Bantayan Island Airport ‘on track’ for 2020 completion
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Improvements made in the Bantayan Island Airport are set to be finished by December 2020, local officials here have announced. The Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA), in a statement on Sunday, October 18, said that the airport’s upgrades are currently in the last stages of concreting its extended runway. “The […] The post Bantayan Island Airport ‘on track’ for 2020 completion appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
In Photos: Bantayan Airport project now 50% complete – Dicdican
MANDAUE CITY, Cebu – Ongoing works at the Bantayan Airport on Banyatan Island is on track and may even be finished ahead of its December 2020 target completion, according to Mactan-Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) General Manager Steve Dicdican. Dicdican, who led an inspection of the project site on Saturday, September 12, said that the […] The post In Photos: Bantayan Airport project now 50% complete – Dicdican appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Private sector hit by DZR airport construction delays
TACLOBAN CITY — The continued delay in the construction of the new passenger terminal at Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport is hurting the private sector the most, with losses amounting to at least P10 million a day in tourist receipts alone. According to former National Economic and Development Authority in Eastern Visayas regional director Atty. Buenaventura Go-Soco, the delay is not only detrimental to the whole economic development of the region but is also incurring additional losses to the government due to variation orders to the awarded contract. “We have no big industries in the and agriculture is not producing much. We can only rely on tourism and information technology are the strategies that can uplift the region’s economic growth,” Go-Soco said. To recall, the plan to upgrade the DRZ Airport from a domestic to international started in 1997 with a study by Japan International Cooperation Agency indicating the need to upgrade it. A joint venture of MAC Builders and ML Builders won the bid in 2020 for the construction of a new terminal building amounting to over P699 million with a contract duration of 540 days with estimated completion date last 29 May 2022. The construction work started on 5 December 2020. But almost three years after the construction started, only the posts and some beams are the only visible structures on the site today — far from a terminal building that should now be standing if the construction was on schedule. The post Private sector hit by DZR airport construction delays appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BCDA sole government agency to win Gold Quill award
Of the 395 entries worldwide, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority is the only Philippine government agency that bagged the most coveted 2023 Gold Quill Award of Excellence for its innovative annual report publications in the past three years. By pushing innovation to improve public’s access to information as well as telling stories behind financial data and technical reports to make it more appealing to its audiences, the “One Nation, One Legacy” BCDA annual report series from 2019 to 2021 met the high standards of the International Association of Business Communicators’ Seven-point Scale of Excellence, taking home the Gold Quill Award of Excellence in Publications. “This is not an ordinary feat for the Philippine government. At a time where many people and organizations were overwhelmed, this recognition demonstrates how important impactful, innovative and clear communication is to its stakeholders. We are humbled by this award that puts BCDA among the ranks of the best communicators in the world. Our vow is to continue setting the bar by reporting accurate financial and operational performances that are accessible and engaging to the public,” said BCDA president and chief executive officer Aileen R. Zosa. Deviating from traditional government reports, BCDA’s “One Nation, One Legacy” series went beyond the usual financial statements by including human interest stories and eye-catching infographics and visuals anchored on corporate governance, business development, project management, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to communicate BCDA’s role as a catalyst of national growth and provider of economic opportunities for Filipinos. “We Win As One” (2019) featured New Clark City’s world-class sports complex completed in record time for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. “We Heal As One'' (2020) focused on BCDA’s role in the whole-of-nation approach in dealing with the pandemic. And lastly, “We Build As One” (2021) highlighted how BCDA exercised political will amid a crippling health crisis to push for the completion of big-ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Clark International Airport terminal. For more than 40 years, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards have recognized and awarded excellence in strategic communication worldwide. The Gold Quill Awards honor the dedication, innovation and passion of communicators on a global scale with a focus on achieving solid business outcomes. Since 2008, more than 5,000 projects have been entered in the Gold Quill Awards. The IABC Gold Quill Awards program recognizes business communication excellence globally, and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry. The post BCDA sole government agency to win Gold Quill award appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BCDA marks new milestone
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority recently clinched two Gold Awards from the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards as the agency continues to intensify efforts on uniting people. The BCDA won the award for its innovative storytelling and creative design in the highly prestigious award. The “One Nation, One Legacy” BCDA annual report series from 2019 to 2021 was awarded the Gold Stevie Award for Innovation in Annual Reports. Meanwhile, the annual report of “We Build As One” garnered the Gold Stevie Award for Innovation in Government Publications. According to BCDA president and chief executive officer Aileen R. Zosa, these awards signify additional feathers to BCDA’s cap, three years after winning two bronze medals in the 2020 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for the 2018 Annual Report, “Clark. It Works. Like A Dream,” and the BCDA external newsletter, “Collective.” She added that the annual report is an important tool to connect the BCDA and its stakeholders as the agency continues to look for ways to make their content more accessible and engaging. “With these publications, we ask our readers to look beyond the data and see how BCDA’s accomplishments are also the accomplishments of the Filipino people. All these, while not forgetting to exercise transparency and accuracy in reporting our financial performance, as is our duty as a government institution,” Zosa said. “We are happy and very honored that the vastly prominent Stevie Awards has recognized our efforts. This inspires us to carry on with our task of ensuring effective communication with our stakeholders, including the military, our investors, and the public,” she added. Adopting elements of a lifestyle magazine both in terms of content and design, BCDA’s One Nation, One Legacy annual report series tells the story of BCDA and how its projects have impacted Filipinos before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The reports include human-interest stories anchored on corporate governance, business development, project management, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to communicate BCDA’s role as a catalyst of national growth and provider of economic opportunities for Filipinos. “We Win As One” (2019) featured New Clark City’s world-class sports complex completed in record time for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. “We Heal As One” (2020) focused on BCDA’s role in the whole-of-nation approach in dealing with the pandemic and lastly, “We Build As One” (2021) highlighted how BCDA exercised political will amid a crippling health crisis to push for the completion of big-ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Clark International Airport terminal. The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 nations of the Asia-Pacific region. The post BCDA marks new milestone appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
No sched for commercial flights yet in upgraded Bantayan Island Airport
The Bantayan Island Airport, though already open, cannot accommodate commercial flights just yet, local officials say. | CDN Digital photo Morexette Marie Erram BANTAYAN ISLAND, Philippines – The upgraded Bantayan Island Airport may have already welcomed at least four planes on its opening on November 27, 2020. But more works need to be done before […] The post No sched for commercial flights yet in upgraded Bantayan Island Airport appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Bantayan airport’s opening seen to boost island’s tourism industry
BANTAYAN ISLAND, Philippines — Bantayan Island, one of Cebu’s most popular tourist destinations, is now accessible by air. Officials both from the national and local governments on Friday, November 27, inaugurated the upgraded Bantayan Island Airport. The ceremonial opening marked the completion of extending its 900-meter runway to 1.2 kilometers, and its own terminal to […] The post Bantayan airport’s opening seen to boost island’s tourism industry appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Marcos to BCDA: Ensure timely completion of airport access road
Marcos to BCDA: Ensure timely completion of airport access road.....»»
First Bulacan, now NAIA: San Miguel-led group will operate Philippines’ main airport
(1st UPDATE) Ramon Ang first reached for the skies in 2020 when he snapped up the franchise for an international airport in Bulacan. Now, San Miguel and its partners have bagged an even bigger prize in NAIA......»»
Immigration officer convicted
The National Bureau of Investigation yesterday revealed that a Bureau of Immigration officer has been convicted for the falsification of travel records showing that former Wirecard chief operating officer Jan Marsalek was in the Philippines even if he did not arrive and leave the country in 2020. The NBI said BI officer Marcos S. Nicodemus has been found guilty by the Pasay City Regional Trial Court of violations of Republic Act 10175, the Cybercrime Prevention Act, and RA 3019, the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act. Though the RTC decision was not provided by the NBI, it said that Nicodemus “was sentenced by the court to a maximum imprisonment of nine years for each of the criminal cases with perpetual disqualification to hold public office.” Marsalek, an Austrian national, has been wanted by the German government for his involvement in the $2.2 billion Wirecard fraud. In 2020, the Philippine government joined the hunt for Marsalek due to Wirecard’s links in the country and discovered travel records that showed that the Austrian came to the Philippines in 2020. Then Department of Justice Secretary and now Solicitor General Menardo I. Guevarra ordered the NBI to conduct an investigation. In August 2020, the NBI “recommended to the DoJ the prosecution of subject Marcos Nicodemus for falsifying the travel records of an Austrian national.” “Investigation conducted by NBI-IAID (NBI-International Airport Investigation Division) revealed that based on Marsalek’s travel records, he arrived in the Philippines through NAIA Terminal 1 on 23 June 2020, processed by Immigration Officer Darren Ilagan but with a mysterious ‘canceled by user’ remark and departure on 24 June 2020 at Mactan-Cebu International Airport processed by Immigration Officer Perry Michael Pancho,” the NBI said. “However, NBI-IAID discovered thru CCTV (closed circuit television) footages that Marsalek never entered the Philippines and he did not even depart through MCIA,” the NBI said. The records of Marsalek were found to be spurious due to the following: Existing immigrations protocol as of that date disallowing passengers from entering Philippine territory due to Covid situation; absence of actual scanned data page of the passport; existing protocol that incoming flights of airlines disallowing the boarding of a passenger who will be prevented entry based on the destination country’s protocol as of flight date. The NBI said that Ilagan testified that Nicodemus, who was his supervisor, “ordered him to conduct a derogatory check upon Marsalek despite the fact that he was already not on duty on that date and that Marsalek is not present during checking.” Guevarra in 2020, said that the travel records of the Marsalek were falsified possibly as “diversionary tactics to mislead his pursuers.” The post Immigration officer convicted appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stakeholders want Cotabato regional airport opened soon
Efforts for the Central Mindanao Airport in Cotabato province, dormant since its inception more than a decade ago, to fully operate got a boost with an additional P260 million allocation for its completion from two legislators......»»
CAAP adopts Borongan’s airport-building style
BORONGAN CITY — It was the necessity of getting a direct flight started the soonest that prompted the local government here to build its own airport, albeit in a novel and most cost-effective way given its limited budget. But the novel idea of using a modular construction system in the construction of an airport terminal gave the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines the idea on how it will build airport terminals in the future across the country. Rupert Ambil, Borongan City Information Officer and Flights Operation Chairman of the Borongan City Airport, said the city is the first local government unit in the country to construct its own airport terminal. “Thanks to the innovative design by the engineering team and the remarkable speed at which this project was completed, the CAAP is now adopting the modular design for other airports in the country,” Ambil said. On Thursday, CAAP issued a statement that it will be expanding the use of its modular construction system to more airports across the country, following its completion at Borongan Airport. “CAAP is actively implementing alternative approaches to swiftly address the concerns of passengers such as check-in areas and passenger terminal buildings with limited spaces,” CAAP said. “To address these areas for development, CAAP aims to create more spacious, efficient, and passenger-friendly environments that meet international standards and accommodate the increasing passenger volume of airports,” it added. “The modular construction system, which initially piloted at Borongan Airport, offers a sustainable approach to constructing terminal facilities with passenger amenities, as it minimizes construction waste. It uses pre-fabricated structural steel, a sustainable and cost-effective approach that allows for flexibility in design and rapid construction.” CAAP said it has identified additional airports where the construction system will be implemented. One of them is the Laguindingan Airport in Cagayan de Oro where construction aimed to increase passenger movement is set to start in December 2023 with a total budget of P36 million. The post CAAP adopts Borongan’s airport-building style appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
CAAP to explore alternative approaches for sustainability in airports
Following its completion at Borongan Airport, the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) will extend the use of its modular construction method to two additional airports throughout the country. In order to quickly address passenger concerns, CAAP is aggressively implementing alternative strategies, such as check-in areas and passenger terminal buildings (PTBs) with constrained space. In order to address these untapped potentials, CAAP seeks to construct surroundings that are both compliant with international standards and conducive to travelers while also being more roomy, effective, and welcoming. CAAP said that the modular construction system, which was initially piloted at Borongan Airport, offers a sustainable approach to constructing terminal facilities with passenger amenities as it minimizes construction waste. It uses pre-fabricated structural steel, a sustainable and cost-effective approach that allows for flexibility in design and rapid construction. In addition, the extra modules will integrate perfectly with the current buildings, producing a unified and contemporary terminal environment. On the strength of Borongan Airport's accomplishments, CAAP has selected two new airports where this building system will be used. With a budget of 36 million pesos, Laguindingan Airport is scheduled to start construction by December 2023 and is anticipated to be operational after six (6) months. Ozamis Airport is also being considered for the new construction system in order to support the increased passenger traffic. CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo shared his enthusiasm, stating, "We are keen on bringing the benefits of the modular construction system to more airports nationwide as it will pave the way for us to prioritize sustainability in our development projects." In addition to the expansion of the use of modular construction systems, CAAP also shares that turboprop operations in its airports do not require the use of boarding bridges, and these operations can be extended to principal Class 1 airports with the same aircraft type. DG Tamayo added that as passenger demands continue to grow, CAAP dedicates itself to ensuring that airports across the country are equipped to meet the changing demands of air travel while maintaining sustainability and innovation. The post CAAP to explore alternative approaches for sustainability in airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Balmain races to recover from robbery at Paris Fashion Week
The fashion world loves drama but normally it does not involve violent robberies, so there is outsize attention on Wednesday's Balmain show after the French label had 50 outfits stolen just days earlier. Balmain's creative director Olivier Rousteing announced on September 17 that a driver had been "hijacked" on the way from a Paris airport to the house's headquarters by a gang of thieves who stole 50 outfits. He and his team have since been racing to put together a collection for the show on Wednesday night. There were no signs of panic from Rousteing on Tuesday when he posted a video from his workshop showing the finishing touches being put to a dress that looked like a pink garden trestle with blue flowers climbing over it. He added the apparently ironic comment: "Florals for spring? Groundbreaking..." Paris Fashion Week kicked off on Monday and runs to 3 October, with 107 brands presenting, of which 67 are giving runway shows. One of the first big names was Pierre Cardin, which has returned to the official Paris lineup this year for the first time in a quarter-century. Its show was full of retro space-age outfits that harked back to its glory days, but the relatives of Cardin, who died in 2020, are currently tearing each other apart in court over the inheritance. "My uncle gave me the mission to perpetuate the house and its style," Rodrigo Basilicati-Cardin, who is currently overseeing the label, said backstage. "If the brand is sold, it will be the end of the house. I am confident the court decisions will ensure continuity," he added. Among the other highlights so far was the latest collection from Dior on Tuesday, which saw the walls of the show plastered with mock sexist slogans from old adverts, such as "Save your marriage -- iron properly". The collection by Maria Grazia Chiuri, who recently dressed Queen Camilla for her state dinner at Versailles, was a largely monochrome affair with comfortable, breezy items alongside straight masculine jackets, pleated skirts, and plenty of knitwear. Coming later this week are the final shows for two big-name designers. Gabriela Hearst is leaving Chloe after fewer than three years. Her focus on sustainable fashion was critically acclaimed but did not bring a major boost to sales. It will also be the last show for Sarah Burton, who took over at Alexander McQueen following the founder's suicide in 2010. The post Balmain races to recover from robbery at Paris Fashion Week appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Living in a highly urbanized city
In all areas of our life, God is there — whether in our family life, business, and social gatherings, or even in the administration of a province — yes, God is there; God is with us. Today, while the prices of basic commodities and petroleum products continue to rise, we can experience the presence of God. For example, in the province of Bulacan, we can say that God is there because of the developments undertaken by the provincial government under the leadership of its governor, the Honorable Daniel Fernando. Along with local executives of each city of the province, Governor Fernando, since his assumption to office, has implemented various developments. We can see that all his endeavors are geared towards making every city of the province “highly urbanized,” and among these is the City of San Jose del Monte. The changes in the province of Bulacan have been remarkable. Under Fernando’s watch, the Manila International Airport in Bulacan is being constructed, one of the major projects of the governor. The influx of businesses in every city of the province proves Bulakeños have confidence in the governor’s leadership. As one observer said, Bulacan’s progress is seen under the administration of Governor Daniel Fernando. For instance, San Joseños are grateful for the provincial government’s support to turn San Jose del Monte into a fully and highly urbanized city, one of the prize-winning cities of the province. I witness this because every time I visit our mission in Montalban (Rodriguez), Rizal, I have to pass by SJDM. The Bulacan government believes that once SJDM becomes a “highly urbanized city,” there will be more business opportunities, more jobs, quality service, and a much better life for its residents. I believe the neighboring cities and a portion of Rizal province will also benefit. Why? Because as a “highly urbanized city,” the people around it would also be assured of better services. The residents of SJDM have only to vote “yes” in a plebiscite to the proposal of the local government to turn SJDM into a “highly urbanized city.” I challenge the people of SJDM to study the positive results and the consequences of agreeing with their local government to the proposal. San Jose Del Monte City Mayor Arthur Robes said more funds coming into the city would increase the number of investors, boost its infrastructure, improve its education system, provide more jobs, and attract tourists. He said they have only one aim, and that is to improve the lives of San Joseños. He added that being a highly urbanized city would result in more immediate oversight of local policies, regulations, and decision-making. He said this would help the town grow and develop through careful planning and management. In December 2020, former President Rodrigo Roa Duterte proclaimed the city of San Jose del Monte a highly urbanized city by Proclamation No. 1057. Its residents can now make it a reality. The post Living in a highly urbanized city appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Iloilo International Airport receives ISO Certification
The Iloilo International Airport received an official certification for its Environmental Management System (ISO 14001) awarded by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines together with the Local Government Unit of Iloilo, the European Aviation Safety Agency, and a certification body from Bureau Veritas. The awarding ceremony was held at the airport’s departure area and was attended by CAAP officials and representatives from the Iloilo LGU, EASA and Bureau Veritas. According to the “Plan, Do, Check, and Act” method of environmental regulation compliance, ISO 14001 outlines the requirements for an Environmental Management System. It lays out a framework that a business or organization may use. In addition to these benefits, it aids businesses in increasing resource efficiency and reducing waste, giving them a competitive edge and the confidence of stakeholders. Iloilo International Airport received the accreditation on 31 May 2023, and it is a mark of distinction given to organizations that have guaranteed that their environmental impact is being measured and improved. On 7 July 2020, the airport’s journey towards accreditation started, and an Environmental Management Team was established to concentrate on this objective. Several EMS efforts were carried out to raise awareness and disseminate information among the partner agencies, stakeholders, and workers of the airport to get ready for the assessment of ISO 14001 compliance. These initiatives were intended to guarantee that the community around the Iloilo International Airport had a thorough awareness of EMS. The airport went through two audit stages on 6 January and 2-3 February, respectively, to achieve the “recommended” status for certification. CAAP-Iloilo International Airport finally obtained the certification, which is slated to expire on 31 May 2026, thanks to their tenacious efforts and the backing of CAAP management to assure the maintenance of established standards and compliance with ISO 14001. CAAP, the organization managing and running Iloilo International Airport, welcomed the accomplishment with great pride. CAAP is confident that this will be an example for other CAAP-operated airports to pursue EMS certification and offer the Filipino people a top-tier, environmentally sound air transportation industry. CAAP Director General Captain Manuel Antonio Tamayo said that being eco-friendly in its operations has always been an aspiration of the global aviation community. This achievement is a testament to CAAP’s commitment to creating a greener environment and future for the benefit of its stakeholders and the whole airport community. The post Iloilo International Airport receives ISO Certification appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
SBMA takes over 3 Freeport properties
Subic Bay Freeport — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority revealed on Tuesday that it has seized three more properties in line with the agency’s thrust to reclaim lost assets. SBMA chairman and administrator Jonathan Tan said that the agency took over two buildings from Parabion Inc. at the Cubi Triboa District of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, adding that the area has a size of 1,176 square meters. “The company has made contractual defaults that prompted the SBMA to take over their properties. One is failure to comply with development commitments, and two for non-payment of lease rentals and common use service area fees,” he said. The company has amassed a debt in CUSA fees totaling P7,165,788.08 as of 28 July of this year. “We already sent them a final notice of default with demand to pay on 22 November last year, then we sent them a notice of pre-termination and repossession on 28 July that was served on 10 August. This is pursuant to the SBMA Board Resolution 23-07-0173 that was approved on 4 July,” Tan said. He also disclosed that the agency took over Building 8321 at the Zambales Highway, Cubi Triboa District, and Building 8359 at the Bataan Road, also in the Cubi Triboa District. Meantime, the third property that was taken over by the agency was owned by Ramphos Corporation, a company that manufactures and sells the unique amphibious ultralight aircraft. The property is a 966-square-meter portion of Bldg. 8045-C at the Subic Bay International Airport. “The company has already expired their lease agreement with the SBMA on 11 September 2020 and we already took over the area on 5 September,” Tan said. The chairman confirmed that the company has contractual defaults such as non-payment of lease rentals (building spaces), CUSA fees, ACC and SOA fees amounting P9,706,611.40 as of 28 July of this year. “We already sent them a notice of re-entry into, repossession and take-over of leased premises with demand to pay dated 22 August 2023,” Tan said. The post SBMA takes over 3 Freeport properties appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang
Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua M. Bingcang was recently commended by his hometown Mexico, Pampanga for his dedication to public service and exemplary leadership, enabling him to rise from the ranks. The Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico on 11 September 2023 presented Bingcang a copy of Municipal Resolution No. 138-2023, which expresses the municipality’s “pride and honor” on the recent appointment of Bingcang to the top management position of BCDA. This comes on the heels of the Angeles City Council’s resolution last month commending Bingcang for bringing pride to the province of Pampanga. “Engr. Bingcang has performed vital tasks that prove his commitment and love for Pampanga and the Metro Clark areas through his roles in the planning and implementation of key projects,” a resolution issued by the Sangguniang Bayan of Mexico read. Bingcang led the completion of some of BCDA’s biggest projects, which serve as major social and economic growth drivers in Northern and Central Luzon. These are the completion of the Philippines’ longest toll road, the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway; the development of Clark Freeport Zone and the first phase of the National Government Administrative Center in New Clark City; as well as the expansion and modernization of Clark International Airport. “We at BCDA will not be able to achieve all these accomplishments without the help of our public and private sector partners, like the Municipality Government of Mexico. A lot still needs to be done. We would like to get your continued support as we move forward with our One Clark vision, which will further put Pampanga and the rest of Northern and Central Luzon into the center of investment and development,” Bingcang said. Climbing the career ladder, Bingcang started working at BCDA as Project Development Officer III in 1996. He then held various positions on development and project management through the years until his promotion as Senior Vice President for Conversion and Development Group in 2019. In March 2023, he was appointed as President and CEO of the Clark International Airport Corporation, a subsidiary of the BCDA. President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. then appointed Bingcang as BCDA President and CEO, taking his oath of office before Executive Secretary Lucas P. Bersamin on 6 June in Malacañang Palace. Born and raised in Mexico, Pampanga, Bingcang is a licensed electrical engineer and holds a Master’s degree in Business Administration from the University of the Philippines. He also attended an Urban Policy and Governance program at the Nanyang Technological University, and trained at the Harvard Kennedy School in Public-Private Partnerships in Infrastructure. -end- The post Mexico, Pampanga honors BCDA chief Joshua Bingcang appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Trader groups back barred MIAA execs
Business groups are backing top officials of the Department of Transportation and the Manila International Airport Authority, or MIAA, after the Ombudsman ordered recently the termination of suspended general manager Cesar Chiong, and assistant general manager for finance and administration Irene Montalbo as a result of a complaint submitted by anonymous MIAA employees. A petition letter signed by nine groups vouched for Chiong and Montalbo as having “exhibited exemplary work as managers of the airport.” Among the signatories of the letter are the Brotherhood of Christian Businessmen and Professionals, Federation of Filipino Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry Inc., Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines, IT and Business Process Association of the Philippines, Integrity Initiative Inc., Justice Reform Initiative, Makati Business Club, Philippine Hotel Owners Association and the Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation Inc. Positive changes cited It added that under Chiong’s watch, MIAA made “substantial positive changes that have helped result, amongst much else, in the collection of long-outstanding receivables that have helped achieve a robust cash balance of P15 billion.” MIAA also posted a profit of P1.9 billion in 2022, which was a turnaround from the combined losses of P3.6 billion in 2020 and 2021. “They have implemented the mission entrusted to them by President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to improve the national international airport and upgrade it to global standards,” according to the manifesto. Chiong had stated that he exercised his management prerogative to streamline operations, reduce losses, and improve finances at the premiere airport. “Rotation of key personnel is a routine vital internal control procedure of management that is applied to improve efficiency and ensure integrity. And has been done in the past without any problem,” he explained. “Dismissing Mr. Chiong and Ms. Montalbo for implementing what is a normal management practice may discourage other officials from employing this important tool to improve efficiency and fight corruption. It may send the wrong message that instituting reforms in government is hazardous to one’s career,” the letter added. The post Trader groups back barred MIAA execs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
N. Korea reopens its borders to citizens living abroad: KCNA
North Korea has moved to further open up from strict pandemic-era isolation, with state media reporting Sunday that citizens living abroad have been allowed to reenter the country. State-run KCNA said that the State Emergency Epidemic Prevention Headquarters had announced that "citizens abroad have been allowed to return home". "Those returned will be put under proper medical observation at quarantine wards for a week," the report said. It added that the decision had been made "in reference to the eased worldwide pandemic situation." North Korea shut its borders in early 2020 in response to the coronavirus pandemic, but there have been increasing signals the country has moved towards reopening. Chinese and Russian officials attended a military parade in Pyongyang last month -- the first foreign dignitaries to visit the country in years. Last week a delegation of athletes was allowed to attend a taekwondo competition in Kazakhstan, while state-run Air Koryo made its first international commercial flight in three years. The flight arrived Tuesday morning at Beijing's Capital Airport, with AFP reporters only seeing two North Koreans -- recognizable by their distinctive badges bearing the faces of former leaders Kim Il Sung and Kim Jong Il -- come through the arrival gate. Neither spoke to media. Another Air Koryo flight bound for Pyongyang departed just after 1:00 p.m., a tracking website showed. The Seoul-based Yonhap News Agency published photos of a number of North Koreans lining up to check luggage for that flight. Asked about the flights, China's foreign ministry said that it had approved restarting commercial air travel between Beijing and Pyongyang. "During the summer and autumn flight season... the Chinese side approved flight plans for passengers such as the Pyongyang-Beijing and Beijing-Pyongyang routes of Air Koryo," foreign ministry spokesperson Wang Wenbin told a regular briefing on Monday. des/nro © Agence France-Presse The post N. Korea reopens its borders to citizens living abroad: KCNA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Topping-off ceremony marks DoubleDragon milestone
Less than a year before its completion, the topping-off ceremony held Tuesday for the ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park marks a milestone for DoubleDragon, nearly five years after concluding a partnership with Singapore-based Ascott Ltd. The building structure and topmost floor of the ASCOTT at DD Meridian Park project have been completed. "ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park, with over 300 luxury serviced residences located right behind DoubleDragon Plaza, is expected to be operational and generate recurring revenues by 2024," the developer said. [caption id="attachment_175653" align="aligncenter" width="1024"] Perspectiveof Ascott-DDMeridian Park.[/caption] The five-hectare DoubleDragon Meridian Park complex is expected to fully develop by 2024 and become a mature prime hard asset portfolio. The premium luxury development ASCOTT-DD Meridian Park will complete and further enhance the mix of the whole complex as it is positioned to be the Mini-CBD (Central Business District) in the Bay Area of Pasay City. The Ascott Limited is a subsidiary of Singapore-based property company Capital Land, which operates worldwide and will manage Ascott-DD Meridian Park. DoubleDragon Plaza is LEED Gold certified and currently houses two government agency headquarters, namely PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority) and TIEZA (Tourism Infrastructure Economic Zone Authority), and expects to welcome an additional third government agency soon to relocate its headquarters in the complex, in addition to many private corporate head offices. Upon completion, the DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park as a complex will bring a distinct advantage to a variety of office tenants, whether corporations, government agencies or BPO companies, given its prime landmark location with various top food chain brands. [caption id="attachment_175654" align="aligncenter" width="603"] DoubleDragon Plaza at DD Meridian Park is designed to be a mini central business district in the Bay area given its prime landmark double corner location at EDSA, Roxas Boulevard and Macapagal Avenue.[/caption] These early, famous brands, such as Jollibee, Mang Inasal, and many others, are confirmed tenants. "DD Meridian Park is like a mini-CBD in the Bay Area, being the only complex in the area that has eight commercial banks (Landbank, RCBC, PNB, BPI, AUB, Unionbank, Chinabank and BDO), making it uniquely convenient for office tenants to complete their banking transactions all within their proximity," the developer added. These dining and banking options are further complemented by a full-sized supermarket, MerryMart Grocery, on the ground floor of DoubleDragon Plaza. The complex also houses thousands of parking slots, with a separate, conveniently located large parking area in the basement dedicated to outside customers who visit DD Meridian Park for business meetings or leisure. DoubleDragon Plaza is located in a landmark double corner location, just a 10-to-15-minute drive to NAIA airport via NAIAX, a few minutes drive to the top three convention centers in the Philippines (PICC, SMX, and World Trade Center) and not too far from other CBDs in Metro Manila. The post Topping-off ceremony marks DoubleDragon milestone appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»