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Negros Occidental health office urges masking amid pertussis threat
The Negros Occidental provincial health office is campaigning for the use of face masks amid the threat of pertussis or ”whooping cough.”.....»»
Indian Coast Guard ship docks at Manila port amid tensions in South China Sea
Manila [Philippines], March 26 (ANI): Amid tensions in the South China Sea, the Indian Coast Guard ship, Samudra Paheredar docked at the Manila Bay in the Philippines as part of a broader initiative aimed at demonstrating ICG Marine Pollution Response capabilities, the Ministry of Defence (MoD) said in an official release on Tuesday. The ICG ship which arrived at the port on Monday, is on an overseas deployment to ASEAN c.....»»
Warning ng PAGASA ngayong Holy Week: ‘Mag-ingat dahil mas magiging mainit’
ILANG araw nalang, Holy Week na! For sure, marami sa inyo ang may lakad at bakasyon upang sulitin ang ilang araw na walang pasok. Dahil diyan, may paalala ang Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), lalo na’t idineklara na ang panahon ng tag-init. Sinabi ni PAGASA chief Dr. Nathaniel Servando, magiging mas mainit.....»»
March inflation may pick up amid high food prices
Inflation likely accelerated for the second straight month in March, mainly driven by high rice prices, prompting the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) to keep borrowing costs unchanged at its next policy review in April, analysts said......»»
Filipinos spend money on food amid surging inflation — Pulse Asia
Most Filipinos spent money on food in the past three quarters amid surging inflation in the country, private pollster Pulse Asia said on Thursday. In its latest survey conducted from 10 to 14 September, Pulse Asia said 95 percent of Filipinos spent more on food in the most recent quarter compared to 89 percent last year. Pulse Asia said rice took the lion’s share of Filipinos’ food spending at 83 percent of total household expenditures, while 61 percent of Pinoys said they spent on non-rice food items. The private pollster added that electricity also took a big chunk of household expenditures at 62 percent, while fuel came in next at 22 percent. The remaining household expenditures include water (16 percent), LPG (15 percent), transportation 13 percent), cellphone load (4 percent), recreation (3 percent), and others (3 percent). "Across geographic areas and socio-economic, majorities cite food as one of the household items they spent more on in the previous quarter (89 percent to 98 percent and 94 percent to 99 percent, respectively)," the pollster noted. More than 50 percent of Pinoys consumed less food While nearly all Filipino adults spent more on food in the previous quarter, Pulse Asia said a small majority of the adult population - or 53 percent - consumed less food in the same period. The private pollster said Filipinos in Mindanao reduced their food consumption by 65 percent, followed by those in Balance Luzon at 56 percent. Meanwhile, those living in Visayas cut their food consumption by 46 percent. Regarding classes, most people who reduced their eating consumption were in Class E at 63 percent. Class D came in next at 52 percent, followed by Class ABC with 42 percent. Pulse Asia conducted the survey among 1,200 participants nationwide. The survey had a 2.8 percent error margin, with a 95 percent confidence level. The post Filipinos spend money on food amid surging inflation — Pulse Asia appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tanduay optimistic about entry into competitive Taiwan rum market
Tanduay has a positive outlook about its entry into Taiwan amid stiff competition from other rum brands. “Based on early reviews, we think that the brand will perform well since the Taiwanese market already has a sophisticated taste and is very accepting of brands that offer them something new and unique,” said Marc Ngo, Tanduay International Business Development manager and senior brand manager. He compared the Taiwanese rum market to that of Singapore where people are willing to spend on quality spirits and cocktails. In entering Taiwan, Tanduay partnered with the distributor, Mr. Mixer, Ltd., one of the leading spirits and other liquor distributors in the country. “They believe in the brands and they share our passion for bringing our world-class rums to the Taiwan market,” Ngo said. Mr. Mixer, Ltd recently held a grand launch of Tanduay at Driftwood Bar in Ximending District and invited Taiwan’s premier mixologists Mars Chang and the members of “To Infinity and Beyond Team”, the 2021 World Class competition Taiwan champions, to showcase their outstanding mixology skills as they infused Tanduay rums into unique signature cocktails. Seven world-class rums Tanduay is making its award-winning and best-selling rums available in Taiwan. These include the Tanduay Asian Rum Gold, Tanduay Asian Rum Silver, Tanduay Double Rum, Boracay Rum Coconut, Boracay Rum Cappuccino, Tanduay Dark and Tanduay White. Ngo said they are currently focused on opening and partnering with on-trade accounts to feature their brands and for consumers to try. “At the same time, we are having discussions with big chain accounts for them to carry Tanduay rums in their stores. We are also planning to join the Tainan Cocktail Event on 20-21 October to feature our brands more to local consumers,” he said. The brand’s international business has been on a steady growth trajectory in recent years. Taiwan is the 19th country where Tanduay rums are being sold. In Asia, it is already available in China, Singapore, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates. In Europe it is being distributed in France, Germany, Belgium, the Netherlands, Luxembourg, the United Kingdom, Austria, Poland, Georgia, Armenia and the Czech Republic. It is also available in the United States and Canada in Northern America and Costa Rica in Central America. Apart from its increasing global footprint, Tanduay has received numerous accolades from international competitions, such as the World’s Number 1 Rum recognition from Drinks International Magazine for six consecutive years, and Brand of the Year from the World Branding Awards. Not one to rest on its laurels, Tanduay is eyeing further international expansion in the coming months. The post Tanduay optimistic about entry into competitive Taiwan rum market appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
‘Junk’ investment grade if pension reform ignored
Amid a perceived stirred-up hornet’s nest by introducing reforms in the military and uniformed personnel’s pension plan, Finance Secretary Benjamin Diokno on Wednesday warned that the next administration will face a huge problem if the planned changes to the MUP pension system are not enacted into law. “The rating agencies are looking at that. If we continue to ignore the military pension system, our current investment grade with the rating agencies might turn into junk,” Diokno said in a briefing on the projected 2024 National Expenditure Program for the Development Budget Coordination Committee. He told the lawmakers that the Philippines may lose its investment grade rating if it doesn’t change its “unsustainable” MUP pension system since reducing debt and deficit will be more difficult. The sovereign bonds of the Philippines are rated BBB by Fitch Ratings, with a stable outlook; similarly, they are rated Baa2 by Moody’s Investors Services and BBB+ by S&P Global Ratings. The Philippines could see its investment-grade rating, which it has held for a decade, relegated to “junk” territory if “we continue to ignore” the need to reform the MUP system, Diokno said. “The pension system is not a real pension system in the following sense — there are no contributors. A pension system is where the beneficiaries of the pension system contribute and there’s a government counterpart,” he added. Diokno said a pension system is one in which the government matches the contributions made by the pension system’s beneficiaries. However, he underscored that the beneficiaries “do not contribute” to the pension, and the money is only appropriated once a year. The current setup, Diokno added, was “unsustainable” because it would become a “huge component of the national budget.” “I think if you let this through, continue I think the next administration will be faced with a huge problem. The current situation is that the amount we allocate for the military pension is much higher than the current operating budget of the military,” Diokno said. He admitted that the government is recommending P164 billion for the MUP pension under the 2024 NEP, representing a 3.5 percent increase over the financing for benefits this year. The government pays for this in full without funds coming directly from the MUPs, Diokno added. Liablilities Although the country’s gross domestic product is anticipated to be approximately P20 trillion, he said the liabilities of the pension system, which does not receive payments from MUPs, have already been calculated at P9 trillion. The debt payment level, he said, had already risen to 61 percent of the GDP after the Covid-19 pandemic when the government had to accrue trillions of pesos in debt. President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. has prioritized revamping the service personnel retirement system as part of his government’s efforts to streamline its budget and free up funds for much-needed infrastructure. Meanwhile, a House of Representatives special committee approved yesterday a substitute bill on pension reforms for MUP — it includes provisions for a special assistance fund for retired MUPs in need and establishes uniform rates for lump sum benefits. The bill also proposes that MUPs contribute a percentage of their basic pay based on their years of service, with the government also contributing to complete the 21 percent pension contribution. It was found acceptable by all stakeholders, was agreed upon by the committee members, and was supported by both the military and uniformed services as well as the economic managers. The MUP pension system was established during the administration of former President Fidel Ramos. It includes retirees from the Philippine Public Safety College, the Philippine Coast Guard, the Philippine Armed Forces of the Philippines, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and the Bureau of Corrections. The proposal to redesign the current MUP pension system to contribute 5 percent of their basic pay for the first three years, 7 percent for the next three years, and 9 percent after that for those in active service, while new entrants would contribute 9 percent of their base pay. However, several uniformed personnel on active duty oppose the requirement that they make pension system contributions. The PMA Class of 1971 questioned Diokno on why he singled out the military and uniformed personnel pension system. The post ‘Junk’ investment grade if pension reform ignored appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Hold import permits
The government’s mettle and political will stand to be tested following Mr. Marcos Jr.’s “no import policy” amid the widespread devastation of Luzon’s vegetable farms. Not only vegetables. Other agricultural produce, including even fisheries, will likely be in short supply in the wake of typhoon “Egay” and the ongoing monsoon-induced rains. Supply shortfalls will most likely trigger inflation in the coming months. Mr. Marcos Jr., who is also the agriculture boss, vows immediate remedial measures to stabilize food supplies and head off possible higher prices of staples. Remedial measures — of which “the no import policy” is the immediate visible response — which include definite actions aimed at unscrupulous food importers who use natural disasters as cover for unbridled smuggling. Even as the Chief Executive stands firm, he qualifies this by saying, “We will not import any agricultural products unless we see the supply is so low that prices will become out of reach of ordinary consumers.” Nothing is inherently wrong with importation if low supplies are the case. But the Chief Executive must accurately determine, before import permits are issued, which food supplies are actually depleted and not just artificially created. Which only means that Mr. Marcos Jr. and his officials have to hold in abeyance all issuances of food import permits by government agencies until further notice. Often found spurious and used to smuggle billions in agricultural products, such import permits are now the subject of an intense fact-finding probe by the Department of Justice. “We will trace where each import permit ended up,” said Justice Secretary Jesus Crispin Remulla, referring to permits issued by the Department of Agriculture, Bureau of Plant Industry, and the Bureau of Customs as the targets of intense scrutiny. Mr. Remulla hopes the fact-finding on agricultural smuggling will be over in the “next two weeks,” though the difficult filing of economic sabotage charges against smugglers and hoarders might take at least two months. We certainly hope Mr. Remulla more than fast-tracks the probes. Not only because his boss wants an end to spurious permits but also because many people are largely incredulous that government is seemingly toothless against hoarders and smugglers, failing to actually put these criminals behind bars. It’s no ordinary issue. Farmers’ groups and even senators pointedly lament the fact that none of the publicly named smugglers and hoarders have been found guilty. It’s a sad state of affairs where even strong evidence that surfaced during congressional hearings was often deemed insufficient. “None have proceeded beyond the preliminary investigations. All [of the cases] have been dismissed,” as one farmers’ group leader laments. This, despite the passage seven years ago of Republic Act 10845, or the Anti-Agricultural Smuggling Act. Will Mr. Remulla and his boss pull off a miracle? Will they be able to muster the mettle and political will against well-entrenched smuggling syndicates? At any rate, appalling indeed it is that unscrupulous individuals and syndicates, likely with the connivance of government bureaucrats, are making a killing with spurious importations at the expense of Filipino consumers. Syndicates that by the way allegedly include a powerful Chinese mafia as exposed by Albay Rep. Joey Salceda late last year. Referring to “class A information” from well-placed sources, Mr. Salceda declared with absolute certainty that a syndicate led by Chinese nationals was behind the smuggling into the country of prime agricultural products. “This mafia is in control of agricultural smuggling in the country at every stage of the smuggling process, from transport to arrival to import permits and sanitary inspection,” Salceda said. “They have people on the ships, at the ports, the inspections, the quarantines, the warehouses, and the economic zones. It’s very pervasive,” Salceda had said. Moreover, not only is this alleged mafia engaged in the unbridled large-scale smuggling of billions of pesos worth of vegetables from China, but the mafia is also “strangling the supply” of major agricultural products. We cannot allow this massive problem to go on. The post Hold import permits appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Galido is new Army chief
The Department of National Defense on Monday announced that President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. has appointed LtGen. Roy Galido as the new Commanding General of the Philippine Army. Galido will replace Gen. Romeo Brawner Jr. after the latter assumed his new position as the 60th Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on 21 July. Galido will serve as the 66th Army Chief. He was a member of the Philippine Military Academy’s “Bigkis Lahi” Class of 1990. Galido has had a sterling military career, which includes his tour as Commander of the 6th Infantry “Kampilan” Division and the AFP’s Western Mindanao Command. DND spokesperson Arsenio Andolong said Galido’s extensive experience and well-honed skills “resulted in the significant victories of his Command against lawless elements, especially in Mindanao.” “With LtGen Galido at the helm, the Philippine Army will undoubtedly and excellently pursue the strategic path set by the Commander-in-Chief in pursuit of the country’s stability amid the changing security landscape,” he added. The post Galido is new Army chief appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Walang pasok: Class, gov t work suspensions for July 31 due to Falcon
As Typhoon Falcon intensifies amid recovery efforts in the aftermath of Typhoon Egay, some local government units have announced class suspensions in all levels of both public and private schools, including some government offices, for July 31. .....»»
India announces new French fighter jet deal as Modi visits Paris
India announced a new multi-billion-dollar deal for French fighter jets on Thursday as Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Paris for a two-day trip that will see him feted as the guest of honor during France's national day celebrations. India's defense ministry said that the country intended to order 26 more Rafale jets as well as another three Scorpene-class submarines, with the price and other terms still being worked out. India is one of the biggest buyers of French arms, and Modi announced a landmark deal for 36 Rafale fighter jets during a 2015 trip to Paris that was worth around 4.0 billion euros at the time. Some of those Indian-piloted Rafales will take part in a flypast on Friday during France's Bastille Day military parade where Modi will sit alongside French President Emmanuel Macron as guest of honour. "This closeness is not limited to just the leaders of two countries, it is in fact a reflection of the unwavering friendship between India and France," Modi told an enthusiastic crowd of Indians living in France on Thursday evening. Despite differences over the war in Ukraine and tensions over human rights in India, Western democracies are courting Modi and India as a counterweight to China in Asia. Macron's red carpet welcome comes weeks after Modi was given the rare honor of a White House state dinner in Washington -- a city he was once banned from visiting. "India is one of the pillars of our Indo-Pacific strategy," an aide to Macron told reporters this week on condition of anonymity. Human rights But amid the pomp and diplomatic courting in France, a resolution from the European Parliament on Thursday served as a reminder of Modi's controversial leadership style and Hindu nationalist agenda that has critics at home and abroad. Sitting in Strasbourg in eastern France, EU parliamentarians approved a motion that urged India to end violence in the country's restive northeastern Manipur state and to protect minorities there. Clashes between the majority Meitei, who are mostly Hindus, and the mainly Christian Kuki tribe have left at least 120 people dead, 50,000 displaced and over 1,700 houses destroyed, the parliament said. It criticized the "nationalistic rhetoric" of the local state government, run by Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party. Modi's role during Bastille Day in France was "an affront not only to India's minority communities, journalists and human rights defenders but also to India as a democracy," the text's chief negotiator, Pierre Larrouturou, said. A protest called against Modi drew only a few dozen people in central Paris on Thursday. Strategic partnership Modi has visited France four times since Macron came to power in 2017, while Macron was honored with a state visit to New Delhi in 2018. Aides on both sides have talked up the personal chemistry between the two leaders and pointed to cooperation on climate change, space technology, and nuclear power as part of a 25-year-old "strategic partnership" between France and India. Modi told the French newspaper Les Echos that bilateral trade had doubled in the last nine years and Macron's "thinking really matches ours". India and France "are naturally compatible" and "we see France as one of our foremost global partners," Modi added. Few observers expect Macron to raise rights concerns with Modi publicly. "The fact that explains France's relative success in this relationship is that unlike the US, the UK, Canada, Germany and a few other European countries, you've hardly seen France commenting on the internal affairs of India," Constantino Xavier from the Centre for Social and Economic Progress, a New Delhi-based think tank, said this week. "That has been appreciated on the Indian side." Modi has been dogged by allegations he was complicit in religious violence during his tenure as chief minister of the western state of Gujarat in 2002 when around 1,000 people, mostly Muslims, were killed in sectarian riots. The Indian government and judicial probes have cleared him of culpability. Since his first crushing electoral victory in 2014, he has also been denounced by rights groups for increased discrimination and violence towards the country's Muslims, as well as stifling independent media. "Diversity is the biggest strength of our democracy," he told the meeting on Thursday evening that also lauded the country's economic growth. Many European and American businesses, including US tech giant Apple, are ramping up production there to mitigate the threat of supply chain disruptions from China. The war in Ukraine has heightened concerns in the West about the risk of conflicts disrupting the flow of key raw materials and technology from China, but it has also exposed a rift with India. New Delhi, which has long sought to balance its ties with Moscow and the West, has declined to condemn Vladimir Putin's invasion of Ukraine and has emerged as a top buyer of discounted Russian oil during the biggest conflict in Europe since World War II. The post India announces new French fighter jet deal as Modi visits Paris appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
AI to stay relevant in BPO, group claims
As artificial intelligence is causing global worry over the loss of jobs for humans, executives of the Contact Center Association of the Philippines maintain that AI would bring more benefits than harm, particularly to their industry. CCAP president Mickey Ocampo said artificial intelligence would be more helpful, than detrimental, to the BPO industry. He said the country’s contact center and business process management sector continues to evolve amid the emergence of new technologies, particularly Generative AI, which is quickly being incorporated into various tasks across the information technology and business process management or IT-BPM industry. “The impact of a generative AI will come within the next, maybe, two to four years. This will allow our country to develop using upskilling our people. Generative AI will increase productivity as at a certain level we will be able to handle more calls or more non-voice inquiries. AI will also generate additional jobs,” he said during Daily Tribune’s Straight Talk program last Tuesday. Ocampo said their group is confident the sector could easily keep its position as the world’s top provider of voice and business process outsourcing services and it’s being the “heart of customer experience (CX)” with the adoption of Generative AI, which critics say could either be a boon or a bane to the BPO industry. “Generative AI can be used to automate and enhance various aspects of customer interactions. Some examples are chatbots and virtual assistants. There are automated email responses for faster adaptability. To illustrate, in the past, when an agent needed to respond to a customer’s call, he had to look at the CRM and backtrack or even go to the knowledge base. Now, these things are automated, further enhancing agent productivity,” Ocampo said. CCAP managing director Rosario Cajucom-Bradbury said Generative AI will have an impact on client business, in the way services are delivered and in the corporate services of providers, namely, human resource and finance, among others. She said the use of Generative AI Assist working alongside agents when handling calls will increase their efficiency, productivity, and resolution in delivering customer service. “Thus, the call agent is provided the opportunity to have more focused active listening and genuine empathy rather than being preoccupied with navigating the system for resolution. Filipinos’ innate trait of service orientation combined with the power of Generative AI will enhance the employee’s experience at work which would translate to an even more satisfying customer experience — therefore helping the Philippines retain being the ‘heart of CX’ and at the same time meeting or even exceeding growth targets,” Bradbury explained. Additional 1.1M jobs Ocampo said with the use of Generative AI by CCAP members, they can generate an additional 1.1 million jobs for Filipinos until 2028, covering all types of BPO services, namely, finance, insurance, medical, and health, and overall cost-based customer service for fast moving and consumer goods. “And if we go back to the generative AI, new job roles are created. Generative AI will be useful to the end users and the consumers and the business. We will continue to upskill our workforce to cope with AI,” Ocampo said. The aggressive target is part of the 2028 IT-BPM Roadmap, which was launched in the third quarter of 2022, coinciding with the start of the administration of President Ferdinand Marcos Jr. It also sets a target of 2.5 million full-time employees (2.3 million to be accounted for by CCAP-member firms) and a 40-percent countryside expansion. In 2022, the contact center sector employed 1.4 million individuals, which was 87 percent of the 1.6 million total employment in the local IT-BPM industry. Ocampo said the impact of Generative AI would be reflected in the sector’s figures in two to four years, clarifying that the emerging technology was not factored in when the IT-BPM Roadmap was set “because it surfaced just about seven months ago although AI had already been widely used across the industry.” These and more interesting issues and developments would take center stage in the upcoming Contact Islands Conference 2023. With the theme “The Philippines, the Heart of CX,” the conference is set to once again facilitate a world-class delegate experience and an excellent venue for the exchange of views, coaching, networking, and benchmarking for the sector’s leaders and decision-makers. The conference is set for 26 to 28 July at the Dusit Thani Mactan in Lapu-Lapu City Cebu. The post AI to stay relevant in BPO, group claims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Embracing innovation and sustainability
Craving for the “island vibe” and wanting the beach and the crystal blue waves for your next view? Panglao Shores is the perfect nature-based resort situated in Bohol that offers beyond that. The sustainable hotel and resort have a relaxing and romantic view of the beach, foster a safe and inclusive community and conserve the long-lived Boholano culture. Hope Uy, managing director of Panglao Shores, commits to making the tourist destination adhere to sustainable methods and innovative approaches as a proactive effort to preserve the vibrant island. “We’re now very conscious of creating liveable spaces with a green design approach,” Uy told Daily Tribune. [caption id="attachment_151777" align="aligncenter" width="525"] PHOTOGRAPH COURTESY OF PANGLAO SHORES | PANGLAO Shores is a 50-hectare mixed-use estate by the Alturas Group of Companies.[/caption] Pandemic efforts To minimize the losses and work around the uncertainty brought upon by the pandemic, Panglao Shores created a farming project titled “South Farm” which brought a symbol of love and motivation among its staff. “Panglao Shores created a farm in order to supply plants, natural materials and vegetables for all our developments,” Uy said, affirming that they repurposed their staff by choosing them as farmers for the project. South Farm was able to produce fruits, vegetables and an assortment of herbs amid the pandemic. “We created a sustainable supply chain through that,” she added. Keeping up with these local farming traditions encouraged progressive and sustainable practices that will be beneficial for the island in the long run. “It [South Farm] helped our displaced team members during the pandemic and where we started our sustainable practices. South Farm inspired us to make Panglao Shores sustainable and innovative,” Uy said. Sustainability as a top choice Aside from producing and farming greens, South Farm recycles wastes and creates local and intricate handicrafts that promote the province. Sustainability is not just a mere concept loosely thrown around in the company. To ensure that the company strongly develops and practices long-term sustainable efforts, Panglao Shores works with XCO2, a London-based consultancy that specializes in low-carbon strategies. It will also incorporate sustainable methods through its future projects. “Our new resort will have old reclaimed woods salvaged from old houses, all rooms will have a history with every piece of wood on the walls,” she said. Paradise life Panglao Shores prides itself on world-class and exquisite services and amenities, as well as access to the beach, an ideal place to boost productivity and reinvigorate your soul. “We need to go back to a livable natural space and it starts with responsible building of the present and future. This will be pandemic proof,” she said. For ongoing projects, Uy is hopeful and excited about how Panglao Shore will thrive in the near future. “We need to go back to a livable natural space and it starts with responsible building of the present and future. This will be pandemic proof,” she said. The post Embracing innovation and sustainability appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New Candaba Viaduct to make travel faster, safer
Motorists can expect a much faster and safer journey to Central and Northern Luzon once the third Candaba Viaduct is completed. The third viaduct will be constructed by NLEX Corp., a subsidiary of Metro Pacific Tollways Corp. or MPTC, the tollways unit of Metro Pacific Investments Corp. The first 5-kilometer Candaba Viaduct connects Bulacan and Pampanga along the North Luzon Expressway. It has been an important bridge for motorists traveling from Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon for over 50 years. The viaduct has withstood natural disasters such as typhoons and earthquakes. The current project was recently inaugurated in a groundbreaking ceremony led by House Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Senior Deputy Speaker Aurelio Gonzales, Toll Regulatory Board Executive Director Alvin Carullo, Pampanga Governor Dennis Pineda, Department of Public Works and Highways Region 3 Director Roseller Tolentino, MPTC president Rogelio L. Singson, and NLEX president and general manager Jose Luigi L. Bautista. Targeted for completion in November 2024, the P7.89-billion third viaduct requires the construction of a new bridge between the two existing viaducts. Once completed, the road capacity of the new viaduct will increase from three lanes without shoulders to three lanes with inner and outer shoulders in each direction. These lanes and shoulders will be wide, boosting safety and convenience for travelers. According to MPTC president and CEO Singson, who is a former Public Works and Highways secretary, “This project will not only increase the capacity of the 5-km Candaba Viaduct but will ultimately improve safety and convenience of the motorists and will aid in the acceleration and growth of trade and commerce in Central Luzon.” Speaker Romualdez emphasized the importance of the new bridge which is expected to decongest traffic and reduce travel time for motorists. “This project will not only enhance the efficiency of our transportation network but also contribute to the overall socioeconomic development of the region. It will create jobs, attract investments, and stimulate economic growth,” Romualdez said. The third Candaba Viaduct will be built using green and sustainable engineering practices and comply with the country’s latest bridge design requirements. It will have piers every 20 meters, with each pier supported by two columns and two bored piles, strengthening the structure amid the swampy condition of the natural ground beneath it. NLEX president and general manager Bautista assured motorists the construction of the new bridge would not affect the operation and traffic flow on the two existing viaducts. Based on the studies, constructing the third viaduct is necessary because the existing structures are aging and operating at a lower capacity. Competent engineers and management teams will manage the construction site to ensure efficiency and safety. “This new mobility project will offer easy journeys and make travel safer for the public traveling between Metro Manila and Central and Northern Luzon as there will be a new structure to augment the existing ones and that will safely allow the speed limit to be increased to 60 to 80 kilometers per hour from the current 40 to 60 kilometers per hour,” said Bautista, adding that upon completion, Class 3 vehicles or large trucks will be directed to the new bridge so that the old structures will be relieved of heavy loads. Since 2005, MPTC has been upgrading the viaduct. Among the upgrades were pavement resurfacing, bridge link slab, girder, and deck replacement; girder and column strengthening; and construction of lay-bys or emergency bays in the northbound and southbound directions of the bridge. Since 2020, stricter anti-overloading policies, such as the 33-ton gross vehicle weight limit for the southbound viaduct, were implemented to ensure the safety and stability of the bridge. With projects like the third Candaba Viaduct underway, motorists can expect even more improvements in the quality of the road infrastructure and service along the NLEX. These projects aim to ensure the utmost comfort and safety of motorists traveling to Central and Northern Luzon through the expressway. With the BBM administration’s vision of taking the country into the golden age of infrastructure, this project will certainly add to the many programs in the pipeline that in the end will benefit millions of Filipinos. The post New Candaba Viaduct to make travel faster, safer appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go bats for better fire prevention, sends aid to Parañaque fire victims
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go remains committed to help Filipinos affected by crisis situations as he sent his team to assist fire victims residing in Barangays La Huerta and San Dionisio in Parañaque City on Friday, 9 June. Go’s team held the relief activity at Villanueva Village Basketball Court and distributed grocery packs, snacks, vitamins, shirts and masks to a total of 76 affected households. The senator's personnel also gave away shoes and mobile phones to select recipients. Aside from the senator’s team, a team from the Department of Social Welfare and Development extended financial assistance to further help the victims recover from the damage caused by the fire incident. Through his video message, Go maintained that the government continues to prioritize better fire prevention efforts as the Bureau of Fire Protection is currently undergoing a modernization program, following the enactment of Republic Act No. 11589 in 2021. The BFP Modernization Act, which was primarily authored and co-sponsored by Go, mandates the agency to undergo a 10-year modernization program to transform the bureau into a world-class institution that would significantly improve its capability to respond to fire-related incidents by recruiting more firefighters, acquiring new fire equipment and developing specialized training, among others. “Sa pag-iikot ko ng bansa para makatulong sa mga nasunugan, nakita ko po talaga ang importansya ng pagpapalakas ng ating fire prevention campaigns. Kaya naman nagpapasalamat ako sa dating pangulong Rodrigo Duterte sa pag-apruba ng BFP Modernization Act para mas lalo pang lumakas ang kapasidad ng ahensya,” expressed Go. “Sa mga nasunugan naman po, alam ko pong napakahirap ng panahon ngayon at kayo po ay nasunugan pa pero huwag po kayong mawalan ng pag-asa. Ang pera naman po ay kikitain pero ang pera ay hindi po nabibili ang buhay. A lost life is a lost life forever. Kaya mag-ingat po tayo palagi,” he reminded. Go then offered additional assistance to any resident in need of medical care as he encouraged them to seek the services of the Malasakit Center located at Ospital ng Parañaque. After he witnessed the struggles of financially disadvantaged Filipinos in settling their medical expenses, Go initiated the Malasakit Centers program in 2018 and was institutionalized under Republic Act No. 11463 in 2019, which he principally authored and sponsored. The center houses relevant agencies where patients can conveniently avail medical assistance programs, such as DSWD, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office. There are now 158 Malasakit Centers nationwide. Go likewise mentioned that Super Health Centers will be strategically located in the city as identified by the DOH, including two in different barangays. Through the collective efforts of fellow lawmakers, sufficient funds had been allocated for 307 Super Health Centers in 2022 and 322 in 2023. The DOH, as the lead implementing agency, identifies strategic areas where these centers will be built. Services offered in Super Health Centers include database management, out-patient, birthing, isolation, diagnostic (laboratory: x-ray and ultrasound), pharmacy and ambulatory surgical unit. Other available services are eye, ear, nose, and throat service, oncology centers, physical therapy and rehabilitation center and telemedicine, where remote diagnosis and treatment of patients will be done. Aside from the assistance provided, Go, who is Vice Chair of the Senate Committee on Finance, supported several initiatives in the city to ensure its progress amid crisis situations. Among the projects are the rehabilitation and construction of several multipurpose buildings, rehabilitation of drainage in Brgy. Don Bosco, improvement of the Parañaque River Promenade Bridge and acquisition of an ambulance unit. Last 2 June, Go’s team also assisted more fire victims in the city. The post Bong Go bats for better fire prevention, sends aid to Parañaque fire victims appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
DepEd mulls class schedule revision
The Department of Education is still mulling whether or not to revert to the pre-pandemic school calendar currently being lobbied in the House of Representatives as it is still awaiting the study conducted by the group it constituted before giving its cue. DepEd spokesperson Michael Poa told Daily Tribune on Sunday that the review of the recommendation to return to the former academic calendar — where the kids’ break from school would be in April and May — is still ongoing. “The study is still ongoing. Because the study also includes the proposed transition plan, if ever. We will ask the concerned team tasked to study this,” Poa said in a text message. The study, which was kickoff at the peak of extreme summer heat in April, is being conducted to determine two things, according to Poa. “First, whether we should revert to old school calendar. Second, if we were to revert, how do we revert and timeline for such,” he said. “For example, heat in schools is one of our challenges right now due to summer. But PAGASA has recently stated that we might experience El Niño in the months of July, August or September,” Poa added. A bill that seeks to revert to the old school calendar was lobbied in the House of Representatives to refrain the students and teachers amid the scorching heat during summer and to safeguard them from possible heat stress during the dry months of April and May. Ilocos Sur Rep. Ronald Singson, the proponent of House Bill 8508 that seeks to modify the start of the school year, contends that while it is impossible to predict the weather owing to climate change, the old school calendar is what best suits the nation. “The extreme heat experienced by teachers and students during the dry season, which is deemed not conducive to learning, and the students being unable to enjoy the school break because of the rainy season are the main reasons why we should change the opening of schools,” said Singson. The bill – if passed -- will make the first Monday of June of every year the start of the academic year in all basic education institutions in the country, including foreign and international schools. To recall, over 100 students in Cabuyao, Laguna, were rushed to a hospital owing to hunger and dehydration due to the heat index hovering between 39 and 42 degrees Celsius, prompting requests to reinstate the April-May school summer holiday. The post DepEd mulls class schedule revision appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BCDA sole government agency to win Gold Quill award
Of the 395 entries worldwide, the Bases Conversion and Development Authority is the only Philippine government agency that bagged the most coveted 2023 Gold Quill Award of Excellence for its innovative annual report publications in the past three years. By pushing innovation to improve public’s access to information as well as telling stories behind financial data and technical reports to make it more appealing to its audiences, the “One Nation, One Legacy” BCDA annual report series from 2019 to 2021 met the high standards of the International Association of Business Communicators’ Seven-point Scale of Excellence, taking home the Gold Quill Award of Excellence in Publications. “This is not an ordinary feat for the Philippine government. At a time where many people and organizations were overwhelmed, this recognition demonstrates how important impactful, innovative and clear communication is to its stakeholders. We are humbled by this award that puts BCDA among the ranks of the best communicators in the world. Our vow is to continue setting the bar by reporting accurate financial and operational performances that are accessible and engaging to the public,” said BCDA president and chief executive officer Aileen R. Zosa. Deviating from traditional government reports, BCDA’s “One Nation, One Legacy” series went beyond the usual financial statements by including human interest stories and eye-catching infographics and visuals anchored on corporate governance, business development, project management, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to communicate BCDA’s role as a catalyst of national growth and provider of economic opportunities for Filipinos. “We Win As One” (2019) featured New Clark City’s world-class sports complex completed in record time for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. “We Heal As One'' (2020) focused on BCDA’s role in the whole-of-nation approach in dealing with the pandemic. And lastly, “We Build As One” (2021) highlighted how BCDA exercised political will amid a crippling health crisis to push for the completion of big-ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Clark International Airport terminal. For more than 40 years, IABC’s Gold Quill Awards have recognized and awarded excellence in strategic communication worldwide. The Gold Quill Awards honor the dedication, innovation and passion of communicators on a global scale with a focus on achieving solid business outcomes. Since 2008, more than 5,000 projects have been entered in the Gold Quill Awards. The IABC Gold Quill Awards program recognizes business communication excellence globally, and is acknowledged as one of the most prestigious awards programs in the industry. The post BCDA sole government agency to win Gold Quill award appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BCDA marks new milestone
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT — The Bases Conversion and Development Authority recently clinched two Gold Awards from the 2023 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards as the agency continues to intensify efforts on uniting people. The BCDA won the award for its innovative storytelling and creative design in the highly prestigious award. The “One Nation, One Legacy” BCDA annual report series from 2019 to 2021 was awarded the Gold Stevie Award for Innovation in Annual Reports. Meanwhile, the annual report of “We Build As One” garnered the Gold Stevie Award for Innovation in Government Publications. According to BCDA president and chief executive officer Aileen R. Zosa, these awards signify additional feathers to BCDA’s cap, three years after winning two bronze medals in the 2020 Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards for the 2018 Annual Report, “Clark. It Works. Like A Dream,” and the BCDA external newsletter, “Collective.” She added that the annual report is an important tool to connect the BCDA and its stakeholders as the agency continues to look for ways to make their content more accessible and engaging. “With these publications, we ask our readers to look beyond the data and see how BCDA’s accomplishments are also the accomplishments of the Filipino people. All these, while not forgetting to exercise transparency and accuracy in reporting our financial performance, as is our duty as a government institution,” Zosa said. “We are happy and very honored that the vastly prominent Stevie Awards has recognized our efforts. This inspires us to carry on with our task of ensuring effective communication with our stakeholders, including the military, our investors, and the public,” she added. Adopting elements of a lifestyle magazine both in terms of content and design, BCDA’s One Nation, One Legacy annual report series tells the story of BCDA and how its projects have impacted Filipinos before, during, and after the Covid-19 pandemic. The reports include human-interest stories anchored on corporate governance, business development, project management, and corporate social responsibility initiatives to communicate BCDA’s role as a catalyst of national growth and provider of economic opportunities for Filipinos. “We Win As One” (2019) featured New Clark City’s world-class sports complex completed in record time for the 2019 Southeast Asian Games. “We Heal As One” (2020) focused on BCDA’s role in the whole-of-nation approach in dealing with the pandemic and lastly, “We Build As One” (2021) highlighted how BCDA exercised political will amid a crippling health crisis to push for the completion of big-ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Clark International Airport terminal. The Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards are the only business awards program to recognize innovation in the workplace in all 29 nations of the Asia-Pacific region. The post BCDA marks new milestone appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
New PLDT president vows to increase market share via world-class network
The new president and chief executive of PLDT Inc. on Tuesday vowed to gain more market share by providing world-class network and better customer experience amid the stiff competition......»»
Golden Haven Las Pi& ntilde;as seen as prime property investment
Dubbed as the up-and-coming new business district, Vista City Global South is a world-class township from the country’s leading developer. Amid the bustle lies a serene and picturesque park---Golden Haven Las Pinas......»»