News Roundup 18 November 2023
Nov 18, 2023 • 4 min Read
DOST reminds public: Participate in earthquake, tsunami drills | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — Department of Science and Technology Secretary Renato Solidum Jr. emphasized the importance of earthquake drills as part of disaster preparedness on Saturday.
“Kaya paulit-ulit po nating binabanggit na dapat paghandaan ang malalakas na lindol at posibleng tsunami sa mga dalampasigan kaya marapat na ang mga local governments at mga residente ay patuloy ang ginagawang earthquake drills at kasama na rin ang tsunami drills,” Solidum said in a DZRH radio program with Senator Francis Tolentino.
(That is why we reiterate that people must prepare for strong earthquakes and possible tsunamis which is why local governments should participate in earthquake and tsunami drills.)
The secretary also said that malls and other similar enclosed spaces were dangerous during earthquakes because they were wide places and prone to damage.
“Ang mga malls kasi, ito ay mga malalapad na estruktura. Kaya may tendency silang ugain. Pero dahil ito ay malapad minsan talaga, mas malaki ang epekto sa kanila. Napansin nga natin, may mga ceiling at bubong na nagsibagsakan,” he added.
(Malls are wide structures, which is why they tend to shake, and the effects of earthquakes are wider on their scale, which is why we saw ceilings and roofs fall.)
Full Story at: DOST reminds public: Participate in earthquake, tsunami drills | Inquirer News
Davao Region emergency operation center at red alert status | INQUIRER.NET – MANILA, Philippines — The Emergency Operations Center (EOC) alert status in the Davao Region was raised to Red Alert, its Office of Civil Defense (OCD XI) said on Saturday.
The magnitude 6.8 earthquake on Friday was recorded in the region, particularly in the waters off Sarangani, Davao Occidental.
According to OCD XI, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (RDRRMC) raised the status to intensify close monitoring in the region and ensure immediate mobilization of resources at the regional level, especially in areas affected by the strong earthquake.
“All Local DRRM Offices and RDRRMC member agencies have been directed to monitor closely their areas of responsibility and coordinate with the RDRRMC XI EOC for immediate response actions, when necessary,” the OCD XI said in a statement.
OCD XI likewise said that as of 11:00 p.m. on Friday, minor damages to infrastructure were reported in Davao City, and in the Municipalities of Jose Abad Santos and Sarangani in Davao Occidental.
Full Story at: Davao Region emergency operation center at red alert status | Inquirer News
Pope Francis hosts Ozamis archdiocese pilgrims for 50th anniversary | PHILSTAR.COM – Pope Francis welcomed pilgrims from the Archdiocese of Ozamiz led by Archbishop Jumoad, as they made a Marian pilgrimage to Rome for the 50th anniversary celebration of the foundation of the archdiocese.
“Pilgrimage to shrines is an eloquent expression of trust in God,” Pope Francis said as he hosted the Filipino pilgrims in the Vatican’s Clementine Hall.
The pope said he is happy that the Filipino pilgrims chose a Marian pilgrimage, emphasizing the significance of Mary’s guidance in nurturing a deeper connection to Christ.
“It is Mary who shows us that being followers of Jesus involves listening to His Word,” Pope Francis said.
He expressed hope that the pilgrimage would turn every pilgrim into “missionary disciples transformed by your encounter with the Lord and renewed in zeal for bearing witness to his presence, compassion and love.”
The pope also hoped that the Archdiocese of Ozamiz will be able to contribute to the advancement of God’s kingdom of justice, unity and peace.
Full Story at: Pope Francis hosts Ozamis archdiocese pilgrims for 50th anniversary | Philstar.com
PH-China relations go beyond West Philippine Sea issues — Marcos | PHILSTAR.COM – MANILA, Philippines — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said on Friday that the ongoing challenges in the West Philippine Sea (WPS) should not be the sole factor shaping the relationship between the Philippines and China.
When asked about potential agreements to ease tensions in the South China Sea, Marcos said that he and Xi Jinping agreed that the West Philippine Sea issues should not overshadow their diplomatic relationship.
“That’s essentially the message that we spoke of to each other, that we were in agreement that the problems that we have in South China Sea, with China, should not be the defining element of our relationship,” Marcos said during the interview at the Ritz-Carlton San Francisco.
The informal meeting between the two leaders took place at the George Moscone Convention during the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit.
Marcos pointed out that despite the challenges, ongoing dialogue is crucial to prevent escalations and protect Filipino fishermen.
Full Story at: PH-China relations go beyond West Philippine Sea issues — Marcos | Philstar.com
