Phoenix Asphalt introduces DIY product for pothole problems
Offering a new solution to recurring problems in Philippine roads, new asphalt player, Phoenix Asphalt, is introducing an innovative product that aims to provide an effective and durable fix for road potholes......»»
Mayor Uy posts cryptic messages amid Igacos power problems
ISLAND Garden City of Samal (Igacos) Mayor Al David Uy posted cryptic messages regarding the power crisis in Igacos......»»
Coast guard ship visit highlights shared problems for PH, India — external affairs minister
The arrival of the Indian pollution control vessel in Manila brought attention to the shared challenges in marine pollution encountered by both India and the Philippines, according to India’s external affairs minister......»»
Cebu Football Club introduces new faces for the upcoming PFL season
CEBU CITY, Philippines — The Cebu Football Club (CFC) Gentle Giants continues to overhaul its entire roster after welcoming new faces, including key homegrown players, as the Philippines Football League (PFL) season unfolds in April. The Gentle Giants presented 10 new players, including four Cebu homegrown players, who will comprise its official roster for the.....»»
Earth Hour 2024 Calls for Filipinos to Switch Off Lights and Switch Off Single-use Plastics
Filipinos can help in solving two of our planet’s biggest problems, biodiversity loss, and climate change, by doing their part in conserving energy and putting an end to the problem of plastic pollution. Earth Hour 2024, set on March 23, Saturday will once again bring together millions of people across the world so they can […].....»»
ADB approves USD 100 mln loan to support small and medium-sized enterprises in Sri Lanka
Manila [Philippines], March 19 (ANI): The Asian Development Bank (ADB) has approved a USD 100 million loan to provide small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in Sri Lanka more access to finance and build their resilience to external shocks, such as the economic crisis and climate change. SMEs play a critical role in Sri Lanka's economy, contributing 52 per cent to the country's gross domestic product and employ 45 per c.....»»
Lab Notes | Rosario’s black sand: That which we call home
Juan is just one out of many fisherfolk unable to make a living from the sight that greets them in the morning and lulls them at night. When reclamation started in Manila Bay and in Bulacan Aerotropolis, it meant finding source material for dumping, and there is no need to look farther than Cavite whose coasts are rich in black sand. High in iron content, the black sand can be used for concrete and asphalt production—a vital ingredient for built infrastructure. The post Lab Notes | Rosario’s black sand: That which we call home appeared first on Bulatlat......»»
Contractor questioned over Cubao asphalt work
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday questioned a contractor in Cubao, Quezon City for an asphalt overlay project without presenting a schedule. The project was conducted in New York Avenue according to the report of the MMDA, that resulted in a traffic jam in the northbound lanes of EDSA along with the inner roads in Cubao. According to Bong Nebrida, chief of the MMDA Task Force for Special Operations, they saw the asphalt work at dawn yesterday which earned the ire of motorists in the northbound lane of EDSA. Nebrida said the main arterial route of New York Avenue is being used by provincial buses to reach their respective terminals. Due to the asphalt project the exit of the buses was delayed because New York Avenue was closed to traffic and they opted to go to EDSA resulting to traffic jam that reached Santolan Avenue. The post Contractor questioned over Cubao asphalt work appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Malls to stay open until 11 pm starting 13 November to ease holiday traffic
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority met with mall operators and other stakeholders on 25 October to discuss traffic management plans in preparation for the approaching holiday season. In a meeting led by MMDA Deputy Chairman Undersecretary Frisco San Juan Jr. and Traffic Discipline Office Director for Enforcement Atty. Victor Nuñez, shopping mall operators agreed to adjust their business hours starting 13 November, Monday, from 11 am to 11 pm, as one of the measures to address the expected traffic problems in the metropolis. "Due to the expected heavier traffic, we have decided to implement contingency measures," San Juan said. “Mall-wide sales will only be allowed during weekends while deliveries will only be permitted from 11 pm to 5 am, with the exception of perishable goods restaurants serving breakfast, and supermarkets.” Mall operators were also asked to submit their respective traffic management plans for their mall sales and promotional events two weeks before the scheduled date of such events. Shopping malls with government satellite offices are also allowed to open as early as 9 a.m. As part of the agency's traffic management plan this Christmas season, the duty of the traffic enforcers will be extended until 12 midnight to maximize their visibility on major roads. "We will deploy traffic enforcers until midnight every day to assist and manage the traffic flow in Metro Manila,” said San Juan Jr. The MMDA will be working with the Department of Transportation to discuss possible extensions of the public transport system's operating hours to accommodate late-night commuters and mall employees. Also, the MMDA and representatives from the Department of Public Works and Highways and other concerned offices including the engineering district offices, local government units, utility companies and contractors, also met to discuss the temporary suspension of excavation activities on all Metro Manila roadways. All excavation works that will cause obstruction or will affect the smooth flow of traffic shall be temporarily suspended effective midnight of 13 November 2023 until midnight of 8 January 2024. Projects that are not covered by the moratorium: Flagship projects of the government DPWH bridge repair/construction flood interceptor catchment projects (box culvert) Asphalt overlay projects without re-blocking works Sidewalk improvement Drainage improvement projects along the sidewalk and not occupying any part of the roadway footbridge projects Emergency leak repair or breakage of water lines by Manila Water Co. and Maynilad Water Service Inc. New water service connection or electrical service connections Road activities without excavation (traffic clearance only) Meralco relocation/emergency works affecting major projects of government All concerned agencies are advised to take appropriate measures and ensure that all affected roads will remain passable, safe and serviceable to all types of vehicles and pedestrians amid the anticipated increase of vehicles on the roads. The post Malls to stay open until 11 pm starting 13 November to ease holiday traffic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Morocco medics face flow of quake victims with limited resources
The hospital in Amizmiz caring for Moroccans injured in the earthquake is now a tent pitched on asphalt under a blazing sun, and it has only around a dozen beds. When one bed becomes free, it is immediately filled again as the flow of victims from the disaster keeps on coming from villages at the foot of the Atlas mountains. Three days after Friday night's quake, the strongest ever to hit the North African country, relief workers are battling to cope in the aftermath. Patients are now being cared for under the large grey tent because of fears that the hospital building itself may be vulnerable to aftershocks. An ambulance brings the latest victim, 81-year-old Lhoucein Barouj whose leg is fractured. The old man has a haggard look, his mouth open. Relatives said he was seen by a traditional osteopath, but this will be the first hospital treatment he has received in three days. He has not had any pain relief either. "We had to carry him out of the house ourselves in a blanket and carry him for kilometers (miles)," said his daughter Habiba. Then "we waited in a field" for helpers, who came eventually to their village, Ait Mbarek. As in other mountainside villages hit by the 6.8-magnitude quake, landslides have blocked access, and a shutdown in communications has also delayed treatment for many of those affected. Basic care The quake struck southwest of the tourist center of Marrakesh, killing more than 2,800 people and injuring a similar number, according to the latest official figures. Most of the victims were in Al-Haouz province, where the epicenter was. On Monday, some arrivals seeking medical help looked exhausted and disoriented, among them a little girl in a Bugs Bunny T-shirt, her head bandaged as she lay cradled in her father's arms. The hospital at Amizmiz is local, and can handle basic medical care. But "we can't treat everything here", said ophthalmologist Doha Hamidallah. "We handle primary treatment such as sutures and fractures. But more serious cases are sent to Marrakesh University Hospital" some 50 kilometers (30 miles) away, she said. Hamidallah, who is in her 30s, arrived from Casablanca on Sunday to help along with "dozens of other doctors of all kinds from all over the kingdom". They take it in turns to triage patients. Tired and overwhelmed nurses deal with the flow of new patients arriving in private, public or military ambulances amid the clatter of helicopters above. Others distribute medicine to those who need it, mostly people with diabetes. "We also have to treat patients who were not injured directly by the quake, but who've been unable to get their medicine," said Christophe, a carer with the Moroccan Red Crescent. The first hours after the quake were difficult in the small hospital. "In terms of coordination, we could only go with the flow," said Dr Hamidallah. Mobile teams A voice is raised behind her, adding to the hubbub. "We need someone local who knows the area. Anybody?" A team is being formed at short notice to head out to houses in Anougal which have been cut off. "We send out mobile teams with doctors to the isolated villages," explained Christophe. Soldiers have also set up a field hospital nearby, and some 35 kilometres further east the authorities are putting up a temporary clinic with prefabricated buildings. This is at the entrance to Ouirgane, parts of which have been badly affected. Another military hospital was deployed on Monday morning in Asni village. More than 300 patients have already been admitted, military doctor Colonel Youssef Qamouss told AFP. Organising care has been complicated, but vital to manage stocks of the medical equipment available. John Johnson of the French group Medecins Sans Frontieres (Doctors Without Borders), awaiting a green light from the authorities to help, said the Moroccans are coping well. "They have everything they need for primary care, but some things are lacking for trauma patients" such as anti-tetanus shots and painkillers, he said. There will also be a need for mental care in the days and months to come, he added. A few streets away, life has come to a standstill. One man stands with his arms crossed, staring at what used to be his home. The post Morocco medics face flow of quake victims with limited resources appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bridge with speed humps
LAOAG CITY — The Gilbert Bridge in Laoag, completed in 1914, connects the southern and northern portions of Ilocos Norte. It's 700 meters long and was renovated to become a four-lane bridge. However, some residents and tourists see the bridge as unsafe due to speed humps that have caused accidents. The bulged parts of the bridge are asphalt patches covering the previous metal expansion joints. The Department of Public Works and Highways conducted an overlaying project that resulted in the covering of the metal expansion joint with asphalt, according to civil engineers interviewed by the Daily Tribune. In an exclusive interview with Laoag City Mayor Michael Marcos-Keon on Saturday, 26 August, the mayor said that he had already raised concerns over the asphalt issue of the bridge with Regional Director Ronnel Tan of DPWH 1. “I have already spoken to the Regional Director [Ronnel Tan] of DPWH about that, over and over again,” Marcos-Keon said. Keon, through the local government unit of Laoag, replaced the old halogen lamps on the bridge with solar lamps and ordered brighter ones when the initial lamps were dim. The contractor has completed the installation. Meanwhile, Engr. Glenn Miguel, the district engineer of DPWH 1st IN-DEO, brought concern about Gilbert Bridge to the regional office of DPWH. “Actually the rehabilitation of the Gilbert Bridge, particularly the expansion joints, has now been lined up for the 2024 budget,” Miguel said. Miguel stated that Regional Director Ronnel Tan has ordered the repair of the expansion joints on Gilbert Bridge, but budget constraints remain an issue. Maintenance teams have temporarily covered potholes in the area where the expansions are located, which structural engineers consider a long-term problem. Bridge expansion, he added, joints allow continuous traffic between structures while accommodating movement, shrinkage, and temperature variations on reinforced and pre-stressed concrete, composite, and steel structures. The expansion joints are meant to stop the bridge from bending out of place in extreme conditions and also allow enough vertical movement to permit bearing replacement. In an exclusive interview on Saturday, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan pledged to closely monitor and resolve this issue as soon as possible.. “I will talk to the DE in the District and will come up with ways to keep the riding public safe,” Bonoan said in a phone call with Daily Tribune. The post Bridge with speed humps appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDSA repairs near completion
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority yesterday said the ongoing emergency repairs along Epifanio delos Santos Avenue, or EDSA, will be finished by tomorrow. The asphalt overlay and reblocking at 15 areas in EDSA was started last 4 August by the Department of Public Works and Highways. MMDA acting chairman Romando Artes said that as of yesterday, the work at EDSA is more than 50 percent finished, but that the cement overlay should be given time to cure. Artes said the sunny weather in the past couple of days, from Friday to Sunday, helped speed up the repair work. However, it was a rain-drenched Monday that greeted DPWH workers. As of Monday, repair work on the southbound lane of EDSA, including asphalt overlay on Guadalupe, has been finished. Motorists were still advised by the MMDA to use alternate routes, including the Skyway to avoid traffic. The post EDSA repairs near completion appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
EDSA bus lanes repair to be finished on time — MMDA
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) yesterday vowed to complete repairs on EDSA bus carousel lanes on time as it braces for traffic on Metro Manila's main thoroughfare on Sunday. The favorable weather condition yesterday helped in speeding up the repairs and asphalt overlays in EDSA’s bus lanes, MMDA Chairman Romando Artes said. The road repairs have been going smoothly because there was no rain, thus many sections of the road were completed on schedule. Only one site was unfinished on Sunday with completion expected within the day. However, Artes said the curing period of the cemented lanes would take three days. He also noted that many motorists heeded the MMDA's advice to use alternate routes or simply to stay at home if traveling is unnecessary. "I think we managed the traffic well. Although the traffic was 'stop-and-go,' it did not cause a jam. So I can say that the traffic management plan we had laid out was successful,” said the MMDA chief. Despite this, Artes said the MMDA is still expecting possible heavy traffic along EDSA on Monday as thousands return to work and school. The post EDSA bus lanes repair to be finished on time — MMDA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Repairs of EDSA potholes done with quality asphalt — DPWH
Last week’s torrential rains and floods caused the potholes that need to be repaired with asphalt overlay, the Department of Public Works and Highways said over the weekend. In a radio interview, at Radyo 630, DPWH Secretary Manuel Bonoan said it's wrong to say that the department used substandard asphalt to cover these potholes, adding that asphalt and water simply don’t mix. "Siguro sa patuloy na pag-ulan kaya nagkakaroon tayo ng ganoong potholes sa mga kalsada natin. Kaya kailangan naming kumpunihin at ganito talaga ang phenomenon ng mga kalsada natin (The continues rains disfigured our road creating potholes. That's why we need to repai them. We have this phenomenon for a long time)," Bonoan explained. "And it's not substandard," he added, referring to asphalt materials they used to patch the potholes. "Okay naman, may specification naman ang ginagawa natin sa pagkumpuni na kalsada. Yung sinasabi natin na — alalahanin din natin ang pavements katulad ng sa EDSA, matagal nang nilatag yan. Hindi naman isang taon siguro na nailatag tapos masisira kaagad, mayroon namang quality yung nilalagay naming materyales diyan (There are specifications that we should follow in every road repairs we conducted. The pavements of EDSA were there for a long time. There's quality to the materials we have put as pavements. It took years to disfigure)," Bonoan defended. Bonoan said this is also the reason why they need to conduct road repairs almost every weekend nowadays, as the asphalt patching when mixed with flood waters is easily disfigured. Bonoan made the statement over the criticism hurled by Senator JV Ejercito, who said that the asphalt's quality should be good so this would not be done from time to time. The post Repairs of EDSA potholes done with quality asphalt — DPWH appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Expect EDSA road repair gridlock — MMDA
The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority warned motorists that repair work on roads damaged by continuous downpour will cause traffic congestion along EDSA next week. The asphalt overlay and reblocking will be conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways in 15 EDSA sites from 10 p.m. of 4 August, Friday, until 5 a.m. of 9 August Wednesday. MMDA acting Chairman Romando Artes said they decided that instead of conducting asphalt overlay and reblocking every weekend that sometimes left unfinished, they will instead conduct one-time, big-time repairs. “Fifteen sites will be repaired simultaneously. The road works will run for the whole day. If it will be limited to nighttime, the repairs will take 15 days, there will be heavy traffic,” said Artes, thus he urged commuters to use alternate routes, avoid EDSA during the repairs, or take the MRT. Also, Artes told motorists to plan their commute and if they finish the activities that would entail passing through EDSA this Thursday and Friday, for them to enable reducing the volume of vehicles. The MMDA said the repairs are also part of government efforts to prepare for hosting the FIBA Basketball World Cup in Quezon City to be held later this month. The roads that will be affected will be along these areas: Both directions of the EDSA Busway in Caloocan; Road along SM North Edsa to MRT Quezon Avenue station; in front of Corinthian Gardens past Camp Aguinaldo; In front of the BBM headquarters and near Ricoa in Mandaluyong City; four other areas are in Makati City, and from the Guadalupe Bridge to Rockwell Kalayaan Footbridge. Motorists traveling from North-to-South in Metro Manila are advised to use the Skyway as an alternative route while the repairs are ongoing. There are also 11 other alternative routes along the Mabuhay lanes which are posted on the MMDA website. Artes said the agency will deploy additional enforcers to guide motorists during the repairs. The post Expect EDSA road repair gridlock — MMDA appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
15 kalsada sa Metro Manila ‘sarado’ sa August 4 to 9, magsasagawa ng ‘emergency road repairs’
DAHIL sa pinsalang dulot ng Bagyong Egay at Hanging Habagat, aabot sa 15 na kalsada sa Metro Manila ang sasailalim sa “emergency road repairs.” Ayon sa Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), nakatakda silang magsagawa ng “asphalt overlay” at “reblocking” sa kahabaan ng EDSA Busway. Ito ay mula sa Sen. Gil J. Puyat Avenue […] The post 15 kalsada sa Metro Manila ‘sarado’ sa August 4 to 9, magsasagawa ng ‘emergency road repairs’ appeared first on Bandera......»»
Parable of the Sower
Humility is the foundation of the spiritual life. Being humble, the Lord God dwells more fully within us. Sacred Scripture and Tradition tell us that growth in the spiritual life proceeds according to life’s stages. It starts with the first stage called the “purgative way,” where purification takes place, and within which the virtue of humility is key. Jesus’s parable in today’s Gospel passage teaches us about this purgative way. In the parable, “A sower went out to sow.” Now either this sower is foolish, or he knows something that we don’t know. If you were driving down a paved road and came up behind a farmer driving his tractor and drill, dropping seeds for miles onto the asphalt, you’d be concerned. Doesn’t he know that he’s wasting his time, energy, and money, in addition to ruining his drill? But the sower in Jesus’s parable acts similarly: “… as he sowed, some seed fell on the path, and birds came and ate it up.” In the Gospel, Jesus explains the parable of the sower. “The seed sown on the path is the one who hears the word of the kingdom without understanding it, and the evil one comes and steals away what was sown in his heart.” This is the first of four illustrations that Jesus paints in today’s parable. The first three illustrations are pictures of the sower laboring in vain, because of the path, rocky ground, and thorns. Only the fourth illustration describes seed falling on rich soil, producing fruit, a hundred or sixty or thirtyfold. Sowing on the path illustrates ignorance. In other words, this fruitless endeavor describes what happens when we lack the understanding that the Word of God reveals. By contrast, to grow in humility requires two-fold knowledge, that is, knowledge of God and self-knowledge. Knowledge of God is simple because God is simple. God is Love. The Church recently, on Trinity Sunday, reflected on the mystery of the God who is Divine Love. This reflection, of course, is meant to be like that of a mirror, not only a reflection upon one whom we adore. We reflect upon God as love because we, as His adopted children, are to be like Him, and so are meant to see ourselves in His reflection. That leads us to our need for self-knowledge. Self-knowledge, however, is more complicated than knowledge of God because it has two contrasting parts. To be more specific, the fallen nature of man is divided, rather than being simple in the way that God created man “in the beginning.” On one hand is knowledge of oneself as a fallen person, as someone who has stumbled and fallen into the filth of one’s own actual sins. On the other hand, there is knowledge of oneself as someone loved by God. These three forms of knowledge — knowledge of God, knowledge of oneself as fallen, and knowledge of oneself as raised by God — are like three legs of a stool upon which one sits. Without any one of these three legs, one inevitably falls. But with all three, one can resemble the fourth illustration that Jesus verbally paints in Sunday’s Gospel Reading, where the seed falls on rich soil and bears abundant life. To put this another way, we can listen to the first half of this Sunday’s Gospel Acclamation: “The seed is the word of God, Christ is the sower.” This sentence speaks of the seed and sower. But we also have to consider the importance of the soil. All three of these are interdependent: Seed, sower, and soil. The post Parable of the Sower appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Seaoil Radical Challenge fires off
The second season of the fastest race car series in the Philippines, the 2023 Seaoil Radical Challenge Philippines, is set to unfold this July. For the second year running, Radical Cars Philippines, in collaboration with official fuel partner, Seaoil Philippines, is revving up the engines and preparing to burn some rubber on the asphalt. A total of five pulse-pounding events are on the docket for this year's championship, starting at the Clark International Speedway. As a much-anticipated curtain-raiser, the event is set to pave the way for a heated season. The series will then cruise its way to the Batangas Racing Circuit in September before heading back to CIS for back-to-back rounds in October and November. The climactic finish of the season is planned with a grueling two-hour endurance race on 25 November, promising a spectacle that will test the mettle of even the most hardened racers. It's worth noting that the series, now officially recognized as a National-level championship by the Automobile Association Philippines, boasts a formidable grid of 10 Radical SR1s. The SR1 is a marvel of engineering, featuring a carbon-steel space frame chassis enveloped by a lightweight, high-downforce fiberglass body. With a mid-mounted 182 bhp RPE 1340cc racing-spec engine powering the rear wheels through a six-speed sequential gearbox. This race car exemplifies simplicity and lightness, offering an unrivaled driving experience while promoting cost-effective racing. The drivers taking part in the series come from diverse backgrounds, ranging from spirited rookies and amateur gentleman drivers to seasoned professionals. This dynamic melting pot of talent and experience is guaranteed to produce a season replete with nail-biting moments and breathtaking finishes. Seaoil Philippines, the country's premier independent fuel provider, reaffirms its commitment to the sport by returning as the championship's title partner and official fuel supplier. The firm's top-tier Extreme 97 Octane fuel is the approved choice, ensuring peak performance on the track. Further demonstrating its unwavering support, Seaoil Philippines has also agreed to a new three-year deal with Radical Cars Philippines, set to supercharge the championship through to 2025. Edward Cruz, Seaoil Philippines Inc.'s Head of B2C Segment Marketing, expressed his excitement about their continued partnership. "Seaoil’s world-class Extreme 97 Octane fuel will once again power the fastest racing series in the country. We will continue providing the same brand of ‘Alagang SEAOIL’ on the track, as we have been giving to every Filipino motorist who fills up in our stations. This exciting partnership with Radical exemplifies Seaoil’s commitment in championing Philippine motorsports and fostering a culture of high-performance excellence." Cruz's sentiments echoed the thrill of the previous season, where records were shattered, fastest laps achieved, and limits breached on the track. With the partnership's renewal, Radical Challenge Philippines is set to break even more records and propel racing to even loftier heights. Marlon Stockinger, Radical Cars Philippines Motorsports Director, praised the partnership, "Our goal is to be here long term, and Seaoil shares that value as we continue to work together for the next three years, solidifying Radical Challenge Philippines as the stepping stone for racing drivers in the Philippines." The format for each round follows a three-day structure of Free Practice on Friday, Qualifying and Race 1 on Saturday, culminating with Race 2 and 3 on Sunday. Each sprint race has an intense start-to-finish span of 30 minutes. A new feature for this season is a 2-hour endurance race, an exciting addition that promises multiple driver changes and pit stops, adding another layer of unpredictability and challenge to the already thrilling The post Seaoil Radical Challenge fires off appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Nightmarish traffic
It does seem that no one in this government is gutsy enough to single-handedly wrangle with Metro Manila’s seemingly unsolvable monstrous traffic. Either that or everyone in this government doesn’t give a damn, making all of them nothing but sadistic nihilists. Still, I’m hoping, despite all indications to the contrary, that someone will finally do something and prove me wrong. Who then is going to be our traffic monster slayer? He or she is going to be our superhero. Far more relevant to us, in fact, is what he or she is going to do about the traffic in the metropolis rather than the ridiculousness of the tiff between the Vice President and the House Speaker. Still, for the moment, we need to be harsh. We truly can’t afford scared-shitless bureaucrats, afraid to take on the traffic, particularly now that enfolding “kapre-like” Metro Manila traffic is blowing up around our heads, after a year or two of traffic-free bliss during the pandemic. But traffic-free bliss is now a distant memory like vaccination schedules, replaced by rising, even flaring, tempers over traffic. As I write this, my social media feed is full of Christmas-light pictures of last Friday night’s nerve-wracking, stand-still, sleep-inducing Carmageddon on both sides of EDSA. EDSA is once more a horrendous nightmare, despite an exclusive bus lane. This only proves there are just too many private vehicles and that politicians and policymakers don’t dare go against the car industry. Similarly, just last weekend, like most weekends in my experience, the supposedly traffic-busting Skyway turned into a turtle-pace version of the “Fast and Furious” movies. So what is happening? Like you, I don’t know. Lip service-paying bureaucrats and policymakers, who habitually go into posturing fits about solutions to our daily living issues, are suddenly clamming up. But shouldn’t they at least squeak the maddening traffic, like for instance why Roxas Boulevard — my daily route — has been in such a mess these past months? The major road artery is currently undergoing rehabilitation. Its whole length from Baclaran to Luneta is being re-cemented, largely because the crucial road had turned into a wavy asphalt version of Manila Bay ever since trailer trucks were allowed on it. But even before Roxas could slowly become serviceable again, trailer trucks — and for that matter all types of trucks — are back with a vengeance. And frustratingly of all times, right smack during rush hour! So whatever happened to the rush-hour truck ban? As far as I know, the rush-hour truck ban hasn’t been recalled. Neither has the so-called TAB system, a system agreed upon by Manila Port officials and the MMDA to control the entry and exit of legitimate trailer trucks on Roxas. The rehab isn’t something to crow about either — ordinary cement takes ages to dry. Why can’t the rehab of a major artery like Roxas be done like EDSA where quick dry cement is used every time it is re-blocked on weekends? I’m pretty sure in your daily commute, you too have your own traffic horror stories and peeves, which, for one, probably include a thing or two about traffic enforcers. Now, traffic enforcers are still up to their same old dirty tricks, like they aren’t there when you need them, or congregating at notorious mulcting spots, ticketing the unwary with the non-existent violation of swerving, like near the Metropolitan Theater just off Quezon Bridge. Nothing drastic has been done about these brazen enforcers. Brazen traffic enforcers are one thing. But even more barefaced is the disgusting display of power and pelf by entitled pols or officials who, with their convoys complete with police motorcycle escorts, literally test our haggard patience while navigating traffic-choked, flood-prone streets. Yup, this government hasn’t put its foot down on such flagrant abuse. It has even gotten worse. And to think this President wants his legacy to be that he looked out for the common man. Email: nevqjr@yahoo.com.ph The post Nightmarish traffic appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Phoenix narrows losses in 1st qtr
Phoenix Petroleum, the Udenna Group’s fuel arm, is experiencing signs of recovery in the first quarter in the wake of economic setbacks as a result of the global pandemic. Narrowing its revenue loss in the first quarter, a Phoenix statement said the company is set on the path to recovery. The company founded by Dennis Uy said the company is also benefiting from its diversified portfolio as its overseas businesses in Singapore and Vietnam, and its liquefied petroleum gas affiliate delivered encouraging numbers. At the start of last year, amid the reopening of the economy, Phoenix’s recovery path was hampered by numerous factors brought about by the geopolitical tension between Russia and Ukraine. On top of the highs of 2021, the war further brought about oil price volatility peaking at an added 60 percent increase in the price of crude oil of $123.70 per barrel in the first half before falling to $87.22 by the final quarter. With the Philippines importing approximately 90 percent of its oil requirements, the rise in prices directly drove up the value of foreign exchange as well, hitting a record-high of P59 to $1 by late October from P51 at the start of the year. The effects saw domestic pump prices go up to as much as 30 percent the past year — the highest since 2008, resulting in an increase in the country’s inflation rate as well, which closed at a staggering 8.1 percent in December, coming from three percent in January. Inflation dampens recovery High prices weighed down consumption even as Covid-19 restrictions were eased to Alert Level 1. Due to such unfavorable economic conditions, supply limitations were met, and the company had to maximize its resources. In effect, volume was trimmed down by 42.3 percent, consequently pulling down consolidated revenues versus the prior year. While domestic sales continued to face challenges, the overseas businesses remained as bright spots in the company’s portfolio. Its Singapore-based trading arm had a banner year posting an earning before income tax, depreciation and amortization of P860 million, up by 63 percent versus the same period last year. The LPG business in Vietnam also posted a profit higher by 2.6 percent from the previous year. This was driven by branded volume as well as double-digit growth in commercial and industrial segments as Vietnam’s economy recovered strongly in the second half. The business’ total revenues ultimately sustained positive year-on-year growth as well, notwithstanding the country’s adverse business economic conditions. The company also benefited from its long-standing commitment to cost efficiency and streamlined operations, as capital expenditures improved with a 61 percent drop year-on-year, maintaining its resolve to prioritize capital-light expenditures as well as being more efficient with current resources. For its retail footprint, Phoenix remained relentless as it converted more stations into multi-purpose hubs. Phoenix said it also benefited from its partnerships. Phoenix Asphalt Philippines, Inc, the company’s joint venture with Thailand-based TIPCO Asphalt Public Co., and PhilAsphalt Development Corp, made headways in 2022, achieving double-digitgrowth in volumes, resulting in net income growth of 39 percent from a year ago. The post Phoenix narrows losses in 1st qtr appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
San Juan unveils Asphalt Art project
The San Juan City government, Makati Business Club, Shell Philippines, and Boysen unveiled on Wednesday the Asphalt Art Street Project in the city which is inspired by Bloomberg Philantropies’ Asphalt Art Initiative, which uses art to improve street safety and brighten up public spaces. The Asphalt Art Streets hope that the painted roadways will calm traffic and heighten the safety of cyclists and pedestrians. It also features the Philippines’ national heroes Andres Bonifacio and Emilio Jacinto on one side, juxtaposed to it are our modern-day heroes, the frontliners who helped us recover from the pandemic, as well as cyclists, which the project is intended for. “Pinaglabanan Street is one of our major streets in San Juan,” San Juan City Mayor Francis Zamora said. “It is also right in front of the city hall and the Pinaglabanan Elementary School so children and San Juaneños cross this pedestrian lane every day.” “Cyclists and other vehicles also ply this street on a daily basis so putting this asphalt art street project here is not just to ensure public safety, but also to keep San Juan a beautiful city so I am thankful to MBC, Shell, Boysen and our painters for making this happen,” Zamora added. The post San Juan unveils Asphalt Art project appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»