This week in good news (August 4–8)

by Pacifiqa Staff

(Courtesy Philippine Postal Corporation)

Forget the horrible traffic situation for a few minutes (or read this while your stuck in it). The week may have started off wet and gloomy, but it is ending with consecutive days of sunshine. In a similar light, cap off your week with some slivers of good news from around the country. From formerly conjoined twins celebrating 10 years of life, to the UNICEF giving additional funds to Typhoon Yolanda survivors, there are still stories of hope and prosperity, if you look hard enough.

11-year-old PH student wins at int’l letter-writing contest

Ashley Nicole Abalos won the bronze prize at the 2014 International Letter-Writing Competition for Young People, a contest organized by the Universal Postal Union. Following the theme “write a letter describing how music can touch lives,” Abalos addressed her letter to a blind musician she heard at a public concert.

Conjoined twins mark 10th year living apart

10 years ago, the mother of conjoined twins had to face a question no parent should ever have to face: which among your sons will you choose to save? She refused to pick one, and bravely chose the path of separating them, even as it brought considerable risk. This week, the boys marked their 10th year of living separate lives.

Filipina makes her mark in Luxembourg music scene

A filipina is making her mark on the Luxembourg music scene. Jessica Manalo will become the first ever Filipina to record and produce a CD in Luxembourg after winning the “The Voice LNW” competition hosted by a local radio station. Her upcoming album will be produced by Perfect Mix Recording in Germany.

UNICEF to give extra assistance to 5,801 CCT beneficiaries in Eastern Samar

In addition to the monthly cash grant they receive from the government, almost 6,000 household beneficiaries of the conditional cash transfer program will receive an extra Php 4,400 from the UNICEF. The grant will cover the months of July to December, as part of a UNICEF program which supports families affected by Typhoon Yolanda.

Rural folk are better prepared for storms

The League of Provinces of the Philippines and the Weather Philippines Foundation have installed more than 400 solar-powered automated weather stations (AWS) in provinces across the Philippines. The AWS can track weather disturbances passing through a certain area, and can measure wind velocity, air pressure, and temperature.