Resources – Nova Schola Tanauan Blog

Join the Movement: Earth Hour

Paolo Capuloy — Thu, 21 Mar 2024 01:49:26 +0000

Every year, millions of people around the globe come together to observe Earth Hour, a symbolic event that signifies our commitment to the planet. This year, on March 23, 2024, join the movement and make your mark in the fight against climate change.

Earth Hour began in Sydney, Australia in 2007 as a simple lights-out event to raise awareness about energy consumption and its impact on the environment. Since then, it has grown into a global phenomenon, with individuals, businesses, and communities from over 190 countries participating.

In the Philippines, Earth Hour holds special significance as we face the challenges of climate change, from rising temperatures to more frequent extreme weather events. By taking part in Earth Hour, we not only show our support for environmental action but also inspire others to make sustainable choices year-round.

So, what can you do during Earth Hour? Here are some ideas:

Turn Off Non-Essential Lights: Join the millions worldwide by switching off non-essential lights for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM local time. Gather your family or friends and enjoy the beauty of a candlelit evening.
Unplug Electronics: Reduce your electricity consumption by unplugging electronic devices that are not in use. This simple action can save energy and lower your carbon footprint.
Go Outdoors: Take advantage of the darkness and spend time outdoors. Organize a stargazing session, have a picnic under the moonlight, or simply take a leisurely walk in your neighborhood.
Have a Sustainable Dinner: Prepare a meal using locally sourced and seasonal ingredients. Opt for plant-based dishes to reduce your ecological footprint and support sustainable food practices.
Raise Awareness: Use your voice to raise awareness about environmental issues. Share posts on social media, participate in virtual events, or engage in discussions with friends and family about the importance of protecting our planet.

Remember, Earth Hour is more than just turning off lights; it’s about sparking conversations, driving action, and inspiring change. Together, let’s make every hour Earth Hour by adopting sustainable habits and advocating for a greener, more sustainable future for all.

Join the movement this March 23 and show your commitment to the planet!

Proactive Preparedness: Safeguarding Communities near Active Volcanoes

Paolo Capuloy — Fri, 09 Jun 2023 07:43:04 +0000

Located in close proximity to the iconic Taal Volcano, Tanauan City faces unique challenges and responsibilities when it comes to preparing for volcanic activities. As one of the areas most susceptible to the potential hazards associated with volcanic eruptions, the residents of Tanauan and neighboring municipalities must be vigilant and well-prepared. Understanding the significance of proactive measures, such as developing emergency plans, staying informed about volcanic activity, and having readily accessible emergency kits, is crucial to safeguarding lives and minimizing the impact of volcanic events. By actively engaging in preparedness efforts, the community of Tanauan can enhance their resilience, protect their well-being, and effectively respond to the dynamic nature of Taal Volcano. Preparing for a volcanic eruption is essential to ensure your safety and minimize the potential impact of the eruption. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

Stay informed: Keep track of updates and warnings from local authorities, volcanological agencies, and emergency management organizations. Follow their instructions and stay tuned to news broadcasts or emergency alerts for the latest information.
Create an emergency plan: Develop a detailed plan for your household or community, including evacuation routes, meeting points, and communication methods. Assign responsibilities to each family member or group member, and ensure everyone understands the plan.
Prepare an Emergency Disaster Bag: Assemble a well-stocked emergency kit that includes essential supplies such as non-perishable food, water, flashlights, batteries, a first aid kit, personal hygiene items, a battery-powered radio, protective masks, and any necessary medications. Store the kit in an easily accessible location.
Evacuation planning: Identify safe locations away from the volcano where you can evacuate to if necessary, such as shelters or the homes of friends or family in unaffected areas. Determine the best routes to reach those locations and alternate routes in case of road closures or other obstacles.
Protect your home: Take measures to safeguard your home from volcanic ash and potential damage. Seal windows and doors with plastic sheets and duct tape to minimize ash entry. Clear gutters and drains of debris to prevent blockages. Consider installing air filters to improve indoor air quality.
Stay aware of volcanic activity: Familiarize yourself with the signs of an impending eruption, such as increased seismic activity, gas emissions, or ground deformation. If you observe any unusual or suspicious changes, report them to the appropriate authorities.
Develop communication plans: Establish multiple communication channels with your family members, neighbors, and emergency services. Share contact information and establish a designated out-of-area contact person who can relay messages between separated family members.
Stay away from danger zones: Understand the danger zones defined by authorities and avoid them. These areas typically include the vicinity of the volcano, areas downstream from potential lahars (mudflows), and regions prone to pyroclastic flows.
Stay calm and follow instructions: During an eruption, remain calm and follow instructions from authorities promptly. Be prepared to evacuate quickly if advised to do so, and avoid panic or risky behavior.

If you find yourself in an area affected by smog, which is a type of air pollution characterized by a mixture of smoke and fog, it’s important to take certain precautions to protect your health. Here are some steps you can take:

Stay indoors: If the smog levels are high, it’s best to stay indoors as much as possible. Keep windows and doors closed to minimize the entry of polluted air. Use air purifiers or filters if available, or consider using a DIY air filter with a fan and a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filter.
Wear a mask: When going outside in smoggy conditions, consider wearing a mask or respirator rated for particulate matter (such as N95 or N99) to reduce your exposure to pollutants. Ensure that the mask fits properly and covers both your nose and mouth.
Stay hydrated: Drink plenty of water to help flush out toxins and keep your respiratory system moist. Adequate hydration can help your body cope with the effects of smog.
Seek medical attention if needed: If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent coughing, or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly.

Seek medical attention if needed: If you experience severe symptoms such as difficulty breathing, chest pain, persistent coughing, or dizziness, seek medical attention promptly. Local authorities and emergency services are the best sources of information during a volcanic eruption. Always heed their advice and cooperate with their instructions for your safety.

Ensuring Food Safety: Protecting Our Health, One Bite at a Time

Paolo Capuloy — Wed, 07 Jun 2023 00:25:55 +0000

In an increasingly interconnected world where the food supply chain stretches across continents, ensuring food safety has become more critical than ever before. With the potential risks of contamination, foodborne illnesses, and chemical hazards, safeguarding our health through robust food safety practices is paramount. By following a few simple steps, we can significantly reduce the risk of foodborne illnesses and ensure the safety of the food we consume. Here are some practical measures to attain food safety:

Food safety is an ongoing commitment that requires collaboration among stakeholders, including governments, regulatory bodies, food producers, and consumers. By prioritizing food safety, we can protect our health, reduce the burden of foodborne illnesses, and build a sustainable and resilient food system for generations to come. Remember, when it comes to food safety, every action counts—because our well-being depends on it.

El Niño Watch 2023

admin — Wed, 17 May 2023 08:23:15 +0000

Climate experts and scientists are growing increasingly concerned as the Philippines raises its El Niño Alert status, indicating the potential emergence of the weather phenomenon in the coming months. Simultaneously, global ocean surface temperatures have reached record highs, raising worries about the possibility of an impending El Niño event. The convergence of these factors has experts worried about the impact on weather patterns, agriculture, aquatic life, and the overall climate. The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) has issued an 80% probability of El Niño occurring from June to August, with potential dry spells and droughts. In April, ocean surface temperatures hit a record-breaking 21.1°C globally, surpassing the previous record set during the 2016 El Niño year. These rising temperatures can trigger extreme storms, coral bleaching, and ice cap instability. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in the Philippines is preparing for potential impacts on food production by implementing strategies to boost aquaculture. Climate experts emphasize the need for preparation, mitigation measures, and international cooperation to address the challenges posed by these climate phenomena and ensure the resilience of affected communities and ecosystems.

Click the image to enlarge

Remember, individual actions, along with collective efforts, can contribute to better preparedness and resilience in the face of El Niño’s potential impacts.

What’s inside your Go Bag?

admin — Sat, 26 Mar 2022 03:17:00 +0000

The Philippines is a disaster prone country, from typhoons, earthquakes, and most recently volcano eruption. It is important that we are always ready whenever these disasters strikes since most of them are natural and inevitable.

One preparation you can easily do is to prepare a Go Bag. A Go Bag contains essential items that you’ll need in case you need to leave your home to evacuate. Go Bag essentials such as food and water should at least last for 72 hours or 3 days in case you’ll be stranded at your home awaiting government rescue efforts. Lastly, a Go Bag should be easily accessible in you home.

To help you decide what essential items you need to include in you Go Bag, we’ve prepared an infographic as a guideline.

Fire Safety Tips at Home

admin — Fri, 25 Mar 2022 06:57:00 +0000

The Fire Prevention Month is a program organized and started by the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) as a reminder to everyone to stay alert and look out for fire hazards. This program was always set to start during March since this is usually the beginning of the dry season, and fire tends to start easily when the environment is less humid.

In line of the fire prevention program, we are sharing some Fire Safety Tips for your home. These safety tips are just few of the numerous fire prevention procedure to make your home safe from fire. Remember to be vigilant of the fire hazards and act on it when you see one.