FGen taps Jacobs to build Batangas LNG
Lopez-led First Gen Corp. has chosen Dallas-based Jacobs to build its interim liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas......»»
Banks urged: Shift backing for RE
Philippine banks must quickly shift project funding for fossil fuels to renewable energy as demand for the latter is seen to skyrocket due to shrinking supplies and rising prices for climate change-inducing fossil fuels, said a report released Tuesday by the Center for Energy, Ecology and Development Philippines. Citing data from the United Nations Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, a CEED report says unit costs for renewables have been decreasing at substantial rates globally: 85 percent both for solar energy and lithium-ion batteries and 55 percent for wind energy. Meanwhile, fossil fuel prices for coal and natural gas could further increase due to ongoing armed conflict between oil-rich countries Russia and Ukraine. Meralco, the country’s largest electricity provider, has increased rates to over P10 per kilowatt hour, while 11 new import terminals for liquified natural gas are under negotiations, according to the Department of Energy. Despite these, CEED researchers found 15 Philippine banks have heavily invested in fossil fuel projects through bonds, loans and stocks. Researchers say these will further heat up the planet and harm aquatic resources as the Verde Island Passage is eyed as an alternative to Malampaya. Dirtiest banks Banks were analyzed through CEED’s Fossil Fuel Divestment Scorecard which looked at their green policies and projects to mitigate the impacts of climate change such as drought, floods, and wildfires. New data covered April 2022 to March 2023. The scorecard shows Philippine banks invested $867.08 million within that period, mostly through bonds. Meanwhile, investments for new fossil gas projects reached $930 million. Among them involved the project of SMC Global Power of San Miguel Corporation in Bataan and Batangas which required principal funding of P30 billion and bond oversubscription option up to P10 billion in July last year. Eight out of the 15 banks studied supported this project. However, CEED shared that the SMC energy firm lost P15 billion last year due to higher fossil fuel prices. CEED added that the firm scrapped its application for the three proposed fossil gas projects in Visayas last year. Among the 15 banks, Bank of the Philippines Islands (BPI) was deemed the dirtiest bank, followed by BDO Unibank Inc. CEED researchers say BPI topped the list for the fourth time, with an unclear commitment to reduce coal projects, notably the Atimonan One Energy (A1E) Coal Plant. “In fact, in a letter addressed to CEED dated 1 July 2021, the DOE said that Meralco PowerGen Corporation, which wholly owns A1E, is still in communication with lenders to extend the loan facility given the challenges encountered in securing power supply agreements.” In general, BPI had vowed to reduce outstanding loans to coal projects by 50 percent by 2026 and zero percent by 2032. Meanwhile, BDO had announced to reduce coal exposure also by 50 percent by 2033. CEED, however, criticized the banks for not having detailed plans to achieve their goals. “BPI’s overall score is also slightly higher due to improved sustainability policies. Nonetheless, BPI’s high overall fossil fuel exposure and insufficient policies keep it at the top,” CEED researchers said. For BDO, “Its coal exposure remains significant and its place as the top financier of the fossil gas expansion also garners it a high score. Its rank is lowered, however, by its Sustainability Policies Criteria score,” it said. Model banks Government-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LandBank) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) are the cleanest banks. CEED said that LandBank approved loans amounting to P20.1 billion for renewables. It added that the bank agreed in January to help build Aboitiz renewable energy plants worth P20 billion. Meanwhile, DBP approved a total loan of P600 million for a hydropower plant in Nueva Ecija and other 27 renewable energy projects last year. The post Banks urged: Shift backing for RE appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Factory cluster should be built near ports
A shipping leader has asked the Department of Trade and Industry to build manufacturing clusters in areas proximate to ports like Batangas and Subic to ensure that they become part of the global supply chain......»»
CTBEX Swiss challenge by end of this year or early 2022
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. targets to proceed with the Swiss challenge for its unsolicited proposal to build the P22.43-billion Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway late this year or early next year......»»
FGen taps Jacobs to build Batangas LNG
Lopez-led First Gen Corp. has chosen Dallas-based Jacobs to build its interim liquefied natural gas terminal in Batangas......»»
Abacore, Greenergy to put up logistics terminal in Batangas
Listed firms Abacore Capital Holdings Inc. and Greenergy Holdings Inc. have partnered to build a logistics and food terminal in Batangas to facilitate distribution of the country’s produce to local and world markets......»»
Greenergy to build Batangas food hub and logistics center
Greenergy Holdings Inc. said Thursday it plans to build a logistics center and a food terminal on a three-hectare property in Aplaya, Batangas City......»»
SMC unit to build P67-b power plant
Excellent Energy Resources Inc., a unit of SMC Global Power Holdings Inc., is building a 1,700-megawatt combined cycle power plant in Barangay Dela Paz and Ilijan in Batangas City with investments of about P67.863 billion......»»
Excelerate to build P11 billion LNG terminal
US-based Excelerate Energy and its local partner Topline Energy and Power Development Corp. plan to spend around P11.1 billion or $230 million for the construction of an open-access liquefied natural gas import terminal in Batangas......»»
Globe Telecom Installing 800 cell sites this year
Globe Telecom Inc. will install at least 800 cell sites in the last three months of 2020 to end the year of its network expansion on a high note. In Metro Manila and Rizal, Globe intends to build at least 319 cell sites and at least 100 in North Luzon, with Bulacan, Pampanga and Pangasinan topping the 15 provinces with the most builds. Cavite, on the other hand, tops the 12 provinces in South Luzon which Globe targets for expansion. The rest include Albay, Batangas, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Quezon, Laguna, Marinduque, Masbate, Occidental Mindoro, Palawan and Romblon. The telco will put up 64 towers and small cell sites in the region. In Visayas, Globe plans on 147 installations in Cebu while builds are also set in Aklan, Antique, Bohol, Capiz, Guimaras, Iloilo, Leyte, Negros Occidental, Siquijor, Samar and Negros Oriental. The telco will build a total of 190 installations in these provinces. Globe will also put up 166 cell sites in Mindanao with Davao Del Sur getting the most number among the 23 provinces and one city covered by its expansion. “Putting up more cell sites expsnds our coverage and gives users better data experience,” according to Joel Agustin, Globe Senior Vice President for Program Delivery, Network Technical Group. “We expect mobile signals to improve moving forward especially in challenged areas. As we increase site density, connectivity will be made available and accessible to more communities,” he added. Using newer technologies like easy macro and small cell sites, Globe will also address the need for more capacity in areas where it can not immediately build towers......»»
CTBEX gets DPWH push
Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. unsolicited proposal to build the P22.43-billion Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway is expected to move forward this year as the Department of Public Works and Highways is working closely with the National Economic and Development Authority to have the project approved within the year......»»
Bagunas begins building dream house for parents
Bryan Bagunas is planning something big for his hard-earned money. While his peers are occupied with their business ventures with the resumption of volleyball events still up in the air because of the health crisis, the national team stalwart is busy with his own project. “As of now wala pa akong binabalak na negosyo kasi magpapatayo ako ng bahay ng parents ko,” Bagunas told ABS-CBN Sports. The former UAAP Most Valuable Player saved some of his earnings as an import for Oita Miyoshi Weiss Adler in the Japan V. Premier League to buy a lot and eventually build a house for his parents in Batangas. “Kakabili ko lang ng lot dun then papatatyuan ko naman sila ng bahay. Yun muna ang unahin ko as of now,” said the 2019 Southeast Asian Games silver medalist and two-time UAAP champion. The pride of Balayan, Batangas bought a 430 sq. meter property where he plans to construct his parents’ house. As of now his parents are still planning on the design and size of the house. “Depende pa sa kanila kung anong gusto nilang design. Sila na mamili para naman sa kanila ‘yun. Ireregalo ko sa kanila,” said Bagunas. He added that once the house design is settled, they can then proceed with the construction. “Hindi pa nasisimulan bale pinag-aaralan pa lang ng tatay ko. Kasi ang tatay ko marunong ding gumawa ng bahay,” said Bagunas. Bagunas is set to fly back to Japan in September to resume training with the Weiss Adler. On Wednesday, Bagunas signed with Spikers’ Turf club team Go for Gold. He cleared that the there’s no conflict of schedule with his league commitments here and in Japan. .....»»
10 things that make Alyssa Valdez phenomenal
Alyssa Valdez has arguably made the biggest impact in Philippine volleyball. Her skills, passion and charisma endeared her to volleyball supporters, purists or casual fans, from all walks of life. She brings energy and leadership to every team that she’s joined. Valdez draws a huge crowd every time she plays. Valdez is the poster girl of the sport that for years struggled to draw mainstream attention in a nation which considers basketball as its biggest sporting event. The 27-year old pride of San Juan, Batangas is the face of local volleyball. So on her birthday today, let’s look at some of the things that makes the Phenom really phenomenal. Two-time UAAP women’s champion Valdez is Ateneo de Manila University’s undisputed Queen Eagle. Talks about the Lady Eagles’ breakthrough championship will not be complete without the mention of her name. After two years of bridesmaid finishes, Ateneo bagged its first-ever UAAP title in 2014 after beating the thrice-to-beat De La Salle University in four games in the Finals despite leading a young band of Lady Eagles playing under the new system of Thai coach Tai Bundit. The following year, Ateneo, with Valdez at the helm, retained its crown in a tournament-sweeping fashion. Three-time UAAP Most Valuable Player Her skills during her collegiate career stood out among her peers. Valdez’s effort was rewarded with three Most Valuable Player awards in Season 76, Season 77 and in her last playing year in Season 78 in 2016. She also pocketed the Season 76 Finals MVP award. Young phenom Valdez didn’t build her reputation overnight. It was her hard work and effort that brought her where she is right now. She was still a diamond in the rough when she was recruited by University of Sto. Tomas in a regional meet. But the Espana-based squad polished Valdez into a real gem of a player. Valdez, backed by a powerful lineup that featured the likes of Kim Fajardo and Jaja Santiago, won three straight UAAP girls’ titles and in the process collected three season MVPs. She was also named UAAP high school athlete of the year twice. National team mainstay With her talents, dedication and good work ethics, Valdez has been a mainstay with the national team. Her first tour of duty was in 2008 when she represented the country in the Asian Youth Championship held in Pasig City. She joined the PHI Team in the 2014 FIVB Southeast Asian Zone qualifier in Vietnam. In 2015, she donned the tricolors for the Asian U-23 Championship and on the same year saw action in the country’s return in the Southeast Asian Games in Singapore after a decade of absence. Since then Valdez participated in the 2017 Kuala Lumpur and 2019 Manila SEA Games. She also took part in the 2017 Asian Senior Women’s Championship and the 2018 Jakarta Asian Games. 2015 SEA Games flagbearer Valdez also carries the honor as being the first-ever volleyball player to become the PHI flag-bearer in the SEA Games. She marched holding the national color in front of Team Philippines during the traditional parade of nations inside the OCBC Arena in the 2015 Singapore SEA Games. Accomplished commercial league star She has been collecting commercial league titles since high school starting from the Shakey’s Girls Volleyball League. Valdez was also successful in the different conferences of the defunct V-League, racking up championships and individual accolades. In the Premier Volleyball League, she powered Creamline to three titles including a sweep of the Season 2 Reinforced and Open Conferences in 2018. She won three conference MVP awards. Import abroad International leagues took notice of Valdez’s talents and charm so it’s not surprising that she landed offers to play abroad. Valdez played as an import in Thailand for 3BB Nakornnont from 2016 to 2017. After her stint in Thailand, Valdez flew to Taiwan to play for Attack Line. Host, Actress, TV personality Valdez is a regular fixture in different sports shows in ABS-CBN S+A. She’s a host, courtside reporter and a game analyst. Valdez also had a few showbiz stints. She appeared in some Kapamilya teleserye including a cameo in ‘And I Love You So’ in 2016 alongside Julia Barretto and Miles Ocampo and in the movie ‘My Letters to Happy’ with by TJ Trinidad and Glaiza De Castro. Aside from her TV and movie career, Valdez is also one of the most recognizable athlete product endorsers. Social media influencer She is also one of the most popular Filipino athlete on social media. As of posting, Valdez has 1.9 million Twitter followers, 1.3 million followers on Instagram and her YouTube channel has more than 76,000 subscribers. Featured in the Olympics Channel website While the likes of Sisi Rondina, Jaja Santiago and Bryan Bagunas were featured in the FIVB website, Valdez’s impact on Philippine Volleyball was highlighted in a feature article in no less than the Olympic Channel website. The article touched about her humble beginnings to her meteoric rise and why she is regarded as the nation’s brightest star in the sport. These are just some of the things take make Valdez a true pride of our nation in the sport Happy birthday, Alyssa!.....»»
3 suspected rebels killed in clash in Philippines Batangas
MANILA, March 26 (Xinhua) -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. The troops recovered three rifles, six jungle packs, and some mater.....»»
Xinhua world news summary at 1530 GMT, March 26
MANILA -- Three suspected rebels were killed in a clash with government forces in Batangas province, south of Manila, on Tuesday, the Philippine military said. The military said a 30-minute gunfight broke out around 6:30 a.m. local time after the troops ran into a group of New People's Army (NPA) rebels in Rosario town. (Philippines-Clash) - - - - BEIRUT -- Two people were killed and nine other civ.....»»
Filinvest Invests P16B in Ciudad BTO Project
The development of Ciudad will finally be realized after the Province of Cebu turned over Friday a parcel of the property to homegrown developer Filinvest Land, Inc. (FLI) through a build-transfer-operate (BTO) engagement. Cebu Gov. Gwendolyn Garcia and Tristan Las Marias, FLI president and CEO, formally kicked off the project in simple ceremonies onsite on […].....»»
Marcos admin eyes building 20 new dams by 2028
To meet the country’s growing demand for water and power, the government is eyeing to build 20 medium and three to five large dams by 2028, the end of President Marcos’ term, according to National Irrigation Administration head Eduardo Guillen......»»
Dusit Thani, Sheraton to build hotels in Cagayan de Oro
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) — Two international hotel chains — Sheraton and Dusit Thani – are set to build hotels in this city, the third in Mindanao for Dusit Thani and the first in Mindanao for Sheraton. Dusit Thani operates two in the Davao region – Dusit Thani Residence Davao in Davao […].....»»
Diageo taps K-pop star Suho to promote responsible drinking
Diageo Philippines announced the launch of a new regional responsible drinking campaign in Asia Pacific with Suho of K-Pop boy group EXO, to promote responsible and moderate alcohol consumption......»»
D& L central hub in Batangas gets LEED gold seal
D&L Industries Inc. has secured a gold Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) certification for its newly operational plant in Batangas......»»
Taal Volcano back to spewing high-volume of toxic gas
LUCENA CITY, Philippines – After spewing lower volumes of sulfur dioxide (SO2) for the past five days, Taal Volcano in Batangas province again emitted a high level of toxic gas on Saturday, March 23. A total of 14,287 metric tons (MT) of SO2 from Taal’s main crater was measured over the past 24 hours and.....»»