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Wednesday, April 28, 2021

Second session of the virtual “Sulong Pilipinas” 2021: Partners for Progress (A Pre-SONA Economic Development and Infrastructure Clusters Forum)

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Transportation Secretary Arthur P. Tugade reported on the   26th of  April 2021, the transport projects and initiatives accomplished by the Department of Transportation (DOTr) since 2016, and emphasized that it will continue to fulfill the promise of President Duterte to provide a comfortable life for Filipinos.

Secretary Tugade was one of the country’s chief infrastructure managers who reported in the second session of the virtual “Sulong Pilipinas” 2021: Partners for Progress (A Pre-SONA Economic Development and Infrastructure Clusters Forum).

During the forum, which was conducted in preparation for the 6th State of the Nation Address (SONA) of President Duterte, Tugade recounted the previous sorry state of public transportation, as well as the delayed transport programs when he took over as the DOTr Secretary in 2016.


“When the Duterte administration took office in mid-2016, we were greeted with numerous long-standing issues that have tormented the country for years, and even decades. I remember fully well when we were only starting to take on the challenge five (5) years ago. The Filipino people have pinned their hopes on the new administration then – with eyes intently and critically watching us on what we would do next,” Tugade said.

Tugade enumerated the reality issues before such as the “Laglag Bala” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), the issuance of paper driver’s licenses, the country being known as “Republikang Walang Plaka,” and the traffic congestion dubbed as “EDSA Carmageddon.”

“Noon, ang pagbiyahe sa EDSA ay itinuturing na matinding pakikidigma. The traffic congestion was worsened by illegal terminals, buses loading and unloading anywhere they want. Halu-halo ang mga sasakyan, at kapansin-pansin din na walang bike lane para sa mga siklista,” Tugade said.

“MRT-3 was compared to the horror movie “Train to Busan,” and was even called “MRTirik” as passengers were pestered by daily numerous breakdowns, unloading incidents, train derailment, and hours of waiting time between trains. Worse, kung tumirik ang tren, ang mga pasahero, no choice kundi maglakad sa riles,” Tugade added.





The Transportation Chief further recounted the bad state of the transportation sector five years ago. He said that before, numerous rail projects that were left hanging, various seaports and airports devastated by calamities such as Typhoon Yolanda and the Bohol earthquake, lack of progress in vital international airports, and the condition of Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) lighthouses, as well as its outdated and insufficient maritime security assets.


DOTr Initiatives

After enumerating the sorry state of the transportation sector before the Duterte administration came in, Tugade then reported the status of these long-standing issues after five years.

Tugade reported that there is no more Laglag-Bala in NAIA, and that initiatives such as the upgrade and improvement of the NAIA are already being undertaken, which resulted in the rehabilitation of the airport’s runway and the inauguration of its new taxiways. Meanwhile, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) rolled out new driver’s license plastic (5) cards that are valid for five years and has distributed more than 3 million motor vehicle plates.

Secretary Tugade also shared the establishment of the EDSA Busway and bike lanes to promote active transportation. To ensure the safety of cyclists and other road users, 296 kilometers of bike lanes have been completed with pavement markings, bollards, and solar studs. The DOTr aims to complete 535 kilometers of bike lanes in Metro Manila, Cebu, and Davao before the year ends.


Railway sector achievements

During the forum, the transport chief announced that the massive MRT-3 rehabilitation will be completed by December this year. Currently, the railway runs at 60 kilometers per hour, with waiting time between trains at just 3.5 minutes, and with an all-time high of 23 operational trains. Tugade added that the MRT-3 is now cooler with new air conditioning units.

“Kung dati, nagrereklamo ang mga tao na sobrang init, ngayon, ang reklamo ng tao, sobrang lamig ng tren ng MRT-3,” Tugade remarked.

Further, the DOTr is now working on some long-delayed rail projects. These include the Metro Manila Subway, the country’s first underground railway system. First conceived in 1973, actual construction only began in 2019. Parts of the massive tunnel boring machines (TBMs) have arrived for the start of the underground works within the year.

“Dumating na po ang TBM Kaunlaran at TBM Perlas ng Silangan,” Tugade said.

In addition, Tugade said that the LRT-1 Cavite Extension, which was delayed for 19 years, as well as the Manila to Clark Railway, which was planned in 1993, are undergoing full-blast construction. The Secretary also reported that essential facilities of PNR Clark Phase 1 are scheduled for completion in the fourth quarter of 2021. The Philippine National Railways (PNR) was also able to procure new and modern trains for the first time in 50 years.

Other projects that the DOTr is now completing are the MRT-7, which is currently halfway complete, and the Mindanao Railway Project, which is now approved by the NEDA Board. Tugade also shared that the LRT-2 East Extension is set for inauguration in June, while the Common Station will be finally partially operable by the fourth quarter of this year.


Soaring Aviation sector

Secretary Tugade reported that from 2016 to the present, the DOTr Aviation Sector has completed a total of 121 airport projects. These projects include the Bohol-Panglao International Airport, which was inaugurated in 2018, and the Bicol International Airport with a current progress rate of almost 80%.

The DOTr has also completed the Mactan-Cebu International Airport and the world-class Passenger Terminal Building II of the Clark International Airport. Other notable airport projects of the DOTr Aviation sector include the development projects in General Santos, Kalibo, Virac, Camiguin, Ormoc, Tacloban, and Calbayog Airports.

“Yung Ormoc, ladies and gentlemen, halos wala nang bubong ‘yan noong aming nadatnan. Nasira pa ‘yan noong Bagyong Yolanda at hindi man lamang nakatikim ng ginhawa. Inayos po natin ‘yan,” Tugade reported.


Restored Maritime infrastructures

From 2016 to the present, the DOTr and the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) were able to complete 426 seaport projects nationwide. These include the Cagayan de Oro Port’s Passenger Terminal Building (PTB) – the biggest port terminal in the country.

Tugade added that the Ormoc and Tacloban Ports, as well as the Tagbilaran and Maribojoc Ports, damaged by the Super Typhoon Yolanda and the strong earthquake in 2013, were restored.

“Kung nakita ninyo ang Maribojoc Port noong 2017, maaawa kayo. Durog ho ang kalsada. Nasira ho ito noon pang lindol at naiwang kalunos-lunos ang estado. Ngayon ho, 95% complete na, at tatapusin ho naming ‘yan end of May this year,” Tugade added.

On maritime safety, the DOTr continues to modernize the country’s lighthouses. From only 113 in 2014, the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) has hugely increased the number of operational lighthouses to 600 as of March 2021. The PCG also acquired modern and high-tech equipment, not only for border patrol, but also for search and rescue operations, as well as humanitarian service.

*Mobility during the pandemic*

With the onslaught of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need for physical distancing made it necessary to limit transport capacity. Thus, Secretary Tugade said the Free Ride Program of the DOTr for health workers and Authorized Persons Outside their Residence (APORs) was established to ensure the mobility and safety of frontliners and essential workers.

Tugade further reported that as of 12 April 2021, the operational public utility vehicles (PUVs) in Metro Manila are already at 80%, equating to 99,000 units available in 727 routes. As of 23 April 2021, the DOTr has already opened 5,803 routes complemented by 234,939 PUV units. Tugade added that the LTFRB has opened 60 more jeepney routes with 2,000 operating units in Metro Manila. He further said that 195 provincial bus routes were also opened with more than 2,600 provincial bus units to and from Metro Manila, subject to requirements of the local government units.

At the end of his presentation, Secretary Tugade assured that the achievements will not stop the DOTr and its attached agencies from finishing what has been started. He emphasized that the completed and ongoing transport projects and initiatives are the realizations of President Duterte’s promise of comfortable and convenient life to Filipinos.

“With barely a year left before we step down, we will exert all efforts to finish what we have started, fulfill what we have promised, and deliver what we have envisioned,” Tugade affirmed.

PLDT Enterprise continues free fiber upgrade program



Wazzup Pilipinas!?

PLDT Enterprise, the B2B arm of the largest integrated telecommunications company in the Philippines PLDT, has announced its continued commitment to service customers’ growing digital needs through fiber upgrade program at no added cost to its subscribers.

With its target to fully migrate copper-based services to fiber by the middle of 2022, the service improvements aim to provide a more reliable connection as businesses continue to further leverage on digital solutions to support their operations.

The migration from copper to fiber was started by PLDT Group in September 2020 as part of its 18-month modernization program to boost both PLDT Home and Enterprise customers’ internet service.

"The PLDT Group has been heavily investing in our fiber infrastructure which now spans to over 400,000 kilometers nationwide, and we continue to expand this as we believe that fiber is the future of enterprise. This fiber upgrade program is a reinforcement of our unbreakable commitment in serving our customers better, in line with our mission to make a positive impact on every single business," said Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups.

PLDT's fiber optic network has the most extensive digital data infrastructure in the Philippines, spanning a total of 429,000 kilometers.

The demand for fast and reliable internet connectivity is escalating, especially with the continued government-mandated lockdowns brought about by the global health crisis. FVP & Head of PLDT Enterprise Core Business Solutions Jojo Gendrano assured that “migrating to fiber means better service and more productive industries and its workforce. The possibilities to take advantage of digital solutions and cloud-based services are much better, but the best part is we will enable all loyal copper-based customers with the upgrade for free.”

“Having a fast and reliable internet has become essential especially during this time to help businesses sustain their operations. To meet the higher demand of our subscribers for more reliable bandwidth, we’ve consistently pushed for this free fiber upgrade program that will allow for increased resiliency and better uptime,” said PLDT Enterprise Vice President & Head of Fixed Core Business Solutions Gary Ignacio.

PLDT's fiber is the most advanced internet service in the country, giving high-speed equal download and upload speeds as it runs through fiber optic technology. It has the most robust, most resilient fiber optic network, servicing the most areas around the nation.


For more information on PLDT Enterprise, visit pldtenterprise.com.

Local Travel Destinations; History, Culture, and Sights


Wazzup Pilipinas!?

From North to South, the Philippines has tons of places worth visiting any time of the year but most especially, during Summer when everyone wants to either escape the heat and take a dip in beautiful beaches or take advantage of the dry season to explore beautiful sceneries and take on some adventure.

Here’s a quick list of the local places worth checking by every travel enthusiast.

Bulacan. Bulacan is only minutes away from Manila, a province with so much history, culture, and craftsmanship to boast of. Take advantage of the dry season by learning the art of jewelry making, crafts, garments, and even pyrotechnics. Visit the famous landmarks of Kalayaan Tree, Biak-na-Bato Cave, and Barasoain Church and discover the colorful history of the province and of our country. Aside from these sites, Bulacan also offers a number of resorts families can take advantage of with only a short trip from the metro. If you only need a day or a weekend to take some time off, Bulacan could be a good option as you don’t have to travel far to have a different environment.

Photo source: Wikipedia.org




Batangas. Located on the southwestern part of Luzon in Region IV-A, Batangas is a popular summer destination, especially for Metro Manila residents, as this is very accessible to the metro.

San Juan, Batangas is one of its popular municipalities known for its white-sand beaches. If you’d rather go deep down the waters than spend time under the sun, then Anilao, Batangas might be the place for you as it offers excellent diving sites.

Photo from gilldivers.com




Quezon. If you’re in for a road trip and food exploration, then you’re on the right path with Quezon Province. Another one from the South, Quezon offers one of the most exciting food adventures. A local delicacy that tops the list is its flavorful Pancit habhab which is made from the province’s own produced Lucban Miki Noodles. Aside from being mouthwatering and nutritious, it is famous for the way it’s eaten – not with the use of any utensils but only with a banana leaf that serves as its plate, too. Fold the banana leaf, and it will serve as the utensil you need to eat the pancit as it squeezes the pancit for you.

Photo from consumerlive.wordpress.com


Not fond of noodles? Then try their sweet treats like the Puto Bao. Made with glutinous rice and macapuno filling, a taste of this sweet delicacy will surely entice you to forget anything about diet.

Photo from carousell.ph

Bacolod. Fly to the Visayas region and visit the City of Smiles, Bacolod. The capital city of Negros Occidental is not only known for its MassKara festival but also for its diverse tourism attractions. From the pristine white beaches of Lakawon Island to the relaxing springs and waterfalls at Mambukal Mountain Resort to the historical landmarks of Balay Negrense and San Sebastian Cathedral, you will surely not get enough of this city’s offerings. It is simply a place where the beauty of nature can be explored and culture can be learned.

Photo from awanderfulsole.com

Bogo. If you want to retreat from the city buzz, Bogo City in Cebu is a nice breakaway from the daily hustle. One local destination that can provide a serene and breathtaking ambiance is the Capitancillo island. The Capitancillo island is a protected marine sanctuary of about 600 hectares in size. With its perfect clear blue waters, snorkeling and diving are truly relished by travelers. Though rather a small island, it will not disappoint in providing a secluded and stunning experience.

Photo from silingan.com.ph

The above are just some local destinations worth visiting, not just only during Summer. The best way to get to experience them all year-round is to find a home near in any of these locations or near tourist spot destinations. For affordable house and lots in the Philippines near travel destinations, check Lessandra communities.

Meantime, while travel restrictions are in place, take Lessandra’s fun quiz and see which travel destination should be included in your post-pandemic summer getaway.


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