POOP AND DRINKING WATER - The word is being heard: bottled water is not all it's cracked up to be. This message arrives just in time for us to learn that sewage, "including human excrement and dangerous industrial chemicals" is spilling into waterways across America. As reported by Charles Duhigg in the New York Times: "In the last three years alone, more than 9,400 of the nation's 25,000 sewage systems — including those in major cities — have reported violating the law by dumping untreated or partly treated human waste, chemicals and other hazardous materials into rivers and lakes and elsewhere, according to data from state environmental agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency.""It happens anytime you get a hard rainfall," Bob Connaughton, an engineer at Brooklyn's Owls Head Water Pollution Control Plant told the Times. "Sometimes all it takes is 20 minutes of rain, and you've got overflows across Brooklyn." The "it" Connaughton speaks of is untreated feces and industrial waste spilling from emergency relief valves into the Upper New York Bay and Gowanus Canal. Lawmakers talk of earmarking billions towards water infrastructure upgrades but is there anyone left who still trusts the government/corporate approach? No quick fixes. Experienced Planet Greeners may expect to see a list of actions and potential solutions right about here... but this is not an easily fixable problem. Obviously, we should've never despoiled so much water in the first place but until larger cultural and institutional factors are considered (or we force them to be considered), we can act locally.

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Poop And Drinking Water

How much poop is in your drinking water?

BY MICKEY Z., PLANET GREEN

The word is being heard: bottled water is not all it's cracked up to be.

This message arrives just in time for us to learn that sewage, "including human excrement and dangerous industrial chemicals" is spilling into waterways across America. 

As reported by Charles Duhigg in the New York Times: "In the last three years alone, more than 9,400 of the nation's 25,000 sewage systems — including those in major cities — have reported violating the law by dumping untreated or partly treated human waste, chemicals and other hazardous materials into rivers and lakes and elsewhere, according to data from state environmental agencies and the Environmental Protection Agency."

"It happens anytime you get a hard rainfall," Bob Connaughton, an engineer at Brooklyn's Owls Head Water Pollution Control Plant told the Times.

"Sometimes all it takes is 20 minutes of rain, and you've got overflows across Brooklyn."

The "it" Connaughton speaks of is untreated feces and industrial waste spilling from emergency relief valves into the Upper New York Bay and Gowanus Canal.

Lawmakers talk of earmarking billions towards water infrastructure upgrades but is there anyone left who still trusts the government/corporate approach?

No Quick Fixes

Experienced Planet Greeners may expect to see a list of actions and potential solutions right about here... but this is not an easily fixable problem.

Obviously, we should've never despoiled so much water in the first place but until larger cultural and institutional factors are considered (or we force them to be considered), we can act locally. 

HowStuffWorks got its start in 1998 at a college professor's kitchen table. From there, we quickly grew into an award-winning source of unbiased, reliable, easy-to-understand answers and explanations of how the world actually works. Today, our writers, editors, podcasters and video hosts share all the things we're most excited to learn about with nearly 30 million visitors to the site each month. Learn more about our authors, and maybe even become one yourself. You can learn more about us in our FAQ.

https://health.howstuffworks.com/food-nutrition/poop-drinking-water.htm

DANGEROUS WATERS - E. Coli Threaten Swim Areas - According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bacterial contamination in recreational water is becoming an increasing problem. More and more beaches are closed each year for microbiological contamination. However, these incidences are not the first, nor the worst, of past E. coli outbreaks sourced to recreational water. In 1998, E. coli O157:H7 in the water at the Six Flags White Water Park in Atlanta sickened 26 people. The following year, Washington state’s Battle Ground Lake was closed off after 37 people fell ill from E. coli poisoning. The lake remained off-limits for the next two years. E. coli contamination arises from the presence of fecal matter in water. At pools and water parks, the source is usually human feces. E. coli in natural bodies of water can come from animals, such as livestock or wildlife, or humans, and is either shed directly into the water or washed into it by irrigation or rainwater, sewer systems or other water flows. Studies have shown that the presence of E. coli in the environment increases during the summer. This is thought to be a result of increased shedding of the bacteria by animals, or from areas with higher average rainfall, as rainwater can wash fecal matter into surrounding water sources. Higher levels of E. coli – specifically shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STECs) – can pose a health threat to humans.

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Dangerous Waters

E. Coli Threaten Swim Areas

By Gretchen Goetz

Kids aren’t the only ones in the water this summer.

Dangerous E. coli bacteria have also been populating public swimming areas, sickening dozens across the country since June.

Beginning on the 4th of that month, a series of E. coli O157:H7 illnesses began cropping up in Alabama’s Lee County. 

Four children were hospitalized, and as many as 15 were sickened. 

By the end of the month, the illnesses had been linked to the Opelika Sportsplex and Aquatics Center, which was temporarily shut down.

More recently, a cluster of E. coli O157:H7 cases has been traced back to a lake at Cowan’s Gap State Park in Pennsylvania.

The Pennsylvania Department of Health announced Tuesday that 11 Pennsylvania residents and two people from Maryland had developed E. coli O157:H7 infections after swimming at the park.

Of these victims, eight have developed hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a life-threatening complication of the disease in which the kidney shuts down as a result of the poison released by the bacteria.

In Tennessee, five E. coli victims have reported exposure to local bodies of water, although their cases have not been definitively linked to these sources.

And several beaches around the country have been closed due to high levels of E. coli detected in the water.

According to the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), bacterial contamination in recreational water is becoming an increasing problem.

More and more beaches are closed each year for microbiological contamination.

However, these incidences are not the first, nor the worst, of past E. coli outbreaks sourced to recreational water.

In 1998, E. coli O157:H7 in the water at the Six Flags White Water Park in Atlanta sickened 26 people.

The following year, Washington state’s Battle Ground Lake was closed off after 37 people fell ill from E. coli poisoning.

The lake remained off-limits for the next two years.

E. coli contamination arises from the presence of fecal matter in water. At pools and water parks, the source is usually human feces.

E. coli in natural bodies of water can come from animals, such as livestock or wildlife, or humans, and is either shed directly into the water or washed into it by irrigation or rainwater, sewer systems or other water flows.

Studies have shown that the presence of E. coli in the environment increases during the summer.

This is thought to be a result of increased shedding of the bacteria by animals, or from areas with higher average rainfall, as rainwater can wash fecal matter into surrounding water sources.

“E. coli bacteria is present in all surface water to some level,” said Teresa Frazier, a water-quality specialist at the Virginia Department of Environmental Quality, according to TriCities.com.

However, higher levels of E. coli – specifically shiga-toxin producing E. coli (STECs) – can pose a health threat to humans.

The EPA has set a threshold of 126 colonies per 100 ml for E. coli bacteria. Concentrations above this level have been shown to increase the likelihood of human infection.

Swimmers can take steps to protect themselves and to ensure the safety of others when visiting public water facilities.

The Centers for Disease Control and Protection recommends the following precautions:

– Do not swallow swimming water

– Don’t swim when you have diarrhea in order to avoid spreading germs to others

– Shower and wash with soap before swimming in public areas, and wash hands after going to the bathroom before getting in the water

For parents of young children, the CDC recommends:

– Take kids on bathroom breaks or check diapers often.

– Change diapers in a changing area, not poolside

– Wash your children thoroughly (especially their rear end) with soap and water before swimming.

The EPA keeps a record of beaches that have been closed due to contamination, available on its website.

Symptoms of an E. coli infection include abdominal pain and severe cramping, followed by diarrhea within 24 hours.

In serious cases, diarrhea can become watery or visibly bloody.

Less common side effects include vomiting and fever, although fever is rare.

The time between exposure and onset of symptoms can range anywhere from 1 to 10 days.

Gretchen Goetz is a Seattle-based reporter covering issues ranging from child nutrition to local agriculture to foodborne illness outbreaks and global food safety issues. In June of 2011 she reported from Hamburg on the European E. coli outbreak. Gretchen graduated from Northwestern University with a degree in English and French before moving to the pacific northwest. She delved into the world of food safety after being a lifelong foodie in order to find out what issues compromise the security of her favorite pastime — eating, and what can be done about them. Gretchen is excited to be part of the diverse and passionate Food Safety News team.

https://www.foodsafetynews.com/2011/08/dangerous-waters-e-coli-continues-to-threaten-summer-swim-areas/

MSG (Monosodium Glutamate) - There is a ton of controversy surrounding MSG in the natural health community. It is claimed to cause asthma, headaches and even brain damage. Most official sources like the FDA claim that MSG is safe. This article examines MSG and its health effects, exploring both sides of the argument. MSG is short for monosodium glutamate. It is a common food additive — with the e-number E621 — that is used to enhance flavor. MSG is derived from the amino acid glutamate, or glutamic acid, which is one of the most abundant amino acids in nature. Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that your body can produce it. It serves various functions in your body and is found in nearly all foods. Chemically, MSG is a white crystalline powder that resembles table salt or sugar. It combines sodium and glutamic acid, known as a sodium salt. The glutamic acid in MSG is made by fermenting starches, but there is no chemical difference between the glutamic acid in MSG and that in natural foods. However, the glutamic acid in MSG may be easier to absorb because it isn't bound inside big protein molecules that your body needs to break down. MSG enhances the savory, meaty umami flavor of foods. Umami is the fifth basic taste, along with salty, sour, bitter and sweet. This additive is popular in Asian cooking and used in various processed foods in the West.

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MSG

(Monosodium Glutamate)

Good or Bad?

Written by Joe Leech, MS

There is a ton of controversy surrounding MSG in the natural health community.

It is claimed to cause asthma, headaches and even brain damage.

On the other hand, most official sources like the FDA claim that MSG is safe.

This article examines MSG and its health effects, exploring both sides of the argument.

What Is MSG?

MSG is short for monosodium glutamate.

It is a common food additive — with the e-number E621 — that is used to enhance flavor.

MSG is derived from the amino acid glutamate, or glutamic acid, which is one of the most abundant amino acids in nature.

Glutamic acid is a non-essential amino acid, meaning that your body can produce it. It serves various functions in your body and is found in nearly all foods.

Chemically, MSG is a white crystalline powder that resembles table salt or sugar. It combines sodium and glutamic acid, known as a sodium salt.

The glutamic acid in MSG is made by fermenting starches, but there is no chemical difference between the glutamic acid in MSG and that in natural foods.

However, the glutamic acid in MSG may be easier to absorb because it isn't bound inside big protein molecules that your body needs to break down.

MSG enhances the savory, meaty umami flavor of foods. Umami is the fifth basic taste, along with salty, sour, bitter and sweet.

This additive is popular in Asian cooking and used in various processed foods in the West.

The average daily intake of MSG is 0.55–0.58 grams in the US and UK and 1.2–1.7 grams in Japan and Korea.

SUMMARY

MSG is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, an amino acid found in your body and most foods. It is a popular food additive because it enhances flavor.

Why Do People Think It’s Harmful?

Glutamic acid functions as a neurotransmitter in your brain.

It is an excitatory neurotransmitter, meaning that it stimulates nerve cells in order to relay its signal.

Some people claim that MSG leads to excessive glutamate in the brain and excessive stimulation of nerve cells.

For this reason, MSG has been labeled an excitotoxin.

Fear of MSG dates as far back as 1969, when a study found that injecting large doses of MSG into newborn mice caused harmful neurological effects.

Since then, books like Russell Blaylock's "Excitotoxins: The Taste That Kills" have kept this fear of MSG alive.

It’s true that increased glutamate activity in your brain can cause harm — and that large doses of MSG can raise blood levels of glutamate.

In one study, a megadose of MSG increased blood levels by 556%.

However, dietary glutamate should have little to no effect on your brain, as it cannot cross the blood-brain barrier in large amounts.

Overall, there is no compelling evidence that MSG acts as an excitotoxin when consumed in normal amounts.

SUMMARY

While some people assert that the glutamate from MSG can act as an excitotoxin, leading to the destruction of nerve cells, no human studies support this.

Some People May Be Sensitive

Some people may experience adverse effects from consuming MSG.

This condition is called Chinese restaurant syndrome or MSG symptom complex.

In one study, people with self-reported MSG sensitivity consumed either 5 grams of MSG or a placebo — 36.1% reported reactions with MSG compared to 24.6% with a placebo.

Symptoms included headache, muscle tightness, numbness, tingling, weakness and flushing.

The threshold dose that causes symptoms seems to be around 3 grams per meal.

However, keep in mind that 3 grams is a very high dose — about six times the average daily intake in the US.

It is unclear why this happens, but some researchers speculate that such large doses of MSG enable trace amounts of glutamic acid to cross the blood-brain barrier and interact with neurons, leading to brain swelling and injury.

Some claim that MSG also causes asthma attacks in susceptible individuals.

In one 32-person study, 40% of participants experienced an asthma attack with large doses of MSG.

However, other similar studies did not find any relationship between MSG intake and asthma.

SUMMARY

While MSG can cause adverse symptoms in some people, doses used in studies were much higher than the average daily intake.

Impact on Flavor and Calorie Intake

Certain foods are more filling than others.

Eating filling foods should reduce your calorie intake, which may aid weight loss.

Some evidence suggests that MSG may help you feel full.

Studies note that people who consume soups flavored with MSG eat fewer calories at subsequent meals.

MSG’s umami flavor may stimulate receptors found on your tongue and in your digestive tract, triggering the release of appetite-regulating hormones.

That said, other studies indicate that MSG increases — rather than decreases — calorie intake.

Therefore, it’s best not to rely on MSG to help you feel full.

SUMMARY

While some studies suggest that MSG may reduce your calorie intake, others claim that it boosts intake.

Impact on Obesity and Metabolic Disorders

Some people associate MSG with weight gain.

In animal studies, injecting high doses of MSG into the brains of rats and mice caused them to become obese.

However, this has little — if any — relevance to dietary intake of MSG in humans.

That said, several human studies link MSG consumption to weight gain and obesity.

In China, increased MSG intake has been linked to weight gain — with average intake ranging from 0.33–2.2 grams per day.

However, in Vietnamese adults, an average intake of 2.2 grams per day was not associated with being overweight.

Another study tied increased MSG intake to weight gain and metabolic syndrome in Thailand — but it has been criticized for methodological flaws.

In a controlled trial in humans, MSG raised blood pressure and increased the frequency of headaches and nausea. However, this study used unrealistically high doses.

More human studies are needed before full claims can be made about MSG’s link to obesity or metabolic disorders.

SUMMARY

Though some studies link MSG intake to weight gain, the results are weak and inconsistent. More studies are necessary.

The Bottom Line

Depending on who you ask, MSG is either perfectly safe or a dangerous neurotoxin.

The truth lies somewhere in between.

Evidence indicates that MSG is safe in moderate amounts. However, megadoses may cause harm.

If you react adversely to MSG, you shouldn’t eat it. That said, if you don’t experience side effects, there’s no compelling reason to avoid it.

Keep in mind that MSG is generally found in processed, low-quality foods — which you should avoid or limit anyway.

If you already eat a balanced diet with plenty of whole foods, you shouldn’t have to worry about high MSG intake.

Joe Leech is an Australian dietitian with a master's degree in nutrition and dietetics. He has published hundreds of evidence-based nutrition articles, both for Healthline and his website. Joe has also produced nutrition videos for Healthline's Youtube channel. He currently lives in Sweden and keeps fit by weight training regularly, eating mainly home-cooked meals and snowboarding in the winter.

https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/msg-good-or-bad

ACTIVE VOLCANOES IN THE PHILIPPINES - All of the volcanoes in the Philippines are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur. According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), about 90% of the world’s earthquakes and all but three of the world’s 25 largest volcanic eruptions occurred along the Ring of Fire. There are 452 volcanoes in the Ring of Fire including The Andes in South America, Popocatepetl in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mt. Saint Helens in the US Pacific North West, Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, Mt. Fuji in Japan, Krakatoa in the Indonesia Island Arc and Mt. Ruapehu in New Zealand. According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), at least twenty-four (24) of these volcanoes are active or potentially active, while the rest are dormant. Based on documented eruptions over the years, the six most active volcanoes are: Mayon – since 1616, Mayon has erupted 47 times. Taal – since the sixteenth century, Taal has erupted more than 30 times. Kanlaon – erupted 30 times since 1819. Bulusan – erupted 15 times since 1885. Hibok-Hibok – erupted five times in modern history. Pinatubo – erupted in 1991 after being dormant for 600 years. From June 12 to June 16, 1991, the volcano erupted four times. Volcano safety tips are provided on what to do in case a volcano erupts in your area.

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Active Volcanoes in the Philippines

Kara Santos

With Taal Volcano’s ongoing eruption, everybody’s on edge.

Thousands of residents who live near the lake have been displaced and animals have been abandoned on the island.

View of Taal Lake from Tagaytay (pre-2020 eruption)

The landscape of Taal’s Volcano Island will probably never be the same again.

It’s scary to think of what could happen in the future. It makes you wonder how prepared we are considering that the Philippines is an archipelago of more than 7,100 islands, most of which are volcanic in origin. In fact, there are at least 300 volcanoes in the country.

Pacific Ring of Fire

All of the volcanoes in the Philippines are part of the Pacific Ring of Fire, a major area in the Pacific Ocean where many of the world’s earthquakes and volcanic eruptions occur.

According to the United States Geological Survey (USGS), about 90% of the world’s earthquakes and all but three of the world’s 25 largest volcanic eruptions occurred along the Ring of Fire.

There are 452 volcanoes in the Ring of Fire including The Andes in South America, Popocatepetl in the Trans-Mexican Volcanic Belt, Mt. Saint Helens in the US Pacific North West, Alaska’s Aleutian Islands, Mt. Fuji in Japan, Krakatoa in the Indonesia Island Arc and Mt. Ruapehu in New Zealand.

Most Active Volcanoes in the Philippines

According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS), at least twenty-four (24) of these volcanoes are active or potentially active, while the rest are dormant.

Based on documented eruptions over the years, the six most active volcanoes are:

1.    Mayon – since 1616, Mayon has erupted 47 times

2.    Taal – since the sixteenth century, Taal has erupted more than 30 times

3.    Kanlaon – erupted 30 times since 1819

4.    Bulusan – erupted 15 times since 1885

5.    Hibok-Hibok – erupted five times in modern history

6.    Pinatubo – erupted in 1991 after being dormant for 600 years. From June 12 to June 16, 1991, the volcano erupted four times

Active and Potentially Active Volcanoes in the Philippines

For reference purposes, here’s a look at the 24 active and potentially active volcanoes in the Philippines including their elevation, location, surrounding cities / municipalities, and their last known eruptions.

I also included volcano safety tips provided by official advisories on what to do in case a volcano erupts in your area.

Babuyan Claro

Elevation: 843 m

Region: Cagayan Valley

Province: Cagayan

City/municipality:

Last eruption: 1860

Also known as Mount Pangasun, Babuyan Claro is a potentially active volcano located on Babuyan Island, the northernmost of the Babuyan group of islands in Luzon Strait, north of the main island of Luzon in the Philippines

Banahaw

Elevation: 2,170 m

Region: Calabarzon

Province: Laguna, Quezon

City/municipality: Candelaria, Dolores, Liliw, Lucban, Majayjay, Nagcarlan, Rizal, San Pablo, Sariaya, Tayabas

Last eruption: 1909

Banahaw is a three-peaked volcano complex and the tallest mountain in the CALABARZON region.

Considered by many as a holy mountain, Banahaw is a popular hiking destination among pilgrims and mountaineers.

Biliran

Elevation: 1,340 m

Region: Eastern Visayas

Province: Biliran

Last eruption: September 26, 1939

Biliran is a solfataric active volcano located in the small island-province of the same name just North of Leyte.

The volcano caused the formation of this island.

Bud Dajo

Elevation: 620 m

Region: Bangsamoro

Province: Sulu

Last eruption: Unknown

Bud Dajo or Mount Dajo is the second-highest point in the province of Sulu.

It is one of the cinder cones that make up the island of Jolo and part of the Jolo Volcanic Group of islands.

Bulusan

Elevation: 1,565 m

Region: Bicol Region

Province: Sorsogon

City/municipality: Barcelona, Bulusan, Casiguran, Gubat, Irosin, Juban

Last eruption: December 2016

Mount Bulusan or Bulusan Volcano is Southernmost volcano in Luzon located in the province of Sorsogon. Four craters and hot springs are located around the mountain. Bulusan has erupted 15 times since 1885 and is considered as the 4th most active volcano in the country after Mayon, Taal, and Kanlaon.

Cabalian

Elevation: 945 m

Region: Eastern Visayas

Province: Southern Leyte

Last eruption: 1820 ± 30 years

Cabalian Volcano is located in the province of Southern Leyte. A wide lake known as Cabalian Lake or Lake Danao occupies the summit crater of the volcano.

Cagua

Elevation: 1,133 m

Region: Cagayan Valley

Province: Cagayan

City/municipality: Gonzaga

Last eruption: October 1907

Cagua is one of the active volcanoes in the Philippines located in Cagayan in the northernmost part of the Sierra Madre mountain range.

The volcano is topped by a 1.5-kilometer (1 mi) wide crater marked by sharp and precipitous walls.

Camiguin de Babuyanes

Elevation: 712 m

Region: Cagayan Valley

Province: Cagayan

City/municipality: Calayan

Last eruption: 1857

Camiguin de Babuyanes is an active stratovolcano on Camiguin Island, part of the Babuyan Islands group.

The volcano and the island is within the jurisdiction of the town of Calayan.

Didicas

Elevation: 228 m

Region: Cagayan Valley

Province: Cagayan

Last eruption: January 1978

Didicas Volcano is an active volcanic island in the province of Cagayan in the northern Philippines.

The island, which was a submarine volcano re-emerged from the sea in 1952, 22 km NE of Camiguin Island in the Babuyan Group of Islands.

Hibok-Hibok

Elevation: 1,332 m

Region: Northern Mindanao

Province: Camiguin

Last eruption: 1948 – 1953

Mount Hibok-Hibok is a stratovolcano in Camiguin in Northern Mindanao.

This volcano contains six hot springs (Ardent Spring, Tangob, Bugong, Tagdo, Naasag and Kiyab), three craters (Kanangkaan Crater, site of the 1948 eruption; Itum Crater, site of 1949 eruption, and Ilihan Crater, site of 1950 eruption).

Iraya

Elevation: 1,009 m

Region: Cagayan Valley

Province: Batanes

City/municipality:

Last eruption: 1454

Mount Iraya is located on Batan Island, one of the Batanes Islands, in the province of Batanes. It is the northernmost active volcano in the Philippines and is considered a sacred mountain for the Ivatan people.

Iriga

Elevation: 1,196 m

Region: Bicol Region

Province: Camarines Sur

City/municipality: Buhi, Iriga

Last eruption: 1642

Mount Iriga, also known as Mount Asog, is a stratovolcano about a kilometer from Lake Buhi.

It has a large crater probably formed from a huge eruption.

Isarog

Elevation: 2,000 m

Region: Bicol Region

Province: Camarines Sur

City/municipality: Calabanga, Goa, Naga City, Ocampo, Pili, Tigaon

Last eruption: 3500 BCE

Mount Isarog is a potentially active stratovolcano in the province of Camarines Sur.

The mountain has been the ancestral domain of the indigenous Isarog Agta people for thousands of years prior to the arrival of the Spanish.

Kanlaon

Elevation: 2,465 m

Region: Western Visayas / Central Visayas

Province: Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental

Last eruption: June 18, 2016

Kanla-on or Canlaon, is an active stratovolcano on the island of Negros, located 30 km southeast of Bacolod.

Kanlaon is the highest point in Negros, as well as the whole Visayas.

The volcano is a favorite spot for mountain climbers and is the centerpiece of Mount Kanlaon Natural Park.

Leonard Kniaseff

Elevation: 1,190 m

Region: Davao Region

Province: Compostela Valley

City/municipality: Mabini, Maco

Last eruption: 120 AD ± 100 years

Leonard Kniazeff is a stratovolcano located between the towns of Mabini and Maco in the province of Compostela Valley in Mindanao.

It has a 203-kilometer diameter caldera lake called Lake Leonard. It’s been the object of a geothermal exploration program.

Makaturing

Butig Nature’s View in Lanao del Sur

Elevation: 1,908 m

Region: BARMM

Province: Lanao del Sur

City/municipality: Butig

Last eruption: 18 March 1882

Mount Makaturing is a stratovolcano in the town of Butig in the province of Lanao del Sur in Mindanao.

Makaturing has an elevation of 1,940 metres (6,365 ft) and a base diameter of 29 km (18 mi).

Matutum

Elevation: 2,286 m

Region: SOCCSKARGEN

Province: South Cotabato

City/municipality: Tupi

Last eruption: 1911

Matutum is a stratovolcano in South Cotabato. It contains 2 hot springs and a well-preserved 320-meter wide crater at the volcano’s summit.

The crater is breached by three gorges and has a 120-metre (390 ft) deep, densely forested floor.

Mayon

Elevation: 2,463 m

Region: Bicol Region

Province: Albay

City/municipality: Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, egazpi, Ligao, Malilipot, Santo Domingo, Tabaco

Last eruption: 2018

Mayon Volcano or Mount Mayon is an active stratovolcano in the province of Albay, world-renowned for its “perfect cone” because of its symmetrical shape.

Mayon is the highest point of the province of Albay and region, and serves as a major landmark for the whole Bicol Region.

It is ranked as the most active volcano in the Philippines, erupting 47 times since 1616.

Musuan

Elevation: 646 m

Region: Northern Mindanao

Province: Bukidnon

City/municipality: Maramag

Last eruption: 1886 or 1887

Musuan Peak or Mount Musuan, also known as Mount Calayo (meaning “Fire Mountain”) is an active volcano in Bukidnon, in the island of Mindanao.

It’s located 4.5 km south of the city of Valencia and 81 km southeast of Cagayan de Oro City.

Parker (Mélébingóy)

Elevation: 1,824 m

Region: SOCCSKARGEN

Province: South Cotabato

City/municipality: Tboli

Last eruption: 1640 to 1641

Mount Parker, locally known as Mount Mélébingóy, is located in the province of South Cotabato, 30 km west of General Santos City and 44 km south of Koronadal City.

The volcano’s English name is taken from an American, General Frank Parker, who claimed to have “discovered” it during a flight he piloted in 1934.

The mountain has a 2.9-km wide caldera with steep walls that rise 200-500m above the lake known as Lake Hólón.

The mountain and lake are considered one of the sacred places of the Tboli tribe.

Pinatubo

Elevation: 1,486 m

Region: Central Luzon

Province: Boundaries of Pampanga, Tarlac and Zambales

Last eruption: 1991

Mount Pinatubo is located on the tripoint boundary of Zambales, Tarlac and Pampanga in Central Luzon.

Once covered with dense forests that supported a population of several thousand indigenous Aetas, Pinatubo’s eruption on June 15, 1991 changed the landscape forever.

Pinatubo is known as one of the most destructive volcanoes in the world.

The 1991 eruption was the second-largest terrestrial eruption of the 20th century after the 1912 eruption of Novarupta in Alaska.

The crater lake was formed from the caldera filling with water from annual monsoon rains.

Ragang

Elevation: 2,815 m

Region: BARMM, SOCCSKARGEN

Province: Lanao del Sur

Last eruption: July 1916

Mount Ragang, also called Mount Piapayungan and Blue Mountain by the local people, is the highest point in Lanao del Sur and the seventh highest mountain in the Philippines.

It is the most active volcano on Mindanao and part of a string of volcanoes in what volcanologists call the Central Mindanao Arc.

Smith (Mount Babuyan)

Aerial view of Smith Volcano (foreground) on the western part
of Babuyan Island with Babuyan Claro in the background

Elevation: 688 m

Region: Cagayan Valley

Province: Cagayan

City/municipality: Calayan

Last eruption: 1924

Smith Volcano, also known as Mount Babuyan, is located on Babuyan Island, the northernmost of the Babuyan group of islands.

Smith Volcano has erupted six times, the last of which was in 1924.

Taal

Elevation: 311 m

Region: Calabarzon

Province: Batangas

City/municipality: Talisay and San Nicolas

Last eruption: January 12, 2020 (ongoing)

Taal Volcano is the second most active volcano in the Philippines, with 34 recorded historical eruptions, all of which were concentrated on Volcano Island, near the middle of Taal Lake.

The caldera was formed by prehistoric eruptions between 140,000 and 5,380 BP. As of January 2020, seismic activity is currently ongoing.

Volcano safety tips

What to do during a volcanic eruption

Follow the evacuation order issued by authorities and evacuate immediately from the volcano area to avoid flying debris, hot gases, lateral blast and lava flow.

Be aware of mudflows. The danger from mudflow increases near stream channels and with prolonged heavy rains.

Mudflows can move faster than you can walk or run. Look upstream before crossing a bridge and do not cross the bridge if a mudflow is approaching.

Avoid river valleys and low-lying areas. Remember to help your neighbors who may require special assistance – infants, elderly people and people with disabilities and pets.

Protection from falling ash

Listen to a battery-powered radio or television for the latest emergency information.

If you have a respiratory ailment, avoid contact with any amount of ash.

Wear long-sleeved shirts and long pants.

Use goggles and wear eyeglasses instead of contact lenses.

Use a dust mask or hold a damp cloth over your face to help with breathing.

Stay away from areas downwind from the volcano to avoid volcanic ash.

Stay indoors until the ash has settled unless there is a danger of the roof collapsing.

Close doors, windows and all ventilation in the house (air conditioners, fans and other vents).

Clear heavy ash from flat or low-pitched roofs and rain gutters.

Avoid running car or truck engines. Driving can stir up volcanic ash that can clog engines, damage moving parts and stall vehicles.

Avoid driving in heavy ash fall unless absolutely required. If you have to drive, keep speed down to 20 km/h or slower.

Kara Santos is a freelance writer and photographer. When not on the road or motorcycling somewhere off for the weekend, she’s leveling up her experience points in the latest PlayStation RPG. Travel Up with her real-life and virtual adventures here.

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