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PPMC takes over interim operations of San Fernando Seaport

Business
Business /

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) has authorized its subsidiary, Poro Point Management Corp., (PPMC) to manage the interim operations of the San Fernando Seaport in La Union following the lease contract expiration of the seaport’s previous operator. BCDA President and CEO Joshua M. Bingcang and PPMC President and CEO Felix S. Racadio signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) granting PPMC interim operational control over the seaport, and ensuring the continuity of operations and provision of services in the seaport area. This came after the lease contract of the previous operator, Poro Point Industrial Corp., (PPIC) expired on October 31, 2024, and the company signified its intent to cease operations. “The BCDA recognizes the vital role played by the San Fernando Seaport in facilitating international trade, boosting supply chains, and supporting various industries in La Union and Northern Luzon. The seaport has been a key driver of growth, generating jobs and livelihood for the community,” PCEO Bingcang said. “That is why there is a need to ensure that services in the seaport are uninterrupted. We thank the PPMC for taking on this task on an interim basis.” PPIC was formed by the BCDA, PPMC, and Bulk Handlers Inc. (BHI) in 1999 to manage the San Fernando Seaport. Prior to the expiration of PPIC’s lease, BCDA offered the company a three-month holdover authority to ensure uninterrupted operations of the seaport while it is preparing for a competitive bidding for a new operator. However, PPIC declined the offer and confirmed its intent to cease operations. To ensure continuity, the BCDA Board of Directors authorized PPMC to take over interim seaport operations effective November 6, 2024. This MOA formalizes this interim arrangement until a new operator is selected. “With the trust that the BCDA has given us, PPMC assures that it will perform our task of managing the seaport well,” PCEO Racadio said. Under the MOA, PPMC shall ensure the continued provision of key services, including cargo handling, customs brokerage, warehousing, and equipment rentals. It is also tasked to oversee the safety and security, environmental protection, trade facilitation, and labor regulations in the seaport. It shall maintain and repair all the structures in the area. Formerly known as the US Wallace Air Station, the 236.5-hectare Poro Point Special Economic and Freeport Zone is being positioned as a vibrant tourism and investment destination to drive growth in La Union and Northern Luzon. It has also contributed to La Union’s transport and logistics sector through its own airport and international seaport.          

Yap thanks Palace for Benguet Day law

CAR
CAR /

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — Finally, Benguet Day will now officially be held every 23rd of November following the signing of Republic Act 12099 recently. RA 12099, was signed into law December 13, 2024 recognizes November 23 of every year as a special non-working holiday in the province to be known as Benguet Day in commemoration of its foundation day. Benguet Cong. Eric Go Yap, who filed the bill which eventually became a law explained the 23rd of November 1900 was the momentous day when the first civil government in Benguet was established. “We’re elated with the enactment of this into law, finally, kinikilala na ng batas ng Pilipinas ang Nov 23 bilang holiday sa Benguet in commemoration of our birth. Alam naman ng lahat na talagang November 23 ang selebrasyon ng Benguet Day at by filing this Bill, I would like to give proper recognition sa pinagmulan ng ating probinsya,” said Yap. The solon pointed out that the rich history of Benguet indicates that although the people of the province are comprised of different groups, tribes, and cultures, they have harmoniously co-existed through the government established then for the said purpose. Yap underscored that the inception of the civil government of Benguet under Act 48 with its then Civil Governor H.P, Whitmarsh has needless to say, paved the way for the sustained growth and development of the province for over a century now. “We actually filed for the first time this last Congress pa, it hurdled Congress and it was passed by the House pero naipit sa Senate. Based on the records of Congress, it was the first time na nai-file itong ganito but hindi naman na relevant yun kasi this term, we made sure to lobby hard sa Senate. It was a very complicated process kasi kahit local holiday lang siya, there’s a lot to consider. Kailangan pag-aralan yung economic impact din and a lot more. I had to be there every step of the way kasabay nung ibang nilalapit natin sa Senado and I thank Sen JV Ejercito for sponsoring this sa plenary. And of course, our President Bongbong Marcos for the enactment of this law,” added Yap. The declaration of every November 23rd as a special non-working holiday in Benguet, according to Yap, in celebration of its founding anniversary will surely provide the appropriate opportunity for the province to revisit its past and re-connect with its roots. Yap added that the declaration of the special non-working holiday in the province provides a reason for the province to celebrate milestones, big or small, that have since the civil government’s creation over a century ago. Yap also explained that when the holiday falls on a Saturday or a Sunday, the holiday shall be observed on the Monday that follows. The law also repealed RA 7672 declaring June 18 as a special non – working holiday in the province. “June 18 will still hold a significant place in our history and I will speak with Governor Diclas to plan an activity every year to recognize din yung date na yun sa history ng province,” Yap qupped. RA12099 meanwhile, was passed in the House of Representatives on Sept. 5, 2022, amended by the Senate on August 27, 2024 and which amendments were concurred by the lower house on Sept. 25. “Marami pa tayong pinupush na mapasa na batas, lalo yung mga local bills natin.Marami na tayong napasa din na may impact sa senior citizens, youth, work force, agriculture sector and health. But there’s still a lot of work so we will not rest until makuha natin yun,” Yap closed.      

Gambito reinforces traffic directive in Nueva Vizcaya

Region 2
Region 2 /

  By Rachel Magday   BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Governor Atty. Jose V. Gambito has reiterated his directive to law enforcement officials to issue citation tickets to motorists who fail to adhere to traffic enforcers’ rules and regulations. This comes as the province braces for anticipated traffic congestion on the national highway due to the resumption of road construction activities on January 6, 2025. The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region II had temporarily suspended these road projects from December 20, 2024 to January 5, 2025 to accommodate the influx of vehicles as people returned to their provinces in the Cagayan Valley and Cordillera Administrative Region(CAR) for the Christmas and New Year celebrations. In an advisory released by DPWH Regional Office, they announced that road construction activities would resume on January 6. The department is appealing for public cooperation in following traffic rules and regulations. They also urge motorists to avoid counter-flowing to prevent any incidents that could worsen traffic congestion. To manage the expected increase in traffic, additional police personnel will be deployed to key areas to assist in traffic management and ensure smooth vehicular flow. The traffic plan includes a 30-minute interval system at certain construction sites to facilitate one-way traffic flow and minimize delays. Additionally, the DPWH recommends the following alternate route for motorists to help avoid traffic congestion: Ifugao Route: Enter Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya Proceed to Lamut, Ifugao Pass through the towns of Lagawe, Banaue, Mayoyao, Aguinaldo, and Alfonso Lista, all in Ifugao Exit through Ramon, Isabela Time Travel: Approximately 5 hours and 38 minutes – Distance: 180 kilometers Governor Gambito has also instructed the contractors of these DPWH projects to deploy additional flagmen at their construction sites, ensuring their presence 24 hours a day. This measure aims to enhance safety and provide constant guidance to motorists navigating through construction zones. Gambito emphasized the importance of cooperation from all road users. “We urge everyone to follow the traffic rules and respect the guidance of our traffic enforcers and flagmen. These road projects are crucial for our community’s development, and your patience and cooperation are vital to their successful completion.” The DPWH assured the public that they are making every effort to expedite the completion of these projects, which aim to provide a safer, faster, and more reliable road network for everyone. For commuters’ information, here are the details of the road construction programs and lane accessibility in the affected areas: Brgy. Nagsabaran, Diadi (K0297+325-K0297+550) Length: 225 meters, intermittent sections Some sections will undergo reblocking, but both outer lanes and the right-lane carriageway will be accessible. Expect a two-way traffic flow. Brgy. Kinacao, Bagabag (K0286+100-K0286+400) Length: 100 meters The left lane will undergo reconstruction, leaving only one lane accessible. Expect a one-way traffic flow with a 30-minute interval. Batu Bridge, Bambang (K0256+017) Length: 390.60 linear meters One lane will undergo maintenance works. Expect a one-way traffic flow with a 30-minute interval. Motorists are encouraged to plan their journeys accordingly and exercise patience as these essential infrastructure improvements are underway.

Baguio’s economy did “pretty well” in 2024- Magalong

Baguio City
Baguio City /

BAGUIO CITY– “Things are going pretty well” when it comes to the Summer Capital’s economy, said Mayor Benjamin Magalong, in a recent media forum. Magalong said, after the Covid-19 pandemic, the city’s gross domestic product (GDP) growth in 2021 was a little more than nine percent then grew to 11.3 percent in 2022 then settled at nine percent in 2023 after a technical correction due to a very high baseline. “We are looking forward to a higher GDP growth for the city this year, 2024, considering the fact that we have more MSMEs (micro, small, and medium enterprises). We were able to issue more business permits.” He added that this year 2024, the amount of business permit fees collected increased by around P220 million and that there are about 600 more entrepreneurs in the city as compared to last year. “If you look at our figures last year, the city’s collection in terms of revenue is only at around P330 million. Now we are hitting about P540 million in terms of revenue derived from the business permits. So ibig sabihin, gumaganda ang ating economiya,” Magalong stressed. He said that the number of tourist arrivals have also increased especially in November and December, even on weekdays, with many accommodation establishments reporting to be fully booked during these months. He added that the city’s unemployment rate continues to be “very low” according to the Philippine Statistics Authority. (By Gabby Keith-Baguio PIO)            

Cordillera logs 41 fireworks injuries,1 stray bullet

CAR
CAR /

CORDILLERA – The Department of Health-Cordillera recorded 17 additional cases of  Firework-Related Injury (FWRI) as of January 2, bringing a total 42 injuries and one stray bullet injury in the region. The province of Abra listed higher number of FWRI cases to 9, followed by 8 in Baguio City; 8 in Kalinga;  7 in Benguet; 4 each in Apayao and Mt.Province and 1 in Ifugao. The age range of cases is from 4 to 84 years old (median of 16 years) and no death was reported. Majority of injured cases are males with 32 cases. Eleven cases sustained eye injury;26 cases had blast/burn injuries without amputation; three case of blast/burn injury with amputation, and one with multiple injuries. The stray bullet injury was reported from Kalinga, the case is a 16-year-old female.

Pangasinan nagkamit ng kahanga-hangang parangal noong 2024

Region 1
Region 1 /

LINGAYEN, Pangasinan —Sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Gobernador Ramon V. Guico III, ang 2024 ay isang mabungang taon ng mga makabuluhang hakbang, tagumpay, at maraming parangal para sa Pangasinan. Bilang isa sa mga pangunahing priyoridad ng kasalukuyang administrasyon, pinangunahan ni Gov. Guico ang lalawigan sa pagpapaigting ng pamamahala sa ospital at pagpapabuti ng mga pasilidad sa kalusugan upang isama ang pagtatayo ng mga bagong gusali at pagbili ng mga bagong kagamitan tulad ng MRI, Xray machine, CT scan, ultrasound at dialysis machine upang maisakatuparan ang layunin ng pagbabago sa lahat ng 14 na pasilidad ng kalusugan ng pamahalaan sa ‘mga ospital na pinili.’ Ang paglulunsad ng Government Unified Incentives for Medical Consultations o Guiconsulta program na naglalayong makapagrehistro ng dalawang milyong Pangasinense, ay isang maningning na halimbawa ng tunay na pangangalaga at proteksyon sa mga mahihirap at may sakit na Pangasinense. Dahil determinadong ilapit sa mga mamamayan ang ‘Preventive Health Care Program’ ng lalawigan, lalo na ang mga nasa grassroots level, pinaigting ang pro-poor program sa pamamagitan ng ordinansang inaprubahan ng provincial board. Bago ang paglulunsad ng programa, iniulat ng Provincial Hospital Management Services Office (PHMSO) na humigit-kumulang 28,000 Pangasinenses lamang ang na-enrol sa 14 na ospital ng gobyerno sa ilalim ng Konsulta (Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama) program ng PhilHealth. Itinulak nito si Gov. Guico na pangunahan ang isang pinaigting na kampanya upang suportahan ang programa ng segurong pangkalusugan ng estado. Bilang karagdagang tulong, ang pamahalaang panlalawigan ay nagbibigay ng cash incentives para sa mga residenteng makikinabang sa programa. Dagdag pa rito, isang district hospital sa Barangay Gonzales, Umingan, at ang extension ng ospital ng Eastern Pangasinan District Hospital sa Tayug ay itinatayo. Binigyang-prayoridad din ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang pagbibigay ng libreng edukasyon sa mga karapat-dapat na kabataang Pangasinense mula sa mga pamilyang mababa ang kita. Kaya naman, binuksan ng Pangasinan Polytechnic College (PPC) ang mga pinto nito sa mga 700 freshman students noong Agosto. Isang landmark na proyekto ng administrasyong Guico, ang PPC ay nagsisilbing regalo sa mga Pangasinense. Kasunod ng inisyal na batch ng mga mag-aaral, ibinunyag ng gobernador na malapit na ang pagpapalawak sa pagtatatag ng mas maraming mga kampus para ma-accommodate ang mas karapat-dapat na mga kabataan sa buong lalawigan. Ito, nauna niyang sinabi, ay higit pang itulak upang maisakatuparan ang layunin na makagawa ng kahit isang propesyonal sa bawat pamilya ng Pangasinense. Ang unang batch ng mga iskolar ng PPC ay kasalukuyang naka-enroll nang libre sa mga kurso tulad ng Bachelor of Special Needs Education, Bachelor of Multi-Media Arts, Bachelor of Science in Agribusiness, at Bachelor in Public Administration na may Major in Local Governance. Isa pang makasaysayang proyektong pag-uusapan ay ang Pangasinan Salt Farm na matatagpuan sa Zaragoza, Bolinao. Mula sa ilang taong pagkakaidlip dahil sa hindi operasyon, muling binuhay ng pamahalaang panlalawigan ang pasilidad na naghahatid ng mga oportunidad sa trabaho para sa mahigit isang daang mga lokal sa lugar na nagbibigay ng kita para sa lalawigan. Noong 2024, nakagawa ang salt farm ng 6,400 metric tons at dahil dito, nagkaroon ng kabuuang benta na mahigit P10 milyon. Ang nasabing tagumpay ay nag-ugat sa pakikipag-ugnayan ng pamahalaang panlalawigan sa Philippine Coconut Authority para sa Coconut Fertilization Project ng huli para sa CY 2024. “Kailangan nating bawasan nang husto ang ating dependency sa imported na asin at makagawa ng 100% ng ating mga pangangailangan sa pagkonsumo. Dapat nating isipin na maging isang net exporter ng asin sa hinaharap, “sabi ni Gov. Guico. Sa paglalagay ng trabaho, pinadali ng pamahalaang panlalawigan, sa pamamagitan ng Pangasinan Public Employment Service Office (PESO), ang pagtatrabaho sa libu-libong naghahanap ng trabaho sa regular na job fair at caravan sa iba’t ibang lokalidad sa Pangasinan. Sa agrikultura, patuloy na sinusuportahan ng kasalukuyang administrasyon ang kalagayan ng mga marginalized na magsasaka sa lalawigan. Para sa Corporate Farming program, isa pang trademark project ng administrasyong Guico, nasa 600 ektarya ng mga lupang sakahan ang nasa ilalim ng nasabing programa na naglalayong pataasin ang produksyon ng mga magsasaka at iangat ang buhay ng mga lokal na magsasaka. “Ang simpleng kuwento tungkol sa pagsasaka ng korporasyon ay dahil ito ay mas cost-efficient, ang isang mas mataas na ani bawat ektarya ay nakakamit na may mas mababang halaga ng produksyon,” pahayag ng gobernador. Ang Aquaculture, ay gumawa ng makabuluhang hakbang sa Pangasinan Bangus Breeding and Hatchery Project na matatagpuan sa Barangay rArnedo, Bolinao sa frontline. Ang programa ay naglalayong makabuo ng 100 milyong bangus fry at higit sa 48 milyong bangus larvae bawat taon. Kabilang sa iba pang tuluy-tuloy na proyekto ang iba’t ibang proyektong pang-imprastraktura, tulad ng malaking epekto ng Pangasinan Link Expressway (PLEX), na nagsimula noong Marso 2024, at iba pang regular na proyekto sa ilalim ng engineering office. Ang mga serbisyong panlipunan tulad ng tulong pinansyal at medikal sa mga Pangasinense ay aktibong isinasagawa sa tulong ng First Spouses League of Pangasinan. Ang walang humpay na pagsisikap ng pangkat ng pamahalaang panlalawigan (parehong ehekutibo at lehislatibo) para sa buong taon ay nagbunga dahil maraming mga parangal ang iginawad sa lalawigan sa pamamagitan ng: Seal of Good Local Governance Award; Gawad Kalasag Beyond Compliance Award; Top 1 Highest Locally Sourced Revenues in Nominal Terms; Top 1 in Year-on-Year Growth in Locally Sourced Revenues; Region 1’s Top Performing Province in Local Revenue Generation; SubayBAYANI Awards Exemplars (National); Gawad Parangal 2024 Outstanding Provincial Jail, Best Livelihood Program and Best Educational Program:Alternative Learning System; Northern Luzon’s Best Newborn Screening Facilities in Region 1; Region 1 Best Province in Local Tourism Planning; 1st runner-up for Best Tourism Souvenirs (Banaan Museaum Souvenirs); 2nd runner-up for Best International Event Hosting (2nd International Conference on Pangasinan and Bulosan Studies). Higit sa lahat ng ito, ang Pangasinan ay nakalista bilang ika-7 pinakamataas na nag-ambag sa mga tuntunin ng bahagi sa pambansang Gross Domestic Product (GDP) sa 82 lalawigan sa Pilipinas at ika-14 na pinakamayamang lalawigan sa buong bansa na may kabuuang asset na P18.36 bilyon. Tinapos ang lahat ng mga parangal at pagsipi, si Gov. Guico ay inilista ng Edurank.org bilang kabilang sa Top 79 Notable Alumni ng Unibersidad ng

PRO7 reports peaceful New Year celebrations in Central Visayas

Vis-Min
Vis-Min /

The Police Regional Office 7 (PRO7) reported that the New Year celebrations across the Central Visayas region were peaceful. PRO7 Officer-in-Command PBrig.Gen. Roy B. Parena emphasized that thorough inspections, increased vigilance from law enforcement officers, and the meticulous preparation of the police force played a significant role in maintaining safety and order during the celebrations, ensuring a smooth transition into the new year. As part of the ongoing safety initiative “Ligtas PAskuhan 2024,” incident monitoring from December 31, 2024, to January 1, 2025, revealed only four firecracker-related incidents during the festive period. Among these incidents, three separate injuries were reported in Barangay Looc, Mandaue City; Babag 2, Lapu-Lapu City; and Balisong, Argao, Cebu and one casualty in Asturias, Cebu. A 23-year-old individual succumbed to injuries sustained from a firecracker explosion in Barangay San Roque, Asturias, Cebu, shortly after midnight. The victim ignited a firecracker known as a “bombshell,” which failed to explode initially. When he returned to check on it, the firecracker suddenly exploded, causing injuries to his face. He was taken to an infirmary clinic but was pronounced dead on arrival by the attending physician. Furthermore, PRO7 documented three incidents involving the illegal sale and use of prohibited firecrackers and pyrotechnic devices in Danao City and Lapu-Lapu City on December 31, 2024. “The New Year celebrations in Central Visayas were peaceful, largely due to the strategies implemented by PRO7, along with local support. These actions included thorough inspections and the distribution of safety guidelines to the public, which helped maintain peace in the region,” said Parena. He also noted that this approach serves as a benchmark for enhancing safety at future events. (PRO7-PIO)        

36 families lose their homes on New Year’s Eve

CAR
CAR /

TUBA, Benguet – The traditional New Year’s Eve celebration turned sad for 36 families after a fire gutted 24 houses in Riverside Compound, Barangay Camp 6, Tuba, Benguet, early on January 1. Initial reports indicate that at least 36 families, comprising 155 individuals, were affected by the fire that broke out at 1:00 a.m., after the New Year’s Eve 2025 celebration. The next morning, Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, acting chairperson of the Metropolitan Baguio-La Trinidad-Itogon-Sablan-Tuba-Tublay Development Authority (MBLISTTDA), immediately met with the Tuba Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headed by Mayor Clarita Sal-ongan. Magalong also met with 36 affected families for immediate assistance prepared by the Baguio City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office for the fire victims. Magalong also thanked the Baguio City Fire Station for being first responders, water deliveries and local disaster-response teams for their quick assistance to the Tuba Fire Station in extinguishing the fire. Those who lost their homes were temporarily taken to Camp 6 Elementary School, and Barangay Camp 4 Multi-purpose Hall, while the cause of the fire and the extent of the damage are still being determined. Those who wish to help may proceed to the Camp 6 Jeepney terminal/staging area in Baguio City, where they will be taken to the affected families in Camp 6.      

Luxury cruise ship MV Silver Dawn makes maiden call at Subic Bay 

Region 3
Region 3 /

Subic Bay Freeport – The MV Silver Dawn, a luxury cruise ship by Silversea Cruises, made its maiden call at this premier Freeport carrying around 1,000 passenger tourists, on December 31. Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman and Administrator Eduardo Jose L. Aliño shared that the Silversea Cruises is part of the prestigious Royal Caribbean Group, and is an ultra- luxury and expedition travel brand based in Monaco. “This is the maiden visit of the MV Silver Dawn to the Port of Subic. We can expect that 596 passengers, as well as 411 crew members of the ship, will spend their New Year’s Eve here,” he said, hoping that the people of Subic Bay Freeport will welcome them during their stay here. SBMA Port Operations Senior Deputy Administrator Ronnie Yambao said, “As the Chairperson of the SBMA Cruise Ship Industry Committee, we are eyeing to breach the pre-pandemic level of cruise ship arrivals in Subic Bay to reach 20 in 2025.” He added that the MV Blue Dream Star, among many other cruise ships that have confirmed its arrival in 2025, will be here on April 11, May 3 and July 8 and bring 1,053 passengers on board. “Next is the Viva Vie Odyssey on September 23. The ship will bring in 924 passengers at double occupancy, along with 370 crew members,” he added. Meanwhile, Tourism Secretary Christina Garcia Frasco recently expressed her confidence in the cruise tourism industry of the Subic Bay Freeport zone. During a meeting with the SBMA and other officials from Zambales at the Subic Bay Yacht Club, Frasco said that Subic Bay’s cruise tourism can be expanded to include homeporting and creating dedicated cruise port initiatives. Frasco was in Subic Bay Freeport as part of the Philippine Experience Program (PEP) Central Luzon leg. She added that Zambales can develop their billeting facilities via the Mabuhay accommodations and homestays, integrating Tourist-Oriented Police enforcers for the Community Order and Protection (TOPCOP) program with barangay tanods in Olongapo City to ensure tourist safety, and promote dive tourism.          

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