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Current Human Events & Stories

Watch CNN’s Christianne Amanpour interview clueless President Aquino

Watch CNN’s Christianne Amanpour interview hammers almost clueless President Aquino. We invite readers to watch this video, an interview of President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III by CNN host, Christianne Amanpour. A visibly almost clueless, evasive and unconcise Pinoy president, kind of wanting to pour the blame on the local government […]

Pro-active preparation for Typhoon Yolanda proven effective in Albay province

Pro-active preparation for Typhoon Yolanda proven effective in Albay province. At the height of super typhoon “Yolanda” here on Friday morning last week, the Department of Education regional office was hit by a fire caused by faulty electrical wiring resulting to minor damages. A residential house in Tabaco City was […]

DSWD- Bicol ships out 8,000 food packs for eastern Samar

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol on Tuesday morning sent some 8,000 emergency family food packs worth P8-million for victims of super typhoon “Yolanda” in Eastern Samar, a regional official said Tuesday. Arnel B. Garcia, DSWD Bicol regional director, said the initial shipment of the relief goods […]

President Benigno S. Aquino III declares state of national calamity

Last Friday, Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ ravaged a large part of the Visayas region. It was one of the strongest typhoons in this country’s history, if not the world’s. “We thank the experts from PAGASA, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau, Phivolcs, and DOST, who gathered together and gave us the right, detailed, […]

DSWD – Bicol office to lead relief operations in typhoon-ravaged Samar

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol will be the lead agency in conducting relief operations in eastern and western Samar, among the worst-hit provinces in Central Visayas by super typhoon “Yolanda” on Friday, a DSWD regional official said Monday. Arnel Garcia, DSWD regional director, said he had […]

Team Albay OCD-5 humanitarian mission priority deployment is Tacloban City

The 179-man Team Albay-Office of Civil Defense 5 has been assigned for priority deployment in Tacloban City on Monday based on order of Undersecretary Eduardo Del Rosario, Office of Civil Defense administrator and National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council executive director. This was learned from Governor Joey Sarte Salceda […]

Newest tropical depression ‘Zorayda’ enters PAR

A low pressure area over east of southern Mindanao has intensified into a tropical depression and entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said. In a interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the tropical depression, locally named “Zorayda”, is […]

Tacloban city now open for land traffic via San Juanico and Bicol

After being hit hard by Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan), Tacloban City is now accessible by land, a Malacañang official said Sunday. Secretary to the Cabinet Jose Rene Almendras said at a media briefing in Roxas City in Capiz that Tacloban City can now be reached via the San Juanico Bridge […]

Albay dispatches humanitarian team for Eastern Visayas provinces

Team Albay is sending another humaitarian team, this time, to Eastern Visayan provinces ravaged by typhoon Yolanda. The group is composed of 179 highly spirited volunteers, from the Office of Civil Defense 5. They left Legazpi city at about 8:40 p.m. Saturday, in a convoy of 14 vehicles bound for […]

Casualty Update: Typhoon Yolanda leaves 2 dead, 9 injured in Masbate

An eight-year-old girl and a 16-year-old boy died while nine persons were reported injured when super typhoon “Yolanda” hit the Bicol region Friday morning. Office of Civil Defense Bicol Regional Director Raffy Alejandro, concurrently Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chairman, identified the two fatalities as Angel Geroldo of […]

Telcos need restore service in provinces of Eastern Visayas, Bicol and Mimaropa regions

Telcos need to restore service in everal provinces of Eastern Visayas, Bicol and Mimaropa regions. The National Telecommunications Commission on Saturday said restoration of communication signal in some areas in the Visayas may be delayed due to port operations suspension. The NTC during Saturday morning’s briefing at the National Risk […]

President Aquino’s message on typhoon ‘Yolanda’

Here’s the full statement of President Benigno S. Aquino III aired nationwide over government radio and television stations in view of super typhoon “Yolanda” Thursday evening: “Magandang gabi po sa lahat. Katatapos lang nating kausapin ang mga dalubhasa mula sa DOST, PAGASA, at Mines and Geosciences Bureau kung saan natin […]

Signal No. 3 on Masbate; No. 2 on Sorsogon, Albay and Burias; No. 1 on CamNorte, CamSur, Catanduanes as Typhoon Yolanda barrels through the islands

Signal No. 3 on Masbate; No. 2 on Sorsogon, Albay and Burias; No. 1 on CamNorte, CamSur, Catanduanes as Typhoon Yolanda barrels through the islands Signal 4 on Samar, Samar, Leyte, S. Leyte, Biliran; Signal 3 on N. Samar, Masbate, N. Cebu, Bantayan, Siargao, Dinagat, as Typhoon Yolanda barrels through […]

Southern Bicol provinces prepare for landfall of Typhoon Yolanda

The southern Bicol provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate and Albay are getting ready for typhoon Yolanda. The howler is expected to bring heavy rains that could cause widespread flooding in the areas. In the thick of preparations for the coming typhoon, the Department of Education- Bicol regional office has readied schools […]

Albay sends 80-person humanitarian team to Bohol and Cebu

The provincial government of Albay and Bicol Office of Civil Defense based in Legazpi city mounts a humanitarian team for the earthquake ravaged residents of the provinces of Bohol and Cebu in Central Visayas. The Visayan provinces was hard hit by a 7.2 magnitude earthquake that shaked its cities and […]

PHIVOLCS: Mayon Volcano Abnormality Might be Intensifying

By Mar S. Arguelles and Rey M. Nasol LEGAZPI CITY, June 5 (PNA) — An official of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said Wednesday that volcanologists are gathering scientific data to validate reports that springs surrounding Mayon volcano are drying up despite claiming these are signs that […]

Juban, Irosin Towns Get Flood Warning System from Germany

Juban, Sorsogon (PNA) — A German agency is providing a flood warning system along a major river that serves as flood path of rain water coming from the slope of Mt. Bulusan. To be put up along Cadac-an River, which stretches from the lower slope of the volcano and traverses […]

On Time Harvest Saved Crops from Flood

Exactly two weeks before the rain floods of typhoon Bebeng hit the bountiful ricefields of Calabanga, in the quadrant bounded by sitios and barangays of Taculod, San Roque, San Pablo and Ratay, the farmers got busy with their hand-driven rice harvesting tool of sickle (asyab). The farm workers worked fast and quick for the scorching heat of the summer sun has a skin-burning effect.

Is Ph Ready Yet for the Earthquake?

In 2004 a Metro Manila Earthquake Impact Reduction Study was commissioned on the probable scenarios of earthquake impact in Metro Manila. It disclosed that a big inland earthquake of 7.2 magnitude could happen in the area as an offshoot of the movement of the West Valley Fault.

Bonot and a Beach Memoire

It was one of those summer and Holy week scheduled vacations when we packed our bags for a short respite from the pressures of office work and daily commute from Antipolo to Makati. Days we looked up to as the only opportune time we connect with relatives in the province.

Cam Sur Brace for Monsoon Rain

The unabated rain experienced in major parts of the Bicol region has caused danger to lives and property of Bicolanos. In Camarines Sur, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council issued an advisory prompting its municipal counterparts to take appropriate actions in their respective areas.

Two Bicol Provinces Hit by Flash Floods

Albay Governor Joey Salceda has ordered the reactivation of evacuation plans for landslide and flood prone areas and residents in six towns following the continuous and heavy rains almost all throughout the Bicol region, and most heavily Albay for the past six days.

Sorsogon’s Mt. Bulusan Erupts

Some 540 families in the towns of Irosin and Juban in Sorsogon province were evacuated Sunday as Mount Bulusan spewed thick ash clouds. The evacuees came from three villages directly affected and within the six kilometer permanent danger zone around the erupting volcano.

Mt. Bulusan’s Seismic Activities Continue

Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon continued to show signs of increasing volcanic activities, recording explosion-type quakes and belching a 200-meter high white steam clouds above the crater rim, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

The Aftermath of the Storm

After a devastating typhoon, villagers would immediately act to salvage whatever household items could be useful and still serviceable. Us in Bicol having undergone the same experience more than many times in the past several years as our fellow Filipinos in northern Luzon, can not help but feel the sorrow and pain of typhoon victims.

Waiting for Superman on Stormy Weather

Extraordinary times like this we wish to ourselves that some extra able super guy (Superman??) would come, rescue not only young ladies in distress but the public as well. But for our country there should be many.

Super Typhoon Juan (Megi) and Weather Watching

We are on an intense weather watch due to the tropical disturbance by typhoon Juan (international code name: megi). But rather than get the bulletin from the local channels, we have to rely on the internet which are much more detailed (words and graphic) with updates as often as the sites get one, without the interruption of lengthy advertisements except those pay per click links.

The Season to Prepare and be Proactive

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reminded us these weather systems are expected to affect the nation from October until December, more of the tail end of a cold front, inter-tropical convergence zone, easterly wave, ridge of high pressure area, the easterlies, and more tropical cyclones.

The Children of a Restive Mayon Volcano

It’s been more than two weeks now (and counting), the evacuees of about forty seven thousand people are huddled in designated safe centers in the province of Albay. The “former” residents who called their home the slopes of restive, almost perfect-coned Mayon volcano, spent their first Christmas and New Year, in cramped and crowded surroundings.

More Signs of Unrest Observed Within Mayon

Resident volcanologists declared on Monday Mayon volcano continues its ash explosions which are more becoming stronger despite the evacuees eagerness to return to their homes within the danger zones.

Water World

The series of frames here shows the deplorable and severe aftermath of tropical storm Ketsana, local name Ondoy, which caused flooding to a vast area in the national capital region and neighboring provinces due to the unabated torrential rain and wind.

The typhoon entered the eastern side of the big island of Luzon and made landfall between the provinces of Aurora and Quezon, even as rain started pouring earlier on Friday evening.

The Majestic Mayon Volcano in Albay

With its towering height of 8,077 feet (2,462 meters), the almost perfect-coned volcano is the main tourist attraction of the province and the regions’ natural wonder.

But don’t be guiled with its beauty and charm, for it has erupted times too many since its first recorded activity in 1776. The most destructive was in 1814 when the town of Cagsawa was buried under its mudflows and only the church belfry was left standing. The town was later relocated into what is now the bustling trade center of Daraga.

What's Recommended

Forest fire in Mt Isarog put off by volunteers and guts

Calabanga — Putting out forest fire is an emerging challenge for local governments and communities which has no equipment nor dedicated personnel for the task. Take the current case of the huge fire that gutted about 100 to 150 hectares of second forest growth in the shoulders of Mount Isarog […]

Sorsogon’s Mt. Bulusan Erupts

Some 540 families in the towns of Irosin and Juban in Sorsogon province were evacuated Sunday as Mount Bulusan spewed thick ash clouds. The evacuees came from three villages directly affected and within the six kilometer permanent danger zone around the erupting volcano.

Albay coco industry sustain P1.3-Bn damage from Glenda

LEGAZPI CITY — Albay’s coconut industry sustained an estimated Php 1.3 billion to typhoon ‘Glenda’, affecting 70% of 900 million trees, covering 9,415 hectares. In an early update by the information office of the Bicol branch of the Philippine Coconut Authority said that some of the damages can be recovered […]

Newest tropical depression ‘Zorayda’ enters PAR

A low pressure area over east of southern Mindanao has intensified into a tropical depression and entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility on Monday morning, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said. In a interview, PAGASA weather forecaster Aldczar Aurelio said the tropical depression, locally named “Zorayda”, is […]

Telcos need restore service in provinces of Eastern Visayas, Bicol and Mimaropa regions

Telcos need to restore service in everal provinces of Eastern Visayas, Bicol and Mimaropa regions. The National Telecommunications Commission on Saturday said restoration of communication signal in some areas in the Visayas may be delayed due to port operations suspension. The NTC during Saturday morning’s briefing at the National Risk […]

Albay province to host 10,000 Yolanda survivors from Leyte and Samar

The province of Albay is preparing to accomodate 10,000 individuals or 2,000 families from among the survivors of typhoon Yolanda from Samar and Leyte. This was known Sunday as governor Joey Sarte Salceda made the announcement, that displaced families will be accommodated in the newly constructed Japan-standard evacuation centers of […]

Yolanda fatalities now at 5,598 while cost of damage rise to P27.8B

Nov 29, 2013 @ 10:24 MANILA, Nov. 29 — The official death toll from super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) rose to almost 5,600 while the cost of damage also went up to P27.839 billion, according to the national disaster council on Friday. The death toll is now at 5,598 and broken […]

Salceda urges foreign donors to start giving cash relief to the Philippines

LEGAZPI CITY — Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has urged foreign donors to start giving cash relief to the Philippines or donate to the World Food Programme, an agency with proven expertise in addressing protracted humanitarian crises, to help expedite positive impacts and improve aid effectiveness. Salceda, co-chair of the United […]

Watch CNN’s Christianne Amanpour interview clueless President Aquino

Watch CNN’s Christianne Amanpour interview hammers almost clueless President Aquino. We invite readers to watch this video, an interview of President Benigno Simeon Aquino, III by CNN host, Christianne Amanpour. A visibly almost clueless, evasive and unconcise Pinoy president, kind of wanting to pour the blame on the local government […]

3rd Batch of Bicol humanitarian team off to Eastern Samar

There is the continuous dispatch of relief teams from Bicol to typhoon-stricken areas of Eastern Visayas region. On Thursday, the third humanitarian group left from Legazpi destined to the province of Eastern Samar. The mission from Team Albay-Office of Civil Defense Bicol, composed of 63 members, left in the afternoon […]

GSIS opens emergency loans for pensioners in areas hit by Typhoon Yolanda

BACOLOD CITY, Nov. 19 (PNA) — The state pension fund Government Service Insurance System is opening a window for emergency loans for its pensioners from the areas devastated by super typhoon “Yolanda,” including Negros Occidental, its chairman Daniel Lacson Jr. announced Tuesday. The EML for pensioners facility is being rushed […]

Phivolcs: No way but towards eruption for Mayon

LEGAZPI CITY –- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that all indications lead to Mayon volcano towards eruption. Resident volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said on Monday the edifice of the volcano continues to swell, based on the latest ground deformation survey by the geodetic team, which is still […]

Belated report confirms Tilapia fishkill in Bato Lake

BATO, CamSur — A belated report on Tilapia fishkill in Lake Bato of Camarines Sur was recently confirmed by the municipal agriculture office here. The downpour of rain after long sunny days has brought about fishkill in 70 percent of the fish cages of “tilapia” in the lake. This report […]

Who’s afraid of majestic Mayon Volcano?

The long wait continues for that dreaded explosion of the beautiful, majestic Mayon volcano for 50 days or so now since Phivolcs raised Alert Level 3. The evacuees are holed in less comfortable camping situation of their lives, on dole outs from the government and private sectors of relief food, […]

What's Throwback

The Children of a Restive Mayon Volcano

It’s been more than two weeks now (and counting), the evacuees of about forty seven thousand people are huddled in designated safe centers in the province of Albay. The “former” residents who called their home the slopes of restive, almost perfect-coned Mayon volcano, spent their first Christmas and New Year, in cramped and crowded surroundings.

DSWD – Bicol office to lead relief operations in typhoon-ravaged Samar

The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol will be the lead agency in conducting relief operations in eastern and western Samar, among the worst-hit provinces in Central Visayas by super typhoon “Yolanda” on Friday, a DSWD regional official said Monday. Arnel Garcia, DSWD regional director, said he had […]

Latest Yolanda Update: Death toll now at 5,680

MANILA, Dec. 3 — The death toll from super typhoon “Yolanda” (Haiyan) rose to 5,680 while the missing persons almost reach 1,800, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council said on Tuesday. The death toll is broken into as follows: Calabarzon, 3; Mimaropa, 19; Bicol, 6; Western Visayas, 238; […]

Mayon Evacuation: More funds needed, Salceda declare centers as “Open Cities”

LEGAZPI CITY — Government agencies augment dwindling fund for Mayon evacuees as Salceda declares evacuation centers “Open Cities” for donation. The province of Albay received P112 million from various government agencies according to Gov. Joey Salceda over the weekend. The funds will be used to augment the dwindling resources earmarked […]

Sorsogon’s Mt. Bulusan Erupts

Some 540 families in the towns of Irosin and Juban in Sorsogon province were evacuated Sunday as Mount Bulusan spewed thick ash clouds. The evacuees came from three villages directly affected and within the six kilometer permanent danger zone around the erupting volcano.

Watch We are the World for the Philippines

For the nine Philippine regions battered by the typhoon. We are the World for the Philippines. (Eastern Visayas) We are the World for the Philippines. (Central Visayas) We are the World for the Philippines. (Western Visayas) We are the World for the Philippines. (Mimaropa) We are the World for the […]

“Agaton” strand thousands of passengers and vehicles in Matnog

LEGAZPI CITY — About 7,500 passengers and 445 vehicles composed of 251 trucks, 128 buses and 66 cars have been stranded at the Matnog port in Sorsogon, the Office of Civil Defense said Friday. The number of stranded passengers at the Matnog port surged due to shortage of ferry boats […]

President Aquino’s message on typhoon ‘Yolanda’

Here’s the full statement of President Benigno S. Aquino III aired nationwide over government radio and television stations in view of super typhoon “Yolanda” Thursday evening: “Magandang gabi po sa lahat. Katatapos lang nating kausapin ang mga dalubhasa mula sa DOST, PAGASA, at Mines and Geosciences Bureau kung saan natin […]

Update: Typhoon ‘Yolanda’ (Haiyan) death toll now at 3,982

MANILA, Nov 19 — In its latest official tally, the national disaster council on Tuesday announced the death toll for Supertyphoon “Yolanda” has reached 3,982 while damage to lives and property reached over P11 billion The casualty count is broken down in Calabarzon with 2; Mimaropa, 5; Bicol, 5; Western […]