Ahong eyes tie-up with private hospitals for vaccine storage
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – The Lapu-Lapu City Government will tie-up with private hospitals for storing the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccines, once the city will already receive an allocation from the national government. Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said that he already discussed this plan with private hospitals situated in the city. “Tie-up ta ug private […] The post Ahong eyes tie-up with private hospitals for vaccine storage appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
CHED eyes grants for nursing schools holding review classes for non-board passers
CHED is working with the DOH, private hospitals and universities that “have a very good track record in having review classes” to help more nursing graduates pass the licensure exams......»»
MEZ waste treatment facility under construction
The construction of a hazardous and hospital waste treatment facility started this month inside the Mactan Economic Zone in Lapu-Lapu City, Cebu. State-run Development Bank of the Philippines, in an agreement with Pacific Mactan Renewable Environmental Systems Inc., will provide 70 percent of the funding while the latter will shoulder the 30 percent equity. The loan from the DBP will be amortized over seven years. This P150 million state-of-the-art investment will cater to all waste produced at MEZ and hospital waste in Cebu province. This would reduce the cost of MEZ locators on their waste disposal and treatment fees and more importantly, enhance their environmental laws compliance. “With this innovative project, MEZ locators will no longer have to dispose of their hazardous waste on their own, which marks the commencement of a smart waste management and energy recovery system for the locators. This is in support of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority’s greening of ecozones program, reinforcing enhancement of the locators’ compliance to environmental laws,” PMRESI president Jesus Jayme Jr. said. The construction started this month and will be completed by September 2023. PMRESI is the local counterpart of Canada-based Eneco WTE Pacific Inc., the technology provider. Eneco pioneered the entry of Tops in the Philippines. Tops has been widely used in Canada and the United States of America, meeting both USA and European emissions regulations. These containerized oxidizers are used by organizations including British Petroleum, Shell, all divisions of the US Armed Forces, and healthcare facilities such as Washington Medical University and Michigan State University. With this innovative project, MEZ locators will no longer have to dispose of their hazardous waste on their own, which marks the commencement of a smart waste management and energy recovery system for the locators. The 2,000 square-meter treatment facility will feature a containerized Thermal Oxidation Process System that uses the thermal gasification/oxidation process to decompose carbon-based components of waste and reduce its volume by 97 percent. The facility can accommodate up to 15 tons per day of industrial, hazardous waste, and even hospital waste. This will be a sole treatment, storage and disposal facility inside MEZ 1. PMRESI will charge locators and nearby hospitals tipping fee for the use of the facility. MEZ 1 and 2 have about 200 locators. Presently, hazardous wastes of MEZ locators are collected and treated by non-MEZ third-party companies. In 2019, the Environmental Management Bureau in Central Visayas slapped Davao City Environmental Care Inc. and a private hospital in Cebu with a fine of P250,000 and P110,000 respectively for illegally throwing medical waste along Mactan Channel. The post MEZ waste treatment facility under construction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go eyes stronger bivalent vax rollout
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, Chair of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, stressed the need to strengthen further vaccination efforts as the government rolls out bivalent vaccines to protect Filipinos against new variants of Covid-19. With the Department of Health initiating the distribution of these vaccines across the country, particularly to healthcare workers, on Wednesday, 21 June, the senator emphasized the importance of the public’s active participation in the vaccination program. The bivalent vaccine launch was held at the Philippine Heart Center in Quezon City where President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, DoH Secretary Teodoro “Ted” Herbosa, and Quezon City Mayor Joy Belmonte, among others attended the event. “Let this occasion serve as a call to every Filipino to continue doing your part. Get updated on your Covid-19 vaccination to prevent a resurgence, as a means of honoring those who sacrificed their lives during the pandemic,” President Marcos reminded in his speech during the event. “I thus appeal to everyone, especially those who have yet to receive their primary series of vaccinations, to get vaccinated against Covid-19. This is not for your own good alone but also for the protection of your families and the general public,” the President added. The Philippines received a generous donation of 391,860 doses of Comirnaty, a bivalent vaccine developed by Pfizer-BioNTech, from the government of Lithuania. This donation was facilitated through the Covid-19 Vaccines Global Access Facility, led by the World Health Organization. DoH also emphasized that the government will prioritize the health workers and the elderly. Meanwhile, Go, an advocate for public health, continues to promote the establishment of more Super Health Centers in strategic areas to alleviate the strain on hospitals nationwide and to bring essential health services from the government closer to the people. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The Department of Health, as the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic locations for the construction of such centers, including in the town of Plaridel. The post Go eyes stronger bivalent vax rollout appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t sets inspection of cold storage facilities
For COVID-19 vaccines The government will conduct an inspection starting next week of existing cold storage facilities as it prepares for another tripartite logistics suppliers agreement for an integrated shipment, storage and distribution of COVID-19 vaccines in the country. National Task Force Against COVID-19 Chief Implementer and Vaccine Czar Secretary Carlito Galvez Jr. said this as he assured that inputs from the private logistics providers will be considered in organizing an end-to-end service for the vaccines’ rollout. Presidential Peace Adviser Carlito Galvez Jr., chief implementer of the National Task Force (NTF) on COVID-19 (NTF AGAINST COVID-19 / MANILA BULLETIN) “Next week we will inspect all available cold chain storage. We are coordinating with a consortium so that they will make sure that all vaccines from 2-8-degree celcius to negative 70 will be taken care of,” he said. This developed as the Cold Chain Association of the Philippines (CCAP), told Manila Bulletin that the industry is still awaiting for the government to accept the industry’s offer to play a role in the distribution of COVID-19 vaccine. CCAP is a multi-sectoral group of companies involved in the handling, storage, and distribution of chilled and frozen food, among other products. Galvez assured that the logistics system for the vaccines will be in coordination with the vaccine suppliers, the cold storage provider and the government. Galvez explained the government has to establish an integrated logistics system for the vaccines to ensure there is no wastage of the new vaccines, which have different storage temperature requirement. “We have seen some reports that we have 30 percent wastage in some areas in Europe. With acute shortage of vaccines we cannot afford wastage,” he stressed. He further said that the cold storage facilities are part of their agreement with vaccine suppliers for an end-to-end service solution. The after sales service is part of this long commitment with the vaccine suppliers and as a requirement under the government’s universal health system. “We will make sure that the vaccine that will be coming here has an integrated coordination with vaccine maker, the local government units and the private sector so that includes after sales service,” he said. Meantime, the Go Negosyo which spearheaded the private sector donation drive “A Dose of Hope” said there are ongoing consultations to help Galvez in coming up with an integrated shipment, storage and distribution system for the vaccines. Presidential Adviser on Entrepreneurship Joey Concepcion said the private sector donors would rather live the logistics aspect to the vaccine supplier Astra-Zeneca Pharmaceuticals and the national government to ensure smooth implementation. Concepcion has secured 17 million doses from the private sector that are expected to inoculate 8 million Filipinos in June-July this year. Meantime, Royal Cargo Inc., one of the country’s leading logistics providers, has expanded its cold storage facility at its Paranaque head office so it can accommodate the different temperature requirements of the various COVID-19 vaccines. Earlier, CCAP President Anthony Dizon said the Philippine government is yet to formally tap the country’s cold chain industry for the handling and distribution of the COVID-19 vaccine in the country. According to Dizon, the industry, “individually and collectively”, has more than enough capacity to participate in the country’s COVID-19 vaccine distribution program.Right now, he said the cold chain industry’s total cumulative capacity stood at 500,000 pallet containers, while the initial 20 million doses of COVID-19 vaccine will consume only less than 200 pallets. “Our initial estimate is that even if we are called upon to play a role in the storage of the vaccine, it will constitute a small portion of our capacity,” Dizon said.“The industry is just waiting for the government to approach us,” he added. In a previous report,. said the government is now in discussion with the private sector regarding the state-led distribution of COVID-19 vaccine. “I’m thankful to the private sector for throwing their support to us, like what they did when we ramped up our testing capacity,” said Galvez. On the part of CCAP, however, Dizon said no official dialogue has so far taken place between the organization and the government regarding this matter......»»
Chan sees big challenge in establishing COVID-19 vaccine storage facility
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines – Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan admits that one of the city’s biggest challenges in procuring the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine would be the storage facility that would maintain the efficacy of the medicine. Chan said that an acceptable storage facility is of utmost importance since some vaccines need to […] The post Chan sees big challenge in establishing COVID-19 vaccine storage facility appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Lapu-Lapu mayor eyes P100M for COVID vaccines
LAPU-LAPU CITY, Philippines — The Lapu-lapu City government will allocate not less than P100 million in purchasing the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccine. Lapu-Lapu City Mayor Junard “Ahong” Chan said this in an interview with CDN Digital on Thursday, January 7, in Lapu-Lapu City. Chan also said he planned to submit a supplemental budget at […] The post Lapu-Lapu mayor eyes P100M for COVID vaccines appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Robredo: COVID-19 cases and deaths are not mere statistics
Vice President and opposition leader Leni Robredo said the country’s coronavirus cases and deaths are not mere statistics as it shows how COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected every Filipino family. VP LENI ROBREDO (SCREENSHOT FRO VP LENI ROBREDO’S FACEBOOK VIDEO / MANILA BULLETIN) Robredo noted more people have to endure hardships that resulted from the weaker economy and continuous rise in the number of infections and deaths. “Conversely, as more people get sick because of COVID-19, so does the suffering of our people get prolonged. Many have died; they are not mere statistics,” she said. ”Each of them had a story, had a dream, has a family that mourns their loss. And as cases continue to rise, it becomes harder move forward towards a better normal,” she added. The vice president reminded the administration the pandemic is the root cause of these problems, and if it has a clear plan, Filipinos can overcome the challenges of COVID-19 and move forward. Robredo bared a comprehensive list of suggestions in a videotaped public address, dubbed “Message of Hope”, on her Facebook page. This was perceived by many as her own roadmap on how the country can recover from the ill-effects of the coronavirus pandemic. Her recommendations include a correct data regarding COVID-19, safety nets for affected families, tax incentives for companies, equitable and systematic provision of resources to hospitals. Robredo also batted for pooled testing and timely contract tracing, better wages of health workers, and harmonization of COVID-19 efforts of the public and private sector, among others, instead of just waiting for a vaccine to become available. The opposition leader said she supports the government’s P31-billion “Plant, Plant, Plant” program that will be implemented nationwide to benefit farmers, fisherfolks, and consumers. This program mentioned by President Duterte during his last Monday’s State of the Nation Address (SONA) falls under the “Whole of Nation” approach, which Robredo said she is also supportive of. “We support the whole of nation approach. But a true whole nation approach should be directed toward a common goal,” she said. The lady official is also keeping her faith on the goodness and capability of Filipinos in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. “It is not wishful thinking to dream that we can also achieve what Taiwan, South Korea, Vietnam, and New Zealand have achieved….We can also do this. We have the right skills, we should have sufficient resources. We have what it takes,” she said......»»
PHAPi: Cyber-attack on PhilHealth to further delay unpaid claims reimbursement
The Private Hospitals Association of the Philippines Inc. on Wednesday said it is expecting further delays in the reimbursement of arrears of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation to private hospitals due to the cyber-attack on the agency’s online system. According to PHAPi president Dr. Rene de Grano, the cyber-attack on the state-run health insurer’s online system is expected to cause further delay in its promise to settle its outstanding debts to hospitals amounting to P27 billion. “During the past hearing, PhilHealth president [Emmanuel] Mandy Ledesma promised to pay by December the P27 billion-worth of supposed arrears of PhilHealth to different hospitals,” De Grano told reporters in a chance interview. “Of course, we are hoping that it will be pushed through. But then this problem (cyber-attack) came, which made PhilHealth’s entire system down, then of course, we will be expecting more delays,” he added. Over the weekend, PhilHealth confirmed reports that there was an “information security incident” on its online system. The Department of Information and Communications Technology previously stated that the agency’s system was attacked by Medusa ransomware. As defined by Trend Micro, a multinational cyber security software company, ransomware is a type of malware that prevents or limits users from accessing their system, either by locking the system’s screen or by locking the users’ files until a ransom is paid. In the state-run health insurer’s case, the Medusa ransomware group was said to be demanding $300,000 in exchange for access to its system. The group threatened to leak the personal information of PhilHealth members if it did not pay the ransom. Worst case scenario Earlier this month, Ledesma made a commitment before lawmakers in the budget deliberation of the House Committee on Appropriations on the proposed P199 billion budget of the Department of Health for next year that the state-run health insurer would settle “a bulk or majority” of its P27 billion unpaid claims to various hospitals in the country. Of the P27 billion worth of unpaid claims by PhilHealth to various hospitals, P10 to P15 billion are estimated to be from private hospitals. Unlike big private hospitals that have “buffer funds,” De Grano said that further delays in payment would cripple the operations of smaller private hospitals. “Most of the small private hospitals rely on or are very dependent on patients who are NBB, charity patients, or no balance billing,” he said. “If there would be further delay in payments, smaller private hospitals will run out of money to the point that it will affect their cash flow. It will affect their operations.” If the non-payment of PhilHealth continues, he warned that smaller private hospitals would require their patients to pay their bills from their pockets. “The worst that will happen, initially, perhaps smaller private hospitals would no longer accept [PhilHealth] beneficiaries. They would ask patients to pay their bills out of their pockets,” he said. “Because, otherwise, we can no longer provide these services. Private hospitals are paying for their nurses, medicines, and supplies. If PhilHealth won’t pay them, it would empty their funds,” he added. Delayed HEA Meanwhile, De Grano also expressed his support for the complaint filed by a group of private healthcare workers against several DOH regional offices before the Anti-Red Tape Authority over the long overdue distribution of their health emergency allowances or HEA. “They prioritized the government facilities. The private [hospitals] were left,” he said. “They should tell the truth. They must tell if there are no longer funds available.” Earlier this week, the United Private Hospital Unions of the Philippines, whose members are part of at least 26 private hospitals in the country, filed a complaint against DOH regional offices over its failure to distribute P5.8 billion worth of HEA. Under Republic Act No. 11494, also known as the Bayanihan to Recover as One Act, healthcare workers who were at the frontline of the government's fight against COVID-19 are mandated to receive HEA and other benefits. The post PHAPi: Cyber-attack on PhilHealth to further delay unpaid claims reimbursement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go renews call for increased health budget
Senator Christopher "Bong" Go, the chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health, emphasized in an interview on Tuesday, 26 September, the urgent need to bolster the Department of Health's budget as the country navigates toward pandemic recovery even amid several existing and emerging public health concerns. "Gaya ng sinabi ko noon, full support ako sa DOH kung ano ang makakatulong sa ating healthcare system," said Go. He recalled the budget deliberations in December 2019 when there were attempts to cut the budget of the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM) for the year 2020. "Nag-budget hearing noong December 2019, tinapyasan ang proposed budget sa RITM at DOH, di po ako pumayag noon. Dinagdagan pa natin at ibinalik natin ang pondo," he narrated. This decision turned out to be crucial then, as RITM later played a vital role in COVID-19 testing when the pandemic started in 2020. Go noted that the restoration of RITM's budget underscored the importance of adequately funding healthcare institutions, especially in unpredictable times. Go's recollection came at a critical time when the DOH was facing a P10-billion budget cut for 2024. The proposed budget cut would bring DOH's overall budget down to P199.45 billion from P209.62 billion under the General Appropriations Act of 2023. With this, Go argued that the healthcare system needs more, not less, financial support. He then underscored the urgency for increased investment in the public healthcare system. "The more we should invest sa ating healthcare system, dagdagan ang pondo," Go reiterated. "Para sa akin po, dapat suportahan natin na dagdagan ang pondo ng DOH. 'Wag pong bawasan, dagdagan pa po," he stated further. He emphasized that the funds should be used wisely to benefit patients particularly the less fortunate. "Makinabang dapat ang mga pasyente, makinabang po ang mahihirap nating kababayan na walang ibang matakbuhan kundi tayo pong nasa gobyerno," he said. Go said that those who are wealthy have the option to seek medical care in private hospitals, while the less fortunate are left with no other choice but to rely on public healthcare facilities that rely on government funding. "Ito pong mga helpless, mga hopeless nating kababayan, sila ang unahin natin. 'Yung mayayaman naman po, di pupunta sa public hospitals 'yan," he said. During the Commission on Appointments hearing on the ad interim appointment of Health Secretary Teodoro Herbosa which Go presided on early that day, the senator also appealed to DOH to ensure that poor and indigent patients are given utmost attention in public hospitals. Go cited a recent department memorandum signed by Herbosa instructing medical center chiefs to ensure that all patients must be accorded with the available services in Malasakit Centers. The Malasakit Center serves as a one-stop shop aimed at helping particularly poor and indigent patients minimize their medical expenses to the lowest amount possible by collaborating with various agencies offering medical assistance programs. This initiative was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, a law principally authored and sponsored by Go in the Senate. Presently, there are 159 Malasakit Centers spread across the country, and they have collectively provided support to more than seven million Filipinos, as reported by DOH. Moreover, echoing President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos, Jr.’s priority of bringing specialized medical services closer to other parts of the country, Go highlighted that he has principally sponsored and is one of the authors of the Regional Specialty Centers Act which was recently enacted into law. The law mandates the establishment of regional specialty centers within existing DOH regional hospitals. Given this, Go reminded the DOH that sufficient funding must be allocated in the coming years for the proper implementation of the law. Moreover, Go also emphasized the need to continue bringing basic health services closer to the grassroots through the establishment of more Super Health Centers nationwide which he had advocated for since the time of former president Rodrigo Duterte. “Ipagpatuloy natin na ilapit ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa ating mga kababayang mahihirap na walang ibang matakbuhan. The more we should support their health needs, the more na mag-invest po tayo sa ating healthcare system,” Go said. “Huwag po natin silang pahirapan. Marami po sa mga kababayan natin sa iba’t ibang sulok ng Pilipinas na wala silang sariling health facility. Kaya importante na mailapit natin ang serbisyong medikal mula gobyerno sa mga taong nangangailangan nito,” he stressed. The post Bong Go renews call for increased health budget appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New VMMC wing seen
The Veterans Memorial Medical Center will soon have more patient rooms with the start of construction for the Magiting Veterans Wing through a P60-million grant from two licensees of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation. The construction of the new wing was initiated by the Philippine Military Academy Magiting Class of 1970 with funding support from Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. and Newport World Resorts Foundation Inc. The two foundations, representing Solaire Resort and Newport World Resorts, respectively, each released P30 million with PAGCOR’s approval. Officials said that the project will be carried out in two phases — the first will be sponsored by BCFI and covers civil, structural, mechanical, electrical, masonry works and roof deck waterproofing while the second phase will be funded by NWRFI and consists of works, fixtures and devices. The Magiting Wing will have a total floor area of 1,379.84 square meters and will house 12 new private rooms inclusive of four suites, a nurse station, lounge area, hallway, storage, access ramp and connecting bridge to the main hospital building. PAGCOR chairman and CEO Alejandro H. Tengco said the agency approved the grant from the casino foundations because of the project’s noble objective. “PAGCOR recognizes the patriotism and sacrifice of Filipino veterans who dedicated their youth, vigor, strength and even lives for our country. By supporting this noble project, we show our gratitude to our modern-day heroes and their families,” Tengco said. He added that all integrated resort casino licensees in the country are required to put up a foundation to fund Corporate Social Responsibility programs on education infrastructure, health facilities, environmental preservation and cultural heritage restoration. Two percent of the licensees’ gross gaming revenues from non-junket tables automatically go to such foundations. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro, who graced the ceremonial concrete pouring for the project, expressed gratitude to the project supporters. “We will provide the necessary maintenance and other operating expenditures to see to it that your donations will not go to waste,” said Teodoro, adding that other plans to improve the welfare of Filipino veterans include decentralizing the VMMC’s services and the upskilling of hospital personnel so that doctors and specialists can focus more on caring for patients. “No soldier ever retires. They are always a part of the system. They provide guidance and support to our active personnel hence their job as a soldier is never done,” Teodoro said. Aside from BCFI and NWRFI, other major sponsors of the Magiting Veterans Wing project are DMCI, San Miguel Corporation and some retired military personnel. The post New VMMC wing seen appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
More cities suspend classes due to Taal’s volcanic smog
Several towns in Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and southern parts of Metro Manila suspended classes on Friday, 22 September due to the health hazards brought by the volcanic smog or vog emitted by Taal Volcano. Here is the list of municipalities that canceled classes today: Batangas (all levels; public and private): Balayan, Balete, Calaga, Calatagan, Lian, Nasugbu, Lemery, Tanauan City, Taal, Tuy, San Nicolas Cavite (all levels; public and private): Alfonso, Amadeo, Bacoor City, Carmona, Cavite City, Dasmariñas City, Gen. Emilio Aguinaldo (Bailen), Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Gen. Trias, Indang, Imus, Kawit, Magallanes, Mendez, Maragondon, Naic, Noveleta, Rosario, Silang, Ternate, Trece Martires, Tagaytay City, Tanza. Laguna (all levels; public and private): San Pedro Metro Manila (all levels; public and private): Las Piñas and Muntinlupa. Taal's volcanic smog According to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology in its advisory on Thursday afternoon, the vog coming out of Taal contains a high amount of sulfur dioxide which is acidic and can cause irritation of the eyes, throat, and respiratory tract. "People who may be particularly sensitive to vog are those with health conditions such as asthma, lung disease, and heart disease, the elderly, pregnant women and children," the advisory said. The advisory also asks the public to limit outdoor activities, shut the doors and windows to block out the vog, wear an N95 facemask, and drink water to reduce any throat irritation or constriction. The post More cities suspend classes due to Taal’s volcanic smog appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MVP eyes MPTC float by next year
After the voluntary delisting of his infrastructure investment firm Metro Pacific Investments Corp. or MPIC from the local bourse, businessman Manuel V. Pangilinan is now planning to offer the shares of his tollways venture Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC to the public by next year. “After the delisting, we will list our tollways... next year. The Maynilad has got to list by 2026. We will list our major subsidiaries,” Pangilinan said in an interview with reporters on the sidelines of the Mining Philippines 2023 International Conference and Exhibition on Wednesday. MPTC is the operator of the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway, Cavite-Laguna Expressway, Manila-Cavite Expressway, NLEX Connector, and Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway. On the other hand, Maynilad, MPIC’s joint venture with DMCI Holdings, and Marubeni Corp., serves the west zone of the Greater Metro Manila area, covering 17 cities and municipalities. Tender offer closed Relatedly, in a separate disclosure to the stock exchange on Wednesday, MPIC confirmed that the tender offer for its shares is now closed. The company report stated that the total of tendered shares, excluded shares, and other non-public shares is equivalent to 97.22 percent of MPIC’s total issued and outstanding listed shares and has exceeded the threshold required to complete the voluntary delisting. Once tendered shares are accepted and crossed, MPIC’s public float will fall to 2.78 percent. Its total tendered shares, excluded shares, and other non-public shares, on the other hand, will be above the voluntary delisting threshold of at least 95 percent. Thus, bidders can now expect MPIC’s delisting around October. The Cross Date is scheduled for 26 September, while the Settlement Date is scheduled for 28 September. Commenting on these MPIC developments, Pangilinan said: “It’s amazing that the acceptances have been more than 99 percent. What are the implicit messages of that, the times have moved on. My theory is that conglomerates are passe.” Pangilinan noted that companies are now focusing on their ventures that are easier and simpler to analyze with only one product. “Filipinos have a natural aversion to something big, that is why our stock exchange is too small. And because it’s too small it impinges on the issue of liquidity. Investors, even foreign investors, want to go in and be able to get out whenever they want to,” he explained. MPIC currently owns 47.5 percent of Manila Meralco, 99.9 percent of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp., 52.8 percent of Maynilad Water Services Inc., 20 percent of Metro Pacific Health Corp., and other assets. It is the Philippine arm of Hong Kong-based investment holding firm First Pacific Company Ltd. It has interests in tollways, water distribution and sewerage services, railways, hospitals, power generation, and distribution. The post MVP eyes MPTC float by next year appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Missed opportunity
The Department of Energy, before the Marcos administration, had issued Department Circular 2021-09-0028 seeking to establish the Philippine Strategic Petroleum Reserve Program, which was a squandered program that would have softened the impact of the successive oil price increases. A national petroleum reserve would have significantly helped shield the country against global supply and price disruptions, considering that the country is a net importer of petroleum products. An energy expert cited as a clear example of the country’s vulnerability to global supply and price shocks the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis on our domestic petroleum prices. Former Energy Secretary Al Cusi warned that the momentum of the fuel price surge will be hard to stop since even before the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus was already confronted with a production shortfall. The oil bloc refused to raise output despite pressure from the United States, Japan, China, India, and influential International Energy Agency members. Setting up strategic reserves was Cusi’s advocacy since it would address both the uncertainties on supply and provide a buffer against sudden price spikes. Under the proposal, private oil companies and the state-owned Philippine National Oil Company would build a strategic petroleum reserve to pool resources to ensure supply is not disrupted. PNOC would lead in maintaining the fuel reserve that would be more than the current 40-day average stock. The program was modeled after similar petroleum reserves, or SPR, of developed nations such as Japan and the United States. Several countries, including the United States, maintain a stockpile of crude oil to provide a buffer against disruptions in oil supplies. The SPR is an emergency response tool to mitigate potential oil shortages due to natural disasters, geopolitical events, and other unforeseen circumstances. The United States established its fuel reserve in 1975 following the Arab oil embargo of 1973-1974. The SPR is managed by the Office of Fossil Energy within the US Department of Energy. Underground storage facilities in salt caverns along the gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana are used. Like the DoE proposal, the primary purpose of the SPR is to ensure the availability of crude oil during severe supply disruptions. The reserve can be tapped into when significant disruptions in oil production, imports, or refining capabilities could lead to shortages and significant price increases. Releasing oil from the SPR aims to stabilize the market and provide relief to consumers, industries, and the overall economy. The US SPR has a capacity of approximately 713.5 million barrels of oil. Until September 2021, the US SPR held around 635 million barrels of crude oil. The decision to release oil from the SPR rests with the US President, who can authorize such action in response to a severe supply disruption. The release typically occurs in coordination with the International Energy Agency and after consultation with other major oil-consuming countries. Aside from the US and Japan, Germany and South Korea also maintain strategic petroleum reserves to safeguard against oil supply disruptions and market volatility. Saying that the local program should have received the government’s support is crying over spilled milk. The government, however, should consider having a buffer stock of fuel since the frequent price spikes have become a threat to the livelihood of Filipinos and thus endanger national security. The post Missed opportunity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Grateful Tzu Chi beneficiary: ‘It’s time to give back‘
The Tzu Chi Eye Center had an unexpected visitor recently. Romulo Manongdo dropped by to bring sweet treats for his surgeon, Dr. Bernardita Navarro, and the rest of the medical team. But the best gift he brought was the story of how his life was transformed after undergoing surgery at the eye center. Last year, Manongdo had to undergo cataract surgery in both eyes. Estranged from his children and abandoned by his live-in partner, Manongdo wandered the streets looking for hospitals willing to treat his eyes. Manongdo did not have the money for checkup or surgery. His blurry vision had cost him his job at a construction company. At night, he slept in bus terminals and sidewalks. One day, he missed a piece of rebar jutting out from a concrete road and tripped. He sustained wounds in his left toe and elbow from the incident. [caption id="attachment_185498" align="aligncenter" width="525"] He may have tripped a few times, but Romulo Manongdo has found his footing again, thanks to complete strangers who, in his darkest time, treated him like family.[/caption] When Manongdo finally found the Tzu Chi Eye Center, his wounds were infected and he hobbled. The medical team treated his wounds and found out he also had diabetes. He was given medicines, and Tzu Chi arranged for his stay at a transient house in Banawe, Quezon City, with Dr. Navarro bringing him food, medicines and hygiene kits. Throughout all this, Manongdo talked very little, looking tired and defeated. In the following days, one of the Eye Center nurses regularly visited him to check and dress his wounds and monitor his blood sugar level. One year after regaining clear eyesight, Manongdo stands tall again. He now works as a foreman for a construction company. He may have tripped a few times, but Manongdo has found his footing again thanks to complete strangers who, in his darkest time, treated him like family. Manongdo told his surgeon that he had heeded her advice: He searched for his children after he recovered and was able to receive their forgiveness. Now he is supporting his youngest daughter’s education, he proudly added. Manongdo has adopted a Tzu Chi coin bank, with a promise to return to the center to turn over his donations. “It’s time to give back,” he said. The post Grateful Tzu Chi beneficiary: ‘It’s time to give back‘ appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A history of storytelling through art collections
Narrative art is art that tells a story. It uses visual images of a sequence of events unfolding over time or an ongoing story to evoke emotions and capture one’s aspirations or culture. Narrative art preserves the past for future generations across diverse cultures. One of the country’s top bankers, Edwin Bautista, president of Union Bank of the Philippines, and his wife, professor Aileen Beltrano Bautista, debuted their private collections at the Salcedo Auctions titled Private Art, Public Lives, featuring A Passion for Connections: Objects and their narratives from Edwin and Aileen Bautista collection. “It’s a full story,” said Edwin when asked about the collections’ narrative. “The exhibit starts with the pre-colonial era. Basically, (Ferdinand) Magellan. There’s a portion that shows trade with China. Some ceramic pieces and gold pieces of jewelry that ancient Filipinos wore. This is like telling the story of how life was before the Spaniards came. That portion ends with the arrival of Magellan and his death at the Battle of Mactan.” The Bautistas’ collection of pre-colonial art pieces illustrating historical events of life before the Western World discovered the Philippines brings our imagination to life and provides us insights into our ancestors’ sophisticated artistry and rich culture. Philippine birth certificate An interesting collection is the map section that tells the story of the Philippines through maps and how the Philippines was seen in the eyes of the Western World. The collections trace the evolution of the Philippines through maps, Edwin said. The first Philippine map, which is also called the Birth Certificate of the Philippines, shows the first time the whole archipelago was officially named the “Philippines.” According to Edwin, there are only about three or four copies of that map. Some of the original maps do not show the island of Luzon. “Remember it was only after the third expedition of (Miguel Lopez de) Legazpi that the Spaniards landed in Luzon. Before him, there was only the Visayas. So you have Magellan and then Villalobos.” One of the most important collections in that section is the Murillo Velarde map or the Carta Hydrographica y Chorographica de las Islas Filipinas (Hydrographical and Chorographical Chart of the Philippine Islands). The map was the first map made in the Philippines and first published in Manila in 1734 by the Jesuit cartographer Pedro Murillo Velarde, the engraver Nicolás de la Cruz Bagay and the artist Francisco Suárez. The Velardo map played a critical role in the Philippines case in The Hague for our claim over the West Philippine Sea islands as the 1734 map showed that the Spratly Islands, named Los Bajos de Paragua, and Scarborough Shoal, named Panacot, were part of “Las Islas Filipinas” constituting the Philippine archipelago during the Spanish regime. There were also old Philippine flags captured by the American soldiers during the Philippine-American war. But Bautista traced most of them and bought them from private collectors. Personal collections Edwin said all of the art pieces in the exhibit were from his and his wife’s own collection. They did not even know most of the artworks existed before they started their collection. His passion for the arts was ignited when he started collecting amulets (anting-anting). “My focus then was how to make the narrative full. It’s easy to collect amulets because there is an organized group of Filipinos who believe in them.” As for the source, he used to scour eBay, visit auction houses or even get tips from Buddhists and other religious groups. But for the Salcedo Auction exhibit, the Bautista couple commissioned well-known playwright and director Floy Quintos, who also owns the Art Gallery Deus in Manila. Floy shared: “The exhibition begins with two large ivory corpus that embody the very pinnacle of both Filipino craftsmanship and spirituality. It ends with contemporary folk amulets and carvings that speak for the enduring, resilient folk spirit of the Pinoy.” “In between these objects, many narratives have unfolded. The range of objects offers perspective and insights into our history, spirituality and creativity. The collection of Edwin and Aileen Bautista brings all these objects together to tell a story of our evolving nationhood. “From the blood, sweat, tears and passion of Edwin and Aileen Bautista comes the art collections worth preserving. The art pieces are the stars of our history, but the collectors connect all their stories to create a wonderful narrative. They inspire, educate and even entertain the public with their passion for the arts and gripping perspectives on our history and heritage.” The post A history of storytelling through art collections appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PhilHealth vows to pay P27-B debt to hospitals in 90 days
The Philippine Health Insurance Corporation on Wednesday promised to settle its outstanding debts to hospitals amounting to P27 million within 90 days. “I’m confident that within 90 days from today, a bulk or majority, if not all, of the P27 billion will be paid off,” PhilHealth President and CEO Emmanuel Ledesma Jr. said. “Hopefully, that will make the hospitals and the doctors happy,” Ledesma added. He made the commitment during the budget deliberation of the House Committee on Appropriations on the proposed P199 billion budget of the Department of Health for next year. According to the state insurer top official, the debit-credit payment method will be used to accelerate the payment for the unpaid hospital claims. Under the payment scheme, PhilHealth will only pay a certain portion of the unpaid claims of the hospitals. The remaining unpaid claims will be settled after the completion of processing requirements. In 2021, several private hospitals threatened to disengage with the state insurer purportedly due to its failure to settle its ballooning unpaid claims. The post PhilHealth vows to pay P27-B debt to hospitals in 90 days appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Menchu Katigbak: The splendid life of a society swan
Hers is a story anyone would love to tell and retell, or hear and hear again. Chances are, as in the book of Menchu, so many things are left unsaid because if these were all said, a single book would not be enough. Carmencita “Menchu” Katigbak’s story is one of love, passion, hurts and disappointments, social triumphs and power in its subtle workings, but mostly the good life and the people who live it and make it happen. She is a woman of the world in the sense of one who has lived in, explored and enjoyed New York, Bangkok, Lausanne, Paris and, her current love, Singapore. Of course, her turf is in Manila with a Capital S and Capital P (as in Power), and Lipa the hometown of her roots. [caption id="attachment_180060" align="aligncenter" width="958"] MENCHU with best friend Susie and her daughter Marivic.[/caption] At a time when the term “socialite” can come cheap, trite or even undeserved, Menchu gives the appellation dignity, respect and the awe it once inspired. Her social credentials are, of course, impeccable. For starters, she attended the Chateau Mont-Choisi, a Swiss finishing school for debutantes and pre-debs belonging to royalty and the world’s upper crust. A socialite today, in loose modern parlance, is perceived as being frivolous, one who attends parties because these men and women are party animals, or party people, as one columnist has named her weekly jottings about the social events of the day. The enjoyment of life is what defines this breed and set, and yet, while Menchu, too, knows how to enjoy, and enjoy life with gusto, there is more to her and that differentiates her from the herd. No, she does not top her charmed life with an icing of well-publicized good deeds and philanthropic beneficence, even if she actually shares her bounty with those in need. Menchu is of a different mold. She is a society swan in the manner of Truman Capote’s chums — Babe Paley, Gloria Guinness, Lee Radziwill. In our part of the world, think Chona, think Minnie, think Chito. She may well be cast in the same crème de la creme mold, glamorous denizens of the inner circles of society, at the same time, ladies who have transcended the vagaries of time. Just recently, Menchu was referred to by a diplomat friend as a global influencer, a 21st-century appellation that only a few are accorded. This one is applied to one who was once a señorita, colegiala and, yes, society girl, again in the tradition of Chona, Baby, Nelly, Chito and Ising. ‘The Katigbaks talk only to the Kalaws’ They don’t need family names, each as important as the other and of the same significance in society. Still, it’s one thing to say that she is Baby Fores, and another if she is Baby Arenas. There were two Vickys, one of national import and memory being the lovely teenager who stood as her father’s First Lady in the early 1950s, and there was the Madrigal matron, Vicky nee Abad Santos, who was low-key and the daughter of the World War II patriot, Jose Abad Santos, who refused to pledge allegiance to the flag of the enemies. Menchu shares first name distinction with Menchu delas Alas Concepcion, also of Batangueña parentage, being the daughter of banker and finance guy and public servant Don Antonio de las Alas. Both aristocrats from Batangas, the two Menchus share many distinctions beauty for one, pedigree, for the other—but that’s as far as I would say, the aforementioned traits being obvious. But to drive his point, Joe Guevarra, the humorous and well-placed columnist known for his tongue-in-cheek pronouncements, once said of the olden times, when the genealogical boundaries were well-defined, “In Lipa, the Katigbaks talk only to the Kalaws, and the Kalaws talk only to the Katigbaks.” [caption id="attachment_180057" align="aligncenter" width="998"] DINNER in Pili with Fernando and Zobel, Tessie Sy-Coson, Guilly Luchangco, Federico ‘Piki’ Lopez | photograph courtesy of MENCHU KATIGBAK[/caption] This self-confessed social climber, as his 8-to-5-and-beyond job would require him to be, admits to not having met (okay, having been introduced to…) the ebullient society hostess, traveler, culinary maven and friend-to-the-powerful Menchu Katigbak. Everything that I am writing here, I learned from the lady’s biography, Menchu, authored by lifestyle journalism icon Thelma Sioson San Juan, the two being decades-old friends. Menchu, one finds out toward the end of the book, is the inspiration for her granddaughter Isabelle’s first tome, Abu, the Sad Princess. I look back on the pages I have read, the memories of Menchu’s lifetime so far, in all its seven glorious and electrifying decades, and I dare say, the description is most apt and is true as well in real life as Menchu today is “living happily ever after” having come to terms with the many issues that confronted her at various times, but more importantly, she is today a fulfilled mother and grandmother and a believer in Jesus Christ. But that is getting ahead of the story. ‘White Matter’ by Lao Lianben Jaime Ponce de Leon, dear Jaime, the man of the hour of Philippine arts for as long as Juan Luna’s missing masterpiece, remains ensconced at the Ayala Museum – gaining for the discoverer more than a foothold in our cultural history – asked me if I was interested in writing about the socially formidable Menchu Katigbak, and I readily said yes, having seen her photographs in the select and more discriminating society pages and columns. I thought to myself it would be an opportunity to meet the lady face to face and add her to my glossary of so-called newfound friends, but that was not meant to be. I was, oh, I was treated to the next best thing – a copy of Menchu which, to someone who aspires to be a bibliophile, is all that matters in the world, except that I am first a social climber. And since I have not been allowed an audience, I take solace in the book and, as my honeyed revenge, will tell you what I feel about the lady who, I understand, could be frank and outspoken. Abrasive is too strong a word, and unfair for I am not sure if I will ever meet her in my lifetime, but I am told the lady will never mince words, that’s probably why she has legions of true friends who probably can give as much as take, or so I am imagining. [caption id="attachment_180055" align="aligncenter" width="1475"] Lunch in the kitchen in Pili with Patty Araneta (left) and Monet Recio-Schem.[/caption] A painting that Menchu has kept all these years, “White Matter” by Lao Lianben, signed and dated 1997, has been featured as one of the rare pieces to be auctioned in Leon Gallery’s forthcoming magnificent September auction, with the starting bid of P2,600,000. So, there, if you’re wondering what Jaime, who moves around the best circles, has got to do with this enigmatic swan. ‘We are not rich’ But let’s stick to what the book says. While she intersperses in her narrative personal encounters with her subject, TSJ, for the most part, devotes the pages of this book to Menchu alone, and with our cosmopolitan lady, the many friends in the upper echelons whose lives she has touched and who have touched hers in turn. Menchu, once she was ready to be told, heard it straight from her mother, “Tandaan mo, baka akala mo mayaman tayo. Hindi tayo mayaman. Kung napadala ka namin sa Switzerland at si Tita at si Tony napadala naming sa America, kasi nagpawis ako ng dugo (Remember, you may think we are rich, we are not rich. If we sent you to Switzerland and Tita and Tony to America, it was because I sweated blood). If you think you’re going to inherit something from us, banish the thought. So if you don’t study well, bahala ka sa sarili mo (you’re on your own).” The perfect words for the Asuncionista (Assumptionista) who much preferred to bake food for the gods, brownies and upside-down cakes and do naughty things like hiding the bell used to signal the start and end of class periods. Her mother, the former Charing Roxas Dimayuga, who attended Assumption Convent, dealt in buying, developing and selling homes in the gated Makati villages. She also developed horizontal and vertical commercial spaces as well as imported retazos from abroad. [caption id="attachment_180056" align="aligncenter" width="696"] Wearing the Van Cleef earrings purchased before their public launch.[/caption] Her father, Enrique Luz Katigbak, on the other hand, was a top certified public accountant, an alumnus of the Northwestern University and a director on the boards of Monte de Piedad and Philtrust banks. Of his connections, none is more eminent than his friendship with His Eminence, Rufino Cardinal Santos, archbishop of Manila and the first Filipino Cardinal of the Catholic Church. It was not a happenstance that Menchu received the sacrament of confirmation from the Cardinal himself right in the Katigbak home, the first ever that was held in a private home if any other followed at all. Like most children, Menchu recalls in the book how she detested being “slapped” by the pious prelate. If she was any pleased about her family’s closeness to the holy man, it was that the Assumption sisters did not expel her for her not-too-infrequent infractions because they went to her father if they needed something from the Cardinal. Dona Aurora Recto for a ‘guardian’ Hers was a lonely childhood since her older siblings were away. They were the triple seven, which alluded to their being born seven years apart, with Menchu as the youngest. On certain days, her parents, both busy, would deposit her in the home of the statesman Claro M. Recto where she would play with his favorite granddaughter, Techie, who had all these toys, Menchu could not help realizing her parents did not buy her a toy. She played with her jackstones while Techie had a closetful of toys, including a toy “cash register.” Techie was so generous she was giving this fancy plaything to her, but Menchu refused knowing her mother would not approve. What she remembers best of that time was the sight of Dona Aurora, the first beautiful woman she beheld in her young mind and eyes, and from her, she learned her first lessons in etiquette, because the family ate with a full complement of silverware and flatware. (To be continued) The post Menchu Katigbak: The splendid life of a society swan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Napocor eyes PPP scheme for new project
The National Power Corp. is set to conduct a market sounding activity for its accelerated hybridization project on Thursday to determine private sector interest, the Public-Private Partnership Center said......»»
DTI’s Food Logistics Agenda aims to keep produce available, affordable
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. approved the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) three-year Food Logistics Action Agenda to overhaul the country's food distribution system, the Presidential Communications Office (PCO) said on Wednesday. In a statement, PCO said Marcos endorsed the proposal earlier this week at a sectoral meeting in Malacañang with secretaries from various government departments. The primary goal of the plan, according to the PCO, is to maintain the availability and affordability of food for Filipinos. The said plan was in response to Marcos' instruction to improve the farm-to-market highways, cold chain industries, food logistics chain, and port infrastructure in September 2022. "The Three-Year Food Logistics Action Agenda contains six key strategies to ensure success. These include revolutionizing the Philippines' food distribution system, reducing transport and logistics costs, increasing investments in logistics infrastructure on transportation and storage, and addressing other supply chain gaps," PCO said. "The plan also seeks to heighten enforcement measures against hoarding, smuggling, overstaying food imports, and monitoring of warehouses or cold storage facilities, and resorting to using information and communications technology to improve logistics performance," it added. By modernizing current food terminals and constructing new food hubs in Metro Manila and other regions of the nation, the DTI has described efforts to incorporate food terminals into the logistical system. The supply chain from producers to consumers could be simplified by integrating food terminals, with uniform logistical procedures and a transportation system aimed at specific locations. Due to the synergy that occurs within these hubs, the effectiveness of the action plan is amplified. These hubs serve as primary command centers for successfully monitoring the balance between supply and demand. Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said that the DTI is assisting small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in making the transition to established e-commerce companies through a pilot project with Nueva Vizcaya Agricultural Terminal (NVAT) and the US Agency for International Development-Strengthening Private Enterprises for the Digital Economy (USAID-SPEED). “This project will help pivot NVAT from offline to online transactions thereby maximizing the potential of e-Commerce, and increasing market access for farmers’ produce,” Pascual said. The International Maritime Competitiveness Act, which intends to provide the Maritime Industry Authority authority to control shipping lines and prevent exorbitant shipping costs, is one example of legislation connected to logistics that the trade department is supporting for inclusion in the priority legislative agenda. The Department of Agriculture, Department of Transportation, Department of Public Works and Highways, Department of the Interior and Local Government, Department of Information and Communications Technology, and other development partners worked together to design the logistics action agenda, which is a component of the President's goal to turn the Philippines into a logistics hub in Asia. The post DTI’s Food Logistics Agenda aims to keep produce available, affordable appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gatchalian pushes for creation of Virology, Vaccine Institute
Senator Win Gatchalian on Saturday rallied anew for the establishment of the Virology and Vaccine Institute in the country as it would help in addressing low child immunization coverage nationwide. Gatchalian cited that the number of unvaccinated children significantly dropped from one million in 2021 to 637,000 in 2022. However, the United Nations Children's Fund and the World Health Organization emphasized that more work needs to be done to reach the ideal coverage of 95 percent. Based on the Department of Health’s report as of last year, the vaccine coverage among the eligible population of young children nationwide stood at 59.9 percent. Gatchalian also cited a 2022 research paper by the Philippine Institute for Development Studies which revealed that deep-seated supply-side system issues also contribute to the country's low vaccine coverage. It is on top of vaccine confidence, which is a primary factor in the low immunization coverage in recent years. According to Gatchalian, the PIDS study also identified leadership, planning, and supply chain problems that led to recurring vaccine stock-outs in the past decade as other factors. Hence, Gatchalian filed Senate Bill 941, or the Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines Act of 2022, pushing effective initiatives to boost local vaccine development, sustain production, and boost technology transfer. The proposed measure seeks the creation of a Virology and Vaccine Institute—which shall serve as the premier research and development institute in the field of virology, encompassing all areas in viruses and viral diseases in plants, animals, and humans. Under the proposed measure, VIP shall undertake scientific and technological research and development in the field of virology It is also tasked to conduct product research and development in the areas of diagnostics, therapeutics, and vaccines, among others; and the transfer of the results of scientific research and development for use in both the public and private sectors. The research outputs of the VIP shall also be integrated into other plans relating to the management of public health emergencies relating to infectious diseases, as well as disease control and prevention. "Kasabay ng paghhikayat natin sa ating mga magulang na pabakunahan ang kanilang mga anak, mahalagang matiyak din na may sapat tayong suplay ng bakuna at may kakayahan tayong magsagawa ng pananaliksik at mga pag-aaral. Patuloy nating isinusulong ang paglikha ng Virology and Vaccine Institute of the Philippines upang matugunan ang mga pangangailangang ito ng ating mga kababayan," said Gatchalian. The post Gatchalian pushes for creation of Virology, Vaccine Institute appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»