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Green groups seek relocation of planned wind farm outside Masungi
Shifting to cleaner energies like solar and wind is essential to mitigate the impacts of climate change. However, environmental organizations stressed that clean energy initiatives should not come at the expense of the country’s natural heritage......»»
Barangay chairman vows ‘cleaner, safer Balibago
Barangay chairman vows ‘cleaner, safer Balibago.....»»
Women, laborers, indigenous peoples at the heart of Southeast Asia’s energy transition
Here’s a look at how the shift to cleaner energy affects different sectors in Indonesia, Vietnam and the Philippines. .....»»
ICAO-conference-kicks-off-in-Dubai-to-accelerate-global-aviations-transition-towards-cleaner-energy-sources
About ICAO The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is a United Nations agency which helps 193 countries to cooperate together and share their skies to their mutual benefit. Since it was established in 1944, ICAO's support and coordination has helped countries to diplomatically and technically realize a uniquely rapid and dependable network of global air.....»»
Perfect days
“Perfect Days” is a sublime film, which we had the pleasure to watch at the recent New York Film Festival. The two-hour meditation highlights the life of an affable public toilet cleaner in Tokyo named Hirayama who accomplishes with immense dedication and dignity his supposedly humble job......»»
LPG Expo to tackle industry trends
As industries and nations across the globe find ways to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, liquified petroleum gas is likely to gain attention as a cleaner alternative to fossil fuels. All data show LPG emits lower amounts of carbon dioxide than diesel and coal, making it a better option for transportation, cooking, and power generation. To explore the ever-evolving world of LPG, the Liquified Petroleum Gas Industry Association, the Liquified Petroleum Gas Marketers Association, the World LPG Association, and several regional associations will host the 4th Asia Pacific LPG Expo is set to make waves in the Liquefied Petroleum Gas from 10-11 October 2023 at the Marriott Hotel. With a diverse lineup of over 30 international and local companies exhibiting, the Asia Pacific LPG Expo continues to be the cornerstone for LPG professionals and industry enthusiasts, offering an invaluable platform to connect, learn, and explore the ever-evolving world of LPG. It is the gateway for esteemed international and local LPG companies to showcase their industry-leading practices and cutting-edge products and services. Beyond the expansive exhibition, the Expo hosts a dynamic conference featuring influential figures in the LPG industry and government representatives who will deliver insightful presentations on policy frameworks, safety standards, cutting-edge technologies, market trends, and investment prospects. These discussions will be led by renowned industry experts and innovators, providing attendees a competitive edge in navigating the dynamic LPG landscape. Local stakeholders and regulators such as former Congressman Arnel Ty from the LPGMA, Mercedita Pastrana from the LPGIA, director Rino E. Abad from the Department of Energy, and director Neil P.Catajay from the Department of Trade and Industry will be on site to share and discuss in details the on the latest regulations. Representatives from the various leading LPG Companies in the Philippines will also present to share more about the landscape of the local LPG industry. Be part of this momentous occasion at the esteemed Marriott Grand Ballroom Convention Center and attend with the participation of thousands of local and international delegates, along with government representatives and distinguished LPG professionals. Experience an event that will redefine the trajectory of the LPG industry in Asia Pacific. Secure your spot today and embark on a journey of limitless possibilities. The post LPG Expo to tackle industry trends appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
LNG a vital transition fuel, says Aboitiz Power
Industry players and government regulators should harness cost-effective liquefied natural gas or LNG as the so-called "transition fuel" in the near term to gradually displace coal and complement the variability of renewable energy. Speaking at a recent energy forum, Aboitiz Power Corp. Chief Finance Officer Liza Montelibano reiterated that the transition to clean energy should be gradual and well thought out. Otherwise, it will result in higher power prices. Montelibano pointed out that utilizing the present supply of natural gas, which is relatively cleaner than burning coal, to buy time and keep the grid stable while renewable and low-carbon technologies are being developed. “The realistic pace to do transition is underscored by the available technology that allows you to do it reliably and affordably. Given what is available today, we believe what is realistic is a practical and gradual approach that will allow for technology development,” Montelibano said. Locally, the Malampaya project is the only local facility that uses indigenous natural gas to reduce the country's oil imports. It has been powering up to 20 percent of Luzon’s total electricity requirements. It supplies natural gas to power four power generation plants in Batangas with a combined capacity of 2,011 megawatts or MW. Meanwhile, several projects, including First Gen Corp.'s integrated LNG and regasification terminal in Batangas province, are underway to easily bring in low-cost LNG from abroad into the country. The LNG facilities are a significant source of fuel diversification to complement the efforts of the Malampaya consortium to optimize the sustainability of the remaining indigenous gas in the Malampaya-Camago reservoir. The government set the target of a 35 percent share of renewable energy in the country’s energy mix by 2035 and increased it further to 50 percent by 2040. However, it is still notable that despite an aggressive stance on clean energy utilization, the Philippines still heavily relies on coal. AboitizPower, which presently has the largest and most diversified local renewable energy platform in terms of installed capacity under its operational control, aims to support the government's goal by investing P190 billion until 2030 to have a portfolio of 9,200 MW evenly split between renewable energy and thermal sources. Close to 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects — including wind and solar farms and more geothermal capacities — are currently in the company's pipeline. The post LNG a vital transition fuel, says Aboitiz Power appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mindoro linked to main grid by 2025
Power consumers in the off-grid island of Mindoro may soon be relieved from weathering the high power prices and lingering brownouts as the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines or NGCP rushes to finish its long-delayed transmission project that will link the province to the main grid by 2025. In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said the NGCP, the country's lone transmission system operator, agreed to fast-track the project implementation following prodding from the national government. Mindoro will be connected to the main grid through Batangas province, which already has sufficient backbone structures to facilitate the seamless interconnection. "The NGCP agreed to finish the project in two years; that will scrap the 20 percent UCME (Universal Cost for Missionary Electrification) in Mindoro. The completion of the project will be advanced to 2025 because we (the DoE) requested it and NGCP was cooperative about it," Guevara told reporters. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, or the Republic Act No. 9136, permits UCME collection to finance the operations of the National Power Corp. or NPC, including its small power utilities group or SPUG, that caters to unconnected areas in remote locations. The NPC-SPUG, on the other hand, pays the difference between the True Cost of Generation Rate. Once Mindoro island is linked to the national grid, it can easily access surplus power supply from other islands; therefore cutting the likelihood of recurring power cuts plaguing the province. In 2021, the NGCP had proposed to build a P2.2-billion power network connecting these islands to the main Luzon grid — it included the plan to construct the Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project worth P16.87 billion. Meanwhile, the DOE had already committed to ensure the implementation of policies pushing for off-grid development such as off-grid electrification, Renewable Portfolio Standards for off-grid, and omnibus guidelines in enhancing off-grid power development, are properly enforced. Under the national energy plan, the government is vying to improve the market’s ability to coordinate investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure and achieve total electrification across the country. It will also facilitate the upgrading and modernization of transmission and distribution lines to support the efficient transition to cleaner energy. Likewise, it vowed to resolve transmission congestion, especially between Luzon and the Visayas grid, whether by adding transmission lines or avoiding subsidies that cause the build-up of excess capacity. The post Mindoro linked to main grid by 2025 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Visayan Electric pushes EVs
Metro Cebu’s power distribution firm Visayan Electric on Monday announced that it has adopted the electric vehicle system among its service vehicles. According to Visayan Electric president and chief operating officer Engr. Raul Lucero, the Aboitiz Power distribution company is slowly transitioning the use of zero-emission vehicles as commuting service to their engineers, technicians and repair crew. He cited that the battery-powered vehicles are cleaner and more efficient compared to fuel-powered vehicles. “We believe that electric-vehicles provide benefits to the environment, benefit to the economy, and to the overall quality of life. Why? Because these electric vehicles do not produce tailpipe emissions. It reduces air pollution and this is a significant step towards combating climate change and improving the air quality in our cities,” Lucero said. “They are also very efficient and possibly lower maintenance cost for these vehicles,” he added. Aboitiz Power in a statement said aside from reduction of emissions, EVs contribute to the company’s bottom line of improved energy efficiency and transportation economics as the cost per kilometer traveled of a unit is at least half compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. The EVs were imported from China-based BYD Company and the cost per unit ranges from P2-P2.5 million including the battery which cost about P700,000. The battery lifespan is seven years. BYD is said to be the largest electric vehicle manufacturer in the world. When fully charged, the EVs run about 120 kilometers. It is fast-charging, which allows to reach a full 100 percent charge in less than an hour. “We aim to achieve 40 percent electrification for our four- wheeled vehicles and motorbikes by 2030 and finally transform and electrify 100 percent of the Aboitiz Power DU fleet by 2040,” said Aboitiz Power Distribution Utilities chief operating officer Anton Perdices. The post Visayan Electric pushes EVs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Huge potential seen in Philippine energy transition
Japanese energy solutions provider Mitsubishi Power sees huge growth potential in the Philippine energy sector as the country transitions to cleaner energy sources......»»
AboitizPower utilities score tech win for use of A.I.
An artificial intelligence-enabled software developed by Aboitiz Power Corporation (AboitizPower) distribution utilities Davao Light and Power Co., Inc. and Visayan Electric Company, Inc. (Visayan Electric) with Aboitiz Data Innovation Pte. Ltd. gained recognition for helping advance technology and digital transformation in the utility industry. ADI was awarded the Philippines Technology Excellence Award for A.I. - Utilities in the Asian Technology Excellence Awards 2023 in Bangkok, Thailand for Project A.I. CU (“I see you”), a homegrown idea that began in Davao Light. The project utilizes A.I. to optically scan images of electrical installation components — like those mounted on electrical poles — and check if these align with the records of a distribution utility. After a series of pilot tests in Davao Light, the software was able to identify and tag the asset by its individual and unique compatible unit (CU) number which was manually assigned to it beforehand. Each CU represents a grouping of electrical items that a certain electrical asset is composed of. Grouping materials and categorizing assets makes it easier for distribution utilities to identify their infrastructure. Overall, verifying the accuracy of records ensures regulatory compliance, better asset management, operational efficiency, and the continued trust that a distribution utility can deliver justified and cost-effective electricity prices in its franchise area. The use of A.I. to recognize CUs can also significantly reduce the need for manpower and rendered work hours, allowing team members to dedicate time and effort to other activities. Typically, trained engineers are sent to each electrical installation and visually identify each item installed. “The inspiration for Project A.I. CU goes beyond streamlining asset verification. This initiative serves as a window into how we are leveraging artificial intelligence to transform our operations, making them more efficient and smarter,” said Davao Light Meter Shop Supervisor Mark Anthony Catalan, adding that the idea for Project A.I. CU began in 2019 and was proposed to Davao Light in 2020. Catalan was joined by fellow Davao Light innovators Eric Camerino, Jeffrey Lingatong, Raquel Caro, Russel Bolivar, and Prince Yamyamin in developing Project A.I. CU in its early stages and rejuvenating the search for other possible A.I. applications in the operations of Davao Light, particularly in the aspects of safety, audit, and maintenance. The group was able to complete an A.I. model for Project A.I. CU as a proof of concept before turning it over to ADI, the data science and A.I. arm of the Aboitiz Group. In the near future, ADI aspires to refine and scale the project for its full implementation in Visayan Electric and Davao Light. These AboitizPower subsidiaries are the second and third-largest distribution utilities in the Philippines, respectively. Once fully implemented, Project A.I. CU is estimated to save both companies millions of pesos in annual operating costs. As such, ADI will also assess its potential use in other AboitizPower distribution utilities. “This award demonstrates the data-driven innovations being applied in AboitizPower and highlights the growing synergies within the Aboitiz techglomerate, which in this case is between our distribution utilities and ADI,” said AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio. “It also reaffirms AboitizPower’s mission of ‘Transforming Energy for a Better World’ as it continues its digitalization and innovation initiative to ensure quality service.” In line with the Aboitiz Group’s Great Transformation, and as a partner in Philippine development via its power generation and distribution assets, AboitizPower is focusing its transformation in the realms of decarbonization, digitalization, and growing beyond its core business. The Company had already indicated its goal of growing its renewable energy portfolio to at least 4,600 megawatts or 50% of its generation mix by the next decade to aid the country’s energy transition to a cleaner power mix. The Asian Technology Excellence Awards was presented by Asian Business Review, a regional magazine serving Asia's dynamic business community. The post AboitizPower utilities score tech win for use of A.I. appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz group leads coastal protection bid
The Aboitiz Foundation, Aboitiz Land, and the Communities Organized for Resource Allocation, or CORA, Foundation signed a memorandum of agreement on 13 September to further reinforce their commitment to protecting coastal ecosystems to ensure a cleaner, more sustainable future. The signatories include Aboitiz Foundation president and COO Maribeth Marasigan, Aboitiz Land senior AVP of Legal and Corporate Affairs Atty. Misch Sta. Ana, and Cora Foundation founder and executive director Antoinette Taus. The partnership’s core objective is to unify the strengths and resources of Aboitiz Land, Aboitiz Foundation and Cora Foundation in implementing the “Coastal Clean Up 2.0” in Calubcub II, San Juan, Batangas, the host community of Aboitiz Land’s Seafront Residences. Ramping up ecology protection The Coastal Clean Up 2.0 includes the implementation of capacity development initiatives, as well as the information, education, and communication activities, focused on environmental protection. These efforts target not only the local host communities but also the other stakeholders, too. “With the enduring support of Aboitiz Foundation and CORA Foundation, we are excited to embark on the Coastal Clean Up 2.0 initiative at Seafront Residences. Our strides are bolstered by the expertise of CORA, an organization celebrated for efforts in coastal conservation,” Sta. Ana said. CORA Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to forging sustainable initiatives aimed at addressing pressing global issues including hunger, poverty, inequality and climate change. With a core emphasis on volunteerism, community involvement, and inclusiveness, CORA’s initiatives prioritize the empowerment of marginalized groups, educational institutions, women, and the younger generation. “Nothing can be done without partnerships and collaborations. So to us at CORA, we really feel that this journey is meant to be, and we hope that through this coastal cleanup, it will create the spark or the ripple effect towards so much more,” Taus, a movie artist, said. Meanwhile, Aboitiz Foundation president and COO Maribeth Marasigan emphasized the importance of caring for the environment and how our present actions have a direct impact on our future. The Aboitiz Foundation has been in partnership with the CORA Foundation since 2018, jointly driving the Clean Seas Pilipinas initiative, which focuses on sustainable waste management solutions. The post Aboitiz group leads coastal protection bid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More consumers integrate solar energy into homes
More consumers are incorporating solar energy into their homes as the shift towards renewable energy accelerates, according to global trend forecasting firm WGSN. In a webinar, Angela Ringo, senior strategist at WGSN Interiors, said an analysis demonstrates solar’s growing popularity, whether in TikTok hashtags or in online searches. She said the interest in “solarpunk” — a genre of speculative sci-fi that focuses on renewable energy and living harmoniously with nature — is booming. Solar panels to overtake other energy sources Ringo cited data showing the photovoltaic solar panels are projected to overtake other energy sources by 2027, reaching a value of $251.4 billion by 2030. She said solar energy adoption changes homes, such as solar powered kitchens offering outdoor cooking and dining opportunities. “They will usher in an era of cleaner (solar-powered cooking) those in remote or rural areas in places impacted by war. The demand for solar cooking is likely to rise in a polycrisis era due to geopolitical conflicts,” she added. Solar cooking system Ringo said energy company IndianOil has developed a solar cooking system that it plans to scale for home and industrial use, while bakers in Lebanon are using solar powered ovens to reduce the cost of bread in response to the country’s ongoing economic crisis. She said solar powered lighting can reduce grid reliance for consumers, while also supporting those living outdoor, rural or nomadic lifestyles. Solar lamps protect homes from power cuts and load shedding which is common in South Africa, she added. The post More consumers integrate solar energy into homes appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DILG spearheads national launching of Barangay at Kalinisan Day in Tondo
The Department of the Interior and Local Government on Saturday morning spearheaded the nationwide launch of the Barangay at Kalinisan Day at Estero de Sunog Apog, Barangay 135, Tondo, Manila which was also participated by Metro Manila's local government units. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos thanked the LGUs in Metro Manila and other parts of the country which have expressed support for the Department’s call for a cleaner and safer barangay through its BarKaDa initiative in support of President Ferdinand E. Marcos, Jr.’s call for a cleaner and safer environment, “It is reassuring that many responded to our call and have allotted their precious time on a weekend to join the DILG. Sana po ay patuloy natin itong gawin sa mga susunod na linggo at maging tunay na barkada para sa mas malinis at ligtas na pamayanan,” Abalos said. BarKaDa is a nationwide community-based clean-up drive program geared to maintain and provide a healthy and safe environment and prevent the spread of diseases through proper solid waste management. During the BarKada launch, 10 esters in the City of Manila, five creeks each in Quezon City, Las Piñas, and Caloocan City; two creeks each in Pasay City and Mandaluyong City, a river in San Juan City, a creek in Taguig City, and Estero de Tripa de Gallina were simultaneously cleaned by volunteers and government personnel. Simultaneous BarKaDa activities were also conducted in various parts of the country such as in Ilocos Norte, Dinagat Islands, Iloilo City, Pangasinan, Muntinlupa City, and Antique. The DILG said that the launch is a timely response to the current predicament of the world on the environment and solid waste and called on the 42,00 barangays in the Philippines to consistently conduct weekly clean-up drives in order to counter recurring problems in flooding and disposal of waste in the communities. Joining the DILG during the launch were officials and representatives from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, and local and barangay officials. Earlier, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular 2023-133 urging barangays to conduct a weekly clean-up drive and pass an ordinance or resolution declaring one day of the week as BarKaDa. The post DILG spearheads national launching of Barangay at Kalinisan Day in Tondo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz unit applies SMR, G2G focus
Aboitiz Power Corp., the investment arm of the Aboitiz Group for energy-related investments, is actively pushing for more government-to-government or G2G agreements to strengthen the country’s exploration as a key enabler of energy security. Speaking at an energy forum spearheaded by the Meralco Power Academy on Monday, AboitizPower President and CEO Emmanuel Rubio said such agreements can potentially boost the country’s energy development. “We actively engage with the government to initiate discussions and develop necessary protocols. We also recognize the importance of establishing country-to-country agreements for our energy initiatives,” Rubio said. Energy initiatives pushed “Our active participation in these discussions aims to identify viable options to ensure a continuous supply of reliable energy as our nation grows and thrives,” he added. He pointed out that the industry should be open to adopting “cutting-edge, clean, and zero-emissions technologies” to generate a cleaner power supply that would cater to the needs of the consumers. “In this context, we are actively exploring Small Modular Reactors, or SMR, for quick capacity deployment and flexibility when they become commercially viable and can be deployed in the country,” he said. Unlike other power sources, SMRs can deliver affordable electricity supply in the country, especially during summer months when demand is historically higher. For instance, Rubio noted that one megawatt or MW of solar installed capacity typically requires 1.2 hectares of land. However, he said such a requirement could pose a potential downside in the country, where the average farmer holds just 1.29 hectares of land. Rubio added that pursuing clean energy goals should not lead to potential social issues. The Philippines has a vast potential for power development. With the sector’s opening for foreign investors, even the Department of Energy or DoE said it is confident it can meet its objective of increasing the contribution of clean energy in our power generation mix by 35 percent by 2030 and 50 percent by 2040. To complement this, AboitizPower also aims to expand its portfolio to support this goal by investing P190 billion until 2030 to have a portfolio of 9,200 MW evenly split between renewable energy and thermal sources. The post Aboitiz unit applies SMR, G2G focus appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Net metering catches on among power users
The Manila Electric Co. or Meralco reported a spike in the number of customers joining the net-metering scheme, which empowers them to generate their electricity for consumption and export any excess generation to the distribution grid. In his speech on the second day of the three-day Giga Summit organized by Meralco Power Academy, Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand Geluz said the annual number of net-metering customers and its capacity are “increasing rapidly.” “To date, we have 8,544 net-metering customers with 50.3 megawatts of installed capacity. Year-on-year net-metering numbers and capacity are increasing rapidly,” Geluz said. “For the whole of 2022, these customers exported 20.3 GWh, while as of July this year, 16.2 gigawatt-hours in energy export was already generated and can be projected to exceed last year’s aggregate number,” he added. Energy-efficient practice Geluz also noted that the boost in net-metering initiatives complemented Republic Act 11285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act, which institutionalizes energy efficiency and conservation, enhances the efficient use of energy, and grants incentives to energy efficiency and conservation projects. The net-metering program allows customers to export their excess electricity to the grid in exchange for electricity bill credits. To further encourage the use of cleaner and cheaper energy, the government previously said it will expand the program to more areas — especially in far-flung provinces that are not yet connected to the grid. Last Monday, Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla said the adoption of modern technologies, smart grid systems, and demand-side management to bring down overall energy consumption and cut down greenhouse gas emissions will be included in the 2023-2050 Philippine Energy Plan or PEP supposed to be out this month. Lotilla disclosed that public consultations on the draft PEP are ongoing. The post Net metering catches on among power users appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Unity, cooperation key to climate crisis – Mayor Abby
Makati City Mayor Abby Binay batted for unity and cooperation among world leaders to further understand the urgency to mitigate climate crisis. This is what the city mayor said as she advocated for creating a cleaner and more sustainable world, when she went to Melbourne, Australia to attend one of the world’s premiere forums on climate change and promoting the use of clean energy in other cities and countries around the globe. The lady mayor was the speaker at the Cities Power Partnership’s Climate Summit for Local Government which started on 6 September and lasted for three days. The mayor delivered a keynote address to the session supported by the Global Covenant of Mayors where she is also a board member and a representative of Southeast Asia. “Makati is not a perfect city, but we have a lot of studies that we could share to other cities. I will continue to do my part for other leaders like me to further understand the urgency to mitigate climate crisis and remind everyone of the importance of unity and cooperation,” Binay said. Spearheaded by Australia’s top officials and leaders, the Cities Power Partnership’s Climate Summit for Local Government has been regarded as one of the most important events in the country as all its mayors and members of their council attend the momentous event. “This means key decision makers and thought leaders were given the chance to exchange ideas and suggestions for the conceptualization of stronger and more effective programs for climate action,” Binay explained. The local chief executive said she spoke about “COP28 and the Opportunities for Cities” as part of her preparations for the upcoming 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference or Conference of the Parties to be held from November to December in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. She stressed the significance of such conferences to countries committed to a sustainable, resilient, and climate-responsive future. The post Unity, cooperation key to climate crisis – Mayor Abby appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Robot fried chicken: entrepreneur seeks to improve S. Korea’s favorite food
In fried-chicken-obsessed South Korea, restaurants serving the nation's favorite fast-food dish dot every street corner. But Kang Ji-young's establishment brings something a little different to the table: a robot is cooking the chicken. Eaten at everything from tiny family gatherings to a 10-million-viewer live-streamed "mukbang" -- eating broadcast -- by K-pop star Jungkook of BTS fame, fried chicken is deeply embedded in South Korean culture. Paired with cold lager and known as "chimaek" -- a portmanteau of the Korean words for chicken and beer -- it is a staple of Seoul's famed baseball-watching experience. The domestic market -- the world's third largest, after the United States and China -- is worth about seven trillion won ($5.3 billion), but labor shortages are starting to bite as South Korea faces a looming demographic disaster due to having the world's lowest birth rate. Around 54 percent of business owners in the food service sector report problems finding employees, a government survey last year found, with long hours and stressful conditions the likely culprit, according to industry research. Korean fried chicken is brined and double-fried, which gives it its signature crispy exterior, but the process -- more elaborate than what is typically used by US fast food chains -- creates additional labor and requires extended worker proximity to hot oil. Enter Kang, a 38-year-old entrepreneur who saw an opportunity to improve the South Korean fried chicken business model -- and the dish itself. "The market is huge," Kang told AFP at her Robert Chicken franchise. Chicken and pork cutlets are the most popular delivery orders in South Korea, and the industry could clearly benefit from more automation to "effectively address labor costs and workforce shortages", she said. Kang's robot, composed of a simple, flexible mechanical arm, is capable of frying 100 chickens in two hours -- a task that would require around five people and several deep fryers. But not only does the robot make chicken more efficiently -- it makes it more delicious, says Kang. "We can now say with confidence that our robot fries better than human beings do," she said. Investing in 'foodtech' Already a global cultural powerhouse and major semiconductor exporter, South Korea last year announced plans to plough millions of dollars into a "foodtech" fund to help startups working on high-tech food industry solutions. Seoul says such innovations could become a "new growth engine", arguing there is huge potential if the country's prowess in advanced robotics and AI technology could be combined with the competitiveness of Korean food classics like kimchi. South Korea's existing foodtech industry -- including everything from next-day grocery delivery app Market Kurly to AI smart kitchens to a "vegan egg" startup -- is already worth millions, said food science professor Lee Ki-won at Seoul National University. Even South Korea's Samsung Electronics -- one of the world's biggest tech companies -- is trying to get in on the action, recently launching Samsung Food, an AI-personalized recipe and meal-planning platform, available in eight languages. Lee predicted South Korea's other major conglomerates are likely to follow Samsung into foodtech. "Delivering food using electric vehicles or having robots directly provide deliveries within apartment complexes, known as 'metamobility', could become a part of our daily lives," he said. "I am confident that within the next 10 years, the food tech industry will transform into the leading sector in South Korea." 'Initially struggled' Entrepreneur Kang now has 15 robot-made chicken restaurants in South Korea, and one branch in Singapore. During AFP's visit to a Seoul branch, a robot meticulously handled the frying process -- from immersing chicken in oil, flipping it for even cooking, to retrieving it at the perfect level of crispiness, as the irresistible scent of crunchy chicken wafted through the shop. Many customers remained oblivious to the hard-working robotic cook behind their meal. Kim Moon-jung, a 54-year-old insurance worker, said she was not sure how a robot would make the chicken differently from a human "but one thing is certain -- it tastes delicious". The robot can monitor oil temperature and oxidation levels in real time while it fries chicken, ensuring consistent taste and superior hygiene. When Kang first started her business she "initially struggled" to see why anyone would use robots rather than human chefs. But "after developing these technologies, I've come to realize that from a customer's perspective, they're able to enjoy food that is not only cleaner but also tastier", she told AFP. Her next venture is a tip-free bar in Koreatown in New York City, where the cocktails will feature Korea's soju rice wine -- and will be made by robots. The post Robot fried chicken: entrepreneur seeks to improve S. Korea’s favorite food appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fuso for everyday commute
Sojitz Fuso Philippines Corp. turned over five Canter Commute (Class 2) units to Common Transport Service Cooperative in Carmona, Cavite. These newly purchased Canter modern PUVs are expected to deploy along Marcos Ave. Commonwealth Ave. Quezon City and Montalban Rizal via LITEX. The purchase partnership between SFP and CTSC was facilitated by Alpine Motors Corp.-FUSO Carmona. “We’re celebrating our partnership with SFP, Almazora, Coolaire and our Day 1 with Common Transport Service Cooperative. We’re very happy to have CTSC as our partners. Thank you for the trust in Alpine and FUSO – we will give our hundred percent support for sales and aftersales. Congratulations to everybody. To CTSC, congratulations!” said Mr. Francis Martin Gonzales, president of Alpine Motors Corp. Equipped with a Euro V-compliant 3.0L diesel engine, Canter Commute delivers both better fuel economy and cleaner emissions for more sustainable transportation than traditional one. These modern PUVs have been assembled using the Canter platform and were collaboratively designed by SFP and Almazora Motors Corp. The Class 2 public utility vehicles can fit 20 people in side-facing seats while still accommodating 10 more standing passengers. Comfort-wise, the air-conditioning unit installed is patterned with FUSO’s popular light bus model, Rosa. Air-condition vents are mounted overhead to give the interior an equal distribution of airflow. Canter Commute (Class 2) is also compliant based on the requirements set by the Philippine National Standards, not only safeguarding passengers’ security but also streamlining their travel experience with added convenience in fare collection. SFP’s modern PUV warranty coverage for cab and chassis is 3 years or 100,000 km, whichever comes first, and a separate warranty for body and accessories which these options are not available for old commuter mode of transportation. The post Fuso for everyday commute appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Quirino pushes ‘zero-waste’ festival
BAGUIO CITY — The local government of Quirino province on Monday is urging its residents to celebrate the week-long “Panagdadapun Festival 2023” in an environment-friendly fashion and to be responsible enough in caring for the ecology. “Once again, the Province aims for a Zero Waste Event. Therefore, we are inviting every Quirinian to be at the forefront of this advocacy and encourage the festival goers to be ecologically responsible in their generation of waste,” said the Quirino LGU. It added that with the advocacy, each can make a big difference to step towards a cleaner environment. Some of the activities in the festival are the opening Thanksgiving eucharistic mass celebration and also ecumenical thanksgiving service followed by a job fair. There will be also a free dental and medical as well as vaccination against Covid-19 offered to the Quirinians. Dubbed as the “Forest Heartland of Cagayan Valley,” Quirino Province is a destination for eco-travelers with its waterfalls, rock formations, river gorges and limestone caves, among other natural wonders. The post Quirino pushes ‘zero-waste’ festival appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»