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Government tackling high construction costs
The Government is focused on reducing sky-high construction costs to make it more affordable to build a home, Building and Construction Minister Chris Penk says. Stats NZ data shows the cost of building a house has increased by 41 per cent since 2019, making housing even more unaffordable for Kiwi families."Further analysis shows building costs are consistently higher.....»»
Public warned anew vs buying raw lots
The Davao City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) have issued a strong warning against the illegal purchase of raw lots in the city. Buying raw lots can result in financial loss and create complex issues in urban development. Many buyers of raw lots, which are often agricultural lands, discover that they are not allowed to build residential buildings due to zoning policies. The CPDO and DHSUD advise potential buyers to check the policies and regulations implemented by the DHSUD and to consult the Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) or zoning ordinance of Davao City. They also encourage buyers to consider government housing projects for affordable options. Buyers should ensure that sellers provide a license to sell, as transactions without a license are illegal. The DHSUD is monitoring online platforms to apprehend illegal transactions and has identified 88 illegal subdivision developers in the city. Buyers are advised to be discerning and to check with the City Planning and DHSUD before transacting......»»
Meralco eyes cutting 2030 direct emissions by over 20%
The Manila Electric Company, the country’s largest distribution utility, has unveiled its plans to slash its 2030 direct emissions by over 20 percent in line with the company’s goal to become coal-free before 2050. This target covers the company’s projected 2030 baseline Scope 1 emissions, which refer to greenhouse gas emissions directly generated by the company from thermal power generation and from the use of fuel for vehicles and other equipment. Meralco’s just, orderly, and affordable transition to clean energy is the central thrust of its long-term sustainability strategy, which begins with the company’s investment in renewable energy to serve the country’s growing energy demand with greener power. This includes the distribution utility’s program to source an increasing portion of its supply portfolio from RE. Initial target exceeded Meralco has so far contracted 1,880 megawatts of RE capacity from various suppliers, already exceeding its initial target of 1,500 MW. Through Meralco’s strategic sourcing initiatives, RE is expected to account for 22 percent of the distribution utility’s supply portfolio by 2030, and 18 percent of that of Meralco’s retail electricity supplier, MPower, by 2025. “We recognize our impact on the planet, and we will do more as part of our earnest commitment to sustainability. As we chart the path towards a brighter and greener energy future, Meralco will continue to evolve and elevate its sustainability agenda to continue powering the good life for all,” Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo said. To further strengthen its decarbonization efforts, Meralco, through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corporation, is accelerating its RE buildout to develop greener generating capacities to power the country with sustainable energy. Committed to invest P18-B Earlier this year, MGen committed to invest at least P18 billion for its RE buildout which will cover capacities from clean technologies such as solar and wind which the company aims to build through 2030. “In the coming years, Meralco will accelerate its shift to green energy through the adoption of next-generation clean technologies. Ultimately, we will drive deep decarbonization to advance long-term energy security with earth-friendly power,” Mr. Ravelo said. The post Meralco eyes cutting 2030 direct emissions by over 20% appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco coal-free by 2050
The Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, the country’s largest power distribution company, has set out its long-term strategy to promote a just and affordable clean energy transition. The company intends to be coal-free by 2050. But before that, it will first push to cut it direct emissions by more than 20 percent by the end of the decade, or by 2030. According to Meralco, the targets cover its projected 2030 baseline Scope 1 emissions it directly generated from thermal power generation and the use of fuel for vehicles and other equipment. “We recognize our impact on the planet, and we will do more as part of our earnest commitment to sustainability,” Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo said. Sustainability agenda “As we chart the path towards a brighter and greener energy future, Meralco will continue to evolve and elevate its sustainability agenda to continue powering the good life for all,” he added. Meralco has been heavily investing in the development of renewable energy or RE to serve the country’s growing energy demand for greener power. This includes the distribution utility’s program to source an increasing portion of its supply portfolio from RE. Meralco has so far contracted 1,880 megawatts or MW of RE capacity from various suppliers, already exceeding its initial target of 1,500 MW. As such, Meralco said RE is expected to account for 22 percent of the distribution utility’s supply portfolio by 2030, and 18 percent of that of Meralco’s retail electricity supplier, MPower, by 2025. Decarbonization push To further strengthen its decarbonization efforts, Meralco, through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp. or MGen, is accelerating its RE buildout to develop greener generating capacities to power the country with sustainable energy. Earlier this year, MGen committed to invest at least P18 billion for its RE buildout which will cover capacities from clean technologies such as solar and wind which the company aims to build through 2030. “In the coming years, Meralco will accelerate its shift to green energy through the adoption of next-generation clean technologies. Ultimately, we will drive deep decarbonization to advance long-term energy security with earth-friendly power,” Ravelo said. The post Meralco coal-free by 2050 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Increased threshold announced at national developers confab
The Philippine Board of Investments has announced the increase of threshold price per housing unit eligible for government tax incentives from P2 million to P3 million during the National Developers Convention in Cebu City hosted by the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association. In addition to the increased threshold, the BOI has also extended the income tax holiday period from four years to six years. The extended threshold for tax incentives and the longer ITH period will provide developers with increased financial incentives, making it more attractive for them to undertake housing projects. With this year’s theme focusing on local development, SHDA national president Arch. Leonardo Dayao Jr. emphasized the steps SHDA is taking to empower the local housing sector by collaborating with Local Government Units. “Several developers of ours here are partnering with their different LGUs. We have one in Iloilo, Novaliches, so we have several developers already. The idea here is that we will partner with the local government who has the land so that we can help build and then make housing affordable,” Dayao said. “The reason why we have the convention yearly is to be able to assess where we are against the roadmap so that we know if we need to adjust strategies or we need to create new ones with the objective to be able to provide housing for each Filipino family,” SHDA national chairman Arlene Keh said. The post Increased threshold announced at national developers confab appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. failed to attend the final day of the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo, or PBCE, sending Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin instead. PBCE is the main assembly yearly of the country’s biggest trade group Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry. An incumbent president usually attends the second day of the PBCE to personally receive the business group’s resolution and suggestions on various issues. Malacañang did not give any detail on Marcos’ failure the biggest gathering of businessmen yearly. However, Vice President Sara Duterte attended the first day of the conference, in which she urged PCCI officials and members to join the Department of Education in reviewing the current senior high school system and provide valuable insights on skills matching in order to produce employable graduates. Besides the President, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual also did not make it which according to the Department of Trade and Industry communication’s chief, Undersecretary Kim Lokin, Pascual has not been feeling well since Wednesday. Cabinet officials, however, were in the event. They included Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John Uy, Energy Assistant Secretary Mario Marasigan and Internal Revenue Commissioner Artemio Lumagui Jr. Resolution submitted Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. The resolution included the positions of various sectors, namely agriculture, energy and power; the environment and climate change; education and human resources development; industry and trade; ease of doing business and stability of rules and regulations; infrastructure, transport and logistics; innovation and digitalization; taxation, and tourism. Under the sectors of agriculture, energy and power, the business group urged the national government to develop a long-term plan to attain food security in agriculture and fishery through infrastructure support, technology transfer, product diversification, export enhancement, economies of scale, and adherence to the improvement of value chains and supply chains. For energy and power, the PCCI wanted the Marcos administration to ensure adequate and affordable power supply throughout the country by considering modern technology and harnessing renewable energy resources that meet the criteria of reliability and affordability. In terms of caring for the environment and climate change, PCCI officers and members also wanted the government to update and continue the execution of the National Framework Strategy on Climate Change (2010- 2022) which envisions a climate risk-resilient Philippines with healthy, safe, prosperous, and self-reliant communities and thriving and productive ecosystems. For education and human resources development, the government was urged to propel the Philippine education system to world-class status by harnessing new technologies, fostering innovation, and implementing comprehensive reforms that will prepare students for success in the digital age and the globalized world of work. Empowering businesses For industry and trade, the Marcos administration wanted to empower industries and enterprises by providing them with the necessary tools, resources, and support programs to enhance their competitiveness both in the domestic and international markets, contribute to economic growth, and promote innovation in the Philippines’ industrial and trade sectors. Furthermore, the government was also advised to provide a stable and predictable business environment by ensuring clear, consistent, and transparent regulations, streamlining and simplifying bureaucratic processes, reducing unnecessary red tape, and eliminating barriers that hinder business growth and development. Bersamin received PCCI’s resolution, handed over by PCCI president George Barcelon and PBCE chairperson Felino Palafox. Despite the ongoing Build, Better More infrastructure program, PCCI urged the government to implement a comprehensive national infrastructure, transportation and logistics master plan that outlines a long-term vision for connectivity and country-wide development. Together with the goal of urban decongestion, the strategy shall encompass the development of growth/business centers in different regions to create more employment opportunities and encourage people to relocate outside Metro Manila. The post PBBM skips PCCI annual event’s end appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vlad the Impaler steps out of Dracula’s shadow
Cloaked in a black cape like the infamous count himself, 10-year-old Niklas Schuetz runs through the dark corridors of a hilltop castle in search of the truth about Dracula. "He was a Romanian prince, not a vampire," said the schoolboy, as he tripped by torchlight through the nocturnal gloom of Forchtenstein Castle. The group is guided through the Austrian fortress and is eager to sink their teeth into the gripping life of Vlad Tepes, the notorious "Vlad the Impaler", whose descendants once held the Schloss. The castle is home to one of the few paintings of the cruel 15th-century prince, and this Halloween its curators are trying to bring the real historical figure out from the chilling shadow of the monster invented by the Irish writer Bram Stoker. Rather than being a ghoulish fiend, the real Vlad Tepes had for a "long time gone down in history as a positive figure" who courageously fought the Ottoman Turks, said the director of its collections, Florian Bayer. "More and more people are able to distinguish between the bloodsucking vampire and the historical figure," he said. Voivode Vlad III -- also known by his patronymic name Dracula derived from the Slavonic word for dragon -- once ruled over Wallachia, a Romanian-speaking vassal state of the Kingdom of Hungary. 'Forest' of the impaled Held as a child hostage of the sultan at the Ottoman court, he later turned against his former captors. In several hard-fought campaigns against the Turks, he struck fear into his enemies by impaling thousands of Turkish prisoners. This gruesomely slow death was also used against his internal rivals, like "the German merchants from neighbouring Transylvanian towns," historian Dan Ioan Muresan told AFP. Tepes was often depicted amidst a "forest" of impaled bodies. Yet despite his gory reputation, Vlad was a handsome devil and something of a ladykiller, according to Muresan. He was a "very handsome man with an imposing build", with long hair flowing over his Turkish-style kaftans adorned with diamonds. By marrying a cousin of the Hungarian king, he "gave rise to a branch from which the British royal family descends," the historian added. Indeed Britain's King Charles III has repeatedly boasted of their shared blood ties, saying that Transylvania runs through his veins. Communist marketing The gothic novel by Stoker published in 1897 helped kickstart the modern vampire genre. Dozens of films later, the fictional Dracula had transformed into a pop culture icon. "Until the 1960s, Romanians didn't associate the character imagined by Stoker with Vlad Tepes," said Bogdan Popovici, head of the national archives in the Transylvanian city of Brasov, home to some of the prince's manuscripts. "It was the Communists who started to commercialize it for the Western market to attract tourists," he said. While cashing in on selling the vampire myth to visitors, the regime of Romanian Communist dictator Nicolae Ceausescu sought to resurrect Vlad as a national hero. Paradoxically, the Communist regime was careful in differentiating the real Dracula from its fictitious counterpart as it pursued its mission to wipe out pagan traditions. Tears of blood "Romanians have never recognized themselves in the character, which was born out of a foreign imagination and planted into an exotic reality," said Muresan. "It is being exploited as a kind of tourist trap," he said. The real Vlad never set foot in Romania's Bran Castle -- widely taken as the inspiration for the lair of Dracula -- but it hasn't stopped it from drawing visitors in their droves. Murdered by his own people in 1476 in the wake of a conspiracy, experts dispute the whereabouts of his remains to this day, with some claiming that his head was sent to the sultan in Constantinople to confirm his death. A recent Italian scientific study based on the analysis of the prince's handwritten letters found that Vlad probably suffered from haemolacria, indicating that he could shed tears of blood. The creepy detail is undoubtedly enough to keep the Dracula myth alive for some time yet. The post Vlad the Impaler steps out of Dracula’s shadow appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Electric cute
Senator Sherwin Gatchalian raised a valid point when he said last week that the use of purely electric vehicles, or EVs, in this country will never become widespread unless and until an extensive infrastructure for charging their batteries is put in place. Indeed, unlike hybrids — whose owners can always count on the vehicle’s ICE or internal combustion engine to get them back home should the battery go flat — battery-only cars will leave you stuck should your lithium-ion cell’s charge go kaput. This concern has given rise to a new addition to the lexicon: Range anxiety, the worry an EV owner feels when his car’s battery is about to be depleted during a trip. This is ironic, considering how the Philippines is presently being flooded with affordable EVs, and how, almost a decade ago, cities like Manila under then-Mayor Erap Estrada took the lead in adopting EVs for public transport by subsidizing the purchase of e-tricycles and e-jeepneys. Indeed, although the “green-ness” of EVs is still open to question (with critics saying that you still need power generated by fossil fuels to charge them), EV enthusiasts are quick to point out its many advantages over ICE vehicles: Zero emissions, lower maintenance costs, better road performance, among other things. Charging under present circumstances, however, is a bitch. An EV comes equipped upon purchase with a cable that allows you to plug the car into an ordinary wall socket, but this takes eight to nine hours for a full charge. A fast charger is available (although not always) that will charge the unit in an hour or so, but the cost is prohibitive and will negate whatever tax incentives the government is giving on EVs. The solution in other countries is to provide fast charging outlets all over their cities, and to require owners of private parking lots to provide dedicated EV parking with fast chargers. As things are, however, only SM malls have so far provided charging ports for EVs. As for public charging stations, well, not to denigrate our people, but how long will it take for some a-holes to tap into them for free electricity or to vandalize them? With an average range of 350 kilometers (and under ideal conditions at that), EVs can only be used around town. It will take a generation or two before we can build fast charging stations out of town in convenient places, let alone in urban centers, enough to encourage EV owners to use their cars daily and on provincial jaunts. And then, the durability and reliability of EVs over ICE vehicles are yet untested. While EVs have fewer parts to wear out and have lower maintenance costs, the car is run by sophisticated electronics and is practically a rolling computer that requires highly trained technicians to fix. We still don’t know how the microchips will hold up in the Philippines’ tropical weather and bumpy roads. Parts are also expensive; the cost of the battery alone is a third of the price of the car. Heaven help you if that should conk out. Whereas with older ICE vehicles and newer lower end ones, parts are cheap and aplenty, and your friendly neighborhood “taller” around the corner has someone who can repair your regular car in a day or two. Unless these problems and concerns are addressed, EVs will remain relegated to novelty: for rich kids flexing their supposed environmental consciousness; or for the smaller, cheaper EVs, a toy for zipping around the immediate environs of your home. In the final act, EVs will remain as second or third cars, to be used during coding days (since they are exempt), and for showing off to friends. In other words, pampa-cute. The post Electric cute appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Countless proclamations yet no action – HPFPI President
Speaking during the Philippine Forum 2023 at the PICC, People’s Federation of the Philippines Incorporated National President Maria Theresa Carampatana lamented the seeming inaction to address housing problems. She claimed that they have yet to see the implementation of several government programs. “There are so many proclamations that have not been taken care of, so if there is a solution, why not implement it immediately?” Carampatana said. She added: “If we are slow to come up with solutions and slow to take action, we will not achieve anything.” Carampatana outlined the primary issues and problems of poor citizens who have remained stigmatized due to insecurity of land and housing tenure, irregular jobs, and limited participation in development planning. Housing programs, she said, are equally important as appropriating funds for education and basic services. “If housing is not given the same focus as education and basic services, and if that continues, the problem of house deficits will increase,” she said. Carampatana presented priority actions and solutions: People-led Housing and Urban Development, Diversified Housing Modalities and Finance Mechanisms, and Security of Tenure for Urban Poor Communities. Warlito G. Quirimit, chief of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Public Housing and Settlements, said the department has outlined resettlement housing options as a solution to the existing problem. “Under this framework, we are building resettlement housing options that must be available and affordable to the affected families. Included in this framework it also requires community development,” Quirimit said. Quirimit also added that the purpose of the community-based initiative is to promote the participation of the affected families in the urban poor community. “The community-based initiative approach, which was issued under the Memorandum Circular 2019-714 under this strategy is designed to build on community initiative and promote the participation of the affected families through their community associations in relation to the resettlement decision-making process. The community association participates in the project planning and in the implementation, particularly in the choice of permanent housing in resettlement projects, through financing in the selected sites and other commitments to participate in the project implementation process,” He said. The 4PH program, a centerpiece of the Marcos Administration, calls for the development of one million housing units annually until 2028 to address the housing needs and backlogs, while also improving target beneficiaries’ affordability by lowering the affected families’ monthly amortization and facilitating access to both end-user financing and developmental loans. The Philippine Urban Forum 2023 tackled issues fostering meaningful dialogues, exchanging ideas from urban experts, promoting innovations and best practices, and finding solutions to the complex challenges that urban centers face. The post Countless proclamations yet no action – HPFPI President appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Luxembourg, EU’s richest country, grapples with housing crisis
Luxembourg's residents may be classified as the wealthiest in the European Union, but the sky-high cost of buying or renting a home in the country has made living there nearly impossible for some. The crisis has become the number one concern in the Grand Duchy of 660,000 people -- smaller than Rhode Island, the smallest US state -- as it goes to the polls on Sunday. Pascale Zaourou, a teacher and mother of three children, had to wait five years before being able to access coveted social housing. "On the private market, renting an apartment with two rooms costs at least 2,000 euros -- it's difficult with only one income," she told AFP at a recent demonstration in Luxembourg City. "Affordable housing is scarce, especially for young people and single-parent families," she said. Antoine Paccoud, a researcher at the Housing Observatory, which compiles data guiding government policy, backed up that sentiment. "More and more Luxembourgers are crossing the border to live in Germany, Belgium, or France just because rents and property prices are lower," he said. The situation is jarring for a country with a flourishing economy based around financial services. Net average earnings for a single worker in Luxembourg were 47,000 euros ($49,000) annually in 2022, according to estimates from the EU's statistics agency -- the highest in the bloc. 'Overshadows all others' In the capital city, new-build flats sell for 13,000 euros per square meter (around $1,300 per square foot) and older ones go for 10,700 euros. The average cost of a house is 1.5 million euros. Rents increased by 6.7 percent between June 2022 and June 2023, much faster than the inflation rate of 3.4 percent over that period. Philippe Poirier, a political analyst at the University of Luxembourg, told AFP that housing has become "the question that overshadows all others" at the legislative elections. He ticked off "the scarcity of housing and land, the cost of construction or purchase, and the high rents" as the key problems. The two major political parties hoping to spearhead the next government have pledged action. Prime Minister Xavier Bettel's Liberal Party promised to create a super-ministry for housing, wants to tax vacant properties more and invest in social housing. Socialist leader Paulette Lenert -- the health minister in the current coalition government -- is pushing for huge investments in affordable housing. 'Holding on to land' But the structural problems with housing run deep and changing them will not be easy. Paccoud said a lack of inheritance tax and only symbolic duties have encouraged owners to sit on land without developing it. "0.5 percent of the resident population, or 3,000 people, own half of the buildable land," he said. "These owners are holding on to their land as long as possible because prices are increasing." The economic opportunities on offer also bring in droves of foreign workers, which helps drive up the cost of the limited housing pool. Around half the people living in Luxembourg are not citizens of the country. There is a wide gulf in terms of homeownership rates between native Luxembourgers, at 80 percent, and foreign residents at just 50 percent. While many Luxembourgers have nearly guaranteed jobs working for state institutions, foreigners have to deal with the changeable job market. "Those who are at the bottom of the scale in Luxembourg are rather the resident foreigners," Poirier said. As a result, and despite the high salaries and an official minimum wage of 2,571 euros a month, Luxembourg ranks in the top three in the eurozone in terms of risk of poverty for single-parent families with one income, according to a recent report by the Chamber of Employees. The post Luxembourg, EU’s richest country, grapples with housing crisis appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
REVIEW: ‘HAMILTON’ — Astonishing stagecraft
“Hamilton,” Lin-Manuel Miranda’s rap musical about the eponymous Founding Father, has finally landed in Manila — the first stop of a new international tour that replicates the exact production currently running on Broadway and London’s West End. This is, in other words, essentially the same production that’s won every major theater award conceivable in the West, and whose live stage recording released on Disney+ three years ago was a global success among Covid-captive home viewers. You wouldn’t immediately know all that, however, just from watching this production: Even as it brims with dazzling theatricality and refreshing erudition, it also feels surprisingly small, rid of its status as a phenomenon, pared down to human size. It’s a show that’s almost oblivious to its own celebrity, even as entrance applause (erupting to diminishing returns) dotted the first 15 minutes of its 21 September gala performance at The Theatre at Solaire. Instead, it knows when to build up to the big musical moments, which are few and far between, and does so organically and therefore quite satisfyingly. The logical progression of the narrative and individual character drama — the musical’s unassailable structural precision — are rendered very clear; put bluntly, it is a storytelling apologist’s wettest dream. Never mind that the musical itself — evidently a product of modern-day liberalism, the politics of the American Dream made manifest through the eyes of 21st-century immigrants — is by now indivisible from the very valid criticisms it has received from many corners of American scholarly thought. For the uninitiated, Hamilton tells through rap the rise of the Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, as they built America in the latter half of the 18th century. Admittedly, given what we know now and what we’ve been through since the musical premiered in New York in 2015, it feels weird, to say the least, to be watching a show that hero-worships to varying degrees the likes of Washington, Jefferson and Hamilton — all products of and complicit to the sins of their time. Moreover, the way the musical intentionally casts non-white actors to play these historically white figures (and slavers) can, depending on how one looks at it, come across as a stroke of meta subversion or “revisionist and insulting nonsense,” to quote one critic. Unique brilliance Again — all valid criticisms, which some have suggested are actually part of the musical’s unique brilliance. Watching the musical (through this particular production) in Manila, however, you entertain those thoughts mainly in retrospect. Inside the theater, it’s all those aforementioned merits — and more! — that surround you: a show that’s so technically precise in ways that highlight the material’s inventiveness, a feast of astonishing stagecraft, a display of just how good musical theater can get when given vast resources. [caption id="attachment_187901" align="aligncenter" width="1148"] DeAundre’ Woods as Aaron Burr. | photograph courtesy of IG/dre_woods[/caption] Despite the title, the crux of this production is DeAundre’ Woods’ Aaron Burr (Hamilton’s archrival, if you will). It’s a performance for which the phrase “no notes” seems to have been coined. Whenever Woods disappears from the stage, you look for him. But, more importantly, the genius of Woods’ performance is in how it becomes the anchor through which the musical itself can be better understood: as a story of wanting and longing, a warning against the folly of ambition, a morality tale run parallel to the uncertainty and messiness of nation-building. When Woods sings (and brings down the house with) Burr’s first big solo “Wait for It,” you instantly comprehend the song — and, for that matter, the musical. Arguably, Burr is the central and meatiest role here. Next to Woods’ interpretation, however, the smallness and silliness inherent to the story Hamilton tells become all the more coherent. You grasp how Hamilton and his posse were essentially just kids bumbling their way through a revolution. It’s all very grand on paper, but it’s also a journey chockfull of pettiness and foolishness — and on that stage, a history lesson that revels in its occasionally juvenile, highly accessible nature. [caption id="attachment_187903" align="aligncenter" width="1432"] JASON Arrow as Alexander Hamilton. | photograph courtesy of ig/jason arrow[/caption] Three other male performances stand out in the process: Jason Arrow’s Hamilton, who convincingly pulls off the title character’s transformation from “young, scrappy, and hungry” to world-weary; Darnell Abraham’s Washington giving gospel-preacher-showdown realness; and Brent Hill’s King George literally putting the “mad” to delectably comic effect in his interpretation of the famed mad king. [caption id="attachment_187906" align="aligncenter" width="1512"] DARNELL Abraham as George Washington. | photographs courtesy of ig/darnell abraham[/caption] [caption id="attachment_187900" align="aligncenter" width="1348"] BRENT Hill as King George. | photographs courtesy of ig/darnell abraham[/caption] Dreamcasting Elsewhere, this is a production that’s supplied with all the right parts — but, on a local stage as technologically impressive as the Theatre at Solaire (the best acoustics in Metro Manila, hands down), it also invites “dreamcasting” — permitting you to imagine in real time how certain Filipino theater performers cast in certain roles would, without a doubt, totally slay those parts. No matter: As it is, this Hamilton is one that lives up to the hype surrounding its supposed brilliance — while simultaneously earning that reputation before a live audience night after night. Among others spots of pure artistry, it has a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it onstage costume change involving the terrific ensemble early in Act I, a historical battle conjured through frenzied dance, and entire scene changes and moments evoked simply through the deliberate arrangement of performers’ bodies (that climactic bullet scene, anyone?). In lieu of an arduous and expensive trip to New York or London, this production more than does the job. Hamilton runs at the Theatre at Solaire, Pasay City, until 26 November. The post REVIEW: ‘HAMILTON’ — Astonishing stagecraft appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
At UN, fading hopes for improving lives on planet
World leaders meeting in New York next week will try to revive key goals meant to improve the lot of humanity by 2030, plans that are in doubt today as hunger, poverty and other crises persist. Leave no one behind In 2015, UN member-states adopted 17 wide-ranging development goals to be met by 2030, which included eradicating extreme poverty and hunger, providing access to drinking water, ensuring gender equality and health care for all. "In thriving economically in the 21st century, you cannot any longer try to do so at the expense of nature, or at the expense of people who are left behind," the head of the United Nations Development Program (UNDP), Achim Steiner, told AFP. But the 2030 Agenda is in trouble, according to the UN. "The Sustainable Development goals are in peril," the UN said in a report published in July. In order to meet these goals, governments coming together at the UN General Assembly on Monday are slated to commit to "act with urgency... for people, planet, prosperity, peace and partnership, leaving no one behind," according to the draft declaration. Poverty and hunger Progress has been slow and, in some cases, things are even worse now than they were in 2015. The Covid-19 pandemic has halted progress in combating extreme poverty, defined as living on less than $2.15 per day. Far from the hoped-for eradication, at the current rate 575 million people will still be living in such conditions in 2030, most of them in sub-Saharan Africa. And the world has returned to levels of hunger not seen since 2005. Furthermore, 1.1 billion people live in urban areas in slum-like conditions, more than two billion still do not have access to drinking water, 38 out of 1,000 children die before their fifth birthday and the impacts of climate change are increasingly devastating. Debt burden Crippled by various world crises, from Covid-19 to the war in Ukraine, many countries are crumbling under the weight of their debt and do not have the means to change course. "Countries are not able to pursue the development they want right now, but they can only opt for a recovery, where they go for the growth they can get," Steiner said. That, however, is a risky path. "That growth takes us back to the fossil fuel dependency and to greater inequalities, precisely the things that have led to so many tensions, protests on our streets," he added. That is why the draft declaration that will be discussed on Monday talks about reforming international financial institutions, over which, however, the UN has no control. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has also called for investing an additional $500 billion per year by 2030 in order to meet the ambitious goals. His plan received support at the recent G20 summit. Vicious or virtuous circle? Getting out of poverty, having access to education, drinking water or clean energy, being in good health and living in peace -- all these development goals are largely interdependent. Global warming and the extreme weather events it causes undermine most of the development goals as they destroy crops, infrastructure and livelihoods. That is why change must be comprehensive, Steiner said.. "We can use $1 to deliver more than $1 of impact. If you address poverty, you can also address access to electricity or vice versa," he said. "If you address access to electricity and combine it with the objective of decarbonization, you can achieve both poverty reduction" and address climate change. Steiner has worked with 95 countries to identify priorities to modify the growth model, such as policies aimed at creating decent jobs and investing in sustainable cities that offer basic services and affordable housing and infrastructure. The post At UN, fading hopes for improving lives on planet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BSP urges free service fee for small fund transfers
The Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas plans to issue a payments framework aimed at removing transaction fees for small fund transfers. BSP Governor Eli Remolona Jr. on Thursday said central bank officials have also been talking with e-wallet firms and other digital financial services providers to create the framework which will require financial firms to offer free fund transfers for small amounts. He said only three major banks are offering such service so far amid the lack of formal guidelines and directive from the BSP. Shame major banks “We’re trying to shame other major banks into following the same service. We’re formalizing it through a payments framework, and we’re in touch with GCash, Maya and other digital financial services providers,” Remolona said Thursday during the Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion organized by the Alliance for Financial Inclusion at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. With zero fees for small fund transfers, Remolona said more Filipinos would be encouraged to avail of banking services like deposit accounts, build wealth, and promote equitable financial service. “In general, we want to make sure the poor do not subsidize the rich. If you have a credit card and a big spender, you can get rewards. Guess who pays for the rewards? It’s the poor guys who only use small amounts in their transactions and get charged,” the BSP governor said. As more Filipinos own deposit accounts even with small funds, Remolona added banks and other lenders can strengthen their capital capacities. “We’ve found that when deposits are small, they become sticky and depositors don’t run away at the first sign of trouble. If you can lend to the poor, you have a more diversified portfolio and so it’s safer for banks,” the BSP governor said. Manila Manifesto During the Global Policy Forum on Financial Inclusion attended by over 700 foreign bankers and other stakeholders, Remolona announced the Manila Manifesto. This is a commitment by the Philippines to collaborate with other state-members of the Alliance for Financial Inclusion or AFI on developing global standards for making financial products and services safe, accessible and affordable for all. AFI reported 1.4 billion people worldwide still cannot access financial services due to a range of factors, such as financial illiteracy and lack of Internet connection and digital banking platforms. “In the 15 years since AFI was created, with substantive support from the BSP, our members have brought over 840 million people into the financial system via enlightened national policies and strategies on financial inclusion,” Dr. Alfred Hannig, AFI executive director, said. The post BSP urges free service fee for small fund transfers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BPI travel fair is back
The Bank of the Philippine Islands is bringing back the BPI Awesome Travel Fair a second time this year to offer exclusive and affordable travel deals for BPI banking clients and cardholders. “With the BPI Awesome Travel Fair, we are offering our clients and cardholders a chance to do more and experience more, especially with the amazing deals they can avail during the event,” said Jenny Lacerna, head of BPI’s Unsecured Lending. The BPI Awesome Travel Fair, happening for three days from 8 to 10 September at the Glorietta Main Activity Center, is open to all BPI Credit, Debit and Prepaid cardholders. Over 20 travel exhibitors composed of both local and international airlines and travel agencies are participating in the upcoming travel fair. Enjoy discounts and other deals offered exclusively for BPI clients and cardholders. For the fourth edition of the BPI Awesome Travel Fair, BPI will be offering free travel insurance for select BPI Credit Cards and 0-percent installment for six months for airfare charged to the BPI Platinum Rewards Mastercard. “BPI has always been committed to understanding the needs of our clients and delivering better value for them. With the BPI Awesome Travel Fair, we hope to build a better Philippines by giving our clients an opportunity to go on fantastic and affordable vacations that can enrich their lives, give them new perspectives, and motivate them to do more,” Lacerna said. The post BPI travel fair is back appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Movem powers up Pacific Star EV charging station
The Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, through its wholly-owned green mobility subsidiary Movem Electric Inc., powered up the electric vehicle or EV charging station at the Pacific Star Building in Makati City. The high-rise structure in Makati City is managed by Century Properties Management Inc., a subsidiary of Century Properties Group. In a press statement on Friday, Meralco announced that Movem turned over a 22kw AC Type 2 charger that supports various brands of four-wheeled EVs. Partnership with CPMI The partnership with CPMI forms part of Movem and Meralco’s support of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act through the provision of end-to-end EV and charging infrastructure solutions for institutional customers and the riding public. One Meralco is committed to enabling and supporting the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transport systems. Meralco has committed to increase its electric vehicle or EV adoption rate to about nine percent by the end of the year from the current seven percent by deploying more EVs in its fleet. Likewise, it vowed support to establish more EV charging stations. Under the short-term period from 2023 to 2028, the Department of Energy or DoE is targeting to roll out 2,454,200 electric vehicles comprising cars, tricycles, motorcycles and buses nationwide. It intends to build 65,000 EV charging stations nationwide. For the medium term, or from 2029 to 2034, the DOE said it will push for an additional 1,851,500 EVs and 42,000 EV charging stations. The post Movem powers up Pacific Star EV charging station appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Medical miracle
It is commonly recognized that Taiwan is one of the world’s leading producers of information and communication technology products. However, it is not so widely known that the country is among the world’s top medical-care providers with advanced capabilities in biotech and pharmaceuticals. Taiwan has ranked No. 1 in the world in Numbeo’s mid-year “Global Health Care Index by Country” for five consecutive years with a score of 85.9 this year, on top of South Korea, Japan, France and Netherlands. Numbeo is the world’s largest database of user-contributed data about cities and countries which calculates a health score for each country based on technology, medical personnel qualifications, medical equipment, waiting times, accessibility of medical locations and staff friendliness. When it comes to health expenditure index, Taiwan ranked first as well with a score of 157.8. One National Geographic Channel documentary in 2012 dubbed the medical miracle in Taiwan and mentioned that among the world’s 200 best hospitals, 14 of them were located in Taiwan, which made Taiwan one of the best and most affordable countries in Asia for patients to seek medical help. One of the significant reasons Taiwan is able to provide high quality medical care is because being a doctor is one of the most sought-after jobs and only those who score the highest in college entrance exams can enter medical school. That’s why the smartest and top talents in Taiwan are doctors. On top of that, Taiwan began hospital accreditation programs in 1978, accrediting specific teaching hospitals providing practicum for medical students. The accreditation of hospitals was conducted by the Ministry of Health and Welfare but the Joint Commission of Taiwan was given the task in 1999. JCT aims to help healthcare organizations improve their service with recognition of accreditation and certification, thereby achieving the mission of enhancing healthcare quality in Taiwan. To develop and strengthen bilateral cooperation in South and Southeast Asian countries, the One Country, One Center project was launched in June 2018 with India, Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Thailand and Vietnam as primary partners. The New Southbound Policy countries are linked with hospitals in Taiwan to expand professional training programs, build medical industry collaborations and provide health consultation services for Taiwanese working and doing business in partner-countries. In 2018, 336 medical professionals from partner countries were trained in medical centers in Taiwan and 69 enterprises were introduced to the target region. Despite its high-quality services and relatively low costs, Taiwan is often overlooked as a medical tourism destination. In fact, Taiwan offers quality medical services especially in living-donor liver transplantation, craniofacial surgery, cardiovascular therapeutics, artificial reproductive technology and arthroplasty surgery. Moreover, to establish a smart health environment, Taiwan is integrating its leading-edge information technology capacities with innovative medical management. For instance, Taiwan has a high success rate of 81 percent for heart, liver and kidney transplants compared to 77 to 79 percent in the United States, and on average, the hospital and surgery costs are just 1/6 of the United Kingdom, 1/5 of the US and 1/3 of Japan, which makes Taiwan one of the best destinations for medical tourism. Another example is infertility treatment. The trends of delayed marriage and nonmarriage in Pacific Asian countries have a great impact on their fertility rates and thus cause infertility problems for many couples. Consequently, healthcare facilities are also promoting tourism packages for couples to receive infertility treatment in Taiwan. The post Medical miracle appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl, UK strengthen bilateral relations, geopolitical issues cited
Philippine President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly met in Manila on Tuesday to further discuss ways to strengthen the two countries' bilateral relations. In his meeting with British Foreign Secretary James Cleverly in Malacañang, Marcos Jr. underscored the long-standing friendship between the Philippines and the UK, which dates back to the early 19th century. He also noted the growing trade and investment ties between the two countries, as well as the increasing cooperation in areas such as climate change, security, and defense. In particular, Marcos said that the security and defense cooperation between the Philippines and the United Kingdom is a "welcome evolution." Creating security ties and collaborations with the United Kingdom, according to Marcos Jr., is "not traditional" for the Philippines. "But that seems to be the evolution, the geopolitics these days. It is a welcome evolution in my view, and again, your visit here I think, is a clear indication of that intent," the President said. Marcos added there has been a change in Europe's post-pandemic focus toward Asia, particularly Southeast Asia, to start the economic reform process. "We are not quite at pre-pandemic levels yet, but we are fast approaching that, and that, of course, is very important for us," Marcos said. Cleverly, for his part, said the UK is "committed to working with the Philippines to build a stronger, more prosperous future for both our countries." He also said that the UK is "ready to invest in the Philippines' economic growth and development." “There is still growth. I know that you are very focused on attracting investment into the country and I’ve been discussing with our ambassador about a UK export finance facility, which I hope would encourage UK companies to invest more broadly,” Cleverly said. The foreign minister said both nations can also work “very, very closely together” to combat climate change and accelerate clean energy access. “So I see lots of opportunities to build on what is a really positive bilateral relationship. And so my final thank you is to thank your nation through you, sir, for being a really good friend and partner to the UK, but with huge growth potential for that partnership,” added Cleverly. The post Phl, UK strengthen bilateral relations, geopolitical issues cited appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NFA rice negotiation ‘obviously ultra vires’ — PRISM
The Philippine Rice Industry Stakeholders Movement over the weekend said that it has reached to their attention that officials of the National Food Authority were in India to negotiate, on behalf of the government, rice importation. "If this is true, we would like to ask for a clarification regarding this matter, which we believe runs counter to the provisions of the Rice Tariffication law which authorizes only the President to negotiate upon the recommendation of National Economic Development Authority and the Department of Agriculture," the PRISM said in a statement sent to Daily Tribune. "Any discussion about importation initiated by the NFA is obviously ultra vires," they added. PRISM said a closer look at the international rice market situation would reveal "problems beyond the control of our local businesses and the government." Filipino private importers who have booked supplies from Vietnam, as early as the first quarter, are now faced with the dilemma of Vietnamese importers canceling their contracts in favor of other countries affected by India’s rice export ban. Its response to current rice issues is to "reiterate our commitment to the President to ensure the availability of affordable rice. Second is to address the issues and concerns about the rice supply." PRISM boasted that on 7 July 2023, and last Saturday, along Tomas Morato near Scout Borromeo Streets, "we have successfully launched the P38 per kilo Tulong sa Bayan Bigas para sa Mamayan." It added that they have done the same in various areas in NCR, Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao "through our Rice Retail networks, Barangay and LGU Caravans, and Kadiwa outlets. Since then until this time, we still continue selling the P38 per kilo rice in the respective channels chosen by our stakeholders." Despite different challenges and turn of events due to typhoons "Egay" and "Falcon" and the unexpected declaration of India’s export ban, PRISM reiterated their commitment to ensuring the availability of the P38 rice per kilo, "to continue our commitment to this advocacy." "Today, we are strengthening our advocacy, we encourage more rice traders to join in this effort to help more of our Kababayan," the movement said. According to PRISM, recent concerns have surfaced regarding the high price and availability of rice, leading to speculations that intend to disturb the confidence of the public and the normal course of the local market. "We acknowledge and stand by the President's assurance of sufficient rice supply and recognize the importance of addressing the affordability of rice amidst the current inflationary pressures," it said. "It is of utmost importance that PRISM stands together with our efforts aligned with the President's vision for prioritizing local rice production and stabilizing the local market supply without having to resort to revenue-draining government-led importation," it added. "We, therefore, urge the National Food Authority (NFA) to rally behind this directive and channel its energy into supporting methods that increase domestic production, as specified by the President," PRISM said. "We acknowledge the problem besetting the local rice industry, but certainly it is not the availability of rice, but its affordability primarily due to inflation." "As farm gate costs (currently at P21 to 25 per kilo of palay-fresh palay) are affected by price fluctuations in the market, we urge the NFA, whose current support price of P19 per kilo (clean and dry) is far below the current farm gate price, to seize the ongoing budget season and approach the Congress for higher budget allocation that will benefit local farmers and strengthen the local industry instead of pushing for importation that will drain government funds in favor of foreign suppliers," they explained. "The NFA should focus on its role as mandated by the Rice Tarrification Law / RA 11203 to build its buffer stock exclusively from local farmers and rice millers instead of imported sources. This move is also more consistent with the President’s objective to support local farmers and strengthen OUR rice industry," it further explained. "We are thus urging that relevant authorities engage in diplomatic discussions with Vietnamese counterparts to find a mutually beneficial resolution and honor the contracts of our importers," PRISM urged. "Complicating our rice situation, careless statement of a certain DA official has maliciously criticized our members’ effort to subsidize a limited supply of P38.00 per kilo rice during lean months that was intended for our indigent kababayan. In one interview this official insinuated that this effort, which was motivated by the President’s directive to provide affordable rice, was meant to be “playing” with the market prices even if it's only offered to the poorest of the poor with a maximum purchase of 5 kilos a day," the group said, preferring not to name the DA official. Prior to the roll-out of this initiative, they added, "our organization sought clearance from the President during several meetings in Malacanang and from the DA’s Undersecretary in charge of the National Rice Program," they said. There were also pronouncements that the DA inspectorate, together with the NBI, intends to inspect warehouses to prevent traders from hoarding. "While we understand and appreciate this initiative, we urge the government to exercise caution due to the ambiguous legal definition of hoarding. Even if the intention is sound, in this current situation, warehouses with limited stocks might come out as a reflection of our dwindling rice supply and be used by those pushing for government importation," PRISM explained further. However, for warehouses that hold stocks as commercial buffers for their regular customers, such may be misinterpreted by the media as hoarding, even without going through the legal process. This can negatively impact the reputation of legitimate traders. "Careless exercise of lawful inspections will only worsen the situation and create a chilling effect that can disturb the normal course of the market," the group said. The group is requesting that the President, who also holds the position of DA secretary, devise a better strategy for communicating the government's "rice policy framework and situational response." This should be done in a way that ensures accountability and prevents any confusion or negative public and industry feedback "We strongly encourage the President to assign just one Usec for all agencies involved in the rice program (NIA, NRP, and NFA)," PRISM said. "Furthermore, we strongly encourage the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) to release pertinent data and statistics on rice production and stocking in an up-to-date manner instead of a 3-month delay, to properly guide private and government stakeholders in timely decision making," the group suggested. The post NFA rice negotiation ‘obviously ultra vires’ — PRISM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Empowering Filipinos with inclusive next-generation technology
Over the past decade, the telecom industry has disrupted our lives more than the century that preceded them. The advancement in telecom technology has transformed all industries, with economic fundamentals shifting to adapt to the mobility and digitally connected lifestyle. Indeed there is no limit to what can be connected, the size of the connection, or even the services provided in the connected world. There is no limit to what the connected experience demands. "While we embrace the power of technology, we also recognize the significance of making these advancements accessible to all. Inclusivity is the driving force behind our innovation as we strive to empower individuals and communities with our transformative mobile and broadband solutions," said Evelyn Jimenez, DITO Telecommunity chief commercial officer, at the launch of their latest products DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans and DITO Home UNLI 5G WIFI. She said the rollout aims to empower all Filipinos and telecommunities by giving them access to affordable high-speed 5G connectivity. DITO is also making its presence felt after OpenSignal, an independent mobile analytics company, awarded DITO multiple noteworthy awards in their latest report: Upload Speed Experience, Availability, Excellent Consistent Quality, and Core Consistent Quality. DITO even dislodged Smart Communications from the top spot in the Excellent Consistent Quality category after scoring a record-breaking 58.8 percent versus Smart's 56.7 percent. Moreover, on Core Consistent Quality, DITO soared to a 79.9 percent rating, knocking-off Globe Telecom, from the top spot, only registered 77.7 percent. Incidentally, DITO's Upload Speed has also risen remarkably, with a score of 5.2Mbps. At the same time, the Availability Award they received recognized DITO for providing a robust and reliable network connection in places where people commonly go, allowing users to access DITO's network and stay connected easily. All these accolades in just their 2nd year of operations are a breakthrough achievement for the people's fave new telco, DITO Telecommunity. Postpaid plan for everyone DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans, the telco provider's newest mobile service, gives every Filipino a chance to upgrade to postpaid. Customers can choose from affordable and flexible SIM-Only Plans (with a locked-in period of 6 months) or Handset Plans (with a locked-in period of 24 months). For as low as P588 a month, Filipino customers can enjoy the benefits of DITO Mobile Postpaid, such as generous data allocation, data rollover, UNLI all-net calls and texts, premium handset offerings, and a bonus Prime Video subscription for 12 months. For Handset Plans, DITO partnered with Samsung for premium yet affordable phones that customers can choose from. Samsung Galaxy A02 is accessible for all plans, Samsung Galaxy A04 is free for FLEXPlan 888, while Samsung Galaxy A14 5G is free for FLEXPlan 1288. Samsung Galaxy S23 is also available with a corresponding cash-out requisite which can be viewed via this link dito.Ph/postpaid/handsets. Other Samsung handsets will also be available soon. DITO Postpaid plan customers are entitled to other FLEXible mobile service features such as Advance Pay, Mobile Number Portability, and Choose Your Number. Advance Pay allows SIM-Only Plan subscribers to make advance payments for their monthly subscription fees with a discount of up to 40 percent. It would also be good to note that customers can easily use Mobile Number Portability to carry over and keep their favorite Prepaid or Postpaid number as they switch to DITO Postpaid. They may also choose their number or purchase a vanity number for their new DITO postpaid plan. Customers using these features must apply for their DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlans via DITO Experience Stores only for proper handling and servicing. To ensure the convenience of customers, DITO assures a fast and straightforward application process for their postpaid plans. Interested customers may apply for a DITO Mobile Postpaid FLEXPlan through the DITO APP, DITO Experience Stores, and Device Retail Partner Stores nationwide (Rulls, MemoExpress, EC Panda). They need to bring the following: Proof of Identification (at least one valid government ID), Proof of Financial Capacity (For example Certificate of Employment, Credit Card Bill Statement, and the like), Proof of Billing that reflects the Customer's Address, and a selfie (for applications made via the DITO APP). "DITO wants all Filipinos to have equal opportunities to reach their digital aspirations. By introducing our DITO Mobile postpaid offerings, we want to break the notion that postpaid plans are too expensive and reserved for a select few. At DITO, we're proud to say that there's a postpaid plan for everyone," affirmed Jasper Evangelista, DITO director for Brand and Marketing. The post Empowering Filipinos with inclusive next-generation technology appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Low-end shelters drive CPG sales
The Antonio family’s Century Properties Group Inc., or CPG, continues to benefit from the rising demand for affordable residential properties through its First-Home Residential Brand, or PHirst, which in turn drove up company revenues in the first half. In a stock report, CPG disclosed that its consolidated revenues for the first semester reached P6.7 billion — 27 percent higher than P5.3 billion recorded a year ago. The company’s Phirst business contributed P3.5 billion in the total reported consolidated revenues, which represented more than half or 52 percent of the topline profit. High share of vertical dev’ts The remainder of the revenues, on the other hand, came from In-City Vertical Developments, Commercial Leasing, and Property Management segments which contributed P2.4 billion, P670 million, and P217 million, respectively. Meanwhile, CPG’s net income after tax hit P656 million from January to June, translating to a 20 percent growth from P548 million in the same period a year ago. “The demand for quality and strategically located first homes have proven to be resilient and even stronger and CPG was well-prepared to serve this market with its First-Home Brand. Maintain growth path “We are aiming to maintain this growth trajectory as we launch new projects,” CPG president and CEO Marco Antonio said. PHirst expanded its offerings last year following its entry to new market segments under new product brands: PHirst Sights Bay for socialized and economic segments, PHirst Editions Batulao catering to the mid-income market, and PHirst Centrale Hermosa — a mixed-use township encompassing residential, commercial, and retail establishments. The expansion significantly widened PHirst’s price point offerings — ranging from P580,000 to P8 million. Early this year, PHirst unveiled its maiden development in Nueva Ecija via PHirst Park Homes Gapan. It was followed in the second quarter by the opening of PHirst Impressions Batulao in Nasugbu, Batangas. The company said plans are in place to add two additional projects in the second half of 2023, which includes PHirst’s pilot venture in the Visayas Region. Collectively, these will bring PHirst’s portfolio to twenty active projects, on its way to achieving the programmed nationwide presence. The post Low-end shelters drive CPG sales appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»