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Friday, May 29, 2020
Samsung Television Sets
Thursday, May 28, 2020
Gov’t cites infra projects for completion in 2020, 2021
Presidential Adviser for Flagship Programs and Projects Vivencio Dizon said the government would deliver infrastructure projects under the “Build, Build, Build” program, which are targeted for completion in 2020 and 2021 despite the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis.
During an online forum of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines on Thursday, Dizon said these projects would help the country recover from the impact of Covid-19.
“The ‘Build, Build, Build’, or (the) unprecedented infrastructure program under the Duterte administration, is one of the key interventions that the government must do and must do swiftly in order to help us get out (of) the mess that has been brought about by Covid-19,” he said.
For this year, the government targets to complete the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, now 76-percent complete and is expected to be delivered by December; the Harbor Link that connects the North Luzon Expressway to North Harbor, estimated to be completed by the end of the year; the Clark International Airport, now 93-percent complete and is targeted to be delivered by July; the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) East Extension, which was 71-percent complete in October 2019 and is expected to be completed this year; and the Bonifacio Global City - Ortigas Center Link Road, which is 45-percent complete and will be delivered by December 2020 or early 2021.
Dizon, who is also president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), said the construction of two new bridges across Pasig River would be completed by 2021.
These include the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, which are scheduled for completion by February 2021, he said.
“By 2021, we are also going to complete two bridges across the Pasig. So there will be a total of three new bridges across the Pasig. This is the most number of bridges we did within one administration across the Pasig River and we are even envisioning to start five more bridges through an ODA (official development assistance) from China,” he added.
Dizon further said the government would push through with its rail projects, such as the LRT-1 Cavite Extension and Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), which will be partially operational by 2021; the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Program to be completed by July 2021; and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Phase 1 connecting Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan, which is targeted to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2021.
On the other hand, the government moved the target completion of the Bicol International Airport from July to next year, he said.
Dizon added that the administration would also pursue big-ticket legacy projects, including the North-South Commuter Rail connecting Clark and Calamba, as well as the Metro Manila Subway.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104242
During an online forum of the Financial Executives Institute of the Philippines on Thursday, Dizon said these projects would help the country recover from the impact of Covid-19.
“The ‘Build, Build, Build’, or (the) unprecedented infrastructure program under the Duterte administration, is one of the key interventions that the government must do and must do swiftly in order to help us get out (of) the mess that has been brought about by Covid-19,” he said.
For this year, the government targets to complete the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3, now 76-percent complete and is expected to be delivered by December; the Harbor Link that connects the North Luzon Expressway to North Harbor, estimated to be completed by the end of the year; the Clark International Airport, now 93-percent complete and is targeted to be delivered by July; the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) East Extension, which was 71-percent complete in October 2019 and is expected to be completed this year; and the Bonifacio Global City - Ortigas Center Link Road, which is 45-percent complete and will be delivered by December 2020 or early 2021.
Dizon, who is also president and chief executive officer of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA), said the construction of two new bridges across Pasig River would be completed by 2021.
These include the Estrella-Pantaleon Bridge and Binondo-Intramuros Bridge, which are scheduled for completion by February 2021, he said.
“By 2021, we are also going to complete two bridges across the Pasig. So there will be a total of three new bridges across the Pasig. This is the most number of bridges we did within one administration across the Pasig River and we are even envisioning to start five more bridges through an ODA (official development assistance) from China,” he added.
Dizon further said the government would push through with its rail projects, such as the LRT-1 Cavite Extension and Metro Rail Transit Line 7 (MRT-7), which will be partially operational by 2021; the MRT-3 Rehabilitation Program to be completed by July 2021; and the Philippine National Railways (PNR) Phase 1 connecting Tutuban, Manila to Malolos, Bulacan, which is targeted to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2021.
On the other hand, the government moved the target completion of the Bicol International Airport from July to next year, he said.
Dizon added that the administration would also pursue big-ticket legacy projects, including the North-South Commuter Rail connecting Clark and Calamba, as well as the Metro Manila Subway.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1104242
Wednesday, May 27, 2020
Duterte names Aaron Aquino head of Clark International Airport Corporation
President Rodrigo Duterte has named outgoing Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency chief Aaron Aquino as head of the Clark International Airport Corporation (CIAC), Executive Secretary Salvador Medialdea said Wednesday.
Medialdea confirmed the appointment after Duterte tapped PDEA Northern Mindanao head Wilkins Villanueva as the new director general of PDEA.
“Mr. Aquino's nomination as the President/CEO of Clark International Airport Corporation has been approved by President Rodrigo Duterte and is now forwarded to the aforesaid corporation's Board of Directors,” the Office of the Executive Secretary said.
A former police official, Aquino served PDEA for more than two years before he was moved to the CIAC.
In a statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque expressed Malacañang’s gratitude to Aquino for his “immense contribution” to the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Roque also said Villanueva is “no stranger to drug law enforcement.”
“He has been working with PDEA for many years before reaching the agency's top position. We therefore believe DG Villanueva will lead PDEA and the fight against illegal drugs to greater heights with professionalism, passion and integrity,” Roque said. —AOL/KBK, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/739956/duterte-names-aaron-aquino-head-of-clark-international-airport-corporation/story/
Medialdea confirmed the appointment after Duterte tapped PDEA Northern Mindanao head Wilkins Villanueva as the new director general of PDEA.
“Mr. Aquino's nomination as the President/CEO of Clark International Airport Corporation has been approved by President Rodrigo Duterte and is now forwarded to the aforesaid corporation's Board of Directors,” the Office of the Executive Secretary said.
A former police official, Aquino served PDEA for more than two years before he was moved to the CIAC.
In a statement, presidential spokesperson Harry Roque expressed Malacañang’s gratitude to Aquino for his “immense contribution” to the administration’s campaign against illegal drugs.
Roque also said Villanueva is “no stranger to drug law enforcement.”
“He has been working with PDEA for many years before reaching the agency's top position. We therefore believe DG Villanueva will lead PDEA and the fight against illegal drugs to greater heights with professionalism, passion and integrity,” Roque said. —AOL/KBK, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/739956/duterte-names-aaron-aquino-head-of-clark-international-airport-corporation/story/
LRTA to reopen 3 LRT-2 stations
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is planning to reopen three LRT Line 2 stations hit by a fire by September, an official said yesterday.
The LRT-2’s Santolan, Katipunan and Anonas stations were shut down in October 2019 after a fire destroyed a rectifier in the Katipunan area.
During yesterday morning’s Laging Handa briefing, LRTA spokesman Hernando Cabrera said the stations may be reopened in September if they are able to resume and complete the procurement process for the project next month.
“With the timetable that we are able to award (the contracts) within June, they would have July, August, until the end of September to make the temporary power supply system,” Cabrera said in the briefing.
Since last year, the fire left the three stations unusable as repairs were not immediately started.
The three stations’ closure was scheduled for nine months. The other stations, from Recto to Araneta Center, operated normally until the government shut down all modes of public transport as part of a lockdown to curb the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019.
Cabrera also said there would be no fare increase for LRT-1 and LRT-2 once they resume operations.
The Department of Transportation earlier said the LRT-1 will carry 158 passengers per trip or 12 percent of its capacity while the LRT-2 will carry 160 passengers per trip or 10 percent of its capacity.
‘Apprehended’
The National Capital Region Police Office has offered its services to the LRTA. Passengers who defy social distancing and other quarantine protocols or instigate disorder would be “apprehended,” according to NCRPO chief Maj. Gen. Debold Sinas.
“We have a plan to deploy 500 personnel in different LRT stations, depending on their request. We will be reasonably strict,” Sinas said.
Simulation
Also yesterday, the NCRPO and the LRTA staged a simulation exercise at the LRT-2’s Recto station to prepare for the enforcement of social distancing once the rail lines resume operations.
At least 500 police trainees, acting as passengers, took a train ride to and from Cubao.
LRTA administrator Reynaldo Berroya appealed to commuters to use the ticket vending machines and allot extra time for their trips since each train will carry a maximum of 160 passengers and only two persons will be allowed in elevators.
Passengers will be provided monobloc chairs while waiting in line.
Security personnel will not frisk passengers, who will not be allowed entry if they fail to wear masks and have their bags inspected. Neil Jayson Servallos, Rey Galupo
Return to operations for 3 LRT-2 stations delayed to September
THE resumption of operations at Santolan, Katipunan, and Anonas stations of the Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) was delayed to September due to the pandemic, the Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) said Tuesday.
In a virtual briefing, LRTA Spokesperson Hernando T. Cabrera said the three stations were originally due to return to operations next month, but repairs to the power system were disrupted by the lockdown.
He said the new target is for the procurement of the temporary power supply system to get going by June.
“We hope by June masimulan ulit natin ‘yung (to once more start the) procurement process and award within June. (The contractors will) have until end-September para magawa ‘yung tinatawag na temporary power supply system (to set up the temporary power system),” he said.
The LRTA, which operates LRT-2, halted operations at the three stations after a fire in October.
Meanwhile, the East Extension of the LRT-2 is expected to be completed by December. “By Q1 2021, magagamit na ‘yung mga stations (the stations will be ready for use by the first quarter of 2021),” Mr. Cabrera said, referring to Emerald Station in Marikina City and Masinag Station at the Masinag Junction in Antipolo City.
The East Extension is expected to add 80,000 passengers to the LRT-2’s current 240,000 daily ridership, which currently connects Recto Avenue in Manila to Santolan station in Marikina.
When completed, travel time from Recto to Masinag is expected to be 40 minutes, as against three hours bus or jeepney, according to the Transportation department.
The consortium of Japan’s Marubeni Corp. and engineering and construction firm D.M. Consunji, Inc. are in charge of the $62-million East Extension Project.
D.M. Consunji is in charge of the trackwork procurement and construction, as well as the installation of electrical and mechanical systems. — Arjay L. Balinbin
LOOK: It’s training day for PNP, LRT-2 as new normal sets in
As Metro Manila mayors recommend placing the NCR under general quarantine from June 1, the Philippine National Police and the Light Rail Transit Authority simulated Line-2 operations under a new normal on Tuesday.
Clad in a white shirt and jeans, some 500 police trainees played the role of passengers during the exercise, which ran from Recto Station in Manila to Cubao in Quezon City.
Having been shut down for almost 11 weeks, the LRT-2 will operate in a limited capacity once it is opened allowing for only 10% of its passenger load every ride due to physical distancing measures expected to be put in place.
This could prove to be a challenge not only to LRTA management, but to people who regularly use the LRT as their commute will surely take longer than before.
Here are some scenes from the dry run.
Clad in a white shirt and jeans, some 500 police trainees played the role of passengers during the exercise, which ran from Recto Station in Manila to Cubao in Quezon City.
Having been shut down for almost 11 weeks, the LRT-2 will operate in a limited capacity once it is opened allowing for only 10% of its passenger load every ride due to physical distancing measures expected to be put in place.
This could prove to be a challenge not only to LRTA management, but to people who regularly use the LRT as their commute will surely take longer than before.
Here are some scenes from the dry run.
Tuesday, May 26, 2020
Santolan to Anonas stations of LRT-2 might reopen by September: operator
The Light Rail Transit Line 2 (LRT-2) Santolan to Anonas stations may be fully operational by September, its operator said Tuesday, nearly 8 months since a fire shut the stretch of the train line.
The reopening of the Santolan, Katipunan, and Anonas stations was slated for June but was pushed back because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Light Rail Transit Authority spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said.
This will leave only the Anonas to Cubao link inoperable. The LRT-2 Cubao station connects the line to the MRT-3 on EDSA.
Several stations of the LRT-2, which runs from Pasig to Manila, have been operating on a limited capacity since October last year after a fire razed its power transformer.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/26/20/santolan-to-anonas-stations-of-lrt-2-might-reopen-by-september-operator
The reopening of the Santolan, Katipunan, and Anonas stations was slated for June but was pushed back because of the COVID-19 pandemic, Light Rail Transit Authority spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said.
This will leave only the Anonas to Cubao link inoperable. The LRT-2 Cubao station connects the line to the MRT-3 on EDSA.
Several stations of the LRT-2, which runs from Pasig to Manila, have been operating on a limited capacity since October last year after a fire razed its power transformer.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/business/05/26/20/santolan-to-anonas-stations-of-lrt-2-might-reopen-by-september-operator
LRTA eyes reopening of LRT2’s Santolan to Anonas stations by September
The Light Rail Transit Authority (LRTA) is targeting to reopen the Light Rail Transit Line 2’s (LRT2) Santolan to Anonas stations in September after the COVID-19 crisis stalled the stations’ supposed resumption of operations by June.
“Ang timetable natin para maayos ang power supply ng tatlong istasyon ay dapat po by March ay na-award na po ang kontrata at ‘pag na-award na po siya ‘yung contractor po natin meron silang tatlong buwan para maisagawa at matapos yung tinatawag natin na temporary power supply system,” LRTA spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said during the Laging Handa public briefing Tuesday.
“Ang timetable po natin noon kung na-award po siya ng Marso ay by end of June matatapos na po siya at puwede natin gamitin ang tatlong istasyon... unfortunately po inabutan po tayo ng COVID-19 pandemic kaya hindi na natuloy ang procurement process hanggang sa pag-award,” he added.
Three stations of the LRT2 -- Santolan, Katipunan, and Anonas -- have been shut down since October after two rectifiers got damaged by a fire incident.
The LRTA official said that once quarantine measures are relaxed by June, the agency can resume the procurement process.
“Pag ma-award natin siya within Hunyo meron silang Hulyo, Agosto hanggang katapusan ng Setyembre para maisagawa ang temporary supply system at para magamit na natin ang tatlong istasyon na Santloan, Katipunan at Anonas,” Cabrera said.
If the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila will be shifted to a more relaxed general community quarantine, which allows public transportation to operate, the Recto to Cubao operations of LRT2 will resume.
“This coming June hind pa rin magagamit ang tatlong istasyon (Santolan-Katipunan-Anonas) magmula Recto hanggang Cubao pabalik pwedeng pwede na po mag-operate,” Cabrera said. --KBK, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/739799/lrta-eyes-reopening-of-lrt2-s-santolan-to-anonas-stations-by-september/story/
“Ang timetable natin para maayos ang power supply ng tatlong istasyon ay dapat po by March ay na-award na po ang kontrata at ‘pag na-award na po siya ‘yung contractor po natin meron silang tatlong buwan para maisagawa at matapos yung tinatawag natin na temporary power supply system,” LRTA spokesperson Hernando Cabrera said during the Laging Handa public briefing Tuesday.
“Ang timetable po natin noon kung na-award po siya ng Marso ay by end of June matatapos na po siya at puwede natin gamitin ang tatlong istasyon... unfortunately po inabutan po tayo ng COVID-19 pandemic kaya hindi na natuloy ang procurement process hanggang sa pag-award,” he added.
Three stations of the LRT2 -- Santolan, Katipunan, and Anonas -- have been shut down since October after two rectifiers got damaged by a fire incident.
The LRTA official said that once quarantine measures are relaxed by June, the agency can resume the procurement process.
“Pag ma-award natin siya within Hunyo meron silang Hulyo, Agosto hanggang katapusan ng Setyembre para maisagawa ang temporary supply system at para magamit na natin ang tatlong istasyon na Santloan, Katipunan at Anonas,” Cabrera said.
If the modified enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila will be shifted to a more relaxed general community quarantine, which allows public transportation to operate, the Recto to Cubao operations of LRT2 will resume.
“This coming June hind pa rin magagamit ang tatlong istasyon (Santolan-Katipunan-Anonas) magmula Recto hanggang Cubao pabalik pwedeng pwede na po mag-operate,” Cabrera said. --KBK, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/nation/739799/lrta-eyes-reopening-of-lrt2-s-santolan-to-anonas-stations-by-september/story/
Monday, May 25, 2020
Downgrade of Metro Manila quarantine seen
The coronavirus task force will watch the numbers and then sit down this week to decide whether to ease further the quarantine measures in Metro Manila. The Metro mayors are divided on loosening the restrictions.
Quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila could be further loosened starting June 1 as the country pursues a phased return to economic activity after nearly three months of lockdown due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases would watch the coronavirus trend this week and then decide whether to downgrade the “modified enhanced community quarantine” in Metro Manila to “general community quarantine.”
The downgrade means only villages in the metropolis with high numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases would be locked down, with local officials making the decision. The rest of the National Capital Region would be free to begin a gradual return to normality, but under strict orders to follow public health measures.
In a text message, Lorenzana cited some indicators that the task force would watch before making a decision for a downgrade: confirmed cases not increasing, deaths occurring in single digits, and recoveries increasing.
On Sunday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 258 new infections, the largest single-day increase in one week, which raised the national total to 14,035. Of the new cases, 195, or 75 percent, were recorded in Metro Manila, epicenter of the local coronavirus outbreak.
The DOH reported five new deaths, raising the death toll to 868 and continuing a week of single-digit deaths that was broken only on Friday, when 11 patients were reported to have died.
Recoveries continued to outstrip deaths, with 72 more patients getting well, bringing the total number of survivors to 3,249.
Besides Metro Manila, the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales and Laguna remain sealed off because of their high risk for infection.
On Saturday, during a military event at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Lorenzana told reporters that the purpose of the gradual easing of restrictions was to get the public accustomed to measures necessary to prevent a second wave of infections, such as wearing protective masks, physical distancing and frequent hand-washing.
The Metro Manila Council will hold an “urgent meeting” on Wednesday to discuss whether the quarantine restrictions, loosened on May 16 to allow partial business reopenings, should be eased further, according to the metropolitan policy-making body’s chief, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.
Olivarez said on Sunday that most of the 17 mayors in the metropolis were “torn between the economic side and health issue” of the quarantine.
He said some of the mayors wanted the quarantine to be extended anew for fear of a resurgence of the virus if the restrictions were eased some more.
On Saturday, 10 of the 18 villages in Navotas City were locked down again until May 31 due to the increasing number of infections, which stood at 160 as of Friday.
Olivarez said he wanted the restrictions to be loosened some more to allow economic recovery in the metropolis.
But Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Metro Manilans might have to stay home longer because the government did not have accurate information to support a decision to loosen the quarantine restrictions.
Drilon blamed the situation on the lack of mass testing by the DOH.
He said the absence of reliable data from the DOH would also affect lawmakers’ decision whether to renew Republic Act No. 11469, the law passed by a joint session of Congress in March to enable President Duterte to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lockdown again and again
“Until we’re able to secure accurate data [on coronavirus cases], the [lockdown order] will be extended again and again,” Drilon said in a radio interview on Sunday.
“And why is there no accurate data? It’s because there’s no sufficient testing. We don’t know [the actual number of infected people],” he said.
The senator noted that the DOH had reported that 20,264 people had tested positive for the new coronavirus that causes the severe respiratory disease COVID-19, but only about 14,000 had been confirmed to have been infected.
The DOH blamed the gap on the shortage of staff validating the test results, which became pronounced after the agency expanded its testing capacity with the acquisition of thousands of testing kits and the accreditation of more testing laboratories.
Drilon said the disparity meant more than 6,000 people could be out in the streets unknowingly spreading the virus.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1280345/downgrade-of-metro-quarantine-seen
Quarantine restrictions in Metro Manila could be further loosened starting June 1 as the country pursues a phased return to economic activity after nearly three months of lockdown due to the new coronavirus pandemic.
Defense Secretary Delfin Lorenzana on Sunday said the Inter-Agency Task Force on Emerging Infectious Diseases would watch the coronavirus trend this week and then decide whether to downgrade the “modified enhanced community quarantine” in Metro Manila to “general community quarantine.”
The downgrade means only villages in the metropolis with high numbers of confirmed coronavirus cases would be locked down, with local officials making the decision. The rest of the National Capital Region would be free to begin a gradual return to normality, but under strict orders to follow public health measures.
In a text message, Lorenzana cited some indicators that the task force would watch before making a decision for a downgrade: confirmed cases not increasing, deaths occurring in single digits, and recoveries increasing.
On Sunday, the Department of Health (DOH) reported 258 new infections, the largest single-day increase in one week, which raised the national total to 14,035. Of the new cases, 195, or 75 percent, were recorded in Metro Manila, epicenter of the local coronavirus outbreak.
The DOH reported five new deaths, raising the death toll to 868 and continuing a week of single-digit deaths that was broken only on Friday, when 11 patients were reported to have died.
Recoveries continued to outstrip deaths, with 72 more patients getting well, bringing the total number of survivors to 3,249.
Besides Metro Manila, the provinces of Bataan, Bulacan, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Zambales and Laguna remain sealed off because of their high risk for infection.
On Saturday, during a military event at Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City, Lorenzana told reporters that the purpose of the gradual easing of restrictions was to get the public accustomed to measures necessary to prevent a second wave of infections, such as wearing protective masks, physical distancing and frequent hand-washing.
The Metro Manila Council will hold an “urgent meeting” on Wednesday to discuss whether the quarantine restrictions, loosened on May 16 to allow partial business reopenings, should be eased further, according to the metropolitan policy-making body’s chief, Parañaque City Mayor Edwin Olivarez.
Olivarez said on Sunday that most of the 17 mayors in the metropolis were “torn between the economic side and health issue” of the quarantine.
He said some of the mayors wanted the quarantine to be extended anew for fear of a resurgence of the virus if the restrictions were eased some more.
On Saturday, 10 of the 18 villages in Navotas City were locked down again until May 31 due to the increasing number of infections, which stood at 160 as of Friday.
Olivarez said he wanted the restrictions to be loosened some more to allow economic recovery in the metropolis.
But Senate Minority Leader Franklin Drilon said Metro Manilans might have to stay home longer because the government did not have accurate information to support a decision to loosen the quarantine restrictions.
Drilon blamed the situation on the lack of mass testing by the DOH.
He said the absence of reliable data from the DOH would also affect lawmakers’ decision whether to renew Republic Act No. 11469, the law passed by a joint session of Congress in March to enable President Duterte to respond to the coronavirus pandemic.
Lockdown again and again
“Until we’re able to secure accurate data [on coronavirus cases], the [lockdown order] will be extended again and again,” Drilon said in a radio interview on Sunday.
“And why is there no accurate data? It’s because there’s no sufficient testing. We don’t know [the actual number of infected people],” he said.
The senator noted that the DOH had reported that 20,264 people had tested positive for the new coronavirus that causes the severe respiratory disease COVID-19, but only about 14,000 had been confirmed to have been infected.
The DOH blamed the gap on the shortage of staff validating the test results, which became pronounced after the agency expanded its testing capacity with the acquisition of thousands of testing kits and the accreditation of more testing laboratories.
Drilon said the disparity meant more than 6,000 people could be out in the streets unknowingly spreading the virus.
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1280345/downgrade-of-metro-quarantine-seen
Friday, May 22, 2020
NLEx segment C3-R10 to open in June
By Arjay L. Balinbin, Reporter
NLEX Corp. targets to open by end-June the 2.6-kilometer C3-R10 Section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Harbor Link Segment that is expected to improve commuter mobility between airports, seaports, and growth corridors in the north and south.
“[We are] targeting opening by end of next month, June,” NLEX Corp. Senior Vice-President for Communication Romulo S. Quimbo, Jr. told BusinessWorld in a phone message on Wednesday.
He was referring to the elevated C3-R10 Section of the NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10, which is now 95% complete.
The segment goes through the new Caloocan Interchange in C3 Road, Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, and Navotas City. It connects to the opened NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10 that traverses Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and 5th Avenue/C3 Road, Caloocan City.
NLEx opened the Malabon Exit of the Harbor Link C3-R10 Section in February. The entire expressway was expected to be operational in March, but it did not materialize when President Rodrigo R. Duterte locked down the island of Luzon to contain a coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Quimbo said over the weekend that the company had resumed work on its major projects as the National Capital Region shifted to a more relaxed community quarantine. Among those projects are the construction of the Harbor Link C3-R10 expressway and the rehabilitation of the five-kilometer Candaba Viaduct in Pampanga.
In a news release on Wednesday, the company said construction activities on the NLEx Connector and the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx) Capacity Expansion have also resumed.
According to Mr. Quimbo, there would be “slight adjustments” in the projects’ timelines to completion. “Our planning teams are now confirming the delivery dates. We are always ready to accelerate the project delivery,” he said.
Public and private construction projects have been allowed to resume under the “modified enhanced” community quarantine but workers must be housed and fed onsite and observe physical distancing rules, among other requirements for construction work during the pandemic.
“We have complied with the safety protocols laid out by the government for the implementation of infrastructure projects amid modified enhanced community quarantine,” NLEX Corp. President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista was quoted as saying in the release.
“With the acceleration of these projects, we can help the government in its aim to revitalize the economy despite the ongoing health crisis,” he added.
NLEX Corp. said it would also resume work on the additional lanes at Clark South Toll Plaza.
“Despite the challenging times, our team remains committed to accomplish our big-ticket projects and continue the 24/7 service to our customers and other stakeholders,” Mr. Bautista said.
https://www.bworldonline.com/nlex-segment-c3-r10-to-open-in-june/
NLEX Corp. targets to open by end-June the 2.6-kilometer C3-R10 Section of the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx) Harbor Link Segment that is expected to improve commuter mobility between airports, seaports, and growth corridors in the north and south.
“[We are] targeting opening by end of next month, June,” NLEX Corp. Senior Vice-President for Communication Romulo S. Quimbo, Jr. told BusinessWorld in a phone message on Wednesday.
He was referring to the elevated C3-R10 Section of the NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10, which is now 95% complete.
The segment goes through the new Caloocan Interchange in C3 Road, Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, and Navotas City. It connects to the opened NLEx Harbor Link Segment 10 that traverses Karuhatan, Valenzuela City, Governor Pascual Avenue in Malabon City, and 5th Avenue/C3 Road, Caloocan City.
NLEx opened the Malabon Exit of the Harbor Link C3-R10 Section in February. The entire expressway was expected to be operational in March, but it did not materialize when President Rodrigo R. Duterte locked down the island of Luzon to contain a coronavirus pandemic.
Mr. Quimbo said over the weekend that the company had resumed work on its major projects as the National Capital Region shifted to a more relaxed community quarantine. Among those projects are the construction of the Harbor Link C3-R10 expressway and the rehabilitation of the five-kilometer Candaba Viaduct in Pampanga.
In a news release on Wednesday, the company said construction activities on the NLEx Connector and the Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEx) Capacity Expansion have also resumed.
According to Mr. Quimbo, there would be “slight adjustments” in the projects’ timelines to completion. “Our planning teams are now confirming the delivery dates. We are always ready to accelerate the project delivery,” he said.
Public and private construction projects have been allowed to resume under the “modified enhanced” community quarantine but workers must be housed and fed onsite and observe physical distancing rules, among other requirements for construction work during the pandemic.
“We have complied with the safety protocols laid out by the government for the implementation of infrastructure projects amid modified enhanced community quarantine,” NLEX Corp. President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista was quoted as saying in the release.
“With the acceleration of these projects, we can help the government in its aim to revitalize the economy despite the ongoing health crisis,” he added.
NLEX Corp. said it would also resume work on the additional lanes at Clark South Toll Plaza.
“Despite the challenging times, our team remains committed to accomplish our big-ticket projects and continue the 24/7 service to our customers and other stakeholders,” Mr. Bautista said.
https://www.bworldonline.com/nlex-segment-c3-r10-to-open-in-june/
Thursday, May 21, 2020
Construction resumes at NLEX-SCTEX infra project
By EMMIE V. ABADILLA
The NLEX Corporation has resumed construction of major projects, such as the NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section, NLEX Connector, Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) Capacity Expansion, and the heavy maintenance program for the Candaba Viaduct, after receiving approval from government regulators.
The tollway company and its contractors are taking all the necessary measures based on IATF, DOH, DOLE, and DPWH guidelines to promote the health and safety of workers, at the same time ensuring the continuity of projects.
These measures include rapid antibody testing of workers; strict observance of safety and hygiene protocols such as wearing of personal protective equipment and monitoring of temperature; compliance to physical distancing; provision of washing facilities at strategic locations; and regular disinfection of equipment and work area, among others.
“We have complied with the safety protocols laid out by the government for the implementation of infrastructure projects amid modified enhanced community quarantine,” confirmed NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.
“With the acceleration of these projects, we can help the government revitalize the economy de¬spite the ongoing health crisis,” he added.
Construction of the remaining portion of the 2.6-km NLEX Harbor Link C3-R10 Section is now underway between the new Caloocan Interchange, C3 Road, Caloocan City to Radial Road 10, Navotas City.
The project’s progress currently stands at 95 percent. It is seen as a crucial infrastructure that will help alleviate traffic congestion as it would cut travel time from NLEX to CAMANAVA from one hour to 10 minutes.
Last February, NLEX Corporation opened the Malabon Exit of the Harbor Link project and has since eased travel for motorists and commuters in the area.
Works on the NLEX Connector, an 8-kilometer all elevated expressway, has also resumed.
This infrastructure project will traverse the new Caloocan Interchange, pass through España, and eventually link up with the Metro Manila Skyway Stage 3 in Sta. Mesa, Manila.
Also ongoing is the capacity expansion of the 8.2-kilometer Subic Freeport Expressway (SFEX) aimed at improving traffic safety and reduce travel time to and from the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
The civil works for SFEX Capacity Expansion Project, which is now 38 percent complete, include construction of two additional lanes, two new bridges, and a new tunnel.
Heavy maintenance of the 5-kilometer Candaba Viaduct is likewise in progress to restore the driving comfort of motorists.
Emergency repairs are already ongoing underneath the bridge while the replacement of link slabs will be scheduled.
Meanwhile, the construction of additional lanes at Clark South Toll Plaza will also resume.
Friday, May 15, 2020
San Miguel Corporation to resume construction of Skyway Extension on May 15
After two months of work stoppage, San Miguel Corporation (SMC) will resume construction of the Skyway Extension Project tomorrow, May 15, following the issuance of guidelines for construction projects by the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases.
Once completed, the project will extend Skyway up to Susana Heights/Muntinlupa Cavite Expressway. Its Phase 1 was initially targeted for completion in December 2020. At the moment, SMC is unable to determine a new completion date, given that only a limited number of workers can resume construction to ensure that safety, sanitation, and health requirements can be enforced.
“We have been given the go-signal by government to resume work on the Skyway extension, and while we cannot yet go full blast, we will do whatever we can to deliver this project as close as we can to the original deadline,” said SMC president and COO Ramon S. Ang. “We have to work smart, be efficient, and most of all, keep the workers safe.”
SMC guaranteed that workers will follow the basic rules of social distancing. Masks, gloves, hand sanitation, and disinfection facilities will be provided, and workers will be housed on-site.
Skyway management said that upon the resumption of work, about 700 meters of Lane 3 of the Skyway At-Grade northbound section, from the old Alabang Entry Plaza, will be closed to traffic for one month. This is to enable the installation of scaffoldings to build the columns for Pier 34-39.
https://www.topgear.com.ph/news/motoring-news/skyway-extension-construction-resumes-a2578-20200514
Tuesday, May 12, 2020
Over 10,300 sign up for gov't transport service for stranded students
Over 10,000 students stranded in schools and dormitories due to coronavirus lockdowns have asked the government for help to return home, a transportation official said Tuesday.
Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Santiago said more than 10,300 have registered online for the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) "Hatid Estudyante" program, which seeks to transport stranded students to their hometowns.
Santiago, who heads the program, clarified that they still need to "filter" the figure as some registrations may be double entries.
Stranded students may sign up for the program through an online form, where they will be asked to provide personal details, said Santiago.
Santiago noted that stranded students aged 18 and below need to provide a letter indicating their parents' consent.
"We will try to consolidate their request with other students who are similarly situated, meaning, same location where they are now, same location where they want to go home," he told ABS-CBN in an interview.
The DOTr will fetch the students from their dormitories once the agency gets confirmation from the local government of their respective destinations that they would accept them, said Santiago.
"We treat it on a per LGU (local government unit) basis, we coordinate with the local chief executives so they will understand the plight of the students and accept the students when they come back," he said.
Santiago said they have made arrangements with 2 local government units to bring home the first batch of stranded students by Thursday.
An earlier survey by the Commission on Higher Education found that over 9,000 tertiary education students were stranded in dormitories and schools nationwide.
Local governments have implemented strict border control as a measure against the spread of the new coronavirus disease. Restrictions are expected to ease in more areas shifting to general community quarantine by Saturday.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/over-10300-sign-up-for-govt-transport-service-for-stranded-students
Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Jay Santiago said more than 10,300 have registered online for the Department of Transportation's (DOTr) "Hatid Estudyante" program, which seeks to transport stranded students to their hometowns.
Santiago, who heads the program, clarified that they still need to "filter" the figure as some registrations may be double entries.
Stranded students may sign up for the program through an online form, where they will be asked to provide personal details, said Santiago.
Santiago noted that stranded students aged 18 and below need to provide a letter indicating their parents' consent.
"We will try to consolidate their request with other students who are similarly situated, meaning, same location where they are now, same location where they want to go home," he told ABS-CBN in an interview.
The DOTr will fetch the students from their dormitories once the agency gets confirmation from the local government of their respective destinations that they would accept them, said Santiago.
"We treat it on a per LGU (local government unit) basis, we coordinate with the local chief executives so they will understand the plight of the students and accept the students when they come back," he said.
Santiago said they have made arrangements with 2 local government units to bring home the first batch of stranded students by Thursday.
An earlier survey by the Commission on Higher Education found that over 9,000 tertiary education students were stranded in dormitories and schools nationwide.
Local governments have implemented strict border control as a measure against the spread of the new coronavirus disease. Restrictions are expected to ease in more areas shifting to general community quarantine by Saturday.
https://news.abs-cbn.com/news/05/12/20/over-10300-sign-up-for-govt-transport-service-for-stranded-students
Monday, May 11, 2020
Church, LGU leaders asked to discuss ban on religious gatherings
Church leaders should coordinate with officials of local government units (LGUs) to come up with a plan if they want to implement a resumption of religious gatherings in areas under general community quarantine (GCQ), Malacañang said on Monday.
In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after Apostolic Administrator of Manila, Bishop Broderick Pabillo called on the government to allow church services stressing that “religious services are also essential services” during this time of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Roque bared that while the majority of the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) are supportive of church leaders’ calls to reopen churches, they are simply heeding to local officials’ call to prohibit the resumption of religious gatherings.
“I’m sure po na karamihan naman ng mga miyembro sa IATF ay sang-ayon na ipatuloy ang mga religious gatherings. Pero ang sabi ko nga po noong binawi iyan ng IATF, ang mga nagreklamo ay mga mga local na opisyales din natin (I’m sure majority of the IATF members agree that religious gatherings should be allowed. But as I said, the IATF had to retract it after local officials complained),” Roque said.
In its initial guidelines on the GCQ released April 30, the IATF said mass gatherings are still prohibited but essential work and religious gatherings may be allowed as long as strict social distancing is observed.
The local officials warned that resuming religious gatherings could lead to more transmissions of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), prompting IATF to review its guidelines on religious assemblies in GCQ areas.
On May 1, the IATF considered the local officials’ recommendation and decided that essential work and religious gatherings should remain prohibited in places under GCQ.
Roque said church leaders and local officials should meet and discuss ways to compromise.
“Kinakailangan po talaga magkaroon ng (There should really be) close coordination between the different churches and their local government units at sila po mismo (and they themselves), they have to present a plan to the local government units,” he said.
Roque emphasized the need to observe strict social distancing and good hygiene, reminding of how the spread of the Covid-19 in South Korea was linked to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
“Supposing na itutuloy nga po ang (we resume) religious gatherings, how sure are we po na magkakaroon ng (that there will be) social distancing kasi may mga lugar po kagaya ng South Korea kung saan kumalat nga po iyang Covid-19 dahil sa mga (because there are places like in South Korea where Covid-19 was further spread because of) religious gatherings),” he said.
In a May 4 statement released on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' website, Pabillo said religion is very important to many Filipinos for it gives them strength, especially in difficulties.
“Allowing people to go back to Church to thank the Lord, to ask for his protection and implore his help, are deemed very important by the people,” he said, stressing that allowing public masses “will uplift their spirits to a great extent”.
Fr. Elias Ayuban, superior of the Claretian congregation in the Philippines, also called for the reopening of churches, particularly in dioceses where there are no Covid-19 cases.
He said that if going to the market is allowed, he saw no reason why an organized Sunday gathering in a cathedral or spacious parish church, where physical separation can easily be executed, is not permitted.
“It is about time to reopen the doors of our churches for people to pray. While it is true that we can pray anywhere, there is no place like the church and no celebration like the mass,” Ayuban said.
Last week, the Archdiocese of Manila prepared guidelines for religious services, including the holding of masses once the government allows the conduct of these activities.
Among the protocols to be followed by the clergy and the faithful is the wearing of face masks, no holding of hands during Our fathers, and having their body temperature checked using a thermal body scanner.
Churches are also encouraged to hold masses on weekdays, but live streaming will continue for the benefit of those unable to participate in the community celebrations.
Metro Manila; Central Luzon, except Aurora; Calabarzon; Benguet; Pangasinan; Iloilo province; Cebu province; Bacolod City; Davao City, Zamboanga City, and Albay province are still under ECQ which is expected to end on May 15.
The GCQ, with relaxed quarantine measures, is currently being implemented in all low-risk and moderate-risk areas nationwide since May 1.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102526
In a virtual presser, Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque made this statement after Apostolic Administrator of Manila, Bishop Broderick Pabillo called on the government to allow church services stressing that “religious services are also essential services” during this time of the coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic.
Roque bared that while the majority of the members of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID) are supportive of church leaders’ calls to reopen churches, they are simply heeding to local officials’ call to prohibit the resumption of religious gatherings.
“I’m sure po na karamihan naman ng mga miyembro sa IATF ay sang-ayon na ipatuloy ang mga religious gatherings. Pero ang sabi ko nga po noong binawi iyan ng IATF, ang mga nagreklamo ay mga mga local na opisyales din natin (I’m sure majority of the IATF members agree that religious gatherings should be allowed. But as I said, the IATF had to retract it after local officials complained),” Roque said.
In its initial guidelines on the GCQ released April 30, the IATF said mass gatherings are still prohibited but essential work and religious gatherings may be allowed as long as strict social distancing is observed.
The local officials warned that resuming religious gatherings could lead to more transmissions of coronavirus disease (Covid-19), prompting IATF to review its guidelines on religious assemblies in GCQ areas.
On May 1, the IATF considered the local officials’ recommendation and decided that essential work and religious gatherings should remain prohibited in places under GCQ.
Roque said church leaders and local officials should meet and discuss ways to compromise.
“Kinakailangan po talaga magkaroon ng (There should really be) close coordination between the different churches and their local government units at sila po mismo (and they themselves), they have to present a plan to the local government units,” he said.
Roque emphasized the need to observe strict social distancing and good hygiene, reminding of how the spread of the Covid-19 in South Korea was linked to the Shincheonji Church of Jesus.
“Supposing na itutuloy nga po ang (we resume) religious gatherings, how sure are we po na magkakaroon ng (that there will be) social distancing kasi may mga lugar po kagaya ng South Korea kung saan kumalat nga po iyang Covid-19 dahil sa mga (because there are places like in South Korea where Covid-19 was further spread because of) religious gatherings),” he said.
In a May 4 statement released on the Catholic Bishops' Conference of the Philippines' website, Pabillo said religion is very important to many Filipinos for it gives them strength, especially in difficulties.
“Allowing people to go back to Church to thank the Lord, to ask for his protection and implore his help, are deemed very important by the people,” he said, stressing that allowing public masses “will uplift their spirits to a great extent”.
Fr. Elias Ayuban, superior of the Claretian congregation in the Philippines, also called for the reopening of churches, particularly in dioceses where there are no Covid-19 cases.
He said that if going to the market is allowed, he saw no reason why an organized Sunday gathering in a cathedral or spacious parish church, where physical separation can easily be executed, is not permitted.
“It is about time to reopen the doors of our churches for people to pray. While it is true that we can pray anywhere, there is no place like the church and no celebration like the mass,” Ayuban said.
Last week, the Archdiocese of Manila prepared guidelines for religious services, including the holding of masses once the government allows the conduct of these activities.
Among the protocols to be followed by the clergy and the faithful is the wearing of face masks, no holding of hands during Our fathers, and having their body temperature checked using a thermal body scanner.
Churches are also encouraged to hold masses on weekdays, but live streaming will continue for the benefit of those unable to participate in the community celebrations.
Metro Manila; Central Luzon, except Aurora; Calabarzon; Benguet; Pangasinan; Iloilo province; Cebu province; Bacolod City; Davao City, Zamboanga City, and Albay province are still under ECQ which is expected to end on May 15.
The GCQ, with relaxed quarantine measures, is currently being implemented in all low-risk and moderate-risk areas nationwide since May 1.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1102526
Thursday, May 7, 2020
LRMC resumes works on LRT1 Cavite extension project
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the private operator of Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT1), has resumed works on the 11.7-kilometer Cavite extension project.
In a statement Thursday, LRMC said it secured the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to carry on with select repair and infrastructure works while the enhanced community quarantine is still in place.
“The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX-Parañaque bridge is set to begin on May 7, 2020 (7 a.m.) until May 22, 2020 (11:59 p.m.),” the railway operator said.
There will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane or northbound along CAVITEX-Parañaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period.
This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of enhanced community quarantine last March 17.
Design works, assembly works, and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite extension project—which would see the LRT 1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite, LRMC said.
As part of the DOTr’s request to allow the resumption of maintenance and construction work on current rail projects, the company complied with the IATF’s stated guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace.
LRMC said it has implemented the following measures in their workplace at all times:
Preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, are now in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRT1 resumes operations, according to LRMC.
Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” LRMC chief operating officer Enrico Benipayo said.—AOL, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/737275/lrmc-resumes-works-on-lrt1-cavite-extension-project/story/
In a statement Thursday, LRMC said it secured the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to carry on with select repair and infrastructure works while the enhanced community quarantine is still in place.
“The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX-Parañaque bridge is set to begin on May 7, 2020 (7 a.m.) until May 22, 2020 (11:59 p.m.),” the railway operator said.
There will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane or northbound along CAVITEX-Parañaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period.
This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of enhanced community quarantine last March 17.
Design works, assembly works, and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite extension project—which would see the LRT 1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite, LRMC said.
As part of the DOTr’s request to allow the resumption of maintenance and construction work on current rail projects, the company complied with the IATF’s stated guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace.
LRMC said it has implemented the following measures in their workplace at all times:
- Reducing operations to a skeletal workforce
- Providing accommodations and point-to-point shuttle services for workers
- Regular disinfection of all workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations
- Regular monitoring of personnel health and COVID-19 symptoms
- Imposition of physical distancing and proper hygiene
Preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, are now in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRT1 resumes operations, according to LRMC.
Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” LRMC chief operating officer Enrico Benipayo said.—AOL, GMA News
https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/money/companies/737275/lrmc-resumes-works-on-lrt1-cavite-extension-project/story/
LRT 1 extension project resumes
The Light Rail Transit 1 extension to Cavite province has restarted “limited works” after the government allowed railway projects to resume amid strict quarantine measures.
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp.-led operator of LRT 1, said they had started “select repair and infrastructure work.”
The project, which will extend the LRT 1 in Metro Manila by 11.7 kilometers to Bacoor, Cavite, was slated for completion next year.
It was stalled along with other infrastructure projects last March when the government imposed a lockdown in Luzon.
According to LRMC, the scheduled bridge and pipe inspection needed for construction along the Cavite Expressway will take place from May 7 to May 22.
This will require the temporary road closure of the innermost northbound lane along Cavitex-Parañaque bridge.—Miguel R. Camus
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1270361/lrt-1-extension-project-resumes
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC), the Metro Pacific Investments Corp. and Ayala Corp.-led operator of LRT 1, said they had started “select repair and infrastructure work.”
The project, which will extend the LRT 1 in Metro Manila by 11.7 kilometers to Bacoor, Cavite, was slated for completion next year.
It was stalled along with other infrastructure projects last March when the government imposed a lockdown in Luzon.
According to LRMC, the scheduled bridge and pipe inspection needed for construction along the Cavite Expressway will take place from May 7 to May 22.
This will require the temporary road closure of the innermost northbound lane along Cavitex-Parañaque bridge.—Miguel R. Camus
https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1270361/lrt-1-extension-project-resumes
Infra, Repair Works Resume In LRT-1 Cavite Extension
The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), has resumed infrastructure and repair works on the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project after being given green light by government regulators.
In a statement on Tuesday, the LRMC said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), with support from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has allowed the resumption of infrastructure works, with compliance to guidelines set by the IATF-EID to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The resumption of works includes scheduled pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) which require temporary road closure of the innermost northbound lane along the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) – Parañaque Bridge from May 7 (Thursday) at 7 a.m. to May 22 at 11:59 p.m.
It said the temporary road closure was previously announced and was rescheduled due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
“Design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project — which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite,” the LRMC said.
It said the works would comply with guidelines set by the IATF-EID such as the reduction of personnel to a skeletal workforce, accommodation and transportation for workers, regular disinfection of workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations, regular health monitoring, physical distancing, and proper hygiene.
Better Service
Following preventive and corrective maintenance works, such as replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, the LRMC said the LRT-1 will be ready and will provide better service to commuters once it resumes operation after the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo. (PNA)
http://pageone.ph/infra-repair-works-resume-in-lrt-1-cavite-extension/
In a statement on Tuesday, the LRMC said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), with support from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has allowed the resumption of infrastructure works, with compliance to guidelines set by the IATF-EID to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The resumption of works includes scheduled pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) which require temporary road closure of the innermost northbound lane along the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) – Parañaque Bridge from May 7 (Thursday) at 7 a.m. to May 22 at 11:59 p.m.
It said the temporary road closure was previously announced and was rescheduled due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
“Design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project — which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite,” the LRMC said.
It said the works would comply with guidelines set by the IATF-EID such as the reduction of personnel to a skeletal workforce, accommodation and transportation for workers, regular disinfection of workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations, regular health monitoring, physical distancing, and proper hygiene.
Better Service
Following preventive and corrective maintenance works, such as replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, the LRMC said the LRT-1 will be ready and will provide better service to commuters once it resumes operation after the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo. (PNA)
http://pageone.ph/infra-repair-works-resume-in-lrt-1-cavite-extension/
Work on LRT 1 Cavite Extension resumes–LRMC
Light Rail Manila Corp. (LRMC) has resumed limited works on the Cavite Extension of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1, after it received the approval of the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infections Diseases (IATF-EID) and the Department of Transportation (DOTr).
Enrico Benipayo, the company’s COO, said the two government agencies have agreed to allow the company to “carry on with select repair and infrastructure works while the enhanced community quarantine is still in place.”
He noted that scheduled test pit works, including bridge and pipe inspection, will start on Thursday and will last until May 22. This will necessitate the temporary closure of the innermost lane of the Cavitex-Parañaque bridge.
Benipayo added that design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite extension.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” he said.
LRMC has complied with the IATF’s health and safety measures, including the deployment of a skeleton work force, the provision of accommodations and shuttle services for employees, regular disinfection of surfaces, monitoring of personnel, and keeping with social distancing and proper hygiene protocols.
To recall, coronavirus disease 2019 has forced infrastructure companies to temporarily halt work due to the risk of spreading the virus. But the IATF recently announced that construction activities are necessary to economic growth, especially once the situation improves.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/05/06/work-on-lrt-1-cavite-extension-resumes-lrmc/
Enrico Benipayo, the company’s COO, said the two government agencies have agreed to allow the company to “carry on with select repair and infrastructure works while the enhanced community quarantine is still in place.”
He noted that scheduled test pit works, including bridge and pipe inspection, will start on Thursday and will last until May 22. This will necessitate the temporary closure of the innermost lane of the Cavitex-Parañaque bridge.
Benipayo added that design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite extension.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” he said.
LRMC has complied with the IATF’s health and safety measures, including the deployment of a skeleton work force, the provision of accommodations and shuttle services for employees, regular disinfection of surfaces, monitoring of personnel, and keeping with social distancing and proper hygiene protocols.
To recall, coronavirus disease 2019 has forced infrastructure companies to temporarily halt work due to the risk of spreading the virus. But the IATF recently announced that construction activities are necessary to economic growth, especially once the situation improves.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/05/06/work-on-lrt-1-cavite-extension-resumes-lrmc/
Ayala and MPIC resume works on LRT 1 extension
Light Rail Manila Corp., a joint venture between Ayala Corp. and Metro Pacific Investments Corp., resumed works on the extension of the Light Rail Transit (LRT) Line 1 to Cavite after receiving the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) amid the enhanced community quarantine.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” Enrico Benipayo, chief operating officer of LRMC, said.
The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX–Paranaque bridge is set to begin on May 07 until May 22, 2020.
As a result, there will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane (northbound) along CAVITEX–Paranaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period.
This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine program on March 17.
LRMC also said preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, were in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRMC resumes operations of LRT-1.
Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.
https://manilastandard.net/index.php/business/corporate/323155/ayala-and-mpic-resume-works-on-lrt-1-extension.html
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” Enrico Benipayo, chief operating officer of LRMC, said.
The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX–Paranaque bridge is set to begin on May 07 until May 22, 2020.
As a result, there will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane (northbound) along CAVITEX–Paranaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period.
This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine program on March 17.
LRMC also said preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, were in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRMC resumes operations of LRT-1.
Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.
https://manilastandard.net/index.php/business/corporate/323155/ayala-and-mpic-resume-works-on-lrt-1-extension.html
Tuesday, May 5, 2020
Infra, repair works resume in LRT-1 Cavite Extension
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| WORKS RESUME AT LRT-1. Personnel of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1) conduct maintenance works after being given the green light by government regulators. The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) on Tuesday said works for the LRT-1 Cavite Extension resumed, aside from improvement works that would benefit commuters once the enhanced community quarantine is lifted in Metro Manila. (Photo courtesy of LRMC) |
The Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC), the private operator of the Light Rail Transit Line 1 (LRT-1), has resumed infrastructure and repair works on the LRT-1 Cavite Extension project after being given green light by government regulators.
In a statement on Tuesday, the LRMC said the Inter-Agency Task Force for the Management of Emerging Infectious Diseases (IATF-EID), with support from the Department of Transportation (DOTr), has allowed the resumption of infrastructure works, with compliance to guidelines set by the IATF-EID to prevent the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).
The resumption of works includes scheduled pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) which require temporary road closure of the innermost northbound lane along the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) – Parañaque Bridge from May 7 (Thursday) at 7 a.m. to May 22 at 11:59 p.m.
It said the temporary road closure was previously announced and was rescheduled due to the enhanced community quarantine in Luzon.
“Design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project — which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite,” the LRMC said.
It said the works would comply with guidelines set by the IATF-EID such as the reduction of personnel to a skeletal workforce, accommodation and transportation for workers, regular disinfection of workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations, regular health monitoring, physical distancing, and proper hygiene.
Better service
Following preventive and corrective maintenance works, such as replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, the LRMC said the LRT-1 will be ready and will provide better service to commuters once it resumes operation after the enhanced community quarantine in Metro Manila.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo.
https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1101974
Work on infra projects resumes
Private contractors want to get ‘Build, Build, Build’ back on track
Big contractors are raring to begin work on major infrastructure projects to help bring the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program back on track.
Major public and private construction projects from railways to elevated roads have stalled since the Duterte administration imposed strict quarantine measures last March amid the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Some of those restrictions have been rolled back with proper safety protocols in place, allowing some construction activities to continue.
EEI Corp. CEO Roberto Jose L. Castillo told the Inquirer they have resumed work on the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 just before the weekend.
Controlled by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., the MRT-7 is a 23-kilometer railway line that will link San Jose del Monte in Bulacan and North Ave. in Quezon and cut the usual two-hour travel time by car to about 30 minutes.
“The rail authorities got permission from the IATF to restart work on all rail projects in Metro Manila,” Castillo said, referring to the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force.
Castillo said they have adequate safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE).
“We had the opportunity to train many of our people in observing safety protocols and wearing of the additional PPEs when we worked on the conversion of some the PICC Forum tent, Rizal Memorial Stadium,” he said.
Megawide Construction Corp.,the builder of the Mactan Cebu International Aiport and the new passenger terminal in Clark International Airport, said they were preparing to restart business.
“We’re ready with new health and safety standards,” Megawide CEO Edgar Saavedra said in a text message.
The IATF on April 29 issued Resolution No. 30 that outlined which construction projects may resume.
For areas under the less strict general enhanced community quarantine, essential public and private construction projects will be allowed. These include water sewerage, health facilities and other “priority projects.”
Areas under enhanced community quarantine, which was extended in places such as Metro Manila and Central Luzon until May 15, are still subject to strict guidelines. Priority projects are health facilities, disaster-risk and rehabilitation activities.
In a virtual briefing on Friday, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the government would continue its “Build, Build, Build” projects despite the COVID-19 crisis.
These include the 35-km Metro Manila Subway from Quezon City to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 rehabilitation project. The Department of Transportation also imposed safety requirements such as on-site accommodation for workers and point-to-point shuttle services.
Over the weekend, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar also announced the partial resumption of the “Build, Build, Build” program. He said only workers aged 21 to 59 years old without preexisting health conditions would be included in the workforce
https://business.inquirer.net/296380/work-on-infra-projects-resumes
Big contractors are raring to begin work on major infrastructure projects to help bring the government’s “Build, Build, Build” program back on track.
Major public and private construction projects from railways to elevated roads have stalled since the Duterte administration imposed strict quarantine measures last March amid the new coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic.
Some of those restrictions have been rolled back with proper safety protocols in place, allowing some construction activities to continue.
EEI Corp. CEO Roberto Jose L. Castillo told the Inquirer they have resumed work on the Metro Rail Transit Line 7 just before the weekend.
Controlled by conglomerate San Miguel Corp., the MRT-7 is a 23-kilometer railway line that will link San Jose del Monte in Bulacan and North Ave. in Quezon and cut the usual two-hour travel time by car to about 30 minutes.
“The rail authorities got permission from the IATF to restart work on all rail projects in Metro Manila,” Castillo said, referring to the COVID-19 Inter-Agency Task Force.
Castillo said they have adequate safety protocols and personal protective equipment (PPE).
“We had the opportunity to train many of our people in observing safety protocols and wearing of the additional PPEs when we worked on the conversion of some the PICC Forum tent, Rizal Memorial Stadium,” he said.
Megawide Construction Corp.,the builder of the Mactan Cebu International Aiport and the new passenger terminal in Clark International Airport, said they were preparing to restart business.
“We’re ready with new health and safety standards,” Megawide CEO Edgar Saavedra said in a text message.
The IATF on April 29 issued Resolution No. 30 that outlined which construction projects may resume.
For areas under the less strict general enhanced community quarantine, essential public and private construction projects will be allowed. These include water sewerage, health facilities and other “priority projects.”
Areas under enhanced community quarantine, which was extended in places such as Metro Manila and Central Luzon until May 15, are still subject to strict guidelines. Priority projects are health facilities, disaster-risk and rehabilitation activities.
In a virtual briefing on Friday, Transportation Secretary Arthur Tugade said the government would continue its “Build, Build, Build” projects despite the COVID-19 crisis.
These include the 35-km Metro Manila Subway from Quezon City to Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport and the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 rehabilitation project. The Department of Transportation also imposed safety requirements such as on-site accommodation for workers and point-to-point shuttle services.
Over the weekend, Public Works and Highways Secretary Mark Villar also announced the partial resumption of the “Build, Build, Build” program. He said only workers aged 21 to 59 years old without preexisting health conditions would be included in the workforce
https://business.inquirer.net/296380/work-on-infra-projects-resumes
LRMC resumes limited works on LRT-1 Cavite Extension
LRT-1 private operator Light Rail Manila Corporation (LRMC) has resumed works on the 11.7 kilometre Cavite Extension Project after receiving the green light from the Inter-Agency Task Force (IATF) and Department of Transportation (DOTr) to carry on with select repair and infrastructure works while the Enhanced Community Quarantine is still in place.
The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge is set to begin on May 07, 2020 (7AM) until May 22, 2020 (11:59PM). As a result, there will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane (northbound) along CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period. This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine program last March 17.
Design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project—which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite.
IATF-compliant operations
As part of the DOTr’s request to allow the resumption of maintenance and construction work on current rail projects, LRMC has complied with the IATF’s stated guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace. LRMC has implemented the following measures in their workplace at all times:
LRT-1 ready for better service
Preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, are now in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRMC resumes operations of LRT-1. Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo.
For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.
https://wheels.ph/lrmc-resumes-limited-works-on-lrt-1-cavite-extension/
The scheduled test pit works (bridge and pipe inspection) required for the construction along the CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge is set to begin on May 07, 2020 (7AM) until May 22, 2020 (11:59PM). As a result, there will be a temporary road closure of the innermost lane (northbound) along CAVITEX – Paranaque bridge to give way to the necessary activities in the area during the same period. This was previously announced and rescheduled due to the government’s implementation of Enhanced Community Quarantine program last March 17.
Design works, assembly works and select tasks at the precast yard area are also ongoing for the Cavite Extension Project—which would see the LRT-1 line reach Bacoor, Cavite.
IATF-compliant operations
As part of the DOTr’s request to allow the resumption of maintenance and construction work on current rail projects, LRMC has complied with the IATF’s stated guidelines to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in their workplace. LRMC has implemented the following measures in their workplace at all times:
- Reducing operations to a skeletal workforce
- Providing accommodations and point-to-point shuttle services for workers
- Regular disinfection of all workplaces, shuttles, and accommodations
- Regular monitoring of personnel health and COVID-19 symptoms
- Imposition of physical distancing and proper hygiene
LRT-1 ready for better service
Preventive and corrective maintenance works, including the replacement of air-conditioning compressor units, are now in progress to ensure the public of better service when LRMC resumes operations of LRT-1. Public transport operations have been suspended since March 17 in line with the government’s enhanced community quarantine enforced in Luzon.
“Rest assured that we are taking every opportunity during this time to come back better for Filipino commuters. We are taking great efforts to make sure our workers remain safe and healthy by following the proper guidelines and precautions set by the government,” said LRMC Chief Operating Officer Enrico Benipayo.
For more updates and info on the LRT-1, follow LRMC on Facebook at facebook.com/officialLRT1, Twitter at @officialLRT1, or download the ikotMNL mobile app for free on Google Play and App Store.
https://wheels.ph/lrmc-resumes-limited-works-on-lrt-1-cavite-extension/
Monday, May 4, 2020
Meralco cuts 2020 network capital expenditure to P9.34B
The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) has reduced its network capital expenditure (capex) to P9.34 billion this year, from P17.84 billion, as various projects were stalled by the enhanced community quarantine (ECQ).
“Because of the ECQ, the design, engineering, and construction, and even procurement of our capex project have been delayed that we had to recast our budget from P17.84 billion to P9.34 billion. This is only for the network side,” said Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Ronnie Aperocho.
The ECQ limited the deployment of people and transport of materials and equipment. “We expect network capex to be lower than budget for a number of reasons. It’s hard to get capex program going because of the lockdown.”
Only 27 percent, or P2.54 billion, of the revised network capex was utilized in the first quarter.
This year’s reprogrammed network capex include P2.88 billion for new connections, P2.39 billion for asset renewals, P2.27 billion to address load growth, P58 million for electrification project, P45 million for “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) and Private-Public Partnership (PPP) and P75 million for immovable and movable nonnetwork assets.
Aperocho said the balance of P8.5 billion would be carried over to next year.
To date, Meralco has installed and replaced over 100,000 meters, replaced more than 800 electric poles and more than 200 substation equipment covering new connections and asset renewals.
Separately, as part of the Meralco Electrification Project, 56 sites were energized this year with a total of over 1,100 meters installed. As work had to be suspended due to the ECQ, a total of only 173 poles in support of the government’s BBB projects and 96 poles for Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) road-widening projects have been relocated.
For government projects, Aperocho said Meralco has allotted close half a billion for BBB and PPP “because we expect the timely completion of these projects.”
He said the transportation department has already requested Meralco to resume the pole relocation works related to four priority projects: PNR North 1, MRT 7, LRT 1 Cavite extension and the Unified Common Station.
“Design and engineering works for these projects have already resumed. In fact, for MRT line 7 project, we were able to install 40 poles and conducted span cables during ECQ,” said Aperocho.
“We’re currently coordinating with the Department of Transportation for the release of more IDs for our working personnel and contractors, and with the DOE [Department of Energy] to grant us exemption from prearranged power interruption which are necessary for us to relocate our facilities,” he added.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/05/04/meralco-cuts-2020-network-capital-expenditure-to-%e2%82%a79-34b/
“Because of the ECQ, the design, engineering, and construction, and even procurement of our capex project have been delayed that we had to recast our budget from P17.84 billion to P9.34 billion. This is only for the network side,” said Meralco First Vice President and Head of Networks Ronnie Aperocho.
The ECQ limited the deployment of people and transport of materials and equipment. “We expect network capex to be lower than budget for a number of reasons. It’s hard to get capex program going because of the lockdown.”
Only 27 percent, or P2.54 billion, of the revised network capex was utilized in the first quarter.
This year’s reprogrammed network capex include P2.88 billion for new connections, P2.39 billion for asset renewals, P2.27 billion to address load growth, P58 million for electrification project, P45 million for “Build, Build, Build” (BBB) and Private-Public Partnership (PPP) and P75 million for immovable and movable nonnetwork assets.
Aperocho said the balance of P8.5 billion would be carried over to next year.
To date, Meralco has installed and replaced over 100,000 meters, replaced more than 800 electric poles and more than 200 substation equipment covering new connections and asset renewals.
Separately, as part of the Meralco Electrification Project, 56 sites were energized this year with a total of over 1,100 meters installed. As work had to be suspended due to the ECQ, a total of only 173 poles in support of the government’s BBB projects and 96 poles for Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) road-widening projects have been relocated.
For government projects, Aperocho said Meralco has allotted close half a billion for BBB and PPP “because we expect the timely completion of these projects.”
He said the transportation department has already requested Meralco to resume the pole relocation works related to four priority projects: PNR North 1, MRT 7, LRT 1 Cavite extension and the Unified Common Station.
“Design and engineering works for these projects have already resumed. In fact, for MRT line 7 project, we were able to install 40 poles and conducted span cables during ECQ,” said Aperocho.
“We’re currently coordinating with the Department of Transportation for the release of more IDs for our working personnel and contractors, and with the DOE [Department of Energy] to grant us exemption from prearranged power interruption which are necessary for us to relocate our facilities,” he added.
https://businessmirror.com.ph/2020/05/04/meralco-cuts-2020-network-capital-expenditure-to-%e2%82%a79-34b/
Friday, May 1, 2020
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