Mining companies install rain gauges for disaster mitigation

  Mining companies install rain gauges for disaster mitigation by Hazel F. Gloria

CEBU CITY, June 28 (PIA) -- Eight (8) mining companies in Central Visayas has installed rain gauges to neighboring municipalities to alert residents on potential areas of landslides, flooding and other geological hazards.

Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 (MGB-7) regional director Loreto Alburo said this practice among mining companies in the region is a manifestation of responsible mining of trying to provide assistance to proper authorities, particularly, the local government units and, ultimately, the communities in responding very cautiously to disasters.

Alburo appreciated the initiatives of the mining companies; the first time that this being done in the country as part of their contribution to the communities.

Alburo further said that data that will be collected from the rain gauges will be used to advance disaster mitigation and preparedness.

It maybe recalled that the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAG-ASA) trained personnel of these mining companies on the proper installation and maintenance of rainfall measuring apparatus, site selection and gathering of rainfall data.

The mining companies have maintained the operation of their rain gauges: collecting, reading and recording data as prescribed by PAG-ASA.

The 8-inch diameter standard rain gauge is installed in a metal support that is attached to three stakes driven in the ground. The support is mounted firmly to make the top of the gauge on the level, and the base is 10 to 15 inches above the ground.

The mining companies in Cebu with rain gauges are: Carmen Copper Corporation in Toledo City; Taiheiyo Cement Philippines Inc. and Solid Earth Development Corporation in San Fernando; JLR Construction and Aggregates Inc., in Naga; and Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Dolomite Mining Corporation in Alcoy, Cebu.

In Bohol, they are the Philippine Mining Service Corporation-Bohol; and Limestone Corporation in Garcia-Hernandez, Bohol.

In Negros Oriental, companies with gauges include: the Goodyield Resources Development Incorporated in Ayungon, Negros Oriental while in Siquijor province, we have the Lazi Bay Resources Development Incorporated in Lazi, Siquijor.

Bodos Bamboo Bar Resort (Alcoy, Cebu) - The Wandering Couple

Alcoy is a 5th class municipality in the province of Cebu, Philippines. According to the 2007 census, it has a population of 14,571 people. It is approximately 93 kilometers from the provincial capital Cebu City. It is bounded by the municipalities of Dalaguete to the north, Boljoon to the south, Badian and Alegria to the west, and Cebu Strait to the east . Alcoy and Argao is only separated by one municipality, Dalaguete . From were we left off, Argao, we only needed a 30-45 minute bus ride to Alcoy. If your starting point is Cebu City, you will need to board a bus from Cebu South Bus Terminal or a V-Hire from the Citilink Terminal. From the Cebu South Bus Terminal or from the Citilink Terminal, you just need to ride a bus or van bound for Bato-Oslob or you can just tell the terminal barkers where you are going and they would guide you on what bus or van to ride. At first, I thought that Bodo's Resort is located on the shorelines of Alcoy (as other resorts are situated that way), however, upon arriving at the resort, it was situated on the other side of the road. We thought we were on the wrong place. Bodo's Resort is elevated and as you get to the resort , you will have 180 degrees of scenic view of Alcoy's beach. You will not be able to directly soak into the beach and have fun with the sand and under sun, but the location of the resort makes you feel that you own the land (I am exaggerating though). Rooms. We took the Double Deluxe room which has a air conditioning, hot and cold water, mini-bar and a TV. The room that we had was not really cramped up and the bed was comfortable enough. If you want to watch DVDs, you can rent a DVD Player from the reception area. There are small cottages outside the rooms where I think you can stay of you are there for a day-stay. The non-aircon rooms, located near the pool and fronting the sea, have a private terrace with a scenic view of the beach and the sunrise. Food. The rooms are quite affordable, however, like any other resorts; the food on the menu is quite expensive. If you live on a backpacker's budget, it is best to drive to the nearest public market. The public market is just a 5-minute habal-habal or tricycle ride away from Bodo’s and that is what we did. We rode a tricycle to the market, ate and bought some chichiria and softdrinks to the resort.

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