NEDA names new PPP Center executive director

Acting on behalf of behalf of NEDA Secretary Ernesto M. Pernia -- who is at the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation summit in Peru -- Undersecretary Rolando G. Tungpalan swore in Mr. Pecson, according to a statement from Malacañang.

The new Executive Director (ED) said he plans to optimize PPP processes amid previous setbacks for the agency.

“It is continuing what has been started. The Center already built the foundations for the program and therefore I am very glad we are not starting from zero,” Mr. Pecson was quoted as saying.

Mr. Pecson said the benefits of working in partnership with the private sector include raising the standard of construction for government projects, including safety aspects, because project proponents often bring in international expertise.

Last week, NEDA approved two PPP projects at a board meeting -- the New Nayong Pilipino to be built at Entertainment City, and the South line of the North-South Railway.

Mr. Pecson previously held a professorship at the University of the Philippines. Prior to that, he was in the private sector in the field of engineering for 20 years.

His previous employers include FLSmidth, Holcim Philippines, Deere & Company, and Pricewaterhousecoopers.

According to the statement, Mr. Pecson has a PhD in Energy Engineering from the University of the Philippines, a Master of Business Administration (MBA) from the Kellogg School of Management of Northwestern University, and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of the Philippines. -- E.J.C. Tubayan

Duterte gov't calls off auction for South Line of North-South Railway

 The Duterte administration has called off the public-private partnership (PPP) auction for the South Line of the North-South Railway Project (NSRP), and will instead finance the project through official development assistance (ODA) either from China or Japan.

Budget Secretary Benjamin Diokno made the announcement on the sidelines of the 22nd Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) Transport Ministers Meeting in Pasay City on Thursday, November 17.

"We will instead look for financing – either Japan or China. With the government, we can borrow with a lower cost. We don't need return on investment," Diokno said.

He said that the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Board has raised the cost of the railway project to "between P250 billion and P260 billion" from P170.7 billion. (READ: PH bids out biggest PPP: P171-B North-South railway deal)

"We also changed the costing because what we want is narrow gates. It is now between P250 billion and P260 billion," Diokno added.

But on Monday, November 21, Diokno clarified that what he meant was the government wanted "a measurable gauge" not "narrow gates."

The railway project is one of the 9 projects that the NEDA Board chaired by President Rodrigo Duterte approved on Monday, November 14.

Operations for PPP?

The railway PPP deal will involve commuter lines connecting Tutuban in Manila to the southern peripheries of Metro Manila, and a long-haul network to the Bicol provinces. The South Line will also include an initial terminus in Legazpi City and a branch line eventually connecting to Matnog in Sorsogon.

It was in July 2015 when the administration of former president Benigno Aquino III started inviting interested bidders to participate in the auction of the project.

The Aquino administration even targeted to award the railway PPP deal in March 2016, but the project did not move forward since the previous administration released the invitation to bid notice last year.

"Kami na lang magpapagawa (We will just be the one to develop it) just like the SCTEX (Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway) model," Diokno said. The construction of SCTEX was funded through Japan ODA, while its operation and maintenance was auctioned off.

"Later on, we will let the private sector manage it like the SCTEX model," he added.

Once the Philippine government has secured funding, the budget chief said it will take "4 years to construct the project."

Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade was also sought for comment but could not be reached as of press time.

The big-ticket railway deal will involve:

• The 56-kilometer Commuter Rail service, for daily riders on the Tutuban, Manila to Calamba, Laguna route
• The 478-kilometer Long-Haul Rail service, for travelers on the Tutuban, Manila to Legazpi, Albay route.

The South Line of North-South Railway may also have the following extensions:

• The 58 kilometers from Calamba, Laguna to Batangas City, Batangas; and
• 117 kilometers from Legazpi, Albay to Matnog, Sorsogon

Meanwhile, the government already inked a $2.37-billion loan from Japan for the North Line of North-South Railway deal in November 2015.

The North Line of the railway project involves a 36.7-kilometer railway connecting Tutuban, Manila, and Malolos, Bulacan. – Rappler.com

Music@ts to mark 10th year with concert 0 SHARES Share it! By: Crispina Martinez-Belen Published November 22, 2016, 12:05 AM

Three-part vocal harmony group The Music@ts is celebrating their 10th anniversary with a three-hour concert at Historia Boutique Bar and Restaurant on Nov. 30.
Titled “Music@ts Isang Dekada: A Decade of Music and Friendship,” the concert will benefit the Hospicio de San Juan de Dios, the Nazareth Home for Children, Bahay at Yaman ni San Martin de Pores and Little Sisters of the Elderly.
“Wala talaga kaming kikitain pero ang importante may pupuntahan,” expressed Lawrence, the group’s leader.
“Music@ts Isang Dekada” is also their way of saying thank you to the people who have supported their career through the years.
Their repertoire for the concert will include a lot of old time favorites, which is what most of their audience request in gigs. They’ll also be performing songs from different genres and musicals.
“Sobrang excited and natutuwa na naka-10 years na kami. Kasi during our second year we were already warned about our group’s lifespan. That we would last two or three years only. And that’s the reality in the entertainment industry. We’re proud to have reached 10 years,” Lawrence added.
The group, consisting of Alona Climaco, Mafe Aringo-Flores and Lawrence Caderon, shared the biggest factor to their success is genuine friendship, bolstered by years of togetherness, traveling and gigging here and abroad.
“Bawat isa sa amin may kanya-kanyang character and attitudes na tanggap na ng bawat isa. Malaking factor talaga na magkakasama kami palagi,” stressed Lawrence.
Music@ts released their eponymous album in 2007. They were the recipient of the Best Performing Group award at the 2008 Asia Pacific Excellence Awards.
The group has definitely come a long way from earning a measly P500 each member per show.
Music@ts is recognized for their “Manhattan Transfer” sound.
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New character to hate
There’s a new character to hate on the GMA primetime series “Alyas Robin Hood” in Mother Daisy, played by Dina Bonnevie.
A versatile actress, Dina is sure to play the part with ease and aplomb.
Mother Daisy is a wolf in sheep’s clothing. As owner of the production house Daisy Pictures, she is rich, caring and likable. Unbeknownst to many, she is actually involved in several illegal activities.
Watch out for more surprises on “Alyas Robin Hood,” weekdays on GMA.
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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 22, go to Chit Melchor Hechanova, Daryll Klintler, Shaira Mhey C. Nanad, Cecille Caballes Nicdao, Emmanuel Delano “Tu” Seva Rebaño, Babette Aquino Benoit, Louie Ysmael, Ramon Tulfo, Tu Rebano, Atty. Ulysses Butuyan, Hannah Gwyneth Basit Mendoza, Judith Belen, Danee Samonte, Theo Bernardos, Erika Padilla, and Angeline Quinto… Nov. 23: Robin Padilla, Maxene Magalona, Mrs. Siony Prioreschi, Maridel Villavicencio, Bert and Aida Rejano, Clemencita Romero, Loleng Africa, New York-based Queenie F. Perez, Onofre “Noy” Consolacion III of PCSO GM’s office, Jel Ejercito-Estrada, Gerry E. Gamez, John Foster Francois Rutherford Corpuz Doles IV, MB’s Cyndice Jeffrel Calucag, and Dominique Llamas of Star Magic… Happy wedding anniversary to Romy and Nita Magat…