The wait is over for the long overdue modernization of the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA).
Last November 3, 2015, President Benigno Aquino III signed into law the Republic Act No. 10692 or “PAGASA Modernization Act of 2015.” In a statement, the Official Gazette explained that the modernization of the state weather bureau should have the following components:
– Modernization of Physical Resources and Operational Techniques
– Enhancement of Research and Development Capability
– Establishment of Regional Weather Service Centers
– Establishment of PAGASA Data Center
– Enhancement of Weather Data Collection and Information Dissemination Services
– Creation of a Human Resource Development Program, which includes a New Salary Scale for PAGASA Personnel.
Under this, the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) shall develop a new salary scale for PAGASA personnel in consonance with Republic Act No. 8439, otherwise known as the “Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and other Science and Technology Personnel in Government” with a corresponding increase in the base pay, allowances and other benefits.
PAGASA FORECASTERS/pahaon.tv archive
The modernization plan likewise includes PAGASA Personnel Retention Incentive and Scholarship Program and; Development of Regional and International Cooperation Program.
To implement the agency’s update, the government will spend an initial P3 billion for the modernization of the state weather agency from national government in the gross income of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp.
For two years after the effectivity of this Act, an amount of 1.5 billion pesos per year shall be released to the PAGASA. The entire amount of P3 billion including any interest income thereon, shall be used exclusively for capital outlay.
Meanwhile, PAGASA is elated by this development. In an interview with PanahonTV, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Aldczar Aurelio shared that he expects the Modernization Law to hamper the brain drain within the bureau.
“Tumataba ang puso namin dahil ‘yung ginagawa namin trabaho, [‘yung] responsibility namin, napansin ng pamahalaan at sinuklian nila. Matagal na naming pinapangarap na matulungan kami ng ating pamahalaan dahil nga sa matagal nang problema… ‘yung brain drain, kakulangan sa tao, umaalis dahil sa maganda ‘yung opportunity sa iba kaysa dito.”
According to Aurelio, the upgrading will also affect PAGASA’s services, equipment and trainings, which will consequently benefit the public.
“Mas gaganda pa ang aming pagbibigay ng taya ng panahon, forecasts… mas accurate kaysa ‘yung dati,” he said.
SOURCE: http://www.gov.ph/2015/11/03/republic-act-no-10692/
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The Northeast Monsoon, locally known as amihan, is back. After a week of monsoon break, amihan is now affecting the extreme Northern Luzon. Apart from cold weather, light rains are expected in Batanes, Calayan and the Babuyan Group of Islands. Sea travel along the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon is also risky due to the amihan
Meanwhile, another weather system is affecting the country today; the axis of Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) is now in Mindanao. This will bring light to moderate rains in the Davao Region and SOCCSKSARGEN. Though ITCZ is a series of Low Pressure Areas, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran confirms that good-weather days lie ahead.
Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have fair weather. Localized thunderstorms are still possible, especially in the afternoon.
No weather disturbance or tropical cyclone is expected to affect the country within the next 24 hours. However, due to the prevailing Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), some areas will experience rainy weather. CARAGA, Zamboanga Peninsula and the province of Palawan must be prepared for cloudy skies, which may bring light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms.
ITCZ is a weather system where winds coming from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. As winds converge, convective clouds are formed. Considered to be a breeding ground of low pressure areas, weather disturbances often develop in this area.
The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated thunderstorms. Meanwhile, despite the absence of a gale warning, fishing boats and other small seacraft are advised to be cautious in venturing out into the seaboards especially in Northern Luzon.
For today’s temperatures in the key cities of the Philippines, Metro Manila can expect a range of 24 to 33 degrees Celsius while Metro Cebu will have 26 to 32 degrees Celsius. Temperatures in Metro Davao will be at 25 to a possible high of 33 degrees Celsius.
Aside from the temperature, relative humidity is also included in PAGASA’s forecast. Humidity is the amount of moisture in the air. PAGASA Weather Forecaster Buddy Javier says that the high temperature and humidity may make our bodies feel warmer.
Climate Vulnerable Forum takes place in Manila
The Climate Change Commission, together with the Department of Foreign Affairs, is holding the 3rd Vulnerable Forum (CVF) from November 9 to 11, 2015 in Diamond Hotel. CVF is composed of 20 countries known as the V20. These countries are the low and middle-income, small and developing countries which are vulnerable to climate change.
The event aims to strengthen the voice of participating countries for the upcoming negotiations in Paris this December. CVF also helps in preparing and improving climate action plans, including mitigation and adaptation.
An average of 18 to 20 tropical cyclones enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) yearly. This number is more than enough to cause devastation in different parts of the country.
As the national weather bureau, PAGASA duly informs and warns the Filipino people against every weather disturbance that may affect the country. Together with the Office of Civil Defense and the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (NDRRMC), information and disaster preparedness drives are implemented.
But during the onslaught of a tropical cyclone, people tend to focus on the losses it has caused, and rarely talk about its benefits.
Here’s are some reasons why storms are essential to our survival:
They fill up our reservoirs. In a tropical country like the Philippines, a large portion of the annual rain comes from cyclones. Though these are dubbed as “weather disturbances,” cyclones don’t only get rid of pollutants in the atmosphere, but also give us our much-needed water supply. In fact, studies shows that 25% of the water supplies in India and Southeast Asia come from rain showers brought by cyclones. Regions that are facing dry and drought conditions can benefit from cyclones. Increased rainfall enables the ground to hold more moisture that is conducive to crops.
They keep our bodies of water healthy. Rain showers help river systems flush out silt. According to National Geographic, silt is made up of rock and minerals that are bigger than clay but smaller than sand, that are worn away by water or ice. Silts are fine sediment that gathers at the bottoms of river, streams and lakes. These can be a rich source of nutrients for fish, however it can be presented by unnatural process. Build up of silts introduced by industry can be harmful as it contains chemicals.
Another advantage of rains is they inundate areas where fish can breed, thus increasing the number of fish. Cyclones can also help circulate nutrients from the seafloor, boosting ocean productivity.
They balance the global temperature. Cyclones move towards the poles, thus balancing the earth’s temperature by pushing warm tropical away from the equator. It is said that the poles will get a lot colder, and the tropics would get a lot hotter if there were no tropical cyclones.
sources:
http://education.nationalgeographic.com/encyclopedia/silt/
While most workers will enjoy a long break during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Leaders’ Meeting, some are still required to report for duty.
In line with this, the Department o Labor and Employment (DOLE) reminded employers to observe proper pay rules and core labor standards for personnel who will come in to work from November 18-19, 2015, which have been declared under Proclamation No. 1072 as special non-working holidays in the National Capital Region (NCR).
“In view of the Proclamation, I enjoin all private sector employers in Metro Manila to observe the proper pay rules for the benefit of their workers,” reiterated DOLE Rosalinda Baldoz in an official statement last Wednesday.
According to the Labor Department, the following pay rules shall apply to private sector workers in NCR from November 18-19, 2015:
– If the employee did not work, the “no-work, no-pay” principle shall apply, unless there is a favorable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment on a special day.
– If the employee worked, he or she shall be paid an additional 30% of his or her daily rate on the first eight hours of work.
– If the employee worked in excess of 8 hours (overtime work), he or she shall be paid an additional 30% of his or her hourly rate on said day.
– If the employee worked during a special day that also falls on his or her rest day, he or she shall be paid an additional 50 percent of his or her daily rate on the first 8 hours of work.
– If the employee worked in excess of 8 hours (overtime work) during a special day that also falls on his or her rest day, he or she shall be paid an additional 30 percent of his or her hourly rate on said day.
Meanwhile, Baldoz also urged all private school employers to comply with the following pay rules, which cover all teaching and non-teaching personnel in private schools:
a. If the employee did not work:
• He/she will not be paid, unless there is a favourable company policy, practice, or collective bargaining agreement (CBA) granting payment of wages on November 17-20.
• When the employee has accrued leave credits, he/she may be allowed to utilize such leave so that he/she will have compensation on said days.
b. If the employee worked:
No additional pay is given to the employee, but only their salary on said day.
SOURCES:
http://www.dole.gov.ph/news/view/2966
http://www.gov.ph/whats-the-difference-between-a-regular-holiday-and-a-special-non-working-day/
The Easterlies continue to prevail, bringing light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms in the eastern section of the country. Cloudy skies with light to moderate rains aree expected in the Bicol Region, SOCCSKSARGEN, Zamboanga Peninsula, Davao Region, and in the provinces of Quezon and Palawan. Meanwhile, generally fair weather condition with a chance of isolated thunderstorms in the afternoon or evening is expected in Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
According to Weather Forecaster Glaiza Escullar, no weather disturbance is expected inside and outside the boundary of the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, PAGASA continues to monitor possible weather developments in the coming days.
In addition, Escullar said that the Northeast Monsoon or amihan will prevail over the extreme Northern Luzon, especially in Batanes, bringing light rains and cold weather. The effects of the amihan will be felt in this section in the coming days.
Meanwhile, seaboards in the country are safe for small seacraft and other fishing vessels to venture into. Light to moderate sea conditions are expected all over the country.
The second half of 2013 was a challenging season for the Philippines. At the heels of the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that shook Bohol on October 15 came Super Typhoon Haiyan, known by Filipinos as “Bagyong Yolanda.” Two years later, we look back at how massively this typhoon affected the country, and how Filipinos united to rise from the disaster.
Not an Ordinary Typhoon
Based on the climatological records of Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), tropical cyclones that enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) during the month of November have a higher chance of hitting the landmass. Proof of this is Yolanda, which traversed the country last November 2013. Since the typhoon originated from the Pacific Ocean, Yolanda gained considerable strength as it headed towards the Philippines.
Yolanda became one of the world’s most disastrous typhoons that year. Within a day, six landfall activities were recorded by PAGASA. On November 8, 2013, Yolanda hit the following areas:
– Guiuan, Eastern Samar
– Tolosa, Leyte
– Daanbantayan, Cebu
– Bantayan Island, Cebu
– Concepcion, IloIlo
– Busuanga, Palawan
The Yolanda Aftermath
Yolanda exited the PAR on November 9, 2013, leaving a horrific view of Leyte and Samar. Dead bodies, debris, uprooted trees and displaced electrical posts blanketed the streets after the passage of the powerful typhoon.
Aside from flash floods and landslides, the intense winds of the typhoon triggered storm surges that devoured Leyte, especially the city of Tacloban. Some Taclobanons said it was like the entire sea had crawled over the land.
Based on the final update from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC), at least 6,000 people were reported dead, while more than a thousand persons are still missing. More than 3 thousand families were affected in Regions IV, V, VI, VII, VIII, X, XI and CARAGA. The combined power of rains, winds and waves smashed almost 1.2 million houses.
NDRRMC also recorded a total of almost 90 billion pesos worth of damage. By virtue of Proclamation No.682, a state of national calamity was declared on November 11, 2013.
Recovery and Rehabilitation
From the barangay captains to the officers of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC), assessment operations and immediate response were done, even while Yolanda raged on.
Thirst and hunger were the primary concerns of the survivors. People were begging for food and water. It seemed that Yolanda left nothing behind but misery.
But as the rain poured, so did aid. Many organizations, both local or international, began to offer help and assistance for the affected families. Relief goods and other necessities gradually relieved the situation.
Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) says we need to take recovery and rehabilitation efforts to the next level. Here are some of the highlights of the press statement released by NEDA on November 5, 2015.
“We are happy to report that we are on track in completing infrastructure projects. Majority of the roads, bridges, ports and telecommunication facilities, which are key in restoring economic activity, have already been reconstructed and even upgraded for resiliency.
…we are pleased to know that education and health services have been restored, now with better facilities such as climate-resilient buildings.”
Tacloban now
As Tacloban commemorates Yolanda’s second anniversary, the city government have set activities for the people to remember their loved ones who suffered from the Super Typhoon. Everyone is encouraged to continue moving forward from the catastrophe.
Climate Change and Typhoons
Scientists and climate experts have observed the link between the continuous rise in ocean temperatures and extreme weather events. Climate change has become an inevitable global concern. In fact, the Philippines is included in the 20 countries vulnerable to Climate Change impacts.
According to Dr. Rosa Perez from the National Panel of Technical Expert of Climate Change Commission, Climate Change is driven by natural and human-induced factors. But the major problem now is the human activities that contribute to higher emission of greenhouse gases (GHGs).
As more GHGs are trapped in the atmosphere, the earth becomes warmer, inducing temperatures to soar. When water is heated, it expands. This is why the sea level has also risen throughout the years. Higher sea level could also bring higher storm surges and may cause flooding in more inland areas.
Warmer oceans also generate intense typhoons, like what happened to Yolanda. From a low pressure area (LPA), it developed into a strong typhoon while traversing the Pacific Ocean – where an ample amount of heat and moisture contributed to the cyclone’s intensification.
Storm Surge Preparedness
The stronger the typhoon, the higher the risk of storm surges. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), a storm surge is a rise in the water level above the predicted astronomical tide due to the presence of a storm. It occurs when strong winds associated with the cyclone pushes the ocean water toward the shore.
Certain factors like topography and water depth affect the storm surge. A storm surge also becomes more dangerous in areas with a gently sloping seafloor because no barrier hinders the waves from going further inland.
As we learn from the past and continue to rise from the disaster, resiliency is not enough. We must be educated on disaster preparedness. Storm surge drills are practiced in the local community to educate the people about the basics of a storm surge and how to respond to a calamity.
Panahon TV Yolanda Special Segment
Related articles: Top 5 Things You Need to Know about Storm Surges
Sources: PAGASA-DOST
NOAA
NDRRMC
Have you ever dreamed of becoming an astronaut? This might be the time to make your celestial dreams come true.
In a press statement last Wednesday, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) announced its search for a new batch of space explorers.
With more human spacecraft development in the United States (US) today than at any other time in history, NASA added that future astronauts will launch from the Space Coast of Florida on an American-made commercial spacecraft, and carry out deep-space exploration missions that will advance future human missions to Mars.
To date, NASA has selected more than 300 astronauts to fly on its increasingly challenging missions to explore space and benefit life on Earth. There are 47 astronauts in the active astronaut corps, and more will be needed to crew future missions to the space station and destinations in deep space.
Applications will be accepted from December 14 until mid-February of 2016 while selected candidates will be announced in mid-2017.
Applications for consideration as a NASA Astronaut will be accepted at: http://www.usajobs.gov
Here are some of the requirements:
– Candidates must have earned a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in Engineering, Biological Science, Physical Science or Mathematics. An advanced degree is desirable.
– Candidates must have at least three years of related progressively responsible professional experience, or at least 1,000 hours of pilot-in-command time in jet aircraft.
– Astronaut candidates must pass the NASA long-duration spaceflight physical exam.
For more information, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/astronauts.
SOURCE:
http://www.nasa.gov/press-release/be-an-astronaut-nasa-seeks-explorers-for-future-space-missions
Easterlies prevail, bringing light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms in the eastern section of the country, including the provinces of Aurora and Quezon, Bicol Region, Eastern Visayas and CARAGA. The rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.
Winds coming from the east are warm and moist in nature. Heat and moisture are just some of the main factors which speed up evaporation and cloud formation. Hence, easterlies can generate rains and thunderstorms in the affected areas.
Over the weekend, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Shelly Ignacio says no weather disturbance is expected to enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). However, all are still advised to monitor updates as rains or thunderstorms are still possible depending on the existing weather system.
Ignacio adds that the Philippines remains haze-free in relation to the forest fire in Indonesia. Still, she reminds the public, especially those in the cities, that haze occurs even without the presence of a forest fire. It could be triggered by smoke or particles from vehicles and factories.
Magnitude 4.4 quake recorded in Sultan Kudarat
On Thursday evening at around 7:52PM, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) recorded a magnitude 4.4 earthquake. With a depth of 581 kilometers, its epicenter was located at 212 kilometers southwest of Palimbang, Sultan Kudarat.
Intensity II was felt in Cagayan de Oro City. According to PHIVOLCS, no damage was reported. Aftershocks are not expected to occur.
