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Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar: Scaling the realms of social responsibility
There is something quite riveting about Ana Margarita “Ginggay” Hontiveros-Malvar. Her gaze direct, her rhetoric fluid, she shares stories of immersing in conflict areas, of being in Leyte post-“Yolanda” and in Marawi post-violence, and within the same conversation, of her corporate hat within the “power, banking, food, land and infrastructure sectors.” Not so much as a vein mars her refined features. If not for those eyes, which reveal a depth of thought and feeling, hers would likely be a face some might take as just another classic beauty. Then again, her relationship with similarly strong-minded women cannot be discounted. She says, from the get-go, that she would rather not talk about herself or her sisters (Risa, the senator, and Pia, the broadcast news personality). Unlike them, she took the private route, but now unwittingly finds herself in the limelight. The Aboitiz Group, for which she handles a vital role, has many exciting things to share, Ginggay says. Smiling, she proceeds to rattle off some of these pillars — in education (“to create future leaders” who are solutions-oriented), in climate action and in enterprise and jobs. “For over 35 years, we’ve delivered probably over 5,000 CSR (corporate social responsibility) projects, spread over all the business units all over the Philippines. We’ve partnered with something like 600,000 individuals and organizations and we’ve invested the amount of P5.1 billion in all these different programs. We’re trying now to reevaluate what it is that’s next for Aboitiz Foundation, and then how we can serve our stakeholders better, and what are some of the things that we want to scale. Maybe to create a bigger impact in the country, help the country more, I think is what we want to do.” In the pipeline toward this goal of creating a bigger impact on development, Aboitiz Foundation is seeking more collaboration — “more conversations between organizations that are doing a lot of work already here in the country, and probably having a stronger voice and then putting that voice out there,” she enthuses. Clearly, Ginggay is in her element in the world she inhabits — at the heart of an “old legacy conglomerate,” her words, that now sees the need to transform along with the climactic times. “I lead a department called Reputation Management. We cover brands, media, corporate communications, sustainability — the ESG (environmental, social and governance) journey for the Aboitiz Group. We provide strategy, direction, governance and then very recently, just this year, we have our CSR arm which is called Aboitiz Foundation. It was recently also placed under us. Because at the end of the day, Aboitiz Foundation is like the big ‘S’ in our ESG — it’s really all about the social impact, the social good that we want to continue,” Ginggay tells the DAILY TRIBUNE in an interview on Pairfect. Ginggay is currently vice president for Reputation Management and Sustainability at Aboitiz Equity Ventures Inc., a holding company of the Aboitiz Group. For the Aboitiz Foundation, meanwhile, she works to help “scale its impactful programs for systemic change.” The mother of two is also communications lead for the Philippines’ Private Sector Advisory Council and team leader for APEC Business Advisory Council, which are areas where the visionary leader, Aboitiz Group chief executive officer Sabin Aboitiz, holds key roles. Grateful her children are adults now, Ginggay keeps her nurturing side on overdrive with her current responsibilities. “Aboitiz is a group,” she emphasizes. “And as a family of organizations, our priority has always been about people. That’s always been our passion, whether it’s the well-being of our own employees or the well-being of communities where we have our businesses. It’s really always been about people. “We don’t feel it’s right that a business does well and then the community that it’s in doesn’t. It cannot be like that — it has to go hand in hand. So, we’ve always been like that. Very people-centric. I think what we’re trying to change now in our transformation or evolution is to see how can we use more of technology and innovation and balance it with our people-centric approach. So maybe we can be a little bit faster, be better, be more data-driven in the kinds of things that we’re doing,” she says. And has her heart always been in this kind of work — one she freely admits is demanding and sometimes even emotion-driven? “My dad was pretty laidback. And he usually let us do what we want to do as long as you know, like, please do well in school, and things like that,” Ginggay recalls. “My mom was very attentive to us and she just wanted to make sure that aside from doing well in studies, you also had to do well in something else. And then, very ingrained, I think, in our DNA, I think as a family also, is that aspect of service, whether it’s public service, or you know, just service in general — whether it’s to your community or to your family, or your immediate set of, I suppose, stakeholders. So, it’s almost been like part of my DNA or something like that, or probably my character as well.” With so much on her plate, and a daily grind that consists of steering various teams to ensure the conglomerate is moving toward its goals smoothly, Ginggay makes sure she takes time — even just 30 minutes a day, she says — disconnecting from it all and connecting with herself. “Our days are very fast — they are jam-packed with schedules, meetings, a lot of stakeholder engagement activities,” she says. “There’s a lot of collaboration also that goes on between our team and the rest of the business units in the Aboitiz Group, and then a lot of meetings as well with the board just to check in on directions and things like that. It’s very fast-paced. It’s very demanding. It takes a lot of time and I think a lot of commitment… and this is what I see from all our team leaders and team members — people are really passionate about what they do. I think that’s important.” For Ginggay, certainly, such passion is necessary to lead the company toward its goals including “delivering on communications and brand that are integral to the transformation of the group into the Philippines’ first techglomerate.” Techglomerate, she explains, “is a dream in Aboitiz Group, something that we have really been working hard on for the past few years. We kind of coined the term from ‘technology’ and ‘conglomerate,’ putting it together — and it is really about trying to be more technologically advanced but we also want to incubate exciting businesses which are more in the techspace or, say, data science. To incubate all these new companies and hopefully lead in certain industries… and I think at the end of the day we realized we have a much greater responsibility to the country.” And what’s next? “We realized that to stay ahead, we also need to transform… and I suppose that transformation should happen first and foremost at the level of the person. We’re also really focused on building a new kind of culture for the Aboitiz Group, still very much rooted in our core values of responsibility, innovation, teamwork, integrity. But now, probably trying to imbibe more of the behaviors like being more entrepreneurial, trying to be more articulate, being better storytellers, being more open to new things, being more data-driven in our decisions, you know, and a lot of other things that we’re trying to do in terms of helping to develop this new culture.” In her capacity as first vice president at Aboitiz, as well as in her other roles — senior adviser for Agripreneurship at Go Negosyo, for example — Ginggay keeps her “eye on the prize” no matter what challenges come along. This “multi-disciplined, results-oriented and multi-awarded leader,” as she is described in the Women of the Future, may prefer to keep herself below the radar, but Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar will certainly not stay unnoticed. The post Ginggay Hontiveros-Malvar: Scaling the realms of social responsibility appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marawi Port rehab almost complete — PPA
The Philippine Ports Authority on Friday said the rehabilitation of the PPA-regulated Marawi Port in Lanao Del Sur is almost complete, in time for the Marawi Liberation Anniversary next year. According to PPA spokesperson Eunice Samonte, the reconstruction of Marawi Port to date is at 70 percent. The port was totally devastated during the Marawi siege in September 2017. “Regarding the improvements and developments in Marawi port, Phase I of the project is expected to be completed by February 2024, hence, it will be fully operational by October 2024,” Samonted said. On the other hand, she said the ongoing MRRP-Port Facilities (civil works) Project at Port of Marawi (MAA-Sector 8), Marawi City, Lanao del Sur is a new port construction developed through the Task Force Bangon Marawi initiative by the Office of the President for the recovery, reconstruction, and rehabilitation of the city of Marawi affected by the fighting between government forces and the Islamic State. “The project covers the construction of facilities such as a backup area of about 8,000 square meters, a one-story Passenger Terminal Building (with 132 seating capacity) of about 265 sq.m., a one-story fish port, and a berthing facility for Fastcraft and a RoRo ramp,” she said. In addition, prior to the implementation of the project, the only existing facility in the Port of Marawi is a causeway that is being used by the fish folks, Samonte said. In 2021, the PPA, through the General Appropriations Act for 2021, received P242,750,191.04 approved budget for the contract payments under the contract for the civil works (of) the Port of Marawi (Most Affected Area — Sector 8), Marawi City, Lanao del Sur. The post Marawi Port rehab almost complete — PPA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
One million license plates being produced monthly at LTO
MANILA, Philippines — One million license plates are being produced monthly at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to solve the agency’s backlog especially on motorcyle plates. “We are now producing one million plates a month. We have dedicated machines that cater only to motor vehicles,” said LTO chief Vigor Mendoza II in a statement. “And, of course, focus on production para sa mas maraming backlog sa plaka ng motorsiklo (for the larger backlog of motorcycle plates),” he noted. READ: LTO-7 exec: Drivers can now get their plastic driver’s licenses LTO has a backlog of 13 million on motorcycle plates. “With the current production rate, we will be able to wipe out the backlog for motorcycles by early 2025,” Mendoza said. “Mas marami kase ito, pero we are confident of addressing it. We are on the right track,” he explained. (Because this is more, we are confident of addressing it.) READ: LTO: Plastic driver’s license cards out now; schedule of renewal announced The agency aims to remove the 80,000 backlog on vehicle plates by the end of November. It also wants to shorten the waiting time for new license plates to 7 to 10 days from the submission of car documents. At the current pace, the procedure takes months. “We estimate that the current demand for motor vehicle plates is around 2,000 vehicles a day. So [multiplied by] two for the front and back plates], so it’s 4,000 a day,” Mendoza said. “We have that capacity. There’s no reason why a buyer who comes to you now will have to wait months to get their plates,” he added. READ: System in place to address backlog in vehicle plates – LTO chief.....»»
SC seeks ‘green justice zone’ establishment
At least three government departments moved to jointly establish justice zones countrywide to further enhance the delivery of justice in the country as the Justice Sector Coordinating Council — composed of the Supreme Court of the Philippines, the Department of Justice and the Department of the Interior and Local Government — continue with its drive to establish Justice. Zones across the country as its representatives met with key officials of the provincial government of Palawan and Puerto Princesa City on 27 September 2023. Supreme Court Associate Justice Maria Filomena Singh led the effort for the ground work to establish Puerto Princesa City, Palawan as the 12th Justice Zone thus far. Singh, who heads the JSCC Technical Working Group on Processes and Capacity Building, had dialogues with Palawan Governor and Palawan Council for Sustainable Development chairperson Dennis Socrates and Puerto Princesa Mayor Lucilo Bayron to prepare for the formal launch on 10 November 2023 of Puerto Princesa as the first ever “Green Justice Zone” — the premiere showcase of national-local government collaboration for efficient and effective delivery of justice in environmental protection and natural resource management. The dialogue was also attended by Sandiganbayan Associate Justice Michael Frederick Musngi and Court of Appeals Associate Justice Jaime Fortunato Caringal along with local chief executives of Palawan. Created in 2010, the JSCC serves as a joint forum for dialogue on issues of common interest and mechanism for effective coordination and sharing of information in support of planning and implementation of joint initiatives among justice sector institutions, specifically the Supreme Court, the DoJ and the DILG. The post SC seeks ‘green justice zone’ establishment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Apayao seeks higher digital literacy
BAGUIO CITY — The Provincial Apayao Training Center kicked off on Wednesday a training program that aims to fulfill higher digital literacy targeting employees from various offices and departments of the provincial and municipal governments of Apayao. The two-day training first of the series of capacity building was started at is currently conducting a two-day photo and video editing training-workshop at the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Multipurpose Hall in San Gregorio, Luna, Apayao. At least 24 participants from various offices in the provincial and municipal government of Flora and Calanasan towns attended the training — the first of the various trainings under ATC’s latest learning and development initiative in addition to its other regular technical-vocational course offerings. The workshop-training series will be undertaken in collaboration with the provincial government’s Human Resource Management and Development Division of the provincial government of Apayao. They are part of the bid to enhance capacities of its target participants with 21st century skills and competencies in order to contribute to a more efficient and innovative civil service workforce that can effectively meet the challenges of modern times. ATC administrator Jerome Lacambra stressed that acquiring and honing the digital skills of civil servants is not just an advantage but also a necessity. “I hope that you will embrace this opportunity to learn and grow as workers of the government,” Lacambra said. “As one of the skills development training institutions in the province, it is our goal to empower you with essential digital skills and competencies and foster professional growth and enhance your capabilities in the modern workplace,” he added. Lacambra also encouraged other interested participants to avail of all the rest of lined-up trainings for the month that include the technical writing on 10 to 11 October, basic journalism on 12 October, digital literacy on 19 October and basics of data analytics, also on 19 October. The post Apayao seeks higher digital literacy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoE identifies offshore RE sites
The Department of Energy or DoE has identified nine potential renewable energy, or RE, sites to establish offshore wind ports that can serve as offloading terminals for a more seamless and efficient establishment of offshore wind or OSW facilities in the country. Speaking to reporters at the sidelines of an energy forum hosted by the Nordic Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines on Tuesday, Energy Assistant Secretary Mylene Capongcol said these ports will be developed to become staging areas housing the foundation, turbines, blades, and other materials that will be used in building the OSW structures. Capongcol cited Ilocos Norte, Batangas, Bacolod, Mindoro and Cagayan Valley as among the initial locations where the planned ports will be assembled. The Asian Development Bank will assist in evaluating these sites. “These are just initial identification and these nine ports are based on the project developments. They are initially identified to support and advance project constructions in these areas,” she said. To further uncover the country’s OSW potential, the DoE said “suitably sized and strategically located ports are essential for the storage, assembly, construction and operation of OSW farms.” Potential private sector partner Recently, the state-run Philippine National Oil Company disclosed that it is looking for a potential partner from the private sector to convert its 19-hectare Batangas port into an OSW Power Integration Port. It also tapped the University of the Philippines National Engineering Center to “help us because the decision not to award the contract for the commercial port expansion and shift to an offshore integration port was only last month.” The DoE has been pushing for the development of OSW to ramp up local indigenous supply amid growing demand. Based on the Philippines OSW Roadmap launched in 2022, the country has about 178 gigawatts or GW of OSW potential. OSW contracts awarded To date, the DoE has awarded a total of 79 OSW Contracts with a total potential capacity of 61.931 GW, spread mainly North of Luzon, West of Metro Manila, North and South of Mindoro, Panay, and Guimaras Strait. These, according to Capongcol, are all under the development stage, which includes preliminary wind data gathering, application for endorsements, and request for System Impact Studies. Despite the vast supply available nationwide, the OSW roadmap showed that the tedious permitting process as well as grid assets availability should be resolved. As such, the DoE vowed to enhance the policies on the OSW development, taking into account the streamlining and stricter timeframe outlined in the Energy Virtual One-Stop Shop law on the processing and issuance of licenses and permits by the concerned national and local government entities. The post DoE identifies offshore RE sites appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Escoto: BFAR’s WPS ops need added funding
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, which has been conducting patrols with the Philippine Coast Guard in the West Philippine Sea, welcomes a proposal to reallocate confidential funds to the bureau. An agency of the Department of Agriculture, the BFAR, through its director, Atty. Demosthenes Escoto, said on Tuesday the added funding would significantly enhance its monitoring and surveillance efforts in the WPS. Escoto said that while the decision rests with Congress, he is grateful to lawmakers for considering the augmentation of BFAR’s funds. “We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the members of Congress advocating for additional funds for the DA-BFAR and other security agencies,” Escoto said. “This initiative would empower our agency to strengthen and enhance our monitoring, control, and surveillance activities in the WPS and other fishing grounds to ensure the sustainable use of our marine resources and safeguard the livelihoods of our fisherfolk,” he added. Utilizing its current assets, BFAR has been actively combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, a persistent threat in Philippine waters, Escoto said. He said the agency employs floating assets to monitor unlawful fishing activities and conduct resupply missions in collaboration with government agencies, particularly the PCG. Supply missions These missions provide essentials such as engine oil, drinking water, and ready-to-eat snacks to Filipino fisherfolk engaged in fishing activities in the WPS. This year, the DA-BFAR also launched the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from the WPS, a livelihood project worth nearly P80 million. The program seeks to provide local fisherfolk with essential tools, knowledge, fishing gear and paraphernalia, and post-harvest training to help them fish more effectively in the WPS and reduce their post-harvest losses. Likewise, the DA-BFAR delivered last June almost P5 million worth of livelihood inputs and capacity-building programs to residents of Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan, under the LAYAG-WPS project. The assistance included fiber-reinforced plastic boats, fish aggregating devices, rain catchers, and more. “The DA-BFAR respects the wisdom of our lawmakers in determining the need for budget augmentation,” Escoto said. “Nevertheless, the DA-BFAR remains committed to combating IUU fishing and empowering Filipino fisherfolk with our existing assets and resources.” “We want to ensure that they can fish peacefully, productively, and sustainably in our waters, especially in the WPS, which rightfully belongs to Filipinos,” he added. The post Escoto: BFAR’s WPS ops need added funding appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t confident as IMSA audit starts
The International Maritime Organization, or IMO, started its Member State Audit Scheme or IMSAS from 2 to 9 October 2023, to scrutinize the Philippines’ implementation and enforcement of treaty instruments. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista has guaranteed that the country has fully complied with international maritime conventions. A statement of the Department of Transportation, the mother agency of the Maritime Industry Authority that is preparing for this year’s IMSAS, said Bautista ensured that the Philippines had upheld maritime safety and protection of the marine environment by adhering to international rules and regulations. “I affirm our commitment to ensure the safety of life and property at sea and prevention of maritime pollution through full and effective implementation and enforcement of all laws, regulations, and recommendations, in adherence to our international responsibilities and obligations,” Bautista told IMO auditors during the kick-off of the IMSAS audit. Adhering to global norms Bautista said that through the audit, which assists member-states in improving their capacity for implementing international conventions, the Philippines promotes uniformity and effectiveness in the implementation of IMO instruments. “Having these mechanisms, we were able to champion our legislative agenda and ensure the continuous advancement of maritime interest in the country,” Bautista said. According to the Marina, the audit, conducted by three experienced IMO auditors, is conducted in accordance with the Memorandum of Cooperation signed between the Philippines and the IMO. This cooperation encompasses a series of vital IMO instruments, including SOLAS 1974, SOLAS PROT 1988, MARPOL 73/78, MARPOL PROTOCOL 1997, STCW 1978, LOAD LINES 1966, LOAD LINE PROT 1988, TONNAGE 1969, and COLREG 1972. IMSAS primary focus lies in assessing several key areas — Compliance with Audit Standards: Evaluating the extent to which the Philippines adheres to audit standards and the overall strategy; Legislation Enactment: Reviewing the enactment of legislation related to safety and environmental aspects associated with ratified IMO instruments; Administration and Implementation: Scrutinizing the administration, implementation, and enforcement of applicable laws and legislation; and Performance Evaluation: Assessing the performance concerning the implementation and enforcement of ratified IMO instruments in the roles of flag, port and coastal State. Originally, the IMSAS was set for 2020 to 2021, but since a state of emergency was still in effect due to the Covid-19 pandemic, it was rescheduled to 2022 to 2023. To prepare for the audit, Marina and the IMSAS Technical Working Group, and other concerned maritime stakeholders conducted gap analysis scoping exercises, inter-agency meetings, mock audits, and capacity-building activities in preparation for this year’s audit. The post Gov’t confident as IMSA audit starts appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI pushes for AI research hub; P300-M for consumer protection programs
The Department of Trade and Industry is pushing for the establishment of the Center for Artificial Intelligence Research, however, it remains "unfunded” under the proposed 2024 National Expenditures Program. During the hearing of Senate Committee on Finance’s Subcommittee “M” on DTI’s proposed P7.909 billion budget for the fiscal year 2024 on Tuesday, Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual emphasized the idea would help the country's Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises to effectively adopt “artificial intelligence in their business operations. “This is a research [and development] center. The model is the AStar of Singapore…It’s industry-oriented, it's not academic research. It’s a way to help MSMEs to adopt AI in their operations,” Pascual said, citing that large companies in the country “can take of themselves” to implement AI solutions in their businesses. “But this SMES would need assistance and this is the center that could do that plus the continuing research in the impact of AI on employment which jobs will be affected,” he said. The issue of AI ethics will also be addressed through CAIR, he added. “We are working this out, actually with some business groups that can donate…In fact, we have been offered already a place,” the DTI chief said. Pascual explained that the CAIR has been included in the DTI’s plan for revitalizing Philippine industries under the Philippine Development Plan. Meanwhile, DTI’s Competitiveness and Innovation Group, Undersecretary Rafaelita Aldaba said the agency has been requesting funds, amounting to P200 million, for the CAIR since two years ago. Aldana did not give further details as to why the Department of Budget and Management disapproved their requests. Stressing the importance of the AI program, Senate President Pro Tempore Loren Legarda lamented there must be a reason why the CAIR did not get a budget. Legarda asked Aldaba to further provide details on CAIR as the latter noted the DTI doesn’t have enough space in their existing building, “It’s a physical center and its goal is for us to become an AI center of excellence in the region in the near future. It’s going to house our data scientists, researchers, engineers who will be conducting AI [research and development] to support the needs of the industries, including MSMEs, start-ups, large companies, and multi-nationals,” Aldaba said. The CAIR is also eyed to provide capacity building and training and workshops on AI, she added “so that new products and services could come out from the idea. However, Legarda said DTI should not wait for the physical CAIR to be set up before it starts building the capacity of Filipinos concerning AI, adding that developing a physical infrastructure may take at least two years. “And knowing government, that’s so slow. That means all the resources on AI will not ensue until the structure is done,” Legarda lamented. “What I’m saying is that while the infrastructure is not yet set up, we should continue with AI capacity buildings and research.” Senator Mark Villar, who presided over the budget hearing, backed Legarda’s position, noting that DTI should ensure that AI benefits the country. “Other countries are very concerned also about what AI might mean for the labor industry and what the implications are. I think it’s important that we learn how we can leverage it to help our industries,” he said. On the other hand, Pascual appealed to the Senate for an additional P300 million in funding to strengthen the DTI’s consumer protection programs. “We want to reorganize our consumer protection activity by centralizing it because you cannot expect a junior person running after hoarders or profiteers in an area where there are a lot of people of influence that are operating in the region,” he said. “So the plan that we have done, this planning, after the budget submission, is to centralize the consumer protection activity in the head office and have a quick response task force,” said Pascual. “That would require a funding of P300 million to strengthen our consumer protection activities," he added. Villar supported the DTI’s plan citing its significance amid the ongoing inflation being experienced in the country “It is very relevant that the DTI takes a stronger role in monitoring these hoarders and manipulators,” he said. DTI Assistant Secretary Jean Pacheco said the P300 million would fund an inter-DTI strike team to increase their enforcement activities, consumer education and advocacy, complaints handling, and procurement of equipment for the certification and testing of vapes, among others. At least P130 million of the total request will be utilized for the procurement of equipment for DTI’s certification and testing of vape products, which is in line with their implementation of the law regulating e-cigarettes. The post DTI pushes for AI research hub; P300-M for consumer protection programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Confidential fund to boosts BFAR surveillance efforts in WPS
Department of Agriculture-Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Director Atty. Demosthenes Escoto on Tuesday said reallocating confidential funds to the bureau would significantly enhance its monitoring, control, and surveillance efforts in the West Philippine Sea and other fishing grounds across the country. Escoto said that while the decision rests with Congress, he is grateful to lawmakers' consideration of augmenting its funds. "We extend our heartfelt appreciation to the members of Congress advocating additional funds to DA-BFAR and other security agencies," Escoto said. "This initiative would empower our agency to strengthen and enhance our existing monitoring, control, and surveillance activities in the WPS and other fishing grounds to ensure the sustainable use of our marine resources and safeguard the livelihoods of our fisherfolk," he added. Utilizing its current assets and available resources, DA-BFAR has been actively combating illegal, unregulated, and unreported fishing, a persistent threat in Philippine waters. The agency employs floating assets to monitor unlawful fishing activities and conducts resupply missions in collaboration with government agencies, particularly the Philippine Coast Guard. These missions provide essentials such as engine oil, drinking water, and ready-to-eat snacks to Filipino fisherfolk engaged in fishing activities in the WPS. This year, the DA-BFAR also launched the Livelihood Activities to Enhance Fisheries Yields and Economic Gains from WPS, a livelihood project worth nearly P80 million. The program seeks to provide local fisherfolk with essential tools, knowledge, fishing gear and paraphernalia, and post-harvest training to help them fish more effectively in the WPS and reduce their post-harvest losses. Last June, the DA-BFAR delivered almost P5 million worth of livelihood inputs and capacity-building programs to residents of Pag-asa Island in Kalayaan, Palawan, under the LAYAG-WPS project. Assistance included Fiber Reinforced Plastic boats, fish aggregating devices, rain catchers, and more. "The DA-BFAR respects the wisdom of our lawmakers in determining the need for budget augmentation," Escoto said. "Nevertheless, the DA-BFAR remains committed to combating IUU fishing and empowering Filipino fisherfolk with our existing assets and resources. We want to ensure they can fish peacefully, productively, and sustainably in our waters, especially in the WPS, which rightfully belongs to Filipinos," he added. The post Confidential fund to boosts BFAR surveillance efforts in WPS appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR to formally recognize small-scale mining in Phl
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources on Tuesday said it is undertaking a series of initiatives to formalize small-scale mining operations, recognizing their vital role in the industry. These initiatives are to be undertaken as the department undertakes a review of laws that cover small-scale mining, with the goal of modernizing industry standards and increasing protection for small-scale miners. DENR Undersecretary Carlos Primo David emphasized that these initiatives underscore the agency's dedication to responsible, inclusive, and globally competitive mining practices, all while ensuring the welfare and protection of small-scale miners. He stressed the importance of a progressive, step-by-step approach to formalization, with the ultimate goal of integrating small-scale miners into the broader mining sector. “The small-scale miners are there. We have to bring them into the fold of the mining sector. The core of DENR's strategy lies in individually registering these small-scale miners, serving as the basis for a more organized structure," David said. “We’re looking to register small-scale miners, individually, at first, followed by the establishment of a loose organization as the foundation for a more formal association. Sort of like a cooperative towards a Minahang Bayan registration,” he added. Legal recognition of small miners, according to David, will help ensure they get adequate support to operate within established standards and safety protocols. “A properly regulated small-scale mining industry will benefit the community in terms of job creation and livelihood, and the country in terms of mining assets and taxes. More importantly, it will address the violation of environmental laws and mining regulations, and minimize environmental risks and promote mine safety,” David said. He added that the department’s newly-created Geospatial Database Office under his helm employs satellite imagery and Geographic Information System or GIS which can potentially monitor mining operations in the country and identify those that are illegally operating. The DENR is looking to Republic Act No. 7076, also known as the People’s Small-Scale Mining Act of 1991, to provide social assistance, labor protection, and government-backed assistance programs for the benefit of small-scale miners. The DENR is also a staunch advocate of support for small miners, through a “big brother, small brother approach”—encouraging larger companies to help capacitate them to contribute to social and environmental protection efforts, protect small miners, and enhance the resilience of the mining community. On top of capacity-building for small-scale mining ventures, the DENR is committed to modernizing standards for the mining industry—harnessing capabilities of cutting-edge technologies such as remote sensing and artificial intelligence to enhance industry regulation and law enforcement. In a meeting with DENR officials last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. issued directives to legalize small-scale mining operations. Many of these operations currently operate outside the legal framework, leaving miners without proper protection. The post DENR to formally recognize small-scale mining in Phl appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NDRRMC targets more durable, resilient evacuation centers
The government is considering the establishment of more durable and resilient evacuation centers nationwide as proposed by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to further enhance the country’s evacuation system. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr., who also chairs the NDRRMC, convened the council’s member agencies in a third-quarter meeting in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City on Thursday night. Teodoro said the council should focus on strengthening the disaster risk reduction and management as well as the adoption of “best practices for public interest.” “One of the highlights of the discussion was the status and enhanced design of evacuation centers. It can be recalled that President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. stressed the importance of building resilient evacuation centers in his last State of the Nation Address to ensure the safety of the public in times of emergency,” the NDRRMC said in a statement released on Friday. The Office of Civil Defense and the Department of Public Works and Highways are looking into the proposal to improve the design of evacuation centers, including the prioritization mechanism through risk-based assessments. During the meeting, the council members also tackled considerations and updates on location and site suitability, structural and building capacity, and minimum standards on design and conceptual sketches. The NDRRMC noted that the proposed improved design of the evacuation center is still subject to finalization by concerned government agencies. The council also tackled and approved amendments to NDRRMC Memorandum Circular No. 64, s. 2021 or the Guidelines on the Accreditation and Protection of Community Disaster Volunteers; Memorandum Circular on the Guidelines on Mainstreaming DRRM in Health in Local Development; and the proposed revision on Memorandum Circular no. 110, s.2021 or the Revised Guidelines on the Administration of the NDRRM Fund. The enhanced guidelines tackled during the meeting will be disseminated to concerned stakeholders for implementation. A report from Climate Change Knowledge Portal for Development Practitioners and Policy Makers showed that some 19 to 20 typhoons enter the Philippine Area of Responsibility yearly, with 7-9 making landfall. Hence, several lawmakers pushed for the legislation of measures that aim to enhance the country’s evacuation system. Senate Bill 1652, or An Act establishing evacuation centers nationwide, filed by Senator Raffy Tulfo, seeks the establishment of evacuation centers in 146 cities and 1,488 municipalities nationwide. Under the proposed measure, these evacuation centers must have basic facilities, accessible locations, and adequate emergency supplies, such as water, medicine, and relief goods considering that the Philippines is one of the most typhoon-prone countries in the world. Senator Sherwin Gatchalian also filed SB 940, or the Evacuation Center Act”, which seeks to establish evacuation centers in all cities nationwide. SB 940 provides that each location for every evacuation center shall be determined by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, in close coordination with the local government units concerned, and must be centrally located in the community. It must also be at a safe distance from large trees and structures with hazardous materials, must be near a health facility, must be located on geotechnically stable land, and must not be located near military base camps and camps of insurgent groups. The post NDRRMC targets more durable, resilient evacuation centers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center
The Department of Information and Communications Technology has forged a partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the John Hay Management Corporation for the establishment of the North Luzon Data Center. The agreement was signed on Monday, 18 September 2023 by Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang, and JHMC President and CEO Allan R. Garcia. The DICT will lead the development of the North Luzon Data Center, which will be an integral part of the Department’s National Government Data Center Project. “The collaboration between DICT and BCDA to establish the North Luzon Data Center is a quantum leap toward a digitally-empowered Philippines. This cutting-edge facility is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to innovative, efficient and exceptional public service. With this data center, we shall drive digital transformation in the region and the country, ensuring that every Filipino can seize the opportunities of the digital economy,” said Uy. The planned North Luzon Data Center will mainly cater to government entities situated in the area of the country, promoting the utilization of e-governance systems and facilitating public transactions. A portion of the data center shall also be allocated for BCDA and JHMC’s use. “As the country’s digital economy and the demand for cloud-based services continue to grow exponentially, the Philippines needs to strengthen its digital infrastructure and build up its data center capacity. Being stewards of national development, the BCDA is ready to support the DICT in this endeavor, and we are willing to extend our efforts so that all Filipinos have access to fast and reliable digital services,” said Bingcang. Garcia added: “Celebrating this groundbreaking and unprecedented partnership, DICT, BCDA and JHMC unite to usher in a state-of-the-art government data center. Together, we aspire to elevate our digital infrastructure, empower efficient public services and ignite a new era of technological progress, all for the benefit of every Filipino.” The DICT has been aggressively pushing for e-governance initiatives, in compliance with the marching order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to facilitate the full digitalization of the country’s bureaucracy. Through forging partnerships with various government agencies and local government units, the department promotes the efficient delivery of public services and the interoperability of government systems and applications. The post DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center 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......»»
Filinvest Land bonds earn top credit score, stable outlook from PhilRatings
The proposed bond issuance of full-range developer Filinvest Land Inc. (FLI) has been assigned the highest issue credit ratings and stable outlooks by the Philippine Rating Services Corporation (PhilRatings). FLI’s proposed bonds, amounting to P10 billion with a P2 billion oversubscription option, were assigned an issue credit rating of PRS Aaa. The same PRS Aaa rating was also assigned to FLI’s outstanding bonds, totaling P35.4 billion. Proceeds from these bonds will be used for capital expenditures and debt refinancing. "We are delighted to receive a PRS Aaa rating from PhilRatings for our proposed bond issuance. This rating reflects our healthy fundamentals and underscores our constant focus on growth and financial sustainability. We are grateful for PhilRatings’ trust and confidence in Filinvest Land and aim to continue building the Filipino dream through our various property developments,” said Tristan Las Marias, FLI president and chief executive officer. Obligations rated PRS Aaa (the highest rating assigned by PhilRatings) are of the highest quality with minimal credit risk. The obligor’s capacity to meet its financial commitment to the obligation is extremely strong. Each of the ratings was also assigned an Outlook of Stable. An Outlook is an indication as to the possible direction of any rating change within a one-year period and serves as a further refinement to the assigned credit rating for the guidance of investors, regulators, and the general public. A "stable outlook" means the rating will likely be unchanged in the next 12 months. According to PhilRatings, the assigned credit ratings "take into account the following key considerations: (1) FLI’s established brand name and track record, with geographically diverse real estate products and substantial land bank for future expansion; (2) its sound growth strategies; (3) its improved revenues and operating cash flow, supported by more than satisfactory liquidity and interest coverage,” among other factors. For 2023, FLI will launch condominium and housing developments in Antipolo City, Taytay, Angono, Calamba City, Tanauan City, Trece Martires City, Bacoor City, Dumaguete City, and the Island Garden City of Samal. FLI will also accelerate the development of its township projects in East Town in Cainta, Rizal; Timberland Heights in San Mateo, Rizal; Ciudad de Calamba in Calamba City, Laguna, The Wood Estates in Trece Martires City, Cavite, and Palm Estates in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. These FLI townships will include residential, commercial, transportation, and school components to create a self-sufficient environment that considers the needs of residents and customers in mind. For malls, FLI is currently constructing Marina Town in Dumaguete City which will open by end-2023, and new malls in Filinvest Mimosa+ Leisure City and Activa Cubao which will open by end-2024. These will expand FLI’s retail portfolio by about 55,000 square meters in gross leasable area (GLA), bringing FLI’s nationwide retail GLA to 300,000 square meters. FLI is also present in the industrial park and ready-built factory leasing businesses with its Filinvest Innovation Parks in New Clark City, Tarlac, and Calamba City, Laguna. Last 19 August, FLI broke ground on the 25-hectare Filinvest Innovation Park Ciudad de Calamba, an expansion of the 50-hectare Filinvest Technology Park in Ciudad de Calamba. FIP-CDC is envisioned to become a stage for new and relevant products that will catalyze progress in the local community. The post Filinvest Land bonds earn top credit score, stable outlook from PhilRatings appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Ilapit ang serbisyong medikal sa mga Pilipino’ — Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, commended the local government of Zamboanga City and the Department of Health (DOH) for the successful ceremonial turnover of a Super Health Center in Barangay Sangali on Thursday, 21 September. In a video message, Go expressed his confidence that the said health facility would be able to provide accessible healthcare services to the residents. “Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya. Sa mga itinayo ng Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad lalo na sa malalayong lugar,” said Go. “It is a significant step towards enhanced healthcare services in communities. Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers, ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” he added. Through the collective efforts of Go, DOH, LGUs, and fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. The Super Health Center is an enhanced version of the rural health unit, offering a wide range of health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation areas, diagnostic services (including laboratory tests, X-rays, and ultrasounds), pharmacy services, and ambulatory surgical units. Additionally, these centers provide services such as eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enables remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. Go emphasized the critical role that Super Health Centers play in decongesting hospitals, facilitating early disease detection, and providing essential healthcare services such as primary care and medical consultations directly to the community. “Ano po itong Super Health Center? It’s a medium type of a polyclinic. Pwede po diyan ‘yung panganganak, dental, laboratory, x-ray, pagpapabakuna. Alam n’yo naisipan ko po ‘yang Super Health Center noong 2021. Sa kakaikot ko po ng buong Pilipinas, ‘yung mga may sakit anlayo ng byahe, yung mga buntis nanganganak na lang sa tricycle o sa jeepney dahil malalayo ang hospital. Ngayon po magkakaroon na kayong sarili ninyong health center. Pwede na po diyan ‘yung panganganak, pagkonsulta, at iba pa,” shared Go. “Malaking tulong po ito na ma-decongest ‘yung mga hospitals. Makakatulong rin sa early disease detection para maagapan ang sakit. Hindi na kailangang ilakbay pa natin ng napakalayo para makapunta sa hospital,” he added. Go also extended his heartfelt appreciation to the officials for their unwavering commitment to public service. Among those present were Zamboanga City Mayor John Dalipe, Vice Mayor Pinpin Pareja, DOH Undersecretary Abdullah Dumama, and Regional Director Joshua Brillantes. The council was well-represented by Councilors Vino Guingona, Cary John Pioc, Jerome Santos, Jimmy Villaflores, and Gerky Velasco. Barangay Captain Ruben of Ullas was also acknowledged for his contributions. Go also encouraged individuals with health concerns to avail of the services available at the nearby Malasakit Center, situated at Zamboanga City Medical Center, Mindanao Central Sanitarium, and Labuan General Hospital. Functioning as a one-stop shop, the Malasakit Center facilitates access to medical assistance from various government agencies, including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), DOH, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. As of now, 159 Malasakit Centers are operational across the country, poised to assist with patients' medical expenses. The most recent center was inaugurated at Bislig District Hospital in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur, an event Go attended on 15 September. DOH reported that the Malasakit Center program has already provided aid to more than seven million Filipinos. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go remains committed to supporting various projects in the city, aligning with his vision to foster progress even in challenging times. These projects include the construction of a multipurpose building that will be turned into a sub-national laboratory capacity building for serology and molecular testing, the construction of a children’s park, and a two-story building inside Camp Navarro General Hospital. The post ‘Ilapit ang serbisyong medikal sa mga Pilipino’ — Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dance meets film
Fifth Wall Fest, the Philippines’ first international festival for dance film, returns with Edition 4 and a fresh perspective. Building on the success of last year’s shift from an online festival to a dynamic hybrid experience, Fifth Wall now embarks on an even broader journey. Evolving from a platform solely dedicated to dance films, it opens its doors to embrace the diversity of all dance forms. Edition IV marks Fifth Wall’s determined stride towards bridging gaps between creative disciplines and allowing audiences to engage with dance in non-traditional everyday spaces. Happening from 5 to 15 October, experience Fifth Wall Fest in SM Megamall, Archivo 1984, J Studio, Apotheka, Kino, 1F Projects and www.fifthwall.ph. The festival opens at SM Megamall with a special IMAX 3D screening of Pina (2011), a dance documentary directed by Wim Wenders. It revolves around capturing the talent and ingenuity of the late pioneer of German dance theater Pina Bausch. With this being open to the public and free-of-charge, all kinds of audiences can look forward to a mesmerizing experience as dancers of Wuppertal Tanztheater grace the big screen, expressing the commonality we all share: Life. This event is supported by the Goethe-Institut Manila, and in partnership with SM Cinemas. Keeping with tradition of its past editions, Fifth Wall boasts of a diverse lineup of dance films from local and international filmmakers. Cinematic gems to watch out for include: Romance (2023) by Samatha Shay who is a Fulbright scholar that worked with Tanztheater Wuppertal Pina Bausch, Urban Genesis (2023) by Fu Le is this year’s competition winner, A Strange Loop (2022) featuring the musical score of Filipino violinist Alfonso “Coke” Bolipata, and the list goes on. Films will be screened in both large and small capacity theaters across Metro Manila. Select films will also be accessible for home viewing through their digital platform. In conjunction with the films is the Black Box: Fifth Wall Fest’s very own space for engagement and education. Transcending the traditional notion of a four-walled performance space, this platform opens dialogues for movement to all kinds of speakers, movers, and listeners. Art leaves you with something to think about, and the Black Box is the best place to process what you’ve witnessed and learn a thing or two about the art, the artist, and yourself. The post Dance meets film appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR taps DAP amid reorganization
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, or PAGCOR, will let the Development Academy of the Philippines, or DAP, to facilitate its reorganization including coming up with a program for the privatization of its casinos. PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said DAP’s technical assistance will allow the gaming agency to comply with the requirements of the Governance Commission for GOCCs, or GCG, in the implementation of its Compensation and Position Classification System or CPCS which is needed prior to privatization. “We thank the Development Academy of the Philippines for being a prime mover of competency building in government,” Tengco said. “We need their help to comply with the (documentary) requirements of the GCG and in our efforts to eventually implement the CPCS that our employees have been eagerly waiting for,” he said. MoA signed Tengco made the remarks after he and DAP president and CEO Engelbert Caronan Jr. signed the memorandum of agreement for PAGCOR’s reorganization at the New Coast Hotel in Manila last 12 September. PAGCOR vice president for Human Resource and Development Group Angelito Domingo and DAP vice president for Mindanao Dr. Mark Lemuel Garcia also signed the agreement. Tengco said he also wants to engage DAP in the facilitation and conduct of trainings for PAGCOR officers and employees to enhance their skills and competencies. Caronan for his part expressed gratitude to PAGCOR for believing in DAP’s capability to help implement organizational changes that would be beneficial to the state gaming firm’s workforce. “We would like to thank PAGCOR for their trust and confidence in this partnership; we are ready to provide the necessary technical services to make the agency GCG-compliant and help it carry out its reorganization efforts,” he said. The DAP is a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to assist agencies and local government units in their development efforts by acting as a change catalyst and as capacity builder. It helps facilitate the shaping of new government policies, crafting development programs and modernizing the management structure of government agencies and private enterprises alike. The post PAGCOR taps DAP amid reorganization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGCOR taps Development Academy of the Philippines for reorganization push
The Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) today, 19 September, announced another major move towards the privatization of its casinos by partnering with the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP) in facilitating its reorganization process. PAGCOR Chairman and CEO Alejandro Tengco said they tapped DAP’s technical assistance to comply with the requirements of the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG) in the implementation of its Compensation and Position Classification System or CPCS which is needed prior to privatization. “We thank the Development Academy of the Philippines for being a prime mover of competency building in government,” Mr. Tengco said. “We need their help to comply with the (documentary) requirements of the GCG and in our efforts to eventually implement the CPCS that our employees have been eagerly waiting for,” he said. Tengco made the remarks after he and DAP president and CEO Atty. Engelbert Caronan Jr. signed the memorandum of agreement for PAGCOR’s reorganization at the New Coast Hotel in Manila last 12 September. PAGCOR Vice President for Human Resource and Development Group Angelito Domingo and DAP Vice President for Mindanao Dr. Mark Lemuel Garcia also signed the agreement. Tengco said he also wants to engage DAP in the facilitation and conduct of training for PAGCOR officers and employees to enhance their skills and competencies. Caronan, for his part, expressed gratitude to PAGCOR for believing in DAP’s capability to help implement organizational changes that would be beneficial to the state gaming firm’s workforce. “We would like to thank PAGCOR for their trust and confidence in this partnership; we are ready to provide the necessary technical services to make the agency GCG-compliant and help it carry out its reorganization efforts,” he said. The DAP is a government-owned and controlled corporation mandated to assist agencies and local government units in their development efforts by acting as a change catalyst and capacity builder. It helps facilitate the shaping of new government policies, crafting development programs, and modernizing the management structure of government agencies and private enterprises alike. The post PAGCOR taps Development Academy of the Philippines for reorganization push appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl Air Force set to receive C-208B reconnaissance plane
A brand-new Cessna C-20B "Grand Caravan" surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft, a grant from the United States, is set to arrive on Tuesday for the use of the Philippine Air Force. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. will grace the ceremonial acceptance, turnover, and blessing of the aircraft at the Clark Air Base in Mabalacat City, Pampanga. It will serve as the third C-208B in PAF service once accepted. The C-208B aircraft has a cruising speed of around 170 knots. It has a range of over 1,000 nautical miles and is capable of transporting eight to nine persons, including the pilot. The country received the first two units of C-208B planes on 27 July 2017, which was part of a USD33-million package through the US National Defense Authorization Act Building Partnership Capacity Program. The post Phl Air Force set to receive C-208B reconnaissance plane appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»