C. Luzon retirement summit slated in Clark

[ Published by : sunstar.com.ph]

February 2, 2008

CLARK FREEPORT - - A retirement industry summit for Central Luzon is scheduled here at the Oxford Hotel on February 21, according to Rene G. Romero, Regional Coordinator for Central Luzon of the Philippine Retirement, Inc. (PRI) disclosed.

Romero said the summit, a project of the Central Luzon Retirement Industry Enhancement Team, aims to provide information to the stakeholders on the retirement industry in the Philippines and to present the prospects of the industry in the region.

“It also endeavors to involve the key stakeholders in the preparation of the region’s retirement industry roadmap and strategic development plan,” Romero said.

The Central Luzon team, Romero said, is composed of key agencies and organizations from the government and the private sector. It is chaired by the PRI and co-chaired by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office and the Philippine Retirement Authority.

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Leyte seeking identity as reg’l IT capital

TACLOBAN CITY — Leyte Gov. Carlos Jericho Petilla declared he would like to change the perception of Leyte province that from an agricultural province into one known for information technology (IT).

The governor stated this during the recently held Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation- Information Technology seminar series at the Eastern Visayas State University (EVSU), which was sponsored by the Overseas Vocational Training Association of Japan and the Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc.

In his keynote speech at the opening of the two-day APEC-IT seminar series, Petilla said under his administration, a number of IT-related thrusts have already been enforced firstly in the operation of the provincial government.

He said that the biometrics system was introduced among employees of the provincial capitol and increasing the employees’ work productivity by a significant percent.

Aside from this, Gov. Petilla said the province is continuously in constant talks with possible locators and investors in the IT business to locate at the PEZA-declared facility dubbed as the Information and Communication Technology (ICoT) Park.

He however pointed out the need to push for demand-driven degree courses and trainings among the local colleges and universities to be able to sustain the current need of the job market for qualified workers.

"It would be hard to convince locators if we cannot sustain the workforce and the solution I see is for our colleges and universities to offer courses and trainings to professionals currently in demand in the job market," Petilla explained.

[ Published by: Manila Bulletin Online – www.mb.com.ph ]
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Boracay unfit for large scale development - DENR

BORACAY ISLAND, Aklan — Boracay Island is not fit to large-scale construction and development, an official from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) said. DENR provincial officer Raoul Lorrilla explained that the island is located along the Tablas fault and the threat of earthquake and even tsunamis is possible. In view of this, DENR required resorts and stakeholders in Boracay to get a geo-hazard impact certificate. "This is to ensure that their establishment is environment-friendly," he said, adding that the geo-hazard certificate is obtained from the DENR’s Geo and Mines Bureau (GMB). Lorrilla said the DENR decided to add the GMB-issued certificate as requirements to stakeholders as they observed that some of them are putting their establishments anywhere in the island without even considering that they might disrupt the environment. He cited a resort constructed on a cave in Boracay. Lorrilla said they do not know if the resort will be safe in the future because of its location. The DENR is currently investigating five more resorts, allegedly operating without the required Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC). (Danny Fajardo)

[ Published by : Manila Bulletin Online- mb.com.ph]
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Property firms banned from expanding

[ Published by : Businessworld Online ] Vol. XXI, No. 129
Thursday, January 31, 2008 | MANILA, PHILIPPINES

DAVAO CITY — The city council has shelved applications filed by property firms Robinsons Homes, Inc. and Filinvest Land, Inc. for upgrades of their housing projects in this city from low-density to medium-density.

The projects are located in Talomo district, which hosts water wells supplying drinking water to this city’s residents.

On Tuesday, Councilor Arnolfo Cabling, committee on housing chairman, withdrew the resolution allowing Robinsons’ Costa Verde Subdivision in Barangay Bago Gallera, Talomo district to reclassify its 15-hectare project into a medium-density residential zone. A reclassification would have allowed the subdivision to build more housing units and achieve economies of scale. A low-density residential zone only permits 20 housing units while a medium-density zone allows as many as 65 units.

Last week, the application of Filinvest Land, Inc. for an upgrade to medium-density housing project was also rejected by a majority vote.

Filinvest wanted a 24-hectare property in Dumoy, Talomo district reclassified.

Earlier, Vice-Mayor Sara Duterte expressed reservations on the conversion of "low-density residential zones" to "medium-density residential zones."

Ms. Duterte, who serves as acting mayor while her father, Rodrigo, is on leave of absence, said housing developers intending to expand in protected areas might have to wait for her father to come back because she wouldn’t allow it to happen under her watch.

After a quick executive session on Tuesday, the councilors agreed to throw their support behind Ms. Duterte. The position was also backed by Mayor Duterte, who said that the city government has to take action to protect its natural resources.

Salvador Valbuena, president of the Subdivision and Housing Developers Association, declined to comment on the issue but said he was meeting with the organization’s members to come up with a unified position.

A study by Carmelita P. Martinez and Edmundo B. Prantilla, assistant professors of the state-run University of Southeastern Philippines, described Dumoy as one of the five major aquifers in the Talomo and Lipadas watersheds.

"Presently, the health of the aquifer is endangered because of over-extraction and the degradation of the environment in the uplands of the [watersheds]. There is a need to legislate a sound policy in order to protect the quality and quantity of the groundwater in the Dumoy aquifer," the study, presented on the 10th National Convention on Statistics in October 2007, stated.

Mr. Cabling said that another application for reclassification by Filinvest also in Dumoy would have to be suspended while the technical group, comprising the City Engineer’s Office, the City Planning and Development Office, and City Health Office, reviews the requirements for approving housing developments in protected areas.

"Whether we like it or not, development will come," Mr. Cabling said. "[Robinsons’ and Filinvest] are responsible developers, they are here to help protect and not contaminate the protected zones," he added. — Joel B. Escovilla

[ Published by : Businessworld Online ]
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UAE firm to set up logistics hub in northern Philippines

Agence France-Presse

First Posted 12:10pm (Mla time) 01/30/2008

SUBIC BAY, Philippines -- Emirati developer Jafza International and Economic Zones World has signed an accord to develop a logistics hub in the Subic Bay freeport, north of the Philippine capital, it was announced Wednesday.

Under the memorandum, the United Arab Emirates (UAE)-based Jafza could invest as much as $250 million over the next five years in the international hub, said Armand Arreza, chief executive officer of Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

The agreement was finalized during Philippine President Gloria Arroyo's recent visit to the UAE, said Arreza.

Under the agreement, Jazfa International will lease and develop parts of an industrial zone, the wharf and the international airport located in Subic for use of its logistics operations, the official added.

Subic Bay was formerly the base of US naval forces in the region but was transferred back to Philippine control in 1992. It has since been converted into a freeport, industrial zone and tourism center.

[ Published by : Business.Inquirer.net ]
January 31, 2008
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Council seeks 1-2-mo. delay [ Banilad flyover ]

THE Cebu City Council yesterday asked for another postponement of the Banilad flyover’s construction, which is scheduled to start tomorrow.

Councilors are asking for one to two months postponement or until the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) finishes appropriating the 21 lots for the road and Mahiga Bridge expansion.

The City Council also organized a committee composed of several city councilors who will, as one of its functions, help stakeholders prepare for the construction.

A DPWH official, however, said construction could no longer be stopped.

The City Traffic Operations Management (Citom) board, meanwhile, decided to cancel the public utility vehicle (PUV) rerouting and odd-even scheme for taxis and private vehicles at the Banilad-Talamban area.

The board decision yesterday came after Citom saw that the twin traffic mitigation measures just confused motorists and commuters and the detour roads were found to be inadequate to accommodate vehicles diverted from the construction site.

This was the assessment reached after the odd-even scheme’s implementation from 2 p.m. To 3 p.m. Last Monday and Tuesday.

The 390-meter, P89.6-million flyover will span Gov. Mariano Cuenco Ave from from the J. Panis St./Mahiga Bridge (across Gaisano Country Mall) junction and beyond the A.S. Fortuna St. intersection.

Citom will instead enforce a “no left turn” policy and will strictly implement a “no fault zone,” specifically at the construction area.

In it’s regular session yesterday, the City Council approved Vice Mayor Michael Rama’s resolutions, made during a privilege speech, for them to request the DPWH to consider putting off the construction and for it to consider the views raised by concerned residents and businesses in last Monday’s public hearing.

During that hearing, the need to purchase commercial lots on both sides of Gov. Cuenco, right by the construction site, for the creation of additional lanes was highlighted.

Rama again reiterated the need to purchase lots. He said this is already possible with the successful insertion of over P50 million in the country’s 2008 budget for the DPWH’s allocation during the Senate and the House of Representative’s bicameral conference committee hearing this week.

Granting the postponement, however, is in the hands of DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, whom Rep. Raul del Mar (Cebu City, north district) asked last year to put off construction from Nov. 2007 to Feb. 1, 2008.

Ebdane gave in to the request because businessmen, who will suffer during the construction, wanted to take advantage of the increase in the number of shoppers during the Christmas season and the Sinulog festival.

But yesterday, in a radio dyLA interview, DPWH 7 Legal Counsel Agustinito Hermoso said construction could no longer be stopped.

He said the notice to proceed was already sent to the contractor, who will also suffer if its postponed again, due to the increasing prices of materials.

Besides, he said, it would already be a breach of contract if it will be postponed again.

“Wala na man tay mahimo ana, nagdagan na man gud ang contract time ana kay naa na man silay specific period nga matiman ang project (We can’t do anything about it because the contract time is already running because they are given a specific period to finish the project),” Hermoso said.

He said building the flyover now or two months from now would entail the same inconvenience.

In an interview, City Councilor Sylvan Jakosalem said the Citom board approved his motion to scrap the odd-even scheme and the PUJ rerouting after last Tuesday’s traffic mess.

Gridlocks and slow moving traffic were experienced not only in the Banilad-Talamban area but also along Salinas Drive in Lahug, Juan Luna Ave. and F. Cabahug St. in Mabolo, and Herna Cortes St. in Mandaue City.

“Citom will implement the no left turns and other measures to provide unrestricted flow on the remaining two lanes at the construction site,” Jakosalem said.

It was initially agreed that U-turn slots will be provided “where there is less traffic” for right-turning vehicles (who could not make a left turn) meters before the construction site.

But, Jakosalem said, it was later decided that left turns will be allowed from both A.S. Fortuna and Ma. Luisa Subdivision to the Country Mall.

The plan, though, will still be finalized, he added.

Citom Executive Officer Arnel Tancinco said motorists and commuters failed to grasp the odd-even scheme.

Most, though, simply refused to acknowledge its need, as gleaned from traffic enforcers’ reports of motorists scolding them during the experimentation last Monday and Tuesday.

“Kaning attitude nato to refuse to adopt to changes. So we decided to just provide the necessary information through warning signs before the construction site,” he said.

He said vehicles could not make a left turn for the Banilad Town Centre, the Country Mall, J. Panis, and even the current El Dorado Subdivision exit will not be allowed.

He said that if owners of the Cebu Memorial Park (Cempark) will open its road, it will be a big help since motorists will no longer have to pass through the construction site.

Instead, they could use J. Panis and exit to A.S. Fortuna and even cross to to M. L. Quezon Ave. in Cabancalan, Mandaue.

“Hesitant lang kuno ang corporate board kay naa man gud silay contract of serenity sa mga patay. That is the same with other private cemeteries. I-refer pa daw nila sa ilang legal kung dili ba sila vulnerable to lawsuits sa ilang clients kung ablihan ang dalan for the publice,” Tancinco said.

“So ang atong advise, avoid the Foodland vicinity (where the flyover construction will be), and expect heavier traffic,” he added.

Mayor Tomas Osmeña earlier said that if Citoms see the dire need, he could invoke the Local Government Code’s general welfare code and force open Cempark’s road. (RHM)

[ Published by : Sunstar.com.ph ]
Thursday, January 31, 2008
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Zoning board kills another crematorium project

[ ILOILO ][ Published by : Sunstar.com.ph ]
Wednesday, January 30, 2008

THE Iloilo City Zoning Board (ICZB) junked another application for a crematorium project in the Jaro district.

Nathaniel Guillergan of the city zoning office said the trashing of the application of Gegato-Abecia Funeral Homes was made following a voting that had residents Balabago, Jaro who are opposed to the crematorium prevailing over those that favor it.

Gegato was the second applicant for a crematorium that failed to acquire the approval of the ICZB. It was the Philippine American Cemetery Association's application that initially gained disapproval from the board. The latter proposed that the crematorium must be built in Commission Civil, Jaro, where the cemetery is located.

Guillergan, who disapproved the project, said it would be hazardous to the people's health. It is also the reason that the application failed to obtain public acceptance.

He said the city zoning ordinance requires that every project like a crematorium must be built at least 200 meters away from a school, restaurant, and residences for health concerns.

Gegato's proposed site is only 50 meters away from the local primary school.

A member of the local zoning board, Councilor Eduardo Peñaredondo, voted in favor of the project and justified that the provisions that Guillergancited were too old and need amendment considering the improved living of people nowadays.

He said that if the concern of the board is the people's health, several funeral parlors located in populated area and adjacent to learning institutions like Porras and Somo funeral homes in Lapaz and City Proper should have been disapproved. (JDB)

(January 30, 2008 issue)
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Dubai to build a new Cebu port

[ Published by :ManilaStandard Today ] January 29, 2008

PRESIDENT Arroyo arrives today bringing investments from Dubai World, one of the biggest conglomerates in the world.

The President yesterday announced that the company, a holding firm that manages a portfolio of businesses for the Dubai government, will build a resort, a port operation in Cebu, and an industrial park on a 42-hectare property in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Dubai World has holdings in international companies that provide a wide range of services including transport and logistics, free zone development, maritime services, property development, financial services, and hospitality and leisure.

Its hotel and leisure arm, Kerzner, will build a resort in an as yet undisclosed location, the Palace said. The company owns a dozen luxury hotels and beach resorts, including Atlantis on Paradise Islands in the Bahamas.

DP World, the terminal and port-handling arm of Dubai World, already operates in Manila and is one of the biggest taxpayers in the city. Trade Secretary Peter Favila said DP World, which manages 42 terminals in 22 countries, would send a team to the Philippines to open port operations in Cebu as well.

Meanwhile, the Jebel Ali Free Zone Authority has agreed to develop an industrial park in Subic.

Presidential Spokesman Ignacio Bunye said the agreement with the Philippines would further enhance trade, investments and other commerce through the company’s network.

The company’s executive vice president, Noel Gulliver, said the agreement called for comprehensive planning and development of the 42-hectare property inside the Subic Bay Freeport.

“We will also help out in the marketing and promote to locators to set up shop inside the [zone],” Gulliver said. Roy Pelovello

Source : manilastandardtoday.com

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RLC to build townhouse villas in exclusive Cebu resort

[ Published by Philstar.com ]
Monday, January 28, 2008

By Zinnia B. Dela Peña

Robinsons Land Corp., (RLC) the real estate arm of Gokongwei flagship firm JG Summit Holdings Inc., has unveiled plans to build six clusters townhouse villas within its exclusive residential resort community in Mactan, Cebu.

In a disclosure to the Philippine Stock Exchange, RLC said the project, called Blue Coast Residences, will rise on a 3.37-hectare property comprising a total of 25 two-to-three storey villas.

Inspired by American architecture, the Blue Coast Residences — RLC’s upper mid-cost residential subdivision — will offer first class amenities such as gate and guardhouse, wading and spa pool, infinity pool, a bird’s fountain, gazebo, multi-purpose clubhouse and multi-purpose hall and administration building.

“The Blue Coast Residences is perfect for individuals and families who demand high quality, luxurious living. A haven where they can foster a love of nature yet prefer privacy and tranquility in a modest lifestyle,” said Robinsons Homes Inc. senior vice president and general manager Marilu M. Alferez. Alferez said the company plans to launch Blue Coast Residences in the second quarter of the year.

“We are pleased to be re-entering the townhouse residential market with this project, following several years of focusing on horizontal subdivision developments. Based on increased demand of ready-for-occupancy residences, we expect quality townhouse projects such as this to be a successful niche for RLC,” Alferez said.

RLC’s second project in Cebu is Aspen Heights, a 25-hectare residential subdivision located in Consolacion, Cebu which offers “lot only” with option of housing package.

Other projects in the pipeline include AmiSa, a five-star, six-tower condominium resort which will be located in Punta Engaño, Mactan, and a three storey mixed-use building. The six towers will offer 900 high-end seaside condominium units and a five-star resort which will have 200 to 300 rooms.

The IT building, on the other hand, will also house retail outlets and a condominium hotel on RLC’s 4,000-square meter property in Fuente Osmeña.

RLC, through its housing unit Robinsons Homes, has 26 residential communities and commercial subdivision projects all over the country.
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DENR to take over Boracay Island - Environmental program to address deteriorating conditions

[ Published by : Manila Bulletin Online ( www.mb.com.ph)]
January 28, 2008
By : Danny Fajardo
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KALIBO, Aklan — The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will take over Boracay Island, which will undergo massive environmental rehabilitation to address deteriorating conditions.

In a dialogue with the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP), DENR Regional Executive Director Lormelyn Claudio said there had been many environment-related violations in the island.

She said the only remedy is for the department to take over and rehabilitate the world-famous resort island.

"We still respect the authorities of the Department of Tourism, the Philippine Tourism Authority and the local government unit. We also hope they will respect us in terms of environmental policies," Claudio said.

DENR conducted an investigation of Boracay’s environment after the reported flooding of key areas in the resort island last December.

Tourists also complained of stinking odors in several areas of the island.

During the dialogue, Claudio presented the DENR’s proposed Boracay Master Plan to the SP that incorporates the technical, organizational, and institutional aspects of environmental protection and rational developments for this resort island.

"With the completion of the Boracay Master Plan, we will now proceed (with) the creation of a Comprehensive Land Use and Development Plan which will be adopted by the Regional Development Council and the National Economic Development Authority," Claudio said.

Although she did not disclose the time frame for DENR’s takeover, she said that this may take some time because the resort island is a popular tourist destination and thus cannot be just shut down.

"We are also bent on creating the multi-partite monitoring team whose funding will be shouldered by the stakeholders of Boracay," Claudio said. She called this the environmental monitoring fund.

Based on DENR’s investigation, only 38 percent of Boracay’s forest cover is left while the caves, wetlands and forest areas have been encroached by some private stakeholders.

DENR will not issue any Environmental Compliance Certificates to new investors until a six-month moratorium is lifted.

Meanwhile, the National Economic and Development Authority Investment Coordination Committee (NEDA-ICC) has approved the P2.5-billion Caticlan Airport Development Project in Aklan province.

The project includes the construction of new airport passenger terminal, extension of the existing runway from 950 meters to 2,100 meters, improvement of the road network, and upgrading of airport facilities and air traffic control aids.

NEDA said the private proponent Caticlan International Airport Development Corp. (CIADC) plans to build other support utilities, put up firefighting equipment, and construct a diversion road.

The project is based on a build-rehabilitate-operate-transfer (BROT) scheme at no cost to the government.
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