We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
‘Egay’ maintains strength, makes second landfall over Dalupiri island in Cagayan
Typhoon Egay retained its strength as it made its second landfall over Dalupiri Island in Aparri, Cagayan according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Wednesday, 26 July. Egay made its first landfall over Fuga Island in Aparri, Cagayan earlier today. Pagasa weather specialist Loriedin De La Cruz-Galicia said in the state weather bureau's 11:00 a.m. advisory said Egay is currently affecting most parts of Northern Luzon while a low-pressure area has been found in the eastern Northeastern portion of Mindanao outside the Philippine Area of Responsibility. "'Yung natitirang bahagi ng Central Luzon at Southern Luzon ay nakakaranas pa rin po ng mga pag-ulan na dulot naman ng outer rain bands ni Typhoon Egay at maging ng Southwest Monsoon o habagat," De La Cruz-Galicia said. Meanwhile, De La Cruz-Galicia said that since the LPA is still far away, its development is still uncertain. Egay is highly likely to exit PAR within 24 to 48 hours according to Pagasa. Meanwhile, Signal No. 4 is still raised over the northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte. Signal No. 3 is still raised over Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, the rest of Apayao, the northern portion of Kalinga, the northern portion of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur. Meanwhile, Isabela, the rest of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Sur, La Union, and the northern and western portions of Pangasinan is under Signal No. 2. Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, the rest of Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, the northern portion of Batangas, the northern and central portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, the northern portion of Camarines Sur is under Signal no. 1. The post ‘Egay’ maintains strength, makes second landfall over Dalupiri island in Cagayan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Egay’ makes landfall over Aparri
Typhoon "Egay" made landfall over Fuga island in Aparri, Cagayan as it moves westward at 20 kilometers per hour according to Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration early Wednesday, 26 July. The state weather bureau's 5:00 a.m. bulletin said that Egay may exhibit wobbling motion while in the vicinity of Babuyan Islands in the next 6 hours. Egay is currently packing maximum sustained winds of 175 km/h near the center and gustiness of up to 215 km/h. Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal no. 4 is still raised over the northern portion of Cagayan including Babuyan Islands, the northern portion of Apayao, and the northern portion of Ilocos Norte. Meanwhile, Signal no. 3 is raised over Batanes, the rest of Cagayan, the rest of Apayao, the northern portion of Kalinga, the northern portion of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Norte, and the northern portion of Ilocos Sur. Isabela, the rest of Kalinga, Mountain Province, Ifugao, Benguet, the rest of Abra, the rest of Ilocos Sur, and La Union are under Signal no. 2. Signal No. 1 is raised over Aurora, Quirino, Nueva Vizcaya, Pangasinan, Nueva Ecija, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Zambales, Bataan, Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Laguna, the northern portion of Batangas, the northern and central portion of Quezon including Polillo Islands, Camarines Norte, the northern portion of Camarines Sur. Pagasa said a landfall over northwestern Cagayan is not ruled out. Egay is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility by Thursday afternoon, 27 July. The post ‘Egay’ makes landfall over Aparri appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR cites Manila Bay mandamus ruling
Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga on Tuesday said the Supreme Court mandamus ruling on Manila Bay must be taken into account in all reclamation projects within the historic water body. Loyzaga also emphasized this during the recent Multistakeholder Experts Dialogue on Reclamation (17 July) organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In her opening remarks, Loyzaga said the legal and regulatory context of reclamation activities “must also be paramount in consideration” aside from the environmental aspects. “The most important and relevant (legal and regulatory context) to the dialogue is the Manila Bay Mandamus Ruling,” Loyzaga said. The environment chief referenced the 2008 high court decision directing 13 government agencies led by the DENR to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay; and restore and maintain its waters to a level fit for commercial propagation of shellfish and milkfish, as well as for swimming, skin diving and other forms of recreation. The areas covered by the mandamus encompass local government units from Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan. Meanwhile, Loyzaga underscored the need to come up with cumulative impact assessments of all reclamation activities, “and not an evaluation of individual projects as they present themselves and stand singly and alone.” “Reclamation is an environmental issue that must be addressed from a lens that considers the intersectionality between ecological dynamics, socioeconomic and build environments, and the costs and benefits of these activities,” Loyzaga explained. “Reclamation decisions must consider interactions between land, air and sea — and the multitude of environmental factors from physics and chemistry of water, biodiversity, and the demand for sources of food, power and water,” she added. The post DENR cites Manila Bay mandamus ruling appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR: Manila Bay SC mandamus ruling is most important in reclamation projects
Environment Secretary Antonia Loyzaga on Tuesday said the Supreme Court mandamus ruling on Manila Bay must be taken into account in all reclamation projects within the historic water body. Loyzaga also emphasized this during the recent Multistakeholder Experts Dialogue on Reclamation (July 17) organized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources. In her opening remarks, Loyzaga said the legal and regulatory context of reclamation activities “must also be paramount in consideration” aside from the environmental aspects. “The most important and relevant (legal and regulatory context) to the dialogue is the Manila Bay Mandamus Ruling,” Loyzaga said. The environment chief referenced the 2008 high court decision directing 13 government agencies led by the DENR to clean up, rehabilitate and preserve Manila Bay; and restore and maintain its waters to a level fit for commercial propagation of shellfish and milkfish, as well as for swimming, skin diving and other forms of recreation. Apart from DENR, other agencies with specific roles to play in implementing the order are the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the Department of Health, the Department of Public Works and Highways, the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, the Department of Education, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Budget and Management, Philippine National Police Maritime Group, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, and Philippine Ports Authority. The areas covered by the mandamus encompass local government units from Metro Manila, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Bataan. Meanwhile, Loyzaga underscored the need to come up with cumulative impact assessments of all reclamation activities, “and not an evaluation of individual projects as they present themselves and stand singly and alone.” “Reclamation is an environmental issue that must be addressed from a lens that considers the intersectionality between ecological dynamics, socioeconomic and builds environments and the costs and benefits of these activities,” Loyzaga explained. “Reclamation decisions must consider interactions between land, air, and sea—and the multitude of environmental factors from physics and chemistry of water, biodiversity, and the demand for sources of food, power and water,” she added. At the same time, Loyzaga said the compounded risks due to hazards must also be factored into the cumulative impact assessments and resilience analytics. These hazards include liquefaction and tsunami from the movements in the Manila Trench; the West Valley Fault and other fault systems affecting the region; and the impacts of climate change such as rising sea surface temperatures, sea level rise, the projected increase in the intensity of tropical cyclones, extreme rainfall events, and exposure to storm surge and flooding. Loyzaga nonetheless said reclamation could serve a beneficial purpose, citing as successful examples much of the city of Rotterdam, new land for transportation infrastructure and urban expansion in Boston, and other reclamation projects across the globe. She also noted that areas of Intramuros, Luneta and the CCP Complex in the cities of Manila and Pasay are also reclaimed. “In each of these areas, however, the level of investment in terms of time, scientific knowledge, planning, evaluation and management was achieved through critical and extensive collaboration between the public and private sectors, and it was maintained through strong science-informed leadership and risk governance,” Loyzaga stressed. On the other hand, DENR Undersecretary Jonas R. Leones said reclamation drives economic activities and generates revenues for the government. "However, reclamation should not only be confined within the economic parameters, but also on the context of environmental protection and conservation, disaster risk and climate change mitigation that are science- and evidence-based," he added. The reclamation forum featured the sharing of global best practices on reclamation from technical experts from the United States, Japan, United Arab Emirates, and Singapore, and processes and issues on reclamation in the Philippines from academicians, government officials and private sector representatives. It is a means for the DENR to look deeper and accelerate the review of both policy and practice of environmentally critical issues, such as reclamation. The post DENR: Manila Bay SC mandamus ruling is most important in reclamation projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoTr shifts priority focus on public transport initiatives
Responding to the President’s call to deliver efficient services to Filipinos, the Department of Transportation has committed to shift its focus into developing a public transit-friendly landscape, instead of maintaining the current car-centric setup that privileges the private automobile as a better transportation mode. “The transportation department’s initiatives have shifted focus on public transport, to maximize usage of the country’s limited highways,” the DoTr said on Monday. “The goal is for private vehicle owners to abandon their cars in favor of trains, buses, taxis, bicycles, and even motorcycle taxis,” it added. Despite facing numerous headwinds, the DoTr still described the EDSA Busway implementation as successful. The new system, which is envisioned to be replicated in more populated areas in the country, reduces travel time between Monumento and PITX to more or less an hour. To recall, improving the EDSA busway system was one of the priorities of the DoTr. It plans to introduce new stations and upgrade existing facilities to be universally accessible, gender-responsive, and climate resilient — all aligned with international standards. Active transport nationwide Simultaneously, the DoTr said it will complete its planned 2,400-kilometer bike lane expansion by 2028 to promote active and sustainable transportation. “As an advocate of the environment-friendly transport system, we are pushing for the Active Transport Program where 564 kilometers of bike lanes were built throughout the country with an additional 470 kilometers to be constructed this year,” it added. The DoTr has set out its plans to upgrade and expand existing bike lane and pedestrian walkway networks, and provide better Public Utility Vehicle stops and End-of-Trip cycling facilities. For this year alone, the DoTr will mobilize P932.82 million to build additional 470 kilometers of protected bike lanes across nine regions in the country this year. Airport overhaul underway To boost the country’s tourism industry, the DoTr aims to improve the operations and facilities of our international and even regional airports through the implementation of Public-Private Partnerships to speed up aviation projects. Just last week, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the DoTr will publish the Terms of Reference for the solicited bidding to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by next month so that contract will be awarded as early as December. 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 P170.6-billion 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. “We also have opened to the public the new passenger terminal of Clark International Airport. And to complement the operations in our main gateway, new airport projects in Bulacan and Sangley are being developed,” the DoTr noted. Likewise, the DoTr added that the relaxation of travel restrictions and continued support to recovery initiatives of airlines and other aviation stakeholders have resulted in passenger volume being around 3.2x compared to 2021 figures. Full-year 2022 domestic and international passenger volumes hit 32.3 million vs 7.7 million in 2021. Powering through delays In the railways sector, despite the push backs, the DoTr said it remains optimistic to deliver its promises. “Railways effectively address traffic congestion while providing increased passenger and freight capacity. The DoTr is accelerating the development, upgrade, and construction of big-ticket rail projects to be able to move more people and goods,” the DoTr said. “The DoTr has made substantial headway on several ongoing rail projects with various contracts signed and construction and financing milestones for big-ticket projects North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway Project, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, Common Station, MRT-3 Rehabilitation and Maintenance, MRT-4 and other ongoing railway projects,” it added. Despite the slow progress, the Metro Manila Subway Project, which has been at the table for years, is one of the flagship projects the DoTr wants to prioritize. According to Bautista, fulfilling the rail project on time also means fulfilling his promise of providing “a global-standard transport system” to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. With 17 stations and a depot of 30.34 hectares, the civil works for the Metro Manila Subway Project’s two major segments will generate more than 6,000 direct and indirect jobs. Funded by the Japanese government, the subway is a 33-kilometer rail line stretching from Valenzuela City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. It will reduce travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 10 minutes to just 45 minutes. The post DoTr shifts priority focus on public transport initiatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
22 CHORAL GROUPS TO COMPETE AT AOV INT’L CHORAL FESTIVAL
The Cultural Center of the Philippines, in partnership with the Philippine Madrigal Singers, brings back the prestigious biennial choral competition, the Andrea O. Veneracion International Choral Festival, on 20 to 23 July 2023, at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Named after the founder of the world -renowned Philippine Madrigal Singers, the late National Artist for Music Andrea O. Veneracion, the choral competition will have 22 choirs competing in the Folk Song, Equal Voices and Mixed Choir categories. The competing choral groups from Luzon are: The Archangel’s Journey Chorale from Caloocan City; BINHS’s Salinlahi Serenata Singers from Silang, Cavite; Calasiao Treble Chorus from Calasiao, Pangasinan; Coro Jesu from Makati City; De La Salle University Chorale from Manila; DYCI’s Dagalak from Bulacan; Gloria Patri Singers from Quezon City; Lighter Side Movement from Mandaluyong City; Los Cantantes De Manila from Manila; Oroquieta Chamber Singers from Lucena City, Quezon; Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng San Pablo Chorale from Laguna; Philippine Normal University Chorale from Manila; Philippine Vocal Ensemble from Makati; St. Paul College Pasig High School Chorale from Pasig City; Tarlac Männerchor from Tarlac City, Tarlac; and University of Baguio Voices Chorale from Baguio City, Benguet. The Visayas and Mindanao representatives are: Silay City Chorale from Silay City, Negros Occidental; Jose Rizal Memorial State University Dimasalang Choristers from Dipolog City, Zamboang Del Norte; University of Mindanao Chorale from Davao City, Davao del Sur; University of Southeastern Philippines Harmonia Polifonica Chorale from Davao City, Davao del Sur; and Western Mindanao State University — Grand Chorale from Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Del Sur. The Bangkok Voices from Thailand will also compete. Five renowned adjudicators who have made their marks in the international music scene will evaluate and choose the best choral group in thecountry. The jury is composed of Christo Burger (Africa), Jãnis Ozols (Europe), Virginia Bono (South America), Zimfira Poloz (North America) and Mark Anthony Carpio (Asia). Each winning choral group in the different categories will take home cash prizes and a conh shell trophy designed by artist Mary Catherine Sta. Ana. The trophy resembles a large conch shell with a wide opening through which one may imagine listening to the sound of the seas that surround the Philippine islands. The parts of the shell suggest the form of a bird singing, taking inspiration from the theory that bird songs may have influenced the development of music. The post 22 CHORAL GROUPS TO COMPETE AT AOV INT’L CHORAL FESTIVAL appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Prices rise and fall
In the law of supply and demand, it’s generally held that prices rise and fall. Differently stated, if supply is greater than demand, the price is low; when demand is greater than supply, the price is high. Along with this market behavior, there’s either government failure or market failure as corrective tools to protect consumers or producers, even both. The average family household is most concerned about its monthly water and electricity bills as these are the two basic necessities of urban living. Roads constitute a public good but not so in the case of toll expressways. Water is likewise a public good but, again, not so when it is managed by water concessionaires (i.e. Manila Water and Maynilad). Electricity also ceases to be a public good when it is run by electric cooperatives in some rural areas or Meralco in the case of Metro Manila and the provinces of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Batangas, Rizal, Quezon. On the issue of electricity, Dr. Maria Fe Mendoza has written, “Politics and Dynamics of Electricity Regulation: The Case of ERB and Meralco.” Quickly, as a sort of “disclaimer” found in the End Notes of her 60-page article is thus: “Caution and restraint have been initially exercised in presenting this case study so as to uphold the principle of sub judice when discussing court decisions.” She calls it her two cents-worth of opinion in the spirit of academic freedom. The contemporary scene wherein the Court of Appeals nullified the decision of the Energy Regulatory Commission to deny the rate hike petition jointly filed by power distributor Manila Electric Co. and two units of conglomerate of San Miguel Corporation due to losses overshadows the “findings and inferences” embedded in Mendoza’s well-documented research on regulatory governance. Specifically, in the instant case, the “surge of fuel costs” may have compelled SPPC and SMEC to suspend the power supply agreement with Meralco as the CA denied their rate hike proposal. Meanwhile, the largest electricity distribution utility suffers from daily losses, while consumers live in fear of imminent rate increases. Meralco’s hands appear to be tied after it was denied a rate hike and the termination of its contracts (i.e. Meralco to suspend PSA). If we contextualize developments affecting the regulator arising from these so-called “quasi-judicial” and “judicial proceedings” within ERB and the courts, it would be easy to validate the interesting findings of Dr. Mendoza. For scholars of public policy, there ought to be a shift in bureaucratic mindset — one perhaps that can accommodate the notion that typical problems arising from rate adjustments gravitate around a management issue. Interestingly, as a lesson learned, Dr. Mendoza has this to say, viz., “With regard to who benefited, the study learned that rate regulation is a pendulum of forces and legal maneuvers that swayed in favor of the utility firm at some points and tilted in favor of the consumers and the regulator at other points.” Further, she adds: “Because of the quasi-judicial nature of the processes and procedures adopted by ERB for rate regulation, ERB would insist it was only following rules. Thus, the ERB (i.e. Case 93-118, as cited) transcended beyond the quasi-judicial policy arena towards the judicial arena and became regulation by lawsuits.” Truly, in iteration, “due to the legal mindset of most of our leaders and regulators, reforms in the regulators and our model of regulation would take a lot more time and, hence, debates, deliberations, hearings and other legal and policy proceedings would be required before consensus is arrived at and change effected.” As suggested, regulation can be redefined as not a question of facts or of law. Both regulator and regulated could be more pragmatic to achieve a win-win further down the policy path — increased “managerialization” of government as against “judicialization.” The post Prices rise and fall appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Valenzuela, Malabon floods blamed on monsoon rains
Several villages in the cities of Valenzuela and Malabon experiencing flooding due to torrential rains brought by the storm-enhanced southwest monsoon, locally known as “habagat.” The Valenzuela City, Command, Control, and Communication Center reported on Saturday that flooding around 10 to 12 inches deep was experienced along T. Santiago Street while flood waters in Veinte Reales bypass road reached six to eight inches. Valenzuela’s Baranggay Arkong Bato experienced four to five inches of flooding in M.H Del Pilar Street while a 1 to 2 inches flood was experienced along the McArthur highway nearby the corner of C. Santiago Street. Flooding along Dampalit Street in Barangay Muson and Flamingo Street in Barangay Panghulo located in Malabon City were also recorded. Weather bureau PAGASA said habagat will prevail over Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Western Visayas even as tropical storm “Dodong” exits the Philippine area of responsibility, moving north-northwestward at 10 kilometers per hour. “Dodong” was last tracked at 305 kilometers west of Sinait, Ilocos Sur with maximum sustained winds of 65 kph and gustiness of up to 80 kph. “Dodong” is forecast to move generally northwestward today before turning west-northwestward for the remainder of the forecast period, exiting the PAR between Saturday morning and in the afternoon. Hence, “Dodong,” according to PAGASA, is no longer directly affecting any part of the country although it continues to enhance the southwest monsoon, dumping rain and causing gusty conditions. The post Valenzuela, Malabon floods blamed on monsoon rains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Habagat rains to persist as TD Dodong moves outside PAR
Storm-enhanced southwest monsoon or habagat will continue to bring occasional and frequent rains in most parts of the country, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration on Saturday, 15 July. PAGASA said monsoon rains will affect Metro Manila, Cavite, Batangas, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, and Western Visayas with possible flooding or landslides in these areas possible amid scattered to widespread rains. Moderate to at times heavy rains may prevail in Cagayan Valley, Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol Region, and the rest of Central Luzon and of CALABARZON. The rest of the country will experience isolated rains or thunderstorms caused by habagat or by localized thunderstorms. PAGASA said heavy rainfall is forecast to hit La Union and Pangasinan from Saturday night until Sunday due to Tropical Depression Dodong. The tropical depression is forecast to intensify while moving towards the West Philippine Sea. Dodong may reach the tropical storm category today near the northwestern limit of the Philippine area of responsibility region and may peak at the typhoon category on Monday. The post Habagat rains to persist as TD Dodong moves outside PAR appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Outage due to SMC power unit tripping
Hundreds of thousands of Manila Electric Co. or Meralco consumers experienced another temporary interruption on Friday morning, the second time this week, due to an unannounced power plant outage. Meralco confirmed it experienced an automatic load dropping, or ALD, at 10:33 a.m. yesterday due to the tripping of the Ilijan Power Plant operated by San Miguel Global Power. The incident, according to Meralco, immediately slashed its power supply by 123 megawatts, which touched off a temporary power interruption. “The service interruption affected more than 200,000 Meralco customers in portions of Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Manila, Makati, Pasig, Pasay, Cainta and Taytay in Rizal. Power was fully restored by 10:40 a.m. or after seven minutes,” Meralco said in a statement. Last Tuesday, half a million Meralco customers also momentarily experienced power service interruption after the San Lorenzo Natural Gas Power Plant, controlled by the Lopez family’s First Gen, tripped. As a result of the plant’s outage, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, or NGCP, placed the Luzon grid under yellow alert from 1 to 4 p.m. Meralco, in response, said it activated its Interruptible Load Program or ILP and committed to securing de-loading commitments from our big-load customers. A yellow alert is issued when the operating margin is insufficient to meet the transmission grid’s regulating and contingency requirement at 668 MW each. A red alert status is issued when supplies are insufficient to meet consumer demand and the transmission grid’s regulating requirement. The post Outage due to SMC power unit tripping appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
WRMO expands save-water order
The Water Resources Management Office or WRMO of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has expanded the coverage of its water conservation directive to residents of the National Capital Region and adjacent provinces. In its Bulletin 2, the WRMO instructed all barangay officials and condominium and subdivision managers to advise residents to conserve water through the reduction of activities that consume a large amount of water, such as watering the lawn and washing vehicles. This is to avert massive water interruptions in the coming months, the WRMO said in its bulletin. Residents were also encouraged to promote rainwater collection for non-potable use of water and to reuse laundry and dishwashing wastewater for watering plants. The WRMO also directed all local government units in NCR to fast-track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad. “As we prepare for even drier conditions due to El Niño, it is, more than ever, important to conserve water in order to prevent massive water interruptions later this year,” the WRMO said. The water level in Angat Dam, which supplies potable water to NCR and nearby provinces, has continued to drop amid an impending El Niño dry spell. The WRMO also directed all local government units in NCR to fast-track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad. As of 8 July, the water level in Angat Dam was at 179.99 meters, which was below the 180-meter minimum operating level. When below operating levels, the allocation for irrigation will be reduced and supply for NCR and the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan will be at the minimum volume. Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services, urged state regulator Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System to take urgent action on the planned water service interruption on 12 July. “MWSS should not take this matter sitting down as these recurring service cuts will affect over half a million consumers,” Poe said in a statement. She noted that the frequent and longer hours of water service interruption which affects more people is “unacceptable.” Last week, Maynilad advised its customers of up to 9 hours of nightly water service interruptions starting 12 July due to the decreasing water level of Angat Dam. According to Poe, MWSS should determine whether water utilities are adhering to their obligations based on their franchise. The post WRMO expands save-water order appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Typhoon-hit health centers get much-needed upgrade
In fulfilling this mission, SM Foundation recently collaborated with UNIQLO Philippines to provide much-needed assistance to communities hit by typhoon “Paeng”, particularly health centers that provide basic health care services to low-income communities. SM Foundation Inc. executive director for Health Wellness Program Connie Angeles led the turnover of the renovated Canlalay Barangay Health Station and Rosario Rural Health Unit–Annex, the 192nd and 193rd SMFI Wellness Center and the 20th and 21st centers under the collaboration for social good with UNIQLO, respectively. Through this collaboration, the “Paeng”-affected health centers were able to address challenges that had long impeded their safety and functionality, from lack of appropriate medical equipment and facilities to worn-out structures. With the repair and rehabilitation, both health stations are now made more conducive to dispensing their services. Each center was fitted with new signage, medical equipment and tools, such as delivery beds, dressing carriage, vaccine refrigerator and breastfeeding areas. Aside from revitalizing the centers from floor to ceiling, SMFI also equipped them with glass doors to replace termite-infested doors and windows, new bathroom fixtures, television sets, filing and medicine cabinets, tables, chairs as well as inverter-type air-conditioning units and LED lights. “Thank you very much to SM Foundation and UNIQLO Philippines for the renovation of the health facility and new equipment to be used for patient care and services as these would be a great help for the communities that we serve,” said Dr. Noriel Emelo of Rosario Health Unit-Annex. Biñan City health officer Dr. Mirabelle Benjamin also shared: “In our community, we have a school that serves as an evacuation center. So, when a typhoon hits, it’s strategic that we have a reliable health center nearby. We are also thankful because we have partnered with SM, who helps us ensure the long-term functionality of our health centers.” Earlier this year, the partners provided Emergency GoKit+ to 43 flood-prone communities hit by Paeng in Zamboanga del Sur, Rizal, Laguna, Cavite, Batangas, Pampanga, Bulacan, Isabela and Cagayan, enabling them to provide immediate first-aid responses during disasters. Over 2,400 typhoon-affected families also received dinner sets through the collaboration. [caption id="attachment_155657" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF SM FOUNDATIONAside from other preventive care, patients receive quality dental health care inside the renovated Rosario Rural Health Unit-Annex.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_155654" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Inside the newly refurbished Barangay Canlalay Health Station, Biñan, Laguna.[/caption] [caption id="attachment_155655" align="aligncenter" width="525"] Health workers attend to the needs of residents of Barangay Canlalay.[/caption] The post Typhoon-hit health centers get much-needed upgrade appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Water conservation directive now includes Metro residents and nearby provinces
The Water Resources Management Office (WRMO) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on Sunday said it has expanded the coverage of its water conservation directive to residents of the National Capital Region (NCR) and adjacent provinces. In its Bulletin No. 2, the WRMO instructed all barangay officials and condominium and subdivision managers to advise residents to conserve water through the reduction of activities that consume a large amount of water, such as watering the lawn and washing vehicles. This is to avert massive water interruptions in the coming months, the WRMO said in its release. The WRMO added that residents should likewise be encouraged to promote rainwater collection for non-potable use of water and to reuse laundry and dishwashing wastewater for watering plants. The WRMO also directed all local government units in NCR to fast-track the approval of pipe repairs of water concessionaires Manila Water and Maynilad. “As we prepare for even drier conditions due to El Niño, it is, more than ever, important to conserve water in order to prevent massive water interruptions later this year,” the WRMO said. Earlier, the WRMO issued its first-ever bulletin containing the guidelines for effective implementation of water conservation measures by all government offices, through their building administrators. WRMO’s Bulletin No. 1 was issued pursuant to Memorandum Circular (MC) No. 22 in which President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. mandated all government agencies and instrumentalities to strictly implement water conservation measures as part of efforts to prevent a water crisis amid a looming El Niño phenomenon. In its second bulletin, the WRMO said its team shall conduct spot inspections of office buildings for unwarranted use of water, leaks, and faulty bathroom fixtures. The team will ensure that WRMO Bulletin Nos. 1 and 2 are posted in offices accordingly. The WRMO said that together with the Metropolitan Water and Sewerage System (MWSS), it will review the monthly water bills of all government facilities in accordance with MC 22. Notices on excessive use of water shall be issued, it added. The office also advised the public to report leaks along streets to the MWSS (8929-5691, 8922-2969, 0967-3197144, or cch@mwss.gov.ph), or to the water service providers Manila Water (1627) or Maynilad (1626). Leaks within compounds which may need major repairs may be reported to the DENR-WRMO through wrmo@denr.gov.ph. WMRO’s Bulletin No. 2 was issued as the water level in Angat Dam, which supplies potable water to NCR and nearby provinces, continues to drop amid an impending El Niño dry spell. As of 8 July 2023, the water level in Angat Dam was at 179.99 meters, which is below the 180-meter minimum operating level. When below operating levels, the allocation for irrigation will be reduced and supply for NCR and the provinces of Rizal, Cavite and Bulacan will be at the minimum volume. As such, residents could expect lower water pressures mainly during the night and possible interruptions in certain areas serviced by MWSS. Under MC 22, President Marcos directed the WRMO to monitor the progress of all agencies towards conserving water through the analysis of their monthly water bills, with the aim of reducing their consumption by 10 percent. Created last April by virtue of Executive Order No. 22, WRMO is mandated to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water resources in the country. The post Water conservation directive now includes Metro residents and nearby provinces appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nation-builders cited for sustainability efforts
For their contributions to nation-building and their love for the country, a new batch of extraordinary Filipinos was recognized in the recently concluded Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards last 30 June at the Okada Manila Grand Ballroom. Leaders from both the government and private sectors, businesses, youth groups, philanthropists and sustainability leaders, who have pitched in to nation-building through their programs, advocacies and projects, were praised by the country’s leading Sustainability Awards Festival as it steers towards sustainable and inclusive progress in line with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. “The Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards celebrates the people and groups who accomplish great things in the name of sustainability. And as we recognize what they have done, this is also a reminder that we are all stewards of the planet and it is our responsibility to ensure that we leave it in better condition than we found it,” said Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards president and chief executive officer Kenneth Rocete. Vice President and Education Secretary Sara Duterte echoed NBMA’s initiatives in working together as one for the future not only of the nation, but the planet as a whole. “I urge the Most Sustainable and Liveable Communities to actively innovate and develop networking and communication platforms to enhance the effectiveness of our entrepreneurs, organization leaders and government officials. We need nation builders to respond to the global trend of sustainability and the urgent need for climate action and compassing climate change mitigation and adaptation measures, land use planning, reducing carbon emissions and disaster risk reduction and response. Let us collaborate to build sustainable and climate-resilient communities and cities across the Philippines and around the world,” VP Duterte said in a statement. Guest of honors Senators Francis Tolentino and Win Gatchalian graced the event as guest of honors while Public Attorneys Office chief Dr. Persida Acosta, Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Serafin P. Baretto Jr. and MMDA Task Force Special Operations chief Edison Nebrija as guest speakers. Philippine National Police Chief PGen. Benjamin Acorda Jr., together with Dr. Acosta and Nebrija, headlined this year’s roster of awardees as winners of “Public Servants of the Year - Excellence in Government” award. For elected officials, Rep. Michael Romero of 1-PACMAN Party-List, Rep. Jolo Revilla of 1st District of Cavite, Rep. Ernix Dionisio of Manila 1st District, Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Wilter Palma of Zamboanga Sibugay 1st District, Deputy Majority Leader Rep. Jam Baronda of Iloilo City Lone District, Rep. Rida Robes of City of San Jose Del Monte Lone District, Rep. Maan Teodoro of Marikina City 1st District and Rep. Shernee Tan Tambut of Kusug Tausug Party List topbilled the “Awarded Congressmen and Congresswomen of the Year.” Meanwhile, governors of Davao del Norte and Capiz Edwin Jubahib and Fredenil Castro, respectively, also received recognition while city and municipal Mayors Arturo Robes (San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan), Michael Marcos Keon (Laoag City), Marjorie Perales (Toledo City), John Dalipe (Zamboanga City), and Agatha Cruz (Guiguinto, Bulacan), likewise took home awards for their competence and leadership. Davao Del Norte is this year’s “Most Sustainable and Liveable Province in the Philippines” as the cities of Tayabas, Kidapawan, Toledo and Calapan were recognized as “Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Cities in the Philippines.” Miss World Philippines Organization was recognized as “Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Organization” as IAM Worldwide was recognized as “Certified Most Sustainable and Liveable Company in the Philippines.” Also part of the gathering was the launching and presentation of the Nation Builders and Mosliv Awards Volume IV publication which features this year’s awardees and their accomplishments and programs towards nation-building and sustainable and inclusive development. Visit www.sustainability-standards.org or facebook.com/NationBuildersAndMoslivAwards. The post Nation-builders cited for sustainability efforts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco Advisory: Powering a decade of transparency and consumer education
by Joe R. Zaldarriaga It fills me with great excitement and pride to announce the coming 10th-year anniversary of the Meralco Advisory in June. Over the past decade, the Meralco Advisory has been at the forefront of driving transparency and education in the Philippine energy space. In our desire to be further transparent in explaining the monthly changes in electric bills, we launched the Meralco Advisory in 2013 to take an active role in shaping the narrative around electricity rates. This groundbreaking program revolutionized the way how we communicate with our customers; effectively countering misinformation and ensuring our customers have access to accurate information. Since then, the Meralco Advisory has been instrumental in providing truth and transparency when it comes to power costs. Through a monthly 60-second TV and radio infomercial, we have been able to deliver crucial updates on electricity rate movements, and explain the underlying causes behind these fluctuations – whether they be increases or decreases – empowering our customers to make informed decisions regarding their energy consumption. But the Meralco Advisory is more than just an information source. It has become a trusted companion to our customers, offering valuable energy-saving tips, and electrical safety guidelines, and sharing inspiring stories of corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives and innovative breakthroughs. Meralco holds a prominent position in the Philippine energy sector. As the largest electricity distribution company, it serves a vast franchise area covering 38 cities and 73 municipalities. This extensive coverage spans the core industrial, commercial, and population centers of the country, including Metro Manila, Rizal, Cavite, Bulacan, and parts of Pampanga, Batangas, Laguna, and Quezon. With a commitment to service excellence, Meralco diligently serves approximately 7.7 million customers within its franchise area, meeting their diverse energy needs and ensuring a reliable power supply. The Meralco Advisory is an extension of this service excellence. We believe in the power of knowledge and its ability to transform lives. By providing comprehensive information, we have enabled millions of Filipino families to manage their power consumption effectively. I am proud of the positive impact the Meralco Advisory has made over the years. It has become the go-to source for electricity news and information, not only for our customers but also for the media. We have strived to be the most credible and reliable source, and our efforts have been recognized through numerous international, regional, and local communication awards. These accolades only serve to validate our commitment to excellence and our dedication to effectively communicating the complexities of managing power consumption in a rapidly evolving energy landscape. As we celebrate the 10th year anniversary of the Meralco Advisory, I would like to express my heartfelt gratitude to our customers, the media, and all stakeholders who have supported us throughout this incredible journey. Your trust and engagement have been invaluable, and it is because of your support that the Meralco Advisory has thrived and made a difference in the lives of so many. Looking ahead, we remain committed to our mission of transparency, education, and empowering our customers. We will continue to evolve and adapt to meet their changing needs, leveraging the latest technologies and innovations to provide the most relevant and reliable information. (The author is an award-winning communications executive immersed within and beyond the energy sector. He was awarded by the University of Manila in 2019 and given a scroll of commendation for his many years in public service. He is one of the premiere business columnists of this paper). END The post Meralco Advisory: Powering a decade of transparency and consumer education appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Puregold buys 14 Divimart stores
Amid an ongoing business expansion, Puregold Price Club Inc., a supermarket chain owned by retail tycoon Lucio Co, has acquired 14 DiviMart branches nationwide. In a report to the Philippine Stock Exchange on Wednesday, the company disclosed that the buyout deal with DiviMart Supermarkets includes “leasehold improvements, furniture, fixtures, equipment and merchandise inventory.” The stores are located in Bulacan, Cavite, Laguna, Bataan, Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija and Olongapo, as well as the cities of Pasig and Manila. Puregold pointed out that this new investment will provide the company instant access to Divimart stores that may eventually be converted into Puregold stores “under a sublease transaction.” 18 other branches evaluated Additionally, the company is also evaluating 18 other Divimart locations that can be transformed into Puregold stores. “The consideration for the acquisition is below 10 percent of the Corporation’s book value,” it also noted. In 2022, Puregold booked a double-digit increase in its bottom line due to the increase in consumer demand as economies reopened. The company’s net income increased by 13.5 percent to P9.287 billion from P8.180 billion the past year. It was Driven by a 12.3 percent to P184.303 billion net sales jump from P164.125 billion a year ago. The post Puregold buys 14 Divimart stores appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BPI’s BanKo launches app for sari-sari stores
Bank of the Philippine Islands’ Direct BanKo, an Ayala-led microfinance bank, has launched a new app to help mothers running sari-sari stores acquire merchandise faster and manage their inventories efficiently. In a statement on Monday, Banko said the app called e’Nay, a wordplay of the Tagalog word for mother nanay, allows its users to order merchandise online and pay them through its integrated PondoKo savings accounts. The app’s other feature is data collection which helps the entrepreneurs determine whether they need to order more merchandise or not. Easier time purchasing stocks “Nanays would have an easier time purchasing stocks of their goods to be sold. Now they won’t have to go to the markets to buy goods and, at the same time, have inventory data to determine more accurately whether they already need to stock up again or not,” BanKo chairman Jojo Ocampo said. “We wanted to know their pain points and discovered that sari-sari stores are disjointed and disorganized in their supply chain. They don’t usually have an inventory management system and the sari-sari store owners buy merchandise based on gut feel," Rod Mabiasen, BanKo’s business head of financial Inclusion and microfinance solutions, said. Through the app, goods can be delivered to sari-sari store owners within the same day for orders submitted by 2 p.m. to distributors located within eight to 10 kilometers from the sari-sari stores. PondoKo account BanKo said the app will be initially available to users in Bulacan and Cavite before expanding to Pampanga and Laguna. To start using the app, the sari-sari store owners must open a PondoKo account with BanKo. BanKo has served over 290,000 self-employed microentrepreneurs and informal workers through microfinance loans amounting to over P40 billion. Among them are nearly 32,000 sari-sari store owners. The app was developed with Innovative Research and Intelligent Solutions Corp. The post BPI’s BanKo launches app for sari-sari stores appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t green lights staggered NLEX rate increase
The government has approved a staggered rate increase for the North Luzon Expressway, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno said on Sunday. In a Viber message to reporters, Diokno said the government would implement the rate increase over a period of several years. The Finance Secretary added that the increase was necessary to offset the cost of maintaining and upgrading the NLEX. "The rate increase is for staggered implementation, not a one-time implementation," Diokno said. "It is staggered over several years." Diokno said the government had to approve the rate increase in order to honor its contract with NLEX Corporation. He said the government could not afford to default on its contract, as this would damage its credibility in future public-private partnership projects. "The government needs to perform its contractual obligations under the STOAs," Diokno said. "We're promoting PPPs. And the government will have no credibility as a partner if it does not comply with its contractual obligations under past PPP contracts." The NLEX is a 54-kilometer toll road that connects Metro Manila to the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, and Tarlac. It is one of the busiest toll roads in the Philippines. The rate increase for the NLEX is the latest in a series of rate increases for toll roads in the Philippines. In recent years, the government has approved rate increases for the South Luzon Expressway, the Cavite Expressway, and the Manila-Cavite Expressway. The post Gov’t green lights staggered NLEX rate increase appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Rains to recharge NCR water sources — NWRB
The onset of the rainy season, as well as various government water projects, may ensure uninterrupted water supply in the months ahead, especially in Metro Manila. This was pointed out Saturday by the National Water Resources Board after some media outlets, not Daily Tribune, warned of a looming water shortage. NWRB Executive Director Sevillo David Jr. clarified that the expected rains and the projects “will recharge” Laguna de Bay and the Upper Marikina River Basin. The two bodies of water would serve as alternative or additional sources of water for the National Capital Region aside from its primary source, the Angat Dam. For the long-term, David said the growing population in Metro Manila and the resulting increase in water demand call for more water sources to be tapped to fill that need. A shortage of water in the second half of June was reported by some media outlets based solely on the NWRB’s statement that while the status quo in water allocation will be maintained in the first half of the month, the allocation will be dropped in the next two weeks of June. The water shortage reports ran contrary to pronouncements of NCR water concessionaires and the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System that there may be no shortage despite a slight drop in water allocation for the region. David said the MWSS and the concessionaires are hard at work repairing water channels to stop water wastage. The rainy season will also ensure ample water in the system, including those at the Ipo and La Mesa dams. Nonetheless, David urged Metro Manilans to conserve water and to collect rainwater for non-critical use that does not require potable water. On Thursday, water concessionaires Maynilad and Manila Water said the water supply in Metro Manila remains adequate. Maynilad supply operations head Ronaldo Padua said that the company does not see the need to implement service interruptions as the water supply remains sufficient. “The rotational interruption we did in the past, it’s gone due to the approval of a higher water allocation. Now we expect the continuity of uninterrupted supply,” Padua told reporters. “We don’t see any immediate interruption happening, especially because we also expect the rain to come,” he added. This after the NWRB maintained the 52 cubic meters per second (cms) water allocation for Metro Manila and nearby areas for the first two weeks of June. However, from 16 to 30 June, the allocation will be slightly lowered to 50 cms because the NWRB has to reinstate the water share for irrigation in the latter part of the month. The NWRB has allotted 40 cms for the National Irrigation Administration but noted that it “can be modified based on actual requirement.” To prepare for any adverse scenario, Padua said Maynilad will fast-track the construction of the new Poblacion Water Treatment Plant. It will be Maynilad’s third facility to tap Laguna Lake as an alternative raw water source to Angat Dam in Bulacan. Maynilad targets to produce 50 million liters per day (MLD) of additional water supply by December as the initial output of the new treatment plant. Once fully operational, the facility will produce 150 MLD of potable water for the southern portion of Maynilad’s concession area, particularly Parañaque, Las Piñas, Muntinlupa and Cavite. Currently, Maynilad has two treatment plants in Putatan, Muntinlupa, that provide 300 MLD of water for around 1.7 million customers in the south. Engineer Patrick Dizon, a division manager at the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) site operations management, said at the briefing the agency no longer sees the need to retain the upgraded 52 cms water share in July. Jeric Sevilla, Manila Water’s head of corporate communications, said about 1.7 cubic meters per second of water is being lost from the damaged pipes, reducing the 40-percent share of the water supply from Manila Water and 60 percent from Maynilad to households in Metro Manila. David, however, said the supply to urban residents was still enough, with the water level at Angat Dam “still normal” at 189.64 meters on Thursday. With Maria Romero and Kathryn Jose The post Rains to recharge NCR water sources — NWRB appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Property firm bags shelter dev’t plums
In an acknowledgement of its desire to contribute to the government’s efforts to end the country’s housing backlog, P.A. Alvarez Properties and Development Corporation or P.A. Properties bagged two awards from the Home Development Mutual Fund. Last 12 May, P.A. Properties was recognized by Pag-IBIG as Northern Luzon’s Top 8 Pag-IBIG Fund Accredited Developer for 2022, as well as the Highest Performing Loans Ratio among Pag-IBIG Fund Accredited Developers in North Luzon. The awards were personally received by P.A. Properties’ president and CEO Atty. Marianne Reyna Lina-Cruz with P.A. Properties’ VP for Documentation and Collection Evelyn Buco at Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholder’s Accomplishment Report for 2022. Among top developers The company had previously been recognized by Pag-IBIG as one of their top developers at the 2022 Pag-IBIG Fund Stakeholders’ Accomplishment Report or StAR, ranking 7th in the National Capital Region and 8th in Northern Luzon from Q1-Q3. They also ranked 9th for Pag-IBIG Fund’s Accredited Developer Excellence Award for 2022 last 24 March 2023 during the Pag-IBIG chairman’s Report for 2022. P.A. Properties is one of the rapidly expanding real estate developers in the country. The company has successfully completed the development of more than 180 hectares of land and constructed over 20,000 housing and condominium units across 40 communities located in Laguna, Batangas, Cavite, Bulacan, Pampanga and Metro Manila. The post Property firm bags shelter dev’t plums appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»