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DoTr lines up deals for Japan financing
Banking on decades of expertise in taking on big-ticket projects, the Department of Transportation or DoTr is enticing Japanese companies to bid for various public-private partnership contracts in the railways and aviation sectors. At the recent Philippine Investment Opportunities forum in Tokyo, Japan, Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista cited the Metro Manila Subway Project and the North-South Commuter Railway as well as the privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport or NAIA as priority projects that may need Japanese support. “Following through our President’s directive, the DoTr has cast the vision of transforming the Philippines’ transport industry and elevating it to global standards, characterized by comfortable, accessible, safe, and affordable transport services throughout the country,” Bautista said. Gap to be addressed “DoTr will bridge the gap towards our vision for the Philippines’ transportation sector by developing infrastructure and delivering transport services across our four operating sectors in airports and aviation, maritime, railways and roads,” he added. Worth P76.89 billion, the 36-kilometer Metro Manila Subway Project includes operations and maintenance for subway trains, stations, depot, and other systems infrastructure under a concession period of 15 years of full operations. Also included are maintenance of facilities and equipment under the Philippine Railway Institute, collection of passenger fares, and commercial development rights within prescribed station boundaries, among others. The project’s bidding will start within the last quarter of the year or until the first quarter of next year. Meanwhile, the 147-kilometer North-South Commuter Rail system worth P204.6 billion includes operations and maintenance of trains, stations, depot, and other systems and infrastructure, and a concession period of 15 years of full operations in addition to a partial operations period. The project also includes interoperation management within the rail system by trains from other lines such as the subway project, collection of passenger fares, and exercise of commercial development rights within prescribed station boundaries, among others. Along with the subway project, bidding for the operations and maintenance contract of the NSCR Project will commence within the fourth quarter of the year to the first quarter of 2024. As for the privatization of the NAIA, the DoTr already kicked off the bidding last week. The P170.6-billion project will help address the long-standing issues at the country’s main air hub such as congestion and limited aircraft movements that usually cause inconvenience to passengers under a 15-year concession period. The project is expected to improve the overall passenger experience and increase the current annual passenger capacity of NAIA to at least 62 million from the current 32 million. Last February, during President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr.’s state visit to Japan, the country secured over P156 billion in loan financing from the Japanese government to fund transportation projects. The government signed two projects worth ¥377 billion or around P156.22 billion with Japan. The Philippines is the biggest recipient of Japan International Cooperation Agency’s or JICA programs in Southeast Asia worth 418 billion yen in 2022. JICA is currently supporting 28 ongoing loans in the Philippines, the most recent of which was the 30-billion yen loan agreement signed this week to strengthen the country’s disaster resilience. The post DoTr lines up deals for Japan financing appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bill seeks BPO agents’ protection
A Senate bill seeks to institutionalize “practicable and equitable arrangements” for the protection of Filipino workers employed in various Business Process Outsourcing companies. Senator Manuel “Lito” Lapid, the bill’s author, said Senate Bill 2235, or an Act ensuring the welfare and protection of BPO workers, will serve as a recognition of the industry’s contributions to the Philippines’ gross domestic product. He added that the BPO industry has been bringing $30 billion to the economy every year, which corresponds to 9 percent of the country’s annual GDP. Lapid then cited the 10 to 15 percent share of the Philippines in the global BPO market. In 2019, the BPO sector provided employment opportunities to over 1.3 million Filipinos, and such figure continues to grow at an annual rate of 8 to 10 percent. Hence, Lapid said it is only timely that the government should acknowledge the huge contributions of the BPO workers to the country’s economy by legislating SB 2235. “We need to make sure that there will be proper standards for the BPO sector, including the humane treatment as well as ensuring that companies provide adequate benefits, privileges, and comfortable working conditions,” he emphasized. No abuse of workers Under the bill, BPO companies shall refrain from understaffing operations and overloading their employees’ tasks, as well as imposing a humane client quota. The bill also mandates BPO companies to provide their workers with access to relevant information, allowing them “to understand their rights, benefits, obligations, conditions, and realities attending their profession.” The post Bill seeks BPO agents’ protection appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Online food delivery is elevating
The country’s online food delivery market has grown significantly since the 2020 Covid-19 pandemic, with the Philippines recording $2.4 billion in food delivery platform gross merchandise value last year. Indeed, independent market research titled “Philippines Foodservice Market-2023-2028” showed the domestic market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 7.83 percent. As the country’s economy and supply chain is on the path to recovery, the food service industry has recovered in terms of demand. The food service market in the Philippines is highly driven by the rise in value-conscious consumers willing to try new restaurants with a wide range of menu options. The increasing consumer preference for convenient, on-the-go food options has become another primary market driving factor. With the steady growth trajectory of the food industry, foodpanda has teamed up with IoT-based company QUBE Smart Technology Corporation to elevate the food delivery experience to another level. foodpanda logistics Philippines operations manager Ruben Mariano expressed his excitement for the partnership. “It is a delivery partner and customer-centric collaboration where we aim to make their lives more comfortable and easier. Our Ka-panda delivery partners won’t have to wait, and customers won’t have to wait, either. This improvement will enhance the overall experience and satisfaction of all stakeholders in the ecosystem.” The agreement was recently formalized in a contract-signing event that will see the two companies collaborating to bring consumers a seamless food delivery experience. The partnership aims to optimize the delivery process, providing convenience to consumers and delivery partners. After a customer places an order through the app, foodpanda logistics delivery partners can conveniently store the food or groceries inside QUBE Digital Smart Lockers. These lockers are strategically placed near the app user’s location, ensuring a safe and hassle-free pickup. For QUBE Smart Technology president and CEO Elcid Lao, the partnership is a giant leap of innovation for QUBE and foodpanda logistics and its stakeholders, such as the delivery partners and Filipino consumers. “It allows everyone to experience seamless transactions by ordering through the app and picking up the items directly from our Digital Smart Locker.” Convenient and seamless “This is a big milestone not just for foodpanda logistics and QUBE but also for its existing customers and the entire Filipino people. It will be the first here in the Philippines and together with our ASEAN neighbors,” Lao mentioned. First introduced by QUBE, the smart locker system came to the Philippines to fulfill the need for contactless delivery and safe storage during the pandemic. It eliminates the precarious face-to-face encounters associated with the delivery of parcels and goods. Mariano explained that, beyond the benefits of contactless delivery, it also ensures an even more efficient transaction process for delivery partners. “It empowers our Ka-pandas with enhanced ease and convenience when fulfilling orders, enabling them to maximize their time and productivity during their time slot.” “Both companies are at the forefront of revolutionizing their respective fields — we want to optimize the logistics in our operations while QUBE drives advancements in technology through extensive software and hardware research and development. By combining our strengths, we aim to deliver groundbreaking solutions for a seamless, sustainable, and convenient customer experience,” Mariano added. The post Online food delivery is elevating appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DoTr, MIAA submit NAIA-solicited PPP project
On Saturday, the Manila International Airport Authority and the Department of Transportation submitted their joint proposal for the NAIA-solicited Public Private Partnership Project for approval by the NEDA Board. According to the MIAA, the said project aims to increase the capacity of NAIA and to ensure safe operations while significantly improving the passenger experience at the airport through shorter waiting and processing times, more comfortable and modern facilities, and better connectivity between terminals. Private concessionaire required To achieve these, the government will require a private concessionaire to invest in modern air traffic control equipment, rehabilitate runways and taxiways, and improve existing terminal facilities. The airport authority added that the private concessionaire will have 15 years to operate the airport and recover its investment, a period meant to ensure that there is sufficient capacity to meet growing demand in the Greater Capital Region while new airports elsewhere in the region are still at various stages of development and planning. DoTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said Cebu and Clark have shown that when given the chance, private companies can provide excellent airport services to Filipino travelers and visitors to the country. Goal With this project, it is their goal that travelers to and from Manila, our country’s main international gateway, also benefit from the improvements in efficiency and service that world-class airport operators and investors can bring. The solicited and unsolicited modes are the strategies being undertaken by DoTr and MIAA with the assistance of their transaction advisor, the Asian Development Bank. The post DoTr, MIAA submit NAIA-solicited PPP project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Uratex launches “first sustainable mattress” in PH
In a major step towards sustainability, Uratex, one of the leading mattress companies in the Philippines, has announced its collaboration with the Seaqual Initiative. The partnership aims to reduce the company’s carbon footprint and create environmentally friendly products that are both comfortable and sustainable. The result of this collaboration is the Trill Seave Collection, a […] The post Uratex launches “first sustainable mattress” in PH appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Cebu school receives medical supplies, equipment
The Consolacion National High School in Poblacion Occidental, Cebu recently received clinic and medical supplies provided by Aboitiz Power Corporation and Universal Feed Mill Corporation to benefit their staff, faculty and students. While the quality of education remains a priority, the Consolacion National High School said that the health and well-being of its students and staff are important to them, as they spend a lot of time within school premises. School caretaker Garnet G. Posas acknowledged the support of AboitizPower and Universal Feed Mill. “The impact of this project to the health and wellness of our students is truly significant. As school administrators, our role is to not only educate students, but also to provide healthcare services when needed. We wish for the school to serve as a place of learning and a home where they can feel safe and cared for,” Posas said. Universal Feed Mill CEO Joshua T. de Manuel noted the critical role of businesses in helping improve health services by making medical resources more accessible to schools in Cebu. “As an educator myself, I feel strongly about the plight of students. Beyond classroom walls, books, and lessons, what students need is a well-equipped school clinic where they can be treated and be comfortable enough to recover,” De Manuel said. “These hospital beds, first-aid kits and other supplies are but the start of what I hope would be something that can be sustained for all members of the school to use in the long-term.” The school is one of the beneficiaries of AboitizPower’s program to support public schools across the Philippines by helping improve the quality of education and welfare of students. Apart from upgrading the clinic, medical equipment was also given to members of the evening class of Consolacion. “At AboitizPower, we know that the value of advancing businesses and communities is better achieved through collaboration,” AboitizPower first vice president-head of Retail James Byron Yu said. “With partners like Universal Feed Mill, we hope to spread more positive energy to communities, and deliver projects that improve education and health.” AboitizPower is one of the country’s leading companies in power generation, distribution and retail electricity services. Meanwhile, Universal Feed Mill Corporation is a Cebu-based manufacturer of hog, poultry and gamefowl feeds. The post Cebu school receives medical supplies, equipment appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Greenfield Tower to address office space demand
The Philippines property market will continue its upward trajectory as corporations and mainly business process outsourcing companies drive office space demand. According to Colliers Philippines, office space absorption in the Metro Manila market is seen to nearly double to 220,000 sqm this year from 110,500 sqm last year. Even with companies implementing work-from-home or hybrid work setups, there is still a substantial demand from BPO companies, particularly those from the healthcare service segment. The already thriving BPO industry will demand more workforce, and with that, the need for space will also increase. As Greenfield’s high-rise office building with breathtaking panoramic views, Greenfield Tower is geared to cater to the demands that are continuously growing from corporations within Metro Manila and Mandaluyong City. Prime location Located within the Greenfield District, Greenfield Tower offers a unique environment where wide-open spaces co-exist with state-of-the-art fiber-optic internet connectivity. Its advantageous location offers convenience, accessibility and safety for tenants and employees while its proximity to major thoroughfares offers accessibility to both private and public transportation. The commercial building is built on the principles of technological advancement and eco-friendly design. To address the need for sustainable office space, Greenfield Tower employs aesthetic landscaping and functional design to its property. Natural light fills the office units, vast open spaces right outside the building can help employees de-stress during breaks. The high-rise office property stands on the highest point of Mandaluyong City at an elevation of 39 meters or roughly 10 building floors higher than Makati, making the area still highly accessible amid inclement weather. Designed mainly to suit the needs of corporate headquarters and business process outsourcing companies, Greenfield Tower boasts of well-designed office spaces with reliable IT infrastructure. Apart from structural integrity and prime location, the actual office space features make the investment more attractive. The typical floor plate is 2,000 square meters and about 4.5-meter floor to ceiling height with a variable refrigerant flow air-conditioning system. Greenfield Tower is the epitome of a modern and accommodating workplace. Besides being surrounded by wide open spaces of trees and greenery, the dining and commercial establishments are an excellent place to take breaks, hold events and facilitate team building activities. Building tenants and guests can take an easy five-minute walk from the tower to several lifestyle centers in the area such as The Hub, and the Pavilion. “We at GDC feel that Greenfield Tower is a project that completes our vision of a smart, integrated and future-ready urban District. Our office building was designed to improve the overall environment by making offices, more secure, productive and comfortable,” said Duane A.X. Santos, executive vice president and general manager of Greenfield Development Corporation. The post Greenfield Tower to address office space demand appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mixed adjustments in pump prices expected during first week of April
Oil companies are anticipated to introduce mixed adjustments in pump prices during the first week of April......»»
Companies State it Takes More Than 6 Months to Fill Cybersecurity Positions
The latest Kaspersky survey found that 48% of companies require over half a year to find a qualified cybersecurity professional. A lack of proven experience was cited as one of the biggest challenges, along with the high cost of hiring and global competition in talent acquisition. With global labor markets continuing to clamor for InfoSec […].....»»
Most Filipinos reject Charter change, lifting foreign ownership restrictions
An overwhelming majority of Filipinos oppose changing the 1987 Constitution at this time, according to a new Pulse Asia Survey, with results showing Filipinos in all regions and all socio-economic classes did not support the lifting of foreign ownership restrictions in key industries......»»
Boulevard Holdings sells 1.5-B shares to ownership group
Boulevard Holdings advised that its stockholders approved a measure to increase BHI’s authorized capital stock from 17 billion shares to 18.5 billion shares, and to sell the 1.5 billion shares to a company called Puerto Azul Landn Inc., which is also owned and controlled by the Panlilio family......»»
Stop motorcycle taxi expansion, Marcos urged
Various transport groups yesterday appealed to President Marcos to stop the expansion of motorcycle taxis in Metro Manila amid the impending decision of the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board o authorize several companies as players in the pilot study......»»
Resumption of FTA talks seen to spur higher EU investments
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority expects investments from European companies to increase with the resumption of the Philippines – European Union free trade agreement negotiations......»»
ICT spending in AsPac reaches $1.3 trillion in 2023
Information and communications technology spending in Asia and the Pacific reached the $1.3 trillion mark in 2023, as companies increased their investments on automation and cloud to survive and thrive in the digital era......»»
Philippine food firms’ sales hit $133 million in Dubai fair
Philippine food companies generated $133 million worth of export sales from a food trade show held in Dubai last month, according to the Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions......»»
Just seven of 116 SUCs offer medicine programs — lawmaker
House Minority Leader Rep. Marcelino Libanan (4PS Partylist) said that Congress should allot more funding to support "highly advanced" SUCs in establishing their own medical schools to subsidize the schooling of aspiring doctors......»»
SEC wants SMEs to embrace sustainability
The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) wants to instill sustainability into the business practices of not only big companies but also the small and medium enterprises......»»
Bank loans used as RRR compliance hit P6.4 billion
Mid-sized and small banks have extended around P6.4 billion loans to micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs) as well as large companies, and booked these loans in compliance with their reserve requirement ratios, according to the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas......»»
Gealon: Probe companies with colorum vehicles
CEBU CITY, Philippines – A citywide crackdown is being implemented against colorum vehicles or illegally operating public utility vehicles (PUVs). This after Cebu City Councilor Rey Gealon’s proposed a resolution was approved during the council’s regular session on March 20, requesting the Land Transportation Office (LTO) to conduct operations against colorum trucks operating in the.....»»
Citicore Energy REIT declares robust Q4 dividend
Citicore Energy REIT, the subsidiary of Citicore Renewable Energy Corp. and the REIT arm of the Megawide [MWIDE 3.08 unch] group of companies, declared a Q4/23 dividend of P0.054/share, payable on May 15 to shareholders of record as of April 18......»»