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Quarrying operations near Mount Mayon were suspended after discovering at least 300 houses were buried in mud.

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The government of Albay can adapt the bioengineering solution of Kamanava polder dike, located in Brgy. Tanza, Navotas City and Brgy. Dampalit, Malabon City. The main problem that arose during its construction was the scouring of seawater, causing the forces brought by typhoons to hit the structure with low resistance. Their solution was to raise it by a few meters to reach flood height, and create a 3:1 slope, where the land slopes 1 foot every 3 feet of distance, to minimize the forces of sea waves. Through bioengineering technology, they interlocked blocks and grass to minimize scouring and resist lateral and vertical displacement. The material and structure’s flexibility provides stability against soil movement and expands when the soil is saturated.

Coco Technologies Corporation. (2019). Raising and Strengthening of Kamanava Polder Dike using Interlocking Blocks. https://www.cocotech.com.ph/Application/Flood-Control/Projects/Kamanava.html

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Upon inspection, the residents noticed that the dikes were hollow inside: a substandard and frugal attempt to alleviate their climate problems. According to Structural Engineer Ernesto de Castro, this is the effect of a construction failure. 8-inch or larger boulders are often used in constructing the dikes, which were not seen in the dikes in Guinobatan. He also mentioned that water should not seep under the foundation of the dike. The builders miscalculated the scour depth, which refers to the distance below the ground resulting from the erosive action of running flood water.

GMA Public Affairs. (2020, November 06). Stand for Truth: Bumigay na dike sa Albay, substandard? [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ioCWlgicA4g

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During the height of Super Typhoon Rolly, the residents of Albay were confident that they could withstand the storm through the help of the dikes in Guinobatan, Albay. These dikes are often used as defenses to prevent flooding in the areas around it, especially those near rivers and other bodies of water. Unfortunately, the dikes collapsed, bringing the flood mixed with lahar and rocks towards the communities.

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The aftermath of Typhoon Rolly in Guinobatan, Albay

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Albay is prone to experiencing natural disasters such as volcanic eruptions, flash floods, and landslides. The areas that live along the coastline are exposed to sea level rise and storm surges. Without proper mitigation from the national and local government, the people’s lives are put at a high risk.

Lasco, R.D., Delfino, R.J., and Sanchez, P.A. (2008). Local Government Initiatives to Climate Change Adaptation: A Case Study Of Albay, Philippines [Infographic]. http://apps.worldagroforestry.org/downloads/Publications/PDFS/PO08105.PDF

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Tiwi, Albay is home to ceramics and pots. 

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Census of the Bicol Region for the past 20 years

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Negative impact of technological advancements

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Negative impact of technological advancements

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However, it could also lead to destruction of the landscape, including inhabitants within the landscape. It strips the landform’s surface layers and softens the soil which could affect shelters and lives, making them prone to the dangers of natural disasters. Moreover, quarrying requires regular blasting thus creating noise, dust and pollution which again could affect the health and lives of the living.

BBC. (2022). Quarrying - Limestone [GCSE Chemistry only].  https://www.bbc.co.uk/bitesize/guides/z6gqmsg/revision/4

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Positive impact of technological advancements

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Positive impact of technological advancements

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Quarrying produces materials that are essential to construction in building roads and establishments. It delivers vital minerals to agriculture and supports the generation of electricity. Additionally, it is a global demand for it creates business jobs and provides economic opportunities that can lead to growth, development and success.

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When Super Typhoon Goni (or Rolly) hit the Philippines on November 1, 2020, a lahar avalanche coursed down the capricious sides of Mount Mayon burying 300 houses, taking 5 lives and leaving 3 people missing in the town of Guinobatan, Albay. A resident of San Francisco Village stated that her home was buried in rocks and debris and was washed down from the quarry sites. “Lives and livelihoods were lost because of a greedy few.” she said. Moreover, in an online interview, the former mayor of the municipality said that floods in Guinobatan are normal and there is “nothing intrinsically wrong with quarrying” however, its excessiveness exacerbated and made the floods violent and more devastating, causing intense catastrophe.

Conde, M. (2020). Philippine quarries under scrutiny after deadly mudflow buries homes. Conservation news. https://news.mongabay.com/2021/02/philippine-quarries-under-scrutiny-after-deadly-mudflow-buries-homes/amp/

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The Quarrying Operation is a “major driver” of Albay, Bicol’s economy. It is where volcanic ashes and debris are piled up from eruptions and cloaks Mt. Mayon’s slopes and riverbanks in order to provide an easy source of high-grade construction materials. However, this operation denudes the soil and citizens who live at the foot of the mountain were badly affected and unarguably, this needs to be taken care of because people’s lives are involved and could be at stake.

Conde, M. (2020). Philippine quarries under scrutiny after deadly mudflow buries homes. Conservation news. https://news.mongabay.com/2021/02/philippine-quarries-under-scrutiny-after-deadly-mudflow-buries-homes/amp/

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Distributed among 15 municipalities and 3 cities, the Bicolanos are the dominant ethnic group and constitute the majority population. Traditional agricultural practices such as producing crops like coconut, rice, sugar and abaca and wetland rice farming are the province’s main economic activities. Fishing, ecotourism on historic landmarks like the Mount Mayon and crafts (pottery and knife-making, mat-weaving and abaca handicrafts) represent significant additional sources of revenue. Moreover, a number of cultural celebrations take place in the province of Albay. It includes the Daragang Magayon Festival which is inspired by the reserve’s 3 mountains called Mayon, Malinao and Masaraga.

UNESCO. (2018, October). Albay Biosphere Reserve, Philippines https://en.unesco.org/biosphere/aspac/albay

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Those aged 14 and below make up 33.96% of Albay’s population. The potential and active members of the workforce (aged 15 to 64) constitute a total of 60.53%. The remaining 5.51% consists of those aged 65 and above.

Albay Profile. (2022). PhilAtlas. https://www.philatlas.com/luzon/r05/albay.html

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Albay, also known as the “Land of the World’s Perfect Cone” has a total landmass of 2,575.77 square kilometers making it the 26th smallest province in the Philippines. The province in general is mountainous with scattered fertile plains and valleys. The Mayon Volcano, considered as one of the most active volcanoes in the world, is the most famous landform in Albay.

Albay Geography. (2022). Islands Philippines. https://islandsphilippines.com/bicol/albay/albay_geography.php

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According to the 2020 Census, Albay’s population was 1,374,768. The latest figures indicate that there is a positive growth rate of 0.94% from the previous population of 1,314,826 in 2015. The province’s current population comprises 22.60% of Bicol’s total population.