With the effects of climate change threatening the agriculture sector, the Bureau of Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is proposing a program that seeks to upgrade and increase the number of its Agro-Meteorological (Agromet) Stations in highly vulnerable agricultural areas.
The project, BSWM Executive Director Dr. Silvino Tejada said, will provide farming communities a tool for climate change adaptation and the development of a local early warning system for weather disturbances. The project will cost P175 million and will have a duration of three years. It will involve the following: Regional Field Units (RFUs) of the Department of Agriculture (DA); National Agricultural and Fishery Council; concerned local government units (LGUs); Agricultural State Colleges and Universities (ASCUs); Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Service Administration (PAGASA); Advanced Science and Technology Institute; and the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.
“While PAGASA already has weather stations in many parts of the country, there is a need to establish Agromet Stations in highly vulnerable agricultural areas which are not saturated by the domestic weather agency,” Tejada said.
In his report to DA Secretary Proceso J. Alcala, the BSWM is proposing to upgrade 10 of its 16 Agromet Stations to Automatic Weather Stations (AWS) and to establish an additional 84 AWS nationwide using the latest weather tracking technology. The program is now approved and was funded under US PL-480 grant. This will result in the country having more 100 AWS in highly vulnerable agricultural areas, like those located in the uplands.
The new AWS will be located in the offices of the 16 RFUs of the Department of Agriculture, the campuses of selected ASCUs, and LGUs that have highly vulnerable agricultural areas, among others.
Each of the new AWS and upgraded agromets will have one climatic data observer/encoder and one alternate who both will be trained in the operation of the weather instruments and the upkeep of the stations.
The weather data generated will be sent to the central server in the BSWM on real time basis through GSM, and can be accessed by the stations, DA-RFU’S and PAGASA through coded password.
The objectives of the program are:
1.) Develop a national base of agro-meteorological data that will cater to the needs on the design, development and management of water resources projects for the agricultural sector as a tool for mitigation and adaptation for climate change;
2.) Develop an enabling environment in the rural areas by engaging the services of DA-RFUs, ASCUs and LGUs to operate and maintain the 100 AWS/Agromets by 2012;
3.) Develop a strategy on the awareness and preparedness on disaster risk reduction management at the local community influenced by the station through trainings; and
4.) Develop the agro-ecological cell/zone in the influenced area of the weather stations by updating the soil map in the areas as database for crop planting and management in preparation for the adaptation to climate change.
“This project is expected to help make communities in highly vulnerable agriculture area to adapt to climate change based on hard data. Naturally, the BSWM, DA-RFUs, ASCUs and LGUs will take the lead in helping these vulnerable farming communities take the necessary steps in adapting to climate change based on the data gathered or processed from the weather stations,” Tejada said.
In the second or third year of the program, two Climate Field Schools will be established for each weather station, where members of irrigators associations and cooperatives will be trained on weather and climatic elements in relation to plant growth and disaster risk reduction management.
“What this program also intends to do is make the small farmers more aware of the effects of climate change on agriculture, and for him or her to be proactive in dealing with the effects of climate change,” Tejada added. Veron Hernandez, PSciJourn Mega Manila
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Showing posts with label PSCIJOURN MEGA MANILA NEWS. Show all posts
Showing posts with label PSCIJOURN MEGA MANILA NEWS. Show all posts
Wednesday, January 11, 2012
Sunday, December 25, 2011
Sinocolan-Dagupan River System as new water quality management area established by DENR
The Sinocolan-Dagupan River System (SDRS) in Pangasinan province was established by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) as another Water Quality Management Area (WQMA).
This establishment is in line with the government efforts to speed up the rehabilitation of important rivers in the country that face threat from development activities.
DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje also called for the creation of a multi-sectoral governing board that will oversee the management of the water quality of SDRS, in compliance to DENR Administrative Order 2011-14, dated November 23, 2011.
The governing board to oversee the quality of water in the SORS will determine the level of contamination from development activities, if beyond acceptable levels.
It will be based on the results of a four-month long monitoring activity conducted in 19 sampling stations between January to April this year.
The SDRS designation brings to seven the number of WQMAs existing in the country, which includes the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system and areas within Laguna Lake Development Authority’s jurisdiction in Luzon; the Tigum-Aganan watershed and the Iloilo-Batiano river system in the Visayas; and the Silway River and the Sarangani Bay in Mindanao.
The Sinocalan, whose development activities are predominantly for aquaculture, agriculture and domestic purposes - snakes through the municipalities of Binalonan, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mangaldan, Malasiqui and Binmaley and the cities of Urdaneta, San Carlos and Dagupan before eventually draining into the Lingayen Gulf.
Paje said that SDRS case amplifies their call to urgently act on the dying conditions of the country’s important water bodies.
He stressed that designing WQMA’s will enable concerned officials in the national and local levels to take focused interventions on specific water quality issues relevant to a particular locality.
The WQMA governing board chaired by the DENR representative is composed of Mayors and Governors of concerned LGUs and representatives of relevant government agencies, duly registered non-government organizations, water utility sector, and the business sector. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
This establishment is in line with the government efforts to speed up the rehabilitation of important rivers in the country that face threat from development activities.
DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje also called for the creation of a multi-sectoral governing board that will oversee the management of the water quality of SDRS, in compliance to DENR Administrative Order 2011-14, dated November 23, 2011.
The governing board to oversee the quality of water in the SORS will determine the level of contamination from development activities, if beyond acceptable levels.
It will be based on the results of a four-month long monitoring activity conducted in 19 sampling stations between January to April this year.
The SDRS designation brings to seven the number of WQMAs existing in the country, which includes the Marilao-Meycauayan-Obando river system and areas within Laguna Lake Development Authority’s jurisdiction in Luzon; the Tigum-Aganan watershed and the Iloilo-Batiano river system in the Visayas; and the Silway River and the Sarangani Bay in Mindanao.
The Sinocalan, whose development activities are predominantly for aquaculture, agriculture and domestic purposes - snakes through the municipalities of Binalonan, Sta. Barbara, Calasiao, Mangaldan, Malasiqui and Binmaley and the cities of Urdaneta, San Carlos and Dagupan before eventually draining into the Lingayen Gulf.
Paje said that SDRS case amplifies their call to urgently act on the dying conditions of the country’s important water bodies.
He stressed that designing WQMA’s will enable concerned officials in the national and local levels to take focused interventions on specific water quality issues relevant to a particular locality.
The WQMA governing board chaired by the DENR representative is composed of Mayors and Governors of concerned LGUs and representatives of relevant government agencies, duly registered non-government organizations, water utility sector, and the business sector. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
NSWMC-CLMA Eco-Education Program
The Central Luzon Media Association (CLMA) inspired by the message of Ms. Belle Cabezo of the National Solid Waste Management Commission (NSWMC) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has come up with a project called the NSWMC-CLMA Eco-Educational Program with its Executive Director Ms. Emelita C. Aguinaldo on December 22, 2011 at the NSWMC Office at the DENR Compound in Visayas Ave, Quezon City.
Cabezo, the guest speaker during the 30th CLMA convention, elections and oath taking of officers held at the Malolos Convention Center in Malolos, Bulacan, talked about the solid waste management and the possible deputizing of some concerned parties, pursuant to the enforcement of RA 9003.
CLMA with the seven provinces (Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Aurora) in its fold will be in a better position to help in the implementation of RA 9003, given the proper seminars, trainings and hand-on trainings and much more when deputized as implementers.
For the project, a committee was formed chaired by Abel Pablo (Tarlac), with deputy chair Estrella Z. Gallardo (Bataan) and members Michael Balaguer (Bulacan), Ruel Navarro and Grace Navarro (Zambales) and Leandro M. Ronaldo (Aurora), with CLMA president Tony Arcenal (Bulacan) as over-all chairman.
Newly elected officers of CLMA who were elected and inducted on Dec. 16, 2011 were Thony Arcenal, President (Bulacan); Ronald Leander, Executive Vice President (Aurora); Alma Ochotorena (Past President), VP for Print (Pampanga); Reynaldo Soriano (Past President), VP for Print (Zambales); Michael Balaguer, Secretary, (Bulacan); George Alex Tenorio, Treasurer (Bulacan); Estrella Z. Gallardo (Past President) Auditor (Bataan); Grace Navarro, PRO (Zambales); Jimmy Benzon (Past President), Chief Marshall (Bataan) and Joy Franklin Gonzales (Past President), Business Manager (Tarlac).
They are the set of officers to spearhead the NSWMC-CLMA Eco-Educational Program, the first project of CLMA 2012.
Advisers to the association are: CLMA Past President Jerry Uy (Zambales), CLMA Past President Francis Cardona (Tarlac) and an awarded writer Bienvenido Ramos (Bulacan).
Republic Act 9009 in a nutshell.
WASTE REDUCTION and proper solid waste segregation are no longer choices we have to make. As law-abiding citizens of this country, we are required to follow a law enacted as early as 2011.
Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, was signed into law on January 26, 2001. It is considered a broad-based and comprehensive approach to solid waste management.
It involves segregation at source, segregated collection, storage, transfer, processing, treatment and disposal of solid waste.
The law promotes a way of thinking that waste is a resource that can be recovered. This can be achieved by following the 3 Rs: reduction, reuse, and recycle. The law mandates us to put these principles into practice. By doing so, the problem of solid waste management can be solved.
The law requires the following: solid waste must be reduced at source; recyclable materials must be recovered; the remaining waste, after recyclable and biodegradable materials have been separated and used, is to be disposed of properly.
Solid waste management begins inside the household. Starting in our homes, we must learn to conserve resources so we can reduce the amount of materials that we throw away.
Our local government units (LGUs) are responsible for enforcing the law. Government agencies on the national level are required to support LGUs in carrying out this responsibility. LGUs are thus required to draw up a solid waste management plan.
In terms of area of responsibility, the barangay is tasked to ensure that households and establishments reduce waste, reuse materials, and recover recyclable items. The city or municipality provides a garbage collection system, and proper waste treatment and disposal facility that protect the environment. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Cabezo, the guest speaker during the 30th CLMA convention, elections and oath taking of officers held at the Malolos Convention Center in Malolos, Bulacan, talked about the solid waste management and the possible deputizing of some concerned parties, pursuant to the enforcement of RA 9003.
CLMA with the seven provinces (Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija and Aurora) in its fold will be in a better position to help in the implementation of RA 9003, given the proper seminars, trainings and hand-on trainings and much more when deputized as implementers.
For the project, a committee was formed chaired by Abel Pablo (Tarlac), with deputy chair Estrella Z. Gallardo (Bataan) and members Michael Balaguer (Bulacan), Ruel Navarro and Grace Navarro (Zambales) and Leandro M. Ronaldo (Aurora), with CLMA president Tony Arcenal (Bulacan) as over-all chairman.
Newly elected officers of CLMA who were elected and inducted on Dec. 16, 2011 were Thony Arcenal, President (Bulacan); Ronald Leander, Executive Vice President (Aurora); Alma Ochotorena (Past President), VP for Print (Pampanga); Reynaldo Soriano (Past President), VP for Print (Zambales); Michael Balaguer, Secretary, (Bulacan); George Alex Tenorio, Treasurer (Bulacan); Estrella Z. Gallardo (Past President) Auditor (Bataan); Grace Navarro, PRO (Zambales); Jimmy Benzon (Past President), Chief Marshall (Bataan) and Joy Franklin Gonzales (Past President), Business Manager (Tarlac).
They are the set of officers to spearhead the NSWMC-CLMA Eco-Educational Program, the first project of CLMA 2012.
Advisers to the association are: CLMA Past President Jerry Uy (Zambales), CLMA Past President Francis Cardona (Tarlac) and an awarded writer Bienvenido Ramos (Bulacan).
Republic Act 9009 in a nutshell.
WASTE REDUCTION and proper solid waste segregation are no longer choices we have to make. As law-abiding citizens of this country, we are required to follow a law enacted as early as 2011.
Republic Act 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, was signed into law on January 26, 2001. It is considered a broad-based and comprehensive approach to solid waste management.
It involves segregation at source, segregated collection, storage, transfer, processing, treatment and disposal of solid waste.
The law promotes a way of thinking that waste is a resource that can be recovered. This can be achieved by following the 3 Rs: reduction, reuse, and recycle. The law mandates us to put these principles into practice. By doing so, the problem of solid waste management can be solved.
The law requires the following: solid waste must be reduced at source; recyclable materials must be recovered; the remaining waste, after recyclable and biodegradable materials have been separated and used, is to be disposed of properly.
Solid waste management begins inside the household. Starting in our homes, we must learn to conserve resources so we can reduce the amount of materials that we throw away.
Our local government units (LGUs) are responsible for enforcing the law. Government agencies on the national level are required to support LGUs in carrying out this responsibility. LGUs are thus required to draw up a solid waste management plan.
In terms of area of responsibility, the barangay is tasked to ensure that households and establishments reduce waste, reuse materials, and recover recyclable items. The city or municipality provides a garbage collection system, and proper waste treatment and disposal facility that protect the environment. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Philippines’ most eco-friendly schools named by DENR and Partners
Nine schools were named as the national champions of the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and partners Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and SMART Communications at SM City North EDSA in November 16, 2011.
Handling out the awards were DENR Assistant Secretary for Management and Finance Corazon Davis, representing DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje; Smart’s Community Partners senior manager Darwin Flores; DepEd’s Nutrition Division head Dr. Juan Araojo, Jr.; and CHED Director William Malitao.
In a speech read by Davis, Paje described as “overwhelming” the schools’ response to the call for entries to the competition. “The contest was launched so that schools will participate more actively in environmental programs. We hope that in doing so, the students will also encourage others to adopt sustainable practices,” Paje said.
The nine national champions were chosen from 45 regional champions representing the elementary, high school and college levels. For the elementary level, Iliranan Elementary School of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; Kibawe Central School in Kibawe, Bukidnon; and San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro were proclaimed as first, second and third placers, respectively.
Declared high school level champions were the Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City (1st); University of San Jose Recoletos – High School in Cebu City (2nd); and Daniel R. Aquinaldo National High School in Davao City (3rd).
Meanwhile, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas in Cavite; Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City; and Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City were awarded the first, second and third places for the college level.
The national champions each received plaques of recognition and cash prizes of P50,000 for first place, P40,000 for second place, and P30,000 for third place. The awarding coincided with the celebration of November as National Environmental Awareness Month as provided under Republic Act No. 9512, also known as the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.
Now on its second run, the nationwide competition aims to recognize educational institutions from elementary to college levels with the best sustainable and environment-friendly programs and activities. It is the Philippines’ initiative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012), and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).
Declared regional champions for the elementary school level were: Commonwealth Elementary School, Quezon City; Lawig Elementary School, Ifugao Province; Cal-laguip Elementary School, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; Peñablanca East Central School, Peñablanca, Cagayan; Matain Elementary School, Subic, Zambales; San Isidro Elementary School, Batangas City; San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro;
Iliranan Elementary School, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Simeon Ayuda Elementary School, Liloan, Cebu; Lomonon Elementary School, Palompon, Leyte; Kibawe Central School, Bukidnon; Luna Elementary School, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte; Panay Elementary School, Sto.Niño, South Cotabato; and Duangan Elementary School, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur.
Regional champions for the high school level were: Jose P. Laurel Sr. High School, Project 4, Quezon City; Baguio City National High School, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City; Sinait National High School, Ilocos Sur; San Mateo General Comprehensive High School, Isabela; Digdig High School, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija; Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School, Sta. Cruz, Laguna; President Diosdado Macapagal Memorial National High School, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro; Camarines Sur National High School, Naga City;
Julio Ledesma National High School, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; University of San Jose-Recoletos High School, Cebu City; Don Geronimo B. Zaldivar Memorial School of Fisheries, Albuera, Leyte; Siayan National High School, Zamboanga Del Norte; Balo-i National High School, Lanao Del Norte; Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina, Davao City; Tulunan National High School, North Cotabato; and Esperanza National High School, Agusan Del Sur.
For the college level, the schools that made it to the national level were: Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon City; University of the Cordilleras, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City; Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte; St. Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Cavite; Palawan State University, in Puerto Princesa City;
Catanduanes State Colleges, Virac, Catanduanes; Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City; St. Paul University Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar; Universidad De Zamboanga, Tetuan, Zamboanga City; Capitol University, Cagayan De Oro City; Davao Doctors College, Davao City; Notre Dame of Marbel University, Koronadal City, South Cotabato; and Caraga State University, Butuan City. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Handling out the awards were DENR Assistant Secretary for Management and Finance Corazon Davis, representing DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje; Smart’s Community Partners senior manager Darwin Flores; DepEd’s Nutrition Division head Dr. Juan Araojo, Jr.; and CHED Director William Malitao.
In a speech read by Davis, Paje described as “overwhelming” the schools’ response to the call for entries to the competition. “The contest was launched so that schools will participate more actively in environmental programs. We hope that in doing so, the students will also encourage others to adopt sustainable practices,” Paje said.
The nine national champions were chosen from 45 regional champions representing the elementary, high school and college levels. For the elementary level, Iliranan Elementary School of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; Kibawe Central School in Kibawe, Bukidnon; and San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro were proclaimed as first, second and third placers, respectively.
Declared high school level champions were the Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City (1st); University of San Jose Recoletos – High School in Cebu City (2nd); and Daniel R. Aquinaldo National High School in Davao City (3rd).
Meanwhile, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas in Cavite; Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City; and Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City were awarded the first, second and third places for the college level.
The national champions each received plaques of recognition and cash prizes of P50,000 for first place, P40,000 for second place, and P30,000 for third place. The awarding coincided with the celebration of November as National Environmental Awareness Month as provided under Republic Act No. 9512, also known as the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.
Now on its second run, the nationwide competition aims to recognize educational institutions from elementary to college levels with the best sustainable and environment-friendly programs and activities. It is the Philippines’ initiative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012), and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014).
Declared regional champions for the elementary school level were: Commonwealth Elementary School, Quezon City; Lawig Elementary School, Ifugao Province; Cal-laguip Elementary School, Caoayan, Ilocos Sur; Peñablanca East Central School, Peñablanca, Cagayan; Matain Elementary School, Subic, Zambales; San Isidro Elementary School, Batangas City; San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro;
Iliranan Elementary School, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; Simeon Ayuda Elementary School, Liloan, Cebu; Lomonon Elementary School, Palompon, Leyte; Kibawe Central School, Bukidnon; Luna Elementary School, Kapalong, Davao Del Norte; Panay Elementary School, Sto.Niño, South Cotabato; and Duangan Elementary School, Esperanza, Agusan Del Sur.
Regional champions for the high school level were: Jose P. Laurel Sr. High School, Project 4, Quezon City; Baguio City National High School, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City; Sinait National High School, Ilocos Sur; San Mateo General Comprehensive High School, Isabela; Digdig High School, Carranglan, Nueva Ecija; Pedro Guevara Memorial National High School, Sta. Cruz, Laguna; President Diosdado Macapagal Memorial National High School, Gloria, Oriental Mindoro; Camarines Sur National High School, Naga City;
Julio Ledesma National High School, San Carlos City, Negros Occidental; University of San Jose-Recoletos High School, Cebu City; Don Geronimo B. Zaldivar Memorial School of Fisheries, Albuera, Leyte; Siayan National High School, Zamboanga Del Norte; Balo-i National High School, Lanao Del Norte; Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina, Davao City; Tulunan National High School, North Cotabato; and Esperanza National High School, Agusan Del Sur.
For the college level, the schools that made it to the national level were: Ateneo De Manila University, Quezon City; University of the Cordilleras, Governor Pack Road, Baguio City; Mariano Marcos State University, Batac, Ilocos Norte; St. Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao City, Cagayan; De La Salle University - Dasmariñas, Cavite; Palawan State University, in Puerto Princesa City;
Catanduanes State Colleges, Virac, Catanduanes; Central Philippine University, Jaro, Iloilo City; St. Paul University Dumaguete, Negros Oriental; University of Eastern Philippines, Catarman, Northern Samar; Universidad De Zamboanga, Tetuan, Zamboanga City; Capitol University, Cagayan De Oro City; Davao Doctors College, Davao City; Notre Dame of Marbel University, Koronadal City, South Cotabato; and Caraga State University, Butuan City. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
PAGASA has properly warned the public on TS Sendong
Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Sciences Administration (PAGASA) has properly warned the public since 5 PM of December 13, 2001 (Tuesday) since the formation of tropical depression was spotted outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) up until 4 pm of December 18, 2011 (Sunday) when Sendong moved out of the PAR.
Path of TS Sendong was Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Northern Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental to Bohol Sea, passing through the seas south of Negros Oriental towards Sulu Sea before crossing Palawan then exit to West Philippine Sea.
Actual movement of Sendong was predicted accurately, with its position, maximum wind, gustiness, movement, diameter, and rainfall estimate in the affected areas.
PAGASA issued the following, advisory at 11 AM December 14, 2011 (Wed) on Tropical Depression outside PAR (South of Guam) and 15 Severe Weather Bulletins (SWBs).
At 5 AM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday), the tropical depression outside PAR was incorporated in the synopsis of 5 AM Public Weather Forecast; at 11 AM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday) it issued the initial Severe Weather Bulletin Alert as TD SENDONG enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). (Issued SWB #1).
At 5 PM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday), SENDONG intensifies into a storm. PAGASA conducted first press conference. (SWB #2); 11 AM, 16 December 2011 (Friday), TS Sendong approaching land. Press Conference held at PAGASA. Issued SWB #5; 3 PM of 16 December 2011 (Friday), TS ‘Sendong” made landfall in the vicinity of, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. (Issued SWB# 6 at 5PM).
At 11 PM of 16 December 2011 (Friday), when TS Sendong was spotted near Malaybalay Bukidnon. (Issued SWB #7); at 4 AM, 17 December 2011 (Saturday), Center of TS Sendong spotted at 20 kms WNW of Cagayan de Oro City (SWB #8); and at 4 PM of 18 December 2011 (Sunday) TS “Sendong” moves out of the PAR.
There was also the recorded 6 hourly rainfall from December 16-17, 2011 in Lumbia, Hinatuan, Ginuan, Tacloban, Dipolog and Malaybalay.
PAGASA issued hourly updates through Twitter and Facebook; deployed personnel to OCD operation center; and held press conferences in PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center, attended by Media personnel.
Mr. Ric Mercado, Chief of Mindanao PAGASA Regional Services Div. (MPRSD) regularly announced TS Sendong’s behavior through broadcast media (Radio/TV) in CDO (through Bombo Radio, ABS-CBN) until Midnight of December 16, 2011.
He coordinated with local DRRMC to suspend mining operations from Surigao down to Davao and warned public against flashfloods, landslides, and storm surges.
The Philippine Weathermen Employees Association (PWEA) board of officers expressed their full support to PAGASA Supervising Undersecretary Graciano Yumul, Jr., and Administrator Nathaniel Servando, weather forecasters and their men in the field who are presently beleaguered with malicious attacks from sectors out to ruin the office.
The PWEA firmly believes that the PAGASA leadership and their colleagues do not deserve the blame even partly resulting from the Sendong tragedy. They are truly saddened by accusations directed at them because they fully know that they had efficiently performed their tasks before, during and after the passage of Tropical Storm Sendong.
Relative to these, DOST-PAGASA, to improve flood monitoring and forecasting has the following program: First, to monitor water levels in river systems in real time. It targets installation of 1,000 water level sensors for all river systems (18 river basins) in which 500 water level sensors will be deployed to selected major river basins in 2012.
Second, to enhance rainfall and weather forecasting. Data from Doppler radars, satellites, AWS, and rain gauges, are to be integrated through numerical model WRF; and third, to enhance flood forecasting to determine expected impact to local communities. Ester Z. Gallardo, PScijourn Mega Manila
Path of TS Sendong was Surigao del Sur, Agusan del Sur, Northern Bukidnon, Misamis Oriental to Bohol Sea, passing through the seas south of Negros Oriental towards Sulu Sea before crossing Palawan then exit to West Philippine Sea.
Actual movement of Sendong was predicted accurately, with its position, maximum wind, gustiness, movement, diameter, and rainfall estimate in the affected areas.
PAGASA issued the following, advisory at 11 AM December 14, 2011 (Wed) on Tropical Depression outside PAR (South of Guam) and 15 Severe Weather Bulletins (SWBs).
At 5 AM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday), the tropical depression outside PAR was incorporated in the synopsis of 5 AM Public Weather Forecast; at 11 AM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday) it issued the initial Severe Weather Bulletin Alert as TD SENDONG enters the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). (Issued SWB #1).
At 5 PM, 15 December 2011 (Thursday), SENDONG intensifies into a storm. PAGASA conducted first press conference. (SWB #2); 11 AM, 16 December 2011 (Friday), TS Sendong approaching land. Press Conference held at PAGASA. Issued SWB #5; 3 PM of 16 December 2011 (Friday), TS ‘Sendong” made landfall in the vicinity of, Hinatuan, Surigao del Sur. (Issued SWB# 6 at 5PM).
At 11 PM of 16 December 2011 (Friday), when TS Sendong was spotted near Malaybalay Bukidnon. (Issued SWB #7); at 4 AM, 17 December 2011 (Saturday), Center of TS Sendong spotted at 20 kms WNW of Cagayan de Oro City (SWB #8); and at 4 PM of 18 December 2011 (Sunday) TS “Sendong” moves out of the PAR.
There was also the recorded 6 hourly rainfall from December 16-17, 2011 in Lumbia, Hinatuan, Ginuan, Tacloban, Dipolog and Malaybalay.
PAGASA issued hourly updates through Twitter and Facebook; deployed personnel to OCD operation center; and held press conferences in PAGASA Weather and Flood Forecasting Center, attended by Media personnel.
Mr. Ric Mercado, Chief of Mindanao PAGASA Regional Services Div. (MPRSD) regularly announced TS Sendong’s behavior through broadcast media (Radio/TV) in CDO (through Bombo Radio, ABS-CBN) until Midnight of December 16, 2011.
He coordinated with local DRRMC to suspend mining operations from Surigao down to Davao and warned public against flashfloods, landslides, and storm surges.
The Philippine Weathermen Employees Association (PWEA) board of officers expressed their full support to PAGASA Supervising Undersecretary Graciano Yumul, Jr., and Administrator Nathaniel Servando, weather forecasters and their men in the field who are presently beleaguered with malicious attacks from sectors out to ruin the office.
The PWEA firmly believes that the PAGASA leadership and their colleagues do not deserve the blame even partly resulting from the Sendong tragedy. They are truly saddened by accusations directed at them because they fully know that they had efficiently performed their tasks before, during and after the passage of Tropical Storm Sendong.
Relative to these, DOST-PAGASA, to improve flood monitoring and forecasting has the following program: First, to monitor water levels in river systems in real time. It targets installation of 1,000 water level sensors for all river systems (18 river basins) in which 500 water level sensors will be deployed to selected major river basins in 2012.
Second, to enhance rainfall and weather forecasting. Data from Doppler radars, satellites, AWS, and rain gauges, are to be integrated through numerical model WRF; and third, to enhance flood forecasting to determine expected impact to local communities. Ester Z. Gallardo, PScijourn Mega Manila
PAGASA Sees a weak La Nina conditions until December to May 2012
The weak La Nina conditions that the Philippine Atmospheric Geographical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) sees in the tropical Pacific is expected to strengthen and may continue until the December, January, and February (DJF) season and may last until May-June 2012.
Between 1-2 tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility from December 2011 to May 2012.
Transition of seasonal winds from Northeast (NE) to Southwest (SW) is expected during the months of April to May 2012.
Wetter than normal rainfall conditions for Dec. 2011 to May 2012 will likely be experienced over most parts of the country.
Rainfalls during the months of January 2012 to May 2012 are expected to be higher than normal. In February, eastern parts of the country prone to landslides and flashfloods are cautioned.
In April, there will be low rainfall, compared to the high rainfall expected to come within the La Nina period and in May near to above normal rainfall, more rains than usual. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Between 1-2 tropical cyclones are expected to enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility from December 2011 to May 2012.
Transition of seasonal winds from Northeast (NE) to Southwest (SW) is expected during the months of April to May 2012.
Wetter than normal rainfall conditions for Dec. 2011 to May 2012 will likely be experienced over most parts of the country.
Rainfalls during the months of January 2012 to May 2012 are expected to be higher than normal. In February, eastern parts of the country prone to landslides and flashfloods are cautioned.
In April, there will be low rainfall, compared to the high rainfall expected to come within the La Nina period and in May near to above normal rainfall, more rains than usual. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Thursday, December 22, 2011
CLMA@30 GINANAP SA BULACAN
Sa bihirang pagkakataon, muling nagsama-sama sa bayang ito ang mga mamamahayag sa buong Gitnang Luzon para sa 30th Annual Convention at Election of Officers ng isa sa pinakamatagal at pinakaaktibong Regional Media Organisation sa bansa, ang Central Luzon Media Association.
Sa temang “ Awake, Aware and Active Informers on the Urgency of Climate Change Mitigation” muling nagkita kita ang mga delegado buhat sa lalawigan ng Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac at Zambales na bumubuo sa Region 3 at nagtungo sa Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium nitong Disyembre 16 at 17, 2011 upang maghalal ng panibagong pamunuan.
Sa plenary session ng grupo, nagbigay ng mensahe tungkol sa solid waste management si Ms. Belle Cabezo, hepe ng Environmental Sanitation ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 3 kasunod ng mensahe ni CLMA Past President at kasalukuyang KBP Executive Vice President Francis Cardona kung saan pinahalagahan nito ang mga kasamahan niya na naging pangulo ng samahan at ang pagsasalaysay ni Past President Abel Pablo ng makulay na kasaysayan ng CLMA.
Nahalal bilang Pangulo ng CLMA para sa taong 2012 si Thony Arcenal ng Bulacan at pinalitan si Joy Franklin Gonzales ng Tarlac. Kasabay ng halalan ng mga regional officers ay ginanap rin ang paghahalal ng mga mamumuno sa mga provincial chapters.
Kasama na nahalal ni Arcenal ang GMA News Stringer/Correspondent buhat sa lalawigan ng Aurora na si Ronald Madrid Leander bilang Executive Vice President at nakahilera bilang susunod na pangulo pagkatapos ni Arcenal.
Susuportahan ng mga Past Presidents ang dalawa para patakbuhin at muling palakasin ang CLMA sa susunod na taon na kinabibilangan nina Alma Ochotorena ng Pampanga at Reynaldo Soriano ng Zambales na muling manunungkulan bilang Vice President for Print at Broadcast ayon sa pagkakasunod. Muli ring maglilingkod bilang opisyales sina Estrella Gallardo at Jimmy Benzon na parehong tiga-Bataan bilang Auditor at Chief marshal at si Joy Franklin Gonzales ng Tarlac bilang Business Manager. Estrella Z. Gallardo, Philippine Science Journalist Mega Manila
Sa temang “ Awake, Aware and Active Informers on the Urgency of Climate Change Mitigation” muling nagkita kita ang mga delegado buhat sa lalawigan ng Aurora, Bataan, Bulacan, Pampanga, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac at Zambales na bumubuo sa Region 3 at nagtungo sa Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium nitong Disyembre 16 at 17, 2011 upang maghalal ng panibagong pamunuan.
Sa plenary session ng grupo, nagbigay ng mensahe tungkol sa solid waste management si Ms. Belle Cabezo, hepe ng Environmental Sanitation ng Department of Environment and Natural Resources Region 3 kasunod ng mensahe ni CLMA Past President at kasalukuyang KBP Executive Vice President Francis Cardona kung saan pinahalagahan nito ang mga kasamahan niya na naging pangulo ng samahan at ang pagsasalaysay ni Past President Abel Pablo ng makulay na kasaysayan ng CLMA.
Nahalal bilang Pangulo ng CLMA para sa taong 2012 si Thony Arcenal ng Bulacan at pinalitan si Joy Franklin Gonzales ng Tarlac. Kasabay ng halalan ng mga regional officers ay ginanap rin ang paghahalal ng mga mamumuno sa mga provincial chapters.
Kasama na nahalal ni Arcenal ang GMA News Stringer/Correspondent buhat sa lalawigan ng Aurora na si Ronald Madrid Leander bilang Executive Vice President at nakahilera bilang susunod na pangulo pagkatapos ni Arcenal.
Susuportahan ng mga Past Presidents ang dalawa para patakbuhin at muling palakasin ang CLMA sa susunod na taon na kinabibilangan nina Alma Ochotorena ng Pampanga at Reynaldo Soriano ng Zambales na muling manunungkulan bilang Vice President for Print at Broadcast ayon sa pagkakasunod. Muli ring maglilingkod bilang opisyales sina Estrella Gallardo at Jimmy Benzon na parehong tiga-Bataan bilang Auditor at Chief marshal at si Joy Franklin Gonzales ng Tarlac bilang Business Manager. Estrella Z. Gallardo, Philippine Science Journalist Mega Manila
Monday, December 19, 2011
To Strengthen MSMEs and Community-Based Projects “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”
DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo in his message delivered during the DOST-NCR Stakeholders Summit on December 9, 2011 at Heritage Hotel, Pasay City said that to strengthen micro small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) and community-based projects “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”.
With their mantra in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”, they believe that the country’s problems, including those of micro business can be addressed through the application of science and technology, he said.
Relative to this, they come up with research technologies and innovations that are anchored in these principles: technologies that support focused programs, technologies that produce world-class results and technologies that transform people lives.
Programs in DOST are being strengthened, including SETUP. Funding of SETUP has been increased this year and next year about 400 million pesos for the implementation of SETUP in the 16 regional offices will be allocated. This will help more companies and communities to avail of comprehensive technical assistance packages, he also said.
DOST is committed to help their MSMEs to become active players in the global market by enhancing their productivity to meet international standards.
They also support other areas under SETUP such as electronics and information technology. Estimate investments in the local semiconductor and electronics industry from the data from Semiconductor and Electronic Industries of the Philippines, Inc., (SEIPI) reach $1.3 billion dollars last year.
This shows an effort growth of 46 percent as of the end of October last year. Projections show this year and possibly $50 billion by 2015.
In the IT and microelectronics sector, DOST-NCR Director Teresita Fortuna has already had a number of meetings with SEIPI and other industry representatives to see where MSMEs could come in, especially in manufacturing parts that otherwise have been imported.
Information Technology Industry Research Analyst Business Monitor International sees the Philippines IT market growing from a projected $3.0 billion in 2011 to around $4.3 billion in 2015.
The figures are impressive, yet this could be more if we can take advantage of revenues that are coming from outsourcing, which the Philippines is only third with a 7.4 percent share behind India and China.
“But again the crucial thing is that we first need to get our acts together. We need to train people who can make the most out of innovative technologies” Montejo said.
He also said that only by successful knowledge transfer can technologies really be transformational. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
With their mantra in the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), “Nasa Siyensya ang Pag-asa”, they believe that the country’s problems, including those of micro business can be addressed through the application of science and technology, he said.
Relative to this, they come up with research technologies and innovations that are anchored in these principles: technologies that support focused programs, technologies that produce world-class results and technologies that transform people lives.
Programs in DOST are being strengthened, including SETUP. Funding of SETUP has been increased this year and next year about 400 million pesos for the implementation of SETUP in the 16 regional offices will be allocated. This will help more companies and communities to avail of comprehensive technical assistance packages, he also said.
DOST is committed to help their MSMEs to become active players in the global market by enhancing their productivity to meet international standards.
They also support other areas under SETUP such as electronics and information technology. Estimate investments in the local semiconductor and electronics industry from the data from Semiconductor and Electronic Industries of the Philippines, Inc., (SEIPI) reach $1.3 billion dollars last year.
This shows an effort growth of 46 percent as of the end of October last year. Projections show this year and possibly $50 billion by 2015.
In the IT and microelectronics sector, DOST-NCR Director Teresita Fortuna has already had a number of meetings with SEIPI and other industry representatives to see where MSMEs could come in, especially in manufacturing parts that otherwise have been imported.
Information Technology Industry Research Analyst Business Monitor International sees the Philippines IT market growing from a projected $3.0 billion in 2011 to around $4.3 billion in 2015.
The figures are impressive, yet this could be more if we can take advantage of revenues that are coming from outsourcing, which the Philippines is only third with a 7.4 percent share behind India and China.
“But again the crucial thing is that we first need to get our acts together. We need to train people who can make the most out of innovative technologies” Montejo said.
He also said that only by successful knowledge transfer can technologies really be transformational. Estrella Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Friday, December 16, 2011
Onion farmers ask DA to put off import permit issuance to spare Ilocos farmers red shallot harvest
Onion farmers have asked the Department of Agriculture (DA) to put off any issuance of import permit for onion as imports will be detrimental particularly to the December harvest of Ilocos farmers that is now reaching the market by around 10,000 bags.
The Sibuyas ng Pilipinas Ating Alagaan (SIPAG) has just submitted a data with DA showing a stable inventory of 500,000 bags (of 25 kilos each) of onion nationally. This is enough to supply the 350,000 bags of the country’s monthly consumption.
Ilocos farmers have a separate production of an estimated 10,000 bags for red shallots in December consisting of 4,000 bags from the north and 6,000 from the south.
“(DA) Secretary (Proceso) Alcala has been very supportive of our farmers. We understand that he has to hear others who want an import permit now. But we will be making Ilocos farmers sacrifice for us if imports are allowed now,” said SIPAG President Francisco Collado in a press briefing.
While government may be concerned about sufficiency of supply during the holiday season, SIPAG said price of onion has been relatively stable at P45 to P50 per kilo at farmgate for small onions and P55 to P60 per kilo for medium to big onions.
“Even if price becomes a little higher, our money just goes around the economy, from a farmer’s hand to another. But if we will just allow imports deliberately, it will be Chinese farmers that will benefit from it. That will not benefit our economy at all,” he said.
And even after Ilocos farmers will have been done with harvest by end-December, Collado said onion farmers in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija will start harvesting by January.
“WE don’t have a shortage because the older inventory are already running out, but harvest is already approaching,” he said.
SIPAG really takes the position that government should not at all allow anymore importation of onion in order to help this industry survive.
“How can we make the industry self-sufficient if we will allow importation everytime? Because of the imports, farmers are hesitant to plant. You’re giving him reason to stop planting because if imports arrive, local onion prices will be down,” he said.
SIPAG is concerned that containers with imported onion are already in port areas but just need import permits so that they may be taken out of the ports.
This unfortunate fate of the local onion industry is worsened by the poor shipping policy for the commodity between islands. This is in stark contract to the lax regulations on smuggled onions that flood the market through Mindanao ports.
“In Iloilo, they’re asking us to produce a quarantine permit to move our onions. But imported onion has been flooding us from Davao,” he said.
Farmers have already been happy about a good margin for their produce which is stabilizing at P35 per kilo since DA has been more strict in allowing issuance of import permits. But SIPAG has to be vigilant in asking government to sustain efforts to restrict imports since only a few people benefit from this importation through trading of import permits.
“The first one who gets an import permit can easily earn P500,000 just by trading on his import permit. When imports already start flooding the market and as price of onion goes down, an import permit may still be traded at P100,000 then P50,000,” said another SIPAG official.
One import permit involves 56 metric tons of onion. At a retail price of P100 per kilo, this involves a sale of P5.6 million.
Ilocos farmers have been pleading for government support since they have already lost their garlic industry to garlic imports from China and Taiwan. But the government should regulate the industry so as to protect the remaining onion industry even in Ilocos which produces shallot onions that have some special uses for salads and fresh dishes.
The onion industry is concerned that imported onion has been dismally proliferating in Mindanao so that some stocks have even been seen even in front of DA’s office in Davao. Melody Aguiba, PSciJourn Mega Manila
The Sibuyas ng Pilipinas Ating Alagaan (SIPAG) has just submitted a data with DA showing a stable inventory of 500,000 bags (of 25 kilos each) of onion nationally. This is enough to supply the 350,000 bags of the country’s monthly consumption.
Ilocos farmers have a separate production of an estimated 10,000 bags for red shallots in December consisting of 4,000 bags from the north and 6,000 from the south.
“(DA) Secretary (Proceso) Alcala has been very supportive of our farmers. We understand that he has to hear others who want an import permit now. But we will be making Ilocos farmers sacrifice for us if imports are allowed now,” said SIPAG President Francisco Collado in a press briefing.
While government may be concerned about sufficiency of supply during the holiday season, SIPAG said price of onion has been relatively stable at P45 to P50 per kilo at farmgate for small onions and P55 to P60 per kilo for medium to big onions.
“Even if price becomes a little higher, our money just goes around the economy, from a farmer’s hand to another. But if we will just allow imports deliberately, it will be Chinese farmers that will benefit from it. That will not benefit our economy at all,” he said.
And even after Ilocos farmers will have been done with harvest by end-December, Collado said onion farmers in Pangasinan and Nueva Ecija will start harvesting by January.
“WE don’t have a shortage because the older inventory are already running out, but harvest is already approaching,” he said.
SIPAG really takes the position that government should not at all allow anymore importation of onion in order to help this industry survive.
“How can we make the industry self-sufficient if we will allow importation everytime? Because of the imports, farmers are hesitant to plant. You’re giving him reason to stop planting because if imports arrive, local onion prices will be down,” he said.
SIPAG is concerned that containers with imported onion are already in port areas but just need import permits so that they may be taken out of the ports.
This unfortunate fate of the local onion industry is worsened by the poor shipping policy for the commodity between islands. This is in stark contract to the lax regulations on smuggled onions that flood the market through Mindanao ports.
“In Iloilo, they’re asking us to produce a quarantine permit to move our onions. But imported onion has been flooding us from Davao,” he said.
Farmers have already been happy about a good margin for their produce which is stabilizing at P35 per kilo since DA has been more strict in allowing issuance of import permits. But SIPAG has to be vigilant in asking government to sustain efforts to restrict imports since only a few people benefit from this importation through trading of import permits.
“The first one who gets an import permit can easily earn P500,000 just by trading on his import permit. When imports already start flooding the market and as price of onion goes down, an import permit may still be traded at P100,000 then P50,000,” said another SIPAG official.
One import permit involves 56 metric tons of onion. At a retail price of P100 per kilo, this involves a sale of P5.6 million.
Ilocos farmers have been pleading for government support since they have already lost their garlic industry to garlic imports from China and Taiwan. But the government should regulate the industry so as to protect the remaining onion industry even in Ilocos which produces shallot onions that have some special uses for salads and fresh dishes.
The onion industry is concerned that imported onion has been dismally proliferating in Mindanao so that some stocks have even been seen even in front of DA’s office in Davao. Melody Aguiba, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Thursday, December 15, 2011
“Bench-type” distillery for ethanol production in Ilocos may lead to Philippines’ sweet sorghum ethanol mass production
A “bench-type” distillery that will process sweet sorghum into ethanol in Ilocos Norte is seen to pave the way to Philippines’ mass production of biofuel among smallhold farms which will create jobs in rural areas.
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region I has financed through its KR2 program the establishment of the village-type distillery that will use sweet sorghum as feedstock. NEDA has released P1 million for this pilot program.
Now in its commission, the distiller has a capacity of 50 liters per day, merely a pilot scale. However, the government has a vision of massively replicating it in a bigger scale.
“When they saw that it’s possible to put up this village-type distillery, NEDA saw the potential for sweet sorghum to create jobs in rural areas and create an industry since its low cost can enable its replication elsewhere,” said Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen, National Sweet Sorghum Program (NSSP) leader.
The bench-type distillery will initially produce hydrous ethanol which can already generate sales for two commercial products—disinfectant and moisturizer.
However, the long term goal is to produce fuel-grade anhydrous ethanol . NSSP is presently trying to find ways to make dehydration, or the process of removing water from the hydrous ethanol, cheaper compared to the present cost to produce fuel-grade ethanol.
By February 2012, the Bapamin Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC), together with its cooperator Bungon Seed Producers’ MPC will start milling the sweet sorghum for processing into ethanol.
Excess juice will be processed into syrup for longer storage which will be used for ethanol production during rainy days when milling of stalks is not convenient.
Ilocos farmers have already been planting sweet sorghum in Batac, Ilocos Norte over the last five years with the assistance of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) headed by its director, Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
Bapamin, headed by farmer Doris Bumanglag-Arcangel, has been selling food-grade syrup and vinegar in 66 outlets all over the country. They are currently planting on 65 hectares, but the target area is 100 hectares.
“They should already be harvesting by now, but their planting has been delayed by the unseasonal rains. By February (2012), we expect them to start milling as soon as the stalks are ready for harvest,” said Layaoen, also MMSU vice president for planning and extension.
Over the last five years, BAR has been funding field testing of sweet sorghum varieties in Ilocos and other sites in the vision to make Philippines less dependent on expensive, imported ethanol oil and generate rural jobs.
“Sweet sorghum is a good alternative to other ethanol feedstocks. It can stand alone as a life-giving crop to farmers in farflung areas because it is used to make many food products like juice and syrup. But we will maximize its economic value if we’re able to successfully produce ethanol from it,“ said Eleazar.
With more bench distillery in an area, farmers’ cooperatives may be able to produce 1,000 to 5,000 liters of hydrous ethanol per day.
An NSSP master plan being drafted indicates that from the collection of hydrous ethanol from the village level, this product should be transported to a Central Dehydrating Plant (CDP) which should be near a fuel depot.
At the CDP level, bigger processing firms are expected to participate in this potential industry that is hoped to be supported by many government agencies. More investments may be required at the CDP-fuel depot level.
BAR has obtained outstanding varieties of sweet sorghum through its partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). ICRISAT Director General William D. Dar is set to inaugurate the bench-type distillery in a turnover ceremony by Dec. 28, 2011.
The distillery has also been developed with the assistance from Department of Science and Technology through its Balik Scientist Dr. Sergio Capareda of the Texas University. Capareda designed the distilling column and guided its fabrication, while MMSU Material Science expert, Samuel S. Franco designed the furnace.
The NSSP already sees hope of Philippines’ commercial production of sweet sorghum ethanol as several large companies have positioned themselves for its processing. Among these are Seaoil’s Fuel Inc. and PNOC-Alternative Fuels Corp. (PNOC-AFC).
The Green Future Innovation Inc. (GFII) is also presently completing an ethanol plant in San Mariano, Isabela which will have a capacity of 250,000 liters per day. While its feedstock will primarily be sugarcane, it intends to use sweet sorghum as a complementary crop which may be used as feedstock in between sugarcane milling seasons.
Field trials have shown that farmers can achieve an average yield of 55 metric tons (MT) per hectare of sweet sorghum stalk and 4,500 kilos of grains per harvest.
There can be as much as three harvests from one planting in a year - - that is one seed crop (or from the one planted) and two ratoon crops.
At a cane price of P700 per MT and at P10 to P12 per kilo of seeds, farmers can earn a net income of P83,000 to P95,000 per cropping. If cane price goes up to P900 per MT, farmers can earn a net income of P103,000 to P115,000 per cropping.
Along with job-generating benefits, sweet sorghum ethanol production may generate for the country carbon emission reduction benefits.
It is estimated that bioethanol has the potential to generate jobs totaling to 179,386 by 2015 and 289,611 by 2020. It may also generate foreign exchange savings placed at $789.3 million in 2015 and $1.274 billion in 2020 based on an NSSP study. Melody Aguiba, PSciJourn Mega Manila
The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region I has financed through its KR2 program the establishment of the village-type distillery that will use sweet sorghum as feedstock. NEDA has released P1 million for this pilot program.
Now in its commission, the distiller has a capacity of 50 liters per day, merely a pilot scale. However, the government has a vision of massively replicating it in a bigger scale.
“When they saw that it’s possible to put up this village-type distillery, NEDA saw the potential for sweet sorghum to create jobs in rural areas and create an industry since its low cost can enable its replication elsewhere,” said Dr. Heraldo L. Layaoen, National Sweet Sorghum Program (NSSP) leader.
The bench-type distillery will initially produce hydrous ethanol which can already generate sales for two commercial products—disinfectant and moisturizer.
However, the long term goal is to produce fuel-grade anhydrous ethanol . NSSP is presently trying to find ways to make dehydration, or the process of removing water from the hydrous ethanol, cheaper compared to the present cost to produce fuel-grade ethanol.
By February 2012, the Bapamin Multi Purpose Cooperative (MPC), together with its cooperator Bungon Seed Producers’ MPC will start milling the sweet sorghum for processing into ethanol.
Excess juice will be processed into syrup for longer storage which will be used for ethanol production during rainy days when milling of stalks is not convenient.
Ilocos farmers have already been planting sweet sorghum in Batac, Ilocos Norte over the last five years with the assistance of the Bureau of Agricultural Research (BAR) headed by its director, Dr. Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
Bapamin, headed by farmer Doris Bumanglag-Arcangel, has been selling food-grade syrup and vinegar in 66 outlets all over the country. They are currently planting on 65 hectares, but the target area is 100 hectares.
“They should already be harvesting by now, but their planting has been delayed by the unseasonal rains. By February (2012), we expect them to start milling as soon as the stalks are ready for harvest,” said Layaoen, also MMSU vice president for planning and extension.
Over the last five years, BAR has been funding field testing of sweet sorghum varieties in Ilocos and other sites in the vision to make Philippines less dependent on expensive, imported ethanol oil and generate rural jobs.
“Sweet sorghum is a good alternative to other ethanol feedstocks. It can stand alone as a life-giving crop to farmers in farflung areas because it is used to make many food products like juice and syrup. But we will maximize its economic value if we’re able to successfully produce ethanol from it,“ said Eleazar.
With more bench distillery in an area, farmers’ cooperatives may be able to produce 1,000 to 5,000 liters of hydrous ethanol per day.
An NSSP master plan being drafted indicates that from the collection of hydrous ethanol from the village level, this product should be transported to a Central Dehydrating Plant (CDP) which should be near a fuel depot.
At the CDP level, bigger processing firms are expected to participate in this potential industry that is hoped to be supported by many government agencies. More investments may be required at the CDP-fuel depot level.
BAR has obtained outstanding varieties of sweet sorghum through its partnership with the International Crops Research Institute for the Semi Arid Tropics (ICRISAT). ICRISAT Director General William D. Dar is set to inaugurate the bench-type distillery in a turnover ceremony by Dec. 28, 2011.
The distillery has also been developed with the assistance from Department of Science and Technology through its Balik Scientist Dr. Sergio Capareda of the Texas University. Capareda designed the distilling column and guided its fabrication, while MMSU Material Science expert, Samuel S. Franco designed the furnace.
The NSSP already sees hope of Philippines’ commercial production of sweet sorghum ethanol as several large companies have positioned themselves for its processing. Among these are Seaoil’s Fuel Inc. and PNOC-Alternative Fuels Corp. (PNOC-AFC).
The Green Future Innovation Inc. (GFII) is also presently completing an ethanol plant in San Mariano, Isabela which will have a capacity of 250,000 liters per day. While its feedstock will primarily be sugarcane, it intends to use sweet sorghum as a complementary crop which may be used as feedstock in between sugarcane milling seasons.
Field trials have shown that farmers can achieve an average yield of 55 metric tons (MT) per hectare of sweet sorghum stalk and 4,500 kilos of grains per harvest.
There can be as much as three harvests from one planting in a year - - that is one seed crop (or from the one planted) and two ratoon crops.
At a cane price of P700 per MT and at P10 to P12 per kilo of seeds, farmers can earn a net income of P83,000 to P95,000 per cropping. If cane price goes up to P900 per MT, farmers can earn a net income of P103,000 to P115,000 per cropping.
Along with job-generating benefits, sweet sorghum ethanol production may generate for the country carbon emission reduction benefits.
It is estimated that bioethanol has the potential to generate jobs totaling to 179,386 by 2015 and 289,611 by 2020. It may also generate foreign exchange savings placed at $789.3 million in 2015 and $1.274 billion in 2020 based on an NSSP study. Melody Aguiba, PSciJourn Mega Manila
BSWM supports bill on soil and water management
With climate change posing a great threat to the agriculture sector, two lawmakers in the House of Representatives believe it is essential for the government to put into place a program that will help conserve the country’s precious water and soil resources.
Housebill No. 4468, which was filed by Representatives Sharon S. Garin of AAMBIS- OWA Partylist from Iloilo and Juan Edgardo M. Angara of Aurora, aims to help conserve water and soil resources in the country, by establishing within five years from the effectivity of the law 1,000 Soil and Water Conservation Guided Farms and 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems, among others.
The Bureau and Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is backing the passage of HB 4468.
“This bill is very timely because climate change threatens the country’s soil and water resources, and there is a need for programs to implement sustainable farming practices nationwide, and HB 4468 is a good direction towards that,” said BSWM Executive Director Dr. Silvino Tejada.
In its position paper submitted to the House Committee on Agriculture and Food headed by Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza, the BSWM said that “the proposed bill would provide a more definite and clearer financing mechanism that would ensure adequate, predictable and continuous funding support to the implementation of Sustainable Land Management strategies to address land degradation and drought.”
Under the proposed measure, the BSWM “shall prepare National Soil and Water Conservation Program subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.”
Tejada said that the 1,000 Soil and Water Conservation Guided Farms and 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems being proposed by the bill jives with the current programs of the BSWM.
The agency has been building small water impounding projects and small diversion dams, among others, that impound rainfall to irrigate farms.
“The passage of HB 4468 will facilitate the building of such facilities, which I believe will also make farming communities more aware of their role to help conserve precious soil and water resources,” Tejada added.
Under the proposed measure, the completed small-scale rainwater harvesting systems will be turned over to the concerned local government unit (LGU) upon completion. The LGU will then select a farmer and/or irrigator’s association to operate, manage and maintain the structures. Also present in the deliberation are Hon. Victorino Dennis M. Socrates, Vice Chairman, 2ndDistrict, Palawan, Hon. Angelo Palmones, AGHAM Partylist, Hon. Randy Ting, 3rd Cagayan Province, Hon. Cresente C. Paez Coop- NATTCO Partylist , Hon. Henry Pryde Teves, 3rd Negros Oriental.
HB 4468 also mandates the BWSM to provide technical support and assistance to LGUs in the preparation of Watershed Management Plan (WMP) in critical watershed areas that would host the small-scale rainwater harvesting systems.
Tejada said that the BWSM is prepared to undertake its role stipulated in HB 4468, since it is also the National Focal Agency in the Philippines for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Besides building small irrigation systems, among the other major programs of BSWM is the provision of technical assistance for the rehabilitation of watershed systems under the Mindanao Rural Development Program- Natural Resources Management (MRDP-NRM). Veron Hernandez, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Housebill No. 4468, which was filed by Representatives Sharon S. Garin of AAMBIS- OWA Partylist from Iloilo and Juan Edgardo M. Angara of Aurora, aims to help conserve water and soil resources in the country, by establishing within five years from the effectivity of the law 1,000 Soil and Water Conservation Guided Farms and 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems, among others.
The Bureau and Soils and Water Management (BSWM) is backing the passage of HB 4468.
“This bill is very timely because climate change threatens the country’s soil and water resources, and there is a need for programs to implement sustainable farming practices nationwide, and HB 4468 is a good direction towards that,” said BSWM Executive Director Dr. Silvino Tejada.
In its position paper submitted to the House Committee on Agriculture and Food headed by Rep. Mark Leandro Mendoza, the BSWM said that “the proposed bill would provide a more definite and clearer financing mechanism that would ensure adequate, predictable and continuous funding support to the implementation of Sustainable Land Management strategies to address land degradation and drought.”
Under the proposed measure, the BSWM “shall prepare National Soil and Water Conservation Program subject to the approval of the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture.”
Tejada said that the 1,000 Soil and Water Conservation Guided Farms and 10,000 units of small-scale rainwater harvesting systems being proposed by the bill jives with the current programs of the BSWM.
The agency has been building small water impounding projects and small diversion dams, among others, that impound rainfall to irrigate farms.
“The passage of HB 4468 will facilitate the building of such facilities, which I believe will also make farming communities more aware of their role to help conserve precious soil and water resources,” Tejada added.
Under the proposed measure, the completed small-scale rainwater harvesting systems will be turned over to the concerned local government unit (LGU) upon completion. The LGU will then select a farmer and/or irrigator’s association to operate, manage and maintain the structures. Also present in the deliberation are Hon. Victorino Dennis M. Socrates, Vice Chairman, 2ndDistrict, Palawan, Hon. Angelo Palmones, AGHAM Partylist, Hon. Randy Ting, 3rd Cagayan Province, Hon. Cresente C. Paez Coop- NATTCO Partylist , Hon. Henry Pryde Teves, 3rd Negros Oriental.
HB 4468 also mandates the BWSM to provide technical support and assistance to LGUs in the preparation of Watershed Management Plan (WMP) in critical watershed areas that would host the small-scale rainwater harvesting systems.
Tejada said that the BWSM is prepared to undertake its role stipulated in HB 4468, since it is also the National Focal Agency in the Philippines for the United Nations Convention to Combat Desertification.
Besides building small irrigation systems, among the other major programs of BSWM is the provision of technical assistance for the rehabilitation of watershed systems under the Mindanao Rural Development Program- Natural Resources Management (MRDP-NRM). Veron Hernandez, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Friday, December 9, 2011
DOST-‘Panama disease’ affecting Banana plantations can be managed
The dreaded banana disease (Fusarium oxysporum f. sp. cubense) which is presently affecting hectares of banana plantations in Mindanao (and the subject talked about by the media with Dr. Patricio S. Faylon recently at his office in PCAARRD) can be managed according to experts from the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) said that the dialogues with the stakeholders and careful studies on banana in the country revealed positive results in curbing the menace brought about by Fusarium wilt, more popularly known as Panama disease.
Early detection and eradication of Fusarium wilt is one of the most direct steps recommended by the group. It was suggested that plant that have been attacked by the disease should be immediately uprooted and burned together with the soil plant to it. This is the basic method of arresting the spread of infected plant and soil.
Since Fusarium is a fungus that thrives on soul and burning of the soil may destroy the fungus on the topsoil but not beneath it, the use of microorganisms such as the Trichoderma may prove beneficial to counter the effect of the disease-causing fungus.
For continuous monitoring of possible spread of the disease, Faylon said that farmers will be trained to recognize symptoms early. “A protocol for management of the disease should also be shared as widely as possible”, Faylon added.
For long term solutions, the Cavendish variety called GCTCV 119 which is the Fusarium-resistant variety has been considered for replanting, said the science department.
Biodiversity International through Lapanday Foods Corporation in Davao City will provide 1,000 planting materials through tissue culture to be distributed to the members of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA).
The mother plants for the tissue culture will come from the National Germplasm Collection housed at the Bureau of Plant Industry – Davao National Crops Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC). Bioversity International and DOST-PCAARRD will develop the protocol for crop management with the latter leading the monitoring and evaluation.
Partners will also be piloting fertilization methods including the use of organic fertilizer. (Information was from Aristotle P. Carandang of S&T Media Service. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Dr. Patricio S. Faylon, Executive Director of the Philippine Council for Agriculture Aquatic and Natural Resources Research and Development (PCAARRD) said that the dialogues with the stakeholders and careful studies on banana in the country revealed positive results in curbing the menace brought about by Fusarium wilt, more popularly known as Panama disease.
Early detection and eradication of Fusarium wilt is one of the most direct steps recommended by the group. It was suggested that plant that have been attacked by the disease should be immediately uprooted and burned together with the soil plant to it. This is the basic method of arresting the spread of infected plant and soil.
Since Fusarium is a fungus that thrives on soul and burning of the soil may destroy the fungus on the topsoil but not beneath it, the use of microorganisms such as the Trichoderma may prove beneficial to counter the effect of the disease-causing fungus.
For continuous monitoring of possible spread of the disease, Faylon said that farmers will be trained to recognize symptoms early. “A protocol for management of the disease should also be shared as widely as possible”, Faylon added.
For long term solutions, the Cavendish variety called GCTCV 119 which is the Fusarium-resistant variety has been considered for replanting, said the science department.
Biodiversity International through Lapanday Foods Corporation in Davao City will provide 1,000 planting materials through tissue culture to be distributed to the members of the Philippine Banana Growers and Exporters Association (PBGEA).
The mother plants for the tissue culture will come from the National Germplasm Collection housed at the Bureau of Plant Industry – Davao National Crops Research and Development Center (BPI-DNCRDC). Bioversity International and DOST-PCAARRD will develop the protocol for crop management with the latter leading the monitoring and evaluation.
Partners will also be piloting fertilization methods including the use of organic fertilizer. (Information was from Aristotle P. Carandang of S&T Media Service. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Jatropha a failure
Pilot testing of jathropa’s viability as an alternative fuel sources should have been conducted before going into large-scale production, Department of Science and Technology (DOST) affirms.
This is the reaction of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo to news reports quoting Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rene Almendras as saying that the past administration wasted money and resources in planting thousands of hectares of land with jathropa to produce raw materials for bio-fuels.
Thorough testing on a pilot scale should have included planting and harvesting, production of jathropa oil, and then converting and blending to become bio-fuels, something that the previous administration failed to do, Montejo said.
The DOST in a recently-concluded pilot production and testing of biofuel from jathropa has proven the technical feasibility of producing jatrhopa oil and converting it to methyl ester. Methyl esters or fats from animal and vegetable, were found to be suitable as blend for diesel fuel in previous scientific studies.
However, technical feasibility is sometimes different from commercial viability because it involves other issues.” explained Secretary Montejo.
“The proper scientific protocol in programs involving new technologies such as this is to conduct first a pilot-test and a thorough evaluation of its results to prove its viability before rolling it out,” Montejo said.
At present, the DOST is not keen on further studies on the processing of jathropa but would still complete the review and evaluation of past data and results. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
This is the reaction of DOST Secretary Mario G. Montejo to news reports quoting Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Rene Almendras as saying that the past administration wasted money and resources in planting thousands of hectares of land with jathropa to produce raw materials for bio-fuels.
Thorough testing on a pilot scale should have included planting and harvesting, production of jathropa oil, and then converting and blending to become bio-fuels, something that the previous administration failed to do, Montejo said.
The DOST in a recently-concluded pilot production and testing of biofuel from jathropa has proven the technical feasibility of producing jatrhopa oil and converting it to methyl ester. Methyl esters or fats from animal and vegetable, were found to be suitable as blend for diesel fuel in previous scientific studies.
However, technical feasibility is sometimes different from commercial viability because it involves other issues.” explained Secretary Montejo.
“The proper scientific protocol in programs involving new technologies such as this is to conduct first a pilot-test and a thorough evaluation of its results to prove its viability before rolling it out,” Montejo said.
At present, the DOST is not keen on further studies on the processing of jathropa but would still complete the review and evaluation of past data and results. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Pelletized feeds for goat sustenance
Turning the forage into pellets will ensure the continuous availability of feeds for goats during the lean months from mid-October to April.
Dr. Edwin Orden regional coordinator of Research and Development Program for Sustainable Goat Enterprise in Central Luzon, said that the pelletizing machine designed and fabricated by Dr. Ormando N. Espino of the Central State University (CLSU) will ensure a year round feed supply for goats.
To sustain the feed supply of goats which are abundant during the rainy season and scarce during the dry season, appropriate forage materials can be shared for a longer period through pelletizing the feeds.
The machine will help ensure the continuous availability of high-protein, low cost feeds by using the surplus of pelletized total mixed rations (TMR).
Turning the storage into pellet is through compression, extrusion, and adhesion in the pelletizing machine, after the raw materials are mixed and ground.
The machine frame has a dimension of 990 mm (L) by 980 mm (H) and a width of 450 mm. It has separate areas for work, compression, and intrusion.
The work area is where feed is received, compressed and forced into die holes. The die holes also determine the final size and characteristics of pellets. They can be replaced according to the desired thickness and hole diameter.
The compression area is simply where the feed is compressed. On the other hand, the extrusion area is where the feed begins to flow through the die.
A roller force acts to compress and extrude the material. The roller must be adjusted down to a proper contact with the die or it will not turn. The rolls must be set on a regular basis as the die wears away from the roll. Roller setting is accomplished by a pair of roller adjuster at the side of the casing.
The end product of the process is pelletized TMR, longer than one inch in length. They should be dense and durable enough to withstand mechanical handling without compromising the nutritional value of the diet.
The pelletizing machine has a production capacity of 150-200 kilogram per hour when pelletizing pure rice bran. However, when using TMR as raw material, the production rate would decrease to about 60 kg/hr. This is due to the high fiber content of TMR, which makes the pelletizing process more difficult. The machine can operate at 2-3 hours per day.
A pellet TMR is a mixture of napier, ipil-ipil, renzoni, rice bran, copra meal, molasses, dicaphos and salt, a complete nutrient feed for the goats. Hence, with pelletized TMR, goats are assured with better feed efficiency and greater starch digestibility.
Pelletized TMR has longer shelf life and less food wastes. A surplus or deficiency of feeds can be lessened with pelletized TMR. There is also less “sorting” and segregation of diet ingredients during feed handling.
It is through the production of pelletized TMR that feeding the goat with sufficient nutrition is not seasonal anymore but definitely year round that would give a sustainable goat enterprise.
The investment capital for a pelletizing machine could be relatively expensive but with the increasing demand for pellets, one can have high returns for a short period of time.
This information is taken from the paper “:Development and Evaluation of pelletized total mixed ration for goats,” one of the finalists in the annual National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development for the best research paper category, said S&T Media Service. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Dr. Edwin Orden regional coordinator of Research and Development Program for Sustainable Goat Enterprise in Central Luzon, said that the pelletizing machine designed and fabricated by Dr. Ormando N. Espino of the Central State University (CLSU) will ensure a year round feed supply for goats.
To sustain the feed supply of goats which are abundant during the rainy season and scarce during the dry season, appropriate forage materials can be shared for a longer period through pelletizing the feeds.
The machine will help ensure the continuous availability of high-protein, low cost feeds by using the surplus of pelletized total mixed rations (TMR).
Turning the storage into pellet is through compression, extrusion, and adhesion in the pelletizing machine, after the raw materials are mixed and ground.
The machine frame has a dimension of 990 mm (L) by 980 mm (H) and a width of 450 mm. It has separate areas for work, compression, and intrusion.
The work area is where feed is received, compressed and forced into die holes. The die holes also determine the final size and characteristics of pellets. They can be replaced according to the desired thickness and hole diameter.
The compression area is simply where the feed is compressed. On the other hand, the extrusion area is where the feed begins to flow through the die.
A roller force acts to compress and extrude the material. The roller must be adjusted down to a proper contact with the die or it will not turn. The rolls must be set on a regular basis as the die wears away from the roll. Roller setting is accomplished by a pair of roller adjuster at the side of the casing.
The end product of the process is pelletized TMR, longer than one inch in length. They should be dense and durable enough to withstand mechanical handling without compromising the nutritional value of the diet.
The pelletizing machine has a production capacity of 150-200 kilogram per hour when pelletizing pure rice bran. However, when using TMR as raw material, the production rate would decrease to about 60 kg/hr. This is due to the high fiber content of TMR, which makes the pelletizing process more difficult. The machine can operate at 2-3 hours per day.
A pellet TMR is a mixture of napier, ipil-ipil, renzoni, rice bran, copra meal, molasses, dicaphos and salt, a complete nutrient feed for the goats. Hence, with pelletized TMR, goats are assured with better feed efficiency and greater starch digestibility.
Pelletized TMR has longer shelf life and less food wastes. A surplus or deficiency of feeds can be lessened with pelletized TMR. There is also less “sorting” and segregation of diet ingredients during feed handling.
It is through the production of pelletized TMR that feeding the goat with sufficient nutrition is not seasonal anymore but definitely year round that would give a sustainable goat enterprise.
The investment capital for a pelletizing machine could be relatively expensive but with the increasing demand for pellets, one can have high returns for a short period of time.
This information is taken from the paper “:Development and Evaluation of pelletized total mixed ration for goats,” one of the finalists in the annual National Symposium on Agriculture and Resources Research and Development for the best research paper category, said S&T Media Service. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
3 Pinoys top Southeast Asian Contest, 4 other Pinoys get grant certificate
Three Filipinos bagged the top three prizes besting 149 other entries from Southeast Asian countries in 2011 SEARCA Photo Contest.
The winners were announced on November 21 during the 45th anniversary celebration of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) based in Los Banos, Laguna.
Danilo O. Victoriano, Jr., a multi-awarded photographer, won the prize. The second prize went to Samuel De Leon, a freelance graphic artist and photographer, and third prize to Nenita V. Desamero, chief science research specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute.
Victoriano’s first prize-winning entry, shows a grower inspecting a lettuce plant grown in a greenhouse while a worker waits holds out a tray of other lettuce plants. It won for him US$500. He said his photo depicts a productive urban garden which was transformed from a vacant lot by homeowners of Twinville Subdivision in Marikina.
The second prize-winning image showing “methodical farming employed by strawberry farmers of the La Trinidad highlands in Benguet won Samuel De Leon a cash prize of US$300. Desamero’s photo of researchers working in a rice field won for her US$200 as third prize. She said the image is of participatory rice variety development.
A special award was given to Armin Hari of the Indonesian Society for Social Transformation (INSIST) for her photo depicting an old farmer checking the irrigation channel in his paddy field in the highlands of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Armin Hari cinched the People’s Choice Award as a result of online voting via Facebook. It bested 14 other finalists for the special award, including the top three prize-winning images. The Indonesian photographer received US$100.
Two Filipinos and nine other Southeast Asians received their scholarship certificates for the school year 2011-2012 from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Los Banos-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
The certificates were awarded during the DAAD-SEARCA scholarship ceremonial handover hel at SEARCA on November 22, 2011 which coincided with the week-long celebration of SEARCA’s 45th anniversary.
The Filipino DAAD-SEARCA scholars are Queenie Ann L. Curayag (PhD in food science and technology) and Rey B. Lara (MA in urban and regional planning) who are enrolled at the University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB) and UP Diliman, respectively.
The other awardees include national of Indonesia (2), Myanmar (2), Thailand (1), Timor-Leste (4), and Vietnamese (2). Ten of them pursuing graduate programs at UPLB, while one is studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia in Selangor, Malaysia.
Ms. Natalie Lange, DAAD lecturer at UP Diliman, represented the Cultural Attache of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Jurgen Thomas Schrod. Also present were Philippine-based German academic staff Mr. Hening Bjoern Lange and Ms. Birte Petersen.
At present, the DAAD-SEARCA scholarship program has awarded a total of 332 graduate scholarships, and a number of these graduate alumni are now occupying leadership positions in various government and international institutions.
Meanwhile, two outstanding Filipino graduate alumni of SEARCA based here, were awarded the SEARCA Re-entry Program (REP) grant, which provides seed funds for their research projects.
Dr. Rusty G. Abanto, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean of the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) in Daet, Camarines Norte, received a grant for his project entitled “Modeling Ecological Solid-Waste Management” at the CNSC Labo Campus.
Also partially funded by CNSC and the Local Government of Labo, Abanto’s project aims to improve the solid-waste management system implemented in the school premises and shall model the ecological solid waste management as provided for in the RA 9003, otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
On the other hand, Ms. Aisa O. Manlosa, Instructor at the College of Arts and Sciences, Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City, is leading the study entitled “Flood Damage Assessment” at Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
Manlosa’ research aims to characterize flood events in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte in terms of frequency, timing, depth and inundation time; identity and map the flood hazard zones in the municipality.
Both grantees are expected to finish their projects by the middle of 2012.
The REP gives opportunities to SEARCA alumni who have just completed their graduate programs to enable them to implement projects or start a p[rogram that would immediately make use of knowledge and skills gained during their graduate studies to benefit their institution and home country.
Launched in 2009, the REP provides financial support of up to a maximum of US$5,000 to selected project proposals from SEARCA scholars who are in their last semester of study or had been graduated for a year.
Dr. Saguiguit thanked the German government for its generous support and contributions to human development in this part of the world.
Philippine government-hosted SEARCA, headed by Dir. Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., is the center for agriculture of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), of which the Philippines is a charter member. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
The winners were announced on November 21 during the 45th anniversary celebration of the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA) based in Los Banos, Laguna.
Danilo O. Victoriano, Jr., a multi-awarded photographer, won the prize. The second prize went to Samuel De Leon, a freelance graphic artist and photographer, and third prize to Nenita V. Desamero, chief science research specialist at the Philippine Rice Research Institute.
Victoriano’s first prize-winning entry, shows a grower inspecting a lettuce plant grown in a greenhouse while a worker waits holds out a tray of other lettuce plants. It won for him US$500. He said his photo depicts a productive urban garden which was transformed from a vacant lot by homeowners of Twinville Subdivision in Marikina.
The second prize-winning image showing “methodical farming employed by strawberry farmers of the La Trinidad highlands in Benguet won Samuel De Leon a cash prize of US$300. Desamero’s photo of researchers working in a rice field won for her US$200 as third prize. She said the image is of participatory rice variety development.
A special award was given to Armin Hari of the Indonesian Society for Social Transformation (INSIST) for her photo depicting an old farmer checking the irrigation channel in his paddy field in the highlands of Sulawesi, Indonesia. Armin Hari cinched the People’s Choice Award as a result of online voting via Facebook. It bested 14 other finalists for the special award, including the top three prize-winning images. The Indonesian photographer received US$100.
Two Filipinos and nine other Southeast Asians received their scholarship certificates for the school year 2011-2012 from the German Academic Exchange Service (DAAD) and the Los Banos-based Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA).
The certificates were awarded during the DAAD-SEARCA scholarship ceremonial handover hel at SEARCA on November 22, 2011 which coincided with the week-long celebration of SEARCA’s 45th anniversary.
The Filipino DAAD-SEARCA scholars are Queenie Ann L. Curayag (PhD in food science and technology) and Rey B. Lara (MA in urban and regional planning) who are enrolled at the University of the Philippines, Los Banos (UPLB) and UP Diliman, respectively.
The other awardees include national of Indonesia (2), Myanmar (2), Thailand (1), Timor-Leste (4), and Vietnamese (2). Ten of them pursuing graduate programs at UPLB, while one is studying at Universiti Putra Malaysia in Selangor, Malaysia.
Ms. Natalie Lange, DAAD lecturer at UP Diliman, represented the Cultural Attache of the Embassy of the Federal Republic of Germany, Mr. Jurgen Thomas Schrod. Also present were Philippine-based German academic staff Mr. Hening Bjoern Lange and Ms. Birte Petersen.
At present, the DAAD-SEARCA scholarship program has awarded a total of 332 graduate scholarships, and a number of these graduate alumni are now occupying leadership positions in various government and international institutions.
Meanwhile, two outstanding Filipino graduate alumni of SEARCA based here, were awarded the SEARCA Re-entry Program (REP) grant, which provides seed funds for their research projects.
Dr. Rusty G. Abanto, Agriculture and Natural Resources Dean of the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) in Daet, Camarines Norte, received a grant for his project entitled “Modeling Ecological Solid-Waste Management” at the CNSC Labo Campus.
Also partially funded by CNSC and the Local Government of Labo, Abanto’s project aims to improve the solid-waste management system implemented in the school premises and shall model the ecological solid waste management as provided for in the RA 9003, otherwise known as Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.
On the other hand, Ms. Aisa O. Manlosa, Instructor at the College of Arts and Sciences, Caraga State University (CSU) in Butuan City, is leading the study entitled “Flood Damage Assessment” at Jabonga, Agusan del Norte.
Manlosa’ research aims to characterize flood events in Jabonga, Agusan del Norte in terms of frequency, timing, depth and inundation time; identity and map the flood hazard zones in the municipality.
Both grantees are expected to finish their projects by the middle of 2012.
The REP gives opportunities to SEARCA alumni who have just completed their graduate programs to enable them to implement projects or start a p[rogram that would immediately make use of knowledge and skills gained during their graduate studies to benefit their institution and home country.
Launched in 2009, the REP provides financial support of up to a maximum of US$5,000 to selected project proposals from SEARCA scholars who are in their last semester of study or had been graduated for a year.
Dr. Saguiguit thanked the German government for its generous support and contributions to human development in this part of the world.
Philippine government-hosted SEARCA, headed by Dir. Gil C. Saguiguit Jr., is the center for agriculture of the Southeast Asian Ministers of Education Organization (SEAMEO), of which the Philippines is a charter member. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Friday, November 11, 2011
Sinochem turn-over artesian well to Brgy. Maitin, Bay. Laguna
Sinochem Crop Protection, Inc., an agricultural chemical company on November 8 formally turned over to Arthur S. Panopio, Brgy. Captain of Maitim, Bay, Laguna an artesian well in Purok 4.
Panopio in behalf of his constituents in Purok 4 expressed deep appreciation to Sinochem International Chairman Pan Shengyi, Regional Business Manager Ramil Bonifacio and Country Manager Bernard Canapi for the artesian well. Bonifacio is the only Filipino and only Southeast Asian to sit in the regional board of Sinochem.
Panopio said that this artesian well will help a great deal the residents of Purok 4 in their daily need for water in the household and in watering their plants, which they did not have before.
Bay Laguna Mayor Jose “Joe” Padri who was present at the seminar and during the turn-over ceremony likewise thanked Sinochem for their efforts in giving his town mates a worthwhile donation.
Shengyi who has come to the Philippines for the second time, and has been witness to the delivery of social services of Sinochem in the Philippines was very thankful for the good relation they are experiencing with the Filipinos not only in Laguna, but in all areas Sinochem has conducted social functions to farmers
Prior to the turn-over of the artesian well, a seminar on the proper use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers was conducted to more than 100 farmers in Maitim, Elementary School of the said town.
Panopio before the seminar distributed hygiene kits from Sinochem to at least 300 pupils of Grade 1 to 3. He said that in Bay, they have adopted the one-barangay-one-product scheme. In his barangay, the Kababaihan ng Baines Multi-Purpose Cooperative with 40 members engaged in candle making business.
The coop earned pretty well in selling candles during the all-souls day and all saint day. Its tie-up with the flower shops contributed a lot to the sales.
In the seminar, Roco Mora, a graduate of Soil Science from the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) presented the use of the soil testing kit.
The kit will help farmers do the soil testing on their own and do away with the trouble of waiting for the result that usually come in two years time. With the proper understanding of colors and what they represent or say to the composition of the soil, farmers will be able to apply into the soil what it needs, said Mora.
Brgy. Maitim farmers are happy to note that Sinochem is helping them in understanding their farm needs properly and giving them social services like the artesian well, hygiene kit, soil testing service and others.
In such a case, Sinochem helps farmers especially the small ones, those from the grassroots to determine the best type of seeds to plant and insecticides to be used that will give them maximum benefit without increasing the soil’s toxic level.
“Sinochem is the only agricultural chemical company that offers us social services. We hope that other agri-firms do the same,” some Brgy. Maitim farmers said. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Panopio in behalf of his constituents in Purok 4 expressed deep appreciation to Sinochem International Chairman Pan Shengyi, Regional Business Manager Ramil Bonifacio and Country Manager Bernard Canapi for the artesian well. Bonifacio is the only Filipino and only Southeast Asian to sit in the regional board of Sinochem.
Panopio said that this artesian well will help a great deal the residents of Purok 4 in their daily need for water in the household and in watering their plants, which they did not have before.
Bay Laguna Mayor Jose “Joe” Padri who was present at the seminar and during the turn-over ceremony likewise thanked Sinochem for their efforts in giving his town mates a worthwhile donation.
Shengyi who has come to the Philippines for the second time, and has been witness to the delivery of social services of Sinochem in the Philippines was very thankful for the good relation they are experiencing with the Filipinos not only in Laguna, but in all areas Sinochem has conducted social functions to farmers
Prior to the turn-over of the artesian well, a seminar on the proper use of agricultural chemicals and fertilizers was conducted to more than 100 farmers in Maitim, Elementary School of the said town.
Panopio before the seminar distributed hygiene kits from Sinochem to at least 300 pupils of Grade 1 to 3. He said that in Bay, they have adopted the one-barangay-one-product scheme. In his barangay, the Kababaihan ng Baines Multi-Purpose Cooperative with 40 members engaged in candle making business.
The coop earned pretty well in selling candles during the all-souls day and all saint day. Its tie-up with the flower shops contributed a lot to the sales.
In the seminar, Roco Mora, a graduate of Soil Science from the University of the Philippines Los Banos (UPLB) presented the use of the soil testing kit.
The kit will help farmers do the soil testing on their own and do away with the trouble of waiting for the result that usually come in two years time. With the proper understanding of colors and what they represent or say to the composition of the soil, farmers will be able to apply into the soil what it needs, said Mora.
Brgy. Maitim farmers are happy to note that Sinochem is helping them in understanding their farm needs properly and giving them social services like the artesian well, hygiene kit, soil testing service and others.
In such a case, Sinochem helps farmers especially the small ones, those from the grassroots to determine the best type of seeds to plant and insecticides to be used that will give them maximum benefit without increasing the soil’s toxic level.
“Sinochem is the only agricultural chemical company that offers us social services. We hope that other agri-firms do the same,” some Brgy. Maitim farmers said. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Friday, November 4, 2011
World Population at 7 billion
UNFPA Representative to the Philippines, Ugochi Daniels noted that globally, while women are having fewer children on the average, global population continues to rise.
The Philippines is the 12th most population country in the world with 94.9 million people and Asia remains home to 60 percent of the world’s population.
This is according to the 2011 State of the World Population report releases on October 26, 2011 focusing on the global population milestone of 7 billion estimated to take place at the end of October.
“While our world of 7 billion presents a complex picture of trends and paradoxes, there are some essential global truths we observe. Conversely, there is no one global population outlook. Within countries, wide disparities between the rich and the poor are also glaring. Looking at fertility in the local context, Filipino women in the poorest quintile have an average of six children, two more than they desire, because of lack of access to reproductive health information services,” Daniels said.
She also noted that in the Philippines, 49 percent of the population live in cities as more people from the rural areas look for better opportunities elsewhere. Internal migration poses issues that have to be addressed such as trafficking of women.
The Philippine population remains young with people under the age of 25 making up 54 percent of the population. However, there is a need to respond to the needs of young people by providing them with life skills including proper information about their sexuality.
Currently, 10 percent of Filipino girls aged 15 to 19 have begun childbearing. Young people are also increasingly becoming more vulnerable to HIV infections. Latest data shows that 56 out of 156 new cases (or 35 percent) of HIV infections recorded last August belong to the 15 to 24 age group.
The report, published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund states that China continues to have the biggest share of the world’s population at 1.35 billion, followed by India at 1.24 billion.
But by 2025, the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs estimates that India will overtake China with 1.46 billion people, against the latter’s 1.39 billion.
Population growth tends to increase in many parts of the developing world than income growth, in which case the need for reproductive health care should be met especially the voluntarily family planning.
The attainment of a stable population is a sine qua non for accelerated economic growth and development. Government that are serious about eradicating poverty should also be serious about providing the services, supplies, information that women, men, and young people need to exercise their reproductive rights,” the report said.
The State of the World Population report makes the case that with planning and the right investments in people now, a world of 7 billion and beyond can have thriving, sustainable cities, productive labour forces that can fuel economic growth, young populations that contribute to the well-being of economies and societies and a generation of older people who are healthy and actively engaged in the social and economic affairs of their communities. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
The Philippines is the 12th most population country in the world with 94.9 million people and Asia remains home to 60 percent of the world’s population.
This is according to the 2011 State of the World Population report releases on October 26, 2011 focusing on the global population milestone of 7 billion estimated to take place at the end of October.
“While our world of 7 billion presents a complex picture of trends and paradoxes, there are some essential global truths we observe. Conversely, there is no one global population outlook. Within countries, wide disparities between the rich and the poor are also glaring. Looking at fertility in the local context, Filipino women in the poorest quintile have an average of six children, two more than they desire, because of lack of access to reproductive health information services,” Daniels said.
She also noted that in the Philippines, 49 percent of the population live in cities as more people from the rural areas look for better opportunities elsewhere. Internal migration poses issues that have to be addressed such as trafficking of women.
The Philippine population remains young with people under the age of 25 making up 54 percent of the population. However, there is a need to respond to the needs of young people by providing them with life skills including proper information about their sexuality.
Currently, 10 percent of Filipino girls aged 15 to 19 have begun childbearing. Young people are also increasingly becoming more vulnerable to HIV infections. Latest data shows that 56 out of 156 new cases (or 35 percent) of HIV infections recorded last August belong to the 15 to 24 age group.
The report, published by UNFPA, the United Nations Population Fund states that China continues to have the biggest share of the world’s population at 1.35 billion, followed by India at 1.24 billion.
But by 2025, the Population Division of the Department of Economic and Social Affairs estimates that India will overtake China with 1.46 billion people, against the latter’s 1.39 billion.
Population growth tends to increase in many parts of the developing world than income growth, in which case the need for reproductive health care should be met especially the voluntarily family planning.
The attainment of a stable population is a sine qua non for accelerated economic growth and development. Government that are serious about eradicating poverty should also be serious about providing the services, supplies, information that women, men, and young people need to exercise their reproductive rights,” the report said.
The State of the World Population report makes the case that with planning and the right investments in people now, a world of 7 billion and beyond can have thriving, sustainable cities, productive labour forces that can fuel economic growth, young populations that contribute to the well-being of economies and societies and a generation of older people who are healthy and actively engaged in the social and economic affairs of their communities. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn Mega Manila
Paje challenged by positive survey results
The administration of President Benigno S. Aquino III has received positive marks on environmental issues in an opinion survey conducted by the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) to assess the third quarter performance of the President.
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P Paje today said relative to this, that his agency is challenged to “perform even more” because of the result of the study conducted from Sept. 23-25, 2011 via face-to-face interviews with 1,262 respondents, representing 10 sectors from 64 provinces nationwide.
“We are happy with the positive rating given by the people on the government’s performance in so far as environmental issues are concerned. This could only mean that our efforts in various fronts of environmental protection and natural resources management are being felt and appreciated by the people. But at the same time, we are challenged to perform even more,” Paje said.
The PIA study was primarily intended to assess the President’s performance as of the third quarter of this year on issues related to the economy, good governance, social development, justice and security, and climate change and environmental protection.
Study results showed that 75 percent of the respondents believed in the President’s determination to improve the country’s preparedness for disasters; 64 percent gave him positive marks for protecting endangered species and their natural habitat; 61 percent of the respondents approved of the President’s efforts on stopping environmental abuse and destruction; and 57 percent gave him the thumbs up for cleaning and clearing natural waterways.
Earlier, the Social Weather Station (SWS) also reported of a “very good” overall rating for PNoy administration’s 3rd quarter performance based on its survey conducted on Sept. 4-7, 2011, with 1,200 respondents.
The DENR chief stressed, however, that even with the positive response of the public, his department will continue to level up its efforts to respond to public expectation.
“While the series of environmental disasters has somehow made our people become more aware on what could happen if we neglect our environment, I would like also to give credits to the advocacy that we have embarked in partnership with various sectors of our society,” Paje said.
These public-private partnerships which, he said, provided the catalyst to boost the department’s performance and that made an imprint on the people’s consciousness include program and policy reforms in mining, forest management, pollution control and prevention, land management and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P Paje today said relative to this, that his agency is challenged to “perform even more” because of the result of the study conducted from Sept. 23-25, 2011 via face-to-face interviews with 1,262 respondents, representing 10 sectors from 64 provinces nationwide.
“We are happy with the positive rating given by the people on the government’s performance in so far as environmental issues are concerned. This could only mean that our efforts in various fronts of environmental protection and natural resources management are being felt and appreciated by the people. But at the same time, we are challenged to perform even more,” Paje said.
The PIA study was primarily intended to assess the President’s performance as of the third quarter of this year on issues related to the economy, good governance, social development, justice and security, and climate change and environmental protection.
Study results showed that 75 percent of the respondents believed in the President’s determination to improve the country’s preparedness for disasters; 64 percent gave him positive marks for protecting endangered species and their natural habitat; 61 percent of the respondents approved of the President’s efforts on stopping environmental abuse and destruction; and 57 percent gave him the thumbs up for cleaning and clearing natural waterways.
Earlier, the Social Weather Station (SWS) also reported of a “very good” overall rating for PNoy administration’s 3rd quarter performance based on its survey conducted on Sept. 4-7, 2011, with 1,200 respondents.
The DENR chief stressed, however, that even with the positive response of the public, his department will continue to level up its efforts to respond to public expectation.
“While the series of environmental disasters has somehow made our people become more aware on what could happen if we neglect our environment, I would like also to give credits to the advocacy that we have embarked in partnership with various sectors of our society,” Paje said.
These public-private partnerships which, he said, provided the catalyst to boost the department’s performance and that made an imprint on the people’s consciousness include program and policy reforms in mining, forest management, pollution control and prevention, land management and climate change mitigation and adaptation. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Tuesday, November 1, 2011
DENR creates seed committee
A regional forest tree seed committee was recently created in the office of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-National Capital Region (DENR-NCR) to ensure the production of quality seedlings for the National Greening Program (NGP).
According to DENR-NCR Executive Director Laureano Lingan, Jr., DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje demands a survival rate of not lower than 80 percent.
This in essence, Lingan said requires among others quality seedling stocks to be planted in accordance with the standards set by the seed committee, which creation is a must.
DENR-NCR Special No. 394 created the seed committee headed by DENR-NCR Technical Director for Research Perfecta Hinojosa.
The committee is tasked primarily to assess and verify seed source; to collect and handle seeds and planting materials; to facilitate the accreditation of government/local government unit and private seed production areas, seedling seed orchards, seed source and nurseries; and to train extension markers LGU staff and other personnel of the regional office.
Lingan, aside from DENR personnel has included in the committee some representatives from the private sector and from the Quezon City local government, specifically from the Parks Development and Administration Office.
He said that for 2011, his office has targeted to plant some 350 hectares within the metropolis. “Unlike in other regions, the DENR-NCR will be responsible for the implementation of urban forestry as our contribution to the greening program,” he explained.
He also said that among the areas targeted for planting by the regional office include greenbelts, parks and other open spaces. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
According to DENR-NCR Executive Director Laureano Lingan, Jr., DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje demands a survival rate of not lower than 80 percent.
This in essence, Lingan said requires among others quality seedling stocks to be planted in accordance with the standards set by the seed committee, which creation is a must.
DENR-NCR Special No. 394 created the seed committee headed by DENR-NCR Technical Director for Research Perfecta Hinojosa.
The committee is tasked primarily to assess and verify seed source; to collect and handle seeds and planting materials; to facilitate the accreditation of government/local government unit and private seed production areas, seedling seed orchards, seed source and nurseries; and to train extension markers LGU staff and other personnel of the regional office.
Lingan, aside from DENR personnel has included in the committee some representatives from the private sector and from the Quezon City local government, specifically from the Parks Development and Administration Office.
He said that for 2011, his office has targeted to plant some 350 hectares within the metropolis. “Unlike in other regions, the DENR-NCR will be responsible for the implementation of urban forestry as our contribution to the greening program,” he explained.
He also said that among the areas targeted for planting by the regional office include greenbelts, parks and other open spaces. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
PAGASA Recent observations defines a La Nina
Sign of cooling trends since August 2011 recently observed by PAGASA on sea surface temperature over the central eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean indicates strong possibility of re-emerging La Nina episodes.
Current key oceanic and atmospheric indicators are near the threshold, satisfying a condition defining a La Nina, said Nathaniel T. Servando, Ph.D, Administrator of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Dynamical and statistical computer models suggest that the present cooling of the Pacific Ocean waters can be classified as weak compared to last year’s La Nina where it started on the 3rd quarter of the year 2010 and ended in May 2011.
In view of the current evolving event, the subsequent Philippine climate pattern will be affected during the last remaining months of 2011 up to the first quarter of 2012.
With this development, most parts of the country especially the eastern sections will likely to experience near to above normal rainfall conditions. Widespread and/or intense rainfall is expected to characterize a wet weather conditions which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.
PAGASA will continue to monitor the day-to-day rainfall/weather conditions and the large-scale climatic patterns associated with La Nina conditions.
Meanwhile, the public and concerned government institutions are advised to take precautionary and appropriate measures against the would-be impact of this type of extreme events. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
Current key oceanic and atmospheric indicators are near the threshold, satisfying a condition defining a La Nina, said Nathaniel T. Servando, Ph.D, Administrator of Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Dynamical and statistical computer models suggest that the present cooling of the Pacific Ocean waters can be classified as weak compared to last year’s La Nina where it started on the 3rd quarter of the year 2010 and ended in May 2011.
In view of the current evolving event, the subsequent Philippine climate pattern will be affected during the last remaining months of 2011 up to the first quarter of 2012.
With this development, most parts of the country especially the eastern sections will likely to experience near to above normal rainfall conditions. Widespread and/or intense rainfall is expected to characterize a wet weather conditions which may trigger flashfloods and landslides.
PAGASA will continue to monitor the day-to-day rainfall/weather conditions and the large-scale climatic patterns associated with La Nina conditions.
Meanwhile, the public and concerned government institutions are advised to take precautionary and appropriate measures against the would-be impact of this type of extreme events. Ester Z. Gallardo, PSciJourn MegaManila
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