Mining, steel sector to propel growth beyond 7% — DOST exec

 (The Philippine Star) | Updated April 30, 2017 - 12:00am

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/04/30/1695120/mining-steel-sector-propel-growth-beyond-7-dost-exec

MANILA, Philippines - The country will achieve growth rates surpassing the seven percent mark by unleashing the huge potential of mining and the revitalization of the steel industry, according to a ranking executive of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

DOST executive director of the Philippine Council for Industry, Energy and Emerging Technology Research and Development (PCIEERD) and concurrently, Stratbase ADR Institute (ADRi) trustee Dr. C.P. David said inconsistent policies and the lack of a long-term development agenda for the country’s natural resources have delayed the efficient harnessing of an estimated $1.4 trillion in mineral reserves.

“Hence we see the urgent need to partner with the mining industry in a series of research projects to develop a long-term national road map that will integrate the development of mining, steel and other downstream industries,” he said.

The strategic role and potential of the mining industry issues blocking the revitalization of vital industries, such as steel and manufacturing, were highlighted during the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the DOST-PCIEERD and the Chamber of Mines of the Philippines.

The partnership was forged based on inputs from the mining industry, academe and environmental advocates through consultations organized by the Stratbase ADRi in partnership with the Philippine Business for Environmental Stewardship (PBEST).

Mining is a recognized industry in the Philippines engaged in the extraction of natural resources, which, if done properly, has a vast potential in contributing to the country’s economic development.

 “Understanding the complex issues of mining while balancing the environmental protection and economic development must be based on sound scientific study and data. We need to tap the expertise and resources of the private sector to work closely with government to ensure that the government comes up with right policies,” said Ysan Castillo, secretary-general of PBEST and Stratbase ADRi fellow. 

Castillo said the objective of this partnership is to utilize the research and development arm of the government and the available talent and resources of the mining industry in the development of an integrated long-term strategic road map for the efficient harnessing of the country’s rich natural resources in the context of responsible mining and environmental stewardship.

Power outage mars toast for Bolkiah

By Christina Mendez (The Philippine Star) | Updated April 28, 2017 - 12:00am

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2017/04/28/1694650/power-outage-mars-toast-bolkiah

MANILA, Philippines - Power went off as President Duterte started his speech for the toast in honor of Brunei’s Sultan Haji Hassanal Bokiah during the state banquet prepared by Malacañang for the visiting leader last night.

There was no immediate explanation from Palace officials as to why the power interruption that lasted for about 20 seconds occurred.

Everyone stayed calm and when the lights came back, Duterte went on with his speech, welcoming Bolkiah anew for the “awaited reunion.” Duterte visited Brunei last October as part of his ASEAN tour being the country’s new leader.

“To the good health and well-being of His Majesty Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah and the members of the Royal family, that your continued success and development of Brunei Darussalam and of its people,” Duterte said, before proposing a toast.

Duterte, who described Brunei as a most valued friend and an ally, also called for “further deepening” of the ties of the two countries.  “… may the future witness heightened engagement between our nations, our government and our people as we forge ahead with strength and perseverance in achieving our mutual aspirations,” he said.

Bolkiah responded by saying that he is “pleased that we are enhancing our ties with greater cultural cooperation that will promote the richness and diversity of our odds in culture.”

 “Our bonds of friendship are also reflected (in) the presence of 23,000 Filipino nationals working in our country,” Bolkiah said. “They comprise a community making significant contribution to our socioeconomic development,” he added.

“I’m pleased that our economic ties are also progressing. This will create a more conducive environment for our business, people, to network and collaborate to promote closer linkages,” he said.

NGCP supports national broadband program

By Danessa Rivera (The Philippine Star) | Updated April 28, 2017 - 12:00am

http://www.philstar.com/business/2017/04/28/1694479/ngcp-supports-national-broadband-program

MANILA, Philippines - The National Grid Corp. of the Philippines (NGCP) has expressed its full support for the government’s national broadband program by using the fiber optics network in the transmission grid to improve the internet speed in the country.

“NGCP fully supports the government’s efforts in creating a national broadband plan for the Philippines. We look forward to seeing DICT’s plans come into fruition as having a stable internet connection is now a very important productivity tool, and keeps the whole country connected,” the grid operator said.

NGCP said it has been in close coordination with the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) and the Department of Energy (DOE) for a possible partnership to bring high-speed internet nationwide.

“Under the current administration, talks have been ongoing for the past six months. We’ve given the DICT and DOE all the information they need to put this project forward. We’ve informed them that the current transmission facility will be able to support the broadband network envisioned by the government,” NGCP president and CEO Henry Sy Jr. said.

“NGCP’s wide fiber optic network and related resources are sufficient to support this priority program under President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration. We are just waiting for details from our government partners,” he said.