Photo Credit: skyscrapercity.com

The company that operates Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in Central Luzon said it is spending P2 billion to widen the Subic-Tipo section which connects the provinces of Bataan and Zambales.

NLEX Corp. president and chief executive Rodrigo Franco said Subic-Tipo Expressway or STEx would be expanded from 1×1 lane to 2×2 lanes in each direction.

Franco said the project was expected to start before the end of the year and be completed by the third quarter of 2019.

“The widening of the lanes would double the capacity of the expressway,” he said.

SFEx, which was constructed in time for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting in Subic in 1996, is now a part of SCTEx.

NLEX holds the concession to manage, operate and maintain SCTEx, a 93.77-km four-lane highway, traversing the provinces of Bataan, Pampanga and Tarlac.

SCTEx also connects to the North Luzon Expressway which spans approximately 95 kilometers, or 527-lane kilometers, and serves an average of 237,046 a day. It is the main infrastructure backbone that connects Metro Manila to Central and Northern Luzon.

NLEX earlier reported a net income of P2.9 billion in the first half, up 22 percent from P2.3 billion in the same period last year.

NLEX attributed the growth in revenues in the six-month period to higher toll collection at NLEx and SCTEx and more efficient utilization of resources covering toll operations and maintenance costs.

Toll revenues reached P6.7 billion, up 15 percent year-on-year on the steady increase in traffic and toll revenue contribution from both NLEx and SCTEx operations and increase in non-toll revenues.

Non-toll revenues climbed to P100 million from P83 million with the increase in royalty fees, utility facility fees and other non-toll initiatives.

Source: manilastandard.net

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Australian Dimity Lee Duke, Manami Iijima of Guam and Hong Kong’s Leanne Szeto set out for a gruelling test of endurance as they dispute the women’s elite pro crown in the Black Arrow Express 5150 next Sunday, Nov. 4 in Subic Bay.

Dimity Lee Duke

Duke ended two years of frustration in 5150 races in the country’s triathlon capital with a come-from-behind victory over Laura Wood last year with the regular PH campaigner all geared up for another crack at the crown in the premier 1.5k swim-40k bike-10k run event.

But Duke, who also won a 5150 event in Bohol and turned in podium finishes in other Ironman 70.3 races, expects a fierce challenge from her rivals, including Iijima, who actually finished ahead of Duke in Ironman 70.3 in Cebu last August.

With her focus, commitment and drive to excel, the 25-year-old Iijima, who also placed third in the Lixil Ironman in Japan last June, hopes to nail her first 5150 diadem in the upcoming event sponsored by one of the country’s top eCommerce Logistics companies.

Focus will also be on Szeto, an Asian Games veteran and a former mainstay of Hong Kong’s national team whose experience in endurance races have equipped her with the know-how to compete with the best.

But Duke vowed to go all out to dominate the Olympic distance triathlon series, particularly in the bike and run stages, with compatriot Sam Betten also fancied in the men’s side for a possible sweep by the aces from Down Under on a course they are very familiar with.

Betten, for one, has won the Subic 5150 races the last three years, making him the top pick in the event organized and produced by Sunrise Events, Inc. against the likes of Czech Jakub Langhammer, American Tim Linn and compatriots Dan Brown and Mitch Robins.

Backed by venue hosts Subic Bay and ACEA Subic Bay and major sponsors David’s Salon, Pioneer Insurance and Wicked Active Gear, the event caps SEI’s decade-long staging of the premier endurance race in the country.

For details, visit www.blackarrowexpress.5150philippines.com.

Other titles to be disputed are the Asian Elite and various age categories along with relay events for male, female and mixed.

Other supporters of the event are TYR (official swim cap), GU (official energy gel), Active Network (official registration partner), marketing partners Alaska, AlcoPlus, Cetaphil, DeVant, Nuun, PLDT Subictel, Smart, Sanicare, Regent, Storck and Timex and media partners Hyper HD, Cignal, The Philippine Star, AsiaTri.com and Finisher Pix.

Source: manilastandard.net

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By Robert Requintina

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT ZONE, Zambales — A freelance model from Olongapo City was crowned at the first-ever Miss Econest 2018 pageant early Sunday morning at the Subic Convention Center, here.

The winners of the first Miss Econest 2018 pageant were crowned at the Subic Convention Center in Zambales early Sunday morning. From left: Leandrea Batingan, 2nd runner-up; Christine Juliane Opiaza, Miss Econest 2018; and Nicole Minano, 1st runner-up. (Photo by Robert R. Requintina / MANILA BULLETIN)

The pageant was a nationwide search for a woman who will promote environmental awareness, particularly in the area of proper solid waste management.

Pageant veteran Christine Juliane Opiaza bested 16 other candidates for the pageant title that will serve as a tool to elevate the use of recycled or upcycled materials as the new status symbol for the elite.

First runner-up honors went to Nicole Minano, of Romblon; while Leandrea Batingan, of Bulacan, 2nd runner-up.
Winners of special awards were Sheena Zaldivar, Dapitan City, Miss Congeniality; and Best In Evening Gown; and Miss Photogenic, Batingan.

Coeli Fiel, president and CEO of Econest and over-all pageant chairperson, says part of the advocacy of Miss Econest 2018 contest is to promote awareness on proper solid waste management as an entry point for sustainable development.

The pageant is organized and promoted by the Econest Waste and Management Corporation in partnership with the provincial government of Bataan. Other members of the team were lawyer Riza Lumbera, head, finance committee; lawyer Sos Sian, head, Secretariat and Overall Logistics and Operations; lawyer Jui Tongco, head, creatives; Estien Quijano, director, fashion and style; and Concon Sinel, fashion director.

Fiel also says that part of the proceeds of the event will go to the proposed Ecoguardians Foundation, a non-profit organization of volunteers from different sectors such as seniors, youths, solo parents, persons with disabilities, barangay health workers, fishers, and the like who have been effective partners of local government units implement proper solid waste management.

Through the Foundation, Econest also plans to set up a Shelter for Abused Women and Children within the premises of the Hermosa Sanitary Landfill Facility, with skills training on recycling and upcycling waste materials as an entry point for rehabilitation and therapy for victims of domestic abuse, bullying and human trafficking.

Source: news.mb.com.ph

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By Ben O. de Vera

To finally implement the delayed fuel marking system in 2019, the government will award the contract to proceed with the project to the joint venture between Switzerland-based SICPA SA and SGS Philippines Inc. this month, a Department of Budget and Management official said Wednesday.

Assistant Secretary Rolando U. Toledo told a Senate economic affairs committee hearing that the DBM’s Procurement Service was “ready to award” the contract to the winning bidder after committee chair Sen. Win Gatchalian expressed concern that the delay in implementation of the fuel marking system encourages oil smuggling.

Toledo later told reporters that the notice of award will be issued within the week or before this month ends as failure to beat the deadline will bring the procurement process back to square one.

The DBM official said fuel marking will be implemented next year as the private sector partner has to undergo technical preparations first.

Last week, the Cabinet-level interagency Development Budget Coordination Committee (DBCC) reduced the national government’s revenue target for 2018 to P2.82 trillion from P2.846 trillion previously due to the “deferred implementation of e-receipts and fuel marking under TRAIN,” referring to the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion Act.

Finance Undersecretary Karl Kendrick T. Chua told the same Senate hearing that the Department of Finance’s earlier target of P89.9 billion in net revenues from the TRAIN Law was reduced by P26.6 billion to P63.3 billion due to the delayed implementation of the said tax administration measures.

Industry sources said SICPA and SGS’s joint venture was earlier given one month to finalize the master plan even as the notice to proceed got delayed as it took the government some time to finalize the mode of trust fund payment.

Last August, SICPA and SGS proposed a P0.06884 per liter, inclusive of value-added tax, a price for its services, below the price ceiling of P0.08 per liter over a five-year period earlier set under the terms of reference of the fuel marking program.

The SICPA-SGS partnership had also met the minimum score of 70 points set under the technical evaluation criteria, making it possible for the DBM-PS committee to scrutinize the financial bid next.

The SICPA-SGS joint venture became the lone remaining bidder after Texas-based Authentix Inc. backed out and did not submit a bid.

Authentix was SGS’s partner when the fuel marking system was implemented at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone by former Bureau of Customs commissioner Napoleon L. Morales years back.

The bidding process was nonetheless continued as the implementing rules and regulations of Republic Act No. 9184 or the Government Procurement Reform Act allows a single qualified proposal.

The company to be chosen by the government was expected to assist in establishing and operating a fuel marking system that will supply and inject fuel marker in all taxable oil products, except Jet A-1, Avgas, Crude Oil and LPG; implement and manage a fuel testing program, including fuel analysis and data management, nationwide; as well as train and ensure technology transfer to BOC and Bureau of Internal Revenue personnel.

The government will pay the contract cost for the first year of up to P1.96 billion in case of over performance in the actual volume of fuel marked.

For 2018, 21.9 billion liters of fuel were expected to enter the country’s 25 ports and sub-ports.

By 2022, the projected fuel volume would increase to 26.6 billion liters.

Based on DOF estimates, revenue losses from excise taxes and value-added tax due to oil smuggling and misdeclaration reached P26.9 billion in 2016, almost half of the actual P52.6 billion collected by the BOC and the BIR that year.

The Manila-based Asian Development Bank had a higher estimate of P37.5 billion in foregone tax revenues yearly from oil smuggling, while another study commissioned by the domestic oil industry pegged revenue losses at P43.8 billion annually.

Source: business.inquirer.net

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Issued by: David Michael V. Padua for WeatherPhilippines

Current Status and Outlook
Super Typhoon YUTU (ROSITA) has slightly weakened while maintaining its westerly track over the Philippine Sea during the past six hours. This howler is now endangering Northern & Central Luzon as the system’s forecast track continues to dig slightly to the south.

24-hr Outlook: On Monday morning, YUTU (ROSITA) will be downgraded to a Typhoon as it starts to veer to the West-Southwest @ 16 kph across the Philippine Sea, due to the strong surge of the Northeast Monsoon (Amihan). Meanwhile, its outer rain bands will start to affect the Eastern Sections of Northern Luzon.

This dangerous typhoon is still far to directly affect any part of the Philippines within the next 24 hours (1 day). However, the enhanced Northeast Monsoon (Amihan) is now affecting the Northern and Eastern Luzon including Bicol Region and Northern Visayas, where moderate to strong winds of 30-55 kph along with passing scattered rain showers and thunderstorms will be expected. The seas will be rough and dangerous to all sea vessels.

Where is YUTU (ROSITA)?
As of 11:00 AM PhT today, October 28…0300 GMT. The eye was located along the south-central most part of the North Philippine Sea (near 18.1°N 129.3°E), about 742 km east of Palanan, Isabela or 755 km east of Santa Ana, Cagayan.

How strong is it?
Maximum Sustained Winds (10-min avg): 225 kph near the center…Gustiness: 275 kph.

Past Movement (06 hrs)
Westward @ 21 kph, towards the Northwestern Part of the Central Philippine Sea.

Potential Philippine Landfall Area(s)
Along Eastern Isabela, between 2:00-4:00 AM local time on Tuesday, Oct 30 – with High Strike Probability of 90-100%.

What Philippine areas will be directly affected?
Moderate to Extreme Rains (30 to more than 100 mm expected):
>> Northern Luzon – beginning Monday afternoon (Oct 29).

Damaging Winds (gusts of more than 100 km/hr expected):
>> Cagayan Valley – beginning Monday evening (Oct 30).

Potential Storm Surge/Coastal Flooding Areas+
:: Coastal Areas of Eastern & Northern Luzon – beginning Monday afternoon (Oct 29).
+Waves of 3 to 5 meters in height is expected in storm surge-prone areas, particularly in coastal areas on where the Tropical Cyclone is headed.

4-Day Forecast Outlook Summary**
MONDAY MORNING: No longer a Super Typhoon as it veers to the WSW across the northwestern part of the Central Philippine Sea, heading towards Eastern Isabela…about 406 km east of Palanan, Isabela [8AM Oct 29: 17.4°N 126.2°E @ 215kph]. Confidence Level: HIGH.

TUESDAY MORNING: In the vicinity of Ifugao-Isabela Border. Rapidly weakens as it crosses Northern Luzon on a WSW to Westerly track…about 16 km west of Santiago City, Isabela [8AM Oct 30: 16.7°N 121.4°E @ 160kph]. Confidence Level: MEDIUM.

WEDNESDAY MORNING: Emerges over the West Philippine Sea while moving on a WNW track, and is about to leave the Philippine Area of Responsibility (PAR)…some 260 km west-northwest of Alaminos City, Pangasinan [8AM Oct 31: 17.2°N 117.8°E @ 130kph]. Confidence Level: LOW.

THURSDAY MORNING: Already outside of PAR as it regains strength while over the South China Sea. Still moving WNW-ward…about 467 km south-southeast of Hong Kong, China [8AM Nov 01: 18.3°N 115.1°E @ 145kph]. Confidence Level: LOW.

**Important Note: Please be reminded that the Forecast Outlook changes every 6 hours, and Day 2 and 3 Forecast Track have an average error of 100 and 250 km respectively… while the wind speed forecast error, averages 35 km/have per day. Therefore, a turn to the left or right of its future track and changes in its wind speed must be anticipated from time to time.

Other Storm Info
> 24 hr. Rain Accumulation (across its circulation): 25 to 520 mm [Light to Extreme]
> Minimum Central Pressure: 926 millibars (hPa)

> Size of Circulation [Convective Cloud-Based, in diameter]: 605 km (Small)

> Area of Damaging Winds (100 kph or more wind gusts): 205 km from the center

Additional Information
Time/Date: 11:00 AM PhT Sunday October 28, 2018
Location of Center/Eye: Near 18.1°N Lat 129.3°E Lon
Distance 1: 780 km E of Ilagan City, Isabela
Distance 2: 837 km ENE of Santiago City, Isabela
Distance 3: 797 km ENE of Casiguran, Aurora
Distance 4: 944 km ENE of Baguio City, Benguet
Distance 5: 963 km ENE of Metro Manila, PH
24 hr. Forecast Coordinates (Class): 17.4°N 126.2°E (TY)
48 hr. Forecast Coordinates (Class): 16.7°N 121.4°E (TY)
72 hr. Forecast Coordinates (Class): 17.2°N 117.8°E (TY)
96 hr. Forecast Coordinates (Class): 18.3°N 115.1°E (TY)

Information based on data collected by WeatherPhilippines Foundation, Inc. shall not be taken as official data. Weather information broadcasted and distributed by PAGASA remains as official data. WeatherPhilippines shall not be responsible for the private use and reliance of its weather information.

Source: weatherph.org

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