Lutheran World Relief is providing emergency water services to families who still have no access to clean drinking water more than a month after a devastating typhoon ripped through the Philippines island of Mindanao, killing 1,257 people and affecting more than a million.

The storm, which hit on December 16 and destroyed more than 14,000 homes, also disrupted water supply in the city of Cagayan de Oro. Repairs to the water supply system are underway, but families in the western part of the city will not have access to piped water until at least the end of January.

“I do not know where to get water now,” said Maryann Lagara, 24, a mother of two in the affected area, who lost her home in the storm. Speaking to an LWR staff member in early January, she reported that without assistance, she would be forced to get water from the nearby river, which is not safe to drink.

Thanks to a $31,500 grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, LWR is now delivering water to 230 families in an impoverished area in western Cagayan de Oro through the end of January. Each family will receive 15 liters per person per day for drinking, cooking, and personal hygiene, in accordance with Sphere standards, the generally accepted best practices in humanitarian response. Families will also receive jerry cans for water storage and training on how to properly clean and care for the cans.

“These are very poor families, many of whom lost their means of earning a livelihood as the result of the storm, so they have no way to purchase water even if it were readily available,” said Joanne Fairley, LWR’s regional director for Asia and the Middle East. “Thanks to this grant from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, they will have access to clean water until the city water system is repaired.”

In addition to emergency water delivery, LWR is reaching out to flood-affected communities with emergency cash assistance to buy food, medicine, and other necessities. LWR is also distributing Quilts, Personal Care Kits, and School Kits from its warehouse in Mindanao, as well distributing other critically needed items to flood-affected families.

LWR is also planning a longer-term response that will include cash-for-work programs, provision of clean water, building shelter, and rehabilitating homes for more than 900 families.

Lloyd Smith / Shutterstock.com

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On December 17, 2011 the devastating tropical storm Washi (Typhoon Sendong) slammed the Philippines with the city of Iligan and the province of Lanao del Norte receiving the brunt of the typhoon. Almost 1,260 people have been confirmed dead in the flood and over 429,000 were displaced, with about 37,300 people still huddled in overcrowded evacuation centres more than two weeks later.

The devastating aftermath and urgent need for relief was brought to the attention of Sonorous Entertainment International Division Directors from a staff member whose family and relatives in the city of Iligan had been directly affected by the disaster.

Sonorous Entertainment reacted swiftly to offer their measure of aid putting together Rescue Iligan- a relief team of 50 who helped distribute food (rice, bread and canned goods), water, and other basic necessities to families who were in need of urgent assistance.

“We rented a truck early on December 24th, loaded it with the relief goods, and sent off the team to work. We strategically picked a location to distribute goods in areas that were getting the least help at that time,” stated Ross Mosqueda, a Sonorous staff member, who with the input and financial assistance of the Company’s International Division coordinated “Rescue Iligan.”

Mainstream charitable organizations were targeting hard-hit areas which in turn left less populated villages unattended. Sonorous helped approximately 500 families who were left homeless and living under bridges and on the side of the street. The relief effort was a success, not to mention the look on people’s faces and how they lit up after receiving food bags that will help them get through Christmas and New Year’s.

“We were pleased to offer assistance to the people of Iligan during these trying times. The situation presented itself through a member of our staff, where the opportunity to act quickly and effectively had been commenced. On behalf of Sonorous, I would like to extend our gratitude for the 50 volunteers and those who dedicated their time and effort to help their fellow man in this time of need,” noted Sonorous Entertainment International Director, Mr. Ivan Cavric.

In addition, Sonorous has set up a Rescue Iligan Facebook page that encourages people to donate. This Facebook page http://www.facebook.com/RescueIligan also contains photos and videos, including comments from people from all over giving their sympathy and condolences to the victims of the typhoon.

Image Courtesy of  https://www.facebook.com/RescueIligan

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The Philippines is a Southeast Asian country with access to some of the most unique marine life in the world. The Philippine islands are fortunate enough to have thousands of miles of coastline and plenty of beaches to explore underwater ecological life. Coral reefs thrive in this environment due to its prime location in the warm waters of the Pacific.

The Apo Reef in Puerto Galera, Mindoro and Verde Island Passage near Batangas are a couple famous reefs. The pristine waters that surround the Philippines are under continuous strain by both natural and man made threats. The coral reefs are quickly declining in size, which has affected marine wildlife as a whole.

Coral reefs are popularly known as the rain forests of the sea for hosting thousands of diverse animals. The actual structure of the reef is formed when corals secrete calcium carbonate. This slowly turns into large systems of housing and protection for fish — 25% of underwater species live and flourish in these coral reefs.

Thousands of different fish, crustaceans, worms, and sponges can be found within its structures. Coral reefs are mainly found in tropical areas of the world where water is warm and shallow. The coral reefs located off the coast of the Philippines are part of a larger system known as the coral triangle.

This wide triangle stretches from the Philippines to Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, Malaysia, and the Solomon Islands. There are over 2,000 types of fish in the Philippines alone. The reefs in the Philippines have been suffering for the past 30 years. An overwhelming 97% of the coral reefs in the country are threatened.

This is due mostly because of harmful human activities. Disruptive fishing tactics are a main reason for the negative impact on this ecosystem. The majority of Filipinos live very close to the ocean and have used its natural resources for centuries. Fish and seafood are a healthy and common part of the Filipino diet.

Over-fishing practices have threatened marine wildlife. Cyanide poisoning has harmed the reefs dramatically. Since the 1960’s, over one million kilograms of cyanide poisoning has been sprayed over the Philippine coastlines. Fishermen have been able to obtain large live reef catches, which has become a $1 billion annual industry.

The Philippines is one of the only countries in Southeast Asia to take positive strides to combat dangerous cyanide poisoning. The government has created the Cyanide Fishing Reform Program in collaboration with the International Marinelife Alliance. The program’s main purpose is to educate local fishermen on other proper fishing techniques, instead of using cyanide poisoning to catch fish.

Fishermen learn how to use wide scaled nets and different hook and line techniques, in order for them to protect the area’s waters from poison. The country’s population increase has also played a role in the declining amount of healthy coral reef. Only about 5% of the reef in the country is considered to be in good condition.

The reefs are suffering because of pollution. With much of the country’s population lives near the ocean, pollution easily runs off into the water and destroys the reefs. Aside from the destructive human impact on the reefs, an unavoidable natural weather pattern has had an impact.

El Nino destroyed 20% of the reefs and caused coral bleaching. Global warming has become a negative influence on the coral structures. With the warming temperatures in the ocean, more algae are able to grow on top of the coral, which in turn blocks the amount of direct sunlight the coral receives. Survival becomes much harder without the sun.

A combination of harmful human activities and natural occurrences have severely damaged some of the most remarkable coral reefs. Widespread education campaigns in schools across the country teach children the importance of keeping the natural reefs clean.

Organizations including The Planetary Coral Reef Foundation and the Coral Reef Foundation are available for people to donate time or money to help make sure the coral reefs in the Philippines, and around the world, don’t disappear forever.

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Scuba divers have many different locations to choose from in Southeast Asia, including areas in Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam. Southeast Asia is an aquatic playground for adventurers, with thousands of miles of pristine and often unspoiled tropical beaches.

As a sporting activity, scuba diving allows people to glimpse into the underwater world of marine wildlife in their natural habitat. There are a variety of places across Southeast Asia to experience an outstanding display of ecological amazement. Visiting Thailand’s Andaman Sea is a favorite for scuba divers.

Beginners as well as more experienced divers are welcome to this region of Thailand for superb diving adventures. The Andaman Sea is known to showcase tropical fish and colorful coral. The year round conditions are favorable, giving way to warm water temperatures and clear visibility.

While swimming down into the Andaman Sea, scuba divers are able to witness some of the most tropical wildlife in Southeast Asia. Access to the Andaman Sea is relatively easy from a variety of islands, including popular Phi Phi and Phuket islands. Along with schools of fish and coral reefs, scuba divers have encountered manta rays and whale sharks during diving expeditions.

Pipe fish, lion fish, squid, tunas, and barracudas are also types of marine wildlife visible while scuba diving in this region. The picturesque Phi Phi and Phuket islands are popular spots in Thailand, but not just for scuba diving. There are an abundance of resorts, fine dining, and exciting nightlife which gives travelers plenty of activities to try out.

There are over 7,000 islands in the Philippines. The number of tropical islands provides thousands of miles of beaches and coastlines. Often overlooked by travelers, the Philippines is a great destination for less crowded and more unspoiled diving locations. Puerto Galera is one of the most famous diving spots in the Philippines.

Located on Mindoro Island, the waters of Puerto Galera have over 400 species of marine wildlife that have been recognized. Aquatic life including angelfish, eels, sea turtles, and sea horses are in abundance in dive sites around Puerto Galera. The tropical waters are warm year round and the clarity of the water is optimal for viewing the sights and scenes of underwater living.

Puerto Galera has over 30 different diving sites, which gives people the option for easy diving expeditions to more adventurous dives for the more experienced. One of the most popular resort areas of the Philippines is Boracay, where scuba divers have direct access to some of the most beautiful diving spots in the country.

Beginners and experts are welcome to enjoy the crystal clear waters around Boracay. Yapak is a location where people can appreciate a deep dive, while Crocodile Island allows divers to swim through shallower reef. The laid back atmosphere of Boracay is seen throughout its’ white sand beaches and coastal lifestyle.

Vietnam is another location in Southeast Asia that has a range of diving sites across the country. Nha Trang has been a scuba diving location for marine lovers since the 1980s and has continued to be popular ever since. The high season for diving in Nha Trang runs from March until October when the waters and weather are at their prime.

Scorpion fish, angelfish, and crabs are just some of the species that can be seen during a diving trip. Nha Trang has more than 20 diving locations throughout the region, allowing for many options to experience life underwater. Sharing a similar environment with Thailand and the Philippines, diving in Vietnam has equally beautiful scenes of tropical wildlife swimming throughout its waters.

Scuba diving in Southeast Asia is a breathtaking adventure for those who love being in the ocean. Guided tours on boats are easily available throughout countries of Southeast Asia, making the underwater world more accessible than ever before.

The natural beauty along the coasts of Thailand, the Philippines, and Vietnam are exotic while still maintaining a laid back environment that visitors are constantly attracted to. Diving sites across these countries are some of the best in the region, and shouldn’t be missed when traveling to Southeast Asia.

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On the September 8, two young and determined Libyan activists stormed their embassy in the Philippine capital demanding the resignation of Gadhafi diplomats. The Associated Press (AP) reported that two men scaled the embassy’s steel gate, barging into the building and scuffling with guards.

They were yelling loudly and tried to look for two of four Libyan diplomats inside, who they accused of remaining loyal to Gadhafi. “We are Libyans, this is our embassy,” Elyosa Fathi Elgardag, one of the intruders and a former student in the Philippines, said before storming the complex in front of Filipino guards.

The two Libyans said they left the embassy after the staff showed them a senior diplomat’s resignation letter, according to the Associated Press. The other diplomat the two activists were seeking wasn’t identified, and the Libyan Embassy staff refused to comment. The Philippine Department of Foreign Affairs also did not comment Friday on the situation.

Elgardag said that the embassy later informed the activists that the other diplomat they were interested in seeing is not a Gadhafi loyalist. Elgardag said they were satisfied with the development: “We are happy with that,” he said, adding that they left the building in an embassy car without any further cause.

A number of other Libyan activists, mainly Philippine students, were barred from entering the upscale gated community in Manila’s financial district, Elgardag said. A crowd-control team stood by in case Libyan protesters tried to get near the embassy.

Last month, Libyan diplomats in Manila raised the flag of the temporary rebel government, the National Transitional Council, as Tripoli’s diplomatic missions across the world defected from Gadhafi, underscoring his rapid fall after nearly forty two years in power.

The rapturous, young Libyans rampaged through the embassy compound in August, smashing Gadhafi’s glass-covered portraits, shouting “Die Gadhafi, die!” and ripping his “Green Book,” with his ruling philosophy. However Elgardag said the Libyan diplomats in Manila were under pressure after he and some other Libyans stayed in the Philippnes forced them to defect.

Elgardag’s companion, an anonymous student, said that they were refused from entering the embassy and they had no choice but to storm it because the embassy failed to arrange for the continuation of financial aid to Libyan students abroad. This lack of funding made things difficult for many students, according to the AP.

Elgardag believes that despite Gadhafi’s condemnation, the Libyan people should remain vigilant and ensure that succeeding leaders stomp out problems like massive corruption, the AP reported. “It’s not yet over,” he said and added that the Libyan revolt should “move all the corruption from the country. It’s not just to move the president.”

The Philippines in August recognized the opposition-led interim government in Libya after initial reluctance over concerns for safety of 1,700 Filipino workers, mostly nurses, still in the country. Gadhafi used to bankroll Muslim rebels in the southern Philippines but later brokered a historic 1976 peace accord between the main Muslim group and the Philippine government.

Libya also reportedly paid millions of dollars in ransom for the release of Western hostages held by the al-Qaida-linked Abu Sayyaf group in 2000.

 
William Attard McCarthy / Shutterstock.com

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The Philippine government passed a Biofuels Act in 2006, requiring ethanol-blended gasoline to make up at least 10% of the total gasoline sold worldwide by February 2012.

Platts, a global provider of energy and metal information and source of benchmark price assessments in the physical energy markets, has today launched the world’s first daily price assessments, capturing the value of ethanol delivered to the Philippines.

“The Philippines, like many governments around the world, is in the midst of implementing guidelines and proposals for reducing the use of fossil fuels, in favor of greener, more renewable fuels, such as E-10,” said Ihsan Rahim, managing editor of petrochemicals, Asia, for Platts.

“We believe these new assessments, which reflect a key biofuels trading hub and prices for one of the largest ethanol consumers in the Asia-Pacific region, will help bring greater transparency not only to the Philippine ethanol market, but to the developing ethanol market at large,” said Rahim.

Platts says that the four new prices will reflect trends in the market, with focus on the production of ‘green’ gasoline blends.

So-called green gasoline is blended with undenatured andhrous ethanol.

The assessments will be published daily, and will cover:

•    Three spot market price assessments of undenatured ethanol as delivered to Manila, Subic Bay and Batangas
•    Spot market price assessment of undenatured ethanol in Singapore loaded cargoes

Platt’s says that assessments are covered in the Phillippines Biofuels Act of 2006.

According to Platts, the Philippines imports 160,000 to 200,000 cubic metres of ethanol per year, with imports projected to double over the next few years, as the Biofuels Act comes closer to full implementation.

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