Mount Pinatubo eruption

The events of the 1991 Mount Pinatubo eruption began in July 1990, when a magnitude 7.8 earthquake occurred 100 kilometers (62 miles) northeast of the Pinatubo region, determined to be a result of the reawakening of Mount Pinatubo.

In mid-March 1991, villagers around Mount Pinatubo began feeling earthquakes and vulcanologists began to study the mountain. (Approximately 30,000 people lived on the flanks of the volcano prior to the disaster.) On April 2, small explosions from vents dusted local villages with ash. The first evacuations of 5,000 people were ordered later that month.

Earthquakes and explosions continued. On June 5, a Level 3 alert was issued for two weeks due to the possibility of a major eruption. The extrusion of a lava dome on June 7 led to the issuance of a Level 5 alert on June 9, indicating an eruption in progress. An evacuation area 20 kilometers (12.4 miles) away from the volcano was established and 25,000 people were evacuated.

The following day (June 10), Clark Air Base, a U.S. military installation near the volcano, was evacuated. The 18,000 personnel and their families were transported to Subic Bay Naval Station and most were returned to the United States. On June 12, the danger radius was extended to 30 kilometers (18.6 miles) from the volcano resulting in the total evacuation of 58,000 people.

On June 15, the eruption of Mount Pinatubo began at 1:42 p.m. local time. The eruption lasted for nine hours and caused numerous large earthquakes due to the collapse of the summit of Mount Pinatubo and the creation of a caldera. The caldera reduced the peak from 1745 meters (5725 feet) to 1485 meters (4872 feet) high is 2.5 kilometers (1.5 miles) in diameter.

Unfortunately, at the time of the eruption Tropical Storm Yunya was passing 75 km (47 miles) to the northeast of Mount Pinatubo, causing a large amount of rainfall in the region. The ash that was ejected from the volcano mixed with the water vapor in the air to cause a rainfall of tephra that fell across almost the entire island of Luzon. The greatest thickness of ash deposited 33 centimeters (13 inches) approximately 10.5 km (6.5 mi) southwest of the volcano. There was 10 cm of ash covering an area of 2000 square kilometers (772 square miles). Most of the 200 to 800 people (accounts vary) who died during the eruption died due to the weight of the ash collapsing roofs and killing to occupants. Had Tropical Storm Yunya not been nearby, the death toll from the volcano would have been much lower.

In June 1991, the second largest volcanic eruption of the twentieth century* took place on the island of Luzon in the Philippines, a mere 90 kilometers (55 miles) northwest of the capital city Manila. Up to 800 people were killed and 100,000 became homeless following the Mount Pinatubo eruption, which climaxed with nine hours of eruption on June 15, 1991. On June 15, millions of tons of sulfur dioxide were discharged into the atmosphere, resulting in a decrease in the temperature worldwide over the next few years.

Mount Pinatubo is part of a chain of composite volcanoes along the Luzon arc on the west coast of the island (area map). The arc of volcanoes is due to the subduction of the Manila trench to the west. The volcano experienced major eruptions approximately 500, 3000, and 5500 years ago.

In addition to the ash, Mount Pinatubo ejected between 15 and 30 million tons of sulfur dioxide gas. Sulfur dioxide in the atmosphere mixes with water and oxygen in the atmosphere to become sulfuric acid, which in turn triggers ozone depletion. Over 90% of the material released from the volcano was ejected during the nine hour eruption of June 15.

The eruption plume of Mount Pinatubo's various gases and ash reached high into the atmosphere within two hours of the eruption, attaining an altitude of 34 km (21 miles) high and over 400 km (250 miles) wide. This eruption was the largest disturbance of the stratosphere since the eruption of Krakatau in 1883 (but ten times larger than Mount St. Helens in 1980). The aerosol cloud spread around the earth in two weeks and covered the planet within a year. During 1992 and 1993, the Ozone hole over Antarctica reached an unprecedented size.

The cloud over the earth reduced global temperatures. In 1992 and 1993, the average temperature in the Northern Hemisphere was reduced 0.5 to 0.6°C and the entire planet was cooled 0.4 to 0.5°C. The maximum reduction in global temperature occurred in August 1992 with a reduction of 0.73°C. The eruption is believed to have influenced such events as 1993 floods along the Mississippi river and the drought in the Sahel region of Africa. The United States experienced its third coldest and third wettest summer in 77 years during 1992.

Overall, the cooling effects of the Mount Pinatubo eruption were greater than those of the El Niño that was taking place at the time or of the greenhouse gas warming of the planet. Remarkable sunrises and sunsets were visible around the globe in the years following the Mount Pinatubo eruption.

The human impacts of the disaster are staggering. In addition to the up to 800 people who lost their lives, there was almost one half of a billion dollars in property and economic damage. The economy of central Luzon was horribly disrupted. In 1991, the volcano destroyed 4,979 homes and damaged another 70,257. The following year 3,281 homes were destroyed and 3,137 were damaged. Damage following the Mount Pinatubo eruption was usually caused by lahars - rain-induced torrents of volcanic debris that killed people and animals and buried homes in the months after the eruption. Additionally, another Mount Pinatubo eruption in August 1992 killed 72 people.

The United States military never returned to Clark Air Base, turning over the damaged base to the Philippine government on November 26, 1991. Today, the region continues to rebuild and recover from the disaster.

ORDINANCE CREATING THE BARANGAY CUTCUT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

On joint- motion of the proponent, Kagawad EMERENCIANA L. SIGUA, chairman of the Committee on Education and Kagawad ROY DANTE OGURIDA, duly seconded;


BE IT ORDAINED AND PROMULGATED BY THIS HONORABLE BODY IN ITS REGULAR SESSION ASSEMBLED:

Ordinance No. 32, Series of 2011

AN ORDINANCE CREATING THE BARANGAY CUTCUT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE IMPLEMENTATION THEREOF.

SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. – This ordinance shall be known as the “BARANGAY CUTCUT SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM”

SECTION 2. OBJECTIVES. – This aims to provide financial assistance to poor but deserving students who want to pursue secondary education at any Public School in Angeles City.

SECTION 3. QUALIFICATIONS. – To qualify, a barangay cutcut scholar should meet the following criteria:

a. Must be bonafide resident of Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City for the past six (6) years and is currently enrolled as a graduating elementary student in any public school;

b. Must have a grade of not lower than eighty percent (80%) in each subject taken in his/her sixth year in elementary;

c. Must have a general average of not lower than eighty percent (80%);

d. Must have a good moral record as certified by the school; and

e. Must have a certification from the Punong Barangay that the applicant belongs to a poor or indigent family.

SECTION 4. APPLICATION PROCEDURE AND REQUIREMENTS.

a. A graduating student who possesses the abovementioned qualifications shall secure an application form from the Cutcut Barangay Hall.

b. An applicant may file his/her accomplished application form with the office of the Cutcut Barangay Hall accompanied by a letter stating his/her interest to pursue a secondary education and this shall be forwarded to the screening committee.

c. He/she shall submit a true copy of grades certified by the School Principal or Registrar.

d. He/she shall present a Barangay Certification of good moral character.

e. To qualify, the applicant should pass an oral interview to be conducted by a screening committee composed of the Barangay Chairman and Barangay Kagawad of Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City.

f. Those who shall and qualify for the scholarship program will be notified in writing by the Screening Committee.

SECTION 5. – RULES IN MAINTAINING SCHOLARSHIP. – The scholars during the period of scholarship must:

a. Obtain a grade point average of, at least eighty percent (80%) for the first and second year of his/her study and eighty five percent (85%) for the third and graduating years.

b. Any grantee scholar who fails to maintain the above requirements shall automatically disqualified from the program. In this case, a substitute student will fill the vacant slot provided that all qualification requirements are satisfied.

The scholar, during the period of scholarship, must not:

a. Abandon/Relinquish study grant or take a leave of absence from the school without permission from the sponsor.

b. Do serious transgressions of school’s policies, rules and regulations.

SECTION 6. – QUOTA – One hundred (100) scholars/grantees shall be accommodated per school year.

SECTION 7. – SCHOLARSHIP BENEFITS/PRIVILEGES. – Grantees of the Barangay Cutcut Scholarship Program shall be entitled to the following benefits.

1. Financial Assistance of ONE THOUSAND PESOS (P1,000.00) per school year to be drawn upon the approval of application for scholarship. The grantee shall be required to submit a photocopy of the Official Receipt of payment and the duly approved and assessed enrollment form.

2. The above amount shall cover expenses for tuition fees and miscellaneous fees.

3. After every the grantee shall required to liquidate the above fees with official receipts of payment before receiving the next scholarship assistance.

SECTION 7. FUNDING. – The Cutcut Barangay Council shall incorporate in the annual budget the funds to cover the implementation of the program.

SECTION 8. REPEALING CLAUSE – Any ordinance or part/s thereof inconsistent herewith is hereby repealed or amended accordingly.

SECTION 9. EFFECTIVITY. – This ordinance shall take effect beginning school year 2012-2013.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED in regular session assembled by Cutcut Barangay Council held on October 08, 2011 at the Cutcut Barangay Hall, Angeles City.

Off-road adventure in Pampanga

Find this ironic that something destructive can give birth to splendor. Apart from Anawangin Cove and the Crater Lake which was redesigned by the eruption of Mount Pinatubo in the 1990's, Puning Hot Spring is another impressive outcome of its madness.

4x4 jeep swayed past a wide expanse of desert-like sands with lava rocks, canyons, hanging valley, and Aeta villages. En route to Sitio Puning in Porac, Pampanga from the base camp in Sitio Target in Sapang Bato, we found ourselves driving through scenic valleys with towering pinnacles of lahar and boulders of rocks as backdrop. We followed a trail that passed through a series of streams, motley of rocks and gorges. We were swept away by the sparse vegetation and hanging valleys after finally arriving at the base camp where the indulging thermal spring is located.

Puning Hot Spring has been developed for the convenience of tourists. Cemented pathways lead tourists into the hot spring pools where they can take a relaxing dip. Cottages have been built, as well as washrooms. Since the Pinatubo area is inhabited by the indigenous Aeta people, almost all of the employees at Puning Hot Spring are Aetas.

After indulging in the thermal springs coming from Mt. Pinatubo, we were led to another base camp for a peculiar spa experience. We were asked to lie down as our bodies were covered by volcanic sand. You could really feel the warm volcanic ash relaxing my buried body.

To cap off our spa experience, we were treated to a mudpack. Sulfur mud was applied all over my face, hands and legs which I allowed to harden for a couple of minutes. It was refreshingly cool and my skin felt rejuvenated after washing up. Indeed, the whole Puning Hot Spring experience; from the 4x4 adventure ride, to bathing in the thermal spring, and finally being pampered by the spa's attentive professionals is a remarkable treat for tourists.

There are three ways to get to Puning Hot Spring:

1. Avail the package tour for Php 3,000 per pax which is inclusive of 4×4 jeep ride, buffet meal, entrance fee to the hot spring, sand steam, massage and mudpack at Sitio Target, Sapang Bato Angeles City, Pampanga

2. Hire a 4x4 jeep for about Php 1,500

3. Trekking from Sitio Target which may take roughly 1 hour.

City College of Angeles

Mayor Ed Pamintuan, together with Vice Mayor Vicky Vega Cabigting and members of the city council, recently led the blessing and ceremonial time-capsule laying at the city college.

“With the growing costs of tuition fees in private high schools, colleges and universities, education is now seen as a privilege rather than a right,” Pamintuan said.

“The establishment of a city college will make it possible for everyone to have an equal chance for a better future,” he said.

“It is the people’s dream to have a modern hospital and a city college – the administration is simply fulfilling this dream for them,” he also said.

Vega-Cabigting, for her part, said that the CCA is proof that the administration fully supports and provides an answer to the wishes of young Angeleños for affordable and quality education.

“Angeles is truly writing history with the construction of the city college,” the vice mayor said.

The city college will provide courses which will match the needs of investors and business locators inside the Clark Freeport Zone (CFZ) and the immediate community.

Councilor Edu Pamintuan, chairman of the city council’s committee on education and the author of the ordinance calling for the establishment of a public college said that for the school year 2012-2013, the CCA will start with two ladderized courses that could lead to the acquisition of a bachelor’s degree.

These courses, he said are Associate in Hospital Management and Associate in Information Systems.

“While construction is still ongoing, classes will already be held at the Angeles City Library, where there are currently four classrooms on the 3rd floor and a computer laboratory on the 2nd floor,” the councilor said.

City Administrator Atty. Dennis Albert Pamintuan said CCA’s two-storey building has 43 classrooms. It also has a covered court.

He said that part of the school’s budget include basic school equipment such as chairs, tables, blackboards and electric fans.

The city government is currently organizing the officials of the CCA, as well as members of the faculty and administrative staff.
The city college can accommodate at least 4,000 students once fully operational.

Construction is now underway for the P320-million first-ever city college here designed to supply the demands at the Clark Freeport where there are currently around 62,000 workers.

Councilor Edu Pamintuan, chairman of the city council’s committee on education, said courses on communication skills and English proficiency and information technology (IT) will be primarily offered at the City College of Angeles (CCA) in barangay Pampang. He is the principal author of the ordinance approved last year creating the CCA at the four-hectare former Agyu Tamu Sports Complex.

He said the school can accommodate at least 4,000 students once fully completed at the middle of 2012 by its contractor, R.C. Ramos Construction.

“It’s an overkill, so to speak. It’s ready for the next five years to handle the influx of students,” he said.

Pamintuan disclosed that the mayor had decided to allot P25 million for the improvement of roads leading to the CCA, particularly Arayat Blvd. The funds came from the Interior and Local Government Sec. Jessie Robredo who named Angeles City last December as one of the recipients of the Local Government Support Fund for passing the Seal of Good Housekeeping.

Resolution No. 09 Series of 2012

A Resolution requesting the Department of Social Welfare and Development – Angeles City, the City Council of Angeles and other government concerned to grant financial assistance each of the two (2) families who were affected by the fire last 19th of February 2012 chargeable to the 5% Calamity Funds.

WHEREAS, on the 19th day of Febrary around 4:00 o’clock in the morning, a fire incident occurred in a residential house located at # 226 Sampaguita Street, Nepo Subdivision, Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City.

WHEREAS, on the ocular inspection by the Bureau of Fire Protection appears, that there is no evidence gathered to proved that the said involved property was willfully, feloniously and intentionally set on fire.

NOW THEREFORE, on motion Barangay Kagawad ROY DANTE C. OGURIDA, duly seconded by Barangay Kagawad EMERENCIANA L. SIGUA in session assembled do hereby resolved as it hereby unanimously resolved approving this Resolution this 25th day of February 2012 at Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City.

Resolution No. 02 Series of 2012

RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING BARANGAY CAPTAIN CECILIA C. NEPOMUCENO TO ACCEPT AND SIGN THE DEED OF DONATION OF USUFRUCT FROM THE TGN REALTY CORPORATION REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT, MR. ARSENIO N. VALDES.

RESOLVED by the Barangay Council of Barangay Cutcut in session assembled that a resolution authorizing Barangay Captain Cecilia C. Nepomuceno to accept and sign the deed of donation of usufruct from the TGN REALTY CORPORATION relating to the beneficial use of a parcel of land with an area of One thousand two hundred (1,200) square meters more or less situated at Lot 1 and 3, Block 30, Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City and further authorizing the said Barangay Captain to execute the necessary document to achieve the said purpose, be as it is hereby approved.

NOW THEREFORE, on motion Barangay Kagawad ROY DANTE OGURIDA, duly seconded by Barangay Kagawad EMERENCIANA L. SIGUA in session assembled do hereby resolve as it hereby unanimously resolved approving this Resolution.

RESOLVED FURTHER, that copies of this Resolution be furnished to all government offices concerned for their information and guidance.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED in regular session assembled by the Cutcut Council held on January 14, 2012 at Cutcut Barangay Hall, Angeles City.

Resolution No. 26 Series of 2011

A RESOLUTION REQUESTING MS. JULIET G. QUINSAAT, ANGELES CITY TREASURER, TO DEPUTIZE MR. CONRADO R. ADAM JR. TREASURER OF BARANGAY CUTCUT, THIS CITY, TO SECURE AND ISSUE COMMUNITY TAX CERTIFICATE WITHIN THE JURISDICTION OF BARANGAY CUTCUT AND FOR OTHER PURPOSES

WHEREAS, the deputation of the Barangay Treasurer in necessary to optimize the collection of community tax.

WHEREAS, the deputation of the Barangay Treasurer in necessary to facilitate the accessibility of community tax certificate with ease

NOW THEREFORE, on motion of Barangay Kagawad ROY DANTE C. OGURIDA, and duly seconded by Barangay Kagawad EMERENCIANA L. SIGUA the Resolution requesting MS. JULIET G. QUINSAAT, Angeles City Treasurer, to deputize MR. CONRADO R. ADAM JR., Treasurer of Barangay Cutcut, this city, to secure and issue community tax certificate within the jurisdiction of Barangay Cutcut and for other purposes is hereby unanimously approved.

UNANIMOUSLY APPROVED, done and signed this November 15, 2011 at Barangay Cutcut, Angeles City.