Legarda Urges Nations’ United Effort Towards Marine Conservation

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today said that nations should unite towards the protection of our high seas and the responsible use of marine resources.

Legarda, Chair of the Senate Committee on Environment and Natural Resources, made the statement during the Regional Seminar on the Conservation and Sustainable Use of Marine Biodiversity beyond Areas of National Jurisdiction held at the Century Park Hotel in Manila on December 12, 2014.

The event was organized by the Philippine Council for Agriculture and Fisheries (PCAF), in cooperation with Greenpeace Southeast Asia and The Pew Charitable Trusts.

“There is no question that marine biological diversity is enormously important for the Philippines and the world. The Convention on Biological Diversity (CBD) recognizes this importance and very early came up with a work programme on marine biological diversity. However, the CBD is fairly limited to national biodiversity,” Legarda explained.

“It is the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea or UNCLOS that governs the use of marine resources in the high seas. But when the UNCLOS was negotiated in the 1980s, we did not yet have the knowledge and insight we now have on marine biological diversity. Today, we need a new implementing agreement under UNCLOS,” she added.

The Senator noted that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations warns that about 80% percent of the world’s fisheries are already fully exploited, over exploited or significantly depleted. Moreover, the World Bank states that an estimated $50 billion worth of economic benefits are lost annually due to overfishing.

She added that in the Philippines, among the poorest in are those in coastal communities, with 4 of 10 coastal residents living under poverty line, despite the fact that the country is located within the coral triangle, at the center of the highest marine diversity in the world.

“This situation, along with the fact that the Philippines is considered an epicenter of biodiversity and evolution, demands special focus on marine conservation efforts. However, conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity should not be concentrated in individual countries alone,” said Legarda.

“Our nations are interconnected, and an ecosystems approach towards a more holistic, multisectoral, integrated and sustainable coastal management and fisheries, across countries, governments and communities will be beneficial to all,” she stressed.

“As different nations living in one planet, we need to unite towards the protection of our high seas and the responsible use of marine resources. We need an UNCLOS agreement for the conservation and sustainable use of marine biodiversity in areas beyond national jurisdiction. We must act now and work together to find the much-needed balance in using the resources of our oceans and protecting its biodiversity,” Legarda concluded.

Ecija Mason loses P.2-M cash, gun to burglars

CABANATUAN CITY – A 63-year-old businessman who is a member of the Free and Accepted Masons lost P200,000 worth of cash, jewelry and his pistol when unidentified burglars broke inside his house in Guimba, Nueva Ecija Wednesday evening.

Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified the victim as Angelo Mendoza, 63, of Barangay Sta. Veronica, Guimba.

The break-in was discovered at around 5:40 pm Wednesday.

Police Superintendent Renato David, Guimba police chief, said Mendoza left his house at around 9 am Wednesday and went to this city.

He returned at around 4 pm.

Mendoza told police that when he was about to change his clothes in his room, he noticed that his gold bracelet with a Mason logo and necklace placed on top of his drawer were both gone.

When he checked on his money worth P200,000 kept in his closet, he learned it was also missing as well as his Glock 40 caliber pistol placed under his bed.

Mendoza said all the doors of the house were locked when he left in the morning.

But when police came, they saw no signs of any forcible entry. – Manny Galvez

2 robbery-holdup suspects killed in shoot-out with Ecija cops

SAN JOSE CITY, Nueva Ecija – Two suspected hold-uppers who were believed behind the string of robbery-holdup incidents in northern Nueva Ecija victimizing businessman and collection agents were killed following a shoot-out with Nueva Ecija lawmen in this city Wednesday afternoon, police said.

        Senior Superintendent Crizaldo Nieves, provincial police director, identified those slain as Mark Popera of Cagayan De Oro City, and presently residing at Brgy. Cabucbucan, Rizal, Nueva Ecija and Jimboy Alayaay, of Siquijor province.

        They both died-on-the-spot from gunshot wounds.

        Nieves said the duo were responsible for the series of robbery-hold up incidents in San Jose City and in the municipalities of Llanera and Rizal, victimizing collection agents, delivery trucks, lending agents of Indian nationals and traders along the national highway.

        The suspects were also tagged for the robbery hold-up incident on November 26, 2014, at Purok 2, Barangay Porais here.

       The shoot-out broke out at around 4:25 pm Wednesday along the provincial road in Barangay Villa Joson here when joint operatives of the 3^rd mobile platoon of the provincial public safety company led by platoon leader Senior Inspector Alexander Reyes and the San Jose City police led by Inspector June Sugay encountered the duo who were boarded on an unlicensed blue motorcycle after they just held up a sales agent and delivery truck driver and helper.

       Police Superintendent Manuel Hidalgo, city police chief, identified the victims as Danilo Bejica, San Miguel Corp. Sales agent and driver/helper Melfer Nening of Barangay Caridad Norte, Llanera.

       The victims then sought the assistance of the patrolling lawmen who established a checkpoint along the highway where they came across the suspects. But instead of surrendering, the suspects fired at the lawmen, triggering the firefight which led to the suspects’ death.

        Recovered from the suspects were one caliber .45 Remington revolver, one  magazine, one caliber .38 pistol with three empty shells and two live ammunitions.      

        Also recovered were four fired shells from M-16 Armalite rifle, three fired shells from a caliber .9mm pistol and three empty shells from a calibre 45, one pouch containing seven pieces of caliber .38 revolvers, P2,520 in cash and paraphernalia. – Manny Galvez

Drilon urges Palace: Decide on Purisima’s fate

MANILA-In view of the two major events to be held in the country next year – namely, the Papal visit and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Ministerial Meetings – Senate President Franklin M. Drilon urged President Aquino to decide on the fate of embattled Philippine National chief Allan Purisima.

"In an organization such as the Philippine National Police where authority and leadership is strictly observed, Purisima's suspension from his post would turn it into a ‘headless’ body," said Drilon, a close ally of President Aquino.

“That situation is what we wanted to prevent, especially in light of the forthcoming hosting of the Philippines of two high-profile events next year which would require a full-time PNP chief to be on top of all security preparations,” stressed Drilon.

Drilon noted that the government will have its hands full with two main high-security events in 2015 - Pope Francis’ much-awaited visit to the country in January, and the series of APEC meetings to be attended by world leaders in the latter half of next year.  

Purisima is facing a six-month preventive suspension order issued by the Ombudsman.

According to Drilon, even if there is an officer-in-charge (OIC), it is inevitable that uncertainty caused by the suspension the PNP chief would ensue, emphasizing that an OIC has a limited power to effect changes and reforms in the PNP.

He said it will be in the best interest of the country if the leadership issue in the PNP will be “acted on and resolved immediately.” 

“The about 150,000 police force need to see and feel the presence, the leadership and the authority of their leader in order to inspire them to deliver their commitments to maintain a peaceful and an orderly community and nation,” Drilon said.

Lastly, Drilon said he believes that the controversy involving the PNP chief has negatively affected the Filipino’s view of the police and could undermine the way the people look at the seriousness of this administration’s anti-corruption agenda. 

3 lady drug traffickers nabbed in Guagua

CITY OF SAN FERNANDO – Three lady drug traffickers believed responsible in the widespread distribution of methamphetamine hydrochloride (shabu) in Guagua and Floridablanca towns were arrested by authorities during a buy-bust operation at Barangay San Nicolas yesterday.

Supt. Angelito Esteban, Guagua police chief, identified the suspects as Jovelyn Lictao, 39, of Brgy. San Nicolas 1st , Gina Martinez, 34, of Brgy. Sta. Monica, Sta. Rita town, and Annisa Andong Calma, 40, native of Cotabato and resident of Brgy. Calantas, Floridablanca.

Police said the suspects did not resist arrest.

In his report to Senior Supt. Rodolfo Recomono Jr., director of Pampanga Provincial Police Office, Esteban said the suspects’ apprehension came in the wake of reports on their alleged involvement in the illegal drugs trade in Guagua town.

He said the suspects were placed under close watch by police operatives before the buy-bust operation was launched against them.

During interrogation, Esteban said the suspects admitted their involvement in the illegal activities. “They operate in Guagua and Floridablanca,” he added.

Seized from the suspects include quantitative amount of shabu, dusted money and huge amount of cash believed to be proceeds in the sale of illegal drugs.

The suspects remained under police custody as criminal complaint is being readied against them. – Jess Malabanan

Fort Magsaysay execs hit for imposing Martial Law-style discipline inside camp

FORT MAGSAYSAY, Palayan City – The leadership of the Army’s 7^th Infantry Division inside the military reservation here named after democracy icon, former President Ramon Magsaysay has come under fire from city and barangay officials for imposing strict security procedures reminiscent of Martial Law that allegedly infringe on the human  rights of residents within the camp and nearby communities.

          Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas and officials of at least two barangays  decried the sudden imposition of a curfew in barangays Doña Josefa and Militar covered by the reservation, which she said, restricted the movement and civil liberties of residents, particularly during nighttime.

          She accused 7^th ID officials of failing to consult the civilian leadership before setting up checkpoints in the two barangays which has caused alarm and inconvenienced the residents.

The outspoken Cuevas minced no words and immediately confronted Camp Commander Lt. Col. Edgar Batenga on the new security policy during a three-hour dialogue at the mayor’s residence Wednesday afternoon. “This (curfew) is not right and this is trampling on the rights of my constituents,” she told Batenga during a face-off.

Batenga, who represented 7^th ID commander, Brig. Gen. Glorioso Miranda, was accompanied here by Capt. Mark Ruelos, division spokesperson.

Batenga earned the ire of Cuevas and the other city officials after he ordered closed Gate 5 manned by the socalledAlorma detachment at the camp and implemented a curfew from 9 pm to 4:30 am. The policy has affected people who use the gate in getting to their residence.

Doña Josefa barangay chairman Aurelio Lapagao told Batenga that the security measure has been affecting a lot of people, including Pinatubo victims and indigenous  peoples living in the place.

Batenga said they imposed the security measure to prevent the indiscriminate intrusion of informal settlers inside the camp. “We are just following orders from higher authorities and what is provided by law,” he said.

He said the reservation used to cover a vast expanse of land covering 76,000  hectares but its land area has shrunk to only 44,000 hectares due mainly to the entry of informal settlers.

The exchange between Batenga and Cuevas became heated when the military officer told local officials they should help protect the reservation. “Under Section 30 of Republic Act 7279 or the Urban Development Housing Act, local government units are supposed to help us protect the military reservation,” he said.

“But as the mayor here, I should be consulted. There is nothing in the law that says you restrict the movement of humans,” Cuevas barked. “I’m just protecting the welfare of my constituents.”

Batenga said the reason why informal settlers mushroomed inside the camp was because before, no one was inspecting them to which Cuevas replied : “It’s your fault.”

Lawyer Paul Cuniano, city legal officer, said the affected barangays have been established by law and are supposed to have access to national roads but have been restricted with boundaries.

“Imagine from 9 pm to 4:30 am you cannot move outside of the camp? That’s a basic constitutional right,” he said.

It was not the first time that this military camp, considered the biggest in the country and one of the biggest in Southeast, was linked to represession and violation of human rights. It was here when President Aquino’s father, late former senator Benigno “Ninoy” Aquino and fellow senator Jose Diokno were placed under solitary confinement to stifle dissent during the Martial Law years.

This camp also figured prominently in a series of coup attempts against the administration of President Aquino’s late mother, then President Corazon Aquino in 1989 staged by then-colonel and now Sen. Gregorio “Gringo” Honasan. – Manny Galvez 

NIA strengthens partnership with Bugkalot Tribe

NIA, Quezon City – The recent meeting between the National Irrigation Administration (NIA), National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP), LGU officials,  and the Bugkalot Confederation on December 3, 2014 ended with a positive note as Dr. Florencio F. Padernal took on the lead in clearing the path to resolve issues regarding the tribe’s claims.

Two major issues raised by the tribe, led by Mayor of Nagtipunan, Quirino and Bugkalot Chieftain Rosario K. Camma, include the percentage share of the tribe from the gross income derived from CalEnergy Power Plant’s power generation and at least 10% environmental release from the dam weirs from Casecnan and Taan Rivers.

According to a statement from the Bugkalot Confederation dated November 18, 2014, the 10% environmental water release from dam weirs required as per NWRB Resolution 01-0901 dated September 24, 2001 was ignored resulting to the drying up of the Casecnan and Taan rivers thus affecting the aquatic resources of the rivers and sacrificing the livelihood of many Bugkalot tribesmen.

Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Carlos M. Padilla added that the the most expensive fish in the country, the ludong, started to disappear in the Casecnan River. “All the water goes to Casecnan in Nueva Ecija affecting other localities and creating ‘social problems’ that push the people to seek help from local politicians,” he added.

To address the issues, Dr. Padernal pushed that a timeline of events be prepared and submitted before the year ends to retrace the history of the issues between NIA, CalEnergy, CMIPP, and the Bugkalot tribe. He tapped the NCIP to submit and collate the documents related to the issue to establish an objective history.

Also, the NIA Administrator emphasized on the importance of a convergence meeting among the agencies concerned and stakeholders in January 2015 to create a comprehensive and doable action plan that will address the issues on the project.

Abakada Party-list Representative Jonathan dela Cruz expressed his gratitude to Dr. Padernal for the initiatives that will be undertaken by the agency in line with the concerns of the Bugkalot tribe.

Also present in the meeting were Jerry Pasigian and Robert Cabarroguis of the Bugkalot Confederation; Percy Brawner and Atty. Petronilo Dubadeb of NCIP; and other NIA officials.

NIA Central Office, Quezon City – Dr. Florencio F. Padernal led NIA officials in meeting with the Bugkalot Confederation on December 3, 2014 to facilitate the resolution of issues regarding the tribe’s claims pertaining to the implementation of the Casecnan Multipurpose Irrigation and Power Project (CMIPP) in Nueva Ecija. Attending the meeting were NIA Deputy Administrators Estrella E. Icasiano and Erdolfo B. Domingo, Atty. Pepito Padilla of Legal Services, PAIS Manager Pilipina P. Bermudez, CMIPP Manager Alexander Coloma, and Operations Manager Florentino David. Also present were Nueva Vizcaya Lone District Representative Carlos M. Padilla, Abakada Party-list Rep. Jonatahn dela Cruz, Nagtipunan, Quirino Mayor and Bugkalot Chieftain Rosario K. Camma, Jerry Pasigian and Robert Cabarroguis of the Bugkalot Confederation, and Percy Brawner and Atty. Petronio Dubadeb from NCIP.

Legarda Commends F. Sionil Jose

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda honored the contribution of National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose to literature and journalism through a Resolution adopted by the Senate during its session on December 9, 2014.

Legarda authored Senate Resolution 1045 to recognize F. Sionil Jose’s contribution to literature and journalism.

“F. Sionil Jose has been an inspiration to several generations of writers and journalists through his essays, his role as a publisher, his lectures, his iconic bookshop Solidaridad and his founding of the Philippine chapter of the PEN, an international organization of poets, writers and novelists,” said Legarda.

“Cognizant of his artistic and literary genius and for his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts, it is but fitting that F. Sionil Jose, be recognized and honored,” she stressed.

F. Sionil Jose, who turned 90 years old last December 3, is considered as one of the prominent writers in the English language. His works have been translated to twenty-eight (28) languages, including Czech, Indonesian, French, Korean, Russian, Latvian and Dutch.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Pablo Neruda Centennial Award, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for Literature, among others.

Senator Loren Legarda honors National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose through Senate Resolution 1045, which recognizes his contribution to literature and journalism and his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts. Also in photo is Mr. Jose’s wife, Teresita.

Senate commends Miss Earth 2014

MANILA-The Senate today adopted a resolution congratulating Jamie Herrell for winning the Miss Earth 2014 competition on November 29, 2014 at the University of the Philippines Theater in Diliman, Quezon City.

Senate Resolution No. 1039, authored by Senator Lito Lapid, recognized the achievement of Herrell when she won the prestigious title against 83 other candidates from all over the world.

“Nineteen-year old Miss Earth Philippines 2013 title holder Jamie Herrell made the country proud when she won the prestigious Miss Earth crown on November 29, 2014,” the resolution stated.

The Cebuana beauty is the second Filipina to bag the Miss Earth title next to Karla Henry, also a Cebuana, who won in 2008.

Aside from the Miss Earth title, Herrell also took home three special awards namely Miss Earth Hannah’s Beach Resort, Best in Swimsuit and Sun for Miss Earth.

The Miss Earth competition was organized in 2001 to promote environmental awareness and the preservation of the earth.

“By being crowned this years’ most beautiful woman in the planet, Jamie Herrell gave Filipinos unparalleled pride and showed the world the grace and excellence of Filipino beauty,” the resolution said.  (Olive Caunan)

Senate commends national artist F. Sionil Jose

MANILA-The Senate today adopted Senate Resolution No. 1045, commending National Artist Francisco Sionil Jose for his distinguished contribution to literature and journalism.

Senate Resolution No. 1045, introduced by Sen. Loren Legarda, recognized Sionil Jose’s “artistic and literary genius, and his perseverance to instill national pride through the arts.”

Born in Rosales, Pangasinan, on December 3, 1924, Sionil Jose is considered as one of the country’s most prominent writers in the English language, his works having been translated to twenty-two languages, including Czech, Indonesian, French, Korean, Russian, Latvian and Dutch.

He has received numerous accolades, including the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Pablo Neruda Award, Chevalier dans l’Ordre des Arts et Lettres, and the Carlos Palanca Memorial Award for literature, among others.

He was bestowed the title of National Artist of the Philippines for Literature in 2001.

“He has been an inspiration to several generations of writers and journalists through his essays, his role as a publisher, his lectures, his iconic bookshop, Solidaridad, and his founding of the Philippine chapter of the PEN, an international organization of poets, writers and novelists,” the Resolution said. (Yvonne Almirañez)

Legarda Hails Vigan Win in New7Wonders Cities

MANILA-Senator Loren Legarda today expressed jubilation over the inclusion of the Historic City of Vigan in the New7Wonders Cities.

“I am happy that Vigan made it to the New7Wonders Cities. I congratulate the city government of Vigan, led by Mayor Eva Singson Medina, for its efforts and intensive campaign to make this possible,” said Legarda, who also actively campaigned for the city’s bid.

Aside from Vigan, the other winning cities are Beirut in Lebanon, Doha in Qatar, Durban in South Africa, Havana in Cuba, Kuala Lumpur in Malaysia, and La Paz in Bolivia.

“Through this achievement, the hard work of Vigan’s government and citizens to preserve their history and promote culture while working towards sustainable development will be highlighted and hopefully emulated,” she added.

Legarda said that she hopes this would inspire Filipino communities to also work towards making their towns, cities and municipalities into habitable heritage communities like Vigan.

Vigan City is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was also awarded the 2012 Best Practice for World Heritage Site Management by UNESCO.

“Vigan is an example of how communities should work to be aware of their heritage, which should be appreciated, preserved and properly utilized to achieve meaningful and sustainable progress,” Legarda concluded.

TRADOC convenes Multi-Sector Advisory Board

CAPAS, Tarlac-Training and Doctrine Command (TRADOC) convened Wednesday the Multi-Sector Advisory Board (MSAB) who shall be its partner in attaining the Army Transformation Roadmap (ATR) by 2028.

 

“MSAB was created for the purpose of promoting continuity, sustainability, and shared responsibility for the ATR at the second level TRADOC Scorecard and third level Performance Governance Scorecard,” TRADOC Commander Major General Ivan Samarita said.

 

“It is tasked to ensure adoption and institutionalization of Performance Governance System as embodied in the ATR and translate into the Unit Strategy Map and Performance Governance Scorecard; provide assessment of ATR-related programs, projects, and activities, and recommend relevant policies critical in achieving breakthrough results; enhance partnerships with key stakeholders and generate public support for the TRADOC ATR and the Unit Strategy Map; evaluate the Command’s performance relative to its scorecard and the implementation of ATR-related programs, projects, and activities; and assist in the generation of additional resources to support the unit’s programs, projects, and activities,” Samarita added.

 

The initial members of the MSAB include Tarlac Vice Governor Enrique Cojuangco Jr. who was elected Chairperson, and businessman retired Lieutenant Colonel Arturo Vidad who was chosen as Vice Chairperson.

 

Voted as committee heads were Tarlac State University - Testing Center Director Dr. Rodrigo Sicat for Governance, Provincial Board Member Henry Cruz for Resource Generation, PIA Planning and Communication Research Officer and Pampanga Provincial Manager Carlo Lorenzo Datu for Strategic Communication, and Health Development For All Foundation Executive Director Brenda Furagganan for Assessment and Review.

 

Completing the 10-man MSAB are Provincial Board Member Carlito David, University of the Philippines Open University Chancellor Dr. Grace Alfonso, Capas Evangelical Ministerial Organization President Pastor Leo Luangco, and Tarlac State University professor Dr. Remedios Domingo.

Mini-Putrajaya gov’t centers to rise in Palayan, 3 other sites in Phl

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – A government center serving as a miniature version of the Putrajaya federal administrative center of Malaysia is in the works in this once laid-back city.

          The Putrajaya-type government center cum business hub is envisioned by Alloy MTD, the Malaysian conglomerate which forged a joint venture agreement with the provincial government for the construction of the P1.5-billion Palayan City Business Hub (PCBH) at a 3.4-hectare site in Barangay Singalat at the back of City Hall.

          Isaac David, president of Alloy MTD Philippines which is a subsidiary of Alloy MTD Malaysia, said they are not only committed to offer world-class facilities but give comfort and convenience to people and thus, will pursue government centers patterned after Putrajaya.

          Putrajaya is a planned city 25 kilometers south of Kuala Lumpur. Made up of a network of open spaces and wide boulevards, it was constructed in 1995 as the biggest project in Malaysia and one of the biggest in Southeast Asia at a cost of $8.1 billion.

          Alloy MTD bankrolled the construction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Calabarzon Regional Government Center (CRGC). It is targeting to construct P10 billion worth of government centers  in the country through Public Private Partnership (PPP) with the CRGC serving as template.

          Last Thursday, officials of Alloy MTD and its subsidiary joined Gov. Aurelio Umali in ground-breaking activities for the PCBH, considered yet as the single, biggest Capitol project under the Umali administration.

Present during the rites were Azmil Khalid, chief executive officer of Alloy MTD Group of Malaysia and head of the Malaysia-Philippines Business Council (MPBC), David, Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas whose city government donated the lot for the project site which will house buildings for government offices with retail and commercial spaces, two state-of-the-art business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, a 75-room business hotel and plaza to serve as activity center. 

The main building will be occupied by national offices that will relocate from Cabanatuan to serve as one-stop shop of all government services.

Cuevas said the PCBH is labor-intensive and will generate  13,000 jobs, 10,000 of which in call centers alone, with the rest to come from the operations of the various commercial establishments, the hotel and the government offices.

Alloy MTD is a leading Asian infrastructure conglomerate operating in 13 countries, notably the United States, United Kingdom, China, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Chile.

Aside from infrastructure, its operations range from civil engineering and construction, manufacturing, energy, port operations, real estate and property development and operation and maintenance. It has developed world-class mountain roads, highways, bridges and engaged in geotechnical works, highway maintenance and erosion control.

Alloy MTD and MTD Philippines constructed the P3.9-billion, 36-kilometer SLEX in Calamba, Laguna which was completed in February 2012 and the P2.5-billion CRGC, dubbed the “Complete City” in Barangay Mapagong, also in Calamba housing offices in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon.

David said in keeping with its avowed mission to establish world-class one-stop shop regional government centers in one accessible location per region across the country through PPP, they will be constructing three government centers worth P6.2 billion.

These are the P1.5-billion,70,000 square meter “The Octagon” in Palo, Leyte, the P3.7-billion “Pili Complex” in Camarines Sur and the P1-billion government center in Maguindanao.

Like the PCBH, the three mega-projects will all have buildings for government offices, retail and commercial spaces, BPOs, business hotel and Capitol buildings.

The Octagon will have a hospital and evacuation center while the Pili Complex will have a hospital and a university, multi-use theater, condotel and a three-storey mosque and dome just like the  Maguindanao project. A fourth project is the Plaza del Pueblo de Vigan in Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. (Manny Galvez)

NE Capitol, Malaysian investor to set up world-class gov’t center cum trade hub

PALAYAN CITY, Nueva Ecija – A giant Malaysian conglomerate which bankrolled the construction of the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Calabarzon Regional Government Center (CRGC) has tied up with the Nueva Ecija provincial government to establish a P1.5-billion, world-class new government center and business hub in this provincial capital in what is considered yet as the single, biggest Capitol project under the Umali administration.

The mega-project, dubbed the Nueva Ecija Government Center-Central Business Park (NEGC-CBP), was unveiled during ground-breaking ceremonies at a 3.4-hectare site in Barangay Singalat at the back of the newly refurbished city hall.

Gov. Aurelio Umali, who conceptualized the mega-project, said it is a joint venture between MTD Philippines, a subsidiary of Malaysian conglomerate Alloy MTD, and the provincial government under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) scheme. The province was the first local government unit (LGU) to enact a PPP Code.

Umali led the ground-breaking rites for the project along with third district Rep. Czarina Umali, Mayor Adrianne Mae Cuevas, Dato Azmil Khalid, chief executive officer of Alloy MTD Group of Malaysia and head of the Malaysia-Philippines Business Council (MPBC) and MTD Philippines president Isaac David.

The project site was donated to the provincial government by the city government under Cuevas whose husband, renowned businessman Vince Cuevas, helped spearhead the negotiations. 

The Cuevas couple said the mega-project is labor-intensive and will generate a whopping 13,000 jobs, 10,000 of which in call centers alone, with the rest to come from the operations of the various commercial establishments, the hotel and the government offices.

Alloy MTD, based in Malaysia, is a leading Asian infrastructure conglomerate operating in the global market, with projects in 13 countries, notably the United States, United Kingdom, China, Australia, Indonesia, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Singapore, Sri Lanka, India, Thailand and Chile.

Aside from infrastructure, its track record covers a wide range of operations from civil engineering and construction, manufacturing, energy, port operations, real estate and property development and operation and maintenance.

It has extensive experience in the development of world-class mountain roads, highways, bridges and in geotechnical works, highway maintenance and erosion control.

MTD Philippines is Alloy MTD’s investment arm based in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City with interest in infrastructure development and energy.

Its avowed mission is to establish world-class one-stop shop regional government centers in one accessible location per region across the country through PPP.

Umali said some of the firm’s big-ticket projects are the P3.9-billion, 36-kilometer SLEX in Calamba, Laguna which was completed in February 2012 and the P2.5-billion CRGC, dubbed the “Complete City” in Barangay Mapagong, also in Calamba housing offices in the provinces of Cavite, Laguna, Rizal and Quezon.   

The mega-project in this city, which will be finished in two years, was undertaken after MTD Philippines submitted an unsolicited proposal to develop the property donated by the city government to the provincial government by leasing it to the Capitol for 50 years, extendable for another 25 years.

To be constructed in the site are buildings for government offices with retail and commercial spaces, two state-of-the-art business process outsourcing (BPO) buildings, a 75-room business hotel and plaza to serve as activity center.  

The main building will be occupied by national offices that will relocate from the heavily congested Cabanatuan City to  consolidate all services in one location.

The provincial government is also eyeing, in tandem with a  consortium of private investors, to set up an information technology hub at a 15-hectare site in Cabanatuan City.

          In 2011, Antheros Corporation based in Muntinlupa City, has submitted an unsolicited proposal to the provincial government for the development of the “Nueva Ecija Core Business Hub.”

          The group is eyeing to construct modern office buildings, BPOs, call centers, a conference center and exhibition hall, business hotel, upscale residential facilities, medium-rise condominiums and shopping, entertainment, tourist and restaurant facilities in the site.

          Based on reports, IT firms now prefer to go to the provinces where it is more laid-back and the standard of living is lower compared with the fast pace of city life in the metropolis.

          Umali said the BPOs will be beneficial to many Novo Ecijanos who are known for their proficiency in the English language, harnessed by the language skills institute set up by the provincial government. (Manny Galvez)