The country remains storm-free today but rains are more likely to prevail due to the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ), where winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres meet. This weather system is particularly affecting Mindanao and portions of Visayas.
Cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms will be experienced in the regions of Caraga, Northern Mindanao, Zamboanga Peninsula, Central and Western Visayas. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
Slight to moderate sea condition is expected throughout the archipelago. However, fishing boats and other small sea craft are advised to take extra caution.
July Overview
In an interview, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran said several weather systems are expected to affect the country in July. These include the ITCZ, Low Pressure Area (LPA), Tropical Cyclones, Low Pressure Area (LPA) and Southwest Monsoon which can dump heavy rains. Meanwhile, the Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) may bring fair weather when the effect of habagat weakens.
Duran added that in July an average of 2 to 3 Tropical Cyclones or “bagyo” is expected to enter or develop within the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR). Cyclones may hit the landmass or re-curve away from the country.
After the sweltering heat of the Hot and Dry Season, comes the season of rains— usually synonymous with the onslaught of diseases, as well as damage in agriculture and infrastructure. Because our country is vulnerable to the effects of extreme tropical cyclones, preparedness should be our priority. Here are some of rainy season-related hazards and the smart ways to avoid them:
ROAD ACCIDENTS
Slippery roads and poor visibility are just some of the hazards for motorists during this season. If you’re hitting the road, remember these basics:
• Drive slowly especially in heavy downpour.
• Keep your eyes on the car ahead of you. Maintain a safe distance from other cars.
• Do not brake suddenly.
• Defog windows.
• Avoid driving through floods.
ELECTRIC SHOCK
Water is a great conductor of electricity. When floods rise and strong winds take down powerlines, electric shocks are possible hazards. Not only can electric shocks burn, they may also cause permanent cell damage. Ways to avoid them are the following:
• Seek shelter during thunderstorms and lightning.
• Don’t walk through flood water without knowing the conditions.
• Stay away from fallen power lines.
• Resume work only when flood water has been drained.
• Prepare to evacuate at any moment.
FLASH FLOODS AND LANDSLIDES
The most common and widespread of all weather-related natural disasters are floods—and the most dangerous of which are flash floods. These combine the flood’s destructive power with incredible speed and unpredictability. When flooding occurs, landslides or the incidents when rocks or debris roll down the slope may also happen. These disasters are extremely destructive and may cause major damage and loss of lives.
To help you avoid them:
• Be updated on the status of floods and landslides in your area.
• Keep a calendar that charts high tides and low tides.
• Ensure that your house is disaster-proof.
• Store clean water and canned goods.
• Keep flashlights, spare batteries, matches and candles within easy reach.
• Put your things and appliances on higher ground.
• Look for a place where you can temporarily move if evacuation is advised.
DROWNING
Heavy rains can cause flooding especially in low-lying areas. Residents are usually alerted to evacuate when the water reaches above-normal level, but there are still drowning incidents during flood season. According to the 2017 World Health Organization, there is an estimated 360,000 annual drowning deaths worldwide. Drowning is also the 3rd leading cause of unintentional injury death across the globe.
Avoid drowning by:
• Using safety objects such as life rings and throw ropes.
• Never enter the water if your swimming skills are questionable.
• Don’t drive along flooded roads.
• Keep the kids away from the floods.
• Listen to and follow authorities’ instructions.
FOOD POISONING
During the rainy season, experts warn us to be cautious of preparing food. Improper food handling may lead to food poisoning. High humidity in the atmosphere promotes the growth of disease-causing bacteria that affects our digestive system.
Avoid food contamination by:
• Washing your hands often.
• Use serving spoons.
• Avoid street food; some lack the high immunity that can handle the bacterial overload in such places.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• If food is bought outside, heat it thoroughly before serving.
• To prevent germs from spreading, use an antibacterial dishwashing liquid soap when washing dishes.
Be ready for the rains and the hazards that come with it. Follow these tips and we guarantee that you’ll make it through the rain!
Two days before the end of the month, rains are more likely to prevail in Southern Luzon due to the Monsoon Trough. According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Meno Mendoza, this weather system is the extension of the Intertropical Convergence Zone, which produce rain clouds.
Despite the absence of a tropical cyclone or “bagyo”, several areas in Luzon may experience rain in the next hours. Residents of CALABARZON (Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon), Mindoro and Palawan are advised to monitor updates and prepare for cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and thunderstorms.
Meanwhile, Metro Manila and the rest of the country will have partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms. No gale warning was issued today as sea conditions remain slight to moderate. Fishing boats and other small seacraft can safely venture out into the sea.
Mendoza added that the Habagat is expected to peak in July to August when tropical cyclones are also expected to develop or enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR).
As of 10:00 AM today, PAGASA issued Yellow Rainfall Warning in several parts of Mindanao due to the Monsoon Trough. Heavy rains may persist for about 2 to 3 hours, bringing chances of flooding in low-lying areas.
Monsoon Trough Dampens Southern Luzon
A new weather system is bringing rains to some areas in the country.
According to PAGASA, the Monsoon Trough is now affecting Southern Luzon. The Monsoon Trough is a portion of the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) where winds from the Northern and Southern Hemispheres converge, causing rain showers and thunderstorms.
As this weather system prevails, cloudy skies with light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms will be experienced in Bicol Region, CALABARZON and Aurora. Partly cloudy to cloudy skies with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms will prevail in Metro Manila and the rest of the country.
In an interview with Panahon TV, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Robert Badrina said that cloud clusters were spotted in the northeastern part of Luzon but are not expected to develop into a Low Pressure Area (LPA). He added that no weather disturbance is expected to affect the country until the end of June 2017.
Rainy Tuesday in Southern Luzon and Western Visayas
After enjoying the long weekend, don’t forget to bring your umbrellas because rains may still occur.
The Ridge of High Pressure Area (HPA) continues to affect the eastern section of Northern and Central Luzon. The ridge is an extended part of an anti-cyclone that suppresses cloud formation, causing lesser chance of rains, producing fair weather condition. In spite of its dominance, light to moderate rain showers and thunderstorms will be experienced in the Bicol Region, Western Visayas and the provinces of Mindoro, Aurora and Polilio Island.
In the rest of the country, partly cloudy to cloudy skies will prevail with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms mostly in the afternoon or evening.
In the midst of the slightly humid weather, PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran clarified that the country remains free from El Niño or the unusual climatological drought caused by a temperature rise in the Pacific Ocean.
Duran also added that the Southwest Monsoon or Habagat, the warm and most air from the southwestern is forecast to affect the country again in July.
On the first day of June 2017, United States President Donald Trump withdrew from the Paris Climate Agreement, a global effort that aims to limit carbon emission. This decision has caused quite a stir, especially since the US is the second largest carbon emitter in the world. Despite this, the Philippines, together with more than a hundred nations, continue its fight against climate change.
As citizens of a country exposed and vulnerable to the effects of climate change, we need to understand it better. Here are answers to some of the frequently-asked questions about climate change:
1. What’s the difference between climate change and global warming?
These terms are sometimes used interchangeably, but refer to different things. Global warming is the long-term warming of the planet. The average global surface temperature has crawled up by about 0.8 degrees Celsius relative to the mid-20th century baseline.
Climate Change includes global warming, and talks about the broader range of changes in our planet, which include rising sea levels, shrinking glaciers and the melting of ice in Greenland, Antarctica and the Arctic. All of these are the consequences of the warming caused by the burning of fossil fuels.
2. What’s the difference between weather and climate?
Weather refers to the local changes in short timescales and is basically what you see outside on any particular day. This can change from minute to minute, hour to hour, day to day or season to season.
Meanwhile, climate refers to the general weather pattern in a specific area that involves temperature, humidity, rainfall, air pressure and other meteorological variables over a long period of time. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) defines this as the average weather condition based on 30 years of observation.
3. What is the Greenhouse Effect?
The Greenhouse Effect is the process in which heat gets trapped in the surface of the Earth because of too much concentration of greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide, methane and nitrous oxides. These gases blanket the planet, making it much warmer.
Greenhouse gases keep our planet liveable because without these, the Earth will be an icy planet. Despite being a natural part of the atmosphere, the level of these gases, especially carbon dioxide, has been rising consistently for decades because of human activities. More heat is trapped, leading to higher temperatures.
Rising temperatures contribute to the intensity of tropical cyclones, and the increased duration and amount of rain, extreme drought and habitat loss for various species.
4. Do scientists agree on climate change?
Yes. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), the vast majority of climate scientists or about 97% agree that humans are causing climate change. Moreover, most of the leading science organizations around the world have issued public statements confirming the existence of climate change and global warming.
NOAA added that some scientists that reject the idea are not experts on climate or do not understand the scientific basis of long-term climate processes.
5. Are volcanoes related to climate change?
When volcanic eruption occurs around every 20 years, this causes a massive release of particles and other gases.
This event leads to global cooling where droplets of sulphur-rich aerosols reflect sunlight from the Earth—just like when Mount Pinatubo erupted on 1991 where an estimated 20 million tons of sulphur dioxide and ash particles shot up to more than 20 kilometers into the atmosphere. NASA noted that over the next 15 months, scientists measured an average global temperature decrease of about 0.6 degrees Celsius since the eruption.
6. Can climate change trigger earthquakes?
Some scientists and geologists claim that changes in seasonal rainfall and their frequency contribute to the occurrence of earthquakes. However, scientific evidence is not enough to support this.
Shankar Nath of the Indian Institute of Technology at West Bengal said climate change has no impact on the incidence of earthquakes. Supporting this is Sunanda Bandapadhyay, a geographer from Calcutta University, who believes that the recent human-induced acceleration in global temperatures is insufficient to have any noticeable impact on the Earth’s tectonic processes that cause earthquakes. The impact of climate change on tectonic activities is still an ongoing debate.
Sources:
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
www.thethirdpole.net
ITCZ causes rains in Mindanao
The extended weekend is here. As you travel to your destination, don’t forget to bring your rainy day essentials because the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) will continue to dampen some parts of the country.
ITCZ refers to an area in the atmosphere where clouds are formed from the convergence of winds coming the Northern and Southern Hemispheres. It can be a breeding ground of weather disturbances.
As ITCZ prevails, cloudy skies with light to moderate rains and isolated thunderstorms will be experienced in Caraga, Davao Region, Sarangani and South Cotabato. In the rest of the country including Metro Manila, partly cloudy to cloudy skies will prevail with isolated rain showers or thunderstorms.
According to PAGASA Weather Forecaster Robert Badrina, no weather disturbance is expected to affect the country within the next three days.
QUEZON CITY HALL
More than just the administrative center of the city government, this 14-storey edifice was also where the 1973 Philippine Constitution was signed. The Constitution was composed of a preamble and 17 articles that allowed the shift from a Presidential to a Parliament System of Government, which legitimized the regime of former President Ferdinand Marcos.
<br Photos by Desserie Dionio
LOCATION: Quezon City Hall Complex, Diliman, Quezon City
HOW TO GET THERE:
DRIVE- From SM North EDSA, take North Avenue all the way to Elliptical Road. At the roundabout, turn right to East Avenue and left to the entrance.
COMMUTE- Jeepneys are available at the SM North EDSA or Trinoma public terminalls.
KRUS NA LIGAS, QUEZON CITY
During the Spanish regime, this community in Barangay Diliman was called Gulod. It is said that the Andres Bonifacio, the Father of the Philippine Revolution, and the Katipuneros used to meet in one of the houses in front of the chapel in the old plaza. Historians also called the place Muog ni Andres Bonicafio at ng Katipunan, which translates to “Stronghold of Andres Bonifacio and the Katipunan”. In August 1896, with the revolution underway, Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, and their band of Katipuneros stopped by Gulod to rest and eat before continuing to Pinaglabanan, San Juan. Numerous other documents indicate the existence of Krus na Ligas as early as the 19th century, preceding the establishment of the neighboring University of the Philippines-Diliman.
Photo from Fr. Ron Mariano Roberto
LOCATION: Diliman, Quezon City
HOW TO GET THERE:
DRIVE- From Quezon City Hall, take Mayaman Street to Kalayaan Avenue. Take Malingap to Madasalin Streets and head on to S. Flores to H.R. Ocampo.
COMMUTE- From Quezon City Hall, walk to Kalayaan Avenue at the Mayaman Intersection. From there, ride a jeep going to Cubao and get off at Kalayanaan Avenue. Ride a tricycle up to Krus na Ligas.
JOSE N. RODRIGUEZ MEMORIAL HOSPITAL, CALOOCAN
In 1940, the Central Luzon Sanitarium was established to accommodate patients suffering from Leprosy. It was later named after Dr. Jose Rodriguez, famous for his control program against Leprosy that was used nationwide and in other Asian countries. Today, the hospital currently serves as the principal referral hospital for Leprosy patients and the premier training and research center for Leprosy care and management in the Philippines.
LOCATION: Tala, Caloocan City
HOW TO GET THERE:
DRIVE- From SM Novaliches, head north to Quirino Highway. Turn to Mindanao Avenue to get to Regalado Highway. Continue to Caloocan and turn to St. Joseph Street until reaching your destination.
COMMUTE- Adjacent to SM Novaliches, take a jeep heading to the Novaliches-Bayan-Simbahan route. From Simbahan, walk towards the jeepney terminal to Bagong Silang Phase 5 and alight at Tala. From there, ride a tricycle to the hospital.
PACO PARK, MANILA
Paco Park used to be a burial site called the Cementerio Municipal de Manila y Capilla de San Pancracio. In 1807, the Dominicans ordered the construction of the cemetery in Bagumbayan due to the outbreak of cholera in Manila. It is said that the remains of the country’s national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal, were interred at the Paco Cemetery after his execution on December 30, 1896 before they were transferred to the base of his monument in Rizal Park. Burials at the Paco Cemetery ceased in 1912. It was declared as a National Cultural Treasure in January 2015.
Photo courtesy of Angelo Jabagat
LOCATION: Belen, Paco, Manila
HOW TO GET THERE:
DRIVE- From Manila City Hall, head east to Natividad Lopez Street. Turn right to San Marcelino Street, and turn left to Gen. Luna Street. Destination will be on your left.
COMMUTE – From Manila City Hall, turn right to Natividad Lopez Street and turn left to Antonio Villegas Street. Take the LRT Line 1 then alight at the United Nations Station. From there, walk toward Taft Avenue then right to General Luna Street.
PINAGLABANAN, SAN JUAN
The Battle of San Juan del Monte, sometimes referred to as the Battle of Pinaglabanan or Battle of San Juan is considered as the first real battle for Philippine independence against Spain. On the evening of August 29, 1896, Katipuneros led by Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto and Sancho Valenzuela marched toward El Polvorin, a Spanish position in San Juan del Monte. The following morning, they seized the nearby El Deposito which prompted Spaniards to call for reinforcements. The Battle of San Juan del Monte might have been one the many engagements won by Spain but it still showed the courage and fortitude of Filipinos.
Today, the five-hectare Pinaglabanan Memorial Shrine is sprawled along an underground reservoir built in 1880. Its centerpiece is an evocative monument created by Edgardo Castrillo entitled “Spirit of Pinaglabanan.”
LOCATION: Cororazon De Jesus Street, Pinaglabanan, San Juan.
HOW TO GET THERE:
DRIVE- From the San Juan City Hall, head southeast to Pinaglabanan toward Jose Gil/Valenzuala. Destination will be on the left.
COMMUTE – same as above.
MANILA CATHEDRAL
Also called the Manila Metropolitan Cathedral-Basilica, the Manila Cathedral has been a venue for papal masses in the country, including those celebrated by Blessed Paul VI in 1970, Saint John Paul II in 1981 and Pope Francis in 2015.
In 1571, the Cathedral was initially built from nipa and bamboo. In 1581, its status was elevated to a cathedral by Bishop Domingo Salazar after the establishment of the Diocese of Manila. The basilica was reconstructed several times due to wars, typhoons and earthquakes. Today, the Manila Cathedral-Basilica serves as one of the favorite wedding venues of Catholic couples.
Photos by Desserie Dionio
LOCATION: Sto. Tomas, Intramuros, Manila
HOW TO GET THERE:
DRIVE – From Manila City Hall, head west to Natividad Street toward Taft Avenue. Take Liwasang Bonofacio West Overpass and take the Riverside Direction. Head on to Soriano Avenue to Cabildo Street in Intramuros.
COMMUTE- From Manila City Hall, walk toward Padre Burgos Street. Ride a bus or a jeep and light at Andres Soriano Jr. Avenue and walk to Manila Cathedral.
BINONDO CHURCH
Also known as the Minor Basilica of Saint Lorenzo Ruiz, the Binondo Church was built in 1596 within the Chinese community to encourage Buddhists to convert to Catholicism. Lorenzo Ruiz once served at the convent of Binondo Church as an altar boy In 1636, Ruiz was implicated in the murder of a Spaniard, which prompted him to seek asylum abroad with three Dominican priests. Their boat landed at Okinawa, Japan and the group was immediately arrested on the basis of their religion. Despite being tortured, they did not denounce their faith and died as martyrs. Ruiz was beatified in Manila on Feb.18, 1981 by Pope John Paul II. He was canonized as the first Filipino saint on Oct. 18, 1987.
Screenshot from PanahonTV Archives
LOCATION: Plaza L. Ruiz, Binondo,Manila
HOW TO GET THERE:
DRIVE- From Manila City Hall, head west along Natividad Lopez St. Turn right to Taft Ave. then left to Quintin Paredes Road. Destination will be on your right.
COMMUTE- From Manila City Hall, walk to Taft Avenue then ride a jeep to Divisoria. Go down at the Veronica Intersection and walk to the Binondo Church.
HOTEL DEL ORIENTE SITE
The Hotel del Oriente in Binondo is considered as the first luxury hotel in Manila. No less than our national hero, Jose Rizal, stayed in its Room 22 when he arrived from Hong Kong on June 26, 1892. The location of the hotel at Plaza Calderon de la Barca (now Plaza Lorenzo Ruiz) was strategic as it stood next to several Chinese retail businesses in Intramuros and Escolta. Before it was destroyed by war, the hotel served as the office of the Philippine Constabulary.
Photo: Replica of the Hotel de Oriente now located in Las Casas de Filipinas de Acuzar, by Andrea Pataueg
LOCATION: Plaza L. Ruiz, Binondo,Manila
HOW TO GET THERE:
DRIVE- From Manila City Hall, head west along Natividad Lopez St. Turn right to Taft Avenue, then a slight left to Quintin Paredes Road. Destination will be on the right.
COMMUTE- From Manila City Hall walk to Taft Avenue. Ride a jeep bound for Divisoria. Go down at Juan Luna and walk to the Binondo Church. The site is on the left side of the church.
The streets of Metro Manila may now be filled with establishments; but if we if look closer, we’ll discover spots that hold timeless beauty and unique history. Stop by these places now that you’ve learned how they’ve shaped both our country and us Filipinos.
REFERENCES
http://choosephilippines.tumblr.com/post/30501281890/historya-the-battle-of-san-juan-del-monte
http://djnrmh.doh.gov.ph/index.php/2-uncategorised/7-about-us
http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/241452585033/feature-paco-park-declared-a-national-cultural-treasure
http: //www.filipiknow.net/manila-buildings-and-landmarks-that-no-longer-exist/
http://www.rcam.org/images/stories/history_manila_cathedral.pdf
http://www.tourism.gov.ph/Pages/20130306ByahengBonifacioByahengBayaningBayan.aspx
https://xiaochua.net/tag/diliman/
— with research from PanahonTV Intern Shelly Camile Chan
Warm Weather on Rizal’s Birth Anniversary
The Ridge of a High Pressure Area (HPA) continues to bring generally fair weather in the country. This weather system suppresses cloud formation, causing lesser chance of rains. As it prevails today, partly cloudy to cloudy skies prevail in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao though isolated rain showers and thunderstorms are still possible.
In an interview with PAGASA Weather Forecaster Samuel Duran, he mentioned that no weather disturbance is expected to affect the country within the next two to three days.
Non-working Holiday
While it’s a back-to-work Monday in most areas of the country, some provinces are enjoying an extended vacation today. These include Ifugao, which celebrates its provincial foundation anniversary, and Laguna, the birthplace of Dr. Jose Rizal whose birth we commemorate today.
Here are expected weather conditions and temperatures in these areas: