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Leviste’s RE firm expands land assets
SP New Energy Corp., along with its subsidiaries, has secured more than 4,000 hectares of land in Nueva Ecija, Bulacan, Tarlac, and Batangas provinces. These lands will be utilized for the development of the company's large-scale renewable energy projects. In a stock report on Wednesday, SPNEC said over 3,000 hectares of the assets were secured through deeds of sale or contracts to sell and over 1,000 hectares through contracts to lease. SPNEC noted that more than 2,000 hectares of the company's land assets have already received approval for conversion to industrial use. “We thank all who have helped us grow SPNEC’s assets, from its initial 352 hectares to over 4000 hectares, and from a single project to a portfolio of projects operating, under construction, and development,” Solar Philippines founder Leandro Leviste said. “It is time for us to build upon what we have so far, and work on turning these hectares into megawatts,” he added. Expanding its total land bank is part of SPNEC’s ongoing consolidation of projects with Solar Philippines Power Project Holdings, Inc. or SP. It can be recalled that in May, SPNEC entered into a contract to acquire shares of SP in various entities using the proceeds of SP’s subscription of 24.37305 billion shares of SPNEC. The move was implemented after the Securities and Exchange Commission approved SPNEC’s increase in authorized capital stock last 1 June 2023. Following these developments, SPNEC’s assets now include over 400 MW of projects operating or under construction. SP is also transferring to SPNEC contracts and permits to support its projects, some of which it has been developing since 2016. It is also preparing various share sales to support these developments and increase its public float. The post Leviste’s RE firm expands land assets appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Aboitiz Construction kicks off expansion works for Monde Nissin’s bakery plant in Davao City
Aboitiz Construction sealed another project for Monde Nissin Corporation (MNC) which involves the construction of nine ancillary structures and external works for the food company’s expanded bakery plant in Brgy. Ilang, Davao City. This project is poised to improve MNC’s facilities, strengthening their commitment to enhancing food security in the region and providing local job opportunities. For completion next year, Aboitiz Construction will spearhead a wide array of tasks, encompassing earthworks, structural, and architectural works to build the ancillary structures. Simultaneously, the external works include civil works, site development, and the building of roads and drainages. The establishment of the new facilities will help strengthen MNC’s sustainability commitment to making eco-efficiency possible and making better food accessible to their consumers. Integral to this project is Aboitiz Construction's ongoing involvement with MNC in site and foundation works, a contract secured in June 2023. This phase includes various site development activities covering an expansive area of over 18,000 square meters, preparing the ground for the bakery plant's expansion. “We are very thrilled to start a new construction project with Monde Nissin Corporation, one of our valued repeat clients. This collaboration stands as a testament to the trust and confidence they have in our capabilities. As we embark on this journey, we will ensure to bring our expertise, dedication, and teamwork to the forefront once again,” said Aboitiz Construction Vice President for Business Development Construction Levi Agoncillo. True to its commitment to providing jobs for many Filipinos, the team plans to hire nearly 100 skilled workers, with an emphasis on employing local talents. Aboitiz Construction has been enhancing its expertise in light industries. Currently, the company is actively engaged in a land development project for LIMA Estate, covering 72.2 hectares in Batangas, showcasing its commitment to excellence and growth in the construction sector. The post Aboitiz Construction kicks off expansion works for Monde Nissin’s bakery plant in Davao City appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Quick takes from around the market
AbaCore announced that it has terminated the memorandum of agreement with Greenergy to build a massive food terminal and logistics center in Batangas......»»
BoI grants towers green lane access
Deals involving 6,400 shared passive telecommunications towers nationwide by 2030, which will require an investment that will provide thousands of jobs to Filipinos in the telecom industry, will be fast-tracked following the approval of its green lane application by the Board of Investment. On Wednesday, the BoI provided the green lane endorsement to the Common Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure Project of EdgePoint Tower Inc. BoI Governor Marjorie Ramos-Samaniego awarded the certificate of endorsement to EdgePoint Tower representatives headed by its chief financial officer Vicente Francisco Araña at the BoI Main Office in Makati City last 18 September 2023. EdgePoint Tower Inc. is eyeing to build and lease towers for telecommunications and digital services providers in the Philippines, a P50-billion telco infrastructure project that is expected to generate around 9,700 jobs. Aligned with the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2023’s goal of expanding and upgrading infrastructure, the project shall support the government’s initiative to enhance telecommunications services nationwide and increase connectivity, mobile network access, and Internet penetration in unserved and underserved regions of the country. The BoI added the project will provide access to the essential telecommunications infrastructure to enhance mobile telecommunications services and create a level playing field among new and existing Mobile Network Operators. Telecom infra levels up “Through continuous innovation and the use of the latest technology, the project aims to elevate the methods by which telecommunication infrastructure is developed, operated, and maintained in the Philippines. It will optimize tower design to use fewer materials and will begin using indigenous materials to replace steel elements. To lower its carbon impact, the project will promote the use of renewable energy to power telecommunications infrastructure installations,” the BoI statement said. The BoI One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments will monitor the actions taken by concerned government agencies on Edgepoint’s applications for permits and licenses and will submit a report to the Office of the President accordingly. Telco infrastructure is one of the priority sectors of the BoI alongside EVs, smart/high-tech lighting manufacturing, outsourced semiconductor assembly and test, green metals, high-tech agriculture, renewable energy, and data centers. Aside from generating more jobs for Filipinos, the project will strengthen the country’s telecommunications landscape and provide high-speed Internet connectivity to various areas. The post BoI grants towers green lane access appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New mission: BuCor reform
Following his tenure as chief of staff in the Armed Forces of the Philippines in 2015, retired four-star General Gregorio Pio Catapang chose to settle in Pampanga. Here, he embraced a simpler life as a farmer, relishing in the delights of native chicken, fresh produce, and the serene natural surroundings. “I am an environmentalist, so I decided to stay in Arayat, Pampanga, to be a farmer upon my retirement in October 2015, and I prayed, ‘Lord, it has been mission accomplished, so give me a new mission,’” Catapang narrated. The former military chief, the AFP’s 45th from July 2014 to 2015, is not a stranger to close encounters with mortality. Throughout his extensive service in the Philippine Army, from graduating from the Philippine Military Academy in 1981, he has endured several clashes with enemies, even more than one could count with the fingers. He held major positions in the AFP as commander of the 2nd Infantry Division — the Army’s largest unit, 7th Infantry (Kaugnay) Division, 703 Infantry Brigade, and 28th Infantry Brigade, among others. He also served as the Deputy Chief of Staff for Operations, J3, of the Armed Forces of the Philippines. His rise to prominence was not without hitches because he barely survived nine brushes with death. His strong faith in the Lord enabled him to be alive today. “The first incident that I encountered that almost ended my life was when I fell from the second floor of our house when I was just a kid; the second was when I was in the field where a provincial bus liner rammed the car I was in,” Catapang said. He was airlifted from Basa Airbase to V. Luna General Hospital and eventually transferred to Quezon City Medical City as he continued to bleed due to his severe injuries. “The doctor told me not to sleep because I might turn into a coma. So I fight on as the doctors continue to treat me,” he added. While still recovering, with his facial wounds still not yet fully healed, he was called by his commander to report back to work. “Nakangiwi pa ako dahil sa sugat (I was still grimacing in pain), but as a soldier, I followed the order, and that was then I realized that he was teaching me how to become chief of staff,” Catapang said, adding that as a good soldier, he had to endure the pain. He recalled that a chopper ride in the mountains of Cagayan also nearly took his life as it flew at 1,000 feet and traveled 18 knots. “The chopper is already old. I just have to make the sign of the cross as the chopper made a low-altitude flight due to poor visibility. We plunged downward, and I thought it was the end for me. But thankfully, the chopper normalized, and we safely landed,” he said. While in a restaurant in Angeles, Pampanga, Catapang said he was informed that NPA (New People’s Army) rebels would ambush him. “We ate at a chicken restaurant in Angeles and received information that I would be ambushed on returning to our camp. It was retaliation for the death of eight commanders of the NPA after movement patterns were detected based on information from barangay chairpersons,” he said. He cannot forget, too, that during the Pinatubo eruption in 1991, the roof of the building they were occupying collapsed due to the accumulated volcanic ash. Catapang, named after two generals — Gregorio del Pilar and Pio del Pilar — led his soldiers in helping the indigenous peoples in the area, giving them food, clothing, and other necessities. “The natives very loved us because of that,” he added. He said he is thankful to have emerged victorious and alive from the all-out war against Muslim secessionists in Mindanao. It almost ended his life, but he survived with solid faith in the Lord. Throughout his life, he consistently believed that prayers are always answered, particularly when reciting the rosary. Proof was when he fervently prayed to the Lord to allow him to marry his first girlfriend, and his request was granted. He married Maria Lourdes and has three children. Catapang’s early life lacked the excitement it later encompassed. He was a typical teenager. He attended high school at the Claret School of Quezon City. Shortly after graduating from PMA, he pursued graduate courses at the University of the Philippines. He is the second of four children of Gregorio Catapang Sr., a lawyer for the Securities and Exchange Commission, and Lourdes Punzalan, an accountant at the Department of Finance, from whom he learned the value of public service. As a military officer, Catapang rallied the troops to strictly adhere to the AFP’s slogan of “Kawal DISIPLINADO, bawal ABUSADO, dapat ASINTADO” — three key words that spell out the Do’s and DON’T’s to become proficient in fire and maneuver and avoid collateral damage; be respectful of human rights, adhere to international humanitarian law and the rule of law, and the rules of engagement. Catapang moved on with his career and retirement life, carrying an excellent performance standard, exemplary leadership and a keen vision. Answered post-retirement prayer After retiring from active military service spanning 34 years, he received a divine blessing through a new mission. Following seven years of working as a farmer, he experienced a life-altering moment on the evening of October 19, 2021. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin “Boying” Remulla gave him an offer to lead the Bureau of Corrections. Unaware of the challenges that awaited him within the BuCor, especially at the New Bilibid Prison, he accepted the offer. It was only later that he discovered the appalling issues of corruption among the prison staff and the dire condition of the overcrowded facilities. Under the guidance of Secretary Remulla, Catapang’s mission to reform the BuCor is yielding positive results. They are actively organizing culminating activities to release eligible individuals who have been deprived of their liberty. To alleviate the overcrowding in the jail facilities, the BuCor is actively organizing and implementing various reforms. The main goal is to transfer all persons deprived of liberty from the maximum security compound of the NBP to new facilities outside of Metro Manila. Catapang is confident plans will come to fruition, as they have already presented their long-term reform plan to President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. for approval. “At present, the reformation of BuCor is in full swing. I am confident we will accomplish and make things happen,” he said. The NBP, he said, is undergoing a significant transformation. The plan is to shut down the NBP in Muntinlupa and repurpose the area into a new business district similar to Bonifacio Global City in the southern part of Metro Manila. Explaining the reason behind the decision, he said high-end residential communities surround the current location of the NBP in Muntinlupa. To align with the surrounding environment, the intention is to close down the NBP and relocate all inmates to regional jail facilities nationwide. Catapang shared plans to dedicate eight hectares of land within the NBP to improve the living conditions of the settlers and provide them with opportunities for reintegration into society. “We will build condominium units for the settlers at the NBP, complete with amenities like a swimming pool, multipurpose facilities, and the like. Repair of residential houses is no longer possible, including power lines, so we decided to allocate the lands for them,” he added. The government will optimally use the land area by developing it into a business and government center, aligning with the DoJ’s plan. To support the food security initiatives of the President, he said they have already started the cultivation of approximately 10 hectares of land at the Iwahig Penal Colony. The aim is to grow rice and high-yield crops, contributing to the government’s long-term food security plans. “Hopefully, this will be done also to other penal farms of BuCor because we have ample lands for cultivation,” Catapang said. For the BuCor Director General who refused to be defined by limitations and setbacks, the relentless spirit and passion for reforms radiate triumphs against the most formidable odds. The post New mission: BuCor reform 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......»»
Fashion seeks dedicated followers with influence online
Once kept firmly at arm's length by the fashion world, influencers are now courted alongside big celebrity names by emerging talents keen to leverage their millions of online followers. "Influencers will have a leading role in building the legitimacy of creators," Delphine Dion, professor at France's ESSEC Business School, told AFP. "It is thanks to them that many designers will manage to break through." The cream of TikTok and Instagram flocked to Masha Popova's show on Sunday as part of London Fashion Week. The young Ukrainian designer counted TikTok superstar Abby Roberts, who has more than 16 million followers, among her guests. "I was in the front row with six other influencers, so I think we are doing well," said TikTok, Instagram and YouTube content creator Emma Winder after the show. Avant-garde To be a fashion influencer who matters, you first have to be "trusted by the big names" in the industry, said Dion. Next you can build a name for yourself as someone with "extremely cutting-edge tastes who can help new fashion players emerge". "It's exactly like the avant-garde dynamics you get in art. You look for the very niche to show you are even more fashionable than the rest," she added. The phenomenon is particularly visible on the catwalks at London Fashion Week, known worldwide for giving emerging talents a platform. Fashionable influencers and stars such as Zendaya, Billie Eilish, Hailey Bieber or Kylie Jenner have been seen wearing outfits by the new generation of designers including Masha Popova, Di Petsa, Chet Lo, Feben, or Yuhan Wang. 'Instant reaction' It's a win-win situation for influencers as it's now much "cooler" to wear clothes by young designers than a luxury brand, said Elizabeth Stiles, a consultant for fashion brands. And from the designer's point of view, it's "definitely faster to grow your brand through social media just through the way it works", she said. When an influencer posts content "you get an instant reaction, versus magazines where even on-line, it still takes time to write that article and upload it and maybe go through an approval process as well with an editor", she added. Social media content creators can also benefit from a good engagement rate, which measures how well their posts interact with their community. An influencer with a high engagement rate posting a photo, dressed by a young label, is more likely to generate sales for the brand. 'Everyone welcome'? Competition between traditional media -- including specialist fashion magazines -- and former fashion bloggers who are now influencers on TikTok, Instagram or YouTube is not new. The influential British journalist Susie Lau began with her fashion blog "Style Bubble" in 2006. Now she writes notably for the British magazine Pop and The Business of Fashion and is also followed by nearly 700,000 people on Instagram. In an article published in Grazia in 2017 titled "Everyone should be welcome in fashion", she said she regretted the "negative connotations" that had attached themselves to fashion bloggers, influencers and content creators. Even as recently as February, she denounced the "gall of most print media" who still in 2023 sneered at influencers. This, she said, was "hilarious, considering how many have adopted social media modus operandi". The post Fashion seeks dedicated followers with influence online appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Batangas LGU takes first step toward ‘smart city’vision
The municipality of San Juan took its first to transforming itself into Batangas province’s first smart city by retrofitting its municipal building with cutting-edge PLDT Enterprise connectivity and Internet of Things solutions to provide more effective and improved services to its constituents. San Juan Mayor Ildebrando D. Salud commented, “We will be able to better serve our constituents, communicate with them, and collaborate with each other more effectively with the help of this digital infrastructure. We are thankful for the partnership we have with PLDT Enterprise, which has helped us get closer to becoming a Smart City. This allows our community to be more digitally inclusive, fostering a sustainable and progressive environment for all.” A first-class municipality in the province of Batangas, San Juan is making significant strides in constructing a smart city utilizing critical technologies to improve the community’s liveability, workability and sustainability. Structured Cabling, iGate, PABX, SIP Trunks and CCTV are among the PLDT Enterprise solutions found in the new municipal building enabling the LGU’s offices, management, and staff with faster communications and efficient work operations from its centralized voice and data services which have been strategically implemented. According to William Batac, Enterprise Revenue Group head at PLDT Enterprise, “Data is the backbone in building Smart Cities.” The Municipal Government of San Juan can efficiently capture, integrate, and manage data by utilizing the dependable and cutting-edge technologies offered by PLDT Enterprise, which will ultimately lead to an improvement in the quality of life for its citizens. All offices, including the Command Center, are interconnected by the PLDT Enterprise PABX and SIP Trunks, resulting in streamlined communication channels. The Municipal Government of San Juan, Batangas is also implementing a new hotline, #043-SAN JUAN (726 5826), as part of their transformation process to better serve its constituents. In addition, the municipality has access to a single, centralized source of shared information from PLDT Enterprise’s data services. This makes it easier for departments to work together and allow the flow of data become more efficient, both of which improve service delivery. According to Anthony Fernandez, AVP and head of Luzon LGU CRM at PLDT Enterprise, “The digital transformation of the Municipal Government of San Juan, Batangas highlights its commitment to innovation, providing cutting-edge services to its constituents.” PLDT Enterprise is pleased to be the preferred partner in meeting San Juan’s advanced requirements, ensuring that the district has reliable equipment and solutions to better serve its residents. The significance of public-private partnerships in driving digital transformation at the local government level is demonstrated by the collaboration between San Juan, Batangas and PLDT Enterprise. Municipalities can benefit from PLDT Enterprise’s expertise and cutting-edge technologies through such partnerships to build a city that is more connected and responsive. PLDT Enterprise continues to assist local governments in their digital transformation efforts, enabling them to provide better services, encourage economic growth, and improve community opportunities. The post Batangas LGU takes first step toward ‘smart city’vision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Super Health Center breaks ground in Lian; Bong Go lauds DOH, local gov’t
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Health and Demography, commended the Department of Health and the local government of Lian, Batangas for the groundbreaking of its Super Health Center on Thursday, 31 August. The groundbreaking was also supported by local officials, including Gov. Hermilando Mandanas, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Mayor Joseph Peji, and Vice Mayor Ronin Leviste. In a video message, Go said the groundbreaking marked a significant step towards bringing quality government medical services closer to Filipinos and strengthening the nation's healthcare system. “Ito po ay isang makabuluhang pagkakataon upang ipahayag ang aking lubos na pagpupugay sa inyong lokal na pamahalaan sa pag-usbong ng Super Health Center dito sa inyong bayan,” said Go. “Ito ay isang malaking hakbang para mapalapit ang gobyerno sa mga Pilipino, lalo na sa mga nangangailangan ng serbisyong medikal. Sa pamamagitan ng Super Health Center, magiging accessible sa inyong komunidad ang primary care, free consultation at early detection ng sakit para maiwasang lumubha pa ito,” he continued. Go, an adopted son of CALABARZON with familial roots in Batangas and Davao, also continues to support the construction of more Super Health Centers in the province. Under the 2022 national budget, Super Health Centers in the province were funded in San Pascual, Agoncillo, Calatagan, Lipa City, Malvar, and Taysan, aside from the one in Ibaan. In 2023, more centers were identified to be established in the towns of San Juan, Tingloy, Lian, and San Jose. In addition, two more Super Health Centers were funded in Lipa City. These centers will 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 centers; and telemedicine, which makes remote diagnosis and treatment of patients possible. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, enough funds have been allocated to build 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. DOH, which is the lead agency in implementing the program, identifies the strategic locations for the construction of these centers. Go also emphasized the importance of strengthening the nation's healthcare system, highlighting the lessons learned from the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. "Napagtanto natin sa mga pagsubok na dala ng pandemyang COVID-19 ang kahalagahan ng malakas at handang healthcare system. Kailangan nating ituloy ang paglalagay ng pondo sa ating healthcare infrastructure upang masiguro na may access ang bawat Pilipino sa dekalidad na serbisyong pangkalusugan." he asserted. The Super Health Center in Lian, Batangas, is just one of many initiatives spearheaded by Go to improve healthcare accessibility in the country as he also remains supportive of the continued operations of Malasakit Centers and the establishment of regional specialty centers nationwide. Go also offered to help those with medical concerns. The senator encouraged the public to visit Batangas Provincial Hospital in Lemery and Batangas Medical Center in Batangas City where there are Malasakit Centers ready to assist with their medical-related expenses. The Malasakit Centers Act of 2019 was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463, which Go principally authored and sponsored in the Senate. The Act aims to provide convenient assistance to indigent patients and help them with their hospital bills and other health-related expenses. To date, there are 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Go also proudly cited the enactment of RA 11959, also known as the Regional Specialty Centers Act. He played a pivotal role in principally sponsoring and authoring this legislation in the Senate, which was recently signed into law by President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on 24 August. The Regional Specialty Centers Act mandates the establishment of specialized healthcare centers within the existing DOH regional hospitals. On the same day, the Super Health Center in Calatagan was inaugurated. The post Super Health Center breaks ground in Lian; Bong Go lauds DOH, local gov’t appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
National honors conferred on scientist, more R& D needed in healthcare says PBBM
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Thursday emphasized the importance of research and development (R&D) in healthcare, saying that the country must be able to develop its own solutions to the health challenges it faces. In a speech during the Conferment of the Order of National Scientists and the Presidential Medal of Merit, Marcos said that the Philippines needs to invest more in R&D to develop new drugs, vaccines, and other medical technologies tailored explicitly to Filipinos' needs. "This R&D is important not only in healthcare but in all sectors of our economy, our society – they should be given attention," Marcos said. He noted that research and development are crucial for the Philippines to be able to face future challenges, such as new diseases and the increasing prevalence of chronic illnesses. "We cannot just wait for other countries to develop solutions to these problems," Marcos said. "We need to be proactive and develop our own technologies and products that are specifically tailored to the needs of Filipinos." Marcos also called on the government and the private sector to work together to support research and development in the Philippines. "We need to pool our resources and create a more conducive environment for research and development to thrive," Marcos said. "By working together, we can make the Philippines a global leader in research and development." During the ceremony, Marcos also presented awards to two outstanding public servants: Dr. Carmencita Padilla and Assistant Secretary Ceferino S. Gepty. Marcos conferred the Order of National Scientist on Dr. Padilla for their outstanding service to the country and the Filipino people. Meanwhile, Gepty received the Presidential Medal of Merit for his meritorious achievements and services. Padilla's noteworthy research into national initiatives concerning newborn screening served as the foundation for the passing of the Republic Act (RA) 9288, also known as the Newborn Screening Act of 2004. Currently, the implementation of newborn screening is carried out across more than 7,400 healthcare facilities in the nation. This initiative has played a critical role in preventing mental disabilities and fatalities among infants. Padilla's most recent significant contribution involves the establishment of the PGC, a multidisciplinary institution aimed at integrating fundamental and practical research for advancements in health diagnostics, therapeutic treatments, DNA forensics, preventive solutions, and the enhancement of agricultural crop varieties within the country. Due to her accomplishments, the National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) recommended honoring Padilla with an award. Her achievements have not only brought distinction and accolades to the Philippine scientific community but have also garnered recognition at the national level. Meanwhile, Gepty currently works within the Industry Development and Trade Policy Group of the Department of Trade and Investment. This group is tasked with promoting investments in key areas related to the agency's trade and industry development efforts. He played a vital part in ensuring the approval of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), acknowledged as the most extensive international trade agreement globally. Marcos praised Gepty's role as the principal trade negotiator for the country in the RCEP. His efforts significantly contributed to the eventual endorsement of this expansive trade agreement, anticipated to create new prospects for both Filipinos and Philippine businesses. Marcos praised both Dr. Padilla and Assistant Secretary Gepty for their outstanding service to the country. He said that they are examples of the kind of public servants that the Philippines needs to build a stronger and more prosperous future. The post National honors conferred on scientist, more R&D needed in healthcare says PBBM appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MPTC, SMC forges historic P72-B toll road deal
Two industry powerhouses—Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC and San Miguel Corp. or SMC—are set to jointly develop two toll road projects with a combined cost of P72 billion that would further ease mobility in Southern Luzon. The companies signed a Memorandum of Agreement last Monday, 14 August, where they formalized their bid to design, build and operate the 87.96-kilometer Cavite-Batangas Expressway or CBEX and Nasugbu-Bauan Expressway or NBEX. According to SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang, the partnership is a “historic collaboration” that will deliver world-class road networks for Filipinos. “This collaboration stands as a testament to what we can achieve when we are united in purpose,” Ang said. Meanwhile, MPTC Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said: “Together with SMC, we envisage a future where our CBEX and NBEX can help pave the way for connectivity and economic growth in the CALABARZON region.” The CBEX is a 27.06-kilometer road that will establish a crucial link connecting CALAX’s Silang (Aguinaldo) Interchange to Batangas, Meanwhile, the 60.90-kilometer NBEX will provide seamless connectivity from Nasugbu to Bauan, Batangas. The route will traverse the townships of Silang, Amadeo, Tagaytay, Indang, Mendez, and Alfonso in Cavite before crossing into Nasugbu and finally reaching Bauan, Batangas. The groundbreaking of CBEX is scheduled for 2024, while NBEX is likely to be complete and open to the motoring public by 2027. In 2018, MPTC presented a proposal for the 50.4-kilometer Cavite-Tagaytay-Batangas Expressway project to the Department of Public Works and Highways and was granted the original proponent status. Similarly, SMC's unsolicited proposal for the CBEX and NBEX was approved by the Cavite and Batangas government. Both projects share the common goal of connecting the provinces of Cavite and Batangas through Tagaytay City and MPTC and SMC have come together as partners in this significant venture. The post MPTC, SMC forges historic P72-B toll road deal appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Newly formed developer plans vacation home project, targets passive earners
Havitas Properties, a newly established developer founded by real estate veterans, is planning to build its first project—an income-generating vacation home in Talisay, Batangas. The project, dubbed AYA HILLS, will be a community of vacation homes targeted to serve the market demand of property investors looking for passive income opportunities. The project will be launched in the last quarter of the year. “Given our wide and complementary fields of expertise, we can look at a potential project from distinct angles and come up with a market-leading development strategy,” Havitas Properties chairman Alejandro S. Mañalac said at a press briefing on Tuesday. “We saw this property with a commanding view of Taal Lake and immediately realized that we could come up with a unique product, a lifestyle-oriented development of uniquely-designed vacation or staycation homes, with strong income potential from rentals”, he added. The founders of the company consist of past and present top executives from leading real estate developers in the Philippines. Havitas Properties was established by real estate veterans Mañalac, Jonathan F. Caro, Erwin M. de Pedro & David L. Rafael, fresh from the success of their real estate development consultancy firm, Havitas Developments. Michael Tan, director of LT Group and president of Asia Brewery, also has a personal investment in the company. Additionally, the team includes Robin H. Karlsen, who possesses broad market experience in land acquisitions for international real estate developers. The post Newly formed developer plans vacation home project, targets passive earners appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Reclamation opposition, misplaced and misleading
In what appears to be a move that might be viewed as laced with political undertones given the US’ ongoing conflict with China, or at best a misplaced and misleading concern, the US Embassy thru its spokesman issued a media statement stating: “We have expressed concerns about the long-term negative and irreversible impacts to the environment, the resilience to the natural hazards of Manila and nearby areas, and to commerce.” “We are also concerned that the projects have ties with the China Communications Construction Co. or CCCC, which has been added to the US Department of Commerce’s Entity List for its role in helping the Chinese build and militarize artificial islands in the South China Sea.” The US Embassy communication reminded of the World Bank’s 8-year debarment of CCCC’s predecessor of its funded roads project improvement in the Philippines. There are presently six approved reclamation projects by the Philippine Reclamation Authority, i.e. Horizon Manila (Manila), Manila Waterfront City (Manila), the Navotas City Coastal Bay Reclamation Project, Pasay Harbor Reclamation Project, 360-Pasay Reclamation Project. Curiously, the US Embassy is zeroing in on the Manila Waterfront City simply because the Gatchalian family that runs it has for its business partner the China Communications Construction Co. What do the experts have to say about the environmental concerns on reclamation projects? As early as 2013, the renowned Filipino architect and urban development planner Felino “Jun” Palafox, debunked fears about reclamation projects, particularly on their effect on the environment. Palafox shrugged off criticisms that a reclamation project in Manila Bay would place Manila more vulnerable to storm surges. Palafox, who designed two reclamation mega projects in Dubai, the Palm Islands Resorts and Map of the World, which are both acknowledged architectural wonders and tourist destinations, said that a reclamation project is OK provided “it is planned, designed, engineered, and implemented properly.” He pointed out that reclamation projects have been done in many parts of the world but there were no environmental impacts on the communities. He cited the example of Singapore, recalling: “Like Singapore, it used to be 65,000 hectares. They reclaimed 6,000 ha, so (it’s now) 71,000 ha. But they did it properly.” He added experiences in Dubai. Hongkong and the Netherlands showed that those fears of reclamations are unfounded. Palafox also pointed out that reclaimed land may be designed as a natural barrier against tidal waves. He also explained that concerns about the environment and the economy could be addressed simultaneously through thorough planning, citing the example of Dubai. “Dubai was able to expand its waterfront from 70 kilometers to 2,000 kilometers through reclamation. The Philippines has the longest waterfront but we don’t use our waterfronts properly.” Another expert on the matter, a former official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau Leo Jasareno, expressed support in 2013 for a plan of the late Mayor Alfredo Lim to build a reclamation in a portion of the Manila Bay. He cited two airports built on reclaimed lands, the Singapore Changi Airport and the Hongkong Airport. He dispelled apprehensions that reclamation will cause flooding. He cited a study by the University of the Philippines National Institute of Geological Science. “Studies show that some parts of Manila experienced land subsidence due to over extraction of groundwater as water from wells. Sea levels will continue to rise due to global warming. The land is sinking while the sea level continues to rise.” Palafox agreed with Jasareno saying that: “If done properly, it is the solution to flooding in Metro Manila, it is the solution to tsunami; solution to storm surges, solution to (producing) prime land.” Jasareno likewise said then that reclamation “could be Manila’s defense against climate change. Reclamation is a normal development option and can be good if properly engineered and the drainage system (is) properly installed.” In a statement, the Gatchalian family said that their company is compliant with all government regulations which is precisely why it has been given, like the others, the approval to proceed with the reclamation by the Philippine Port Authority. As regards the CCCC, the regulating agency is aware of its participation in the reclamation project and it must have exercised due diligence on the matter. Suddenly just because the US has raised concerns, which, evidently, are misplaced and misleading, given the expert opinions of those knowledgeable on the subject plus the favorable experiences of other countries with their reclamations, some eager beaver officials of the government are making noise about it and have expressed intentions of investigating while subtly implying irregularities in the approval of the reclamation projects. Another opportunity for self-projection and publicity for them. A nasty and odorous habit they can’t escape from. The post Reclamation opposition, misplaced and misleading appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bagong Pilipinas
I attended the President’s second State of the Nation Address and I genuinely enjoyed it. Compared to the first one, this was concise and measurable. It exhibited better grasp of the insurmountable task at hand. Compared to his predecessor, this was delivered professionally, as if before a global audience. The President did not even need to drink an ounce of water. The lighting on the rostrum added drama to the speech. There were no videos played during the SoNA, focusing more attention on the content of the speech itself. The Cabinet secretaries in attendance were the only persons identified in the speech. When he entered the Plenary Hall, there was minimal fanfare as the attendees stood patiently as he made his way to the front, except for one female representative who had the gall to take a selfie. If we may recall, during the SoNAs of former president Rodrigo Duterte, public officials would crowd around him as if he were a rock star. This time, the officials stayed in their assigned areas. I learned from a friend in Malacañang that the speech was dictated by the President himself and transcribed by assistants. It was later fine-tuned by a single writer to make it concise and coherent, then reviewed and finalized by the President. The speech touched on all areas of importance. There were no surprises, which should be just right for a presidential speech. Among the items mentioned, I particularly liked the following: He made mention of the revision of several laws, including the Fisheries Code and the Cooperative Code. This showed his sympathy for the majority of Filipinos. As for the economy, he emphasized the need for more tax reforms, a continuation of the Duterte administration’s TRAIN laws. I was keenly interested in the revision of the Procurement Act considering that Finance Secretary Ben Diokno was among those who helped draft the Procurement Act that we have today. A new Auditing Code would likewise be beneficial, as it would arm CoA Chairman Liel Cordoba to better assess the performance of government offices. The “Build, Better, More” Infrastructure Program, the sequel to President Duterte’s “Build, Build, Build” Program, was highlighted to show how it would improve the economy. He mentioned the Luzon Spine Road that would reduce travel time from 20 hours to nine hours, as the construction of 12 major bridges, including the 32-km Bataan-Cavite Bridge, the 32-km Panay-Guimaras-Negros Bridge, and the Davao-Samal Bridge. What took center stage was the approval of the Maharlika Investment Fund which would serve as the investment vehicle to propel our economy forward. He assured the appointment of credible officials proficient in fund management and said that other countries with sovereign funds were interested in investing right about now. There were several other items that I will mention in the succeeding articles. But what was most distinct was how the President ended his speech. He repeated, but improved, his soundbite from last year: “The State of the Nation is sound and it is improving.” Then he launched his platform, “Dumating na po ang Bagong Pilipinas.” We are all hopeful for this, and we support you, President Marcos. *** For comments, email him at darren.dejesus@gmail.com The post Bagong Pilipinas appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI-UNIDO, innovation leaders gather to advance Industry 4.0 agenda
In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry Competitiveness and Innovation Group and with support from the Korean International Cooperation Agency, the United Nations Industrial Development Organization spearheaded the Policy Forum on the Advancement of Industry 4.0 and Digital Transformation of Industries in the Philippines on 21 July 2023 at the Makati Diamond Residences, gathering around 50 innovation leaders from the government, private sector, academe and development partners. The forum fostered an open dialogue with industry experts through a panel discussion. DTI CIG Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba underscored the Philippines' exceptional proficiency in services and highlighted the potential of Industry 4.0 technologies in further enhancing this aspect, “We can link our services with manufacturing, agriculture and others, especially with the presence of these new technologies which would really require a lot of digital skills, software applications development, etc. These are things and areas that the Philippines has a comparative advantage,” she emphasized. The panelists aligned with this perspective as they shed light on how I4.0 continuously shapes society. Arnel Cabungcal, assistant vice president for manufacturing operations services and technology of UNILAB, Inc., highlighted the profound impact of Artificial Intelligence. “During the pandemic, through an emergency use authorization, the standard eight-year approval process of the vaccine was reduced to only eight months, with the aid of AI”, he said. Chief operating officer of Ionics-EMS Inc. Jay Chavez chimed in with his own experience of adopting smart manufacturing in the company’s operations and its impact on job placements. “With smart manufacturing increasing our production, we had to hire more people to do higher value tasks while remaining cost-effective”, he said. The importance of enabling policies also greatly surfaced through the discussion as Emmanuel Lazaro Estrada, senior vice president for regulatory development and strategy of Globe Telecom, Inc., was quoted as saying that “policies should be practical and human-centered.” Anders Isaksson, UNIDO chief of the capacity development and policy advice unit, supported this idea and reiterated the call for a needs-based approach. “Knowing what needs to be done is very important for defining policy areas and reducing policy uncertainties,” he said, while adding the connection running from innovation to I4.0 to productivity growth and welfare enhancement. “The successful adoption of I4.0 banks on the implementation of the right policy mix. This mix should not only focus on pro-I4.0 policies but also on redistribution and compensation policies at the very design stage to reduce the costs of potential disruption and transition [due to I4.0]”, stressed Isaksson. Crafting and institutionalizing such policies would require much effort from the government, according to Dr. Jamil Paolo S. Francisco, Asian Institute of Management’s executive director for the Rizalino S. Navarro Policy Center for Competitiveness. “Government should help individuals, companies, and startups become more agile”, Francisco said. Melvin Jeffrey Chan, vice president and head for enterprise innovation, business development, and consulting and presales of PLDT Enterprise, zoomed in on the critical role of the National Innovation Council. “The NIC joined the forces of the brightest minds in the country, whether they are from the public or private sector, to drive things forward through the formulation of policies and building technologies,” he pointed out. Apart from the enriching panel discussion, the forum also marked the culmination of a week-long workshop held in Pico De Loro, Batangas from 17 to 20 July 2023, participated in by a roster of innovative policy and thought leaders from select government agencies. UNIDO country representative Engr. Teddy Monroy lauded this initiative for igniting the commitment of the participating agencies to this cause, characterizing I4.0 as “a game-changer as it triggers a productive shift bringing increased efficiency and transformation of the global landscape.”. The forum capped off with assurance and support from Dr. Joseph Capuno, the National Economic and Development Authority Undersecretary for Investment Programming Group. He remarked, “Rest assured that the Philippine Government remains committed to embracing digital transformation and harnessing the power of technology to guide social and economic transformation as embodied in the Philippine Development Plan 2023-2028.” In collaboration with other development partners, the DTI and UNIDO aim to sustain the momentum and ongoing dialogue and remain dedicated to driving sustainable development through innovation. As part of this commitment, the participants will continue to gain practical experience through site visits to leading I4.0 companies, technology clusters, innovation agencies, think tanks, and business associations worldwide in the upcoming phase. The post DTI-UNIDO, innovation leaders gather to advance Industry 4.0 agenda appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BBM greenlights SPCR 2 project
TACLOBAN CITY — President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has approved the implementation of the second phase of the Samar Pacific Coastal Road project just five days after he inaugurated the Phase 1 project which completed the circumferential road in Samar island. The announcement was made during the 7th National Economic and Development Authority Board Meeting last 19 July 2023 at Malacañang. Northern Samar Governor Edwin Ongchuan expressed gratitude to Marcos for giving his approval to the project implementation. “We express our gratitude to President Marcos for staying true to his commitment during his visit to the province on 14 July 2023. He assured us that he would approve the project, and we are pleased to announce that it has now received the ultimate endorsement from the NEDA Board,” Ongchuan said. The SPCR Phase 2 include the construction of 800-meter Laoang Bridge 2 that will connect Talisay Village to the población of Laoang and the 605-meter Laoang Bridge 3 that will connect Calomotan Village to Pangpang Village in Palapag town. It also includes upgrading of the 12.5-kilometer existing roads in the Laoang-Palapag Road Junction to Catarman-Laoang Road Junction that connects the town to the national road network. The whole project is expected to cost over P6.6 billion and will take seven years to build, according to the local government. Ongchuan said the successful implementation of the SPCR 2 Project will not only reduce travel time, but will also significantly improve accessibility to goods and services, contribute to the economic growth of the province and enhance the overall quality of life for the people of Laoang and nearby communities. Laoang is a second-class island municipality at the northern tip of Northern Samar which also serves as the economic, educational, socio-cultural and government center of the second district of the province. The town has a population of 60,607 based on the 2020 Census. Originally proposed by the late Congressman Emil Ong, the project has been consistently backed by Ongchuan throughout his term. It received endorsement from the RDC full council in June 2021 and was subsequently presented to the national government in September 2021. The post BBM greenlights SPCR 2 project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PLDT to build landing stations for $80 million subsea cable system
Telco giant PLDT Inc. has secured regulatory approval to put up landing stations in Aurora and Davao that would serve as the terrestrial hubs for an $80 million underwater cable system......»»
PLDT gets NTC nod for landing stations
Integrated telecommunications firm PLDT Inc. has secured a provisional authority from the National Telecommunications Commission to build two new cable landings eyed to further improve local Internet services. The company confirmed on Wednesday that the planned landing stations will be part of the Apricot cable system — the newest Intra-Asia submarine cable facing the Pacific side of the country. PLDT said the new cable landing stations, which will be in Baler, Aurora, and Digos, Davao, are scheduled to be completed by early 2025. Particularly, it will add resiliency to its existing landing stations in Batangas, La Union and Daet. “The Apricot cable system’s route ensures a significantly higher degree of resilience. When our Baler and Davao cable landing stations are completed, PLDT will have alternate sites facing the Pacific, making it easier to hook up to data offices in the US,” PLDT and Smart president and CEO Alfredo S. Panlilio said. The entire 12,000-kilometer-long Apricot cable system will connect the Philippines, Japan, Singapore, Indonesia, Taiwan, and Guam. It is expected to be operational by the end of 2025, which will help augment PLDT’s international capacity for data traffic particularly to the US and across Asia and the Pacific. Likewise, it will raise PLDT’s total international capacity to more than 140 Tbps. As of the end of the first quarter, PLDT had already expanded its total fiber footprint to over 1.1 million kilometers — consisting of over 231,000 km of international fiber and over 874,000 km of domestic fiber. The post PLDT gets NTC nod for landing stations appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
8 big-ticket projects pre-qualify in ecozones
Eight big-ticket projects prequalify in the Philippine economic zones, amounting to P33 billion of investments, the Philippine Economic Zone Authority announced on Tuesday. Those investments were for just the first half of this year, PEZA Board chairperson and Trade Secretary Alfredo Pascual said. He said the new and expansion ecozones will undergo Fiscal Incentives Review Board approval for projects with a minimum capital investment of P1 billion and Presidential Proclamation as required for the developers’ signing of the Registration Agreement with PEZA. For his part, PEZA director general Tereso Panga said their ecozone development projects have spiked compared to what they reaped last year. “In comparison to last year’s figures of P4.858 billion worth of investments during the same period, we’ve experienced a 579.23 percent jump to P 33.002 billion. This uptick in ecozone development investment is crucial as it indicates a growing demand for proclaimed areas, which is further supported by the rise in new and expansion projects,” Panga disclosed. Broken down, the eight approved new and expansion ecozone projects include three manufacturing ecozones, one information technology center, and four IT parks. The largest investment among the projects is a manufacturing special economic zone which will be located in Medellin, Cebu to be known as North Cebu Economic Zone with a project cost of P27.178 billion. While the other two manufacturing ecozones are the expansion projects in Lima Technology Center-SEZ in Malvar, Batangas, and in Gateway Business Park-SEZ, in General Trias, Cavite having a total project cost of P233.260 million. The post 8 big-ticket projects pre-qualify in ecozones appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA Board prequalifies 8 big-ticket ecozone projects for 1st half of 2023
The Philippine Economic Zone Authority Board as chaired by DTI Secretary Alfredo E. Pascual has pre-qualified a total of eight big-ticket ecozone development projects amounting to P33.002 billion of investments for the first half of 2023. These new and expansion ecozones will undergo FIRB approval for projects with minimum capital investment of P1 billion and Presidential Proclamation as required for the developers' signing of Registration Agreement with PEZA. According to PEZA Director General Tereso O. Panga, “We're thrilled to announce that our ecozone development projects have seen a significant increase in investment from January to June 2023. In comparison to last year's figures of P4.858 billion worth of investments during the same period, we've experienced a 579.23 percent jump to P33.002 billion. This uptick in ecozone development investment is crucial as it indicates a growing demand for proclaimed areas, which is further supported by the rise in new and expansion projects.” For the breakdown of the eight approved new and expansion ecozone projects, three are manufacturing ecozones, 1 an IT center and four are IT parks. The largest investment among the projects is a manufacturing special economic zone which will be located in Medellin, Cebu to be known as North Cebu Economic Zone with a project cost of P27.178 billion. The two other manufacturing ecozones are the expansion projects in Lima Technology Center-SEZ in Malvar, Batangas and in Gateway Business Park-SEZ, in General Trias, Cavite having a total project cost of P233.260 million. Of the four new IT Parks with total investments of P1.474 billion, three will be situated in Araneta City, Quezon City and one will be in South Cotabato City. One IT center will be in Makati City with an investment of P4.116 billion. During the first year of the PFRM administration covering the period July 2022 to June 2023, the PEZA Board greenlighted 17 ecozone development projects with a total investment of P122.274 billion. These are composed of seven new and expansion manufacturing ecozones, eight IT parks, one IT center and one new agro-industrial ecozone, located in Regions 1-Ilocos Region, 3-Central Luzon, 4-A- CALABARZON, 6-Western Visayas, 12-SOCCSKARGEN and the National Capital Region. The eight pre-qualified ecozones for the first half of 2023 are part of the total 17 new and expansion ecozones approved during the one-year coverage of the current administration and are in various stages of development. Streamlining of ecozone proclamation process As part of the Director General’s commitment to revisit processes to better cater to the evolving needs of PEZA’s stakeholders, the PEZA Board has approved Board Resolution No. 23-138 to streamline the ecozone proclamation process, making it easier to do business within the ecozones. Panga said, “As we are now beefing up our Agency to continuously enhance our delivery of services and facilitate faster ecozone proclamations to provide ready-for-occupancy sites for our agile locators, it is high time for PEZA to amend its guidelines for a simplified application, proclamation and registration process for new and expanding ecozone developer/operator projects.” Panga expressed optimism that by passing this resolution, more economic zones could be established, especially in rural areas. This will effectively make the Philippines ready to accept more investments from global market players, and ultimately, increase exports, create more job opportunities and hasten countryside development for the foreseeable future. The PEZA Board Resolution No. 23-138 will take effect immediately following its complete publication in a newspaper of general publication. The post PEZA Board prequalifies 8 big-ticket ecozone projects for 1st half of 2023 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»