforcement of UNCLOS and the historic decision of the Arbitral Tribunal in the South China Arbitration (Philippines v. People’s Republic of China) of 12 July 2016 that unanimously favored our beloved Philippines in its dispute against Chinese claims on Philippine territorial waters. In rebuilding ties with the US, four more US bases were added to the existing five sites under the 2014 Enhanced Defense Cooperation Agreement or EDCA that was signed to bolster the Visiting Forces Agreement between the two countries. While we leave the wisdom of more EDCA sites to the security sector, which should prioritize the national interest above anything else, there is another equally important sector confronted by challenges. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration raised the El Niño alert, saying it may declare the start of the phenomenon this week as it expects it in the next two months with a probability of 70 percent. Defined as a climate phenomenon characterized by the abnormal warming of the surface waters of the eastern tropical Pacific Ocean, El Niño could have significant effects on global weather patterns, including on agriculture. Given that farmers, policymakers, and agricultural communities must monitor weather forecasts and adapt their practices to mitigate potential impacts, the President continues to take the lead in handling agriculture — a stand that has been met with askance by many, even among those in the government. Eyebrows were raised at the seeming inability to effectively address what bedeviled agriculture in the past year, including the ginormous prices of essential commodities like sugar, eggs, and onions, which at one point rocketed to as high as P700 a kilo. Behind the critical headaches in the agri sector are the already suffering Filipinos whose pockets are badly frayed by inflation rates, and farmers losing their only source of livelihood. A lingering controversy is the government’s addressing of the soaring rise in sugar prices through importation. In 2022, Sugar Order No. 4 was issued by the Sugar Regulatory Administration, giving the nod to import 300,000 metric tons of sugar. Who would forget that the denial resulted in the firing of SRA and DA officials, along with then-Executive Secretary Vic Rodriguez? Likewise puzzling is the recent selection of just three entities to import 440,000 metric tons of sugar. It remains unclear who handpicked sugar traders All Asian Countertrade, Sucden Philippines Inc., and Edison Lee Marketing Corporation. Either way, it doesn’t look good and bears clarification. Everyone, including many of the President’s supporters, is clueless as to why, despite the myriad issues and problems that he has to attend to in all other sectors, a full-time secretary is yet to be appointed — someone who could give the department and the sector his/her full-time attention. Faced with the imminent threats of El Nîno, time is of the essence. Lowly Filipinos cannot afford to wait unprepared for the dry spell with shifts in rainfall patterns. Whatever it takes, it is crucial to act quickly, efficiently, and without delay. In the words of Albert Einstein, “We cannot solve our problems with the same level of thinking that created them.” To solve agricultural problems, we need to think beyond the existing mindset or approach that might have contributed to those problems in the first place. The post Hurry up appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Cervical cancer: Understanding a fatal female disease
Health and beauty retailer Watsons encourages the public to stay protected against cervical cancer. In the Philippines, cervical cancer is the second most common cancer among Filipino women, especially those aged 15 to 44 years old. About 7,897 women are diagnosed with cervical cancer yearly and from that number, 4,052 of them succumb to the disease. What’s more, cervical cancer also puts women at higher risk of miscarriage and infertility. Certain strains of the Human Papillomavirus (HPV) are the main cause of cervical cancer. It’s the most common sexually transmitted infection. Sexually active people, even with just one partner, can get HPV. This can be passed on even when they have no signs or symptoms of the infection. Fortunately, HPV is a vaccine-preventable disease. Symptoms Cervical cancer starts in the cervix which connects the vagina, the birth canal to the upper part of the uterus. Commonly known as the womb, the uterus is where a baby grows during pregnancy. Anyone with a cervix is at risk for cervical cancer, and the risk grows with age as this occurs most often n people aged over 30. Unfortunately, cervical cancer may not show signs and symptoms in its early stages. More often than not, it’s already in the advanced stage when there’s bleeding or discharge from the vagina that is abnormal for you, including bleeding after sex. If you start noticing any of these signs, immediately see your doctor. The symptoms may be caused by something else, but the only way to know you have cervical cancer is to see your doctor. Prevention Schedule your regular screening tests with your doctor. The Pap test, commonly known as Pap smear, looks for precancerous cells. You can also have a regular HPV test since it looks for the virus that can cause these cell changes. But the greatest preventive measure against cervical cancer is the HPV vaccine. The HPV vaccine not only protects you against the types of HPV that cause cervical cancer but also the types of HPV that cause vaginal and vulvar cancers. This vaccination is recommended for preteens aged 11 to 12 years old but can be given at age nine, with your family doctor’s go signal. If you missed the HPV vaccine in your preteen years, you can still get it until 26 years of age. Although it’s not recommended for everyone older than 26, you can still talk to your doctor about it and get vaccinated until 45 years old. Cancer is a life-altering disease that everyone wishes to avoid. To ensure that the women in our lives live long and happy lives, we must encourage them to prioritize their health and choose to be protected against all preventable diseases. As every Filipino’s health partner, Watsons makes it easier for you to have a good quality of life. You can easily schedule your HPV vaccination through the Watsons Health Hub or visit any of the 1000+ Watsons stores nationwide and ask their pharmacists. On your vaccination day, a free doctor’s assessment is included in their service. Stay Protected Through Watson’s network, they’re able to provide different products and services to ensure overall health and wellness through accessible and affordable means. From 15 June to 15 July, Watsons Hub in SM North Edsa The Grand will offer free teleconsultation services to Watsons Pharmacy customers. In partnership with The Medical City, the teleconsultation can provide patients with enhanced remote care through in-depth, physical examinations, such as checking the heart rate, lung sounds, throat exam, ear exam and taking temperature. After getting your diagnosis, you can buy the doctor’s prescription at the Watsons Pharmacy beside the clinic. The post Cervical cancer: Understanding a fatal female disease appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Volcano island off-limits as Taal shows ‘low-level activity’
An Alert Level 2 is likely to be raised for Taal Volcano if it continues to have low-level activity and display unrest, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Saturday. People are discouraged to camp on the picturesque Taal Volcano Island and its permanent danger zone that includes the Daang Kastila fissure near the main crater. Aircraft are also urged not to fly near the volcano because of the airborne ash and ballistic fragments from possible explosions. Phivolcs has recorded at least two volcanic tremors and "shallow hydrothermal activity" that could be "driven by a new phase of magma degassing." Still, the agency said Taal Volcano is currently under Alert Level 1 noting its abnormal conditions and a threat of eruption. The post Volcano island off-limits as Taal shows ‘low-level activity’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Understanding cats
Cats are naturally agile and playful due to their flexible spine and strong muscles. Although they easily assimilate to domestic living, most cats are drawn to wander the environment occasionally. As a pet parent, you undoubtedly know your cat’s personality and quirks. Though you might think that you can tell whether they are sick or healthy, it’s always a good idea to know the primary signs if they are under the weather or not. Are they well-groomed? Ensure your cat’s eyes are not cloudy or unfocused and without any crusty buildup. Their ears and teeth should be clean, and their gums pink and free of discharge and odors. A healthy cat should also have smooth fur. Their skin should be free of scabs, redness, or signs of flea infestation and fluffy and shiny without matting or patches of hair loss. Do they look inactive? One of the most basic signs that a cat is healthy is if they are jumping or running around the house. Take them for a short walk. After all, having an active schedule is an essential part of their life. Are they purring a lot? Cats may not be able to speak, but they do express their emotions when they purr. According to veterinarians, cats purr when they feel happy. This often happens if they get back scratches or are just content with their current environment. Do they eat? A sign of a healthy feline is when they are very eager to eat during mealtime. Give them cat food with different tastes and textures. An option is the Goodest Cat, a vet-formulated wet cat food in three flavors — Tender Tuna, Chicken Chomp and Meaty Mackerel. This scrumptious meals-in-a-pouch is made with the freshest ingredients, enriched with vitamins and minerals. One pouch weighs 85g for only P26.15 with up to 24 months of shelf-life. Goodest Cat fits kittens, pregnant cats, and adult and senior cats. [caption id="attachment_136966" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF UNSPLASH/FELICE WOLKE P | A sign of a healthy feline is when they are very eager to eat during mealtime.[/caption] Does their stool appear firm and malleable? Most cats poop at least once a day, and their stools should be deep brown in color and should not be too hard or mushy. Small, hard poop balls are considered abnormal and unhealthy because they can indicate constipation. Are their tails twitching? Cat tail language is on another level. If a cat’s tail is high up, it means they are confident and content about something. When their tails are curved, they are in a playful mood. Cats are in a severe mood if it is sad. If tucked away, they feel nervous. A tail that slaps back and forth means that a cat feels aggressive. When all its hairs are up, cats feel frightened. How long do they sleep? According to sleepfoundation.org, more than half of cats sleep 12 and 18 hours daily. The National Library of Medicine Biotech Information adds that cats have a polyphasic sleep pattern, meaning they sleep multiple times each day rather than in one long period like humans do. When your cat ticks all these signs, there’s a good chance that they are in top condition to live a happy, healthy nine life. The post Understanding cats appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Do you need to take magnesium?
In my practice as a transplant nephrologist, many of my kidney transplant patients can have a deficiency in magnesium, due to medications that prevent their bodies from rejecting their new kidney. Magnesium is an important mineral in the body, helping with muscle, nerve and heart function, and in the production of energy. Magnesium also helps keep your bones strong and healthy. Having low levels of magnesium over a long period of time can increase the risk of high blood pressure, heart disease, type 2 diabetes mellitus and osteoporosis. [caption id="attachment_134198" align="aligncenter" width="525"] photograph courtesy of pexels/ polina tankilevitch | SOY milk is a good source of magnesium.[/caption] Low levels usually don’t cause any symptoms, but if this persists, early signs of magnesium deficiency include loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, fatigue, and weakness. As magnesium deficiency worsens, numbness, tingling, cramps, seizures and abnormal heart rhythms can occur. Severe magnesium deficiency can lead to other mineral and electrolyte imbalances, such as low calcium and potassium levels. There some conditions that can also make patients prone to low magnesium levels. These include those with chronic diarrhea, prolonged use of proton pump inhibitors for heartburn (typically more than a year), heavy alcohol intake and diuretic use. Intake of certain medications for infections and cancer treatments can also cause magnesium levels to drop. [caption id="attachment_134196" align="aligncenter" width="525"] photograph courtesy of unsplash/chris vanhove | PUMPKIN seeds, which are high in magnesium, help lower blood pressure.[/caption] Before you reach for a magnesium supplement, you should know that if you have a balanced diet and are in generally good health, you likely do not have a deficiency in magnesium. You just have to take a few servings of magnesium-rich foods per day to get the amount you need. The Philippine recommended intake of magnesium for most adults is around 210 to milligrams per day. Good food sources are whole grains such as brown rice, whole wheat pasta and oats. For vegetables, green leafy ones such as kale, spinach, okra and chard are some examples, providing around 80 milligrams of magnesium per half a cup serving. Fruits include bananas, grapefruit, and avocados. Other magnesium rich foods include chickpeas, white beans, kidney beans, lentils, mixed nuts and sesame seeds, about 35 milligrams for half a cup. Eating a medium-sized potato with the skin can provide around 40 milligrams of magnesium. [caption id="attachment_134197" align="aligncenter" width="525"] photograph courtesy of unsplash/leigh skomal | SPINACH is rich in magnesium.[/caption] In healthy persons it is difficult to get too much magnesium from food because the kidneys eliminate the excess in the urine. However, high doses of magnesium from dietary supplements can result in diarrhea, nausea and stomach cramps. Diarrhea is commonly reported with these forms of magnesium: magnesium carbonate, chloride, gluconate, and oxide. Magnesium supplements can also interact with other medications. If you take magnesium supplements take them at least two hours apart from other medications. Be careful when taking magnesium-containing laxatives and antacids. Very large doses of more than 5,000 milligrams/day of magnesium can cause magnesium toxicity and even death. Symptoms of magnesium toxicity can include nausea, vomiting, low blood pressure, muscle weakness, difficulty breathing and an irregular heartbeat, and cardiac arrest. Patients with kidney problems or kidney failure are at high risk for this toxicity because their kidneys have lost the ability to get rid of the excess. When taken properly, supplements can help you stay healthy. But supplements taken unnecessarily or incorrectly can do more harm than good. If you suspect that you could have a low magnesium level, consult your doctor first. A simple lab test can check your levels, and your doctor can prescribe the amount that is right for you. The post Do you need to take magnesium? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A patriotic act
The Philippines is one of the countries in Southeast Asia that relies heavily on the travel and tourism industry to bolster the growth of its economy. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, the travel and tourism industry accounted for as much as 12.9 percent of the country’s gross domestic product. At the height of the outbreak in 2020, its share plunged to 5.1 percent after the lockdowns caused the closure of many businesses that resulted in massive job losses. When the situation began to normalize somehow, travel and tourism were again looked to revive the ailing economy. With the rebound, better facilities and services were needed to leave a long-lasting impression on visitors. With the recent electrical problem at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3, the need for a major upgrade once again became the talk of the town. Last 1 May, a power outage hit Terminal 3, affecting 9,000 passengers, following a “fault current” or an abnormal amount of electrical current flowing through a circuit. This may have caused the circuit to trip and the power outage. Technical personnel of the Manila Electric Company (Meralco) were quick to arrive and resolved the power outage. This was the second time this year that NAIA was in the news for all the wrong reasons. The first, on New Year’s Day, was when more than 200 flights were canceled, rerouted, and delayed after an equipment mishap triggered a breakdown in the airport’s Communications, Navigation and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management or CNS/ATM system. Following the twin incidents, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista vowed to conduct a full electrical audit of NAIA Terminal 3, as well as Terminals 1 and 2. Businessman and philanthropist Manuel V. Pangilinan or MVP, who currently chairs Meralco, patriotically offered to conduct a full electrical audit of the facility at no cost to the government. A full electrical audit will help the government find the problem, address it, and map out the projects needed to modernize and upgrade the terminal. “The good news is the group of Mr. Manny Pangilinan has offered to do a free electrical audit. I talked to them earlier. Maybe by Monday (8 May) we would have our first meeting,” Bautista said in English and Filipino in a radio interview on 2 May. Government support Even before the Covid-19 pandemic emerged, MVP had been supportive of the government, crafting initiatives geared toward nation-building. When Typhoon Odette hit the Visayas and Mindanao in December 2021, companies under the MVP Group extended assistance to the affected families, such as power restoration, relief packages, and financial assistance, among others. He has also supported the government’s goal of digitalization and achieving food security. Earlier this year, through Metro Pacific Investments Corp., the group acquired a 34.76-percent stake in Axelum Resources Corporation as well as a controlling stake in The Laguna Creamery Inc. The twin investments form part of MVP’s goal and priority “to feed our people first,” and support the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, which aims to end hunger, achieve food security, improve nutrition, and promote sustainable agriculture. MPIC’s subsidiaries have also embraced the digitalization of their operations and initiatives that encapsulate the group’s overall goal to be a leader in sustaining the country’s expanding digital landscape. His support for the public through his various businesses is a clear definition of patriotism for the country as not only will it support the government’s initiatives and goals, but ultimately, will provide better services to the public it serves. The post A patriotic act appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Blast rocks Russian city as fighter jet loses ammunition
Russia said one of its fighter jets lost ammunition over Belgorod near the Ukrainian border on Thursday, after local authorities reported a blast that injured two people and left a huge crater in the city. Russian jets have regularly flown sorties over Belgorod since the launch of Moscow's offensive in Ukraine in February 2022. On Thursday evening, local officials reported a massive explosion in Belgorod, saying the blast had left a crater in the city centre and injured two women. Vyacheslav Gladkov, governor of the region of Belgorod, said the blast had sent a shock wave that damaged four apartments and four cars and downed power line poles. "An explosion took place," Gladkov said on the Telegram messaging app, adding that investigators and representatives of the emergencies ministry were at the scene. He said that as a result of the explosion, a "huge" crater some 20 meters wide (65 feet) had appeared in the city center. Gladkov and Belgorod's mayor, Valentin Demidov, posted pictures of damage on social media. One picture showed grim-looking locals huddling outside an apartment building, with one woman holding a small dog, and a fire engine nearby. Other images showed apartment interiors wrecked by the blast. Local authorities did not say what caused the blast, but the Russian defense ministry released a statement saying a fighter aircraft had lost ammunition over Belgorod. "During the flight of the Su-34 aircraft of the aerospace forces over the city of Belgorod, an abnormal descent of aviation ammunition has occurred," the ministry said. The statement carried by Russian news agencies added that the incident had taken place at 22:15 local time. Citing preliminary information, Gladkov said one woman was hospitalized with a head injury, while another woman was treated at the scene. Demidov said residents of the damaged buildings would be temporarily moved to hotels. The region of Belgorod has been repeatedly shelled since Russian President Vladimir Putin sent troops to Ukraine in February 2022. In January, Gladkov told Putin that 25 people had been killed and more than 90 injured in the region since the start of the offensive. In October 2022, an SU-34 jet crashed into a residential building in the southern city of Yeysk, also near the border with Ukraine, killing 16 people, including several children. The post Blast rocks Russian city as fighter jet loses ammunition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vatican website hinack!
MANILA, Philippines – Inihayag ng Vatican na offline ang kanilang official website nitong Miyerkoles matapos ang hacking attack. “Technical investigations are ongoing due to abnormal attempts to access the site,” sabi ni Vatican spokesman Matteo Bruni. Ang hacking ay nangyari isang araw matapos punahin ng Moscow ang pinakabagong pagkondena ni Pope Francis sa pagsalakay ng […] The post Vatican website hinack! appeared first on REMATE ONLINE......»»
Fertilizer crisis on rice
More than three years after the Rice Tariffication Law was enacted, expected benefits remain contested, mainly on the promise that farmers’ incomes would improve with increased productivity. The last three years, however, have been abnormal, to say the least......»»
Cancer in the time of pandemic
How many times have you had life-altering news delivered to you? Mine was when my dad died in 2018 and when I knew I had cancer. My first OB-GYN visit in 2015 revealed I had PCOS, and my OB medicated me with hormone-correcting pills. The next came in 2020. My doctor detected abnormal growth of […] The post Cancer in the time of pandemic appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Bulusan alert level back to normal
Citing a decline in Bulusan Volcano’s abnormal parameters in the past weeks, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology lowered its alert alevel from one to zero yesterday......»»
Agot rumesbak sa mga troll na tumawag sa kanya ng ‘abnormal’, ‘haba baba’, ‘inggitera’
Agot Isidro “BEAST mode” na naman ang Kapamilya singer-actress na si Agot Isidro matapos banatan ng mga bashers dahil sa pagkokomento niya sa bonggang wedding ni Congresswoman Claudine Diana “Dendee” Bautista. Isa si Agot sa mga bumatikos sa engrandeng kasal ni Bautista na ginanap kamakailan sa Balesin Island Resort. Siya ay representative ng Drivers United […] The post Agot rumesbak sa mga troll na tumawag sa kanya ng ‘abnormal’, ‘haba baba’, ‘inggitera’ appeared first on Bandera......»»
Mayon’s alert level back to ‘normal’
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology lowered yesterday the alert status of Mayon Volcano in Albay from Level 1 or abnormal to 0 or normal......»»
Phivolcs downgrades Mayon Volcano s status to normal
Alert Level 0 indicates normal status, while Alert Level 1 means abnormal......»»
Number of Taal victims hits 18,970
Over 3,000 more residents in different villages in Batangas have been affected and displaced by Taal Volcano’s abnormal activity in the past few days, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said yesterday......»»
Trypanophobia in the time of COVID 19
CEBU CITY, Philippines — “Mahadlok gyud ko ug dagom.” These were the words uttered by Frank (not his real name) as he shares his fear of needles which is his main reason why he does not want to get vaccinated. Frank, who requested anonymity, is among the few people who have Trypanophobia, or the abnormal […] The post Trypanophobia in the time of COVID 19 appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Phivolcs warns against staying longer at Mayon
Participants in Holy Week activities slated at the foot of Mt. Mayon have been advised to avoid staying longer in the area as the volcano’s condition remains abnormal......»»
Phivolcs records more quakes at Taal Volcano as activity remains ‘abnormal’
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology has recorded more volcanic quakes in the past 24 hours......»»
Phivolcs: Taal in & lsquo;abnormal condition& rsquo;
The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology on Tuesday warned the public that Taal Volcano in Batangas is still at alert level 1, “which means that it is at an abnormal condition.”.....»»