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National women s chess tilt: Frayna stops Canino to stay in title contention
Janelle Mae Frayna restored some order in the Philippine National Women’s Chess Championship after she stopped wonder girl Ruelle Canino in the ninth round Friday to remain in the title race in Malolos, Bulacan......»»
Lab Notes | Rosario’s black sand: That which we call home
Juan is just one out of many fisherfolk unable to make a living from the sight that greets them in the morning and lulls them at night. When reclamation started in Manila Bay and in Bulacan Aerotropolis, it meant finding source material for dumping, and there is no need to look farther than Cavite whose coasts are rich in black sand. High in iron content, the black sand can be used for concrete and asphalt production—a vital ingredient for built infrastructure. The post Lab Notes | Rosario’s black sand: That which we call home appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
165 new Covid cases detected
The Philippines confirmed on Monday 165 new Covid-19 cases, increasing the country’s total cases since the outbreak’s inception to 4,118,885. According to the Department of Health’s Covid-19 tracker, active cases declined by 54 to 2,970, while recoveries increased by 558 cases to 4,049,192. The death toll has remained at 66,723 for the second day in a row. Metro Manila had the most new cases in the previous 14 days with 860, followed by CALABARZON with 397, Central Luzon with 205, Davao Region with 120, and Central Visayas with 97. Quezon City had the most new Covid-19 cases in the last 14 days with 231, followed by Cavite province (132), Rizal province (121), Laguna province (101), and Bulacan province (97). The Covid bed occupancy rate stood at 16.0 percent, with 3,196 beds occupied (including 1,932 in the ICU) and 16,736 unoccupied. The post 165 new Covid cases detected appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Four yellow alerts likely as El Niño bites
The dry spell caused by the El Niño weather phenomenon has impacted the country's power supply as it slashes the generation of power from water sources. Thus, the Department of Energy or DoE warned that four possible yellow alert occurrences are likely to ensue in Luzon within the rest of the year, which could expose consumers to potential power interruptions. "There are four potential yellow alerts for Luzon, but none in the Visayas and Mindanao. However, there may be a lower supply in the Visayas at night due to the absence of solar power," Energy Undersecretary Rowena L. Guevara said in an interview with reporters last week. Guevara explained the DoE's projections were based on the approximately 70 percent decline of hydroelectric power generation as an effect of the El Niño. A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s regulating and contingency requirements. When this status is in place, all power plants must run normally; otherwise, a red alert may be raised. A red alert, on the other hand, is issued when supplies are insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement. About two weeks ago, the Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, the country's largest power distributor, confirmed that 850,000 customers across its franchise in Metro Manila, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal and Quezon were affected. Meralco said the incident was triggered by a "sudden plant outage," which prompted an Automatic Load Dropping or ALD that occurred at around 6:45 p.m. Based on initial reports, the plant outage cited by Meralco was triggered by the tripping of the San Jose-Nagsaag 500KV line trip 2, which led to several plants going offline. The Energy Regulatory Commission, meanwhile, had asked an Interim Grid Management Committee to start evaluating the cause of the power interruption. Nonetheless, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla assured that the power supply remains sufficient to light up the country, adding that it could even be more stable as new power resources are integrated into the grid within the next two to three years. The post Four yellow alerts likely as El Niño bites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SSS extends deadline of contribution remittance in distressed areas
The Social Security System extended in selected areas the payment deadline for the June 2023 contribution of business employers and the second quarter contributions of household employers, coverage and collection partners, and individual members from 31 July 2023 to 2 October 2023. According to SSS Circular No. 2023-005 signed by SSS President and CEO Rolando Ledesma Macasaet, the said applicable month and quarter were extended until 30 September 2023, but since it falls on a Saturday, the deadline was further extended to the next working day, which is 2 October 2023. “We understand that these calamities have affected the ability of some of our members, covered employers, and CCPs in selected areas to pay their contributions on or before their original schedule. For consideration, we are giving them more time to pay their SSS contributions so that payment gaps or late payments can be avoided,” Macasaet said. The extension applies to employers, CCPs, and members in areas declared under State of Calamity by various local government offices due to the Southwest Monsoon enhanced by Tropical Cyclones Egay and Falcon, such as the provinces of Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Cagayan, Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Rizal, Occidental Mindoro, Abra, Apayao, Benguet, Ifugao and Mountain Province. The said extension also covers other areas that may be declared under a state of alamity by local government units, local disaster risk reduction management offices, the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council or the national government. Likewise, employers with approved installment proposals must deposit their post-dated checks that fall due in June and July 2023 on or before 2 October 2023. However, no contribution paid retroactively by individual members will be used in determining their eligibility to any benefit arising from a contingency wherein the date of payment is within or after the semester of contingency. The original contribution payment deadlines and guidelines in the said areas will resume starting with the applicable month of July 2023. # The post SSS extends deadline of contribution remittance in distressed areas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet
Green logistics pioneer Mober unveiled its P2-million electric vehicle charging station in Pasay City on Wednesday. The 800-square-meter charging hub in Zamora Street has 30 charging units for Mober’s fleet of 60 electric delivery trucks. “This inauguration symbolizes not just a milestone but a beacon of our overarching blueprint for an environmentally conscious logistic framework. And, we’re just getting started,”€Dennis Ng, Mober’s chief executive officer, said. Ng said Mober will add more EV charging stations in Metro Manila and 60 in Laguna that will cater to its southern fleet in the first quarter of 2024. He also revealed plans to incorporate more potent 22-kilowatt chargers along with a selection of direct current chargers in Cavite and Bulacan, amplifying Mober’s commitment to versatility and adaptability in its green infrastructure. The charging stations will eventually be opened to the general public, he added. Fast charging Equipped with the latest open charge point protocol, 7 kilowatt chargers compatible with both type 2 and GB/T (gigabyte/terabyte) standards, each charging point guarantees brisk charging sessions, ensuring the efficiency of Mober’s EV fleet exclusively earmarked for one of its IKEA customers. “We strategically opted for this charging capacity as our EV fleet remains dormant during nighttime, allowing optimal charging without overwhelming the grid,” Ng said. Beyond infrastructure, Mober’s unique partnership model provides an unprecedented advantage to businesses by allowing them to transition to green delivery operations with zero upfront costs, effectively democratizing access to green logistics. This hassle-free collaboration is pivotal in encouraging more companies to embrace sustainable logistics, reinforcing Mober’s role as a game-changer in the sector. Aligning with the progressive mandates of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems Act, Mober’s initiatives underscore the Philippines’ assertive stance on eco-driven policies and endeavors. With Mober’s pioneering approach, businesses have a definitive roadmap to swiftly decarbonize their last and mid-mile delivery systems, heralding a new era in business sustainability. Mober started in 2015 and was initially designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises solve their on-demand logistical needs. Eight years later, it became a business-to-business platform, facilitating sustainable delivery for retail giants such as IKEA Philippines, SM Appliance Center, Nestle Philippines and Nespresso. The company aims to become the leading green logistics delivery provider in Southeast Asia by securing a mixed fleet of 100 electric vans and trucks by the end of 2023. The post Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More rice, please
The distribution of confiscated rice to approximately 5,000 underprivileged beneficiaries in the Zamboanga Peninsula on Tuesday, led by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. and Department of Social Welfare and Development Secretary Rex Gatchalian, marked a significant step forward. The 5,000 bags of Jasmine rice, which accounts for approximately 11.8 percent of the total 42,180 bags of imported rice valued at P42 million confiscated by the Bureau of Customs-Port of Zamboanga in a raid on a warehouse in Barangay San Jose Gusu, Zamboanga City on 19 May, effectively addressed the immediate food requirements of some of the most impoverished beneficiaries residing in the municipalities of Tungawan, Sibuco and Zamboanga City. More indigents in the province struggling with food insecurity and lacking access to nutritious meals await the distribution of the remaining 37,180 bags. They, too, want to be assured of sustenance during times of hardship. A matter of concern, however, is the possibility that unscrupulous government officials may repurpose confiscated smuggled rice for their personal gain, instead of utilizing it for the intended public welfare. Over the weeks since August, a total of P940 million worth of smuggled rice was seized by authorities. In three warehouses in Bulacan, P500 million worth of smuggled rice was found. This was not confiscated though. The warehouses were just padlocked, and we are in the dark if charges were filed against the owners. An estimated P40 million worth of smuggled rice from Vietnam, Thailand, and China was seized in Bacoor, Cavite, and Pulang Lupa, Las Piñas, on 14 September. On 18 September, government agents raided warehouses in Tondo, Manila, where P400 million worth of suspected smuggled rice and other imported products were found. Confiscating smuggled goods, such as rice, should allow the government to tackle the illicit trade while ensuring fairness in the distribution of the seized items. We ought to exempt our country from the roster of developing nations because it is where the poor bear a disproportionate burden due to smuggling activities, making it imperative to prioritize their welfare over the interests of greedy traders in cahoots with corrupt officials. By ensuring a fair distribution of nearly a billion pesos worth of confiscated smuggled rice, the national government reduces the demand for illegal markets, discourages ongoing smuggling activities, and encourages legal channels for food distribution. Rather than going uneaten inside sealed warehouses or having them destroyed, distributing them prevents waste and maximizes their value for the benefit of those in need. While distributing them can address immediate food needs, it should only be part of a broader strategy to address poverty, promote sustainable livelihoods, and improve access to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities for disadvantaged populations. In bridging the gap between the haves and have-nots, ensuring that even the most vulnerable members of society have access to basic necessities has taken off in Zamboanga. We keep our right fingers crossed that the distribution of hundreds of thousands of 25-kilo bags of smuggled rice reaches the tables of underprivileged Filipinos to signal genuine public goodwill and trust in authorities. On the left hand, we do the same thing that the government prioritizes efforts to identify and hold corrupt officials involved in smuggling accountable, ensuring that they do not benefit from the distribution of seized rice. The post More rice, please appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Five groups target NAIA takeover
Five companies have signified their intention to take over the operations and management of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA a few weeks after the Department of Transportation or DoTr opened the bidding for the P170.6-billion project. In a text message to the Daily Tribune on Wednesday, the DoTr confirmed that five potential bidders have bought bid documents for the project. As of 13 September, the interested companies include San Miguel Corp. or SMC, Spark 888 Management Inc., and Asian Airport Consortium. Two others who submitted bids — Manila International Airport Consortium or MIAC and GMR Group — have previously vied for the NAIA rehabilitation. MIAC is composed of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corporation, Alliance Global — Infracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corporation, and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corporation along with Global Infrastructure Partners. Super consortium in running In 2018, the government awarded the Original Proponent Status for the NAIA rehabilitation to a “super-consortium” formed by seven of the country’s biggest conglomerates: Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.; AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation; Alliance Global Group Inc.; Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corporation; Filinvest Development Corporation; and JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. It was, however, terminated. Thus, Megawide Construction Corp. and partner GMR Infrastructure Ltd. also submitted an unsolicited proposal to upgrade and rehabilitate the highly congested NAIA. Despite the substantial progress, the much-needed NAIA rehabilitation was back to square one after the previous administration also rejected the proposal. According to the MIAA, the Megawide consortium failed to convince the government of its financial ability to support the project. Meanwhile, the SMC., an Asian conglomerate led by businessman Ramon S. Ang, is currently taking on the P740-billion New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. Award out by December Previously, the DoTr conveyed that the contract may be awarded to the winning bidder as early as December if the government stays on schedule. The National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved the solicited bid to privatize the operations of NAIA. NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the project will help address the long-standing issues at the country’s main air hub such as congestion and limited aircraft movements that usually cause inconvenience to passengers. The DoTr and the Manila International Airport Authority submitted a joint proposal to the NEDA Board to privatize the operations and management of NAIA within 15 years. The project is expected to improve the overall passenger experience and increase the current annual passenger capacity of NAIA to at least 62 million from the current 32 million. Previously, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista floated the possibility of closing down the airport — only if nearby airports become operational. Bautista explained that the government can have the option to close NAIA if airports in adjacent provinces like Cavite and Bulacan are ready to accommodate the travel-hungry tourists in the country — both local and international. “If there will be new airports, then the government can decide to close the Manila International Airport or MIA because it can be a valuable government asset. On the other hand, it is possible to continue its operations because of its prime location in the Metro,” Bautista told reporters. “So yes, it is possible to close, it is also possible not to close MIA,” he added. Bautista also assured that in case the airport continues its operations, SMC’s Bulacan Airport can still drive up profits despite the competition. The post Five groups target NAIA takeover appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Heavy rains ahead due to typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’
The typhoon-enhanced southwest monsoon or "habagat" will continue to affect the western portion of Luzon in the next three days, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration said Monday. Typhoon Hanna, which exited the Philippine Area of Responsibility, will continue to enhance "habagat", bringing a significant amount of rain to Metro Manila, Ilocos Region, La Union, Abra, Benguet, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, Rizal, Cavite, Batangas, Occidental Mindoro, Calamian Islands and Zambales. PAGASA warned that flooding and rain-induced landslides are expected under this weather condition. On Tuesday, the enhanced southwest monsoon will continue to bring gusty conditions over the following areas not under any Wind Signal, especially in coastal and upland/mountainous areas exposed to winds, including the Batanes, Babuyan Islands, Ilocos Region, Abra, Benguet, Nueva Vizcaya, the southern portion of Aurora, Zambales, Bataan, Bulacan, Metro Manila, Occidental Mindoro, Romblon, Marinduque, Kalayaan Islands, Camarines Provinces and most of Calabarzon. Gusty winds will prevail over the Batanes, Ilocos Norte, the western portion of Pangasinan and Kalayaan Islands on Wednesday. PAGASA said the Gale Warning is in effect for the seaboards of Northern Luzon, the western and southern seaboards of Luzon, and the western seaboard of Visaya due to the combined influence of "Hanna" (while outside PAR) and the enhanced southwest monsoon. PAGASA said it is also closely monitoring cloud formations that may develop into a low-pressure area. These cloud clusters are forming over the eastern section, it added. PAGASA said it is “not ruling out the possibility” that it will develop into an LPA in the next few days. The post Heavy rains ahead due to typhoon-enhanced ‘habagat’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR begins crackdown on illegal lead smelters
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources reported Thursday that it has started its crackdown on illegal recyclers of used lead acid batteries as directed by Malacanang, following reports of harmful and unregulated smelting of lead in several provinces. DENR Assistant Secretary for Field Operations Gilbert C. Gonzales said his office has already coordinated with the regional offices concerning operations of illegal lead smelters that are treating ULABs, while the Environmental Management Bureau has also directed its regional offices to conduct surveillance and monitoring in their respective areas of responsibility. Gonzales said this was in response to the order of the Office of the President to the agency to look into the report of Federation of Philippine Industries Chairman Jesus L. Arranza that illegal lead smelters are now operating without the necessary government permits in Valenzuela, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Cavite, Cebu, Bacolod, and Davao. Gonzales added that ULAB recyclers and lead smelters need to secure the “necessary environmental permits such as an environmental compliance certificate, discharge permit, permit to operate, and registration certificate as a treatment, storage, and disposal facility.” With this, the EMB has vowed to immediately conduct: Field verification of ULAB processing facilities to validate compliance, as well as saturation drives to identify individuals and establishments engaged in the illegal processing of ULABs; Enhanced information education campaign to encourage the public to report illegal ULAB processing activities; Intensified monitoring of junk shop operations engaged in the trade of ULABs in coordination with local government units; and exploration of potential collaboration with accredited ULAB treaters for the establishment of an incentives program for the general public who will be able to provide credible information that will lead to the successful identification of individuals and establishments engaging in illegal processing of ULABs. Arranza commended lawyer Rodolfo John Robert C. Palattao IV, Undersecretary for Legal and Monitoring at the Office of the President, and the DENR’s EMB and Field Operations for their immediate action in addressing the problem. “We at the FPI are confident that with the directive from Malacanang and swift action from the DENR, we will start seeing in the coming days successful raids and closures of these illegal ULAB recyclers and lead smelters, as well as the prosecution of their operators. We will now coordinate with them so we can provide any assistance that they will necessary,” Arranza said. He disclosed that the FPI was provided with photos and videos showing how these illegal lead smelters are operating facilities that are shabby and ill-equipped to be able to handle the hazardous materials where they are deriving their secondary lead. Arranza said these lead smelters do not have adequate anti-pollution systems and proper disposal facilities for the acids and other chemicals. The post DENR begins crackdown on illegal lead smelters appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Groups back DOTr’s multi-airport strategy
Several groups expressed support for the Department of Transportation’s plan to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport and develop other airports in Sangley Point, Cavite and in Bulakan, Bulacan, saying these would boost tourism and the economy, and subjecting the projects under solicited bidding process is consistent with the President’s good governance directive......»»
Environmental group appeals to PBBM, DENR to stop reclamation in Batangas as well
An environmental advocacy group is also calling on President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to also stop ongoing reclamation projects on the coast of Batangas. The Protect the Verde Island Passage (Protect VIP) said the reclamation in Batangas province would pave the way for the construction of more liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminals and power plants. Fr. Edwin Gariguez, Protect VIP convenor, said in a radio interview that the ongoing reclamation projects in VIP for the construction of fossil gas projects "will result in turbid waters and make (seagrass), coral reefs, and marine fauna vulnerable to stressors.” The Verde Island Passage according to Conservation International (Philippines), is one of the most productive ecosystems in the world and is recognized as the center of global shore-fish biodiversity. It is also home to species such as whale sharks, sea turtles, and an impressive array of corals. It extends to the coastlines of Batangas, Romblon, Marinduque, Occidental Mindoro, and Oriental Mindoro provinces. Gariguez said the VIP waters continue to yield new species to science, further underscoring its global biological significance. The marine corridor is the “epicenter” of fossil gas and LNG developments in the country now that eight of 27 proposed new plants and seven of the nine planned LNG terminals in the country will be located in Batangas. Protect group warned that by allowing fossil gas facilities to be built and operated, it will expose the VIP to the frequent entry of LNG barges, and inadvertent oil spills or disposal of shipboard liquid waste and bilge water. “Putting up these gas terminals and power plants is destructive as the dumping and filling of land disturb the existing coastal habitats in VIP, ” Gariguez said. In May 2023, while the passage is currently a marine protected area, the governors of five provinces governors want it to be a “legislated protected area", with DENR Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga agreeing with them. “Considering its mandate, the DENR is committed to strengthening the protection and management of the VIP as a priority conservation area,” Loyzaga said. When Gariguez's group learned of the President's decision to suspend all 22 reclamation projects in Manila Bay, they believed this was also the best time to bring the matter to the DENR. 22 Manila Bay reclamation projects Meanwhile, DENR also on Tuesday clarified that the subject of the suspension order by the President are the 22 reclamation projects in the Manila Bay Area only and not the entire Philippines. Of the 22 reclamation projects, DENR records showed that 15 are in the jurisdiction of the National Capital Region where three projects are already ongoing. The remaining 7 projects are located in CALABARZON. The agency said Manila Bay is not only limited to Metro Manila shorelines. It also has areas in Region 3 and 4A--several provinces like Bulacan, Cavite and Bataan. The post Environmental group appeals to PBBM, DENR to stop reclamation in Batangas as well appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Managers: Phl remains on track
Despite the lackluster 4.3 percent in the second quarter, growth this year is expected to reach the target range of 6 percent to 7 percent gross domestic product expansion, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. “To do this, we will expedite the implementation of government programs and projects, to provide fiscal stimulus to increase the productive capacity of the public and private sectors and address the adverse recent impacts of typhoons.” Diokno added. Economic managers gathered in Fort Ilocandia in Laoag City to hold the Post-State of the Nation Economic Briefing that discussed the country’s economic situation and plans on 14 August. Diokno said in 2022, GDP increased 7.6 percent from 5.7 a year ago and a 9.5 percent contraction in 2020. Diokno said the economic team is determined to pick up government expenditure in the third and fourth quarters. Revenue collections remain robust from January to June as these totaled P1.9 trillion up 7.7 percent or P132.6 billion year-on-year which is also higher than the mid-year program by 2.7 percent. Hence, Diokno said they have already pipelined 194 infrastructure flagship projects worth P8.3 trillion of which 132 are located in Luzon that will address irrigation, water supply, flood management, agriculture, digital connectivity, physical connectivity, health, and power and energy. Diokno also highlighted some of the projects like the Laoag International Airport Development Project, the EDSA Greenways, the TPLEX Expressway Expansion Project, the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project, the Ilocos Norte-Sur-Abra Irrigation Project, and the Naga Airport Development Project. “The Philippines is determined to be a world leader in the race to net zero and the Ilocos Region will be a strategic partner in this mission. Dubbed to be the renewable energy capital of South East Asia, Ilocos Norte is emerging to be a promising player in the clean energy arena. Being home to the first and largest wind farms in the country,” Diokno stressed. In his address, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., said from a peak of 8.7 percent in January, headline inflation slowed to 4.7 percent in July due to improving domestic food supply conditions and lower global oil prices. However, he also admitted that core inflation remains high at 6.7 percent although it has already started to decline due to the monetary tightening. The BSP has responded to inflation by aggressively raising its policy rate, as of today, the BSP has raised policy rates by 425 basis points. Prices reined in “The good news is that inflation expectations are still well anchored. The markets continue to believe that we will hit our target range by 2024 and stay there in 2025,” Remolona said. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also gave an update on the use pf the budget for 2023. Pangandaman said at the end of July, the total amount of the national budget that has been released already is around 93 percent. “And we expect all our government agencies including all the cabinet members present here, to spend your budget so we can help grow the economy,” Pangandaman said. While for next year, the government budget will amount to 5.768 trillion and it is 21.7 percent of the GDP it has already been submitted to Congress last August 2 and the budget is expected to be passed earlier than expected. The National Economic Development Authority said it wanted to lower the poverty level to single digit. For Socioeconomic Planning Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, the government has effective regional development plans. In the Ilocos Regional Development Plan from 2023-2028, the NEDA expects the Ilocos region to have a 7 percent to 7.5 percent growth while lowering the poverty incidence by 7.3 percent. ‘Build, Better, More’ under BBM;s watch Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the “Build, Better, More” program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is very much aligned with the medium-term development plan for 2023 to 2028 and is consistent with the 8-point economic agenda of the president. Bonoan said that from July 2022 to May 2023, the DPWH has built, maintained, rehabilitated, widened, and upgraded 4,082 kilometer of roads, 497 bridges, built 2,103 flood control projects, 55 evacuation centers, 216 kms farm to market roads, 8 kilometers of farm to mill roads, 138 kilometers tourism roads, 18 kilometers of roads to seaports, railway stations, and airports, 4,038 classrooms, and 6,002 rainwater collector system. “Because of climate change, we have to address and be building and developing resilient and sustainable communities in the 18 major river basins in the country,” Bonoan said. Some of the major projects that the department would like to continue are converting the Daang Maharlika which is actually now Asian Highway 26 which starts in Laoag City and will go around Cagayan Valley and has extended all the way to Zamboanga City. Bonoan says that they want to convert this backbone of the national highway into seamless travel. “In other words, there should be no major stops along the way, along this Maharlika highway,” Bonoan said. Bonoan said they’re going to build 12 major bridges, and the first bridge is the Cavite-Bataan Interlink bridge with a span of more than 32 km. Should it be completed, this will be the second-longest bay bridge in the world. The department also plans to start the Luzon Spine Expressway which will run from Laoag City to Bicol, Bonoan says that this will be 1,073 kms more. As for Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, major Department of Transportation projects like the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, Metro Manila Subway, EDSA Greenway Projects, EDSA Busway, MRT-3 Rehabilitation, LRT-1 Cavite, LRT-2 West Extension, MRT-7, and the modernization and capacity expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are proceeding. For the Department of Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy, there is already a cybersecurity plan for 2023 to 2028 which is a consolidated output of all the stakeholders in designing which includes the best practices all over the world. “We’ve ramped up in our cybercrime detection, we are busting cybercrime syndicates all over the country especially those that are dealing with scammers,” Uy said. Uy said agency is also enhancing cybersecurity status by designing courses to upgrade cybersecurity professionals. He admits that worldwide, there is a 3 million job vacancies on cyber security. DICT said by the end of the year, the department will have Two Terabits of capacity from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan all the way to Manila and we should expect very good Internet connectivity by the start of next year especially on the Luzon area. These structures also open opportunities to data centers and BPOs along the places mentioned which produces employment. DICT expects that foreign investment opportunities and interest in those areas will boom. The post Managers: Phl remains on track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Congress earmarks funds NAIA infra projects
House Committee on Appropriations Vice-chairperson and Makati City Representative Luis Jose Angel Campos Jr. on Sunday announced that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is set to receive some P2.8 billion for infrastructure projects. Campos disclosed that also included is the P1.2-billion budget for the acquisition of a new traffic management system following the New Year’s Day breakdown that disrupted hundreds of flights. He said that the P1.2 billion in the proposed 2024 budget was allocated for the communications, navigation, and surveillance-air traffic management system which seeks to improve the efficiency of the country’s main gateway. “We are counting on the new CNS-ATM system to optimize airspace and airport efficiency, reduce flight delays, and improve travel experience,” said Campos in a statement. “Our hopes are high that the new system, once installed and fully functional, could potentially increase airport capacity to accommodate more flights in the years ahead,” he added. The move comes as Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista in January cited the need for a backup system, as the current system in use estimated to be worth P13 billion — is already in its midlife. Last month, the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., opted to push through with plans to privatize NAIA through a solicited bid with the upfront payment cost now being studied and initially estimated at P30 billion. In June this year, the DoTr and the Manila International Airport Authority submitted a joint proposal to the NEDA Board seeking a private concession to invest and improve the NAIA for 15 years. The NEDA Board approved the 15-year concession period, with the option to renew for another 10 years based on a performance review, and should the two new airports — the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and the Sangley International Airport in Cavite — be delayed. Before this, the Manila International Airport Consortium in April submitted an unsolicited proposal to take over NAIA, but this was deemed “de facto closed” when the government opted for a solicited bid. At present, NAIA’s terminals service over 40 million passengers versus its 32-million annual capacity, with 38 to 40 landings and takeoffs made per hour. The post Congress earmarks funds NAIA infra projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Angat Dam reserve level short of 12 meters — MWSS
The Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System or MWSS is hoping for a further increase in the reserve level at Angat Dam as it nears the target of 210 to 212 meters, which officials said Wednesday will ensure enough supply for Metro Manila in the first six months of El Niño next year. MWSS division manager Patrick Dizon said the dam’s reserve has risen to 199.9 meters due to the heavy rains brought by typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon.” “The weather bureau predicts El Niño to start by the fourth quarter this year and last until the second quarter of 2024. With an elevation of 210 to 212 meters by the end of this year, we are more assured of a water supply during the drought period,” Dizon said. He said this ensures enough water supply from Angat Dam in Bulacan to households and commercial establishments in Metro Manila for this month and strengthens chances of a manageable supply in the fourth quarter of this year up to the second quarter of next year. Angat Dam in Bulacan supplies 90 percent of the water requirements of Metro Manila, and Dizon said the recent rains also augmented reserves in watersheds near the dam, which means the water allocation of 48 cubic meters per second to this area is still reasonable for this month. “We’re still experiencing rain this month. We’re coordinating with and can request for a higher allocation from the National Water Resources Board, but currently, we can still manage with the existing supply from our watersheds,” Dizon said. However, he stressed the public must still conserve water and find ways to collect and store more water as the reserve level at Angat Dam has yet to reach its desirable mark while the government is promoting a “whole-of-the-nation” approach to water security. Dizon said part of this is the continued construction of water augmentation projects. “We’re coordinating with the Water Resources Management Office to speed up approval of construction permits, he said. Jose Dorado Jr., deputy administrator for the Engineering and Technological Operations Group of MWSS, said a facility in Cavite will be used by water distributor Maynilad, while Manila Water will tap Laguna Lake and East Bay in Calawis, Antipolo. Another is a facility in Poblacion, Muntinlupa. For the long term, Dorado said the 60-meter Kaliwa Dam is expected to be completed by 2026 and will be operated in the first quarter of 2027. The Kaliwa Dam is near communities in General Nakar, Quezon and Tanay, Rizal. Dizon said households in Las Piñas City serviced by Maynilad will continue to experience water interruptions this month until November due to the replacement of filtration membranes of water plants that draw their supply from Laguna Lake. “These maintenance activities are required by law to be conducted every five years as rains in November and December will make the water in Laguna Lake cloudy. They ensure that the quality of the water from the lake passes the Philippines National Standards,” he said. The post Angat Dam reserve level short of 12 meters — MWSS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stop the reclaiming
Instead of falling for their heavily advertised utopian urban fantasies, it’s best for us to stand firm against the brazen cynicism of the greedy profiteers salivating over the land reclamation on Manila Bay. The brazen cynicism is in the form all of us are easily taken in by — arguments that it’s only by expanding Metro Manila’s urban sprawl through reclamation that we can save the metropolis from itself. That’s a big fat total lie. The incontestable truth is this: We all certainly know that the only way to save the sprawling nightmare that is frenzied by Metro Manila from unmitigated horrors is to decongest it. A decongestion that will only work when people are taken out of the metropolis by spurring economic development away from imperial Metro Manila’s porous borders. That much is a given. Yet, these profit-mad scoundrels arrogantly gaslight each one of us, even managing to hoodwink otherwise sound development policymakers. So much so that they have been able to convince policymakers that the outright banning of reclamation projects on Manila Bay isn’t in our best interest. Recently, for instance, senators were calling ONLY for the suspension of reclamation projects in Manila Bay, citing their adverse impact on the environment and, bizarrely enough, complaints that reclamation will spoil our view of the famed Manila Bay sunset. Secretary Ma. Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR announced last week the formation of a team to review all ongoing reclamation projects for their impact on the environment. Why a review only now? So many scientific studies have time and again warned that reclamation endangers the delicate environmental balance of the bay. Hadn’t they heard of that? Similarly, Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla is pushing for a review of all the contracts for the reclamation projects in Manila Bay, saying the awarding of reclamation contracts by the Philippine Reclamation Authority or PRA was “rushed” and that no public hearings were held. Again, there’s that nasty word “review.” Something is deeply unsettling about mere suspensions and reviews. It conclusively betrays the government’s lack of decisiveness and political will against a portentously disastrous issue! Without ifs, ands, or buts, the government must put out a policy banning outright reclamation on Manila Bay. An explicit and unambiguous policy that will stop all proposals and activities related to reclamation must be put in place at the soonest possible time. There really is a need to get all worked up against reclamation. As things now stand, Metro Manila can hardly cope with its environment. Earlier, I spoke of unmitigated horrors plaguing the metropolis. The metropolis perpetually endures floods, monstrous traffic jams, people crammed into sardine-can living spaces, and whatever else, testifying to the fact the world’s fourth-largest urban area is in depraved chaos. Yet, despite these horrors already causing societal and environmental collapse, our reclamation scoundrels glibly argue that reclamation projects are redemptive. Their arguments are fundamentally wrong. Primarily because reclamation tends to attract and increase further the 24-million population of the metropolis. Also, those planned gleaming urban villages in those reclaimed areas are idiotic come-ons. More likely than not, those villages will be unaffordable to most Metro Manila residents. So much so that employees of businesses in reclaimed areas will likely locate to nearby already densely populated areas. As such, there will be no palpable decrease in Metro Manila’s bursting population density. In addition, our joke of a public transport system will force even more people to take to cars to get themselves to the reclaimed areas. Throw out then any imagined metropolis free of unbearable traffic and pollution. Flooding, too, won’t be finally solved. It will get even worse. As early as 2019, scientists had raised the alarm that the planned reclamations on Manila Bay would not only worsen flooding in Manila, but also submerge coastal villages in the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga and Cavite. Recent monsoon rains had turned Bulacan and Pampanga into insuperable water worlds. This even without reclamation projects in place. So, you still want those damn reclamations? The post Stop the reclaiming appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lifeline rate discounts for marginalized households
The Manila Electric Company has ramped up the conduct of barangay caravans in different cities and provinces within its franchise area to encourage more beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program and other qualified marginalized households to apply for the lifeline rate program so that they can get discounts on their electricity bills. Starting September 2023, only customers with approved applications will continue to enjoy the discount in accordance with the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11552 or the law extending and enhancing the implementation of the lifeline rate. Beyond information campaigns that started as early as April, Meralco has also been conducting on-site applications for qualified customers so that they can immediately benefit from the program. Meralco vice president and head of corporate communications Joe R. Zaldarriaga said the power distributor is looking for ways to encourage more customers to apply for the lifeline rate program. “While we have already engaged all local social welfare development offices or SWDOs in our franchise area, we will continue to reach out to more customers and we hope that the onsite applications will lead to the increase in the number of program beneficiaries,” he said. For this month, Meralco has lined up onsite applications and caravans in the cities of Caloocan, Las Piñas, Manila, Parañaque, Quezon and Valenzuela. Outside of Metro Manila, Meralco will also do the same in San Rafael and Meycauayan in Bulacan, San Pablo City in Laguna, General Mariano Alvarez and General Trias in Cavite, Taytay and Rodriguez in Rizal and Mauban and Sariaya in Quezon. Under the lifeline rate program, qualified customers should have a monthly electricity consumption of 100 kilowatt hours or below to avail of the discount ranging from 20 percent to 100 percent in their Meralco electricity bills depending on their actual consumption. Eligible customers can still apply by visiting the nearest Meralco Business Center, together with their completed application form, latest electricity bill and 4Ps ID. Non-4Ps beneficiaries may present a local SWDO certification and government ID. Applicants can also take advantage of the dedicated lanes for the lifeline rate program applications. “We are calling on all our qualified customers to take advantage of our caravans and apply for the program so that they can continue to benefit from the discount. Rest assured that Meralco will immediately process the applications and continue our information and education campaigns to bring in more customers to the program,” said Zaldarriaga. Visit www.meralco.com.ph and official social media channels on Facebook (www.facebook.com/meralco) and Twitter (@meralco) for more information. The post Lifeline rate discounts for marginalized households appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG offers typhoon victims with quick loans
Shelter financing agency Pag-IBIG Fund reported allocating P3 billion in calamity loan funds to help members affected by typhoons “Egay” and “Falcon.” “Pag-IBIG Fund has allocated calamity loan funds to help affected members in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, the Cordillera Administrative Region or CAR, Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Cavite, recover from the devastation caused by typhoons ‘Egay’ and ‘Falcon.’ We are also working closely with local government units in these areas, as we heed the call of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. to provide our fellow Filipinos in these calamity-hit areas with all the necessary assistance,” Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees, said. Under the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan, eligible members may borrow up to 80 percent of their total Pag-IBIG Savings, which consist of monthly contributions, the counterpart employer’s contributions, and accumulated dividends earned. And in consideration of the plight of the members, the loan is offered at a rate of 5.95% per annum, which is the lowest rate in the market. The loan is payable over a period of up to three years, with a grace period of three months so that the initial payment is due only on the fourth month after the loan is released. Qualified borrowers may apply for the calamity loan within 90 days from the date when an area has been declared under a state of calamity. P709-M calamity loans released Pag-IBIG Fund chief executive officer Marilene Acosta, meanwhile, stated that the agency has already released P709 million in calamity loans to help 41,873 members in calamity-hit areas in the country as of June this year. She added that Pag-IBIG branches in these areas remain open and are now coordinating with the local government units which have already declared states of the calamity in their respective jurisdictions, for the deployment of service desks and the agency’s mobile branch, the Lingkod Pag-IBIG On-Wheels, to receive applications for calamity loans from members as well as insurance claims from current Pag-IBIG Housing Loan borrowers whose properties have been damaged due to the typhoon. “When calamities strike, we at Pag-IBIG understand that our members in affected areas need immediate financial assistance. That is why we make sure that all our programs and services remain responsive and accessible to our members. Even while our offices and personnel in calamity-hit areas have also been affected by the typhoon, our branches remain open and are ready to receive loan applications and housing loan insurance claims. Our Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels have also been deployed to typhoon-stricken areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union to further bring our services closer to our members who are most in need. And, for members who have internet access, the Virtual Pag-IBIG is ready to accept their calamity loan applications online. Our members can count on Lingkod Pag-IBIG to help them during these trying times,” Acosta said. The post Pag-IBIG offers typhoon victims with quick loans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan ready for members affected by Typhoons ‘Egay’, ‘Falcon’
Pag-IBIG Fund announced on 2 August that the agency has allocated P3 billion in calamity loan funds to help members affected by Typhoons Egay and Falcon. “Pag-IBIG Fund has allocated calamity loan funds to help affected members in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, the Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR), Bulacan, Pampanga, Bataan, and Cavite, recover from the devastation caused by Typhoons Egay and Falcon. We are also working closely with local government units in these areas, as we heed the call of President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. to provide our fellow Filipinos in these calamity-hit areas with all the necessary assistance,” said Secretary Jose Rizalino L. Acuzar of the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development and Chairperson of the 11-member Pag-IBIG Fund Board of Trustees. Under the Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan, eligible members may borrow up to 80 percent of their total Pag-IBIG Savings, which consist of their monthly contributions, the counterpart employer’s contributions, and accumulated dividends earned. And in consideration of the plight of the members, the loan is offered at a rate of 5.95 percent per annum, the lowest rate in the market. The loan is payable over a period of up to three years, with a grace period of three months so that the initial payment is due only on the fourth month after the loan is released. Qualified borrowers may apply for the calamity loan within 90 days from the date when an area has been declared under a state of calamity. Pag-IBIG Fund Chief Executive Officer Marilene C. Acosta said the agency has already released P709 million in calamity loans to help 41,873 members in calamity-hit areas in the country as of June this year. She added that Pag-IBIG branches in these areas remain open and are now coordinating with the local government units that have already declared states of calamity in their respective jurisdictions for the deployment of service desks and the agency’s mobile branch, the Lingkod Pag-IBIG On-Wheels, to receive applications for calamity loans from members as well as insurance claims from current Pag-IBIG Housing Loan borrowers whose properties have been damaged due to the typhoon. “When calamities strike, we at Pag-IBIG understand that our members in affected areas need immediate financial assistance. That is why we make sure that all our programs and services remain responsive and accessible to our members. Even while our offices and personnel in calamity-hit areas have also been affected by the typhoon, our branches remain open and are ready to receive loan applications and housing loan insurance claims. Our Lingkod Pag-IBIG on Wheels have also been deployed to typhoon-stricken areas in Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur and La Union to further bring our services closer to our members who are most in need. And, for members who have internet access, the Virtual Pag-IBIG is ready to accept their calamity loan applications online. Our members can count on Lingkod Pag-IBIG to help them during these trying times,” said Acosta. The post Pag-IBIG Calamity Loan ready for members affected by Typhoons ‘Egay’, ‘Falcon’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»