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Tag: preps
CAD preps for drought
WITH or without the El Niño phenomenon, the Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) is not taking chances — it has started preparations for the weather phenomenon that can bring prolonged drought and affect farmers.
The CAD has a P38 million budget for 2025, according to CAD head Arleigh Gesta.
Gesta, however, said the budget is not enough to assist over 12,000 farmers in the city, adding that the ideal budget should be P50 million.
Low chance
The El Niño phenomenon has a low chance of occurring this year, according to a weather expert from the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa) Visayas.
Despite this, Gesta told SunStar Cebu on Friday, Jan. 31, 2025, that they have begun distributing water drums and hoses to farmers in areas with water sources.
Farmers in upland barangays are also creating their own water impounding areas to collect runoff from creeks.
Supplemental budget
City Councilor Noel Wenceslao, chairman of the finance committee, said the Cebu City Agriculture Department (CAD) can request a supplemental budget if it lacks funds.
The council approved only P38 million from the proposed P52 million for CAD in 2025. Wenceslao explained that the reduction was due to CAD spending less than P40 million in 2024.
Despite the budget limitations, CAD will continue its programs, including crop production extension, livestock production, alternative marketing, nursery production, reforestation, institutional development, urban agriculture and food security initiatives.
CAD is also updating farmer profiles to ensure that all registered farmers receive assistance.
Gesta said around 1,000 farmers have been added to the registry system for basic sectors in agriculture, bringing the total to 10,976 registered farmers.
He recalled that some unregistered farmers did not receive additional rice aid last year. To avoid a repeat of the problem, CAD is going barangay to barangay to update records.
Meanwhile, Eclarino said there is only a 30 percent chance of the El Niño occurring this year; however, he said this probability may change.
CAD has also launched an information campaign to guide farmers on suitable crops to plant.
Gesta advised them to avoid crops with long growing periods and plant those that can be harvested within 45 days to reduce costs.
Effects in 2024
The El Niño caused severe agricultural losses in Cebu City in 2024.
In April last year, the drought affected 10,000 farmers, with 1,047 farmers suffering direct losses. The National Irrigation Administration reported that about 454 hectares of farmland were affected.
Water shortages forced the City Government to declare a water crisis on April 1, 2024. Farmers struggled as less than 20 out of 44 irrigation facilities remained functional.
The Cebu City Government placed 28 hinterland villages under a state of calamity in March 2024 due to El Niño’s impact.
To mitigate losses, CAD trained farmers on water conservation and identified new water sources for irrigation last year. The agency also provided emergency food assistance, including rice and groceries.
Despite these efforts, some farmers criticized the delayed response from the government. They called for better coordination and faster aid distribution.
Also in April last year, City Councilor Pastor Alcover Jr. accused then CAD chief Joselito Baclayon of failing to come up with plans to address the plight of farmers.
Nationwide, the El Niño phenomenon, which started on July 4, 2023, was one of the strongest on record.
Pagasa said it was the fifth-most powerful globally and caused P2.63 billion in agricultural losses. The main crops affected were rice and corn, leading to food insecurity.
The weather bureau declared the end of the El Niño phenomenon on June 7, 2024. / JPS
As the threat of drought looms over the region, the Community Action Department (CAD) is taking proactive measures to prepare for the potential water shortage. With water conservation being a top priority, CAD is working on implementing strategies to reduce water usage and ensure the community is well-equipped to handle the challenges of a drought.One of the key initiatives CAD is focusing on is promoting water-saving practices among residents. This includes educating the community on ways to conserve water at home, such as fixing leaks, using water-efficient appliances, and landscaping with drought-resistant plants. Additionally, CAD is working with local businesses and schools to encourage water conservation efforts in their operations.
In addition to promoting water-saving practices, CAD is also exploring alternative water sources to supplement the existing supply. This includes looking into rainwater harvesting systems, greywater recycling, and other innovative solutions to reduce reliance on traditional water sources.
By taking proactive steps now, CAD is preparing the community to weather the impacts of a potential drought and ensure a sustainable water supply for the future. Together, we can make a difference in conserving water and protecting our environment. Let’s work together to ensure a water-wise future for our community.
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- CAD drought preparation
- CAD water conservation strategies
- CAD drought response plan
- CAD drought management tactics
- CAD water usage reduction
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- CAD drought preparedness tips
- CAD drought mitigation strategies
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#CAD #preps #drought
Trump preps 100 executive actions. Here’s what could be coming.
WASHINGTON ― President-elect Donald Trump intends to start his second White House term with a bang through a flurry of executive orders and directives that leave no doubt a major transformation is underway.
“Shock and awe,” Sen. John Barrasso, R-Wyo., recently predicted after Republicans members of Congress received a preview of the activity to come.
Convinced he has an election “mandate” from American voters, Trump is planning to surpass the century mark in executive actions over his first few days of office after getting sworn in as the 47th president on Monday ‒ a moment he’s called a “liberation day for America.”
“There will be over 100 executive actions ‒ commands to the bureaucracies to change their ways,” Stephen Miller, Trump’s incoming deputy chief of staff for policy, told Fox News last week.
More:Exclusive poll: For Trump, a strengthened hand but skepticism on tax cuts, tariffs
The orders will bypass Congress to undo President Joe Biden’s policies ranging from climate to diversity and inclusion in the federal workforce while carrying out Trump’s campaign promises to secure the southern border, expand domestic energy production and target transgender Americans.
Many of the actions will be controversial and draw protests from Democrats and others on the political left. Some orders, particularly involving immigration, are expected to invite lawsuits.
It could be a busy few days and weeks of signatures from Trump, who has also also promised “major pardons” for people convicted for their roles in the Jan. 6, 2021, attack on the U.S. Capitol.
Here’s a look at some of the executive actions that Trump and his top advisers have signaled the incoming president might take:
Reinstating Title 42
On the immigration front, Trump has talked about a series of orders he would issue on “Day 1” to seal the U.S.-Mexico border, where illegal crossings have in recent weeks fallen to record lows.
That includes executive action to revive Title 42 authority to quickly expel asylum-seekers at the U.S.-Mexico border.
Title 42 is an emergency public health law that both the Trump and Biden administrations used during the COVID pandemic to justify turning back migrants and asylum-seekers who crossed the border illegally. Biden ended the policy in 2023.
Mass deportations
One of Trump’s signatures campaign promises is to carry out “mass deportations” of immigrants who are in the country unlawfully.
To carry out his sweeping plans, Trump has suggested he would expand the authority of immigration agents and use the U.S. military. The expected moves have already generated pushback from Democrats.
More:As Trump plans mass deportation, Mexican views of migration harden
Ending birthright citizenship
Trump has also promised to end birthright citizenship on Day 1 of his presidency ‒ and will do so through executive action “if we can” ‒ likely setting up a constitutional legal fight.
Birthright citizenship refers to anyone born in the U.S. being considering a U.S. citizen based on the 14th Amendment, which says “all persons born or naturalized in the United States, and subject to the jurisdiction thereof, are citizens of the United States and of the State wherein they reside.”
If he decides he can’t end birthright citizenship through executive action because of constitutional constraints, Trump would seemingly have to pursue an amendment to the Constitution, which would require support from two-thirds of Congress and ratification from two-thirds of state legislatures.
More:What is birthright citizenship and the 14th amendment? Explaining Trump’s desired changes
Border wall and empowering local law enforcement
Trump has promised to restart construction of the border fence at the U.S.-Mexico border, an original staple of his first term policy agenda that the Biden administration halted.
About 452 miles of barriers along the southern border were constructed during Trump’s presidency, but only 40 miles of wall were placed where a barrier didn’t previously exist.
Trump advisers also have signaled plans to direct the federal government to more aggressively use 287(g) ‒ a federal program that empowers local law enforcement to carry out some immigration enforcement duties.
Trump turned to the federal program often in his first term. Biden campaigned on ending the Trump-era agreements during his 2020 campaign. Although Biden did not embrace the program at the same level as Trump, immigration activists have accused Biden of not fulfilling his original pledge.
More:Trump asks Biden to ‘stop selling’ unused parts of border wall
Tariffs
Trump has promised major new tariffs on imports from Canada, Mexico and China on his first day in office.
Three weeks after his election victory, Trump said one of his first executive orders would be to sign all the necessary paperwork to levy a 25% tariff on all products arriving from Canada and Mexico.
Trump said he plans to levy an additional 10% tariff on top of existing tariffs on Chinese products coming into the United States.
He’s said the tariffs on goods from the neighboring country’s are in response to “thousands of people are pouring through Mexico and Canada, bringing Crime and Drugs at levels never seen before.”
More:Donald Trump vows to impose 25% tariff on all products from Canada and Mexico
‘Drill, baby, drill’ agenda
Trump, who campaigned on a mantra of “drill, baby, drill,” is expected to take multiple executive actions aimed at fulfilling his pro-oil agenda to boost the production of domestic energy, even as it’s already at an all-time high.
Trump has promised to swiftly overturn Biden’s recent action to ban offshore drilling on the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. He also wants to reopen drilling for oil in Alaska’s Arctic National Wildlife Refuge.
Among several moves expected in the energy sector, the incoming president has said he will create a new National Energy Council to “oversee the path to U.S. energy dominance.” The new council will be led by former North Dakota Gov. Doug Burgum, Trump’s nominee for secretary of the Department of Interior. But how the council will be structured, staffed and operate hasn’t been detailed.
More:Biden bans new oil, gas drilling off most US coasts as Trump vows to ‘unban’ immediately
Eliminating the ‘electric vehicle mandate’
Trump has talked repeatedly about eliminating Biden’s so-called “electric vehicle mandate,” referring to an Environmental Protection Agency rule that requires auto manufacturers to cut greenhouse gas emissions by half in new light- and medium-duty vehicles beginning in 2027.
The EPA estimates that auto manufacturers may choose to build electric vehicles for about 30% to 56% of their new light-duty vehicles by 2032 and 20% to 32% of new medium duty vehicles.
Biden has used the federal government to accelerate the transition to clean-energy electric vehicles. Trump has pledged to undo the efforts.
More:Did you know your car could be a political statement? Biden and Trump views clash on EVs
Ending natural gas export ban
Trump has said he will take executive action to end the Biden administration’s pause on issuing new permits for projects aimed at exporting liquified natural gas.
Like the emissions guidelines, it’s among several rules issued by the Biden administration to combat climate change, which Trump has called a “hoax.”
A Louisiana federal judge in July ruled the Biden administration cannot halt issuing permits for such projects. The Justice Department appealed the decision.
More:Trump prepares wide-ranging energy plan to boost gas exports, oil drilling, sources say
‘Transgender lunacy’
Trump has promised first-day action taking aim at rights for transgender people, including making it the official policy of the U.S. government to recognize only two genders: males and females.
“With the stroke of my pen, on Day 1, we’re going to stop the transgender lunacy,” Trump said in a speech last month in Phoenix.
Trump said he will sign executive orders to end “child sexual mutilation,” get transgender people out of the military and public schools, and to keep athletes born male biologically from participating in women’s sports.
The Republican-controlled House voted Tuesday to pass a bill that would ban transgender women and girls from participating in women’s and girls’ school sports, but it’s unclear if the legislation can garner 60 Senate votes and eventually make it to Trump’s desk for signature into law.
More:House passes bill that would ban transgender athletes from women and girls’ sports
DEI in the federal government
Trump has signaled he will take action to overturn Biden-era policies aimed at diversity, equity and inclusion, or DEI, in the federal government.
“I’ll end all of the Marxist diversity, equity and inclusion policies across the entire federal government immediately,” Trump said last month.
More:Facebook owner Meta kills DEI in latest nod to Trump and MAGA movement
DEI in business and government has become a top target of Republicans. In his first year in the White House, Biden signed an executive order that established procedures to ensure diversity, equity, inclusion and accessibility are priorities in building the federal workforce.
In-person work for federal employees
Trump and his top advisers have signaled possible executive action directing federal employees to return to working in-person.
“He’s going to bring workers back to their offices,” Miller said. “He’s going to end the travesty in which federal workers are pretending to work but are not actually working. They’re at home watching Netflix while you’re paying their salaries.”
Trump has said he will fire any federal employees who don’t physically return to their offices once his new administration begins. He also pledged to challenge in court a Biden agreement allowing Social Security Administration employees to work remotely.
Work-from-home policies enacted during the COVID-19 pandemic remain in place for some federal workers.
More:Donald Trump vows to fire federal employees who won’t return to the office
End funding to ‘radical left NGOs’
Miller said Trump will take action to stop federal funding for “radical left NGOs,” though he did not specify which entities would be targeted.
NGOs, or non-governmental operations, refers to nonprofit organizations that receive federal funding.
Biden used executive authority to overturn a Trump executive order for a so-called “global gag rule” that prevented federal aid from going to foreign organizations that provide abortion services or information.
Reach Joey Garrison on X @joeygarrison.
As President-elect Donald Trump prepares to take office, news has emerged that he is planning to sign as many as 100 executive actions in his first days in office. While the specifics of these actions have not been confirmed, here are a few possibilities of what could be coming:1. Repealing and replacing Obamacare: Trump has long promised to overturn the Affordable Care Act, and it is likely that he will take swift action to begin the process of dismantling and replacing the healthcare law.
2. Building a wall along the Mexican border: One of Trump’s signature campaign promises was to build a wall along the US-Mexico border, and he could use an executive action to kickstart the project.
3. Implementing a temporary ban on Muslim immigration: Trump has called for a ban on Muslims entering the country, and he could use an executive action to impose restrictions on immigration from certain countries.
4. Rolling back environmental regulations: Trump has been critical of environmental regulations put in place by the Obama administration, and he could use executive actions to relax or repeal some of these rules.
5. Enacting tax cuts: Trump has promised to cut taxes for individuals and businesses, and he could use executive actions to implement some of these changes without needing congressional approval.
While these are just a few possibilities, it is clear that Trump is planning to hit the ground running once he takes office. Stay tuned for updates on the specific executive actions that he plans to take in the coming days.
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- Trump executive actions
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#Trump #preps #executive #actions #Heres #coming
Meta Quest Preps Major VR Concert with Shawn Mendes
Photo Credit: Meta
Meta has teamed up with several companies to produce a VR concert for its Meta Quest headset featuring Shawn Mendes at Red Rocks.
Meta is working with Dorsey Pictures, 7 Cinematics, and Light Sail VR to create the VR production. The 180-degree experience filmed at Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Colorado offers one of the most up-close experiences you can get without being in attendance at the actual show.
The VR concert will premiere on Friday, January 24 at 5 pm PT in Meta Horizon Music Valley. Meta Quest 3S, Quest 3, Quest 2, and Quest Pro owners can currently RSVP for the Shawn Mendes concert and subscribe to further events.
The concert will feature Shawn Mendes’ hit songs including “Stitches,” “There’s Nothing Holdin’ Me Back,” “In My Blood,” “Why Why Why,” and more. The concert was custom-made to be experienced in VR headsets and has a run-time of 83 minutes. The filming was designed to give the audience a front row seat for his captivating Friends & Family Performance, taking advantage of the venue’s stunning scenery and natural acoustics.
“Red Rocks was one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever seen in my life, it was absolutely stunning,” says Shawn Mendes. “That night was so special to me, and I’m so happy to be able to bring it to those who couldn’t be there in person.”
“Shawn’s connection with his fans runs deep, and we wanted to create something that would let them feel that bond up close,” says Sarah Malkin, Director of Metaverse Entertainment Content at Meta. “This project captures the energy and emotion of an unforgettable night, giving fans a true sense of what it’s like to be right there with Shawn at Red Rocks. Whether experienced on the new Meta Quest 3S or previous headset models, we’re excited to work with Dorsey Pictures to make this kind of access possible for fans everywhere.”
Replays of the Shawn Mendes concert will be available for a limited time in Meta Horizon Music Valley.
Meta Quest, the leading virtual reality platform, is gearing up for a major VR concert featuring none other than pop sensation Shawn Mendes. The concert, set to take place within the immersive world of Meta Quest, promises to be a groundbreaking experience for fans of both music and technology.Shawn Mendes, known for hits like “Stitches” and “In My Blood,” will be performing live in virtual reality, giving fans the opportunity to see him up close and personal like never before. With Meta Quest’s cutting-edge technology, viewers will feel like they are right there in the front row, experiencing the music in a whole new way.
The concert is set to be a momentous occasion for both Meta Quest and Shawn Mendes, showcasing the power of virtual reality to bring people together in new and exciting ways. Stay tuned for more details on this groundbreaking event, and get ready to immerse yourself in the music of Shawn Mendes like never before.
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#Meta #Quest #Preps #Major #Concert #Shawn #Mendes
‘It’s an exciting night’: Countdown to midnight, Berks County preps for New Year’s Eve events | Berks Regional News
BERKS CO., Pa. – Traditions in Berks County and beyond continue as we countdown the minutes until a New Year.
“It’s just a fun, quick, easy thing that parents can do with their kids, a tradition for New Year’s Eve,” said Luann Zambanini, treasurer of the Boyertown Area Historical Society.
In Boyertown, the traditional ball drop is dropped from the plans, as organizers expect nearly 100 people to gather for the Boyertown Area Historical Society’s “bear drop.”
“It’s funny, because it kind of was geared to kids, and I think older people enjoy it, because that way they don’t have to stay up to watch the ball drop,” said Zambanini.
Zambanini said the event has come a long way.
“We used to come down from that little tower there, for more fire exit, and now we get the fire company involved. And those brave men climb up the ladder,” Zambanini said. “All I have to do is give them the bear. They do it all. Thank heavens,” she laughed.
The bear drop will coincide with the arrival of 2025 in Germany.
Elsewhere in the county, the Reading Liederkranz is celebrating with a “pretzel drop,” a German buffet and pretzel bar.
The Peanut Bar in Reading will turn into a speakeasy for the night, with a vibe much like how it originally started back in the day.
In Reading, a fireworks celebration is planned.
City of Reading Managing Director Jack Gombach said the event brings the community, family and friends together.
“In a true spirit of the holiday, to reflect on the year past and to really get excited about the year ahead,” said Gombach.
For 28 years, weather permitting, the skies in Reading shine bright into a new year.
“This is an exciting time. It’s an exciting night,” said Gombach.
The fireworks in Reading go off at 10:00 p.m.
As the clock ticks closer to midnight, Berks County residents are gearing up to ring in the new year with a bang. From fireworks displays to live music performances, there’s no shortage of exciting events happening throughout the county to help celebrate the end of 2021 and the beginning of 2022.One of the most anticipated events of the night is the New Year’s Eve fireworks show at the Pagoda in Reading. This annual tradition draws crowds from all over the county to watch as the night sky is illuminated with dazzling colors and patterns. The display is set to begin at midnight, marking the official start of the new year.
For those looking to dance the night away, several venues in Berks County are hosting New Year’s Eve parties with live music and DJ sets. From downtown Reading to the suburbs, there’s a party for everyone to enjoy and welcome in the new year with friends and loved ones.
As the countdown to midnight continues, Berks County is buzzing with excitement and anticipation for what the new year will bring. Whether you’re watching fireworks, dancing at a party, or simply spending the evening with family, there’s no shortage of ways to celebrate and make memories on this special night.
So as the clock strikes midnight, here’s to a happy and prosperous new year for all in Berks County. Let’s make it a night to remember and start 2022 off on the right foot. Happy New Year!
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New Year’s Eve events, Berks County, countdown to midnight, Berks Regional News, exciting night, New Year’s Eve celebrations, Berks County events, Berks County news, midnight countdown, Berks County nightlife
#exciting #night #Countdown #midnight #Berks #County #preps #Years #Eve #events #Berks #Regional #NewsSimone Biles talks NFL game day preps, Chicago and holidays
Olympics.com: Alright… Simone Biles. Good to see you. How’s it going?
Simone Biles: Good. How are you?
Olympics.com: I’m doing all right. Where are you headed today?
SB: Today, we are heading to the Chicago Bears football game.
Olympics.com: So, you ready for some game day questions?
SB: Yes. Ready for some game day questions!
Olympics.com: Let’s do it. First off, I’ve got to know about the fit today.
SB: Yes. Okay. Today’s fit is actually very simple, just because me and my friends’ outfits didn’t come in time. So, this is my back-up. I was actually supposed to wear it to a different game. We have the 36 (Owens’ number), bucket hat, some boots, but it is freezing, so at least it works for game day.
Olympics.com: You’ve had some good fashion looks through the games. How do you put it together?
SB: Honestly, I reach out to some of the creators that make the apparel, and I have no ideas. I let them kind of freeball it, and I say, ‘Surprise me.’ And then that’s how I piece them together.
Olympics.com: Do you have a favourite one so far?
SB: Yes. My favourite one so far is one that I haven’t worn yet, and I’m wearing it to Thursday’s game.
Olympics.com: Who’s more nervous for game day, meet day? You or Jonathan?
SB: I would have to say Jonathan just because, although I’m nervous about his health and safety, it’s his game. He knows it better.
Olympics.com: We saw how you and he interacted before a meet in your documentary. What’s the interaction like between you guys on game day?
SB: Well, usually you’re not allowed to be with him the night before, so we sleep separately in the hotel. And then after that, he usually comes up, gives me a kiss goodbye. So, it’s very… He’s so chill. He’s relaxed. And that’s also his personality. Not as stressed as me.
Olympics.com: You’ve talked about how supportive he’s been and how much it meant to you. What is it like to be able to kind of repay that now?
SB: Oh, my gosh. It means the world to me. And I know it means so much to him for me to be able to go and support his games. For him, it means a lot for me to go on the sideline before because he says that’s his pre-game routine. So he’s always looking for me on the sideline to give him, like, good luck vibes and wishes. That’s just his superstition.
Olympics.com: Who comes up with the handshake you guys have been doing pre-game?
SB: That’s Jonathan. Jonathan thinks of all of the things: handshakes, pre-game rituals, what he needs to eat – all Jonathan.
Olympics.com: How much do you know about football?
SB: Well, I could probably explain it to a five-year-old. But if I’m explaining it to a 25-year-old, it might not make sense.
Olympics.com: Who knows more about the other’s sport, you or Jonathan?
SB: Jonathan. He knows so much about gymnastics.
Simone Biles, the reigning Olympic gymnastics champion, recently sat down for an exclusive interview with us to discuss her game day preps, love for Chicago, and favorite holiday traditions.When it comes to getting ready for a big NFL game day, Simone revealed that she likes to start her morning with a healthy breakfast and a light workout to get her body and mind in the right mindset. She also emphasized the importance of staying hydrated and focused throughout the day to perform at her best.
As a self-proclaimed Chicago enthusiast, Simone gushed about her love for the Windy City and all it has to offer. From the world-class museums to the delicious deep-dish pizza, she can’t get enough of the vibrant culture and energy that Chicago exudes. She even mentioned that she dreams of one day performing a gymnastics routine in front of the iconic Chicago skyline.
When it comes to holidays, Simone shared that her favorite tradition is spending quality time with her family and loved ones. Whether it’s decorating the Christmas tree, cooking a big Thanksgiving feast, or watching fireworks on the Fourth of July, she cherishes these moments of togetherness and celebration.
Overall, Simone Biles is not only a fierce competitor on the gymnastics floor but also a down-to-earth individual who values the simple joys of life. We can’t wait to see what she accomplishes next on and off the mat!
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Simone Biles, NFL game day preps, Chicago, holidays, sports, gymnastics, athlete, Chicago events, holiday traditions, NFL game day routine
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