TACLOBAN CITY – The National Maritime Polytechnic (NMP) is enhancing its service standards by training its frontline personnel through the Department of Tourism’s Filipino Brand of Service Excellence (FBSE) program.

The FBSE program aims to raise the service standards of tourism-related establishments and professionals by aligning them with the warmth and hospitality the Philippines is known for. It emphasizes exceptional service, focusing on respect, warmth, and attention to detail—key elements of Filipino culture.

NMP Executive Director Victor Del Rosario expressed confidence that the training equipped key personnel with the skills to deliver high-quality service, improve communication, and champion Filipino hospitality.

NMP offers a range of services, including Registration and Certification, Domiciliary, and Library Services, which are continuously improved in line with the Republic Act 11032 or the Ease of Doing Business and Efficient Government Service Delivery (EODB) Act of 2018.
The FBSE training covered topics such as customer service excellence, understanding customer needs, exceeding guest expectations, and effectively managing complaints.

Launched in 2023 by the Department of Tourism (DOT), the FBSE program aims to enhance the Philippines’ tourism industry by ensuring that professionals interacting with guests—local and international—are well-trained and motivated to provide exceptional service.
The initiative promotes national pride and enhances the country’s global competitiveness as a tourism destination.

Rooted in the core Filipino values of the 7M’s—Malikhain (Creative), Makatao (Humanitarian), Makakalikasan (Environmentally Conscious), Makabansa (Patriotic), Masayahin (Joyful), May Bayanihan (Community Spirit), and May Pag-asa (Hope)—the FBSE program ensures that visitors experience the warmth and care for which the Philippines is famous.
(LIZBETH ANN A. ABELLA)

Several milestones marked NGCP’s achievements in 2024, following the completion of four major grid projects that have significantly bolstered the reliability of the country’s grid infrastructure.

In January, NGCP inaugurated the Mindanao-Visayas Interconnection Project (MVIP), the CebuNegros-Panay 230-kiloVolt (kV) backbone in April, and the Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose 500kV Line in July.

Capping its fruitful year, NGCP also fully completed the Cebu-Bohol Interconnection Project last September. The CBIP plays a crucial role in improving transmission services and grid stability in Central Visayas and helps develop the transmission highway in Cebu, the load center of Visayas, through a new line that will transmit power in and out of the province.
“These achievements reflect NGCP’s strong commitment to advancing our grid infrastructure to ensure a more stable and resilient power supply for households, businesses, and industries,” NGCP said.

Aside from the completion of big-ticket projects, NGCP provided better service at a lower cost, charging only P0.55 centavos per KWH, compared to P0.74 under TransCo. The amount is equivalent to just 3.39 percent of the electricity bill, while generation and distribution charges make up its bulk with 53.17 percent and 21.81 percent, respectively.
Since NGCP took over the transmission operations from TransCo in 2009, outages went down by 82 percent, reflecting the significant improvement in the efficiency and reliability of the country’s grid under its watch.

Amid the successful year, NGCP is not resting on its laurels as it intends to complete more projects in the coming years, including the New Antipolo 230kV Substation in Rizal, Laguindingan 230kV Substation in Misamis Oriental, and substation upgrading, voltage improvement, and reliability projects in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Other projects scheduled for completion, barring any further right-of-way, permitting, and other external delays, include the Tuguegarao–Lal-lo (Magapit) 230kV Transmission Line, AmbuklaoBinga-San Manuel 230kV Line, Western Luzon 500kV Backbone Stage 2, Marilao Extra High Voltage Substation, Tuy 500/230 kV Project Stage 1, Nabas-Caticlan-Boracay 138kV Line, CebuLapu Lapu 230kV Transmission Line, Lapu Lapu 230kV Substation Project, TacurongKalamansig 69 kV Transmission Line Project, and other upgrading projects.

“Despite challenges being encountered in right-of-way acquisition and permitting, with the support of relevant government agencies, we are optimistic that we are on track to finish these projects in the pipeline,” said NGCP.

The transmission grid operator renewed its appeal for the swift resolution and approval of applications filed with the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), which affects the company’s operations. As a highly regulated entity, NGCP needs the ERC’s approval to implement its projects and to recover the costs spent in building these transmission facilities.

“We remain hopeful that the ERC will support our efforts by ensuring a timely and fair recovery for our capital expenditure. This recovery is vital to sustaining our investment in enhancing the reliability and capacity of our energy infrastructure,” NGCP remarked. (PR)

TACLOBAN CITY – The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) in Allen, Northern Samar, has confirmed that a decomposing body found in Dimasalang, Masbate, on Friday, January 3, belongs to one of the missing crew members of the ill-fated cargo vessel M/V Jerlyn Khatness, which sank off the coast of Lavezares, Northern Samar, on December 30.
The remains were identified as Andres Bolanon, 63, from Tubigon, Bohol.

Residents of Barangay Magcaraguit in Dimasalang discovered Bolanon’s body tied to a wooden blue-colored chair on Friday at around 2:30 p.m.

Apprentice Seaman Jayson Tapaya of the PCG Allen Substation confirmed the discovery in a phone interview on Sunday, January 5.

“Our substation actually learned about the discovery through a social media post. We immediately contacted our counterparts in Masbate to verify the information, and it was confirmed that the body was indeed Bolanon,” Tapaya said.

Bolanon’s body was identified by his co-workers who are still in Allen.

According to Tapaya, the chair to which Bolanon was tied was the same one used by his colleagues to secure him during the vessel’s sinking.

“It was his co-workers who tied him to a wooden blue-colored chair. He was in the same position when his body was recovered,” Tapaya added.

The local government of Dimasalang initially buried Bolanon’s remains in a public cemetery on Saturday, January 4. However, the shipping company informed the Coast Guard that Bolanon’s family had requested his remains to be exhumed and brought back to Bohol for a proper burial.

With Bolanon’s recovery, the death toll from the sinking of MV Jerlyn Khatness has risen to two. Dondee Macasul, 30, from Tagum City, Davao del Norte, was the first fatality. His body was recovered on December 31 at around 8 a.m. in the waters off Barangay Pio del Pilar, Biri, Northern Samar.

Thirteen other crew members, including the vessel’s master, Alberto Ompoc, were rescued following the sinking.

MV Jerlyn Khatness, owned by Jerlyn’s Shipping Line, Inc. based in Cebu City, was carrying a load of cement from Naga City, Cebu, en route to San Jose, Northern Samar. The vessel encountered large waves around 2:30 p.m. on December 30, causing it to sink. The incident was attributed to rough weather conditions.

The sinking was reported to the PCG Northern Samar Station at around 10 p.m. on the same day by local fishermen.

Meanwhile, the PCG reported a minimal fuel spill near the suspected sunken area of the MV Jerlyn Khatness. According to the Marine Environmental Protection Enforcement and Response Group (MEPERG) – Eastern Visayas, light traces of oil sheen were observed at the sunken site.

“Based on our assessment, the oil sheen is expected to evaporate and naturally dissipate from the water surface,” the PCG said.

The vessel was reportedly carrying 7,000 liters of diesel fuel at the time of the incident.
The PCG has launched a maritime investigation into the sinking. The rescued crew members remain in Allen, Northern Samar, to assist with the inquiry.

(JOEY A. GABIETA)

TACLOBAN CITY – A former member of the New People’s Army (NPA) identified by her alias “Marikit,” voluntarily surrendered to authorities under the 2nd Leyte Provincial Mobile Force Company (2nd LPMFC).

The 34-year-old from Jaro, Leyte surrendered on December 26, on the 56th founding anniversary of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP).

She turned over a .38 caliber revolver and ammunition to 2nd LPMFC personnel assigned in Brgy. Cristina, Calubian,Leyte marking a significant step in her decision to leave the insurgency behind.

PLtCol Marino Azur Estonio, head of the 2nd LPMFC, expressed hope that “Marikit’s” decision would inspire others still involved in insurgent activities to follow suit, reiterating government readiness to assist any rebel who wishes to return to their families and reintegrate into society peacefully.

He also emphasized the government’s commitment to helping former rebels transition to civilian life through the Enhanced Comprehensive Local Integration Program (E-CLIP) – a government program that offers financial aid, livelihood opportunities, and psychological support, aimed at reintegrating former combatants back into their communities.
Following her surrender, “Marikit” will undergo documentation and assessment for her potential enrollment in the E-CLIP program. Authorities have reiterated their readiness to assist any insurgents wishing to return to their families and reintegrate into society peacefully.

Prior to “Marikit” surrender in Calubian, a rebel in Samar province surrendered to the 802nd Maneuver Company, Regional Mobile Force Battalion 8, as they strengthens campaign against insurgency and terrorism in the region.

Identified as ““Pandoy,” a 68-year-old male farmer from Pinabacdao, Samar, he surrender to the personnel of the 802nd Maneuver Company in Barangay Canticum, Calbiga, Samar.
“Pandoy” was an active member of the Squad 2 Municipal Guerilla Platoon under SRC-SESAME of the Eastern Visayas Regional Party Committee (EVRPC) when leaved the armed struggle after realizing that the revolutionary were being manipulated by its leaders for personal gain, particularly in extorting money from large companies.

“I commend my personnel for their excellent work in convincing a communist member to surrender. This is a significant step in our fight against insurgency. Their dedication to peace, stability, and unity is helping foster a safer environment for all,” PMaj Diaz said.
Pandoy’s decision to leave the armed struggle was driven by his growing realization that the revolutionary ideals espoused by the CTG were being manipulated by its leaders for personal gain, particularly in extorting money from large companies.

As part of the government’s commitment to supporting former rebels, he will undergo the necessary documentation to avail of the E-CLIP benefits.
(ROEL T. AMAZONA)