The gross production value of mineral resources in Davao Region stood at PHP11.7 billion in 2023, an official of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the Davao Region (MGB-11) reported Tuesday.

During the Kapihan sa Bagong Pilipinas forum here, MGB-11 Officer-in-Charge Beverly Mae Brevante said the region is rich in mineral resources, particularly gold, nickel and copper.

The value is based on the production of four large-scale mineral companies with collective excise tax payments of PHP487.7 million last year.

“The excise tax goes to the national government,” Brevante said, adding that the region currently has 41 large-scale mining agreements and permits.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources in Davao Region Director Ma. Mercedes Dumagan said Davao Region is also rich in sand and gravel deposits, with 313 sand and gravel permits issued by the local government units.

The protection of soil, a crucial non-renewable resource, is essential due to its significant role in environmental health and human well-being. Contaminants in soil can harm its functions, cross-contaminate water sources, and adversely affect the food chain and human health. This underscores the importance of monitoring contamination levels in soil and sludge, particularly from urban and industrial wastewater treatment.

SPECTRO Analytical Instruments has addressed this need with their innovative SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES with Twin Interface Plasma Observation. This advanced instrument is designed to provide accurate and sensitive analysis of soil and sludge, ensuring compliance with stringent environmental standards such as those set by the European Union and the US EPA.

QES Technology Philippines, Inc., the authorized distributor of SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES in the Philippines, plays a pivotal role in making this cutting-edge technology accessible to local laboratories and industries. Their head office in Ayala Alabang, with service offices in strategic locations such as Pampanga, Cebu, and Surigao, allows them to provide extensive support to clients nationwide.

Key Features of SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES

The SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES, with its Twin Interface Plasma Observation, excels in the analysis of soil and sewage sludge. It utilizes a dual observation mode—radial for alkali and earth alkali elements without ionization buffering, and axial for trace elements with high sensitivity. This capability ensures precise and reliable measurements across a wide range of elements.

The instrument’s design includes a Paschen-Runge spectrometer mount with the proprietary Optimized Rowland Circle Alignment (ORCA) technique, which allows for comprehensive spectrum capture within three seconds. This feature, combined with the ability to reprocess data without needing new measurements, makes SPECTROGREEN highly efficient.

Analytical Capabilities and Performance

The SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES demonstrates excellent performance in sensitivity, precision, and accuracy, making it suitable for regulatory compliance and environmental monitoring. The report highlights the instrument's ability to accurately detect various elements, as evidenced by spike recovery measurements.

In compliance with standard procedures such as US-EPA Methods 3050B and 6010C, EN 13346, and ISO 11885, the SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES is capable of multi-element determination with high dynamic linear range and sensitivity. The detection limits for various elements are detailed, ensuring users can meet regulatory requirements.

Experimental Procedures and Sample Preparation

Sample preparation is a critical aspect of accurate soil and sludge analysis. The report outlines methods such as extraction by boiling under reflux conditions and closed vessel microwave digestion. These methods ensure thorough digestion of samples, minimizing the risk of incomplete analysis.

For instance, the closed vessel microwave digestion method involves adding a mixture of nitric and hydrochloric acids to the sample, followed by controlled heating in a microwave oven. This process ensures complete digestion and safe handling of reactive samples, crucial for accurate analysis.

Calibration and Results

Calibration standards are essential for accurate analysis, and the SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES uses standards containing aqua regia to match the sample matrix. The calibration process, coupled with the instrument's high sensitivity, allows for precise detection of elements at trace levels.

The results presented in the report showcase the SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES's ability to achieve excellent recoveries for all tested elements. This performance underscores the instrument’s suitability for both routine analysis and complex environmental monitoring tasks.

Conclusion

The SPECTROGREEN ICP-OES with Twin Interface Plasma Observation offers a robust, efficient, and accurate solution for the analysis of soil and sludge. Its advanced features, combined with the support of QES Technology Philippines, Inc. as the authorized distributor in the Philippines, ensure that laboratories and industries have access to top-tier analytical capabilities.

For further information, inquiries, or quotations, QES Technology Philippines, Inc. can be reached at +632 771 1248 or qtpmarketing@qesnet.com.

Johnson Screens, a brand of Aqseptence Group, is the leading global provider of screening and auxiliary solutions. We are the inventors of vee-shaped Vee-Wire® wedge wire screens, which are used to create the most diverse filtration media with great strength, long service life, and a uniquely high level of adaptability for high-efficiency liquid/solid separation. With 120 years of experience providing innovative screening solutions in more than 100 countries around the world, almost every product and object around you has touched one of our screens.

We are present on every continent, and our facilities in Brisbane, Australia, and Ahmedabad, India, handle direct support for the Philippine and Southeast Asian markets.

Our location in Australia has enjoyed over 70 years of operations, with the new facility boasting a footprint of over 4,500 m2 and a workforce of 140 employees. Working with experts from the other brands of the Aqseptence Group, Jonhson Screens Australia has supported many industries in Oceania by providing solutions for water wells, food & beverage, mining, energy & chemical processing, industrial & municipal water/wastewater treatment, and architectural applications. In addition, our Australian location relies on applying emerging and cutting-edge manufacturing technologies and strategic partnerships. For example, the company partnered with the global printing firm HP to explore the possibilities of leveraging additive manufacturing processes and 3D printing technologies to fabricate components of Johnson Screens solutions.

Meanwhile, our Indian facility has over 20,000 m2 of manufacturing space, soon to be augmented with an additional 11,000 m2 expansion and many new positions to support the existing workforce of more than 250 workers. Besides providing capacity to our regional and global manufacturing, Johnson Screens India fulfils our vision of protecting lives and our precious natural resources by providing key products and solutions for government and private projects to supply clean water to large populations and improve their quality of life.

Johnson Screens Water Well Solutions

Johnson Screens has been a leader in the water well industry since the company’s inception in 1904. Our continuous-slot profile wire technology and Vee-Wire well screens revolutionized the water wells industry and quickly became the industry standard around the world. Johnson Screens’ experts led the development of the industry by creating innovative solutions and became a reference with the publication of our Groundwater and Wells book in 1966. After three editions, that book continues to be a staple of water wells education. Today, we are recognized as the complete solutions provider for water wells with an extensive portfolio of well screens, casing, pump pipe and accessories in stainless steel and PVC, and well treatment chemicals and filter packs.

Our Vee-Wire technology was further developed and improved over the years, and it still today ensures high open areas to flow, optimal performance, and resilience to the large Johnson - Steel Screens Stainless Screens portfolio. Available in 304 and 316 stainless steel and a wide range of specialty materials, our stainless-steel well screens are suitable for usual and the most demanding applications.

In addition to our stainless-steel portfolio of products, Johnson Screens also offers a large range of PVC products, including screens, casing, and pump pipes, for the most diverse applications. Our uPVC Casing is nearly inert to corrosion and chemical reactions and has been ideally used in salty, sandy and chemically aggressive water environments without any effect over the years. Common applications of UPVC Casing include water and monitoring wells, Groundwater extraction, Drainage and dewatering, Irrigation, Domestic, Industrial and Mining.

Some examples of demanding applications where the robustness of our products is fundamental are Managed Aquifer Recharge (MAR) and Aquifer Storage and Recovery (ASR) wells. The components of those wells are submitted to hash conditions or taken to their limits, which requires comprehensive solutions to provide reliable wells while balancing expenses. By combining the tradition and knowledge with which we have led the water wells industry for 120 years with innovative equipment specially designed for these applications, Johnson Screens provides complete solutions for MAR and ASR wells. Those solutions are supported by technical and construction experience in some of the most demanding projects in the world and the most reliable water well equipment in the industry.

Some products used in those applications, which are also suitable for mining water and dewatering wells, are the Shur-Pak™ Glass Bead Filter Pack and the Muni-Pak™ Pre-Packed Screens. Easier to install than traditional filter packs, our Shur-Pak™ glass beads for filter packs are stronger, chemically inert, and are almost perfect spheres – virtually eliminating bridging during installation that can be an issue in traditional filter packs. Meanwhile, Muni-Pak™ screens are Johnson Screens’ solution for improving gravel packing. That pre-packed screen eliminates the need for a larger borehole, shortens the time required to drill a well, and accelerates overall development time.

Other Johnson Screens Solutions for the Mining Industry

Johnson Screens solutions are also widely used in different stages of the mining process. Due to their superior separation capabilities and strength, they are also present in several mineral processing applications, including coal, iron ore, gold, copper, phosphate, lead, zinc, lithium, bauxite, sand, and gravel mining.

Besides our world-class proprietary Vee-Wire products, our industrial mining portfolio includes polyurethane screening solutions and separation equipment such as sieve bend screens, DSM pressure boxes and Vee-Wire Intertank Screens, commonly used on gold and silver recovery.

Johnson Screens Mining Solutions

Learn more about our water well and screening solutions for the mining industry by visiting our website, johnsonscreens.com/mining, or contact us at info.au@johnsonscreens.com.

The construction of the 32-kilometer Bataan-Cavite Interlink Bridge is likely to start early or mid 2025, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said Thursday. 

With an initial cost of PHP219 billion, the Bataan-Cavite mega bridge is set to be the “biggest and the single most expensive project” of the DPWH, Public Works Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral said during the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum at New Clark City in this town.

The bridge, once completed, will reduce the travel time between Bataan and Cavite from five hours to 45 minutes bypassing Metro Manila by crossing Manila Bay.

The detailed engineering design of the mega bridge project has been completed, while the bidding of the initial contract package was held last week, Cabral said.

“Hopefully, it will be started either by early part of next year or middle of next year,” she said.

The project will be funded through an official development assistance (ODA).

ODA loans support developing countries by providing low-interest, long-term and concessional funds to finance development projects.

The construction of the Bataan-Cavite bridge project was supposed to start late 2024.

Asked what caused the delay, Cabral explained that the government took its time in looking for the "best financing package" available.

“Sourcing the funding has been really the problem. We’re trying to get the best financing package for this biggest project of the DPWH and finally we are able to do so," Cabral said.

“I think last week we just held the bidding for the first contract packages,” she added.

Infra program forum

Spearheaded by the Presidential Communications Office (PCO), the Build Better More Infrastructure forum is the third leg of the PCO‘s pioneering initiative, the Bagong Pilipinas Media Engagement and Workshop Series of 2024, following the successful culmination of the Food Security Cluster Communications Workshop and National Security Cluster Communications Workshop in March and April 2024, respectively.

It seeks to provide a platform to allow government agencies to engage and collaborate with the media and government communicators to enhance the quality and value of public discourse on the Build Better More Infrastructure Program – the flagship infrastructure development agenda of the Marcos administration.

The program includes 187 infrastructure flagship projects.

A ₱23.36 billion Public-Private Partnership (PPP) contract has been signed between the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and San Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMHC) for the construction of 59.4-kilometer extension of Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX) all the way to the surfing capital of the north in San Juan, La Union.

DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and SMHC Chairman and President Ramon S. Ang presented to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. on Wednesday, July 10, 2024 the concession agreement, which was signed on July 3, 2024 at the DPWH Head Office in Port Area, Manila, and witnessed by DPWH Undersecretary for Planning and PPP Services Maria Catalina E. Cabral, and Mr. Raoul Eduardo Romulo of the project concessionaire SMC TPLEX Extension Infrastructure Corp. (STEIC) among others.

Also present in the event held at the Kalayaan Hall of Malacañang Palace are Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin; National Economic and Development Authority Secretary Arsenio M. Balisacan; DPWH Undersecretaries Cabral, Eugenio R. Pipo Jr., Roberto R. Bernardo, Ador G. Canlas, and Carlos G. Mutuc; and DPWH Public-Private Partnership Service Director Pelita V. Galvez.

“With the signed PPP contract, the STEIC and DPWH can now proceed with detailed engineering design (DED), parcellary plan, right-of-way (ROW) acquisition for all the segments, so that we can commence civil works by July 2025,” said Secretary Bonoan.

According to Secretary Bonoan, the TPLEX Extension Project will be divided in three (3) segments, with first segment aimed for completion before the end of President Marcos’ term in 2028.

Segment 1 will start from the last exit of TPLEX at Rosario and end in Tubao, which is an additional 18.5-kilometer of 4-lane road, while Segment 2 will cover the 23.1-kilometer section from Tubao to Naguilian; and Segment 3 which extends 17.8-kilometer from Naguilian to San Juan, La Union.

The TPLEX Extension will have five (5) interchanges namely Rosario, Tubao, Naguilian, Bauang, and San Juan.

When completed, the TPLEX Extension will reduce travel time from Rosario going to San Juan, La Union from the current one (1) and a half hour to just 40 minutes, further promoting investments and economic development up north.

In order to establish a productive and promising joint venture, the Geological Society of the Philippines (GSP) and the Mongolian Society of Economic Geologists (MonSEG) recently signed an Agreement of Cooperation and Exchange between both associations. The signing was held on April 15, 2024.

From a statement by Janice Wayan, GSP's Trustee and PR Committee Chair, "The Agreement marks the beginning of a mutually beneficial partnership that will pave the way for joint research projects, knowledge sharing initiatives, and capacity-building programs. Through this collaboration, both associations seek to harness their respective expertise and resources to address common challenges and opportunities in the field of economic geology.”

Construction for the Metro Manila Subway Project (MMSP) is expected to speed up with the arrival of two more tunnel boring machines (TBM) by yearend, for a total of six so far.

At the Pre-SONA (State of the Nation Address) Special over state-run People’s Television Network on Friday, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said four TBMs are currently in operation and the project construction is in full blast.

“Meron na tayong apat na TBMs na almost 24 hours ang operations niya. Within the year ay magiging anim yan (We already have four TBMs that are operating almost 24 hours a day. Within the year, that will become six),” Bautista said.

He said the TBMs will increase to at least 19 working simultaneously in the coming years.

According to DOTr data, an estimated 1.2 million cubic meters of soil using cut-cover and TBMs are to be excavated for the partial operability section of the MMSP, equivalent to 500 Olympic-sized swimming pools.

“For the tunnels alone, the excavation will be around 711,000 cubic meters or an equivalent of 285 Olympic size swimming pools,” he said.

The DOTr is also working with the MMSP’s contractors to fast-track the construction of subway stations.

“Itong Metro Manila Subway, ang more challenging part of the construction ‘yung mga stations kasi maraming stations ‘yan -- 17 stations (For the MMSP, the challenging part of the construction are the stations because there will be 17 of them),” he said.

Once completed, the MMSP will cut across eight cities in Metro Manila, stretching from Valenzuela City to FTI-Bicutan in Parañaque City with a spur line to Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.

The 33-kilometer subway line aims to cut travel time between Quezon City and NAIA from the current average of one hour and 10 minutes to just 35 minutes.

Top officials from the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), alongside local leaders from Misamis Occidental and Lanao del Norte, held on July 4, 2024 the final concrete pouring ceremony between the two (2) extra-dosed main bridge of the Panguil Bay Bridge Project (PBBP).

This significat event saw the participation of DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan; Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain; DPWH Undersecretaries Eugenio R. Pipo Jr. and Carlos G. Mutuc; Assistant Secretary Rey Peter Gille; Misamis Occidental Governor Henry S. Oaminal Sr.; Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza Dimaporo; Ozamis City Mayor Henry “Indy” F. Oaminal Jr.; Korea Export Import Bank (KEXIM) Deputy Country Director Yun Hak Lee; Project Directors Teresita V. Bauzon, Soledad R. Florencio, Benjamin A. Bautista, Rodrigo I. Delos Reyes, and Najib D. Dilangalen; DPWH Regional Office 10 Director Zenaida Tan; Stakeholders Service Director Randy R. Del Rosario; and other public works and locals officials and staff.

The topping-off ceremony marked the completion of the bridge’s pre-stressed concrete box girder between pylon 1 in Tangub City, Misamis Occidental, and pylon 2 in Tubod, Lanao del Norte, signifying a crucial milestone for the project.

Secretary Bonoan highlighted the importance of this milestone, stating that it brings the vision of a fully connected Panguil Bay Bridge closer to reality, promising numerous possibilities for the nation.

In his opening remarks, Senior Undersecretary Sadain praised the final construction stage as a testament to the dedication and hard work of everyone involved, heralding a new era of connectivity and economic growth for Mindanao and the entire Philippines.

The Panguil Bay Bridge, soon to be the longest bridge in Mindanao at 3.169 kilometers, includes a 320-meter extra-dosed main bridge, a 1,920-meter pre-stressed concrete girder approach bridge, and a 929-meter approach road.

The bridge is expected to catalyze economic activities, improve quality of life, and open new opportunities for trade, tourism, and investment, significantly benefiting local communities and contributing to national development.

The project is implemented by the DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations under supervision of Senior Undersecretary Sadain and more specifically by the Roads Management Cluster II (Multilateral) led by former Project Director Sharif Madsmo H. Hasim and now headed by OIC Project Director Bauzon.

Funded by a loan agreement between the Government of the Philippines and the Republic of Korea through the Korea Export-Import Bank Economic Development Cooperation Fund (KEDCF) under Loan Agreement No. PHL-18, the Panguil Bay Bridge stands as a beacon of international cooperation and shared progress.

Despite commencing civil works at the height of the pandemic and facing significant challenges in weather conditions, material supply, and health restrictions, the DPWH relentlessly pushed the design and build contractor, Namkwang Engineering & Construction Corporation, in joint venture with Kukdong Engineering & Construction Co., Ltd. and Gumgwang Construction Co., Ltd., along with the project consultant, Yooshin Engineering Corporation, in joint venture with Pyunghwa Engineering Consultants Ltd. and Kyong-Ho Engineering & Architects Co., Ltd., to exert their utmost effort to accelerate the construction activities of this infrastructure flagship project.

Costing ₱7.375 Billion, the project has an overall weighted accomplishment of 93.3 percent and targetted for completion within this third quarter of 2024.

The Mind Museum in Bonifacio Global City, Taguig, is a venue where science and technology come to life. It is a state-of-the-art science museum where great minds of all ages are inspired to aim high and achieve excellence. It is a perfect place for sharing of knowledge and expertise, and to discuss smart strategies in addressing the effects of climate change in transport infrastructure.

On April 17, 2024, at The Mind Museum Auditorium, AnyWay Solutions organized and hosted an exclusive symposium addressing the importance of climate resiliency in mitigating the effects of climate change on transport infrastructure in the Philippines. The title of the symposium is “Climate Resiliency for Transport Infrastructure Symposium”.

For the 75th Philippine Mining Club Luncheon, the keynote speaker was Mr. Gerard Bond, President & CEO of OceanaGold Corporation. This was held on March 8, 2024 at Dusit Thani Manila.

 “This is the first Philippine Mining Club Luncheon this year and as you can see, we have a full house. I think this reflects the renewed excitement about the mining industry,” said Atty. Patricia Bunye who was the emcee for the event.

As Orica Philippines celebrates its 55th anniversary, the company reflects on its rich history and looks forward to a future of continued innovation and sustainability. Gordon Wallace, country head for Orica Philippines, shared insights into the company's values, achievements, and plans.

A Legacy of Safety and Quality

Orica’s story in the Philippines began with the establishment of the Philippine Explosives Corporation (PEX). Founded to meet the growing demand for explosives in the mining sector, PEX laid the groundwork for what would become Orica Philippines. Orica Philippines began in 1968 with the establishment of a branch office, officially incorporated as a legal entity in 1969 under the name Philippine Explosives Corporation (PEX). This venture was a collaboration with local Philippine businesspeople who continue to be active shareholders. The company’s initial steps were modest, but it laid the foundation for what would become a powerhouse in the mining sector.

In 1998, a pivotal change occurred when the parent company, Imperial Chemical Industries (ICI), spun off its explosives division. This division was acquired by Orica, a mining and infrastructure solutions providers from Australia, marking the beginning of a new era. The rebranding to Orica Philippines reflected not only a change in name but also a commitment to growth and innovation.

“Our history with Philippine Explosives Corporation is a testament to our long-standing commitment to the mining industry in the Philippines,” Wallace notes. “From those early days to now, our focus has always been on innovation, safety, and sustainability.”

Orica's commitment to safety and quality is evident in every aspect of its operations. Wallace emphasized, "Safety is our number one priority. It's at the forefront of everything we do, from our operational focus to how we manufacture our products and approach risk management." This unwavering dedication ensures that safety always takes precedence over productivity improvements, thereby maintaining the highest standards in their manufacturing processes.

Sustainability Efforts and Innovations

Orica has set ambitious sustainability targets, including a net-zero goal by 2050. Wallace highlighted significant strides made in reducing environmental impact, particularly in their ammonium nitrate manufacturing facilities. "We've been focusing on the tertiary abatement project in our east coast facilities in Australia, which can deliver a 48% reduction in emissions at our Kooragang Island plant. This initiative alone represents an 11% reduction in Australia's chemical manufacturing emissions," he explained.

In the Philippines, Orica's Limay plant is pioneering waste and energy reduction strategies. Wallace noted, "We are very quality-focused, and part of that involves minimizing waste through better quality assurance processes. Additionally, we're commissioning solar energy projects to supply about 40% of our energy needs and exploring partnerships for the remaining 60% to source from renewable energy providers."

Orica Philippines has always been at the forefront of introducing new technologies to the mining industry. In the late 1990s, the company revolutionized mining practices by introducing bulk explosives for open-cut mining. This was followed by the introduction of underground bulk explosives, significantly enhancing operational efficiency and safety.

The company’s commitment to technological advancement continued with the introduction of electronic blasting systems in 2013, which brought precision and safety to a new level. These systems have been widely adopted by major mining operations in the Philippines, underscoring Orica’s role as a leader in the industry.

One of Orica’s most groundbreaking innovations is the WebGen™ wireless blasting system. This cutting-edge technology, which allows for fully wireless communication for blasting operations, is set to be demonstrated in the Philippines later this year. The potential for this technology to revolutionize mining methods is immense, offering unprecedented flexibility and safety.

Supporting the Community and Future Generations

Beyond technological innovations, Orica Philippines has made substantial contributions to the community and the development of future industry leaders. The company’s scholarship and graduate programs have supported 26 scholars over the past 15 years, with a remarkable retention rate of 23 graduates still within the Orica group. This initiative not only aids students financially but also nurtures future engineers who will continue to drive the industry forward.

Orica’s commitment to education is further exemplified by its recent partnership with the University of the Philippines College of Engineering. The company has provided scholarships to seven students, focusing on those from underprivileged backgrounds. This initiative aims to remove financial barriers, allowing these students to concentrate on their studies and achieve their full potential.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusion

Orica Philippines prides itself on its commitment to diversity and inclusion. This is reflected in the company’s workforce and its leadership. Orica's commitment to diversity is not just a corporate slogan but a lived reality within the company. "Globally, women in senior leadership positions have increased from 28% to 34% over the past few years," Wallace shared. In the Philippines, initiatives like the Women in Operations program (WIO) at the Limay plant are paving the way for greater gender representation on the shop floor, traditionally dominated by men. The WIO program is an initiative aimed at promoting greater gender diversity in Orica’s mining operations and was first launched in Indonesia. This program is part of Orica’s commitment to building an inclusive culture, one of the key pillars of Orica’s DEI strategy.

Employee Loyalty and Organizational Culture

One of Orica's distinguishing features is its ability to retain long-term employees. Wallace attributes this to the company's strong values and unique organizational culture. "Our values—togetherness, integrity, safety, respect, and excellence—are deeply embedded in our DNA. This is a large part of why people stay with us for so long," he said.

Orica Philippines also benefits from being part of a global organization while maintaining a strong local presence. Wallace elaborated, "We have a unique mix of being a local company with deep roots in the Philippines and a part of the global Orica group, which allows us to participate in some of the most advanced mining and civil projects worldwide."

Future Growth and Expansion

Looking ahead, Orica Philippines is optimistic about growth opportunities in the local mining industry. "The industry here has been through a tough decade, but there's a renewed sense of confidence and willingness to invest in long-term projects," Wallace observed. The company has recently expanded its production capacity at the Limay plant by 50%, positioning itself to meet future domestic demand.

Wallace concluded with a hopeful outlook, "We believe in the future of the industry here. We're ready and open for business, and we hope the industry's momentum will continue to build."

As Orica Philippines celebrates its 55th anniversary, it stands as a testament to the power of strong values, commitment to safety and quality, and forward-thinking sustainability initiatives. With a workforce of over 1,000 people and operations supporting mining activities across the globe, Orica remains a vital player in the industry. This year, Orica celebrates 150 years in operations. The company’s dedication to safety, efficiency, and technological advancement ensures it will continue to be a leader in the mining sector for years to come.

The day Feb. 29 is a once-in-every-four-year event and happens only during the Leap Year in the Chinese calendar. This makes it a special day and an auspicious moment to pursue major goals and plans, and to celebrate the day with important people who share the same endeavors.

For a most fitting occasion, Yokogawa hosted a Mining Seminar titled "Powering a Sustainable and Resilient Mining Industry". The event was organized in partnership with Philippine Mining Club and was held at Marco Polo Hotel, Ortigas on Feb. 29, 2024.

by: Czarina Mei Laope

Initiated by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB), PLASTIKarunungan is a nationwide symposium spearheaded by the Philippine Youth Association for Responsible Mining and Natural Resources (YAMAN Philippines). From Luzon to Mindanao, four organizations were enlisted to host seminars on their respective campuses. The NCR PLASTIKarunungan event was orchestrated with support from officers of the Association of Geologists and Geological Engineers of Mapua (AGGEM).

On May 6, 2024, YAMAN Ph and AGGEM successfully concluded the NCR leg of PLASTIKarunungan at Blue Hall, YMCA of Manila, marking the culmination of this nationwide initiative. Two esteemed speakers from the DENR and the mining industry, Ms. Anabelle A. Wahing and Engr. Rosanna F. Nuñez, addressed the audience, respectively. Ms. Wahing elucidated on laws R.A. 9003 and R.A. 11898, focusing on plastic waste management, while Engr. Nuñez provided enlightening insights into best practices for waste management in mining.

The opening remarks were delivered by Mr. Nino Lingad Amado, YAMAN Philippines Vice President for External Affairs, inspiring the audience with the words, “Together, let us explore innovative solutions, share insights, and inspire change towards a plastic-free future,” thus setting the tone of the event.

Afterwards, DENR Undersecretary for Policy, Planning and International Affairs Atty. Jonas R. Leones delivered a heartfelt message addressed to the participants and organizers of PLASTIKarunungan.

The PLASTIKarunungan Head Organizer, Ms. Maria Daniella Yambao concluded the event with the words, “Remember that together, our micro efforts will have macro effects. Be one with us with this cause.”.

YAMAN Philippines has always been collaborating with various organizations and companies since 2015 to cultivate green initiatives and programs for students, ensuring a future led by environmentally conscious youth.

Approximately 100 participants from diverse backgrounds and various educational institutions attended the seminar, with Adamson University notably represented by 51 students. Esteemed representatives from GreenDevelopment Sustainable Solutions, Inc., Teresa Marble Corporation, and Republic Cement - Teresa graced the hall with their presence. Participants praised the engaging icebreaker session, which featured a quick game of Kahoot! and snacks consisting of caramel bars and icecream.

With the creative and innovative leadership of YAMAN Philippines and AGGEM officers, the inaugural PLASTIKarunungan NCR Sector proved to be a resounding success. Building upon the achievements of the four sectors with only a month of planning, YAMAN Philippines is considering the development of its own flagship event for Earth Month in the coming years.

Readers are encouraged to anticipate the forthcoming endeavors of YAMAN Philippines. Recognizing that a seminar alone cannot adequately address the challenges posed by climate change, YAMAN Philippines is actively devising green and sustainable initiatives in collaboration with school organizations, affirming its commitment to environmental advocacy.

OceanaGold Corporation in Vancouver, Canada, announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, OceanaGold Philippines, Inc. (OGPI) has completed the initial public offering of 20% of the outstanding common shares of OGPI on the Philippine Stock Exchange (PSE). Trading began on May 13, 2024. The shares are listed under the ticker ‘OGP’.

To mark PSE’s first IPO listing this 2024 by OGPI, OGP COO Peter Sharpe and OGP President Atty. Joan Adaci-Cattiling rang the bell in the Philippine Stock Exchange last May 13, 2024.

Present during this pivotal occasion is DENR Usec. Atty. Juan Miguel Cuna, Canadian Ambassador David Hartman, Australian Deputy Ambassador Dr. Moya Collett, OGP Director and General Manager for Didipio Operations David Bickerton, and PSE ManCom.

From a statement by OceanaGold Corporation, “OGPI holds the Company's interest in the Didipio Mine and, pursuant to the terms of the renewed Financial or Technical Assistance Agreement ("FTAA"), was required to list its common shares on the PSE. The Offering was a secondary offering of common shares and the proceeds were received by a wholly-owned subsidiary of OceanaGold.”

“The final Offering price was ₱13.33 per share for 456,000,000 common shares of OGPI and gross proceeds totaling ₱6.08B (approximately US$106M1) were raised. Available proceeds from the Offering, net of fees and taxes, will be applied to the repayment of OceanaGold's debt. The Company had $160M of debt at March 31, 2023.”

OGP has achieved many notable milestones in the country. They are the first mining company in the Philippines to be granted the FTAA by the Philippine government, the first company with an FTAA to be listed in PSE after 12 years, and the first company to provide Community and Provincial Development Funds to Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces. Their contribution to the provinces from 2021 until 2023 amounts to Php325.7 million. OGP also made its first payment of additional government share last month.

Last year, on June 9, 2023, OceanaGold (Philippines) Inc. sold their gold doré to Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP).

PSE President and CEO Ramon S. Monzon said, “The FTAA renewal is definitely a win-win situation for all stakeholders. OGP gets to continue its mining operations; the government continues to share in 60% of OGP’s net revenues; OGP continues to actively serve and support close to 60 barangays, providing much needed employment and supplier opportunities, farm to market roads, multi-purpose buildings, water systems, as well as health services and scholarship programs; and, of course, PSE adds a leading mining firm to its roster of publicly listed companies.”

“As part of OceanaGold Corporation, OGP adheres to its parent company’s approach to responsible mining, which is guided by an all-encompassing ‘Responsible Mining Framework.’ The framework defines how Oceana Gold Corporation strives to operate every day, at every level of its business, to manage potential economic, environmental, and social impacts and risks, while leveraging the potential to enhance the positive outcomes for all its stakeholders.  This is reflected in OGP’s commitment to sustainable practices, which includes reforestation and rehabilitation projects as well as using 100 percent recycled water in its processing plant.” 

Footnote:

[1] - Calculated at an exchange rate of US$1=₱57.32, subject to change

Reference:

https://www.pse.com.ph/oceanagold-philippines-inc-debuts-on-the-pse/

https://investors.oceanagold.com/2024-05-13-OceanaGold-Completes-IPO,-Raises-US-106M-for-the-Sale-of-20-Interest-in-OGPI

Photo credit:

Top photo – Philippine Stock Exchange, Inc

Photo with BSP – Bond, Gerard (March 8, 2024). “Mining Gold For A Better Future”. A presentation at the Philippine Mining Club Luncheon.

Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Maria Antonia Yulo Loyzaga called on the mining industry to rethink, invent, and innovate the ways it develops the country’s natural resources, and must evolve to align with the principles of sustainability, stewardship and resilience.

“Our nation is at a pivotal juncture where the need to balance economic growth with environmental protection has never been more pressing. And while climate change has increased the complexity of risk across different scales and sectors, it also now represents opportunities for reform in this particular sector and industry,” the DENR chief said during a mining forum held in Makati City on June 18, 2024.

With the theme “Pioneering the Green Transition: Advancing Sustainable Mining, ” the forum was organized by the Embassy of Sweden and Business Sweden, with the Chamber of Mines in the Philippines as co-organizer. Dignitaries who attended the forum included Ambassador of Sweden to the Philippines Annika Thunborg, Business Sweden Vice President Emil Akander, Swedish Government Ambassador for Sustainable Business Cecilia Ekholm, and Chamber of Mines of the Philippines (COMP) and Metro Pacific Investments Corporation (MPIC) Public Affairs Director Michael Toledo.

Sweden acknowledged that the Philippines is endowed with rich mineral resources with a combined value of between $.4 to 1 trillion. Critical minerals that are vital to the manufacture of chip-driven gadgets and electric vehicle batteries such as gold, copper and nickel are among the Philippines’ leading mineral exports providing the country with a unique opportunity to become a global leader in sustainable mining.

Secretary Loyzaga said the Philippines must leverage its natural wealth responsibly and equitably while ensuring that the socio-economic benefits of mining extend to all Filipinos, especially to the communities that host mining operations and those beyond.

The DENR Secretary said the forum is an important platform for collaboration that is crucial to advancing Philippine Development Goals and international commitments made to the Paris Agreement, Convention on Biodiversity, Sustainable Development Goals, the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, among others.

“This all involves investing in science and technology and in integrating social and ecological considerations into our mining operations, promoting biodiversity, as well, reducing carbon footprints, and implementing effective waste management practices. These must not just be part of our regulatory requirements but must now become essential elements of a progressive and responsible mining sector,” said Secretary Loyzaga.

The Secretary also highlighted that biodiversity protection, low carbon development, and the implementation of the Philippine Ecosystem and Natural Capital Accounting System (PENCAS) are critical areas for the green transition of the mining industry.

To protect biodiversity, DENR Administrative Order No. 2022-04 mandates comprehensive guidelines to protect and conserve biodiversity in mining operations by emphasizing the integration of biodiversity management plans into mining practices to ensure conservation.

The order reflects the DENR’s commitment to ensuring that this is not just a regulatory requirement but a fundamental component of mining operations.
To transition to a low carbon future, the DENR is directing its policies towards the adoption of low-carbon technologies and practices and nature-based solutions in mining operations. Beyond enhancing energy efficiency and investing in renewable energy, this will include a more strategic mining forest program to address climate risks in the country. As of May 2024, over 55 million seedlings have been planted by mining companies in over 50,000 mined-out areas with a survival rate of close to 90 percent. These trees can decrease the vulnerability of host and nearby communities.

Additionally, the PENCAS Law mandates measuring the true value of the country’s natural resources and ecosystems, including minerals, to socio-economic development, and includes addressing the impacts on ecosystems by adopting the mitigation hierarchy in mining operations which follows the steps of avoidance, minimization, restoration, and offsetting compensation for affected communities.

“In this regard, we have a very keen interest in learning today from Sweden’s long history and experience in promoting scientific advancement, transparency, accountability, and sustainability in the mining sector,” said Secretary Loyzaga, adding that the Philippines’ partnership with Sweden “will pave the way towards achieving the greatest net positive impact today and in the future, so that we may, in fact, win this race to resilience, this race to a low carbon, and possibly net zero environment and the race to have our earth still be enjoyed by many generations to come.”

President Ferdinand R. Marcos on Friday, June 21, 2024 led three (3) groundbreaking and inauguaration ceremonies along sections of of the Manila-Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) C5 Link and the Cavitex - Cavite-Laguna Expressway (CALAX) Link Project.

President Marcos was joined by Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and project concessionaire Metro Pacific Tollways Corporation (MPTC) Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan. Also present were Senator Mark Villar, Department of Transportion Secretary Jaime Bautista, Philippine Reclamation Authority General Manager Cesar Siador, MPTC President and CEO Rogelio L. Singson, and DPWH Undersecretary Maria Catalina E. Cabral.

Inaugurated was the 1.9 kilometer Segment 2 or the Sucat Interchange of Cavitex C5 Link which now connects Cavitex Interchange to the Sucat Interchange of the project. The newly-opened segment will be toll-free for a month.

Two (2) other segments of the project are already operational namely: the 2.20-kilometer Segment 3A-1 which starts from Merville to C5/SLEX, and the 1.6-kilometer Segment 3A-2 from E. Rodriguez to Merville.

President Marcos, also led the groundbreaking of the remaining 2-kilometer Segment 3B of the Cavitex C5 Link, which will complete the project as it will connect the Sucat Interchange to E. Rodriguez. The last segment is aimed for completion in 2025.

When completed, the P12.65 Billion Cavitex C5 Link will be a 7.7-kilometer, 6-lane toll road that will decongest traffic in major business districts in Makati/Taguig area, to Cavite/Paranaque/Las Pinas, reducing travel time from South Luzon Expressway/C5 and Cavitex from the current 40 minutes to just 10 minutes.

Another high-impact project that broke ground today is the 1.2-kilometer Cavitex-CALAX Link Project which is seen to decongest traffic in Cavite, specifically along Centennial Road from Gahak to Tirona Highway.

The project will directly link the coastal expressway and CALAX, with alignment crossing Tirona Highway at Barangay Binakayan and Daang Bangkal Road at Barangay Marulas in Kawit, and Centennial Road at Barangay Pag-asa III in Imus.

Government officials from the Philippines and Korea convened in a coordination meeting aimed at advancing the Laguna Lakeshore Road Network (LLRN) Project – Phase I and other Infrastructure Flagship Projects (IFPs) under President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. administration’s “Build Better More” program.

The meeting held on June 20, 2024 at Bayleaf Hotel, Intramuros, Manila saw the participation of Senior Undersecretary Emil K. Sadain of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Director Jiyoung Choi from Republic of Korea’s Ministry of Economy and Finance.

Organized as part of a pre-policy dialogue, the meeting is a significant step forward in the bilateral efforts between Philippines and Korea and pivotal in in securing strategic cooperation and funding support from Export–Import Bank of Korea (KEXIM) for LLRN Project – Phase I particularly at the 7.94-kilometer contract package I between Lower Bicutan to Alabang.

The LLRN Project–Phase 1 covering Laguna Lake’s western side alignment covers the construction of a 37.6 kilometers mainline road, 6.1 kilometers local connecting roads, and 7.3 kilometers interchanges and slip roads that stretches from Lower Bicutan all the way to Calamba City.

The project which is a new expressway that will connect the southern province of Laguna to Metro Manila via Laguna Lake, consists of viaduct and embankment and will have eight ( interchanges, namely: Sucat, Alabang, Tunasan, San Pedro/Biñan, Santa Rosa, Cabuyao, and Calamba.

Also present at the meeting are Ministry of Economy and Finance Deputy Director Seojeong Kim; KEXIM Director Yushin Kim; Senior Loan Officer Yu-Jin Shin; KEXIM Manila Country Director Jung Won Seo; KEXIM Manila Deputy Directors Yunhak Lee and Minjeong Kwon; Department of Finance OIC-Director John Narag; DPWH Directors Ramon A. Arriola III, Benjamin A. Bautista, Teresita V. Bauzon, and Randy R. Del Rosario; and Project Managers Zenaida Mauhay and Jerry C. Fano.

Other component of the LLRN particularly for the 7.63-kilometer Contract Package 2 between Alabang to San Pedro/Biñan and 9.70-kilometer Contract Package 4 between Cabuyao to Calamba will be financed by Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Meanwhile, the 12.23-kilometer Contract Package 3 between San Pedro/Biñan to Cabuyao will be co-financed by ADB and Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB)

To date, detailed engineering design of LLRN Project Phase – I is about 97.0% completed with the remaining 3% for assistance of the Consultant to the procurement of civil works.

In his report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan, Senior Undersecretary Sadain said that the coordination meeting also highlighted discussions on other ongoing and prospective initiatives supported by Korean financing and under the implementation of DPWH Unified Project Management Office (UPMO) Operations.

These include the imminent inauguration this August 2024 of the Panguil Bay Bridge in Northern Mindanao; completed Samar Pacific Coastal Road (SPCR) Phase I in Eastern Visayas and Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR –CCA) Measures in the Low-Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay in Central Luzon; and on-going detailed engineering design of Panay-Guimaras-Negros Island Bridges.

Other projects under Feasibility Studies or project proposal stage supported by Korean financing are the Samar Pacific Coastal Road – Phase II (SPCR-II); Consolacion-Liloan Bypass Road; Philippines-Korea Project Preparation Facility (Roads & Bridges Output); Lapu-Lapu Coastal Road; New Liloan Bridge; Maasin City Coastal Bypass Bridge; Iconic Bohol-Leyte Bridge; Philippines-Korea Project Preparation Facility (Flood Control Output); and Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRR-CCA) Measures in Low Lying Areas of Pampanga Bay, Stage II.

“Further discussions with Korean counterparts are vital as we strive for infrastructure cooperation to enhance transport links and foster regional development", added Senior Undersecretary Sadain.

On other hand, Director Choi reaffirmed the Republic of Korea’s steadfast support, emphasizing practical infrastructure cooperation as a cornerstone of bilateral relations.

The meeting concluded with a shared commitment to continue dialogue and accelerate progress on these transformative projects, demonstrating Korea’s enduring partnership in the Philippines' infrastructure development journey.

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) on Thursday broke ground for the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System’s Banlic Depot in Calamba, Laguna.

During the groundbreaking ceremony, DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the Banlic Depot signals the “rapid progress” of the project after its land development and other preparatory works began in 2023.

“We mark the significant progress since June last year in land development and other preparatory works such as geotechnical investigation, fencing, clearing, erecting temporary project site offices and access roads,” he said.

The depot, part of Contract Package (CP) S-07 of the NSCR, covers an area of 24.5 hectares and consists of a control center, stabling yard, maintenance shop, and other ancillary buildings.

CP S-07 is worth PHP16.9 billion and is scheduled to be completed in 2028.

“For residents of Banlic and adjacent communities, the NSCR will not only enhance connectivity but also transform their socio-economic status by providing rapid mobility for people and goods,” Bautista said.

Meanwhile, he also called on project contractors of the NSCR to give special consideration to the safety of their workers.

“I therefore urge our contractors – the joint venture of Hyundai Engineering and Dong-Ah Geological Engineering – as well as other contractors building the various segments of the NSCR, to always focus on safety throughout the construction sites,” he said.

He said a delay with no record of an accident at the workplace is more acceptable than having workplace casualties.

“Of course, on-time completion with no accident is better,” he said.

Co-financed by the Asian Development Bank and the Japan International Cooperation Agency, the 147-kilometer NSCR system will connect Pampanga, Bulacan, Metro Manila and Laguna via railway.

Once operational, the NSCR is seen to reduce travel time from Clark, Pampanga to Calamba, Laguna to less than two hours and accommodate 800,000 passengers daily.

In observation of the celebration of 2024 Philippine Environment Month, the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) Central Office (CO) participated in a coastal cleanup for World Ocean's Day at BASECO Aplaya, Port Area, Manila on June 07, 2024.

With the theme: "Awaken New Depths,” the simultaneous nationwide coastal cleanup saw the collaboration of 14,000 participants from various sectors, including the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, private organizations, other national government agencies, local government units, youth groups, and community members.

Among the participants, 14 personnel from the MGB CO contributed their efforts to the massive cleanup drive-in.

The campaign aimed to address the alarming amount of waste accumulating along coastlines and riverbanks across the Philippines. In total, the initiative covered around 218 kilometers of coastal and riverbank areas nationwide.

The cleanup drive resulted in the collection of approximately 118,000 kilos of waste, equivalent to over 8,500 sacks filled with various types of litter. Commonly found items included plastic bottles, plastic bags, food wrappers, utensils, straws, sachets, styrofoam, cigarette butts, and discarded fishing gear. This substantial effort underscores the urgent need for continued environmental awareness and action.

World Oceans Day, first proposed in 1992 during the Earth Summit in Rio de Janeiro, is celebrated globally to emphasize the importance of ocean conservation and encourage initiatives that protect marine ecosystems.

This day highlights the vital role the ocean plays in human life and the myriad ways individuals can contribute to its preservation, fostering a deeper personal connection to the sea.

The success of various cleanup efforts underscores the power of community involvement and the positive impact of collaborative action in addressing environmental challenges.

The Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) Cavite Extension is expected to be completed by 2031, an official of the Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) said on Friday.

"[For] Phase 2 and 3, [we are] meeting with the DOTr (Department of Transportation) to be able to commence the construction. We have to clarify a few points before we proceed," LRMC General Manager Enrico Benipayo said in a briefing during the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 site visit at the Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City.

"In terms of length of construction and pre-activities prior to construction such as financial closure, all the other pre-requisites for the construction, we hope that by 2031, ROWs 2 and 3 would be completed. There are preliminary works already started as far as right of way acquisition is concerned," he said.

With a project cost of PHP64.915 billion, the LRT-1 Cavite Extension is being financed through a hybrid model consisting of PHP17.80 billion in official development assistance (ODA) from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA); PHP39.57 billion from the private sector operator LRMC; and PHP7.55 billion from the government of the Philippines.

The project consists of three packages and is expected to add about 300,000 passengers to the daily LRT-1 ridership, bringing the total to 800,000, during the first year of full operations in 2031.

It will connect Manila to Cavite, reducing travel time from Baclaran, Pasay City to Niog, Cavite from 1 hour and 10 minutes via local roads to only 25 minutes via train.

The construction of the Phase 1 is progressing as scheduled with its 98.2 percent completion rate as of end April 2024.

The project will add 6.2 kilometers to the existing LRT-1 line from Baclaran Station in Pasay City to Dr. Santos Station in Parañaque City.

Phase 1 which is expected to be operational before the end of the year, is capable of serving 600,000 passengers daily.

The five new stations under Phase 1 are currently at various stages of completion with Redemptorist Station registering 97.4 percent; Manila International Airport Station at 97.2 percent; Asia World Station at 90.4 percent; Ninoy Aquino Station at 93.5 percent; and Dr. Santos Station at 97.7 percent.

LRT-1 Dr. Santos Station, the end terminal for Phase 1, will serve as a major transit hub. Passengers will have seamless access to various modes of transportation through the intermodal facility.

The intermodal facility is located with access to and from Dr. A. Santos Avenue and C5 Road Extension and will have designated bays for public buses, jeepneys, taxis, private cars, motorcycles, as well as dedicated parking slots for PWDs.

“The nearing completion of the LRT-1 Cavite Extension Phase 1 is a testament to the government and private sector’s commitment to improving public transportation in the country. An excellent showcase of how public private partnership (PPP) works, this project underscores LRMC’s commitment to providing a safe, convenient, and passenger-centric commuting experience for everyone,” Benipayo said.

DOTr Secretary Jaime Bautista said the intermodal transport hub would give a variety of choices to passengers.

“Magkakaroon rito ng jeepney, possible buses, UV express, and even motorcycle taxis. Maraming options ang mga passengers (There will be jeepneys, possibly buses, UV Express, and even motorcycle taxis. There will be a lot of options for passengers),” he said.

“The LRT-1 Cavite project will contribute to easing the traffic. With the operations of the project, maraming makaka-connect sa (many will be able to connect to) PITX, I think, will help many passengers, as well as to the airport. With this, it will improve accessibility and comfort to the riding public,” he said.

Once operational, Bautista said fewer persons would use their private cars, helping to ease traffic in the area.

“That will contribute to solving the traffic problem. Not necessarily eliminate traffic, but it will contribute to easing the traffic in this area,” he said.

Transportation Assistant Secretary for Rails Jorjette Aquino said the fare matrix for the LRT-1 extension would be the same as the existing Line 1.

“Regarding the fare, currently we will be applying the same fare, which is PHP13.29 boarding fare and for distance fare, we're going to allow PHP1.21 so that's the same as the existing line for LRT1 and LRT2,” Aquino said.

LRMC officials welcomed various government partners during the high-level site inspection by the DOTr led by Bautista.

Joining the inspection activity were Finance Secretary Ralph Recto; Department of Public Works and Highways Undersecretary Maria Catalina Cabral; Metropolitan Manila Development Authority Chairman Romando Artes; Parañaque City District 1 Rep. Edwin Olivarez; Parañaque City Mayor Eric Olivarez; Japan International Cooperation Agency Philippines Chief Representative Takema Sakamoto; Light Rail Transit Authority Administrator Hernando Cabrera; and Embassy of Japan Representative Masahi Ide.

“The project represents a dramatic shift in transit-oriented development here in the Philippines. It will not only connect Manila to Cavite but also act as a catalyst for economic activity, creating new opportunities for more jobs and businesses to flourish in Region 4-A or the Calabarzon,” Finance Secretary Ralph Recto said.