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Anissa Heights: For discerning home seekers
DMCI Homes’ upcoming project in Pasay City reaffirms the property developer’s commitment to providing quality housing options for a diverse range of home seekers. “Anissa Heights exemplifies DMCI Homes’ dedication to delivering housing solutions that adapt to the market’s evolving needs,” DMCI vice president for Project Development Dennis Yap said. The soon-to-launch Anissa Heights is a residential condominium located in P. Zamora, Pasay City, that aims to cater to a broader audience of individuals and families, offering the opportunity to own a home in a prime urban location. It provides easy access to key areas, including the Bay City, and convenient connections to Makati City through EDSA and other major road networks. Future residents will also appreciate the convenience of a transit-oriented development with the nearby MRT-3 Taft Avenue and LRT-1 EDSA stations. ANISSA Heights Its 1,390 units range from a studio type (16 sqm-26sqm) to one bedroom (27.5 sqm), ideal for rental business (short-term or long-term). This one-tower, 34-storey modern development influenced by the concept of urban living also features a wide array of amenities, such as a swimming pool, fitness gym, multi-purpose court, open sky lounge, entertainment room, play area and landscaped gardens, providing a complete resort-like experience. “This new project stands as a testament to DMCI Homes’ vision to redefine urban living, making it accessible to a diverse range of individuals and families,” Yap added. DMCI Homes is the Philippines’ first Quadruple A real estate developer known for building quality resort-inspired communities in Mega Manila, Baguio, Boracay and Davao City. It has more than 60 properties in its portfolio since its launch in 1999. The post Anissa Heights: For discerning home seekers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Close business, gov’t collab spur growth — Pascual
Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual is urging private entities to continuously work with the government in addressing issues crucial to economic recovery and growth. At the 3rd Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Business Advisory Council meeting in Cebu City last Friday, Pascual said the partnership between the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation and the APEC Business Advisory Council is actually regarded by the Philippine government as a cornerstone of its vision for the country’s future. “It exemplifies the power of synergy — when government and business come together and connect, we lay the groundwork for a trade environment that is not just functional, but inclusive, resilient, and sustainable. This dynamic collaboration enables us to stay agile and responsive as we navigate the ever-evolving landscape of business and technology,” he said in a speech. In line with this year’s theme, “Equity, Sustainability, Opportunity,” ABAC Philippines focused on helping communities build back stronger through collective efforts. With critical goals to pursue, Secretary Pascual called for stronger partnership and collaboration among APEC Member Economies in crafting policy reforms that would spur economic growth. Areas of focus For this year’s work program, the ABAC will initially have these areas of focus: (1) Economic Integration Working Group; (2) Sustainable Growth Working Group; (3) Digital and Innovation Working Group; (4) Finance Task Force; and (5) Inclusion Task Force. Secretary Pascual has also commended the efforts of ABAC in shaping a strong, credible, and relevant World Trade Organization even as he recognized ABAC’s strong push toward the eventual realization of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific. “The Philippines views the FTAAP as a mechanism to boost economic recovery in the region, especially for medium, small and micro-enterprises most affected by the pandemic. We thus support the immediate implementation of the FTAAP Agenda Work Plan which contributes to APEC’s sustainability and inclusion objectives,” he said. ABAC Philippines is currently focused on several initiatives including the promotion of the availability and accessibility of climate risk scenario information, the exploration of the viability of nuclear energy as a zero-carbon energy source, and other use cases under the Sustainable Growth Working Group. Further, it is working on enhancing cross-border data flow in financial services. For its part, the DTI is prioritizing (1) APEC’s Support for the Safe Passage of Maritime Crew in the Covid-19 Era, (2) Boracay Action Agenda to Globalize MSMEs, and (3) APEC Trade Repository. Aligned with this year’s ABAC meeting theme, the DTI aims to provide equal opportunities for all, promote regulations for environmental stewardship, and commit to fostering a digitally inclusive APEC community. The post Close business, gov’t collab spur growth — Pascual appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Beyond slogans
The talk of the town remains to be the DoT fiasco where a lackluster slogan, “Love the Philippines”, was unveiled and which appeared to be a safe bet since it brought up similarities to previous slogans, i.e. “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” and “Wow Philippines.” What made things worse for the anticipated, and expensive, commercial was its use of stock footage that featured tourist sites that were not found in the Philippines. We can all admit that this was indeed a shortcoming on the part of the DoT, and Secretary Cristina Frasco has acknowledged this. Certain senators were talking at length about this, even suggesting that the new slogan be scrapped. Secretary Frasco took the high road and stood firm on the “Love the Philippines” slogan, signifying the need to move on from this fiasco, onward to more important matters, such as the implementation of tourism projects and legislation to bring in more tourists. If we compare the tourism revenues of the Philippines to our neighboring countries, we are clearly lagging behind. I was able to visit Thailand recently. From the moment you set foot at the airport, you could see that we are decades behind. The service accorded tourists is topnotch – you have a sense that the locals would not rip you off just because you are a tourist. Instead, you feel that you are a guest in their country, and guests are accorded respect in Thailand. How can the DoT address this? The DoT can identify tourism hotspots and educate the service industry on how to properly treat guests. This is a grassroots-level approach to help improve tourism, instead of an expensive and grandiose advertising campaign that is bound to be changed by the next administration in 2028. Another way the DoT can help is through national and local legislation. By offering incentives to businesses in the tourism sector, more companies would be keen to invest in Philippine tourism and set up businesses in areas that have yet to be capitalized. If you visit Boracay or Cebu, you would see a saturated tourism area, but in places like Siargao Island and San Vicente, Palawan, there may be a need for government to further support the economic development of these high-potential tourist areas. DoT can highlight activities and experiences unique to the Philippines that can be found in almost every corner. Rep. Joey Salceda was correct in pointing out that Mayon Volcano, one of the most picturesque volcanos in the entire world, was not even shown in the advertising campaign of the DoT. I have visited Mayon and it was a treat to walk around it and ride an ATV in the surrounding beautiful landscape. The Philippines can boast of its surfing and dive spots to a global audience. We can offer packages to bring in more surfers and divers who would spend months in the Philippines, longer than the ordinary tourist. As a passionate (not talented) golfer, we can promote golf tourism just like Vietnam and Thailand. Clark, by far, is the best place to promote golf with the presence of an international airport and world-class golfers just minutes away. Tourist areas such as Boracay, Palawan, Siargao and Bohol, would be riddled with golf tourists with spending power, if there were three to four golf courses in these areas. All in all, tourism is more than a slogan. It is the by-product of an entire government policy and ethos to make Filipinos more proactive in bringing in tourists. Perhaps, this is what the DoT and the Filipino public should focus on. *** For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Beyond slogans appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Keeping Siargao’s waters clean and safe
The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is helping Siargao Island protect its water resources by helping local residents follow proper waste disposal protocols. Siargao is a declared protected area pursuant to Republic Act 7586 or the National Integrated Protected Areas System Act of 1992 as amended by Republic Act 11038 or the Expanded NIPAS Act of 2018. But it is prone to generating a high volume of waste from its tourism activities. Educating residents and visitors on proper waste disposal will prevent the contamination of the island’s waters with the E. coli bacteria that had blighted Boracay in 2018. Unlike Boracay which consist only of three barangays, Siargao Island is composed of nine municipalities. Gina Barquilla, Del Carmen Municipal Environment and Natural Resources officer, said the DENR helped them put up a two-hectare land to serve as the materials recovery facility for the municipality, funded by an Asian Development Bank grant. "We are now able to segregate our solid waste, which are then recycled and pulverized for other uses. Glass bottles may be used as bricks while plastic can be made as “sagwan” (banca paddle)," Barquilla said. Mayor Alfredo Corro II, she added, has also entered into a public-private partnership with the JCA 1221 Group of Companies, whose subsidiary FLOV2VS (Faith Lived Out Vision to Ventures), has put up a septage treatment plant that converts waste water into recyclable water. Inaugurated in 31 May this year, the treatment plant can clean up waste water from septic tanks, kitchen sinks and showers and distribute the recycled water for firefighters' water tanks and other uses. DENR Protected Area Superintendent Sam Malayao said they have teamed up with the island's municipalities to implement environmental laws, teaching commercial establishments how to dispose of waste property as well as manage their sewage system. All tourism-related establishments are encouraged to avail themselves of Del Carmen's waste water treatment under the Siargao Sewage Program, added Malayao. So far, of the more or less 2,000 commercial establishments around Siargao Island, 30 already make use of the service, with more expected to join by the end of the year. "STP is an ecology-driven investment. It's just one modality for our waste management. Pag sinabi kasing septic, parang ayaw pag-usapan, pero kailangan natin gawin (Nobody wants to talk about septic needs, but we need to act on it)," Del Carmen Municipal Mayor Alfredo Corro II told the Daily Tribune. The post Keeping Siargao’s waters clean and safe appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manila Water pushes expansion program
Manila Water Company Inc., led by tycoon Enrique K. Razon Jr., will expand the local and international footprint of its business and services through partnerships and acquisitions. In an interview with reporters on Thursday, Manila Water chief administrative officer and head for international business Roberto Jose Locsin reiterated that the company “is on the right track” on its planned expansions. “There is a deliberate approach for expansion both domestically and abroad. In the Philippines, we would like to focus on highly-dense populations or the secondary and tertiary cities,” Locsin said. “We have conversations with LGUs (local government units) all across the country. I can’t mention anything specific because a lot of this is still under discussion,” he said. Locsin noted that Manila Water is particularly interested in pouring money into local water districts large enough to also promise good investment returns. The company pursues expansions through its subsidiary Manila Water Philippine Ventures, which has water services units serving Laguna, Boracay Island, Clark, Cebu, Zamboanga City and Tagum City. As for international expansion, Locsin said Manila Water aims to have a presence in areas where Razon’s International Container Services Inc. ports are located. Overseas foray next goal Overseas, Manila Water will focus on concession-based businesses under build-operate-own, build-operate-transfer, or public-private partnership bulk water supply schemes. “We have a very strong capability in industrial through our estate water business in the Philippines. Replicating that and consolidating that allows us to talk to a lot of people,” Locsin added. Manila Water is the East Zone concessionaire that provides water distribution and sewerage services in the East Zone which spans the cities of Makati, Mandaluyong, Pasig, Pateros, San Juan, Taguig, Marikina, most parts of Quezon City, portions of Manila; as well as the towns of Angono, Antipolo, Baras, Binangonan, Cainta, Cardona, Jala-Jala, Morong, Pililia, Rodriguez, San Mateo, Tanay, Taytay, and Teresa in Rizal province. The post Manila Water pushes expansion program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Visayan growth
This piece is being written as I traverse the Visayan region which is carrying greater prospects for future economic growth. For the past months, I’ve written on Mindanao and Central Luzon and how these regions have experienced rapid development thanks to the nationally elected political leaders who hail from their provinces, Vice President Sara Duterte and the former president now Deputy Speaker Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, respectively. At times neglected in the discussions is the Visayas region. This time around, I was able to spend time in Iloilo and Cebu – both highly urbanized regional growth areas outside of Metro Manila. Iloilo is a wonderful city as it exists harmoniously with its bodies of water. Esplanades and walkways allow everyone to enjoy the river, which serves as a leisure area, transportation hub, and entry for goods, which is quite uncommon in the Philippines. Usually, Philippine rivers are either for people or for goods, not both, since our rivers are easily polluted. But in Iloilo, as well as neighboring Guimaras, their rivers bring life to the province. The only eyesore in Iloilo would be the “sinking” Ungka flyover located in Pavia. This project cost the government P680 million but it was closed shortly after it opened because motorists experienced a “wavy” sensation while driving on it. It was later learned that some of its pillars were sinking at the rate of two centimeters per day. A study showed it would take an estimated P250 million to repair the flyover and make it safely usable to the public. One reason to be excited about Iloilo should be the proposed revival of the Panay Railway, which was mentioned by President Bongbong Marcos Jr. in his SoNA last year and included in the Infrastructure Flagship Projects approved by NEDA. On this trip, I learned that Panay used to have a working railway that connected Iloilo City to Roxas City, and that plans for its revival would further connect Iloilo to Caticlan thus, the resort island of Boracay. Imagine having tourists land in Boracay, spend a few days there, then take a train to Iloilo where they would further be immersed in Philippine culture in one of the oldest cities of the country. Cebu is an established gem of a city, with traffic nearing Manila levels. Walking around Cebu feels like being in Alabang or BGC. One thing missing in Cebu is tollways to connect its cities and municipalities. This may change soon with the inclusion of the Metro Cebu Expressway in the NEDA-approved IFPs. The 72-kilometer project, once completed, will connect Naga City to Danao City, cutting travel time from three hours to 50 minutes. The project was started years ago, but only a reported five kilometers of it have been finished so far due to lack of funding. At this rate of budget allocation, it will take 20 years to finish it. Now, the project will continue and be finished sooner via a PPP arrangement after Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. — the same company that built the iconic Cebu Cordova Link Expressway bridge — has expressed interest in it. Whenever I visit Cebu, it seems that a major development had taken place. This time was no different. Even in Iloilo, there are new buildings erected almost monthly. One notable building is the 14-story Stronghold Insurance Building in Mandurriao, Iloilo City, an area surrounded by Ayala, SM, Vista Land, and Megaworld developments. As this Administration has heralded, this time the purpose is to “Build, Better, More” for the benefit of all Filipinos nationwide. For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com. The post Visayan growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More cops deployed in summer, fiestas
The Philippine National Police announced that at least 6,000 tourist cops have been deployed in various tourist spots across the country as part of “Oplan Ligtas Sumvac 2023” campaign nationwide to ensure the safety for both local and foreign tourists at the span of the dry season and especially during the various fiesta celebrations this month. In a radio interview on Sunday, PNP spokesperson Col. Jean Fajardo said the tourist cops are already present in major tourist destinations across the country that include Boracay, Palawan, Siargao and other parts of the country. Fajardo said the police deployment includes traffic management assistance and securing transportation hubs. “Our implementation of our Oplan SumVac continues, that’s why our deployment in our major thoroughfares is there to support the management and control of traffic,” Fajardo said. “Of course, our deployment in our main terminals and hubs, our airport and docks will not be removed to make sure that we can watch over the security and safety of both local and foreign travelers,” she added. Thousands of people usually go to their hometowns during May to celebrate fiesta celebrations with friends and relatives and celebrations are sometimes taken advantage of for class reunions while some overseas Filipinos would also go home during fiesta celebrations to introduce their foreign spouses and friends to Filipino culture. “This is to make sure that all our travelers, both local and foreigners, will be secured, especially that the month of May is when various fiesta celebrations are held,” said Fajardo. Fajardo also said all police commanders have already been instructed by PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. to ensure that the enhanced police operations which include beat patrols are regularly done. “These enhanced police operations are being done day and night to ensure the safety and security of our kababayans,” said Fajardo. Under Oplan Ligtas Sumvac, has already instructed all regional and provincial police offices to activate their contingency plans and maximize the deployment of personnel through tourist police units in their respective areas of responsibility in coordination with local government units, local tourism councils and Department of Tourism. The post More cops deployed in summer, fiestas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Desalination needs private funding — group
Households in highly urbanized provinces can have more potable water from seawater through desalination only if the private sector is willing to subsidize the expensive project, an executive of Tubig Pilipinas said. “As of today, due to the high cost of desalination, it’s more feasible in areas, such as Boracay and Cebu where there are high commercial or industrial establishments that can subsidize the cost for the residential consumers,” Tubig Pilipinas president Ryan Yapkianwee said last Friday in an email to the Daily Tribune. It takes $1 million or about P55 million to set up a desalination plant to process 1,000 cubic meters of seawater each day, excluding water distribution equipment. Capital intensive To serve 300,000 people, a water provider must shell out $100 million for a larger desalination plant. Yapkianwee said Tubig Pilipinas supports the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to explore and adopt water technologies from the Middle Eastern countries to mitigate the impacts of climate change including longer drought. Yapkianwee added the government and the private sector must find ways to reduce the costs of desalinated water. “Despite the costly desalination, we are a believer that the most expensive water is having no water.” Saudi Arabia, for example, sources half of its need for potable water from desalinating the nearby Red Sea. A 2019 report by The New York Times says North Africa and many other countries in the Middle East were building more desalination plants as supplies from renewable water sources have declined. According to the United Nations, a person needs 350 gallons per day to live. In the Philippines, however, more than half, or 57 million out of 110 Filipinos lack access to potable water. In the meantime, Yapkianwee said Tubig Pilipinas are educating communities in rural areas to plant more trees to protect watersheds that store and direct the flow of water. “Trees prevent flooding by absorbing the water. On the other hand, it ensures you have sources of water in times of drought as the absorbed water goes to the rivers.” Yapkianwee shared that his water distributor and treatment company conducts regular tree planting in Mabatangen Watershed and Mount Dalara in Coron, Palawan as one of the 14 provinces Tubig Pilipinas will start serving this year. The others are Bacolod and Cadiz in Negros Occidental; Echahue, Isabela; San Jose City, Nueva Ecija; Sual, Labrador and Malasiqui in Pangasinan; Trece Martires, Cavite; Nabua, Camarines Sur; Mandaue, Cebu; Iloilo City; and Calbayog and Catbalogan in Samar. The post Desalination needs private funding — group appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Lifting age restrictions for travelers to boost Boracay tourism’
MNN The municipal government of Malay in Aklan is optimistic that the lifting of age restrictions for interzonal travel in areas under general community quarantine and modified GCQ will boost tourism in Boracay......»»
DOT: Travel for tourists of all ages from NCR Plus to Boracay, other MGCQ areas still in effect
The Department of Tourism on Wednesday stressed that travel for leisure purposes for all ages from the National Capital Region Plus bubble to Boracay and other tourist destinations under modified general community quarantine has been extended until June 30......»»
Boracay of the North reopens to tourists
This town, known as the mini Boracay of the North because of its white sand beach in Patar, reopened to tourists from Metro Manila and nearby areas on Thursday......»»
DOT: Remove age restriction for Boracay tourists
Tourists regardless of age should be allowed to visit Boracay when it reopens to visitors from areas under general community quarantine or GCQ next week......»»
Boracay to accept tourists from GCQ areas
Boracay will accept tourists from areas under general community quarantine or GCQ starting Oct. 1......»»
GERI reports 37% profit fall, improving sales
Global-Estate Resorts, Inc. (GERI), Megaworld’s integrated tourism and leisure unit, reported lower earnings in the first half of the year although sales have started to recover in the second quarter. In a statement, GERI said that, excluding non-recurring gains, the company’s net income for the first half of the year reached P728 million, down 9 percent from P801 million during the same period last year. Attributable net income dropped 37 percent to P544.8 million in the first half of 2020 from P865.13 million in the same period last year. Consolidated revenues for the first half of 2020 registered at P2.9 billion, reflecting a 29 percent decline from P4.1 billion during the comparable period last year. On the other hand, rental income weakened by only 8 percent from P377 million last year to P347 million in the first half of 2020 even if mall operations were affected by the Taal eruption in the first quarter, and the strict quarantine measures in the second quarter. Hotel operations declined by 67 percent from P484 million last year to P162 million for the first six months of 2020 due to the quarantine restrictions during the period. However, the decline in revenues from the company’s core businesses was offset by the 30 percent reduction in costs and expenses, from P3.1 billion in the first half of 2019 to P2.2 billion this year. “Boracay was closed to tourists during the second quarter but as soon as the quarantine measures were relaxed in June, we saw a steep climb on the sales of our commercial and village lots in Boracay Newcoast. Buyers now prefer residential and leisure products in nature-rich settings outside of Metro Manila,” explained GERI President Monica T.Salomon. GERI’s reservation sales of residential projects during the second quarter of the year rose to P3.6 billion from P2.2 billion in the first quarter. The firm noted that the growth was achieved even as the country was placed on strict lockdown due to the coronavirus pandemic. It did not provide comparative figures for 2019. Residential projects in Boracay Newcoast in Aklan, Arden Botanical Estate in Cavite, Eastland Heights in Antipolo, Rizal, and Hamptons Caliraya in Laguna comprised the bulk of sales during the first half of the year, which reached P5.8 billion. “When the news of a possible lockdown came out in mid-March, we had already braced for a conservative outlook for our residential segment,” said Salomon. She added that, “But, while the country was placed on strict quarantine, we saw aggressive take-ups of our provincial projects. In fact, on the average, our second quarter sales are 61 percent of what we have booked for the entire first half of 2020. And we still have enough inventory to address the demand for residential projects in these areas.”.....»»
Tourism, agriculture in the recovery effort
OUR top tourist attraction, Boracay island, was reopened last June 16, part of the gradual resumption of economic activity after the lockdowns in various areas of the country due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Tourism operations may now resume on the island but only at 50 percent capacity in Modified General Community Quarantine (MGCQ). Other […].....»»
EDITORIAL - Opportunities in a crisis
In many areas outside Metro Manila where quarantine restrictions are most relaxed, domestic tourism is being allowed to gradually resume. Swimming is back in many of the top beach destinations led by Boracay......»»
Heat index could hit danger level in 14 areas on Good Friday, PAGASA warns
In its 5 a.m. forecast on Thursday, the agency noted that certain areas could see a heat index soaring up to 44 degrees Celsius (°C)......»»
Casino gaming around the globe
Gaming has always been a popular human activity. Long before land-based casinos were built, casino games existed and flourished. Bingo, for example, first appeared in.....»»
Oplan Harabas yields 3 drivers positive for drugs
FOLLOWING the surprise drug test conducted by the Land Transportation Office (LTO)-Davao and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) on public utility vehicles (PUVs) last March 26, 2024, two taxi drivers in Davao City were found to be positive for drugs......»»
Boracay, Palawan named among ‘Best Islands in Asia-Pacific’
Two island destinations in the Philippines were included in the 10 “Best Islands in Asia-Pacific” by a foreign travel magazine......»»