Manila Bulletin: Hopes up for MRT-3 with Sumitomo deal

By Vanne Elaine Terrazola

Senator Grace Poe described as “encouraging” the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) move to consider hiring Japan’s Sumitomo Corporation anew to handle the maintenance requirements of the troubled Metro Rail Transit (MRT-3).

“Given the good track record of Sumitomo when it maintained the MRT for the first 12 years before the system went through a teleserye of unfortunate events, the prospect of having a reputable maintenance provider back is encouraging and a step in the right direction,” Poe, chairperson of the Senate committee on public services, said in a statement Thursday.

On Wednesday, the DOTr announced conducting high-level discussions with the Japanese government to pave way for a three-year contract with Sumitomo and its technical partner Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, which both designed,  built and maintained the MRT-3 in its first 12 years of operations.

The agency said the deal it eyes with Sumitomo and Mitsubishi would include the rehabilitation and restoration of the MRT-3 system’s original performance.

Poe, however, prodded the DOTr to be transparent in sealing its deal with the Japanese companies.

She likewise reminded the agency to consider expanding its options in choosing the next MRT maintainance providers.

“Sumitomo may not be the only maintenance provider or even the best one. Thus, the government must ensure that the terms of the contract for whichever provider is hired, are not disadvantageous to the people and should be FOI (freedom of information)-compliant,” she said.

Early November, the DOTr terminated its contract with Busan Universal Rails, Inc., blaming its “poor performance” for the frequent train breakdowns when it handled the MRT-3’s maintenance in the last two years.

While awaiting a new maintenance provider, the DOTr created a Maintenance Transition Team (MTT).

An official of the DOTr reportedly said Sumitomo could take over anew over the maintenance of beleaguered railway by the second quarter of 2018.

Erap, DILG stage brgy anti-drug symposiums

Persistent in his vision of a “drug-free” Manila, Mayor Joseph Estrada has initiated symposiums in the city’s barangays to educate residents about the adverse effects of illegal drug use.

Estrada has collaborated with the Department of the Interior and Local Government-Manila in this program, targeting to cover at least 90 of the city’s 896 barangays by Dec. 16.

“Drug addiction has serious health and psychological effects and often leads to crimes. It is important that as many people as possible are aware of this,” the mayor pointed out.

Meant as a drug use prevention strategy, Estrada said the seminars focus on the harmful effects of drug dependence not only to physical and mental health but also to the users’ families and to society and government in general.

“Here, we will project drug users as victims that need professional help and community and family support. We want them to realize that continued drug use won’t do good to them, and that it’s never too late to quit,” Estrada stressed.

The anti-drug symposium started last Monday, Nov. 27, in Barangays 833 and 834 in District 5, followed by Barangays 66, 67, 69, 72, and 73 in District 1 and Barangays 393, 394, and 387 in District 3 yesterday, November 28, according to DILG-Manila Field Office Director Rolynne Javier.

On Wednesday, the activity will move to Barangays 107, 112, 118, and 123 in District 1; Barangays 866, 867, 858, 889, and 879 (District 6); Barangays 423, 424, and 425 (District 4); and Barangays 716 to 721 in District 5.

As the head of the Advocacy Cluster of the Inter-Agency Committee on Anti-Illegal Drugs, DILG is tasked to lead the anti-drug symposium in priority barangays in the National Capital Region in coordination with the local government units.

“We intend to do this every day to achieve our initial target of 90 barangays before the end of December, with the rest of the 800 plus barangays by next year,” Javier said.

At least 50 residents from each barangay will be selected to join the program along with their respective barangay officials and other volunteers.

“Our priority will be the families or relatives of the drug dependents and, of course, the drug dependents themselves,” Javier said.

Resource persons from the DILG, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Manila Health Department, Manila Social Welfare Department, and Manila Police District, will be invited to discuss various topics about drug and substance abuse, its severe effects, how could it be prevented or stopped, and how to avail of government help and services, the DILG official added.

Aside from increasing public awareness about the bad effects of drug use, Javier said the symposium also aims to educate the residents on their role to “proactively address” the problem on illegal drugs.

“We want to elicit community-based initiatives through exchange of ideas and heighten collaborative efforts of barangay officials, local functionaries and national agencies,” the DILG-Manila official explained.

“Our main objective,” Javier further pointed out, “is to minimize drug dependence in the barangays by letting the people know that it will not in any way beneficial to them, and it will only destroy them and their family.”

The anti-drug use symposium is the Estrada administration’s latest effort to realize its vision of a “100 percent drug-free” City of Manila.

Estrada has recently allied with PDEA in the continuing barangay drug-clearing operations; the agency has just officially certified Barangay 663-A in District 5 as the city’s first-ever drug-free community.

Estrada has also ordered the revitalization of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils that are supposed to be the frontline units of the city government’s anti-drug war.

The city government is also implementing the Drug Abuse Resistance Education in local elementary and secondary schools to keep away the youth from the influence of drugs.

SM Tuguegarao to launch own solar energy facility

ROOFTOP POWER ENERGY – The 564.48 kW-solar energy facility at the rooftop of SM Tuguegarao City in Cagayan, will be launched on December 7, as part of the SM Prime Holdings, Inc. (SMPHI) commitment to make its operations sustainable and environment friendly as the world prepares for the effects of climate change.

Tuguegarao City – The rooftop of the newly opened SM Center Tuguegarao Downtown in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan has been fitted with 1,764 solar panels and the 364.48 kW solar energy facility is set to be launched on December 7.

According to SM Public Relation Officer Prince Lou Lauiagan, the latest solar energy facility at SM Supermalls was part of SM Prime Holdings’ “commitment towards making its operations sustainable and environment-friendly as the world prepares for the effects of climate change.

The panels can produce approximately 1,524 MWH annually, enough to energive up to 56 escalators at the same time.

The project capacity has an avoidance of 1,143.072 tons of CO2 emission per year which is equivalent to the planting of 5,715.36 trees per year.

These panels are also expected to save the mall more than P5 million in electricity costs per month.

She said, the solar rooftop will be the second industrial solar project in Cagayan, aside from St. Paul University Philippines.

Other environmental efforts is the mall’s use of a water recycling facility that uses sewage treatment as part of water conservation effort, and recycles non-potable water for malls’ lavatories.

Solid waste management will also be highlighted in mall operations with the “Trash to Cash” program allowing the community and mall tenants to convert their scraps into cash.

SM Supermalls aspires to be exemplary for commercial and industrial establishments, this latest milestone on green energy projects reaffirms SM Prime’s commitment to its role as a catalyst for economic growth, delivering innovative and sustainable lifestyle cities that enrich the quality of life of millions.

‘Tatak Rico J,’ a tribute to the Total Entertainer

Rico J. Puno, known as Total Entertainer for four decades now, headlines a concert on Dec. 2 at The Theater at Solaire Resort and Casino. Dubbed “Tatak Rico J,” it is expected to be fun-filled, what with his inimitable singing style and irreverent adult humor.

 Presented by Starmedia Entertainment, the concert also features his friends in the entertainment industry including Willie Revillame, Ogie Alcasid, Randy Santiago, Imelda Papin, Claire dela Fuente, and Ai Ai delas Alas.

Rico J. popularized many songs including “The Way We Were,” “Kapalaran,” “Macho Guwapito,” Buhat,” and “Lupa.” He recorded best-selling albums beginning with “The Way We Were” in 1973, “Kapalaran” in 1976 and “Rico Baby” in 1977.

 A multi-awarded live performer, Rico J. also appeared in movies, and in 1998, he entered politics and was elected councilor of Makati’s 1st District.

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Four Pinay beauties compete in China

Four Filipina beauties – Melissa Esguerra, Velinnette Quiat, Timikko Santos and Norge Reichenbach – are in Shanghai, China to compete in the Mrs. Asia International on Dec. 2.

The four “senior” beauties were chosen by Mrs. Philippines Asia International, the biggest pageant in the country for married women. Franchisee is Alex Liu.

Melissa, 37, is Mrs. Philippines Asia Int’l Globe 2017. A former marketing executive in Dubai, she is a free-lance make-up artist and photography enthusiast and a mother of two boys. Velinnette, 36, is Mrs. Philippines Asia Int’l Tourism, a former educator and chemist, and a certified health and fitness buff. A mother of two sons, she believes that empowered women make strong families.

 Timikko, half-Filipino and half-Japanese, 27, is the first millennial winner of the title “Woman of Substance” from Mrs. Philippines Globe. She is a certified Six Sigma Yellow Belter and is taking up Masters in Information at UP. She is a single mom to a don. Norge, Mrs. Philippines Asia Int’l is 57, and is a painter, culprit, golfer and scuba diver. She is president of Rotary Club of Makati Bel-Air.

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Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Nov. 30, go to Justice Andres Narvasa, Rosalinda Orosa, Kristine Yang, Justa Tantoco, Ladine Roxas, Norma Funtanilla, Ma. Martha Sibal-Bonoan, Bon Lasaga, Dr. Alex Tensuan, Atty. Rudegelio & Ronald Tacorda, Ellen Sevilla, Lutgarda Landingin, Vincent Tuazon and Cristina Decena… Dec. 1: Pauleen Barreiro, Candy Cuazon, Ruby Salcedo, Junjun Sarino, Romeo Mananquil, Pilar Hilario, Lilia Derige, Jovan Doria, Michelle Limboy, Tina di Ciccio and Peachy Guioguio…