Globe may libreng tawag, charging at WIFI sa mga sinalanta ni ‘Auring’ sa Tandag City
NAGSIMULA na ang Globe na magbigay ng libreng tawag, charging at wifi sa mga residente ng Tandag City, Surigao del Sur na naapektuhan ng matinding pagbaha dulot ng bagyong Auring. The post Globe may libreng tawag, charging at WIFI sa mga sinalanta ni ‘Auring’ sa Tandag City first appeared on Abante......»»
Globe may libreng tawag, charging at WIFI sa mga sinalanta ni ‘Auring’ sa Tandag City
NAGSIMULA na ang Globe na magbigay ng libreng tawag, charging at wifi sa mga residente ng Tandag City, Surigao del Sur na naapektuhan ng matinding pagbaha dulot ng bagyong Auring. The post Globe may libreng tawag, charging at WIFI sa mga sinalanta ni ‘Auring’ sa Tandag City first appeared on Abante......»»
This state-of-the-art BGC condo boasts green and sustainable features, modern amenities
E-vehicle charging facilities and more await future residents of Megaworld’s newest condo rising in Taguig City.....»»
Igacos waterfall cementing for bulk water system preps
The Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos) has cemented a waterfall in preparation for the city's bulk water system, according to Michael Anthony Homez, the information officer of the City Information Office (CIO). The controversy arose after a viral Facebook post showed the cemented part of the waterfall in Sitio Auring, Barangay Cawag near Hagimit. Homez explained that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has a project for bulk water, similar to the Tamugan River in Davao, which includes slope protection. The cementing of the river's side was intended to prevent it from deepening. The City Government of Samal is in the process of securing a loan for the bulk water system as the existing surface water in Igacos is insufficient. Homez clarified that the waterfall was closed temporarily to allow the cement to dry, and once dried, the water would continue to flow. He emphasized that the cementing has made the area safer, reducing the risk of accidents. However, Mark Penalver, executive director of Interfacing Development Interventions for Sustainability (Idis), expressed concerns, stating that cementing the slope area is not the appropriate intervention to protect the waterfall. Penalver believes that the.....»»
Igacos waterfall cemented?
A waterfall in Sitio Auring, Barangay Cawag, Island Garden City of Samal (Igacos), near Hagimit, has become the center of controversy after a viral Facebook post claimed that it had been cemented over. The post included pictures showing the pristine, blue waterfall in its natural state, and then the subsequent image revealing a group of men using an excavator to cement the waterfalls. An anonymous concerned citizen revealed that access to the waterfall had been restricted for cementing purposes, reportedly due to excessive waste left behind by tourists. Despite previous closures and efforts to communicate regulations, visitors continued to disregard the rules and leave their waste behind. While some netizens expressed dismay over the alleged cementing, comments on the post suggested that it might serve a purpose related to slope protection. A concerned citizen called out irresponsible tourists for their failure to manage their garbage and stressed the importance of collective efforts to maintain cleanliness in tourist spots for future generations. The Samal Tourism Office declined to comment, stating that an assessment is currently being conducted by the local government of Samal......»»
Quezon City passes COA development fund review; Davao City flagged
The Quezon City government, under Mayor Joy Belmonte, has passed the Commission on Audit review of the utilization of its P1.588-billion development fund for last year, while the Davao City government has been flagged for inappropriately charging from its 2022 DF P6.454 million worth of expenses not related to development projects......»»
Space invader
Commuters are bracing for a possible one-peso increase in public transportation fares. The Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board, which regulates the fares, is to announce today if it will approve or not the hike petitioned for by transport groups, whose drivers have seen their earnings dwindle due to the almost weekly rise in fuel prices. If LTFRB grants the fare increase, the minimum jeepney fare, for example, would be P13 from P12. Even just a one-peso increase would hurt many commuters who are also reeling from the high prices of food. Student commuters will also be affected as their discounted fare will also rise. Some unlucky commuters may be charged even more, like a 19-year-old Psychology student in Bacolod City, Negros Occidental. In a recent Facebook post that went viral, the student narrated how she was forced to disembark from a modern jeepney when the conductor told her she had to pay twice the fare because, with her size, she occupied two seats. It was not that she couldn’t afford the P22 student fare for two seats that prompted her to get off. In her post, the student said she was disgusted with the conductor for shaming her in front of the other passengers, GMA Regional TV One Western Visayas reported. RSJ Lines Inc., the operator of the jeepney, has issued a public apology over the incident and said it suspended the conductor, who claimed he was only joking about charging the passenger double the fare. The post Space invader appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet
Green logistics pioneer Mober unveiled its P2-million electric vehicle charging station in Pasay City on Wednesday. The 800-square-meter charging hub in Zamora Street has 30 charging units for Mober’s fleet of 60 electric delivery trucks. “This inauguration symbolizes not just a milestone but a beacon of our overarching blueprint for an environmentally conscious logistic framework. And, we’re just getting started,”€Dennis Ng, Mober’s chief executive officer, said. Ng said Mober will add more EV charging stations in Metro Manila and 60 in Laguna that will cater to its southern fleet in the first quarter of 2024. He also revealed plans to incorporate more potent 22-kilowatt chargers along with a selection of direct current chargers in Cavite and Bulacan, amplifying Mober’s commitment to versatility and adaptability in its green infrastructure. The charging stations will eventually be opened to the general public, he added. Fast charging Equipped with the latest open charge point protocol, 7 kilowatt chargers compatible with both type 2 and GB/T (gigabyte/terabyte) standards, each charging point guarantees brisk charging sessions, ensuring the efficiency of Mober’s EV fleet exclusively earmarked for one of its IKEA customers. “We strategically opted for this charging capacity as our EV fleet remains dormant during nighttime, allowing optimal charging without overwhelming the grid,” Ng said. Beyond infrastructure, Mober’s unique partnership model provides an unprecedented advantage to businesses by allowing them to transition to green delivery operations with zero upfront costs, effectively democratizing access to green logistics. This hassle-free collaboration is pivotal in encouraging more companies to embrace sustainable logistics, reinforcing Mober’s role as a game-changer in the sector. Aligning with the progressive mandates of the Electric Vehicles and Charging Systems Act, Mober’s initiatives underscore the Philippines’ assertive stance on eco-driven policies and endeavors. With Mober’s pioneering approach, businesses have a definitive roadmap to swiftly decarbonize their last and mid-mile delivery systems, heralding a new era in business sustainability. Mober started in 2015 and was initially designed to help small and medium-sized enterprises solve their on-demand logistical needs. Eight years later, it became a business-to-business platform, facilitating sustainable delivery for retail giants such as IKEA Philippines, SM Appliance Center, Nestle Philippines and Nespresso. The company aims to become the leading green logistics delivery provider in Southeast Asia by securing a mixed fleet of 100 electric vans and trucks by the end of 2023. The post Mober unveils Pasay charging hub for EV fleet appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Remulla rejects cult’s request to hold DOJ probe in Sitio Kapihan
The officers and members of the suspected “doomsday cult” Socorro Bayanihan Services, Inc. requested the Justice Department (DOJ) to conduct the preliminary investigation on the charges filed against them in Sitio Kapihan, Surigao del Norte. Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla though categorically denied this request, stating, “That’s a big no. That’s not gonna happen.” Remulla made this clear during a press conference at DOJ yesterday. The DOJ chief justified the decision to move the preliminary investigation to the DOJ’s main office in Manila by highlighting that complainants and witnesses were unable to speak freely in Sitio Kapihan. Remulla said, “They want the Senate hearings to be held in their location and the DOJ to conduct the preliminary investigation there. Is the DOJ willing to do this? I don’t think that’s a good request.” While the SBSI had previously agreed to cooperate with the Senate’s investigation into the allegations against them, they insisted that the legislative hearing take place in their location. Remulla further explained the necessity of conducting the investigation in Manila: The reason we are stepping in and resuming the preliminary investigation in Manila is that the people there are unable to function properly due to threats and intimidation. That’s why we are investigating in Manila. We can send people there but not investigate there. The National Bureau of Investigation – Caraga Regional Office in Butuan City has recommended charging cult officers and members with qualified trafficking under Republic Act No. 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003), violation of RA 7610, kidnapping, and serious illegal detention after a thorough investigation. The recommendation was forwarded to the Surigao del Norte Prosecutor’s Office in June. Named respondents are Jey Rence Quilaro, also known as “Senior Agila,” Mamerto Galanida, and 11 other alleged cult officers and members. But Justice Assistant Secretary and spokesperson Atty. Mico Clavano revealed that the preliminary investigation encountered obstacles due to multiple motions for the inhibition of prosecutors. The allegations against SBSI are deeply concerning and involve accusations of abuse and coercion of over 1,000 children since February 2019. The post Remulla rejects cult’s request to hold DOJ probe in Sitio Kapihan appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Megaworld dev’t targets P5-B sale
Property developer Megaworld Corp. led by tycoon Andrew Tan is expecting to generate P5 billion in sales from building its fifth residential condominium development inside its 34-hectare Upper East township in Bacolod City. In a stock report on Wednesday, the company said the 26-story Kensington Sky Garden, scheduled for completion in 2029, will be the tallest residential development among its Visayas townships to date. The venture will be a two-tower residential development offering 643 smart home units located at the corner of Upper East Avenue and Bentley Street, just across the newly-opened Landers Superstore. Carrying a unique design that reflects Victorian era influences in New York — a city where The Upper East draws much of its inspiration — Kensington Sky Gardens units range from from Studio and Executive Studio (up to 40 square meters), One Bedroom (up to 56 square meters), Two Bedroom (up to 90 square meters), and Three Bedroom (up to 110 square meters). All unit sizes have either a balcony or a lanai. E Vehicle facility set According to Megaworld, the project is planned to have an electric vehicle-charging facility in its basement parking area, the first of its kind in Bacolod City, in preparation for the influx of electric and hybrid cars soon. Other green and sustainability features include low flow rate fixtures to promote water conservation, occupancy sensors in hallways and parking floors that help conserve energy, LED lights for units and common areas, a rainwater harvesting system, and its own materials recovery facility. The post Megaworld dev’t targets P5-B sale appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Thailand urged to halt crop burning after air pollution spike
Thailand must ban stubble burning by farmers to improve air quality, the head of a leading agricultural body said Monday, after a spike in dangerous pollution left millions needing medical treatment. The kingdom suffered dire air quality earlier in the year, with Bangkok and the northern city of Chiang Mai ranked among the most polluted cities in the world on some days in April. Authorities urged people to stay indoors and work from home as concentrations of the most dangerous PM2.5 particles -- so tiny they can enter the bloodstream -- reached unsafe levels. One of the leading sources of the particles is farmers torching stubble to prepare land for the next crop, with "burning season" peaking between December and April. The head of the kingdom's top agricultural body said the practice must be halted. "The government should ban crop-burning -- the method widely used among farmers in Thailand," said Pornsil Patcharintanakul, president of Thai Feed Mill Association, which operates under the commerce ministry. He urged the government of new Prime Minister Srettha Thavisin to take action swiftly because of the urgency of the matter. More than two million people sought medical treatment in Thailand this year because of problems linked to air pollution. Pornsil, whose organization monitors the quality of animal feed, said Thailand should follow international farming guidelines that forbid stubble-burning. He said three years was a realistic timeframe in which to ban the practice. His call comes as the European Union begins to enforce its "Carbon Border Adjustment Mechanism" (CBAM), charging for emissions linked to the production of imported goods. Srettha's government has said that tackling PM2.5 is one of its priorities, though it has not given details of what it plans to do. The post Thailand urged to halt crop burning after air pollution spike appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
At the EV forefront: Meralco to electrify 25% of vehicle fleet by 2030
The Manila Electric Company has committed to aggressively push the development of vital infrastructure necessary to advance the Philippines' adoption of electric vehicles through the company’s network and capabilities. Leading by example, Meralco will electrify 25 percent of its own vehicle fleet by 2030. It has so far converted 156 or 7 percent of its fleet to EVs and installed 39 EV charging stations to serve the daily operational needs of its sector offices and business centers. These EVs were showcased during the Meralco Power Academy’s three-day “Giga Summit on Sustainable Energy, Energy Efficiency and Future Grid” recently held in Makati City. Through its green mobility unit Movem Electric Inc., Meralco has also deployed 247 EVs and installed 139 charging stations in collaboration with private sector partners and institutional clients. The post At the EV forefront: Meralco to electrify 25% of vehicle fleet by 2030 appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Movem powers up Pacific Star EV charging station
The Manila Electric Co. or Meralco, through its wholly-owned green mobility subsidiary Movem Electric Inc., powered up the electric vehicle or EV charging station at the Pacific Star Building in Makati City. The high-rise structure in Makati City is managed by Century Properties Management Inc., a subsidiary of Century Properties Group. In a press statement on Friday, Meralco announced that Movem turned over a 22kw AC Type 2 charger that supports various brands of four-wheeled EVs. Partnership with CPMI The partnership with CPMI forms part of Movem and Meralco’s support of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act through the provision of end-to-end EV and charging infrastructure solutions for institutional customers and the riding public. One Meralco is committed to enabling and supporting the country’s transition towards cleaner and more sustainable transport systems. Meralco has committed to increase its electric vehicle or EV adoption rate to about nine percent by the end of the year from the current seven percent by deploying more EVs in its fleet. Likewise, it vowed support to establish more EV charging stations. Under the short-term period from 2023 to 2028, the Department of Energy or DoE is targeting to roll out 2,454,200 electric vehicles comprising cars, tricycles, motorcycles and buses nationwide. It intends to build 65,000 EV charging stations nationwide. For the medium term, or from 2029 to 2034, the DOE said it will push for an additional 1,851,500 EVs and 42,000 EV charging stations. The post Movem powers up Pacific Star EV charging station appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Monkey-men’ to defend G20 summit floral displays vs macaques
Group of 20 summit host India has deployed teams of “monkey-men” to prevent pesky rhesus macaques from munching on floral displays for the event on 9 to 10 September. New Delhi’s city council has hired more than 30 men trained on mimicking the hoots and screams of the aggressive langur monkey — the natural enemy of the smaller macaques notorious for trashing gardens, office and residential rooftops, and even viciously attacking people for food. “We will deploy one man each at the hotels where the delegates would be staying, as well as in places where monkey sightings have been reported,” Satish Upadhyay, the vice-chairman of the New Delhi Municipal Council, told Agence France-Presse on Wednesday. Life-size cutouts of the langur have also been set up in a bid to prevent macaques from charging in front of the convoys of cars ferrying presidents and prime ministers of G20 states. In other parts of the city, watchmen use slingshots and sticks to ward off the animals. Authorities are hoping that the langur decoys won’t be quickly noticed as fakes by the macaques. Previously, a plastic langur playing recorded sounds of the animals lasted only three days before the macaques tore it to pieces. WITH AFP The post ‘Monkey-men’ to defend G20 summit floral displays vs macaques appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Megaworld raising P1.8B from project
Property developer Megaworld Corp. led by tycoon Andrew Tan is eyeing to generate as much as P1.8 billion from the third residential condominium development within its 140-hectare Maple Grove township in General Trias, Cavite. In a stock exchange report on Thursday, the company said the 14-story Maple Park Residences that it recently launched is slated to be complete within the next five years or by 2028. Maple Park Residences will offer 200 smart home units in varying unit types — studio, one-bedroom with and without balcony, and two-bedroom with and without balcony. The development will also be the first across Megaworld’s portfolio to feature a dedicated electronic vehicle charging facility in the parking area. Scandinavian-inspired “The concept behind Maple Park Residences draws inspiration from the Scandinavian countries as well as communities in Makati where residents are surrounded by lush open spaces in the middle of a modern and urban city. Maple Park Residences will offer both the excitement of urban living and the laidback setting of Cavite,” said Eugene Lozano, first vice president for sales and marketing, at Megaworld Cavite. Maple Park Residences will be accessible to future residents via the six-lane, 30-meter-wide Maple Grove Boulevard, which was recently integrated into the 12-kilometer General Trias-Tanza Bypass Road project by the local government of Cavite and the Department of Public Works and Highways. Benefitting from the recovering economy, Megaworld booked a double-digit profit growth during the first half of the year as net income hit P8.8 billion — 31 percent higher than last year’s earnings. Megaworld said the rosy numbers were also primarily driven by the 17 percent growth in consolidated revenues to P32 billion as “core businesses registered robust performance during the period.” The post Megaworld raising P1.8B from project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EEI ventures in EV business
EEI Power Corporation, a subsidiary of the Yuchengco-led EEI Corp., is entering the electric vehicle business through a new company that it will establish. In a report to the stock exchange on Friday, EEI disclosed that EEI Power tapped Sysnet Integrators Inc. for the plan to start a corporation to own, operate and offer an integrated electric vehicle charging system. The system that they develop will have a combination of software solutions and equipment for managing electric vehicle supply equipment or EVSE. EEI Power will have a 40 percent interest in the new corporation. SysNet, on the other hand, will own the rights, licenses, technologies, and source codes for the System. SysNet is a company with more than 20 years of expertise in the distribution, installation, and construction of telecommunication products, facilities, software, multi-media content, equipment and related products — including cloud services and solutions focused on infrastructure, software and platform as a service. Solar Rooftop System Last month, EEI Power announced that it will build a one-megawatt peak Solar Rooftop System in Tarlac City with Japanese partner International Wiring System (Phils) Corp. or IWSP. The parties recently formalized the partnership, which is part of several deals under the joint marketing efforts of EEI Power and Nippon Steel Trading Corporation-Manila Office. The system — composed of 1,832 pieces of VSUN 550-watt monocrystalline solar photovoltaic panels — is expected to provide at least 40 percent of the daytime load requirement of IWSP’s Building 6 and will yield an annual average energy output of 1,296,675 kWh. The post EEI ventures in EV business appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EV sector needs more infrabuildup
The electric vehicle industry still needs infrastructure support to boom in the coming years, an industry group leader said on Wednesday. In a press briefing for the upcoming 11th Philippine Electric Vehicle Summit this October, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines President Edmund Araga said even if more and more car owners are switching to EVs, infrastructure for its development still needs a further push. “Implementation remains a big challenge as it involves extensive output and promotion. The EV industry is still making necessary adjustments in terms of supplies and infrastructure. Transitions are on the way in terms of regulations being set by different government agencies involved,” he said. Based on data from Statista, 1,013 EVs were sold locally in 2022 — higher than the 843 in 2021 and 378 in 2020. Lapsed into law This could mainly be attributed to the implementation of the Electric Vehicle Industry Development Act, or EVIDA, or the Republic Act 11697, which lapsed to become law in April 2022 and was enacted in May 2022 (with implementing rules and regulations taking effect in September 2022). EVIDA incentivizes EV adoption nationwide — by allocating dedicated parking slots in establishments, assigning green routes across cities and municipalities, and exempting vehicles from traffic coding schemes, among other perks. Public and private sectors have also been working to make charging stations more conveniently accessible to EV owners. Gov’t, sectoral support Araga also pointed out that currently, the Department of Energy is setting the pace in the government sector through rolling out necessary programs especially those aligned with the law pertaining to renewable energy so “Such initiatives are related to the development of local EV infrastructures. One I can cite is the e-App program that maps out locations of active EV charging stations across the country,” Araga explained. He also cited the Department of Energy for the ongoing development of the Comprehensive Roadmap for the Electric Vehicle Industry, which comes with inter-agency support. Araga stated that the department is also facilitating public consultations regarding the Vehicle Fuel Economy Labeling Program and the Fuel Economy Performance Rating. The Department of Trade and Industry is still preparing its Electric Vehicle Incentive Strategy and the Department of Transportation is keeping its focus on public utility vehicles modernization, with EV as the priority. Other government agencies are taking their share by including EVs into their fleets, namely the Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH which is leading the pack in terms of compliance to this commitment. For the part of the private sector, it is also actively investing in putting up more charging stations in strategic locations nationwide and using the latest innovative EV charging technology. “Many private companies are also taking the initiative to procure EVs for enhancing their own fleets, highlighting their efforts to lower carbon emissions and lower energy dependency on gasolines,” according to Araga. 11th PEVS EV development is among the highlights of the upcoming Philippine Vehicle Summit, or PEVS 2023. The gathering will push for for wider EV adoption in the country will be its biggest to date—a three-day summit featuring trade exhibitions and a conference to occupy three halls of the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. “Not to be missed is the establishment of the Philippine Battery Consortium, which be launched during PEVS 2023. It is aimed at addressing the important concerns and issues about battery supplies and costs,” Araga concluded. The post EV sector needs more infrabuildup appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Makati Shangri-La reopens post-Covid
The iconic Makati Shangri-La reopens its doors today after nearly three years of temporary closure due to the backlash of the coronavirus disease 2019 on tourism and domestic spending. The hotel announced a temporary closure back in 2021 after operating since 1993. “For the past three decades, the hotel has provided a tranquil sanctuary within the city’s bustling business district,” Udo Wittich, hotel manager, said. “The reopening symbolizes a fresh beginning for Makati Shangri-La, Manila. It presents us a unique opportunity to provide guests with refreshed experiences and colorful joys of life that span our accommodations, dining destinations, and even in the ways we work with our community,” Wittich added. Improved experience Makati Shangri-La will introduce a Horizon Club Business Room designed to provide business travelers with an enhanced workshop with the perfect blend of comfort, convenience and functionality. Each Horizon Club Business Room is equipped with a range of remote amenities such as an Omnidesk adjustable standing table paired with ergonomic chair and modern electronics featuring dual-screen 4K monitors, speakerphones, mobile stands, and fast-charging cable adaptors. Other amenities such as the Health Club also reopens to provide guests with weight training and cardiovascular systems, as well as a jacuzzi and cold plunge. The outdoor pool, children’s pool, and tennis courts will also be ready for families who desire outdoor activities. The hotel spa will reopen in the first quarter of 2024. The reopening of Makati Shangri-La, Manila will be accompanied by the progressive reopening of Makati Shangri-La’s acclaimed dining outlets. Sage, the hotel’s signature grill restaurant also makes a return with an updated look and a highly focused culinary approach that prioritizes sustainably sourced quality ingredients. Guests can enjoy signature beverages such as the Sage Martini, handcrafted using the hotel’s own blend of vermouth and sherry infused with sage or the Sage Negroni as a post-dinner cocktail. Other dining establishments such as Circles Event Café and Sage Bar are slated to reopen in the upcoming months. The post Makati Shangri-La reopens post-Covid appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Australian man charged with sex crimes against 91 young girls
An Australian former childcare worker sexually abused 91 young girls in a "chilling" spate of crimes across 15 years, police said Tuesday after charging him with 1,623 separate offenses, including rape. Seasoned detectives have described it as one of Australia's "most horrific" child sex abuse cases, with a scale of offenses "beyond the realms of anyone's imagination". "I know this news will seem unfathomable, and I know there will be many questions," said Assistant Federal Police Commissioner Justine Gough. "There is not much solace I can give to the parents and children who have been identified," she added. Included within the 1,623 charges are 136 counts of rape, 110 counts of sexual intercourse with a child younger than 10 -- a charge used instead of rape in some Australian jurisdictions -- and 613 counts of making child pornography. Investigators have been hunting for the 45-year-old man since discovering a cache of child pornography photos and videos being shared on the dark web in 2014. But their efforts had been mostly fruitless until they made an unexpected breakthrough in August last year -- matching visual clues in the background of the material to a childcare center in the city of Brisbane. While the man was initially charged with just three offenses, Gough said the gravity of his "heinous" alleged crimes emerged as police sifted further through his computer and phone. Police believe the man filmed or took pictures of "all" his alleged crimes -- and eventually cataloged more than 4,000 photos and videos of abuse. New South Wales Assistant Police Commissioner Michael Fitzgerald said it was one of the most horrific cases he had ever seen. "It's beyond the realms of anyone's imagination what this person did to these children," he said. "I can only say, you try not to be shocked after a long period of time in the police, but this is a horrific case." Young girls targeted Police said the abuse happened at 10 different childcare centers between 2007 and 2022 and exclusively targeted "prepubescent girls" -- some as young as one year old. While 87 of the 91 victims were from the Australian states of Queensland and New South Wales, police believed four other unidentified children were abused while the man worked overseas for a brief spell between 2013 and 2014. Police said they were now working with international crime agencies to find those children, without revealing which country they were targeting. "We have been working tirelessly since August last year to identify the children in the alleged child abuse material," Gough said. Police said the man had passed the stringent series of background checks needed to work at childcare centers in the states of Queensland and New South Wales. Queensland's Acting Assistant Police Commissioner Col Briggs said detectives had first been tipped off in 2021, but had been hamstrung by a lack of evidence. "There was insufficient evidence to take action against any person based on evidence available at the time," he said. Given the sheer volume of child abuse material that needed to be documented, a dedicated task force of about 35 staff was called in to work on the investigation. The man, who has not been named by police, is scheduled to face court in Queensland on August 21. Once those proceedings are finished, he will be extradited to New South Wales to face further charges. The post Australian man charged with sex crimes against 91 young girls appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
COA flags Cebu City for P50M assistance to earthquake-hit LGUs in Luzon
CEBU CITY, Philippines – The Commission on Audit (COA) flagged Cebu City’s release of P50 million worth of assistance to local government units (LGUs) in Luzon that were hit by a strong earthquake in 2022. Auditors disapproved of the charging of the allocation to the city’s Quick Response Fund (QRF) that was intended for disaster […] The post COA flags Cebu City for P50M assistance to earthquake-hit LGUs in Luzon appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Aussie firm building $10-M battery plant
To help support the country’s renewable energy transition drive, an Australia-based investment firm is pouring in an initial $10 million to locally build a lithium-ion battery manufacturing plant that can generate as much as 1.2 gigawatt-hours, or GWh capacity by the end of the decade. St Baker Energy Innovation Fund or StBEIF announced on Monday that the project — dubbed StB Giga-Factory — will be located in a free-trade zone at the Filinvest Innovation Park, New Clark City. The company signed a five-year renewable lease with FCGC Corporation, a subsidiary of full-range property developer Filinvest Land Inc., for two ready-built factory units — each measuring 2,500 square meters in gross leasable area. In an interview on Monday, StBEIF founder and director Trevor St. Baker said the facility will produce lithium-ion phosphate battery packs, which can store energy backup for solar PV in millions of homes and larger premises. St. Baker also noted that the batteries can support the public electric vehicle fast charging stations as well as batteries for small vehicles. Lithium-ion plays pivotal role “StB Giga-Factory is positioned to capture the once-in-a-century transition towards a renewable energy electricity system, in which lithium-ion batteries are expected to play a pivotal role,” St. Baker said. St. Baker noted that the company targets to start commercial production by the last quarter of 2024 with an initial output of 150MWh per annum. By 2030, when it reaches its full first-stage production, the facility can boast a 1.2 GWh capacity, which will be marketed into a global battery energy storage system, or BESS. Based on the demand forecast by Bloomberg New Energy Finance, the international BESS market is expected to expand to 1,432 GWh by 2030, from the current 69GWh installed capacity. During the construction of the facility, approximately 150 Filipino engineering, technical, finance, and administrative job opportunities will open. The post Aussie firm building $10-M battery plant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»