NAC subsidiary inaugurates first-ever safety, skills training center in Palawan

on community development programs; 15 percent on mining technology and geosciences advancement programs; and 10 percent on information, education, and communication programs.

Reynaldo “Bong” dela Rosa, NAC Community Relations Group Manager, said the new Center is a show of commitment to the mining communities – an instrument that will foster integral human transformation, contribute to poverty alleviation, and help develop entrepreneurial skills that can guide people to a sustainable future.

them,” Cardoniga says.

“We know that to earn bigger we need to expand our production like add the quantity of our fingerlings, but we are consulting the technical experts on how to do so without adversely impacting the environment and to ensure that this livelihood becomes truly sustainable,” Cuares ends.

Pru Life UK President & CEO appointed as FinTech Alliance PH’s InsurTech Committee Chairman

Pru Life UK President and Chief Executive Officer Eng Teng Wong is FinTech Alliance Philippines’ InsurTech Committee Chairman.

Wong will lead the organization’s role in engaging, building and expanding a sustainable digital finance ecosystem. His leadership also aims to push online and digital platforms as a tool to raise awareness about insurance protection and make it more accessible to Filipinos.

“As the current InsurTech Committee Chairman of the FinTech Alliance Philippines, I am excited to spearhead discussions and concerted initiatives that leverage mobile and online apps and platforms to drive up financial/insurance awareness, literacy and inclusion in the country. Across the Philippines, we are digitally empowering over 33,000 Pru Life UK financial advisors to reach and bless more Filipino families,” shares Pru Life UK President & CEO Eng Teng Wong.

Listed natural resources development firm Nickel Asia Corporation (NAC), through its subsidiaries Rio Tuba Nickel Mining (RTN) and Coral Bay Nickel Corporation (CBNC), recently inaugurated a P42-million Safety and Skill Training Center in Barangay Rio Tuba, Bataraza, Palawan – the first of its kind in the province and in the entire local mining industry.

The Center, financed through the combined Social Development and Management Program (SDMP) and Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds of RTN and CBNC, is part of the company’s commitment to creating a sustainable future for its mining communities.

The newly-minted Safety and Skills Training Center is also a response to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (UNSDGs) of “ensuring health and safety in the workplace” (#12); and to “ensure inclusive and equitable education and lifelong op- portunities for all” (#4).

“Safety is a way of life,” said Engr. Glenn N. Noble, regional director for the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-MIMAROPA, during the inauguration.

Noble lauded the opening of the Center, underscoring RTN and CBNC’s responsibilities to make the communities sustainable and self-reliant through their respective SD-

MPs – a five-year plan used as a tool for the implementation of development programs in the mining communities that MGB approves, endorses, and monitors.

Under the SDMP, at least 1.5 percent of a company’s total mining and milling costs must be monetized for the development of the mining communities. Of the amount, 75 percent must be spent

Dela Rosa also emphasized that “essentially, safety and skills development and the fundamentals of the concept of sustainability are of the same objective – protecting and managing resources, our human workforce.”

“We cannot claim to be a sustainable organization if we do not take to heart the protection of the health and safety of our employees,” he added.

Engr. Ronel Suguitan, Resident Mine Manager for RTN, shared that the town of Bataraza is set to forge a partnership with the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) for the job-preparatory skills training that will be offered at the Center.

Suguitan explained that the Center will also be maximized for manpower pooling, regularly training residents to be highly-qualified for local, domestic, and overseas employment.

Pru Life UK released a commissioned independent policy paper in 2022 called “InsurTech: Driving Broader Insurance Access,” which aims to give a better understanding of how insurtech such as online shopping platforms can be maximized to broaden Filipinos’ access to life and health protection products. The paper was authored by leading law firm Romulo Mabanta Buenaventura Sayoc & de los Angeles. Link to the copy of the paper is here.

Pru Life UK has been recognized as the number one life insurer by the Insurance Commission in terms of New Business Annual Premium Equivalent (NBAPE) for 2020 and 2021 and led in the renewal premium income from variable life insurance products ranking in 2021.

FinTech Alliance Philippines is the country’s leading and largest digital trade organization generating over 90% of digital-initiated transactions in the Philippines today.

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charged with murder and violation of PD 1829 (obstruction of justice); Staff Sergeant Gilbert Plaza (murder and violation of PD 1829); Sgt Delfin L Sialsa, Jr (murder and theft); Corporal Adrian Cachero (murder and theft); a civilian Noel Japitan, and John Doe alias “Jr” (murder); and John Doe alias “master sergeant” (violation of PD 1829). Staff Sergeant Plaza, Cachero, and Sialsa are already in the custody of 10th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army.

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tion of the bulk water supply project, which will benefit the Tugbok Water Supply system, servicing portions of Tugbok Proper, Catalunan Grande, Bago Oshiro, Bago Aplaya, Bago Gallera and Matina Pangi, and the entire Mintal and Catalunan Pequeño.

She said the Apo Agua has yet to release the specific details regarding the early use of the bulk water supply project.

“We do not really high-

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rates by 50 basis points each.

Investors are also watching Chinese financial markets as the trading will return to normal after the week-long Lunar New Year holidays.

use of sustained nuclear fission to generate heat and electricity. “A nuclear reactor controls nuclear fission and uses the energy it releases to generate electricity,” H. Steven Dashefsky explained in his book, Environmental Literacy: Everything You Need to Know About Saving Our Planet. “Nuclear reactors allow a chain of reaction of nuclear fission to occur in which one atom is split and the particles released are used to split other atoms, etc.”

A supply of radioactive elements such as uranium-234 – the last of three uranium isotopes that still occurs in nature – is placed in a reactor in the form of fuel rods. “A slow-moving neutron from another element strikes the uranium, initiating the chain reaction,” Dashefsky wrote. “The energy released from the chain reaction superheats surrounding water, which is removed from the reactor and used to drive turbines and generate electricity. (The water also acts as a coolant in the system, keeping it from having a meltdown in which the fuel rods melt from overheating.) The speed of the chain reaction is controlled by control rods containing cadmium and boron which absorb the nuclei.”

The idea of nuclear power started in the 1930s, when physicist Enrico Fermi first showed that neutrons could split atoms. The Italian physicist led a team that in 1942 achieved the first nuclear chain reaction, under a stadium at the University of Chicago.

Today, nuclear power plants provide 5.7% of the light the early use plan pending any specific timeline from Apo Agua so we don’t set premature expectations,” she said.

Captain Mark Anthony Tito, spokesperson of the 10ID, said they are searching for Pfc. Romart Longakit, who according to reports was abducted, and Pfc. Rolly Cabal, who went absent without official leave (AWOL).

Plaza was gunned down by two men on board a motorcycle on December 28, 2022 in front of her rented residence at Purok 18, Buttercup Street of Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Sto. Niño, Tugbok district.

Apo Agua is expected to supply around 300 million liters of treated water to DCWD.

Based on the joint venture agreement, Apo Agua will take charge of water extraction and treatment and DCWD the water distribution. (Antonio Colina IV / MindaNews)

According to state media reports, holiday travel inside China surged 74% from last year after authorities eased Covid-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) restrictions. (Anadolu) world’s energy and 13 of the world’s electricity, according to Nobel Prize winner Al Gore. The International Atomic Energy Agency reported there are 439 nuclear power reactors in operation around the world, operating in 31 countries.

“If you think about all the nuclear plant operating hours, and the number of accidents and casualties over those total operating hours, the deaths coming from nuclear are smaller than from coal, natural gas, and hydro,” Dr. Arcilla told Asian Power.

“The problem is that many Hollywood movies give a bad rap on nuclear power,” he continued. “For example, in Three Mile Island, they never considered the fact that in America, almost 100 nuclear power plants are operating safely for 60 years and are being given another 20-year license.

“You’ve never heard of the electricity resource that’s being given an 80year license. Coal plants only last over 20 years. Solar and wind are only available 30% of the time as the sun doesn’t shine at night and the wind doesn’t blow all the time. It means 70% of the time, you have to have a backup and that backup now is coal. Why can’t we use nuclear energy to back up renewables? They’re not incompatible. They help each other as a mix.”

In his first State of the Nation Address, current president Ferdinand Marcos, Jr. also mentioned the mix. He said the country must not neglect nuclear power, because it is low-cost and because it’s the largest source

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mapun-an nato ng mga drivers sa bus system. Isa sa atoang gitan-aw ang posibilidad gamit aning bag-ong teknolohiya pero mas on driver competency ang tan awon. Gipili nato tung initial gyud drivers nato existing PUJ drivers nato nga ganahan or nagplano ug nagpahibalo nga gusto nila mahimong bus drivers pa-testingan nato nila,” he said.

Domingo said the result of the demo simulation will be evaluated by the consultants under Asean Australian Smart Cities Trust Fund.

“Kung epektibo ni nga teknolohiya nga gamiton nato sa pag-train or balik ta atong

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classroom setting then actual driving or puwede ra sad ning mga information technology aided nga equipment. Hopeful ang city government of Davao kay dako kaayo ang demand for drivers so basin mga piling mga drivers katong makat-on gyud sa pagdrive sa pamaagi aning nga mga equipment puwede nato to sila i-consider,” he said.

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“Unang-una naman yung acceptance. And then, move on, and then back to work. Yun lang ang ginawa ko,” said Bulanadi. He is hoping the stay at San Miguel will be a perma-

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nent one

“Extra motivated lang ako,” said Bulanadi. “Hindi pa ako contented. Gusto ko pang dagdagan yung performance ko para sa next game.”

2 committed to secure the needed housing interest support for 2023,” Marcos said. “I now call on Congress for your support, including housing interest support as part of the regular appropriations for the succeeding years.”

He emphasized that the development of sustainable human settlements would help his administration realize its bid to build “better, more resilient, and more equitable communities.”

The Batasan Development Urban Renewal Master Plan, spearheaded by the DHSUD, will see the completion of three main sites at the Batasan Road Development, NGC-West Controlled Economic Zone, and the Manotoc Property.

The first phase of the Batasan area’s redevelopment will include the construction of two 33-story buildings with a total of 2,160 housing units planned to become both commercial and residen- of clean energy. The cons are overridden by the good things, the only problem and the big challenge is changing the mindset of people.

In fact, recent public acceptance of the use of nuclear power seems to be shifting. Duterte’s executive order cited a 2019 public perception survey which indicated that 79% of Filipinos supported the rehabilitation of the shelved BNPP. In addition, 65% approved the building of new nuclear power plants.

“We have met the enemy; and he is us,” so goes a popular statement from Walt Kelly. This is particularly true in the case of climate change. There is “95 percent likelihood” that human activity is the cause of climate change, according to the findings of the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).

The 5th IPCC Report said that human activity released 545 gigatons of carbon dioxide – the main greenhouse gas – from 1750 to 2011.

It is projected that if 1,000 gigatons of carbon dioxide is emitted, which at current rates will likely occur between 2040 and 2050, there is a one-in-three possibility that the 2 degrees Celsius limit above the pre-industrial level will be exceeded.

The World Nuclear As-

Targeted to start the implementation in 2024, HPBS aims to improve the infrastructure program of the city to provide basic social services to the people. The proposed project would also replace the existing jeepney network in the city. By Maya

Sports Federation, Karate Pilipinas Sports Federation Inc., Philippine Wheelchair Basketball Federation and the Philippine Paralympic Committee.

Bachmann shared that some athletes who are not part of the national training pool roster will be allowed to attend international games to gain experience.

M. Padillo

tial. The plans include the use of the lot’s ground floor for the improved BaTODA terminal, the biggest Tricycle Operators and Drivers Association in the Philippines. The BaTODA members will be among the priority beneficiaries of the project. Marcos said the groundbreaking of the first phase of the Batasan Development Urban Renewal Plan is “only the beginning of the one of the largest projects” under the government’s flagship housing program.

“Slowly but surely, we will be able to achieve our greatest aspirations for the nation, including the dream for a decent and affordable housing for every Filipino family,” he said.

“Those living here in the surrounding areas will have complete access to markets, to schools, to hospitals and various means of making income so they will prosper and get to see their goals and dreams come to life.” (PNA) sociation, the International Atomic Energy Agency and the Environmentalists for Nuclear Energy contend that nuclear power is a sustainable energy source that reduces carbon emissions.

Nuclear power is the “cleanest energy, with zero ash and zero carbon dioxide emissions,” said former Representative Mark Cojuangco. He cited a study conducted by IPCC stating nuclear energy as a “strong option to decarbonize by 2030” and that it “could help limit global temperature rise to below 2 degrees Celsius.”

Meanwhile, four respected climate scientists – Dr. James Hansen, a former top scientist at the US National Aeronautics and Space Administration; Dr. Ken Caldeira of the Carnegie Institution, Dr. Kerry Emanuel of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology; and Dr. Tom Wigley of the University of Adelaide in Australia – acknowledged that there are risks of using nuclear power, but say those are far smaller than the risk posed by extreme climate change.

“We understand that today’s nuclear plants are far from perfect,” they wrote in a letter asking environmentalists to support the development of safer nuclear power as one way to cut fossil fuel pollution. –

He also assured that the PSC board will continue to provide support and enhance the training conditions of all national teams in the coming months with support from partners like PAGCOR, PCSO, Pocari Sweat Otsuka Solar Philippines and Pioneer Insurance.

CAMBODIA SEAG

Asked to predict how the Philippine delegation will fare at the Southeast Asian Games in Cambodia, the PSC chief commented that the sports agency’s focus is to be able to ensure that their (national athletes) needs are all taken care of to help them perform well.

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Also on Saturday, the BRP Tarlac (LD-601) transported 276 tons of relief goods which are now being prepared by the Department of Social Welfare and Development and OCD for delivery

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been doing for a long time and again that we wish to further,” he said.

He said the government has changed the regulations and rules for the establishment of PPPs to make it more attractive for private, but added that his administration will not limit these partnerships to just PPPs.

He also hoped the CCCC could help the Philippines in carrying out projects that ensure environmental sustainability amid threats posed by climate change.

The CCCC is a Chinese state-owned enterprise mainly engaged in transportation infrastructure projects such as roads, bridges and railways.

To date, the CCCC has more than 60 wholly owned subsidiaries and has operated in more than 150 countries and regions.

Aside from government projects, the CCCC is also involved in ongoing private-led reclamation projects in Metro Manila, such as the Pasay Harbor City Reclamation Project and Manila Waterfront City Development Project.

Stronger PH-US ties

Meanwhile, Marcos also welcomed at the Palace members of the US-Philippines Society, a non-profit organization that aims build on historical ties between the two nations.

During their meeting, the President underscored the importance of forging strong ties with the country’s friends and partners in the US, Southeast Asia and the entire Asia Pacific amid present geopolitical challenges.

“And that is when we once again look to our friends and partners in to the affected families in the Zamboanga area. A total of 634 tons of goods were transported to the affected areas by naval ships over the weekend. (PNA) the United States to be our treaty partner, and of course, our neighbors in ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) and the entire Asia Pacific extending up to the Indo-Pacific,” Marcos said.

He also assured that the budget appropriated by the government will be available and that he has actively taken steps to ensure its correct and judicious use.

Bachmann, who has worked all his life with athletes being a former athlete himself, shared that doing one’s work well is what is important whether one is in private or government service.

“It is not about me, not only me. For us to succeed, I need the support of everyone. As long as we all work together, for the athlete, for sports, wala tayong problema,” concluded Bachmann.

“These partnerships have become as important as they have ever been in our entire joint history. And that is why I am very happy to see that the US-Philippines Society is so active, ‘’ he added.

He also welcomed the growing US-Philippines relationship and thanked the organization for strengthening the ties that he described as an “evolving relationship” amid the current changes.

The US-Philippines Society is a private sector initiative organized to broaden and expand interaction and understanding through basic research and/or applied research in the areas of security, trade, investments, tourism, the environment, history, education and culture between the US and the Philippines which would benefit the American public and the people of the Philippines.

New appointments

Meanwhile, Executive Secretary Lucas Bersamin led the oath-taking of eight new members of the Marawi Compensation Board – Dalomabi Lao Bula, Mustapha Dimaampao, Moslemen Macarambon Sr., Nasser Macapado Tabao, Mabandes Sumndad Diron Jr., Jamaica Lamping Dimaporo, Sittie Aliyyah Lomondot Adiong and Romaisa Lomantong Mamutuk. Bersamin also swore in Romulo Victoria Arugay as chair of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas. (PNA)