Mobile phones, social media easing disaster impact — Red Cross

SINGAPORE — Mobile phones and social media are saving thousands of lives in disaster-prone countries but many vulnerable communities still need to be equipped with modern communications, the Red Cross said Thursday.

In its latest World Disasters Report, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies (IFRC) said the number of people affected by disasters dropped worldwide in 2012, although poorer rural areas were hit harder.

Far-flung countries like the Philippines and Indonesia are successfully tapping modern communication to gather and spread information when disasters strike, it said in the report released in Singapore and other cities.

But first responders in the world’s most impoverished nations remain encumbered by their lack of access to basic technological tools such as early-warning systems and network infrastructure, it said.

“Although the overall number of people affected by disasters decreased in 2012, the number of people affected in the poorest countries increased, with over 31.7 million affected,” the report’s editor Patrick Vinck said in a statement.

“They are also often the ones with the least access to technology.”

A total of 15,706 people were killed and nearly 139 million affected in 552 natural and industrial disasters in 2012, according to the report.

It lauded the widespread use of Twitter and text messaging in disaster-relief efforts in the Philippines when Typhoon Bopha slammed into the south of the country in December last year, leaving more than 1,800 dead and missing.

“Thousands of lives were saved because 99 percent of the population have access to a mobile phone and could receive early warnings and information on staying safe,” Bekele Geleta, secretary-general of the IFRC, said in a statement.

The report said studies showed many around the world were deprived of access to technology because of “inequalities across gender, income and urban/rural divides”.

It cited the example of the Central African Republic, where 47 percent of women living in the capital Bangui depend on others for all types of information, compared to 30 percent of men.

Nationwide, most of the poorest 20 percent of the population depend on others for information, while only six percent of the richest 20 percent were deprived of direct access to information.

“These differences may not be surprising, but they have important implications for an increasingly technological humanitarian world, namely the potential for digital exclusion of those most vulnerable to disasters,” it said.

It also warned that even the most cutting-edge technologies cannot replace the human touch needed to reach the most vulnerable during disasters.

“Even traditional means likes radio fail to bridge the ‘last mile’ and reach the ‘information poor’,” it said.

In 2012, the Americas were hit the hardest in terms of damage caused by natural disasters, with Hurricane Sandy a key factor in the $103.6 billion in destruction incurred by the region.

Globally, disasters caused an estimated $157.6 billion worth of damage.

source: interaksyon.com

Engineers working to fully restore Sun Cellular mobile services in Bohol, Cebu

Operations of Sun Cellular in Bohol and Cebu—which were hard-hit by a major earthquake this morning—have been affected, the company said in a statement.

However, engineers are “working to normalize services shortly,” said Smart Communications Inc., which acquired Sun Cellular, in a statement.

Smart also said that its mobile phone service in Bohol and Cebu remains “remains largely operational despite the damage inflicted on some cell sites and network facilities by the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that hit Central Visayas early this morning.”

Since electricity is unavailable in parts of Bohol and Cebu, Smart will be “deploying generator sets to power key cell sites and keep mobile phone and internet services running,” the company said in an announcement.

“We are also setting up free call services and free mobile phone charging stations in affected towns and municipalities to assist residents as well as emergency agencies involved in rescue and relief operations,” it added.

Smart Communications Inc. is the mobile phone unit of the Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), which is led by Manuel V. Pangilinan, who also chairs TV-5.

source: interaksyon.com

Earthquake shuts down Cebu BPO industry for a few hours

MANILA – Business process outsourcing (BPO) companies in Cebu have resumed operations hours after a strong quake struck many parts of Central Visayas this morning.

In a statement, the Contact Center Association of the Philippines (CCAP) said call centers in Cebu temporarily stopped operations this morning “to ensure the safety of thousands of employees.”

A 7.2-magnitude quake shook Central Visayas around 8:00 a.m., causing damage to many structures in the provinces of Cebu and Bohol.

Citing a report by the Cebu Educational Development Foundation for Information Technology (CEDF-IT), Information Technology and Business Process Association of the Philippines (IBPAP) president and chief executive Jose Mari P. Mercado told InterAksyon.com that there were “no reports of damage” so far among BPO companies operating in Cebu.

“Evacuations occurred, but [operations] back to normal now. All on heightened alert for aftershocks and prepared to evacuate if necessary. Safety of our employees is paramount,” Mercado said.

“Several buildings have been safely evacuated immediately after the earthquake and are undergoing structural assessments for safety by the building owners and their engineers. Re-entry into the buildings will only commence once the buildings have been cleared that they are safe,” CCAP president Benedict C. Hernandez said, adding that “the safety of contact center employees in the affected provinces is its number one priority.”

Cebu hosts about 100 BPO firms, while the rest of Central Visayas is home to about 20 companies, Mercado said. About 70,000 people are employed by Cebu-based outsourcing firms.

Most of the firms within the Cebu Business and IT Park are contact centers, which “have business continuity plans that we follow for such events… ensuring their employees are guided to ensure their safety and welfare,” Hernandez said.

Cebu City ranked 8th in global advisory firm Tholons’ 2013 Top 100 Outsourcing Destinations report.

source: interaksyon.com

Quake destroys Cebu, Bohol historical, tourist sites

MANILA, Philippines -- The 7.2-magnitude earthquake that struck Central Visayas including Bohol and Cebu destroyed centuries worth of history and valuable tourism assets.

In Bohol, the quake left portions of the Loon and Loboc Churches in rubble. Local officials said it would take time to rebuild.

"Loboc Church is a 17th century church which is a major tourism draw," Rep. Arthur Yap of Bohol's third district, where the church is located, told InterAksyon.com.

In a separate interview, Cebu Representative Ace Durano said the churches of Bohol are very much part of the heritage of Boholanos.

"This reflects the Boholanos' deep appreciation of their cultural assets and reflects their deep religiosity. The fact that these churches are very much part of the lives of the Boholanos render them valuable tourism assets," Durano, former secretary of the Department of Tourism, said.

The Church of San Pedro in Loboc, the second oldest church in Bohol, was built in 1602 but was damaged by fire. In 1638, a more sturdy structure was built, according to the website www.bohol.ph. As it was located near the river, it has survived a number of floods, but remained standing.

The church features paintings on the ceiling, and a Spanish coat of arms can be found in the stone wall near the entrance of the convent. Its bell tower is about 100 meters from the church. Attached to the structure is a three-story convent, which houses the Museo de Loboc on the third floor. The museum keeps old statues of saints and some religious artifacts.

The church is also famous for the Loboc Children's Choir, a school-based chorale of school children from the Loboc Central Elementary School. Founded in 1980, the choir has held concerts all over the country and abroad, and has won several awards.

The Church of Our Lady of Light in Loon, the biggest church in Bohol, was built during the term of Fray Manuel de Elizalde in 1753. The building has two octagonal bell towers, and is fully symmetric. From Loon Church is a long stairway of 174 stone steps connecting it to Napo, the former seat of the town.

The other old churches in Bohol are the Baclayon Church and Dauis Church--both of which were also damaged by the quakes--and Maribojoc Church and Panglao Church.

Unfortunately, according to Australian experts, these beautiful historic churches in Bohol and Cebu were obviously not built to withstand a magnitude 7.2 earthquake.

In Cebu City, the Basilica Del Sto Nino also was not spared as its belfry crumbled during the quake while the Cebu Metropolitan Cathedral also sustained damage.

source: interaksyon.com

Eat, pray, love? Pack your bags and go to Bohol!

Bohol, located in the Central Visayas region, may not be as party-savvy as Boracay, but it continues to steadily attract tourists for its delicious cuisine, traditional crafts, historical and religious landmarks, and but of course, it beaches and other natural sites. There’s more to Bohol than just swimming on its blue waters and lazing around its white-sand beach resorts throughout your stay—though not a bad idea, actually.

Need a change of pace from hurried urban life? Have to think some things over? Or even looking for a romantic getaway? Then pack your bags and take your next holiday vacation to Bohol.

Visitors can either rough it up by riding its public vehicles or rent a van complete with your very own tour guide to hop from one destination to the other.

Taste Bohol

What’s a holiday without enjoying a foodie trip? There aren’t any gigantic malls serving as go-to dining options but Bohol offers a range of restaurants scattered all over the island offering local and international cuisines. Seafood dining establishments are popular here while some Asian and European expats who have fallen in love with the place have also set up restaurants serving their authentic cuisines.


But, of course, when in Bohol, don’t leave the place without ever trying out a lunch buffet at the famous Loboc River Cruise Restaurant. True, it’s a touristy thing to do, but taking river cruise along Loboc River with a view of the mountains, getting serenaded by local singers, while enjoying an eat-all-you can Filipino buffet is quite a novel experience.

During the cruise, the boat makes a stop at a floating souvenir shop where local crafts are sold and locals perform traditional Filipino dances.


Centuries-old churches

Away from the beach and back in town, marvel at the centuries-old churches of Bohol. Catholic churches built from stone during the Spanish colonial rule in the Philippines feature beautiful architecture as well as antique religious icons.


One of the popular churches here is Baclayon Catholic Church, which has been declared as a National Historic Treasure in 1995. The original structure was built in 1595, although the present building is from 1724. Visitors can also check the museum of religious clothes and relics inside the museum. Free guided tours are available.

Some ancestral homes are also available for touring by scheduled arrangement.

Beautiful nature

Of course, one will easily fall in love with the natural attractions in Bohol as well. The waters around Balicasag island, for example, has been declared as a marine sanctuary. It’s home to whales and dolphins that one can see jumping joyously during early morning. Various marine life are also waiting to be discovered by divers and snorkelers.



On land, Bohol is home to the famous Chocolate Hills, a formation of hills that are green and vibrant during the rainy season but become brown as its grass and plants dry up by summer (thus, the name Chocolate Hills).

When in souvenir shops, get a t-shirt, a keychain, or mug. Most likely, it features Chocolate Hills to represent the province.

Another famous icon in many Bohol souvenirs is the tarsier. The Philippine tarsier, (Tarsius syrichta) is one of the smallest known primates in the world. Usually as tall as 3 to 6 inches, one can practically hold it on one’s hand.


Tarsiers look cuddly because of their size and enormous eyes but be warned that they are very shy animals. A nocturnal creature, the tarsier eats insects. Visitors are encouraged to view them at the Philippine Tarsier Foundation where they are protected and allowed to live in their natural habitat.


Luxurious stay

The starting point to all these enjoyable experiences happen in one’s temporary home in Bohol. Go all out and spoil yourself in the province’s many luxurious resorts.

Bluewater Panglao Beach Resort, for instance, has 46 deluxe rooms, four lofts, three honeymoon villas, and a family villa. Designed according to the Modern Filpino style by Benji Reyes, the hotel takes pride in its use of recycled wood for its cantilevered beds.

A freshwater pool has also been impressively designed with touches of wood.


Finally, a holiday vacation in this tropical destination isn’t complete without checking out Amuma Spa where its well-trained staff promises to keep visitors spoiled and feeling totally relaxed with is signature Hilot massage or its various massage therapies and body treatments.

source: interaksyon.com

Travel Writer-Director Gabby Malvar Campaigns For ‘Responsible’ Traveling

MANILA, Philippines – If it were up to travel writer-director Gabby Malvar, he would much rather have Boracay, the country’s prime beach destination, closed-down for at least ten years.

During an exclusive interview with Bulletin Entertainment at the press screening of his travel documentary show “Islands Insider” at Greenbelt 3 cinema on May 21, Malvar good-naturedly explained that Boracay desperately needs rehabilitation, whether a lot of people agree with it or not.

Malvar insisted that the island has greatly depreciated over the years after its has openly accommodated multitudes of visitors, a fact proven by the disturbing algae deposit and trash that have now littered the once-pristine white sandy beaches of Boracay.

Malvar appealed to other travel junkies like him as well as to vacationers to explore other sites in the country instead of going to overly-visited spots like Boracay, Bohol and the underground river of Puerto Princesa in Palawan. He believes that aside from giving the aforementioned destinations ample time to regenerate its resources by reducing the the number of tourists populating the areas, opting for less-explored places could also help spread out the boost to the local tourism industry, which is something that the country has been targeting for the longest time.

“Please consider not going to Boracay first. Consider not going to Bohol, surely the people from Bohol and Boracay would hate me, but please, try other places,” he urged.

According to him, while it’s greatly overwhelming that foreigners have started noticing the country’s inherent beauty, on a local level, we Filipinos are yet to fully-recognize our country’s potential by supporting and promoting less-marketed yet equally beholding destinations like Mt. Pulag in Benguet and the Batad Rice Terraces in the Cordilleras.

As someone who have seen these places first-hand, Malvar stressed that, in truth, the duty of promoting the country isn’t and will never be the government’s job alone. Instead, he pointed out that it is also the travelers' responsibility to spread the word about it.

“You cannot be travelers and just say that, ‘Okay I’ve been there done that, I’m off to my next destination.’ You have a responsibility and that is to tell people, to educate,” said Malvar.

More, he also added that, at the very least, these self-styled travel junkies who put up travel blogs and post photos of their experiences in one place also need to recognize that they have accountability, too.

“You have some responsibility to the next person to be able to preserve it—the heritage,” he enthused.

On ‘Islands Insider’

After talking about traveling and the responsibilities it involves, Malvar then tackled his latest work that he actually considers to be the “visual version” of his upcoming book.

Malvar, prior to becoming the show’s director, is actually a travel columnist (Viajero Chronicles) who dreams of having to tell travel stories in a certain “experiential” way.

“Ginggay [Hontiveros, the show’s host] and I have just talked about it. Because I write, I was really writing a book and then as I was finishing… I thought maybe I can do not just [the] book, [but do something] not just in written words but, you know, with more visuals. I thought it would be something better,” he related as to how he came to make “Islands Insider.”

According to him, he picked the word “Insider” because it connotes “a point of truth that an outsider would not know”

“Parang there seems to be more insight. Insiders, they know something that other people wouldn’t know. We called it ‘Islands Insiders’ because the stories are told by people who actually live there; by the Ifugaos, the Ibaloys, by a Shaman in Siquijor. [The stories all] told by the locals,” he shared, adding that as locals to those places, “they can best tell the story rather than us.”

During the event, they screened the first two episodes of the show: “Batad Rice Terraces” and “Coron,” respectively. The show, apart from showcasing the breathtaking sceneries of a location, notably digresses from typical travel shows by giving attention to the dilemmas currently faced by the natives of a certain province.

To this, Malvar noted that the said aspect—the fact that every area has problems that need to be addressed—was actually part of their requirements in picking a place to feature.

“I think we’ve always been aware. Maybe it’s the way we approach things, the way we look at things, there’s always something that can always be improved. There’s always something that’s needed to preserve a place. And maybe we also gravitate towards stories like that,” he shared.

“Islands Insider” will feature six episodes that seek to reveal the cultural and historical bases of some of the most compelling sites in the country. Hosted by Ginggay Hontiveros, the show will premiere this June on the National Geographic Channel.

source: mb.com.ph