Extend MECQ to 1 month to build healthcare capacity — Leachon
“Kasi kailangan ma-bridge mo 'yung gap until the vaccine and how do you do that? Eh ngayon kung tayo ay tentative in terms of our management, baka hindi natin maabot 'yun.”.....»»
Meralco eyes cutting 2030 direct emissions by over 20%
The Manila Electric Company, the country’s largest distribution utility, has unveiled its plans to slash its 2030 direct emissions by over 20 percent in line with the company’s goal to become coal-free before 2050. This target covers the company’s projected 2030 baseline Scope 1 emissions, which refer to greenhouse gas emissions directly generated by the company from thermal power generation and from the use of fuel for vehicles and other equipment. Meralco’s just, orderly, and affordable transition to clean energy is the central thrust of its long-term sustainability strategy, which begins with the company’s investment in renewable energy to serve the country’s growing energy demand with greener power. This includes the distribution utility’s program to source an increasing portion of its supply portfolio from RE. Initial target exceeded Meralco has so far contracted 1,880 megawatts of RE capacity from various suppliers, already exceeding its initial target of 1,500 MW. Through Meralco’s strategic sourcing initiatives, RE is expected to account for 22 percent of the distribution utility’s supply portfolio by 2030, and 18 percent of that of Meralco’s retail electricity supplier, MPower, by 2025. “We recognize our impact on the planet, and we will do more as part of our earnest commitment to sustainability. As we chart the path towards a brighter and greener energy future, Meralco will continue to evolve and elevate its sustainability agenda to continue powering the good life for all,” Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo said. To further strengthen its decarbonization efforts, Meralco, through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corporation, is accelerating its RE buildout to develop greener generating capacities to power the country with sustainable energy. Committed to invest P18-B Earlier this year, MGen committed to invest at least P18 billion for its RE buildout which will cover capacities from clean technologies such as solar and wind which the company aims to build through 2030. “In the coming years, Meralco will accelerate its shift to green energy through the adoption of next-generation clean technologies. Ultimately, we will drive deep decarbonization to advance long-term energy security with earth-friendly power,” Mr. Ravelo said. The post Meralco eyes cutting 2030 direct emissions by over 20% appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco coal-free by 2050
The Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, the country’s largest power distribution company, has set out its long-term strategy to promote a just and affordable clean energy transition. The company intends to be coal-free by 2050. But before that, it will first push to cut it direct emissions by more than 20 percent by the end of the decade, or by 2030. According to Meralco, the targets cover its projected 2030 baseline Scope 1 emissions it directly generated from thermal power generation and the use of fuel for vehicles and other equipment. “We recognize our impact on the planet, and we will do more as part of our earnest commitment to sustainability,” Meralco first vice president and chief sustainability officer Raymond B. Ravelo said. Sustainability agenda “As we chart the path towards a brighter and greener energy future, Meralco will continue to evolve and elevate its sustainability agenda to continue powering the good life for all,” he added. Meralco has been heavily investing in the development of renewable energy or RE to serve the country’s growing energy demand for greener power. This includes the distribution utility’s program to source an increasing portion of its supply portfolio from RE. Meralco has so far contracted 1,880 megawatts or MW of RE capacity from various suppliers, already exceeding its initial target of 1,500 MW. As such, Meralco said RE is expected to account for 22 percent of the distribution utility’s supply portfolio by 2030, and 18 percent of that of Meralco’s retail electricity supplier, MPower, by 2025. Decarbonization push To further strengthen its decarbonization efforts, Meralco, through its power generation arm, Meralco PowerGen Corp. or MGen, is accelerating its RE buildout to develop greener generating capacities to power the country with sustainable energy. Earlier this year, MGen committed to invest at least P18 billion for its RE buildout which will cover capacities from clean technologies such as solar and wind which the company aims to build through 2030. “In the coming years, Meralco will accelerate its shift to green energy through the adoption of next-generation clean technologies. Ultimately, we will drive deep decarbonization to advance long-term energy security with earth-friendly power,” Ravelo said. The post Meralco coal-free by 2050 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vivant bullish on solar PV as viable RE source
Cebu-based Vivant Energy Corp., through its retail company COREnergy Inc., is banking on the potential of solar photovoltaic ventures to expand its renewable energy portfolio. Vivant Energy president and COO Emil Andre M. Garcia said in a press statement on Friday that there is a “particularly strong interest” in solar PV, a technology that can be a viable source of renewable energy in the country. “Interest in renewable energy sources has been increasing as more and more industries look for ways to future-proof their businesses. This is another step towards our goal to expand our RE portfolio by 30 percent by 2030,” Garcia said. RE development ventures announced This week, Vivant Energy announced two renewable energy development ventures — a 20-year power supply agreement with Samal Solar Renewable Energy Corp. or SSREC and a tripartite deal with Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. and Vena Energy to develop, build, and operate a 200-megawatt or MW wind project in the Visayas. According to Garcia, these developments will translate to better retail electricity services and solar and energy engineering solutions that will benefit consumers and business owners. COREnergy is a retail company that offers total energy solutions to commercial and industrial establishments. For this year, the company targets to add 18 MW of solar rooftop generation capacity. Last year, it contributed to the renewable energy target of the entire Vivant Group by growing its rooftop solar business from 2 MW to 6 MW. The post Vivant bullish on solar PV as viable RE source appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Vivant bullish on solar PV as viable renewable energy source
Cebu-based Vivant Energy Corp., through its retail company COREnergy Inc., is banking on the potential of solar photovoltaic ventures to expand its renewable energy portfolio. Vivant Energy President and COO Emil Andre M. Garcia said in a press statement on Friday that there is a "particularly strong interest" in solar PV, a technology that can be a viable source of renewable energy in the country. “Interest in renewable energy sources has been increasing as more and more industries look for ways to future-proof their businesses. This is another step towards our goal to expand our RE portfolio by 30 percent by 2030," Garcia said. This week, Vivant Energy announced two renewable energy development ventures — a 20-year power supply agreement with Samal Solar Renewable Energy Corp. or SSREC and a tripartite deal with Aboitiz Renewables, Inc. and Vena Energy to develop, build and operate a 200-megawatt or MW wind project in the Visayas. According to Garcia, these developments will translate to better retail electricity services and solar and energy engineering solutions that will benefit consumers and business owners. COREnergy is a retail company that offers total energy solutions to commercial and industrial establishments. For this year, the company targets to add 18MW of solar rooftop generation capacity. Last year, it contributed to the renewable energy target of the entire Vivant Group by growing its rooftop solar business from 2 MW to 6 MW. The post Vivant bullish on solar PV as viable renewable energy source appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center
The Department of Information and Communications Technology has forged a partnership with the Bases Conversion and Development Authority and the John Hay Management Corporation for the establishment of the North Luzon Data Center. The agreement was signed on Monday, 18 September 2023 by Information and Communications Technology Secretary Ivan John E. Uy, BCDA President and Chief Executive Officer Joshua M. Bingcang, and JHMC President and CEO Allan R. Garcia. The DICT will lead the development of the North Luzon Data Center, which will be an integral part of the Department’s National Government Data Center Project. “The collaboration between DICT and BCDA to establish the North Luzon Data Center is a quantum leap toward a digitally-empowered Philippines. This cutting-edge facility is a symbol of our unwavering commitment to innovative, efficient and exceptional public service. With this data center, we shall drive digital transformation in the region and the country, ensuring that every Filipino can seize the opportunities of the digital economy,” said Uy. The planned North Luzon Data Center will mainly cater to government entities situated in the area of the country, promoting the utilization of e-governance systems and facilitating public transactions. A portion of the data center shall also be allocated for BCDA and JHMC’s use. “As the country’s digital economy and the demand for cloud-based services continue to grow exponentially, the Philippines needs to strengthen its digital infrastructure and build up its data center capacity. Being stewards of national development, the BCDA is ready to support the DICT in this endeavor, and we are willing to extend our efforts so that all Filipinos have access to fast and reliable digital services,” said Bingcang. Garcia added: “Celebrating this groundbreaking and unprecedented partnership, DICT, BCDA and JHMC unite to usher in a state-of-the-art government data center. Together, we aspire to elevate our digital infrastructure, empower efficient public services and ignite a new era of technological progress, all for the benefit of every Filipino.” The DICT has been aggressively pushing for e-governance initiatives, in compliance with the marching order of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to facilitate the full digitalization of the country’s bureaucracy. Through forging partnerships with various government agencies and local government units, the department promotes the efficient delivery of public services and the interoperability of government systems and applications. The post DICT partners with BCDA, JHMC to put up North Luzon Data Center appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mindoro linked to main grid by 2025
Power consumers in the off-grid island of Mindoro may soon be relieved from weathering the high power prices and lingering brownouts as the National Grid Corp. of the Philippines or NGCP rushes to finish its long-delayed transmission project that will link the province to the main grid by 2025. In an interview with reporters on Wednesday, Energy Undersecretary Rowena Cristina L. Guevara said the NGCP, the country's lone transmission system operator, agreed to fast-track the project implementation following prodding from the national government. Mindoro will be connected to the main grid through Batangas province, which already has sufficient backbone structures to facilitate the seamless interconnection. "The NGCP agreed to finish the project in two years; that will scrap the 20 percent UCME (Universal Cost for Missionary Electrification) in Mindoro. The completion of the project will be advanced to 2025 because we (the DoE) requested it and NGCP was cooperative about it," Guevara told reporters. The Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, or the Republic Act No. 9136, permits UCME collection to finance the operations of the National Power Corp. or NPC, including its small power utilities group or SPUG, that caters to unconnected areas in remote locations. The NPC-SPUG, on the other hand, pays the difference between the True Cost of Generation Rate. Once Mindoro island is linked to the national grid, it can easily access surplus power supply from other islands; therefore cutting the likelihood of recurring power cuts plaguing the province. In 2021, the NGCP had proposed to build a P2.2-billion power network connecting these islands to the main Luzon grid — it included the plan to construct the Batangas-Mindoro interconnection project worth P16.87 billion. Meanwhile, the DOE had already committed to ensure the implementation of policies pushing for off-grid development such as off-grid electrification, Renewable Portfolio Standards for off-grid, and omnibus guidelines in enhancing off-grid power development, are properly enforced. Under the national energy plan, the government is vying to improve the market’s ability to coordinate investment in generation, transmission, and distribution infrastructure and achieve total electrification across the country. It will also facilitate the upgrading and modernization of transmission and distribution lines to support the efficient transition to cleaner energy. Likewise, it vowed to resolve transmission congestion, especially between Luzon and the Visayas grid, whether by adding transmission lines or avoiding subsidies that cause the build-up of excess capacity. The post Mindoro linked to main grid by 2025 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
ARI in troika to build Visayas wind project
Aboitiz Renewables Inc. or ARI, the renewable energy arm of Aboitiz Power Corp., Singapore-headquartered Vena Energy, and Cebu-based Vivant Energy Corp., have teamed up to develop, build, and operate a 200-megawatt or MW wind project in the Visayas. The project, dubbed as San Isidro Wind Power Project, will be built in San Isidro, a fourth-class coastal municipality in the Province of Northern Samar. It will be undertaken by the joint venture company that the parties formed called Lihangin Wind Energy Corp. Construction starts Q4 2023 As disclosed in the separate stock reports of ARI and Vivant Energy on Wednesday, which are both publicly listed companies, the wind plant will begin construction within the last quarter of the year. It is scheduled to be completed by early 2025. “We are excited to partner with Vena Energy and Vivant Energy so that together, we can contribute to the Philippines’ clean energy aspirations. This undertaking demonstrates ARI’s progress in growing its renewable energy capacity to 4,600 MW,” ARI president and chief operating officer James Arnold Villaroman. “Each of these investments is an important step to achieving a 50:50 balance in our renewable and thermal portfolios. We are very excited about these opportunities to contribute to the country’s energy transition journey,” he added. Meanwhile, Emil Andre Garcia, president and COO of Vivant Energy, reiterated that their undertaking will “bring us closer to the goal to expand our RE portfolio to 30 percent by 2030.” “We welcome this opportunity to partner with two leaders in renewable energy development who share our vision of helping the country attain energy security while promoting renewable energy and contributing to countrywide development,” Garcia said. Most diversified AboitizPower presently has the largest and most diversified local renewable energy platform in terms of installed capacity under its operational control. Currently, close to 1,000 MW of renewable energy projects — including wind and solar farms and more geothermal capacities — are in its pipeline. The post ARI in troika to build Visayas wind project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Missed opportunity
The Department of Energy, before the Marcos administration, had issued Department Circular 2021-09-0028 seeking to establish the Philippine Strategic Petroleum Reserve Program, which was a squandered program that would have softened the impact of the successive oil price increases. A national petroleum reserve would have significantly helped shield the country against global supply and price disruptions, considering that the country is a net importer of petroleum products. An energy expert cited as a clear example of the country’s vulnerability to global supply and price shocks the impact of the ongoing Russia-Ukraine crisis on our domestic petroleum prices. Former Energy Secretary Al Cusi warned that the momentum of the fuel price surge will be hard to stop since even before the Russia-Ukraine conflict, the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries Plus was already confronted with a production shortfall. The oil bloc refused to raise output despite pressure from the United States, Japan, China, India, and influential International Energy Agency members. Setting up strategic reserves was Cusi’s advocacy since it would address both the uncertainties on supply and provide a buffer against sudden price spikes. Under the proposal, private oil companies and the state-owned Philippine National Oil Company would build a strategic petroleum reserve to pool resources to ensure supply is not disrupted. PNOC would lead in maintaining the fuel reserve that would be more than the current 40-day average stock. The program was modeled after similar petroleum reserves, or SPR, of developed nations such as Japan and the United States. Several countries, including the United States, maintain a stockpile of crude oil to provide a buffer against disruptions in oil supplies. The SPR is an emergency response tool to mitigate potential oil shortages due to natural disasters, geopolitical events, and other unforeseen circumstances. The United States established its fuel reserve in 1975 following the Arab oil embargo of 1973-1974. The SPR is managed by the Office of Fossil Energy within the US Department of Energy. Underground storage facilities in salt caverns along the gulf coast of Texas and Louisiana are used. Like the DoE proposal, the primary purpose of the SPR is to ensure the availability of crude oil during severe supply disruptions. The reserve can be tapped into when significant disruptions in oil production, imports, or refining capabilities could lead to shortages and significant price increases. Releasing oil from the SPR aims to stabilize the market and provide relief to consumers, industries, and the overall economy. The US SPR has a capacity of approximately 713.5 million barrels of oil. Until September 2021, the US SPR held around 635 million barrels of crude oil. The decision to release oil from the SPR rests with the US President, who can authorize such action in response to a severe supply disruption. The release typically occurs in coordination with the International Energy Agency and after consultation with other major oil-consuming countries. Aside from the US and Japan, Germany and South Korea also maintain strategic petroleum reserves to safeguard against oil supply disruptions and market volatility. Saying that the local program should have received the government’s support is crying over spilled milk. The government, however, should consider having a buffer stock of fuel since the frequent price spikes have become a threat to the livelihood of Filipinos and thus endanger national security. The post Missed opportunity appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DOTr told to prioritize expansion, rehab of Phl airports
Gatchalian to DOTr: Prioritize expansion, rehab of existing Phl airports The Department of Transportation should prioritize the expansion and rehabilitation of existing airports in the country “to enhance air travel and support the tourism industry,” said Senator Win Gatchalian. Among the airports that should be expanded are those located in Camarines Norte, Southern Leyte, and North Cotabato provinces, he said. “We need to expand our existing airports, build new terminals, and fly tourists straight to their destinations," Gatchalian said noting that the rehabilitation efforts would enhance tourism activities in these provinces, create more jobs, and underpin the local economy. "This is a very good phenomenon because it decongested Manila and tourists were able to fly straight to their destination," he added. Gatchalian said the DOTr could carve out a portion of the 2024 budget for right-of-ways under the National Expenditure Program for the expansion of airports, “since the disbursement of the budget for the acquisition of right-of-ways is usually underutilized.” He explained that under the 2022 General Appropriations Act, for instance, utilization of the P1.65 billion budget for right-of-ways is at a very low level. Likewise, a budget of P12.4 billion under the 2023 GAA appropriated for right-of-ways has a very low disbursement rate to date. In a recent budget hearing, Gatchalian noted that the DOTr's budget for the rail sector has increased substantially to P163 billion, despite the perennial problem of underutilization. "Napakalaki ng increase ng rail sector in the budget of DOTr and I support the call to expand the rail sector to different parts of the country including Mindanao. However, the rail sector is perennially underutilized in terms of disbursement," he said. Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said the DOTr is already coordinating with its contractors to hasten the disbursement of payments. "It's important to emphasize that we need to improve the absorptive capacity of the department and we are happy to hear that you are working closely with your contractors," Gatchalian told DOTr officials. The post DOTr told to prioritize expansion, rehab of Phl airports appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Stable, reliable power for ARCA South Taguig
The Manila Electric Company has energized a new smart substation in Taguig City to ensure the provision of stable and reliable power for Ayala Land Inc.’s Arca South development and the adjacent communities in the area. Entailing a capital investment of P597 million, the new 115 kV-34.5 kV gas-insulated switchgear substation was commissioned with an initial capacity of 83 megavolt amperes but will ultimately house three transformer banks with a combined capacity of 249 MVA that will support the existing and future energy requirements of the Arca South development, a new business and lifestyle district in Taguig City. [caption id="attachment_182269" align="aligncenter" width="1167"] Meralco senior vice president and chief revenue officer Ferdinand O. Geluz. Ayala Land senior vice president and group head Robert S. Lao, Taguig City District 2 Councilor Alexander S. Penolio, Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan and Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho.[/caption] Aside from catering to the growing energy needs of the Ayala estate, the Arca South substation will also improve voltage regulation in parts of Taguig City, provide operational switching flexibility during contingencies and contribute to system loss reduction in the area. Some of the communities and establishments that will benefit from the new substation include AC Health’s Healthway Cancer Care Hospital, Ayala Malls Arca South, Alveo Veranda, Avida Towers Vireo, Landers Superstore Arca South, Maharlika Village, Puregold FTI Taguig, Sunshine Mall Plaza, Taguig Pateros Hospital and Technological University of the Philippines-Taguig. “As we continue to build upon the foundations of Arca South, we are ensuring that the energy needs of this community are met with efficiency and resilience. This substation represents more than just a physical structure; it represents our dedication to sustainable urban development. It is a cornerstone of progress, enabling us to power homes, businesses and innovations that will drive Arca South's growth and development,” Robert Lao, Ayala Land senior vice president and group head for Ayala Land Estates, said. Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho, for his part, said the development of the Arca South substation forms part of Meralco’s unceasing support to commercial customers like Ayala Land that play a vital role in the country’s economic growth and development. “The opportunity to participate in the master planning of Ayala estates has allowed Meralco to serve more customers and further cement our commitment to keep the lights on. As a testament to that, this newly energized smart substation in Arca South Taguig will provide safe, adequate and reliable capacity to serve the existing and future power requirements of this particular Ayala Land development, and the adjacent communities in the area,” Aperocho said during the inauguration of the project. The Arca South project is the latest development in Meralco’s longstanding partnership with Ayala Land. Over the past several years, Meralco has energized nearly a hundred projects of Ayala Land and its subsidiary, Makati Development Corporation, including One Ayala and Seda Manila Bay. In addition, Ayala Land consistently provides a substation lot provision for its estate developments. Meralco has been investing heavily on projects that will not just improve its electricity distribution system, but also contribute to ensuring that the infrastructure to support the government’s nation-building efforts are in place. “We share a common goal, which is to uplift the lives of our people and we encourage the active participation and engagement of the private sector in the present economic programs,” Meralco chairman and chief executive officer Manuel V. Pangilinan said during the inauguration. The post Stable, reliable power for ARCA South Taguig appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DSWD can give small rice retailers up to P15K financial aid amid ceiling order
The Department of Social Welfare and Development on Tuesday said they are ready to provide cash assistance to small rice retailers who may incur losses due to the Malacanang-mandated price ceiling on rice which became effective yesterday 5 September. DSWD Secretary Gatchalian said he was directed by President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. to use the department’s Sustainable Livelihood Program to help small rice retailers recover their would-be losses from the temporary price cap. "We discussed with the President that we will use the DSWD's Sustainable Livelihood Program once again so that our small retailers affected by this temporary price cap on rice can be assisted," Gatchalian said. Under Executive Order No. 39 signed by Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin on 31 August, the mandated price ceiling for regular milled rice is P41 per kilo while the mandated price cap for well-milled rice is P45 per kilo. The DSWD chief said the SLP currently has a P5.5 billion budget which can be immediately used to help cushion the impact of the price cap on rice particularly among small rice retailers who have a very small inventory. The SLP is a capacity-building program that provides start-up capital for those who wish to start a small business, capital build for cases similar to the effects of the EO 39 to small businesses, and employment grants. Gatchalian said the Department is just waiting for the list of qualified small rice retailers, which will be provided by the Department of Trade and Industry and the Department of Agriculture. “Hopefully, by next week, we can conduct a payout for the sustainable livelihood grant to our affected rice retailers," Gatchalian said. To date, the DTI and the DA are currently coming up with a list of affected rice traders and rice retailers who will receive the government’s assistance. Gatchalian pointed out that the DSWD is ready to begin the nationwide payout to the qualified recipients of financial aid amounting to a maximum of Php15,000. “Bagamat kino-compute pa ng DTI at DA ang dapat matanggap ng bawat tatamaang rice retailers, ang maximum na ibinibigay ng programang SLP ay P15,000. One time big time,” the DSWD chief pointed out. Last Monday, the DSWD chief said he had a meeting with Speaker Martin Romualdez who vowed to raise P2 billion to help augment the SLP budget for the benefit of more small rice traders and retailers. “I told Speaker Romualdez that the SLP’s P5.5 billion is enough to help the distressed small rice retailers. But I also welcome the additional budget as this would mean more Filipinos will be given assistance under the SLP,” Gatchalian said. The post DSWD can give small rice retailers up to P15K financial aid amid ceiling order appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Meralco’s P597-M substation energizes Ayala’s Arca South
The Manila Electric Company, or Meralco, the country’s largest power distributor, has powered up a P597-million smart substation that energizes Ayala Land Inc.’s Arca South development and the nearby communities in Taguig City. The new 115 kV-34.5 kV gas-insulated switchgear substation was commissioned with an initial capacity of 83 megavolt amperes but will ultimately house three transformer banks with a combined capacity of 249 MVA. “As we continue to build upon the foundations of Arca South, we are ensuring that the energy needs of this community are met with efficiency and resilience,” Robert Lao, Ayala Land senior vice president and group head for Ayala Land Estates, said. “This substation represents more than just a physical structure; it represents our dedication to sustainable urban development. It is a cornerstone of progress, enabling us to power homes, businesses, and innovations that will drive Arca South’s growth and development,” he added. Support to commercial customers Meanwhile, Meralco executive vice president and chief operating officer Ronnie L. Aperocho said the development of the Arca South substation forms part of Meralco’s support to commercial customers. “The opportunity to participate in the master planning of Ayala estates has allowed Meralco to serve more customers and further cement our commitment to keep the lights on,” he said. As a testament to that, this newly energized smart substation in Arca South Taguig will provide safe, adequate, and reliable capacity to serve the existing and future power requirements of this particular Ayala Land development, and the adjacent communities in the area,” Aperocho added during the recent inauguration of the project. The post Meralco’s P597-M substation energizes Ayala’s Arca South appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AboitizPower launches EV fleet program
Aboitiz Power Corporation recently launched its corporate electric vehicle fleet transformation program with the presentation of new plug-in EVs in an event held at the Blue Leaf Cosmopolitan in Quezon City. The launch kickstarts its support of Republic Act 11697, the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, as part of its contribution to greener and cleaner mobility in the country. The EVIDA mandates that at least 5 percent of industrial and commercial companies’ fleets are electronic vehicles, to bolster the use and development of EVs and reduce the local transport sector’s dependence on imported fossil fuels. “As a leader in the energy industry, we want to incorporate innovations that will improve the efficiency and sustainability of our operations. The world is facing developments in climate change, global connectivity, population growth, urbanization and digitalization, and these changes demand that businesses like ours transform to remain relevant,” said AboitizPower president and CEO Manny Rubio. “The mobility sector has always had a history of being the highest energy-consuming sector in the country. In fact, the sector accounts for 31.3 percent of total final energy consumption with over 11 million tons of oil equivalent. Globally, it is a major contributor to air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions,“ he added. “With an ever-growing demand for powered mobility, we recognize that deeper electrification of mobility is a key enabler in achieving a cleaner and more sustainable world energy system. After all, a broad range of mobility applications can be powered with electricity from cleaner or zero-emission sources.” The EVs were manufactured by Build Your Dreams and will soon be deployed to the three key cities of AboitizPower distribution utilities, namely Visayan Electric, Davao Light and Cotabato Light. “Bound to be deployed in the franchise areas we serve in Visayas and Mindanao, with land areas more than six times the size of Metro Manila, these vehicles are geared to prove their efficiency and reliability in this new age of electric mobility,” said AboitizPower Distribution Utilities COO Anton Perdices. “We aim to achieve 30 percent electrification for our four-wheeled vehicles and motorbikes by 2030 and finally transform and electrify 100 percent of the AboitizPower DU fleet by 2040.” The EV fleet transformation program reinforces the demand for cleaner energy sources and aligns with AboitizPower’s growth strategy of adding 3,700 megawatts of renewable energy — like solar, wind and geothermal — to its generation portfolio in the next 10 years. Overall, this complements the Philippines’ aspiration to reduce its heavy reliance on fossil fuel importation for transportation and electricity generation via the harnessing of cleaner and indigenous sources. Aside from reduction of emissions, it also contributes to the company’s bottom line in terms of improved energy efficiency and transportation economics, as the cost per kilometer traveled of a unit is at least half compared to internal combustion engine vehicles. “Electrifying our fleet will help us further reduce carbon emissions, lower operating costs and contribute to cleaner air in the cities where we operate. This way, we are also helping empower the evolution of the cities we serve,” Perdices said. Together with its partners, AboitizPower currently has the largest and most diversified renewable energy platform in the Philippines in terms of installed capacity under its operational control. Currently, close to 1,000 megawatts of renewable energy projects — including wind and solar farms and more geothermal capacities — are in the pipeline. The post AboitizPower launches EV fleet program appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
US launches P283-M project to support DepEd
On 24 August, the United States government, through the US Agency for International Development, announced a P283-million ($5 million) project to help the Philippine Department of Education address education challenges, including boosting its capacity to assess the quality of education among Filipino learners. With the support of various implementing partners, USAID’s five-year project “Improving Learning Outcomes for the Philippines” or ILO-Ph will aid DepEd in designing, implementing, and evaluating its full range of education programs, from early childhood education to workforce development. Through ILO-Ph, USAID will provide DepEd with on-demand technical assistance, regular consultations, and trainings to improve its strategic communications and data analysis systems. This will enable DepEd to better track the progress of Filipino learners in standardized examinations and measure learning recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic. ILO-Ph will also support DepEd in conducting policy-relevant research to help Filipino educators enhance their teaching methods and positively impact learning outcomes. [caption id="attachment_178061" align="aligncenter" width="1600"] USAID Philippines Deputy Education Director Yvette Malcioln highlights USAID assistance in developing sustainable education programs under ILO-Ph.[/caption] “As an enduring friend, partner, and ally, the U.S. government, through USAID, will continue to work with local partners to make quality education accessible to all educators and learners wherever they are in the Philippines so we can build stronger and more prosperous communities,” USAID Philippines Deputy Education Director Yvette Malcioln said. Vice President and DepEd Secretary Sara Duterte called the new partnership a "significant milestone" that would strengthen DepEd’s goal of addressing basic education challenges under its new "MATATAG: Bansang Makabata, Batang Makabansa" agenda. “The impact of policy-relevant research and technical assistance on educators and young learners can be profound. These can alter the fate of their future and consequently, the course of our nation,” Vice President Duterte said, in remarks delivered by DepEd Assistant Secretary G.H. Ambat during the launch. “In the face of challenges and changes, initiatives like ILO-Ph offers hope and inspiration. I wholeheartedly support this noble project and encourage all stakeholders to tap into its transformative potential.” The post US launches P283-M project to support DepEd appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Dela Fuente: Change OFWs ‘as victims’ narrative
It’s a long-standing narrative about the nature of Filipino overseas work, and one that needs to finally change, a retired labor official with over 40 years of service in the sector has said. In Thursday’s Daily Tribune’s episode of Usapang OFW, former labor attachè Resty dela Fuente heaped praises on the late Department of Migrant Workers Secretary Susan “Toots” Ople over her advocacy to change the mindset about OFWs. “Prior to her becoming secretary, we had had conversations about the issue, and she hoped that the narrative of Filipino overseas work finally changed,” Atty. Dela Fuente said. “Why is the OFW always the victim? Can’t they be winners? Why is it always about conflict? Secretary Ople’s advocacy had been to change this,” he said. When Ople assumed office in the DMW, she had promised to make her office “a home for OFWs” and vowed to open dialogues and launch partnerships with various stakeholders to further improve the welfare of OFWs. He agrees that these should be the priorities to change the narrative. “What is needed is continuous consultation. We have to build on Secretary Ople’s efforts to talk to all stakeholders. Agencies and OFWs, employers and OFWs — they should not have to be in conflict,” he added. Dela Fuente also stressed the need to build on the capacity of labor officials to execute their duties so that they can address problems on the ground. There is also a need to strengthen our reintegration efforts, he added. “I hope they put more emphasis on savings promotion and asset-building. OFWs should be taught to save and build assets here so that when they come home, whether planned or out of necessity or emergency, they don’t come home to zero,” Dela Fuente said. Republic Act 11741, or the Department of Migrant Workers Act, states: “The State does not promote overseas employment as a means to economic growth and national development and shall continuously aim to make it a choice and not a necessity. The state shall institute measures that will strengthen the domestic labor market for the effective reintegration of overseas Filipino workers.” “Let’s make OFWs the real winners instead of losers,” dela Fuente said. The post Dela Fuente: Change OFWs ‘as victims’ narrative appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Zambales sets new capitol building construction
Iba, Zambales — The provincial government here is eyeing the construction of a P500-million capitol building that will replace the current establishment. According to Governor Hermogenes Ebdane Jr., the new Capitol building in this town is set to replace a structure that was reconstructed at least two times from a building built in the 1870’s by the Spanish Civil Government. Ebdane said that the new “modernized” building will have tech upgrades that will boost the provincial government’s capacity to provide better-quality public service and enable greater access to residents and customers. “We have to build a new seat of government that would be in keeping with the needs of the times and with our mandate to elevate public service to a new level,” Ebdane said. “If our physical facilities stay in antiquated condition, it would not be surprising if government services remain as outdated. That’s why we need to bring the Zambales Capitol up-to-date. Our people need and deserve this upgrade,” he added. The new building will be constructed at the People’s Park across the old capitol building, around four stories high, with basement parking and a total floor area of 15,475 square meters. The project would be funded out of a P2.6-billion borrowing from the LGU-Omnibus Term Loan Facility Program of the Land Bank of the Philippines to finance priority development projects of the province. The loan was approved by the Zambales provincial board in October last year through Resolution No. 2022-283. The existing Capitol building is a two-storey structure that was renovated in 1979 under the administration of then Gov. Vicente P. Magsaysay. It houses the administrative and financial offices of the provincial government. The legislative department had since moved into a new building completed in January 2021 under the Ebdane administration. The original building where the Capitol now stands was constructed by the Spanish Civil Government in 1875 to 1878. This was used as a provincial prison and later as the general headquarters of the Revolutionary Government of Zambales in 1899. The post Zambales sets new capitol building construction appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mapúa leads health sciences studies in Mindanao
The Bureau of Labor and Statistics states that employment in the healthcare field is projected to grow by 13 percent from 2021 to 2031. [caption id="attachment_172840" align="aligncenter" width="777"] MAPÚA MCM College of Health Sciences boast of immersive simulation where students can work on 3D anatomical models.[/caption] This increase indicates the creation of two million jobs over a span of 10 years, a much higher than the average for all occupations. With this, students who wish to pursue a career in the medical field have a plethora of options waiting for them locally and abroad. Mapúa Malayan Colleges Mindanao establishes its mastery in the said field through its College of Health Sciences. Programs include BS Biology, BS Psychology, BS Pharmacy, and BS Physical Therapy. Opportunities provided to students encompass global learning, advanced research,and digital technology. Mapúa MCM’s College of Health Sciences has collaborated with Arizona State University to hone pre-med students to be globally ready, be proficient with advanced and immersive facilities and digital mastery. Arizona State University is ranked #1 in the US innovation ahead of MIT and Stanford for eight consecutive years by U.S. News and World Report. ASU is also among the top one percent of universities worldwide, ranked by the Center for World University Ranking 2022-2023 and among the top 150 universities worldwide by the Shanghai Ranking, 2022. MAPÚA MCM College of Health Sciences is one of the few schools in the region that boasts of immersive simulation rooms where students can work on 3D anatomical models, virtual dissection tables and human body projections via AI. But above and beyond technological innovations, MAPÚA MCM College of Health Sciences ensures that their students are anchored on solid ethics and human values through hands-on experience and real-world exposure. Its students undergo internships in hospitals, clinics and community centers where they learn about promotion, prevention, treatment and intervention as they get to interact with real patients. “The medical field is an ever-evolving industry, and the demand for healthcare workers is stronger now than ever. We build our capacity to address this gap through a collaboration with the Healthway network, wherein we streamline the career path of our students — from school to internships and hands-on clinical rotations, straight to career opportunities,” Dr. Adorico M. Aya-ay, dean of the MAPÚA MCM College of Health Sciences, said. MAPÚA MCM also substantiates its faculty members by sending them to train and seminars abroad to learn from experts worldwide. The post Mapúa leads health sciences studies in Mindanao appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Alsons energy unit records strong gains
Alsons Consolidated Resources Inc. or ACR, Mindanao’s first private-sector power generator, delivered a 70 percent growth in its first-half profit as net income during the period clocked in at P1.7 billion from P689 million in the same period a year ago. The company reported to the stock exchange on Monday higher January to June revenues of P6.9 billion from P5.4 billion last year. ACR said the financial gains were primarily driven by its 210 megawatts or MW Sarangani Energy Corporation baseload power, which provides power in key areas in Mindanao. Likewise, the company’s 100-MW Western Mindanao Power Corp. diesel plant in Zamboanga City also contributed to the overall growth. The facility is the only major source of power generation in the Zamboanga Peninsula, providing electricity to Zamboanga City and supplying vital ancillary services to the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines to help stabilize the energy network in the Western Mindanao Region. Focus shifts to RE To sustain the growth momentum, ACR said it will build up its renewable energy capacity in the next few years. Its project pipeline includes the 14.5-MW Siguil Hydropower plant in Maasim, Sarangani scheduled to start operations within the year. The next two renewable energy facilities slated for development are a hydro and solar power project in Zamboanga del Norte with a potential combined capacity of up to 37.8 MW, and a hydropower project in the Bago River in Negros Occidental with a planned capacity of up to 42 MW. To date, ACR has an aggregate capacity of 468 MW serving over eight million people in 14 cities and 11 provinces on the country’s second-largest island. The post Alsons energy unit records strong gains appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Managers: Phl remains on track
Despite the lackluster 4.3 percent in the second quarter, growth this year is expected to reach the target range of 6 percent to 7 percent gross domestic product expansion, according to Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno. “To do this, we will expedite the implementation of government programs and projects, to provide fiscal stimulus to increase the productive capacity of the public and private sectors and address the adverse recent impacts of typhoons.” Diokno added. Economic managers gathered in Fort Ilocandia in Laoag City to hold the Post-State of the Nation Economic Briefing that discussed the country’s economic situation and plans on 14 August. Diokno said in 2022, GDP increased 7.6 percent from 5.7 a year ago and a 9.5 percent contraction in 2020. Diokno said the economic team is determined to pick up government expenditure in the third and fourth quarters. Revenue collections remain robust from January to June as these totaled P1.9 trillion up 7.7 percent or P132.6 billion year-on-year which is also higher than the mid-year program by 2.7 percent. Hence, Diokno said they have already pipelined 194 infrastructure flagship projects worth P8.3 trillion of which 132 are located in Luzon that will address irrigation, water supply, flood management, agriculture, digital connectivity, physical connectivity, health, and power and energy. Diokno also highlighted some of the projects like the Laoag International Airport Development Project, the EDSA Greenways, the TPLEX Expressway Expansion Project, the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project, the Ilocos Norte-Sur-Abra Irrigation Project, and the Naga Airport Development Project. “The Philippines is determined to be a world leader in the race to net zero and the Ilocos Region will be a strategic partner in this mission. Dubbed to be the renewable energy capital of South East Asia, Ilocos Norte is emerging to be a promising player in the clean energy arena. Being home to the first and largest wind farms in the country,” Diokno stressed. In his address, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Governor Eli Remolona Jr., said from a peak of 8.7 percent in January, headline inflation slowed to 4.7 percent in July due to improving domestic food supply conditions and lower global oil prices. However, he also admitted that core inflation remains high at 6.7 percent although it has already started to decline due to the monetary tightening. The BSP has responded to inflation by aggressively raising its policy rate, as of today, the BSP has raised policy rates by 425 basis points. Prices reined in “The good news is that inflation expectations are still well anchored. The markets continue to believe that we will hit our target range by 2024 and stay there in 2025,” Remolona said. Budget Secretary Amenah Pangandaman also gave an update on the use pf the budget for 2023. Pangandaman said at the end of July, the total amount of the national budget that has been released already is around 93 percent. “And we expect all our government agencies including all the cabinet members present here, to spend your budget so we can help grow the economy,” Pangandaman said. While for next year, the government budget will amount to 5.768 trillion and it is 21.7 percent of the GDP it has already been submitted to Congress last August 2 and the budget is expected to be passed earlier than expected. The National Economic Development Authority said it wanted to lower the poverty level to single digit. For Socioeconomic Planning Undersecretary Carlos Bernardo Abad Santos, the government has effective regional development plans. In the Ilocos Regional Development Plan from 2023-2028, the NEDA expects the Ilocos region to have a 7 percent to 7.5 percent growth while lowering the poverty incidence by 7.3 percent. ‘Build, Better, More’ under BBM;s watch Public Works Secretary Manuel Bonoan said the “Build, Better, More” program of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. is very much aligned with the medium-term development plan for 2023 to 2028 and is consistent with the 8-point economic agenda of the president. Bonoan said that from July 2022 to May 2023, the DPWH has built, maintained, rehabilitated, widened, and upgraded 4,082 kilometer of roads, 497 bridges, built 2,103 flood control projects, 55 evacuation centers, 216 kms farm to market roads, 8 kilometers of farm to mill roads, 138 kilometers tourism roads, 18 kilometers of roads to seaports, railway stations, and airports, 4,038 classrooms, and 6,002 rainwater collector system. “Because of climate change, we have to address and be building and developing resilient and sustainable communities in the 18 major river basins in the country,” Bonoan said. Some of the major projects that the department would like to continue are converting the Daang Maharlika which is actually now Asian Highway 26 which starts in Laoag City and will go around Cagayan Valley and has extended all the way to Zamboanga City. Bonoan says that they want to convert this backbone of the national highway into seamless travel. “In other words, there should be no major stops along the way, along this Maharlika highway,” Bonoan said. Bonoan said they’re going to build 12 major bridges, and the first bridge is the Cavite-Bataan Interlink bridge with a span of more than 32 km. Should it be completed, this will be the second-longest bay bridge in the world. The department also plans to start the Luzon Spine Expressway which will run from Laoag City to Bicol, Bonoan says that this will be 1,073 kms more. As for Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista, major Department of Transportation projects like the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan, Metro Manila Subway, EDSA Greenway Projects, EDSA Busway, MRT-3 Rehabilitation, LRT-1 Cavite, LRT-2 West Extension, MRT-7, and the modernization and capacity expansion of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport are proceeding. For the Department of Information and Communications Technology Ivan John Uy, there is already a cybersecurity plan for 2023 to 2028 which is a consolidated output of all the stakeholders in designing which includes the best practices all over the world. “We’ve ramped up in our cybercrime detection, we are busting cybercrime syndicates all over the country especially those that are dealing with scammers,” Uy said. Uy said agency is also enhancing cybersecurity status by designing courses to upgrade cybersecurity professionals. He admits that worldwide, there is a 3 million job vacancies on cyber security. DICT said by the end of the year, the department will have Two Terabits of capacity from Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union, Pangasinan, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan all the way to Manila and we should expect very good Internet connectivity by the start of next year especially on the Luzon area. These structures also open opportunities to data centers and BPOs along the places mentioned which produces employment. DICT expects that foreign investment opportunities and interest in those areas will boom. The post Managers: Phl remains on track appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phl must prepare should WPS tension escalate — analyst
The Philippines must prepare actions incorporated into the national security strategy should the ongoing tension in the West Philippine Sea will further escalate, according to a political analyst on Saturday. Expressing his views on the recent developments in the WPS during a news forum, De La Salle University Professor Renato de Castro said the government has to further build up the capabilities of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine Coast Guard while ensuring that the country could still sustain a stable economy, industries, and power generation capacity. “We have to tell the Filipino nation that the challenge would be long. It will be primarily maritime in nature, and our goal is to ensure that the Philippines develops a powerful maritime capability,” he said. Castro warned against China’s future moves “as it seeks to take control” of the West Philippine Sea or the water within the first island chain. “Kaya dapat paghandaan natin ito (We need to prepare for that), we have to come out with a blueprint on how we can prepare the whole nation, it’s a whole-of-nation approach. We have to build up,” he said. AFP Chief Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. earlier said the military is further improving its military presence in the West Philippine Sea by deploying additional assets. The AFP is also planning to increase the number of sea defenders by tapping fisherfolk to become military reservists. “When you say reserve force its not just land based forces so we are also trying to develop our reservist who will be able to operate in the sea. So parte and then of course, ang gusto natin ‘yung mga fisher folks natin ay gawin din nating mga reservists at tuturuan natin sila kung paano sila makakatulong sa padepensa ng ating bansa (We want to use our fisherfolk as reservists. We are going to teach them how to help us defend our country),” Brawner said. The post Phl must prepare should WPS tension escalate — analyst appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»