NGCP is carrying out a comprehensive series of actions to tackle the challenges posed by the lengthy queue of System Impact Studies (SIS) for power plant connections.

The SIS is a critical assessment that determines the capacity of the power grid to accommodate a new generator, and identifies necessary improvements such as additional transmission lines, transformers, or substations.

Due to the increasing demand for power generation in the country, the number of applications for SIS surged significantly. Historically, however, majority of the applicants do not push through with their initial plans, with only around 28% of completed SIS resulting in the establishment of actual power plants.

“Although 7 out of 10 SIS applicants will not actually pursue their power investments, we are obliged to fully evaluate each application when they are passed on to us by the Department of Energy (DOE),” noted NGCP President and Chief Executive Officer Anthony Almeda. “Accordingly, we have taken the necessary steps to expedite the process and improve its efficiency,” he added.

One of the key initiatives is the expansion of the SIS team through hiring additional manpower. NGCP expects to boost the capacity of the organization and conduct more SIS studies simultaneously.

The company is also adopting a clustering approach for SIS, grouping together power plants with a common connection point or study area. This clustering strategy aims to streamline the process and accelerate the evaluation of multiple projects, enhancing the overall efficiency and reducing the waiting time for potential power plant developers.
In addition to these measures, NGCP is in the process of outsourcing some aspects of the SIS process, pending the issuance of the accreditation process by the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC). This outsourcing initiative is anticipated to further augment the organization’s capabilities and expedite the completion of SIS for various power plant proposals.

Almeda pointed out that in more developed nations like the United States and the United Kingdom, the completion of grid impact studies typically takes more than three years. “Other countries usually operate on a ‘first-come-first-served’ basis. We do it on a ‘first-ready-first-served’ basis, in order to be faster and more efficient,” he emphasized.

The measures used by the NGCP to address the SIS backlog forms part of the company’s extensive plan to meet the country’s increasing energy requirements. “Our company is a vital part of a much bigger energy landscape, with numerous roles and stakeholders. We take our functions and responsibilities very seriously, and continuously work towards a cohesive, centralized, and systematic approach to energy planning for our country,” Almeda concluded. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY- Local government and civil society leaders from Eastern Visayas join forces in spearheading the region’s climate action and biodiversity conservation.

“Few local governments in the Philippines talk about climate action, but the responsibility and accountability of local leaders are fundamental. There is so much that we can do, and partnerships with civil society are crucial for us to learn more about critical issues we are facing, including climate change and biodiversity conservation,” said Mayor Eunice Babalcon of Paranas, Samar.

Paranas, along with Guiuan and Salcedo in Eastern Samar, are the bioregions of the Multi-Actor Partnership on Enhanced Local Climate Action (MAP-ELCA) project of the Manila-based think tank Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (ICSC), which was launched in Tacloban City ON July 28.

The three-year project aims to champion successful local climate action and biodiversity protection cases through multi-sectoral collaboration. Representatives from local communities, government agencies, civil society organizations, academe, and private sector entities in the featured municipalities signed a statement expressing their full support and commitment to MAP-ELCA.

“Climate change is a global problem that really needs leaders at the local level,” said Atty. Melchor Mergal, Eastern Samar Board Member and a resident of Salcedo.

MAP-ELCA is a project under Investing in Sustainability and Partnership for Inclusive Growth and Regenerative Ecosystems (INSPIRE), which is implemented by the Gerry Roxas Foundation (GRF) and funded by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). “Biodiversity conservation and climate action are at the core of INSPIRE’s vision, empowering civil society and local communities to take the lead in natural resource governance, climate change adaptation and mitigation,” said GRF Chief of Party Rebecca Paz through a recorded message.

Eastern Visayas has been at the forefront of climate change impacts for years, including extreme weather events such as typhoons and extreme heat; and slow onset events such as sea level rise. The region was the first to be devastated by Super Typhoon Haiyan (Yolanda) back in November 2013.

Guiuan Municipal Administrator Kinna Kwan recognized the vulnerability of their municipality to the impacts of climate change and emphasized the government’s responsibility to act. “Nearly 10 years after Super Typhoon Haiyan, our communities are thriving. Not only are we thriving, but we are also fighting and acting on the climate crisis, for our people now and for future generations,” she added.

“We do not have to look far to be inspired; it all starts here – within us and our communities. Let us work hand in hand to create a more resilient and sustainable future for Eastern Visayas. Hopefully, we will be able to inspire more communities in the coming years,” said Angelo Kairos dela Cruz, Executive Director of ICSC. (PR)

In Calbayog City

ORMOC CITY-A manhunt operation is being conducted by police in Calbayog City against a village chairman who absconded after killing his victim.

Joseph Bello, 43 and barangay chairman of Talahiban, Oquendo district, was identified to have killed Jason Parilla, 43, farmer, and a resident of Brgy. Tigbe, also in the city, after they engaged in a verbal argument while they were having a drinking session inside the house of the official on July 27 at about pm.

Police said that the two, together with four others, were having a drinking spree when the Bello and Parilla suddenly engaged in a heated argument.

Using a still Caliber 45 pistol, the village official shot the victim in his head and back which resulted in his instant death.
(ROBERT DEJON)

In Samar

TACLOBAN CITY– The municipal government of Villareal, Samar led by its mayor, Carlo Latorre throw its support to improve the nutrition conditions of the children, particularly in addressing the incidence of stunting growth.

The local officials, including the members of the nutrition council, attended an orientation to this effect on July 22, showcasing the Philippine multi-sectoral nutrition project.
Villareal is among the 70 towns in Leyte and Samar provinces which were identified in this World Bank-funded program to address the incidence of stunting growth among children.
The three-year project is designed to increase the utilization of a package of nutrition-specific and nutrition-sensitive interventions to curb malnutrition.

Among provinces in the region, Samar has the highest prevalence of stunting at 16.67 percent, followed by Eastern Samar (15.46 percent), Northern Samar (15.10 percent), and Leyte (14.99 percent).

At least 63,655 children under five years old in Eastern Visayas are stunted, according to the National Nutrition Council.

The first component of the project will provide support on the provision of support for primary health care services with a focus on social and behavior change communication, strengthening health and nutrition services systems.

Another component is the community-driven health and nutrition interventions to include increased access to and use of clean water, appropriate sanitation, and improved hygiene practices, access to early childhood care and development services, and increasing access of conditional cash transfer beneficiaries to nutrition programs and services according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development regional office.

On June 22, 2022, the World Bank’s Board of Executive Directors approved an USD178.1 million loan to support the Philippine government’s efforts to combat malnutrition in 235 towns across the country.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

In a unique blend of art and social awareness, Kwentoon, a Philippine start-up connecting young audiences to thoughtfully selected visual content, has teamed up with the Hapag Movement to help address involuntary hunger.

As part of this advocacy, 10% of every ticket sold at the recently held Kwentoon Festival 2023 will be donated to the Globe-led movement, a social initiative aimed at eradicating involuntary hunger through supplemental feeding and livelihood training for struggling Filipinos.

Kwentoon Festival 2023 was held at SM Megatrade Hall 3, with over 150 exhibitors and artists and a total 1,439 visitors. The event showcased a range of activities, including workshops, talks, and the Mango Boot Camp Graduation in partnership with the Intellectual Property Office of the Philippines. One of the event’s highlights was the Philippine Children’s Content Awards, which aims to recognize the creativity and originality of Filipino comic artists, or the so called “kwentoons.”

“We are excited to be part of the Hapag Movement, not only to promote homegrown talent but to also address pressing societal concerns,” said Isa Songco, Kwentoon Co-Founder.
She added: “Filipino artists are actually very good but unfortunately a lot of them get outsourced by firms overseas. That is why when it comes to animation or manga, there is not a lot of intellectual property from the Philippines. So our progression is actually delayed in comparison to our neighboring countries. Recognizing the imperative for local job creation, we hold the Hapag Movement dear to our hearts. This initiative not only fights hunger but also creates a wealth of opportunities for our fellow Filipinos.”

Yoly Crisanto, Globe Group Chief Sustainability and Corporate Communications Officer, thanked Kwentoon for its support as she cited the community’s unique opportunity to use art as a way to raise awareness about social issues, particularly hunger.

“Art has the ability to evoke empathy and compassion like no other medium can. We are grateful to have Kwentoon as a partner in the Hapag Movement and to have on board visual storytellers who can draw attention to the problem of involuntary hunger through art,” Crisanto said.

Established in 2020, Kwentoon aims to inspire and equip local artists to create kid-friendly visual narratives. It connects young audiences to curated content that promotes the values of love of country and family, camaraderie, and hope.

The collaboration between Globe and Kwentoon is a testament to the power of innovative alliances that not only enrich local artistry but also address pertinent societal challenges. The partnership further resonates with the growing need for the comic and manga communities to become more socially conscious and drive changes that have a profound impact on society. (PR)