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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......»»
Subic opens first hybrid workspace
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority or SBMA has opened its first-ever hybrid workspace at Regus Subic in the Pacific Ace Building. The shared workspace includes co-working desks, meeting rooms, and private offices. SBMA Chairman and Administrator Jonathan D. Tan said that the establishment of Regus Subic would entice more companies to locate in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. “This shared workspace provides investors with a platform before expanding to a bigger facility,” he said. Pacific Ace President Virginia S. Dio said that Regus Subic is a strategic location that will attract more investments and developments in the Subic Bay Freeport. “The location will be a most valued addition to our network,” she said. IWG Chief Wittig said that the inclusion of Subic Bay Freeport in the Regus brand of IWG is a major milestone for the company. “Subic Freeport is a strategic location that we have targeted for expansion since the opening of Regus in Clark Freeport in 2015,” he said. IWG is a global leader in hybrid work solutions and workspace brands. The company has a network coverage that includes 3,500 locations across more than 120 countries. About 83 percent of Fortune 500 companies are part of their customer base. Aside from Regus, the company also owns Spaces, HG and Signature that provide shared workspaces and digital services available via their IWG app. The post Subic opens first hybrid workspace appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Canada wildfires inflict brutal toll on tourism, other areas of economy
Joanna Schlosser found refuge from advancing wildfires at a winery where she works, but is now dealing with a tourism downturn and other wide-ranging fallout on the business -- and Canada's economy. An inferno jumped Okanagan Lake and was barreling down hills behind her Kelowna home when a knock on the door woke up the family of five, ordering them to leave immediately. For two weeks, they stayed at a guest house at Quails' Gate winery with other evacuees, some of whom lost their homes. About 200 houses in the valley would be destroyed. "Your home is your biggest investment and with only five minutes to get out you start to reel about things you left behind that you might not ever see again," Schlosser told AFP. She also fretted about the grape harvest now underway. None of the 222 wineries in the region reported any direct fire damage. But they suffered a big drop in revenues as tourists stayed away during the peak month of August. Kelowna's airport and main highway closed temporarily. Tasting tours, weddings, and other events at the wineries were canceled. "We're now facing a pretty devastating season in terms of winery traffic and sales," said Schlosser. Across Canada, more than 15 million hectares (37 million acres) have been scorched, and 200,000 people displaced, spanning from Halifax on the Atlantic coast to parts of the Northwest Territories. Stephen Brown of Capital Economics noted that forest fires do not normally have a measurable impact on the Canadian economy. But this year, he said in a research note, "With the fires so widespread, we are seeing more of an impact than usual." "The worst Canadian wildfires on record appear to be behind much of the recent weakness in GDP and, with more areas now under evacuation orders, the data are likely to remain weak in the coming months," he said. Sun blocked, roads closed Statistics Canada on Friday reported a 0.2 percent contraction in the second quarter and a weak start to the third. It pointed to wildfire disruptions at mines and oil facilities. Lumber mills were also idled. Outfitters saw their livelihoods upended by fishing bans. A road to Tofino, a tourist hotspot on Vancouver Island with ancient forests and sandy beaches, was cut off. In the Okanagan Valley, orchards lamented smoke blocking out the sun delaying the ripening of apples. The toll, however, is "not as bad as it could have been," said Tony Stillo at Oxford Economics. "Even though the wildfires are record-setting, they're happening in more remote areas with less of an implication for large population or economic centers or transportation corridors -- things that would cut off supply lines," he explained. Disruptions have also been relatively short. Oxford Economics in a June report warned that wildfires could slash Canada's economic growth this year by as much as 0.3 to 0.6 percentage points. Firefighting costs rise Ottawa estimates the annual cost of fighting wildfires at Can$1 billion (US$737 million) and noted that, according to the Canadian Climate Institute, climate impacts such as more and bigger fires could halve Canada's projected economic growth in the coming years. By 2030, the average annual losses from disasters are forecast to reach Can$15.4 billion. Insurance losses have already jumped fivefold since 2009 to more than Can$2 billion annually, according to the Insurance Bureau of Canada. The bureau's Jason Clark said the number of catastrophic events and insurance payouts will continue to rise. Most worrying, he said, is that Canadians aren't dealing anymore with one localized disaster every few years or decades, but rather "several events stacked on top of each other in a single year" -- including fires, floods, heatwaves, and powerful storms. "Where countries regularly experience large losses it has a significant impact on insurance risk assessments and premiums," he said. "We need to be better prepared." Back at Quails' Gate, Schlosser assessed the smoke's impact on grapes, noting that the industry has developed mitigation techniques. "Sometimes it works quite well and others (the smoke taint) is just not something you can avoid," she said, adding that "sommeliers may talk about it in terms of terroir like it's part of that vintage." Smoke taint can add character to a wine, but also risks producing overpowering burnt or medicinal notes. The post Canada wildfires inflict brutal toll on tourism, other areas of economy appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EEI touts rail deals done within 5 yrs
The construction arm of the Yuchengco Group, EEI Corporation has announced that new and current infrastructure and property development projects are awaiting completion, with the company’s aim to dominate the industry. In a statement, the company said that among the big-ticket projects it has lined up include the most recently awarded South Commuter Railway Project Package 7 which involves the construction of a 24-hectare depot in Banlic, Laguna that will support the operation of the 18-station rail project. The project is seen to improve and provide affordable, reliable, and safe public transport that will connect to all existing Light Rail Transit and Metro Rail Transit lines in Metro Manila, including a connecting tunnel to allow the operation of direct trains from Calamba to stations on the future Metro Manila Subway system. The depot was awarded to the joint venture of Lotte (Korea), Gulermak (Turkey) and EEI and is set to be completed within five years. The Malolos-Clark Railway Project or MCRP Package 4 is another major EEI project that involves the construction of a 6.5 kilometers double-track railway with elevated, grade and underground sections. “Being one of the premier construction companies in the Philippines, EEI will continue to contribute to the economic growth and nation-building, shaping Philippine landscapes and communities through infrastructure, industrial, power, and property projects. We will aggressively pursue and deliver projects that will provide quality and safe living and workspaces and facilities for the people,” EEI president and chief executive officer Henry Antonio declares. The key components of the project are one underground station (Clark International Airport Station), one road underpass, a 1.2 km Depot Trackway line and a 3.8 km Service Road. The project was awarded to EEI’s joint venture with Acciona (Spain) and is expected to be completed within three years. EEI is also involved in MCRP Package 5 as a subcontractor of POSCO doing the majority of the earthworks, integral bridges, drainages, utilities, and perimeter walls. In congruence with the MCRP is the construction of the San Fernando Station, a part of Contract Package 2, in San Fernando, Pampanga. EEI serves as the subcontractor of Acciona and Daelim Joint Venture for this work package. EEI’s scope includes concreting works and supply, fabrication and installation of structural steel and is set to be completed in less than a year and a half. Flagship Metro Manila subway Another key infrastructure project is the Metro Manila Subway Project, in which the work package was awarded to the joint venture Shimizu Corp., Fujita Corp., Takenaka Civil Engineering & Construction Co. Ltd., and EEI Corporation involving the first 7.3-km section of the subway project comprising three stations namely Quirino Highway, Tandang Sora and North Avenue as well as the Depot and the Philippine Railway Institute Building in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela. For the project, EEI is supplying supervisory personnel and skilled workers on the Tunnel Boring Machine operations. This gives the opportunity to EEI and its employees to showcase its expertise and competitiveness in the international market. This joint venture is expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2027. Also ongoing is the MMSP Phase I contract package for the construction of the Cut and Cover sections of the project located in Barangay Ugong, Valenzuela City. EEI scope shall be excavations and construction of reinforced concrete structures intended for the U-box and Cut and Cover sections of the subway track. The project will be completed in two years. Property remains core EEI is also working on high-rise buildings and properties such as The Grand Midori Ortigas Tower 2 and The Seasons Residences Tower D. The Grand Midori Ortigas Tower 2 is a 34-floor residential building development in Ortigas Center. The firm’s scope includes structural, architectural and plumbing works for Tower 2 and is set to be completed within three years. The other property development in the works is The Seasons Residences Tower D, a 55-floor residential building development in Taguig City with EEI’s scope covering civil, structural, architectural and MEPF (mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection) works. The project is expected to be done within three years. EEI also bagged the Ecozone Properties Inc. project which involves the installation of process piping, utility piping and equipment as well as the completion of a storage tank farm facility and utility tanks at the Special Economic Zone in Bauan, Batangas. The piping and tank works are set to be completed in six months. EEI is also installing the additional piping works of the Natura and Premium Plant located in First Industrial Township Batangas. The post EEI touts rail deals done within 5 yrs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
D& L expects capacity, income boost via Batangas plant
With its Batangas plant up and running since July, listed chemicals manufacturer D&L Industries, Inc. expects to double its existing manufacturing capacity in the coming years — a move that will also perk up the company’s financial backbone. “The plant that we have built is not just another plant. Specced to the highest standards and equipped with new capabilities, our Batangas plant will elevate the company to operate on a whole new level,” D&L President and CEO Alvin Lao said at a press briefing on Wednesday. D&L’s Batangas plant sits on a 26-ha property in First Industrial Township - Special Economic Zone in Batangas. It will mainly cater to D&L’s growing export businesses in the food and oleochemicals segments. The facility will also add the capability to manufacture downstream packaging; thus, allowing the company to capture a bigger part of the production chain. While the company primarily sells raw materials to customers in bulk, the new plants will allow it to “pack at the source.” This means that D&L can efficiently process the raw materials and package them closer to finished consumer-facing products. Relatedly, it will enable D&L to move a step closer to its customers by providing customized solutions and simplifying its supply chain, which is of high importance given ongoing logistical challenges. However, Lao pointed out that the high volume of orders from prior periods coupled with the lingering effects of high inflation and generally cautious consumer sentiment slightly took a toll on the company’s profits. During the first half of the year, D&L’s earnings annually declined by 28 percent to P1.24 billion. Notably, in the second quarter, there was a subtle but continued sequential recovery with quarterly earnings growth of 9 percent to P646 million. Additionally, Lao noted that incremental expenses were booked in the first semester because of the new plant in Batangas. Excluding the Batangas-related expenses, first-half income would have fallen by just 13 percent yearly to P1.5 billion. “Similar to what we have seen with the various plants that we have built over the past 60 years, the commercial operations of a new plant will mean incremental expenses that may affect near-term income,” Lao pointed out. As the company moves past peak capex with the completion of its Batangas plant, coupled with the normalization of commodity prices, the company’s free cash flows, or FCF turned positive for the first time in two years. From January to June, the company’s FCF stood at positive P2 billion vs negative P1.7 billion and negative P3.4 billion booked in 2022 and 2021, respectively. With improving FCF, falling debt levels, and continued business optimism, D&L conveyed having “the highest confidence in its ability to service bonds maturing in 2024 and 2026.” The post D&L expects capacity, income boost via Batangas plant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco eyes 5% H2 energy sales growth
After delivering robust financial growth in the first half of the year, the Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, the country’s largest power distributor, is eyeing to post a 5 percent energy sales growth in the second half of the year. “We're projecting close to 5 percent growth for the second half, mainly driven by residential and commercial still,” Meralco Senior Vice President and Chief Revenue Officer Ferdinand O. Geluz said in an interview with reporters last week. Geluz noted that for the full-year 2023, the company expects to log a 4 percent growth in its energy sales. “We sort of had some talk with Semiconductor and Electronics Industries in the Philippines Foundation, Inc. or SEIPI President and he's confident that the semiconductor business might have a rebound towards the latter part of the year,” he added. In the first half of the year, Meralco reported that its consolidated distribution utility sales volume increased by 3 percent to 24,792 gigawatt-hour or gWH from 23,968 GWh as volumes of Meralco and Clark Electric Distribution Corp. increased by 3 percent and 7 percent, respectively. Monthly sales volume breached the 4,000-GWh level in April and reached a high of 4,643 GWh in June. Sales mix also continued to shift towards pre-pandemic levels, with the Commercial segment accounting for a bigger 37 percent share from 35 percent last year. The share of Residential was the same at 35 percent, while Industrial share slipped to 28 percent from 30 percent. Notably, the demand peak in the Meralco franchise area was recorded at 8,438 MW on 9 May, which was 4 percent higher than the 8,111 MW peak logged within the first half of 2022. Meralco noted that the higher temperature and humidity during the dry season drove the increase in demand for electricity from the residential segment. The post Meralco eyes 5% H2 energy sales growth appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
2nd State of the Nation Address
Anti-inflation measures Crafting of Medium-Term Fiscal Framework supported by Congress Implementation of strategies to capacitate economic sectors Results (1) 7.6 percent growth in 2022 — highest rate in 46 years. (2) January to March 2023 — 6.4 growth percent (within 6 to 7 percent target) (3) Philippines considered to be among fastest-growing economies in the Asian region and in the world (4) Strong and stable financial system (5) Banks have strong capital and liquidity positions. (6) Digital economy contributed P2 trillion in 2022, the equivalent of 9.4 percent of our GDP. (7) World Bank projects a 6 percent overall growth rate due to strong local demand, consumer spending, strength from the BPO industry, steady flow of remittances, and continuing jobs recovery (8) Inflation rate eased up from 8.7 percent in January to 5.4 percent in June. (9) Bureau of Internal Revenue posted P1.05 trillion collections — an increase of almost 10 percent over the last year (10) Bureau of Customs increased collection by 7.4 percent for the first seven months of 2023, amounting to P476 billion. (11) PAGCOR increased collection by 47.9 percent (12) PCSO increased collection by 20 percent Reduction of prices of commodities like rice, meat, fish, vegetables and sugar Roll out of more than 7,000 KADIWA stores nationwide that link farmers with consumers, benefited 1.8 million families Agriculture Science-based methods toward food security Revision of Fisheries Code Unify 300 farm and fisheries clusters composed of 900 cooperatives Extensive technology training like the use of local bio-fertilizers Distribution of farm machinery, tools and inclement Distribution of more than 5 million rice seedlings and other crops Fuel at fertilizer discount vouchers Geo-Agri map of farm-to-market roads Irrigated 49,000 hectares of farmlands across the country. Constructed 4,000 additional fabrication labs, production at cold storage facilities Built 24 multi-species hatcheries to increase fisheries production Anti-animal pest monitoring, medicines, and vaccines Cloud seeding and buffer stocks in preparation for El Niño 70,000 agrarian land titles distributed Signing of EO No. 4. Or New Agrarian Emancipation Act the condoned P57-billion farmers’ loans Smuggling and hoarding Days of smugglers and hoarders are numbered Water Supply Creation of Water Resources Management Office Working for legislation of Department of Water Resource Management Allocated P14.6 billion for water supply projects Completion of Wawa Bulk Water Supply Project Phase 1 Installed 6,0000 rainwater collection systems across the country Infrastructure 8.3-trillion peso “Build, Better, More” Program in progress 194 flagship projects Continuation of “Build, Build, Build” projects Infrastructure spending stays at 5 to 6 percent of GDP 1,200-kilometer Luzon Spine Expressway Network Program will effectively connect Ilocos to Bicol from 20 hours to just 9 hours of travel Under Mega-Bridge Program, 12 bridges totaling 90 kilometers will be constructed including Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge and the Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges, and Samal Island-Davao City Connector Bridge As of June 2023, 4,000 kilometers of roads and 500 bridges have been constructed, maintained and upgraded Completed Cebu’s Pier 88 smart port, new passenger terminal buildings of Clark Airport and Port of Calapan. North-South Commuter Railway System now in full swing Strategic financing Enactment into law of Maharlika Investment Fund Social security Funds for the social security and public health insurance intact and separate Energy and Power Generation Price of crude oil stabilized Since last year, gasoline and diesel prices have gone down by 18 to 29 percent, respectively. Built 8 new additional power plants, bringing to 17 the total number of power generation facilities Energy production increased by 1,174 megawatts. Almost half a million homes given access to electricity; 100 percent household electrification by June 2028 Renewable energy is the way forward Promotion of renewables targets 35 percent share in the power mix by 2030, and 50 percent by 2040 Opened renewable energy projects to foreign investments Since last year, an additional 126 renewable energy contracts with potential capacity of 31,000 megawatts awarded. To date, more than 1,000 active projects all over the country — 299 are solar, 187 are wind, 436 are hydroelectric, 58 are biomass, 36 are geothermal, and 9 are ocean-powered. Malampaya project is boon, energizing 20 percent of Luzon; renewal of the contract guarantees continued revenues and energy production for another 15 years Push for more gas exploration in other parts of the country Partnered with the BARMM in regard to energy exploration and development The Philippines now has a Unified National Grid with the interconnection of the Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao grids “One Grid, One Market” will enable more efficient transfers and more competitive pricing of electricity Performance review of National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to complete all of its deliverables, starting with the vital Mindanao-Visayas and Cebu-Negros-Panay interconnections. Social welfare Enough funds for underprivileged DSWD, DoLE, DepEd, TESDA and CHEd involved in providing assistance Programs like AICS, TUPAD, TVET for Social Equity, Social Pension for Indigent Senior Citizens, Cash-for-Work for PWDs, and Integrated Livelihood Program-Kabuhayan available for indigents Social protection Pension of the military and the uniformed personnel is as important, urgent, and humanitarian as that of all other civilian Filipino employees Working closely with Congress to ease the transition from the old system to the new one, to guarantee that no effects are felt by those in the uniformed services. The post 2nd State of the Nation Address appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DHSUD, BCDA eye .5M housing units in New Clark City
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development announced over the weekend that it has partnered with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) in eyeing township developments composed of 500,000 housing units inside the sprawling New Clark City in Tarlac. DHSUD Secretary Jose Rizalino Acuzar, BCDA Chairman Delfin Lorenzana, and BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Engr. Joshua Bingcang on July 10 signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) formalizing the two agencies’ partnership under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s Pambansang Pabahay para sa Pilipino Housing (4PH Program). During exploratory discussions on the initial plans of BCDA for its inclusive housing and residential facilities, Acuzar cited the huge potential of New Clark City in terms of township developments under 4PH that could unlock a wide range of economic opportunities. “This could be the answer to decongestion of surrounding highly-urbanized areas, and also tapping the full economic potential of New Clark City by putting up residential structures, hence, the populace,” Acuzar stressed, citing the vast lands within New Clark City. “There are already government facilities here, we only need to bring in population to spur economic activities. And by putting up decent yet affordable and sustainable housing units, surely, we will attract home buyers,” he added. Lorenzana for his part said the New Clark City is envisioned to be the country's first smart, green, and resilient metropolis, masterfully laid out and highly connected with mixed-use developments and an integrated transport system. This 9,450-hectare greenfield development is being positioned as a world-class city that focuses on liveability and sustainability and is expected to catalyze economic growth in Central Luzon. “A city built from scratch, New Clark City is being developed with the needs of the people at the forefront of our master plan. We believe that New Clark City is one of the ideal sites for the Marcos administration's housing program, having the potential to play a key role in addressing the housing shortage in the country,” the BCDA Chairman said. Acuzar proposed the construction of 500,000 housing units inside New Clark City. Both Chairman Lorenzana and PCEO Bingcang welcomed the idea. Follow-up meetings are set in the coming days between top DHSUD and BCDA officials to explore the plan. "Once fully developed, we expect New Clark City to be home to roughly 1.2 million Filipinos. With the DHSUD as our partner, the BCDA is confident that we will be able to provide future residents with integrated, people-centered, and sustainable mixed-use developments where they can live comfortably,” Bingcang said. The proposed housing sites will benefit residents and workers in Clark, regardless of age, background, and income. It will also provide housing facilities to families affected by government projects in New Clark City, as well as government employees and members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. Acuzar thanked the BCDA for its support to the “Pambansang Pabahay” as he reassured BCDA officials of DHSUD’s all-out commitment to the rollout and eventual completion of the housing projects in New Clark City. The post DHSUD, BCDA eye .5M housing units in New Clark City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Gov’t committed to improving healthcare
PAMPANGA — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. said that his government is working “relentlessly” to make sure that all Filipinos had access to health care as he intends to build more health centers in rural areas. The Chief Executive made the remark as he inspected the building of a new multi-specialty medical center in Clark, Pampanga, which he said was part of his administration’s efforts to advance quality healthcare to Filipinos. “Rest assured, this administration is determined to bring quality healthcare and services closer to (the) Filipino people... We will not stop until every Filipino can say they have good access to quality healthcare,” he said in his speech during Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center’s groundbreaking ceremony. The President thanked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, the Clark Development Corporation and other government agencies for spearheading the establishment of the CMSMC. The project is a collaboration between government agencies and private sector entities, including the Department of Health, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, PAGCOR, CDC and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. of business tycoon Enrique Razon. He urged the public to be part of the solution to the lack of healthcare facilities in the country since access to healthcare is a fundamental right and not a privilege. In a speech during the briefing and site inspection Marcos said it was unbearable for him to see a fellow Filipino in pain or distress due to the insufficient healthcare system in the Philippines. “I cannot forget the reason healthcare has been such an important part of this administration not only because of the experience that we have had in the pandemic in the last two to three years, but also with the guiding understanding and idea that any person cannot enjoy success if they do not also enjoy good health,” Marcos said. He said the government is committed to improving healthcare access for all Filipinos. He announced that the government will establish primary healthcare facilities and specialty centers nationwide. After completion, the CMSMC will comprise a range of specialized centers and healthcare services, including a heart center, lung center, kidney center, cancer center and a children’s hospital. “This is not a single project that stands on its own alone,” he said. “This is part of a larger system of healthcare provision that we are putting together to service our kababayans (compatriots),” Marcos said. The President also underscored his goal of giving poor Filipinos access to medical treatments as he said that he wants the government to bring the healthcare down to the people. “We will establish rural healthcare units. We will establish barangay centers. We will establish botica de barangay,” Marcos said. “This is part of a larger system of healthcare provision that we are putting together to service our kababayans so that they do not have to wait to get very, very sick before they go to the big hospitals,” he added. He explained that the Covid-19 pandemic was part of the reason why his government puts healthcare at the top of its list of priorities, because the country needs to be ready in case there is another major health crisis. The post Gov’t committed to improving healthcare appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Govt committed to improving healthcare access—PBBM
PAMPANGA – President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Monday urged the public to be part of the solution to the lack of healthcare facilities in the country since access to healthcare is a fundamental right and not a privilege. In a speech during the briefing and site inspection of the Clark Multi-Specialty Medical Center (CMSMC) in Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga, Marcos said it was unbearable for him to see a fellow Filipino in pain or distress caused by the insufficient healthcare system in the Philippines. "I cannot forget the reason healthcare has been such an important part of this administration not only because of the experience that we have had in the pandemic in the last two to three years, but also with the guiding understanding and idea that any person cannot enjoy success if they do not also enjoy good health,” Marcos said. Marcos said the government is committed to improving healthcare access for all Filipinos. He announced that the government would establish primary healthcare facilities and specialty centers nationwide. "This is not a single project that stands on its own alone," he said. "This is part of a larger system of healthcare provision that we are putting together to service our kababayans (fellowmen)," Marcos said. Meanwhile, Marcos thanked the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR), the Clark Development Corporation, and other government agencies for spearheading the CMSMC. After completion, the CMSMC will comprise a range of specialized centers and healthcare services, including a heart center, lung center, kidney center, cancer center, and a hospital dedicated to children. The project involves collaboration between government agencies and private sector entities, including the Department of Health, Bases Conversion and Development Authority, Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation, Clark Development Corporation, and Bloomberry Cultural Foundation Inc. The post Govt committed to improving healthcare access—PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ensure completion of NSCR, PBBM tells agencies
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday urged the government agencies to work together to address the potential challenges concerning Project Right-of-Way due to the North-South Commuter Railway project. During the contract signing between the Department of Transportation and the winning contractors for the contract packages (S-01, S-03A and S-03C) under the South Commuter Railway Project in a ceremony in Malacañang, Marcos told everyone involved in the project to spare no effort in completing the “monumental” task. “I urge everyone involved in the project: spare no effort to complete this monumental task for the benefit of generations to come,” he said. “I also urge all concerned agencies to work together to address the potential challenges concerning Project Right-of-Way — such as the need for land acquisition and the relocation of utility poles installed along the area — so that the affected properties are cleared in time for the commencement of civil works,” he added. Marcos admitted that the projects would inevitably affect the informal settlers. However, the Chief Executive promised the government would help the affected residents. “These are (something) that we have to go through if we are going to complete the projects as they have been designed, and we will be able to reap the benefits in the longer term,” Marcos explained. As Marcos pointed out, the project is anticipated to provide roughly 3,000 jobs once civil construction on the covered sections starts. The government’s dedication to achieving the goal of a more effective and inclusive public transportation system that every Filipino deserves is demonstrated by the signing of the three contract packages for the project, according to Marcos. The three packages would cover 14.9 kilometers of at-grade and railway viaduct constructions. According to Marcos, the project is “a step closer” to the objective of accommodating over 800,000 passengers each day by 2029. The three contract packages’ civil works are expected to start in the fourth quarter of 2023. A 1.2-kilometer (km) railway viaduct and one station (Blumentritt) are included in the contract package S-01. They are situated in Manila’s Barangays 348 and 349. Construction of a 7.9-km at-grade and viaduct railway track structure spanning the three Buendia, EDSA and Senate stations is part of contract package S-03A. Bicutan and Sucat stations are served by a 5.8-km at-grade and viaduct railroad track structure that is part of contract package S-03C. To make room for the construction of the new railway, which is anticipated to connect train stops from New Clark City in Tarlac to Calamba in Laguna, the Philippine National Railways will suspend operations for five years. The post Ensure completion of NSCR, PBBM tells agencies appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PAY DIRT
The Philippines has once again proven its love for motorsports, with the Tarlac Rally leading the charge in bringing back the excitement of rally racing to the country. The season-opening event, which took place on 24 to 25 June found its home at the New Clark City in Capas, Tarlac, a venue famous for hosting the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. During this thrilling event, the New Clark City served a dual purpose, acting as both the parc fermé and service park for the rally. The first round of the Tarlac Rally comprised 11 electrifying special stages. The rally’s transport stages were all found along the O’Donnell Road, which functioned as the main artery of the event. [caption id="attachment_155560" align="aligncenter" width="525"] NEW Clark City serves as venue for the 2023 Tarlac Rally, marking the triumphant return of stage rallying in the country. | Photographs courtesy of Philippine Rallycross Series[/caption] Of the 12 teams that dared to tackle the challenging rally event, only half were successful in crossing the finish arch, marking the completion of the arduous 100-plus kilometer rally. A shining star among the competitors was Paul Santos, the Group 2 classification's champion, and his navigator Ansley Sarmiento. The duo, who have an impressive pedigree in the sport, including titles such as the 2022 Philippine Rallycross Group 3 Champion and 2022 AAP Driver of the Year for Rallycross, drove their No.1 Honda Civic EK to victory, with an overall time of 45 minutes and 14 seconds. Following closely behind in second place were veteran rally driver Jun Magno and navigator Kalvin Sumagui. Magno, driving his 3S-GE Beams-powered BMW E36 in the Rear-wheel-drive class, clocked in at 45 minutes 30 seconds. [caption id="attachment_155562" align="aligncenter" width="525"] THIS 80s model KE70 Toyota Corolla of Devor Andres and Rommel Ocoy takes third place.[/caption] The third spot on the podium was claimed by off-roader and dirt bike rider Devor Andres, alongside co-driver Rommel Ocoy. Despite racing in the oldest car in the rally, a 1980s Toyota Corolla KE70, the duo managed an impressive total rally time of 50:22, earning them the Group 4 win. Completing the top four were Touge Battle race organizers E.Z. Ligaya and Stephen Alunan, who drove the Debest Autofix BMW 316i E36 to finish with a time of 53:14. This Full Throttle Weekend duo not only managed a fourth-place overall finish in the rally but also secured second place in the RWD class. The first place in Group 1 was swept up by Marvin Susara and his navigator Charlie Cruz. They finished fifth overall, just managing to cross the line in their 2NZ-powered Corolla E100 at SS11, with a total rally time of 55:31. The Automobile Association Philippines CEO Mark Desales and co-driver Ricxie dela Cruz also demonstrated determination, finishing the race despite mid-rally challenges. The duo managed a total time of 59:59, securing Group 1's second place and a sixth-overall finish. The 2023 Tarlac Rally wouldn't have been possible without the backing of various organizations and corporations, including the Bases Conversion and Development Authority, New Clark City, Tarlac province, Capas LGU, San Jose LGU, Cleanfuel, Ravenol, Autoplus Sport, Isuzu Philippines Corporation, Accelera Tires, Aguila Auto Glass, AC Delco, JS Mina Sound System, Print & Mount, Method Race Wheels and Tyron Runflat. Their support was integral to bringing back the excitement of rally racing to the Philippines, marking a significant step in the nation's motor sports renaissance. The post PAY DIRT appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Central Luzon: Burgeoning industrial hotspot
AyalaLand Logistics Holdings Corp. strengthens its foothold in Central Luzon with Pampanga Technopark. The 270-hectare development is the first master-planned agro-industrial township in this region. The development will be home to manufacturing and logistics locators, a bagsakan or agricultural wholesale market and commercial-retail spaces for the township’s social and recreational activities. With 270 hectares of gross land area, Pampanga Technopark will serve as a mixed-use development. Currently, phases 1 and 2 are registered with the Board of Investments as Domestic Industrial Zones, with phase 3 lined up next. With shopping, dining and recreational spaces soon to rise in Pampanga Technopark, the development is designed to bring lifestyle experiences to the communities working and residing within or around the area. Pampanga Technopark is allotting 2,000 sqm of gross leasable area across over 30 retail spaces featuring homegrown Kapampangan restaurants, plus several retail and service merchants. On top of this, lots are also available for commercial uses such as shops and outlets, medical centers, offices, co-working spaces, business hotels and more. There will also be a variety of quick service restaurants and a gas station for motorists. Moreover, Pampanga Technopark will be a new location of a bagsakan (agricultural wholesale market) which will be complemented by ALLHC’s ALogis and ALogis Artico facilities, all slated for completion within the first half of 2024. The ALogis ready-built facilities will span 8,000 sqm of warehouse space, while ALogis Artico cold storage will feature 5,000 pallet positions with temperature ranging from 10°C to -20°C. The bagsakan will cover 3,000 sqm of space, offering both wholesale and retail of agricultural produce and local products within the marketplace. All components will support the agriculture supply value chain in Luzon. Accessibility and convenience Located in Mabalacat City, one of the biggest transportation hubs in Central Luzon, Pampanga Technopark will be accessible through various major road networks including the North Luzon Expressway, Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and MacArthur Highway. Additionally, the North-South Commuter Railway project will soon connect the existing Tutuban (Manila) Station to Clark, thereby contributing to the city’s economic progress. Pampanga Technopark is poised to serve as a gateway to the international markets. Strategically located near major infrastructures, it is approximately 30 minutes away from Clark International Airport and an hour away from Subic Bay International Terminal. The upcoming New Manila International Airport will be roughly an hour away from the development. A sustainable development For many years, ALLHC has been a trusted industrial real estate company for creating sustainable environments that support businesses. The soon-to-rise Pampanga Technopark bears with it the promise of connecting commerce and communities. As a dynamic center for business and leisure activity, Pampanga Technopark ensures pedestrian mobility and transit connectivity with allocated sidewalks throughout the township and an easily-accessible public transport terminal serving both in-city and regional transit routes. Helping improve the property’s resilience to environmental stress and geohazards are native trees to be used for landscaping, five detention ponds serving as spaces for rainwater absorption and green and open spaces including a dedicated 1.2-hectare park area. Countryside development ALLHC aims to build its national footprint by being in 10 key areas by 2025, creating a network of industrial and logistics developments by following the key road infrastructure and the nautical highway. “We will introduce a modern food terminal and this will be supported by our cold storage and dry warehouse facilities. Farmers from Northern Luzon and all over Central Luzon can bring their produce here, and we can preserve and store them with the proper facilities. We hope this would help all the farmers and our supply chain,” shared ALLHC president and chief executive officer Jose Emmanuel H. Jalandoni. He added, “What is happening here in Pampanga Technopark is a new township. Industrial park, agro hub, commercial, retail — beneficial to all Pampangueños. Through Pampanga Technopark, we are committed to work together to create employment opportunities for all Filipinos.” BOI executive director for Investment Promotion Services Evariste M. Cagatan stated, “ALLHC has been a steadfast partner of the BOI in providing location options for potential investors, and our partnership has been proven effective in matching investment-ready locations to our local and foreign investors. We are very excited with this project as it shows support in the government’s proactive stance to promote economic activities outside of Metro Manila. There has never been a better place and a better time to make it happen in the Philippines, and this time, we will make it happen right here in Pampanga.” The post Central Luzon: Burgeoning industrial hotspot appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
UBS completes Credit Suisse takeover
UBS finalized the takeover of its former rival Credit Suisse on Monday, clearing the way for the Herculean task of integrating two of the world's most important banks. UBS, Switzerland's leading bank, was forced into the marriage on March 19 to prevent its closest domestic rival from going under -- which potentially could have had catastrophic consequences for the global financial system. "UBS has completed the acquisition of Credit Suisse today, crossing an important milestone," the bank announced. "Credit Suisse Group AG has been merged into UBS Group AG and the combined entity will operate as a consolidated banking group." UBS chairman Colm Kelleher said he was pleased to have closed the transaction in under three months, "bringing together two global systemically important banks for the first time. "We are now one Swiss global firm and, together, we are stronger," he said. The technically- and politically-complex merger has created a megabank bigger than anything Switzerland has seen before -- and its size has some politicians worried, fearing it could not be rescued if it too got into trouble. No other option "We consider the merger to be a massive task with substantial executions risks," said ING senior sector strategist Suvi Platerink Kosonen. For Thomas Jordan, chairman of Switzerland's central bank, there was no other solution. "Of course, it's a pity there is only one (big bank) left. But I am sure that if the takeover by UBS hadn't succeeded, there would have been an international financial crisis," the Swiss National Bank chief told the SonntagsZeitung weekly newspaper. UBS chief executive Sergio Ermotti said Monday that "instead of competing, we'll now unite as we embark on the next chapter of our joint journey. Together, we'll present our clients an enhanced global offering, broader geographic reach, and access to even greater expertise." But he warned Friday that the coming months are likely to be "bumpy", saying the operation would require "waves" of difficult decisions, particularly regarding employment. At the end of 2022, the two giants had around 120,000 employees worldwide, including 37,000 in Switzerland. Ermotti told public broadcaster SRF that around 10 percent of the Credit Suisse workforce had left in recent months. "It helps in part to mitigate the social costs a bit, which we're pleased about," he said while adding that it showed there was competition in the sector, and "people who are willing to hire employees". Just the beginning For the time being, the two banks will continue to operate separately under the UBS umbrella. But UBS has already created a new board of directors for certain Credit Suisse operations, headed by current UBS vice-chairman Lukas Gaehwiler. Credit Suisse risked collapse when its share price plunged more than 30 percent during trading on March 15, after three US regional lenders folded. A series of scandals had undermined confidence in the 167-year-old bank. The Swiss government, the central bank, and the financial regulators FINMA stepped in and strongarmed UBS into a quickfire $3.25 billion takeover announced on March 19. The deal includes guarantees for UBS in case there are any nasty surprises in the Credit Suisse cupboards, and liquidity to facilitate the takeover. In an internal memo to staff, seen by AFP, UBS executives welcomed Credit Suisse workers, calling for "patience" from all employees while concrete details are worked out. "The most crucial phase is just beginning," Kelleher and Ermotti said. Clarity and stability According to the Financial Times newspaper, UBS will impose red lines on Credit Suisse staff on the type of business they can do while waiting for the integration to be completed. And UBS executives have been careful to highlight their conservative approach to risk, saying the integration cannot be compromised. The outline of UBS's plans should become clearer when it publishes its second-quarter financial results. The bank has pushed the publication date back by more than a month to August 31. FINMA said the merger completion "marks the end of a phase of great uncertainty" and "creates clarity and stability". "FINMA welcomes UBS's strategic focus, which foresees a rapid reduction of risk in investment banking," it said in a statement, referring to the most troubled part of Credit Suisse's operations. UBS expects its CET1 capital ratio, which compares a bank's capital to its risk-weighted assets, to be around 14 percent in the second quarter of 2023. Monday marks the last trading day for Credit Suisse shares on the Swiss stock exchange. Shareholders will receive one UBS share for every 22.48 Credit Suisse shares. The post UBS completes Credit Suisse takeover appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PNR fields buses during train break
The Department of Transportation has directed the Philippine National Railways to provide an alternative means of transportation for commuters who will be affected when the trains stop operation on 2 July to make way for the construction of the P873.62-billion North-South Commuter Railway. PNR chairperson Michael Ted Macapagal said on orders of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, he is coordinating closely with the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to ensure timely implementation of the bus augmentation plan. Under that plan, LTFRB will approve the franchise of additional buses plying the roads on the affected train routes. It is estimated that 30,000 people ride the trains that pass through Malabon, Tutuban, Sta. Mesa, Makati, Alabang and Calamba. The number was much bigger — 70,000 — before the Covid-19 pandemic struck. According to Macapagal, the original proposal was to relocate the tracks so that the trains could continue operation even while construction is underway. Expensive tracks relocation The proposal was shelved because that would cost P4 billion and disrupt the progress of the civil works project. The DoTr chief wanted to adhere strictly to the five-year timetable, Macapagal said. Barely a year in office, Bautista has seen 12 contracts bid out and awarded. The contracts have an average cost of P20 billion each. Macapagal noted the speed with which DoTr implements the vision of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. is unprecedented. “Observers on the economic front attribute it to the fact that Secretary Bautista is no politician,” Macapagal said. “He used to move in the corporate world. It is his nature to hurry things up, once convinced he is on the right path. It helps that he has the support of the business community.” NSCR will run for 147 kilometers, from Clark in Pampanga to Metro Manila and, finally, to Calamba City in Laguna. Once the project is completed, PNR will be able to ferry 800,000 passengers everyday safely and in comfort. Travel time on the entire length of the railway system will be cut in half, from four hours to two hours. ‘Observers on the economic front attribute it to the fact that Secretary Bautista is no politician,’ Macapagal said. “He used to move in the corporate world. A total of 51 local train sets and seven express train sets will be deployed. The local trains load and unload passengers in each of the 35 stations, while the express trains are faster since they make fewer stops. Two Japanese firms, Sumitomo Corporation and Japan Transport Engineering Company, will supply the trains. The Asian Development Bank and Japan International Cooperation Agency are financing the project. The post PNR fields buses during train break appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Spanish firm investing $38M in Phl wind market
Spanish firm BlueFloat Energy is investing as much as $38 million or P1.2 trillion at current exchange rates to build 7.6 gigawatts of offshore wind projects, or OSW across the country in the next decade. At a press briefing on Friday, BlueFloat Energy CEO Carlos Martin announced that the company has secured wind energy contracts for four sites in Central Luzon, South Luzon, Northern Luzon and Southern Mindoro. Each site can have a capacity that ranges from 1.5 GW as the smallest to 3.5 GW as the highest. “In terms of the investment, the general rule is one megawatt of offshore wind requires an investment between $3 million to $5 million,” Martin said. “We can expect the first of these projects to be in the execution phase and nearing completion by the end of the decade or by 2030,” he added. Martin pointed out that its massive investment in the Philippines is the company’s largest foray in terms of the total pipeline of projects under development. BlueFloat Energy has ongoing project developments in Australia, New Zealand and Taiwan. Meanwhile, BlueFloat Energy Country Manager Raymund Pascual pointed out that the Philippines’ aggressive clean energy development has caught the attention of many foreign investors. “The demographics we have been seeing are favorable and one of them is the updated Philippine Development Plan from 2023-2028, which suggests a whole-of-country approach,” Pascual said. “There will be international partnerships whenever necessary,” he added. The government is racing to maximize wind energy as a viable power source as demand grows bigger. The Philippines OSW Roadmap launched last year showcased that the country has 178 GW potential OSW resources. With more foreign firms pouring in investments in the country, the Board of Investments is optimistic to hit or even exceed its P1.5-trillion target investments for the year. BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo recently said the government’s target will be achievable through the five major renewable energy projects that will be finalized this year. BlueFloat’s investment was among the five deals. Initially, the BOI set a P1-trillion investment target for the year, but with a “very healthy flow of investment project applications,” the agency hiked its target to P1.5 trillion. ### The post Spanish firm investing $38M in Phl wind market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Race against time for US debt crisis bill in Congress
The bill hammered out by US leaders to prevent the country from a catastrophic default on its debts will face one last hurdle this week: Passing Congress. Top Republicans and Democrats scrambled Monday to secure congressional support for the measure, with President Joe Biden feeling "very good" about its prospects despite having just days left before the government starts running out of money. The deal, finalized Sunday by Biden and House Speaker Kevin McCarthy after weeks of frantic negotiations, faces opposition from the progressive and hard-right wings of their respective parties. Ultra-conservative Republicans feel McCarthy should have secured far deeper spending cuts in exchange for raising the debt ceiling and allowing the government to keep borrowing money. The left wing of the Democratic Party is equally unhappy that Biden agreed to any spending limits at all. The House Rules Committee will meet Tuesday to set the parameters for the upcoming vote, now scheduled for Wednesday. Delay tactics Biden and McCarthy both say they believe the bill will pass the House and then move swiftly to the Senate. "I never say I'm confident what the Congress is going to do. But I feel very good about it," Biden said Monday, adding that he had spoken to lawmakers. But organized dissent could force some nerve-shredding delays. The key deadline is June 5 -- when, according to Treasury estimates, the government will no longer have the funds required to pay all its debts and bills. If that scenario morphs into a full-fledged default, the repercussions would be disastrous for the US and the wider global economy. The basic framework of the deal lifts the federal debt ceiling, which is currently $31.4 trillion, for two years — enough to get past the next presidential election in 2024. In return, the Republicans secured some limits on federal spending over the same period. As they finalized the text Sunday, Biden and McCarthy both went into hard-sell mode to shore up support in their parties. Biden's message to dissident Democrats, he said Monday: "Talk to me." Win, win Both Biden and McCarthy were backed by vocal spin operations insisting the agreement clearly represented a victory for their side. "You want to try to make it look like I made some compromise on the debt ceiling -- I didn't," Biden told reporters. McCarthy, for his part, touted the agreement as a "historic series of wins." But like Biden, McCarthy will have to quell members of his own party who aren't keen on the bill. "I want to raise the debt ceiling. It'd be irresponsible not to do it," Senator Lindsey Graham told Fox News Sunday. "But what I will not do is adopt the Biden defense budget and call it a success," Graham said, calling for bigger increases to the Pentagon's budget than currently agreed. "I will not be intimidated by June 5." In reality, the agreement represents a mutual climb down of sorts from Democratic and Republican negotiators. Biden had initially refused to negotiate over spending issues as a condition for raising the debt ceiling, accusing the Republicans of taking the economy, hostage. And the big cuts that Republicans wanted are not there, although non-defense spending will remain effectively flat next year, and only rise nominally in 2025. McCarthy's wafer-thin majority in the House will require significant Democratic backing to balance out Republican dissent. One Republican tweeted out a vomit emoji in response to the deal, with another calling it "an insult to the American people." At the same time, a member of the House Progressive Caucus, Ro Khanna, said a large number of fellow Democrats were still "in flux as to where they're going to be on this." Democrats hold the majority in the Senate, but individual senators could try and hold up the bill with amendment votes that would bring the process perilously close to the June 5 deadline. One element likely to rile Democratic environmental hawks was the surprise inclusion of a measure to accelerate the completion of an oil pipeline project that has been stalled by green concerns. Both the House and Senate are expected to return on Tuesday, after a long holiday weekend. The post Race against time for US debt crisis bill in Congress 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......»»
Clark Aurora Fest 2023
Binibining Klay herself, Barbie Forteza, is spotted at the Clark Aurora Fest Day 2 event in Pampanga. Present at today's music festival are some of the biggest names in the OPM music industry such as Ely Buendia, Parokya ni Edgar, Kamikazee, Spongecola, Silent Sanctuary, and Mayonnaise. Another reason to be excited about this event is the bigger and brighter batches of hot air balloons that will be displayed to light up Clark's skyline. The post Clark Aurora Fest 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»