We are sorry, the requested page does not exist
Celebrities, over 135 ‘most requested, trending’ beauty products at Watsons PH’s first Beauty Con
TV host KaladKaren was among the many celebrities who graced and shared insights at the program of the ongoing Watsons Beauty Con in SMX Convention Center, Pasay City......»»
Energy sector workers run out
Amid the energy transition frenzy, listed Aboitiz Power Corp., or AboitizPower, recognized a growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers. It is thus necessary to develop a workforce that can adapt and implement energy security, affordability, and sustainability. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre said. “Among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry’s energy mix, digital systems and regulations,” she said. Power forum held “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines Inc., or AmCham, in partnership with AboitizPower. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated 1 million skilled workers in engineering, architecture, and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the most challenging occupations to fill up. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DoLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy program management director Engr. Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population, brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” Intimidating STEM “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. The forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate, and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool, and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the energy sector. The post Energy sector workers run out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition
Amid the Philippine energy transition, Aboitiz Power Corporation recognized the growing scarcity of skilled power industry workers and, hence, the necessity of developing a workforce that can adapt and willingly carry the important task of ensuring energy security, affordability, and sustainability for today’s and tomorrow’s Filipinos. “There has to be a workforce now and in the future that will keep our energy system functioning and serve the needs of our country,” said AboitizPower chief people officer MaLu Inofre. “However, among our most difficult challenges is building a skilled talent pipeline that can effectively adjust and work with the fast-paced transformation within the industry's energy mix, digital systems and regulations.” “It has become exceedingly vital to ensure that workforce skills align with the changes of the times,” she further explained. “In the same way, attracting talent in a competitive global market is crucial to a sustainable, efficient, and innovative Philippine power sector that meets our country’s growing energy demands and sustainability objectives.” Inofre made her remarks during the first Philippine Power Industry HR Forum at Shangri-La The Fort, Taguig City. The event was presented by the American Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines, Inc. in partnership with AboitizPower. Young academic and professional achievers were recruited and trained by AboitizPower to operate, monitor, and control the company’s National Operations Control Center, which oversees over 20 renewable energy facilities spread across the country all from one central location. In the Philippines, the Department of Labor and Employment said that an estimated one million skilled workers in engineering, architecture and construction are lacking. They cited “Power Plant Maintenance Engineer” and “Maintenance/Powerplant Engineers” as among the hard-to-fill occupations in the country. This can be due to a lack of qualified applicants or brain drain (or when better opportunities abroad are taken advantage of by skilled locals). “Between 2016 and 2021, the employment in the power industry declined by 15,444 individuals,” said DOLE Bureau of Local Employment Director Patrick P. Patriwirawan Jr. during the same event. “The Philippines saw an increase in the employment in the renewable energy industry last year but could have employed more if not for the delays caused by the Covid-19 pandemic on various project developments in the sector.” Inofre added that a major factor influencing the labor shortage is the shift in the type of skills sought by employers, especially as the sector tries to balance the entry of renewable energy whilst maintaining traditional energy systems. “Knowing this, upskilling will be key to facilitating a just transition for those who will be affected by the transition to a greener economy, as well as the new generation of workers. It is imperative that we successfully cultivate both thermal and renewable energy, so that we can ensure reliable and affordable energy supply for the country,” she said. Meralco Power Academy Program management director Engineer Marc Lester Malibiran explained that, on top of upskilling the workforce, the industry should also help develop interest for the sector, especially in the youth. In a panel discussion, AboitizPower Chief People Officer MaLu Inofre (2nd from right) said that the energy industry must come together to craft and implement programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry. “The Philippines boasts a young and vibrant population brimming with innovative potential. By investing in talent development, we tap into this dynamic workforce, harnessing their fresh ideas and energy,” he said. “Unfortunately, we are seeing a decline in both take-up and completion of STEM (science, technology, engineering and mathematics), averaging only a 21 percent completion [rate].” “Young Filipinos avoid STEM as it is seen to be an intimidating course of study. This is important to know as this signals us to develop programs that remove this preconceived notion,” he added. The Philippine Power Industry HR Forum served as an avenue for human resources professionals in the Philippine power industry to connect, collaborate and communicate ideas, knowledge and best practices. Sentiments from the breakout sessions revealed that skills and competency gaps or mismatch, a limited external talent pool and difficulty in retaining talent due to global and local competition are the most cited challenges in the human resources field of the Philippine energy sector. A panel discussion moderated by Atty. Jose Layug Jr. of Divina Law saw Michael Page regional director and country head Albert Perez, Meralco chief HR officer Edgardo “Egay” Carasig, Philippine Independent Power Producers Association, Inc. president Atty. Anne Estorco Montelibano and ACEN chief HR officer John Philip Orbeta discuss the need to calibrate existing government programs to be more in sync with the needs of the energy industry. This includes building competencies within communities to turn locals into more competitive applicants. Meanwhile, another panel discussion moderated by AmCham Human Capital & Resources Committee co-chair Ernie Cecilia had Global Business Power Corporation VP-Human Resources Maria Luz Blanco-Uriarte, One Renewable Energy Enterprise, Inc. founder and president Erel Narida and AboitizPower’s Inofre talk about how retaining workers involves investing on their skills, ensuring talent mobility opportunities and giving them a sense of purpose. “The energy industry must create an acceptable, progressive plan to resolve the talent crisis. AboitizPower, for one, makes an effort to resolve the shortage of estimated skilled workers in our industry by maintaining academic-industry linkages with universities in the country, providing long-term scholarships [and] establishing programs with TESDA that help promote electrical engineering skills at the grassroots level, among other initiatives,” Inofre said. “Through similar initiatives, I believe we can successfully empower a community of like-minded individuals who work towards implementing human resource programs that strengthen the talent pipeline for the Philippine power industry,” she concluded. The post A skilled workforce — a critical component of Phl energy transition appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go extends assistance to indigents in Lupao, Nueva Ecija
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, an adopted son of Nueva Ecija, sent his team to provide assistance to indigent families in Lupao, Nueva Ecija, on Friday, 29 September. Go’s team assisted residents who gathered at the Brgy. Gymnasium of San Antonio Este. The team distributed masks and shirts to the identified beneficiaries, as well as shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. The beneficiaries also qualified for financial assistance from the national government through the initiative of GP Partylist Rep. Jose Padiernos. “Huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang po kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo po kami ng pagkakataon na magserbisyo sa inyo. Magta-trabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. Iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang kasipagan ko sa trabaho,” Go said in a video message. “Utusan n’yo lang po ako, parang kapitbahay lang tayo bilang isang adopted son ng inyong probinsya. Ayaw kong ituring nyo ako na ibang tao,” he added. Go stressed the significance of extending aid to impoverished individuals, and said government should prioritize the needs of the poor who were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. As principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go vowed to monitor the continuous operations of the Malasakit Centers, which has helped more than seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). There are 159 Malasakit Centers nationwide so far. Indigent patients in Nueva Ecija can seek the services of the Malasakit Centers located at Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRMC), both in Cabanatuan City; and in Talavera General Hospital in Talavera town. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na. Isinulong ko noon, nu’ng naging senador po ako nung 2019. Pinirmahan ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. It’s a one stop shop. Nasa loob na po ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD na handang tumulong po sa ating mga kababayan. Para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients. Lapitan n’yo lang po ang pinakamalapit na Malasakit Center sa inyong lugar,” Go said. The senator also highlighted that Super Health Centers will be established in Cabanatuan City, San Leonardo, Aliga, Bongabon, Llanera, Science City of Muñoz, Zaragoza, Sto. Domingo and Rizal — the last two of which he personally inspected in February. The Super Health Centers are improved versions of polyclinics that offer basic health services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine. Through the concerted efforts of DOH and fellow lawmakers, adequate funding has been allocated in the national budget for the establishment of 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported several infrastructure projects in the province to help boost the local economy. Among these are the construction of the Talavera National High School Amphitheater; the rehabilitation of roads in Cabiao, General Tinio, Pantabangan, Zaragoza and Cabanatuan City; the construction of flood mitigation structures in General Tinio, Quezon, San Antonio and Zaragoza; the construction of multipurpose buildings in Gabaldon, Sta. Rosa and Cabanatuan City; the completion of the Dr. PJGMRMC in Cabanatuan City; the reconstruction of the Llanera public market; the rehabilitation of the Baloc public market; and the installation of streetlights in Zaragoza. The post Bong Go extends assistance to indigents in Lupao, Nueva Ecija appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA anticipates more Chinese investments in PH
Philippine Economic Zone Authority Director General Tereso O. Panga said more Chinese companies are choosing the Philippines as their next investment destination for their operations, at the completion of the 20th China-ASEAN Expo last 19 September. “With our robust economic performance and aggressive investment strategy, we are bullish in attracting more Chinese investments to the country especially in our ecozones, which can provide the best business ecosystem for our investors,” said Panga. During the Philippine Investment Forum in China, Philippine Ambassador to China Jaime A. FlorCruz highlighted that Chinese investors have expressed positive and increased interest in locating in the Philippines. He reported that the state visit of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. secured over $22 billion in strategic investment commitments. FlorCruz also stated that “In the past 6 months since I took this role as Ambassador, I have met many Chinese executives actively seeking investment opportunities across numerous industries in the Philippines. Many are now poised to invest in the Philippines.” After the forum, two big Chinese companies met with Philippine officials to discuss business opportunities. One company, a leading global provider of smart devices, seeks to expand its presence in the Philippines, especially in the area of consumer electronics. Another company, one of the five largest power generation groups in China, aims to bring in renewable energy projects to the country. PEZA seeks to attract investments from high-tech industries and emerging technologies in industrial manufacturing transport, technology media and telecommunications, health and life sciences, agro-processing, renewable energy development and green ores. To date, a total of 164 Chinese companies/projects are registered at PEZA, generating P25.822 billion investments (as of May 2023) and creating 16,221 direct jobs (as of March 2023). On the sidelines of the CAEXPO, Panga represented the Philippines during the Roundtable Meeting on Investment Cooperation with the theme: “China-ASEAN Cooperation in Green Low-Carbon and Digital Economy”. He noted, “The China-ASEAN Cooperation in Green Low-Carbon and Digital Economy represents a vital step toward sustainable development, environmental conservation and economic growth, not just for the participating nations but for the entire world.” The PEZA Chief also laid out some of the initiatives of PEZA and the national government to contribute to attaining the Sustainable Development Goals. These projects include the integration of SDGs to the Philippine Development Plan (PDP) 2023-2028 and PEZA’s participation in the Global Reporting Initiative. PEZA is strengthening its ecozone development initiatives as part of the medium-term strategies under the PDP 2023-2028. Panga explained that on top of the conventional ecozones, PEZA is venturing into new frontiers in ecozone development to cater to new industries and to promote emerging global eco-industrial park models in the Philippines. “We intend to transform our ecozones and our registered export enterprises to be more sustainable, resilient and innovative and thereby make them competitive in the local and global value chain,” he said. So far, PEZA manages 422 economic zones nationwide which host 4,352 locator companies engaged in various industries including export manufacturing and IT-BPO. Considered as one of the largest expositions in China, the CAEXPO is an international economic and trade event co-sponsored by the central governments of China and the ASEAN countries. It is one of the key projects that form part of the Philippine-China Development Plan and is a major promotional platform that supports the country’s ASEAN-China Free Trade Agreement. PEZA is the lone investment promotion agency partner of the Department of Trade and Industry export promotion arm Center for International Trade Expositions and Missions for the CAEXPO participation. Following this event, PEZA joined the Special Envoy to China for the Philippine Investors’ Roadshow in Beijing, China on 26-30 September 2023. The post PEZA anticipates more Chinese investments in PH 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......»»
Bong Go gives support to MSMEs in Lemery, Iloilo
Senator Bong Go reaffirmed, through a video message during his team’s visit to Lemery, Iloilo on Wednesday, 30 August, his efforts to improve the lives of Filipinos by providing more livelihood opportunities especially to those adversely affected by various crises. One of his significant accomplishments in this pursuit is the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Act, Republic Act No. 11960, legislation aimed at fostering the growth of Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises across the nation. The OTOP Philippines Program, authored and co-sponsored by Go, is a government initiative in which each town or city in the country can harness its unique product or service that reflects its identity, culture, and tradition. By maximizing local resources, the program not only stimulates economic activity but also promotes cultural preservation, underlined Go. Go has also been an advocate for the Department of Trade and Industry's (DTI) Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) Program which he pursued during the Duterte administration and continues to support its implementation until now. It is for this reason that Go’s team, in support of DTI, joined in the provision of livelihood kits for 15 small-scale entrepreneurs at the municipal gymnasium in Lemery. The qualified beneficiaries are recovering typhoon victims who were assisted by Go through his earlier relief efforts. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography has also taken proactive steps to extend additional support to individuals grappling with health-related challenges. He has encouraged beneficiaries and their families to take advantage of the Malasakit Centers situated within the province to access medical assistance. The Malasakit Centers can be conveniently found at various locations in the province: the Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo, the Western Visayas Sanitarium and General Hospital in Santa Barbara, as well as the West Visayas State University Medical Center and the Western Visayas Medical Center in Iloilo City. Go also supported the construction of Super Health Centers in the province including one in Lemery. DOH has identified other areas where to establish more Super Health Centers including Iloilo City and the towns of Anilao, Concepcion, Estancia, Carles, Dingle, Guimbal, Janiuay, Igbaras, Lambunao, Maasin, Miag-ao, Oton, Pavia, Pototan, Santa Barbara, Tigbauan, San Joaquin, Sara, and Barotac Viejo — the last one’s groundbreaking was attended by Go last June. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has also supported various infrastructure initiatives to help improve the delivery of basic services in the province, such as the construction of multipurpose buildings in Barotac Viejo, completion of various barangay health stations throughout Iloilo City and the construction of a multipurpose building in the Iloilo City Public Market. Other major initiatives he supported include the concreting or construction of roads in Badiangan, Banate, Carles, Dumangas, Lemery, Miag-ao, and Sara; completion of the barangay health stations in Leon; construction of a flood control system in Balasan; construction of a seawall in Banate; construction of the legislative building complete with facilities in San Dionisio; and improvement of the public parks in Duenas. Go also sponsored a law that increased the bed capacity and converted Western Visayas Sanitarium to what is now known as WVSGH, and another to upgrade the Don Jose D. Monfort Medical Center Extension Hospital in Barotac Nuevo into a tertiary hospital known as the Don Jose S. Monfort Medical Center. On 14 August, struggling residents in Janiuay received assistance from Go’s office. The post Bong Go gives support to MSMEs in Lemery, Iloilo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go provides livelihood support to Guimaras farmers
The Office of Senator Christopher "Bong" assisted farmers in San Lorenzo, Guimaras on Friday, 25 August. Citing the crucial role of farmers in ensuring food security, Go has been consistently pushing for stronger agricultural support systems and infrastructure. He was one of the authors of the measure that became Republic Act No. 11901, expanding the agriculture, fisheries, and rural development financing system. He has also been advocating for other programs to support farmers and fisherfolks in the country, such as the enhancement of the irrigation of farmlands and expansion of the National Rice Program. Go, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Agriculture, co-sponsored and co-authored the Senate, RA 11953, also known as the New Agrarian Emancipation Act. The law will help alleviate the debt burdens of over 600,000 agrarian reform beneficiaries nationwide. Moreover, the senator also filed SBN 2117 which aims to provide full crop insurance coverage for agrarian reform beneficiaries, as well as SBN 2118 which aims to provide better insurance coverage and services to farmers and help mitigate the impact of natural disasters on the agricultural sector, if enacted into law. Earlier, Go also emphasized the importance of improving competitiveness and safeguarding local farmers and industries amid the recently ratified Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP) agreement. Go believes that with open competition as a result of RCEP, the prices of goods should decrease, and ordinary Filipinos, especially the poor and those in the agricultural sector, must benefit from it. Meanwhile, Go’s team and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), assisted three farmers gathered at Zemkamps Chalet in Jordan. DTI provided livelihood assistance through its Pangkabuhayan sa Pagbangon at Ginhawa (PPG) program, which Go pushed for during the Duterte administration and continues to support its implementation in order to boost the livelihood recovery of those affected by various crises. “Sa panahon ng kahirapan at pagsubok dulot ng iba't-ibang sakuna, nais namin sa inyo'y magbigay ng pag-asa at tulong na magbibigay daan sa inyong mga pangarap. Ang programa na ito ay hindi lamang simpleng tulong kundi isang oportunidad upang makabangon at makamtan ang mas magandang kinabukasan,” stressed Go. Go underscored the crucial role of DTI’s PPG program in providing opportunities for sustainable income generation and the agency’s dedication to assisting affected communities in their journey toward recovery and rebuilding their lives. “Palaguin niyo ang inyong negosyo. Kapag lumago ang inyong negosyo, dalhin niyo po ang mga kita sa inyong mga pamilya... mas masarap sa pakiramdam kapag pinagpawisan at pinaghirapan niyo po ang inyong pagnenegosyo,” he added. The senator earlier lauded the signing into law the One Town, One Product (OTOP) Philippines Program, which is one of the senator’s priority legislation aimed at boosting the country's micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs). Meanwhile, as chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, Go offered to help those who may require hospital care. He also informed them that they may conveniently avail of medical assistance from the Malasakit Center located at Dr. Catalino Gallego Nava Provincial Hospital in Jordan or in any of the other 158 Malasakit Centers throughout the country. “Ang Malasakit Center ay one-stop shop. Nasa loob na ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno, ang PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH at DSWD. Tutulungan kayo ng Malasakit Center para sa inyong pagpapaospital,” explained Go, who is the principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019. The program has now assisted over seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). Apart from the Malasakit Centers, Go also supported the construction of Super Health Centers (SHCs), especially in far-flung areas. In Guimaras, Super Health Centers will be established in Nueva Valencia, Buenavista, and Jordan. Through the efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated under the Health Facilities Enhancement Program of the Department of Health for 307 SHCs in 2022 and 322 SHCs in 2023. DOH, the lead implementing agency, identifies the strategic areas where SHCs will be constructed. The SHCs offer basic medical services, such as database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Committed to helping boost economic development and improve public service delivery in the province, Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, likewise supported the completion of seawall protection in Buenavista and the acquisition of a dump truck for the local government of Jordan. The post Bong Go provides livelihood support to Guimaras farmers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go assists poor families in Gapan
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, an adopted son of Nueva Ecija, sent his team to provide assistance to indigent families in Gapan City, Nueva Ecija, on Friday, 25 August, in partnership with the offices of Vice Mayor Inocencio Bautista Jr. and councilors Jeffrey Bautista, Nani Yu, Gema Pangilinan, Ryan Tecson, Pete Delos Santos, Jay Mariano, Amy Hernandez, Gerry Matias, and Danilo De Guzman. Go’s outreach team assisted 140 vulnerable residents who gathered at the auditorium of Gapan City Hall. The team distributed masks, vitamins, and shirts to the residents, as well as shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) also extended financial assistance to the residents for their everyday needs. “Huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang po kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo po kami ng pagkakataon na magserbisyo sa inyo. Magta-trabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. Iyan po ang pwede kong i-alay sa inyo, ang kasipagan ko sa trabaho,” Go said in a video message. “Utusan n’yo lang po ako, parang kapitbahay lang tayo bilang isang adopted son ng inyong probinsya. Ayaw kong ituring nyo ako na ibang tao,” he added. Go stressed the significance of extending aid to impoverished individuals, and said the government should prioritize the needs of the poor who were most affected by the COVID-19 pandemic and other crises. As principal author and sponsor of the Malasakit Centers Act of 2019, Go vowed to monitor the continuous operations of the Malasakit Centers, which has helped more than seven million Filipinos, according to the Department of Health (DOH). There are 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide so far. Indigent patients in Nueva Ecija can seek the services of the Malasakit Centers located at Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center (PJGMRMC), both in Cabanatuan City; and in Talavera General Hospital in Talavera town. “Ang Malasakit Center po ay batas na. Isinulong ko noon, nu’ng naging senador po ako nung 2019. Pinirmahan ni dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte. It’s a one stop shop. Nasa loob na po ng ospital ang apat na ahensya ng gobyerno – PhilHealth, PCSO, DOH, DSWD na handang tumulong po sa ating mga kababayan. Para po ‘yan sa mga poor and indigent patients. Lapitan n’yo lang po ang pinakamalapit na Malasakit Center sa inyong lugar,” Go said. The senator also highlighted that Super Health Centers (SHCs) will be established in Cabanatuan City, San Leonardo, Aliga, Bongabon, Llanera, Science City of Muñoz, Zaragoza, Sto. Domingo and Rizal — the last two of which he personally inspected in February. The SHCs are improved versions of polyclinics that offer basic health services, including database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine. Through the concerted efforts of lawmakers, adequate funding has been allocated in the national budget for the establishment of 307 SHCs in 2022 and 322 more in 2023. Go, vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, has supported several infrastructure projects in the province to help boost the local economy. Among these are the construction of the Talavera National High School Amphitheater; the rehabilitation of roads in Cabiao, General Tinio, Pantabangan, Zaragoza, and Cabanatuan City; the construction of flood mitigation structures in General Tinio, Quezon, San Antonio, and Zaragoza; the construction of multipurpose buildings in Gabaldon, Sta. Rosa and Cabanatuan City; the completion of the Dr. PJGMRMC in Cabanatuan City; the reconstruction of the Llanera public market; the rehabilitation of the Baloc public market; and the installation of streetlights in Zaragoza. The post Bong Go assists poor families in Gapan 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......»»
Embattled Palawan mining company bows to SC ruling
PUERTO PRINCESA CITY, Palawan — Mining firm Ipilan Nickel Corporation in Palawan welcomed the Supreme Court’s issuance of a writ of kalikasan as it said offers the opportunity to clarify “recurring baseless allegations” regarding its business. Ipilan Nickel Corporation or Ipilan also reaffirmed its commitment to adhere to the responsible mining regulations mandated by the government which includes practices and policies aimed at minimizing environmental impact, ensuring the welfare of local communities, and following sustainable mining practices. In a statement on Thursday, Ipilan said that the SC’s decision is an opportunity for it to clarify and refute recurring baseless allegations about its operation in Barangay Maasin in Brooke’s Point town, which various government organizations have consistently proven to be untrue. “This ruling does not interrupt Ipilan’s operations, as the petition for a Temporary Environmental Protection Order has been rejected,” said Ipilan. “We welcome this development as an opportunity to address and dispel recurring baseless allegations that have consistently been refuted by various governmental bodies.” Ipilan added that the petition against its mining operation is filled with distortions and inaccuracies, implying an intention to weaken its lawful activities by inciting negative opinions about mining and misleading the public. Unlike the claims of the petitioner, the mining firm claimed that it obtained an exemption Certification Precondition from the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples in 2006. It also contended that the validation of pre-existing contracts like the Mineral Production Sharing Agreement with the government is backed by Proclamation 1815, which identifies the Mt. Mantalingahan Mountain Range as a safeguarded zone. “It is important to note that the company refrains from mining within the overlapping area. The allegations related to tree-cutting activities were conducted under the authority of a valid permit, upheld by the court,” Ipilan said. Encompassing 120,457 hectares across the municipalities of Bataraza, Brooke’s Point, Quezon, Rizal, and Sofronio Espanola in Southern Palawan, the mountain range serves as a vital biodiversity hotspot, providing habitat for a diverse array of plants and animals. Meantime, anti-mining group Environmental Legal Assistance Center, represented by its executive director Atty. Grizelda Mayo-Anda, also welcomed the Supreme Court’s decision as a favorable “precedent” for the province known as a Biosphere Reserve. Anti-mining advocates claim that aside from not having CP that verifies the completion of the free and prior informed consent process with Indigenous Cultural Communities and Indigenous Peoples for projects, Ipilan’s mining operation is also gravely affecting Mt. Mantalingahan. The post Embattled Palawan mining company bows to SC ruling 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......»»
Send-Off Ceremony for the 21st Batch of JDS Fellows from the Philippines
On 4 August 2023, a send-off ceremony was held at the Ambassador’s Residence for the 21st Batch of the Project for Human Resource Development Scholarship by Japanese Grant Aid (JDS) Fellows from the Philippines. The twenty JDS Fellows are set to leave for Japan to pursue master’s degree courses in leading Japanese universities. The JDS is a scholarship project launched in 2002 by the Government of the Philippines with funding from the Government of Japan through its Official Development Assistance. It is intended to support the socio-economic development of the Philippines by helping boost the capacities of young Filipino professionals from the government. Ambassador KOSHIKAWA Kazuhiko, in his opening remarks, stated that he looks forward to hearing the JDS Fellows’ valuable research upon their successful completion of the program and seeing the fruits of their hard work as they serve their home country in the years to come. He also expressed his gratitude to the implementing partners of the JDS, and gave his well wishes to the JDS Fellows. Also present at the send-off ceremony were Congressman Tsuyoshi Anthony G. Horibata of Camarines Sur (1st District), Undersecretary Joseph J. Capuno of the National Economic and Development Authority, Director Princess U. Tomas-Tayao of the Department of Foreign Affairs, Chief Representative SAKAMOTO Takema of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines, and officers from the Japan International Cooperation Center (JICE) JDS Project Office in the Phillippines. The post Send-Off Ceremony for the 21st Batch of JDS Fellows from the Philippines appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go’s team conducts relief operations in Cabanatuan
The team of Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, the adopted son of Nueva Ecija, conducted relief operations in Cabanatuan City from 2 to 3 August. In a video message, Go urged eligible Filipinos to get vaccinated against COVID-19 despite the decrease in positive cases. He emphasized the importance of following health protocols, such as wearing masks and washing hands, even with the easing of health restrictions. Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, offered assistance to those seeking medical attention and encouraged them to visit various hospitals in Cabanatuan City and Talavera, which have Malasakit Centers designed to help the poor and indigent patients access medical assistance programs from different government agencies. Indigent patients in Nueva Ecija can seek the services of the Malasakit Centers located at Eduardo L. Joson Memorial Hospital and Dr. Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center, both in Cabanatuan City; and Talavera General Hospital in Talavera town. The Malasakit Center is a one-stop shop that allows Filipinos to conveniently access the medical assistance programs offered by the Department of Health (DOH), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. To date, there are now 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. “Hindi niyo na kailangang pumila o umikot pa sa iba’t ibang opisina para humingi ng tulong pampagamot dahil nasa loob na sila ng iisang kwarto. Lapitan niyo lang ang Malasakit Center at wala itong pinipili. Karapatan niyo bilang mga Pilipino ang maka-avail ng serbisyo nito,” he cited. Go also supported the construction of Super Health Centers (SHCs) in several areas, including Cabanatuan City, San Leonardo, Aliga, Bongabon, Llanera, Science City of Muñoz, Zaragoza, Sto. Domingo and Rizal — the last two of which he personally inspected in February. The SHCs are improved versions of polyclinics that offer database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray, ultrasound), pharmacy, and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat (EENT) service; oncology centers; physical therapy and rehabilitation center; and telemedicine, through which remote diagnosis and treatment of patients are made possible. During the distribution activities at Barangay Kapitan Pepe gymnasium, Go's team coordinated with Governor Aurelio Umali and provided masks, vitamins, and shirts to 1,200 struggling residents. They also gave away cellular phones, shoes, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. Each beneficiary also received financial assistance from DSWD. “Huwag ho kayong magpasalamat sa amin. Sa totoo lang po kami po ang dapat magpasalamat sa inyo dahil binigyan n’yo po kami ng pagkakataon na magserbisyo sa inyo. Magta-trabaho po ako para sa Pilipino. Iyan po ang pwede kong ialay sa inyo, ang kasipagan ko sa trabaho,” Go said. As vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go has supported several infrastructure projects in the province to help boost the local economy. Among these are the construction of the Talavera National High School Amphitheater; the rehabilitation of roads in Cabiao, General Tinio, Pantabangan, Zaragoza, and Cabanatuan City; the construction of flood mitigation structures in General Tinio, Quezon, San Antonio, and Zaragoza; the construction of multipurpose buildings in Gabaldon, Sta. Rosa and Cabanatuan City; the completion of the Dr. PJGMRMC in Cabanatuan City; the reconstruction of the Llanera public market; the rehabilitation of the Baloc public market; and the installation of streetlights in Zaragoza. Struggling residents in Gapan City also received assistance from the senator’s office from 27 to 28 July. The post Bong Go’s team conducts relief operations in Cabanatuan 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......»»
PBBM graced inauguration of Davao City Coastal Road Segment A
President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Saturday graced the inauguration of the first segment of the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project. In his speech, Marcos also mentioned and credited his predecessor, Rodrigo Roa Duterte, for being instrumental in introducing “high-impact” infrastructure projects such as the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road Project. “Also, of extreme importance to the completion of this project, we must acknowledge my predecessor, someone who was a central part, instrumental, central part to bringing us here today, the former president, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte,” he added. Marcos eyes the completion of the first phase of the project as expected to ease traffic congestion and will provide economic opportunities in Davao City. “We expect this already to provide some relief to Mindanaoans, especially those who wish access to downtown Davao (City). This will help in transporting goods in and out of the city, making access to basic necessities easier for communities, for businesses, and for consumers,” he said. The groundwork for the Davao City Coastal Bypass Road project began in 2017, which was targeted to strengthen Davao City’s road network in meeting traffic demands, promote suburban development and decongest the city center. The coastal shore protection and breakwater that will be incorporated into the project will also protect Davao City from sea wave actions, water surges, and soil erosion. The first segment or Segment A consists of eight kilometers of the more-than-17-kilometer project, covers the coastal lines of Bago Aplaya- Times Beach Section (Talomo-Matina), and is the longest division out of all four segments. It forms part of the Philippine High Standard Highway Network, which was made with the goal to connect the country’s major islands in the country. The project stretches from the Davao-Cotabato junction, passing through the coastal lines of Bago Aplaya, Talomo, Matina Aplaya (Times Beach), Roxas Avenue Section to Santa Ana Wharf, then R. Castillo. It will serve as an alternative route to Davao–Cotabato Road and ABS-CBN Diversion Road to ease traffic congestion from the Central Business District in the area. Once totally completed, the travel time from the Toril district going to Davao City proper will be reduced from one hour and 45 minutes to just 30 minutes. The post PBBM graced inauguration of Davao City Coastal Road Segment A appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Better Net, more FDI
Apart from servicing the needs of global Filipinos, PLDT Global Corp. strengthens its commitment to bringing international technology solutions to the Philippines and supporting the country’s aspiration to become a hyper-scaler hub in Asia. PLDT Global is the international unit of PLDT, the largest fully integrated network in the Philippines. As demand for data and ICT services continue to drive growth for PLDT’s enterprise business, PLDT Global contributes to this upward trend by registering a significant increase in revenues from Enterprise International Private Leased Circuit, data centers and cross connect in Asia Pacific and carrier businesses. “PLDT Global remains committed to providing innovative platforms and channels to our global network of carriers and technology partners, connecting them to a huge market of potential clients not only overseas, but also in the Philippines,” said Albert V. Villa-Real, president and CEO at PLDT Global. Leveraging on PLDT’s most extensive fiber infrastructure, PLDT Global aims to open more opportunities for the country to deliver the connectivity needs of hyperscalers and foreign investors who want to locate in the Philippines — home to a huge, Internet-savvy population, and a massive market for gaming, content, and media service. As of end-March 2023, PLDT’s total fiber footprint spans over 1.1 million kilometers, consisting of over 231,000 kilometers of international fiber and over 874,000 kilometers of domestic fiber. This fiber infrastructure also supports Smart’s mobile network, covering 97 percent of the population with 3G, 4G/LTE and 5G technology. “We strive to power the nation’s economic backbone by serving the connectivity and ICT needs of our customers with our unparalleled fiber optic network infrastructure. Through PLDT Global, we hope to tap the global market and encourage more foreign direct investments to the Philippines to strengthen our position as a Tiger Cub Economy in Asia,” said Mitch V. Locsin, first VP and head of PLDT and Smart Enterprise and International Business Groups. The completion of its 11th Vitro data center in Sta. Rosa, Laguna, by early 2024 will further cement PLDT’s foothold as the country’s Data Center powerhouse as its investments in the Jupiter, Asia Direct, and Apricot cable systems will further support the hyper-scaler ecosystem for massive data capacity and high-speed connectivity. Together with Meralco, PLDT also aims to deliver world-class and sustainable data centers powered by renewable energy. The post Better Net, more FDI appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Kuya Bong reiterates push for accessible public health services
Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong” Go has reiterated his commitment to promoting initiatives aimed at improving healthcare accessibility, such as the establishment of more Super Health Centers in the country. The lawmaker — during his attendance to the groundbreaking of yet another Super Health Center in Lala, Lanao del Norte — recognized the urgent need to address the basic health service requirements of Filipinos, particularly those residing in underserved areas. Go, who also chairs the Senate Committee on Health and Demography — emphasized that the idea of Super Health Centers stems from the need to bridge the healthcare gap that exists between urban and rural regions. He also cited that underserved areas often lack proper healthcare infrastructure, resulting in limited access to essential services such as diagnostics, treatment and preventive care as he pushed for the initiative in 2021. To address these challenges, Go envisions Super Health Centers as healthcare hubs that offer a wide range of services, including database management, outpatient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: X-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy, and an ambulatory surgical unit. Other services available include eye, ear, nose, and throat care, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation centers, and telemedicine, which enable remote diagnosis and treatment of patients. Meanwhile, Go acknowledged the commitment of all local officials, including Governor Imelda Dimaporo, Congresswoman Sittie Aminah Quibranza Dimaporo, Lala Mayor Angel Yap, and Vice Mayor Cesar Yap Jr., among others, for ensuring that those in grassroots communities get access to government health services. GM Also, in commemoration of Eid al-Adha, Go led a relief operation for indigents at the municipal evacuation center and provided relief items, such as grocery packs, masks, vitamins, and snacks to 1,000 struggling residents. The senator also gave away cellular phones, bicycles, shoes, shirts, watches, and balls for basketball and volleyball to select recipients. In addition, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance. As vice chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, Go also supported several initiatives in the town, such as the construction of flood control and drainage structures and farm-to-market roads. He also helped in the completion of solar-powered street lights in some barangays. On the same day, Go visited Tubod and inspected the construction of a new legislative building, another infrastructure project he supported, and led a relief effort for 1,000 disadvantaged individuals. He was also in Nunungan where he joined the 64th Araw ng Lanao del Norte celebration and assisted more indigents. Go also joined the launch of the Mt. Inayawan Range Natural Park as an ASEAN Heritage Park. The post Kuya Bong reiterates push for accessible public health services 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......»»