Swiss challenge: Which Carbon Market is better?
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuanos have officially been presented two versions of a modernized Carbon Market, which is the largest public market on the island. Conglomerate giant, Megawide Construction Corp., has submitted an unsolicited proposal for a multibillion development for Carbon Market, transforming it into a mixed-used development with a profit-sharing agreement with the Cebu […] The post Swiss challenge: Which Carbon Market is better? appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Should bike lanes remain dedicated?
Just about everything in this country is subject to debate. Barely had we moved on from the controversy of whether to fine motorcycle riders seeking shelter from the rain under footbridges and other structures that we are confronted anew by a similar situation. Should the government allow motorbikes to use the lanes dedicated to bicycles along EDSA to ease the traffic flow? In recent years, dedicated bike lanes have gained traction as cities worldwide strive to promote sustainable and efficient modes of transportation. The bustling streets of Metro Manila, notably EDSA, have not been exempt from this trend. Should these lanes remain exclusive to bicycles or be made optional for other vehicles such as motorcycles? The argument for allowing motorcycles in the bike lanes revolves around easing the burden on the main lanes, potentially alleviating congestion. Proponents argue that motorcycles are compact and agile, making them well-suited for sharing the bike lanes without impeding the flow of bicycle traffic. By providing an alternative for motorcycles, main lanes could become less congested, thus, benefiting all commuters. On the other hand, safety concerns are paramount when considering the coexistence of bicycles and motorcycles in the same lane. Bike lanes are designed to ensure the safety of cyclists, accommodating their slower speeds and vulnerability compared to motorized vehicles. Allowing motorcycles into these lanes could lead to collisions due to the speed differential and the potential for aggressive driving. This raises questions about the potential risks to cyclists and the overall effectiveness of bike lanes in promoting safe cycling. The establishment of dedicated bike lanes represents a commitment to a sustainable and eco-friendly mode of transportation. It sends a message that cities prioritize non-motorized options, contributing to reduced emissions and improved air quality. Allowing motorcycles in these lanes could dilute this message and undermine efforts to create a culture of cycling. A critical aspect to consider is the enforcement of regulations. Even if bike lanes were to remain exclusively for bicycles, ensuring compliance by all road users can be challenging. Without stringent enforcement, motorcycles might continue to use the bike lanes illegally, further jeopardizing the safety of cyclists. Perhaps a middle ground could be explored, where specific time frames are designated for motorcycle access to bike lanes. For example, during off-peak hours when bicycle traffic is lower, motorcycles could be permitted in the bike lanes to ease congestion. However, during peak hours, the bike lanes should remain exclusively for bicycles to ensure cyclist safety and the effectiveness of the infrastructure in promoting cycling. When analyzing this issue, it’s essential to consider the broader context of urban transportation. The implementation of bike lanes is not solely about easing congestion but also about encouraging sustainable and healthier forms of transportation. Bicycles contribute to reduced carbon emissions, improved public health, and less strain on public infrastructure. By opening bike lanes to motorcycles, the primary goals of these dedicated lanes would be compromised. The question of whether the Department of Transportation should keep the use of the bike lanes on EDSA optional for other vehicles like motorcycles involves weighing the benefits of reduced congestion against the potential risks to cyclist safety and the broader goals of sustainable transportation. A balanced approach, such as designating specific time frames for motorcycle access, could be explored as a compromise. However, any decision should be grounded on a comprehensive understanding of the implications for cyclist safety, urban planning, and transportation sustainability. Ultimately, the challenge lies in finding a solution that will optimize the benefits of various modes of transportation while preserving the core objectives of dedicated bike lanes. E-mail: mannyangeles27@gmail.com The post Should bike lanes remain dedicated? 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......»»
Nuke challenge (2)
As time passes, the country risks becoming a doormat in terms of ensuring an ample supply of electricity at an economical cost, which are the benefits being realized by its neighbors through nuclear energy. There are 445 nuclear reactors in the world that are currently in operation and another 57 are under construction. A total of 30 countries are involved in nuclear energy production, including the US, France, China, Japan and Russia, according to the National Academy of Science and Technology, which is the authority on nuclear energy in the absence of a regulator. The global capacity of nuclear power, however, has progressively decreased due to changes in Western government policies and the shutdown of reactors in Japan, Germany and the US. Still, there was an increase in global nuclear generation by 1.4 percent in 2016 largely attributed to China’s 23-percent rise. Nuclear power’s share in the total generation mix fell to 11 percent in 2015 but still corresponds to nearly a third of the world’s low-carbon electricity production. In the ASEAN, the primary demand for energy grew by 70 percent between 2000 and 2016. Three-fourths of the region’s energy production is based on fossil fuels. Vietnam is intent on expanding nuclear power generation as manifested by its agreement with Russia and Japan to build two plants. Thailand, on the other hand, has not pursued its nuclear program since 2014, while Indonesia will open to nuclear energy after 2025. The Malaysia Nuclear Power Corporation states that the country will wait until 2030 for a similar facility of its own. Recently, the House special committee on nuclear energy adopted a resolution calling on the Department of Energy to create a Nuclear Energy Division. Pangasinan Representative Mark Cojuangco, the panel chairperson, adopted House Resolution 387, which is in line with the objective of incorporating nuclear power into the energy mix. The proposed DoE division would be in charge of developing the framework for utilizing and managing nuclear energy in the country. It should also further advance the plan to utilize nuclear energy to combat the rising prices and the lack of electricity supply. In his first State of the Nation Address, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. said it was “time to re-examine” the country’s strategy toward building nuclear power plants. “We must build new power plants. We must take advantage of all the best technology that is now available, especially in the area of renewable energy,” he said. An additional capacity of 43.765 megawatts or an additional 73 high-capacity power plants will be needed by 2040. Its continued dependence on imported fossil fuels makes the country vulnerable to world energy price volatilities. By comparison, the cost of generating nuclear energy is less sensitive to fuel price hikes due to the larger component contributed by its capital cost, thus making nuclear plants an important baseload power generation source as demonstrated in many countries. The government’s international commitment to bring down greenhouse gas emissions by 70 percent will bank on the nuclear energy initiative since renewable energy is not delivering the benefits as promised. Coupled with strong programs on carbonless energy production, considerable greenhouse gas reductions can expectedly be achieved. As the country heavily relies on fossil-based fuels, energy from nuclear fuel is seen as a viable solution to mitigate the effects of climate change. Global energy demand is predicted to increase by 2030 and so with the carbon emission. For several urgent reasons, economic growth and the ecological balance included, the imperative is for the DoE to defy its detractors and step up to embrace nuclear power as a source of electricity. The post Nuke challenge (2) appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Safe, durable homes
Holcim Philippines Inc. is using its expertise in building materials and strengthening engagements with key stakeholders to help develop solutions for disaster-resilient building in the Philippines. In the past two years, the company has stepped up partnerships with shelter organizations, such as Habitat for Humanity, Base Bahay Foundation and Build Change to advance innovations to make resilient building more accessible in the Philippines, which is vulnerable to typhoons and earthquakes. Holcim Philippines has also expanded its portfolio of low-carbon blended cements to help mitigate impacts of climate change. Holcim Philippines president and CEO Horia Adrian: “Our expertise on building materials makes us uniquely positioned to make a positive impact in this area. We can make available locally, innovative solutions to build safer and more durable homes and structures. Along with our focus on decarbonization and circularity, we also promote resilient construction in the Philippines in line with our commitment to support progress by building greener, smarter, and for all.” Holcim Philippines chief Sustainability Officer Zoe Sibala: “Our company has regularly participated in relief and rehabilitation efforts for communities affected by natural disasters and conflict. We can further increase our impact by working with like-minded partners to advance newer and more resilient ways of building.” In 2021, the company backed The Habitat for Humanity Challenge to find cost-effective retrofitting solutions so houses can withstand a 6.5 Richter scale earthquake and a typhoon with 200-kph winds. Holcim Philippines also supports the Base Bahay Foundation in advocating its cement-bamboo frame technology for building affordable and resilient homes. The company is also set to have another run of its Sustainable Construction course with the University of the Philippines Institute of Civil Engineering to influence aspiring building professionals to embed resilience and sustainability in their projects. Furthermore, Holcim Philippines inked a partnership with climate-resilient housing organization Build Change to enable vulnerable, low-income families to strengthen their homes using low-carbon Holcim products. The program also involves training construction workers on using the right product for the right application to reduce the carbon footprint in the construction process. The post Safe, durable homes 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......»»
WB help sought amid energy shift
The Department of Energy appealed to the World Bank on Thursday to support the inclusion of the country in the Just Energy Transition Partnership or JETP, which will give the coal-dependent country access to a favorable financing scheme. “My challenge to the World Bank and our other development partners is that the green transition or the climate transition or securing a clean energy future must be a just and fair transition,” Energy Secretary Raphael Perpetuo Lotilla said in his remark during the World Bank’s Securing a Clean Energy Future forum on Thursday. “That means that transition financing or climate financing or call it by any other name, such financing should be available to the country… unfortunately, we are not part of any of the Just Energy Transition Partnerships that have already been put in place,” the Energy chief added. 60% coal in energy mix The Philippines relies heavily on coal with the highest contribution to the power generation mix at nearly 60 percent, while renewable energy contributes only over 20 percent to the energy mix. Yet, Lotilla said that the government vies to increase the share of renewable energy in the power mix to 50 percent by 2040. The JETP is a financing cooperation scheme that aims to help coal-dependent countries shift towards clean energy. It was launched in November 2021 during the United Nations Climate Change Conference or COP26. Meanwhile, World Bank senior economist Ralph Van Doorn noted that the Philippines’ transition to low and zero-carbon alternatives will help address energy demand and improve energy security to power long-term growth. “Cleaner energy future has many benefits. It is expected to lead to affordable energy. It is expected to enhance the competitiveness of the economy. The shift will reduce air pollution, an important benefit to public health,” Doorn said. Based on the present World Bank report, the Philippines is “uniquely positioned” to transition toward a renewable energy-dominated power system. It will “not only improve energy security but also enhance affordability through primarily private financing.” “The private sector, which has been driving developments and investments in the energy sector over the past decade, will need to take on more risks and hasten the pace of adoption of new technologies and innovations as the power system pivots to variable renewable energy sources.” The post WB help sought amid energy shift appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Follow science
The government should decide whether or not it should remove the mothballs from the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant since the country’s need for electricity begs for a strong will and an intelligent decision on the fate of the idled facility. The BNPP was ready in 1986 to become the first nuclear power plant as a source of electricity in Southeast Asia, had not vicious politics intervened. Had the obstructionists been prevented from having their way, the curse of the periodic brownouts would not have been inflicted on Filipinos. Among the notable achievements of the administration of former President Rodrigo Duterte was laying the framework for nuclear technology as an option in the energy mix. The post-pandemic world is furiously trying to recoup lost grounds from the two-year infestation. The economic surge in the Philippines is projected to be among the fastest in the world based on the growth momentum thus far. Duterte signed Executive Order 164 which opened the door for a nuclear program by including the technology among the options in generating electricity. It offers a solution to the pursuit of meeting the rising power demand while keeping with international commitments to reduce carbon emissions. Being an archipelago with a limited land area, developing large-scale renewable energy projects like wind or solar farms has become a challenge. In the solar farm development, the direction now is to use the vast marine areas for floating solar panels that would, however, ramp up the cost of the solar project. In comparison, nuclear power plants require relatively small land areas and can produce large amounts of electricity. Heavy dependence on imported fossil fuels exposes the country to price volatility and supply disruptions, unlike nuclear energy, which, once operational, is not subject to supply and price risks, as nuclear fuel can be stored for years. A former energy executive said the former regime has a good appreciation of the nuclear option. Prices of oil and coal are erratic, so way back in 2017, the Duterte administration started planning for the integration of nuclear energy in anticipation of global distractions “caused by several factors similar to the current geopolitical conflict and the suspension of coal exports of Indonesia,” according to the former energy official. It will be up to the current administration to take the next steps to realize the promises of nuclear technology. “We need a to do lot of things before we finally achieve this but we need to do it so that when the country is hit by natural or man-made crises we can rely on a stable electricity supply,” the former official said. During the campaigns for the 2022 polls, then-candidate Bongbong Marcos vowed to study the revival of the BNPP among the options to bring the country back on track in the use of nuclear energy. BNPP, worth $ 2.2 billion, is the country’s first and only nuclear power plant. “We have to look at nuclear power. Don’t let politics get in the way, follow the science,” Marcos has said. Former Prime Minister Cesar Virata, who was also the finance minister of former President Ferdinand Marcos Sr., had the prescience to warn the administration of former President Cory Aquino from decommissioning the plant. He warned then that the policy was based on political considerations as Virata said that the economy at the time when the construction of the power plant started, was picking up and required a steady source of electricity. BBM said at the time when the BNPP was ready to operate, both the International Atomic Energy Agency and the World Bank gave their approval on BNPP as feasible, at a time when the Philippines was 95 percent dependent on imported energy. Another former Marcos official, now Chief Presidential Legal Counsel Juan Ponce Enrile said several successful programs including the shift to nuclear energy were discarded during the administration of Cory on the instigation of leftist officials who of course were then working to keep the country in a backward state that is conducive to their sinister plans which are based on the level of hate among the populace. They spread baseless fears about a nuclear holocaust through the BNPP. BBM struck the best formula to settle the debates on BNPP: Follow the science. The post Follow science appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Xi’s big carbon promise tackled
BEIJING, China (AFP) — China’s Communist leadership will discuss Xi Jinping’s ambitious carbon neutral pledge in talks that began Monday on the country’s economic strategy for the next five years. The climate goals, which challenge the world’s biggest polluter to reach peak emissions in 2030 and go carbon neutral 30 years later, are the most […] The post Xi’s big carbon promise tackled appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Swiss challenge: Which Carbon Market is better?
CEBU CITY, Philippines — Cebuanos have officially been presented two versions of a modernized Carbon Market, which is the largest public market on the island. Conglomerate giant, Megawide Construction Corp., has submitted an unsolicited proposal for a multibillion development for Carbon Market, transforming it into a mixed-used development with a profit-sharing agreement with the Cebu […] The post Swiss challenge: Which Carbon Market is better? appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Megawide proposes multi-use, mid-rise complex for Carbon Market
CEBU CITY, Philippines—Megawide Construction Corporation bared its plans for the development of the Carbon Market here, for its proposed Joint Venture Agreement (JVA) with the city. This comes two days after the CFI Community Cooperative released its counterproposal as it plans to challenge Megawide in a Swiss Challenge. Read: CFI to Cebu City government: Give […] The post Megawide proposes multi-use, mid-rise complex for Carbon Market appeared first on Cebu Daily News......»»
Stocks eke out gains, back at 6,900
The stock market eked out gains to move back up to the 6,900 level as investors continued to hunt for bargains......»»
Trending tickers: Trump Media, Tesla, Bitcoin and DS Smith
Former US president Donald Trump’s media firm, Trump Media & Technology Group, had a successful stock market debut in New York, with shares soaring past.....»»
2 farm-to-market roads completed in Zamboanga del Norte
2 farm-to-market roads completed in Zamboanga del Norte.....»»
Bargain hunting ends 2-day slump
The stock market broke out of its two-day slump yesterday as bargain hunters buoyed share prices......»»
Mandaue market vendors warned vs overpricing
Mandaue market vendors warned vs overpricing.....»»
Agdao Public Market vendors want variety and vegetable sections merged
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / 24 March) – Vendors of Agdao Public Market here are asking the city government to merge the Variety and Vegetable Sections into one section claiming they have difficulties in getting customers because of their location. In a letter addressed to Mayor Sebastian Duterte, the City Administrator’s Office, the City Economic Enterprise […].....»»
Davao LGU to meet with vendors after video of goods’ confiscation went viral
DAVAO CITY (MindaNews / March 25) – The Ancillary Services Unit (ASU) will meet again with vendors after a viral video of cellphone casing merchandise they confiscated near the new Agdao Public Market went viral on social media. “We’ll have a meeting together with the Davao City officials regarding the viral video. We will also […].....»»
Government sets P585 billion borrowings in Q2
The government is set to borrow P585 billion from the domestic market in the second quarter amid hopes of more favorable interest rates here and abroad......»»
Kristel Fulgar undergoes surgery for rare leg tumor
'It was the hardest challenge I faced in my life,' says the 'Goin' Bulilit' alum.....»»
Cryptocurrency Market Turns Red as Bitcoin, Ethereum, Solana Prices Dip Before Halving
The cryptocurrency market kicked off Friday on a bearish note, as major digital assets Bitcoin, Ethereum, and Solana experienced significant declines in morning trading. Bitcoin,.....»»