NMP-JICA: Reigniting ties for maritime excellence

By National Maritime Polytechnic
February 19, 2024

TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) headed by its Executive Director Victor A. Del Rosario paid a courtesy visit with the Chief Representative of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) on 14 February 2024 aiming to revive the long-standing partnership with JICA and support NMP's strategic goal of upgrading NMP Tacloban and expanding in Luzon and Mindanao.

Executive Director Del Rosario extended heartfelt thanks to the Government of Japan and JICA for their pivotal role in NMP's journey, from its inception through the challenging times post-Typhoon Yolanda. He highlighted the transformative impact of JICA's grant aid, which was instrumental in fast-tracking NMP's recovery by upgrading damaged infrastructure with cutting-edge training simulators and equipment.

Chief Representative Sakamoto Takema mentioned that he was able to visit NMP Tacloban twice and commended NMP for its diligent upkeep of the training simulators and facilities provided by JICA. He underscored the significance of the Philippines as an esteemed collaborator in JICA's global development endeavors.

Mr. Sakamoto emphasized JICA's commitment in supporting NMP's strategic goals while recognizing the need to align with the national priorities set by the Philippine government. He recommended that NMP engage in discussions with key governmental bodies such as the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), the Department of Finance (DOF), and the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), facilitated through the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW).

He advised presenting comprehensive documentation, including a situational analysis or a pre-feasibility study that encompasses detailed information on the maritime industry's landscape, such as the shipping sector, the significant role of seafarers, and the employment and demographic profiles of Filipino seafarers. Moreover, the study should outline the employment results of NMP's certified trainees and the anticipated outcomes of the project. He proposed that NMP advocate for the inclusion of these initiatives in the Philippine government's priority agenda, ensuring its strategic objectives are recognized and supported at the national level.

NMP ED Del Rosario apprised JICA on NMP's proactive steps, working in collaboration with NEDA to craft a comprehensive Feasibility Study aimed at shaping a Master Plan. This strategic blueprint is focused on guiding NMP's expansion efforts across Luzon and Mindanao. Upon finalization, NMP plans to engage and advocate with key government entities for prioritization of this initiative. He voiced confidence in garnering governmental backing, especially in light of President Bongbong Marcos's endorsement of the 10-year Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) 2028, anticipating a significant boost for NMP's strategic goals. Del Rosario looked forward to entering into more detailed discussions with JICA to further this agenda.

JICA also highlighted its continued collaboration with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), focusing on delivering training, and providing access to vessels and bay facilities. This partnership extends engagements with the Department of Migrant Workers (DMW), aimed to address the workforce needs of Japan's aging society, particularly in the maritime sector. With Filipino seafarers making up 80% of the crew in most Japanese vessels, JICA see this as a synergistic relationship that benefits both countries, underscoring the strategic importance of the collaboration in fostering a skilled maritime workforce.

In his reply, ED Del Rosario highlighted NMP's ongoing partnership with the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG), focusing on the provision of faculty development courses. He mentioned plans to streamline collaboration by consolidating multiple agreements into a single Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). This initiative aims to standardize the terms and enhance the efficiency of partnership, acknowledging the widespread engagement across various PCG units with NMP. Furthermore, he expressed NMP's eagerness to participate in the collaborative efforts between JICA and PCG, inviting opportunities for NMP to contribute purposively. Del Rosario requested to be informed about areas where NMP's involvement could add value, showcasing its willingness to support and expand the scope of partnership.

NMP expressed gratitude to JICA for the invitation and requested details of the training program to assess if its current staff meet the requisite standards. Moreover, NMP extended an open invitation to other JICA officials to visit its facilities and equipment at their convenience, offering a firsthand view of NMP's operational environment and capabilities.

Beyond Headlines: Global journalists united for peace journalism amidst the challenges of the unstable international situation

By HWPL-Philippines
February 19, 2024

MANILA – On 17th February, the international peace organization, Heavenly Culture, World Peace, Restoration of Light (HWPL), hosted an online event with approximately 160 media persons from 49 countries in attendance. This year, HWPL International Workshop on Peace Journalism marked the publication of its 2nd journal, ‘Peace Journalism Studies’, produced in cooperation with 9 journalists worldwide.

With the theme of “Media Perspective on Conflict Resolution,” this event aimed to share the ideas of peace journalism, bring out the collective voice of the international network of media for peace, and suggest future action plans to appeal to people around the globe to instill peace in their minds. Among the contributors, 6 speakers delivered addresses on the role of media in building peace, peace-related issues, peace journalism and global security.

Innocent Yuh, Regional coordinator of Cameroon Association of Media Professionals (CAMP) South West Region Cameroon, pointed out the need for discussion on peace journalism. “In navigating the delicate tapestry of conflict and discord, Peace Journalism emerges as a beacon of clarity, an instrument of empathy, and a catalyst for meaningful change. Peace Journalism unfolds as a conduit for open dialogue, providing platforms for varying perspectives, and cultivating a deep engagement with the multifaceted nature of conflict a resolution,” he said.

Emphasizing the importance of the code of ethics for peace journalism, Hendry Nursal, Editor-in-Chief of Jambidaily.com, stated, “Journalists must be able to be present at the events. We cannot deny that the media must strive to be in a position to remain a source of correct information and present it professionally according to rules such as code of ethics. This ensures that journalists are responsible in their profession, specifically searching for and presenting information.”

Ihor Shevyrov, Journalist and Lawyer of Ukraine, appealed to the participants on the role of peace journalism in creating foundation for resolving the conflict. “The war in Ukraine poses threats to the entire global security. It should also be emphasized that not only states are influential "players" in strengthening global security. This is also the interest of civil society and civil society institutions. Peace journalism helps to establish communications between parties in conflict,” he said.

Lok Bahadur Chaudhary, Founder Publisher and Editor of Hamarpahura.com, suggested practical approach by journalists for peacebuilding by saying, “We not only raise awareness but also inspire individuals to actively engage in the pursuit of peace, hastening the realization of a peaceful world. Regular reporting of global peace events should be a monthly endeavor in each country.”

Regarding the positive role of social media by individuals for peacebuilding, Oral Ofori, Founder of TheAfricanDream Company, said, “Social media enables people from different cultures and backgrounds to engage with one another directly. Interactions on these digital platforms, when used positively, can foster a global community that works collectively towards peace and mutual understanding. Grassroots reports have brought attention to conflicts that might have otherwise gone unnoticed or unreported.”

“By 2022, 60% of the public believes that the news they receive contains bias or even disinformation. In its meaning and principles, peace journalism is a journalism practice that aims to minimize conflict, promote dialogue, and help build peace in society. HWPL is the only international non-governmental organization that calls on all media to promote peace,” said Rana Setiawan, Chief Reporter of Mira Islamic News Agency (MINA).

The host organization, HWPL, is globally engaged in initiatives not only in journalism but also in peace education, interfaith dialogue, youth and women's activities, and the establishment of an international law for peace. As HWPL continues to champion peace journalism, the event resonates as a call for a media effort, urging all media outlets to embrace their role in fostering a world united in pursuit of lasting peace.

Slope protection built to protect motorists in Tarangnan, Samar

By FLORSELISSA A. JUSAYAN
February 19, 2024

CALBAYOG CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways Samar First District Engineering Office has completed the construction of a road slope protection in Brgy. Santa Cruz, Tarangnan, Samar along Daang Maharlika.

The P50-million slope protection is 200 meters long and 15 meters high, along with it is the construction of Portland Cement Concrete Pavement (PCCP) and the placement of concrete paver block. Part of the scope of work is parapet, 57.2-meter-long and 35.5-meter-wide widening and reblocking as well as the installation of 11 solar LED lights within the structure.

Slope protection was built to prevent spalling and collapse of the slope due to rain scouring and weathering.

This project is funded under the General Appropriations Act (GAA) 2023.

DTI supports the First GameDev Summit in the Philippines

By DTI-Competitiveness & Innovation Group
February 16, 2024

BORACAY – The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), in partnership with GameOps Inc. and the Game Developers Association of the Philippines (GDAP), kick-started the first-ever GameDev Summit (GDS) on 15 February 2024 at Boracay Island, Philippines.

Attended by over 300 participants and over 72 companies from 32 countries, the GDS 2024 gathered experts, advocates, and enthusiasts in the Game Development Industry. It also featured the Main Stage of the External Development Summit (XDS) – an annual international games industry event with a primary focus on external development for art, animation, audio, software engineering, QA, and localization.

In September 2023, the GDS 2024 was formalized and announced during the XDS 2023 in Vancouver, Canada, which was attended by DTI Competitiveness and Innovation Group (CIG) Undersecretary Rafaelita M. Aldaba.

“As we build and strengthen the game development ecosystem, the government stands ready to support game developers through various measures, such as funding innovation, minimum viable product development, prototyping, and marketing initiatives. This commitment underscores our dedication to fostering creativity, innovation, job generation, and economic growth within the gaming industry,” said Undersecretary Aldaba who reiterated the government's support in her remarks during the event’s Opening Ceremony.

The GDS 2024 Opening Ceremony was also graced by the presence and participation of Senator Bam Aquino who confessed that he is an avid gamer himself and excitedly expressed his enthusiasm for what is to come in the landscape of Philippine gaming given the growing support for and acknowledgment of Filipino gamers and game developers not only locally but also in the international scene.

The GDS 2024 is the culmination of the efforts and a testament to the commitment of both the government and the private sector in promoting and boosting the country's Game Development Industry. Targeted to be an annual event, the GDS 2024 is an International Video Game Industry Summit featuring two tracks, External Development and Indie Games, where studios, developers, and advocates connect, build meaningful relationships, and advance together.

P221.6 wind power projects endorsed for green lane, slated for operation in Negros and Iloilo

By DTI-Board of Investments
February 14, 2024

MAKATI CITY – Two wind power projects will soon operate in Western Visayas, as the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), through its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI), granted green lane certificates to the partnership of the Triconti Windkraft and Sea Wind Holdings AG on January 12, 2024.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino Rodolfo handed the Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement to the officials of the Triconti Windkraft Group (TWG) during a brief awarding ceremony at the BOI Main Office.

Guimaras Strait Wind Power Project (under Triconti Southwind Corporation) and Guimaras Strait II Wind Power Project under (Jet Stream Windkraft Corporation) were among the first awarded Offshore Wind Energy Service Contracts by the Department of Energy. With a combined initial investment cost of P221.6 billion, the two projects will operate offshore Negros Occidental and Iloilo Province and have a total target capacity of 1.2 GW. The projects are being undertaken in partnership with Sea Wind Holdings AG (Seawind), a Liechtenstein based developer. Together, the Triconti-Seawind partnership is currently developing a total of over 1.65 GW of offshore wind capacity in Luzon and the Visayas.

Significantly, the projects will engender huge economic impacts for Filipinos, projected to generate 3,600 direct and indirect jobs. Aside from the demand for local labor, the project will boost the economic activity in Negros and Iloilo because of the possible development of eco-tourism.

TWG President and CEO Lilibeth Rosenberger was joined by Director and Head of Offshore Projects Bjorn Rosenberger, and Director of Regulatory and Markets, Theo Sunico. The officials recognized the young and talented demographics of the Philippines which they are eager to develop and utilize.

The Philippines features an exceptionally high potential for wind energy generation particularly because of the country’s topography. There are already a number of onshore wind projects in the country but TWG was among the first to be awarded contracts to develop such projects.

The company has been helpful to the BOI in identifying industry gaps as well as determining strategies for the promotion and development of the offshore wind industry in the country. As the single point of entry for strategic investments and coordinating body for Green Lanes, OSACSI will play a pivotal role in addressing issues and concerns in the Renewable Energy industry. This streamlined approach ensures the swift materialization of energy investments in the country.

BOI grants Green Lane Certificates for new Geothermal Projects in the Philippines

By DTI-Board of Investments
February 14, 2024

MAKATI CITY – Welcoming more players in the country’s renewable energy, the Philippine Board of Investments (BOI), through its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI), awarded green lane certificates for the geothermal energy projects that will soon rise in various parts of the country.

Trade Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo handed the Green Lane Certificates of Endorsement to the Philippine Geothermal Production Company, Inc. (PGPC) and the Pan Pacific Power Phils., Corp. (PPPPC) for the said geothermal projects.

The Green Lane Certificates awarded to PGPC are for the following geothermal projects: Daklan Geothermal Power Project in Benguet with estimated 51 MW capacity; Mt. Labo Geothermal Power Project in Quezon, Camarines Norte and Camarines Sur with estimated 105 MW capacity; and Mt. Malinao Power Project in Camarines Sur and Albay with estimated 50 MW capacity.

In particular, the estimated project costs for the three Geothermal Power Projects are P6.66 billion for Daklan, P7.580 billion for Mt. Labo and P5.030 billion for Mt. Malinao. These projects are projected to generate a total of 1,500 jobs from exploration and development, well drilling to commercial operations, which will be beneficial to Filipino workers.

PGPC is a Filipino corporation and a subsidiary of SM Investments Corporation, which operates the Tiwi and Mak-Ban Geothermal Steam Fields. The company and its predecessors ushered the birth of the Philippine geothermal industry in 1971.

Meanwhile, a Green Lane Certificate was also granted to the Baua-Sikaw Geothermal Power Project of PPPPC, which will soon operate in the Municipalities of Lal-lo, Gonzaga, and Sta. Ana in Cagayan Province.

With a total project cost of P689.9 million during the 7-year exploration period of its contract, the project itself is projected to produce 61 megawatts (MW). The Baua-Sikaw project will employ Filipinos for the duration of its contract as it aims to generate more than 500 job opportunities. In addition, as it continues its commitment to provide clean and renewable energy sources to meet the country's growing energy needs, the company has other new projects in the pipeline.

“This endorsement will definitely be a great boost for the RE industry and we are positive that many significant milestones will arise from this government support and initiative,” Mr. Saporsantos, Jr. said.

“This will assist RE Developers like us to accelerate the progress of our projects in support of the government’s thrust to pursue green and sustainable energy development,” he added.

From 2021 to 2026, the Philippines aims to increase its geothermal power generation capacity by 91 MW. Currently, there are 19 potential locations in the exploration stage. In 2020, the Department of Energy (DOE) within formulating the 2020-2040 National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) targets, proposed an additional capacity of 777.6 MW based on the awarded contracts.

OSAC-SI shall coordinate with the concerned LGUs to personally endorsed these projects for green lane services. This proactive approach will expedite and streamline the permitting procedure for projects identified as Strategic Investments.

P2.7-B Solar Power Project in Pangasinan receives Green Lane Endorsement from BOI

By DTI-Board of Investments
February 13, 2024

MAKATI CITY – Boosting the renewable energy sector in the Philippines, the Board of Investments (BOI), through its One-Stop Action Center for Strategic Investments (OSACSI), granted a green lane certificate for a solar power project that will soon rise in the Municipality of Burgos, Pangasinan.

DTI Undersecretary and BOI Managing Head Ceferino S. Rodolfo handed the Green Lane Certificate of Endorsement to Burgos Pangasinan Solar Energy Corporation (BPSEC) officials led by its Representative, Mr. Kyle A. Mina, during a brief awarding ceremony at the BOI Main Office on January 31, 2024.

Expected to operate in September 2026, the project is a ground-mount solar power plant over an area of approximately 71.5 hectares with a target installed capacity of 65 MWp or 50 MWac.

The firm’s activity was awarded the Solar Energy Operating Contract by the Department of Energy (DOE) in December 2023, which supports the DOE’s national target of 35% renewable energy (RE) share in the power generation mix by 2030.

Providing socio-economic impact during its construction and operations, the project is projected to generate over 500 jobs for Filipinos.

BPSEC is a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), duly registered under the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), specifically created to develop the solar power project. BPSEC is a development company of Rising Renewables Holdings, Inc. (RRHI), a registered Filipino RE platform focused on initiating and developing high-quality RE assets for both foreign and local investors.

“We would like to thank the BOI for extending their support to the Burgos Pangasinan Solar Power Project with the grant of the Green Lane Endorsement. With the BOI’s support, we look forward to collaborating with all the concerned local and national agencies in the completion of the project’s permitting requirements and in achieving our shared goal of getting more clean energy into the grid as early as we can,” said Mr. Mina.

OSAC-SI will coordinate with the local officials of the Province of Pangasinan to endorse the project to facilitate its permitting and licensing processes at the local level.

High-powered firearms and explosives seized in Eastern Visayas

By DPAO, 8ID PA
February 7, 2024

CAMP LUKBAN, Catbalogan City – Two arms cache containing high-powered firearms and Anti-Personnel Mines (APMs) were discovered by the troops of the 8th Infantry “Stormtroopers” Division, Philippine Army in the province of Samar and Northern Samar on February 4, 2024.

The first arms cache containing two APMs was discovered by the troops of 74th Infantry Battalion in the hinterlands of at Sitio Canmolo, Barangay Siljagon, Mapanas, Northern Samar after a recently surrendered Communist NPA Terrorist (CNT) revealed the location.

According to 74IB Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Jose Roy Manuel Dizon, emphasized the detrimental impact of using APMs which is banned in the Geneva Convention as stipulated in the Law of Armed Conflict and the International Humanitarian Law (IHL).

“The use of indiscriminate weapons increases the chance of jeopardizing the lives of innocent non-combatants. It is a clear manifestation of their utter disregard for the safety of civilians,” Lt. Col. Dizon said.

On or about 11:00AM the troops of the 43rd Infantry Battalion also unearth an arms cache containing five High-powered firearms composing of one M16 rifle, M653 rifle, two M14 rifles, one M79 Grenade Launcher with eight ammunition and an empty magazine of an M14 rifle in Barangay Cagmanipis, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City.

The discovery is consequential to the revelation of captured CNT identified as alias Doming / Nitoy who revealed the location of the buried arms cache in the said barangay.

It can be recalled that on January 27, 2024, alias Doming was captured after an armed encounter with the troops of 43IB in the hinterlands of Barangay Palanit, San Isidro, Northern Samar wherein during an interview he also revealed the location of a hidden arms cache containing an M16 rifle with magazine at Sitio Kahidwangan, Barangay Happy Valley, San Isidro, Northern Samar.

Lt. Col. Nasser Arojo informs that the CTG force are now dwindling.

“This hidden war materiel was intended for their new recruits and that it could be surmised that the CNT’s have no longer financial support given the number of ammunitions recovered,” said Lt. Col. Arojo.

The 8th Infantry Division Commander, MajGen. Camilo Z. Ligayo emphasizes the relentless efforts of the government in ending the local communist armed conflict.

“Your army will never cease in hunting down the remaining CNTs in pursuit of achieving socio-economic development in Eastern Visayas. This will only be achieved through peace and unity,” MajGen. Ligayo said.

Rehabilitation of road in remote San Miguel village starts

By JOSE ALSMITH L. SORIA
February 6, 2024

SAN MIGUEL, Leyte – With funds having been downloaded already by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), rehabilitation of the farm-to-market road (FMR) in a remote village in this town starts following the groundbreaking rites on Friday, January 26 this year.

This project, which include the concreting of the 1.950 linear-kilometer road and the construction of a box culvert-type bridge in Barangay Bahay, has a budget allocation of P34-million taken from the Agrarian Reform Fund (ARF).

It will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and is expected to be completed in 162 days or by June this year, before the onset of the rainy season.

DAR Eastern Visayas Assistant Regional Director for Administration and Program Beneficiaries Development Division (PBDD), Ismael Aya-ay, together with District Engineer Mark Anthony Alejo of the DPWH Leyte First Engineering District and Ramil Janaban, representative of Mayor Norman Sabdao, led the groundbreaking activities held at the project site.

Aya-ay said that an FMR is the beginning of the progress of a certain area. Thus, production in this area is expected to increase once this project is completed, he added.

With 264 agrarian reform beneficiaries (ARBs) residing here, Aya-ay directed Municipal Agrarian Reform Program Officer (MARPO) Leah Sacan to submit a proposal to declare this area into an agrarian reform community (ARC) for them to be able to avail of the various support services extended by the DAR.

“Once this area becomes an ARC, you will be exposed to various trainings for greater production,” Aya-ay told the ARBs who were present during the said occasion.

He stressed, “We will teach our ARBs to be entrepreneurs for a better quality of life.”

Meanwhile, Alejo said, “This infrastructure project is a collaborative effort between DAR and the DPWH not just to uplift this town but the entire regional plan.”

According to Barangay Chairman Jessie Asis, as he expressed gratitude to the two government agencies, “Residents here, most of them are farmers, had long been longing for a better road as they find it hard to transport their products. At the moment, one pays P40 fare to motorcycles plying the area for every sack of rice being brought to the town proper.”

The moment this road is completed, four-wheel vehicles can already penetrate here and lessen their expenses in transporting goods, Asis explained.

He further disclosed that more than 1,700 residents in the area will be directly benefited by this project.

Students actively campaign against online sexual abuse and exploitation of children

By Save the Children Philippines
February 3, 2024

QUEZON CITY – With the Philippines ranking as the number one hotspot of online sexual abuse and exploitation of children (OSAEC) and child sexual abuse and exploitation materials (CSAEM), students in Davao are speaking up and actively campaigning for digital protection and internet safety.

“My only hope for digital technology in the future is for it to be utilized properly to achieve a safer and more supportive cyberworld for all of us, most especially for the children who have been a target of online abuse and exploitation,” said Clifford, a member of the Association of Youth Child Rights Advocates of Davao City (ACAD), one of the youth groups organized by Save the Children Philippines.

To curb this silent pandemic, Save the Children Philippines advocated for the passage of Republic Act 11930 or the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM Law in 2022 and its implementing rules and regulations in 2023.

“The enactment of the Anti-OSAEC-CSAEM Law is a step towards a stronger advocacy for child protection from all forms of violence,” said Save the Children Philippines CEO, Atty. Alberto Muyot.

“We call on the government and all sectors of society to work together in fully implementing the law to strengthen protective and legal services and to ensure that children are safe from OSAEC-CSAEM at all costs.”

Save the Children also implements child rights-based programs such as the Protect Children Philippines Project where school-based children and communities are trained to advocate and campaign against OSAEC-CSAEM. Many of those who were trained were able to establish child- and youth-led groups like ACAD, which have become safe spaces for children.

"ACAD is more than just a group of youth –we are a family. Save the Children provided a platform for us to learn from other young people who are passionate about protecting children and are willing to volunteer their time and skills to advocate for children's rights. As cliché as it may sound, ACAD is the voice of the voiceless,” said Erica, an ACAD youth member and child rights advocate.

Save the Children also worked with the La Filipina National High School Supreme School Government and trained its core leaders to facilitate online courses on child rights and protection. The organization grew its constituency and even other schools replicated the interventions that led to the formation of the larger La Filipina Child Network (LCFN).

“Through this network, I am now confident to speak to other people, especially those older than me, about child rights, especially OSAEC,” said Chison, a trained child facilitator and member of LFCN.

The LCFN is conducting advocacy trainings and lobbying to strengthen OSAEC awareness and action at the SK Federation in the Province of Davao del Norte.