As the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) celebrates its 117th anniversary today, we also take a quick look back in history when it was first established in 1899. Its roots can be traced back to the first Council of Government of the First Philippine Republic, wherein Gracio Gonzaga was appointed as Secretary of Public Welfare, which included transportation and communications services. Through the years, the department has undergone changes in names and scope of responsibilities, until it finally settled into the name of DOTC under the Arroyo regime in 2004.

The DOTC is responsible for the development and provision of efficient, effective and secure infrastructure in the transportation and communications sectors. One of their more recent projects is the test run of double-decker buses that offer point-to-point routes, including Trinoma to Glorietta 5, SM North EDSA to Glorietta 5 and SM Megamall to Glorietta 5. Equipped with free Wi-Fi, CCTV , VIP lounge with refrigerator, restroom and a karaoke machine to help ease the burden of traffic, the service will be operational until January 31.

Transportation as Hazards to Nature

Because transportation has become an important discussion in the light of urban traffic, we also bring forth another aspect of travel that brings repercussions to the environment. These are the Greenhouse Gases (GHG) that come from burning fossil fuels that trigger air pollution, and ultimately, global warming.

To help ease this problem, a new wave of transportation inventions is hitting the road, showing a greener and more sustainable way of traveling.

E-Jeepneys

The very first E-jeepney in Southeast Asia was seen in Ayala Avenue, Makati City on July 1, 2008. Since then, eight units of e-jeepneys have been roaming two routes in the business district–the Salcedo and Legaspi routes that start and end at the Landmark Mall. Quezon City also boasts of its own operating e-jeepneys named COMET with routes from SM North EDSA to the LRT Katipunan Terminal and vice versa.

E-jeepneys are also found in Puerto Princesa, where biodegradable household wastes are converted into electricity.

E-Trikes

Former Puerto Princesa Mayor Ed Hagedorn started this project in May 2009. The e-trikes serve as a taxis to and from the city’s international airport.

With speed that can reach up to 60 kilometers per hour, the electric tricycles in Taguig City were first introduced in late 2008. These vehicles aim, not only to help Mother Nature, but also tricycle drivers suffering from oil price hikes.

Bamboo Taxi

Powered by coconut biodiesel and of 90% bamboo materials, bamboo taxis can be found in Tabonton, Leyte.

The last tropical cyclone for 2015 was “Nona,” which entered the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR) last December 12, 2015 as a Tropical Storm with the international name “Melor,” and dissipated as a Low Pressure Area (LPA) on December 17.

As it existed within the PAR, it brought rains and winds over several areas in the country, with damages amounting to more than 6 billion pesos, and causing more than 40 casualties.

According to PAGASA, names of tropical cyclones that caused enormous damage with more than 300 casualties and at least P1 billion pesos worth of destroyed properties should be decommissioned so they may take their place in history.

Effective January 17 this year, PAGASA finally replaced “Nona” in the tropical cyclone list to “Nimfa.” Since the names of tropical cyclones are repeated every four years, it will be used again in 2019.

Amihan, Easterlies to affect PH

The Northeast Monsoon, locally known as “Hanging Amihan”, continues to blow over the extreme Northern Luzon. Light rains may prevail in the islands of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan.

Meanwhile, the rest of the country will experience partly cloudy to cloudy skies with chances of isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in Eastern Visayas and CARAGA.

No gale warning was raised but small seacraft are advised to take extra caution in venturing into the eastern section of Northern Luzon, where moderate to rough sea conditions are expected.

PAGASA Weather Forecaster Jori Loiz says there is a possibility for an early termination of the Northeast Monsoon. However, some factors need to be satisfied or observed first. These include rising temperatures, a weak Siberian High and the intensification of the Easterlies.

It crosses borders on social classes, age and gender. When it comes to the dengue fever, no one is safe.

It’s a viral disease that can be spread through the Aedes aegypti mosquito, whose breeding habitat thrives in wet climates like what we we have in our country. This is because these mosquitoes lay their eggs in stagnant water and flooded areas.

According to the World Health Organization (WHO) there is an estimated 390 million dengue infections a year– of which 96 million are clinically manifested. Meanwhile, the Department of Health (DOH) recorded 92,807 dengue cases as of September last year– 23.5% higher than the recorded cases in 2014.

Climate Change and Dengue

Due to the strong El Niño the Philippines is continuously experiencing, DOH expects to have a higher number of dengue cases this year. This is because El Niño can cause stronger typhoons that can lead to flooding, which can contribute to dengue production. Increased stagnant water leads to an increase of dengue-carrying larva. And because more people are storing water to survive the water shortage, this may also be a factor in the spreading of the virus, according to the DOH.

The extreme temperature and drought in some areas are also favorable conditions for the virus. When the weather is cold, mosquitoes hibernate, which may lead to their death. During dry conditions, their eggs can survive for months.

Other factors that cause dengue
According to DOH spokesman Dr. Lyndon Lee Suy, the increase in globalization, urbanization and jet travel make human interaction more frequent. Where there are crowded areas, the practice of storing water may be common because of the stiff competition for water sources because of the El Ñino.

In a highly urbanized area, such as Metro Manila, wet markets abound with questionable hygienic practices. It is because of this that the DOH is strongly urging the people to keep their surroundings clean, and to always cover stored water.

Did you know?

Dengue can be found in tropical and sub-tropical climates worldwide, and mostly in urban and semi-urban areas. These are cities and towns where human structures like houses, commercial buildings, bridges, railways, and bridges can be found. The higher the population, the faster the rate the dengue virus can spread.

Dengue Vaccine

Department of Health Secretary Janette Garin announced last December that the first vaccine against dengue will be available in the country this month. This medicine was tested and approved by the Food and Drug Administration, and was manufactured by French pharmaceutical giant Sanofi Pasteur. The vaccine is suitable for all four types of dengue patients, ranging from 9 to 45 years old.

But you can still prevent dengue through these simple routines:

· Regularly clean your area.
· Use mosquito nets over your bed.
· Wear long sleeves.
· Use mosquito repellant.
· At the onset of any symptom above, immediately consult a doctor.
· Support local fogging in your area.

For the first time in a decade, five of the twelve planets in our solar system will align in a diagonal row before dawn of January 20 , 2016. These will remain visible until before dawn of Februay 20, 2016. These five planets (Mercury, Venus, Mars , Jupiter and Saturn) were last visible from our planet 10 years ago, from December 15 to January 15, 2005.

Jupiter will rise first, followed by Mars after midnight. Saturn, Venus and Mercury will follow suit.

So, unearth your telescope, look for an outdoor spot where you can see the sky clearly, and monitor weather updates to better plan your planet-gazing spree!

As the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) intensifies, it affects the extreme Northern Luzon, bringing light rains over Batanes, Calayan and the Babuyan Group of Islands. Meanwhile, the weather system affecting the eastern section of Northern Luzon is the Tail-End of a Cold Front. Light to moderate rains prevail over the rest of Cagayan province and Isabela. For those who are in Metro Manila and the rest of the country, good weather condition will be experienced.

And because the Amihan has slightly strengthened, PAGASA raised gale warning in the northern seaboards of Northern Luzon. For all the fisherfolk and for those with small seacraft, venturing into the said seaboards is not advisable due to the rough to very rough sea conditions.
Because most of us are still busy sweating out the holiday calories at the gym, here are some tips to prevent having rough gym hands.

1. Always use lotion before and after you sleep. This can help protect your dry hands from calluses.

2. Soften your hands by soaking it in warm salty water for 15-30 minutes.

3. Wear gym gloves to prevent calluses.

Housing more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines boasts of some of the most sought-after diving spots in the world. Clear waters, bountiful coral reefs, and diverse fauna and flora are just some of the things that makes these spots world-class.

Due to Presidential Proclamation No. 758, the second week of January was proclaimed as “Best Dives Philippines Week” to promote scuba diving in the country, highlighting the protection and conservation of our underwater marine resources.

To celebrate Best Dives Philippines Week, we have prepared a list of the best diving sites in the country where you can marvel at nature’s underwater bounty.

1. Apo Island, Dauin Negros Oriental

Definitely a haven for snorkelers and divers, Apo Island’s clear waters promise divers sightings of sea turtles and vast coral reefs. As a managed marine reserve, the island also acts as an information resource of the country’s education Center of Marine Biology.

2. Anilao, Batangas

When you only have few hours to spare for leisure, spend it in Anilao, Batangas. Known to be one of the country’s richest dive sites, it’s only two hours by car from Manila.

Aside from reefs and fishes, turtles, sharks and barracuda may also be seen in its waters. Anilao, Batangas is a top choice for underwater photographers because of its colorful corals and shy pygmy seahorses.

3. Coron, Palawan

Craving for a dose of history? Coron, Palawan is the place to be. It features holes, small caves and majestic limestone cliffs.

During the battle of Coron Bay in September 1944, several ships sunk into the sea. Now, these World War II wrecks can be found under Coron Bay, accessible through dives. Don’t miss the beautiful Gunter’s Cathedral where you have to swim through a hole in the bottom of the sea.

4. Monad Shoal, Malaspascua Cebu

Enjoy the rich marine biodiversity of Monad Shoal in Malapascua. Aside from thresher sharks, you also get to see and swim with giant mantra rays—a common sight in the shoal.

Gato Island, a marine reserve and sea snake sanctuary is one of the famous dive sites in the area.

5. Tubbataha Reef, Palawan

Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, Tubbataha is known for its remarkable and flamboyant coral reefs. This is a protected area where approximately 360 species of corals and 600 species of fish can be found.

6. Crocodile Island, Boracay

Boracay Island is famous for its crystal-clear waters and powdery white sand beach. Apart from this, Boracay has more to offer—including Crocodile Island, which is just a boat ride away. The island is home to colorful fishes plus coral reefs when you go deeper.

7. Balicasag Island, Bohol

Incredibly filled with various species of fish and coral reefs, Balicasag Island has four dive sites that include Black Forest, Diver’s Heaven, Balicasag Cathedral and Balicasag Sanctuary.

Apart from the impressive array of fish and other marine life found in these sites, Turtle Point is another interesting dive spot, where turtles shelter in the caves 18-20m down the sea wall.

8. Cabilao Island, Bohol

A protected area situated west of Bohol, Cabilao Island is perfect for scuba divers—both beginners and professional. This is home to pygmy seahorses, stunning sea walls, reef critters and brightly colored corals, both soft and hard.

Two dive centers are available in Cabilao: the Cabilao Dive Center in the La Estrella Resort and the Polaris Dive Center.

9. Enchanted River, Surigao del Sur

Surigao’s Enchanted River has been gaining popularity in social media because of its impeccably clean waters. What’s more enchanting abour this river is no one knows how deep it is, which makes for an exciting and challenging dive site.

10. Manta Bowl, Ticao Pass, Masbate

Oceanic manta rays, whale sharks, thresher sharks, hammerheads, black and white tip sharks, blue-spotted sting rays, eagle rays, jacks, tunas, barracuda and sweetlips welcome divers in Manta Bowl.

Also, photographers can enjoy a wide variety of nudibranchs, frogfish, mandarin fish, pipefish, sea horses and coleman shrimps.

Along with cold weather and light rains, the Northeast monsoon or Amihan is affecting the Extreme northern Luzon, particularly the Batanes, Calayan and the Babuyan Group of Islands. Meanwhile, for Metro Manila and the rest of the country, expect good weather as Easterlies continue to affect the eastern section of the archipelago, bringing warm and humid weather .

With the good weather we have, good vibes is a must have! Try being part of an artwork in a 3D Art Museum in Cubao! Unleash your creativity and your inner child

Operating hours: Tuesday until Sunday, 9:30AM -9:30PM
Location: 175 15th Ave. Brgy. Socorro, Cubao, Quezon City.
Fees and Promos:
Regular Admission: P500.00- Adults
Senior Citizens/Students with ID/ PWDs (Persons with Disabilities): P100.00 discount

Among the top outdoor activities that continue to gain popularity today is hiking. Aside from the physical exercise, it is also a best way to reconnect with nature, breathe fresh air, and escape the hustle and bustle of the city life.

On January 9, 2016, Panahon TV, together with AIR21, led a tree nurturing and cleaning activity in Mount Makiling located in the province of Laguna. The contour of the mountain is believed to be the sleeping profile of Maria Makiling, a mystical and legendary character that inspired folk tales, poems and legends.

After an approximately two hours from Quezon City, our team finally arrived in the vicinity. There I learned that we will be joined by some residents of Makiling and members of the University of the Philippines – Los Baños, Makiling Center for Mountain Ecosystems (MCME). The more, the merrier!

But we weren’t here only for the physical challenge, we came to give Mother Nature a helping hand. Safety gloves, trowel and other planting tools…ready!

The participants were divided into four groups and were handed bags of fertilizer, which will be distributed among the plants and trees. It was my first time to visit Makiling and my first nurturing activity as well!

We have the heart, not only for weather reporting, but also for nature.

Dr. Nathaniel Bantayan from UPLB Laguna said he was looking forward to more environmental activities in the future.

Meanwhile, Panahon TV Executive Producer, Donna May Lina, also welcomed everyone and encouraged us to continue participating in activities like this. She mentioned the importance of protecting and saving the planet from the adverse effects of Climate Change.

Planting trees is great help in combating the challenges of Climate Change. Since greenhouse gases from human activities are the main cause of the warming planet, we have to be responsible for our actions.
Trees absorb carbon dioxide, a greenhouse gas which comprises the major concentration in the atmosphere. Aside from reducing carbon, trees absorb water during heavy downpour, and are a source of clean air.

We enjoyed pulling the grass, digging the soil and putting fertilizer. The scorching heat did not stop us from finishing our task – to make Mother Nature smile!

We made it! It was a little slippery on our way down. Some of my groupmates and I slipped at least thrice, I think. But we were okay, still safe and laughing! We were able to go back to our station earlier than the schedule.
A bit tired and filthy, we changed clothes, hydrated ourselves and took a brief rest while waiting for our lunch.

This tree nurturing and cleaning activity was also a celebration of UBE Media’s 12th anniversary. Everyone sung a birthday song before blowing the big purple cake.

Our team also prepared presents for the kids in the Makiling community.

The activity and the program ended so well. We thanked everyone who participated, hoping to see more faces the next time we vist.

This 2016, don’t forget to include Mother Nature in your resolutions. Lend some time to protect, save and bond with her in your own simple way.

At the age of 103, the world’s oldest weatherman died yesterday, January 13, 2016. Richard Hendrickson was a chicken and dairy farmer who observed and reported weather and climate conditions for eight decades.

Hendrickson tallied more than 150,000 weather observations that were a great help to meteorologists. His observations contributed in analyzing storms and climate change. Reports say Hendrickson started his career in weather as early as 18 years old, at around 1930.

Philippine Weather Forecast: No weather disturbance

In an interview of Panahon.TV with PAGASA Weather Forecaster Benison Estareja, no weather disturbance or tropical cyclone is expected to affect the country today and even in the next 3 days. However, the Northeast Monsoon, locally known as Hanging Amihan continues to affect Northern Luzon, while the Tail End of a Cold Front is expected to affect the eastern section of Southern Luzon.

Rainy weather will be experienced in the province of Quezon, the Bicol Region and Northern Samar. Residents should prepare against cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms.

Meanwhile, due to Amihan, light rains will prevail in the islands of Batanes, Calayan and Babuyan, Ilocos Region, Cordillera and the rest of Cagayan Valley. The rest of the country, including Metro Manila, will have generally fair weather aside from the isolated rain showers or thunderstorms, mostly in the afternoon or evening.

Since the presence of Amihan was also experienced yesterday, we continuously monitor the lowest temperatures recorded by the weather bureau.

Source:
PAGASA-DOST
CBS News