MMDA reiterates call for public understanding

The Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) on Saturday reiterated its call for public cooperation and understanding as it expects “horrible” traffic early this year because of various infrastructure projects being constructed by the government.

MMDA assistant general manager Jojo Garcia said the cooperation of all stakeholders could help ease the “heavier” traffic expected this year due to the Department of Transportation (DOTr)’s construction of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite extension and the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) extension.

The construction of the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7) and the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Harbor Link Segment 10 in Caloocan City and several bridges in the metropolis will also start this year, according to the DOTr.

“We would just follow what chairman (Danilo Lim) has been saying, ‘back to basic.’ We have a lot of road problems but we should address our problem on discipline because the traffic remains there,” he said.

After being appointed last year, Lim believes discipline should be instilled first among motorists before the problem on horrible traffic could be solved, thus the “back to basic” belief of the MMDA.

Garcia said this mantra of the MMDA remains their top solution in facing the traffic problems as no short-term solutions were seen to ease the metro gridlock.

The MMDA also urged mall operators to extend the implementation of adjusted mall hours which was proven effective in easing traffic during the holiday season.

The MMDA had an agreement with shopping malls in the metro to adjust their operations from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. while delivery hours will be adjusted to 11 p.m. until 5 a.m. The agreement took effect on October 15, 2017 until January 15, 2018.

The MMDA reported that traffic in major thoroughfares saw an improvement as it was 10 percent faster after the implementation of the adjusted mall hours.

DOTr’s MRT-3 auditor to decide on fate of 48 Dalian trains

An Independent Audit and Assessment (IAA) Consultant, which the Department of Transportation Metro Rail Transit-3 (DOTr MRT-3) procured, will evaluate and recommend what to do with the railway’s 48 cars or Light Rail Vehicles (LRVs) delivered by CRRC Dalian.

The consultant, TUV Rheinland, a German firm established in 1872, said the trains met the qualifications set by the DOTr for MRT3.

Chinese technicians assemble one part of the newly aquired Metro Rail Transit (MRT) Line 3 coach prototype at MRT Depot in Quezon City. (MB photo by Camille Ante)

The company is ISO 17020 and ISO 17065 certified aside from being a member of the International Federation of Inspection Agencies (IFIA).

Other similarly qualified firms that vied for the IAA consultancy include TUV SUD and Bureau Veritas.

This January 3, the first working day of 2018, the DOTr MRT-3 Team met with TUV Rheinland, according to DOTr OIC Undersecretary for Railways TJ Batan.

“Dalian has delivered the LRVs but we can’t accept them until our IAA Consultant has certified their safety and compatibility with our system,” he explained when asked whether the 48 LRVs will be used.

However, the DOTr has assured the IAA that they will not interfere or influence their assessment of the 48 LRVs.

TUV Rheinland will recommend whether the LRVs can be used immediately, whether they still need to have adjustments, or if they need to be returned.

Earlier, the 48 LRVs procured by the previous administration for R3.8 billion exceeded the weight prescribed in the Terms of Reference (49,700-kg vs. 46,300-kg) of the rail system, causing concern.

Compatibility with the MRT-3’s maintenance facilities and signaling system also became an issue.

With the current fleet of Czech-made trains, MRT-3 can operate up to 20 3-car trains. If the 48 LRVs are cleared to run, that can be increased to 20 four-car trains.

“The original design capacity of the MRT-3 at peak hours is 20 three-car trains, running at 60-kilometers per hour (kph), with a 3-minute headway, which means that every three minutes, a 3-car train should arrive at each station to serve commuters, Usec. Batan elaborated.

“At the same time, the MRT-3 was also designed to be expandable to 20 four-car trains, running with a 2-minute headway, or 4 LRVs every 2 minutes. That’s our target. In case our IAA Consultant clear the 48 LRVs for our use, we can achieve this earlier.”

On the other hand, the spare parts for the maintenance of MRT-3 will start arriving in tranches from February to June, after the MRT-3 management started procuring them last November, 2017.

DOTr plans to use the coming Holy Week break, when the railway suspends its operations, to conduct general maintenance works on MRT-3.

“We do the annual general maintenance during the Holy Week so we can increase the number of LRVs running. By this time, we are also expecting the arrival of most of the spare parts we have ordered,” he confirmed.

Based on its contract, Busan Universal Rail, Inc. (BURI), the previous maintenance provider, was supposed to have completed the general overhaul of 26 LRVs by November, 2017.

When they were terminated last November 6, BURI was only able to overhaul 3 LRVs. This was one of the causes for their termination.

There would be no fare increase for train commuters while there is no substantial improvement of MRT-3 operations, according to Usec. Batan.

What is the comparison between two:

PURIHIN ANG PANGINOON

Koro: Purihin ang panginoon 
Si kristo ay narito na 
Tanging Lakas at pag-asa 
Alleluia-a-alleluia

Purihin ang panginoon 
Pagdiriwang sa pagdating niya 
Nagagalak ang ating espiritu 
Si Kristo ay narito na 
Alitan ay iwasan na 
Tayo ay tutulungan niya 
(koro) 
Tanging lakas at pag-asa 
Naririto sa twina 
Nakahandang tulungan ka 
Allelu-alleluia lagi na siya ang kasama 
Sa hirap man at ginhawa. 
(koro)

Allelu-uia...(4x)

Purihin ang Panginoon
Danny Isidro, SJ - Fruto Ramirez, SJ

Koro:
Purihin ang Panginoon, umawit ng kagalakan,
At tugtugin ang gitara at ang kaaya-ayang lira,
Hipan ninyo ang trumpeta.

Sa ating pagkabagabag, sa D'yos tayo'y tumawag.
Sa ating mga kaaway, tayo ay Kanyang iniligtas.

Ang pasaning mabigat sa 'ting mga balikat.

Pinagaan ng lubusan ng D'yos na tagapagligtas.

Source: http://www.angelfire.com/ak5/elshaddai/song/songpageP.html, Bayan Umawit Songbook

It should be as a gathering song for the Holy Mass

HORIZON LAND's Siena Towers

Sumulong Highway cor Fernando Avenue, Barangay Santo Niño, Marikina City, Metro Manila

Peabo Bryson headlines ‘Love Rocks’ at RWM

Grammy award-winning vocalist Peabo Bryson returns to Manila to topbill the Valentine concert billed “Love Rocks” slated at the Resorts World Manila’s Newport Performing Arts Theater (NPAT) on Feb. 13, 8 p.m.

International recording artist J Michaels also returns to NPAT as co-headliner and host of the ongoing “Love Rocks” concert series, now on its 10th anniversary. Former “Miss Saigon” star Jenine Desiderio completes the lineup as special guest artist, all backed up by the J Michaels Band under the direction of Maestro Danny Favis. One of the highlights is a tribute to the music of Burt Bacharach.

(Clockwise from above: Peabo Bryson; Jenine Desiderio and J Michaels)

Possessing a beautifully rich, almost operatic voice, Peabo made hit duets with Natalie Cole, Roberta Flack, Melissa Manchester, and Lea Salonga. These include “If Ever You’re In My Arms Again,” “Can You Stop The Rain,” “Through The Fire” and “Unconditional Love.” Peabo won his first Grammy Award in 1992 for his performance of the song “Beauty And The Beast” with Celine Dion.

As lead vocalist and host of “Love Rocks,” Manila-born J Michaels is an international recording artist who has shared the stage with legendary rock artists like Ambrosia, John Ford Coley, Dan Hill, Jimi Jamison, Terry Sylvester of the Hollies, Yvonne Elliman, Gary Puckett and Stephen Bishop.

“Love Rocks” is presented in cooperation with Grand Leisure Corporation and Events by WEG Inc.

• • •

TOTGA

On GMA Network’s opening salvo for 2018, “The One That Got Away,” Dennis Trillo is Liam, the ex-boyfriend of gorgeous ladies Zoe (played by Rhian Ramos), Darcy (Max Collins),  and Alex (Lovi Poe). The sexy, romantic comedy series starts airing on Jan. 15 after “Kambal, Karibal” on GMA Telebabad.

Liam is the ideal boyfriend – handsome, smart, loving, and a true gentleman. He manages his own organic farm.

Also on “The One That Got Away” are Ivan Dorschner, Migo Adecer, Jason Abalos, Bembol Roco, Snooky Serna, Ervic Vijandre, Ayra Mariano, Nar Cabico, Ashley Rivera, Sophie Albert, Jason Francisco, Patricia Ismael, Dea Formilleza, and Euwenn Aleta.

• • •

Tidbits: Happy b-day greetings today, Jan. 13, go to Orly Ilacad, Elsa Payumo, Baby Tamano, Cindy Santiago, Ulan Sarmiento III, Peachy Alimurung, Roni Tapia-Merk, Prof. Veronica Caparas, Dean Vivencio Jose, Nico Teotico, Odon Sabarre, Ramon Samson, Ronald Rafer, Migo Gavino, Chad Caballero, Pacita Palandra and Aaron Paul del Rosario… Jan. 14: Jason Abalos, IC Mendoza, Ma. Erlinda Sibal, Dr. Mely Lagman and Helen Sampilo of New York, U.S.A.; Joy Honrado, Alfina Bustamante, Rommel Suavo Ante, Dingdong Eduque, and Mikee Lee… Happy wedding anniversary to Junjet and Teresa G. Martinez…Jan. 15: Ms. Ma. Elena Lagdameo, Jose Y. Dalisay, Jr., Gigi Luna, Flor Ragunton of Economy Tours & Travel, Milagros Parungao, Prescilla Reyes, Marilou Gonzalez, Bing Villanueva, Edwin D. Bonoan, Nena Casimiro, Mabel Tuesday Capistrano, Josie de Guzman, Gen M. Shen, Bebot Reyes-Gabriel, Lorna M. Guila, Morinette G. Mangante, Robert Manalastas, Bryan Retoloza, Arron and Arman Hernandez, Louvie Estrerra, Nene Lido, Ma. Irish Reyes, Jean Andrea Go, Angelica Mecamacho, Jojo Makayo, Clarita Espiritu, Jun Telabangco, Abner Manaloto and Atty. Yvette Yaneza of the Dept. of Finance...

NLEX Corp to spend P19-B on infra projects in 2018

NLEX Corporation is allocating P19 billion for capital expenditures (capex) this year for major infrastructure projects that are expected to ease traffic congestion in Metro Manila.

NLEX Corp. President and Chief Executive Officer Rodrigo Franco said the bulk of the capex would be used for constructing portions of the North Luzon Expressway such as the Harbor Link Segment 10 (including the R10 section in Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas City) and the NLEX-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road project.

“The amount is an estimate that assumes the satisfactory resolution of the tariff adjustments, for which constructive discussions with government are still ongoing. The capex figure will still be subject to review and adjustment, depending on the results of the discussions on the tariff,” the company said in a statement.

The Harbor Link Segment 10, which is expected to cut travel time between the Ports of Manila and NLEX to only 10 minutes, is targeted to be opened this year. It is an elevated roadway connecting Segment 9 at MacArthur Highway in Valenzuela City to C-3 Road (5th Avenue) in Caloocan City.

The NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project, set for completion in 2021, is expected to cut travel time between NLEX and SLEX from the usual two hours to only 20 minutes. It is an 8-kilometer all elevated project and will be built above existing PNR tracks from the C3/5th Avenue Interchange in Caloocan City to PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Other projects include the capacity expansion of the 8-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway and the construction of a new expressway service facility and rest area along Km. 17 Southbound of the NLEX.

“These investments are aimed at supporting the government’s initiatives to ease the daily traffic woes of our commuters, drive commerce, and are part of our continuing commitment to further ensure safe and convenient travel in our expressways and maintain our high-quality service,” the company said.

NLEX Corp. to spend P19-B for projects to help solve traffic

NLEX Corp., a unit of the Metro Pacific Group, earmarks about PHP19 billion in capital expenditures this year to begin the construction of projects that are expected to help solve Metro Manila’s daily traffic congestion.

The tollway company told the local bourse the capital spending figure will still be subject to review and adjustment depending on the results of the discussions with government on the tariff.

Company president and chief executive officer Rodrigo Franco said the bulk of the amount will be used to construct the urban portions of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX), such as the Harbor Link Segment 10 and the NLEX-South Luzon Expressway Connector Road project.

Expected to be opened this year, Harbor Link Segment 10 is a 5.7-kilometer elevated expressway traversing the NLEX from Smart Connect Interchange and crossover Mac Arthur Highway in Valenzuela City with down ramps along C3/5th Avenue Interchange in Caloocan City.

When Harbor Link is fully completed, travel between the Ports of Manila and the NLEX will take only 10 minutes and will provide direct expressway access for commercial vehicles especially heavy trucks.

The tollways firm will also start construction of the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project, an eight-kilometer all-elevated public-private partnership (PPP) project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The elevated expressway is above the existing Philippine National Railways (PNR) tracks from the C3/5th Avenue Interchange in Caloocan City to PUP Sta. Mesa, Manila.

Upon its completion in 2021, the expressway project will provide motorists another alternative to the daily heavy traffic on EDSA and reduce travel time between NLEX and SLEX from two hours to only 20 minutes.

NLEX Corporation will also undertake capacity expansion of the eight-km Subic Freeport Expressway through constructing 16 new lane kilometers thus boosting Subic port as a prime logistics hub.

Through its subsidiary, NLEX Ventures Corporation (NVC), the company has also started construction of a new expressway service facility and rest area along Km. 17 Southbound of the NLEX.

NLEX Corporation is also constructing two major traffic decongestion projects in Mabalacat City, Pampanga –the new Sta. Ines Interchange and the new Mabiga Interchange in 2018.

“These investments are aimed at supporting the government’s initiatives to ease the daily traffic woes of our commuters, drive commerce, and are part of our continuing commitment to further ensure safe and convenient travel in our expressways and maintain our high-quality service,” added  Franco.

NLEX allocates P19-billion capex for 2018

By Emmie Abadilla

This year, the North Luzon Expressway (NLEX) Corporation is setting aside P19 billion in capital expenditure to help solve Metro Manila’s daily traffic bottlenecks.

 However, the tollways firm clarified that the capex figure will still be subject to review and adjustment, depending on the result of its ongoing tariff adjustment discussion with the government, according to NLEX Corporation President and CEO Rodrigo Franco.

 The bulk of the company’s 2018 capital expenditure will be used to construct the urban portions of the NLEX, such as the Harbor Link Segment 10, including the R10 Section in Dagat-Dagatan, Navotas City and the Public Private Partnership (PPP) project of the Department of Public Works (DPWH), the NLEX-South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) Connector Road project.

 Expected to be opened this year, Harbor Link Segment 10 is a 5.7-km elevated expressway traversing the NLEX from Smart Connect Interchange and crossover Mac Arthur Highway in Valenzuela City with down ramps along C3/5th Avenue Interchange in Caloocan City.

 Once the Harbor Link is completed, travel between the Ports of Manila and the NLEX will take only 10 minutes and will provide direct expressway access for commercial vehicles, especially heavy trucks.

 Around 40,000 vehicles traversing the Ports of Manila and the NLEX daily will benefit from the Harbor Link.

 The tollways firm will also start construction of the NLEX-SLEX Connector Road Project, an 8-kilometer all-elevated PPP project of the DPWH above the existing PNR tracks from the C3/5th Avenue Interchange in Caloocan City to the Polytechnic University of the Philippines (PUP), Sta. Mesa, Manila.

 Upon its completion in 2021, the elevated expressway will provide motorists another alternative to the daily heavy traffic on EDSA. It is also expected to reduce travel time between NLEX and SLEX from 2 hours to only 20 minutes.

 In support of the continuing infrastructure initiatives of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), the tollways firm will also undertake capacity expansion of the 8-km Subic Freeport Expressway.

 NLEX Corporation will construct 16 new lane kilometers thus boosting Subic port as a prime logistics hub.

 Through its subsidiary, NLEX Ventures Corporation (NVC), the tollways firm has also started construction of a new expressway service facility and rest area along Km. 17 Southbound of the NLEX.

 The new 15,500-square meter facility, called NLEX Drive & Dine, will follow a mini-mall concept that will feature a wide variety of retail, food and commercial services for NLEX customers.

 To support the rapidly growing areas north of Manila, NLEX Corporation is also constructing two major traffic decongestion projects in Mabalacat City, Pampanga such as the new Sta. Ines Interchange and the new Mabiga Interchange in 2018.

 The conversion of the narrow SCTEX Mabiga exit into a full diamond interchange with new entry and exit toll plazas will introduce another alternative access to the SCTEX via the MacArthur Highway.

 “These investments support the government’s initiatives to ease the daily traffic woes of our commuters, drive commerce, and ensure safe and convenient travel in our expressways and maintain high-quality service” Franco concluded.