Aboitiz represents the Philippines in APEC food security meeting

Aboitiz represents the Philippines in APEC food security meeting

Initiative mirrors Aboitiz Group's active involvement in national and regional food security

Tristan R. Aboitiz, President of Aboitiz food business unit Pilmico Foods Corporation, was one of three Philippine representatives tasked to represent the country's interests and concerns at the recent 16th Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Policy Partnership on Food Security (APEC PPFS) Meeting.

Aboitiz joined 19 other PPFS representatives last October 15, 2020 in the virtual meeting, which carried the theme "Optimising Human Potential Toward A Resilient Future Of Shared Prosperity."

"Food security remains to be an urgent priority of the region's economies, especially during the current COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019) pandemic. Pilmico is a major part of the Philippine and regional food industry, being at the beginning of the food value chain, and we are honored to join this meeting to signify the Aboitiz Group's contribution to helping ensure food security, not just in the Philippines, but in the region as a whole," Aboitiz said.

Pilmico, previously solely a national player, completed its entry into the regional food and agribusiness sector with Pilmico International's acquisition of a 100% stake in food firm Gold Coin in May 2019. 

The APEC PPFS meeting's agenda included COVID-19 and Food Security Policy in the Asia-Pacific, Review of the Food Security Roadmap and Ministerial Statement on Food Security, and Reports by Food Security-Related Working Groups and Fora.

The APEC PPFS was established in 2011 to strengthen public-private cooperation to address food security issues in the region.

The ministers of APEC economies responsible for agriculture and food met for the first time in Niigata, Japan, in 2010 and issued the Niigata Declaration on APEC Food Security—the first comprehensive APEC plan for promoting regional food security.

Subsequent APEC ministerial meetings on food security were held biennially in Kazan, Russia (2012), Beijing, China (2014), and Piura, Peru (2016), which led to the Kazan Declaration, the Beijing Declaration, and the Piura Declaration which outline APEC's new plans for tackling food security.

PPFS members are expected to contribute input to policies on ensuring food security for APEC economies, as well as on any pressing problems within countries or regions that would require collaboration between organizations.

Pilmico is a strong proponent of food security. Last August 13, Pilmico signed a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) to provide livelihood and technical support services to Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs). 

Dubbed "The PaSSOver: ARBOld Move for Deliverance of our Farmers from the COVID-19 Pandemic," the DAR-funded initiative will enable 1,200 women ARBs to engage in livelihood activities in the agribusiness sector. Beneficiaries will be given starter kits for bakery training, egg layering and poultry or broiler production, hog fattening, and other similar livestock rearing businesses. 

 

Aside from assistance to ARBs, Pilmico also donated a total of 655,000 pieces of bread to poor communities nationwide as daily sustenance from March to June 2020, some of the most critical periods of the extended community quarantine. 

 

Currently, Pilmico's main commitment to Asia's food security is remaining fully operational amid the pandemic. Its plants, farms, and meat facilities continue to operate business as usual. It consistently implements strict biosecurity measures to ensure everyone's safety and echoes the Philippine government's assertion on sufficient food supply amid restrictions and uncertainties caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. - (Press Release)

Fugitive Murder Suspect in Kidapawan Radioman Killing joins ranks of Communist Terrorist Group

Press Release from Presidential Task Force on Media Killings:

PTFoMS Update: 16 October 2020

Fugitive Murder Suspect in Kidapawan Radioman Killing joins ranks of Communist Terrorist Group

In a desperate attempt to evade justice for the killing of Brigada News FM – Kidapawan station manager Eduardo Sanchez Dizon, the Presidential Task Force on Media Security (PTFoMS) has confirmed that prime suspect Dante Encarnacion Tabusares a.k.a. Bong Encarnacion has cowered behind the Communist Party of the Philippines – New People's Army (CPP-NPA) Terrorist group by joining its ranks in Arakan, North Cotabato.

This was verified in an official report submitted to the PTFoMS by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) through Captain Jonathan V Zata, Chief of the Public Affairs Office. 

Acting on the Palace Task Force's directive to know the whereabouts of the fugitive, the AFP reported that Tabusares has been broadcasting communist propaganda in his previous program over a local FM station.

"I commend the AFP for its continuing support to the Task Force's initiatives in protecting the life, liberty and security of all our media workers in the country." said PTFoMS Co-Chair and Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Martin Andanar. 

For his part, PTFoMS Exec. Dir. USec. Joel Sy Egco said, "Our suspicion has been confirmed. We received reports earlier this year that Encarnacion had joined the NPA as quickly as the warrant of arrest against him came out."

"The NPA today is nothing more than a coddler of criminals and fugitives from justice. Is this the kind of justice they are espousing? They are just a bunch of ruthless murderers. Tabusares may hide behind this communist terrorist group but we will make sure that he will not be able to evade the long arm of the law forever," the Palace official stressed.

It can be recalled that Judge Henelinda Molina-Diaz of Kidapawan Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 61 has ordered the arrest of Tabusares under Criminal Case no. 5281-2019 for the killing of Dizon, along with Junell Andagkit Poten and Sotelo Jacolbe, Jr. 

Dizon, a former town councilor of Makilala, North Cotabato, was a blocktime host of the local Brigada News when murdered last July 10, 2019. He was driving his car on his way home to Makilala at past 10 p.m., when motorcycle "riding-in-tandem" gunmen opened fire on him and killed him on the spot.

Tabusares allegedly masterminded the ambush of Dizon, who was critical of the KAPA Community Ministry International in his commentaries. Tabusares was the local coordinator of KAPA at the time.

It was the PTFoMS that led the relatives of Dizon to file criminal cases against Tabusares, Poten and Jacolbe. Tabusares, the blocktimer endorser of KAPA and coordinator for its money market operations in Kidapawan City, threatened to have Dizon killed on his radio show weeks before the incident.

The PTFoMS is on top of the situation and will be relentless in bringing justice for Dizon and all other media workers who are victims of violence as a testament to the government's commitment to protect press freedom. ###

Photo shows Tabusares holding the NPA flag. (contributed photo)

Bong Revilla Supports DOE Budget 2021

REVILLA SUPPORTS DOE BUDGET: Sen. Bong Revilla during the hybrid hearing of Finance Subcommittee E Tuesday, October 13, 2020, expresses support for the approval of the proposed P2.15 billion budget of the Department of Energy (DOE) for 2021. Revilla commended the department for keeping on track the implementation of the Philippine Energy Plan despite the pandemic. He said this is important "in attaining energy independence and power market reforms thus ensuring the goal of delivering secure, sustainable, sufficient, affordable and environment-friendly energy to all sectors." (Screengrab/ Senate PRIB)

Oil Unbundling Circular

DOE STATEMENT ON THE COURT OF APPEALS' RULING UPHOLDING THE TAGUIG RTC'S ISSUANCE OF A WRIT OF PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION ON THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE OIL UNBUNDLING CIRCULAR

Although the Court of Appeals' (CA) Decision on the matter was released through its website, the Department of Energy (DOE), through its counsel the Office of the Solicitor General, has yet to formally receive a copy of the Ruling. Once formally received, the DOE intends to seek a reconsideration of the Decision, and raise the issue to the Supreme Court, if necessary.

The DOE would like to emphasize that the CA ruled only on the issue of the validity of the trial court's issuance of a writ of preliminary injunction. 

While the writ has prevented the DOE from implementing Department Circular (DC) DC2019-05-0008 on the unbundling of oil prices during the course of the case in the trial court, the CA Decision did not rule on the validity or invalidity of the DC.

The DOE considers the Circular vital as it believes in the objective of the law for the transparency of oil prices, at least to the government, in order to formulate better and more responsive oil industry policies. The DOE issued the Circular to help strengthen the agency's capability to monitor oil prices more effectively.

Moreover, the cases filed by the oil companies to nullify DC2019-05-0008 were based on the wrong notion that the supposed trade secrets they are being obligated to submit to the DOE wiill be divulged to the public. Time and again, the DOE has been stressing that all confidential information shall be kept strictly confidential.

The DOE maintains that the unbundling of oil prices would foster greater market transparency by establishing the trends in the prices of oil and finished petroleum products. This, in turn, would help ensure a level playing field within the oil industry, while upholding the best interests of consumers.

ERC Calls for Comments on the Proposed New RCOA Timeline

PRESS STATEMENT: ERC Calls for Comments on the Proposed New RCOA Timeline

The Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC), in a Notice issued pertinent to ERC Case No. 2020-002 RM in re:  Draft Resolution Prescribing the New Timeline for the Implementation of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA), sought comments from all interested parties on the proposed Resolution until 12 October 2020.  The first draft of the proposed Resolution aims to provide guidance on the implementation of the RCOA scheme, more particularly the updated timeline for the full implementation thereof.

"We are requesting all interested parties to submit their comments or inputs on the Draft Resolution Prescribing the New Timeline for the Implementation of Retail Competition and Open Access (RCOA) to ensure that we leave no stone unturned and ensure the seamless implementation of the RCOA", said ERC Chairperson and CEO Agnes VST Devanadera. 

At present, RCOA is implemented in the Luzon and Visayas grids for the Phase I (1MW & up) and Phase II (750kW-999kW) contestable customers, on a voluntary basis.  The ERC's draft Resolution prescribes the time frames for the lowering of the threshold or the average monthly peak demand to cover end-users, as follows:  

                           Threshold                             Level Effectivity

Phase III              500 kW to 749 kW               Feb. 26, 2021

Phase IV              100 kW to 499 kW               Jan. 26, 2022

Phase V               10 kW to 99 kW                   Jan. 26, 2023

End-users who meets the threshold level shall be allowed to contract with any licensed/authorized suppliers of electricity on a voluntary basis.  

The RCOA shall be effective in grids where the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM) is operational.  All suppliers of electricity shall be licensed or authorized by the ERC to supply in the Competitive Retail Electricity Market (CREM).  

Under the RCOA environment, the qualified Contestable Customer will be notified by the Network Service Providers of the former's ability or option to choose his electric service provider and may switch to his preferred Retail Electricity Supplier (RES).  Meanwhile, the Meter Service Provider (MSP) shall install the meter facilities that will measure the energy use and demand of the qualified contestable customer.  The MSP is the person or entity authorized by the ERC to provide metering services in the CREM.

"The benefits of the RCOA scheme will soon come to fruition despite the temporary setback that came up against its implementation.  The envisioned competition in the retail level of the supply sector will soon be a reality and the consuming public will be the beneficiaries of the RCOA as they can opt to choose the electricity provider that offers the most competitive price", Chair Devanadera added.

DOE and Development Partners Hold EE&C Forum for Luzon LGUs

JOINT MEDIA RELEASE

5 October 2020

DOE and Development Partners Hold EE&C Forum for Luzon LGUs 

TAGUIG CITY - As part of continuing efforts to ensure the full implementation of Republic Act 111285 or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation Act of 2019 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), the Department of Energy (DOE) and its development partners conducted the Luzon Energy Efficiency & Conservation (EE&C) Virtual Forum for Local Development on 1-2 October 2020. The online forum was the fourth and final event in the series aimed to propel local energy efficiency initiatives and inclusive development in throughout the country.

Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on 12 April 2019, the EE&C Law and its IRR seek to secure the country's energy supply by making EE&C a national way of life.

In his keynote speech, DOE Senior Undersecretary Jesus Cristino P. Posadas urged local government units (LGUs) and co-workers in the government to become models in the responsible use of energy in order to effectively champion EE&C. 

"Challenges persist, with COVID-19 being at the top of that list, but we must be committed towards a more sustainable and green future, not just for Luzon, but for the whole country," Usec. Posadas stressed.

Department of the Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Epimaco V. Densing III, who was also another keynote speaker, emphasized that "as public servants, we must maintain the balance of development and the preservation and conservation of our environment. The LGUs play a vital role in ensuring that provisions of the law are translated to local policies and appropriate strategies are implemented to ensure that energy efficiency and its benefits are felt throughout the country." 

He also underscored the importance of having a sound energy efficiency framework "in ensuring a sustainable energy future, where our quest for development and discovery for new technologies shall not compromise our environment."

Meanwhile, EU Programme Manager for Energy Ms. Ileana Miritescu, in her opening remarks, emphasized that "the challenge to the energy sector is how to contribute to the collective efforts to 'Build Back Better' in response to this pandemic." She added that everyone needs to "transition to a new normal that makes use of our finite energy resources in the most efficient and effective way and reinforcing the multiple co-benefits of energy efficiency".

Among the highlights of the Forum was a presentation on the salient features of the EE&C Act and its IRR, conducted by DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino. He was also on hand during the Q&A to address questions raised by participants on the development of local energy plans, the obligations of designated establishments, certifications, incentives, rating and labeling requirements, minimum energy performance, demand side management, as well as the challenges and prohibited acts under the law. 

On 30 September 2020, a pre-forum session to assist LGUs in completing the DOE's Local Energy Efficiency and Conservation Plan template was co-organized by World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF) Philippines, through its One Planet Cities Program. Atty. Gia Ibay, Head of Climate and Energy Programme and National Director of WWF-Philippines' Earth Hour, comprehensively explained how cities around the world are delivering their climate commitments through energy efficiency measures.

More than 250 local government executives, national government officials, financing institutions, private sector energy players and investors attended the Luzon EE&C Virtual Forum for Local Development, which was organized in partnership with the European Union-supported Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-ASEP), the ASEP Clean Energy Living Laboratories, and the Asian Development Bank.

Congresswoman Hits GCash and E-Payment Charges

REP. BERNADETTE "BH" HERRERA                       
Bagong Henerasyon Party-list
Secretary-General, The Party-list Coalition Foundation, Inc.
Deputy Majority Leader | Governor, Rotary Philippines RID3780
0917-729-2437 Twitter: @BHherrerady

RANKING SOLON SLAMS GCASH, PAYMAYA FOR NOT HOLDING OFF E-PAYMENTS CHARGES TO UNTIL DEC. 31, 2020

I object to the decision of GCash and PayMaya to start charging their customers fees for use of PESONet and InstaPay e-payments mechanisms starting October 31.

These companies should rethink their decisions. During this pandemic crisis, especially in the areas still under MECQ and GCQ, every peso counts.

The other financial institutions opted to waive e-payment charges until December 31 this year. They made the prudent and compassionate decision.

P50.00, the maximum charge per transaction, can buy one kilo of rice and ingredients for one vegetable meal or about seven eggs.

For the poor, who have been using e-payments for the first time during this pandemic, the fees would be yet another disincentive to use e-payments. They would go back to have little or no

access to financial services. They will go back to being unbanked.

It is not yet too late for GCash and PayMaya to change their minds. (END)

Virtual Forum to Boost Luzon LGU Implementation

Virtual Forum to Boost Luzon LGU Implementation of the PH EE&C Law

 

TAGUIG CITY - The Department of Energy (DOE), in partnership with the European Union supported Access to Sustainable Energy Programme (EU-ASEP), ASEP-Clean Energy Living Laboratories, and the Asian Development Bank, will host the virtual Luzon Energy Efficiency and Conservation Forum for Local Development from 1 to 2 October 2020 via Microsoft Teams.

 

The online event would provide participants, particularly local government units in Luzon and energy stakeholders, an overview of the salient features of Republic Act No. 11285, or the Energy Efficiency and Conservation (EE&C) Act of 2019 and its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR). Signed into law by President Rodrigo Duterte on 12 April 2019, the EE&C Act aims to secure the country's energy supply by making EE&C a national way of life.

 

Other topics to be discussed during the two-day forum are local EE&C plan development, designated establishments, energy performance and labeling, certification for professional competency and accreditation for professional services, demand-side management, fiscal and non-fiscal incentives, and the updated Guidelines on Energy Conserving Design of Buildings. 

 

DOE Senior Undersecretary Jesus Cristino Posadas and Department of Interior and Local Government Undersecretary for Operations and Energy Efficiency and Conservation Officer Epimaco Densing III are scheduled to deliver keynote addresses, while DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau Director Patrick T. Aquino will be delivering a presentation on the EE&C Act of 2019, its IRR, and other related programs and policy issuances. 

 

With over 200 expected participants, the Forum is seen to be a major step that would help mainstream national EE&C policy for inclusive development in Luzon.

Applications for Nominated Areas in Offshore Mindoro and Recto Bank Basin

DOE Opens Applications for Nominated Areas in Offshore Mindoro and Recto Bank Basin

TAGUIG CITY- The Department of Energy <a href="https://doe.gov.ph">(DOE)</a>, through its Energy Resource Development Bureau (ERDB), opened the submitted applications for Nominated Area No. 5, located in Offshore Mindoro Basin, and Nominated Areas No. 6, 7 and 8, located at the Recto Bank Basin within the West Philippine Sea, under the Philippine Conventional Energy Contracting Program (PCECP) yesterday (14 September) at the agency's headquarters. 

"As quarantine restrictions gradually ease, we actively welcome all PCECP applications that will help us maximize the exploration, development, and utilization of our indigenous energy resources to help us attain energy security and independence," Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi said.  

Three companies submitted applications, namely Troika Giant Power Corporation for Area No. 5; PXP Energy Corporation for Area No. 6; and Udenna Corporation for Areas No. 7 and 8. 

All three passed the technical, legal, and financial "completeness check" conducted in yesterday's opening activity. The DOE-ERDB, together with the Technical Working Group composed of the DOE's Legal Services and Financial Services, will conduct further substantive evaluations of the proposals within fifteen (15) working days.

To help attain energy security, as well as cushion the country from the volatility of global oil price markets, the DOE established the PCECP to help reinvigorate petroleum exploration and development activities in the Philippines.

Full Electric Vehicle by Japanese Automobile Company

TAGUIG CITY- Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi leads the test drive of the Nissan LEAF, a 100% full electric vehicle (EV), which the Japanese automobile company will be introducing to the Philippine market in 2021.

The test drive is being held at the Energy Center at Fort Bonifacio in Taguig City, where the DOE main office is located.

Joining Secretary Cusi are Nissan Philippines Inc. President Atsushi Najima, Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP) Chairman Rommel Juan, Energy Assistant Secretary Leonido J. Pulido III, DOE Energy Utilization and Management Bureau (EUMB) Director Patrick Aquino, and Nissan LEAF Specialist Cyrus Macasera.

Nissan has been one of the active proponents globally in the push towards the electrification of transportation, and for the realization of a zero-emission society. 

Earlier, Nissan executives relayed to Secretary Cusi that the company is bringing the LEAF's EV technology to the country in support of the Duterte administration's vision of a safer, smarter and more sustainable future.

The DOE has been promoting EVs to reduce the country's reliance on petroleum as the transportation energy source. More than 30% of the country's energy requirement comes from the transport sector. With the advent of EVs, consumers are given more energy-efficient alternative to petroleum-fueled vehicles, allowing them to benefit from lower fuel and maintenance costs.