Sunday, September 30, 2012

BPIExpressOnline Announcemet: ATM Fee increase


I received an e-mail from the Bank of the Philippine Islands (BPI) last September 27, 2012. The e-mail announced the increase of service fee for using Bancnet, ExpressNet and Megalink Automated Teller Machines (ATM) with any BPI ATM card.

Here are the details of the said ATM service fee increase:

1. ATM withdrawal using Bancnet ATM increased from 10.00 Pesos to 15.00 Pesos.

2. ATM withdrawal using Megalink ATM increased from 10.00 Pesos to 15.00 Pesos.

3. ATM withdrawal using ExpressNet ATM increased from 10.00 Pesos to 15.00 Pesos.

The increase of the service charge will be effective on October 22, 2012.
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BPIExpressOnline - BPI Logo


Take note that withdrawal using any of the BPI ATM is still free of charge. So, it is better to use BPI ATM if you are a holder of a BPI ATM card.

The use of ATM cards issued by BPI, BPI Direct and BPI Family Savings Bank at Point-of-Sale (POS) terminals through the Express Payment System (EPS) is also remain free of charge.

Do you want to know more about the service fees charged by BPI on your transactions? Please visit this page for more information.

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Do you already have a BPI account but not yet enrolled to BPIExpressOnline? What are you waiting for? Visit my blog post about enrolling to BPIExpressOnline so you can enroll now!

Do you have any question or comment about the Bank of the Philippine Islands? Please feel free to tell me about it by leaving a comment.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

A List of PHIVOLCS Fault Line Maps

The map is the best medium that can be used in presenting geographic information. By just looking at a map, we can know the location of a place, an object or any other thing that can be located on the face of the Earth.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) knows the usefulness of maps that is why the agency generates maps that contain information related to seismic and volcanic activities. PHIVOLCS teamed up with Kyoto University to create maps that shows the location of fault lines in the different parts of the Philippines.

The location of fault lines was determined using images obtained via aerial photography. Satellite images were also used. The final PHIVOLCS fault line maps were plotted on the 1:50,000 scale topographic maps produced by the National Mapping and Resource Information Authority (NAMRIA).

PHIVOLCS fault line maps are available from the agency's website.

Unfortunately, only some parts of the Philippines are covered by PHIVOLCS fault line maps. The agency is still in the process of collecting data that can be use in the creation of the fault line maps.

Here are the areas covered by PHIVOLCS fault line maps, as viewed on the agency's website on September 26, 2012:

1. Northern Luzon area, which includes Laoag City (Click here to see the map)
2. Central Luzon area (Click here to see the map). This area is covered by 6 map sheets.
3. Infanta, Quezon (Click here to see the map)
4. Guinayangan (Click here to see the map)
5. Bondoc Peninsula (Click here to see the map)
6. Masbate Island (Click here to see the map). this area is covered by 4 map sheets
7. Leyte Island (Click here to see the map)
8. Eastern Mindanao (Click here to see the map)

Take note that the PHIVOLCS fault line maps are in PDF.

Saturday, September 1, 2012

PHIVOLCS Fault Line Map for Samar Island

Do you have questions about fault lines in Samar? Ask me directly by following my Facebook page and leaving a comment or message.

Yesterday (August 31, 2012), an earthquake struck under the sea about 33 kilometers east off the coast of Samar Island. According to United States Geological Center (USGS) the earthquake had a magnitude of 7.6. Tsunami warning were raised for the countries around the Pacific Ocean, which includes the Philippines. Samar was the island that is closest to the epicenter of the earthquake and have the highest risk if tsunami waves were formed.

Thankfully, the earthquake did not generate tsunami waves. Another thing to thank for is that the earthquake did not occur on Samar Island. Much damage might occur if the epicenter of yesterday's is located on land.

There is still a possibility that the next earthquake will occur on Samar Island. Yesterday's earthquake should serve as a reminder to the people of Samar Island that they need to be prepared for calamities due to earthquake.

Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) prepared maps showing the location of active faults and areas susceptible to liquefaction. Here is the “Active Faults and Liquefaction Susceptibility Map” for Samar Island:
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PHIVOLCS Fault Line Map of Samar Island
PHIVOLCS Fault Line Map of Samar Island

This map was extracted from PHIVOLCS' “Active Faults and Liquefaction Susceptibility Map of Region VIII” The link points to a PDF file.

Here is the legend for the map:
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Notice that the fault lines on Samar Island can be categorized to three groups, which are the Northern Samar Lineament, Central Samar Lineament and the Southern Samar Lineament.

Notice that the fault line of Central Samar Lieneament passes through Catbalogan City. Those who live in this city should prepare for the possible occurrence of earthquake.

Preparation is the key to safety. I have a blog post that have tips about being prepared for earthquakes and tsunamis.

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Some information on this blog post was obtained from GMA News website and PHIVOLCS website.