MANILA-On May 9, U.S. Deputy Chief of Mission Y. Robert Ewing and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) Deputy Commandant for Administration Vice Admiral Allan Victor Dela Vega inaugurated the PCG’s new P54 million ($950,000) vessel maintenance facility funded by the U.S. government to enable more extensive maintenance support for the PCG’s rapidly expanding vessel fleet.

The Fleet Maintenance and Repair Group (MRG) Workshop is the PCG’s first facility built specifically for vessel maintenance.

Designed by the U.S. Coast Guard based on its vessel support sites, the 400-square-meter structure located at the Cavite Buoy Base in Sangley Point houses a machine shop, welding shop, electrical shop, staff office space, and storage room.

The facility’s specialized construction provides a wide range of capabilities that enable repairs on all types of vessels regardless of size, function, or country of origin.

The construction of the MRG Workshop was funded by the U.S. Department of Defense through the Joint U.S. Military Assistance Group-Philippines.

The U.S. Department of State’s Bureau of International Narcotics and Law Enforcement Affairs also provided funding for equipment and training for technicians who are assigned to the MRG to conduct maintenance on vessel equipment.

“The MRG Workshop enables the Philippines to conduct more continuous and reliable vessel operations out at sea, counter illegal fishing, strengthen maritime domain awareness, and address unlawful activities from aggressive foreign actors,” Deputy Chief of Mission Ewing said in his remarks. “This marks another significant evolution in the bedrock partnership between the United States and the PCG.”

Deputy Chief of Mission Ewing noted the U.S. government’s previous efforts to support the PCG’s modernization, such as the construction of the U.S.-funded Specialized Education and Technical Building in Balagtas, Bulacan, which opened in 2023 to offer classroom and hands-on courses on vessel operations and engineering for PCG personnel.

“This new workshop from the United States is a gamechanger for the PCG. It will help us repair our ships faster and keep them in tip-top shape to better protect the Philippine waters,” Vice Admiral Dela Vega said. “The Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) is deeply grateful for the U.S. donation of this vital maintenance and repair facility. This state-of-the-art workshop will significantly enhance our ship repair capabilities and ensure the continued safety and operational efficiency of our fleet.”

The United States will continue to support the MRG in more effectively maintaining the PCG’s vessels to maximize operational presence throughout the Philippines’ Exclusive Economic Zone. (PR)

Globe boosts network energy efficiency via wireless access cost-saving initiative

Globe has unveiled its wireless access cost-saving initiative that uses advanced technology to boost energy efficiency and reduce operational costs, underscoring the company’s dedication to network optimization and sustainability.

The power-saving features inherent in Base Station Technology (BTS) will allow Globe to integrate Symbol Power Saving and Carrier Shutdown techniques into its LTE and 5G networks. Both solutions lessen energy consumption by adapting the network’s operation to real-time demand, ensuring high efficiency without compromising service quality.

Symbol Power Saving or “Microsleep” conserves energy during brief idle moments by disabling the power amplifier when no data is transmitted, achieving about 1-4% power savings. During extended low-traffic periods, Carrier Shutdown is employed to maintain essential coverage while disabling capacity layers, leading to substantial power savings of approximately 3% to 7%.

Through these initiatives, Globe conserved around 637 MWh by end 2023, translating to a carbon footprint reduction of 464 metric tons of carbon dioxide (CO2).

“The successful implementation of these advanced BTS power-saving techniques highlights our commitment to sustainability and innovation,” said Joel Agustin, Globe’s SVP Head of Network Planning and Engineering. “We continue to integrate sustainability initiatives into our network plans to reduce the energy consumption of our equipment. Leveraging the latest technology, we are not only enhancing our operational efficiency but also leading the industry towards a more sustainable future.”

Globe’s strategy encompasses a holistic approach to energy conservation and performance optimization without compromising user experience. Aside from utilizing BTS technology’s power-saving features, Globe is integrating artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) for enhanced efficiency, adopting energy-efficient solutions, decommissioning outdated equipment, and making use of data analytics and crowdsourcing to reduce reliance on physical drive tests.

The company’s energy-saving efforts are part of its broader commitment to environmental stewardship, aiming to achieve Net Zero emissions by 2050. As Globe continues to invest in and explore new technologies, it reaffirms its dedication to creating a positive impact on society and the environment. (PR)

MAASIN CITY— In the days following the completion of the spacious gymnasium in Barangay San Agustin, as well as the completed concreting of the road network getting there, a number of special occasions both public and private have been held in the barangay.

The gatherings ushered a steady upsurge of economic opportunities for the barangay folks, comprising about 100 households, in addition to its recovering abaca industry. It also added a lively touch to the rural, hinterland community, which is located some 20 kilometers away from the city proper going up northeast.

“Daghan na dinhi ang naghimo sa ilang mga kalihokan tungod sa daku ug luag na nato nga gym, ug sementado na sab atong kadalanan. Diha nay nag-seminar. Karong Mayo daghan ang nakalumbay. Naay mag-birthday ijang bata, tag-ija og construction company, anhi dinhi I held,” said Frederick Mejares, chairperson of barangay San Agustin.

(Many groups have conducted their activities here because the gym is big and spacious, and the roads have been cemented. A seminar had been held. This month of May, a lot of schedules were reserved. One owner of a construction company whose child will have a birthday, the celebration will be held here.)

The barangay council had crafted an ordinance exacting minimal fees for those private individuals or groups using the gym for their programs, the collection to be used for maintenance and necessary upkeep of the facility, but when used as venue for public meetings, for delivery of government services there will be no fees, Mejares shared.

On April 26, the new structure was inaugurated, along with the finished paved roads linking barangay San Agustin to other mountain villages in the area, by personnel from the implementing agency, Department of Public Works and Highways – Southern Leyte District Engineering Office (DPWH-SLDEO), and top officials of the province and city, including First District Rep. Luz Mercado, and former DPWH Secretary Roger Mercado.

Other than serving as a venue for public and private group activities, the barangay gym is also a place for recreation, sports, and other physical fitness activities of the residents, and a refuge during bad weather days, said Remonda Lopez, a San Agustin citizen.

“Multi purpose building man ni, kay puwedi pod ni kabakwitan, simbako naay bagyo o natural nga kalamidad,” Lopez added.

(This is a multi-purpose building, since this can be turned into an evacuation center during typhoons or natural calamity, God forbid.)

District Engineer Manolo Rojas described the new facility as designed to be typhoon-proof capable of enduring harsh weather conditions, especially strong typhoons.

Rep. Mercado acknowledged that the new building has multiple uses and a center for various activities, adding that part of the P7 million budget for its construction was shouldered by the city government.

As to the road concreting project, based on the DPWH-SLDEO press briefer, 10 kilometers were constructed traversing six adjacent, cross country barangays with a total budget of P120 million, from February 2021 until June 2023. (MMP, PIA Southern Leyte)

TACLOBAN CITY– 4Ps party-list Representative, Marcelino Libanan, spearheaded on May 8 the groundbreaking ceremony of the P50 million flood mitigation structures in the town of Balangkayan.

Engr. Jayson Espeso, the spokesperson of the Eastern Samar District Engineering Office, said that the project is being implemented by the regional office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) under its “SIPAG”, or Sustainable Infrastructure Projects Alleviating Gaps project.

Spanning a length of 356.317, the revetment project consists of two sections as well as the last portions of the first flood control.

It also includes driven steel piles, revetment, embankment, and grouted riprap, Espeso said in a press statement.

He also added that they had already sent a notice for the DPWH to proceed with the project.

Balangkayan was one of the areas in Eastern Samar that was hard-hit when Super Typhoon ‘Yolanda,’ marked with storm surges, pounded the province in 2013.

Espeso said that the project’s primary goal is not only to protect the residents but also to save national highways in order to preserve connectivity during emergencies.

Town Mayor Edith Anne Contado expressed her gratitude to Rep. Libanan for coming up with the project to their town.

“The project will contribute to the protection of families, particularly those residing in close proximity to coastal barangays,” she said.

(JANESSA T. MOSCOSA, EASTERN SAMAR STATE UNIVERSITY STUDENT INTERN)