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Schneider Electric switching to solar power
French energy management and automation firm Schneider Electric is transitioning its operations in the Philippines to clean energy with the installation of solar panels in its manufacturing plant in Rosario, Cavite......»»
PSALM expects P100 billion from CBK privatization
The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) is expected to generate as much as P100 billon from the privatization of the 796.46-megawatt (MW) Caliraya-Botocan-Kalayaan (CBK) hydroelectric power plant complex in Laguna, bolstering the cash position of the cash-strapped state firm......»»
Zambales insurgents wave white flag
Olongapo City, Zambales — Two individuals believed to be members of the New People’s Army operating in this region voluntarily surrendered to the authorities and turned over their firearms and ammunitions to the police over the weekend. According to the Police Regional Office 3, the NPA fighter operating in Zambales known as “Ka Alex” turned himself in to police and handed over a cal. 38 revolver with ammunition, a 40mm M203 grenade ammunition, one meter of detonating cord and subversive documents. Additionally, an inactive NPA member from Barrio identified as alias “Jess” voluntarily surrendered to the police, turning over a cal .38 revolver without serial number and a rifle grenade on Saturday. In the province of Bataan, two members of the communist front organization Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap linked to CPP-NPA formally withdrew their support from their former group. They pledged their allegiance to the government, sealing their commitment by surrendering a Cal .38 revolver as a symbol of their loyalty to the authorities. Over at Pampanga, “Ka Maria” of Alyansa ng mga Magbubukid sa Gitnang Luzon-Kilusang Magbukid ng Pilipinas took an oath of allegiance to the government before police authorities last 16 September 2023. “Ka Maria” revealed her participation in a rally at Hacienda Luicita in Tarlac City and a series of demonstrations in Manila. “Our relentless campaign against local insurgency continues to yield positive results that will benefit communities across the region. We hope to inspire more of our fellow citizens to return to the government’s side and collaborate with us in building a future marked by peace and progress,” said PRO3 director Police Brigadier Gen. Jose Hidalgo Jr. “The PRO3 remains committed to safeguarding peace and security in the region and extends an open invitation to all citizens to join hands in creating a brighter and more harmonious future for everyone,” he added. The post Zambales insurgents wave white flag appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better sports facilities pushed
As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am saddened by the dilapidated state of the country’s iconic sports facilities. The Philippine Institute of Sports Multi-Purpose Arena, popularly known as PhilSports Arena, has come a long way from the time it was built in 1985 to house the Philippine Basketball Association until the league moved out in 1993 due to the lack of maintenance of the venue. The last time it was renovated was in 2019, when the country hosted the 30th Southeast Asian Games. Among PhilSports Arena’s main facilities are the Multi-purpose Arena, Swimming Center, and Football and Athletic Stadium. While the arena was greatly enjoyed as a sports facility, it also served as a temporary shelter for evacuees after Tropical Storm Ondoy and Typhoon Pepeng struck the Philippines in 2009, adding to the facility's wear and tear. A quick look at the PhilSports Arena and the other sports facilities nationwide should make us realize that we should invest more in rehabilitating our iconic sports facilities. As I have suggested during the budget deliberations in the Senate, prioritizing funding for sports facilities would have been better than putting flood control projects in areas with little to no population. This concern about the support we are providing our athletes has motivated me to author and co-sponsor Republic Act No. 11470, which established the National Academy of Sports at New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac. In collaboration with the Philippine Sports Commission and the Department of Education, NAS now offers a specialized secondary education program focused on sports where students can study and train simultaneously. I have also filed the Philippine National Games bill, which aims to provide a structure for a more comprehensive national sports program, linking grassroots sports promotion to national sports development by having a mini Olympics regularly. Providing opportunities to our youth will help develop their potential in sports but will also help keep them away from vices such as illegal drugs. I continue to support establishing sports-related programs and infrastructure to divert the youth from the lure of addiction and criminality. This is also part of my three-pronged approach to combat illegal drugs in the Philippines – law enforcement, rehabilitation, and prevention. Yesterday, I witnessed the Philippine ROTC Games 2023 Luzon Qualifying Leg opening ceremony held at Cavite State University – Indang Campus in Indang, Cavite. With Sen. Francis Tolentino, I encouraged our young cadets who participated in various competitions to get into sports and stay away from drugs. I have also remained faithful to my promise to visit and help our fellow Filipinos in most parts of the country. On 16 September, we attended the groundbreaking of a Super Health Center in Manolo Fortich, Bukidnon. We also visited the town of Damulog, where I inspected projects I have supported, such as a public market, road concreting project, evacuation center, solar street lights, and a multipurpose building. Later that day, we also attended the 25th Anniversary of Public Safety Basic Recruit Course Class 1998-Alpha at Acacia Hotel in Davao City. On 15 September, we attended a meeting of state universities and colleges leaders held in Davao City and hosted by Commission on Higher Education Chair Prospero de Vera. The night before, we also joined leaders from the CHEd, the University of the Philippines System, and various SUCs to honor the appointment of Atty. Angelo Jimenez, a fellow Mindanaoan, as the 22nd President of the University of the Philippines. We took the opportunity to voice our commitment to elevating the standard of education nationwide. This is also the reason why Republic Act No. 10931, or the Universal Access To Quality Tertiary Education Act, was enacted into law during the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. Today, we continue to pursue this further as I co-authored and co-sponsored Senate Bill No. 1360, which aims to widen the reach of the law further. We visited Bislig City in Surigao del Sur to participate in its 23rd Charter Day festivities. We handed out grocery packages to 32 newlywed couples during a community wedding and inaugurated the country’s 159th Malasakit Center at the Bislig District Hospital. This is the seventh Malasakit Center in the Caraga region and the 40th in Mindanao. Our team also provided direct aid, including grocery packs, to 129 patients and 191 front liners, including security guards, utilities, and hospital staff. On 15 September, my office also attended the groundbreaking of Super Health Centers in New Washington and Malay in the province of Aklan. Meanwhile, we continue to support livelihood programs, especially those that can help people experiencing poverty overcome crises. Through our support, the Department of Trade and Industry provides livelihood kits to qualified beneficiaries affected by calamities and teaches them how to grow their businesses for the benefit of their families. Among those we have helped are 20 from Dipaculao, Aurora; 57 from Sanchez Mira and Abulog, Cagayan; 100 affected by the earthquake in Montevista and New Bataan, and 50 in Nabunturan in Davao de Oro; 196 in Malalag and Sulop, Davao del Sur; 20 in Mangatarem, Pangasinan; 21 victims of Typhoon Egay in Pigcawayan, North Cotabato; 132 shear line victims in Gingoog City, Misamis Oriental; and 36 beneficiaries from Lutayan and Columbio, Sultan Kudarat, and General Santos City. We also continue to support the National Housing Authority’s distribution of emergency housing assistance to disaster victims so they can purchase roofing, nails, and other home repair materials. We assisted beneficiaries, including 85 fire victims in Imus City, Cavite. Meanwhile, my office helped the 65 fire victims in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. We also provided assistance to 75 TESDA graduates in Victorias City, Negros Occidental. We also distributed additional support to workers who lost their jobs, beneficiaries of the TUPAD program of the Department of Labor and Employment, including 413 in Talibon, Bohol, and 150 in Plaridel, Bulacan. We also aided 333 poor residents in Paluan, Occidental Mindoro; and 234 in Antipolo City, Rizal. Together, let us continue bringing government services closer to Filipinos in need – from better sports facilities more accessible healthcare services, and implementing various programs to help uplift communities affected by crises. The post Better sports facilities pushed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SBMA takes over 3 Freeport properties
Subic Bay Freeport — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority revealed on Tuesday that it has seized three more properties in line with the agency’s thrust to reclaim lost assets. SBMA chairman and administrator Jonathan Tan said that the agency took over two buildings from Parabion Inc. at the Cubi Triboa District of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, adding that the area has a size of 1,176 square meters. “The company has made contractual defaults that prompted the SBMA to take over their properties. One is failure to comply with development commitments, and two for non-payment of lease rentals and common use service area fees,” he said. The company has amassed a debt in CUSA fees totaling P7,165,788.08 as of 28 July of this year. “We already sent them a final notice of default with demand to pay on 22 November last year, then we sent them a notice of pre-termination and repossession on 28 July that was served on 10 August. This is pursuant to the SBMA Board Resolution 23-07-0173 that was approved on 4 July,” Tan said. He also disclosed that the agency took over Building 8321 at the Zambales Highway, Cubi Triboa District, and Building 8359 at the Bataan Road, also in the Cubi Triboa District. Meantime, the third property that was taken over by the agency was owned by Ramphos Corporation, a company that manufactures and sells the unique amphibious ultralight aircraft. The property is a 966-square-meter portion of Bldg. 8045-C at the Subic Bay International Airport. “The company has already expired their lease agreement with the SBMA on 11 September 2020 and we already took over the area on 5 September,” Tan said. The chairman confirmed that the company has contractual defaults such as non-payment of lease rentals (building spaces), CUSA fees, ACC and SOA fees amounting P9,706,611.40 as of 28 July of this year. “We already sent them a notice of re-entry into, repossession and take-over of leased premises with demand to pay dated 22 August 2023,” Tan said. The post SBMA takes over 3 Freeport properties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao de Oro flood victims receive aid from Bong Go
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go’s team extended assistance to residents recovering from recent flooding in Pantukan, Davao de Oro on Wednesday, 30 August. In a video message, Go acknowledged local officials, including Governor Dodot Gonzaga, Vice Governor Tyron Uy, and Mayor Leonel Ceniza, for their prompt response to the needs of the affected families. Go's team distributed masks, shirts, and vitamins to 649 flood victims present at Barangay Napnapan covered court. They also gave away shoes, mobile phones, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also extended financial assistance through the Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation program. Congressman Ruwel Gonzaga, Board Member Ruwina Gonzaga, and former governor Arturo Uy were present during the event. “Alam ko pong mahirap ang panahon ngayon pero magtiwala lang ho kayo sa gobyerno. Kayo po ang nagbibigay ng lakas sa amin upang makapagserbisyo pa po sa abot ng aming makakaya para malampasan natin ang krisis at sana po’y makabalik na tayo sa ating normal na pamumuhay,” said Go. Go also stressed the urgent need for a comprehensive and coordinated disaster management approach. He highlighted the importance of Senate Bill No. 188, which proposes the establishment of the Department of Disaster Resilience (DDR). SBN 188 aims to consolidate all disaster-related agencies and functions into a single entity to streamline efforts and enhance disaster response efficiency. By elevating DDR to a Cabinet secretary-level department, the government can better allocate resources, develop improved disaster risk reduction strategies, and promptly aid affected communities, especially those from vulnerable sectors, cited Go. “Dapat na may nakatutok talaga na may awtoridad at malinaw na mandato. Hindi na puwedeng laging task force na lang dahil temporary lang ito at nawawala ang continuity kapag nagpalit na ng administrasyon. Mahirap din kung mananatiling coordinating council lang ang mamamahala sa ganitong sitwasyon dahil sa kakulangan ng kapangyarihan nito,” Go earlier explained. “Dapat ay departamento sana na may Cabinet-level na kalihim na in-charge para may kapangyarihan at kakayahang i-mobilize ang buong gobyerno kapag kinakailangan. Magkakaroon siya ng personalidad na diretsong isasangguni sa ibang departamento ang pangangailangan ng mga taong apektado ng krisis,” he added. As chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go took the opportunity to emphasize the importance of prioritizing health for the residents. He encouraged them to avail of medical assistance through the Malasakit Centers, conveniently located at Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital branches in Laak, Montevista, Maragusan, and Pantukan, as well as the Davao Regional Medical Center in nearby Tagum City. Initiated by Go in 2018, the Malasakit Centers serve as one-stop shops, bringing together multiple government agencies such as DSWD, Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, to ensure medical assistance programs are accessible by indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463, commonly known as the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The program has demonstrated its effectiveness nationwide, benefiting over seven million Filipinos, as reported by DOH. Go also highlighted the role of Super Health Centers in making quality healthcare services accessible to all Filipinos, especially those living in remote and underserved areas. Go also stressed that no Filipino should be left behind when it comes to receiving proper medical attention and treatment. In 2022, the Super Health Centers in Davao de Oro commenced construction in Montevista, Nabunturan, and Mawab. This year, there will be two centers in the town, and one each in Monkayo and Compostela. “Ang kagandahan nito early detection at magagamit ito sa pagkokonsulta and it will help decongest the hospital dahil pwede na pong gamutin dito. At ilalagay po ito sa mga strategic areas. Ilalagay nila sa isang barangay kung saan po’y makaka-access ‘yung mga kababayan natin, hindi na nila kailangan pang magbiyahe pa sa Poblacion, hindi na nila kailangang magbiyahe pa sa provincial hospital. Pwede na pong gamutin dito, early detection mas maganda po ‘yon para hindi na lumala ang sakit ng mga pasyente,” Go said. He also underscored the importance of bringing specialized medical services closer to communities by establishing dedicated specialty centers in regional hospitals under the DOH. Go is the principal sponsor and one of the authors of RA 11959 or the Regional Specialty Centers Act. The newly enacted law includes provisions for the establishment of specialty centers within existing government-controlled corporations or specialty hospitals. It also outlines the specific service capabilities that DOH will implement in regional hospitals. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has actively supported various infrastructure projects in Davao de Oro. His contributions include the construction of a multipurpose building in Compostela; construction of the Monkayo, Compostela Valley-Veruela Road; and improvement of the public market in Monkayo. Other major initiatives he supported include the construction of the Nabunturan-Maco and Nabunturan-Laak roads; the installation of street lights in Nabunturan; the rehabilitation of the local roads and bridges in New Bataan; and the concreting of the local access road in Pantukan. The post Davao de Oro flood victims receive aid from Bong Go appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DENR renews call for multisector partnerships to achieve disaster resilience in Phl
Department of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo-Loyzaga renewed her call on the private and public sectors to forge stronger multi-stakeholder collaboration to implement risk-informed and inclusive actions that will enhance the country’s resilience. “The DENR is committed to supporting everyone in implementing informed and inclusive action and facilitating investments for climate and disaster resilience through multi-stakeholder partnerships. These partnerships have a vital role in playing and accelerating an integrated, inclusive, and transformative resilience agenda,” Loyzaga said. She emphasized that although the Philippines has made significant progress in the fields of disaster risk reduction and climate action, it still remains one of the most vulnerable countries to natural and man-made hazards, as well as the impacts of climate change. Citing the key findings of the Working Group II contribution to the Sixth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), Loyzaga said it showed that the increases in the frequency and intensity of climate and weather extremes worldwide have had “widespread and pervasive effects on ecosystems, people, settlements, and infrastructure”. These climate change impacts have been attributed to human activities. The IPCC report further stated that with increased global warming, climate change threats to cities, communities, and critical infrastructure will increase significantly in the mid- and long-term, particularly in areas already exposed to high temperatures, near coasts, or with high vulnerabilities. She cited anew the importance of collaboration with the other members of the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and all other sectors in the transformation towards adaptive and inclusive governance and resilient communities, in view of the linkage between human development, economic development, natural hazards, climate change, biodiversity, water, and health. "Our course of action must be unified and this can only be done by understanding the interdependence between our social, engineered, and natural systems. This interdependence has given rise to multiple and dynamic complexities, and we need to constantly balance our evidence-informed decisions, policies, and our actions," Loyzaga pointed out. "Leadership and governance are integral parts of resilience in building a system, and a network of decisions that lead to specific outcomes and impacts that we would all like to achieve," she added. As a testament to its continuing commitment to build disaster resiliency and environmental sustainability through multistakeholder partnerships, the DENR recently launched the latest initiatives under Project TRANSFORM (Transdisciplinary Approach for Resilience and Environmental Sustainability through Multistakeholder Engagement) in the municipality of Abucay and Balanga City in Bataan. Under Project TRANSFORM, The DENR will implement the Mangrove Adoption and Protection Project in Abucay in partnership with San Miguel Foundation Inc. and Samahan ng Mananahong ng Sitio Bakawan. Meanwhile, the same initiative in Balanga City is in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and Tinig ng Mandaragat. Mangrove forests are natural barriers that reduce the force of incoming waves and storm surges and also serve as a breeding for fish, crabs, and other marine species. DENR’s Project TRANSFORM engages the whole of society in implementing initiatives to alleviate poverty, improve community resilience, and promote public-private partnerships. Pilot sites of Project TRANSFORM in Visayas are in Ormoc City, Leyte launched on 18 January, and in Luzon with the municipalities of Limay, Mariveles, and Orion in Bataan province on 9 May, followed by the municipalities Malimono, San Francisco, and Burgos in Surigao del Norte in Mindanao launched on 23 June The post DENR renews call for multisector partnerships to achieve disaster resilience in Phl 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......»»
Time for the Philippines to go nuclear
With the scorching heat of the sun still going on and the looming dry spell as a result of the El Niño phenomenon, more Filipinos are using electricity to beat the soaring temperature. Unfortunately, the supply of power cannot cope with the demand, so power outages have also become common. [caption id="attachment_167841" align="aligncenter" width="2560"] Many Filipinos are increasingly unable to afford power costs, with the cost of electricity in the country among the highest in Southeast Asia. | Photographs Courtesy Of The Philippine Nuclear Research Institute.[/caption] Many Filipinos are also increasingly unable to afford power costs. The cost of electricity in the country is among the highest in Southeast Asia, according to a paper penned for the Ateneo Center for Economic Research and Development. In the Philippines, the kilowatt per hour is $0.16. Compare that to Thailand and Indonesia ($0.10/kWh) and Malaysia ($0.05/kWh). At $0.18/kWh, only Singapore surpasses the country’s Philippines rates. About 50 percent of the country’s power generation comes from coal, with natural gas and renewables accounting for just over 20 percent and the rest coming from oil-fired boilers. The country’s electricity consumption is expected to triple by 2040 — from the 90.2 TWh (Terawatt-hour) in 2018 — due to the rapidly growing economy. It’s time for the Philippines to transition away from its reliance on coal. The adoption of nuclear power is the fastest option and would make electricity costs more affordable, according to the Philippine Nuclear Research Institute. PNRI Director Carlo A. Arcilla said including nuclear power in the country’s energy mix would be beneficial to consumers as it would bring down expensive electricity rates and provide a stable source of power. Gayle Certeza, convenor of Alpas Pinas, a group that educates and advocates for nuclear energy, agrees. “We believe that nuclear energy will positively impact the lives of Filipinos because it will mean lower electricity rates that will better allow for more savings,” she said in a Daily Tribune feature. During the presidency of Rodrigo R. Duterte, Executive Order 164 was signed to include nuclear power in the country’s energy mix. Under the policy, the country “shall ensure the peaceful use of nuclear technology anchored on critical tenets of public safety, national security, energy self-sufficiency, and environmental sustainability.” Energy security The Department of Science and Technology supported EO 164, saying: “Nuclear power is envisioned to bring down the cost of electricity and to contribute to energy security considering the various limitations now being encountered in the other sources which includes natural gas, geothermal, hydro and coal.” The DoST is a member of the Nuclear Energy Program Interagency Committee, tasked to study the adoption of a national position on nuclear power. Nuclear power is one of two major alternatives to fossil fuels; the other is renewable energy (solar power, wind power, hydroelectric, geothermal energy and biomass energy). “Renewables and nuclear can complement each other,” said Arcilla in an interview. “Wind and solar depend on the status of the weather, and they only a 30-percent capacity factor unless you have an expensive battery.” Solar energy also requires one hectare of land to produce one megawatt. “This will become more challenging since the Philippines is an archipelagic country,” Arcilla said. Nuclear, on the other hand, “is more of a baseload energy, meaning it is more reliable due to its continuous production of energy. It could provide backup for wind and solar.” Threats and risks Groups such as the World Nuclear Association, the International Atomic Energy Agency and Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions. But opponents, such as Greenpeace International and Nuclear Information and Resource Service, warn that nuclear power poses many threats to people and the environment, including the problems of processing, transport and storage of radioactive nuclear waste, the risk of nuclear weapons proliferation and terrorism, as well as health risks and environmental damage from uranium mining. Because of these risks, Dr. Art Romero, a geoscientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory Berkeley, California, emphasizes the need to conduct due diligence, technical hazard studies and engineering and safety reviews. If the Philippines went nuclear, where would it put nuclear waste? “It is very challenging to manage nuclear waste as it will last up to 10,000 years,” acknowledged Arcilla. “We need to isolate them from the human environment.” Arcilla suggests deep borehole disposal. “In the Philippines, we have the capability to drill up to three kilometers. So what we can do is to go to an isolated island, drill up to one kilometer, then we plug in bentonite.” It’s not the first time the Philippines will go nuclear. The Bataan Nuclear Power Plant was built by Westinghouse during the time of Ferdinand Marcos at a cost of $2.2 billion, but it was mothballed in 1986 due to safety concerns and allegations of corruption, even before it could begin operations. During the administration of Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, proponents wanted the BNPP rehabilitated. But the project was projected to cost a hefty $1 billion. In 2019, a public perception survey indicated that 79 percent of Filipinos supported the rehabilitation of the shelved BNPP. In addition, 65 percent approved the building of new nuclear power plants. Nuclear power is the second largest source of low-carbon electricity today. With almost 500 operating reactors globally, it provides 10 percent of global electricity supply. It’s time for a rapidly developing country like the Philippines to take a second look at this critical power supply option. The post Time for the Philippines to go nuclear appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BNPP remains energy beacon
Nearly 40 years after being mothballed, the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant, or BNPP, continues to hold the promise of freeing the country from the high prices and poor supply of electricity which was its goal when it was conceived in the 1970s. The BNPP has retained its disaster-proof features and is good to go for activation, Pangasinan Rep. Mark Cojuangco told Daily Tribune recently. Cojuangco, who has been advocating the use of nuclear energy for almost two decades, said the BNPP has been well preserved since the government completed its construction in 1986 or over three decades ago. These were his observations when he toured the BNPP in June. “The BNPP was built with all the necessary equipment and is even more technologically advanced compared to that in the United States which was constructed six years earlier,” said Cojuangco, who is chairperson of the House Special Committee on Nuclear Energy. The government continues to spend P50 million each year to maintain the BNPP. Cojuangco said he had filed the “Philippine National Nuclear Energy Safety Act” to create an independent body that would update studies on the BNPP operation primarily in the aspect of safety. He stressed that operating nuclear power plants should not be of much concern to the public as advancements in technology have proved them safe and their builders and operators comply with the standards of the International Atomic Energy Agency. Cojuangco shared that the US now has 96 nuclear power plants, while Bangladesh is expanding its nuclear capacity to over 1,200 megawatts, or equivalent to four BNPPs. He said that Turkey is also building its nuclear power plants with similar capacity. “We’re being left behind. Sweden, Denmark, and the United Kingdom have also switched to nuclear energy. The US is also a highly developed country and their experience with the benefits of nuclear energy should tell us that nuclear power plants are safe.” Cojuangco said the technology employed for BNPP allows for the containment of a reactor meltdown through its metal protector and thick concrete walls. “The heat will be filtered through the space inside a metal container. Apart from this, there is a concrete wall that can stop even a crashing fighter jet,” he said, contrasting it with the Chernobyl plant which did not have such safety features. Cojuangco said the Chernobyl plant had no containment for the nuclear reactor meltdown. The BNPP was never operated after former president Corazon Aquino ordered further safety studies on the plant following the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine. Shackles from imported fuel The use of nuclear technology to generate power is crucial for the Philippines as it acquires most or 75 percent of its energy from fossil fuels, such as coal, natural gas and oil. These are mostly imported and their costs surged last year due to the armed conflict between oil-exporting countries Russia and Ukraine. Cojuangco said interest remains high among investors to revive the BNPP. South Korea approached the Department of Energy in 2017 to express its willingness to spend a “few million dollars” for a full feasibility study on the BNPP on one condition: the energy department must submit a letter of intent to acquire foreign assistance for the study. The post BNPP remains energy beacon appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos hits NGCP over delayed transmission projects
President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. has reprimanded the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, the country’s lone transmission system operator, for the delay of numerous projects that could have further improved the power services in the country. “The one grid, one market will enable more efficient transfers and more competitive pricing of electricity throughout the country. However, 68 grid connections are much delayed according to the ERC's (Energy Regulatory Commission) count. We are conducting a performance review of our private concessionaire the NGCP,” Marcos said at his second State on the Nation Address on Monday, 24 July. Thus, the President vowed to look into the NGCP to ensure that “all of its deliverables” starting with the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project or MVIP and the Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnection will be delivered. NGCP is undertaking the P52-billion MVIP, which was supposed to launch within the first half of the year. The MVIP will link together all three major Philippine islands to create one grid. The NGCP was authorized by the ERC to start building the project way back in 2017. It was initially scheduled to be completed in 2020 but it was delayed due to the pandemic. Reacting to the President’s report, the NGCP said it will “concentrate all available resources toward the completion of ongoing transmission projects while expediting others in the pipeline.” “We agree with the President’s sentiments. Even before the SONA, NGCP has already been working towards the vision that he mentioned,” NGCP President and CEO Anthony Almeda was quoted as saying in a press statement. “After hearing it straight from him -- his vision that is completely aligned with ours -- we know we are on the right track and we’re more motivated to complete all our objectives in a prompt manner,” he added. The operator said the MVIP will be “fully energized to 450MW by the third quarter of this year.” Meanwhile, ERC chairperson Monalisa Dimalanta reiterated that the NGCP’s performance review is part of the ongoing regulatory rate reset process. “We expect to complete a significant portion (for years 2016-2020) very soon. We also reported to the President, and included in his address, the efforts regarding ensuring timely implementation of transmission projects,” Dimalanta said in a text message to the Daily Tribune. “Out of the 68 delayed projects identified, ERC already issued a show cause order to NGCP issued on 4 July 2023 for 37 projects requiring explanation for the delay,” she added. The ERC recently ordered the NGCP to explain the delay of more than 30 projects supposed to enhance the country's transmission system. In a show cause order dated 14 June 2023 and issued on 4 July 2023, the ERC pointed out that the NGCP’s approved capital expenditure or capex for projects was not followed. Hence, projects have been delayed. Thus, it required the NGCP to submit a “verified explanation” within 15 days from receipt of the order “why no administrative penalty should be imposed upon it.” According to ERC, some 37 projects with many days delayed ranging from 21 to as high as 2,561 days. Among those projects with a high number of days delayed is the Tuy (Calaca)-Dasmariñas 500-kilovolt Transmission Line Project. The project was supposed to be completed on 11 July 2016, but it remains 82.48 percent complete as of date. Per ERC, the project has been delayed by 2,528 days. The Bataan-Cavite/Metro Manila Transmission Line Project (Phase 1) Feasibility Study is 2,561 days delayed, the ERC added. As mandated by the power regulator, the NGCP should submit a “detailed explanation on the cause of delay per project, as well as the actual timeline of implementation per project.” The NGCP holds a 25-year franchise to solely operate the power transmission assets of the government and secure power reserves for contingency. The post Marcos hits NGCP over delayed transmission projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Marcos: Maharlika Fund to finance high-priority projects
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. underscored the expected significant contribution of the Maharlika Investment Fund to the government's ambitious drive to develop infrastructure. In his second State of the Nation Address on Monday, Marcos mentioned that the government will reinvest the gains from the MIF into the nation's economic well-being. “For strategic financing, some of the nation’s high-priority projects can now look to the newly-established Maharlika Investment Fund without the added debt burden,” Marcos said. The President signed the Maharlika Investment Fund law – which will make a P500 billion fund – last week. He said that the government is currently working on 194 big building projects, of which 123 are new. In his SONA, the President said Maharlika Investment Fund could be used for "high-impact and profitable investments" as part of the "Build Better More" program. "To ensure sound financial management a group of internationally-recognized economic managers shall oversee the operations of the fund, guided by the principles of transparency and accountability,” Marcos said. He named the 1,200-kilometer Luzon Spine Expressway network, the Megabridges program and the North-South Commuter Railway project as some of the projects he wanted to work on. He said that the network of toll roads on Luzon will cut the time it takes to get from Ilocos to Bicol from 20 hours to just 9 hours. The NSCR, on the other hand, will cut the time it takes to get from Pampanga to Laguna from 4 hours to just 2 hours. Marcos also said that the Bataan-Cavite Interlink bridge, the Panay-Guimaras Negros Island bridges and the Samal Island-Davao City Connector bridge were important to his government. He reassured the public that the government assets funding MIF will be free from political machinations. “In pooling a small fraction but considerable and underutilized government funds, we will use them for high-impact and profitable investments, and its gains will be reinvested in the country’s economic well-being,” Marcos said. “They will guarantee that the investments will be made based on financial considerations alone, absent any political influence,” he added. The post Marcos: Maharlika Fund to finance high-priority projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go throws support to grassroots sports development programs
Championing grassroots sports development initiatives in various local communities, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go personally witnessed the opening of the inter-barangay basketball league in Cortes, Bohol on Monday, July 17. The basketball league is in partnership with the Philippine Sports Commission and the local government led by Mayor Lynn Iven Lim. Addressing the crowd gathered at the ampitheater, the chair of the Senate Committee on Sports underscored the significance of sports in promoting physical fitness and diverting the youth's attention away from illegal vices, including drug abuse. As an ardent supporter of grassroots sports development, Go recognized the pivotal role that athletics play in nurturing a healthier and more productive citizenry. “Sporting events, such as the basketball league in Cortes, not only provide an avenue for physical exercise but also encourage teamwork, discipline, and camaraderie among participants,” he said. Go emphasized the importance of promoting sports activities as a means to promote a drug-free community. He highlighted the prevalence of illegal drugs in various communities and expressed his commitment to combat this menace by promoting productive activities that inspire individuals, especially the youth, to stay away from harmful substances and become productive members of society. "Kaya ganun na lang po ang galit ni (dating) pangulong Duterte sa iligal na droga. Kapag pumasok po ang droga, papasok po ang kriminalidad, papasok po ang korapsyon. Mabibili po 'yan. 'Yan po ang kinatatakutan natin dito, kapag bumalik po ang iligal na droga, hindi na po magiging safe maglakad ang mga anak natin," said Go. “Kaya isa rin po sa pamamaraan na ine-engganyo ko po ang kabataan to get into sports, stay away from drugs. Ilayo po natin ang mga kabataan sa droga through sports. Get into sports, stay away from drugs,” he added. The event was also attended by Congressman Edgardo Chatto, Vice Governor Dionisio Victor Balite, Tagbiliran City Mayor Jane Yap, Dauis Vice Mayor Miriam Sumaylo, and Cortes Councilor Ira Lim, among others. "Senator, maraming salamat sa iyong panahon, alam ko kung gaano ka ka-busy.... On behalf ng mga mamamayan dito sa Cortes, maraming salamat mula sa aming puso sa lahat ng iyong tulong sa amin dito.... Ang game changer natin na makapagbigay ng maayos na pag-unlad, especially sa ating mga kababayan, andito ang biggest regional hospital at… ang tumulong sa pagpasa ng batas para maisakatuparan ito ay si Senator Bong Go," Mayor Lim said. Mayor Lim likewise thanked Go for the projects he supported in Cortes as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the acquisition of a multipurpose vehicle, the construction of a multipurpose building, and the improvement of the municipal public park and hall grounds. Go also underscored the importance of creating opportunities for young athletes, including scholarships, training programs, incentives and continuing investments in local sports facilities. It can be recalled that in 2021, Go visited Bataan and participated in the presentation and signing of the Deed of Donation for the land where the Philippine Sports Training Center (PSTC) was proposed to be constructed in Bagac. The creation of the PSTC aims to promote sports in the country and achieve excellence in international sports competitions. Meanwhile, Go authored and co-sponsored the measure that became Republic Act No. 11470, establishing the National Academy of Sports (NAS) in 2020. NAS is a government-run educational institution that offers quality secondary education with a special curriculum on sports for gifted young Filipinos who want to enhance their physical and mental capabilities in sports. Go also filed Senate Bill No. 423 or the proposed Philippine National Games (PNG) Act of 2022. The measure aims to institutionalize “a truly comprehensive national grassroots sports program, which will harness the vast potential of the citizenry in discovering and developing champion athletes who could excel in international sports competition, thus giving the country pride and international goodwill and addressing the long-standing problems of Philippine sports in general.” “As chair of the Senate Committee on Sports, I am one with President (Ferdinand) Marcos Jr. in highlighting the importance of sports in nation-building. I reiterate my firm commitment to always look after the welfare of our athletes and to push for long-term and grassroots sports development,” Go previously said. It can also be recalled that Go played a crucial role in pushing for additional funding for sports development in the country. He effectively advocated for a boost in the 2023 budget of the PSC, specifically designating an extra one billion pesos to aid athletes, both at the international level and in grassroots initiatives. On the same day, Go visited several infrastructure projects he supported the funding of as vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, including the ongoing construction of Governor Celestino Gallares Multi-specialty Medical Complex in Cortes, and the Cortes Municipal Park and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management building, both in Cortes town. He also led a distribution activity for athletes, coaches, and barangay workers in Cortes town. After Cortes, Go went to Tagbilaran City to inspect the city’s Super Health Center and the Malasakit Center at Gov. Celestino Gallares Memorial Hospital. Lastly, the senator attended the 73rd Commencement Exercise of Bohol Institute of Technology International College System. The post Bong Go throws support to grassroots sports development programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bataan monitoring BNPC prices
BALANGA CITY, Bataan — Governor Joet Garcia met with members of the Provincial Price Coordinating Council to ensure that prices of basic necessities and prime commodities in the province are affordable in line with Republic Act 7581 or The Price Act. “We’ll intensify price monitoring at our public markets to ensure that the suggested retail prices set by authorities are strictly followed. We’ll study measures to avoid spikes in prices of the commodities brought about by various threats to our economy such as inflation and African swine fever,” Garcia said. Among those who attended the PPCC meeting were DTI director Eileen Ocampo, businessman Rholly Dizon, and Engineer Butch Baluyot, among others. Meanwhile, some 40 local food and non-food micro, small and medium enterprises in Bataan participated in a trade fair organized by the Provincial Cooperative and Enterprise Development Office. The Bataan MSME Week Trade Fair was held from 10 to 13 July at The Bunker in line with the celebration of National MSME Week. PCEDO Enterprise Development Division Officer-In-Charge Grace Atuan said the activity aimed to bring together local entrepreneurs and provide them with an opportunity to exhibit their products. “Our primary objective is to provide marketing platforms and venues for our MSMEs, enabling them to showcase their products and, ideally, establish connections with potential partners,” she explained. Aside from the trade fair, Atuan emphasized that a series of seminars and training sessions are currently underway for both existing and potential MSMEs. “In addition to the trade fair, we are currently conducting a series of training sessions and seminars as part of the MSME Week. These events aim to provide our local entrepreneurs with valuable insights and practical strategies to optimize their businesses,” she underscored. Pursuant to the Magna Carta for MSMEs, the second week of July is declared as the MSME Development Week to institute continuing awareness of the primacy of small business in nation-building and in people empowerment, and to celebrate and espouse the firm commitment of the State in the promotion, growth and development of small business. The post Bataan monitoring BNPC prices appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go aids indigent students in Laak, Davao de Oro
Recognizing the vital role education plays in the country's development, Senator Bong Go has committed himself to helping enhance the education system in the country through various proposed legislation. In a video message during his team’s relief activity for struggling students on Monday, 26 June, Go maintained that he advocates for the passage of Senate Bill No. 1864, also known as the Act on Suspending Student Loan Payments During Disasters and Emergencies, which seeks to offer assistance to students who have borrowed loans but face difficulties in repaying them as a result of calamities and other unforeseen crises. Meanwhile, SBN 1359, known as the Act Prohibiting the "No Permit, No Exam" Policy, which Senator Go co-authored and co-sponsored, was passed on its third and final reading in March. The bill aims to penalize the implementation of a policy that restricts students from taking exams or similar educational assessments based on unpaid tuition or other school fees. Go also continues to champion SBN 1360, which aims to broaden the scope of the tertiary education subsidy by making amendments to Republic Act No. 10931, also known as the Universal Access to Quality Tertiary Education Act. The proposed legislation strives to offer increased assistance to students who face challenges in financing their tuition and other school fees, including those who are currently not eligible for subsidies provided by the existing law. “Education serves as the foundation for progress and the key to unlocking a brighter future for our nation. It is through education that we can empower our youth, equip them with knowledge and skills, and shape them into responsible and productive citizens,” underscored Go. “Investing in education is an investment in our country's future. When we prioritize education, we invest in the development of human capital, fostering a highly skilled workforce that can drive economic growth and prosperity,” he stressed further. The relief activity was held at the municipal hall, where Go’s team provided relief items, such as shirts, vitamins, snacks, and masks to 700 disadvantaged students. His team also gave mobile phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. “Mayroon ding mga dala na bola ang aking opisina kasi ang advocacy ko po ay sports. Gusto ko po ipagpatuloy po ang kampanya ni (dating) pangulong Duterte na labanan ang kriminalidad at iligal na droga sa pamamaraan na engganyuhin po ang mga kabataan na maglaro na lang ng basketball o anumang larangan ng pampalakasan,” encouraged Go who chairs the Senate Committee on Sports. “Diba mas mabuti na yung busy yung kabataan sa basketball o volleyball o sa ibang palakasan kesa naman maligaw sila sa ibang landas? Engganyuhin po natin silang mag-basketball at mag-volleyball. Get into sports and stay away from drugs,” he urged. Meanwhile, Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, also reminded the youth to prioritize their health and even encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at Davao de Oro Provincial Hospital branches in Laak, Montevista, Maragusan, and Pantukan; and the Davao Regional Medical Center in nearby Tagum City. A brainchild of Go, the Malasakit Centers program provides one-stop shops where concerned agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, are brought under one roof to ensure that medical assistance programs are more conveniently within the reach of particularly poor and indigent Filipinos. Go is the principal author and sponsor of Republic Act No. 11463 or the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, which institutionalized the Malasakit Centers program. To date, 158 operational centers have helped more than seven million Filipinos nationwide, according to the DOH. Go, who is also Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported various infrastructure initiatives in Davao de Oro. He was instrumental in the construction of a multipurpose building in Compostela; the construction of the Monkayo, Compostela Valley - Veruela Road; and the improvement of the public market in Monkayo. Other major initiatives he supported include the construction of the Nabunturan – Maco and Nabunturan - Laak roads; the installation of street lights in Nabunturan; rehabilitation of the local roads and bridges in New Bataan; and the concreting of the local access road in Pantukan The post Bong Go aids indigent students in Laak, Davao de Oro appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Morong building 73-bed hospital
MORONG, Bataan — A 73-bed capacity hospital will be built in this town to become a primary healthcare facility catering to the medical care needs of the people of Morong and the surrounding areas. The groundbreaking ceremony at Barangay Sabang on 20 June was graced by Senator Joel Villanueva, Governor Joet Garcia, 3rd District Representative Maria Angela Garcia, and Morong Mayor Cynthia Linao-Estanislao, who was represented by Councilor Katherine Taba-Maglaque, DPWH Bataan Sub-DEO OIC-District Engineer Maribel D. Navarro, and OIC-Assistant District Engineer Henry John U. Morada. The new 73-bed hospital in the town of Morong will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways — Bataan Sub (3rd) District Engineering Office. The initial phase of the project, which includes site preparation and the construction of the first floor covering a floor area of 1,500 square meters, has received an initial funding of P50 million in the 2023 national budget. According to Navarro, the proposed three-story Morong District Hospital, to be built in Barangay Sabang is intended to become a primary healthcare facility catering to the medical care needs of the people of Morong and the surrounding areas, offering quality health services and a range of facilities including general medicine, common laboratory tests, operating and delivery services and other support services. Navarro added that the initial phase of the project, which includes site preparation and the construction of the first floor covering a floor area of 1,500 square meters, has received an initial funding of P50 million in the 2023 national budget. To ensure the uninterrupted progress of the project, the district office has already estimated and presented to Villanueva and the Bataan local executives the required additional funding for the second and final phases of the hospital. These include P100 million for the FY 2024 Annual Infrastructure Program and P150 million to complete the supporting facilities of the hospital by 2025. Meanwhile, as the guest of honor, Villanueva emphasized their ongoing commitment to the province of Bataan and the town of Morong, assuring the continuous implementation of initiatives, as well as the progress of projects and programs in the area. Villanueva noted that prioritizing healthcare projects for the people of Morong, given the town’s limited accessibility to medical facilities due to its geographical position between Bagac and Subic, is one of his high-priority advocacies. Expressing gratitude to Rep. Garcia, Governor Garcia and Senator Villanueva for their presence, Navarro affirmed her commitment to closely monitor and efficiently implement the project, with Phase I scheduled to begin in 2023 and expected to be completed within an eight-month construction period. The post Morong building 73-bed hospital appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Optimism anchored on accomplishments! (2)
If we were to judge how our country is doing, based on the faces of the Filipinos who joined the parade in commemoration of our country’s 125th Independence Day, it can be said with all fervor that our country is in good hands. The thousands of Filipinos from all sectors of our society, from the national and local governments, all of them in the parade were beaming with joy, and waving to President Bongbong Marcos and his family. The greetings of felicitation were warm, sincere, and mutual between and among many familiar faces, reminiscent of the millions who were with Bongbong in his caravans last May 2022. Ours is indeed a healthy, free, and vibrant democracy. Long live the Republic of the Philippines! Mabuhay ang Pilipinas! The record that President Ferdinand Marcos Sr. and his son Bongbong hold as builders of the longest bridges was sealed last 31 March when Bongbong led a milestone ceremony for the engineering design for the construction of the Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge in Mariveles, Bataan. The 32-kilometer BCIB is a one-of-a-kind structure that will give new hope and bring more progress to all Filipinos. According to Bataan Gov. Jose Enrique Garcia III, the bridge that will cross Manila Bay is poised to become the longest in the country. If the iconic San Juanico bridge was built to connect two provinces, Leyte and Samar, the Bataan-Cavite bridge will connect the two largest regions, one in Central Luzon and the other in Southern Tagalog. The five-year construction of the Bataan-Cavite bridge will start during the first semester of 2024. In pursuit of the hard-to-surpass record of his father and that of his immediate predecessor of building work-of-art infrastructure projects, President Bongbong Marcos announced recently that the government has approved 194 high-impact projects with a total budget of P9 trillion. Of the 194 projects on the list of the National Economic and Development Authority, or NEDA, 123 were initiated by the present administration, while the others were started during the Duterte term. The projects focus on power and energy, digital connectivity, flood management, and transportation infrastructure. Bongbong said the projects are part of his administration’s “Build, Better, More” program to improve the living conditions of the different sectors in the Philippines through modernization and the improvement of the quality of Philippine infrastructure. He pushed for public infrastructure projects that will ease traffic congestion in cities and boost connectivity in the provinces. Bongbong also cited alleviating the country’s food security challenges and reducing the impacts of climate change as priorities of the government. Modern and durable infrastructure will encourage more investors to come to the Philippines, thereby creating jobs and generating revenue for the country. To make the Philippines more attractive to investors, Bongbong explained that NEDA has also changed the guidelines for joint venture programs. Infrastructure means progress. It gives benefits that will not only improve the economy but also the quality of life of every Filipino, Bongbong pointed out. Forty-five of the administration’s major projects will receive funding from the private sector, the NEDA announced earlier, following the past administration’s lead. The government has given the green light to eight projects of the 95 that had been previously approved for implementation. In the meantime, 44 are in pre-project preparation while 47 are undergoing feasibility studies. Marcos said he hopes the new initiatives would increase employment in the country. The infrastructure projects will mean more jobs for our workers, our laborers, and our skilled workers. He said infrastructure projects provided 1.4 million jobs for Filipinos during the pandemic. However, the Philippine Statistics Authority reported that there were 2.37 million unemployed Filipinos in January 2023, up from the 2.22 million documented jobless Filipinos in December 2022. That is why the approval of these 194 projects in various parts of the country will bring millions of jobs for our fellow citizens, Bongbong said. (To be continued) The post Optimism anchored on accomplishments! (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Public service without break
I am proud of the hard work that we have all put into advancing legislative measures with the common goal of providing a safer and better life for Filipinos While we are now on our session break, I believe that there can be no pause in our duties as public servants The Senate adjourned sine die last 31 May 31 its First Regular Session of the 19th Congress. Our first such session under the administration of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr., I am proud of the hard work that we have all put into advancing legislative measures with the common goal of providing a safer and better life for Filipinos. Six of the proposed measures that hurdled the Senate are now laws, including several of my co-authored and co-sponsored bills, such as the SIM Registration Act, postponement of the December 2022 Barangay and SK Elections, and naturalization of our national basketball team key player, Justin Brownlee. Senate Bill 1849, which I co-sponsored, has also been enacted, amending certain provisions of Republic Act No. 11709 to establish a fixed term and retirement age for some officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines that would hopefully better promote their welfare. I likewise co-sponsored RA 11938, converting the municipality of Carmona, Cavite into a city. As Chair of the Senate Committee on Health, I am also particularly happy that the Bicameral Conference Report on our proposed Regional Specialty Centers Act has already been ratified, marking a significant milestone towards improving access to specialized healthcare across the country. As the principal sponsor of the measure, I cannot emphasize enough the importance of establishing more specialty centers in various regions to ensure that our Filipinos have better access to the specialized medical services they require. This measure is a steadfast commitment, and a collective vision to improve our healthcare system. It is our people’s experiences and stories that have driven us to aim for a healthcare system that is compassionate, accessible, and designed to meet the needs of Filipinos. Likewise approved on third and final reading in the Senate are several bills that I co-authored and co-sponsored, such as: (1) the proposed Walkable and Bikeable Communities Act which seeks to establish safe routes for cyclists, pedestrians, and slow vehicles across the entire country; (2) Kabalikat sa Pagtuturo Act which aims to institutionalize the grant of a teaching allowance for public school teachers; (3) No Permit, No Exam Prohibition Act which seeks to protect students from preventing them in taking exams due to outstanding financial obligations; (4) New Agrarian Emancipation Act which seeks to condone almost P58 billion worth of loans that agrarian reform beneficiaries incurred in owning lands under the government’s agrarian reform programs; (5) Trabaho Para sa Bayan Act which aims to stimulate economic growth for decent job generation; and (6) Senate Bill No. 2021 which aims to improve the competitiveness of MSMEs by granting them access to shared facilities and services, technology, and skills training. The proposed National Day for Awareness on the Hijab and Other Traditional Garments and Attire Act, and the Cultural Mapping Act, which I both co-authored, have also hurdled the Senate. Meanwhile, I likewise filed several other measures in a bid to bring services closer to our people, especially the needy, the hopeless, and the helpless. These include bills establishing Mental Health Offices in higher educational institutions, mandating financial literacy and entrepreneurship as core subjects in the junior and senior high school curricula, and institutionalizing a technical-vocational program specifically for rehabilitated drug dependents. To improve the resilience of the agricultural sector, I also filed a bill seeking to provide immediate financial assistance to ARBs in the event of natural calamities and another measure that proposes to expand the services of the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation and encourage private sector participation in agricultural insurance. Among others, I also filed bills seeking to institutionalize the Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino Program (4PH), a flagship housing program of President Marcos, Jr.; establish a comprehensive framework to accelerate infrastructure flagship programs; strengthen our coast guard; better protect our kasambahays, freelance and media workers; and provide equitable incentives to our para-athletes. After a hectic yet fruitful legislative year, I continue to personally visit our kababayans in need to provide the necessary aid. On June 1, I was in Samal, Bataan with my team to witness the groundbreaking of the town’s Super Health Center and distribute aid to 500 of its struggling residents. We also visited Balanga City to provide similar assistance to 1,008 indigents. Batangas was our destination the following day where I inspected the Super Health Center and a multipurpose building which will be the new municipal hall in Ibaan. I also led relief operations for 1,000 of my fellow Batanguenos in Ibaan and 1,086 in Sta. Teresita. Meanwhile, I was in Naga City, Camarines Sur on June 3 where I attended the 1st Bicol Social Media Summit and assisted 1,500 indigent residents. I then conducted a monitoring visit to the Malasakit Center at the Bicol Medical Center in the city and likewise aided 824 patients and 2,702 frontliners. The DSWD also committed to providing financial assistance to qualified beneficiaries. Thereafter, I inspected a bypass road in the city, a project I also supported as Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance. Across the country, my outreach teams aided 5,102 Typhoon Agaton victims in Banate, Iloilo; 170 fire-hit families in Parañaque City; five fire-hit families in Cotabato City and three more in Catbalogan City, Samar. Indigent families were also aided, including 420 in Cabanatuan City, Nueva Ecija; 598 in Socorro, Surigao del Norte; 1,000 in Marawi City, Lanao del Sur; 40 in Island Garden City of Samal, Davao del Norte; 520 in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur; 180 in Sibalom, Antique; 518 in Kalibo, Aklan; 83 TESDA graduates in Carcar City, Cebu; and 408 barangay health workers in Sariaya, Quezon. My staff likewise attended the groundbreaking of the Super Health Center in Socorro, Surigao del Norte. While we are now on our session break, I believe that there can be no pause in our duties as public servants. As we have always done and as we are mandated to do, we should continue spending the days ahead trying to help uplift the lives of our Filipino people. The post Public service without break appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PPA reports P4.5-B net income
The Philippine Ports Authority recorded more than P4.5 billion in net income for the first four months of the current year, up by 35 percent during the same period last year. January to April net income totaled P4.522 billion against the P3.344 billion in the first four months of 2022, according to PPA data. Broken down by month, the PPA’s net income were P1.4 billion in January, P1.1 billion in February, P749 million in March and P1.3 billion in April. The Port Management Offices of National Capital Region South, Batangas, Davao, Northern Luzon and Bataan/Aurora were the top five revenue earners of PPA. The five PMOs’ income also improved from their earnings in 2022. The PPA said its revenue performance in the first four months of 2023 beat the agency’s pre-pandemic income before tax of P4 billion for the same months in 2019. Meanwhile, PPA reported that 12.83 percent or P1.2 billion of its 2023 capital outlay of P9.7 billion has been released to various operating units as of 30 April, with P884.85 million or 70.83 percent of it disbursed. PPA has been aggressively expanding public port infrastructure. Last year’s 62 projects included the construction of port operational areas and passenger terminal buildings, installation of LED lights, dredging of entrance channels and renovation of port buildings. The top five infra projects completed were the expansion of the Port of Abra De Ilog in Occidental Mindoro; construction of breakwater in the Port of Nasugbu in Batangas; improvement of the Port of Isabela in Isabela City, Basilan; construction of the Passenger Terminal Building at the Port of Calapan in Oriental Mindoro; and construction of a back-up area at the Port of Ozamiz City, Misamis Occidental. Some 30 new infrastructure projects aim to greatly help in the country’s ease of doing business, travel and connectivity in the next years, as part of the Marcos administration’s Build, Better, More program, a continuation of the “Build, Build, Build” infrastructure development of the Duterte administration. Earlier, the PPA reported that it remitted P4.44 billion in 2022 revenues to the Bureau of Treasury, nine percent higher than the P4.08 billion it remitted in 2021. The post PPA reports P4.5-B net income appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Outages, no wonder
Going by the timeframe that electricity network concessionaire National Grid Corp. of the Philippines or NGCP had presented to the government, the oppressive yellow and red alerts on peak demand periods will end by next month. In a recent statement, the NGCP said more consumers benefited from lower power rates and “better services” since private companies took over transmission operations from the government in 2009. The claim was that its investments had led to a 77-percent decline in transmission outages in the country. NGCP’s statement presented the idea that had the private contractor followed all the requirements in its 2009 contract, problems in the power network would be a thing of the past. The private firm, however, has a sordid record when it comes to keeping its commitments in the concession agreement. It pledged to the Department of Energy that the Visayas-Mindanao interconnection will be completed by next month which the energy department said would immediately add 450 megawatts to the Visayas region. NGCP also indicated that the Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnection will be completed by 30 June. Energy officials estimated that the Visayas region will have more available power with the interconnection plan as a result of the huge volume of stranded power among the islands. The DoE’s rule of thumb is that for every one-degree increase in temperature, around 100 megawatts of additional power would be needed, which explains sudden shortfalls, particularly when it triggers power plant shutdowns. The delayed projects along with the absence of reserve power, thus, has resulted in the predictable alerts when the weather temperature simmers. Another project, albeit delayed, is the Bataan-Pagbilao interconnection with more than 1,000 megawatts, or electricity equivalent to about two heavy power plants that could prevent brownouts in the Luzon grid within the immediate future. NGCP has a long list of pending projects — 32 in Luzon, 39 in the Visayas and 12 in Mindanao — that all affect the supply levels in the regions. Even the worn-out excuse that the projects were delayed because of the pandemic does not hold up since all of these were committed to being completed before the global health emergency happened. An automatic load drop which acts like a circuit breaker is triggered whenever the power supply falls short of demand and the reserve can’t plug the deficit. The procedure is necessary to prevent the tripping of a large plant. NGCP has consistently tried to deflect the blame for the frequent electricity shortage by pointing its finger at the DoE, saying that it has not done enough to bid out new contracts to suppliers. Experts, however, said NGCP contributes to low supply because it cannot complete its transmission projects on time. NGCP also tries to frighten consumers by saying that complying with its contract commitments will mean higher prices for electricity. “These projects involve building transmission lines to power plants so that they can start operating to produce power for the benefit of consumers,” an expert noted. Even before the pandemic, the DoE had been seeking transparency from NGCP and had badgered the private group about securing firm ancillary services. Another excuse for project delays was right-of-way issues that NGCP can’t invoke since its franchise gives it the power to expropriate that the consortium of taipans had abused. An energy official said the purchase of properties were made without informing the National Transmission Corp. or Transco which owns the electricity backbone. They acquired the properties in their name which is against the law. Will wonders never cease for the National Transmission Corp. contractor who seems to have grown too big, in its influence, for comfort? The post Outages, no wonder appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»