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Nestle Prize in Creating Shared Value now open for nominations

Roy — Sun, 24 Apr 2011 03:04:12 +0000

The Nestlé Prize in Creating Shared Value is open for nominations. The award, which is open globally, aims to recognize an individual, non-government organization, or small enterprise working in the field of nutrition, water, or rural development. The nomination will be open until June 30, 2011.

The Nestlé Prize in Creating Shared Value was launched in 2009 and offers advice and financial support of up to CHF 500,000 (more than US$480,000 or approximately P23 million), to an innovation or project that has shown outstanding promise in improving access to, or management of, water, enhancing the lives of farmers and rural communities; or providing better nourishment to communities suffering from nutritional deficiencies.

Those who are eligible for nominations are individuals, non-government organizations (NGOs), or small enterprises. Their projects should already have achieved small scale success, it must be implemented in a developing country, and it should be based on a sound and sustainable business model.

The fields of achievements include, but are not limited to, agriculture, including extension services and use of new technology; food science and technology; nutrition education programs; water management; protection of water resources; and the like. Applicants may either self-nominate or be nominated by others who are familiar with their work. To ensure long-term success, the Prize Laureate is supported by a financial commitment over a period of time to assist in the development of their project or innovation.

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Eastern Communications receives ISO 9001:2008 certification

Roy — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 21:33:34 +0000

The country’s telecommunications pioneer that provides landline, data, Internet and broadband services Eastern Communications, announced that it has received the International Organization for Standardization ISO 9001:2008 certification for its quality management system.

The ISO 9001:2008 is an international recognition of standards that defines quality. Receiving this certification is an indication that the organization conforms to a quality management system, which can consistently provide a product or service that meets customer and applicable regulatory requirements.

Eastern Communications is the first telecom company in the Philippines to receive the certification for its entire system of operations. Eastern directors for QA, regional sales and customer care Bernie Bernardino said that the certification means assurance that Eastern’s products and services conform only to the highest international standards in the industry.

“The achievement of the ISO 9001:2008 certification is indeed a major milestone for Eastern Communications, as it is the only major telecommunications company in the country today that has this recognition from the International Organization for Standardization in all its sales, network and support functions,” he said.

Bernardino said the certification was not received overnight. It took nearly a year to accomplish with Eastern’s certification partner, TÜV SÜD, an international service corporation focusing on consulting, testing, certification, and training, represented by its auditor, Lance Xavier Dy.

Dy said that there are around 700 companies from the public and private sectors and abroad comprising international and multinational business have received ISO 9001:2008 certification. “I hope Easter Communications continues to improve and engage in ISO 9001 as a culture rather than mere compliance to the international standard,” he added. “The certification should help the company strive for greater heights.”

Bernardino said, “The certification introduces the new world-class brand of Eastern Communication today as one of our competitive advantages. It demonstrates further our continued commitment to the highest level of quality management and design to ensure the delivery of quality telecommunications solutions and services.” He added that the certification also means Eastern is committed to innovating on the way it serves its customers and greater efficiency in all its vital operating areas.

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Sutherland is PEZA’s 2001 Employer of the Year

Roy — Sat, 16 Apr 2011 17:18:57 +0000

For the 3rd time, Sutherland Global Services Philippines is name Outstanding Employer of the Year by the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA). The 2011 Outstanding Employer honor was given to Sutherland at the recent PEZA Investors’ Recognition Night, which reflects the value that the company gives its people.

From 150 employees in 2005, Sutherland today has more than 13,000 employees, a growth of over 86,000 percent. However, the secret of success of a business enterprise is not just the quantity of employees but also more importantly, the quality of employment.

With their 3rd outstanding employer award, the company is assured the honor of being included in PEZA’s Hall of Fame in next year’s awarding. This is a distinct recognition given only for a handful of companies which have won the award three times.

The Outstanding Employer Award is sponsored by the PEZA in cooperation with Philippine Ecozones Association. It is given to organizations that generate the most number of jobs, hold high regard for the welfare of their workers, and maintain harmony between labor and management.

Sutherland Philippine’s management team, chairman and CEO Dilip Vellodi said, “To win this prestigious award year after year is a very strong testament to the dedication of our employees in the Philippines, who have all helped in making this happen.”

Vellodi added, “Since our launch in 2005, our operations in the Philippines have become a strategic component of our global service delivery model. The country’s favorable economic environment, business-friendly government policies and above all the technically skilled and committed workforce have been driving forces in our ability to rapidly scale our operations across several locations in the country.”

The business process outsourcing (BPO) company was also awarded the Philippine Quality Award (PQA) for Commitment to Quality Management during the 11th PQA awarding rites conducted annually by the Department of Trade and Industry. Sutherland holds the honor of being the first and only BPO company who has been given the award in the last 10 years.

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New mutual fund unit from Philam group

Roy — Mon, 28 Mar 2011 02:36:24 +0000

The Pami Asia Balanced Fund, the fund management unit of the Philam group, has been given license by the Securities and Exchange Commission to operate as an open-end investment company and to register its entire authorized capital stock consisting of eight million common shares at a par value of P0.45 each. The new mutual fund will invest in a mix of bonds and stocks across Asian emerging markets.

Gina Goco-Morales, the executive vice president of Philam Asset Management Inc. said, “It’s a new fund. Pami Asia Balanced Fund invests 50 percent in Asian equities and 50 percent in Asian fixed income.”

The seed capital for the new fund was provided by Pami. It is also the investment manager and principal distributor of the said new fund. In their documents submitted, Pami will be entering into a sub-management agreement with Amundi Singapore Ltd., which a specialist in global asset management. The new local mutual fund will seek to ensure long-terms growth of the invested funds. This it will do by tapping into the growth potential of Asia. The new investment fund is meant for investors who are looking for “moderate” risk investments. “The fund is positioned as an alternative to other mutual funds and balanced funds that are invested in Philippine securities,” according to the regulatory filing.

The fund’s aim is to provide investors with income and long-term capital appreciation through investment in equities, equity-related securities and debt securities of issuers across Asia-Pacific outside of Japan. The fund specifically aims to cover issuers across China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Korea, Australia, Malaysia, New Zealand, Thailand, Taiwan, Singapore and the Philippines.

The offering price is the net asset value per share plus an entry fee or sales load together with applicable taxes. Minimum investment is $5,000 and additional purchase is possible for at least $1,000

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Coffee Fund to finance coffee production to be set-up

Roy — Sun, 13 Mar 2011 16:36:46 +0000

To meet the local coffee demand of 64,000 metric tons (MT), a Coffee Fund to finance production is being set up by the Land Bank of the Philippines and (LBP) and coffee grower Corporate Holdings Management Inc. (CHMI).

President Noel S. Gonzales of CHMI said, “Any business will not survive without funding from banks. We can’t finance 100 percent of the equity for our production which is why we’re setting up a Coffee Fund with Land Bank for the Industry.” CHMI is now the largest coffee grower in the Philippines with 200 hectares of coffee plantation.

The template for financing coffee production being set up by CHMI with LBP will standardize financing for the coffee industry, according to Gonzales. He said this will attract commercial banks and other financiers to accommodate coffee growers. Usually, they veer away from this because of the industry’s many inherent risks, like calamity threats, production inefficiencies, and lack of markets.

Gonzales also said that there must be a guarantee loan fund to be set up by the government for agricultural production. “We will also need a guarantee from the government so that banks will lend without collateral. The government can guarantee 85 percent of the loan. The rest is still taken as a risk,” he said.

For its part, LBP, through its vice-president Liduvino S. Geron, said they have a mandate to prioritize agricultural production, especially coffee. “Among the crops, coffee is the nearest to Land Bank. It’s one of the high value crops. We have launched the Food Supply Chain program to promote value chain financing. We’re trying to link producers with millers, processors, and markets, and we’ll provide loans for these. We are prepared to finance post harvest, irrigation, transport, and warehousing facilities to ensure the produce and commodities reach markets.”

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Interim management

Roy — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 16:13:49 +0000

We all know of headhunting, not the literal headhunting, but manpower outsourcing. Wherein vacant positions in the rank and file were filled by sourcing out personnel from recruitment agencies. Sometimes they are permanent, and other times they are only needed for a certain period of time or just for a special project.

But have you heard or interim management? While manpower outsourcing or pooling of personnel from agencies may also include managerial positions, sometimes, there is a need to fill up a function, or someone to perform a very delicate task in the managerial level, and there is enough time to go through all the recruitment process – scanning of resume, testing, interviewing, training, etc.

That is where providers of interim management come in. Companies with such services provide management resources and skills for short-term performance of a proven heavyweight interim executive manager. Interim management is usually being implemented when there is a transition because of a change of management or business owners, there is an internal crisis, or a major change within the organization.

Situations mentioned above does not really allow enough time to hire the necessary management positions, and/or there are no qualified individuals within the organization to perform the function, as well as implement the necessary changes.

And since the position being filled up is a very delicate, as such would shape the future of the business, it is a must that extreme caution be exercised when acquiring interim management services. The organization should have enough discernment to understand which company would work best for their business.

If you find yourself needing such services, be sure to scout around. Research about the company which would provide such service. Get feedbacks from their previous clients, and also from friends who might even give better referrals for sourcing interim management resources.

Good luck!

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PALEA filed a new strike notice

Roy — Sun, 07 Nov 2010 02:35:58 +0000

Looks like the worst is yet over from flag carrier Philippine Airlines (PAL) as its ground crew union filed a new notice of strike last Friday before the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE).

Citing unfair labor practices, the Philippine Airlines Employees’ Association (PALEA) through its president Gerry Rivera, accused the PAL managers of talking with employees individually, convincing them to accept the mass layoff which will be implemented because of the planned outsourcing of the airline company. The said outsourcing of some services by PAL has already been approved by Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.

Rivera said they decided to file the notice of strike because the said attempt by the management to convince union members individually constitutes interference in their right to self-organization. “These are issues separate although related to the question of the mass layoffs recently decided by the labor secretary,” he added.

The new notice of strike is the second by PALEA this year. The first was last January wherein the union, representing more than half of the company’s rank and file employees, threatened a strike when it learned of the airline’s management’s plan to outsource its services.

Services that would be outsourced would include in-flight catering operations, airport services and call center reservations, which is said to affect 2,600 employees. The PAL management, for its part, said the outsourcing of services will help them save on costs and make the company more competitive.

Last October, DOLE ruled that the outsourcing plan was “a legal exercise of management prerogative,” which prevented the PALEA from pushing through with the first strike plan. In their recent notice however, PALEA charged management with bargaining directly with union members which it said “is tantamount to interference with, restraint, and coercion of employees in the exercise of their right to self-organization.”

Rivera said the mass layoff, which will lead to the dismissal of 62 percent of the present union leadership is tantamount to union busting. “The 1,000 union members who will remain then will be the subject of the next round of outsourcing which is already in management’s drawing boards and will be perfectly legal using the Baldoz decision as a precedent,” he said.

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Saving the white beach.

arbe — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 12:12:54 +0000

The boracay is one of the finest travel destination here in the philippines. But now it can turn into a not so good destination because some of the tourist that are going there are not caring about its environment so it is going to be destroyed little by little.

But some private corporation and non-government organization together with the local government of aklan are setting a program to help save the white beach, Boracay Island. It will be called the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) and was launched last September 25, 2010. This will settle all the concerns and problems of the white beach including the environmental issues.

The president of the Boracay Foundation Inc., Loubelle Cann said that the Boracay Beach Management Program (BBMP) will be focusing on costal resource management, watershed management, solid waste management and water waste management.

If they can prevent the destruction of the white beach it can attract more and more tourist and can create many job and business opportunities.

The Petron Corp., Petron Foundation, San Miguel Corp., Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and Boracay Island Water Company are the partners of the local government and some government agencies such as Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Tourism.

This program will surely help to save the white beach and improve it so that it can attract more investment and tourist.

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Offer for stronger Business industry

PinoyBusiness — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 09:40:03 +0000

A wish list offered to the Malacañang that includes some of the issues in the business industry. The Management Association of the Philippines (MAP) will submit this wish list to Mr. President Benigno C. Aquino III this last friday on the 17th of september.

Inside the letter are some of the long, medium and short-term issues that seeking some solution and improvements. Some of this issues are the taxation and infrastructure that needed to have an action. And some of the business group said that if the government minimizes the tax structure it can also minimizes the graft and corruption.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) also said that they are hoping that the government will prioritized the several issues that are said in the wish list of The Management Association of the Philippines. The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) is also hoping that the government will take action to improve infrastructure that can attract more and more investment and good public services that can improve tourism competitiveness and can lead to a strong economy.

Both Group said that they are looking forward at what the new administration can do especially in fighting the corruption that causes the our economy down under than the other country.

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The Obligation in Power Sector

PinoyBusiness — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 07:36:53 +0000

The Dept. of Energy said that the half of the debts on the power sector can be or may be recovered from the consumers. The National Power Corp. (Napocor), Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), and the National Transmission Corp. (Transco) had a P932.21 billion of obligations that can be reduced by half if they will pass the amount to the consumers via a universal charge component of electricity bills.

The National Power Corp. (Napocor’s) obligation totaled to P47.97 billion, The National Transmision Corp. (Transco’s) obligations has reached P99.15 billion but the most outstanding obligation is with the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) that has reached P785.09 billion.

If they will pay their obligations over 25 years it surely will lessen its impact on the consumers and especially on the national budget. $2 billion in five years, that can be the strain amount on the national budget.

The other option is for the government to borrow funds from the multilateral institution. But the government has not taken yet a action because the discussions are still on going. This issue must have an action because this may be a big problem if the debt will increase much more and can affect not only our national budget but also our economy.

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PSALM opens Naga power complex for bidding

Roy — Tue, 08 Jun 2010 05:07:39 +0000

The Naga power plant in complex Cebu. The Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) opened the bidding process for the independent power producer administrator (IPPA) contract to manage the output of the said power facility.

The state-run agency said it already issued the invitation to bid (ITB) to parties who might be interested to join the bidding for the Naga IPPA. Interested parties will have until June 14 to submit letters of interest for the Naga power plant.

Aside for the letter of interest, they will also be required to execute a confidentiality agreement and undertaking with PSALM, and the payment of a non-refundable participation fee of $5,000 on or before June 21.

A pre-bid conference to discuss the details in the bidding procedures for the Naga complex IPPA selection will be conducted by PSALM on June 25, while the bid evaluation for said power complex IPPA selection will be on August 18.

Winning bidder of the Naga complex IPPA will manage the Naga contracted capacity, which is the aggreage of the contracted capacities of the 39-megawatt (MW) Cebu diesel power plant 1 and the Cebu 1 and Cebu 2 coal power plant complexes,with a total installed capacity of 110 MW.

PSALM is mandated by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act of 2001, as the agency who will initiate the privatization of at least 70 percent of National Power Corp.’s power plants and its contracts with third-party power generators.

The purpose is the said agency is to create an era of open access and retail competition in the power industry, which would allow consumers – from the bulk power users, to choose their power suppliers. This initiative hopes to spur efficiency and competition in the once state-controlled power sector that had previously been the single biggest drain to public coffers.

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PSALM expects bids from 6 groups for Angat dam

Roy — Mon, 26 Apr 2010 16:13:38 +0000

On April 28, the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) is expecting to receive bids from at least companies at the auction of the 246 megawatt (MW) Angat hydropower plant in Norzagaray, Bulacan on April 28. PSALM vice president for asset management and electricity confirmed that six groups are in the running.

During the pre-bid conferences, Tolentino said that there were actually 12 groups who participated. However, he said that some might have already merged, while some “may have other priorities.”

The remaining interested parties are Trans-Asia Oil and Energy Development Corp., San Miguel Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp. and its partner SN Power of Norway, the consortium of First Gen. Corp., Ayala Group and Metro Pacific Corp., and DMCI Power Corp.

Tolentino said they “recognize the unique challenges posed by the Angat hydroelectric power plant to the bidders, considering that the facility is multi-purpose and PSALM is selling only the power component.” However, he expressed confidence that this concern will be addressed accordingly amid the power crisis.

He said, “Nevertheless, the current power situation shows how important a hydropower plant can be, so we hope the bidders will submit good offers for the Angat power plant.” The said plant started commercial operations on July 1968 with the commissioning of Auxiliary Unit 1 and 2

The Main Generating Units 1 and 2 followed on October 1967, while the Main Units 3 and 4 came into operations in August 1968.

The hydro facility in Angat operates through the Angat Dam, which supplies the water requirements of Metro Manila, Bulacan and other neighboring provinces.

PSALM discussed with the 6 groups a draft protocol for the use and the release of water passing through Angat.

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Convergys gears up for expansion this year

Roy — Thu, 28 Jan 2010 02:55:25 +0000

Convergys Corp., one of the leading business process outsourcing (BPO) company in the Philippines is gearing up for expansion this year, one of the main reason is that more clients are requesting that their accounts be handled by Philippines sites.

The company is looking to hire about 6,000 more employees this year , nationwide, in order to serve the growing “relationship management” requirements of their clients who specifically ask for Philippine sites to handle their accounts, said Maribe B. Zamora, Convergys vice-president and country manager for the Philippines.

Convergys, which operates 12 sites in the country and employing some 20,000 call center workers, recently had their recruitment fair in Cebu. Convergys vice-president for operations Stephen Daoust said that there was a strong interest in Cebu sites, especially after storms devastated Metro Manila and disrupted operations there last year. “Some clients are looking to come into Cebu because it’s outside the typhoon belt,” he said.

For their Cebu operations, the company will be adding 377 more seats at the i3 building in Asiatown IT Park, this year. The i3 site, which is Convergys’ third in Cebu, opened early last year and it has over 600 workstation spread across three floor. This year, they will be occupying three more floors. The building also houses their recruitment center.

The other centers by Convergys in Cebu are the i2 building which started operations April 2007 and Banawa, which was their first in Cebu and opened on November 2004.

During their recent recruitment fair in Cebu, Convergys tied up with Bench. The event featured a fashion show and concert, to attract potential employees in the 21-26 age range. The company intended to fill around 640 new position that were made available as a result of additional workload going to Cebu.

“This is a new approach that allows us to stay one step ahead of the competition in terms of recruitment efforts. The good thing about Cebu is that it’s attracting employees from other parts of the Visayas and Mindanao as well,” Zamora said.

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Tutuban lease contract renewed

Roy — Fri, 25 Dec 2009 23:17:44 +0000

The Tutuban area is located right beside the heart of Manila’s principal trading district which is Divisoria. It is a strategic center for business and commerce because of its proximity to important districts and landmarks such as Divisoria market, Ongpin, Binondo, Escolta, North and South Harbors and Quiapo, among others.

That’s why Tutuban Properties, an indirect wholly-owned subsidiary of Prime Onion Philippines leased the Philippine National Railway (PNR) property covering an area of 200,000 square meters to build what is now know as the Tutuban Mall. The mall successfully introduced a modern and commercial and business environment to the country’s wholesale and retail center. It took the lead in introducing elements of modern facilities and management organization. The mall served as a frontrunner in the upgrade and redevelopment of Divisoria. Tutuban Mall pioneered the operation and management of “cluster stores” in the area.

Recently, Tutuban Properties renewed its lease contract on the said PNR property in Manila for another 25 years starting September 5, 2014. The lease contract was signed at the amount of P3.9 billion, with a percentage rental of two percent of gross sales/rental income and 15 percent of rental income on sublease, as well as a one-time fee of P750 per square meter for additional improvements on the leased premises.

Tutuban Properties was formed under Guoco Land to primarily oversee the development and growth of the 22-hectare PNR property. Guoco Holdings Phils., on the other hand, was created by the merger between Philippine Orion Properties Inc. and First Lepanto Corp. in 1989, Guoco Land was formed as its subsidiary primarily to handle property investments, such as the one in Tutuban.

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Meralco reminds public to be safe this Christmas

Roy — Mon, 14 Dec 2009 02:14:28 +0000

With many homes trying to be as festive as possible this holiday season by surrounding their homes bright, dancing Christmas lights, the Manila Electric Co. reiterated its safety tips reminder to the public to prevent the occurrence of electricity-related accidents.

Alfredo Ramos, who is the safety and environment management head of Meralco, noted that during this season, many people tend to forget about power safety tips

Still the most common causes of electricity-related fires during the Christmas season, Ramos pointed out, is the electrical overloading which is caused by “octopus connections,” which are usually used for Christmas lights and décor, bulbs and other lighting equipment.

Ramos added, “Likewise, it is better that these light sources be kept away from curtains or any combustible materials because these could cause fire and other related accidents, especially if it comes in contact with Christmas lights.”

Another safety tip that Ramos pointed is that Christmas decorations should not be installed near power lines in order to avoid freak accidents and to further ensure the public’s well-being and safety.

“always check your Christmas lights. Avoid using the lights which are damaged or have frayed wires. Check the insulation for cracks, there should be no exposed conductors. Do not use indoor-type lights and décor for outdoor purposes. It is also important that in buying Christmas lights, buyers should check for products which have been certified by the Department of Trade and Industry through the Bureau Commodity Clearance (ICC) marks,” Ramos said.

Meralco external communications head, Joe Zaldarriaga also pointed out that parents should always see to it that their children don’t play with Christmas lights, because it could lead to accidents such as electrocution. He also said foils or other metallic objects should not be used to replace busted lights in a Christmas light set. “In replacing light bulbs, care should be taken and one must be sure that the Christmas light set is unplugged,” he added.

“Being mindful of electrical safety is a small price to pay for an accident-free season and can spell the difference between joy and tragedy during the Christmas holidays,” Zaldarriaga said.

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ISO certification eyed for NAIA Terminals 2 and 3

Roy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 21:26:43 +0000

International Standards Organization or the ISO certification is being eyed by the Manila International Airport (MIAA) on all its three Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminals. It has already signed Service Levels Agreements with 13 airport agencies to kick off its campaign for the ISO certification process for the NAIA Terminals 2 and 3.

The NAIA Terminal 1 has already achieved the ISO Certification for the 9001:2001 version in March this year. The certification was then upgraded to the 2008 version in April. NAIA is one of the few government offices in the country which has been granted such recognition.

MIAA General Manager Alfonso Cusi said, “The recent signing brings us closer to achieving the service excellence at all levels in all NAIA Terminals. Slowly but surely, we’re getting there.”

The scope of certification for NAIA Terminals 2 and 3 covers the Passenger Facilitation Process. The thirteen participating agencies signed Service Excellence Standards (SES), stating each of their passenger facilitation processes for certification.

The thirteen participating agencies who have signed in the agreement are: Bureau of Customs (BoC), Bureau of Immigration (BI), Bureau of Quarantine (BoQ), Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), Bureau of Plant Industry (BPI), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), DENR-NCR Wildlife Traffic Management Unit, National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Commission on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), Department of Transportation and Communication Officer for Transportation Security (DoTC-OTS), Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) and the Philippine Tourism Authority (PTA).

These 13 agencies, will be submitting every month their performance reports to the Quality Management System (QMS) Committee. Their reports will contain detailed percentage accomplishments versus they committed to achieve.

Tirso Serrano, Assistant General Manager for Airport Development and Corporate Affairs declared, “The entire process is laborious and entails commitment to change our airport processes. But we have done it in NAIA 1 and we are confident we will get NAIA 2 and 3 certified in no time.”

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Bidding for three hydro-power facilities set by PSALM

Roy — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 14:10:24 +0000

The bidding for the last set of management contracts for National Power Corp. (Napocor) assets to be auctioned off this year has been set on December 15 by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM).

According to the president of PSALM, Jose Ibazeta, the bidding for the appointment of the independent power producer administrators (IPPAs) to manage Napocor’s contracted capacities in the Bakun, Benguet and San Roque hydroelectric power plants, has been approved by their board.

“I am sure this will be an exciting one because there are lots of bidders,” Ibazeta said, as he expressed hope that the nine groups who have earlier expressed their intention to bid will participate. Ibazeta also stressed that there will not grant request for extension of bidding, “There will be no more extensions. We will proceed as scheduled.”

It could be noted that the original schedule of the bidding of the Bakun, Benguet and San Roque IPPAs was on November 11. It was however moved upon the request of the bidders.

To be bid out this time are Napocor’s contracted capacities in the 70-megawatt (MW) Bakun hydroelectric power plant, the 30-MW Benguet mini hydropower plants, and the 345-MW San Roque multipurpose hydroelectric power plant, which are all located in Northern Luzon.

The Benguet mini-hydro facilities is in the Cordillera Administrative Region and the Bakun plant is located in Alilem, Ilocos Sur. The Bakun and Benguet contracts will be bid out as one package. Meanwhile, the San Roque hydro plant is based in San Manuel, Pangasinan.

Participating bidders should bid for all the hydro power facilities. Those who will only submit an offer for just one contracted capacities will disqualified. Joint bid for any of the contracted capacities will not be allowed also.

A bidder can win as many as he can. According to the PSALM rules, qualified bidders may be declared the winning bidder for any or all of the contracted parties.

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Sual and Pagbilao power plants administration, officially turned over by PSALM

Roy — Thu, 12 Nov 2009 20:48:01 +0000

The administration of the contracted capacities of National Power Corp. (NPC) in the coal-fired Sual and Pagbilao power plants were officially turned over by the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM) to their new independent power producer administrators (IPPAs), San Miguel Energy Corp. (SMEC) and Therma Luzon Inc., respectively.

SMEC and Therma won the bid to become the independent power producer (IPP) administrators for Sual and Pagbilao, respectively in bidding conducted by PSALM last August 28. This is the second round of bidding for the appointment of IPPAs to administer the contracted capacities of Napocor in the Sual and the Pagbilao power facilities.

The two power plants has an aggregate 1,700 megawatt (MW) contracted capacities, representing around 34.7 percent of the contracted capacity of the IPP contracts for Luzon and the Visayas.

The PSALM turned over the management of the contracted capacity of the Sual power plant at 12 midnight of November 6, 2009 in Pangasinan after a meter reading of the power generation and an inventory of the coal and oil supply as stipulated in the administration agreement.

The meter reading was held to verify the quantity of electricity delivered by the IPP to the grid reckoned from the time SMEC, as administrator, took over the management of the of the contracted capacity of the Sual facility.

While the Pagbilao power plant in Quezon was turned over to Therma on 12 midnight of October 1, 2009 following the same procedure.

The turning over of the administration of both power plants were witnessed by officials and representatives from the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, SMEC for Sual, Therma Luzon for Pagbilao, Napocor and PSALM.

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Mayors pledged support to climate change control

Roy — Mon, 09 Nov 2009 11:53:35 +0000

The effort to control climate change has trickled down to the local government levels as the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) pledged their support to zero-waste management campaign and transform their garbage dumps into eco-parks.

This was disclosed by LMP national president Mayor Ramon Guico Jr. who said that mayors nationwide have made a commitment to comply with the provisions of Republic Act 9003 which provides for an ecological solid waste management program.

Guico said, “We just need to sustain our efforts in raising awareness of other mayors to be more sensitive to climate change in order to build our local capacities to weather any storm that might hit us in the future.”

The issues on climate change, disaster risk reduction, health concerns, economic development to population were discussed by the mayors during the LMP’s 2009 General Assembly, as Guico called on future local officials to continue the advocacy that they have started on climate change and disaster risk reduction.

Guico who is on his third and last term as mayor of Binalonan said, “We engineered the LMP in order to make it a responsive and responsible association of Philippine municipalities.” He hopes that the new LMP officers would sustain the reforms that their administration had already put in place.

Future LMP administration should focus on climate change, disaster risk reduction and local government response to calamities, Guico said as he speaks on the devastation that the country suffered during the onslaught of typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng. “Evident from these two destructive typhoons were our utter neglect to protect the government that resulted in severe climate change.”

Guico added, “I urge the new local leaders of 2010 no to lose sight of the fact that our job is to inspire and drive our colleagues and constituents to excel so we can build better nation and effective local governance.”

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Metaphil received ISO 9001:2000 certification again

Roy — Sun, 08 Nov 2009 17:07:04 +0000

The Aboitiz company’s Metaphil is once again recommended by TUV SUD for certification maintenance of the prestigious ISO 9001:2000 Quality Management System, with design. An ISO certification is sought by most companies because it is a proof of the companies’ adherence to global quality standards and its commitment to its customers, its workers and its business partners.

Metaphil specializes in construction and engineering. “ISO is Metaphil’s commitment to deliver on its promise of construction reliability, integrity, safety and quality,” said company chair and chief executive officer Roberto Aboitiz.

TUV SUD lead auditor Cynthia Nuñez said during their closing meeting with Metaphil, “Clearly, Metaphil’s quality system has improved.” The certification for ISO covers the general building and engineering, industrial construction and steel fabrication of the company in its facilities in Cebu. Starting 2008, the ISO certification includes design.

Metaphil was established in 1978, with its head office in Cebu. It then since consistently strive to build a solid reputation which is anchored on excellence and achievement. In the year 2002, the company received its first ISO accreditation.

In its 30 years in the industry, providing construction, engineering and project management services, Metaphil has contributed greatly to the country’s industrial growth while providing jobs and good training for its more than 2,000 employees.

At present, the company’s on-going projects include the expansion of Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, Inc. shipbuilding facilities in Balamban, Cebu; the construction of the Philippine Foremost Milling Corp. warehouse in Iloilo; the 138-kv tie line for VECO in Cebu; and several fabrication works for its international clients and various works for Aboitiz Power Renewables, Inc. in Makban, Laguna and Tiwi, Albay.