We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Redefining end-of-life services
The goal of a good end-of-life service is to offer as much emotional comfort and lasting memory to those left behind. In Zamboanga, Golden Haven is providing a significant upgrade in its cutting-edge crematorium to redefine end-of-life services for people in the region. This latest addition to the company’s property portfolio not only represents Zamboanga City’s first privately owned and operated crematorium facility but also introduces the use of two imported crematory machines, significantly reducing smoke emissions during the cremation process. This proactive step demonstrates the company’s commitment to environmentally sustainable practices that will benefit the community in the long run. “Golden Haven constantly strives to reshape the landscape of death care services in the country,” says Golden Haven’s president Emy Lustado. “While we’ve proudly developed the most beautiful themed memorial parks in the country, we’re equally committed to upholding environmental responsibility in all our endeavors, including the introduction of our new crematorium.” Marking a significant milestone for the company, the new crematorium held its groundbreaking rites in May 2023 and is scheduled for completion in the first quarter of 2024. Its strategic placement within the lush and tranquil terrain of Golden Haven Zamboanga will grant grieving families the same serene comfort, accessibility, and convenience savored by the park’s other memorial property owners. By establishing this facility, Golden Haven aims to provide a more accessible and efficient choice for individuals and families in need of cremation services. This not only alleviates logistical difficulties but also offers a sense of relief during what can be a challenging time, ensuring that end-of-life services are more readily available to the community. As the new crematorium facility nears completion, Golden Haven eagerly anticipates the opportunity to serve this colorful province in the Mindanao region and invites potential customers and investors to check it out at Golden Haven Zamboanga, located on Maria Clara L. Lobregat Highway in Barangay Boalan, Zamboanga City. The post Redefining end-of-life services appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Solon expects stronger SK programs
Constituents of those who would be elected in the upcoming Sangguniang Kabataan elections could expect stronger and more progressive programs from their respective leaders, according to Senator Juan Edgardo “Sonny” Angara on Sunday. Angara, who chairs the Senate Committee on Youth, said with the completion of the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act 11768 which introduced new reforms to the SK system, the youth sector can expect better performance from their representatives. “Critics of the SK have questioned its relevance and see it as being politicized,” Angara said. “We introduced the amendments to the SK system in RA 11768 in response to these criticisms with the hope that the young members of the community who will be part of the body will do more as youth leaders and become strong partners of the government in nation-building,” he added. The lawmaker stressed that, for years, the SK has been criticized for undertaking the same activities that do little to benefit youth development such as organizing sportsfests and pageants. To address this, the law provides clear guidelines on the types of programs, projects, and activities that can be undertaken by the SK using the funds provided to them. These include the provision of student stipends, food, book and transportation allowances; sports and wellness projects; skills training, summer employment, cash-for-work, on-the-job training, and livelihood assistance; projects promoting the participation of the youth and their initiation in agricultural, fishery, and forestry enterprises; programs and activities that will locate the youth at the forefront of climate action, environmental protection and conservation efforts; capacity building for grassroots organization and leadership; and programs and activities that address context-specific and intersectional vulnerabilities of young people. “We want to ensure that the SK stays true to its mandate of providing the youth in the communities with programs that will be useful to them and help them become productive members of society,” Angara said. The new measure also addresses the waning interest of the youth in joining the SK, including the absence of honoraria for most of its members. Under the law, the SK members, secretaries and treasurers will now be entitled to allowances that will be charged against the SK funds. A cap of 25 percent on the utilization of SK funds for personnel services was included in the law to ensure that the bulk of the budget will go to programs, projects and activities that will benefit the youth. At present, only the SK chairpersons are entitled to honoraria by virtue of their status as ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Barangays. The measure also authorizes the local government units to provide additional honoraria, as well as social welfare contributions and hazard pay to the SK chairpersons and members through their own local ordinances. SK officials and members will be exempted from taking any components of the National Service Training Program. They will also be entitled to the appropriate civil service eligibility based on the years of service to the barangay, pursuant to the rules and regulations of the Civil Service Commission. The post Solon expects stronger SK programs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Michael Ted Macapagal: Making tracks in public service
If life were a train, then Michael Ted Macapagal’s has been quite a ride. Raised by a labor leader and human rights lawyer father who served the people of Olongapo, including the workers of the US American Base in Subic, Michael Ted Macapagal had always wanted to become a public servant. It took Ted, though, a long journey to reach his goal, first achieving success in the insurance field in the United States where he lived for 20 years starting in 1991. Today, he is the chairman of the Philippine National Railways, a position “that allows me to make a difference in the lives of my countrymen,” he shared during his recent visit to the Daily Tribune office in Makati. Ted, good-looking and affable, proudly spoke of a father, his namesake, Atty. Teddy C. Macapagal who, early on, exposed his son to a firsthand view of a gentleman who looked beyond himself and his personal interests, and instead dedicated his career to protecting the common man and bettering their lot. The elder Ted served as a city councilor for 10 years. In 1984, he ran for the Batasang Pambansa, and in the late 1980s, for city mayor. “In all these electoral processes, I was involved and saw for myself how my father related to the people. He was a sincere man who helped them in the best way he could. He provided free legal services to those in need,” Ted recounted. Ted grew up in Olongapo, his place of birth. It was in the neighboring province of Pampanga, though, at the Don Bosco Institute in Bacolor town, where he first studied, but he eventually returned home to Olongapo, where he finished high school at the St. Columban. Aiming to become a lawyer, he enrolled at the University of the Philippines in Diliman, where he majored in History, which he intended as his pre-law course. Not unexpectedly, he joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi, his father’s fraternity. He also joined rallies where he stood with those who wanted the retention of US bases in the Philippines, in keeping with the sentiments of his townsmen. “It was the one concern where the whole of Olongapo was united,” he recalled, “because the people’s livelihood was connected to the base and the American presence in the community.” As a lawyer who specialized in labor, his father himself handled cases for the base employees. In 1988, his father lost his mayoralty bid in Olongapo. He fought against his fraternity brother, Richard Gordon. Actually, the two had been fighting it out for decades. “Olongapo became too small for them,” shared Ted. “A vivid memory to me to this day was the night I cried after my father lost. I was heartbroken because, for the most part of my life, I saw him give his all to the people. Throughout all those years, I just loved assisting my father. I followed him whenever he visited his constituents. I was a witness to everything that happened to him, his conflict with his political adversary and the loyalty of the people who believed in him and saw in him the man who would change the face of politics in our city.” The elder Macapagal became OIC-Mayor in 1986, but only two months after he received his appointment from the new president because the incumbent mayor did not easily give up his post which he was required to vacate under the new revolutionary government. “The next local election was the most expensive political exercise that our family ever waged,” Ted recounted. “It was then that my father decided that I pursue a new life in the United States, away from politics back home. “All the while, my heart never left the Philippines. Even before I left, I promised myself I would return to continue what my father started.” First non-white president Ted stayed in San Francisco for 20 long years. He had a tough time at the beginning of his new life. “I started off doing odd jobs. I worked as a security guard, janitor and waiter in a pizza parlor. “I also guarded the heavy equipment in a construction site in San Francisco. Thievery was a problem in that kind of situation. We would sleep in a trailer. “I transferred to a construction firm because I found out it offered a bigger salary. But I didn’t know the technical aspects of construction. Once, I made a portable ladder, but it fell apart, for which I was scolded by the owner of the company. I was fired on my third day on the job. Too bad because it paid high.” Ted then decided to pursue another degree, one that would be more useful in the United States. He took up Human Resource Management, a four-year course at the University of California in Berkeley. When he finally entered the corporate world, his first job was as a clerk. It wasn’t long before he became Division President of Stewart Title Company, one of the largest underwriters in the world, with offices across the United States, and in some 80 countries around the globe. He was based in the San Francisco Bay Area. “I may have been the first non-white president,” he said. “And I was a division president for the whole of North America. I was the first Filipino to reach that level.” Of his trailblazing accomplishments, he shared, “I was able to bring cultural diversity to the company, which enhanced its value. I got the top post because I asked for a meeting with the president. I told him we were not diverse enough to appeal to the non-white clients, and there were many of them who were first-time home buyers. Then, I told him to make the rounds. He would see that none of the home buyers was white. They were of different ethnic groups. I told him that if he appointed me as vice president, I would give him multi-cultural buyers because I would appeal to them and they would be our first-time buyers. So, he appointed me, and one month later, he made me president.” As an adjunct, he lectured on the topic of title insurance and escrow procedures in several community colleges in and around the San Franciso Bay Area. Through it all, he chose to keep his Filipino citizenship. The ‘Railway President’ For all the successes he was enjoying, the Philippines beckoned. He felt he still had a mission to accomplish. “My father was surprised. He asked me why I would still want to go home when I was doing well in the States. I insisted, so I came back and I plunged into political life. I worked on difficult campaigns, like the one for Rodrigo Duterte.” Back to his first love and passion, the political arena, he was in his element and served as president of PDP LABAN in Olongapo City from 2016 to 2021. In 2022, he joined LAKAS-CMD as its local chairman. This engagement led to his original target, as his father had achieved in his lifetime — serving the people. This time, he would be appointed to key posts in the government. He became director of the Clark Board and Gulf Oil Philippines. He took his oath of office as chairman of the Philippine National Railways on 28 April 2023. It is a job in a government agency where he is confident “I could make a difference because I can see that President Bongbong Marcos is really intent on improving the railway system of the country. “On my part, I want to make a difference. I want to be able to contribute whatever I can to help the president to achieve that objective. I call him now the ‘Railway President’ because I consider him the father of the railway system in our country.” Of course, he noted that many plans have been formulated during the time of President Rodrigo Duterte. Moreover, he recognized that President Gloria Arroyo “navigated our country through the global crisis. I was in the United States when the global economic crisis happened, and the Philippines was one of the countries spared, and I give credit to her. The economic fundamentals were very strong during her time. Being an economist, she was there at the right time when the country needed her the most.” With President BBM at the helm, he is confident “we will be able to push through with our development plan and finish the projects we have started, like the North-South Commuter Railway, which is a 147-kilometer stretch from Clark to Laguna. We hope to have the dry run in 2026 and it will be fully operational in 2027.” He also looks forward to the completion of the Bicol South Long Haul project. He is equally hopeful for the North Long Haul, the Subic-Clark and the Mindanao railways. He clarified that “we are now talking with the proponents, while some negotiations are being undertaken.” Working boots and a hard hat It would seem that this successful insurance executive was out of place in the railway sector. He pointed out, though, that “coming from the outside, I have the technical advantage of being able to look outside the box. So, I’m looking at it from outside the box, looking in. I am able to see the problems that need to be fixed. Stoppage is one of the problems so we have a bus augmentation program. We will also deploy UV Express units. We are closely coordinating with the LTFRB to provide emergency alternative transportation.” On the other hand, his exposure to people of all backgrounds from his youth, being his father’s son, has given him the advantage of “knowing how it is to be one of the boys. Something that I also experienced in the United States. “When people ask me what my management style is, I tell them straight I like to go down to the ground. I like hands-on supervision. I want my hands to be dirty. If you open the trunk of my car, you will find my working boots and my hard hat. I enjoy going to the construction sites and seeing for myself the progress, the problems, whatever it is that needs to be attended to. “Finally I want those working in the field doing the most difficult tasks to be satisfied and never to be hungry. Gusto ko, busog sila lagi. I am not happy when I get invited by the constructors and I am honored with a feast-like lunch or dinner, and not knowing what the workers are eating. I am on a diet anyway, so I make sure that my hosts bring the food to where the workers are eating. I can only eat so much and I would rather that the workers and the staff are full and happy. I am vocal about my displeasure when the construction workers are not eating the same food that is served to me. I may not be able to invite them to where I am eating but I can have the food brought to them.” Smiling from heaven Without a doubt, the old man Atty. Teddy C. Macapagal is smiling happily from his heavenly perch. He had served his fellowmen well, but he had done right as well by raising a son who took after his heart, to whom service to the people and compassion for the less fortunate matter more than any personal gain. His father, according to Ted, “died a broken man at the young age of 63. But whatever he lacked in longevity and riches, he made up for it with his compassion for others, for the free legal services that he gave to the people of Olongapo. “If you didn’t have money, you went to him because he was generous with his time and expertise. He would even give you some cash to use for your transportation fare to go home. That was my father. “The people whom he helped in turn would come to our home and bring him gifts like eggs, fruits, fish, vegetables and native chickens that they raised in their backyards. My father accepted them all. When I came home and saw all this, I teased him and said that he should probably open a sari-sari store so he could resell them. “Of course, we had a good laugh. But beyond the laughter, we both knew in our hearts that doing good to one’s fellowmen is its own reward and nothing in this world can take the place of personal fulfillment for having put a smile on people’s faces because you somehow made their lives better. “I am grateful that I have been raised by such a great father.” The post Michael Ted Macapagal: Making tracks in public service appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bridgetowne: Where spaces meet artistry
Robinsons Land’s 32-hectare Bridgetowne Destination Estate is quickly becoming a hub where families congregate for a shared sense of community and artistry. [gallery columns="2" size="large" ids="170111,170112"] The Victor, which serves as centerpiece at the sprawling property, is a 60-meter public art installation by Filipino-American visual artist Jefrë Theirry Manuel-Figueras. Another work of art that gives the destination estate its name is the 110-meter bridge designed by the late National Artist Francisco “Bobby” Mañosa. It connects the development’s 9-hectare Quezon City side (Bridgetowne West) with the 23-hectare Pasig City side (Bridgetowne East). Architect Gelo Mañosa completed the project upon the passing of his father. Crossing over the Marikina River, the bridge has an expansive width of 25 meters, featuring four lanes dedicated to vehicles with unique routes for pedestrians and bikers. Bridgetowne’s Opus Mall, an upscale five-level shopping, dining, and recreation destination, is slated to open this year. The forthcoming Fili Hotel by Robinsons Hotels and Resorts, the country’s first homegrown Filipino five-star hotel, will have 300 well-appointed rooms providing guests with luxurious accommodations and signature Filipino hospitality and craftsmanship. The estate also features sustainable architecture through its line-up of premium-grade office buildings in Bridgetowne West, such as the Exxa-Zeta, Tera and Giga Towers, distinguished by their LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) certifications. At the same time, the highly anticipated GBF Towers 1 and 2 are poised to achieve LEED Gold certification upon completion. Nestled within Bridgetowne East is a thriving neighborhood soon to rise with its line-up of upscale residential towers: Velaris (a joint venture with Hongkong Land), Haraya (a collaboration with Shang Properties), Le Pont, and the premium Cirrus by RLC Residences. Also in Bridgetowne is the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan, the venue destination known as the premier choice for grand celebrations, corporate events, meetings, conferences, exhibitions and product launches. Recreational open spaces such as the 6,000 square meter Bridgetowne Obstacle Park, the upcoming FIFA-approved Bridgetowne Football Pitch and an adjacent premium sports bar and lounge are also a highlight of the estate. Bridgetowne Destination Estate has been awarded Best Township Development and Best Township Masterplan Design at the PropertyGuru Philippines Property Awards 2022. Visit www.robinsonsland.com/industrial-and-integrated-developments-division or message facebook.com/bridgetownedestinationestate and/or instagram.com/bridgetownedestinationestate. The post Bridgetowne: Where spaces meet artistry appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Manhattan of Pasay City (1)
If New York City has its Manhattan, Pasay City shall have its own version in Manila Bay within a decade and a half. This fearless prediction is based on what happened 36 years ago. The tremendous growth being experienced by Pasay City today can be attributed to the visionary and bold move of then OIC Mayor Eduardo “Duay” Calixto in 1987 when the city government acquired for P2 billion the 52-hectare reclaimed land then owned by the Construction Development Corporation of the Philippines or CDCP. Looking back, it was the single biggest achievement of Calixto, who envisioned converting the reclaimed area into one of the finest and largest commercial centers in Metro Manila. He said this would “have a multiplier effect once completed. It would create employment for the people of Pasay and additional revenue will be generated from the taxes paid by the businessmen.” Today, one can just marvel at the great transformation of the reclaimed area, now well-known as the home of the SM Mall of Asia. The great success of Mayor Duay’s acquisition in 1987 was expected to be followed by new ventures by his intrepid children, namely, his eldest son, former City Mayor and now Congressman Antonino Calixto, and younger daughter, former Congresswoman and now City Mayor Imelda “Emi” Calixto-Rubiano. Following Mayor Duay’s success is Harbor City, a groundbreaking development project involving the reclamation of 265 hectares of offshore area in Manila Bay for a cosmopolitan, eco-friendly, and iconic waterfront city — ”The Manhattan of Manila Bay.” The proposed Pasay Harbor Reclamation Project is broken into two islands, located west of Metro Manila, within the municipal waters of Pasay City. The prophetic vision of Mayor Duay had turned into reality. From the CCP and Mall of Asia complexes in 2015 alone, the Pasay City government earned P3.2 billion in real property taxes and business and work permits. With the proposed project, the city could double, even triple, its earnings, which should translate to more and better services for the people of Pasay. The horizontal development — roads, bridges, power, water, drainage, sewerage, communication, and other facilities — is targeted for completion in 2038. Among the Metro Manila LGUs, Pasay City is one of the smallest in terms of land area. However, it has the potential to expand its land through sea reclamation. The proposed Pasay City land reclamation project along the coast of Manila Bay, near the SM Mall of Asia complex, can produce some 2,650,000 square meters of buildable and developable space. This could translate to about 1,850,000 square meters of building gross floor area, based on the 70% buildable vis-a-vis to 30 percent open space/public area ratio. This new space could be allocated to tourism, office, residential, commercial, and other non-industrial mixed uses in a master-planned community, including an integrated port facility complex for visiting cruise ships. The proposed 2,650,000 square meters of reclaimed land is in line with Pasay City Ordinance No. 5768 (Series of 2016) which calls for the reclamation of the identified area located offshore of the current SM Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. The project will expand the city’s current land area for economic activities. The 265-hectare reclamation project is an expansion of the original 360-hectare project and is intended to enhance further the vision embodied in the original project which included further promoting the well-being of the people of the City of Pasay in terms of employment and livelihood; stimulating city growth by providing basic infrastructure and land for the investor; help solve congestion; and actualize the vision of the government through the PRA. (To be continued) The post Manhattan of Pasay City (1) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CoA flags 2 Compostela infra projects
Another Cebu Town is being questioned by the Commission on Auditon on two infrastructure projects that were not constructed despite having received the budget. This time, it’s the Municipality of Compostela in northern Cebu. In its 2022 Audit Report, the CoA disclosed that Compostela has not implemented the construction of the Community College despite receiving P6 million in funding assistance from the Provincial Government. It did not utilize as of the end of 2022 the P3 million in Local Government Support Fund it received for the building of a multi-purpose hall in Barangay Poblacion. CoA also cited the insufficiently detailed engineering design that caused the delay in the construction of Phase 1 of the multi-purpose building. The non-implementation and non-utilization of these funds have deprived the constituents of the use and benefit of the projects, CoA stressed. The report found that the contractor for the project had zero accomplishments. The project was procured and awarded to a contractor on 29 February 2022, and a notice to proceed was issued on 3 March 2022 by the previous administration of Mayor Froilan Quino. There were two suspension orders issued on 7 March and 25 March last year due to the relocation of the site and the election ban. Two resumption orders were then issued on 11 March 2022 and 1 July 2022. As for the multi-purpose building, CoA said this contradicts the Guidelines on the release and the Utilization of the LGSF-Other Financial Assistance to LGUs in the Fiscal Year 2020 General Appropriations Act provided under the Department of Budget and Management Legally Binding Contract122 dated 31 January 2020. According to item 3.15 of the LBC, if at any point before December 31, 2021, the LGU determines that the funds can no longer be utilized, it should be immediately reverted to the National Treasury. The project was awarded on 15 February 2022 with notice to proceed on 21 February 2022 for Phase 1 of the multi-purpose building. But the municipal engineer failed to present necessary data on the project and upon deeper inquiry, the Municipal Engineering Office claimed the project was 80 to 90 percent finished. The Compostela LGU said it is preparing the documents for the termination of the contract for the proposed Community College, citing its infeasibility and its requirement of more funds for completion. The LGU will request for its realignment. Compostela Mayor Felijur Quino agreed that the LGU will request for an extension on the multi-purpose building project, from the source agency for the utilization of the funds and project implementation, or else the funds must be returned to the source agency. COA recommended that Compostela LGU examine the extent of the delay and consider imposing liquidated damages or terminating the contract with the contractor for the unimplemented construction of the Community College pursuant to Section 9 of Annex E of the Revised IRR of RA 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act of 2003. The post CoA flags 2 Compostela infra projects appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
House vs. condo: Which is a better investment?
Buying your own home is a decision that undoubtedly ranks among the most critical choices an individual can make. Discovering the ideal space for your safety, comfort and personal preferences is paramount when considering property investment. It must be a place where you can find solace, freedom and a breath of fresh air away from the chaos of daily life. But the question that looms large for many is whether to invest in a house or a condo unit. The certainty of buying a property during a recuperating economy is a valid concern. However, according to Collier International’s latest report, both the local office and residential property sectors are expected to recover from the disruptions of the past year. The gradual reopening of the economy will support the demand in the residential sector, including pre-selling and secondary markets. Cost efficiency is subjective when it comes to owning a property. Condominiums are typically less expensive than houses due to their size, and their maintenance is usually cheaper as you are only responsible for the interior of your unit. With association fees in place, you won’t have to worry about exterior maintenance or administrative assistance. Condos have a dedicated Property Management Team consisting of professionals who are specifically trained to oversee the day-to-day operations of the property. While houses provide homeowners the freedom to customize a larger space and transform it into your ideal home, you will be responsible for all maintenance and repairs. Regardless of whether you choose a house or a condo, it is essential to have a realistic budget in mind before beginning your property search. Functional facilities Condominiums offer a plethora of state-of-the-art functional facilities such as swimming pools, fitness gyms, kids’ play areas, game rooms and lounges. Communal areas provide condo owners with an abundance of ways to relax and unwind without having to travel too far from their residences. These communal spaces also foster interaction among residents, enabling them to forge connections and establish a sense of community. On the other hand, houses may not offer as many amenities to homeowners. Depending on the type of lifestyle you want, the amenities incorporated into the spaces play a crucial role in enhancing your quality of life. Security is a top consideration when looking for a place of your own. As condos have shared spaces such as lobbies, hallways, parking and amenity areas, they often have dedicated security personnel and 24/7 surveillance systems in place. In contrast, houses have individual entrances and private spaces, which may require homeowners to implement their own security measures. Moreover, condos often have controlled access points, such as key card systems and intercoms. These help regulate who can enter the building and add an extra layer of security. Houses, on the other hand, rely on individual means of access control, such as locks, alarms, and security systems installed by homeowners. Convenience-wise, condominiums are usually strategically located in prominent business districts and mixed-use communities, offering unparalleled convenience to their owners. These prime locations give residents effortless access to a myriad of lifestyles and commercial establishments. From trendy retail outlets, cozy cafes and vibrant entertainment venues, condominium dwellers find themselves amidst a thriving urban ecosystem. MidPark Towers, located in the heart of Aseana City, is the epitome of sophisticated city living. With its world-class amenities and convenient access to transportation linkages, lifestyle centers, businesses and services, it offers a luxurious retreat from bustling city life. The property is also just a 10-minute drive from Ninoy Aquino International Airport via NAIAx and is near the Entertainment City, home to Solaire Resort and Okada Manila. Developed by Aseana Residential Holdings Corp., MidPark Towers is a four-tower residential property set for completion in the last quarter of 2023. The predominantly glass façade of the four towers exudes an elegant and sophisticated ambiance. The units are spacious and livable, ranging from studios (40 sqm +/-) to three bedrooms (120 sqm +/-), offering endless possibilities for creating a perfect home. MidPark Towers also provides a host of amenities to support growing families and inspire the imagination and creativity of children. From kid’s play areas to outdoor pools, fitness gym and private and business lounges, it offers a truly rewarding experience of luxury and comfort. The post House vs. condo: Which is a better investment? appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Building climate-resilient communities
Subsidiaries of the Aboitiz Group have consolidated its efforts with the Climate Change Commission, the local government of Toledo City in Cebu, Department of Science and Technology-PAGASA, and the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development to help create resilient, disaster-ready and climate-smart communities. A five-day training workshop to craft an enhanced and science-based Local Climate Change Action Plan was recently held in Bato, Toledo City, the host community of Aboitiz Power-TVI. Toledo City Mayor Joie Perales: “This will upgrade the skills of our local responders and improve our readiness for disasters. I know that our people will truly benefit from this.” The participants were equipped with knowledge based on methods and strategies to produce targeted and responsive climate-action plans. They were also upskilled in developing risk-mitigating LCCAPs anchored on science and evidence-based analysis, which includes biodiversity and ecosystem-based adaptation interventions. “We recognize that our communities and local governments are at the forefront of the climate crisis,” said Climate Change Commission Deputy executive director Romell Antonio Cuenca. “It is imperative for local government units to be prepared for the challenges of the changing climate. LGUs should invest more in crafting and planning appropriate measures to adapt to climate impacts. That is why CCC and Aboitiz came all the way here to Toledo to increase the technical capacity of our LGUs, so that they can develop their local climate change action plans, which will serve as their pathway to resiliency,” he added. AboitizPower Thermal Group (VisMin) president and COO Ronaldo Ramos believes this could spark that transformation in Toledo City, and that the project can be replicated in all the other communities where AboitizPower thermal assets operate: “We believe that by bolstering Toledo City’s climate resilience and adaptation, we can ensure the continuity of our mission to energize Cebu and the Visayas, and, more importantly, secure a sustainable future for Toledo. We’re optimistic about the completion of their LCCAP this year.” At a national level, the LCCAP training workshop is in line with some tenets of the Philippine Development Plan on establishing livable communities, strengthening social protection (chapter 3.2), and accelerating climate action and strengthening disaster resilience. Through this project, Aboitiz also supports the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on reducing inequalities (SDG 10), Sustainable Cities and Communities (SDG 11), and Climate Action (SDG 13), at a global level. The post Building climate-resilient communities appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go inspects Super Health Center in Butuan City
Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Sen. Bong Go, reaffirmed his unwavering dedication to strengthening the healthcare sector as he personally visited the Butuan City Super Health Center in Agusan del Norte on Tuesday, 6 June. Currently nearing its completion at 80%, the facility aims to offer a range of medical services to the local community. The center will provide essential health services such as database management, outpatient care, birthing facilities, isolation units, and a fully equipped diagnostic wing offering services such as laboratory tests, X-rays, ultrasounds, and pharmacy services. Additionally, the center will house an ambulatory surgical unit, ensuring the provision of efficient and convenient basic surgical procedures. The Butuan City Super Health Center will also feature specialized departments to cater to specific medical needs. These include an eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, which will address a wide range of ENT-related issues, and oncology centers that will provide specialized care for cancer patients. Furthermore, the facility will house a dedicated physical therapy and rehabilitation center to aid patients in their recovery and facilitate their return to optimal health. Keeping up with the advancements in technology, the center will likewise incorporate telemedicine services, enabling patients to access medical consultations remotely and receive expert guidance without the need for physical visits. “Patuloy po akong tutulong sa pagpaparami ng Super Health Centers sa bansa sa abot po ng aking makakaya. Sa mga itinayo na Super Health Centers, nakita namin kung gaano kalaki ang naitutulong nito sa komunidad lalo na sa rural areas. ‘Yun po ang layunin ng mga Super Health Centers, ang ilapit sa mamamayan ang serbisyong medikal ng gobyerno,” underscored Go. Go expressed that this will greatly improve access to quality healthcare for the local community. He emphasized the importance of these health centers in delivering essential health services to Filipinos, especially those in rural areas with limited access to hospitals. “Ang Super Health Center po is a medium type of a polyclinic, at ang ikinaganda po nito ay itu-turn over na po ito sa local government units at pwede n’yong palakihin at iimprove pa base sa pangangailangan ng inyong komunidad,” he explained. Go subsequently applauded the efforts of the Department of Health, as well as local officials, for their dedication to ensuring that their constituents have enhanced access to government health services. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where they will be constructed. In Agusan del Norte, necessary funds have been allocated by Congress for the construction of other Super Health Centers in Cabadbaran, Las Nieves, and Santiago, aside from the one in Butuan City. The post Bong Go inspects Super Health Center in Butuan City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Family, folklore define pioneering hotel design
With craft, community and a deeply held intrinsic value for the cultural mores and history of the island, South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol–MGallery is shaping up to be anything but a cookie-cutter hotel. Six world-class innovation and sustainability leaders in architecture, interior design and green development have gathered to create a hotel like no other — weaving the folklore of the destination into the fabric of the project and into the hearts of the community of artisans proudly crafting a living history for guests when the hotel opens as part of the Panglao Shores masterplan in fourth quarter of 2024. Take Patrick Keane, founder of Enter Projects, an artist and master of “native material” design who is working with Boholano craftsmen to create spaces of celebration: “Here is a community deeply entrenched in generations of arts and crafts. We are using local materials such as recycled woods, weaving basketry and weaving fabrics, plus traditional techniques passed down through generations and incorporating performance-based materials, such as solar and sustainably engineered materials. As a project it is breaking new ground.” [caption id="attachment_137072" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PATRICK Keane, founder of Enter Projects Asia, analyzes a traditional loom weaving in Bohol.[/caption] The concept of “adaptive reuse,” which is about extending the life cycle of architecture through creative upcycling, ensuring history lives on and folklore traditions are maintained. Hazel Wu of White Jacket has been at the forefront of the reuse of materials from former ancestral homes to ensure materials are utilized and cherished. “A piece of Bohol will be featured in every room, including wooden walls that previously formed part of village dwellings and natural materials that tell the story of local artists and artisans. This is a tale of culture and folk tales. Stories that will be told throughout the hotel,” said Wu. [caption id="attachment_137070" align="aligncenter" width="525"] HAZEL WU of White Jacket (Singapore), checking wood quality of a former disused ancestral home in Bohol.[/caption] Located on a 6.4-hectare site, the hotel is a story of collaboration and rediscovery of the roots of Bohol’s cultural heritage led by the owners’ passion and love of the destination. The personal journey of Hope Uy, daughter of the founder of owning company, Alturas Group of Companies, is at the core of the creation of the 188-key resort. [caption id="attachment_137071" align="aligncenter" width="525"] HOPE Uy, managing director of Panglao Shores.[/caption] Every aspect of the project will be developed in line with eco-building standards and materials, such as high-performance glass, natural ventilation and solar harvesting, along with smart technologies, electric transport, water treatment and waste reduction. John Farrell, founder and director of XCO2 Energy is a specialist in low-carbon projects and his input is instrumental in helping South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol—MGallery to be operationally eco-friendly. Construction of South Palms Resort Panglao Bohol—MGallery is currently underway in Phase 1 of Panglao Shores with completion scheduled in Q4 2024. The post Family, folklore define pioneering hotel design appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SM group to build new school buildings in Laguna, Batangas
Continuing its commitment to helping elevate the country's education system, SM Foundation, Inc., in partnership with SM Prime Holdings, Inc. and the Department of Education, have recently collaborated to construct two new school buildings in Laguna and Batangas. Upon the completion of the joint initiative, two two-story four-classroom school buildings will be donated to the Laguna Resettlement Community School in San Pedro City, Laguna and the San Antonio Elementary School in Sto. Tomas City, Batangas. Each of the school buildings is set to be equipped with learning materials, armchairs, handwashing facilities, emergency equipment and PWD-friendly facilities to ensure that students, especially from low-income communities, gain access to modern, safe and conducive learning facilities. Formalizing the partnership, representatives from the SMFI, DepEd and the local government units of said provinces attended the memorandum of agreement signing last 28 April 2023 at the National Educators Academy of the Philippines in Malvar, Batangas. SM Foundation, through its School Building Program, is an active partner of DepEd in various educational programs. This social good initiative aims to promote quality public education by building classrooms nationwide. To date, it has turned over more than 100 school buildings to grassroots communities. The post SM group to build new school buildings in Laguna, Batangas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Fisherfolk raise alarm over demolition of Navotas City fishing structures
“Affected fisherfolk and other residents ‘highly believe’ that the dismantling order is part of the 650-hectare reclamation project in the area.” The post Fisherfolk raise alarm over demolition of Navotas City fishing structures appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Manok, langgam gikan sa Leyte ban sa Cebu
Manok, langgam gikan sa Leyte ban sa Cebu.....»»
'India, Russia have taken extra care to look after each other s interests': EAM Jaishankar
Singapore, March 25 (ANI): External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar on Sunday stressed that Russia is a country with which India has always had a positive relationship. While addressing the members of the Indian Community in Singapore, Jaishankar said that both countries have taken extra care to look after each other's interests. "I will ask myself...Has Russia helped us or harmed us?...Are there gains to be made from Russ.....»»
Filinvest Invests P16B in Ciudad BTO Project
The development of Ciudad will finally be realized after the Province of Cebu turned over Friday a parcel of the property to homegrown developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) through a build-transfer-operate (BTO) engagement. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tristan Las Marias, FLI president and CEO, formally kicked off the project in simple ceremonies onsite on […].....»»
Missing man found dead in Barangay Bonbon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — A 50-year-old man who had been missing for two weeks was found dead in Sitio Golivas, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. The victim was identified as Adriano Fuentes Durano, a resident of Kiniasan, Barangay Bonbon, Cebu City. Police Major Philip John Libres, chief of Malubog Police Community Precinct, stated that on Tuesday.....»»
Cebu bans for 45 days entry of live birds from Leyte
Cebu bans for 45 days entry of live birds from Leyte.....»»
Alternergy reallocates IPO proceeds to Tanay and Alabat projects
Alternergy, the renewable energy generation company founded by Vince Pérez (former DoE Secretary), announced that its board of directors reallocated P65 million of the IPO proceeds that were originally scheduled for the Solana Solar Project, Ibulao Mini Hydro Project, Cavite Offshore Wind Project, Tablas Strait Offshore Wind Project, and the operationalization of Green Energy Supply Solutions Inc......»»
Davao Metro Shuttle declines offer to manage bus system
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — The Davao Metro Shuttle Corporation has declined the offer of the City Government of Davao to operate the Davao City Public Transport Modernization Project (DCPTMP), a public mass transportation project that will replace the jeepneys with buses, an executive of the bus company said. In an interview at […].....»»
Sarangani Writers League welcomes 11 new members, all women
ALABEL, Sarangani (MindaNews / 24 March) – The Sarangani Writers League (SWL) recently welcomed its new members, all of them women, for helping develop the literary community in the province of Sarangani. The new members successfully navigated the application process, fulfilled all requirements, and surpassed the evaluation criteria: Catherine R. Discorson, Mariele M. Gallego, and Eva […].....»»