The Ifugao Rice Terraces have long been a source of national pride and identity for every Filipino. For over two thousand years it has withstood both the effects of time and weather. But recent decades have brought urbanization closer to once isolated areas...
In the wake of last year’s Typhoon Haiyan which devastated the Philippines, a forum entitled “Readiness and Resilience: Lessons Learned One Year After Typhoon Haiyan” was held last 20 November 2014 to discuss lessons learned and ways to address disaster preparedness and build...
The partial eclipse (at moonrise) and the start of the total eclipse was not visible because of the hazy horizon and low clouds. Into the middle of the total eclipse (around 6:45PM), something was peeping out of the thick clouds, which we thought...
The proliferation of public and private sector initiatives and activities – shows that there is increased attention being given to building disaster and climate resilience in the Philippines. The private sector, in particular, has become increasingly involved in initiatives to make businesses more...
From their vantage point at Manila Observatory, scientists have monitored changes in temperature and rainfall that have altered life in the Philippines. But they also have watched changes due to human actions—land-use, building, and development decisions that have made people more vulnerable to...
In August 2012, Metro Manila and its environs experienced the effect of an enhanced Southwest monsoon season (locally known as habagat) which brought continuous heavy rains over a few days. Many called the disaster a “disaster with no name” as there was no associated tropical cyclone activity that was responsible...
A toolkit for Local Government Units, “Alternative Pathways to Climate Change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction” was launched in 2012. The toolkit consists of a 12-step process for local governments to mainstream climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction (CCA-DRR). It includes methods...
Scientists from the Manila Observatory helped train local government units and communities in the science and framework behind disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation (DRR-CCA). The trainings took place in Iligan City, Lanao del Norte and at the Climate Change Academy in...
Metro Weather is a public-private partnership that has established a network of 30 automated weather stations (AWS) in Metro Manila. This network will provide free and near real-time weather data that can be used to prepare for severe weather conditions such as tropical...
Makati City and the Manila Observatory take on climate change and disaster risk management together as the city’s weather monitoring station project was formally launched in Barangay San Lorenzo by Makati City Mayor Jejomar Erwin Binay, city officials and barangay kagawads. Manila Observatory’s...
The year 2012 was a year of growth for the Manila Observatory. We celebrated triumphs, new collaborations and the strengthening of partnerships in the pursuit of our science agenda. Here are some of the many highlights of our work in 2012. Exhibit by...
The Albay Sustainable Development Guidebook is the product of two-year research conducted by Manila Observatory scientists in partnership with Chevron Geothermal Philippines Holdings Inc. and the provincial government of Albay. Analysis of land use and land use change, hazard & vulnerability mapping and ...
Generations of stargazers have come to the Manila Observatory to have a peek at the heavens. The Ateneo League of Physicists, the Ateneo Junior Summer Seminar participants (batch 45), and groups within and beyond Loyola Heights are some of those who have stargazed...
In the development of the Albay Sustainable Development Guidebook, Manila Observatory scientists and researchers worked closely with the local governments of Tiwi and Malinao. The communities in Tiwi and Malinao are located in the province of Albay. Communities in Albay are exposed to...
In August 2012, Metro Manila and its environs were affected by a period of heavy and continuous rainfall caused by an enhanced monsoon season (Habagat). The disaster affected millions because of flooding and rainfall-induced landslides. Christian Aid, a UK-based international development and relief ...
Located in the tropics within the Pacific Rim of Fire and being archipelagic, the Philippines is hazard-prone and most vulnerable to impacts of climate change. Local government units are required to prepare Comprehensive Land Use Plans or CLUPs to plan the development and...
The following is an edited transcript of a talk presented by Dr. Inez Ponce de Leon, science and risk communication specialist at the Manila Observatory, on January 27, 2012. Her talk is part of a series of brown bag presentations by researchers at...