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Pres. Marcos led opening of SPCRP

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President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking of the 11.6 kms road and bridge project in Palapag, Northern Samar on Friday(July 14). Marcos, who was joined by Public Works and Highways Sec. Manny Bonoan and Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan, said that the project could lead to ending the insurgency problem in the province and at the same time help the province develop economically. (RAUL TIOZON/PIA-8)

Seen to boost N.Samar economy; ends insurgency

President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos Jr. led the groundbreaking of the 11.6 kms road and bridge project in Palapag, Northern Samar on Friday(July 14). Marcos, who was joined by Public Works and Highways Sec. Manny Bonoan and Northern Samar Gov. Edwin Ongchuan, said that the project could lead to ending the insurgency problem in the province and at the same time help the province develop economically. (RAUL TIOZON/PIA-8)

PALAPAG, Northern Samar- President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. led in the opening of an 11.6 kilometer Samar Pacific Coastal Road Project(SPCRP)on Friday (July 14) expressing his hope that this infrastructure project could address two problems stalking the province for decades now: poverty and insurgency.
The road project, covering the towns of Palapag, Laoang, and Catubig, has been in the pipeline since 2016 but was materialized two years later during the time of former President Rodrigo Duterte under his Build Build Build program.
The said project, funded by the South Korean government through its Export-Import Bank at a cost of P1.03 billion, was adopted by the current Marcos Administration under its Build More Better Project.
“With the opening of this road and its bridges, the development of Northern Samar’s rich agricultural lands and bountiful fishing grounds will follow suit. It will also expedite the delivery and movement of our basic goods and services, which will hopefully boost our people’s quality of life,” Marcos said in his speech.
The President, who was accompanied by Public Works and Highways Sec.Manny Bonoan and Presidential assistant Anton Lagdameo, also assured the officials of Northern Samar, one of the poorest provinces in the country, of the continuing support of his administration not only in addressing its poverty problem but also its peace and order problem, particularly involving members of the communist armed group, the New People’s Army (NPA).
“This undertaking strengthens the government’s resolve to improve the peace and order situation in the province and ensure that our economic gains and basic services reach everyone in the island,” the President added.
“The local government can be assured of this government’s continued unconditional support in your efforts to alleviate poverty, to promote good governance, secure the health and well-being of your citizenry, and usher inclusive development in your province,” he further said.
Governor Edwin Ongchuan, who led provincial officials in welcoming Marcos in his first visit to the Northern Samar, expressed his gratitude to the President.
Ongchuan said that connecting the ‘Pacific towns’ of his province which covers the towns traversing the rod project, has been an aspiration among the people of the province.
“The SPCRP will greatly impact the economic development of our province as it will remarkably increase the productivity of our thousands of farmers and fisher folks, thereby improving our program on food self-security,” he said.
“It will also boost our tourism industry and help and sustain our peace and resiliency efforts,” Ongchuan added.
Palapag Mayor Florencio Batula also expressed his gratitude to the national government saying that while their town is one of the oldest in the country, it remains to be isolated to the rest of Northern Samar until now.
“I am happy that there is now a national road connecting our town,” he said.
Batula said that with the road opening, they expect investors to come and insurgency problem addressed.
Resident Aurelia Bulignar, 71 and a resident of Barangay Manahaw, said that they are happy that their village is now connected to the rest of the province.
“We are happy. Before the construction of this bridge, we have to take a boat to reach the town proper. Now, we can go to the town center using this bridge,” she said.
Korean Ambassador to the Philippines Lee Sang-hwa, who was also present during the inauguration, said that their government is glad that they part of this road project which they expect to help development of the province.
“I am proud to be with this infrastructure project. It was completed despite of many, many obstacles, including COVID-19,” he said in his speech.
“A strong and resilient infrastructure are very strong drivers to eradicate poverty and effect sustainable development,” he added.
Lee said that the construction of the project is yet another indicator of a close relationship between his nation and the Philippines, adding that they will ‘remain the most dependable partner of the Philippines.’
The project covers three bridges, including the 161-linear meter Simora Bridge, 31-linear meter Jangtud 1 Bridge, and the 69-linear meter Jangtud 2 Bridge.
The project drastically reduced the travel hour from Palapag to the provincial capital of Catarman, from the previous five hours to just one hour and 30 minutes.

JOEY A. GABIETA

Power consumers in EV ask PBBM’s intervention on NGCP’s reported unsatisfactory performance

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TACLOBAN CITY– Exasperated with a high cost of power rate and erratic supply of electricity, a resolution was recently passed by the members of the member-consumers of the 11 electric cooperatives in the region.

The resolution, addressed to President Ferdinand ‘Bongbong’ Marcos, Jr., was approved by the member-consumers, as represented by their respective officers during an energy summit held on July 11, this city.

Former energy assistant secretary Pete Ilagan, who was the speaker of the said gathering, said that was glad that the member-consumers of the region took it upon themselves to raise these concerns which have affected them for so long now.

“We believe that this clamor by our member-consumers will be heard…,” he said.
In particular, the member-consumers of the 11 cooperatives of the region are calling for the revitalization of the National Transmission Commission (Transco) to ‘take over’ the functions of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP).

In particular, the resolution said, on the aspect of procuring the ancillary services “in order to ensure the integrity of the nationwide transmission system owing to its continuing failure in living up to its obligations under its franchise.”

The resolution added that as of 2020, NGCP had a combined capacity shortage of 263 megawatts in the regulating, contingency, and dispatchable reserves.

“(And this is) one of the main reasons for the unplanned outages in Region 8 which adversely affects its economic growth. It is worth emphasizing that the operation of NGCP is just a substitute to the State in performing public service and it fails,” it said.

Ancillary services refer to services necessary to support the transmission of electric power from generators to consumers given the obligations of control areas and transmission utilities within those controlled areas to maintain reliable operations of the interconnected transmission system.

Ilagan stressed that with a not-so-good ancillary service being provided by the NGCP, an unstable power supply would have adverse effects.

For one, the economic situation of the area will be affected thereby would make it less attractive to potential investors and even tourists; and loss of employment generation, among others.
(JOEY A. GABIETA)

P333 million-worth Maydolong- Basey road project commences

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The Maydolong-Basey road project, aside from connecting the provinces of Eastern Samar and Samar, will result of a reduced travel time from Borongan City to Tacloban City by almost two hours from its current travel time of four hours, thus said Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group during the July 15 groundbreaking. (Photo courtesy)
The Maydolong-Basey road project, aside from connecting the provinces of Eastern Samar and Samar, will result of a reduced travel time from Borongan City to Tacloban City by almost two hours from its current travel time of four hours, thus said Rep. Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan of the 4Ps party-list group during the July 15 groundbreaking. (Photo courtesy)

TACLOBAN CITY-House Minority Leader and 4Ps party-list Representative Marcelino ‘Nonoy’ Libanan led the groundbreaking of the P333.79 million for the construction of the Maydolong-Basey Road Project in a ceremony on Saturday (July 15) held in Barangay Del Pilar, Maydolong town, Eastern Samar.

According to Libanan, the project will be implemented by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH-8), under its SIPAG (Sustainable Infra Project Alleviating Gaps) project involving the construction of 2.48 kilometers of concrete road.

It was learned that the road on the Eastern Samar side of Maydolong-Basey Road has not yet been paved and it has reached a distance of less than 8.15 kms while on the Samar side, it is 1.172 kms or a total of 9.32 km remains to be unpaved.

Libanan, in his message, said that the Maydolong-Basey road project is by far the hardest road project he has initiated.

“This is the reason why I put my biggest fund from the 4Ps party-list, more than P300 million because this is one of the most important road projects,” he said.

“The project will make a difference to the lives of the people of Maydolong here in Eastern Samar, as well as in (western) Samar; in fact, all of Samar Island. It’s a road that can pave the way for Eastern Samar to be removed from the list of the 20 poorest provinces in the country,” Libanan added.

Once completed, travel time from Borongan City to Tacloban City will be cut by half from its current travel time of more than four hours.

Among those present during the groundbreaking were Maydolong Mayor Godofredo Garado and Engr. Alvin Bautista, head of the Eastern Samar District Engineering Office, representing DPWH Regional Director Edgar Tabacon.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Inevitability of Nuclear Confrontations

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In the realm of international relations, nuclear confrontations have always remained a topic of great concern and debate. As the power and proliferation of nuclear weapons continue to grow, so does the possibility of their use in conflicts.

Throughout history, nuclear confrontations have become increasingly inevitable due to the history of conflicts between nuclear-armed nations. The arms race during the Cold War era exemplified the heightened tensions and constant standoffs between superpowers such as the United States and the Soviet Union. The possession of nuclear weapons grants nations immense power and influence, thus ensuring their involvement in global affairs and potentially leading to confrontations. Furthermore, geopolitical realities, including territorial disputes and conflicts over scarce resources, exacerbate the chances of nuclear confrontations between nations, as the possession of nuclear weapons often provides a strategic advantage in such disputes.

The continued proliferation of nuclear weapons only increases the chances of future confrontations. The Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, although a significant milestone, has not been able to completely halt the spread of these weapons. The acquisition of nuclear weapons by non-state actors like terrorist organizations adds an alarming dimension to the inevitability of nuclear confrontations. The potential use of these weapons by extremist groups driven by ideological motives or a desire for chaos cannot be discounted, as it poses a grave threat to global security and stability.

The rapid advancements in military technology make nuclear confrontations increasingly likely. The development of missile defense systems by some nations can undermine the nuclear deterrence strategy, leading to an increased willingness to engage in confrontation. Moreover, the emergence of cyber warfare capabilities creates new avenues for attacks on nuclear infrastructure, potentially escalating tensions to a point where conflicts become unavoidable. Technological progress also paves the way for the production of more advanced and destructive weapons, raising the stakes in potential confrontations and making the consequences of any nuclear exchange even more catastrophic.

Despite efforts to promote disarmament and reduce the risks associated with the proliferation of nuclear weapons, the inevitability of nuclear confrontations persists. To mitigate this threat, international cooperation, multilateral agreements, and effective disarmament measures will be crucial to maintaining global peace and security. The world must continue to strive for nuclear non-proliferation and explore diplomatic solutions to disputes to avoid the potential devastation of nuclear confrontations.

More farm-to-market roads

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DOMS PAGLIAWAN

In the context of contemporary agricultural practices, the importance of farm-to-market roads cannot be overstated. These roads serve as critical arteries connecting rural farming communities with urban markets for the efficient transportation of agricultural produce. These infrastructure elements ensure sustainable food production and economic development.

Farm-to-market roads play a pivotal role in enabling the transportation of agricultural goods from the producer to the consumer. Often situated in remote rural areas, farms rely heavily on road connectivity to transfer their harvest to nearby markets, processing facilities, or distribution centers. These specialized roads are designed to withstand heavy loads, making it easier for farmers to transport large quantities of produce efficiently. By reducing the distance and time it takes to transport agricultural goods, farmers can minimize spoilage, maintain the quality of perishable products, and maximize their economic returns.

These roads provide farmers with increased access to local, regional, and national markets. By establishing direct links between farms and consumers, these roads eliminate the need for intermediaries, reducing transaction costs and allowing farmers to receive a fairer share of the profits. Moreover, improved market access leads to increased competitiveness, as farmers gain access to a wider customer base. This fosters market growth by encouraging innovation, diversification, and value addition to agricultural products, ultimately stimulating rural economies and supporting sustainable farming practices.

Effective logistics are pivotal for the success of any agricultural operation. Farm-to-market roads mitigate logistical challenges by providing seamless connectivity between farms, warehouses, processing facilities, and markets. This connectivity enables agriculture-based industries to optimize their supply chains, reduce transportation costs, and streamline distribution, ensuring that food reaches consumers promptly and at an affordable price. Furthermore, these roads facilitate the transport of essential farm inputs, such as fertilizers, machinery, and veterinary supplies, enhancing overall agricultural productivity and enabling sustainable farming practices.

These vital roads are also instrumental in fostering rural development by improving connectivity and access to essential services. These roads connect remote farming communities to schools, healthcare facilities, and other essential amenities, improving the quality of life for rural residents. Additionally, the infrastructure supports the growth of agribusinesses, attracting investments, and creating employment opportunities. By promoting rural development, farm-to-market roads contribute to reducing poverty, achieving food security, and supporting sustainable agricultural practices in the long run.
By recognizing the far-reaching benefits of farm-to-market roads, policymakers, researchers, and stakeholders can prioritize their construction and maintenance, ultimately supporting the growth and sustainability of agricultural systems across the country.

Inflation and Corruption

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CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III
CLEMELLE L. MONTALLANA,DM, CESE
ASSOCIATE PROFESSOR III

Like the proverbial chicken and egg, Inflation and Corruption is often concepts written side by side.

Inflation in the Philippines has been fluctuating in 2023. According to the Philippine Statistics Authority, headline inflation or the overall inflation in the Philippines slowed down further to 6.1 percent in May 2023 from 6.6 percent in April 20231. In January 2023, the country’s headline inflation rate increased to 8.7 percent from 8.1 percent in December 20222. The main driver of inflation in January was housing, water, electricity, gas, and other fuels, with an inflation of 8.5 percent 2.

In terms of corruption, the Philippines ranked 116th in Transparency International’s Corruption Perception Index (CPI) for 2022, which assesses the perceived levels of public sector corruption in 180 countries and territories globally3. The country’s latest CPI score was 33, unchanged from the previous year and its lowest score in the index3. Transparency International still lists the country as among the “significant decliners” in the Asia-Pacific region3.

Corruption is a complex issue that is difficult to address. While the Philippine government has implemented strategies to foster higher levels of integrity and prevent corruption4, it remains a challenge to completely eradicate corruption. It is important for governments to continue to work towards improving transparency and accountability to combat corruption.
Inflation in the Philippines can have serious economic and social implications. Inflationary impacts are felt across all sectors of society, as prices rise and wages fail to keep up with the rate of inflation. This leads to an increase in the cost-of-living, resulting in an overall decrease in purchasing power for consumers1. Lifestyles are forced to change as prices continue to soar, with most Filipinos lowering their standards of living1. Those that rely on their fixed incomes now have to find other sources of income or they run the risk of having insufficient funds for sustenance1. Inflation can also lead to hoarding, social unrest, and revolts1.

However, there are ways to manage the effects of inflation, such as planning, exploring other sources of income, reducing expenses, and venturing into investments1. The Philippine economy has also shown resilience in the face of inflation. For example, GDP grew at a faster-than-expected 6.4% in the first quarter of 2023 despite elevated inflation and the central bank’s aggressive monetary tightening.

Corruption in the Philippines has serious effects on public trust and political institutions, hindering democratic socialization and inclusion1. Corruption can also lead to loss of public spending and hinder investment and economic growth1. It is a pervasive problem in the country, with charges of corruption, graft, and cronyism common among government officials at all levels1.

For Philippine business leaders, corruption is the top risk to economic recovery, trumping inflation and rising oil prices2. A survey conducted by the Management Association of the Philippines with PwC showed that 67% of CEOs say corruption could delay economicr ecovery, while lower investments and political uncertainty are next among their worries2.
In terms of morality, corruption is a failure of public ethics, and generally holds back growth and progress3. Since the late 1990s, the “ethics barometers” of both the World Bank and Transparency International have indicated that the overall quality of Philippine public ethics has slipped3. Corruption has always been linked to dishonesty and “dirtiness”4. In fact, one of the most prevalent effects of corruption in the Philippines is giving fuel to the belief that politics is inherently dirty4.

In all, corruption affects inflation and creates problems for the country.

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