Street Journal, Author at Street Journal Multimedia Services

Senator Imee Marcos has urged the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) to make public details of the June 3, 2024 NEDA Board meeting that resulted in government’s controversial decision to cut the tariff on imported rice to 15 percent up to 2028. This, after it was established during Thursday’s senate hearing into proposed amendments to the Rice Tariffication Law (RA No. 11203) and Rice Competitiveness Enhancement Fund (RA No. 8178), that the proposal did not come from agricultural stakeholders, and was never raised during three consultative hearings of the Tariff Commission in 2023. “Bigla na lang sumulpot ito sa NEDA Board noong June 3. Hihingin po namin, hangga’t kaya, kung sinu-sino ang nagpunta (NEDA Board meeting) at kung may transcript na ibibigay. Kung kinakailangan, mag-e-executive session para lang malaman natin ang ugat nitong EO 62 (Modifying the Nomenclature and Rates of Import Duty on Various Products). “Clearly, this was a small meeting. It was just a board meeting, right? So it can hardly be considered a public hearing with stakeholders and others,” Marcos said. The NEDA Board is composed of the President as chairperson, and NEDA Secretary as vice-chairperson, with the following members: the Executive Secretary, Special Assistant to the President for Investment and Economic Affairs, Secretary of Finance, and Secretary of Budget and Management. The senator noted that in the transcripts of the March, September and October 2023 consultative meetings and public hearings held by the Tariff Commission, there was no single mention of a 15 percent rice tariff rate taking effect for a period of 4 and a half years. Commissioner Marissa Paderon explained that proposed changes to the tariff lines “come from the parties” present during the meetings. “Sa pagbasa ng transcript na yan, was there any new tariff rate on rice proposed or discussed? Wala po akong makita. Sa buong transcript, wala umangal, walang nagsabi ibagsak sa kinse porsyento ang taripa. Wala akong nakita sa buong transcript. Binali-baliktad ko. Saan po nanggaling yan? Kung sinasabi ninyo manggagaling yan sa magtataas ng kamay at magsa-suggest ng panibagong taripa? Wala naman sa transcript; saan nanggaling yan?” Marcos asked the Tariff Commission, as she pointed out the lack of due process in the implementation of the rice tariff cut. The Senator also lamented how farmers groups, federations, and other agricultural stakeholders, and the Senate were left out of the consultative meetings. Five days after the Malacañang issuance, the Samahang Industriya ng Agrikultura (Sinag), Federation of Free Farmers Inc. (FFFI), United Broiler Raisers Assn. 1 Inc., Sorosoro Ibaba Development Cooperative (SIDC), and Magsasaka Partylist representative Argel Cabatbat challenged EO No. 62 before the Supreme Court (SC). Marcos doubted the periodic review of every 4 months of the 15 percent rice tariff under the executive issuance. “Ang ibig sabihin ng review na napaka-klaro naman sa atin: i-a-assess, i-e-examine at baka—baka palitan, baka hindi, baka palalain. Baka ibagsak pa lalo. Review yun eh. Hanggang doon lang. Pero hindi tayo sigurado na babaguhin.” Farmers groups and rice millers present during the senate hearing bared they were not even invited to the 2023 consultative meetings on the tariff lines, the senator noted. Marcos has consistently voiced her opposition to the 15 percent tariff rate, stating this will not bring down the retail price of rice because exporters of the commodity would just jack up their prices, based on previous experiences. The senator, who has put agriculture and food security among her legislative priorities, lamented how the latest tariff cut would result in the death of the local rice-producing industry.

Cayetano sa DPWH: Mga pagkaantala, nakakadagdag sa gastos sa NSB

NCR

NCR / Street Journal

Inamin ng Department of Public Works and Highways o DPWH na naantala ang pagpapatayo ng New Senate Building o NSB dahil sa mga variation order o pagbabago na nagresulta sa pagtaas ng kabuuang gastos sa proyekto. Lumabas ang impormasyong ito sa pagdinig tungkol sa NSB ng Senate Committee on Accounts na pinamumunuan ni Senador Alan Peter Cayetano nitong Miyerkules. Kasalukuyang sinusuri ng komite ang P23 bilyong halaga ng estimated cost ng proyekto. Ayon sa senador, may mga naantala na sa pagpapatayo ng NSB bago pa man ang reorganisasyon sa Senado nitong May. “Kasi may mga nagpapalabas na dine-delay namin ito ni Senator Escudero,” aniya. Bukod dito, sinabi rin ni Cayetano na 852 araw ng naantala ang proyekto. Ipinaliwanag ni DPWH Project Director Soledad Florencio na ang Extension of Time (EoT) o delay ay dahil sa mga variation order at patuloy na mga pagbabago sa proyekto kaya hindi masabi ng ahensya kung kailan ito matatapos. Nagresulta ito sa mahigit P78 milyong halaga ng mga singil sa EoT, sa loob ng tinatayang P800 milyong halaga para sa buong variation order ng proyekto. Kinuwestyon din ni Cayetano ang karagdagang design fees na nagkakahalaga ng P173 milyon na bukod pa sa P258 milyon na orihinal na design fee ng proyekto. Binigyang-diin ng senador na maaaring maiwasan ang mga delay at karagdagang gastos kung nakipag-ugnayan sana ang DPWH sa Senate Coordinating Team o SCT bago tapusin ang Detailed Architectural and Engineering Design o DAED ng proyekto. “Hindi niyo kinausap ang Senado before DAED, that’s why nagkaroon EoT. Kinakausap niyo senado after DAED that’s why nagka-VO at kaya may EoT [cost] ka na napakalaki,” pahayag ni Cayetano. “On hindsight, avoidable ito . Pwedeng walang RDAED [revised DAED] kung nag usap,” dagdag niya

BENECO links up with NEA’s national dashboard

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

The Benguet Electric Cooperative (BENECO) took one more step ahead when its highly benchmarked Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) became officially connected to the national command center launched by the National Electrification Administration (NEA) on July 4. The command center, a NEA flagship project conceptualized by administrator Antonio Mariano Almeda, has a national dashboard to closely monitor in real time the situation on the ground of electric cooperatives especially during calamities. The command center also seeks to immediately address major electricity distribution concerns through data driven intervention mechanisms. Almeda and Sec. Raphael Lotilla of the Department of Energy (DOE) led energy officials and other stakeholders during the launch that saw an actual demonstration of the connectivity of the dashboard with the systems of three pilot electric cooperatives in their main offices – BENECO, Cebu III Electric Cooperative, Inc. (CEBECO III), and Misamis Oriental – 1 Rural Electric Service Cooperative (MORESCO 1). Melchor Licoben, BENECO general manager, was seen being personally congratulated by Lotilla following the explanation by NEA officials on how the command center will elevate to a significant level of innovation the way the country’s 121 ECs will be monitored. BENECO’s engineers and local mediamen witnessed the initial switch on connection from the SCADA room of the cooperative’s office in South Drive, Baguio City. It was a virtual affair that saw the guests and visitors at NEA and the SCADA engineers in South Drive, Baguio City in close watch with each other. BENECO, CEBECO II and MORESCO 1 were chosen for the pilot launching of the project since they have existing Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) in place. Almeda said 60 other electric cooperatives are expected to hook up with the dashboard before the year ends and hopefully, all coops will be on board by 2025. The facility for the command center was erected at the ground floor of the NEA building in Quezon City. “Rural Electrification is not anymore limited to simply extending distribution lines to households, but now also includes establishing systems for resiliency and energy security,” Almeda said during the launch. Among the 121 ECs in the country, BENECO was the first to have a SCADA which was installed in 2007. It was also the first to implement its own geographic information system (GIS) in 1999. The dashboard will rely heavily on the data provided both by the SCADA and GIS in NEA’S bid to timely inspect, assess and respond to the situation quickly in cases of power outages due to operational issues or natural and man-made disasters. Lotilla lauded the efforts of BENECO and the two other cooperatives to become technologically advanced by becoming smart grid distribution utilities. He said that through the command center, the electric cooperatives will be able to show the importance of their role as first level in the distribution sector. “The ECs will be able to provide timely data and information for key government agencies, the second level, and all the way to the office of the president during state of emergencies like typhoons and calamities. The 121 ECs are at the forefront in delivery of electricity. You have to interface effectively with your customers,“ Lotilla said in his congratulatory speech to the NEA. By Laarni Ilagan

PRO-CAR pinahuhusay ang serbisyong pangkalusugan para sa mga retirado, tauhan at kanilang mga pamilya

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

CAMP DANGWA,Benguet — Sa sama-samang pagsisikap na pahusayin ang mga serbisyong pangkalusugan at pagyamanin ang kagalingan ng mga tauhan ng Philippine National Police (PNP) at kanilang mga pamilya, ang Police Regional Office Cordillera Administrative Region (PRO-CAR) at ang PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Service (PRBS) ay lumagda sa isang Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) kasama ang Cordillera Hospital of the Divine Grace (CHDG) sa multi-purpose gym, Camp Major Bado Dangwa, noong Hulyo 5. Nagsimula ang programa sa paglagda ng MOU nina Regional Director Brig.Gen.David Peredo,Jr.; PRBS Director BGen. Dindo Reyes at CHDG Medical Director Dr. Edgar A. Biteng. Ang seremonya ay sinaksihan ni PRO-CAR Deputy Regional Director for Administration BGen. Rogelio Raymundo,Jr., Chief of the PNP Retirement and Benefits Administration Unit-CAR Capt. Marjorie Tadeo at Chairman ng Cordillera Police Retirees Association Inc. Retired BGen. Joseph Adnol. Sa ilalim ng mga tuntunin ng kasunduan, malapit na makikipagtulungan ang PRO-CAR at PRBS sa CHDG upang matiyak ang paghahatid ng mga serbisyong naa-access, tumutugon, at cost-effective na pangangalagang pangkalusugan sa mga aktibong tauhan, mga pensiyonado, mga pensiyonado, mga nakaligtas, at kanilang mga pamilya. Binibigyang-diin ng partnership na ito ang iisang pangako sa pagbibigay ng komprehensibong solusyon sa pangangalagang pangkalusugan na iniayon sa mga natatanging pangangailangan ng mga tauhan ng PNP at kanilang mga dependent. Bukod pa rito, sa parehong araw, isa pang MOU ang nilagdaan sa pagitan ng Maezelle Psychometier at Diagnostic Center, na kinakatawan ng Pangulo nito na si Jocelyn A. Suello, PRBS Director Reyes CHDG Director Dr. Biteng. Ang kasunduang ito ay naglalayong palakasin ang pakikipagtulungan ng mga ospital sa pagbibigay ng accessible na serbisyong medikal sa mga tauhan ng PNP, mga retirado, at kanilang mga pamilya. Ang partnership na ito ay ipinagdiwang kasabay ng outreach activity kung saan halos 200 retirees, aktibong PNP personnel, at kanilang mga pamilya ang nakatanggap ng libreng medical, dental, at optical check-up at konsultasyon. Binibigyang-diin ng inisyatiba na ito ang patuloy na pangako ng PRO-CAR sa pagtataguyod ng kalusugan at kapakanan ng mga nakatuon sa serbisyo publiko. By Zaldy Comanda

SM Prime Holdings to implement P2.5-B modern Central and Terminal Markets projects in Iloilo City

Business

Business / Street Journal

SM Prime Holdings is set to implement the modern Central and Terminal Markets worth P1.5 to P2.5 billion projects through a public-private partnership of the city government of Iloilo City. This project is aimed at the promise of Mayor Jerry Treñas to the citizens, especially to the local businessmen that the market facilities will be modernized, and to give a good space to the local businessmen that will help them to develop and feature their products. Iloilo City stands as a shining example of development, fueled by a commitment to continuous advancement and empowerment of communities. In the past six years, Iloilo City has achieved several recognitions under the leadership of Mayor Treñas, who are committed to actions that will promote economic growth, cultural enrichment, and continuous enrichment of our nature. With these actions, not only did the level of the city increase, but the lives of its residents were also improved. “We see these markets not only as economic hubs but community centers that promote local culture and entrepreneurship,” emphasized Mayor Treñas. “By revitalizing these spaces, we are creating an opportunity for our vendors to grow their businesses continuously.” Steven Tan, president of SM Supermalls, echoed this view of Mayor Trenas, emphasizing SM’s role in supporting local communities and promoting continuous advancement through investment in infrastructure. It can be remembered that Iloilo City has received awards, such as being a Creative City of Gastronomy by UNESCO, which is part of its rich culinary and cultural knowledge. The city’s innovative I-Bike Program also won the prestigious 2022 Galing Pook Award, underscoring its dedication to urban mobility. “Iloilo City is more than a place, it is a community where change and tradition meet,” said Mayor Treñas. “Our achievements reflect our collective desire to build a city that thrives on creativity, inclusivity and sustainability.” In recognition of promoting a strengthened climate for doing business, the city also earned the 2023 Most Business-Friendly Local Government Unit (LGU) award from the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI). This award recognizes the city’s efforts to support local businesses and attract entrepreneurs who will add to the economic vitality. In the future, Trenas said that his desire is strong to promote the goal of continuous development for Iloilo City. “Our focus is on building a city that accelerates innovation, preserves cultural heritage, and improves the quality of life for all Ilonggo,” he said.

PH improves ICT index standing but still lags globally Globe calls for removal of barriers to connectivity

Business, NCR

Business, NCR / Street Journal

Globe welcomes the Philippines’ advancement in the latest ICT Development Index of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) as it calls for greater collaboration to remove barriers to connectivity. This, as the Philippines continues to rate below the global average, lagging behind its neighbors in Southeast Asia. The 2024 edition of the index released by the ITU, a specialized agency of the UN, scored the Philippines 74.4, an improvement by 14% from last year. But this score is still below the global average of 74.8 and way behind Southeast Asian neighbors such as Singapore, which scored 97.8, Malaysia with 95.0, and Thailand at 91.0. The Philippines’ score places it among the lowest five in the region, better only than Cambodia (72.6), Laos (65.3), Myanmar (63.8), and Timor-Leste (39.2). “We are optimistic that we can score even higher in the global ICT Development Index. This should serve as an impetus for all stakeholders including industry players and the government to work more closely to address persistent gaps in our connectivity infrastructure,” said Ernest Cu, Globe President and CEO. “The private sector has poured several billions in resources for ICT development. We cannot do it alone. There are barriers that can only be addressed through strong collaboration among the industry, government, and other stakeholders,” said Cu. Greater ICT investment Cu reiterated that the country needs more substantial investments in digital infrastructure. The private sector has invested a combined P640 billion in just three years, from 2021 to 2023, to upgrade the quality of the country’s connectivity infrastructure. Globe alone has invested P265 billion in capital expenditure and P236 billion in operational expenses in the past three years to enhance its network capabilities. In contrast, the Department of Information and Communications Technology invested only P7.6 billion for internet infrastructure from 2018 to 2024. The Private Sector Advisory Council, a Malacañang-initiated body that brings together industry players, has called on the government to allocate at least P240 billion to improve internet infrastructure and work with the private sector to build 35,000 new cell sites across the country. The Connectivity Plan Task Force (CPTF), led by Cu under the PSAC, is also working with the DICT for the rollout of connectivity infrastructure in Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAs). Globe’s network currently reaches over 500 GIDAs. Policy reform Globe also reiterated its call for policy reform to allow connectivity to flourish. These include the provision of space for telco infrastructure in housing developments and the removal of lease fees for telco infrastructure in buildings and developments through amendments to the outdated National Building Code (1977). Bills seeking this reform are still pending in Congress. “Telcos should not be charged for installing infrastructure inside buildings and developments that will provide connectivity, which is now a basic necessity like power and water. It is a life enabler, supporting commerce, people’s livelihood, education and leisure needs,” said Cu. Globe also hopes for the full implementation of Executive Order No. 32, issued in 2023 to streamline the permitting process for telco infrastructure. Globe notes how certain local government units still find ways to circumvent the order, making the approval of permits difficult and slow for telcos. Broadband access Amid policy gaps that hinder connectivity, Globe continues to find ways to make broadband connection more affordable to Filipinos. Last year, Globe launched GFiber Prepaid, which seeks to democratize connectivity by offering fiber-strong broadband connection for as low as Php 33/day. Rolled out in line with Globe’s drive for digital inclusion, GFiber Prepaid offers flexible and reloadable UNLI internet access with no lock ups and monthly bills. Globe also looks forward to the implementation of the government’s National Broadband Plan, which aims to provide free WiFi connectivity across the country. This project involves the development of a neutral fiber backbone to provide connectivity for government agencies and government-led last mile projects.

SBMA recognized for outstanding upcycling efforts in CL

Region 3

Region 3 / Street Journal

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT —Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) was recently recognized for its best efforts to upcycle wastes from among other contenders in Central Luzon. Themed “Celebrating the Excellence and Partnership of Environmental Champions,” the Environmental Summit 2024 was held on June 28 at the Widus Hotel, Clark Freeport Zone in Pampanga to give recognition to local government units (LGUs), industries and stakeholders with best practices in waste management. OIC-Senior Deputy Administrator for Regulatory Group and SBMA Ecology Center manager Amethya Dela Llana-Koval personally received the agency’s award for its “Outstanding Practice in Upcycling Operation” from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) Central Luzon. Dela Llana-Koval acknowledged the various departments and offices of the SBMA and its stakeholders for its all-out support that largely contributed to the success of Ecology Center’s events and activities. “We are very grateful to the EMB for recognizing our efforts in solid waste management, especially in recycling and upcycling. It is with pride and honor that the Ecology Center shares this award to the entire agency. It is only through the support of other SBMA departments and offices and our stakeholders that we are able to achieve this,” she said. The Environmental Summit was attended by representatives of various agencies and LGUs in Central Luzon–EMB regional director, DENR assistant regional executive director, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) regional director, Provincial Environmental Management Unit (PEMU), Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO), Municipal Environment and Natural Resources Office (MENRO) and awardees from Region 3, governors, mayors, barangay captains, SBMA, Clark Development Corporation (CDC) and industries, to name a few. The accolade is attributed to the Ecology Center’s continuous conduct of Recyclable Collection Events, Scrap to Craft contest in collaboration with schools within the SBF, Green Runway Fashion competition, and other related environmental activities, to reduce, recycle and upcycle wastes, which are regularly witnessed by EMB R3 personnel from the Waste Management Division. Other awards which gave cognizance to other entities for their efforts to promote environmental protection and waste management were, “Most compliant in Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation,” “Best Materials Recovery Facility,” “Best Composting Innovation,” “Outstanding Support in Ecological Solid Waste Management Implementation,” “Industry Partners in Environmental Protection, Enhancement and Restoration,” to name a few. Meanwhile, Dela Llana-Koval assured that the Ecology Center, together with the entire agency, will always do their best and further innovate to address solid waste management concerns. The Environmental Summit is the culminating event for the Environment Month, which is conducted annually by the Environmental Management Bureau-Region 3. (PR)

SSS Bangued, BJMP to assist PDLs in contribution remittance through AlkanSSSya Program

CAR

CAR / Street Journal

By Christian Andrew Rillorta SSS Luzon North 1 Division BANGUED, Abra – The Social Security System said that 50 persons deprived of liberty (PDLs) will now have social security coverage from the SSS after the SSS Bangued Branch and the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) sealed an agreement for the AlkanSSSya Program. SSS Vice President for Luzon North 1 Division Ceasar Saludo and BJMP Acting District Jail Warden Junior Inspector Franz Marc Ganitano led the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for implementing the program in Bucay District Jail on June 11, 2024. Saludo said that the agreement is part of the SSS’ commitment to extend social security coverage to all Filipinos, especially those who belong to vulnerable groups like the PDLs. Under the SSS AlkanSSSya Program, Saludo said that PDLs will be registered as self-employed SSS members, and designated BJMP personnel will collect and remit the PDLs’ monthly contributions to SSS Bangued. “PDLs can set aside P19 per day or a portion of their monthly earnings from handicrafts making and poultry raising to save up for their P570 monthly Social Security (SS) and Employees’ Compensation (EC) contributions. They can also increase their monthly contributions, depending on their income source,” Saludo said. He said that regular contribution remittance will qualify them for SSS benefits such as sickness, maternity for female PDLs, disability, retirement, death and funeral, as well as loan privileges like salary and calamity. Saludo added that in addition to the regular SS benefits, PDLs are also eligible to receive EC benefits in case of work-connected sickness, injury, or death. “While incarcerated, these people still deserve to have social security protection. Hence, SSS extended social security coverage to them through the AlkanSSSya Program, which is part of our mandate to secure the welfare of all Filipino workers in times of contingencies,” Saludo concluded. Aside from PDLs, SSS members from Public Utility Vehicle Operators and Drivers Associations, market vendor associations, cooperatives

Globe and Philtower partner to deliver digital literacy training to Baguio City’s elderly

Baguio City

Baguio City / Street Journal

Globe and Phil-Tower Consortium Inc. (PhilTower) recently joined forces to facilitate a digital literacy session for elderly leaders of Baguio City to equip them with knowledge on cybersecurity and address misconceptions on the effect of cell towers on health. The event, attended by 50 members of the Federation of Baguio Senior Citizens Associations (FBASECA) Secretary’s Club, featured Globe’s Digital Thumbprint Program (DTP), which educates the youth, parents, teachers, and the elderly about online safety and security, online etiquette and responsibility, digital discernment, and digital empowerment. “The elderly are among those most vulnerable to online scams and fraud. By understanding the different types of online threats, our senior citizens can better protect themselves and their personal information,” said Yoly Crisanto, Globe Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer. “Our partnership with Philtower in this undertaking not only highlights the critical role that reliable connectivity plays in enabling access to online resources and opportunities. More importantly, we are addressing the need for digital literacy to help senior citizens fully participate in the digital age and improve their overall quality of life,” said Michelle Ora, Vice President for Site Lifestyle Management Service. Baguio City Mayor Benjamin Magalong, through City Social Welfare & Development Officer Liza Bulayungan, expressed support for the initiative. Magalong requested Globe and Philtower to conduct more sessions to reach more seniors in the city, aligned with Baguio’s goal of becoming a smart, well-connected city. During the event, Globe representatives led the DTP training, explaining various types of fraud, such as phishing, spoofing, malware scams, online shopping scams, data harvesting, and social engineering. The discussion also covered the significance of a strong internet signal for various online activities, the dangers of unauthorized use of repeaters, and myths related to radiation from cell towers Globe also addressed misconceptions about cell towers and radiation, sharing a video on the Department of Health’s stance on cell tower radiation, showing that wireless technology does not cause harm to health. Maida Bruce, Chief Financial and Strategy Officer at Philtower, delivered the closing remarks, reiterating the commitment of both Globe and Philtower to promoting digital literacy and ensuring a safe online environment for everyone. Philtower, a registered Common Tower Provider in the Philippines, builds shared future-proof telecom structures and facilities for indoor and outdoor coverage. The company is dedicated to creating a wireless canopy in the country to support a connected lifestyle. Globe has a sale and leaseback agreement with PhilTower covering 1,350 towers, located primarily in Mindanao. The deal was in response to the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) common tower policy, which mandates the sharing of towers among telecom firms to reduce capital expenditures.

Author name: Street Journal

NEDA Board must disclose details of June 3 meeting resulting in 15% rice tariff cut – Senator Imee