Photo credit: San Miguel Corporation San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has released a conceptual master plan for its massive, green-designed, and future-ready aerocity development in Bulacan province, envisioned as the “pace-setter” and model for green urbanism in the country.   The project is seen as a major boost to both national and local economies as it will complement SMC’s P740-billion New Manila International Airport (NMIA) project.   SMC President and Chief Executive Officer Ramon S. Ang said that the designs, prepared by top architecture firm Palafox Associates, reflect the vision of a modern Philippine city that provides built-in solutions to various socio-economic, environmental, and climate issues, and correct the mistakes seen in many urban developments of Metro Manila.   SMC tapped the firm, headed by the country’s top urban planner and green architect, Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., to masterplan the airport-driven city concept.  “These designs presented to us by Arch. Palafox and his team will be close to actual. There will probably be some adjustments by the time we implement, and we will still continue to improve as needed, but in terms of the overall concept, design, and the features, this is it,” SMC president and chief executive officer Ramon S. Ang said.   “It’s very fortunate that when we sat down with Architect Jun Palafox for this project, we had the same vision that the airport and aerocity projects should be sustainably built, geared towards the future, and address social and environmental concerns that have beset our existing cities, including the country’s major financial districts. With Architect Palafox’s help, all of this can be done,” he added.   Ang underscored that the Aerocity development addresses many of the problems experienced in Metro Manila today. It is designed, and will be built, with sustainability in mind. It will be properly zoned, with areas dedicated to agriculture and food production, logistics, health and wellness, aeronautics, finance, science and technology, commerce, residences, education, tourism, entertainment, recreation, and government among others.  It will utilize renewable energy, and will accommodate both traditional and alternative modes of transportation, as well as promote active and healthier lifestyles, he added.  The airport city design will adopt green architectural and green urbanism guidelines over and above the country’s building and zoning codes, and follow structural codes of other countries similarly situated in earthquake zones like the Philippines.   The Aerocity project will have ample open spaces and utilize the latest in digital infrastructure.   It will also feature easily accessible public transport systems, including mass transit systems, bicycle highways, as well as a waterfront area with landscaped walkways and promenades.   Ang said SMC is fully committed to completing the massive projects, which it will fully-fund with no guarantees or subsidies from government, to help boost the country’s post-pandemic economy and improve the lives of more Filipinos by boosting various industries and creating millions of quality jobs nationwide.   SMC’s 2,500-hectare NMIA project will initially feature four parallel runways, a world class terminal, and a modern and interlinked infrastructure network that includes expressways and railways.   “While we need to fast-track the completion of this airport and aerocity to help ease travel congestion and aid in the country’s recovery with more jobs and opportunities for more Filipinos, we are mindful that we need to do this the right way and with a vision for a sustainable future. That is why we tapped Architect Palafox for this project,” he added.  In his decades of experience as an urban planner, Palafox has advocated and implemented some 1,700 projects that integrate the best practices in green, sustainable, and disaster-resilient architecture in about 45 countries worldwide.  Palafox earlier pointed out that that country needs 100 new cities by the year 2050 and he agreed to take on the Bulacan Aerocity development to present it as a model and pacesetter for future green and sustainable cities.   Prior to actual development, the company has committed to restore and rehabilitate the existing mangrove forest cover at the Bulakan coastal areas by planting some 190,000 mangroves, develop and enhance natural habitats of marine and bird species, and clean the rivers surrounding the airport project to help mitigate perennial flooding in the province.    Article courtesy of San Miguel Corporation

Photo credit: San Miguel Corp The Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), one of the flagship transportation projects of the Duterte administration, is now 63.35 percent complete, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Monday. In a Facebook post, the DOTr said the construction of the project continues to accelerate to serve the public as soon as possible. “Oras na matapos at maging operational ang MRT-7, ang dating 2-3 hours na biyahe ng ating mga kababayan mula North Avenue, Quezon City patungong San Jose del Monte sa Bulacan, ay magiging 35 minutes na lamang (Once the MRT-7 is complete and operational, the previous two to three-hour travel between North Avenue and San Jose del Monte will be reduced to just 35 minutes),” the DOTr said. The MRT-7, it said, will be capable of serving an average of 300,000 to 500,000 passengers in a single day. First conceptualized in an unsolicited proposal in August 2001, the MRT-7’s concession agreement was signed on June 8, 2008. By the beginning of the Duterte administration in 2016, the project had yet to materialize. “Ni walang poste o isang tren man lang ang kanilang nadatnan. Kaya naman, sinikap ng DOTr at San Miguel Corporation (SMC) na simulan at isakatuparan ang proyekto (There was not a single post or train by then. That’s why the DOTr and SMC strived to start and turn the project into reality),” the DOTr said. In December last year, President Rodrigo Roa Duterte and Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade unveiled the first six trains to be used in the MRT-7.   Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

Photo credit: Department of Public Works and Highways Tunnel boring activity of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) at south portal of the twin tunnels of Davao City Bypass Construction Project has kicked-off on Thursday, May 12, 2022. In his report to DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado, Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain said that the simultaneous tunnel boring activities at north and south portals will result to the speedy construction of the 2.3-kilometer first-ever long distance mountain tunnel in the Philippines. The kick-off ceremony for the tunnel works on northbound direction of south portal in Barangay Matina Biao, Davao City was attended by Consul General Yoshihisa Ishikawa of the Consular Office of Japan in Davao; DPWH Undersecretary Sadain; Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Chief Representative in the Philippines Takema Sakamoto; and DPWH Assistant Secretary Rolito D. Manalo. Also witnessing the first excavation on south portal’s northbound direction of the two (2)-tube mountain tunnel project are Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) – Roads Management Cluster I (Bilateral); DPWH Region 11 Director Rey Peter B. Gille; Project Managers Joselito B. Reyes and Joweto V. Tulaylay; Davao City District Engineer Richard A. Ragasa; Engr. Earl Nicholas F. Rada; officers of the consultants Nippon Koei Ltd., Katahira & Engineers International, Nippon Engineering Consultants Co., and PhilKoei International Inc.; and other public works officials. With the simultaneous tunneling works on the north and south portals, the joint venture companies of Shimizu Corporation, Ulticon Builders Inc., and Takenaka Civil Engineering and Construction Company Limited can ramp up their construction towards rapid completion of the project so that people of Mindanao can finally enjoy the convenience and its other benefits, added Undersecretary Sadain. Designed to have better seismic resiliency by Japanese experts, the tunnel construction activities at the south portal - southbound and northbound directions were earlier started in November 2021 and March 2022, respectively. Davao City Bypass Construction Project is among the flagship infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program implemented by DPWH UPMO Operations headed by Undersecretary Sadain to reduce congestion in Davao City and cut travel time between Toril, Davao City and JP Laurel, Panabo City to 49 minutes from the current one (1) hour and 44 minutes. The construction of the bypass road will improve transport logistics and mitigate congestion in the Davao City urban center to contribute to the economic and social development of Mindanao. In his sent message, Presidential son and newly elected Davao City Mayor Sebastian Duterte expressed excitement for the Davao City Bypass Construction Project as it will greatly improve the city's accessibility and traffic condition by the opening of this new road network that will also usher more developments outside the city center. Undersecretary Sadain said that as the Philippines transitions to a new administration by June 30, DPWH will continue to work hard in delivering the completion of on-going infrastructure flagship projects and is looking forward to build more new pipeline projects towards the next administration to sustain rapid growth, attract investments and attain economic inclusion for all Filipinos. While construction of the tunnel is the centerpiece of Contract Package 1 - 1, the contract also includes construction of a 7.9 kilometer four (4)-lane road, three (3) pairs of bridges with a total length of 500 meters, two (2) underpasses, two (2) overpasses, a dozen box-culverts (waterways), and four (4) at-grade intersections. The tunneling activity uses specialized equipment such as drill jumbo, concrete spraying machine and articulated dump hauler to excavate tunnel that has a diameter of 10 meters. The on-going Contract Package 1-1 costing ₱13.23 Billion is financed by Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) Loan between Philippines and JICA under loan agreement numbers PH-P261 and PH-P273.   Article courtesy of Department of Public Works and Highways

Photo credit: Department of Transport The revival and development of the Lucena-San Pablo stretch of the Philippine National Railways (PNR) continues as it is set to reopen before the end of the Duterte administration in June, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) said on Tuesday. Construction of the Lucena-San Pablo line is ongoing with the rest of the PNR Bicol which links Metro Manila and the Southern Luzon provinces. “As the Duterte administration nears its conclusion, Secretary (Arthur) Tugade made a covenant with the Filipino people not to waste even a single day at work. There is no time to relax even until the last day of office,” the DOTr said in a Facebook post. Once reopened, the Lucena-San Pablo line will reduce travel time between San Pablo, Laguna and Lucena, Quezon to one hour and 30 minutes and is seen to help boost the economic corridors of both provinces and neighboring areas. The line is part of the 560-kilometer PNR Bicol scheduled to be operational by 2027. PNR Bicol will have 35 stations and will run from Manila through Laguna, Quezon, Camarines Sur, Albay, an extension line in Sorsogon, and a branch line in Batangas. By Raymond Carl Dela Cruz   Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade Thursday signed a contract worth PHP17.75 billion as part of the first phase of the Metro Manila Subway. The contract package, dubbed CP104 and that was awarded to Tokyu-Tobishima Megawide Joint Venture (TTM-JV), includes the construction of two subway stations and tunnels at Ortigas North and South. The contract was signed at an event at Edsa Shangri-La in Mandaluyong City between Tugade and executives of the TTM-JV. During the event, right-of-way usage agreements were also signed between DOTr and partners in the private sector including Blemp Commercials of the Philippines, Megaworld Corporation, Robinsons Land Corporation, and Ortigas & Company Limited Partnership. In a speech, Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko congratulated the DOTr and the TTM-JV for the “milestone” in bringing the Metro Manila Subway closer to reality. Koshikawa noted that Tokyu construction, head of the TTM-JV, is “well-known for their significant expertise in the construction of railways and its related developments.” “I am confident that they certainly will apply Japan's cutting-edge technology and knowledge to the Metro Manila Subway’s best advantage,” Koshikawa said. The Metro Manila Subway is part of the Duterte Administration’s ‘Build, Build, Build’ program and is seen to be partially operational by 2025. Primarily funded through grants and loans from the Japanese government, the 35-kilometer subway will run from Valenzuela City to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3. It will consist of 15 subway stations, can serve up to one million passengers daily, and is seen to reduce travel time between NAIA and Quezon City from 70 minutes to 35 minutes.

Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger G. Mercado spearheaded on Thursday, April 28, 2022 the conduct of DPWH accomplishments review for the first quarter and moving on into the second quarter of CY 2022. Secretary Mercado proudly declared at the Unified Directors Meeting attended by the Undersecretaries, Assistant Secretaries, Regional Directors, Project Directors, Service Directors, and Bureau Directors including District Engineers of Central Visayas as host Region that the agency has won the trust and confidence of the people who now feel the impact of what the Department has delivered and achieved. In the survey conducted by Publicus Asia Incorporated for the first quarter of 2022, the DPWH was among the top 10 national government agencies with the highest approval and trust ratings. People judged us by our deeds and our deeds are measured by how much we have contributed to the national government’s initiatives to improve the quality of life of our people, said Secretary Mercado. Considering the large number of agencies of the national government, the seventh (7th) rank in approval and tenth (10th) place in trust is an outstanding achievement, added Secretary Mercado. During the time of the pandemic, DPWH did not only do major infrastructure but also put up much needed quarantine facilities. The DPWH implemented projects provided jobs to tens of thousands of unemployed to cushion the economic effect of the pandemic. In the face of widespread devastation caused by calamities like typhoon “Odette”, DPWH deployed both men and equipment in round-the-clock rescue, clearing, and relief operations. Despite dangers and difficulties, DPWH never daunted and has shown that the organization is filled with brave men and women who are willing to risk their own lives in the face of adversity. The DPWH Chief attributed the shift of mindset and heart of people to the nurtured seed of compassion at the Deparment. “It is compassion for our people that keeps us going, when the going gets tough. It is compassion that makes us work the extra mile to perform the task beyond our duty”, said Secretary Mercado. He encouraged the DPWH leaders to continue to nourish compassion until it fully blooms to create a culture in all offices and every place of work. Secretary Mercado commended DPWH Regional Office 7 headed by Regional Director Edgar Tabacon for graciously hosting the Unified Directors Meeting for the month of April. Secretary Mercado had a hands full visit in Cebu City as resource speaker, attendee to project inauguration, and meeting presider. He was a guest of honor at the District Engineers League of the Philippines (DELP) National Executive Board Meeting on April 27, 2022, providing policy guidelines and instructions to the DPWH field executives. The national executive board and chapter heads of DELP, the unifying organization for DPWH district and assistant district engineers, took the opportunity to inform Acting Secretary Mercado and Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut of their issues and concerns as frontliners of the Department across the country. The DPWH Secretary later joined President Rodrigo Roa Duterte at the inauguration of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project, an 8.9 kilometer bridge that links mainland Cebu in Cebu City to Mactan Island through the town of Cordova.   Article courtesy of Department of Public Works and Highways

Officials of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) together with heads of line and oversight agencies and development partners involved in the implementation of infrastructure flagship projects (IFP) under Build Build Build (BBB) Program met on Wednesday, April 27, 2022 for the 5th Inter-agency IFP Forum: Final Project Review of the Working Committee for Forward Transition. DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations Emil K. Sadain, currently serving in his excellent capacity as the Build Build Build Program Chief Implementer, gave the opening remarks of 5th Inter-agency IFP Forum held at the Philippine International Convention Center – Reception Hall in Pasay City. Since he was directed on November 2021 by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte to supervise and oversee the overall implementation of flagship projects under the BBB Program, Undersecretary Sadain organized a monthly forum to provide an inter-agency reporting for the review of progress on all flagship projects and has closely coordinated with oversight agencies namely National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Finance (DOF), and Department of Budget and Management (DBM). "While the flagship infrastructure projects under BBB Program continued to make progress, it is also setting up the foundation in terms of infrastructure for the next administration and beyond," said Undersecretary Sadain. Undersecretary Sadain mentioned that the synergy of the Cabinet Infrastructure Cluster headed by DPWH Acting Secretary Roger G. Mercado and Economic Development Cluster led by DOF Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez is instrumental in the desired sustainability and continuity of all infrastructure flagship projects by the next incoming administration. "As Chief Implementer of BBB program, I take pride in our resiliency, when we stood the ground against the pandemic and other calamities, working even harder amidst the struggles and unprecedented changes to sustain the momentum of the vision of massive infrastructure development," added Undersecretary Sadain. Meanwhile, Undersecretary Sadain in his role as the Chief Implementer of the BBB Program was given both a certificate and plaque of appreciation signed by Executive Secretary Salvador C. Medialdea in grateful appreciation of his invaluable support and contribution to the success of the BBB Program that ushers the "Golden Age of Infrastructure" in the Philippines. With the BBB Program on full swing in the last few years even amidst the pandemic crisis, the government disbursement of its funds have reached record high due to strong infrastructure spending and other capital outlays, said Department of Budget and Management (DBM) Undersecretary Rolando U. Toledo. OIC- Undersecretary Roderick M. Planta of NEDA, the agency responsible for infrastructure planning and investment programming and likewise supervises the appraisal of major capital projects, said that infrastructure projects has strengthened the investment climate needed to bring economic growth to the country. DOF Undersecretary Bayani H. Agabin cited the vigorous implementation of high impact infrastructure projects in jumpstarting economic recovery from the pandemic. The IFP Forum was also attended by development partners namely Asian Development Bank (ADB) Country Director Kelly Bird, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) Philippines Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto, World Bank Representative Feng Liu, and Korea Eximbank Country Director Moon Jae Joong. With DPWH as the leading infrastructure arm of the government, Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes representing the Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, summed up in his report the progress of DPWH flagship projects with most impact on the economy. Executive Director Atty. Alvin Carullo of the Toll Regulatory Board, the agency that regulates and administers toll road facilities provided updates on implemention of the five (5) PPP expressways projects. The Department of Transportation (DOTr) had a comprehensive report of railways projects by Undersecretary Timothy John Batan; roads and infrastructure sector projects by Undersecretary Mark Steven Pastor; aviation and airports sector projects by Assistant Secretary Jaime Melo; maritime sector projects by Undersecretary George V. Ursabia Jr.; and pipelined projects by Assistant Secretary Ma. Sheilah Napalang. Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS) Administrator Leonor Cleofas gave an insight on the different projects laid out for the water resources and sewerage systems around Metro Manila. University of the Philippines - Philippine General Hospital (UP-PGH) Vice President Elvira Zamora discussed the new PGH building that will soon rise in Diliman, Quezon City including a new Cancer Center. The soon-to-be the country's first-ever Virology Science and Technology Institute was presented by Director Annabelle Briones of the Department of Science and Technology - Industrial Technology Development Institute. National Power Corporation (NPC) Officer-in-Charge Undersecretary Donato Marcos speaks on the power generation projects being implemented by NPC. DICT Undersecretary Maria Victoria Castro showcased the plans for the enhancement of the information and communications technology (ICT) system all throughout the country. Department of Health (DOH) Undersecretary of the Health Facilities and Infrastructure Team Dr. Lilibeth C. David provided an overview of the projects implemented by DOH as they lead the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) Assistant Secretary Rosalinda Bautista shared the progress of the Philippine Identification System (PhilSys) project as one (1) of the trailblazing legacies of the Duterte administration. The latest development on projects geared towards the improvement of water districts nationwide was reported by Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) OIC-Administrator Eileen Dela Vega while National Irrigation Administration (NIA) Administrator General Ricardo Visaya elaborated the plans for the betterment of the irrigation networks and facilities nationwide.   Article courtesy of Department of Public Works and Highways

Photo credit: Laag Ta Bai Facebook Page President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led Wednesday, April 27, 2022, the inauguration of the Cebu-Cordova Link Expressway (CCLEX) project, an iconic bridge that links mainland Cebu in Cebu City to Mactan Island through Cordova. The 8.9 kilometer CCLEX is highlighted by its iconic crosses on top of the twin pylons of the cable-stayed main bridge over the Mactan Channel befitting Cebu’s titles as “Queen City of the South”, the Philippines oldest city, and considered to be “Asia's Cradle of Christianity”. Joining the President in the inauguration are Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan, Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea, Public Works and Highways Secretary Roger G., Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade, Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, and various officials from the different government agencies, local government units, and foreign dignitaries. Photo credit: Department of Public Works and Highways  Also witnessing the event from DPWH are Senior Undersecretary Rafael C. Yabut; Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral; Assistant Secretaries Wilfredo S. Mallari, Eric A. Ayapana and Rolito D. Manalo; Region 7 Director Edgar B. Tabacon; and Public Private Partnership Service the taken by project developer Cebu Cordova Link Expressway Corporation (CCLEC), a subsidiary company of MPTC, through a joint venture agreement with Cebu City and the municipality of Cordova. The cable-stayed twin single pylon main bridge has a span length of 390 meters. Its pylon height of 145 meters and navigational vertical clearance of 52.5 meters and 260 meters horizontal clearance are sufficient for the passage of large vessels. With a carrying capacity of two (2) lanes per direction, the expressway project also involves the construction of 1,350 meters of viaduct and 5,219 meters causeway and 603 meters low-level bridges. The now-landmark of Cebu skyline is expected to serve around 50,000 vehicles daily.    Article courtesy of the Department of Public Works and Highways 

Photo credit: Department of Transport Philippines A party-list lawmaker on Tuesday said the passage of the new Public Service Act has paved the way for the eventual revival and operation of the Panay line under the Panay Railways Inc. (PRI). In a statement, AAMBIS-Owa Party-list Representative Sharon Garin said many railway construction projects are currently underway that will benefit from new investments, such as the Panay Railways which has had no running rail since 1985, through the new law. Garin said Republic Act 11659, or the New Public Service Act, will definitely improve the country's public services by allowing more investors to participate in previously "closed" industries. "I am excited to see how the railway industry will be positively affected by Foreign Direct Investments (FDI)’” Garin said. "I am sure that very soon, we will have a modernized rail system running in our home province." Garin said the revival of this mode of transport will surely create jobs and more opportunities in the area. She also noted that underspending and lack of capital for maintenance and expansion have always been a problem with the country’s railway system. She said the initial PHP299 billion estimated worth of new FDIs is sure to include funds for the modernization and expansion of the country’s railway system. “I am excited that the rehabilitation of railways will extend to my home province. There have been many interested foreign investors in the rehabilitation and construction of better railways in Panay since a Memorandum of Understanding was signed between interested foreign companies and the PRI since 2018. This includes a two-phase project that would connect Iloilo City to Barangay Caticlan in Malay, Aklan," she said. Garin said a good transport system can bring about better movement of goods and people. "Rapid transit is not only a dream but is soon to be a reality. From subways to commuter rails up to provincial stations, I am confident that this chain of improvement will ultimately lead to better services for our people,” Garin said. By Filane Mikee Cervantes   Article courtesy of the Philippine News Agency

Photo credit: Bilyonaryo Megawide Construction Corporation reported consolidated revenues of P15.4 billion in 2021, 21% higher year-on-year, amid a persistent COVID-19 pandemic. The construction segment rallied the group and recorded revenues of P14.3 billion, 32% more than the previous year. The airport and landport businesses, on the other hand, continued to be affected by restricted travel and transport as well as limited economic activities, resulting in weaker financial performances. Consolidated earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization or EBITDA amounted to P2.84 billion as airport operations generated losses. With a more stable operating environment, the construction segment recorded a net income of P401 million and more than four times the P93 million income posted in the previous year. However, weak results from the other business segments resulted in a consolidated net loss of P893 million, with net loss attributable to equity holders of the Parent tapering to P343 million. Driving Resiliency and Cycle-Resistance “The past two years under the pandemic were very difficult, as our financial performance was severely affected by restricted travel and transport. In addition, the virus’ evolving variants ushered in a fresh set of lockdowns and discouraged a return to normalcy. Amid all these, we relentlessly pursued programs that will strengthen our core businesses and make them more cycle-resistant to deliver for us stable earnings year in and year out,” Edgar Saavedra, Chairman and CEO of Megawide, said. The construction segment remained resilient but Megawide sees better days ahead as the winning bids for the big-ticket infrastructure projects, such as the Metro Manila Subway and North South Commuter Line, have yet to be officially announced. “We are also looking forward to a better performance for our airport operations, with the national elections, the campaign period associated with it, and summer season driving domestic traffic. Hopefully, with a higher vaccination rate nationwide and managed infections this year, travel will be restored and return to pre-pandemic activities will be accelerated,” Saavedra added. Recovery in travel and transport The Company is already seeing initial signs of recovery in its airport asset the Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA), where January-February traffic showed a 170% improvement from the same period in 2021, data from the Mactan Cebu International Airport Authority (MCIAA) show. “The International Air Transport Association (IATA) predicts that global air travel will be 80-90% of its pre-pandemic levels this year and next, with prospects of exceeding 2019 figures by 2024. That being said, this revenge travel should present a huge upside to MCIA, which currently operates at 20-30% of pre-COVID levels,” noted Louie Ferrer, Megawide’s Executive Director for Infrastructure Development and GMR-Megawide Cebu Airport Corporation’s (GMCAC’s) President. In anticipation of the global tourism revival, MCIA has partnered with Emirates and Turkish Airlines to gain access to Europe and Middle East. Both airlines are expected to augment the predominantly Asian tourist market in Cebu as the former flies daily while the latter follows a thrice-a-week schedule. Meanwhile, the Paranaque Integrated Terminal Exchange (PITX) is likewise optimistic for a rebound, as around 6,500 sqms of office space in Tower 2 has been signed and contracted out as of end-2021, bringing the lease rate up to 83%. This is expected to be complemented by 1,250 sqms of additional commercial space that will offer new and exciting products that will serve the growing number of passengers as well. “We are also making a conscious effort to shift to more public and social infrastructure, which we believe will be critical in truly engineering a First-World Philippines. Outside PITX, we are exploring strategic locations where we can expand intra- and inter-island connectivity through a hub-and-spoke model, with PITX at the center,” Saavedra added. Carbon in the works Down south, the Carbon Market redevelopment is in full swing, with the interim market completed and now welcoming vendors. The Sto. Nino Chapel and Statue was likewise officially consecrated in a ceremony held during the celebration of Easter Sunday last April 17, 2022. “Carbon Market will be a game-changer not only for Cebu but for public market districts around the country. Not only does this modernize and refurbish the age-old system and structure in the province, it will also refresh the neighborhood into a modern-day tourist attraction,” said Ferrer, who also serves as the President of Cebu2World Development, Inc. (C2W). Phase 1 is scheduled to be completed by 2027, which will transform Carbon Market into a multistructure facility, having a fully-built up GLA of approximately 50,000 sqms, spread across the public market, commercial centers, and bayfront areas for vendors, business partners, trade participants, consumers, and tourists to enjoy. Financial Management on Track The Company likewise continued with its financial management initiatives, specifically aimed at balance sheet health and optimizing financing costs. As of end December 2021, the Parent Company improved its debt-to-equity ratio to 1.23x from 1.59x pre-pandemic in 2019 and remained well below the 2.33x covenant. The Company also completed the rebalancing of its P24.5 billion project financing at GMCAC in May 2021 and successfully issued P4.0 billion worth of Series 4 Preferred Shares to retire the original and more expensive Company Preferred Shares issued in 2014. “We also turned inward to strengthen our financial position, tapping the capital markets to take advantage of favorable interest rates, as part of our long-term financial management roadmap,” Saavedra said.   Article courtesy of the Philippine Stock Exchange

Photo credit: Department of Public Works and Highways The Philippine Government and Asian Development Bank (ADB) have reaffirmed their strong partnership for long-term economic growth through infrastructure projects to accelerate economic recovery by improving connectivity. Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Roger G. Mercado announced that ADB will co-financed the construction of three (3) new bridges to help solve the increasingly severe traffic problem in Metro Manila. “A loan agreement with ADB is an exciting assurance of the construction of three (3) new climate and disaster resilient bridges as well as added training program to strengthen DPWH institutional capacity in bridge operation and maintenance”, said Secretary Mercado. The ceremonial exchange of the financing agreements between ADB and the Department of Finance (DOF) representing the Government of the Republic of the Philippines for the DPWH Metro Manila Bridges Project was held on Wednesday, March 30, 2022. Receiving the loan documents on behalf of the Philippine Government is Finance Secretary Carlos G. Dominguez while receiving on behalf of the Asian Development Bank is Managing Director General Woochung Um. The exchange of documents was witnessed by DPWH Secretary Mercado; DOF Undersecretary Maria Edita Z. Tan; ADB Philippine Country Office Director Kelly Bird; and ADB Deputy Director General Winfried Wicklein. Also in attendance in the event held at DOF Podium Conference Room, BSP Complex, Roxas Boulevard, Manila were DPWH Undersecretary for Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain; Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of DPWH UPMO - Bridges Management Cluster; ADB Alternate Executive Director Paul G. Dominguez; DOF Undersecretary Mark Dennis Y.C. Joven and Assistant Secretary Neil Cables; ADB Advisor to the Executive Director Ms. Tuya Darinchuluun; and other DOF, DPWH, and ADB officials. Loan Agreement 4168-PHI between the Philippine government and ADB amounting to 175 million-dollar will be utilized exclusively for the financing of the Metro Manila Bridges Project. The loan was approved by the ADB Board of Directors and signed by ADB and DOF last December 2021. As part of the overall Metro Manila Logistics Network with a total of 12 bridges being eyed over Pasig River, Marikina River, and the Manggahan Floodway, the ADB-assisted Metro Manila Bridges Project involves the construction of three (3) new bridges which is aimed at improving efficiency of road travel crossing Marikina River. These bridges are the Marcos Highway-Saint Mary Bridge (Formerly J.P. Rizal-St. Mary Bridge) with a total length of 1,582.6 meters including the main bridge length of 325 meters; Homeowners Drive-A. Bonifacio Ave. Bridge (Formerly J.P. Rizal-Lopez Jaena Bridge) with a total length of 691 meters including the main bridge length of 461.5 meters; and Kabayani-Matandang Balara Bridge (Formerly Marikina-Vista Real Bridge) with a total length of 723.2 meters including the main bridge length of 364 meters. To achieve seamless travel and connectivity, three (3) of the bridges in the Metro Manila Logistics Improvement were completed with one (1) due for opening on April 5, 2022, two (2) are in the procurement stage, and three (3) under financing negotiation. Completed across Pasig River are the Bonifacio Global City – Ortigas Center Link Road Project that involves the construction of a 4-lane Sta Monica to Lawton Bridge or Kalayaan Bridge, Estrella - Pantaleon Bridge, and Binondo - Intramuros Bridge. Secretary Mercado expressed confidence that the construction of new bridges in Marikina City will be effectively and expeditiously implemented by the team of Undersecretary Sadain in the UPMO Operations. According to Undersecretary Sadain, ADB is involved in other flagship infrastructure projects of DPWH such as the technical and financial assistance for the on-going detailed engineering design of Bataan – Cavite Interlink Bridge and Laguna Lakeshore Road Network Project, and the on-going civil works construction of Improving Growth Network – Mindanao Sector Improvement Project. These ADB-assisted big-ticket projects will ensure the sustainability of infrastructure development under Build, Build, Build Program even beyond the term of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, Undersecretary Sadain said.   Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways

Photo credit: The Department of Public Works and Highways The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) opened on Tuesday, April 5, 2022 the 680-meter Binondo-Intramuros Bridge Project crossing Pasig River in the City of Manila. No less than President Rodrigo Roa Duterte led the inauguration ceremonies for the iconic bridge project, together with DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado. “The opening of Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is another testament of President Duterte’s political will to deliver in his term vital projects that will traffic ease congestion within Metro Manila,” said Secretary Mercado. The project is under the supervision of DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations headed by Undersecretary and Build Build Build Program Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain. Binondo - Intramuros Bridge Project is a joint undertaking of the Philippine Government and People’s Republic of China. It is fully-funded through China-grant, along with the completed Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge. According to Secretary Mercado, the Binondo-Intramuros Bridge is a basket-handle tied steel arch bridge that links Intramuros at Solana Street and Riverside Drive and Binondo at Rentas Street and Muelle dela Industria having a viaduct structure over Estero de Binondo. “Built with four (4) lanes measuring 21.65 meter-wide, this new bridge will cater to around 30,000 motorists, going in and out of Intramuros and Binondo daily,” said Secretary Mercado. Bike lanes with reflective thermoplastic road lines and protected sidewalks on both sides are also features of the project as part of DPWH’s program to build safe infrastructure for non-motorized road users. The new bridge also conforms to the standard design under DPWH seismic guidelines, criteria and specifications in an effort to make it resilient in the event of large magnitude earthquakes. “In the coming months, the public can expect a long list of pipeline flagship projects under Build Build Build Program started under the term of President Duterte to be completed and opened, that will lead to sustained inclusive growth for the benefit of our millions of Kababayans nationwide”, Undersecretary Sadain said.   Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways

Photo credit: San Miguel Corporation - Design study from Palafox Associates for an elevated expressway along the Pasig River, incorporating dedicated bus lanes and pedestrian and bicycle lanes San Miguel Corporation (SMC) has reaffirmed its commitment to build the Pasig River Expressway (PAREX) as a safe, reliable and sustainable infrastructure crucial for an inclusive recovery and growth beyond the pandemic. SMC President and CEO Ramon S. Ang said that building the 19.37-kilometer road that will link the eastern and western sections of Metro Manila--from Rizal province to the City of Manila--will complement its P2 billion, five-year rehabilitation effort for the historic tributary that already started in July last year to mitigate its impact on the environment. “In all our major infrastructure projects, we always take into consideration the effects on the environment, putting greater emphasis on how we can build the infrastructure while at the same time preserve or enhance the environment. We engage all stakeholders and in particular, partner with local communities to ensure environmental measures and mitigations are successful for the long-term,” Ang said. PAREX will be a hybrid infrastructure that can be used by motorists, public transport, cyclists, and pedestrians, to further enhance accessibility and traffic decongestion, while encouraging multiple modes of transportion. It’s design will also incorporate green architecture principles. Ang bared that the country’s top urban planner and green architect, Arch. Felino “Jun” Palafox Jr., through his firm, Palafox Associates, has signed on to help with the sustainable design for the project. “We share the vision of SMC and Mr. Ramon S. Ang for sustainable infrastructure. For many decades we have been emphasizing green architecture and green urbanism in our projects in the Philippines and abroad. For the PAREX project, our approach will be the same, we are designing not just infrastructure, but an urban landscape. We are promoting sustainability through architecture, with a holistic vision,” said Palafox. “Mr. Ang already has so many good ideas, including incorporating green modes of transportation. Our job is make sure these ideas--pedestrian pathways, bicycle highways, landscaped planting strip, public transport, are integrated seamlessly into the PAREX,” he added. “We believe that if done right and in line with sustainability and green architecture principles, the PAREX will be a model road infrastructure that further democratizes the benefits and convenience of infrastructure. These are the types of infrastructure we will need in the future--adaptable to the growing and changing needs of our people,” Ang said. He also touted plans to put up a Bus Rapid Transit on the PAREX and the existing Skyway system, which will interconnect, completing the north-to-south and east-to-west connection throughout Metro Manila. This, he said, will enable faster, more reliable, safer, comfortable and affordable commutes for many Filipinos. Ang said that with this, people will spend lesser time spent stand-still traffic, which exacerbates pollution. Meanwhile, the chief executive reported that its ongoing Pasig River clean-up initiative has also ready yielded some 295,260 metric tons of silt and solid waste since it started middle of last year. SMC maintains its target daily output of at least 2,000 metric tons of waste, to meet the monthly target of at least 50,000 metric tons, for a total of 600,000 metric tons extracted every year. Ang said that the company’s ongoing rehabilitation effort is in response to government’s call for the private sector to help clean major tributaries in line with Manila Bay rehabilitation project that began in 2019. “The government, led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, has done an excellent job in rehabilitating the Pasig River in recent years. We are helping take these efforts to next level, by deepening and widening the river, to enable it to carry more floodwaters, especially during rainy season. Through this, we will reduce incidences of severe flooding that has affected many cities located near the Pasig River,” he added. Ang emphasized: “Rehabilitating the river does not only involve dredging and removing visible wastes especially plastics that eventually go to the sea. It is only part of the solution. What is needed isa more a holistic approach, which will involve building a sewage system that would prevent it from being the dumping area of industrial and solid wastes.” “We are committed clean the Pasig River and we are happy that more and more people see its value. In particular, NYK of Japan has joined our efforts and committed $1.2 million worth of equipment and we expect the equipment to arrive by April,” Ang said. Ang said that as of now, two shallow portions of the river are the primary focus. These are the mouth of river near the Manila Bay, and the area at the Marikina River junction. “We’re also prioritizing the Marikina River junction as this section acts as sort of. a bottleneck, where water flowing from the Marikina river is restricted , therefore becoming a partial cause of the massive flooding in areas upstream of the Marikina river,” Ang said. Dredging the Marikina River section can also help reduce the peak water flows that normally go into the Laguna Lake through the Manggahan Floodway, and reduce flooding experienced by many lakeside towns in Rizal and Laguna provinces, Ang said. Ang added that thus far, SMC has made significant progress in deepening portions of the Pasig River, particularly sections of the river in Pandacan/Sta.Mesa, Paco/San Miguel area. According to hydrographic or depth surveys before and after dredging, sections that only measure two to three meters in depth are now more than five to six meters deep. “We are confident that in the coming rainy seasons, the increased capacity of the river will reduce flooding in many areas in Pasig, Makati, Mandaluyong, and Manila. And if ever these will be flooding, it can quickly subside in just a few hours,” Ang said. “This was our experience in the ongoing Tullahan River rehabilitation. To date, our extraction output there has reached 825,142 metric tons and with more personnel and equipment, we expect to hit the one-million mark before or by June this year. According to feedback from local government units, including Valenzuela, flooding has subsided faster than usual in their areas,”said Ang about the P1-billion Tullahan River rehabilitation effort that started in June 2020.    Article courtesy of San Miguel Corporation

Photo credit: The Department of Public Works and Highways The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the successful launching of one (1) of the four (4) open box-shaped pre-cast concrete assembly on top of six (6) underwater pile foundation for the main bridge pylon of the 3.17-kilometer Panguil Bay Bridge Project in Northern Mindanao. In his inspection report to DPWH Secretary Roger G. Mercado, Undersecretary and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain said that the prestressed-concrete (PC) house for main bridge pylon 2 was successfully installed and mounted with welded brackets on permanent steel casing or outer circumferential surface of the pile to prevent the movement of the PC housing. Undersecretary Sadain, in-charge of Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations implementing large-scale flagship infrastructure projects under the Build Build Build program, explained that the prefabricated PC house will be the foundation for the two (2) pylons each with six (6) piles and piers 17 and 18 with four (4) piles each which are the substructure of the project’s main bridge or the highest segment where marine vessel such as ship could pass underneath. Waterproof sealing are ongoing to ensure the watertightness between pile and boxlike PC house as this will then filled inside with cast concrete to act as cofferdam or strong foundation to make them stable against various forces which are likely to act on the structure, Undersecretary Sadain reported This engineering process is to reduce the construction period, secure the concrete quality, and improve the constructability of substructure. The first PC house, constructed at the fabrication yard in Tubod, Lanao Del Norte and transferred to the marine site using a floating heavy duty crane on barge, was inspected off-shore Panguil Bay on March 26, 2022 by Undersecretary Sadain with Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim of UPMO Roads Management Cluster 2 (Multilateral). Also present in the inspection of the on-going flagship project connecting Tubod, Lanao Del Norte and Tangub City, Misamis Occidental are Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista of UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral), Project Director Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes of UPMO Bridges Management Cluster, and Project Manager Mike Ramos. Given the previous significant disruptions in the project construction activities caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, DPWH UPMO is committed to further increase its effort to fast-track the completion of the iconic bridge project which will soon be the longest in Mindanao. Other on-going activities include bored piling works of remaining six (6) of the total 54 units, PC house fabrication, rebar cage installation, abutment rebar and form installation, and pier cap concrete pouring. The P7.375 Billion inter-island bridge project to connect Tangub City and Tubod across Panguil Bay in just seven (7) minutes is funded by a loan agreement between Government of the Philippines (GOP) and Korean Export-Import Bank (Korea Eximbank). Under contract with Korean firm Namkwang-Kukdong-Gumgwang Joint Venture, the project is targetted for completion by December 2023.   Article courtesy of The Department of Public Works and Highways

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) - Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations, which is implementing the Davao City Bypass Construction Project, now conducts simultaneous tunneling activities at northbound and southbound directions on north portal of the project’s road mountain tunnel component. In his report to Secretary Roger G. Mercado, Undersecretary for UPMO Operations and Build Build Build Chief Implementer Emil K. Sadain said that works for the north portal’s northbound direction is now underway that will ramp-up project progress to catch-up on the late arrivals of special equipment/machineries and Japanese experts due to movement restrictions and delayed issuance of travel permits because of the pandemic. Included in the list of flagship infrastructure projects of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s Build Build Build Program, the bypass road will mitigate congestions in Davao City with the travel time between Brgy. Sirawan in Toril District Davao City and Brgy. J.P. Laurel in Panabo City of 1 hour and 44 minutes via Pan-Philippine Highway Diversion Road to be reduced into 49 minutes via Davao City Bypass. It is expected that the start up of excavation work at the northbound direction of the north portal will significantly speed up project delivery, Undersecretary Sadain reported. Construction of the soundbound direction was earlier started on November 2021 and has more than 60 meters of road tunnel excavated with shotcrete, steel ribs and rockbolts. The group of Shimizu-Ulticon-Takenaka led by Project Director Akira Mito is undertaking the construction of contract package 1-1 covering 10.7 kilometers of four-lane highway, inclusive of the 2.3 kilometer tunnel that has a diameter of 10 meters. According to Undersecretary Sadain, the soon to be first-ever long-distance mountain tunnel in the Philippines was designed to have better seismic resiliency. This is one of the largest and most important infrastructure project of the President Duterte administration in Mindanao towards the attainment of national development goals of “Ambisyon Natin 2040: Matatag, Maginhawa at Panatag na Buhay”. Meanwhile, Undersecretary Sadain in his project inspection on March 11, 2022 reminded the contractors and consultants, to put primordial importance to safety management especially that the project, which also seeks to promote transfer of Japanese technology and expertise, is highly complex and have many risk-prone activities like excavation and lining, transportation of materials, drilling, handling of tunnel machinery, etc. With various groups interested to see the development of the tunnel, the basic aspect of safety such as safe distance, wearing of personal protective equipment, lighting, ventilation, and other safety and health protocols at workplace shall always be observed, added Undersecretary Sadain. Progress of the on-going bored piling works for the Davao River Bridge was also checked by Undersecretary Sadain together with UPMO Roads Management Cluster 1 (Bilateral) Project Director Benjamin A. Bautista, former Project Director Virgilio C. Castillo, Project Manager Joselito B. Reyes and Engr. Earl Nicholas F. Rada, and the engineering consultants from Nippon Koei – Katahira - Nippon Engineering - Philkoei. The entire 45.5-kilometer bypass road is divided into six (6) packages: package I-1 (10.7 km), package I-2 (12.8 km), package I-3 (6.1 km), package II-1 (2.7 km), package II-2 (3.5 km), and package II-3 (9.7 km). Davao City Bypass Construction Project is funded by the Japanese Official Development Assistance under the Special Terms for Economic Partnership (STEP) Loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency under Loan Agreement Nos. PH-P261 and PH-P273.