MIAA remits whopping P13.9B dividends to national government from 2016-2019

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA) performed an impressive feat after remitting P13.9 billion in dividends to the National Government (NG) from 2016 to 2019, outshining its total remittances in the last 20 years prior to the Duterte Administration.

Below are the exact comparative figures of MIAA’s remitted dividends:

*1996 - 2015 : P11,149,527,394.99*

*2016 - 2019 : P13,900,904,299.33*

It was in 2018 that MIAA made its record-breaking fiscal performance when it remitted P3.42 billion in dividends to the NG.

The MIAA’s 2018 dividend payment to the national coffers was the highest in MIAA history, exceeding by more than 50% its 2017 remittance of P2.2 billion which was then the highest recorded dividend payment made by the agency in the last two decades.

The MIAA is mandated to remit at least 50% of its annual net income to the NG after it was granted fiscal autonomy two decades ago.

Since the administration of President Rodrigo Duterte took office in 2016, the MIAA dividend payments have significantly increased.

With its continuing strong fiscal performance, the MIAA solidifies its position in the “Billionaire’s Club,” an elite circle of government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) that contributing billions of pesos in dividends to the NG.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade commended the MIAA for its stellar fiscal performance.

“MIAA’s performance in four years show consistent good fiscal management. My congratulations to the men and women of the MIAA, with the leadership of GM Ed Monreal, for your sterling numbers. The Filipino people stand to benefit from your good work,” Secretary Tugade said.

For his part, MIAA General Manager Ed Monreal urged the men and women serving the country’s premier gateway to continue striving to further improve fiscal management and allocation of resources to ensure effective and efficient delivery of airport services at the NAIA.

“The MIAA remains committed in bettering its fiscal management, as we also work on improving the infrastructure and operations of the NAIA. Ultimately, our fiscal performance should resonate in our efforts in making each airport passenger satisfied beyond expectations,” GM Monreal said.

The airport chief also thanked Secretary Tugade for instilling in all attached agencies the central directive of President Rodrigo Duterte to the DOTr to make the Filipino life comfortable through better operational management, transformational initiatives, and infrastructure spending.

“Through the guidance of our strong-willed Secretary Tugade, we push ourselves to achieve higher standards of public service. Sec. Art would hammer it on us that as public servants, it is our duty to serve our countrymen with excellence and efficiency. Our people deserve better fiscal management of government operations, so services become better, too, for the comfort of the Filipino,” GM Monreal added.

DOST-SEI holds online Exit Conference for Graduating Scholars

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI) hosted its graduating scholars in a half-day online exit conference last March 26 to remind them of the true essence of being national science scholars.

The event was done online for the first time, and was attended by scholars from all over the country. A total of 703 participants composed of graduating undergraduate scholars; guest speakers; university representatives; and DOST officials convened for the activity.

The conference, headlined by the theme “Renewing S&T Scholars Commitment to the Filipino People in the New Normal,” featured talks from government agencies and notable scholar-graduates to prepare attendees on life after graduation.

In her Welcome Remarks, SEI Director Josette T. Biyo expressed hope that the talks will ignite among scholars the desire to serve the country and that the service obligation turn to something they are “willing to do rather than supposed to do.” She likewise congratulated them for their perseverance, consistency and dedication to reach the milestone and gave assurance that SEI shall continue to root for them.

DOST Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, meanwhile, spoke proudly of producing not only experts but also patriotic scholars, noting those who started volunteer initiatives in the COVID-19 relief in their respective regions.

“We’re confident that as DOST Scholars, you are sure to leave imprints in your work wherever you may go,” said the DOST chief.

Succeeding talks from DOST-SEI reminded the scholars of their scholarship obligations as well as introduced local and international Graduate Scholarship opportunities available for those wanting advanced degrees. Department of Education’s (DepEd) Ruby Chanda Crisostomo also briefed attendees on DepEd’s Hiring Arrangements for RA 10612/RA 7687 Scholars, while Department of Labor of Employment–National Capital Region’s Ryan Roberto Delos Reyes described the current labor market and presented insights on job application in the new normal.

Concluding the conference was Dr. Jose Ernie Lope, Batch 1991 DOST-SEI Merit scholar and now Professor at the Institute of Mathematics of the University of the Philippines – Diliman, who shared his inspiring journey from being a DOST scholar to now being one of the country’s pillars in mathematics education

Eva Macapagal Super Terminal Quarantine Facility in Manila South Harbor converted into an isolation facility amid the surge of COVID-19 cases

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

The Eva Macapagal Super Terminal Quarantine Facility in Manila South Harbor, which was converted into an isolation facility amid the surge of COVID-19 cases in the country, formally opened yesterday, 26 April 2021.

The conversion of the quarantine facility, which is being managed and operated by the DOTr Maritime sector since 2020, was made possible through the initiatives of the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and the Philippine Coast Guard (PCG).

To recall, the PPA and PCG initiated the retrofitting of the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal due to the continuous rise of COVID-19 cases in the country, particularly in the National Capital Region (NCR). Initially, the facility was set up to merely accommodate repatriated seafarers and OFWs who are required to undergo a mandatory 14-day quarantine. With the conversion and retrofitting, asymptomatic patients and patients with mild symptoms can now be accommodated and treated in the facility.

According to Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago, patients who are asymptomatic and with mild symptoms will be attended to in an isolated quadrant identified as Section A. This section has a 55-bed capacity. Section A can also serve as a step-down care facility for recovering patients. GM Santiago also has assured that the agency is ready to expand bed capacity should the need arises.

"Makakaasa po kayo na kung kakailanganing magdagdag ng pasilidad po para ma-expand 'yung 55-bed capacity na 'to, handa po ang Philippine Ports Authority at ang Philippine Coast Guard, sa ilalim po ng Department of Transportation, na tayo po ay makipag-kapit-bisig sa Department of Health at iba pa pong ahensya para matugunan po ang pangangailangang ito."

At present, the Eva Macapagal Super Terminal Quarantine Facility has a 211-bed capacity divided into four (4) sections for patients, health staffers, and other essential workers. Aside from Section A, Section B will house the health staff and other essential workers, while Sections C and D will continuously cater to personnel of the PCG and PPA who contracted the virus but are asymptomatic or showing mild symptoms.

"Kung matatandaaan po natin, noong Agosto po ng 2020 o last year, sa direktiba po ni Secretary Arthur Tugade at sa tulong pong pampinansyal ng Lopez Group of Companies, kinonvert po natin ang Eva Macapagal Super Terminal para maging quarantine facility po ng ating mga seafarers, 'yung mga dumadating pong tripulante po na mga Pilipino na pauwi po sa kanilang tour of service from the cruise ships at iba pang cargo vessels," GM Santiago said.

Meanwhile, DOTr Undersecretary for Administrative Affairs Artemio Tuazon Jr., who represented DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade in the walk-through event, stressed the DOTr’s commitment in helping the national government, particularly the health sector, in its fight against the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Itong conversion po at paggamit ng Eva Macapagal Super Terminal bilang isolation facility ay nagpapakita po ng pagtutulungan ng ating buong gobyerno. Ang DOTr, sa pamumuno po ni Secretary Tugade, ay sumusuporta po at patuloy na susuporta sa lahat 'ho ng inisiyatibo ng IATF at ng DOH, upang mapuksa itong COVID-19," Usec. Tuazon asserted

(DOTr-OTS intercepts 1,880 prohibited items at various airports nationwide

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The Department of Transportation’s Office for Transportation Security (DOTr-OTS) intercepted a total of 1,880 prohibited items at various airports nationwide for the entire month of March.

Forty-nine (49) of the intercepted items were suspected live bullets, while 81 were “non-live” bullets kept as amulets, or shell casings taken as souvenirs from firing ranges.

Since 2016, under the strict instruction of President Rodrigo Duterte and DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, bullets kept as amulets or souvenirs by passengers are simply confiscated and recorded. The passenger is then allowed to continue with the flight without any undue delay.

Meanwhile, 1,750 items of the total number seized included lighters, liquid items in containers of more than 100 mL, air guns, knives, scissors, workers’ tools, cutters, and other similar sharp and pointed objects.

Pagadian Airport reported the highest number of intercepted security restricted items with 31 incidents and 644 items, followed by Tacloban Airport with 24 incidents and 399 assorted security restricted items intercepted.

OTS Administrator Undersecretary Raul L. Del Rosario lauded the vigilance of OTS airport Security Screening Officers (SSOs) who act as the first line of defense at the airport.

“Pansin natin na pataas nang pataas 'yung vigilance ng ating airport SSOs despite the pandemic na kakaunti 'yung volume ng mga bumibyahe. Nakita rin natin na malaki ang naging tulong dito nung mga karagdagang advanced x-ray machines at other security screening equipment na nabili natin noong mga nakaraang buwan. 'Yung bawat sentimo ng budget na binibigay sa amin, sisiguraduhin namin na mapapakinabangan nang malaki ng mga Pilipino,” Usec. del Rosario said.

“Magmula noong pandemic, siniguro rin natin 'yung health and safety ng mga pasahero at pati na 'yung aming mga empleyado. Kaya in line doon sa ICAO standards and recommended practices, nag-issue kami noon ng policy on Modified Security Screening, kung saan effectively, na-minimize natin yung physical contact ng mga tao through the use of advanced security screening technologies gaya ng full body scanner at hand held metal detectors,” he added.

Viet Mart Supplier Inc. Opens New Branch of VMART “Taste of Asia” in Sherwood Place, Taft Avenue Manila.

 

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

Viet Mart Supplier Inc. (Vmart.ph), an international-based growing start-up grocery business in the Philippines, establishes its second physical store in Sherwood Place in Taft Avenue, Manila in its initial expanding efforts.

When Jenny To, CEO of Vmart.ph, established the first store, currently located at 174 Yakal Street Makati City, its primary goal was to serve and bring Vietnamese products to its ex-pats living in Makati. Then, after a short period of business in the country, they have decided to integrate their business into the local scene.

“Our products originally and majorly are Vietnam products. We’re currently looking into the Vietnam market in the Philippines then start to expand to the local market here. We want to stretch to the local market now and try switching from Vietnam-centered market to the local,” said To.

Vmart.ph primarily has Vietnamese goods, but it also includes Korean, Thai, Chinese, and some Filipino products.

 Vmart.ph products vary from consumable goods to health and beauty products, mobile phone accessories, international fruits and vegetables, medical supplies, pet care products, meat and poultry, and various beverages.

 Vmart.ph also has a joint business with VMart which is Annam.ph, a Vietnamese mainstay restaurant, located beside the Makati branch.

“We want to bring the Vietnam products here in the Philippines, but we also brought with us Thai, Chinese, and Korean products to our store,” said To.

“When we first opened here, our first goal was to cater to Vietnamese ex-pats living in the Philippines,” explained To.

Vmart.ph’s second store was strategically established in Sherwood Place in Taft Manila to cater, not only to ex-pats living near Taft Avenue but also to target De La Salle University-Manila students, who they think has the greater interest in trying international products because of their “traveling tendencies.”

“When we opened in our second branch in Sherwood Place in Taft Manila, we wanted not to focus only on Vietnam ex-pats living around Taft but we are also targeting students from De La Salle University. We think that most of these students are there well-traveled,” said To.

“We know most of the students from LaSalle go on and about to different countries to we figured that they are the specific market that would appreciate and try out the products,” said To.

For 2021, Vmart plans to establish a total of three stores in the country’s capital region, also strategically choosing from either Quezon City, Clark Pampanga, Pasay, or Cavite.

“We are planning to put a maximum of three stores. Maybe one or two more for this year. We are looking into either Clark in Pampanga or Cavite. We are also searching either in Quezon City, Cavite, Pasay, or Pampanga but were still looking for the best spots to put up the stores,” said To.

VMart “Taste of Asia” is open 24 hours, seven days a week and delivers from 7:00 AM to 4:00 AM.

For additional information, please visit www.vmart.ph.

ePLDT launches first disaster recovery facility in Cebu

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

ePLDT, the ICT arm of PLDT Enterprise and the premier provider of holistic digital business solutions in the Philippines, recently launched its first disaster recovery (DR) facility in Cebu.

Housed in ePLDT’s VITRO Data Center Cebu 2—the biggest purpose-built data center facility outside Luzon—the disaster recovery facility will enable Cebu-based enterprises in developing their own Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and becoming compliant with global standards. It benefits from all the service level agreements (SLAs) available within the facility which includes physical resiliency and power redundancy—making it an ideal business continuity site for manpower relocation and a backup site for IT infrastructure in the event of a disaster.

A disaster recovery facility serves as a data backup site or alternative office space which companies can use to recover and restore its IT systems or operations in the event of a failure or natural disaster. The site is a crucial component of any company’s Business Continuity Plan (BCP) and part of standards on operational risk management. Highly regulated industries such as banking & financial institutions are required to abide by a clear and complete BCP to keep its services running no matter the circumstance. This is especially true given crucial role of the BFSI industry in the country’s economy and the daily lives of Filipinos.

Jovy Hernandez, ePLDT President & CEO and SVP & Head for PLDT and Smart Enterprise Business Groups, says that “the Cebu DR facility is part of ePLDT’s initiatives to fortify businesses’ BCPs as we continue to face disasters and disruptions. We believe that disaster recovery is key to strengthen the resiliency of businesses.”

The disaster recovery facility will have 100 DR seats available for enterprises. With an area of roughly 250 sqm and has a shared conference room, the VITRO Cebu 2 facility offers both dedicated or shared seats options.

Nico Alcoseba, VP & Head of ICT Business for PLDT Enterprise, mentions that “with the mission of becoming the top-of-mind back-up facility for enterprises, Cebu’s DR facility is also assured of being seismic zone-4 compliant, which means it is able to withstand strong earthquakes, and with 12 layers of security, businesses are assured of its safety and security.”

These features ensure the operational continuity of businesses in the event of power failures, which is further backed by ePLDT’s 24/7 security and customer support. The facility is designed to minimize vibrations on the building where the servers are co-located, therefore ensuring optimum protection of the customer’s equipment.

VITRO Cebu 2 is one of the first three data centers in the Philippines to receive the ANSI/TIA-942 Rated 3 Facilities Certification and is also recognized by NTT Communications as a Nexcenter-accredited facility, complying with the global design standards of the world’s most competitive data centers.

In 2019, ePLDT inaugurated the largest DR site in the North, the first stand-alone DR with the VITRO Clark DR Site, to service Philippine enterprises. Strategically located beside the VITRO Clark Data Center, the site is the country’s largest facility to date, boasting of an expansive 6909 sqm floor area.



For more information on ePLDT, go to epldt.com. #

Rak of Aegis goes online

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

A treat for theater fans and OPM lovers! Philippine Educational Theater Association (PETA) together with Organisasyon ng Pilipinong Mang–Aawit (OPM) and The Philpop Musicfest Foundation (Philpop) are proudly presenting the pay-per-view streaming of the jukebox musical Rak of Aegis on 31 July, August 1, 7, 8, 2021 via www.ticket2me.net.

Rak of Aegis Online is the banner project of PETA’s fundraising campaign dubbed as #TakePETAbeyondCOVID, and a part of the Linggo ng Musikang Pilipino (LMP) 2021 celebration.

Featuring songs from the popular 90’s band Aegis, the jukebox musical tells the story of impoverished community Barangay Venezia, which has been submerged in floodwater for two months.

Since 2014, Rak of Aegis has captured the hearts of audiences with its humor, music, message of resiliency, family, and community. Now, finally, Villa Venezia and its well-loved residents will grace the screens, with a newfound relevance to the show’s message.

This streaming of Rak is a testament that the resilience of those in Villa Venezia exists not only in the play, but also in the Filipinos trying to navigate through the COVID-19 pandemic, and in the artists who have strived to thrive and survive despite the crisis currently faced by the local theater industry.

Tickets for Rak of Aegis Online will be available online by May 2021.

The streaming cast as well as further ticketing details will be announced soon.

Stay tuned for more information. Follow PETA’s social media pages: Facebook www.facebook.com/petatheater; Instagram @petatheater; Twitter @petatheater; YouTube www.youtube.com/petatheateronline.

TWIN SPIN is Enchanted Kingdoms’ latest offering and third rollercoaster

Wazzup Pilipinas!?

he summer months are going to be magical with the opening of a brand-new major ride at the country’s most loved theme park, Enchanted Kingdom. In its twenty-five year tradition of bringing only the finest world-class amusement to all its guests, EK unveils the much-awaited TWIN SPIN this May, a compact spinning coaster manufactured by world-renowned Mack Rides of Germany, the leading designer, manufacturer and supplier of rollercoasters, water rides and all kinds of leisure park attractions all over the globe. Following the launch of the EKaleidoscope last October, the TWIN SPIN is EK’s latest offering and third rollercoaster to boot, to celebrate its silver anniversary culminating in October this year.

This May, be one of the first to experience double the rush and double the adrenaline that can only come from EK’s all-new TWIN SPIN—a totally innovative, spin-tastic attraction that will certainly be your ultimate double treat this summer!



For more information on promos and ticket reservations and bookings, please visit Enchanted Kingdom’s official website www.enchantedkingdom.ph, Online store https://shop.enchantedkingdom.ph/ or official Facebook page

www.facebook.com/enchantedkingdom.ph.

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.