Butuan Expats Weekly News: The Velocity
Written by admin on December 23, 2009.
The velocity of the Agusan increased to 8 knots during low tide today. Flood season is warming up for its typical 2 month obsession. Methinks that some of its vigor has already been spent during the flooding of a few weeks ago, so perhaps we may expect a rather mild flood season. To this end, we must acknowledge those whose forethought inspired the viaduct system completed 3 years ago, that divert flood waters from central Butuan. If monitored and managed as designed, downtown Butuan should never be flooded again during normal seasonal increases. This is not to say that the system is designed to alleviate ‘un’natural occurrences, but rather to ensure that our city systems are protected from normal tropical gully washers. If one has been paying attention, the effects of pronounced rainfall have been greatly mitigated in the past few years as compared to previous times. Storm water systems have been installed in the city in a requisite diameter to flush ‘gully washers’ in a timely manner, and the viaduct, (when managed appropriately), assists in the effort. Many remember 2′ waters at the Gaisano intersection, as well as other locations, but please recognize that these conditions are now short-lived. Connect the dots folks! Whether via the City or other entity, the conditions are vastly improved! Credit given to those responsible.
Under certain conditions, sometimes sea level relative to JC Aquino is less than a 2% grade, so storm systems don’t purge with a great deal of velocity. At high tide, the outlying villages get swamped. Next time Butuan experiences a deluge, check the tide chart-that will tell you how deep the ‘pools’ are. Low tide means the pools are short lived, high tide-not so much!
GTS Auto Accessories is a great new shop located on T.Calo extension. Drop in and let Gerry show you his wares, and they install stereos, horns, and other accessories.
The new Prince Hotel next to Santos hospital on Montilla is going through its birthing process as we speak. Located in the old Carl Patrick structure, the new facade greatly enhances the downtown appearance. I have not had the chance to drop in for a peek, but will do so during holiday week and report my findings. A large new hotel in Butuan is big stuff, not only for appearance, but understanding that the ownership did due diligence and must have determined that continued growth qualified said investment. What might they know???
Local and national TV news have aired segments detailing the dangers of fireworks. Wonderful! 3-4 years ago TV news during the holidays was awash in video of entire neighborhoods burning and people displaced due to irresponsible use of fireworks. Burning structures generate gobs of smoke and heat, and many don’t realize the nasty effects of a structure fire. Our village banned aerial fireworks last year. Can you imagine how many nearby structures would be melted if an unspent rocket landed in the native roof of our 2 story building? The local fire department does not have a reputation for ‘quick response’, less so in an outlying area. Here’s hoping that this holiday season does not bring despair to some homes due to some numbskull with a lighter and a bottle rocket!
I’ll be spending holiday week working on the butuanexpat website, hoping to make it more serviceable to visitors. After the 1st, I would really appreciate comments on both its appearance and content. The content is an ever-changing critter, and one person holding the strings is not appropriate. I would also like to invite guest writers or topical writers. The value of the website can be determined by remembering each of our personal struggles upon our first arrival, that being the acquisition of accurate information about the why’s and wherefores of the Butuan region. Getting the information kiosk at the arrival terminal this year was a big step toward said goal. The task next year is to unify the web presence of the public entities in Butuan so our City is presented to the world in a coordinated manner.
Next week we’ll chat about the year in review and prioritize our intents of civic service for 2010. A community action center, a quantifiable transparent City annual report, and Navigational channel marker installation encouraging international cruising yachts to shelter and visit Butuan are a few items on my list. Continued vigilance in participating in the protection of children from foreign abusers is a constant.
What is on your list?
I hope your holidays are wonderful!
Peace to all!
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