Government agencies join hands in restoration of Cagayan River after Typhoon Ulysses; Build Back Better Task Force starts dredging, bamboo planting

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The promise of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to normalize the lives of Cagayan residents and those in nearby provinces after the onslaught of Typhoon Ulysses was further realized as government agencies pooled resources to restore the Cagayan River.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade joined Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Roy Cimatu, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Mark Villar, and Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Silvestre Bello III in launching the Cagayan River Restoration project in Lal-lo, Cagayan on Tuesday, 2 February 2021.

The river restoration work is an effort of the 'Build Back Better' (BBB) Task Force which is composed of officials from the DENR, DPWH, DOLE, and the DOTr.

Assisting the task force is the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and the local government units of Cagayan Region. The restoration work involves the dredging of the Cagayan River, as a solution to the flooding woes in the Cagayan Valley area, as well as the planting of bamboo, which will not only help stabilize the riverbanks but will also create livelihood for residents, who were displaced by flooding.

Secretary Tugade said the rehabilitation initiative fulfills the promise of President Duterte to the people of Cagayan during his visit in November.

“Kaya nga ‘ho nandirito kami ngayon upang pasinayaan at bigyang katotohanan ang mandato ng Pangulo sa aming apat - to help rebuild Cagayan, to help bring back hope and restore the beauty and glorious past of Cagayan,” Secretary Tugade said.

The Transportation Chief added that aside from the dredging of the Cagayan River, the planting of bamboo will help the residents earn a living over the next few years.

“Kaya nga ba’t i-dredge [ang ilog], kaya nga ba’t magtanim ka ng kawayan, kaya nga ba’t magbigay ka ng kabuhayan, ‘pagkat gusto naming bigyang-katuparan ang pangako ng ating mahal na Pangulo,” Secretary Tugade added.

During the event, Secretaries Tugade and Bello also announced the granting of a P30 million livelihood assistance for Overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) in the region who were affected by Ulysses.

In January, the two Secretaries distributed fiberglass motorized bancas to 100 fishermen in Claveria, Cagayan and “Negosyo Karts” franchises to 100 ambulant vendor-beneficiaries in Ilagan, Isabela.

Secretary Villar meanwhile assured residents that the government is working as a whole to solve the issue of flooding in the Cagayan region. Focus of the restoration work is the dredging of some 7 million cubic meters of sand from 19 sandbars on the river that cover 235 hectares.

He said dredging of the Cagayan River is only a short-term solution, with the long-term solution involving the construction of diversion channels. Secretary Villar has assured that the diversion channels, as well as other infrastructure projects in Cagayan will be finished before President Rodrigo Duterte ends his term.

“Asahan n’yo po na full support ang DPWH sa ating mga infrastructure programs sa Cagayan,” Secretary Villar, also Vice Chairman of the BBB Task Force, stressed.

For his part, Secretary Cimatu, who serves as chairman of the ‘Build Back Better’ Task Force, highlighted that the government is giving priority to the dredging of the Cagayan River.

“Today we are here on a mission, to reduce the perennial flooding in the region of Cagayan Valley. Our government is taking the matter seriously. The equipment and assets of the government are now ready to start the mission,” the DENR Secretary said.

Dredging equipment from the DPWH have been positioned in the priority areas of Lal-lo, Casicallan Norte and Gattaran, Secretary Cimatu said.

Investing on an Indoor Hydroponics Solution from Green Armor Hydroponics

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Investing on a system that promotes Sustainable Living by growing our own food literally in the comfort of our own homes using the solution from GreenArmor Hydroponics

We don't really need to save on money, properties and material stuff, since it will be useless in situations when currency is no longer accepted (like a zombie apocalypse, or a global pandemic much worst than what we're experiencing right now...lol) to get through a survival of the fittest, and most equipped to grow and harvest their own crops, ...

Seriously, I'm doing this to find solutions that works for urban families with homes having very little access to extra land so they do container gardening, but still with limitations. It's our current condition so I'm speaking by experience. Envious of those with bigger properties that they could allocates space for their vegetable garden or mini farm. 

You could actually make this system work this even without electricity via Kratky method, or introduce the addition of solar panels, to store power on batteries to power up the pump that circulates the water and the LED grow lights that simulates sunlight. The grow lights are to be used starting when seedlings have sprouted.

The nutrient solution could also be replicated naturally with organic alternatives. There are many commercial alternatives but our goal should be finding alternatives whose ingredients are easily accessible. 

It's very easy to assemble and convenient as a growing medium that would fit fine at any small space within our homes. Electricity cost is minimal, and planting is so easy as you just drop the seeds in the LECA balls and wait for germination until harvest time. Especially for leafy veggies like lettuces, pechay, mustasa, that only takes roughly a month to harvest. 

Probably the only thing you'll have to do is replenish the water and nutrient solution where the setup conveniently came equipped with ways to effortlessly check.

Expecting a bountiful harvest of kale, arugula and lettuces soon from the indoor hydroponics setup so I'll post another blog after a month or so.

Radisson Collection launches in China, introducing its premium lifestyle concept to Asia Pacific’s gateway city

Wazzup Pilipinas?!

Radisson Collection, Radisson Hotel Group’s anthology of premium lifestyle hotels, has reached another major milestone with the official debut of Radisson Collection Hotel, Xing Guo Shanghai, this exceptional brand’s inaugural property in China and its first hotel in an Asia Pacific gateway city.

With iconic properties in inspiring locations all around the world, Radisson Collection gives guests immediate access to the authentic essence of their destination, in terms of art, design, culture and cuisine. No two hotels are the same and each reflects the rich character of its locale. With original design and insider encounters, Radisson Collection goes above and beyond to deliver extraordinary experiences.

Hotels are located in some of the world’s most exciting and eclectic destinations, including Brussels, London, Rome, Copenhagen and Moscow, with future locations set to include Paris, Milan, Cairo, Budapest, Venice, Sri Lanka and Queenstown in New Zealand. Wherever they choose, savvy travelers can discover personalized hospitality, intuitive service and thoughtful touches, in tune with the tempo of their neighborhood.

Radisson Collection Hotel, Xing Guo Shanghai is the perfect addition to this curated collection. Nestled within 17 acres of manicured gardens, surrounded by historical villas, 1930s Art Deco buildings and picturesque tree-lined avenues, this is an enchanting urban oasis amid the bustle of Xujiahui, Shanghai’s dynamic downtown business district.

A sense of serenity and sophistication pervades the entire 16-story hotel. The 185 rooms and suites (ranging from 30 to 54 m2) are designed to be spacious sanctuaries of comfort and wellness, with cutting-edge solutions such as air purification systems and smart room sensors, and even robots that deliver fresh fruit juice straight to the door! Unique to the hotel, the 12th floor is reserved for female guests; each room on this level is equipped with special amenities and a Dyson Supersonic™ blow-dryer, and the Madam Li Lounge is a haven of high-quality hospitality for discerning female travelers.

Innovative and locally inspired cuisine can be enjoyed at a choice of four restaurants and bars, including an award-winning Chinese restaurant that focuses on Cantonese cuisine and Shanghainese specialties, and a chic lounge for handcrafted cocktails and fine wines. The top floor Executive Lounge is an exclusive space with 270-degree city views. Engaging events can be hosted at a choice of eight venues, including a ballroom and pavilion, and the fitness center features state-of-the-art equipment.

“It gives us great pleasure to launch our inaugural Radisson Collection hotel Shanghai, China, a prime destination for business and leisure. This marks another milestone as we expand and project the brand’s robust growth in the region, further showcasing the Group’s strong commitment to China. Radisson Collection Hotel, Xing Guo Shanghai will be an outstanding addition to this expanding collection of iconic lifestyle hotels,” said Katerina Giannouka, President, Asia Pacific, Radisson Hotel Group.

“Radisson Collection is the home of distinctive hotels and resorts that are united by their uniqueness, and their ability to bring out the exceptional of their community. This rapidly growing brand is suited to the world’s most storied cities, such as Shanghai, where a sense of history and romance enlivens every stay. We look forwarding to immersing guests in the sounds, sights, flavors and experiences of the hotel’s unique location. Radisson Hotel Group has worked with the hotel’s owners, Dong Hu Group, for more than 20 years and we are delighted to continue our journey together,” added Gary Ye, Vice President, Operations, China.

More than ever, Radisson Hotel Group’s highest priorities remain the health and safety of its guests and employees. The Group partnered with SGS, the world’s leading inspection and certification company, to implement the Radisson Hotels Safety Protocol, which ensures the highest hygiene standards and strengthens the Group’s existing rigorous sanitation and social distancing guidelines. Radisson Collection Hotel, Xing Guo Shanghai has already achieved its HACCP (Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points) certification and premium certification from Safehotels.


Radisson Collection Hotel, Xing Guo Shanghai becomes the collection’s first member in China, and will be joined by a second in Q2, 2021 when the newly built Radisson Collection Resort, Nanjing opens its doors.