The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), committed to improve power stability and reliability has announced the energization of the P52-Billion Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection project (MVIP). In its April 30, 2023 energization exercise, NGCP said that an initial load of 22.5 megawatts (MW) was carried by the high voltage submarine and overload lines from Mindanao to Visayas.
The NGCP said that the MVIP’s transfer capacity would be gradually increased to 50 MW by mid-May 2023 and to 112 MW by the end of the month. While the total transfer capacity of 450 MW is expected to be reached by the third quarter of 2023.
In a closing statement ,the NGCP management was quoted saying that the completion of the transfer capacity of the MVIP is a ” significant achievement for the Philippines. This will not only improve the reliability of the transmission services, but will lead to efficient energy utilization as one Philippine grid.”
The project, which include converter stations in regions and more than 500 circuit kilometer of overhead lines to facilitate the flow of electricity, would benefit consumers by providing a more reliable service that will lessen the instances of power interruptions.
MY COMMENT:
It will be a big sight of relief once the NGCP is able to complete its MVIP project as the country, specifically those in the Mindanao and Visayan areas who will be the initial beneficiaries. Both Mindanao and Visayas have been languishing from power interruptions, a respite!
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ORMOC CITY– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Leyte 4th District Engineering Office (DEO) has completed a comprehensive three-day Internal Quality Audit (IQA) on August 15-17, 2023 which it undergoes annually to maintain the highest level of quality, efficiency, and customer satisfaction.
Led by Engr. Katherine O. Santiago along with Engr. Irene P. Parco of DPWH – Region V, the audit aimed to reinforce the implementation of processes and mandatory procedures of the Quality Management System in conformance with the requirements of International Standard Organization (ISO) 9001:2015.
The meticulous audit process yielded a positive outcome, with minimal observations identified that shall be further deliberated upon by other auditors of the same region. In addition, the auditors provided constructive reminders to certain sections within the DEO which are useful for continuous improvement, enabling the office to fine-tune its processes and enhance its overall performance.
The successful completion of the IQA highlighted the DEO’s dedication to excellence by adhering to global standards. As the office integrates the audit’s findings and recommendations, it will continue its mission to contribute to the development and progress in the region. (PR)
Globe, a leading digital solutions platform, and Acad Arena’s CONQuest, the country’s largest gaming, music, and pop culture convention, have unveiled their 2023 Scholarship awardee, in a revolutionary step aimed at nurturing young talent in the gaming industry.
The first-ever scholar under the program, Bhea Louisse Rico, is a Mechanical Technology student at the Technological University of the Philippines – Taguig who excels both on and off campus. Through the scholarship, she received a P100,000 grant, a Conquest All-Access Pass for an unforgettable meet-and-greet experience with popular streamers, and a Globe content feature to chronicle her journey at CONQuest 2023.
The scholarship is part of Globe and CONQuest’s commitment to empowering student gamers by acknowledging their academic achievements and encouraging their passion for gaming and the many useful life skills it can foster.
The grant also paved the way for Bhea’s mom to accept her love for gaming– something she had kept a secret as her mother thought it was “distracting rather than an inspiration for me.”
“I told my mom ’Ma, I got a scholarship,’ and she cried. That made me emotional. Tanggap niya na ‘yung ginagawa ko. Kung saan ako masaya, masaya na rin siya para sa akin. Mas lalo ako na-inspire na ipakita ‘yung skills ko with the scholarship I got,” said Bhea.
Bhea is a dedicated gamer who draws inspiration from popular streamer Valkyrae, known for her thrilling VALORANT games.
“I take inspiration from Valkyrae. Kaya niyang balansehin ‘yung pagiging entrepreneur and being co-founder of 100 Games. At the same time, she’s very passionate about what she wants to do and how gaming affects her life,” Bhea said.
Taking her cue from her Valkyrae, Bhea currently shuffles her passion for learning and gaming. Her impressive accomplishments include serving as the Internal Vice President of her school organization, being the current VALORANT Event Manager of Grayhawks Esports, and serving in leadership positions in her school’s student government.
Grateful for her scholarship, Bhea said: “With this scholarship, I can further pursue my academic and gaming dreams.”
Through the scholarship program, Globe aims to spotlight the potential benefits gaming can offer, challenge stereotypes surrounding it, and provide a platform for gamers to shine.
Ralph Aligada, Head of Globe Games, Esports and Innovation, said, “We are thrilled to support Bhea in her journey. As one of Globe’s scholars from our gaming and esports programs, she embodies the essence of what Globe Gaming stands for– a balance of academic achievements and a passion for gaming. We believe in empowering the youth, and our gaming scholarship is just one way we are turning this belief into action.”
Globe’s commitment to fostering a thriving gaming community is evident through its partnerships with renowned leagues such as the Philippine Pro Gaming League and organizations such as AcadArena and Blacklist International. It also offers popular games such as “Mobile Legends: Bang Bang,” “PUBG Mobile,” “Call of Duty Mobile,” “League of Legends Wild Rift,” “VALORANT,” and “Legends of Runeterra,” bringing together gamers of all skills and experience levels.
As Globe continues its endeavors, it looks forward to welcoming more scholars in the future and further nurturing and empowering young gaming talents across the Philippines. (PR)
TACLOBAN CITY– Aiming to give a better service road for the residents of Barangay Anibong in Jaro town, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) constructed a road to provide them a quick access leading to Barangay Hibucawan along the Palo-Carigara-Ormoc (PCO) road.
Leo Edward Oppura, the district engineer of the Leyte Second District Engineering Office, mentioned that the project costs P9.78 million and was able to concrete 1.32 lane kilometers with provisions of application of reflectorized thermoplastic pavement markings to ensure the safety of motorists, especially at night.
Residents are now benefiting from the newly constructed road, they are now able to travel worry-free, and travel time and costs are lower, thus providing them with more opportunities.
Likewise, local traders will no longer endure the poor road network that restricts their economic activity. (LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)
COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOT. The Department of Health(DOH) in Eastern Visayas continue its campaign against the coronavirus disease(COVID-19) as it visited the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte on Tuesday(August 15) to give booster shots to 154 persons deprived of liberty. The ‘closed setting’ or facility-based inoculation is part of the ongoing bivalent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine distribution by the national government to update the protection of various at-risk population like the PDLs. (DOH-Eastern Visayas)
COVID-19 BOOSTER SHOT. The Department of Health(DOH) in Eastern Visayas continue its campaign against the coronavirus disease(COVID-19) as it visited the Leyte Regional Prison in Abuyog, Leyte on Tuesday(August 15) to give booster shots to 154 persons deprived of liberty. The ‘closed setting’ or facility-based inoculation is part of the ongoing bivalent Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine distribution by the national government to update the protection of various at-risk population like the PDLs. (DOH-Eastern Visayas)
Seen to end region’s ‘romance’ with poverty
TACLOBAN CITY– The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in Eastern Visayas unveiled on Wednesday (August 16) its six-year regional development plan with big-ticket projects identified.
These multi-billion projects are expected to uplift the economic condition of the region, home to more than 4 million people with a regional poverty incidence of 28.9 percent as of 2021.
Based on the 2023-2028 Eastern Visayas Regional Development Plan, several big-ticket projects have been identified which are seen to boost the economy of the region and in the process, benefit its poor people, in particular.
“Call it ambitious but we need to be ambitious for us to strive more and achieve the goal. We should not be contented with what we have and we should end our long-time romance with poverty. Let’s stop that,” Meylene Rosales, the NEDA regional director, said in an interview after the launching held at Summit Hotel, this city.
“Of course, we have to improve our economy for us to create more jobs, decent jobs,” she added.
During the event, government officials, including representatives of governors, pledged on their commitment to support the six-year regional development plan.
Among them was Ormoc City Mayor Lucy Torres Gomez, who is also the regional chair of the Regional Development Council.
She vowed to make the development plan and the various projects contained on it, to become a reality.
“Let us all help together (to achieve the regional development plan),” she said in her video message.
In the six-year implementation of the regional development plan, it is expected that the region’s economic growth will reach up to 8.5 percent from 6.8 percent in 2021.
Also, the number of unemployed will go down to 5.2 percent by the end of the year of implementation of the program. At present, the region has a 6.6 percent unemployment rate.
Key sectors like agriculture, tourism, and infrastructure were also provided with projects to keep up with the goal.
In the agriculture sector, the regional development plan intends to construct more farm-to-market roads with a budgetary allocation of P17.2 billion; support to farmers in terms of equipment and facilities in the amount of P7.06 billion and irrigation system with an estimate allocation of P200 million, among others.
In the field of tourism, the regional development plan eyes P3.2 billion for the improvement and upgrading of various tourism sites of the Eastern Visayas.
Meantime, the area of infrastructure, which has higher allocations, among the identified projects includes P1.5 trillion intended for the upgrading and expansion of roads and bridges.
This includes the second phase of the South Samar Coastal Road Project in Northern Samar involving an amount of P7.35 billion; the construction of a new San Juanico Bridge with a tag price of P9.17 billion; the rehabilitation of the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport, the regional airport based in Tacloban at P4 billion; and the construction of a P200 million Eastern Visayas railway system, among others.
Rey Gozon, the assistant regional director of the Office of Civil Defense, said that they are happy that several projects have been identified in the fight against climate change and natural disasters.
This includes the construction and upgrading of evacuation centers with an amount of P1.5 billion; improvement and upgrading of waste management and sewerage system and P5.9 billion urban development and public housing projects.
“These (identified projects) will help us mitigate the impacts of natural disasters and in our campaign to be resilient. Based on our Yolanda experience, all of us started from scratch,” Gozon said, referencing on the impacts the region experienced after Eastern Visayas was pummeled by Super Typhoon Yolanda in 2013.
Meantime, Rosales said that they are hoping that these projects will be given the needed budget by the national government under Pres. Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr.
“Actually we are also looking at that as a very good opportunity for our region. We really need champions who were really push for development and who can relate to us,” she said.
“We are banking on them because they are half-Warays,” Rosales said.
The President’s mother is former first lady Imelda Marcos whose late younger brother, Benjamin, is the father of House Speaker Romualdez who represents Leyte’s first congressional district.
PERSEVERANCE. Aside from poverty, Jay Avila suffered a stroke due to his brain tumor. But despite this, the 22-year from Basey, Samar is determined to finish his studies and achieve his dream to become a teacher. (JAY AVILA)
Aside from health problem, Avila has to contend poverty
PERSEVERANCE. Aside from poverty, Jay Avila suffered a stroke due to his brain tumor. But despite this, the 22-year from Basey, Samar is determined to finish his studies and achieve his dream to become a teacher. (JAY AVILA)
TACLOBAN CITY- Jay Avila, at 22 years old, is now at the doorstep of his ambition to become a teacher.
But what makes it remarkable is Avila has suffered a stroke attributed to a brain tumor detected back in 2017, when he was in his Grade 8 or second-year high school.
While he stopped his studies for a year, Avila resumed his studies in 2019. And he has to walk from their village in Bulao, Basey town in Samar province, to reach his school located in the town proper, as he has no money to take a ride.
That is an hour and 30 minutes of slow, painful walk for him, he said.
“I have to start walking at 4 or 5 am in order to reach school before 7 am,” Avila said in an online interview.
He also earned some money with his classmates paying him P20 whenever he drew them for a school assignment while some of them also volunteered to pay for some of the school contributions.
“Some of my teachers took pity on pity as they also gave me some cash,” Avila said.
The little money that he gets is used by him to buy his daily needs like meals and other personal stuff.
But despite the hardships, he was able to finish his senior high at Basey National High School on July 11 this year.
And now, he is enrolled at the Leyte Normal University, this city, taking up secondary education.
Avila’s life is a stuff worthy of a ‘teleserye.’
He was just seven years old when his mother, for no apparent reason, abandoned them, leaving behind his distraught father and five other siblings.
His father died in 2013 due to a lingering illness.
Except for his younger brother, Kent, 16, his other siblings are either in Manila or in Mindanao.
Kent lives with his paternal grandmother who resides in the same village of Bulao.
Avila, meantime, has to take shelter from his friends and even at the village chapel.
“Due to some misunderstanding with my grandmother, I have to leave my younger brother behind and chose to live somewhere else. I think I have taken shelter to at least 10 houses of my friends, and even at the church,” he said.
At present, he lives with a friend, also in Basey, whose personal life is also similar with his, Avila said.
“I am grateful for all the help that was given to me by my friends, even total strangers,” he said.
In fact, his school uniforms were given to him by his friends. His tuition fee, when he enrolled at the LNU, were also shouldered by a donor who learned of his predicament.
Another friend also promised to pay for his boarding house in the city, Avila said.
“I am forever grateful to them for helping me. I could not pay them except a promise that I will make good of my studies, finish it and become a teacher,” he said.
And once he become a teacher and with enough income, he vowed to pay it forward by helping others who need assistance just like him, Avila said.
“And I won’t get tired despite of my condition. I told myself that so long I could still walk, I will continue to dream and reach my ambitions in life,” he said. (JOEY A. GABIETA)
Power stability, reliability assured – NGCP
The National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP), committed to improve power stability and reliability has announced the energization of the P52-Billion Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection project (MVIP). In its April 30, 2023 energization exercise, NGCP said that an initial load of 22.5 megawatts (MW) was carried by the high voltage submarine and overload lines from Mindanao to Visayas.
The NGCP said that the MVIP’s transfer capacity would be gradually increased to 50 MW by mid-May 2023 and to 112 MW by the end of the month. While the total transfer capacity of 450 MW is expected to be reached by the third quarter of 2023.
In a closing statement ,the NGCP management was quoted saying that the completion of the transfer capacity of the MVIP is a ” significant achievement for the Philippines. This will not only improve the reliability of the transmission services, but will lead to efficient energy utilization as one Philippine grid.”
The project, which include converter stations in regions and more than 500 circuit kilometer of overhead lines to facilitate the flow of electricity, would benefit consumers by providing a more reliable service that will lessen the instances of power interruptions.
MY COMMENT:
It will be a big sight of relief once the NGCP is able to complete its MVIP project as the country, specifically those in the Mindanao and Visayan areas who will be the initial beneficiaries. Both Mindanao and Visayas have been languishing from power interruptions, a respite!
oooo0000oooo
NEXT TOPIC : “DA’s guidelines on hybrid rice distribution completed”
SHARE S & T THOUGHTS through E-Mail: drpacjr@yahoo.com.