Cusi: Power Situation in Quake-Stricken Areas Seen to Improve by July 19

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi told President Rodrigo Duterte in Ormoc City on Thursday afternoon that the supply of electricity in areas of the Visayas affected by the recent earthquake will noticeably improve by the end of the month.

Cusi relayed the latest timeline on the power restoration efforts in Region 8, Bohol and Ormoc City during a visit by the President and Cabinet members to the quake-stricken areas in this city.

The Energy chief gave the assurance that his department has been working nonstop to normalize power in the affected areas, citing reports by the National Electrification Administration (NEA), National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) and Energy Development Corp. (EDC).

Subject to NGCP’s successful restoration of Transformer 6, “We expect a total of 309 megawatts (MW) of available capacity byJuly 19,” Sec. Cusi announced Friday (14 July).

“These capacities can serve the total demand of electricity for the affected areas of Region VIII (Samar and Leyte Provinces) and Bohol, which is at 291 MW,” Sec. Cusi said.

DOE Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella had earlier called an emergency meeting attended by representatives from the NEA, Region 8 Electric Cooperatives, NGCP and EDC to provide updates and work timelines on the power restoration.

Based on the reports, there will be available capacities coming in from the EDC-run geothermal power plants: July 16 with 269 MW, July 19 additional 40 MW from its Tongonan geothermal power plant totaling to 309 MW by Wednesday next week.

All available capacities by end of July is expected to reach 322 MW.

"We will continue to explore all options available for Leyte, Samar and Bohol islands."

The DOE is also coordinating with the Energy Regulatory Commission to ensure compliance of electricity service providers with the required standards and the alignment in crafting resiliency policies.

DOTr Expressed Full Support in the 3rd #MMShakeDrill

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In a bid to heighten employees’ awareness and preparedness in the event that a 7.2 magnitude earthquake jolts Metro Manila, the Department of Transportation (DOTr) exerted its full support and participation to the third #MMShakeDrill held earlier today, 14 July 2017.

At the sound of an alarm that signaled the start of the drill, DOTr employees, along with other tenants in the Columbia Tower in Mandaluyong, observed the duck, cover, and hold maneuver for 45 seconds before evacuating the building.

“It is very important for all of us to participate in these drills because preparedness will translate to survival when the time comes. ‘The Big One’ can strike at any time and so we must be ready,” said DOTr Assistant Secretary for Special Concerns Eymard Eje.

The DOTr has likewise organized an Incident Management Team that prepared simulation scenarios for the drill, including staged victims and rescue operations.

“Of course our prayer is that we won’t need to face such a calamity, but our employees’ safety is our main concern so we must take every precaution,” added Eje.

On Wednesday, President Rodrigo Duterte signed an executive order including the DOTr in the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). Its main task is to take care of transportation systems during rescue and relief operations.

DOTr-CAB To Give Senior Citizens, PWDs 20% Discount On Online Booking for Domestic Travel

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Senior citizens and Persons with Disability (PWD) may soon avail a 20% discount when booking a domestic flight online.

The Department of Transportation - Civil Aeronautics Board approved yesterday, 13 July 2017, the Resolution requiring local airlines to give a 20% discount on tickets purchased via the carrier's website or a mobile application. Prior to this, the discount was only applied to face to face transactions.

Under the Resolution, senior citizens, PWDs, or their representatives must input the passenger’s details including date of birth and ID number indicated in the Senior Citizen or PWD card.

CAB directed airlines to establish in their websites the necessary system to be able to process the 20% discount based on the actual fare, including promotional fares that were directly sold by the airlines. The discount, however, shall not cover lawful taxes and other fees and charges imposed in relation to domestic air travel.

A breakdown and summary of the amount to be paid must be known to the Senior Citizen or PWD before the completion of the transaction. The document confirming the passenger’s seat reservation or booking must likewise indicate that the passenger was granted the 20% discount for proper verification at the check-in counter.

Passengers who avail of the discount must present necessary identification upon check-in.

The resolution will take effect 15 days after publication. After which, airlines will be given two months from date of effectivity to develop and fully implement a virtual system that would apply the discount on online transactions.

The discount shall not be applicable to tickets sold by virtue of indirect or external sales promotions which contain promises of gain, such as through winning in a contest, game, and other similar competitions which involve determination of winner/s.