Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar inspected on Thursday the Capas-Botolan Road Project which he said is one of the Duterte administration’s priorities for the benefit of motorists and local economies.

The P5.91 billion project covers a stretch of more than 81 kilometers connecting Capas, Tarlac and Botolan, Zambales.

“This road project is one of our priorities. That’s why, we are relentless in our construction activities despite the several setbacks, like accessibility, the recent torching of a construction equipment owned by the contractor by armed men on June 23, and of course, the recent monthlong inclement weather that centered in Central Luzon,” Villar said.

DPWH Region III Director Roseller Tolentino expressed confidence that the deadline to finish the project before 2022 will be met.

Tolentino said that once completed, travel time between Zambales and Tarlac will be reduced to just a little over an hour, from three hours.

It will also connect Zambales to the economic hubs in Tarlac and Pampanga.

“We, in the agency, (are) bent on completing this road that will benefit not only the motorists but is foreseen to create a positive impact in the local economies of the two provinces,” Villar said.

In a presentation last April, Villar said the project was nearly 60 percent complete.

source: centralluzon.politics.com.ph

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Why the Philippines is the perfect destination for the ethical traveller

Made up of more than 7,000 islands, the Philippines is a destination that has it all, from natural wonders – white sand beaches, azure waters and sprawling rice fields – to bustling cites and incredible food and culture. With holidays to suit everyone, it’s no wonder that the archipelago is welcoming more tourists than ever, drawing in those seeking luxury, relaxation, activity and adventure.

Visitors can dive to explore more than 500 species of coral, while getting up close and person to whale sharks; zipline over beautiful cays; wander through rice paddies; enjoy incredible nightlife; and, of course, kick back on pristine beaches. What’s more, the country is leading the way when it comes to sustainable travel. By promoting a tourism that engages with and gives back to local communities, holidaymakers can be safe in the knowledge that they are having a positive impact on the places they visit. Here we pick three destinations that are revolutionising the way we travel.

Zambales

Photo Credit: klook.com

A province in the Philippines located in the Central Luzon region in the island of Luzon, Zambales. Home to Mount Pinatubo, an active stratovolcano found in the Zambales Mountains, the region provides endless opportunities for adventurers. Visitors can trek around the volcano, mingle with tribespeople (learning cooking and archery), plant new trees, surf and much more – all while having a positive impact. With Mad, a social enterprise that works with marginalised communities across the Philippines, the food guests eat and the bed they sleep generate income for the local community (madtravel.org). All this and more is why the Philippines in the perfect destination for the ethical and eco-conscious traveller.

Samar

Photo Credit: idreamedofthis.com

The third largest Island in the archipelago, beautiful Samar boasts some of the region’s most dramatic landscapes, with towering cliffs, turquoise coasts and dense, impenetrable forests. The caving capital of the Philippines, it is home to one of Asia’s largest caves, the Langun-Gobingob, as well as the Samar Island Natural Park, the largest land-based protected site in the country, which protects some 3,000 square km of forest. Visitors to the Samar can kayak along the river at the Sohoton Cave Natural Park, learn the traditional art of mat weaving, as well as new cookery skills with local people. The Department of Tourism’s Secret Kitchens of Samar Kulinarya Tour forms a part of the Madrid Fusion festival, an annual event that celebrates the shared history and culinary heritage of Spain and the Philippines.

Palawan

Photo Credit: thetravelintern.com

Palawan, an archipelagic province of the Philippines, is the country’s most sparsely populated region. With its abundance of natural beauty and many opportunities to delve deeper into island life, it’s also a perfect destination for the adventurous and eco-conscious traveller. Tao – which means human in Filipino – is a social enterprise with island communities as partners (taophilippines.com). Travellers who join the tours are taken on expeditions to experience Filipino culture with local families. Highlights includes a five-day sailing taking in the paradise that is Northern Palawan or an island stay with a different – the Camp Ngey! Ngey! resort is built using the reclaimed typhoon-wrecked buildings and old furniture.

For more, visit itsmorefuninthephilippines.co.uk or download the Visit Philippines App

source: abtamag.com

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Photo Credit: iorbitnews.com

Castillejos, Zambales?Redondo Peninsula Energy led environmentalists and volunteers in the planting of trees at proposed Eco Tourism Park in Barangay Balaybay, this town on Friday.

“This is not merely a tree-planting activity, but also an educational one. We have invited experts from Cenro Olongapo and Subic Cawag Upland Farmers Association to teach our volunteers the proper way of removing the plastic, handling the roots and caring for the trees,” said RP Energy Corporate Social Responsibility Officer Jason Gavina.

The energy company launched three years ago Adopt-A-Forest Project that has been instrumental in planting over a thousand trees both fruit-bearing and endemic tree species in Subic area.

DENR, SCUFA, Barangay Balaybay, PNP 305th Maneuver Company, and Castillejos Resettlement High School participated in the planting activity.

RP Energy is the developer of a 2×300 MW coal-fired power plant in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Barangay Balaybay Chairman Arturo Manzano said: “We are grateful for all the partners and volunteers supporting us in this project. We are happy to build this eco park that will be enjoyed by everyone especially kids.”

source: manilastandard.net

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Philstar

THE Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB) said in its budget hearing that without “superior incentives,” it will have a hard time attracting investors.

In its budget proposal to the Senate on Tuesday, AFAB Chairman and Administrator Emmanuel D. Pineda said, “Without these superior incentives for Bataan, nobody would dare go to the end of the line from NLEX.”

He added that the success of the Freeport area, which was established through the Freeport Area of Bataan (FAB) Act (RA 9728) in 2009, was due to incentives.

“Because of the incentives handed to us, we were able to attract locators,” he said.

AFAB’s proposed budget for 2019 covers the construction of at least two factory buildings.

“We expect expansion especially from the manufacturers of luxury bags in light of the tariff and trade war between China and US. We are capitalizing on the opportunity that many investors want to relocate from China to Bataan.”

He said that if the second package of the tax reform for acceleration and inclusion (TRAIN 2) measure is implemented or if the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-quality Opportunities (TRABAHO) bill is enacted, investors may opt move operations to Cambodia or Vietnam.

“They presented some simulations based on the historical taxes that they paid. Once the provisions of TRAIN 2 and even the TRABAHO bill becomes enacted, they’re projecting a 115% increase in taxation,” Mr. Pineda said.

“With TRAIN 2, they will be opting to go to other countries, particularly Cambodia and Vietnam,” he added.

TRAIN 2 is part of the five tax reform packages of the government which aims to rationalize tax incentives for businesses, and lowers corporate income taxes.

The TRABAHO Bill targets to lower corporate income taxes to 20% from 30% while also rationalizing corporate fiscal incentives. The bill is currently being discussed in the House of Representatives.

The proposed 2019 budget of AFAB is P502 million. Senator Jose Victor G. Ejercito, who chaired the finance committee handling the hearing, endorsed the AFAB’s budget proposal for plenary discussion. — Gillian M. Cortez

source: bworldonline.com

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By Mar Supnad

BATAAN CAPITOL– To prevent possible casualties and damage to properties, the provincial government of Bataan will immediately purchase the much-needed rescue boats for emergency use in times of rainy season in this peninsula province.

Governor Abet S Garcia directed Director Josefina Timoteo of the provincial disaster risk reduction and management office to buy “Bankarador”, a rescue boats being manufactured in Freeport Area of Bataan by a local inventor.

“We will purchase bankarador as this can be easily utilized during flash floods,” Gov Garcia told Timoteo.

A native of Mariveles town, Marine engineer and Naval architect Realito H. Rubia, has successfully invented “Bankarador,” an eight-seater made of Fiber glass boat, in what he called suitable for rescue in times of flash floods and rainy season.

“The Bankarador is designed for humanitarian rescue, it can be easily paddled in deep and swallow areas as this is light and can accommodate of up to eight persons,” pointed out Engr Rubia.

What caught the attention of the governor is the cheap price, durability and unique design of the bankarador and can be easily deployed along the flooded areas in Bataan.

Engr. Rubia pointed out that the Bankarador is much cheaper than those rescue boats being sold worth millions of pesos.

“More or less its price is P300,000 per unit. This is 8×4 feet and can be made in different colors,” stressed Rubia.

He added that coloring it for every region is also important, saying this can be easily traced when one stole it.

In response to the governor’s directive,
Timoteo and her team immediately proceeded to the fabrication site of bankarador in FAB to negotiate the immediate purchase of the rescue boats.

“Rescue boats are seldom used during rainy season. So why should the government buy millions of pesos worth of boats when it is used only during flash floods,” stressed Rubia, adding “after rainy season, these expensive boats will then be set aside and can no longer be used and will be rotten.”

Engr Rubia pointed out that the bankarador can be also used as cabinet where you can store clothes, documents, etc., adding “you can again utilize it as rescue boat when the rainy season comes,” said Rubia.
Gov Garcia also wanted to purchase other heavy equipment for rescue in times of calamities.

Rubia added, “We were gifted this talent ( in inventing from Upstairs) so we’ll use it for the benefit of the public.”.

Earlier, Rubia was also able to invent the unsinkable speed boat which is also suitable for use by Coastguard, Phil Navy, Maritime forces and others.

source: news.mb.com.ph

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