El Niño effects in Baguio by November: Pagasa

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) here does not see the summer capital and neighboring Benguet province experiencing a dry spell in October with a lot of water stored due to the recent rains.
    “We will start to feel the dry spell effect of the El Niño in November and will be felt until the first quarter of next year,” Larry Esperanza, PAGASA-Baguio senior weather specialist, said in an interview.
Earlier, PAGASA projected the effect of the drought-associated El Niño phenomenon to start by October, which is less than two weeks away.
    Esperanza said the delayed effect on Baguio City and Benguet is due to the monsoon and tropical cyclones, and the fact that October is still a rainy season.
    “We still expect some tropical cyclones happening this October, that is why we do not expect to feel so much of the effect of the El Niño. We will still have rain,” he added.
    Esperanza also noted that rains are stronger in higher elevations and mountainous areas such as this city.

Meanwhile, he said aquifers have been rejuvenated brought about by recent typhoons and monsoon rains.

In the last 18 days, strong to intermittent heavy rains were experienced in the afternoon and evening until dawn the next day.

The Baguio Water District recently reported that it has several new deep wells with ample supplies. -- PNA

 

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Cordillera residents urged: Prepare for El Niño effects

By Liza Agoot 

BAGUIO CITY – The Cordillera Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council urged residents to prepare against effects of El Niño which the weather bureau said would last until 2024.
    "We ask local government units (LGUs) and the people to be prepared for the effect on food, water, energy, health and public security," Albert Mogol, Office of Civil Defense Cordillera director and CDRRMC chairman, said on Monday during opening program of the National Disaster Resilience Month at the OCD office here.
    He said they reactivated the El Niño Task Force formed three years ago and put in place additional focus aside from actions related to ensuring food security.
    "The preparations should not only be for the government, but individually, in our homes, we have to be prepared," Mogol added.
    During the same event, engineer Hilario Esperanza, Senior Weather Specialist of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration, said the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) will have normal rainfall from July to September but by October, rainfall is forecast to be below normal or from 41 to 80 millimeters (mm).
    In November, rainfall will be near 41 ml while zero rains are expected during the last month of the year.
    "The El Niño's effect will be felt until the first quarter of 2024 so we have to be ready," Esperanza said.
    Mogol said during El Niño, problems arise such as food shortage due to damage in agriculture as a result of the dry spell.
    Health problems also arise not to mention security issues and energy crises with hydroelectric power plants operating at low production capacity or worse, temporarily shut down.
    "All these are taken into consideration in the expanded roadmap for addressing the effect of El Niño, Mogol said.
    Aside from the activation of the task force, Leo Quintilla, regional director of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in CAR, urged the public to adopt water-saving measures in their homes and carry out rain-harvesting.
    "Pwede tayong mag-recycle ng tubig pambuhos sa comfort room at pandilig ng halaman (We can recycle water for use in the toilet or in watering the plants," he said in an earlier interview.
    Quintilla added that they maintain a stockpile of about 40,000 family food packs in regional warehouses aside from those that have been prepositioned with the 69 local government units, for easy access in times of calamity.
    The Department of Agriculture, which is part of the El Niño Task Force, also advised farmers to plant drought-resistant crops during the period to prevent being affected by the dry spell. -- PNA
 

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Lying beneath select SM malls are structures that can save lives, property

By Rain Cervantes

Despite its elevated location, Baguio City is one of the places in the country that gets the highest amount of rain and puts lives and properties at risk of flooding. In 2018, tropical storm Ompong left the city submerged, and in 2021, severe Tropical Storm Maring dumped 625.5 millimeter of rain more than a month’s worth in a 24-hr period. More recent atmospheric uniqueness tells us that more will come.
    SM Prime Holdings, the country’s largest integrated property developer, is no stranger to massive flooding. In a country visited by an average of 20 typhoons a year. It recognizes the devastation that flooding causes, the lives it puts at risk, and the overall potential danger which has become critical considerations for any of its new property developments.
    To help mitigate a flooding disaster in communities where SM Supermalls are located, SM Prime builds enormous “catchment tanks” underneath its malls.
    At SM City Baguio, the rainwater catchment is located at the lowest level of the parking building. The tank occupies approximately 3,159 square meters or twice the size of the Baguio City Botanical Garden. It has a capacity to hold 6,390 cubic meters of water, equivalent to two and a half Olympic-sized swimming pools.

More importantly, SM City Baguio’s rainwater catchment can alleviate concerns caused by heavy rains on the city drainage system. It serves as a holding tank that lessens the load of water passing through the drainage, aiding in flood prevention and avoids soil erosion by reducing water run-off.

Apart from supporting disaster resilience, the catchment also reduces the mall’s dependence on the city’s water table. The collected water can be used to sustain the green roof and other vegetation around the mall. It can also be used by the city for emergency response in the event of a fire.

Today, there are 22 SM Supermalls that are built with catchment tanks which can hold a combined 79,880 cubic meters of rainwater or about 32 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

“By investing in resilience, SM Prime minimizes vulnerability, better safeguards physical assets, reduces recovery expenses, and contributes to local government efforts. Ultimately, we are able to better protect lives and have safer, healthier, happier communities,” Hans T. Sy, Chairman of the Executive Committee of SM Prime said.

SM Prime continues to lead the country’s private sector in advocating disaster resilience and business continuity. As more malls open under SM Prime, it will continue to innovate on its sustainability approaches, disaster resilience initiatives, and corporate social responsibilities.

 

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Ambulant vendor in Tabuk dies of heatstroke

EMERGENCY RESPONDERS recover the body of a 52-year-old ambulant vendor after he died Tuesday, April 18, to heatstroke in Barangay Lucog, Tabuk City. (CDRRMO Tabuk City photo)

By Villamor Visaya Jr. 

TABUK CITY -- A 52-year-old ambulant vendor reportedly died Tuesday of heatstroke after he collapsed while hawking goods to motorists here on the national road.
    Emergency responders and local police immediately rushed to the scene and found the man, who was not named in the report, sprawled on the roadside, the Tabuk City disaster risk reduction and management office said in a report.
    The police believed the man died of heatstroke due to the scorching heat.
    The man, who came from Barangay Bulanao here was brought to the Kalinga Provincial Hospital, but was declared dead on arrival.
    The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said people should observe “extreme caution” when heat indexes reach 32°C to 41°C, which were experienced in northern Luzon these past few days.
    The state weather bureau said “heat cramps and heat exhaustion are possible” and “continuing activity could result in heatstroke” due to the increasing heat indexes.

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Severe heat forces DepEd for P’sinan schools to modular

By Hilda Austria 

MALASIQUI, Pangasinan – The Department of Education (DepEd) Pangasinan II Schools Division has reverted to modular distance learning to protect learners and school personnel from the ongoing severe heat.
    In a memorandum obtained by the Philippine News Agency (PNA) on Monday, Schools Division Superintendent Lorna Bugayong said the shift from in-person to modular distance learning mode is being implemented from April 24 to 29 in consideration of the well-being of the learners affected by extreme climate conditions as they attend in-person classes.
    “The summer heat has been bringing inconveniences and risks to both the learners and the teachers the past weeks and with the affirmation of the weather bureau that warmer temperatures are expected as the warm and dry season begins, there is a felt need to protect the well-being of the learners and the teachers from the extremely high temperatures,” she said.
    The heat index in the province reached 43 degrees Celsius or under the danger category on Monday.
    She said the implementation of the new mode of learning was based on DepEd Order 037 which provides for the implementation of modular distance learning in the event of canceled or suspended classes due to natural disasters, calamities, and human-induced hazards to ensure learning continuity and that learning competencies and objectives are met.
    All public school heads under Pangasinan II Schools Division are directed to implement modular learning and communicate it properly to the parents and the community while private school heads are enjoined to exercise their discretion about the memorandum.

“Teachers are expected to prepare their week-long home learning plan. The issuance of modules shall be on Monday and retrieval on Friday,” Bugayong said. -- PNA

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Baguio freezing; wear jackets, thick clothes, folks told

By Aldwin Quitasol

BAGUIO CITY — The local health office here urged residents and tourists to wear jackets and other thick clothing as temperature continues to drop.
    Authorities reported Baguio experienced a drop of temperature up to 12.2 degrees Celsius due to the northeast monsoon or Amihan affecting Luzon as of 5 a.m. of Dec. 25, 2022.
    On Dec. 24, state weather bureau PAGASA announced Baguio recorded 12.4 degrees Celsius, while warmest temperature of the day was at 20.2 degrees Celsius.
    Cold weather is enhanced by freezing strong winds blowing to the northeast amid cloudy skies.
    Scattered rains all over the city are expected because of the effect of the northeast monsoon.
    The coldest temperature in Baguio City was recorded at 6.3 degrees celsius on Jan. 16, 1961. The drop of temperature in the city starts as early as November to February of the following year.
 

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Dagupan reaches 55°C heat; folks flock to cooler beaches

By Eva Visperas

DAGUPAN CITY — People flocked to Pangasinan beaches this weekend not only to celebrate the annual Pista’y Dayat or Sea Festival, but also to chill after this city registered a heat index of 55 degrees Celsius.
    The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the 55 degrees Celsius heat index, the highest so far this year, was recorded at 2 p.m.
    “For now, this is the highest heat index recorded in the province this year,” the Pangasinan provincial disaster risk reduction management office said in a post on social media. “The maximum temperature was recorded at 35.2°C and humidity at 76 percent.”
    The public was advised to drink water frequently and avoid becoming dehydrated as chances of heat stroke were high.
    Yesterday’s heat index was higher than the figure recorded on April 22, which was 54.39 degrees Celsius, PAGASA said.
    Heat index is the combined effect felt by the human body from the actual temperature and the accompanying humidity.
    PAGASA said high air temperatures and high relative humidity give apparent high temperatures or indices.
    Full exposure to sunshine can increase the heat index by eight degrees Celsius.
    On Saturday, Dagupan registered a heat index of 50 degrees Celsius.
    On the same day, the town of Aparri in Cagayan and Laoag City in Ilocos Norte registered heat indices of 46 and 44 degress Celsius, respectively.
    Dagupan logged a maximum temperature of 33.1 degrees Celsius, which combined with a relative humidity of 83 percent and resulted in a heat index of 50 degrees Celsius.
    Aparri logged a temperature of 33.3 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 74 percent, which resulted in a heat index of 46 degrees Celsius.
    Laoag’s temperature of 34.1 degrees Celsius and relative humidity of 64 percent resulted in a heat index of 44 degrees Celsius.
    Baguio was not in its usual chill as it logged a temperature of 25 degrees Celsius, which when combined with a relative humidity of 73 percent resulted in a heat index of 25 degrees Celsius.

 

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Baguio mayor: Covid down; cold season rebound feared

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- – Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed hope that the downtrend in the city’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases will hold for months  amid the possibility of “saddling” or case rebound and the onset of the cold season to afford both the health care and economic sectors enough breathing spell to rest and recover, respectively.
    "Hopefully, our situation in so far as the Delta variant is concerned will continue to stabilize in the coming months barring the possibility of a saddle and the onset of cold season," he said.
    Saddling, he said, refers to the instance when cases go on a downtrend then settles some to form a plateau before suddenly shooting up again.
    "I hope it won't happen to us while we gradually ease up some of our restrictions to help our economy bounce back amid the lowering of cases with the caution and safety measures that we will continue to observe and implement, the vaccination accomplishment that we have and the cooperation of our residents, neighbors and visitors,” he said.
    He said the weather factor is also expected to contribute to the increase in cases as viruses thrive more in a cold environment but he said he trusts that the vaccines will also help prevent this from happening.
    He said that at present, the city is seeing continued decrease in new cases although death incidence and moderate and severe cases have remained high but not for long as these figures are expected to also dip within the week.
    Hospital care, isolation facility and oxygen utilization rates have also gone down considerably.
    “Our cases have decreased from an average of 280 cases a day a month ago to 70 cases a day.  Mataas pa rin ang death natin but we’re expecting a downtrend middle of this week.  Marami pa rin ang severe at critical cases but our hospital care utilization rate has gone down considerably that we can now transfer the severe cases formerly admitted in our city-run temporary treatment facilities to the hospitals.  Even the demand for oxygen has gone down so that we now have sufficient supply,” the mayor told reporters Oct. 25.
    During the management committee meeting Oct. 26, he commended the Baguio City Health Services Office under Dr. Rowena Galpo and all city departments for helping the city achieve an early downtrend in cases. 
    He said the city managed to lower the cases after one month and three weeks which is relatively faster as some cities in the country are still in the thick of the fight against the Delta after two or even three months.
    He shared the achievement to all health workers, government line agencies and instrumentalities, the private sector and the local residents and BLISTT communities who he said did their best and made sacrifices to realize said goal.. 

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Baguio mayor: Covid down; cold season rebound feared

By Aileen P. Refuerzo

BAGUIO CITY -- – Mayor Benjamin Magalong expressed hope that the downtrend in the city’s Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) cases will hold for months  amid the possibility of “saddling” or case rebound and the onset of the cold season to afford both the health care and economic sectors enough breathing spell to rest and recover, respectively.
    "Hopefully, our situation in so far as the Delta variant is concerned will continue to stabilize in the coming months barring the possibility of a saddle and the onset of cold season," he said.
    Saddling, he said, refers to the instance when cases go on a downtrend then settles some to form a plateau before suddenly shooting up again.
    "I hope it won't happen to us while we gradually ease up some of our restrictions to help our economy bounce back amid the lowering of cases with the caution and safety measures that we will continue to observe and implement, the vaccination accomplishment that we have and the cooperation of our residents, neighbors and visitors,” he said.
    He said the weather factor is also expected to contribute to the increase in cases as viruses thrive more in a cold environment but he said he trusts that the vaccines will also help prevent this from happening.
    He said that at present, the city is seeing continued decrease in new cases although death incidence and moderate and severe cases have remained high but not for long as these figures are expected to also dip within the week.
Hospital care, isolation facility and oxygen utilization rates have also gone down considerably.
    “Our cases have decreased from an average of 280 cases a day a month ago to 70 cases a day.  Mataas pa rin ang death natin but we’re expecting a downtrend middle of this week.  Marami pa rin ang severe at critical cases but our hospital care utilization rate has gone down considerably that we can now transfer the severe cases formerly admitted in our city-run temporary treatment facilities to the hospitals.  Even the demand for oxygen has gone down so that we now have sufficient supply,” the mayor told reporters Oct. 25.
    During the management committee meeting Oct. 26, he commended the Baguio City Health Services Office under Dr. Rowena Galpo and all city departments for helping the city achieve an early downtrend in cases. 
    He said the city managed to lower the cases after one month and three weeks which is relatively faster as some cities in the country are still in the thick of the fight against the Delta after two or even three months.
    He shared the achievement to all health workers, government line agencies and instrumentalities, the private sector and the local residents and BLISTT communities who he said did their best and made sacrifices to realize said goal. –

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Chilly hours of uncertainty

LETTERS FROM THE AGNO
March Fianza

BAGUIO CITY -- The Mercury could have dropped from 10 degrees Celsius to eight while we were watching goats sunbathing on a big flat rock sitting on the edge of a cliff at Paoay, Atok. I cannot clearly recall, but suddenly I was there at Goat Cliff in 1984 with Baguio musicians. 
    Last Sunday’s chilly hours at 10.4 degrees Celsius, according to PAGASA, brought me 37 years back to that day when for some good reason; Conrad, Randy, Fred, Sammy, Richard and I sat by Halsema, counting how many vegetable trucks traveled from Atok’s gardens to the La Trinidad trading station.
    We enjoyed doing what we did but we lost count. Times are different now unlike the 70s and 80s when one can just slip away to nowhere. Now, I have to watch over playful apos who might accidentally fall off the stairs while I write this piece.  
    We have been experiencing the cold weather drop to six degrees Celsius or lower since the 60s that I knew all along as Northeast Monsoon that forms in Siberia and Mongolia. 
    Honestly, maybe I was not paying attention. That was why I learned only recently that the “hanging Amihan” was the cold weather system that PAGASA was talking about. Honestly too, my highest grade in Pilipino was 69.
    All along, what was planted in the mind was “hanging Amihan” related to typhoons. I was wrong. It was the weather the farmers hated but the tourists from the lowlands loved. It is the season when sidewalk vendors of knitted bonnets and mufflers are happy. 
    In January 1961, records showed that Baguio’s mercury dipped to its lowest at 6.3 degrees Celsius. Surely, it was far colder in Paoay, Atok and Sinipsip, Buguias in Benguet. Maybe there were even colder moments in the past that were unrecorded.
               ***
The world saw what took place a week ago when pro-Trump rioters launched an insurrection and attacked the Capitol, the people’s congress in Washington DC.
    The deadly mob attack when Congress was confirming president-elect Joe Biden’s electoral votes was due to the bidding of Donald Trump who cannot accept defeat.
    In times when Americans are dying by the thousands due to COVID-19, when the vaccine to save infected communities is about to roll out, and when that so called great country is about to install a new president because it practically had none for the last four years, the world witnesses how Trump incited violence with his false claims of election fraud. 
    Donald Trump changed US political history by becoming the first president to be impeached twice after being charged with “incitement of insurrection” over last week's deadly riot inside the Capitol. 
    I just received messages from friends and relatives in the US, wishing to come home since they fear for their lives. There are talks of civil wars in many of the states even after a new president has been installed, while Trump faces trial at the Senate. Signs of uncertainty and hard times to come.
            ****
When is the right time to amend the Constitution?
    I am sure many of us still remember the Luneta rally on September 21, 1997 that was suspected why two days later, the Supreme Court dismissed a petition by the People's Initiative for Reform, Modernization and Action (PIRMA), which sought to amend the 1987 Constitution through a signature campaign. 
    Incidentally, I was buying coffee and Marlboro from a cigarette vendor near Dr. Jose Rizal’s grassy park when opposition politicians, religious organizations, businessmen and NGOs marched in, shouting their opposition to PIRMA. 
    Had the petition been approved by the SC during the last years of President Ramos, a national plebiscite would have been held for the proposed changes. Filipinos could have had a new Constitution in 1988 and congress in the years that followed, until today, would not be talking about cha-cha. 
    In the 1935 Constitution, the dream in its preamble wished for “blessings of independence” because it was framed when the Philippines was not yet independent, so that in 1973 or 38 years later, President Marcos convened a constitutional convention that wrote a new Constitution.
    The 1973 Martial Law Constitution was only 13 years old when President Cory, after the EDSA Revolution in 1986, convened a constitutional commission that framed the 1987 Constitution. But it was a “reactionary law” in response to the excesses of the Marcos regime. Many important issues were overlooked. 
    During President Estrada’s term, the Constitutional Correction for Development (CONCORD) proposed to amend only the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution that restricted the entry of more foreign investments in the country. Again, opposition politicians, religious groups and left-wing organizations accused Erap’s administration of pushing constitutional reform for its own interests.During President GM Arroyo’s time in 2004, she issued Executive Order No. 453 that tasked a Consultative Commission to collect proposals that included economic liberalization, further decentralization of national government, more empowerment of local governments. 
    Thus, Sigaw ng Bayan and ULAP were created to gather signatures for a plebiscite on the proposed constitutional changes. Again, the initiative was opposed by left-wing organizations, politicians, religious groups and businessmen claiming untimeliness of the proposed amendments, alleging further that GMA and allies would directly benefit from the proposed changes.
    Under President Noynoy Aquino, several proposals were made by different members of Congress, including Speaker     Feliciano Belmonte, Jr., who called for constitutional reforms in addition to economic liberalization. 
       Most proponents recognize the reality today that opening up the economy to a level playing field can benefit the people, the reason why Congress insists on more foreign investments, and allow Philippine businesses more participation in the world market. 
    But at present, restrictions in the 1987 Constitution make it hard for the country to be part of an agreement with foreign business. Several ASEAN nations for example, had wealthier economies by opening their borders to all foreigners who wanted to do business in their countries.
    The answer to the question above is “now”. There is a need to amend the 1987 Constitution now. We cannot have the 1987 charter forever. Constitutional changes can be made provided the proponents or framers of the law perform their tasks with the welfare of the people in mind, over and above personal benefits. 
    The charter should be prospective, applicable only to future politicians, to avoid allegations that the law is self-serving. More importantly, sovereign power to make the last decision should be with the people.
 

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Pangasinan health office cautions public vs heat stroke

By Liezle Basa Inigo

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan — The Provincial Health Office here advised the public to take precautionary measures against suffering heat stroke, which, it warned could be fatal.

                PHO Head Dr. Anna De Guzman issued the warning after a scorching 50 degrees Centigrade was recorded at around 2  p.m. on Monday, May 4, in Dagupan City.

Fortunately, De Guzman said there was no case of heatstroke that was reported in the province.

The sweltering heat across the country persisted as the heat index readings reached dangerous to extremely dangerous levels in five Luzon-based Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) monitoring stations on Monday afternoon (May 4).

The PAGASA stations with the highest heat indexes recorded at around 2 p.m. on Monday were located Dagupan City, Pangasinan (50 degrees Celsius); Sangley Point, Cavite City (50 degrees Celsius) Ambulong, Tanauan City, Batangas (48 degrees Celsius); Science City of Munoz (47 degrees Celsius); and Tuguegarao City (47 degrees Celsius)

Heat index is the measurement of how hot it really feels when relative humidity is factored in with the actual air temperature. It is higher by at least 2 to 3 degrees Celsius from the actual air temperature.

Expect “danger” if the heat factor is between 41 and 54 degrees Celsius as heat cramps and heat exhaustion are likely, while heat stroke is probable with continued activity.

De Guzman urged the public to avoid direct sunlight exposure from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. and suggested the use of head gears like hats and umbrellas if staying outdoors cannot be avoided.

People must stay hydrated by drinking at least 10 glasses of water daily and avoid intake of coffee, tea, soda, and alcohol.

Signs of heat exhaustion may include warm and flushed skin, faintness, dizziness, weakness, headache, very high fever, rapid heartbeat, convulsion, and unconsciousness.

Although, there has been recorded no case of heat stroke yet this summer season, private hospitals in the province recorded many cases of hypertension.

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Pagasa records drop in Baguio temp due to rains

BAGUIO CITY -- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration in this city has recorded a temperature of 14.2 degrees Celsius -- the lowest this month -- due to rain showers or thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening.

 “Here in Baguio City and Benguet, isolated rain showers will be present for the whole week,” Baguio weather synoptic station observer Efren Dalipog said on Wednesday.

 He advised the public to bring umbrella when going out as rain showers are expected in the next few days, especially in the afternoon and evening.

 The weather condition in the city is due to localized thunderstorms and the easterlies.

 It has been raining since April. The highest rainfall recorded was 48.6 millimeters on April 2 while 0.4 millimeters was the lowest rainfall recorded on April 12.

He said the rain contributes to the lower temperature being experienced in the city, which is as low as 14.2 degrees Celsius, compared to temperature being experienced in lowland provinces which are usually in the mid-30s.

              According to PAGASA, the highest recorded temperature in the city this month was on April 11 at 28.6 degrees Celsius. -- Hasreel Sandee Gano / PNA

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Voter on way home dies due to hot weathe

By Erwin Beleo

BAUANG, La Union – A senior citizen voter who was on his way home after casting his vote at around 11 a,m, in Barangay Santiago, died while resting under a tree.

Authorities later said it was likely due to a heat stroke.

Barangay Captain Clarito Tangalin, village chief of Santiago, identified the victim as Anacleto Manzano.

It was reported that he had complained of the heat while waiting to vote. Witnesses said he had remarked that he might get heat stroke due to the hot weather.

“He was given priority (to cast his vote) because he is a senior citizen, however, when he was already going home he decided to rest under a tree but he collapsed there. Rescuers rushed him to the hospital but he was declared dead upon arrival,” Tangalin said.

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Baguio City girds up for long, dry summer

BAGUIO CITY — The Baguio Water District urged consumers to practice water supply management in the face of this year’s El Niño episode.

Parts of the country are already feel­ing the effects of El Niño, with dry spells and even droughts being reported.

“Let’s keep it simple, use our avail­able water supply wisely.” BWD general manager Salvador M. Royeca said.

“Although our water supply is still normal at this time of the year, we might as well try to extend its availability until we reach the next rainy season.” Royeca said.

Water conservation must be prac­ticed not only by households but by business establishments like hotels, transient and boarding houses, whose water consumption is high, he said.

As early as the fourth quarter of 2018, the district had laid out contin­gency measures to head off a water shortage during the stretch from Febru­ary until May when visitors converge on Baguio for the Panagbenga festival, and on April, during the Holy Week exodus to the city.

“We will ensure that our available supply will be distributed equitably,” said Royeca, adding the rehabilitation of Sto. Tomas Rain Basin in 2018 and the commissioning of more deep wells particularly in Tam-awan, South Drive, Military Cut-Off, and Busol Tip-Top are expected to augment the water supply.

               Still, he suggested water-saving practices including the use of dipper or pail when washing hands and basins when taking a bath; recycling of used water for flushing toilets or watering plants; and inspecting a house or estab­lishment’s water pipes for leaks.

On average, the district delivers around 58,000 cubic meters of water daily. During the dry season, however, the groundwater supply is expected to dry up substantially.

During peak periods, the city’s water demand balloons to 65,000 cubic meters or more daily.

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Dry spell to hit Luzon due to developing El Niño

A dry spell may be experienced in Luzon in the first quarter of the year due to a developing El Niño, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has warned the public. 

Ana Liza Solis, chief of PAGASA’s climate monitoring and prediction section, said below normal rainfall might be experienced until the end of April. 

“Luzon may experience prolonged dry spell. Although we expect local thunderstorms by end of March or end of April, rains from this system would not be enough (to fill water reservoirs),” Solis said. 

She said Lanao del Sur, Lanao del Norte and Ilocos Norte have experienced dry spells in the past months due to El Niño-like conditions in the Pacific. 

Solis said the warming temperature in  the surface of Pacific Ocean remains above the El Niño threshold of 0.5 degrees Celsius.

“El Niño is still expected to develop within the year,” she said, noting that the so-called “coupling” or the process that would sustain El Niño, could happen during the cold months of January and February.

 Solis said the northeast monsoon or cold and dry air from China and Siberia is stronger during El Niño.

Based on PAGASA’s latest forecast, there is an 80 percent chance that El Niño would develop in the coming months.

The Department of Agriculture created a task force to monitor and coordinate various programs to mitigate the possible impact of El Niño on certain crops like rice and corn, which account for nearly half of the total farm production in the country.

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DA-CAR chief: Frost won't affect veggie supply, cost

BAGUIO CITY -- The Dept. of Agriculture Cordillera said there will be no vegetable price surge due to the "frost" phenomenon caused by the sudden drop in temperature.

“We are assuring the public that there will be enough supply and stable prices of vegetables,” DA-CAR officer-in-charge Dr. Cameron Odsey told an interview on Tuesday.

He said the frost phenomenon is a normal occurrence that happens when the temperature in the Cordillera drops.

“Frosting” happens when the cold temperature causes the morning dew on the leaves to freeze.

For several years, the occurrence was monitored in a small area in Barangay Paoay, Atok town in Benguet.

In recent years, there were also some reports of "frost" in Madaymen, Kibungan and at Mount Santo Tomas in Tuba, Benguet.

Odsey said the areas where the phenomenon happens cover a very small portion of the region’s land area used in vegetable production.

He also said farmers have learned how to manage frost to avoid total damage on the produce, particularly on leafy vegetables.

“Pauulanan nila gamit ang water sprinkler bago lumabas ang araw para matunaw ang yelo (They will water the plants using the water sprinkler to melt the ice),” Odsey said. 

In case the outer leaves are damaged, the farmers simply remove them and the remaining leaves are still sold, he added.

To allay fears of the lack of supply, Odsey reiterated that frosting happens in a small area and will neither adversely affect vegetable supply nor lead to increase in the produce's costs.

He warned traders taking advantage of the frost to jack up the vegetable prices, calling on the local media to help them in informing the public about the reality of the frost and that is should not be a cause for panic.

Odsey said Benguet is the primary source of highland vegetables.

Out of the 13 town in Benguet, vegetables in commercial quantity are produced by the municipalities of Atok, Buguias, Mankayan, Tublay, Kabayan, Kibungan and a few from the towns of Bokod, La Trinidad, Kapangan, Bakun, Sablan, Tuba and Itogon.

Based on record, Benguet produced an aggregate of 50,788 metric tons of assorted vegetables in 2017.

In 2018, the production was cut to 42,729. which was due to the series of calamities experienced in the province from July to November.

Odsey said highland vegetables are also grown in Bauko town in Mountain Province as well as Tinoc town in Ifugao- all adjacent to Benguet province, adding to Benguet’s production.

The country’s weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) on Tuesday said frost can be experienced in Atok as temperature reading in the town drops from eight to 10 degrees Celsius. (PNA

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Christmas events on in Baguio as mercury drops

By Pamela Mariz Geminiano

BAGUIO CITY – Christmas events in this summer capital are on with the annual “Christmas in Baguio” festivities starting with lighting of the giant Christmas tree and turning on of Christmas lights and sounds at the People's Park last week.

Colorful fireworks displays and a Christmas lantern parade around Saint Louis University also warmed up and delighted thousands of locals and tourists amid a cold 12.4 degree-Celsius temperature.

"This is the time when we express most our deepest love for our families, care for each and every one, and gratefulness to God," Mayor Mauricio Domogan said, as he led the lighting-up ceremonies on Saturday night, marking the start of the Yuletide season in the City of Pines.

The “lights and sounds offering" is also on at People’s Park at the foot of Session Road, for everyone to see each night.

Senior tourism operations officer Jose Maria Rivera said the city government has lined up better yuletide calendar activities this year.

For over 20 years now, Baguio's yuletide offerings have been a main attraction for both tourists and residents, who spend the holidays in the city.

December calendar

"The lined-up activities are certified crowd-drawers," Rivera said, adding the city's December calendar is packed with religious and gift-giving activities, as well as trade fairs, musical performances, contests, and sports fests.

Among these is what locals have been waiting for each year, the University of Baguio's annual "Christmas Cantata."

The "Search for the Baguio Lucky Foreign Visitors" is still there, together, of course, with the “Simbang Gabi” at the Baguio Cathedral, a number of medical and dental outreach activities, and the “Kids Journey to the North Pole Christmas Party.”

Rivera said grand fireworks displays are set on Dec. 24 and 31.

At the sidelines of Monday's flag ceremony at the city hall, engineer Nazita Banez, head of the City Building and Architects Office (CBAO), said the local government spent PHP1.11 million for the materials of the giant Christmas tree with lights.

Recycled materials, however, were incorporated into the decorative items hung on the Christmas tree, she said.

“We incorporated decorations made of recycled items because we wanted to make it environment friendly and to save on cost while still achieving the purpose of providing a good Christmas tree,” the engineer said.

The 23-meter-high Christmas tree is at the middle of the Rose Garden in Burnham Park.

The giant Christmas tree, Banez said, is made of steel and decorated with handwoven fabric from the different provinces of Cordillera and recycled materials.

The tree carries the theme “Christmas of unified cultural people.”

From midnight of Nov. 30 to midnight of Dec. 1,  Session Road was closed to vehicles to give way to the city's events on its main thoroughfare, particularly SLU's lantern parade.

“Majority of the lanterns were designed and hand-crafted by the students, in accordance to this year’s theme, which is Christmas in countries where mission stations of the CICM (Congregation of the Immaculate Heart of Mary) are located,” said Rebecca Lim-Nulud, director of SLU Center for Culture and the Arts.

The Laboratory Elementary School carried a theme representing the mission station in Taiwan; Belgium for the Junior High School; Indonesia for the Senior High School; Japan for the School of Accounting Management and Computing Information Sciences; and Mongolia for the School of Engineering and Architecture.

The Dominican Republic was carried by the School of Law; Haiti for the School of Natural Sciences; Brazil for the School of Nursing; and Congo for the School of Teaching Education and Liberal Arts.

SLU's lantern parade has always been a crowd drawer every Christmastime in Baguio for the past decade now.

This year,  students were more excited, Nulud noted, as the lanterns were attached with powerbanks to sustain their lights.

                Chief Insp. Oliver Panabang, head of Baguio City Police Office Traffic Division, said safety tips have been issued to residents and tourists planning to spend their Christmas vacation in the city.

Panabang advised residents and tourists to leave their vehicles at home or at their accommodations and just commute or walk to their destinations.

“That’s the way to do it if you want to enjoy your stay in the city because if you will insist on using your service vehicles, then you must be ready to get stuck in traffic,” Panabang warned.

"There are around 44,000 vehicles plying the city’s streets as against the only 3,000 plus parking slots available," he said.

He said number of vehicles double when tourists arrive, so the road situation becomes more complicated, people get stuck in traffic, and locals walk back home.

Panabang also reminded commuters to be conscious of their belongings so they won't leave these inside the taxi. He advised the public to take note of the cellphone number written on the body of the taxi for easy tracing.

The city's traffic chief also urged the public to “cooperate with the traffic enforcers and please do respect our traffic rules, so that we will all have a good stay in the city.”

Meanwhile, acting BCPO director Eliseo Tanding said the city's law enforcers have prepared special operation schemes to prevent crimes during the holidays.

"Over 200 policemen will be deployed and augmented by force multipliers in the different barangays to secure and assist the locals and tourists," he said.  -- PNA

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‘Amihan’ continues to affect Northern Luzon

By Ellalyn De Vera-Ruiz

The cold weather-associated northeast monsoon or amihan will continue to affect Northern Luzon, while the warm and humid easterly winds will prevail over the rest of the country.

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said the amihan will bring cloudy skies with light to moderate rains over Batanes and Babuyan islands, while partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated light rains will persist over Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, Abra, Benguet, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, and Mountain Province.

Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers due to localized thunderstorms.

PAGASA warned of possible landslides or flash floods over mountainous or low-lying areas during severe thunderstorms.

A gale warning has been issued over the northern and western section of Northern Luzon due to rough seas.

PAGASA particularly advised the fisherfolk not to set sail into the coastlines of Batanes, Calayan, Babuyan, and the northern coast of Ilocos Norte, and Ilocos Sur due to rough to very rough seas that will be dangerous for small sea craft.

Meanwhile, PAGASA advised sea vessels of moderate to occasionally rough seas over the coastlines of the eastern section of the country due to moderate to at times strong winds originating from east to northeast.

Only slight to moderate seas will prevail over the rest of the country.

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Doc bares health tips as low temp lingers

BAGUIO CITY – The city’s top health officer has urged residents to boost their immune system as the extreme change in weather – hot during midday but cold in the evening – is expected to linger.

 “Extreme changes in weather lower our resistance,” City Health Services Office (CHSO) chief, Dr. Rowena Galpo, said Tuesday.

The midday heat and with low temperatures, which according to the weather bureau, have ranged from 14 degrees to 18 degrees Celsius since Oct. 1, especially from 4 p.m. to 6 a.m. the following day, are making people prone to respiratory diseases, such as colds and cough, Galpo said.

There is a need to boost the body’s immunity through proper diet, exercise and observing such practices as covering the mouth when sneezing and coughing, she said, advising the public to take at least 500 mg. of Vitamin C to help boost the immune system.

She also said that walking is a good exercise.

“Our sedentary lifestyle will make us sick. It lowers our immunity. Walking is advised. It is the cheapest form of exercise – it does not require expenses, yet it gives us the greatest benefits,” Galpo said.

The health officer also advised wearing comfortable clothing when it is warm, and jackets and sweaters when it is cold to maintain body temperature.

She urged the public to practice proper and regular hand-washing.

“Hand-washing prevents most diseases. (Wash your hands) after coming from the toilet and before eating. Practice (proper) cough and sneezing manners so as not to spread the virus,” Galpo said.

 “(But) even if the virus is present, if you have a strong resistance, you will not get sick,” she added. -- PNAS

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Pagasa warns of super typhoon in Oct, other storms

BAGUIO CITY -- The Cordillera Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council urged Cordillera residents to

prepare for another possible super typhoon-like Lawin in October.

PAGASA Baguio Weather Specialist engineer Danny Galati told a

CRDRRMC meeting the weather bureau is monitoring weather disturbance which could develop into another super typhoon which could hit the country particularly Cordillera and Northern Luzon.

Galati said a low pressure area along the Marianas Islands is likely to intensify into a Category 5 tropical cyclone equivalent to super typhoon which is possible to enter Philippine area early October. Based on the Tropical Cyclone Forecast of the Pagasa, at least twotropical cyclones are expected this October and four

more in November to December.

He added track of said weather disturbance is yet to be forecast given its distance from PAR but the weather bureau is alerting the public and local DRRMCs against possible heavy rains and strong winds.

“While it is still outside PAR, it has a higher chance that will

intensify and develop into a super typhoon. Although we cannot control the coming of cyclones in our country, at least we can mitigate its potential impact,” he said.

Galati said that the weather announcement is not to scare the public  but to let everybody including the different government agencies and local government units  prepare for worst case scenario.

Super Typhoon Lawin,  the third most intense tropical cyclone worldwide in 2016, left the Cordillera region

with 21 confirmed casualties with 16 dead; four injured and one missing and 119,134 families or 526,758 individuals affected.

 It also left more than P6 Billion in damages in

infrastructure and in agriculture. -- PIA CAR

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