Power Now Fully Restored In 3 Quake-Hit Visayas Provinces

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy reported today that power has been fully restored in the three provinces of Leyte, Samar and Bohol hit recently by a magnitude 6.5 earthquake.

Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi commended all those in the energy department and industry participants who contributed to attaining this achievement four days earlier than the 31 July deadline.

"I congratulate and thank the hardworking people, especially those on the ground, for attaining 100% restoration of power in Leyte, Samar and Bohol, " Cusi said.

"The task to build a stronger and more resilient energy system lies ahead. Our hosting of the Asian Cooperation Dialogue in Bohol next week will help us learn more and do more," Cusi added.

The System Operator, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, reported to the DOE that the newly transferred 150Mva Transformer 2 at the Ormoc Substation was successfully energized at around 2140H on Wednesday (July 27) and is loading electricity today (July 28).

This means that another 135 MW can be delivered to Leyte, Samar and Bohol (LSB).

The total potential of 330 MW in the three islands to address its projected peak demand of 291 MW is broken down as follows: (1) 135 MW traversing the Ormoc Substation; (2) 40 MW from Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant; (3) around 20 MW from various embedded generation sources; and (4) an additional 135 MW through the Ormoc Substation. The projected peak demand for LSB is 291 MW is broken down as follows: 210 MW for Leyte and Samar and 81 MW for Bohol.

DOE to Host Asia Cooperation Dialogue in Bohol

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) announced Friday (28 July) the maiden hosting of the Philippines of the Asia Cooperation Dialogue (ACD) to be held on 7-10 August 2017 in Panglao Island, Bohol.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said, “The hosting of ACD gives greater emphasis on the evolving global developments concerning energy and the environment and the energy-water-food nexus.”

“These topics are the key areas of cooperation where Asian nations can consolidate and expand efforts to ensure a secure, affordable, sustainable and resilient energy supplies in the region,” Cusi emphasized.

Established in June 2002, the ACD is a gathering of Asian countries to promote interdependence among Asian members in all areas of cooperation, one of which is on energy.

This year’s ACD Conference will focus on energy security, sustainability and resiliency as well as energy's relation to water and food.

The conference aims to gather energy policy makers in the region to discuss latest developments in their respective countries, and encourage consultations in identifying new cooperation initiatives that may be implemented in the ACD region.

Specifically, the Conference aims to promote information exchange and the sharing of best practices on energy policies, plans and programs among ACD Member States.

It will also be an avenue to drive investments in the following priority areas: (1) Renewable Energy and Clean Energy; (2) Natural Gas as Transition Fuel; (3) Low Carbon Future Thru Clean Energy Technologies; (4) Emerging Role of Nuclear Energy; (5) Energy Connectivity and Market Integration; and (6) The Role of the Younger Generation on the Future of Energy Development.

Participating countries are expected to share information and experiences on building a resilient energy sector, especially among high-risk countries on the adverse effects of changing weather patterns and disasters.

The other objectives of the ACD, Cusi said, are to expand trade and financial markets within Asia, and ultimately transform the Asian continent into One Asian Community.

Fab Finds, Biggest Deals Await at the 2017 Great Singapore Sale!

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Shopping aficionados and fashionistas can score the most exclusive finds at the Great Singapore Sale (GSS), Asia’s biggest shopping extravaganza, as it continues until August 13. Presented by the Singapore Retailers Association (SRA) and Singapore Tourism Board (STB), it offers the best deals and bargains from the hottest brands, making every shopaholic’s dreams come true.

“Singapore is truly a shopper’s haven and once more, the Great Singapore Sale welcomes our visitors to experience the biggest shopping spree in Southeast Asia,” said Lael Loh, STB Area Director for Philippines.



Fill your shopping bags with the best finds

First things first, for shoppers heading into the GSS, remember that prices can drop to as low as 70% from the hundreds of participating brands such as Oakley, GoPro, LEVI’S, Dockers, ALDO, Pandora, Ralph Lauren Home, Lacoste, Quicksilver, Nike, Tempur, TISSOT, VANS, TOPMAN, TOPSHOP, Dorothy Perkins, and a whole lot more.

Indeed, stretching those Singapore dollars is what one can expect as a line-up of just about everything is up for grabs—even spa treatments, dining offerings, and accommodations from luxurious and quirky boutique hotels are available for that holistic lifestyle pampering experience.