Salceda: PNR South long haul project on track for 2022 opening

LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Project, spanning some 581 kilometers from Manila to Matnog, Sorsogon, is now on track towards its target opening by second quarter of 2022.

“Dagos po an Bicol Express (the Bicol Express pushes through),” Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda announced here last week.

He based his announcement on the project’s revised funding structure approved by the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) board recently.

The project, originally proposed years ago by Salceda, now forms part of the Duterte administration’s flagship projects under the massive infrastructure “Build Build Build” program.

It is envisioned as a backbone of economic development designed to enhance the connectivity of major airports and seaports in Southern Tagalog and Bicol Region.

From a proposed budget of PHP171 billion originally, and later PHP185 billion, it is now allocated PHP299.4 billion, one of the government’s biggest infrastructure investments.

Salceda, who is senior vice chair of the House committees on appropriations and ways and means, said some PHP800 million and PHP7 billion have been appropriated for the project in the GAA 2016 and GAA 2017 budgets, respectively, of Department of Transportation’s (DOTr), not PNR’s as announced previously, and another PHP3 billion has been requested by DOTr for FY 2018.

The project is also included in the first basket of projects to be financed and built with the assistance of China. A Memorandum of Understanding setting out the scope of China’s assistance for the project will be signed during the ASEAN Summit in November 2017.

Proceeds from the loan will become available under GAA 2018’s ‘Unprogrammed Appropriations’ in addition to the PHP3 billion DOTr has already requested for 2018. Implementation works for the project are ongoing, especially for right-of-way acquisition.

Consultations have already been held with Bicol local chief executives and lawmakers, and the DOTr have been working with HUDCC, NHA, SHAFC, and PCUP towards implementing the resettlement of the families that will be affected by the project.

Based on recent changes, its Commuter Line segment which spans 72 kilometers with 23 stations, now starts from Solis-Hermosa in Manila to Los Baños, Laguna. The Long Haul segment picks up from Los Baños and runs through Batangas, Quezon and the Bicol provinces of Camarines Sur and Albay to Sorsogon.

Salceda said the PNR South Railways is now “a priority investment project of the government” and ia a vitally urgent infrastructure for Southern Luzon. It was approved and strongly recommended by the Bicol Regional Development Council in 2015, during Salceda’s term as chairman.

When completed, it will vastly improve connectivity and efficiency among Southern Luzon’s urban centers and regional growth hubs and thus enhance productivity in the industry, services and agriculture sectors.

It is seen to further boost Bicol’s tourism industry by as much as 30 percent which forms part of the predicted 24 percent economic returns it will bring to the countryside when fully operationalized, he added. (PNA-PR)

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5,000 laymen volunteer to help distribute Holy Communion during Luneta Mass

VOLUNTEER Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion (EMHCs) and ushers were reminded to safeguard the sanctity of the Eucharist during the Concluding Mass to be led by the Holy Father at Luneta Park on Jan. 21.

Fr. Genaro Diwa, liturgy head of the Archdiocese of Manila, told around 6,000 volunteers during their general assembly Saturday (Jan. 6) to emulate Pope Francis’ service to the Church.

“Ito po `yung ibig ng Simbahan lalo na sa ating mga maglilingkod, na bago tayo pumunta sa Luneta, ay napagnilayan na natin, para pagdating natin doon at pinakinggan natin ang Santo Papa, alam na natin, at maisasapuso na natin kung ano pang mapakikinggan natin sa kanya’t mapapalawig natin ang katotohanang ito: mercy and compassion … Hindi naman po lingid sa inyong kaalaman na si Pope Francis, magmula noong siya ay nagsimulang akayin tayo bilang isang Simbahang Katolika, ay ito na ang nangibabaw sa kanyang paglilingkod sa Simbahan,” Fr. Diwa said during the meeting at the El Shaddai International House of Prayer in Parañaque.

Mercy and compassion makes us “human,” Fr. Diwa said, citing the parable of the prodigal son. “Hindi porke’t naglilingkod tayo, bagama’t kayo ay naka-polo at nasa harap ng altar, animo tayong mga Diyos na at amoy Diyos. Madalas tumatakbo tayo sa Diyos palayo tulad ng alibughang anak. At ang bawat kasalanan [ay] paglayo sa Diyos [at] pagsira sa pagkatao,” he said. “Bago tayo pumunta sa Luneta sa darating na Jan. 18, sana maging tao tayo, may awa at habag.”

Eight billion people are expected to flock to Luneta for Pope Francis’ final Mass in the country before he leaves for the Rome the following day. Around 500,000 priests from all over the the world and 250 local and foreign bishops will be con-celebrating the Holy Father.

Priests will give Holy Communion near or around Luneta’s Quirino Grandstand, while 5,000 EMHCs will be spread throughout the park. EMHCs from the Archdiocese of Manila and the dioceses of Novaliches, Caloocan, Cubao, Pasig, Parañaque, and Antipolo offered help to give Holy Communion to an estimated 2.5 million faithful.

Fr. Marthy Marcelo, coordinator of the liturgy committee of the Papal Visit Central Committee, said the goal of the volunteer EMHCs would be to give Holy Communion in an orderly manner, protect the consecrated hosts from desecration, and secure the “communion tents.”

The following communion tents, each named after the different titles of the Blessed Virgin Mary, will be installed from Roxas Boulevard to Maria Orosa Street and other areas: Tent 1 (Our Lady of Guadalupe) at the elevated area near the food court and Parade Grounds; Tent 2 (Ina Poon Bato) at the middle portion of the elevated area near the statue of San Lorenzo Ruiz; Tent 3 (Our Lady of Peñafrancia) on Roxas Boulevard and South Drive; Tent 4 (Nuestra Señora de Guia) near Manila Hotel and Burgos Street; Tent 5 (Neustra Señora del Pilar) at the right side of the San Lorenzo Ruiz statue; Tent 6 (Nuestra Señora de Aranzazu) at the Burgos area; and Tent 7 (Our Lady of Piat) in front of Manila Hotel.

Tent 8 (Our Lady of Caysasay) will be on Kalaw Street; Tent 9 (yet to be named) also on Kalaw Street near the National Historical Commission; Tent 10 (Our Lady of La Naval) at the Noli Me Tangere Garden; Tent 11 (Immaculate Conception) at the National Library; Tent 12 (Our Lady of Lourdes) behind the Rizal Monument; Tent 13 (Our Lady of Manaoag) near the Central Lagoon Fountain; and Tent 14 (Our Lady of Assumption) at the end of Maria Orosa Street.

Tent 15 (Our Lady of Mt. Carmel) will also be located on Maria Orosa Street; Tent 16 (Our Lady of the Abandoned) opposite the Central Lagoon Fountain; Tent 17 (Nuestra Señora de Salvacion) near the Chinese Garden; Tent 18 (Our Lady of Consolacion) on Burgos Street near Rizal Park Library; Tent 19 (Nuestra Señora de la Paz y Buen Viaje) on Roxas Boulevard at the end of Burgos Street near the Light and Sound Theater; and Tent 20 (Our Lady of Peace) near the statue of Jaime Cardinal Sin.

Each tent will have 3,000 EMHCs and 3,000 ushers, and will serve around 4,968,000 communicants. Portable restrooms and medics will also be stationed near the communion tents. Gena Myrtle P. Terre

Netizens weigh in on Ubial’s CA rejection

Minutes after Dr. Paulyn Jean Ubial’s rejection as Secretary of Health (SOH), the words “DOH Sec” landed fifth spot on Twitter’s list of trending topics.

Social media users have different reactions on the rejection of Ubial, who has been a public health servant for nearly 30 years.

Many expressed sadness over the rejection of Ubial, including Sen. Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito.

“I am biased for career individuals who have already given many years of service to the gov’t. Sad that Sec. Ubial was rejected by the CA,” the politician tweeted using his verified Twitter account, @jvejercito.

“It was expected but still shocking for politicians to reject appointment of Ubial as Secretary of Health. She is the best that we can have,” wrote Twitter user @monsplp.

“COA rejected Gina Lopez, Ma’am Judy Taguiwalo, Ka Paeng Mariano and now, Dra. Paulyn Ubial. And we have Mocha Uson as ASec? Get outta here,” said @thegiogeorge.

“She was very supportive of HIV/AIDS campaign in DOH,” @vinceliban stated with a sad face.

Some, on the other hand, approved of the decision of the CA.

“DOH deserves a far better head,” wrote F. Tree Hugger.

“For once, I agree with CA. Good riddance!” said FB user J. Capistrano.

“Good. So many competent than Ubial. She is intelligent but her approach to health care and governance in the ground is not effective. They need someone brilliant but strong person to implement properly,” M. Paredes stated.

While some wondered about the next head of the Department of Health (DOH).

“With Ubial’s rejection by the CA, I wonder who becomes the next health secretary,” @mockingjason tweeted.

Others have been mentioning names of “doctors who deserve to be the next DOH chief,” including DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag and social media personality and public health servant Dr. Willie Ong.

The Commission on Appointments (CA) today rejected the ad interim appointment of Ubial. Senator Gregorio Honasan, chair of the CA health committee, said 13 CA members voted “not to proceed” with Ubial’s confirmation. Honasan stated that Ubial’s achievements were outweighed by the issues raised by her oppositors.

Caloocan fire linked to MRT-7 project? Residents think so

Fire hit a barangay in Caloocan City early Sunday morning, with residents blaming it on arsonists and linking it to the MRT-7 project, GMA News' Bernadette Reyes reported on 24 Oras on Monday.

Four suspicious looking men were suspected to have started the fire that occurred in Barangay Pangarap Village in Caloocan past 2 a.m. on Sunday.

"May apat na kalalakihan — 'yung isa po parang medyo mga military cut po ang buhok — naglagay po ng anim na galon ng mga gasolina na may halo po na pulbura, ignition equipment, 'yung parang mitsa, and then sinindihan po nila 'yun," Barangay 182 Councilor Emmanuel Llorca said.

Llorca said the fire could have been started by a local developer to evict the residents in the area and clear the way for the construction of the planned MRT-7.

"Gusto nila, lahat ng madadaanan ng MRT-7, matanggal po 'yan along Araneta Avenue and Banaba Street," Llorca said.

Transportation officials and private concessionaire Universal LRT Corp. BVI Limited (ULC) in 2016 broke ground for the MRT-7, which will link North Avenue in Quezon City to San Jose del Monte in Bulacan.

Concrete pouring for the foundation of the Batasan Station of the rail line along Commonwealth Avenue began on Saturday.

The 24 Oras report said developers denied any knowledge and involvement in the fire incident, but said they are open to communicating with barangay officials to help investigate the matter. They did not give any further comment.

For its part, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) said several similar incidents have already been reported, but no cases have been filed yet.

"Iniimbestigahan po namin 'yan lahat, kung anong pinagmulan. Kung ito'y sinadya, kailangan namin ng witness kung namukhaan nila 'yung nag-sunog. Kasi kung na-find out namin na arson 'yung kaso, sasampahan namin ng kaso," FO1 Ronald Samillano said. —Jon Viktor D. Cabuenas/KBK, GMA News

Best Aliw ever

“Best Of Aliw 2017” is tonight at the Star Theater at the CCP Complex as part of the Aliw Awards Foundation’s 40th anniversary celebration.

To be featured are past Entertainer Of The Year awardees Rico Puno, Celeste Legaspi and Freddie Aguilar. The show is directed by Hall of Famer Freddie Santos.

The other performers are Imelda Papin and John Lesaca, Lifetime Achievement awardees and Hall of Famers Jon Santos, Mitoy Yonting, Spirit of ’67, the Angelos and the Halili Dance Company, with the special participation of Merjohn Lagaya. Theater groups, also Aliw awardees, will also perform surprise numbers.

“Best Of Aliw 2017” is supported by the Department of Tourism, the Quezon City government under Mayor Herbert Bautista, PAGCOR and PCSO.

Other anniversary events, according to Founding President Alice H. Reyes and Executive Committee Chairman Ma. Rosa Bing Carrion, are the Annual Aliw Awards Night on Nov. 20, the Walk of Fame at Rizal Park on Nov. 23 and the launch of the Coffee-Table Book on AAFI, its history, awardees and benefactors.

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Most watched

GMA Network, Inc. (GMA) has kept its nationwide ratings advantage over its nearest rival in September, according to Nielsen TV Audience Measurement.

From Sept. 1-27 (with Sept. 17-27 based on overnight data), GMA garnered more viewers in the National Urban Television Audience Measurement (NUTAM) with an average total day people audience share of 41.9 percent.

Jessica Soho

The Kapuso Network ruled both morning and afternoon time blocks in NUTAM, and in Urban Luzon, the Network maintained its dominance across all time blocks with a total day people audience share of 48 percent.

The Kapuso Network also posted an impressive lead in Mega Manila.

Similarly, Kapuso shows dominated the list of top programs in NUTAM with “Kapuso Mo, Jessica Soho” still reigning as the most watched GMA program nationwide during the said period.

Other top-rating Kapuso shows include “24 Oras,” followed by “Daig Kayo ng Lola Ko,” “Pepito Manaloto,” and “Magpakailanman.”

Also in the list are the newly launched “Super Ma’am,” bannered by Kapuso Primetime Queen Marian Rivera-Dantes, “All-Star Videoke, now hosted by the comedic duo of Solenn Heussaff-Bolzico and Betong Sumaya; “Alyas Robin Hood,” “Mulawin Vs. Ravena,” “Eat Bulaga,” “Ika-6 Na Utos,” “Impostora,” “Haplos,” “Wowowin,” and “24 Oras Weekend.”

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Oct. 10, go to Sen. Francis “Chiz” Escudero, columnist Neal Cruz, Keiko Gardiner, Buboy Garovillo, Ms. Yaying Dragon, Malou Maglutac, Vivian Uy, Michelle Puzon, Encarnacion “Lovely” R. Santos, Ben Nery, Jennefe Cezar, Ayze Querejero, Billy Joe Leones, Mrs. Fely Gupit, Frederick Farell, Mrs. Laura del Rosario Milo, Vic Brita, Ricky Alvaran, Anna Vitta-Lim Galagnara, New York-based Luisa Velasco-Datiles, Joanne Marie A. Henson and Nash Aguas of Star Magic…Belated b-day greeting to "ASAP" associate producer Ritchel Rosales and Juliet Gatchalian (Oct. 9)… Happy wedding anniversary to Dr. Adrian Buensalido and wife Joy…Oct. 11: Kuya Daniel Razon, twins Richard and Ricardo Cepeda, Dr. Miles dela Rosa, Ed Santillan, Terry Lim, Baby Aguilar, Dianne Eugenio, Jan Carlo Tobias, Johnson Robert, Tina M. Ejercito, Wu Elsie, Pat Cabiling, Pilar Gozum, MB’s Myra Liezl Abando and Ronald Jeffrey Lim, Jason Francisco, Erlinda Romey and Bobbit Vidanes… Happy wedding anniversary to Amb. & Mrs. Roy Seneres; and Oscar and Bootsie Violago…