Brunei News Gazette

CAGAYAN DE ORO — City officials are considering the establishment of a PHP25 million waste-to-energy plant at a local landfill in Barangay Pagalungan, aiming to improve waste management through advanced technology similar to systems used in Singapore.

According to Philippines News Agency, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has proposed the funding necessary to construct the facility, which would utilize incineration to convert garbage into energy. However, concerns have been raised about the environmental impact, particularly regarding the emissions from the plant. "The DTI explained that the smoke produced would pass through water, converting it to energy, and emphasized the need for city support for the project," Pascual stated.

Further financial backing is expected from the Department of Science and Technology, as highlighted by Councilor Roger Abaday, chair of the council’s environment committee. The project gained traction following a report by 2nd District Councilor Malvern Esparcia, who raised questions about the city’s current waste processing capabilities and whether it has adequate facilities to handle recyclable household waste.

The city enforces a strict "no segregation, no collection" policy, where unsegregated waste is not collected and must be processed at local material recovery facilities (MRFs). Esparcia noted that while some barangays like Pagatpat have taken initiatives to manage waste through MRFs operated by cooperatives without barangay funding, these facilities are becoming overwhelmed. "In Pagatpat, the MRF is now filled with sacks of fertilizer, used glass and plastic bottles, and used tires, despite the community's diligent waste segregation efforts," Esparcia commented.

MANILA — The Department of Migrant Workers (DMW) announced a ban on the deployment of Filipino seafarers on cruise and passenger ships passing through the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden. The prohibition, encapsulated in Department Order 2, was signed by DMW officer-in-charge Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac and is effective immediately.

According to Philippines News Agency, the order directs licensed manning agencies and other stakeholders to ensure that vessels being boarded by Filipino seafarers will not traverse these zones. The action follows the inclusion of the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden in the recent amendments to the International Transport Workers' Federation and International Bargaining Forum list of 'High-Risk Areas' and 'War-like Zones'.

Department Order 2 mandates all licensed manning agencies to execute an affirmation letter stating that the ship to be boarded by their respective seafarers will not pass through the Gulf of Aden and the Red Sea. This letter must outline the vessel's itinerary each time its employment contract is documented, or before seafarers' deployment.

The order also requires that seafarers assigned to passenger and cruise ships sign the affirmation letter, confirming their awareness that the vessel they will board will not enter the designated war-like operations areas. The affirmation letter, once duly executed by the agencies and consented to by the seafarers, must be uploaded to the DMW Online Processing System for Seabased along with the processed one-page standard employment contract. For manual processing, the affirmation letter will form part of the required documents submitted to the DMW's Sea-based Accreditation Bureau.

In March, the DMW and the Philippine Maritime Industry Tripartite Council convened to emphasize the need for stringent protocols to ensure the safety of Filipino seafarers navigating these high-risk waters. Undersecretary Cacdac affirmed the DMW's commitment to safeguarding the well-being of Filipino seafarers, stating that these measures reflect the department's dedication to ensuring safe working conditions and protecting the seafaring workforce.

Pangasinan - Amid the ongoing El Niño phenomenon, the San Roque Power Corporation (SRPC) confirmed on Wednesday that it will maintain a continuous supply of electricity and irrigation. According to SRPC Vice President for Corporate Social Responsibility Tommy Valdez, the hydro power plant is successfully meeting the grid's minimum electricity requirement of 115 megawatts and is operating at full mass flow rate.

According to Philippines News Agency, Valdez explained that the irrigation needs during the past dry cropping season were fully met, covering an area between 36,000 and 40,000 hectares. He noted that the dam's water level is at 230.45 meters above sea level, close to the critical mark of 225 meters. Despite the possibility of reaching this critical level, he reassured that the power supply would remain stable. A maintenance shutdown is scheduled for May 6, slightly ahead of the usual late-May timeline.

He emphasized that this planned outage is routine and occurs annually during the hotter months when the reliance shifts towards coal-fired power plants. Valdez also mentioned that the re-regulating pond would continue to operate to support river ecology.

Looking forward, Valdez expressed hope for upcoming rainfall to replenish the reservoir in preparation for the wet cropping season, ensuring continued support for local agriculture.

MANILA – Cignal's Joshua Umandal was named the Spikers' Turf Press Corps Player of the Week for his standout performances in recent matches, helping his team maintain an unbeaten record and secure a spot in the Final Four.

According to Philippines News Agency, Umandal achieved a conference-high 36 points through 32 attacks, three blocks, and one ace in Cignal’s recent game against D'Navigators Iloilo on April 17. The match concluded with scores of 21-25, 25-18, 20-25, 25-19, 15-7, marking Cignal's sixth consecutive win. Umandal, a national team mainstay and the 2023 Open Conference Most Valuable Player, expressed his surprise at his own success, attributing much of it to the collective effort of his team rather than his individual performance alone. He highlighted his desire to contribute rather than focus solely on scoring.

Umandal surpassed other nominees including Jude Garcia of Criss Cross, John Diwa of Savouge, and Kenneth Culabat of VNS-Nasty for this weekly accolade, awarded by journalists from various print and online media outlets who cover the league. This recognition comes despite the physical and mental challenges posed by consecutive five-set matches, which Umandal acknowledged as demanding. He emphasized the necessity of overcoming fatigue and maintaining focus to not let the efforts of his team go to waste.

The HD Spikers, with Umandal’s significant contributions, will next face VNS-Nasty on April 24 at Paco Arena in Manila, seeking their seventh consecutive victory in the competition.

LA TRINIDAD, Benguet — The National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) has called on the provincial government of Benguet to include mining sites in their cultural heritage mapping efforts. NHCP Secretary General Dr. Ivan Anthony Henares emphasized the significant role mining has played in the region's history and economy during his speech at the awarding ceremony of the Benguet Indigenous Youth Arts Guild (BIYAG) held at the provincial capitol on Monday.

According to Philippines News Agency, recognizing these sites could help preserve structures from the colonial period that might be repurposed into tourism attractions, similar to practices in other countries. This inclusion not only aims to protect these areas but also potentially generate revenue, aiding in their preservation. He highlighted that identifying and maintaining historical sites are key to sustainable development, insisting on the importance of not compromising cultural and environmental integrity.

Henares further noted the advantages brought by the Cultural Mapping Law, which allows for government funds to be allocated for the conservation and protection of historical sites, even those privately owned. He underscored the practicality of preservation over removal, given the durable nature of many historical structures.

ILOCOS - The Department of Health-Center for Health Development in Ilocos Region (DOH-CHD-1) has set a target to immunize 104,281 children this year through its 'Everyday Bakuna Day' program.

According to Philippines News Agency, this initiative aims to address the rise in vaccine-preventable diseases by making immunization services available daily at all primary healthcare facilities in the region.

Dr. Sydiongco stated on Monday that the program allows parents and caregivers the flexibility to bring their children for vaccinations any day of the week, from Monday to Friday, moving away from the traditional "Wednesday vaccination day." This approach is intended to increase accessibility and ensure that more children are protected against diseases like tuberculosis, hepatitis B, poliovirus, diphtheria, pertussis, tetanus, Human Papilloma Virus, and others.

Dr. Rheuel Bobis, a medical officer at DOH-CHD-1, emphasized that vaccines for measles, rubella, pertussis, and other vaccine-preventable diseases are provided free of charge at government hospitals and health centers. The urgency of this campaign is highlighted by the recent increase in measles cases in the region, which have risen to 38 to date this year, up from 27 for the entirety of the previous year. Additionally, a confirmed case of pertussis has been recorded, further underscoring the need for widespread immunization.

PASAY CITY - The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) emphasized the urgent need for public engagement to tackle the growing issue of plastic waste in the Philippines, reporting an annual production of approximately 2.7 million tons of plastic waste.

According to Philippines News Agency, who spoke at the Earth Day Every Day project launch, a significant portion of this waste ends up in harmful locations such as landfills, dumpsites, rivers, and even the country's water supply systems.

Yulo-Loyzaga highlighted the alarming fact that about 20 percent of the nation's plastic waste ultimately contaminates the ocean. She remarked on the comprehensive challenges posed by plastic waste, noting that it includes everyday items from market packaging to food wrappers, totaling about 61,000 metric tons of solid waste produced daily in the country. The upcoming 2024 Earth Day celebration, themed 'Planet vs. Plastics,' aims to raise awareness about the enduring nature of plastics and their severe implications for public health, ecosystem viability, and climate change mitigation efforts.

The DENR Secretary also pointed out the pervasive issue of microplastics, which have been found in raindrops, and the broader environmental impact of plastics produced from fossil fuels. She underscored the economic losses due to the disposal of recyclable plastics, which cost the Philippines approximately USD89 million annually.

The Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) Act, which became law on July 30, 2022, was cited as a critical legislative step toward addressing this issue. This law shifts the responsibility for waste management from local governments to producers and manufacturers, promoting the reduction of plastic usage through the development of more sustainable packaging and the enhancement of recycling efforts.

Yulo-Loyzaga noted that over 800 large companies have committed to initiatives aimed at reducing plastic use, including developing alternative packaging solutions and enhancing recycling processes. These companies also pledged to engage in educational activities to elevate public awareness of the environmental impacts of plastic pollution.

Emphasizing the need for a collaborative effort, Yulo-Loyzaga called for a whole-of-society approach to achieve meaningful progress towards reducing plastic pollution. She stressed that effective change starts at the individual level and requires active participation from all sectors, including households, educational institutions, and experts.

BACOLOD CITY, Negros Occidental — The Panaad Sa Negros Festival, known as the "festival of all festivals" in Negros Occidental, concluded on Sunday with total sales amounting to PHP19.25 million, reflecting a decrease from the previous year. The week-long event, which featured 32 local government unit (LGU) pavilions along with agriculture and veterinary exhibits, trade fairs, food alleys, and garden shows, took place from April 15 to 21 at the Panaad Park and Stadium.

According to Philippines News Agency, this year's festival sales were down by 18.65 percent, equivalent to a PHP4.413 million drop from last year's PHP23.663 million. Governor Eugenio Jose Lacson cited a reduction in the purchasing power of the Negrense middle class as a key factor behind the lower sales figures. He noted that while attendance was high, spending did not match the levels seen in previous years.

Governor Lacson observed significant attendance at key events such as the Best of Festival Dances Competition, Pop Dance Competition, and the Lin-ay Sang Negros coronation night, with venues filled to capacity. However, he pointed out that the young demographic present at the festival tended not to spend as much.

The 2023 edition marked the first full-scale return of the Panaad Sa Negros Festival since the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic three years ago. In his closing remarks, Governor Lacson praised the collaborative efforts of the LGUs with the provincial government, which he said exceeded constituents' expectations for this year's event. He encouraged attendees to cherish the memories and connections made during the festival as they look forward to a hopeful future for Negros Occidental.

PUERTO PRINCESA, Palawan — The City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO) in Puerto Princesa is intensifying its efforts to combat potential fire outbreaks as the city faces an unprecedented heat wave. This move follows a recent wildfire in Barangay San Rafael that consumed approximately 60 hectares of open fields on April 18.

According to Philippines News Agency, the office has upgraded its early warning systems to ensure swift response to fire incidents, potentially preventing them from spiraling out of control. The city has also equipped its firefighters with personal protective gear and specialized tools, including 10-cubic meter water tankers designed for extinguishing forest fires.

Timbancaya detailed further enhancements, including the acquisition of a man bucket capable of reaching up to the fourth floor of a building and plans to procure a rescue ladder that could reach the city's tallest structures. Additionally, village personnel have been supplied with sirens and public address systems to rapidly alert both authorities and residents in the event of a fire.

The CDRRMO is also preparing for the heat wave's broader impacts, including potential threats to agriculture and public health. Although the city's Incident Command System (ICS) for extreme drought conditions is established, it has not yet been activated. The ICS is designed to enable collaborative efforts among various city hall departments to mitigate risks associated with severe weather events.

The CDRRMO noted that the current heat wave, which began on March 27 and persisted until April 22, might be the most severe on record for Puerto Princesa, surpassing the high temperatures of the 2016 and 2019 dry spells. Between April 17 and 22, the city's heat index never dipped below 42 degrees Celsius, with forecasts predicting highs of 44 degrees in the coming days.

CAGAYAN DE ORO – A prominent House leader has publicly disagreed with economists from the University of the Philippines School of Economics regarding constitutional restrictions on foreign ownership, which he identifies as a major barrier to foreign investment in the Philippines.

According to Philippines News Agency, chair of the House Committee on Constitutional Amendments, the current limitations on foreign equity within the Philippine Constitution are key deterrents for foreign businesses considering investments in the country. His comments were in response to a position paper from UPSE professors, who argued that removing these restrictions might increase uncertainty for investors due to potential legislative changes. The professors urged lawmakers to focus instead on improving infrastructure, connectivity, addressing corruption, and enforcing the rule of law to attract foreign direct investments.

Rodriguez countered that addressing economic restrictions and other investment factors are not conflicting goals and should be pursued simultaneously. He criticized the UP economists for their stance against constitutional economic amendments, labeling them as obstructive to development and employment. In contrast, Rodriguez highlighted support from the Foundation for Economic Freedom (FEF), which includes notable former economic leaders like Gary Teves, Gerardo Sicat, and Felipe Medalla. They support amending the economic provisions of the 1987 Constitution to enhance legislative flexibility and attract more foreign investments, which they believe would lead to job creation and economic growth.

The FEF responded to the UP economists by stating that amending restrictive economic provisions would clarify uncertainties for investors caused by the current constitutional contradictions and legislative efforts to address them. They also noted the risk of enacted laws being challenged as unconstitutional, referencing ongoing Supreme Court cases regarding the Public Service Act, which affect the telecommunication and transportation sectors' policy environment.

The House recently passed Resolution of Both Houses (RBH) 7, aiming to amend economic constitutional provisions regarding public utilities, education, and advertising, which includes legislative measures to potentially relax these restrictions. The Senate is set to resume discussions on the corresponding RBH 6 when Congress reconvenes on April 29.