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Losing NAIA bidders concede, vow to support airport upgrade
The losing bidders for the 15-year contract to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport have committed to support the modernization of the airport, which the Marcos administration awarded to a consortium led by diversified conglomerate San Miguel Corp. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista told The STAR over the weekend......»»
SMC to manage NAIA
Today, the administration of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. will award the management for 15 years of the decrepit main Philippine gateway, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, to the winner of the bidding conducted last December by the Department of Transportation and Communications under Secretary Jaime Bautista......»»
Eight proposals for NAIA rehab likely, says Bautista
The Department of Transportation believes that it will receive a maximum of eight bids for the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by Dec. 27......»»
Domestic aviation rebounds this year
The local aviation industry, which was badly hit by the global health crisis, is seen to achieve full recovery this year. This was according to the International Air Transport Association in a recent forum organized by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines. During the Aviation Forum last week, Yuli Thompson, area manager for the IATA in Southeast Asia, said the Philippines and the rest of the Asia Pacific region’s aviation market is swiftly recovering and seeing a consistent rise in terms of growth in international and domestic travel. Thompson said passenger traffic trends for international flights in the Philippines were logged at 75 percent of 2019 levels as of June 2023. As for the Asia Pacific passenger forecast, Yuli maintained that domestic travel will fully recover in 2023, while international travel will occur sometime in 2026. Further, Asia Pacific will be seen to lead in traffic growth in the next 20 years. “However, overcoming current challenges riding on the current momentum, and meeting full recovery will require strong interventions from all players in the aviation sector,” he said. Infra investments For his part, Cebu Pacific Air chief executive officer Michael Szucs emphasized the need to invest in infrastructure, citing that “Philippine carriers will need to quadruple in size to cater to growing demand.” In her keynote speech, Secretary Grace Poe urged stakeholders to support necessary infrastructure investments, especially following the air system glitch incident earlier this year. The senator called for the acquisition of a new Communication, Navigation, and Surveillance/Air Traffic Management. Poe also recommended the hiring of a third-party maintenance provider for the CNS/ATM system. “It is my hope that the government, the private sector, and other stakeholders can work together and collaborate on air transport projects which will not only generate economic growth but also provide our people with excellent and affordable public services that can improve the quality of life for all,” she said. Also filed by Poe is Senate Bill 1121 which proposes the creation of a Philippine Transportation Safety Board. Under the directive of the current Marcos administration, Department of Transportation Undersecretary for Aviation and Airports Roberto Lim highlighted the government’s key priorities, including aviation safety and strengthening of learning institutions. Lim further noted the agency’s priority of strengthening the Civil Aviation Training Center and engaging with the private sector as close partners for Air Transport Skills Training and Development. “If we are able to train our air traffic controllers, we would not only meet our own requirements, but the requirements of other countries. We can develop this on an institutional basis,” said Lim. Open up the industry Kurt Edwards, director general of the International Business Aviation Council, also raised the fact that much could be gained “by opening the industry and making it more known to people.” In terms of managing safety risks, Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, shared initiatives to advance safety capabilities in the aviation sector through the State Safety Program. The program employs a risk-based approach to regulations, capacity building and integration of a new organizational structure for monitoring and evaluation. Meanwhile, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista stressed that the DOTr’s goal to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport through a public-private partnership agreement, which he said, will present a “landmark opportunity for economic growth, improved infrastructure, and a world-class travel experience.” Added Bautista, “We are also developing regional airports, such as the unsolicited proposals for the operations and maintenance of the Bicol International Airport, Bohol-Panglao International Airport and Laguindingan Airport.” The post Domestic aviation rebounds this year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No idle hours at franchise-less but booming ABS-CBN
Content supplier ABS-CBN seems to be amply rewarding the stars and talents who have chosen to stay put with the company after it lost its broadcast franchise. The loyal ones are hardly without a project that keeps them busy and (hopefully) well-compensated for what they do best. These stars include Maricel Soriano, Angel Aquino, Kathryn Bernardo, Andrea Brillantes, JM Guzman, Belle Mariano and screen sweetheart Donnie Pangilinan, Chie Filomeno, Kaori Ozuma and Anthony Jennings. Actors, hosts, singers, record producers and comic talents who have stayed with the network remain “well-oiled” cogs in the ABS-CBN entertainment machine. With Cory Vidanes and Lauren Dyogi as the media company’s top honchos, as well as production divisions that conceptualize and execute projects from beginning to end (such as Dreamscape, JRB Creative Production, Project 8 and Rise), there are no idle hours in the ABS-CBN corporate offices and studios. There are also directors (such as FM Reyes, Emmanuel Palo, Richard Arellano and Jojo Saguin), creative managers (such as Carmi Raymundo and Jay Fernando) and musical scorers who get projects one after the other even if only on a contractual basis. Romantic leading men A change of mindset and attitude has occurred among the big stars. They have become really professional entertainment artists who have realized they don’t have to play lead roles all time. They remain adored and respected even when they portray vicious personalities who make life hard for the lead characters. They can then reemerge in their next projects as virtuous lead characters. Romantic leading men Ian Veneracion and JM de Guzman did contemptuous characters in the action series Iron Heart, topbilled by Richard Gutierrez, Jake Cuenca and Albert Martinez. The show is slated to end in two weeks (with major scenes shot in Japan though the series’ main setting is Cebu). De Guzman has just attended the media conference for the series Linlang (Deception), which he headlines along with Paulo Avelino and Kim Chiu. A major supporting actor in the new series that begins airing on 5 October is Maricel Soriano, whose “special participation” in the afternoon series Pira-pirasong Paraiso started only a few weeks ago. Soriano portrays a well-off grandmother in Pira-piraso and Linlang. Linlang is helmed by FM Reyes, who directed the ongoing ABS-CBN and TV 5 co-produced afternoon series Nag-aapoy na Damdamin. The new series is a suspense-thriller that will stream exclusively on Prime Video, available in the Philippines and in more than 240 countries and territories worldwide. Linlang has only 14 episodes, and new episodes drop every Thursday at midnight. Surely favorable to the finances of stars and talents is the invariably large cast of ABS-CBN series these days. For instance, Iron Heart features in major roles Albert Martinez, Dimples Romana, Christian Vasquez, Sofia Andres, and young actors Enzo Pineda, Louise Abuel (who is male) and Iggy Boy Flores. It has had as guest actors Maja Salvador, Sue Ramirez, Meryl Soriano, Maricel Laxa, Joem Bascon, Pepe Herrera, Roi Vinzon, Carmen Soo, Fabio Ide, Richard Quan, Ruby Ruiz, Anna Luna, Ruben Soriquez, Krystal Brimner, Cris Villanueva, Alex Medina, Anna Marin, child star Althea Ruedas, Al Tantay, Diether Ocampo, Karina Bautista, Victor Silayan, Kyle Echarri and Lou Yanong. The show also has four directors: Richard Arellano, Lester Pimentel Ong, Wang Yan Bin and Ian Loreños. As for Linlang, its support cast includes Karla Estrada, Jaime Fabregas, Raymond Bagatsing, Albie Casiño, Jake Ejercito, Heaven Peralejo, Adrian Lindayag, Race Matias, Benj Manalo, Lovely Abella, Frenchie Dy, Ross Pesigan, Hanna Lexie, Juno Advincula, Connie Virtucio, Lotlot Bustamante, Meann Espinosa, Danny Ramos, Bart Guingona, Vance Larena and Marc McMahon. Whew! Who said ABS-CBN was a goner with the loss of its franchise? The post No idle hours at franchise-less but booming ABS-CBN appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports
The former Office for Transportation Security chief lambasted the cultural decay in the airport security teams that allows negligent screeners to continue working there, this before he could begin an internal purge. Ma. O Ranada Aplasca, who resigned from his post over the airport screener caught on closed-circuit television swallowing $300 bills taken from an outbound Chinese national, said the problem with airport security is “more than systemic, it is cultural.” “There was the problem with ‘tanim-bala.’ Maybe the problems were not highlighted in the past because no one was caught. Based on our records, for the past several years, no one was dismissed in the OTS for violations of our disciplinary policies,” he said. Aplasca said when he was the director of the PNP Aviation Security Group, his initial task was to clear the country’s airports of the “tanim-bala” scheme, in which airport inspectors hid bullets in travelers’ luggage to extort money. “That tanim-bala was the first marching order to me by former President Duterte, and that’s where I felt his 100-percent support; that’s why, in less than one month, we were able to solve the problem,” he said. Aplasca said that before his resignation Tuesday, the OTS had initiated 68 cases against erring personnel, with at least 11 people dismissed. Found guilty Meanwhile, DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the female Security Screening Officer and three other OTS screeners involved in the cash swallowing incident last 8 September were “found guilty of stealing.” Bautista said the guilty verdict was included in the investigation report handed to him by the OTS group of investigators, which included the CCTV footage that showed the lady scanner stuffing the money into her mouth at Terminal 1’s final security checkpoint at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. The four SSO screeners face administrative and criminal cases. “The investigation showed that she was guilty and swallowed the money. However, what she said in an affidavit was that it was chocolates. But the investigators saw that she was guilty,” Bautista said in Filipino in an interview with the media after a Senate hearing on Tuesday. The CCTV footage showed that at around 8:20 p.m. on 8 September, a Chinese passenger, identified only as Mr. Cai, placed his shoulder bag on the inspection tray at the final security checkpoint. After trying to promote the gateway to potential foreign investors who may want to operate the NAIA, Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident. He authorized the imposition of the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the Department of Transportation’s determined push to rid the NAIA and attached agencies of scalawags. Aplasca submitted his courtesy resignation last Tuesday, 26 September, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through DoTr Secretary Bautista after House Speaker Martin Romualdez told him to resign or the Speaker would personally block the budgets of the DoTr and OTS. Not enough Meanwhile, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday the resignation of Aplasca would not be enough to stop the criminal activities at the country’s airports. “A resignation at the top does not clean up the ranks,” said Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services. “More than ever, the Office of Transportation Security needs steady leadership to implement much-needed reforms,” she said. “There should be zero tolerance for criminal acts and unprofessional behavior,” she added. “While a witch hunt might put a syndicate on pause, the OTS urgently needs to review and tighten its security program,” she said. She continued: “Our airports should improve the physical layout of the security screening stations and provide proactive measures to prevent further incidents.” She also noted that the challenge now is to appoint someone with “immense political will to overhaul the agency and stop these incidents once and for all.” The senator stressed that the OTS must improve its hiring system and enforce ethics training. “Employees must undergo extensive background checks,” she said. “In the long-term, we should also look into providing better compensation and benefits to these employees so they would not be enticed to do this nonsense,” she added. The post Former OTS chief lambasts cultural decay at airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
NAIA lady scanner, others found ‘guilty of stealing’
According to Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, the female Security Screening Officer and three other members of the Office for Transportation Security who were caught on closed-circuit television were "found guilty of stealing" in the cash-swallowing incident that occurred on 8 September 2023 at Terminal 1's final security checkpoint at Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Bautista said the guilty verdict was included in the investigation report handed to him by the OTS group of investigators, including the CCTV footage showing the lady scanner putting the money into her mouth and three other accomplices. The female SSO is facing administrative and criminal cases, as well as those who were involved in the 8 September incidents. “Ang sinasabi sa imbestigasyon ay guilty na pera ang sinubo. Although ang sinasabi nga ng babae ay chocolate daw, mayroon siyang affidavit. Pero ang nakita ng mga imbestigador na guilty siya,” Bautista said in an interview with the media after a Senate hearing on Tuesday. “Ang result ay, although hindi pa lumalabas officially, parang lumalabas na talagang nakita na mayroon silang pagkakasala. Apat kasi yung nakita natin dito na may talagang ginawa sa CCTV. Siguro pag nagkaroon ng criminal investigation, may lalabas pa kung mayroon pang other people involved,” he added. CCTV footage showed that at around 8:20 p.m. on 8 September, the Chinese passenger, identified only as Mr. Cai, placed his shoulder bag on the inspection tray at the final security checkpoint. As Cai passed through the body scanner, the screener could be seen conducting a manual search of his bag on the inspection table. The screener “suspiciously turned away while apparently holding something in her left hand with her fist tightly closed. She then swiftly placed something in her waist area and went back to the inspection table.” Cai had returned to the screening area and complained after discovering that his wallet was open and some of his money was missing. The passenger confronted the screener, who turned her back on him. In footage taken by another CCTV camera, she was “clearly seen deliberately swallowing the dollar bills, folded into one small piece,” as she used a handkerchief to cover her mouth. The screener was seen having difficulty swallowing the bills despite drinking water from a bottle given to her by a colleague. The screener’s supervisor approached her, “seemingly communicating with her” as she was “almost choking in her effort to swallow the dollar bills” to “apparently ensure that the bills were properly disposed of (no evidence),” according to the report. Cai has refused to file charges against the screener. Former OTS Administrator Ma.O. Aplasca confirmed on Friday, 22 September, that they received the counter affidavit of the accused and even said that, as of today Friday, she continues to deny the allegations that she swallowed the dollar bills. An OTS source said that it is not the normal way to eat chocolate by pushing something into her throat with her finger and drinking bottled water afterward. Secretary Bautista has directed the Office of Transportation Security (OTS) to immediately file the necessary charges against security screening personnel found involved in an 8 September incident of baggage theft at Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport. Bautista expressed frustration and dismay at the incident at NAIA that the Secretary was recently trying to promote among potential foreign investors who may want to operate and maintain the country's main gateway. He even authorized imposing the maximum penalty on those found guilty to demonstrate the Department's determined push to rid NAIA as well as other attached agencies of scalawags. Former OTS Administrator Ma.O. Aplasca submitted his courtesy resignation last Tuesday, 26 September, to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. through DOTr Secretary Bautista after Speaker of the House of Representatives Martin Romualdez asked him to resign or the speaker would personally block the budget of OTS and DOTr due to the repeated stealing scandal. The post NAIA lady scanner, others found ‘guilty of stealing’ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Poe: Resignation of OTS administrator not enough
The resignation of Office for Transportation Security Administrator Ma.O Aplasca would not be enough to stop criminal activities in the country’s airports, Senator Grace Poe said Wednesday. “A resignation at the top does not clean up its ranks,” said Poe, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Services. “More than ever, the Office of Transportation Security needs steady leadership to implement much-needed reforms,” she added. Aplasca on Tuesday night submitted his courtesy resignation to Transport Secretary Jaime Bautista, days after lawmakers pressured him to resign from his post. The OTS has been on the receiving end of criticisms after one of its personnel was caught in a viral video swallowing $300 that she allegedly stole from a Chinese passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport-Terminal 1. Poe noted that actions should not be taken after the incident. “There should be zero tolerance for criminal acts and unprofessional behavior,” she said. “While a witch hunt might put a syndicate on pause, the OTS urgently needs to review and tighten its security program,” she added. She continued: “Our airports should improve the physical layout of the security screening stations and provide proactive measures to prevent any further incidents.” She also noted that the challenge now is to appoint someone with “immense political will to overhaul the agency and stop these incidents once and for all.” The senator stressed that the OTS must improve its hiring system, and enforce ethics training. “Employees must undergo extensive background checks,” she said. “In the long-term, we should also look into providing better compensation and benefits to these employees so they would not be enticed to do this nonsense,” she added. She also pointed out that the permanent solution to the problem is to give security of tenure and increase the salary of highly-skilled technical personnel in our airports. As of July 2023, more than half of the OTS manpower are still contractual personnel with only 475 with permanent status. The post Poe: Resignation of OTS administrator not enough appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Speaker Romualdez demands OTS chief Aplasca’s resignation
House Speaker Ferdinand Martin G. Romualdez on Monday demanded the resignation of the Office of Transport Security (OTS) Administrator, Undersecretary Ma. O Aplasca, for failing to put an end to the repeated nefarious activities of security screening officers (SSO) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA). The OTS chief was advised by Speaker Romualdez to tender his resignation before the House of Representatives tackles the OTS' budget. “Mag-resign ka na. Kung hindi ka magsa-submit ng resignation, ako mismo ang magba-block ng approval ng budget ng OTS,” Romualdez said. The House leader aired his frustration on Aplasca in the wake of reports of the latest incidence of money theft by a female OTS security scanner from a departing tourist. The OTS chief should submit his courtesy resignation under the principle of command responsibility to make way for a full revamp at the airport security office. “Naka-strike three na ang OTS chief. We are already fed up with these reports of stealing and other acts of wrongdoing at the airport for which OTS officials and their DOTr supervisors are ultimately responsible. A top-to-bottom overhaul is needed,” he added. “We cannot let these atrocious activities and other acts of misconduct at the airport continue to take place. It’s bad for the country and the economy,” Romualdez also stated. The Speaker pointed out that a foreigner, whether they are a tourist or a potential investor, gets their first exposure to the Philippines and its people when they encounter a government employee who processes them at the port of entry. This is an ugly incident that will certainly leave a discouraging and lasting impression. This is the reason why the government should deploy the finest personnel at ports of entry. It could be recalled that in March, when money was stolen by the SSO from a Thai tourist at NAIA Terminal 2, the leader of the 311-member House of Representatives recommended a complete revamp of OTS. Romualdez even recommended that the DOTr replace the entire OTS staff and only rehire individuals who would pass a rigorous screening procedure based on their honesty, effectiveness, and integrity. OTS and responsible DOTr officials committed to undertaking sweeping reforms. “What has happened to those commitments? Where are the reforms?" Speaker Romualdez asked. The Speaker also said that DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista should closely watch his own backyard. Every now and then, they still hear of nefarious activities, aviation glitches, power equipment malfunctions and disruptions, and similar nasty things taking place at the airport. There may be people sabotaging him, Romualdez added. The post Speaker Romualdez demands OTS chief Aplasca’s resignation appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Maximum penalty urged vs NAIA officer who swallowed stolen $300
Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista called for a strong action against a security officer who was caught on closed-circuit television footage swallowing $300 in $100 bills allegedly stolen from a departing Chinese passenger at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport......»»
Five groups target NAIA takeover
Five companies have signified their intention to take over the operations and management of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA a few weeks after the Department of Transportation or DoTr opened the bidding for the P170.6-billion project. In a text message to the Daily Tribune on Wednesday, the DoTr confirmed that five potential bidders have bought bid documents for the project. As of 13 September, the interested companies include San Miguel Corp. or SMC, Spark 888 Management Inc., and Asian Airport Consortium. Two others who submitted bids — Manila International Airport Consortium or MIAC and GMR Group — have previously vied for the NAIA rehabilitation. MIAC is composed of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corporation, Alliance Global — Infracorp Development Inc., Filinvest Development Corporation, and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corporation along with Global Infrastructure Partners. Super consortium in running In 2018, the government awarded the Original Proponent Status for the NAIA rehabilitation to a “super-consortium” formed by seven of the country’s biggest conglomerates: Aboitiz InfraCapital Inc.; AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation; Alliance Global Group Inc.; Asia’s Emerging Dragon Corporation; Filinvest Development Corporation; and JG Summit Holdings Inc. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp. It was, however, terminated. Thus, Megawide Construction Corp. and partner GMR Infrastructure Ltd. also submitted an unsolicited proposal to upgrade and rehabilitate the highly congested NAIA. Despite the substantial progress, the much-needed NAIA rehabilitation was back to square one after the previous administration also rejected the proposal. According to the MIAA, the Megawide consortium failed to convince the government of its financial ability to support the project. Meanwhile, the SMC., an Asian conglomerate led by businessman Ramon S. Ang, is currently taking on the P740-billion New Manila International Airport in Bulacan. Award out by December Previously, the DoTr conveyed that the contract may be awarded to the winning bidder as early as December if the government stays on schedule. The National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved the solicited bid to privatize the operations of NAIA. NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the project will help address the long-standing issues at the country’s main air hub such as congestion and limited aircraft movements that usually cause inconvenience to passengers. The DoTr and the Manila International Airport Authority submitted a joint proposal to the NEDA Board to privatize the operations and management of NAIA within 15 years. The project is expected to improve the overall passenger experience and increase the current annual passenger capacity of NAIA to at least 62 million from the current 32 million. Previously, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista floated the possibility of closing down the airport — only if nearby airports become operational. Bautista explained that the government can have the option to close NAIA if airports in adjacent provinces like Cavite and Bulacan are ready to accommodate the travel-hungry tourists in the country — both local and international. “If there will be new airports, then the government can decide to close the Manila International Airport or MIA because it can be a valuable government asset. On the other hand, it is possible to continue its operations because of its prime location in the Metro,” Bautista told reporters. “So yes, it is possible to close, it is also possible not to close MIA,” he added. Bautista also assured that in case the airport continues its operations, SMC’s Bulacan Airport can still drive up profits despite the competition. The post Five groups target NAIA takeover appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoTr lines up deals for Japan financing
Banking on decades of expertise in taking on big-ticket projects, the Department of Transportation or DoTr is enticing Japanese companies to bid for various public-private partnership contracts in the railways and aviation sectors. At the recent Philippine Investment Opportunities forum in Tokyo, Japan, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista cited the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway as well as the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA as priority projects that may need Japanese support. “Following through our President’s directive, the DoTr has cast the vision of transforming the Philippines’ transport industry and elevating it to global standards, characterized by comfortable, accessible, safe, and affordable transport services throughout the country,” Bautista said. Gap to be addressed “DoTr will bridge the gap towards our vision for the Philippines’ transportation sector by developing infrastructure and delivering transport services across our four operating sectors in airports and aviation, maritime, railways and roads,” he added. Worth P76.89 billion, the 36-kilometer Metro Manila Subway Project includes operations and maintenance for subway trains, stations, depot, and other systems infrastructure under a concession period of 15 years of full operations. Also included are maintenance of facilities and equipment under the Philippine Railway Institute, collection of passenger fares, and commercial development rights within prescribed station boundaries, among others. The project’s bidding will start within the last quarter of the year or until the first quarter of next year. Meanwhile, the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Rail system worth P204.6 billion includes operations and maintenance of trains, stations, depot, and other systems and infrastructure, and a concession period of 15 years of full operations in addition to a partial operations period. The project also includes interoperation management within the rail system by trains from other lines such as the subway project, collection of passenger fares, and exercise of commercial development rights within prescribed station boundaries, among others. Along with the subway project, bidding for the operations and maintenance contract of the NSCR Project will commence within the fourth quarter of the year to the first quarter of 2024. As for the privatization of the NAIA, the DoTr already kicked off the bidding last week. The P170.6-billion project will help address the long-standing issues at the country’s main air hub such as congestion and limited aircraft movements that usually cause inconvenience to passengers under a 15-year concession period. The project is expected to improve the overall passenger experience and increase the current annual passenger capacity of NAIA to at least 62 million from the current 32 million. Last February, during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan, the country secured over P156 billion in loan financing from the Japanese government to fund transportation projects. The government signed two projects worth ¥377 billion or around P156.22 billion with Japan. The Philippines is the biggest recipient of Japan International Cooperation Agency’s or JICA programs in Southeast Asia worth 418 billion yen in 2022. JICA is currently supporting 28 ongoing loans in the Philippines, the most recent of which was the 30-billion yen loan agreement signed this week to strengthen the country’s disaster resilience. The post DoTr lines up deals for Japan financing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Here Lies Love’ co-producer says hit musical may soon be staged in Manila
After conquering Broadway with an all-Filipino cast, Here Lies Love, the musical created by David Byrne and Fatboy Slim about former First Lady Imelda Marcos, may soon be staged in the Philippines. It’s being talked about,” Don Michael H. Mendoza, a co-producer of the Broadway production, told Daily Tribune in an exclusive interview. He recently flew in from the United States for a vacation and to visit some family and friends. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="171941,171942"] “The hope is that the first international production will be in Manila. But they’re also considering Sydney. It’s very early in discussions, but there are plans to bring it abroad. We’ll just have to look for the right place that will house the show because the set is so different. It’s more probably like a studio space than a traditional theater.” Mendoza also confirmed having an all-Filipino cast in the planned touring production, hopefully with the current lineup led by Arielle Jacobs (as Imelda), Jose Llana (as Ferdinand Marcos Sr.), Conrad Ricamora (as Ninoy Aquino) and Lea Salonga (in a special guest role as Ninoy’s mother Aurora). “Of course, it depends on where people are at that point of time,” he pointed out. “If they haven’t moved on to other shows, what their schedules are like. So, hopefully… It would be great to bring the whole cast, but it depends on what they’ll have next.” Show vacancies In case of vacancies, the production may audition performers based in the Philippines, like it did before. This led to the question about Mark Bautista, who played Marcos in both the London and Seattle productions of Here Lies Love after it premiered off-Broadway in 2013 at The Public Theater in New York City. Jose Llana, who currently plays Marcos, originated the role off-Broadway. “We auditioned people from the Philippines,” Mendoza said of their casting process for the Broadway staging. “So I’m sure Mark auditioned. He was in high consideration.” The co-producer explained that Mark’s non-inclusion in the current cast doesn’t mean the Filipino singer-actor “won’t be in that later.” He shared the story of a friend of his who was able to join the cast months after auditioning and doing other shows. “It’s a never-say-never situation.” As for Salonga’s limited stay in the show, Mendoza said the Tony winner has another engagement, but “she might come back later down the road. But for now, she’s on until the 19th (of August).” About the unfortunate invasion of Salonga’s privacy in her own dressing room, “Lea handled it really well. The public opinion is on our side. We worked it out,” said Mendoza, adding that the production has tightened its security as a result of the incident. “Like Lea said, a ticket buys you access to the show, that’s it. Meet-and-greets, that’s because they’re nice, not because it’s in the contract. If they do a stage door greeting, that’s out of the goodness of their heart. They’re not contracted to do that, so they don’t have to entertain you after the show.” Positive reception Mendoza, who’s among the “at least 20” co-producers of Here Lies Love (aside from “five lead producers and three to four associate producers”) expressed joy and excitement when talking about how the Fil-Am community and Broadway theatergoers have received the musical. “It’s good, positive,” he said. “People are really enjoying the show. The lifespan of the show is 1945 to 1986, just after the Edsa Revolution. It is fun. It’s an enjoyable show. They liked that they learned something — even the people who really know the story, they also say that they learned something they didn’t know about Imelda or Ninoy or whoever. So, all positive. “The negative things we received are just about content. People [were] worried about watering down what actually happened, but, like I said in the interview, it’s supposed to be entertaining. It’s not a documentary, you know. If it gets you to think about something, we’ve done our job.” He also recalled the stellar opening night last 20 July, with celebrity attendees like actors Drew Barrymore and Daniel Dae Kim, comedian-TV host Stephen Colbert, filmmaker Spike Lee, singer-songwriter Shoshana Bean, hairstylist Frederic Fekkai and fashion icon Anna Wintour. “There were so many people that I heard were there, but I didn’t see them,” he said. But he didn’t miss seeing his fellow co-producers Jo Koy and H.E.R. at the opening. Mendoza said Here Lies Love has tickets open until January 2024 and its contract with The Broadway Theater, where it’s playing, is “open-ended.” So it can “keep going as long as tickets sales are up.” He then gave a satisfied smile: “So far, so good.” In the future, he said he hopes to produce more shows, including maybe an original Filipino musical or play on Broadway. “I think now that Here Lies Love has happened, it’s more possible. I won’t say it’s easy, I won’t say it’s easier. But I will say the door is now open for the others to follow.” The post ‘Here Lies Love’ co-producer says hit musical may soon be staged in Manila appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Managers: Phl remains on track
Despite the lackluster 4.3 percent in the second quarter, growth this year is expected to reach the target range of 6 percent to 7 percent gross domestic product expansion, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. “To do this, we will expedite the implementation of government programs and projects, to provide fiscal stimulus to increase the productive capacity of the public and private sectors and address the adverse recent impacts of typhoons.” Diokno added. Economic managers gathered in Fort Ilocandia in Laoag City to hold the Post-State of the Nation Economic Briefing that discussed the country’s economic situation and plans on 14 August. Diokno said in 2022, GDP increased 7.6 percent from 5.7 a year ago and a 9.5 percent contraction in 2020. Diokno said the economic team is determined to pick up government expenditure in the third and fourth quarters. Revenue collections remain robust from January to June as these totaled P1.9 trillion up 7.7 percent or P132.6 billion year-on-year which is also higher than the mid-year program by 2.7 percent. Hence, Diokno said they have already pipelined 194 infrastructure flagship projects worth P8.3 trillion of which 132 are located in Luzon that will address irrigation, water supply, flood management, agriculture, digital connectivity, physical connectivity, health, and power and energy. Diokno also highlighted some of the projects like the Laoag International Airport Development Project, the EDSA Greenways, the TPLEX Expressway Expansion Project, the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project, the Ilocos Norte-Sur-Abra Irrigation Project, and the Naga Airport Development Project. “The Philippines is determined to be a world leader in the race to net zero and the Ilocos Region will be a strategic partner in this mission. Dubbed to be the renewable energy capital of South East Asia, Ilocos Norte is emerging to be a promising player in the clean energy arena. Being home to the first and largest wind farms in the country,” Diokno stressed. In his address, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., said from a peak of 8.7 percent in January, headline inflation slowed to 4.7 percent in July due to improving domestic food supply conditions and lower global oil prices. However, he also admitted that core inflation remains high at 6.7 percent although it has already started to decline due to the monetary tightening. The BSP has responded to inflation by aggressively raising its policy rate, as of today, the BSP has raised policy rates by 425 basis points. Prices reined in “The good news is that inflation expectations are still well anchored. The markets continue to believe that we will hit our target range by 2024 and stay there in 2025,” Remolona said. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also gave an update on the use pf the budget for 2023. Pangandaman said at the end of July, the total amount of the national budget that has been released already is around 93 percent. “And we expect all our government agencies including all the cabinet members present here, to spend your budget so we can help grow the economy,” Pangandaman said. While for next year, the government budget will amount to 5.768 trillion and it is 21.7 percent of the GDP it has already been submitted to Congress last August 2 and the budget is expected to be passed earlier than expected. The National Economic Development Authority said it wanted to lower the poverty level to single digit. For Socioeconomic Planning Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, the government has effective regional development plans. In the Ilocos Regional Development Plan from 2023-2028, the NEDA expects the Ilocos region to have a 7 percent to 7.5 percent growth while lowering the poverty incidence by 7.3 percent. ‘Build, Better, More’ under BBM;s watch Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the “Build, Better, More” program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is very much aligned with the medium-term development plan for 2023 to 2028 and is consistent with the 8-point economic agenda of the president. Bonoan said that from July 2022 to May 2023, the DPWH has built, maintained, rehabilitated, widened, and upgraded 4,082 kilometer of roads, 497 bridges, built 2,103 flood control projects, 55 evacuation centers, 216 kms farm to market roads, 8 kilometers of farm to mill roads, 138 kilometers tourism roads, 18 kilometers of roads to seaports, railway stations, and airports, 4,038 classrooms, and 6,002 rainwater collector system. “Because of climate change, we have to address and be building and developing resilient and sustainable communities in the 18 major river basins in the country,” Bonoan said. Some of the major projects that the department would like to continue are converting the Daang Maharlika which is actually now Asian Highway 26 which starts in Laoag City and will go around Cagayan Valley and has extended all the way to Zamboanga City. Bonoan says that they want to convert this backbone of the national highway into seamless travel. “In other words, there should be no major stops along the way, along this Maharlika highway,” Bonoan said. Bonoan said they’re going to build 12 major bridges, and the first bridge is the Cavite-Bataan Interlink bridge with a span of more than 32 km. Should it be completed, this will be the second-longest bay bridge in the world. The department also plans to start the Luzon Spine Expressway which will run from Laoag City to Bicol, Bonoan says that this will be 1,073 kms more. As for Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, major Department of Transportation projects like the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, Metro Manila Subway, EDSA Greenway Projects, EDSA Busway, MRT-3 Rehabilitation, LRT-1 Cavite, LRT-2 West Extension, MRT-7, and the modernization and capacity expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are proceeding. For the Department of Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy, there is already a cybersecurity plan for 2023 to 2028 which is a consolidated output of all the stakeholders in designing which includes the best practices all over the world. “We’ve ramped up in our cybercrime detection, we are busting cybercrime syndicates all over the country especially those that are dealing with scammers,” Uy said. Uy said agency is also enhancing cybersecurity status by designing courses to upgrade cybersecurity professionals. He admits that worldwide, there is a 3 million job vacancies on cyber security. DICT said by the end of the year, the department will have Two Terabits of capacity from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan all the way to Manila and we should expect very good Internet connectivity by the start of next year especially on the Luzon area. These structures also open opportunities to data centers and BPOs along the places mentioned which produces employment. DICT expects that foreign investment opportunities and interest in those areas will boom. The post Managers: Phl remains on track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Congress earmarks funds NAIA infra projects
House Committee on Appropriations Vice-chairperson and Makati City Representative Luis Jose Angel Campos Jr. on Sunday announced that the Ninoy Aquino International Airport is set to receive some P2.8 billion for infrastructure projects. Campos disclosed that also included is the P1.2-billion budget for the acquisition of a new traffic management system following the New Year’s Day breakdown that disrupted hundreds of flights. He said that the P1.2 billion in the proposed 2024 budget was allocated for the communications, navigation, and surveillance-air traffic management system which seeks to improve the efficiency of the country’s main gateway. “We are counting on the new CNS-ATM system to optimize airspace and airport efficiency, reduce flight delays, and improve travel experience,” said Campos in a statement. “Our hopes are high that the new system, once installed and fully functional, could potentially increase airport capacity to accommodate more flights in the years ahead,” he added. The move comes as Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista in January cited the need for a backup system, as the current system in use estimated to be worth P13 billion — is already in its midlife. Last month, the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr., opted to push through with plans to privatize NAIA through a solicited bid with the upfront payment cost now being studied and initially estimated at P30 billion. In June this year, the DoTr and the Manila International Airport Authority submitted a joint proposal to the NEDA Board seeking a private concession to invest and improve the NAIA for 15 years. The NEDA Board approved the 15-year concession period, with the option to renew for another 10 years based on a performance review, and should the two new airports — the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan and the Sangley International Airport in Cavite — be delayed. Before this, the Manila International Airport Consortium in April submitted an unsolicited proposal to take over NAIA, but this was deemed “de facto closed” when the government opted for a solicited bid. At present, NAIA’s terminals service over 40 million passengers versus its 32-million annual capacity, with 38 to 40 landings and takeoffs made per hour. The post Congress earmarks funds NAIA infra projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Groundbreaking ceremony for KIA Resettlement Project held
The Kalibo International Airport (KIA) Resettlement Project on Friday officially began with a groundbreaking ceremony, marking a significant accomplishment for the Department of Transportation (DOTr), the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), and the Local Government Units (LGUs) of the Province of Aklan and the Municipality of Kalibo. The purpose of this innovative project is to meet the housing needs of the families impacted by the KIA development. The project includes both the crucial land development and the building of dwelling units for the displaced families, both of which are overseen by DOTr Secretary Jaime J. Bautista's innovative leadership. I n order to demonstrate the government agencies' dedication to providing immediate aid and support to individuals affected, a total of 180 contemporary housing units will be constructed on completely developed lots in the next 450 days. The KIA Resettlement Project brings together a cooperative effort from many government entities. Officials and representatives from the DOTr, CAAP, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), National Housing Authority (NHA), and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development (DHSUD) were present during the groundbreaking event. The municipal governments of Aklan and Kalibo actively participated in the conception and execution of this crucial effort. In addition to the KIA project, another noteworthy environmental effort was undertaken by Region VI. Earlier in the day, Iloilo Province Gov. Arthur Defensor Jr. led the inauguration of the Iloilo Airport Gateway Greening Project. This environmentally conscious project involves the planting of flowering trees along the 19-kilometer highway stretching from the Iloilo Airport in the Cabatuan area to the Benigno Aquino Avenue or Diversion Road in Iloilo City. A collaborative effort between the Iloilo City LGU, DPWH, CAAP, and the LGUs of Cabatuan, Sta. Barbara and Pavia, as well as private organizations, the project aims to enhance the scenic beauty of the area while promoting a greener and more sustainable environment. Both of these projects signify the unwavering commitment of the government and its partners to progress and social responsibility. As these airport initiatives take flight, CAAP, under the leadership of the DOTr, remains dedicated to its mission of making aviation efficient, safe, and reliable for the Filipino people. CAAP looks forward to the successful completion of both projects, which will undoubtedly elevate the quality of life for the residents of Aklan and Iloilo. The post Groundbreaking ceremony for KIA Resettlement Project held appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
P130B mandatory investment needed for NAIA rehab
The Department of Transportation said the winning bidder for the rehabilitation of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport needs to prepare at least a P130 billion mandatory investment to deliver the much-needed upgrade for the country’s main air hub within three to five years. “There is a commitment to spend a certain amount of money for infrastructure. We are looking at something called mandatory infrastructure that should be implemented within the next five years,” Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista told reporters on the sidelines of the Philippine Economic Briefing in Pasay City. “We’re looking at something that may reach almost a hundred, 130 billion pesos in investment in the next three years or five years,” Bautista said. The DoTr will publish the Terms of Reference for the solicited bidding to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by next month so that contract will be awarded as early as December. The National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved the solicited bid to privatize the operations of NAIA. NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the P170.6-billion project will help address the long-standing issues at the country’s main air hub such as congestion and limited aircraft movements that usually cause inconvenience to passengers. Last month, the DoTr and the Manila International Airport Authority submitted a joint proposal to the NEDA Board to privatize the operations and management of NAIA within 15 years. The government’s plan was shorter than the 25-year deal offered by Manila International Airport Consortium or MIAC who vied to take over NAIA. MIAC’s P267 billion proposal includes P211 billion of capital investments, P57 billion of which will be rolled out over the first five years. The remaining P154 billion, on the other hand, will be invested over the remainder of the proposed 25-year concession period. Under the NAIA Masterplan, there are three key phases of development, which will feature capacity and reliability increase, and overall improvements in passenger experience. Before the pandemic, NAIA had already breached this ceiling when it registered a peak of 47.9 million passengers in 2019. MIAC is composed of Aboitiz InfraCapital, Inc., AC Infrastructure Holdings Corporation, Asia's Emerging Dragon Corporation, Alliance Global – Infracorp Development, Inc., Filinvest Development Corporation, and JG Summit Infrastructure Holdings Corporation along with Global Infrastructure Partners. Massive railways projects slated In the same forum, Bautista also bared that the DoTr will take on railway projects with a total length of more than 1,000 kilometers. The project, which was also mentioned during Monday’s SONA, includes the following: PNR North Long Haul, 853 kilometers; Panay Railway, 100 kilometers; North Mindanao Railway, 54 kilometers; and San Mateo Railway, 17 kilometers. According to Bautista, all of these projects have secured funding to initiate feasibility studies. He said procurement is now ongoing for consultancy firms to create the feasibility studies for the rail projects lined up by the administration. The post P130B mandatory investment needed for NAIA rehab appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoTr shifts priority focus on public transport initiatives
Responding to the President’s call to deliver efficient services to Filipinos, the Department of Transportation has committed to shift its focus into developing a public transit-friendly landscape, instead of maintaining the current car-centric setup that privileges the private automobile as a better transportation mode. “The transportation department’s initiatives have shifted focus on public transport, to maximize usage of the country’s limited highways,” the DoTr said on Monday. “The goal is for private vehicle owners to abandon their cars in favor of trains, buses, taxis, bicycles, and even motorcycle taxis,” it added. Despite facing numerous headwinds, the DoTr still described the EDSA Busway implementation as successful. The new system, which is envisioned to be replicated in more populated areas in the country, reduces travel time between Monumento and PITX to more or less an hour. To recall, improving the EDSA busway system was one of the priorities of the DoTr. It plans to introduce new stations and upgrade existing facilities to be universally accessible, gender-responsive, and climate resilient — all aligned with international standards. Active transport nationwide Simultaneously, the DoTr said it will complete its planned 2,400-kilometer bike lane expansion by 2028 to promote active and sustainable transportation. “As an advocate of the environment-friendly transport system, we are pushing for the Active Transport Program where 564 kilometers of bike lanes were built throughout the country with an additional 470 kilometers to be constructed this year,” it added. The DoTr has set out its plans to upgrade and expand existing bike lane and pedestrian walkway networks, and provide better Public Utility Vehicle stops and End-of-Trip cycling facilities. For this year alone, the DoTr will mobilize P932.82 million to build additional 470 kilometers of protected bike lanes across nine regions in the country this year. Airport overhaul underway To boost the country’s tourism industry, the DoTr aims to improve the operations and facilities of our international and even regional airports through the implementation of Public-Private Partnerships to speed up aviation projects. Just last week, Transportation Secretary Jaime J. Bautista said the DoTr will publish the Terms of Reference for the solicited bidding to rehabilitate the Ninoy Aquino International Airport by next month so that contract will be awarded as early as December. The National Economic and Development Authority or NEDA, chaired by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., approved the solicited bid to privatize the operations of NAIA. NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said the P170.6-billion project will help address the long-standing issues at the country’s main air hub such as congestion and limited aircraft movements that usually cause inconvenience to passengers. “We also have opened to the public the new passenger terminal of Clark International Airport. And to complement the operations in our main gateway, new airport projects in Bulacan and Sangley are being developed,” the DoTr noted. Likewise, the DoTr added that the relaxation of travel restrictions and continued support to recovery initiatives of airlines and other aviation stakeholders have resulted in passenger volume being around 3.2x compared to 2021 figures. Full-year 2022 domestic and international passenger volumes hit 32.3 million vs 7.7 million in 2021. Powering through delays In the railways sector, despite the push backs, the DoTr said it remains optimistic to deliver its promises. “Railways effectively address traffic congestion while providing increased passenger and freight capacity. The DoTr is accelerating the development, upgrade, and construction of big-ticket rail projects to be able to move more people and goods,” the DoTr said. “The DoTr has made substantial headway on several ongoing rail projects with various contracts signed and construction and financing milestones for big-ticket projects North-South Commuter Railway, Metro Manila Subway Project, LRT-1 Cavite Extension, Common Station, MRT-3 Rehabilitation and Maintenance, MRT-4 and other ongoing railway projects,” it added. Despite the slow progress, the Metro Manila Subway Project, which has been at the table for years, is one of the flagship projects the DoTr wants to prioritize. According to Bautista, fulfilling the rail project on time also means fulfilling his promise of providing “a global-standard transport system” to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. With 17 stations and a depot of 30.34 hectares, the civil works for the Metro Manila Subway Project’s two major segments will generate more than 6,000 direct and indirect jobs. Funded by the Japanese government, the subway is a 33-kilometer rail line stretching from Valenzuela City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3 in Pasay City. It will reduce travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from one hour and 10 minutes to just 45 minutes. The post DoTr shifts priority focus on public transport initiatives appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Ravishing, irresistible’: ‘Here Lies Love’ opens to solid reviews
Here Lies Love, the groundbreaking musical about former First Lady Imelda Marcos, officially opened on Broadway on Thursday night, 20 July, with an all-Filipino cast led by Tony-winning actor Lea Salonga and a guest list headed by Filipino-American entertainers H.E.R. and Jo Koy, who are among the show’s producers. Giselle Tongi, a known actress in the Philippines before migrating to the United States, is also a co-producer who functions as community/cultural liaison. She was joined at the event by other celebrities of Filipino descent, including actress Tia Carrere, fashion designer Josie Natori and drag performer Manila Luzon. There were also Hollywood figures, such as actors Drew Barrymore and Daniel Dae Kim, comedian-TV host Stephen Colbert, filmmaker Spike Lee, singer-songwriter Shoshana Bean and hairstylist Frederic Fekkai. [gallery size="full" ids="161929,161926,161931"] Philippine-based actors Yassi Pressman and Mark Bautista, plus Liza Soberano, who’s trying her luck in the United States, were in attendance, too, along with fashion photographer BJ Pascual and model-host Joey Mead.The show has received mostly raves so far. Charles Isherwood of The Wall Street Journal praised “the irresistible score” that is “like nothing else on Broadway,” a sentiment shared by Peter Marks of the Washington Post who said the show’s “jolting tunes, melodic and insistent, send scintillating vibrations through your nervous system.” Wrote Greg Evans of Deadline: “The real pull of Here Lies Love is the staging, with a malleable performance space, an audience herded to and fro, and cast members finding perches throughout the venue.” [caption id="attachment_161930" align="aligncenter" width="720"] LEA Salonga and Manila Luzon.[/caption] Chris Jones of the Chicago Tribune, meanwhile, pointed to “a couple of formidable assets. One is the Byrne-and-Slim soundscape, which is to my mind more beautiful, more exciting and more surprising than any score on Broadway last season… The second strength is director Alex Timbers’ conceptual staging.” “The groundbreaking, floor-shaking Here Lies Love makes space for itself like no Broadway show ever has,” said Adam Feldman in Time Out New York, with the “immersive production” allowing audience members to “get swept up in the shifting tides and undertows of history.” [caption id="attachment_161933" align="aligncenter" width="449"] FILMMAKER Spike Lee (middle). | PHOTOGRAPHS COURTESY OF IG/HERE LIES LOVE[/caption] And Johnny Oleksinki of The New York Post concluded: “Even if Here Lies Love doesn’t reach the emotional highs of Evita… it’s a ravishing sensory experience unlike any other.” Here Lies Love is based on the concept album created by Scottish-American musician/songwriter/record producer David Byrne and English musician/DJ/record producer Fatboy Slim that evolved into a rock musical. It tells the story of Imelda’s rise to power and subsequent fall in the aftermath of the People Power revolution in 1986. The show premiered off-Broadway in 2013 at The Public Theater in New York City. A year later, it moved to the Royal National Theater in London, England, and then was restaged at Seattle Repertory Theater in the U.S. in 2017. Mark Bautista played the role of the late President Ferdinand Marcos in both the London and Seattle productions. In the current Broadway run, Arielle Jacobs plays Imelda and Jose Llana reprises the Ferdinand Marcos role he originated at The Public Theater. Conrad Ricamora takes on the part of Ninoy Aquino, while Lea Salonga portrays Ninoy’s mother Aurora Aquino in a limited run until 13 August. The post ‘Ravishing, irresistible’: ‘Here Lies Love’ opens to solid reviews appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Converge unveils free T4 fiber link
Travelers using the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 4 can start using the one-gigabit-per-second fiber connection that Converge ICT Solutions Inc. launched on Tuesday. Through the Converge Free Public Wifi, passengers can surf the internet for free for two hours. “Internet connectivity is among the top complaints of travelers when it comes to airport amenities. We want to do our part in enhancing the Philippines’ image and reputation to foreign and domestic travelers through this connectivity project,” Converge CEO and co-founder Dennis Anthony Uy said. “Local and international travelers can maximize our fiber-fast connection, especially in digitally-supported processes in checking in and boarding, or even just surfing while waiting for departure or upon their arrival,” Uy added. DoTr MoA signed For Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, Converge’s project will help deliver top-notch connectivity solutions to stakeholders. Converge formalized the project through a Memorandum of Agreement or MoA with the Department of Transportation and airport operators last year. NAIA Terminal 4 is the first terminal to be launched in the project under the deal, but Converge reiterated that the project will also be rolled out to all terminals of nine other airports. These areas were: Francisco Bangoy International Airport /Davao International Airport, Mactan-Cebu International Airport, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Bacolod-Silay Airport, Iloilo International Airport, Laoag International Airport, Pagadian Airport, Tacloban Airport and Zamboanga International Airport. Government data showed that some 1.7 million international passengers traveled through NAIA in April — with 9,089 flight movements. Combined with figures for domestic flights, NAIA registered a total of 3.7 million passengers, and 22,816 flights in that same month. Presently, Converge has a fiber-to-the-home network with over 646,000 kilometers of fiber assets, with 15.9 million households covered. It serves nearly 2 million residential customers and 40,000 business customers. The post Converge unveils free T4 fiber link appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»