All posts by Lyresh Belagan

Clark International Airport Reveals its Master Development Plan

On the 4th leg of Clark International Airport’s North Philippine Road show, President and CEO of CIAC Mr. Alexander “Alex” Cauguiran who presented the latest developments in Clark and its plan to turn it into the new Green City and become a working class city.

Representatives for different airlines such as Philippine Airlines, Asiana Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, Cathay Dragon, Air Asia Philippines, Cebu Pacific Air, AirSwift Transportation Inc., and Jin Air Co., Ltd. also participated at the said event. The product Manager of Philippine Airlines Mr. Ped Dimaculangan and the Junior Passenger Sales Executive of Asiana Airlines presented the ongoing flights and operations between their respective airlines in Clark.

The roadshow focused on the Master Development Plan of the Clark International Airport headed by Secretary Arthur Tugade of the Department of Transportation. The plan consists of four phases that adds new terminal, runways, taxi lanes and more developments to cater to the needs of passengers and the airline companies.

By the end of the ultimate phase CRK will have an expected 80-Million passengers per annum. The master plan is expected to be finished before President Dutetre’s term end in 2022.

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The Ultimate SummerGoals with These Simple Tips.

Summer vacation is fast approaching! Bring out those summer OOTDs and your year long planned checklist and get ready for an awesome summer chill with your family and your friends.

With all your bags packed and your itinerary intact, you’re ready to walk out your house and get on that plane or bus, but you need to keep these things in mind, before you embark on your out of town escapade.
Here are some tips that will surely make your adventure the ultimate #SummerGoals.

1. Social Media Updates 

A recent survey shows that the Filipinos spend an average of 4.17 hours daily on social media in 2016, Fifty-eight percent of the Philippine population are active on Social Media users on a monthly basis, the 15th highest penetration rate in the world, this is according to the Digital Global Overview by We Are Social and Hootsuite.

It is a fact that Filos are fond of the Internet. Every aspect of our lives make it to social media, be it the ATM (at the moment) happenings or the ICYMI (in case you missed it) updates.

Always be cautious when it comes to posting, even there are privacy settings a social media account, we don’t know what lurks inside the ominous parts of the internet.

Here are some don’t’s for you:

Don’t advertise your departure date (or better yet, don’t mention anything about your trip)

Giving away your departure date can leave you exposed. Your ‘followers’ or ‘friends’ know about it, but there is always a random person waiting for an opportunity.

Don’t Tag your fellow Vacationers while on your trip

You might be on a current vacation with your friends, by tagging them in a post or a status, indicate that they are also absent from their home. Wait until everyone is safely back home before tagging those awe-spring photos.

Don’t Post Upcoming Travel Plans

The more you plan and post the more the robbers would plan their strike as well. Don’t post your future itinerary for everyone to see.

Bottomline: Post everything and anything that happened in your trip after you arrive back from your vacation. Imagine a longer blog post about your adventures and better experience with your friends and family.

2. Your Home

Everyone wants a home to come back to after a long vacation, keeping your home secure while you’re out of town is quite a challenge, so sit back and read these tips to have a stress free vacation.

Ask Someone to Keep an Eye on Things

Being a good neighbor has it’s perks, especially when it comes to important favors. You can ask your neighbor to keep an eye on the house while you’re away, just the causal checks around the house or better yet, if you trust your neighbor give them a spare key to your apartment/house just in case of emergencies.

It is best to ask a family member to temporary move in the house while you’re away, to keep your pets company (if you have any), tidy up the place, water the plants and get the mail.

Stash all your valuables

We don’t want an inviting scene for the burglars out there so, lock up all your jewelries, sensitive documents and other electronic devices you didn’t bring on your trip. Putting them in plain sight can and will attract those with ill intentions.

Electricity

Before you leave your humble abode, remember to unplug all unnecessary electronics and appliances, this can protect your home from electrical fires and power surge.

Bills

Don’t forget to pay your bills before leaving. If your mail is pilling up, it indicates that the house is inhabited.

“Curtains, open or closed?” Great question!

Believe it or not, it is better to leave your curtains open, why? It creates the illusion that someone is home, during the day time, but it is also good for someone to check the house before night fall and draw the curtains and leave the lights on and turn them back off in the morning.

Top these tips off with your usual out of town routine and you are good to go. Enjoy the summer vacation without worries or woes.

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Mindanao Rails

Mindanao Railway Project Starts Next Year

The 2,000-kilometer Mindanao Railway project, which costs about US $9-Million will start the first phase of infrastructure implementation next year.

Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez said that the Congress is working for the provisions of the funding in the General Appropriation Act to be used for the acquisition of the properties of the project.

The first phase will run from Davao del Sur to Davao del Norte, the second phase of the project runs from Davao Del Norte to Butuan City, the third phase starts from Butuan to Cagayan De Oro and lastly, the fourth phase runs through Cagayan de Oro to Ilagan and Zamboanga peninsula. The loop from Cagayan de Oro to Cotabato and to Davao will complete the railway in Mindanao.

According to the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) report late last month, the feasibility study of the Railway Project has been completed. It is expected that the study will be presented to the NEDA Investment Coordination Committee (ICC) during the third quarter of this year.

NEDA also said that Malaysia, Japan and China are Interested in building the railway system.

The railway system is a big step in connecting the Major cities of Cagayan de Oro, Iligan, Zamboanga, Butuan, Surigao, General Santos and Davao. This is just one of the four railway systems which President Rodrigo Duterte promised to build.

The other three lines are Manila-Nueva Vizcaya, Manila-Sorsogon and lastly, Manila to Batangas.

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Completed Expanded Highway Network Before the End of Duterte’s Term

The Department of Public Works and Highways aims to finish the five major expressways before President Rodrigo Duterte’s term ends.

DPWH Secretary Mark Villar presented the department’s plans in building and completing the highways and promising a faster travel time from North Luzon to Southern Luzon. He also outlined the Luzon Spine Expressway, North Luzon Expressway (NLEX)-South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Connector, Harbor Link, Central Luzon Line Expressway (CLLEx) and the Cavity Laguna Expressway (CALA-X).

The Luzon Line expressway works toward linking TPLEX to the Quezon-Bicol Expressway, which is an ongoing project. It will also link TPLEX going to NLEX, which connects it to the SLEX/Skyway via NLEX-SLEX Connector, which is also in the stage of construction. After passing through the connectors, the travelers will pass through the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road (STAR) tollway.

It will then link to TR4 which construction started early this year, it expands to the highway network system to Lucena. TR4 connects to the 140 kilometers Quezon-Bicol expressway all the way to Legaspi.

The Luzon Spine Expressway and NLEX-SLEX Connector project is expected to finish by 2020. Once completed, the travel time from Bicol to La Union will only take 12 hours.

The DPWH’s completion date for the Harbor Link project is set before the year ends. With the completion of the Harbor Link Project the travel time from Mindanao Avenue to Commonwealth Avenue will only be 10 minutes compared to the normal 45 minute drive. It is also expected to solve traffic congestion in Metro Manila by providing access to NLEX without passing through EDSA or Balintawak Toll Plaza. Harbor Link will also improve the movement of cargo from the port of Manila by providing direct connection between Radial Road 10 (R10)

The CLLEx will have two faces, the first phase is currently on going. The Phase one is 30.7 kilometers long from Tarlac City, Tarlac to Cabanatuan, Nueva Ecija. The whole CLLEx will cover a total of 66.4 kilometers. CLLEx will then be connected to the NLEX East Expressway.

The Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALA-X) is set to be completed on December of 2021, but it is groundbreaking this year because it will connect CAVITEX to the Mamplasan exit in Laguna. The CALA-X is 44.2 kilometers long and will have 8 interchanges (Kawit, Open Canal, Governor’s Drive, Aguilando Highway, Silang East, Sta. Rosa-Tagaytay Rd., Laguna Blvd., and Technopark.

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President Trump confirms PH visit in November

US Head of State Donald Trump confirms his attendance during the 31st Association of Southeast Asian Nation (ASEAN) Summit in Manila on November.

According to Malacanang Protocols chief Ambassador Marciano Paynor, US President Trump has personally indicated over the phone that he is coming to the Philippines this year.

“As of now, President Trump, for instance, when President Duterte called him up to congratulate him had already indicated that he was coming in November, so at least verbally he said he was coming,” said Paynor during a Palace Press conference.

The main ASEAN summit will be on November and will be attended by leaders from growing regions. President Trump’s predecessor, Barrack Obama, joined the Southeast Asian leaders and government for the annual meeting during his term.

ASEAN events organizers usually expect a full 100 percent attendance from members of the organization as well as members from the neighboring countries, such as South Korea and New Zealand.

President Dutetrte made a phone call to congratulate Trump as the new President of the US last December.

According to Presidential assistant Bong Go, Duterte and Trump’s phone conversation was very engaging and animated. US President Trump also invited Duterte to the White House.

A Sydney-based think tank Lowy Institute analyst, Aaron Connelly said that given the Trump’s habit, there is a possibility that President Trump will likely skip the ASEAN Summit in Pampanga.

“[President Trump] is a creature of habit who is not fond of spending more than a couple days on the road,” Connelly wrote.

Conelly also added that the Summit will cover issues of less interest to him, such as the regional diplomatic architecture and the Chinese challenge to the rules-based order in the region.

The 31st ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings are on November 10-14 in Clark Field, Pampanga. On April 26-29, leaders of ASEAN member countries are set to attend the 30th ASEAN Summit and Related Meetings in Manila.

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PH LEADING

PH to Lead Southeast Asia Growth

Due to the high spending and robust consumption in terms of economic growth, the Philippine economy will lead the Southeast Asia in economic growth in the next two years.

This year the gross domestic product (GDP) will likely grow 6.8 percent and in the year 2018 the GDP will grow to 6.9 percent, outpacing, Vietnam, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia.

According to the International Monetary Fund (IMF), the Philippines will grow faster than China, but will fall behind India, the region’s leader.

“In these economies, the near-term pickup in growth is underpinned to a significant extent by stronger domestic demand and, in the Philippines, by higher public spending in particular,” said the IMF.

Recently, President Duterte’s economic managers unveiled “Dutertenomics” which the current administration is planning on spending 8 trillion in infrastructure to grow the economy.

These plans include Mindanao’s first railway and a subway for Metro Manila, where the heavy traffic jams cause a daily economic loss of 2.4 billion, this is according to a Japanese study.

According to Economic Planning secretary Ernesto Pernia, the government was targeting growth of 6.5 to 7.5 percent this year and 7 to 8 percent next year.

He also added that one of the thrusts of the Philippine Development Plan is accelerating strategic infrastructure development. This is the bedrock of the Philippine Development Plan towards an economy that continues to grow and in an inclusive fashion.

Looking back in 2016 the economy grew 6.9 First quarter of the Gross Domestic Product Data will be released in May of 2017.

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Mindanao Eyed for Expressway Project

Metro Pacific Investment Corporation is eyeing Mindanao for potential expressway projects.

Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo Franco said that they are studying the prospects. the Department of Public works and highways (DPWH) also mentioned some potential expressways.

The proposed expressways are the Davao City Expressway which is 23.3 kilometers within Davao City proper connecting the Sta. Ana Port near the outskirts of the City proper in Panacan Road and Carlos P. Garcia National Highway. The Davao City expressway will cost P24.5 Billion.

The proposed project is expected to improve the traffic congestion in Davao City. It also complements ongoing, committed and proposed projects to further enhancement and improvement of access that will encourage an increase in economic activities.

DPWH has another proposed project which is the Davao-Digos Expressway which has the length of 60 kilometers.

The project will start at Bukidnon-Davao National Highway and ends at Digos-Sultan Kudarat. The expressway will traverse Toril and Santa Cruz ands will serve as an alternative route for the Davao-Cotabato National Highway, though the expense is not yet determined.

“We would like to take a look and see if these are viable as PPP (public-private partnership). If viable, then we’ll be interested,” Franco said.

The North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and Manila-Cavite Toll Expressway are also projects of MPTC.

The company has also has tollway projects under the PPP program such as the Cavite-Laguna Expressway, Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway and NLEX-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road.

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Middle Eas

Duterte Brings Home $925-M investment deals from Middle East

President Duterte brings back good news from his state visit in Middle East. The Philippines is expected to have almost a billion dollars worth of investments which will generate jobs in the country.

The President’s week-long visit in the Middle East, he witnessed the signing of over US$925 million worth of investment deals coming from Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and Qatari businessmen. The total investments are expected to generate over 26,000 jobs for Filipinos.

During Duterte’s visit in Saudi, he negotiated $469 Million of investments which will generate 16,000 jobs. The projects signed in Saudi Arabia were on businesses, such as Pharmaceuticals, medical tourism, port warehouse management, agriculture and tourism.

According to the Palace, Duterte secured a $250-Million worth of investments in Bahrain.

The last leg of his visit ended in Qatar where he witnessed the signing of $206-Million worth of business deals between Qatari businessmen and Philippine Economic Zone Authority. The deals made are expected to have 5,770 jobs in the Philippines.

The deals generated projects mostly on information technology, economic zone management services, medical tourism, poultry food processing, digital marketing, manufacture of coco peat/coco fiber in South Cotabato, manufacture and export of nano-structured carbon, the creation of an agro-industrial economic zone in Palawan, and the development of a retirement village and tourism eco-zone in Romblon, Davao or Cebu.

According to Trade and Industry Sec. Ramon Lopez all the Deals and Investments are part of the “Dutertenomics”.

Dutertemonics which is said to be the “golden age of Infrastructure”. It is the 10-point Socioeconomic agenda aimed at reducing poverty incidence to 14 percent by 2022 from 21.6 percent in 2015. The agenda lead by the President targets to make the country a middle-income economy after the President’s term.

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FEATURED IMAGE

STAY ALERT! STAY PREPARED (Are you ready for the BIG ONE?)

For the past few days earthquakes have struck different parts of the Philippines. The tremors have left citizens terrified for aftershocks. Especially with the predicted 7.2 magnitude earthquake that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) confirmed can strike at any moment now.

The BIG ONE, as they call it might hit any moment due the unnatural movement of the 2 major faults, the west Valley Fault and the East Valley Fault.

Cities and towns traversed by the 100-Kilometer West Valley Fault may experience a maximum of 7.2 magnitude. The areas traversed by the 10-kilometer East Valley Fault are predicted to have a 6.2 magnitude earthquake.

Despite the city wide earthquake drills, is it really enough to survive such an occurrence? If not, don’t panic, here are some additional tips to strengthen your arsenal.

PREPAREDNESS IS KEY!

It is quite comforting to know that you are prepared for something, might be a test or an audition. Same concept goes when it comes to disaster. Take note of these preparedness tips.

1. Assemble an emergency preparedness kit

Having a prepared kit is a huge save for you and your family. Make sure to pack only essentials. Here’s a general checklist for your reference:

Checklist:

    Water
    Store water in plastic containers such as soft drink bottles. Keep at least a three-day supply of water per person.
    Food
    Store food which are read to eat, such as canned meats, fruits and vegetables. Canned juices, milk and soup. Avoid anything that requires great deal of water to prepare.
    First Aid Kit
    Adhesive bandages in assorted sizes
    Assorted safety pins
    Non-Prescription drugs
    Tools and Supplies
    Paper cups, plates, plastic utensils
    Battery operated radio and extra batteries
    Flashlight and extra batteries
    Cash or travelers check
    Can opener and a utility knife
    Matches
    Sanitation
    Toilet paper
    Soap
    Feminine supplies
    Plastic garbage bags and ties
    Clothing and Bedding
    Sturdy boots
    Rain gear
    Blankets and sleeping bags

2. Identify Safe Places Indoors and Outdoors

Knowing the safe places in your area can help when the quake strikes.

INDOORS

  • Under sturdy furniture
  • Away from glass that could shatter
  • Use the stairs
  • Do not use the elevator

OUTDOORS

  • Stay away from power lines, buildings, trees, overpasses and elevated expressways.

3.Develop and Emergency Communication Plan

Earthquakes hit unexpectedly, thus giving family members the disadvantage. In case family members are separated from each other during an earthquake, develop a plan for reuniting after the disaster.

DURING AN EARTHQUAKE

Now that the preparations are in order, take time to go through these reminders during an earthquake.

INDOOR

  • Stay Calm
  • DROP! COVER AND HOLD!
    Drop to the ground
    Take cover under a sturdy table or a piece of furniture
    Hold on until the shaking stops
  • If you are in bed, stay there and curl up cover your head and hold on.

What if you don’t have any table or desk nearby?

  • Cover your head with your arms and crouch in an inside corner or a building.
  • Limit your movement during the shake to avoid any injuries.
  • Do not PANIC. The more you panic, the likely you’ll get injured
  • Do not leave the building while the quake is still active. Research shows that most injuries occur when people inside buildings attempt to different locations inside the building and try to leave.
  • Do not use Elevators. Use the stairs to exit the building after the tremors have died down.

OUTDOOR

  • Stay outside
  • Stay clear from the buildings, streetlights, power lines, and trees
  • DROP! COVER! AND HOLD!
    Drop to the ground
    Cover your head and torso
    Hold on until the shaking stops

What if you are driving or inside a vehicle?

  • Pull over slowly and carefully and Stay inside the vehicle.
  • Stay inside your seatbelt fastened until the shaking stops
  • If a power line falls on your vehicle do not get out. Wait for assistance.

What if you are trapped?

  • Cover your mouth with a handkerchief or clothing
  • Tap on a pipe or a wall so rescuers can locate you. Shout only as a last resort.

AFTER THE EARTHQUAKE

  • Move out of the building carefully and move to a more secure spot.
  • Check yourself for injuries and get first aid if you have acquired injuries.
  • After you have taken care of yourself, help people who require assistance.
  • Do not go back inside the house unless the authorities cleared it as safe and still anchored to the foundations.

Remember that the aftershocks happen within minutes, day, weeks or months following an earthquake. Anytime it happens remember to DROP! COVER! and HOLD!

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Davao

Davao Eyed for Six Foreign Investments

Six foreign investors have shown their interest in investing in Davao City, through various meetings with the Davao City Investment and Promotions Center (DCIPC). They have shown their interests particularly in the sectors of tourism, infrastructure, healthcare, and the agricultural business.

DCIPC Officer-in-charge Lemuel Ortonio said that for the past weeks they have been getting inquiries from different foreign investors regarding the investment opportunities in the city.

Two Chinese investors expressed interest to have a shop in the City. One of the two investors is interested in partnering with a local company to put up a socialized housing project. The other Chinese investor in interested in tourism facility investment, to be specific a one compound hotel and convention center.

Two Japanese investors are also expressed their interest. One Japanese investor was a healthcare and consulting firm is interested to partner with the government of Davao City or any private institutions to develop an integrated system health care organization. The other Japanese Investor plans to partner with DCIPC to organize business missions to Japan.

Korean investors talked to DCIPC regarding their interest in establish a shipbuilding facility and a renewable energy power plant in Davao.

A Malaysian investor wants to plan with the local investor to work on the development of the agribusiness sector.

According to Ortonio, all the inquiries happened in a span of two weeks. There are no final details yet, but they are providing them with the investment information that the investors need.

He also added that Davao City is currently in need of tourism-related facilities such as hotel accommodations. The accommodations are always almost fully booked due to the growing population of tourist and business meetings held in the city.

Ortonio also mentioned that DCIPC is looking into agribusiness investments especially on cacao, which Davao is popular for.

A 4.5 hectare land owned by the city government, at Malagos District is being planned to develop the land into an organic farm, which will be opened to agribusiness investors.

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