Monday, March 22, 2010
300 FAMILIES LOSE HOMES IN OLD BALARA
By Giano Dionisio, Mayte Uyenco, and Jeamay Palo
It has been over a month since the informal settlers in the Old Balara area were asked to leave and the same question remains, “what about their homes?"
One of the primary concerns of the C-5 road Extension project is to connect the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) to the Southern Luzon Expressway (SLEX). This forced around 300 families of informal settlers along Old Balara to relocate. But conflict over unclear relocation plans and replacement cost ensued.
"There is a process to be followed before we can demolish the houses. Of course we don't remove them without properly arranging things with the homeowners," said the NCR Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) director Edilberto D. Tayao.
NCR Department of DPWH director Edilberto D. Tayao
He said that first the priority is to arrange for the relocation of the settlers. This is in accordance to the Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, where in homeless citizens in urban areas shall be resettled by "making available to them decent housing at affordable costs..."
Relocation not possible
"The original plan of MMDA was to put the Medium Rise Building in the property of the Metropolitan Waterways Sewage Systems (MWSS) still near Balara. However, MWSS prohibited it because it lies on top of the aqueduct," said Chief officer for Planning, Engr. Lydia G. Cruz.
Engr. Lydia G. Cruz, Chief officer for Planning
"This is why we opted for replacement costs instead. Every household was to be paid according to the amount it takes to rebuild their current house," she added.
Different sides
Leonardo 'Oni' Cruz, president of Ugnayang Kapisanan ng Pook Ricarte (UGKAPOR) said that they had no problem of relocating. All they were asking for is a clear and fair arrangement for the replacement costs.
The Manila Metropolitan Development Authority (MMDA) on the other hand washed their hands clean regarding the issue of the relocation. Their job according to General Manager Robert Nacianceno is only to make sure that the C5 road connects NLEX to SLEX.
Chief Executive Assistant of the Traffic Engineering Center Arman Perez also added that the role of MMDA is merely to assist DPWH in clearing the area for their eventual construction.
"MMDA's participation is to be the support group [through] manpower and equipment to remove the informal settlers," he said.
Pointing fingers
Gathering from our various interviews, there really does not seem to be any clear demarcation of responsibility, especially between DPWH and MMDA who alternately pass accountability to the other.
The former residents, on the other hand, still seek proper negotiations, but their cause seems to be lost as neither governmental office has any plans to find Mr. Cruz and his community a new settlement.
It has been over a month since the informal settlers in the Old Balara area were asked to leave and the same question remains, “what about their homes?"
NCR Department of DPWH director Edilberto D. Tayao
He said that first the priority is to arrange for the relocation of the settlers. This is in accordance to the Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development and Housing Act of 1992, where in homeless citizens in urban areas shall be resettled by "making available to them decent housing at affordable costs..."
"The original plan of MMDA was to put the Medium Rise Building in the property of the Metropolitan Waterways Sewage Systems (MWSS) still near Balara. However, MWSS prohibited it because it lies on top of the aqueduct," said Chief officer for Planning, Engr. Lydia G. Cruz.
Engr. Lydia G. Cruz, Chief officer for Planning
"This is why we opted for replacement costs instead. Every household was to be paid according to the amount it takes to rebuild their current house," she added.
Leonardo 'Oni' Cruz, president of Ugnayang Kapisanan ng Pook Ricarte (UGKAPOR) said that they had no problem of relocating. All they were asking for is a clear and fair arrangement for the replacement costs.
Chief Executive Assistant of the Traffic Engineering Center Arman Perez also added that the role of MMDA is merely to assist DPWH in clearing the area for their eventual construction.
"MMDA's participation is to be the support group [through] manpower and equipment to remove the informal settlers," he said.
Pointing fingers
Gathering from our various interviews, there really does not seem to be any clear demarcation of responsibility, especially between DPWH and MMDA who alternately pass accountability to the other.
The former residents, on the other hand, still seek proper negotiations, but their cause seems to be lost as neither governmental office has any plans to find Mr. Cruz and his community a new settlement.
GOVERNMENT AT EASE DESPITE IMPENDING NATURAL CALAMITIES
by Giano D. Dionisio
With devastating earthquakes hitting numerous cities around the world on an unprecedented rate, more and more people are becoming anxious about the possibility of a similar tragedy occurring in the Metro; however, the government as yet seems lax about the issue.
In March alone, 11 different countries were struck by prominent quakes including the recent one in Turkey where 50 were reported dead. Three months into 2010 and a total of over 230,000 deaths have been attributed to harsh earthquakes, most notably the one in Haiti on January 12 of this year.
Seismology in the Philippines
Seismic Hazard Map, Earthquake Density Map, and Seismicity Map of the Philippines
The Philippines is located within the Pacific Ring of Fire and is comprised of 22 active volcanoes and 27 more that are potentially active, the rest categorized as inactive; earthquakes are thus a common happening in the country, although barely felt.
Recently, though, more evident tremors have been felt around the country particularly in Cagayan and the Solomon Islands, though no damage or casualties were reported.
Despite this, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has no concrete plan in case of an unexpected quake.
Preparation over prevention
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum, however, continues to advocate public preparedness for such calamities, and urges citizens to participate in earthquake drills.
Seismologists at Phivolcs suggest not to be in a state of unnecessary panic because “earthquakes are natural events and we can’t do anything about them except be prepared.”
When asked about sites of concern, they said the Marikina Fault Line is the most dangerous potential cause of an earthquake as it passes through a large part of the metro including Katipunan, Pasig, and the south—the damage it could inflict, they say, is beyond that of any other disaster in the country’s recent history.
Other than earthquakes
Meanwhile, regarding other natural calamities such as flooding and landslides, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) promises to complete their Geohazard mapping program by June under the supervision of department head Horacio Ramos, former Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director.
Carmen Aquino of the DENR Public Informations office said, in Filipino, “We shouldn’t focus on earthquakes just because we’ve been seeing a lot of them happen. The Philippines is still most prone to destruction brought on by typhoons.”
She adds that in the case of a natural disaster, the Filipinos will be resilient, as seen in the display of charity and camaraderie after the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy late last year.
Lastly, she reiterated that these catastrophes wreak the most damage when paired with the negligence of the people and poor-quality infrastructure; and thus we should all become more aware of our role in these events.
Whether or not there is any truth in the fanatical 2012 predictions, it is still most advisable to prepare for the worst and do all we can to ensure our own safety.
Graphs and charts via US Geological Survey
Related links:
PHIVOLCS Earthquake Preparedness Guide
DENR to audit ‘hazardous’ structures in geo-hazard areas
With devastating earthquakes hitting numerous cities around the world on an unprecedented rate, more and more people are becoming anxious about the possibility of a similar tragedy occurring in the Metro; however, the government as yet seems lax about the issue.
In March alone, 11 different countries were struck by prominent quakes including the recent one in Turkey where 50 were reported dead. Three months into 2010 and a total of over 230,000 deaths have been attributed to harsh earthquakes, most notably the one in Haiti on January 12 of this year.
Seismology in the Philippines
Seismic Hazard Map, Earthquake Density Map, and Seismicity Map of the Philippines
Recently, though, more evident tremors have been felt around the country particularly in Cagayan and the Solomon Islands, though no damage or casualties were reported.
Despite this, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has no concrete plan in case of an unexpected quake.
Preparation over prevention
Phivolcs director Renato Solidum, however, continues to advocate public preparedness for such calamities, and urges citizens to participate in earthquake drills.
Seismologists at Phivolcs suggest not to be in a state of unnecessary panic because “earthquakes are natural events and we can’t do anything about them except be prepared.”
When asked about sites of concern, they said the Marikina Fault Line is the most dangerous potential cause of an earthquake as it passes through a large part of the metro including Katipunan, Pasig, and the south—the damage it could inflict, they say, is beyond that of any other disaster in the country’s recent history.
Other than earthquakes
Meanwhile, regarding other natural calamities such as flooding and landslides, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) promises to complete their Geohazard mapping program by June under the supervision of department head Horacio Ramos, former Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) director.
Carmen Aquino of the DENR Public Informations office said, in Filipino, “We shouldn’t focus on earthquakes just because we’ve been seeing a lot of them happen. The Philippines is still most prone to destruction brought on by typhoons.”
She adds that in the case of a natural disaster, the Filipinos will be resilient, as seen in the display of charity and camaraderie after the onslaught of Typhoon Ondoy late last year.
Lastly, she reiterated that these catastrophes wreak the most damage when paired with the negligence of the people and poor-quality infrastructure; and thus we should all become more aware of our role in these events.
Whether or not there is any truth in the fanatical 2012 predictions, it is still most advisable to prepare for the worst and do all we can to ensure our own safety.
Graphs and charts via US Geological Survey
Related links:
PHIVOLCS Earthquake Preparedness Guide
DENR to audit ‘hazardous’ structures in geo-hazard areas
7 YEARS OF ILLEGAL ACTIVITY IN ATENEO NOW OVER
by Giano D. Dionisio
Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) has unknowingly been the site of illegal on-campus smoking for the past seven years—but with the end of the schoolyear approaching, a memorandum has already been passed divesting the university of all illegal smoking.
The various smockets have become a refuge for smokers who come together during their breaks.
Ateneo de Manila University (AdMU) has unknowingly been the site of illegal on-campus smoking for the past seven years—but with the end of the schoolyear approaching, a memorandum has already been passed divesting the university of all illegal smoking.
Ever since the Tobacco Regulation Act (RA 9211) of 2003, smoking was prohibited in “centers of youth activity such as… colleges and universities.”
In an attempt to satisfy the law, Ateneo created designated smoking areas called the smoker’s pocket gardens, or smockets, strategically placed in areas around the college.
Campus smockets are frequented by students and professors alike
Prior to that, it was common for members of both the faculty and student body to smoke anywhere in the university other than classrooms.
Due to a recent visit by DOH personnel, however, it was noted that these smockets were not permissible by RA 9211 and therefore Ateneo’s policies on smoking needed to be revisited.
During the past few months, forums were held regarding the issue and students and faculty members participated in several focus group discussions.
The main concern, according to ADSA officials, was the security of the students who would no doubt continue to smoke, but perhaps opt to go outside the campus to do so.
When approached, most smocket frequenters (students, faculty, and even maintenance personnel) admitted that they would likely find a way to smoke in hidden areas because it would be too difficult to stop altogether.
Albeit, they commonly agree that there is no other way but to comply because the law is nationwide and will definitely be for the benefit of the university’s population.
Dr. John Paul C. Vergara, the incoming Vice-President of the Loyola Schools, sought the help of student government Sanggunian ng mga Mag-aaral ng mga Paaralang Loyola ng Ateneo de Manila (Sanggu) to gather feedback from the students on the abolishment of smockets.
This would help give the administration an overview of other possible issues that will arise from the implementation of the new regulation.
Since the rule encompasses the entire university, we also asked the High School department for their input; the faculty members said that they had been avoiding smoking for months now because of the newly constructed High School library extension, which gave students a clear view of their personal smoking area.
However, all agree that it is unlikely that smoking is completely eliminated as there are still areas in the university that are obscured from view and it would be impossible to completely control each individual’s decision to smoke.
The various smockets have become a refuge for smokers who come together during their breaks.
LOYOLA HEIGHTS: A Robbery Hotspot
by Jem R. Palo
One should not let presence of security guards mislead them. It is still quite risky to stroll along the sidewalks of Katipunan at night.
In fact, Loyola Heights according to the Quezon City Police Station 9 (the Loyola Heights police station), is prone to crimes involving theft and violence.
Morning Shift Investigator P02 Morell Carranza said that Loyola Heights is by far the most prone among all the districts of Quezon to cases of robbery.
"The most common type here is that of group robberies. In Loyola Heights, there exists what we call the 'Basag- Salamin Operation'." Carranza said in a mix of English and Filipino.
"Usually what happens is that a either a person or a group of people, breaks the glass windows of cars with valuables in them like laptops and etc.," he added.
According to him, Akyat-Bahay gangs also frequent the area as Loyola Heights is home to some of Quezon City's wealthiest. Even former Senator and comedian Vicente "Tito" Sotto was victimized by this gang in 2008. He was robbed in his White Plains residence, of some cash and certain expensive valuables. (http://www.pep.ph/news/17122/Ex-senator-Tito-Sotto%92s-house-victimized-by-burglars/2)
However, Akyat-Bahay cases have deteriorated throughout the years. Carranza said it is the Ipit Gang which Loyola Heights should watch out for nowadays.
"The Ipit Gang is a group of people who corner you and accuse you of crossing one of their members and then they beat you up and steal everything," Carranza said.
To 'Christine', a 4th year college student of Miriam college, it does not come as a surprise as she herself was once robbed near gate 3.5 of the Ateneo.
She was on her way home late one night from Miriam, when a boy suddenly took out a knife and pointed it at her back. She didn't give her bag so the boy slit the side of her waist. It was not a serious injury as Christine was able to go to the hospital after the incident. The boy however was never caught.
However Carranza assured that the police have it all under control.
"We have a 24-hour patrol car on standby under the overpass near the Ministop. Should anything happen we should be able to handle the situation. But so far, Loyola Heights is quite a peaceful district."
Picture taken from: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/Downloadables/cityindicators/safety.pdf
One should not let presence of security guards mislead them. It is still quite risky to stroll along the sidewalks of Katipunan at night.
In fact, Loyola Heights according to the Quezon City Police Station 9 (the Loyola Heights police station), is prone to crimes involving theft and violence.
Morning Shift Investigator P02 Morell Carranza said that Loyola Heights is by far the most prone among all the districts of Quezon to cases of robbery.
"The most common type here is that of group robberies. In Loyola Heights, there exists what we call the 'Basag- Salamin Operation'." Carranza said in a mix of English and Filipino.
"Usually what happens is that a either a person or a group of people, breaks the glass windows of cars with valuables in them like laptops and etc.," he added.
According to him, Akyat-Bahay gangs also frequent the area as Loyola Heights is home to some of Quezon City's wealthiest. Even former Senator and comedian Vicente "Tito" Sotto was victimized by this gang in 2008. He was robbed in his White Plains residence, of some cash and certain expensive valuables. (http://www.pep.ph/news/17122/Ex-senator-Tito-Sotto%92s-house-victimized-by-burglars/2)
However, Akyat-Bahay cases have deteriorated throughout the years. Carranza said it is the Ipit Gang which Loyola Heights should watch out for nowadays.
"The Ipit Gang is a group of people who corner you and accuse you of crossing one of their members and then they beat you up and steal everything," Carranza said.
To 'Christine', a 4th year college student of Miriam college, it does not come as a surprise as she herself was once robbed near gate 3.5 of the Ateneo.
She was on her way home late one night from Miriam, when a boy suddenly took out a knife and pointed it at her back. She didn't give her bag so the boy slit the side of her waist. It was not a serious injury as Christine was able to go to the hospital after the incident. The boy however was never caught.
However Carranza assured that the police have it all under control.
"We have a 24-hour patrol car on standby under the overpass near the Ministop. Should anything happen we should be able to handle the situation. But so far, Loyola Heights is quite a peaceful district."
Picture taken from: http://www.quezoncity.gov.ph/images/Downloadables/cityindicators/safety.pdf
WHEN DARKNESS FALLS IN KATIPUNAN
by Jem R. Palo
Loyola Heights is home to most of Quezon City's elite. With pristine subdivisions like the White Plains and Blue Ridge, one can almost instantly tell, that in this small district may lie not only the city's wealthiest, but also the country's.
This is why it might be difficult to imagine the grand sidewalks of Katipunan Avenue filling up with beggars.
But come midnight, the beautiful Katipunan transforms to exactly that. The Cinderella town takes her glass slippers off to reveal a reality as dark as the night itself. While the wealthy sleep, the city's poorest awake to find scraps from their garbage, to sell to junk shops, and to eat.
Take for example Rosalinda ''Rosalie" Galvez. She is 42-years old and is single-handedly raising her four children. Her husband died of kidney failure bringing with him the small fortune that they had, enough to raise their four children. Now she is left with nothing but a cart full of garbage and hands full of grub.
She has tried everything from being a lady guard for a condominium to cleaning cafeterias and halls as a janitress. But old age has gotten the worst of her situation forcing her to quit because of the age limit of her contract.
"Before, I used to work in a condominium in Cubao. But when I got laid off, I requested the guard there instead if I could collect my garbage there every night," she said in Filipino.
And so, every night since then, Aling Rosalie follows a regular route from Cubao to Katipunan collecting empty bottles, plastic cups and scratch papers old newspapers from the garbage.
"It just hurts when sometimes, we are treated like worthless beings," she cried as she recalled an instance of being almost hit by a car while collecting garbage.
On one occasion, Aling Rosalie was even maliciously offered by a Pastor of one church to become a prostitute instead. It was times like those that Aling Rosalie felt almost ready to give up, if not for her 18-year old daughter who currently depends on her for her tuition fees in college.
It is quite similar for Aling Dolores, 52, who has been a garbage collector for two years now. She used to sell in her small 'tindahan' back in Tandang Sora. But ever since their house was demolished about a year ago, to give way for the extension of the C-5 road, she has been collecting garbage to sell to junk shops.
"This job is really difficult, but I have no choice. This is the only sure way I know I can get money for my family everyday," she said. Aling Dolores is also currently raising four children, all of whom go to school.
For these people, attaining the most basic needs of life is a constant struggle. While most of Katipunan fight to bring tricycles back to the roads so that they may not have to walk the long distance of the overpass, others walk even longer distances to fight for dear life.
Loyola Heights is home to most of Quezon City's elite. With pristine subdivisions like the White Plains and Blue Ridge, one can almost instantly tell, that in this small district may lie not only the city's wealthiest, but also the country's.
This is why it might be difficult to imagine the grand sidewalks of Katipunan Avenue filling up with beggars.
But come midnight, the beautiful Katipunan transforms to exactly that. The Cinderella town takes her glass slippers off to reveal a reality as dark as the night itself. While the wealthy sleep, the city's poorest awake to find scraps from their garbage, to sell to junk shops, and to eat.
Take for example Rosalinda ''Rosalie" Galvez. She is 42-years old and is single-handedly raising her four children. Her husband died of kidney failure bringing with him the small fortune that they had, enough to raise their four children. Now she is left with nothing but a cart full of garbage and hands full of grub.
She has tried everything from being a lady guard for a condominium to cleaning cafeterias and halls as a janitress. But old age has gotten the worst of her situation forcing her to quit because of the age limit of her contract.
"Before, I used to work in a condominium in Cubao. But when I got laid off, I requested the guard there instead if I could collect my garbage there every night," she said in Filipino.
And so, every night since then, Aling Rosalie follows a regular route from Cubao to Katipunan collecting empty bottles, plastic cups and scratch papers old newspapers from the garbage.
"It just hurts when sometimes, we are treated like worthless beings," she cried as she recalled an instance of being almost hit by a car while collecting garbage.
On one occasion, Aling Rosalie was even maliciously offered by a Pastor of one church to become a prostitute instead. It was times like those that Aling Rosalie felt almost ready to give up, if not for her 18-year old daughter who currently depends on her for her tuition fees in college.
It is quite similar for Aling Dolores, 52, who has been a garbage collector for two years now. She used to sell in her small 'tindahan' back in Tandang Sora. But ever since their house was demolished about a year ago, to give way for the extension of the C-5 road, she has been collecting garbage to sell to junk shops.
"This job is really difficult, but I have no choice. This is the only sure way I know I can get money for my family everyday," she said. Aling Dolores is also currently raising four children, all of whom go to school.
For these people, attaining the most basic needs of life is a constant struggle. While most of Katipunan fight to bring tricycles back to the roads so that they may not have to walk the long distance of the overpass, others walk even longer distances to fight for dear life.
THE REAL REASON FOR THE TRICYCLE BAN
by Jem R. Palo
The inconsistent implementation of the tricycle ban has caused confusion among Katipunan residents of whether or not they could ride tricycles in Katipunan Avenue.
It has been 20 years since tricycles and pedicabs, under Ordinance number 6 Series of 1990, were banned from operating along the major highways of Metro Manila. Among these highways include the C-5 road which passes through Katipunan Avenue. The ordinance stated that the ban was because tricycles not only slow down the flow of traffic, it also "poses grave risks and danger to the lives and limbs of concerned drivers, passengers and pedestrians."
.JPG)
But the said law under then Chairman Jejomar Binay has since been inconsistently implemented thus giving an impression that the ban was only temporary.
"The reason for that is that the teams we send do not monitor round the clock to avoid getting beaten up by some really persistent tricycle drivers. We [send] three patrol teams of eight but we only send them periodically for their safety," said Director for Traffic Operations Vergel de Dios.
He added that it is a law to begin with, so there is no other choice but to follow it.
"It’s really prohibited. A common excuse would be that it is their only means of livelihood. But have they ever considered the passengers that might have an accident. Cars in Katipunan run very fast because it is really dangerous for tricycle drivers and their passengers," Vergel said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The tricycle drivers however are persistent. They say that they are not disrupting traffic in Katipunan, their presence is even beneficial to Katipunan residents. They also claim to have franchise from the City Hall.
"Naghahanapbuhay nga kami ng legal, hindi nga kami nagnanakaw tapos pagbawalan pa ninyo kami, (We’re trying to earn money legally, we don’t steal and yet you still prohibit us.)" said 53-year old Dionisio Mijares.
Mr. Mijares has been driving a tricycle for 10 years to sustain his family of eight. The ban has affected his livelihood.
"Dati kumikita ako ng 500 isang araw. Ngayon dahil mejo mas nag-iingat na ako at dahil minsan natitiketan, mga 200 na lang kinikita ko, (I used to earn 500 a day. But ever since the ban, I try to be careful and sometimes I am issued a ticket so I only earn about 200 nowadays.)" he said.
As the conflict ensues, Katipunan residents also get affected.
"Minsan yung pabalik-balik na ban mahirap kasi magmamadali ako papuntang school tapos lalo na kapag umuulan, tapos malalaman mo na lang biglang bawal nanaman ang tricycle (Sometimes the inconsistent banning is difficult because for instance, when I'm in a hurry and it’s raining, I find out that tricycles are banned again.)," said Tonee Bayhon II – AB MEco, a resident of Burgundy Plaza.
The inconsistent implementation of the tricycle ban has caused confusion among Katipunan residents of whether or not they could ride tricycles in Katipunan Avenue.
It has been 20 years since tricycles and pedicabs, under Ordinance number 6 Series of 1990, were banned from operating along the major highways of Metro Manila. Among these highways include the C-5 road which passes through Katipunan Avenue. The ordinance stated that the ban was because tricycles not only slow down the flow of traffic, it also "poses grave risks and danger to the lives and limbs of concerned drivers, passengers and pedestrians."
.JPG)
But the said law under then Chairman Jejomar Binay has since been inconsistently implemented thus giving an impression that the ban was only temporary.
"The reason for that is that the teams we send do not monitor round the clock to avoid getting beaten up by some really persistent tricycle drivers. We [send] three patrol teams of eight but we only send them periodically for their safety," said Director for Traffic Operations Vergel de Dios.
He added that it is a law to begin with, so there is no other choice but to follow it.
"It’s really prohibited. A common excuse would be that it is their only means of livelihood. But have they ever considered the passengers that might have an accident. Cars in Katipunan run very fast because it is really dangerous for tricycle drivers and their passengers," Vergel said in a mix of English and Filipino.
The tricycle drivers however are persistent. They say that they are not disrupting traffic in Katipunan, their presence is even beneficial to Katipunan residents. They also claim to have franchise from the City Hall.
"Naghahanapbuhay nga kami ng legal, hindi nga kami nagnanakaw tapos pagbawalan pa ninyo kami, (We’re trying to earn money legally, we don’t steal and yet you still prohibit us.)" said 53-year old Dionisio Mijares.
Mr. Mijares has been driving a tricycle for 10 years to sustain his family of eight. The ban has affected his livelihood.
"Dati kumikita ako ng 500 isang araw. Ngayon dahil mejo mas nag-iingat na ako at dahil minsan natitiketan, mga 200 na lang kinikita ko, (I used to earn 500 a day. But ever since the ban, I try to be careful and sometimes I am issued a ticket so I only earn about 200 nowadays.)" he said.
As the conflict ensues, Katipunan residents also get affected.
"Minsan yung pabalik-balik na ban mahirap kasi magmamadali ako papuntang school tapos lalo na kapag umuulan, tapos malalaman mo na lang biglang bawal nanaman ang tricycle (Sometimes the inconsistent banning is difficult because for instance, when I'm in a hurry and it’s raining, I find out that tricycles are banned again.)," said Tonee Bayhon II – AB MEco, a resident of Burgundy Plaza.
NO WATER ON WATER DAY?
Due to the El Niño, the water level in the Angat Dam has decreased by 20.6 meters from December 31 until March 22.
From 204.74 meters, the water level is at 184.14 meters according to the data from Maynilad Waters which gets its main water supply from the Angat Dam.
193 meters is the level that ensures normal water supply and with the water level being nearly nine meters below, there is reason for alarm especially since we are in the midst of a dry spell.
Based on their records the dam has been decreasing by 0.4 meters daily which has affected one percent of their consumers, as of March 10, and have projected it to rise from six to 10 percent in the coming summer months.
As the main water supplier to the western portion of Metro Manila and some parts of Luzon, Maynilad promises that “May lalabas na tubig sa gripo ng mga tao,” (Water will be coming out of people’s faucets) according to the Head of the
Corporate Affairs and Public Relations office, Cherubim Ocampo.
More households this coming summer are expected to have reduced water pressure and some inconsistencies in their water supply schedule. If the drought will be severe, they have projected reduced water pressure in 20 to 24 percent of the household consumers.
According to Ocampo, there are plans of installing static water tanks in the hard hit areas during the months of April and May. Hard hit areas are those that are elevated and are located farther away from the service area.
The usual water supply that Maynilad gets is about 2400 million liters per day (MLD) and now they are only getting 2250 MLD. By next week, they have projected it to drop to 2200 MLD.
Only one dam from the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa water system, which supplies most of Metro Manila’s water, is experiencing a large decrease in water levels. The Ipo dam has decreased by less than a meter over the same period of time
This means that the ones to suffer from the drought will be the ones that come from the areas to which Maynilad supplies water. These areas are
In 1998, the dam’s water level decreased to as low as 158.15 meters and this year the Metropolitan Waterworks Sewerage System expects it to become even less with a projecting a 158.01 measurement by June.
The daily average consumption of industrial, residential, semi-business and commercial consumers are as follows: 5.29 cubic meters (cu.m), 0.94 cu.m, 1.95 cu.m, and 4.11 cu.m. Semi-business consumers are residents who own business in their homes.
Related links:
More on water...
DENR identifies strategic measures to mitigate water shortage in Metro Manila and environs
DENR urges industries to conserve water, reuse wastewater
Froyo
by Mayte Uyenco
Frozen yogurt or froyo as many have been calling it, has been quite a fashionable treat nowadays. Many stalls and kiosks have opened in malls at the beginning of last year but there is good news for Katipunan residents because craving for froyo does not mean having to go all the way to a mall. With two froyo joints that have opened on both sides of Katipunan avenue, anyone who craves for froyo has two places to choose from.
Frutti Froyo
Located at the second floor of the Petron Service Station beside La Vista, Frutti Froyo is a place where students can drop by after school or a nice place to take the kids out for dessert or merienda.
This is different from all the others because customers can choose from eight flavors of yogurt a d choose from over 20 different toppings.
Has it been mentioned that the customer can put as much as he pleases? Patterned after the trend in the U.S., the system is self-service where the price is determined at the end based on its weight. Each ounce is P18.
Frutti Froyo uses all ingredients from the U.S. and a healthy low-fat yogurt. “We are still in the process of making it sugar-free,” according to the store’s owner Shirley Dacanay.
Mrs. Dacanay has been based in San Francisco for the past 20 years but has been coming to the Philippines every month to attend to her business. She has been more than pleased with the turnout because the customers are ¾ more than what she expected. Ever since its opening last December 4, “the sales have been steadily increasing” she adds.
Her vision for Frutti Froyo was patterned after the old Magnolia Ice Cream House from that was popular in the late ‘70s. Instead of people going all the way to the malls to eat frozen yogurt, they can just stay in Frutti Froyo and enjoy the goodness of yogurt and the company of their friends and family. “People are inclined to choose healthier options in their diet and in their lifestyles,” which is why froyo has clicked with many people, she said.
Most of the customers that have been frequently buying are students from the nearby colleges and also children accompanied by their parents. With the summer season coming up, Mrs. Dacanay fears that the customers might lessen but to her surprise, sales have increased at the beginning of this month.
Frutti Froyo is her own brand and this is the first branch that she has opened. Two more branches are expected to open in Tomas Morato which will be open by April and another one in Alabang.
Gurts at Pancake House
As a part of a marketing strategy, Pancake House has also gotten into the froyo craze with a product they can call their own. They came up with Gurts, a frozen yogurt with two kinds of toppings, classic and premium.
Pancake House decided to add froyo to their menu after getting good sales from their high end branches. Other branches with the said product are in Medical City and Magallanes.
They opened the Katipunan branch last Valentine’s Day hoping to attract customers from the different colleges as well as residents from the nearby subdivisions. According to the store manager Ingrid Francisco, the people who usually buy froyo are the yuppies and professionals.
The product is a blend of powder, pure milk, skim milk, and creamy yogurt from Italy. Yogurt is a healthier alternative to ice cream because it contains lactobacillus which aids in digestion. It is also less fattening than milk.
The price ranges are from P78 to P150 depending on the sizes regular, medium or large. Each classic topping is P20 while the premium toppings which are made up pastries and biscotti are P38 each.
Frozen yogurt or froyo as many have been calling it, has been quite a fashionable treat nowadays. Many stalls and kiosks have opened in malls at the beginning of last year but there is good news for Katipunan residents because craving for froyo does not mean having to go all the way to a mall. With two froyo joints that have opened on both sides of Katipunan avenue, anyone who craves for froyo has two places to choose from.
Frutti Froyo
Located at the second floor of the Petron Service Station beside La Vista, Frutti Froyo is a place where students can drop by after school or a nice place to take the kids out for dessert or merienda.
This is different from all the others because customers can choose from eight flavors of yogurt a d choose from over 20 different toppings.
Has it been mentioned that the customer can put as much as he pleases? Patterned after the trend in the U.S., the system is self-service where the price is determined at the end based on its weight. Each ounce is P18.
Frutti Froyo uses all ingredients from the U.S. and a healthy low-fat yogurt. “We are still in the process of making it sugar-free,” according to the store’s owner Shirley Dacanay.
Mrs. Dacanay has been based in San Francisco for the past 20 years but has been coming to the Philippines every month to attend to her business. She has been more than pleased with the turnout because the customers are ¾ more than what she expected. Ever since its opening last December 4, “the sales have been steadily increasing” she adds.
Her vision for Frutti Froyo was patterned after the old Magnolia Ice Cream House from that was popular in the late ‘70s. Instead of people going all the way to the malls to eat frozen yogurt, they can just stay in Frutti Froyo and enjoy the goodness of yogurt and the company of their friends and family. “People are inclined to choose healthier options in their diet and in their lifestyles,” which is why froyo has clicked with many people, she said.
Most of the customers that have been frequently buying are students from the nearby colleges and also children accompanied by their parents. With the summer season coming up, Mrs. Dacanay fears that the customers might lessen but to her surprise, sales have increased at the beginning of this month.
Frutti Froyo is her own brand and this is the first branch that she has opened. Two more branches are expected to open in Tomas Morato which will be open by April and another one in Alabang.
Gurts at Pancake House
As a part of a marketing strategy, Pancake House has also gotten into the froyo craze with a product they can call their own. They came up with Gurts, a frozen yogurt with two kinds of toppings, classic and premium.
Pancake House decided to add froyo to their menu after getting good sales from their high end branches. Other branches with the said product are in Medical City and Magallanes.
They opened the Katipunan branch last Valentine’s Day hoping to attract customers from the different colleges as well as residents from the nearby subdivisions. According to the store manager Ingrid Francisco, the people who usually buy froyo are the yuppies and professionals.
The product is a blend of powder, pure milk, skim milk, and creamy yogurt from Italy. Yogurt is a healthier alternative to ice cream because it contains lactobacillus which aids in digestion. It is also less fattening than milk.
The price ranges are from P78 to P150 depending on the sizes regular, medium or large. Each classic topping is P20 while the premium toppings which are made up pastries and biscotti are P38 each.
Aquino Headquarters in Katipunan
by: Mayte Uyenco
A very noticeable yellow establishment can be observed just before the Katipunan flyover. For many students, it could be seen as the Coast Net killer because it took away a place where they can hang out and have drinks after school. For the avid Aquino-Roxas follower, however, it could be the only establishment there to trigger the nationalism in him or her.
Donated by the Ateneo de Manila Highschool batch of ’77 and Ateneo de Manila University batch of ’81, the volunteer center accepts any person willing to lend a helping hand or donate any amount that will fund the campaign of Liberal Party Presidential bet, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
The center is manned by some members of the Pinoy Power movement which fully supports his inentions of running for president.
“Integrity is the must and only he has the values meant for leadership” said Esther Pacheco who is a representative of Pinoy Power.
They have been overwhelmed with the many volunteers who have registered after only less than a month of operation. It was opened in February 28 and with almost 100 people a day, they are more than satisfied with the response.
According to Pacheco, many of the volunteers had no intentions of dropping by but because they were surprised to see it, they thought of checking it out to see what could be done.
Many of those who registered are Ateneo Alumni and many students who come from U.P., Miriam College and Ateneo.
There is a donation package called Ilaw na Dilaw where yellow-ribbon lanterns are given in exchange for a certain amount of money donated.
From the first day that the volunteer center has opened, the lanterns that were stacked almost reaching the ceiling are getting fewer and fewer by the day.
People who will not donate may also buy t-shirts, bracelets, earrings and other accessories that will help fund Aquino’s campaign.
A very noticeable yellow establishment can be observed just before the Katipunan flyover. For many students, it could be seen as the Coast Net killer because it took away a place where they can hang out and have drinks after school. For the avid Aquino-Roxas follower, however, it could be the only establishment there to trigger the nationalism in him or her.
Donated by the Ateneo de Manila Highschool batch of ’77 and Ateneo de Manila University batch of ’81, the volunteer center accepts any person willing to lend a helping hand or donate any amount that will fund the campaign of Liberal Party Presidential bet, Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III.
The center is manned by some members of the Pinoy Power movement which fully supports his inentions of running for president.
“Integrity is the must and only he has the values meant for leadership” said Esther Pacheco who is a representative of Pinoy Power.
They have been overwhelmed with the many volunteers who have registered after only less than a month of operation. It was opened in February 28 and with almost 100 people a day, they are more than satisfied with the response.
According to Pacheco, many of the volunteers had no intentions of dropping by but because they were surprised to see it, they thought of checking it out to see what could be done.
Many of those who registered are Ateneo Alumni and many students who come from U.P., Miriam College and Ateneo.
There is a donation package called Ilaw na Dilaw where yellow-ribbon lanterns are given in exchange for a certain amount of money donated.
- P500: 2 regular lanterns
- P1,000: 1 large and 1 regular lantern
- P5,000: 1 capiz and 4 regular lanterns
From the first day that the volunteer center has opened, the lanterns that were stacked almost reaching the ceiling are getting fewer and fewer by the day.
People who will not donate may also buy t-shirts, bracelets, earrings and other accessories that will help fund Aquino’s campaign.
METRO NOT SO "GWAPO" ANYMORE
by Mayte Uyenco
Ever since the new Chairman of the Metro Manila Development Authority, Oscar Inocentes, was appointed, there has been a very noticeable change around the metro – the blue and pink color scheme is slowly being replaced with a combination of two shades of green.
The reason for this, according to MMDA General Manager Robert Nacianceno, is to promote environmental awareness. Any corporation or agency would want to reflect its identity which is why the MMDA applies their color scheme on anything related to the projects they have done.
“It tells people the sense and logic behind our projects,” Nacianceno said. It helps people remember what they are trying to achieve and with the many problems of global warming, the MMDA is pushing for a cleaner and greener metro with their new tagline “Metro Green” which replaced “Metro Gwapo.”
It looks as if the only major change of the MMDA will be the color scheme. They will still continue improving the roads and traffic schemes. “The problems are the same and the solutions are always standard.” Nacianceno said.
One of their long-term plans, which will greatly improve the traffic in areas like EDSA and C-5, is the addition of five more bridges that will cross the
As for the problems that the MMDA is facing, they are still the same: disputes with city governments and the media. There have been some mayors that did not approve of some MMDA projects because they didn’t want a certain portion of land to be used.
The media, on the other hand, gives people the wrong impression about some of their projects. An example of which is the new color scheme which the media presented as their way of showing support for certain presidential candidates. No comment was received about whether the change was the administration's subtle hint of supporting their presidential candidate.
For them, the good news is that more and more young city officials are running for their respective positions. This will make it easier for them to implement their projects because they more or less have the same standards in terms of how to better improve traffic flow and safety.
All plans of MMDA are to push through like the utilization of all roads, improving road safety as well as providing more care for their employees such as giving them a clothing allowance and insurance.
“Chairmen are only appointees chosen by the president, so there will be another new one this coming June.” according to Assistant General Manager, Atty. Emmanuel de Castro. The MMDA has many plans and with over 10 chairmen who have served for the past 20 years and the main task of the MMDA is to continue applying the law and to improve safety and traffic in the metro.
After the many years that the MMDA has served the citizens of Metro Manila they have been getting much attention for the changes they have made. “The most important thing is that our agency completely transformed” Nacianceno said.
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