Mandaue dad wants cables, electrical lines underground
MANDAUE CITY, Philippines- The Mandaue City Council held a public hearing with representatives from the Visayan Electric (formerly VECO), telephone and cable companies, and department heads on Thursday, November 5, 2020, to discuss the proposed ordinance placing all electrical and telecommunication wires and cables within the business districts of the city underground. Councilor Joel Seno, […] The post Mandaue dad wants cables, electrical lines underground appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Big 4 Volleyball tilt marks successful inaugural season, eyes bigger tourneys soon
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Big Four Volleyball Tournament wrapped up last weekend successfully at the Warehouse Sports Lab in Mandaue City. This grassroots volleyball tournament saw inaugural champions being crowned. The Subangdaku Trojans emerged as champions in the 13-under and the girls 14-17 divisions, while Cabancalan National High School ruled the 14-17 boys division. .....»»
Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu report pertussis cases
Mandaue, Lapu-Lapu report pertussis cases.....»»
Mandaue market vendors warned vs overpricing
Mandaue market vendors warned vs overpricing.....»»
Meralco reminds public of electrical safety tips this Holy Week
Electric concessionaire Meralco said that its personnel will attend to the needs of its customers during Holy Week despite its offices being closed from Maundy Thursday to Black Saturday......»»
Mandaue to host 7th International Cat Show 2024
CONSOLACION, Cebu – Mandaue City is set to host the 7th International Cat Show 2024 for the second time, supported by the World Cat Federation (WCF) and the Society of Feline Enthusiasts of the Philippines (SFEPI) with the Island Rescue Organization (IRO) as the beneficiary. This two-day cat show will be held on April 13-14.....»»
EDSA walkway starts with Smart’s help
Smart Communications Inc., the wireless subsidiary of PLDT Inc., has agreed to relocate its utilities and cables to make way for the construction of elevated walkways along Metro Manila’s main thoroughfare as part of the EDSA Greenways Project. Smart executives led by FVP and Network Head Eric Santiago and representatives from other telcos, led the Memorandum of Agreement or MoA signing on Wednesday with the Department of Transportation or DoTr officials led by Secretary Jaime Bautista. The MoA covers the relocation of Smart’s utilities and cables affected by the construction of elevated walkways on the Metro’s main thoroughfare, including footbridges in Balintawak, Cubao, Guadalupe and Taft. These pedestrian structures seek to address the needs of the elderly, persons with disabilities, women, and people traveling with children by connecting MRT and LRT stations to them. The post EDSA walkway starts with Smart’s help appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PEZA secures P10.8B investments from Japan, signs MOU for automation of ICT systems
In conjunction with the visit of the members of the President’s Cabinet to improve economic ties with Japan, PEZA pursued a five-day outbound mission to Tokyo resulting in P10.8 billion in solid investment expansion commitments from PEZA-registered Japanese enterprises. Held from 28 August to 2 September 2023, PEZA participated in an investment forum organized by junca Global Holdings and a series of business-to-business meetings that capitalized on investment leads sought by PEZA, and those from Sumitomo Corporation and the First Philippines Industrial Park, Inc., one of PEZA’s leading developer-operators. PEZA also explored new strategic areas of collaboration with Kiraboshi Bank, one of the leading regional banks in Tokyo, and with the Organization for Small & Medium Enterprises and Regional Innovation JAPAN, a government agency under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in charge of supporting the needs of Japanese SMEs. Further, PEZA entered into a Memorandum of Understanding with NEOJAPAN that will allow PEZA to use NEOJAPAN’s desknet’s NEO and Appsuite, free of charge to PEZA until the end of 2023. In an investment promotion forum organized by junca Global Holdings on 29 August, Director General Tereso O. Panga highlighted Japan’s contribution to the Philippine economy, stating “Our top country investor, Japan, has a total of P766.550 billion investments from 1995 to June 2023 making up for the 27.37 percent of PEZA’s overall investments by country. This investment comes from 877 Japanese locators with 339,751 direct employments as of May 2023 and exports of $ 6.370 billion from January to May this year.” The said forum was attended by representatives from various industries, specifically from renewable energy/alternative fuel to water recycling, real estate, financial services, food processing, cosmetics manufacturing and distribution including research and development on sprayed stem cell therapy, and human resource training and management. Panga also reported that “2023 is proving to mark the significant rise of the semiconductor industry with several industry leaders proceeding with their expansion plans to address the projected demand in their products due to the rise of the electronic vehicle industry and steady technological advancements in the downsizing of gadgets and their parts.” “PEZA will make sure that the country will be poised to receive these investments as we have a small window to get the manufacturing of new high-tech products into the Philippines given the competitiveness of the industry,” he added. The mission allowed PEZA to secure P10.8 billion in investment commitments from Japanese companies, namely the Terumo Corporation (P1 billion), Taiyo Yuden (P1.6 billion), TDK Corporation (P7.2 billion) and Almex Technologies (P1 billion). Panga’s statement is further solidified by the P111.207 billion in investments already approved by the PEZA Board for the first nine months of 2023, and expansion announcements by some of PEZA’s biggest locators such as Knowles (Philippines) Electronics Corporation, Terumo, Wipro Philippines, Inc., and Isla Import Terminals, Inc. According to Panga, “Taiyo Yuden CO., LTD. has an investment plan to operate their business in Taiyo Yuden (Philippines), Inc. We are proud to have locators such as Taiyo Yuden grow inside PEZA’s ecosystem since 1989. The ongoing investment plan covers the calendar year 2023-2024, with the total investment amounting to P1.6 billion. This signifies a continued era of trust and confidence in the country’s investment facilitation climate.” The Metal Power Inductor is Taiyo Yuden’s newly patented product with cutting-edge technology. The Philippine facility is the first manufacturing site aside from the facilities in Japan. The new product is the world’s first multilayer-type metal power inductor with the latest multilayer technology and its unique metal material characteristics. On the other hand, the TDK Corporation, an electronics manufacturing company that uses leading magnetic technology will have its first expansion from 2023 to 2026 while its second expansion will begin in 2024. TDK’s new product is a bio-magnetic sensor for monitoring heartbeats. Promising investment leads are also in the pipeline such as the partnership with Kiraboshi Bank, LTD., As one of the largest regional banks in Tokyo, Japan, Kiraboshi Bank caters to a large network of enterprise clients including PEZA registration-eligible business enterprises. Meanwhile, talks with the SME Support JAPAN led to the possible inclusion of the Philippines in the conduct of CEO Business Meetings that will allow direct linkage between Japanese SMEs and PEZA RBEs. PEZA also considers the partnership as a promising prospect since the Philippines is in a position to address the human resource needs of Japanese SMEs that are looking to expand operations. According to SME Support Senior Director General Soma Hirohisa they are “looking forward to the possible partnership with PEZA to produce more success stories for Japanese SMEs, similar to those who setup manufacturing facility in the ecozones to export these products to Japan and other global markets.” On the other hand, Kaneko Cord Co., LTD. is a company engaged in various industries such as the production of electrical wires, cables, and the manufacture of medical tubes and caviar productions is interested in transferring its Japan-based operations to the Philippines. Kaneko representatives later lauded the productive meeting with PEZA, stating that the meeting “surely expedited the beginning of [their] business in the Philippines.” Meltec Corporation also have plans to expand their operations in the Philippines due to the country’s strategic location to its clients and the presence Filipinos workers with high-quality skills and positive attitude. On 1 September 2023, PEZA entered into an MOU with NEOJAPAN that will allow PEZA to use NEOJAPAN’s desknet’s NEO and Appsuite, free of charge to PEZA for a limited period. The use of these groupware solutions will allow PEZA to digitize, automate, and centralize most of its internal documents and processes under a secure IT environment. With this partnership, PEZA will be taking the lead in government administration, being one of the first Philippine government agencies to use the product as a standard operating office system. In Japan, desknet’s NEO is used by 40 percent of all Japanese LGUs, ministries such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, universities such as The University of Tokyo, and large enterprises such as Toyota, Mitsubishi Motors, Mizuho, Pilot and Fujifilm. Represented by Panga and Corporate Center Senior Director Tsuneko Aoki, PEZA and NEOJAPAN inked the engagement geared toward exploring areas of collaboration and cooperation in developing, improving and automating the administrative processes of PEZA through the adoption of appropriate ICT systems. In Japan, desknet’s NEO is used by 40 percent of all Japanese LGUs, ministries such as the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communication, universities such as The University of Tokyo, and large enterprises such as Toyota, Mitsubishi Motors, Mizuho, Pilot and Fujifilm. The MOU is also in compliance with Republic Act No. 10173 or the Data Privacy Act of 2012 and Confidentiality of Information. This is part of PEZA’s initiatives towards contributing to the goal of the Department of Trade and Industry of promoting digital transformation in the Philippines that is science, technology, and innovation-driven. The post PEZA secures P10.8B investments from Japan, signs MOU for automation of ICT systems appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Apple expected to bow to EU and unveil iPhone with USB-C charger
Apple is expected to unveil its new iPhone lineup on Tuesday, with its Lightning charger ports likely to be replaced on the newest models by a universal charger after a tussle with the European Union. The bloc is insisting that all phones and other small devices must be compatible with the USB-C charging cables from the end of next year, a move it says will reduce waste and save money for consumers. The firm had long argued that its cable was more secure than USB-C chargers, which are already deployed by Apple on other devices and widely used by rivals including the world's biggest smartphone maker Samsung. Apple, still the world's biggest company by market capitalization, has not revealed what it plans to announce at Tuesday's "Wonderlust" event but usually unveils new iPhones at this time of year. It comes as Apple faces declining sales of iPhones, with higher prices pushing customers to delay switching to newer models. The firm is also caught up in diplomatic turbulence between the United States and China, with reports saying the Communist government is banning civil servants from using its phones. - 'Tepid' sales - Like any other company, Apple would prefer to boast about shiny new features rather than new charging ports. But analysts agree that the switch to USB-C is going to be the main headline. Insider Intelligence principal analyst Yory Wurmser said the iPhone needed "a big cycle" after "tepid" recent sales. He said Tuesday's event would probably see new Apple Watch and AirPod models, "but it's the iPhone 15 that will really determine how the next year will look for Apple". EU policymakers said the rule would simplify the lives of Europeans and do away with a mountain of obsolete chargers. "With the common charger, we are slashing consumer costs, and it's good for the environment too," said EU internal market commissioner Thierry Breton in a statement, adding that the move would save consumers 250 million euros ($270 million) each year. Apple had long resisted the change, arguing that it would stifle innovation and make the phones less secure. "The cable change may give consumers pause, but within a generation they will get over it: they won't have a choice," said Techsponential analyst Avi Greengart. - Price bump? - Along with rolling improvements to iPhone cameras and chips, Apple is expected to raise prices on its Pro models, according to Wurmser. Sales of iPhones in the recently ended quarter lagged analyst estimates. Apple suffered a 2.4 percent drop in iPhone sales, which account for nearly half of total revenues. Apple shares were battered last week following reports of significant Chinese restrictions on iPhones at government offices and state-backed entities. "China is a very important market for Apple, so any negative sentiment by the Chinese government toward Apple is concerning," analyst Greengart told AFP. Apple reported $15.8 billion in revenues from China in the most recent quarter, nearly 20 percent of total revenues. Executives pointed to the uptick in China sales in a period when overall sales fell. Wedbush analyst Dan Ives estimated that a Chinese government ban would affect less than 500,000 iPhones of roughly 45 million projected to be sold in the country in the next year. "We believe despite the loud noise Apple has seen massive share gains in China smartphone market," Ives said. gc/arp/jxb/lth © Agence France-Presse The post Apple expected to bow to EU and unveil iPhone with USB-C charger appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Lacuna keeping ‘guerilla’ vendors out
With the Christmas season just around the corner, Manila Mayor Honey Lacuna has issued an order allowing Divisoria, central hub of all retail and wholesale business in the country, to retain its organized set–up to discourage those who may take advantage of the season to create chaos. The order comes amid reports that some illegal vendors are sprouting in the vending sites, affecting legitimate sidewalk vendors. In reaction, a joint operation was conducted by the Department of Public Services, DEPW (Department of Engineering and Public Works) , and MTPB (Manila Traffic and Parking Bureau) on the streets of El Cano, M. Delos Santos, Tabora and Sto. Cristo where all vendors were temporarily cleared to give way for the general cleaning that included a flushing job, collection of garbage, de clogging of canals, bundling of cables, and marking of lines to determine the area for vending. The middle portion is for pedestrians and also some parking areas. Lacuna made sure that Divisoria would no longer be the old one during his administration as she vowed to continue that no vendors could occupy main roads such as CM Recto which were converted into vending sites then. It was learned that several complaints were received by the office of Lacuna which led her to order an inspection. It was later verified to be true. Part of the area ordered inspected is Ylaya street where uniformed stalls were provided by the city during former Mayor Isko Moreno’s time that no violations were made and were kept clean by legitimate vendors as they hired their own street cleaners to maintain the area. It was noted that during these “BER” months some new vendors may come in as “guerilla” stalls, quietly appearing until it grows and becomes uncontrollable said the source. “This is the silent order of Lacuna in her desire to keep order in Divisoria as she started setting her eye in the area since the opening of classes where shoppers trooped to the said market to avail school supplies at much-lowered prices,” a source who requested anonymity said. The post Lacuna keeping ‘guerilla’ vendors out appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tonga eruption caused fastest undersea flow
The eruption of an underwater volcano off the Pacific island nation of Tonga in 2022 generated the fastest underwater current, according to a study published in the journal Science on Thursday. The explosion of the Hunga Tonga-Hunga Ha’apai Volcano, equivalent to hundreds of atomic bombs, sent rocks, ash and gas racing across the seafloor at 122 kilometers per hour in January last year, the study led by scientists from Britain’s National Oceanography Center said. The speed of the flow was calculated using the timings and locations of damage to the underwater telecommunications cables connecting Tonga with the rest of the world. The speed and power of the currents were so great that they were capable of running at least 100 kilometers across the seafloor and wrecking the cables, Mike Clare of the NOC said. The volcano’s eruption plume, up to 57 kilometers high, fell directly into the water and onto steep underwater slopes, explained Clare. The eruption also triggered a tsunami that killed at least three people and destroyed homes on Tonga. WITH AFP The post Tonga eruption caused fastest undersea flow appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hawaii county sues power company re wildfires
Legal action has been taken against Hawaii’s electricity provider by the county of Maui following the fatal fire that destroyed Lahaina on the island. With videos purportedly showing downed cables lighting up vegetation in the hours before the tragedy, the lawsuit is the latest step in a growing critical focus on the power provider in the wake of the blaze that killed at least 115 people. The lawsuit alleges that Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries were negligent in keeping power lines operational despite having ample warning of strong winds from a nearby hurricane. “These power lines foreseeably ignited the fast-moving, deadly and destructive Lahaina Fire, which completely destroyed residences, businesses, churches, schools and historic cultural sites,” the lawsuit, filed Thursday, says. “Defendants knew that the high winds the (National Weather Service) predicted would topple power poles, knock down power lines, and ignite vegetation. Defendants also knew that if their overhead electrical equipment ignited a fire, it would spread at a critically rapid rate,” it added. The county — which is itself under pressure over what critics say was a lack of preparation ahead of the fire and a lackluster response in its aftermath — is demanding unspecified damages and compensation for the destruction. WITH AFP The post Hawaii county sues power company re wildfires appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Telcos, ISPs asked to fix own mess
The Pasig City Council, led by Vice Mayor Robert “Dodot” Jaworski Jr., has passed an ordinance requiring telecommunication companies and internet service providers to be “responsible” in fixing and removing their cables and wires at the street posts. “That’s why I pushed it to be given attention because I believe when you do a business, especially those that were given a franchise by our government, it has a responsibility that comes with it,” Jaworski said. According to Jaworski, these companies are earning billions of pesos and it is their responsibility to keep it in order and make sure that the cables do not pose a threat to the safety of the people. “Telcos make money from our citizens. It is their responsibility to clean up the trash they leave behind,” he said. Jaworski also reminded the whole city council not to be afraid of the lawyers of these companies and just do their jobs for the benefit of the Pasigueños. “We are begging them to do their job well. We will also do our job well. Let them provide telecommunication services, but not at the expense of the public,” the vice mayor added. The post Telcos, ISPs asked to fix own mess appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hawaii county sues power company over deadly wildfires
Maui County is suing Hawaii's electricity company over the deadly fire that leveled Lahaina, alleging the destruction could have been avoided if power lines had been shut off. The lawsuit is the latest step in a growing critical focus on the power provider in the wake of the blaze, which killed at least 115 people, with videos apparently showing downed cables setting light to vegetation in the hours before tragedy struck. The lawsuit says there was plenty of warning of strong winds from a nearby hurricane, but Hawaiian Electric and its subsidiaries negligently kept power lines live. "These power lines foreseeably ignited the fast-moving, deadly, and destructive Lahaina Fire, which completely destroyed residences, businesses, churches, schools, and historic cultural sites," the lawsuit, filed Thursday, says. "Defendants knew that the high winds the (National Weather Service) predicted would topple power poles, knock down power lines, and ignite vegetation. "Defendants also knew that if their overhead electrical equipment ignited a fire, it would spread at a critically rapid rate." The county -- which is itself under pressure over what critics say was a lack of preparation ahead of the fire and a lackluster response in its aftermath -- is demanding unspecified damages and compensation for the destruction. "Maui County stands alongside the people and communities of Lahaina and Kula to recover public resource damages and rebuild after these devastating utility-caused fires," the county said in a statement. Power companies in California routinely shut down large stretches of above-ground power lines in strong winds, a strategy credited with helping to avoid some blazes. On 14 August, Hawaiian Electric boss Shelee Kimura defended the decision to keep the network live, saying electricity was necessary to keep water pumping in Lahaina. The 8 August fire was the deadliest wildfire the United States has seen for more than a century. It burned through around 2,000 acres (800 hectares) and laid waste to the historic town of Lahaina, a former Hawaiian royal seat and a thriving tourist hub. Flames, fanned by powerful winds, moved so quickly that many residents were caught unaware, only learning there was a fire when they saw it for themselves. Some abandoned their cars as they tried to flee the town and sought refuge in the ocean, where they cowered for hours as their homes were incinerated. The official toll is expected to rise as a grim search of the ashen remains of Lahaina is completed. Thousands of people have been made homeless, with recovery expected to take years. Federal estimates suggest the fire caused $5.5 billion of damage. The lawsuit, which also includes a demand for a jury trial, comes a week after the head of Maui's emergency management agency resigned amid criticism for not sounding the island's network of warning sirens. Also on Thursday, Maui county officials released a list of 388 names of people who remain unaccounted for. Police said the aim was to encourage anyone who knew the whereabouts of people on the list to come forward, so they could be removed. The practice is common in the wake of a disaster, and the figure of 388 does not indicate that this number of people are likely to be dead, only that they have been reported to authorities as not having been seen. The post Hawaii county sues power company over deadly wildfires appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MIAA eyes T3 electrical system enhancement
The Manila International Airport Authority announced on Tuesday that it is already intensifying efforts to improve the current state and condition of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 3’s electrical system. This, as a 4-hour power interruption in limited areas of the terminal was scheduled to pave the way for the replacement of defective medium voltage power cables and vacuum circuit breakers in two of the Terminal’s substations. “We apologize for the inconvenience due to this scheduled limited power interruption. This is an inevitable consequence of our commitment to rehabilitate and upgrade our T3 electrical systems,” MIAA officer-in-charge Bryan Co said. MIAA generator sets have provided temporary power to Air Asia office, Boarding Gates 101-112, moving walkways and elevators at Levels 2 and 3 of the international wing, Level 1 offices, food and retail outlets located at the south concourse of the Terminal. The Schedule of shutdown in the subject areas started at 7 a.m. until 11 p.m. on Tuesday and may be extended on 9 August if energization activities cannot be completed within the 4-hour window. It is expected that the power interruption will have no impact to flight operations. Co assured the public that the MIAA shall deliver on its promise to complete the electrical systems rehabilitation and upgrade as soon as possible. The post MIAA eyes T3 electrical system enhancement appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PBBM prioritizes development of Phl Agri land
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Saturday reiterated the government’s resolve to prioritize the country’s investments in "development, productivity, and modernization" in the agricultural sector. In his supposed speech for the commemoration of the 36th Cordillera Day, Marcos emphasized the importance of creating huge opportunities for the development of agricultural lands in the country. “As President and concurrent Agriculture Secretary, I am relentlessly pushing and prioritizing the development of our agricultural lands. I cannot emphasize it enough, but we really need to invest in the development, productivity, and modernization of our agricultural sector,” Marcos said, as delivered by Presidential Assistant for Northern Luzon Assistant Secretary Ana Carmela Remigio, during the anniversary event in Luna, Apayao. Marcos sees that such effort would not only increase crop yield for the farmers “but will also create a ripple effect” in the country’s economy. “By building infrastructure and improving market linkages of our farmers, our farmlands will yield not only crops, but also opportunities that create ripples of positive effects throughout our nation,” he added. Marcos was not able to physically attend the scheduled event due to the cancellation of his Apayao province amid the inclement weather. He, however, sent his message for the anniversary event—urging the public “to continue supporting the government’s pursuit of a better, brighter and more productive life for everyone” Marcos emphasized that his administration will continue pushing for a quality life for Filipinos. The President also lauded the Cordillerans for winning over many challenges throughout the years of their autonomy. He urged them to celebrate with “pride and vigor the solidarity, dynamism, and camaraderie among themselves.” “Please allow me to take this opportunity to once again express my utmost gratitude for the overwhelming support you gave me during last year’s national elections. The trust that you have given motivates me to keep going and serve you with passion, strength, and purpose,” Marcos said. Marcos likewise encouraged the Cordillera residents to continue supporting various government projects including the laying down of fiber optic cables to improve the communications and access to the internet in the region. “Support the programs of the Regional Development Council of the Cordillera Administrative Region, which are geared towards inclusive development without destroying the region’s natural heritage,” he said. “The Cordilleras’ potential in terms of hydropower, irrigation, and agriculture is vast and should continue to be tapped for the benefit of all,” he added. Lastly, Marcos assured the Cordillerans that his administration is committed to working hard for the progress of their region. The post PBBM prioritizes development of Phl Agri land appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
MMDA cobbling up NCR CCTVs
Metropolitan Manila Development Authority acting chairman Romando Artes disclosed over the weekend that the agency will install fiber optic cables in the metropolis to integrate all existing closed-circuit TV cameras. Artes said the plan will further improve its services to metro residents. He said at least 45 kilometers of fiber optic cable will be laid to integrate the CCTVs of the 17 local government units in the capital region. The MMDA chief said they would also procure an AI or artificial intelligence program to help in classifying and identifying vehicles through the cameras. He added they may also look at facial recognition software for the use of the police under the Department of the Interior and Local Government in crime-solution activities. A mobile command center with its own satellite internet and remote CCTV capabilities is also in the works to monitor major events such as the President’s annual State of the Nation Address. The command center will also be used during disasters and calamities. The agency recently procured handheld ticketing devices which can issue and print traffic citation tickets, request vehicle towing, and accept online payment. The ticketing devices would support the agency’s interconnectivity with the Land Transportation Office for the implementation of theSingle-Ticketing System. “With these technologies and facilities pooled into our command center, we are confident the agency will be inclusive,” Artes said. The post MMDA cobbling up NCR CCTVs appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Davao City transport modernization
It’s fast becoming a reality — the Davao City Transport Modernization Project. A pet project of then Davao City Mayor Inday Sara Duterte, it was part of the many plans she envisioned for the southern metropolis when she was elected to office in 2010. She started with studies and the gathering of data and the evaluation of the project’s impact on the transport sector, safety, and the local economy. There were apprehensions and protests from the “multi-cab” operators and drivers but these did not elicit public sympathy given the fact that their public utility vehicles were the last things one would consider safe and comfortable modes of transportation. Multi-cabs are mostly smuggled in through the Davao City Customs port. These are mini-utility trucks salvaged from the car “cemeteries” in Japan. They come in chop-chopped, loaded in cargo container vans, and pass through Customs with the apparent connivance of the head office. Upon landing, the cut-up vehicles are welded back together and converted to left-hand drive by outfits that are licensed by the Department of Trade and Industry. Surprisingly, the Land Transportation Office registers these vehicles fashioned into public utility jeeps. Everyone is on the ballgame. Davao City has a few Sarao-made PUJs. Because multi-cabs are a lot cheaper, these veritable rolling coffins dominate Davao City roads. Last week, during the visit of President Ferdinand “Bongbong” Marcos Jr. to Davao City to formally open the first segment of the city’s grand coastal boulevard, he and VP Sara witnessed the signing of a $1-billion loan agreement between the Philippine government and the Asian Development Bank represented by Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno and ADB Country Director Pavit Ramachandran, respectively. The dollar-denominated loan will finance the DTMP which will be the largest and the Philippines’ first road-based public transport project in the country. The amount will cover, among other things, the cost of 1,100 modern electric buses which under the DTMP concept will be operated by the private sector under performance-based contracts. Diokno was quoted as saying that “the DTMP will be a model for other cities’ public transit projects.” Take a bow, VP Sara. This was the second pioneering project she launched during her term as mayor of Davao. The first was the relocation of aerial power and communications cables underground which is a work in progress. The main streets of the city have been cleared of unsightly tangles of cables and in the process, the roads and pedestrian walkways are being improved to make them safe for senior citizens to walk on. As many as there are modern buses, there will be drivers to be hired permanently and they will come from the ranks of the displaced multi-cab drivers. They will be trained before they are allowed to drive the modern buses. Others will be employed in other jobs related to the DTMP. The transport project was in its gestation period after it was given the green light by the Department of Transportation during the past Duterte administration but the Covid pandemic caught up with it and it was placed in the freezer. Now PBBM has seen to it that the project will be accomplished with a set timeline by 2024. That will be three claps for President Bongbong, but seen beaming beside him was the proud VP Inday Sara, the brains behind the DTMP. A road network of about 700 kilometers linking 29 routes within Davao City and the adjoining Panabo City in Davao del Norte will worm through commercial districts and residential communities. There will be 1,000 bus stops along the route. It is expected that traffic in the downtown areas will be decongested with the fielding of the brand new, comfortable, and safe buses which can take in more passengers than the present rickety multi-cabs. A plus factor of the DTMP project is the radical elimination of carbon emissions and the smuggling of multi-cab carcasses from Japan through the Davao Customs port in container vans given the “code green” by the BoC head office. The post Davao City transport modernization appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EO aims to speed up telecom and internet infra
President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. on Wednesday issued Executive Order No. 32 to streamline the permitting process for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure in the country. The EO stressed the need to institutionalize a set of streamlined guidelines for the issuance of permits, licenses, and certificates for the construction of telecommunications and Internet infrastructures to ensure the continuous development of the country’s digital infrastructure. In issuing the EO, Marcos said the order will cover all national government agencies and instrumentalities, including government-owned or –controlled corporations and local government units involved in the issuance of permits, licenses, clearances, certifications, and authorizations. Among those covered include construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of Shared Passive Telecommunications Tower Infrastructure; and, erection of poles, installation of aerial and underground cables and facilities, underground fiber ducts, ground terminals, and other transmission telecommunications and Internet infrastructure and facilities. “No other national or local permit or clearance shall be required in the construction, installation, repair, operation, and maintenance of telecommunications and Internet infrastructure,” the EO stated regarding streamlined requirements on infrastructure construction. Among those exempted are building permits issued by the Office of the Building Official; Height Clearance Permit from the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines, homeowners associations and other community clearances, clearances from other government agencies, and other requirements as mandated by the Constitution and existing laws. The President’s order also mandates all cities and municipalities to set up a one-stop shop for construction permits, which will provide frontline services to applicants securing building permits and other related certificates. The EO also organizes a Technical Working Group on Telecommunications and Internet Infrastructure as an oversight body to ensure efficient implementation of the order. The TWG, chaired by the Department of Information and Communications Technology, is mandated to craft the EO’s implementing rules and regulations within 60 days from the effectivity of the order. The post EO aims to speed up telecom and internet infra appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Revitalizing a community healthcare hub
Not just one but two highly destructive typhoons had hit barangay Canlalay in Biñan, Laguna over the past years. Following the onslaught of “Ondoy,” the community was also devastated by severe tropical storm “Paeng.” But amid it all, the Barangay Canlalay Health Station, the heart of healthcare in the community, stood firm. Local health workers came together and utilized whatever resources they had to fulfill their responsibility of providing the first line of medical care in the community. This dedication didn’t go unnoticed. UNIQLO Philippines and SM group, through SM Foundation and SM City Sta. Rosa, collaborated to support the refurbishment and revitalization of the health center. The health station is tucked in the center of the barangay, servicing seven areas with over 20,000 residents. The center’s marker and paint had already faded, making it difficult for community members to locate their own health center. Inside, the roof had leaks, cables were exposed and the flooring was stained, affecting its safety and functionality. The community even had to work together to build a makeshift delivery bed. With the help of SM and UNIQLO Philippines, the center underwent physical repairs, from roofing to walls and flooring. The termite-infested doors and windows were replaced with glass doors and treated wood. The center was also fitted with a breastfeeding station to provide comfort and privacy to breastfeeding mothers. The refurbishment efforts went beyond structural improvements. The health center was equipped with a delivery bed, medical equipment, a refrigerator for vaccines, and television sets for health programs. More energy-efficient lights and appliances as well as steel cabinets, chairs and tables were placed to support the center’s operation. After refurbishing health center, the SM group was able to fulfill its goal to foster a sense of community engagement and empowerment. The developments will certainly encourage more residents of Canlalay to come and avail of the services dedicated to them. The post Revitalizing a community healthcare hub appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DTI orders destruction of P737 K worth of substandard wires, cables
The Bureau of Philippine Standards of the Department of Trade and Industry has ordered the destruction of P737,000 worth of substandard thermoplastic insulated wires and cables to prevent their sale and distribution in the local market, as part of its efforts to ensure consumer safety......»»