DOE-DPWH To Relocate Power Distribution Lines

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The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) signed today (10 July) a circular to guide electric cooperatives on a unified mechanism concerning relocation of their power facilities affected by government construction.

The DOE-DPWH Joint Circular prescribes uniform guidelines and procedures for the proper payment of compensation and/or recovery of cost in the event of the need to relocate the distribution/subtransmission lines of electric cooperatives.

At the signing of the Joint Circular along with DPWH Undersecretary Karen Jimeno, representing DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi said: “We have to address situations where the facilities of electric cooperatives need to be relocated due to government projects, such as road-widening, bridge construction, among others, and provide a unified mechanism for reasonable compensation to them for every affected facility.”

“This joint initiative is in cognizance of the need to provide continuous, adequate and reliable electricity services to consumers while government projects are underway," Cusi pointed out.

Based on the Circular, the government agency implementing a public works project shall coordinate during with the National Electrification Administration (NEA) and Electric Cooperatives to address all right-of-way concerns related to the affected facility, including claims for compensation and determination of relocation sites.

It also provides an appropriate formula in the determination of proper compensation to the electric cooperative for the cost of the removal of affected facility.

“With this Joint Circular, we will be able to accelerate and expand access to electricity services by our people,” the Energy Chief concluded.

Cover Photo Caption: DOE Secretary Alfonso Cusi and DPWH Undersecretary Karen Jimeno, representing DPWH Secretary Mark Villar, signed this morning, 10 July 2017, in the DOE Conference Room the DOE-DPWH Joint Circular on the payments and compensation to electric cooperatives whose facilities are affected by government projects.

E-Power Mo! To Bring DOE Closer to Consumers

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Recognizing the public’s vital role in the energy chain, the Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) and Philippine Information Agency (PIA) will launch the “E-Power Mo!” on 12 July 2017 Wednesday at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) in Pasay City.

Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said that there is a "need to send across the message of the energy sector to the entire energy chain, from the industry players down to the general public.”

The conference for energy consumers and stakeholders, “E-Power Mo!” aims to provide essential information on the fast-evolving developments in the energy sector, proper energy utilization and energy resiliency.

E-Power Mo will also launch President Rodrigo Duterte’s energy roadmap and policies designed to empower the consumers specifically to:

1. Develop and utilize the energy resources available to Filipinos for wealth creation and global competition (E-POWER MO!);
2. Undertake safety and savings measures through energy efficiency (E-SAFETY MO!);
3. Secure the delivery of quality, reliable and affordable energy services (E-SECURE MO!); and,
4. Empower consumers through a wide range of options in utilizing conventional, renewable and alternative energy sources. (E-DISKARTE MO!).

The DOE will aggressively implement this strategic energy information, education and communication campaign so that ordinary Filipinos would be encouraged to use energy responsibly and would be partners in advancing the country's economic growth.

Lenovo Recruits Gamers and Fans to be Part of a New and Exclusive Gaming Community: Gamers Legion

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Join the Legion!

Lenovo, the world’s leading PC manufacturer, today launched a call for all fans in the Philippines to join Gamers Legion, a new, exclusive and one-of-a-kind community in Asia aimed at taking the modern PC gaming experience to the next level.

As a member of Gamers Legion, participants from the Philippines will not only play a pivotal role in Lenovo’s future product development, but will also be the first to know about Legion’s newest offers and events.

Interested fans and gamers simply need to visit the dedicated Legion microsite at http://www.legionlenovo.com/ph in order to fill out a short online questionnaire about their gaming habits, preferences and views. Lenovo will then select 30 gamers in the Philippines to join the exclusive community of 270 people across Asia that will make up Gamers Legion.

What’s more, Lenovo Philippines will also be raffling off 30 tickets to Garena’s Rampage 2017. Everyone who submitted their applications via the microsite gets a chance to win.

The Gamers Legion recruitment phase begins today and only lasts until July 20, 2017. All successful applicants will be notified on July 24 via email. All fans and gamers are also encouraged to visit the Facebook Page of Lenovo Philippines at https://www.facebook.com/lenovophilippines to follow the latest updates of the Gamers Legion. 

The kick-off follows Lenovo’s highly anticipated launch of its Legion sub-brand in the Philippines early this year. Legion offers both casual and professional gamers cutting-edge products that are inspired by, and co-created with, gamers based on their needs.

In the Philippines, Lenovo marked the launch of Legion through the introduction of the Legion Y520, IdeaPad Y910, and IdeaCentre Y710 Cube, stylish, powerful and portable plug-and-play devices with DIY flexibility that offer the most immersive experiences.

“As PC gaming becomes more popular in the Philippines, our research shows that gamers are becoming increasingly discerning when it comes to expectations around performance, flexibility and immersive experiences,” said Michael Ngan, Lenovo Philippines Country General Manager. “Lenovo is committed to working more closely with gamers to create best-in-class experiences in eSports and gaming PC. With this in mind, we are proud to have launched Gamers Legion, our one-of-a-kind community that ensures we are giving a voice and platform to our highly passionate customers, that continues our tradition of co-creating products that meet their continuously evolving needs.”

“This campaign is but one in a series of initiatives that support our ambition of being the world’s leading gaming brand, bar none.”

Pricing and Availability:

· Prices for the Lenovo Legion Y520 Notebooks start from just P49,995.
· Prices for the Lenovo IdeaCentre Y710 and Y720 start from just P81,990 and P90,990, respectively.
· Lenovo Y27G curved gaming monitor retails at P29,999.

Cusi: Round the Clock Work in Place to Restore Power in Quake-hit Areas

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Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi thanked on Saturday the men and women who are working on 24-hour shifts to bring back electricity within three to five days in the quake-affected areas in the Visayas, especially in Leyte.

Cusi today conducted an aerial and ground inspection of the various power plants, including geothermal facilities, that sustained damage from the magnitude 6.5 quake that recently hit the region.

A combination of bypass and build-back-better strategies are being implemented by the engineers, with Cusi expressing hope that power will be fully restored within seven days.

"I commend the dedicated Warays and the other personnel who are working 24/7 to fast track the delivery of safe and reliable electricity services to around 3 million consumers," said Cusi.

"The Yolanda experience taught us a lot and I have seen that we have improved on our restoration practices," he said, adding "but there is always room for improvement.”

"I am hopeful that we can see a tremendous improvement in the delivery of energy services within three to seven days."

DOE Invites Koreans to Invest in PH Energy Projects

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Department of Energy Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella promoted Philippine energy investment opportunities during the Korea-Asia Energy Cooperation Seminar convention at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul, Republic of Korea on 7 July 2017.

The Philippines' Department of Energy (DOE) under Secretary Alfonso Cusi today announced to Asian energy sector players and government officials that the Philippines will require 43,765 megawatts (MW) of additional electricity capacity by 2040.

Represented by Undersecretary Felix William Fuentebella, he told the Korea-Asia Energy Cooperation that the required additional capacity represents a three-fold increase in the Philippines' demand for energy.

Fuentebella also expounded on the energy policies and thrusts of the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte during the convening of the seminar at the Plaza Hotel in Seoul.

The DOE official briefed the audience of promising investment prospects in the Philippine energy sector.

"To address this need, the Philippines would need 70% base load power plants, 20% medium range power plants and 10% peak load power plants."

Fuentebella cited the demand for new power plants in areas identified by the DOE in Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

Major energy projects were also highlighted in the presentation, such as the Integrated LNG Terminal and Visayas-Mindanao Interconnection Project along with their corresponding costs and projected timelines for completion.

To highlight the Philippines as an attractive destination for energy investors, Fuentebella announced that President Duterte recently signed Executive Order No. 30 giving priority status to energy projects.

Under E.O. 30, an Energy Investment Coordinating Council was created to streamline regulatory procedures affecting energy projects of national significance.

The EO also reduced to 30 days the processing time for applications for energy-related undertakings and projects.

In the open forum, the DOE official said the Philippine government is open to looking at micro-grids to augment the energy supply given the country's archipelagic location.

He said the DOE would soon release guidelines pertaining to the Green Energy Option.

Following the seminar, several Korean companies expressed interest in exploring energy investment opportunities in the Philippines.

Fuentebella provided a comprehensive overview of the Philippines’ primary energy mix, energy demand and supply outlooks from ‎2016-2040 as well as strategic directions

Power In Quake-hit Visayas To Be Restored ASAP - DOE

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We will bring back power as fast and as safely as is humanly possible to areas in the Visayas affected by a strong quake that rocked the region.

This was the consensus reached by the energy family under the Department of Energy (DOE), as well as their private sector partners, during an emergency meeting called by Energy Secretary Alfonso Cusi at the DOE headquarters today.

Cusi assured the public that the DOE and all of its attached instrumentalities and commercial partners are on top of the situation. "We are all working round the clock and all hands are on deck," said Cusi.

According to the Energy Development Corp. (EDC) and Green Core Geothermal, they are providing generator sets in coordination with the local officials of Municipality of Kananga and Ormoc City to critical facilities like municipal halls, hospitals and water districts.

EDC and Green Core said, impact assessment measures are being undertaken at their geothermal power plants.

Based on the technical assessment of the companies, the marshalling stations or the central switching station of Leyte power plants will be restored within 3-5 days to enable importation of power supply from Cebu to the provinces of Leyte, Samar and Bohol.

For transmission, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) is undergoing further assessment of their transmission facilities in determining the specific timeline on the restoration of the damaged facilities.

As of 2:30 p.m., the 138kilovolt (kV) Ormoc-Tongonan T/L near the affected Tongonan Geothermal Power Plant with a power supply capacity of about 35 megawatts (MW) is ready to be energized.

On the distribution side, electric cooperatives (ECs) in Samar and Leyte provinces have no power but most of their facilities sustained no damage. Currently, the ECs are awaiting the powering up of the transmission facilities.

The entire province of Bohol remains without power.

To augment the power supply in the affected provinces, the government, through the DOE, is working with alternative power suppliers, such as Trans Asia and Salcon Power to deploy Power Barges 101, 102, and 103 and the unutilized 16 MW diesel-fired power plants.

To fast track the restoration further, the National Electrification Administration prepared the mechanism for a “quick response fund” to be allocated to ECs with damaged facilities.

The DOE coordinated with the concerned agencies to determine the timelines and other significant details in the deployment of the power barges and dispatching of the diesel power plant.

To supervise these complex yet integrated tasks, Sec. Cusi created a Project Management Team for the earthquake affected areas.

"We are on top of the situation and we will deliver the much-needed energy services immediately," Cusi concluded.

The DOE Central Office and Visayas Field Office (VFO) are open to accommodate inquiries and support from the public through the hotline number ‎‎479-2900 loc. 329 for consumer concerns and ‎‎(032) 253-7222; ‎‎253-2150 for the VFO concerns.

Explore International Flights for as Low as USD 600 with Ethiopian Airlines’ Exciting Airfare Deals

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Travelers are in for a special treat as Ethiopian Airlines offers its best value deals yet. Families can bring their entire brood on a once-in-a-lifetime adventure to Europe, Brazil, Africa, and the United States for as low as USD 600-700 each for roundtrip economy, and only USD 2,500 for two round trip tickets on “Cloud Nine”, its renowned business class cabins, from Manila to over 20 international destinations via its hub, Addis Ababa.

Recently awarded the Best Airline in Africa in 2017’s SKYTRAX World Airline Awards, and the 2017 Outstanding Food Service by African Carrier Award, Ethiopian celebrates its 2nd anniversary in the Philippines with this seat sale offering that passengers surely won’t want to miss.

All passengers flying Ethiopian Airlines get to experience exceptional African hospitality en route to famous international destinations around the globe through its world-class amenities including an in-flight entertainment system where travelers get to choose from a wide range of movies, TV shows, music albums, and radio shows among others.

The carrier also boasts of an exceptionally curated in-flight cuisine featuring fresh and varied meals of the highest quality, its unique Ethiopian cuisine and International fare, as well as a complete range of beverages including its excellent red and white wine selection.

On top of this, Ethiopian Airlines passengers on economy are entitled to a total of 44kg baggage allowance, while passengers flying on “Cloud Nine,” its Business Class service, are entitled to a total of 64-66kg.

Sale Period is until 15 July 2017. Travel is valid from 7 July 2017 until 31 December 2017.

For more information, please contact Ethiopian Airlines Reservations Office (632)848.9878/79, (632)522.2095, and (632)522.4869.

Davao Aguilas FC Hosted Kaya FC Makati

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Davao Aguilas Football Club (DAFC), sponsored by San Miguel Corporation, went up against Kaya FC Makati on Sunday, July 9, 4 p.m., at Davao del Norte Sports Complex.

It was the second time that these two teams went against each other for the Philippines Football League (PFL), with the first match taking place at University of Makati (UMak).

Davao Aguilas FC has earned a reputation for setting the trend in Philippines Football League (PFL) for hosting the biggest crowds. Its past 4 matches in its home stadium have gathered at least 16,000 people.

The club has also been getting involved in grassroots programs in Davao. It recently organized a football clinic for 200 kids, held at Tionko Football Field in Davao City. There are also other football clinics lined up for Davao and the Mindanao region.

Coach Gary Phillips in an interview, stressed the importance of setting-up a training camp in Davao; to help further develop football interest and be able to tap more local football talents as well. The club currently has players from Davao and other parts of Mindanao.

In the meantime, five members of Davao Aguilas FC (DAFC) have been called up for the Philippines Under-22 squad list for the Japan training camp, which was arranged by the Philippine Football Federation, along with Japan Football Association. The camp is a preparation for the AFC Under-23 Championship Qualifiers and the 2017 Southeast Asian Games. These players are Junnell Mark Bautista, Jaime Vicenzo Cheng, Rey Franco Miguel De La Torre, Van Rey Diaz and Richard Talaroc, Jr. 

Justice Delayed is Never Justice Denied in the Legal Drama “Conviction” to Premiere this July on Sony Channel

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This July, the fight for justice begins for those who have been wrongly convicted as they have one last hope for an acquittal in the legal procedural series Conviction on Sony Channel.

Highly skilled defense attorney Hayes Morrison (Hayley Atwell), who is also the daughter of a former U.S. president, is blackmailed into heading the newly created Conviction Integrity Unit (CIU), a department under the New York County District Attorney’s Office tasked to investigate cases where there is credible suspicion of wrongful conviction.

To avoid imprisonment and further embarrassment, Hayes reluctantly accepts her new job but realizes that this might be the opportunity for her to rebuild her integrity and gain the respect she deserves.

Every week, Hayes and her team of lawyers, investigators, and forensic experts work together to identify and examine cases that made the headlines. With only five days on each case, they have to determine if any evidence was tampered, a confession was invalid, or a witness has been compromised that might overturn the conviction.

To come to a conclusion, Hayes and her elite group will question if the system failed, if jobs were carried out, if there was a cover-up and - the most important of all – if justice was served. 

Conviction premieres on July 20 and airs Thursday at 8:50pm, first and exclusive on Sony Channel.


Sony Channel is available on SKYCable Channel 35, Destiny Cable Channel 62, Cignal Channel 120, G Sat Channel 48, and Cablelink Channel 39.

Which Is Better: Rent-To-Own or In-House Financing?

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Top property marketplace Lamudi Philippines compares common housing payment schemes to let buyers choose which one suits them best

In a bid to provide end-to-end service to all home-hunters, Lamudi continues to share assistance through valuable information that will arm investors in their real estate transactions. Before you head on to the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair and browse properties you can soon own, know first which the best option is: rent to own or in-house financing?



Rent-to-Own

Rent-to-own or lease-to-buy is an agreement that guarantees a renter the option of buying a leased property within a pre-arranged duration. Basically, it is being able to rent a home that you can buy at some stage in the rental period. A well-drafted contract is key in rent-to-own terms. Both parties must consent to the specifics, including rental rates plus rent-to-own premium, purchase date, duration of lease term, actual sale price, and all other essential clauses that must be finalized.

A rent-to-own scheme is appropriate for buyers who cannot afford to pay for a huge down-payment in one go as the duration of the lease—which normally lasts for two or more years—allows them to save enough cash and build their creditworthiness. For some people, owning a home is much for feasible this way.

One advantage of a rent-to-own transaction is that the buyer can lock the property’s present price even though the actual purchase may happen after the end of the lease term. In addition, in the event that you find the property or the neighborhood unsuitable, you can also decide to leave the property at the end of the lease term and look elsewhere. However, there are a number of caveats that must be considered before jumping into the rent-to-own bandwagon.

It is normally stipulated in the rent-to-own contract that the lessor/buyer will pay a rent-to-own premium on top of the monthly rent. For example, if the monthly rent of a certain condo in Makati is Php25,000, the rent-to-own contract may stipulate that the lessor/buyer will pay an additional Php8,000 per month as rent-to-own premium. This premium will make up part of the eventual down-payment at the time the lessor is to buy the property per the contract. If the lessor has paid 24 months of rent-to-own premium, they have accumulated a total of Php192,000.

Furthermore, as the intention to buy the property is already stipulated in the contract, the lessor agrees that they will eventually make the purchase upon the expiration of the lease term. If they don’t, then the contract may also stipulate that all rent-to-own premium paid will be forfeited.



In-house Financing

For buyers who want to pay for their properties in a series of installments without availing the offerings of third-party institutions, such as banks and other lenders, real estate developers also offer in-house financing.

Technically in-house financing is not considered a loan but an extended way of payment. Application is easy as developers are generally less stringent than commercial banks; with just valid identifications and enough proof of income you can already purchase a property. This usually applies to pre-selling projects of various developers for faster take-up. Likewise, many developers do not offer financing for move-in-ready units.

The setback is steeper interest rates and shorter payment terms. The high and fixed interest fees offered by real estate developers are way above the normal range accessible in banks. Payment duration offered is also shorter than the usual 10 to 15 years in banks or the up to 30 years offering of Pag-IBIG Fund.

Before finally deciding to enter a big financial commitment like real estate mortgages, it is very important to evaluate your current financial standing to be able to decide which term best fits your needs. If fast, worry-free, and easily approved scheme is your best bet, then in-house financing will work for you. Alternatively, if you prefer to move-in right away and rent a home that you can eventually buy, then gear up and find the best rent-to-own properties up for grabs at the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair.



Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair

Slated to happen on July 15 and 16 at the Glorietta 3 Activity Center in Makati City, the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair will display a wide-range of value-for-money properties with the easiest payment terms. The event is also packed with exclusive discounts and exciting freebies and promos can also be yours at the two-day housing fair.

Foreclosed property auctions, virtual reality in real estate, home-buying seminars, and forums facilitated by experts will simultaneously happen at the event.

The first Lamudi Housing Fair was successfully held November of last year and was attended by more than 5,000 visitors. The upcoming housing edition focusing on reasonably priced properties is expecting more attendees.


To know more about the Lamudi Affordable Housing Fair, visit http://www.lamudi.com.ph/events