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Baltimore bridge collapse could lead to delayed shipments, higher shipping costs
The closure of the Port of Baltimore in the US following the collapse of the Baltimore key bridge is expected to lead to shipment delays and higher shipping costs......»»
Emergency protocols in case of bridge collapse sought
Emergency protocols in case of bridge collapse sought.....»»
Baltimore Bridge collapse: Police had about 90 seconds to stop traffic before bridge fell
BALTIMORE — It was the middle of the night when a dispatcher’s warning crackled over the radio: A massive cargo ship had lost its steering capabilities and was heading toward the Francis Scott Key Bridge. Within about 90 seconds, police officers who happened to be nearby responded that they managed to stop vehicle traffic over.....»»
Hope for more survivors from Baltimore bridge collapse fades
BALTIMORE – The coast guard announced on Wednesday that hope of finding more survivors of the Baltimore bridge collapse has dimmed, and efforts have switched to searching for the bodies of the missing persons, as well as seeking more answers as to why a container ship crashed into the span. The coast guard announced on.....»»
EXPLAINER: Why did the Baltimore bridge collapse and what is the death toll?
(Reuters) -Divers recovered the remains of two of the six missing workers more than a day after a cargo ship smashed into Baltimore’s Francis Scott Key Bridge. The bodies of two men were found in a red pickup truck submerged in the icy waters of the Patapsco River. Rescuers pulled two workers from the water.....»»
No Pinoy hurt in Baltimore bridge collapse
The Philippine embassy in Washington has not received any report of Filipinos hurt in the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore, Maryland on Tuesday......»»
Victims of Baltimore bridge collapse include those from Mexico, Guatemala
Maryland [US], March 27 (ANI): Among those reported missing following the collapse of the Francis Scott Key Bridge in Baltimore in the US are Mexican nationals, CNN reported, citing Rafael Laveaga, Chief of the Consular Section of Mexico's Embassy in Washington. Laveaga refrained from specifying the exact number of missing Mexican nationals when he addressed reporters near the scene on Tuesday. A reporter asked Laveaga: ".....»»
Haiti: Urgent Action Needed amid Growing Lawlessness
(Washington, DC) - Haiti is on the brink of a total collapse or takeover of the state as violent criminal groups seeking to overthrow the government have attacked police officers and state institutions, including prisons, Human Rights Watch said today. The groups' actions have brought economic activity, the delivery of life-saving humanitarian assistance, and nearly.....»»
Uncertainty looms over Davao-Samal Bridge project amid RoW hurdles
The construction of the Samal Island-Davao City Connector (SIDC), also known as the Davao-Samal Bridge project, has faced numerous setbacks due to right-of-way (ROW) acquisition challenges. The project was halted on January 3, 2024, due to issues with landowners near a pier in Lanang at Davao City, leading to delays in the project's implementation. While there have been conflicting statements regarding the project's status, the National Economic and Development Authority-Davao Region (Neda-Davao) aims to complete the detailed engineering plans for the substructure of the west land via dock once the Deed of Transfer Possession in Davao City is released. However, ROW issues continue to persist. Despite these challenges, the project is still considered a priority and is included in the Davao Region Development Plan (DRDP) for 2023–2028. The project is funded through China’s Official Development Assistance with an estimated budget of P23.04 billion, and negotiations with the Philippine government are ongoing with a target completion date in 2027. The uncertainty surrounding the project's timeline remains as ROW hurdles persist, impacting the much-anticipated toll-free four-lane concrete exodus bridge spanning a 3.98-kilometer distance......»»
Nearly 50,000 UK businesses on verge of collapse - report
Construction and real estate are among the hardest hit sectors, researchers say The number of UK businesses on the brink of bankruptcy skyrocketed by more than a quarter at the end of last year amid a "debt storm" triggered by a series of interest rate hikes, a report from a group of insolvency specialists re.....»»
Another bridge in Davao Oriental collapsed
A bridge in Caraga, Davao Oriental collapsed due to continuous heavy rains, following the impact of Tropical Depression Kabayan. This is the third main bridge damaged by extreme weather conditions since December 2023. The damaged bridges are still under construction. The collapse has caused isolation for some communities and led to landslides in Barangay Pichon, with at least 64 families sheltered in evacuation centers. The local government, alongside various agencies, is conducting an impact assessment to determine the damage to agriculture and infrastructure. Classes in public and private institutions are suspended until January 20. The community is rallying for strength and optimism amidst the challenges......»»
Malls to stay open until 11 pm starting 13 November to ease holiday traffic
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority met with mall operators and other stakeholders on 25 October to discuss traffic management plans in preparation for the approaching holiday season. In a meeting led by MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. and Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez, shopping mall operators agreed to adjust their business hours starting 13 November, Monday, from 11 am to 11 pm, as one of the measures to address the expected traffic problems in the metropolis. "Due to the expected heavier traffic, we have decided to implement contingency measures," San Juan said. “Mall-wide sales will only be allowed during weekends while deliveries will only be permitted from 11 pm to 5 am, with the exception of perishable goods restaurants serving breakfast, and supermarkets.” Mall operators were also asked to submit their respective traffic management plans for their mall sales and promotional events two weeks before the scheduled date of such events. Shopping malls with government satellite offices are also allowed to open as early as 9 a.m. As part of the agency's traffic management plan this Christmas season, the duty of the traffic enforcers will be extended until 12 midnight to maximize their visibility on major roads. "We will deploy traffic enforcers until midnight every day to assist and manage the traffic flow in Metro Manila,” said San Juan Jr. The MMDA will be working with the Department of Transportation to discuss possible extensions of the public transport system's operating hours to accommodate late-night commuters and mall employees. Also, the MMDA and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways and other concerned offices including the engineering district offices, local government units, utility companies and contractors, also met to discuss the temporary suspension of excavation activities on all Metro Manila roadways. All excavation works that will cause obstruction or will affect the smooth flow of traffic shall be temporarily suspended effective midnight of 13 November 2023 until midnight of 8 January 2024. Projects that are not covered by the moratorium: Flagship projects of the government DPWH bridge repair/construction flood interceptor catchment projects (box culvert) Asphalt overlay projects without re-blocking works Sidewalk improvement Drainage improvement projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway footbridge projects Emergency leak repair or breakage of water lines by Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Service Inc. New water service connection or electrical service connections Road activities without excavation (traffic clearance only) Meralco relocation/emergency works affecting major projects of government All concerned agencies are advised to take appropriate measures and ensure that all affected roads will remain passable, safe and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians amid the anticipated increase of vehicles on the roads. The post Malls to stay open until 11 pm starting 13 November to ease holiday traffic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Chipmaker Arm aims for $52-B valuation in NY listing
British chip maker Arm, owned by Japan's SoftBank, will target a valuation of up to $52 billion when it lists on the New York Stock Exchange later this month, the company said Tuesday. The company is looking to raise between $4.5 and $5.2 billion in its initial public offering (IPO), it announced in a filing, which would make it one of the largest tech IPOs in recent years. Arm is a world leader in designing chips that are used in smartphones across the world and aims to be a major player in artificial intelligence. Arm's IPO comes on the heels of a surge in the share price of chipmakers like Nvidia amid a boom in interest in companies building the hardware needed for AI to flourish in the wake of the successful launch of the chatbot ChatGPT. Rare tech IPO Arm's IPO is being closely watched by the financial markets, with large tech IPOs something of a rarity in recent months, as rising interest rates have pushed traders to take less risky financial decisions. In 2022, the number of IPOs worldwide fell by more than 60 percent year-on-year, while the value of these deals dropped by 45 percent. Under these conditions, Arm's deal would be one of the largest IPOs in the tech sector since Alibaba's Wall Street IPO in 2014, which raised $25 billion at the time. The valuation target announced by Arm on Tuesday is much lower than SoftBank's earlier estimate of more than $60 billion. However, it is still considerably more than the approximately $32 billion Softbank paid for Arm back in 2016. Majority shareholder The document filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission said more than 95 million shares would initially be offered on the Nasdaq exchange at a price of between $47 and $51 per share. The number of shares listed could rise up to 102.5 million in case of strong demand. All of the shares being sold are existing shares owned by Softbank, and all of the money from the IPO would go to the Japanese company. Softbank will continue to own around 90 percent of the company after the listing. Tech giants including Nvidia, Apple, Samsung Electronics, and Intel are interested in investing in Arm once the company is listed, according to numerous press reports. Arm will remain headquartered in the British city of Cambridge and may consider a second listing on the London Stock Exchange, where it was previously listed before its takeover by Softbank in 2016. Founded in 1990, the British company has some 6,000 employees in Europe, Asia, and the United States. Its sales for 2022 were stable at $2.7 billion. Its processors "provided cutting-edge computing for over 99 percent of the world's smartphones" the company said in 2022, estimating that "around 70 percent of the world's population uses products" based on its technology. Arm's parent company SoftBank has experienced numerous difficulties in recent years. Its most high-profile failure came with the dramatic collapse of the American shared office giant WeWork. Once valued at $47 billion, WeWork saw its valuation plummet amid investor concerns over its corporate governance under its controversial chief executive Adam Neumann. The post Chipmaker Arm aims for $52-B valuation in NY listing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go helps secure ambulance for Parañaque City
Senator Bong Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, recently played a pivotal role in providing an ambulance for Barangay La Huerta in Parañaque City on Monday, 28 August. Several barangays have long faced challenges when it comes to emergency medical services. The absence of a dedicated ambulance often leads to delays in medical assistance, putting the lives of residents at risk in various areas of the country. Go, understanding the gravity of the situation, took it upon himself to address this pressing issue. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, he was instrumental in securing the necessary funds to acquire the ambulance during the Duterte administration. There are numerous benefits of having a dedicated ambulance in the barangay including faster emergency response. With an ambulance stationed in the barangay, medical teams can reach patients much quicker, thereby reducing the time it takes to get them the medical attention they need. This is particularly crucial in cases of heart attacks, strokes, and other life-threatening emergencies where immediate intervention can be the difference between life and death. The ambulance is also equipped with essential medical supplies and life-saving equipment, ensuring that patients receive the best pre-hospital care possible. Aside from the ambulance, Go supported several initiatives in the city to ensure its progress amid crisis situations. Among the projects are the rehabilitation and construction of several multipurpose buildings, and the rehabilitation of drainage in Brgy. Don Bosco, and the improvement of the Parañaque River Promenade Bridge. Furthermore, Go offered to help those in need of medical care and encouraged them to get medical assistance from the Malasakit Center at Ospital ng Parañaque. Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 after he witnessed the struggles of financially disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their medical expenses. The program, which was institutionalized in 2019 under Republic Act No. 11463, was principally authored and sponsored by Go. On the same day, Go also conducted a relief activity for 1,000 indigent students in Brgy. Don Bosco in Parañaque City. The post Bong Go helps secure ambulance for Parañaque City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAGASA: ‘Goring’ now a super typhoon
State weather bureau Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration on Sunday revealed that tropical storm “Goring” has already reached super typhoon category and was spotted based on all available data, including those from Baler and Daet Weather Radars, at 95 km east northeast of Casiguran, Aurora. PAGASA said that Tropical Cyclone Wind Signal No. 3 is up over the eastern portion of Isabela which include Divilacan, Palanan, Dinapigue, Ilagan City and San Mariano while TCWS No. 2 is hoisted over the eastern portion of mainland Cagayan, the northern and central portion of Isabela, the extreme northern portion of Aurora and the eastern portion of Quirino. It added that “Goring” is forecast to begin its loop over the Philippine Sea east of Cagayan-Isabela area Sunday and the super typhoon will then turn northeastward and northward tomorrow before shifting northwestward on Tuesday. On the track forecast, it will make landfall over the southern portion of Taiwan on Wednesday evening or on Thursday early morning. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. over the weekend assured that the government will exert all efforts to ensure that aid will be swiftly given to those who will be affected by “Goring.” Meantime, the Cagayan Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council also on Sunday reported that around 448 families took refuge because of the effects of “Goring.” The PDRRMO listed the 448 families with 1,473 are from the six municipalities of Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Sta. Ana, Gattaran, Baggao and Sta. Teresita while 141 families with 388 individuals were brought to the evacuation centers while the rest took shelter in the houses of their relatives. Also, some roads in the province were deemed impassable because of the flood caused by the rains poured by “Goring” — the Abariongan Ruar-Abariongan Uneg road, Tammuco-Balagan-Abaruangan Ruar road and Tamban Bridge in the municipality of Sto. Niño. The flooding was also enhanced by the swelling of the river. In other developments, Department of the Interior and Local Government Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr. has urged local chief executives in the Cagayan Valley Region and in other affected regions to be on their toes and carry out the necessary critical preparedness actions in accordance with the agency’s “Operation Listo” disaster preparedness manual. The DILG chief has also already directed their office in Region 2 to activate the Emergency Operations Center and Disaster Online Reporting and Monitoring System to ensure the adherence of local government units within their jurisdiction to Operation LISTO Disaster protocols. Amid the looming onslaught of “Goring,” the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines has also taken preventative measures, said that airports that may be potentially affected include Tuguegarao Airport, Basco Airport, Itbayat Airport, Cauayan Airport and Palanan Airport. The post PAGASA: ‘Goring’ now a super typhoon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P150B earmarked for military pension amid reforms
Despite efforts by the government to implement significant improvements in their pension system, Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman said on Thursday that some P150 billion has been set aside for the retirement benefits of military and uniformed personnel (MUP) in the projected 2024 budget. In a Palace briefing, Pangandaman attributed the situation to the absence of legislation and the administration's interpretation of the proposed changes to the MUP pension. "The economic team recently finished their consultation around the country. I know that GSIS (Government Service Insurance System) is currently working on an actuarial study. They expect to complete the study within the month or the next two weeks," Pangandaman said. "By then, we will have the administrative version of the MUP (Modified Unified Personnel System). So, since it is not yet available, we are still using the same budget and have already allocated nearly 150 billion pesos for the MUP," Pangandaman added. The Budget Secretary also expects the pressure on the national budget to lessen after the planned pension reform measure is put into law, which is expected to happen by the end of 2023. In the initial proposal, the MUP pension system reform would include the removal of automatic indexation in the pension and implementing mandatory contributions for military personnel. Earlier, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno warned about the possibility of a "fiscal collapse" if the government fails to implement reforms promptly. This warning comes as taxpayers' money entirely funds the pensions under the MUP. The post P150B earmarked for military pension amid reforms appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao LGU extends help to collapsed bridge victims
DAVAO CITY — The local government of Davao City announced on Friday that its City Social Welfare and Development Office has reached out to the families of the victims of the collapsed bridge to extend assistance. CSWDO head Julie Dayaday said she already instructed the CSWDO Marilog District head to reach out to the families of the victims. “We provide psychological first aid and assess the need of the survivors and the family left behind,” Dayaday said. To recall, five workers died and two were injured after an under-construction bridge in Barangay Malamba, Marilog District, collapsed on 24 July. The Davao City Police Office identified the dead workers as Jimboy Liga, the boom truck operator; Elmer Sayson, a foreman; Rolando Abing, laborer and masons Jay Bangonan and Cris Napao. Those injured, on the other hand, were identified as Meljay Bero, a laborer and Jonathan Dispo, a mason. The City Engineer’s Office said they had started its investigation into the incident. Meantime, Daniel Dumandan Jr., District 3 head of CEO, said that a team from the CEO had visited the collapsed bridge on 25 July. “We made a site visit but we cannot yet confirm what the cause was, we are in the process of retrieving the bridge panels to know what caused the collapse,” Dumandan said. He added that since the depth of the area where the bridge fell was 26 meters, they have required the contractor to retrieve the debris to evaluate them. “We ask them to prioritize the lifting of the panels. According to the workers, it will take two to four days to retrieve the Bailey panels. It will take days because they have to cut it into four sections,” Dumandan said. He added that they have assigned a registered Civil Engineer to monitor the progress of the construction. The post Davao LGU extends help to collapsed bridge victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ilocos Sur fatalities rise amid ‘Egay
CAMP PRES QUIRINO, Ilocos Sur — Authorities here revealed on Friday that at least five individuals reportedly died due to the onslaught of super typhoon “Egay” the past days. Reports disclosed that a certain alias Atong was found dead last Thursday in Barangay Don Lorenzo Querubin in Caoayan town here. The Caoayan Police said that their personnel — along with the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management-Caoayan — conducted rescue operation at the town where the victim and his live-in partner were trapped by floods. Police said that the victim died of hypothermia. Over at Barangay Langaoan in Sta. Maria town, a certain Loreto Daguro Sr., a retired employee of National Irrigation Administration, was found dead in an irrigation canal. In Sitio Naglumbaan, Barangay Al Aludig, an individual identified as Magdalena Dalisay was believed to have drowned after her remains were discovered floating beside the river. In Narvacan town, acting Mayor Caloy Valera reported that two of his constituents were reportedly swept by flash floods at the height of typhoon “Egay.” However, the identities of the victims are still being verified. Valera said that barangays Nanguneg and San Pedro remained isolated after the road and bridge were washed out as he led the distribution of relief goods. He appealed to the national government for help such as clothes, food and water. The post Ilocos Sur fatalities rise amid ‘Egay appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go’s team assists indigents in Polillo Island, Quezon
Senator Bong Go, adopted son of CALABARZON, in coordination with Congressman Mark Enverga, dispatched on Tuesday, 18 July, an outreach team to provide aid to indigent individuals in Polillo Island, Quezon. Go's team distributed snacks, masks, vitamins and shirts to 1,400 beneficiaries at the evacuation center in Polillo Sports Complex. They also provided shoes, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select residents. Additionally, representatives from DSWD provided financial assistance to each resident. In a video message, Go, chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, emphasized the importance of prioritizing one's health during this time of crisis. He offered assistance to those with medical concerns and encouraged them to visit the Malasakit Centers at Quezon Medical Center in Lucena City or the Maria L. Eleazar General Hospital in Tagkawayan. The Malasakit Centers Act, signed into law by former president Rodrigo Duterte in 2019, aims to provide convenient access to medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to poor and indigent patients. “Ang target po ng Malasakit Center ay pababain ang inyong billing. Kaya huwag po kayong mahihiyang lumapit sa Malasakit Center dahil para po yan sa inyo, mga kababayan kong Pilipino. At ngayon po, meron na po tayong 158 na Malasakit Centers sa buong Pilipinas na handang tumulong po sa inyo,” explained Go. In addition to the Malasakit Center, Go continues to advocate for the establishment of Super Health Centers, which will provide affordable yet quality basic health services, eliminating the need for Filipinos, especially those in rural areas, to travel long distances to access medical care. Super Health Centers will be strategically constructed in various locations in the province, including Agdangan, Alabat, Antimonan, Dolores, Gumaca, Infanta, Lopez, Mauban, Tagkawayan, Catanauan, and Perez. These centers, are medium-sized polyclinics that offer services such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit to the residents of San Miguel and neighboring communities. As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go extended his support to various projects, including the construction of slope protection systems along the Lagnas River, the establishment of the Sariaya Bypass, the rehabilitation of a bridge on the provincial road, the implementation of a potable water system, and the concreting of roads at the New Local Government Complex. These initiatives reflect his vision to contribute to the province's recovery amid the pandemic. The post Bong Go’s team assists indigents in Polillo Island, Quezon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mayon’s lava front collapses
The ongoing restiveness of Mayon Volcano has led to another collapse of its lava front and longer pyroclastic density current flows that produced a “light brown” plume on Monday. In its latest bulletin in the past 24 hours, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said it had monitored two pyroclastic density currents or PDC that lasted two minutes. The two lava front collapses resulted in the formation of a 200-meter-high light brown plume. Mayon also exhibited 295 rockfall events and three volcanic earthquakes while it continued moderate degassing from the summit crater producing steam-laden plumes at 500 meters tall before drifting to the west and west-northwest direction. The volcano has emitted sulfur dioxide at an average of 962 tons daily since 2 July. Phivolcs said Alert Level 3 is maintained at Mayon due to the presence of magma in the crater with the possibility of a “hazardous eruption within weeks or even days.” The six-kilometer permanent danger zone remained off-limits to the public due to the risk of PDCs, lava flows, rockfalls, and other volcanic hazards. Phivolcs also advised communities to exercise increased vigilance against PDCs, lahar, and sediment-laden stream flows along channels draining the volcano edifice, as heavy rainfall could cause channel-confined lahar and sediment-laden stream flows. Flying close to the volcano is not allowed as ash from a sudden eruption may pose a hazard to aircraft. Phivolcs warned that communities on the southern side of the volcano may most likely experience ash fall events based on the current wind pattern. Continuing gov’t assistance Moreover, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on Monday said it has provided around P131.2 million worth of government assistance to residents in the Bicol region affected by the continued restiveness of Mayon. The number of families affected was placed at 11,045 or equivalent to 42,815 persons residing in 26 barangays. Of the number, 5,775 families or 20,134 individuals are currently staying in 28 activated evacuation centers across Albay, while 408 families or 1,427 persons are being aided by either their relatives or friends. Mandatory evac center Amid the ongoing Mayon unrest, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go renewed his call for the establishment of mandatory evacuation centers nationwide so that people would be better served during disasters and emergencies. Go lamented the lack of adequate facilities during times of crisis, including typhoons, earthquakes, volcanic eruptions and fires. The post Mayon’s lava front collapses appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»