Category Archives: Blogs

6 Disadvantages of Sandbagging

Sandbagging is the traditional and easiest way of flood defence we often use because they are readily available and budget-friendly. But its reliability is most of the time questionable.

Tropical countries in Southeast Asia were visited by roughly around 25 typhoons annually.

On the average 3-5 typhoons were strong and always leaves huge disaster to some countries.

It takes months (or even years), for an affected country to fully recover after being hit by a typhoon.

Severe flooding and flash floods are one of the most dealt problem during the typhoon season. The major defense mechanism of people against flooding are the sandbags. But the effectiveness of this procedure is very uncertain.

The big question is, can you count on these sandbags when your life and assets are at risk?

Let us jot down some of the disadvantages of sandbagging, and see for yourself if this method can save you and your properties from further damages.

1.Making sandbags is time consuming!

 

Producing sandbags consumes a lot of work. From purchasing of sacks and sands, filling the sacks with sand, and piling the sandbags to entry-point of water. The typhoon might have been there already before accomplishing these things.

2.Sandbagging needs a lot of manpower.

 

If you need to get your protection done before the typhoon reached your area, you need at least 5 to 10 people to do the work for this sandbagging method.

3.Sandbags are hard to dispose.

 

One of the disadvantage of sandbags is seen on the aftermath of a typhoon. After battling for the water to penetrate your house you will think of where to dispose these used sandbags that are unfortunately good for single use only.

4.Sandbags produce a lot of mess/dirt.

 

Because sandbags basically contains sand, after being soaked or entered with water, the sand becomes mud. These produces more work and hassle because of the cleaning process.

5.Sandbags are not reliable when it come to durability

 

Sandbags can only withstand a short amount of water. It cannot even tolerate a strong amount of water pressure. Because of its cheap materials, sandbags are easily broken when exposed to heavy rains and flash floods.

6.Sandbags are inefficient solution for flooding.

 

On this picture you can definitely the inefficiency of sandbags with flooding. No more explanation, let the picture speaks for itself!

A common misconception is that sandbags are a cheap cost- effective method of flood defense; however this is not the case. If you will be computing the overall cost of sandbags per time of usage, it will still cost a lot. Sandbags are basically not designed for long term use. You will just repeat your expenses and process of making it over and over again.

It is always best to seek for a more reliable and effective way of protecting your properties from the damages of flood. Different Flood Control solutions were now out the market. It may cost a little bit expensive, but you are rest assured of the quality and are designed for a long-term use.

So you better think now! Stay away from this old-fashioned sandbagging method, and start protecting your properties from flooding having no worry at all.

Funny Things That Pinoys Do During Flood

funny flooded situation stilts

Philippines is a country often visited by number of typhoons every year. On the average, eight or nine tropical storms make landfall in the Philippines each year, with another 10 entering Philippine waters. It had already experience the most strong and devastating typhoon ever recorded in the history of the world which is the “Typhoon Haiyan” (local name Bagyong Yolanda) with a total of 6,340 fatalities and hundreds of thousands residences lost their properties.

Despite all these annual chaos that the Philippines had been facing, still, nothing beats the “Filipino spirit.” Filipinos are known to be resilient in whatever calamities they might face. Even at the lowest peak of their lives, they still manage to show a smile on their face and what is more inspiring is, despite their shortcomings they also put a smile on other’s faces.

We have collected some photos to vouch how the Filipinos handle calamities, particularly flooding, in the lightest way they can. Here are some them.

Kids


Because Education is the key to success!


GG Boys! One more round!


Flying to the hoops, Pinoy version of water basketball.


No school today! Time for our swimming lessons!

 

Adults


I don’t mind the heavy rain and flood, I got boots and umbrella.


I’m on my way, boss! I just need to cross this river… I mean street!


Aye matey! Always look at the left before crossing.


It’s flooding? Well, let’s drink to that!

 

Ingenious People


These boots are under beta testing.


Taking a stroll with jet ski.

MMDA Identified Flood Prone Roads in Metro Manila

mmda identifies flood prone roads in metro manila

A public service announcement was released by the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on their website about the flood prone area in Metro Manila. The MMDA Flood Control Information Center listed down some locations that are being monitored for a possible flooding this rainy season. Motorist and commuters are advised to avoid the following areas during rainy days, or if not take extra precautionary measures to avoid accidents and mechanical troubles.

Manila City

  • España – Lacson
  • Maceda – Maria Clara
  • Maceda – Simoun
  • Maceda – Laon-Laan
  • Rizal Ave. Cor. R. Papa
  • Recto near Morayta going to Divisoria
  • Quirino Ave. – Taft Ave. leading to Roxas Blvd. both sides
  • P. Burgos fronting Manila City Hall
  • Taft Ave. – Malvar St. – Pedro Gil St.
  • Lagusnilad Underpass

Quezon City

  • Tatalon- Talayan Creek
  • Maria Clara cor. Araneta Ave.
  • Biak na Bato in Quezon Ave.
  • Tomas Morato
  • NLEX: North Bound/South Bound – Balintawak
  • NLEX – A. Bonifacio
  • Commonwealth Ave. – Tandang Sora
  • Commonwealth Ave. – Bitoon Circle
  • Commonwealth Ave. – Visayas Ave.
  • EDSA – Muñoz
  • Timog Quezon City
  • Quezon Ave. – Roxas District
  • C-3 – Sgt. Rivera

Makati City

  • EDSA cor. Estrella
  • EDSA – Magallanes Tunnel
  • EDSA – Pasong Tamo
  • Osmeña Skyway (SLEX – Buendia)

Pasay City

  • Taft Rotonda
  • Macapagal Ave. near World Trade Center

Mandaluyong City

  • Maysilo Circle
  • EDSA – Megamall
  • EDSA – Shaw Blvd. Tunnel

Taguig City

  • C-5 BCDA
  • C-5 McKinley
  • C-5 Bayani Rd.

Muntinlupa City

  • Montillano St. National Rd.
  • East Service Rd.
  • M.L. Quezon Rd.
  • San Guillermo Rd.
  • PNR Open Canal Multi-Land, Putatan
  • PNR Track
  • JPA Subdivision
  • Tunasan
  • E. Rodriguez Ave.
  • Arandia St.
  • MSSR

Parañaque City

  • Ninoy Aquino Ave.
  • NAIA Road- Macapagal and Sucat Rd. cor. C-5 Ext.
  • Redemptorist/Taft Ave. extension
  • Quirino Ave. cor. Kabihasnan
  • Quirino Ave. – La Huerta Market
  • Sucat Rd. – Canaynay Rd.
  • Sucat Rd. – Fourth Estate
  • East Service Rd. cor. Tanyag
  • Daang Batang near E. Rodriguez St.

Pasig City

  • C-5 Bagongllog
  • C-5 Eagle

Valenzuela City

  • MacArthur Highway near Fatima Medical Center – University

Caloocan City

  • Rizal Ave. between 10th and 11th Street

Navotas City

  • North Bay Blvd.

Las Piñas City

  • Quirino Ave. to Saulog
  • Quirino Ave.
  • Quirino Ave. near Naga Rd.
  • Alabang-Zapote Rd.
  • CAA to J. Tiongquiao Rd.
  • Tramo Line to Casino-Camella Subd.
  • Tramo Line to Casimiro Subd. F. Santos

Malabon City

  • Letre Dagat-Dagatan Ave. Extension
  • General Luna
  • Dulong Duhat
  • Letre – Loscano (due to high tide)
  • Gov. Pascual – Maria Clara
  • M.H. Del Pilar – San Vicente
  • P. Aquino – Tonsuya

The Basic Method to Fight Climate Change

climate change effects

There is broad-based agreement within the scientific community that climate change is real. But what can we do about it?

We all know that planting trees could help us fight the climate change. Scientists announced that the carbon dioxide reached 400 parts per million in the atmosphere, yearly the level rise 2 ppm by burning fossils, deforestations, and other activities.

the oxygen cycle Diagram shows the cycle of oxygen and carbon-dioxide in our atmosphere

The plants naturally absorbs the Carbon Dioxide(CO2) and other pollutant matter and afterwards it will emit pure oxygen. Increase in CO2 affects photosynthesis rate. It can also function in a extremely high temperature as long as it has a plenty of water available. Promoting forestation could play an important role in climate change. It is not necessarily to be a large group of trees. We can plant anywhere. Planting the right trees around your home could save significant amount of energy.

urban tree planting and vertical garden Many high-concept skyscraper proposals are festooned with trees.

According to U.S. Forest Service Center for Urban Forest Research Placing three trees around the house can save up to 30% of energy use, and According to U.S. Department of Energy Trees planted to shade air conditioners helps cool a house/building more efficient and will consume less electricity. An appliance operating in a shade uses 10% less power compared to the one operating in the non shaded area. While in the community area with well shaded streets the temperature can be cooled up to 6-10 °F while the streets without trees are more hotter. It is generally much more cooler inside the vehicle which was parked in a shaded area the one from an open space, at the same time the vehicle will reduce emissions from fuel tanks and engines.

Hello Rainy Season – Goodbye Summer

cooling sea temperature indicates la nina

Are you fed up of this scorching hot climate effect of this called season “El Nino”? Do you ever wish to end this El Nino season? Recently we begun to experience a little pour of rain this Year 2016. According to weather bureau it urge the government to get armed in this approaching La Nina. El Nino is the season of very hot and dry weather, on the other side La Nina characterized severe by rainfall. Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (PAGASA) said El Nino continues to weaken in the tropical Pacific, therefore La Nina season will roughly start second half of this year 2016.

“It is better for the national government to prepare for another extreme weather event,”

said Anthony Lucero, chief of Pagasa’s Climate Monitoring and Prediction Section, on Thursday.

“But the pressing concern at the moment is how to help the victims of El Niño who are still reeling from its effects,” he said.

monsoon rain cause flood in the philippines

Relatively we can still feel the heat according to PAGASA in many parts of the country. The highest temperature for daytime is 40.1 degrees Celsius at the Isabela State University in Echague.

Luzon and Visayas has a low chance of rainfall. While Mindanao predicted the chance of rainfall is normal to above normal.

PAGASA said 37 provinces or 46 percent of the country will still experience drought. In 3 consecutive months they’ll still experience the low chances of rainfall.

In Luzon, these are Abra, Ifugao, Kalinga, Apayao, Mountain Province, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Zambales, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Masbate.

In the Visayas, the provinces are Aklan, Antique, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, Bohol, Cebu, Siquijor and Biliran.

In Mindanao, they are Zamboanga Sibugay, Camiguin, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental, Misamis Oriental, Davao del Sur, South Cotabato, North Cotabato, Sarangani, Surigao del Norte, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi.

Importance of Greenhouse in our Environment

earth greenhouse

First of all have you ever notice in your entire life the changing of climate. climate is much more cooler on the past decades compared today. mainly it is because the lack of education on what are the do’s and don’ts for preserving our Greenhouse in green health.

What is Greenhouse?

It is a thin area around the Earth. it regulates the heat absorbed by means of bouncing off the extra amount of heat from the sun back to atmosphere.

greehouse effect

Imagine a clear glass that freely passes the light (Sun’s Heat) inside/outside the Earth. on the other way around imagine a glass full of dirt (greenhouse gases) that surrounds the glass, the light will get inside but it won’t freely escape the earth because it is trapped inside the dirt(greenhouse gases). on that way it will cause unnatural temperature. the most notable effect of greenhouse in our Earth is the Global Warming or the Climate change. it will cause abnormal disastrous destruction in our nature. Warmer sea surface will result to stronger hurricanes or typhoons. it will also melt some of the ice glaciers from the other region of Earth that adds substantial amount of water on the sea.

Unfortunately we cannot get do something to stop but we can slow it down. if you are one of the concern citizen in Earth, use more of fuel-efficient cars, efficient appliances, LED lights are much more eco friendly than fluorescent light bulbs, reduce of electric consumption means less energy needs. Invest on natural energy such as windmill and solar panel. Planting trees, stopping deforestation will also share a good impact.

Weather Pattern Shows Strong La Niña is Looming

cold water shows la nina is coming

The hell-like torrid days that we are experiencing since earlier this year is the formidable product of El Niño that immensely dominated most of the countries in Southeast Asia. According to experts, this dynamic phenomenon that was caused by climate change can arouse into a more consequential challenge, the La Niña which is known to be the rainy sister of El Niño.The current El Niño which began last year has been one of the strongest ever recorded that have caused food and water shortages and ravaged farming across Asia, which could bring Economic losses in Southeast Asia as high as $10 billion.

The regional fever is expected to lull by middle of the year but the alarms are growing that an equally forceful La Niña will take place. According to Stephen O’Brien, UN under-secretary-general for humanitarian affairs and relief,

“The situation could become even worse if a La Niña event — which often follows an El Niño — strikes towards the end of this year”.

This can cause double jeopardy most especially to the agricultural businesses, that after months-long heat wave often topping 40 degrees Celsius that had affected their crops and productions, now here comes another danger that could lead to another knot which is the severe flooding caused by La Niña.

La Niña is another natural phenomenon which may cause storm surge, hurricane, tornados and typhoons that can lead to extensive flooding specially for the Asian countries. As compared to El Niño, La Niña is the wetter part, in which it was predicted that the effect of La Niña will be more dreadful as compared to the previous years. This means that as early as now we have to be more vigilant and we must be prepared enough to protect ourselves before the time that La Niña strikes in our country.

Experts Warns the Philippines for Large-Scale and Permanent Floods

flooding in malabon

Given the alarming rise of sea levels, more than 167,000 hectares of coast-land in 171 towns are projected to go underwater, especially in the low-rise island communities facing the Pacific Ocean and other coasal cities in the Philippines like Manila.

Here is a feature video from the primetime news TV Patrol of ABS-CBN last March 22, 2016.

Metro Manila has been experiencing worsening floods and rising water levels over the past two decades, and its residents have had no choice but to adapt.

Renowned urban planner Architect Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., designed floating houses is among the remedial measures proposed to address the problems of flooding in Metro Manila and nearby provinces. Architect Palafox labeled these measures as “adaptive architecture”.

Businesses, roads and even the town church have had to build upwards on high concrete platforms to avoid the rising waters.

Like many of the residents, Fernando Miguel has grown used to the situation and adapted his life and home to it.

“Before, our roads were not sunken. If the rainy season comes, the water is neck deep or more, so we upgrade our houses. We upgrade all the time,” said the town official.

Global warming is the primary cause of current rises in sea levels. Rising temperatures are warming ocean waters, which expand as the temperature increases. Located right next to the Pacific Ocean, the country takes the brunt of this.

In addition, water is being pushed by easterly winds towards the island nation and the people who will feel it the most will be the ones living in coastal communities along the eastern side of the Philippines.

While there is little the country can do to prevent sea level rises, it can reduce the risks and act ahead of time to protect the communities that will be most affected.

8 of 10 World’s Most Disaster-prone Cities Are in the Philippines

flooded cabanatuan city

Eight of the 10 most disaster-prone cities in the world are in the Philippines, research conducted by risk analysis firm Verisk Maplecroft said.

Over 1,300 cities were analyzed in its 5th annual National Hazards Risk Atlas (NHRA), “selected for their importance as significant economic and population centers in the coming decade”. Of the 100 cities with the greatest exposure to natural hazards, 21 are located in the Philippines, 16 in China, 11 in Japan and 8 in Bangladesh.

At most risk

The Philippine cities included in the list, with their corresponding rankings, are:

  • Tuguegarao in Cagayan (2nd)
  • Lucena in Quezon Province (3rd)
  • Metro Manila (4th)
  • City of San Fernando in Pampanga (5th)
  • Cabanatuan in Nueva Ecija (6th)
  • Batangas (7th)
  • San Carlos – (no province specified in the report) (9th)
  • Naga in Camarines Sur (10th)

Other cities outside the Philippines in the top 10 are Port Vila in Vanuatu, ranked 1st; and Taipei in Taiwan, 8th.

 

Dr. Richard Hewston, Principal Environmental Analyst at Verisk Maplecroft, had this to say about the study:

“With foreign investment continuing to flow into countries highly exposed to natural hazards, those which are unable to demonstrate robust resilience may lose an element of their competitiveness. Company decision-making over sourcing locations or market entry is increasingly influenced by issues such as strength of infrastructure and institutional robustness.”

The analysis considers the combined risk posed by tropical storms and cyclones, floods, earthquakes, tsunamis, severe storms, extra-tropical cyclones, wildfires, storm surges, volcanoes and landslides.

The message then is pretty clear:

If the Philippines wants to compete on a global scale in the long term, then the risk of natural disasters isn’t a problem as long as there is enough resilience in place to deal with the fallout. This means better government responses and better disaster preparedness are vital for economic success, and the fight against corrupt elements in the way of these efforts must continue at an advanced pace to ensure a bright future for the country.

Philippines is Facing an Imminent Disaster – Gore

al gore on climate change

WHAT will an increase of 1 degree Celsius in global temperatures mean for the Philippines?

In an exclusive interview, environmental advocate and former US vice president Al Gore gave a bird’s eye view of the projected impact in the Philippines should temperatures continue to rise despite the 2-degree limit in carbon emissions set by the Paris Climate Accord in December 2015.

At least 13.6 million Filipinos living in coastal areas may have to relocate to higher ground due to the accelerating rise in sea levels brought by climate change.

“Sea level in the Philippines is projected to rise two to three times faster than the global average,”

Gore said, adding this exacerbates the country’s vulnerability to natural disasters.

Mincing no words, Gore declared that 50 percent of all living species on the planet, including endemic birds in the Philippines, would be lost in a century “if we don’t arrest this dangerous trend.”

He was referring to the warming of the planet through the continued use of carbon dioxide (CO2), the chief contributor to greenhouse gases, that traps excess heat in the atmosphere which, in turn, triggers global warming.

“We are already reaching extremes that really should set off alarm bells,”

he said.

Gore cited the spread of the Zika virus as the latest of many relatively new microbial threats spawned by extraordinary heating of the planet.

“That should give us pause because the relationship with humanity and the disease-carrying microbe is mediated by climate. We have the upper hand when the nights are cooler, and of course immunities are different in tropics, subtropics (regions),”

he said.

Gore made a lengthy presentation on the extreme weather events brought by climate change in different parts of the world, particularly in developing nations.

The three-day workshop was attended by at least 700 climate activists all over Asia.

click here to learn more on what can the Philippines contribute to fight climate change.