Lamudi Conference Features Discussion on Affordable Housing

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Pioneering event by global property website Lamudi features solutions to the country’s widening housing backlog

Increasing the government’s available funds for financing the low-cost housing segment was one of the ways to meet the housing backlog that Atty. Christopher Ryan Tan, former president of the Organization of Socialized Housing Developers of the Philippines (OSHDP) and CEO of housing developer Hausland Development Corporation, gave at The Outlook by Lamudi.

The Outlook by Lamudi: The First Event of Its Kind in the Philippines

The Outlook was the launch of global property platform Lamudi’s comprehensive report on the country’s real estate industry, which involved a nationwide survey of 10,000 Filipino property seekers from across the country to complete. This event coincided with a coming-together of the industry’s thought leaders.

Held at the Marquis Events Place in Bonifacio Global City (BGC) on November 29, the event brought together top-level industry representatives, including real estate players specializing in mixed-use or township developments, leaders of organizations advocating more cohesive, comprehensive and affordable housing programs, and key officials from the public sector, to discuss what’s next for the industry, backed by real consumer data gathered by Lamudi. Among the topics discussed were trends in mixed-use developments, the evolution of residential condominiums across the country, the details that go into building new cities, provincial expansion and its significance, the importance of building green and the housing backlog.

The Housing Backlog: A Closer Look

Citing a government study, Atty. Tan noted that the country’s housing deficit is estimated to reach a staggering 7.67 million by 2022. “In other words, in the eyes of the government, that’s how many households would direly need housing provision or housing units. And that is a huge number,” he said.

Given the government’s peg of the housing shortfall, Atty. Tan is aware of the daunting task ahead both for the private and the public sectors, especially since according to him, there’s only an actual production of less than 200,000 housing units annually for the past five years. “It’s somewhere between 168,000 and 190,000 a year,” he approximated, “so when you do the math, considering that population grows, it seems that you would not be able to catch up. So that’s really a huge problem.”

The battle, however, is not yet lost, assured Tan. “That’s the challenge now: How really to meet the housing need, and to be able to do that, you need to produce on the lower end.”

Homes not valued more than Php3 million are classified as affordable housing in the country. Government agency Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) outlined the bracketing for the low-income segment based on price range and ceiling. In its categorization, units sold for more than Php1.7 million but not exceeding Php3 million are considered low-cost housing. Those that sell for Php450,000 up to Php1.7 million are classified as economic housing, while homes under the socialized housing group are those with a selling price below Php450,000.

Together, these three groups comprise the low-income market, which, according to Atty. Tan, eats up the lion’s share of the country’s residential market in terms of production.

“That is the majority in terms of the number of units,” he explained, “but when you look at it in terms of the value or in terms of prices, it’s the reverse. You would find that the much expensive housing units, in terms of value, when you convert the total amount of loans generated by the housing sectors, majority are still cornered by the high-end.”

In the country, living spaces with a price range of Php3 million up to Php6 million are labeled mid-cost. Those that are sold for more are tagged as high-end. While these units enjoy a positive response from banks in terms of loans, Atty. Tan says it’s not the same for the lower income segments, especially those under socialized housing.

“The toughest, really, is in the socialized housing segment, or those housing units not sold more than Php450,000,” he lamented, “because not many banks would be willing to lend at this level. The reason for that is, this segment is perceived to be the least capable of paying and the highest risk.

“But that is the greatest need if you ask me where production has to be accelerated. So it seems that both ends don’t meet.”

This, for Atty. Tan, poses one major challenge for the government: “We need the government to come in because if private banks would be hesitant to provide financing for the low-end market, the government’s role, really, is to increase available funds for financing for that segment.”

Get Lamudi’s The Outlook report on January 2018 to read the rest of Atty. Tan’s solutions to the housing backlog—and more.

DOE Consumer Advisory

Wazzup Pilipinas!

At the eve of the new year, the Department of Energy (DOE) clarifies various topics concerning the oil industry.

A. Implementation of TRAIN for Petroleum Products

The implementation of excise tax and value added tax (VAT) for petroleum products under the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) is effective on January 1, 2018.

The DOE, through the Oil Industry Management Bureau (OIMB) and in coordination with the Department of Finance (DOF), is reminding the public that the new Excise Tax rates do NOT apply to the old stocks of petroleum products. Consequently, the retailers should not charge the new Excise Tax to the consumers.

“The OIMB has issued an advisory to petroleum products stakeholders NOT to levy new Excise Tax rates on old stocks, considering that Excise Taxes are levied upon importation and not at the point of sale to the consumers,” Assistant Secretary Leonido Pulido III clarified.

For VAT, the new rates under the TRAIN that is applicable to consumers becomes effective on January 1, 2018.

B. Oil Price Movement for Tuesday

In addition to this clarification, the DOE stringently monitors oil trading in the international market and analyzes its effects on the domestic prices of petroleum products as mandated by the Oil Deregulation Law of 1998.

Pursuant thereto, the DOE observed that last week’s international oil trading may affect the domestic prices of gasoline, diesel and kerosene as follows:

· Gasoline prices may increase by around P0.15 per liter;

· Diesel may increase by around P0.60 per liter; and,

· Kerosene may increase by around P0.55 per liter.

Adjustments on petroleum products are implemented every Tuesday of the week. Please note, however, that these findings may still be affected by the Friday trading activities which will be accessed on Monday.

C. Prize Freeze for Kerosene Household LPG for Calamity Areas

The DOE reiterates that upon a declaration of a State of Calamity, the DOE is implementing a ‘price freeze’ on kerosene and household liquefied petroleum gas (LPG).

For its implementation, the DOE reminds the public of the following:

· The price freeze is applicable for 15 days, commencing one day after the declaration;

· “Household LPG” refers to 11 kilograms and below of LPG in containers;

· Price movements for kerosene are implemented every Tuesday of the week; and,

· Price movements for LPG are implemented at the beginning of each month.

Through the OIMB and the agency’s Field Offices, the DOE is closely coordinating with the oil industry players in the implementation of the Republic Act (RA) 7581, as amended by RA 10623, which imposes a "price freeze" on these basic energy products being sold in the areas affected by the calamity.


D. General Reminder

The DOE calls on the public to be vigilant and to report any violation to info@doe.gov.ph or to Consumer Welfare and Promotion Office at tel. no. 479-2900 loc. 329.

Page 365 of 365: Starting Anew for Book 2018

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Another year will soon end in just a few hours. Are we ready to close the 2017 book? And create a new sequel for 2018?

"Lots of lessons learned.
Bunch of tears, bucket of cheers.
Failed flings, reciprocated feelings.
Others left, real ones stayed.
I almost died, but I survived"

We've reached page 365 of 365 of Book 2017. The title of this book was, "LEARNED SO MUCH" and tomorrow will be page 1 of 365 of Book 2018, the title might be, "REINVENTING OURSELVES"

Normally we see people post lots of New Year's Resolutions to promise themselves to change for the better, or be more disciplined to accomplish what they couldn't religiously follow like diet, exercise, and similar stuff for self-improvement. But it is very rare to see posts announcing if those resolutions were completely done.

If I would be listing down some goals, do I need to be realistic or aim for the nearly impossible? Sometimes it becomes harder to follow a list especially when circumstances are unfavorable. We needed to sacrifice some to give way to other more important matters, or we are just too lazy or stubborn to go on.

The temptation to go along with the fad, peer pressure, or the lack of time and resources, often hinders our attempt to move forward and follow our outlined goals.

"I want to be able to learn to play the piano"

Everyone wants the best for ourselves, but we can't just stop our bellies from growing like we're pregnant because the most sumptuous dishes are those that are greasy, salty, and sweet.

We all want to exercise, go to the gym or do some Zumba but work hours and traffic congestions before and after work prevents us from using up extra time. We would rather rest and sleep earlier so we would feel refresh the next day.

But we could go on and on with so many excuses yet remain unconvinced. The fault is still within us. Remember that "Kapag gusto, may paraan. Kapag ayaw, maraming dahilan"

Time really flew so fast, and now we're on the last page of the 2017th book, page 365 of 365. We may not have been able to do what we all hoped for, but we should not worry for tomorrow is another day to work on what we were unable to accomplish.

Let us end an awesome 2017 with a happy heart and soul. May our 2018 book be equally awesome and filled again with lots of blessings!

We salute those people who kept on smiling regardless of their problems.

Leave a Legacy Behind: This Life is Just Too Short to Waste

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The imperfect me do not need to live according to the expectations of others. The definition of success varies from person to person because we are all individually unique. Some of us find real satisfaction from even the trivial things in life.

It's the imperfection that makes life perfect.
As long as we are happy and contented amidst some shortcomings and challenges, we have lived a full life.

We wouldn't be as successful if it were not for our mistakes. They were lessons which taught us to improve ourselves and not always listen to what others would say. Do not care for what people perceive for the real meaning and purpose of life lies deep within.

Our imperfections made us unique and real, and has given us the opportunity to change for the better.

We are forever grateful for all the experiences. Life continues to be perfect for our family as we share the blessings of our successes and heartaches of our imperfections.

However, just like in traveling, it is not the destination that is entirely important but the journey we went through before reaching it. We may have seen the entire world, swam on all the beaches, climbed all the mountains, took selfies at all scenic spots, filled our social media accounts with pictures from all our trips, but what have we done to be remembered by the people that matters most. Have we even touched a single life outside our family, relatives, colleagues, acquaintances and circle of friends? Or are we also seemingly strangers to these people?

Life is too short to waste, so leave a memorable and significant legacy behind while we still can.

They say if you want to be remembered either write something worth reading, or do something worth writing about. Let the people share the stories you made or the stories about you. From there you would become immortalized and forever be a part of history.

How about you? How do you want to be remembered?

DOTr Procures Spare Parts, Independent Audit and Assessment (IAA) Consultant for MRT-3

Wazzup Pilipinas!

In its commitment to progressively address the issues beleaguering the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3), the Department of Transportation MRT-3 (DOTr MRT-3) team recently completed the procurement of the first batch of various spare parts required for the system’s maintenance.

Among those already procured by DOTr MRT-3 through its Maintenance Transition Period Bids and Awards Committee (MTP BAC) over the last seven weeks are spare parts for rolling stock, worth about PhP8.66 million and spare parts for tracks amounting to PhP7.33 million.

The rolling stock spare parts contract had an Approved Budget for Contract (ABC) of PhP8.89 million and was won by Linkers Enterprises, while the spare parts for tracks had an ABC of PhP7.97 million and was won by Nikka Trading.

Notably, the contract for the Independent Audit and Assessment (IAA) Consultant of the entire MRT-3 system was also awarded to TUV Rheinland for PhP45.31 million. The contract had an ABC of PhP48 million, and offers from TUV SUD and Bureau Veritas were also received.

The IAA will cover all sub-components of MRT-3, including its signaling system, tracks, and rolling stock. Both the current fleet of 73 Czech-made trains and the unaccepted 48 China-made trains will be covered by the IAA.

The IAA Consultant will make specific and actionable recommendations to address identified issues.

To ensure quality and independence, the MRT-3 MTP BAC required all bidders for the IAA Consultancy to be ISO 17020:2012 and ISO 17065:2012 certified firms, and further required membership in the International Federation of Inspection Agencies (IFIA).

Other contracts for trunk radio communications (P924,000), spare parts for power (P6.44 million), pantograph strips (P7.88 million), spare parts for overhead catenary system (P2.8 million), and various bearings (P1.98 million) were also awarded to various bidders.

Assistant Secretary for Railways TJ Batan said the DOTr MRT-3 MTP BAC adjourned its 16th and last meeting for 2017 early Friday morning. The MTP BAC was created last November 9.

“The DOTr MRT-3 MTP BAC would sometimes start as early as 6 AM, and on some days end as late as 12 MN, to ensure that the spare parts needed by our Maintenance Transition Team (MTT) are procured at the soonest possible time,” Batan said.

The MRT-3 MTP BAC was created by DOTr after terminating its maintenance service contract with Busan Universal Rail Inc. (BURI) last November 6 due to poor performance and breach of contractual obligations.

“Deliveries of some spare parts have commenced, and will continue over the next 30 - 90 days. We got the commitment of all suppliers to exert best efforts to deliver earlier than the prescribed contractual lead times, and our MRT-3 team will focus on realizing this,” he said.

With instruction and guidance from Secretary Arthur Tugade, Asec. Batan said the DOTr will continue procuring next year signaling spare parts and general overhaul services, among others.

“I believe the entire MRT-3 organization and our DOTr Central Office representatives have truly stepped up and delivered on our service commitment to the public,” Asec. Batan said.

The purchase of spare parts for the MRT-3’s Maintenance Transition Team (MTT) is Part 2 of DOTr’s 4-Part Strategy for fixing MRT-3:

Part 1: Promoting accountability with the termination of BURI

Part 2: Ensuring continued service delivery by establishing the MTT and purchasing needed spare parts

Part 3: Contracting a rehabilitation and maintenance service provider together with an Official Development Assistance partner

Part 4: Putting in place a long-term, single-point-of-responsibility, operator and maintenance provider for MRT-3

Thank 2017 for the Blessings and Welcome 2018 with Enthusiasm

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Today is the LAST DAY of the year. Let's leave this year with hopes that 2018 will be BETTER for all of us. Being positive and looking forward to always having the gift of family, friends and love ones.

It was a year we will always remember for reasons of our own. Give thanks to 2017 and welcome 2018 with a braver heart, even if the past year has broke you, has failed you, has done the worst to you, or has done damage to any of your relationships with anyone, you should thank it for all the lessons it has given you.

Every moment of life, more specifically the future, holds surprises. If you have a positive attitude, you shall make most of them pleasant and beautiful. Enjoy life with meaningful developments throughout the course of it.

Make sure to welcome 2018 with only those you hold dearest. There's nothing more meaningful and happier than being at peace with yourselves and the people who only matter in your lives. Let's embrace 2018 with no room for mediocrity and crap.

We're closing out 2017 and we're ready to ring in 2018! Next year will be a year of hard work and sweeping change. Help us close out 2017 strong. But we are all hoping to be blessed beyond your expectations in 2018! We're actually claiming it already! 2018 will be another great year for us!

Best to all of you in 2018. Roof over our heads, food in our mouths and smiles on our faces. All that matters. Live well.

Thank you for your support and Happy New Year to you!

Commemorating Jose Rizal's Death

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Every 30th of December, the Philippines observes Rizal Day to commemorate the life and works of Dr. Jose Rizal who was executed on this date in 1896.

Today, we remember the 121st death anniversary of Dr. Jose Rizal, our national hero who prompted the revolution with the strong belief that words can be weapons.

From his hometown in Calamba to the world, Dr. Jose Rizal showed what the Filipinos had to offer.

He was an educator, agriculturist, writer, engineer, surgeon, freedom fighter.

"The pen is mightier than the sword." Indeed, the pen wields a stronger power than any sword of the sharpest blade. This nation owes you its life and freedom had it not been for your sacrifice. Rest well, Dr. Jose Rizal.

May we emulate his greatness and aspire the heroes within ourselves to be the disciple for the good of our beloved country.

Pay tribute to Dr. Jose Rizal on this day by remembering his life and works that highlighted the roots of being a Filipino.

May this drive us to fulfill our duties and responsibilities to our nation for a better and brighter future.

"On this battlefield, man has no better weapon than his intelligence. No other force but his heart. " -Dr. Jose Rizal

DOTr Now Finalizing Govt to Govt Accord for MRT-3

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is now finalizing its government to government agreement with the Government of Japan (GOJ) for the rehabilitation and maintenance of the Metro Rail Transit Line 3 (MRT-3).

In a recent interview with a morning program, DOTr Assistant Secretary for Railways TJ Batan said that DOTr is now in the final stages of exchanging Note Verbales between the Government of the Philippines (GOP) through the Department of Foreign Affairs, and GOJ through the Japan Embassy in Manila.

Asec. Batan said that the arrangement will involve the grant of an Official Development Assistance (ODA) for the rehabilitation and maintenance requirements of MRT-3, which has been encountering numerous malfunctions in recent years due to substandard maintenance and underinvestment in overdue system renewal requirements.

“Bakit Japan? Number one, alam naman natin yung qualifications at experience ng Japan in running railway systems. For example, yung Tokyo pa lang na halos kasing laki ng Metro Manila, has 700-km. of operating metro railway systems, while yung atin is a total of almost 80-km. kasama na PNR,” Asec. Batan said.

“Number two, nandyan na yung napakalawak nating platform for cooperation. Napakadami nating proyekto sa riles at sa ibang sektor na ginagawa kasama ang Japan. Actually si Secretary (Arthur) Tugade mismo ang nagtulak na maisama na ang pagsasa-ayos ng MRT-3 dun sa iba pang mga proyektong ginagawa na natin kasama ang Japan,” he added.

Asec. Batan likewise noted that the DOTr shall utilize the bidding process of Japan in getting the rehabilitation and maintenance service provider for MRT-3, as required in all ODA arrangements with them. He emphasized that procurement rules and regulations will be observed in choosing the service provider, noting that the provider will be Japanese like other projects of DOTr with Japan.

Further, Asec. Batan said the GOP is expecting to exchange Note Verbales with GOJ in the first week of January 2018, as the New Year holiday in Japan starts earlier than in the Philippines.

After the exchange, the DOTr and railway engineers from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) will conduct a due diligence study of MRT-3 from January to February next year to clearly identify the needed rehabilitation works.

“So in February, March, April, gagawin ang study, aalamin natin kung anong kailangan gawin at magkano, tapos kukuha tayo ng mga approvals from both Philippine and Japan governments, at finally ang pagpili ng magiging service provider ayon sa mga panuntunan ng Japan. Pagdating ng May, ang commitment sa atin ng Japan ay ready to mobilize na ang ating service provider. And this is the reason kung bakit from the very beginning sinasabi natin yung Maintenance Transition Team (MTT) natin ay talagang nakatakda lamang na mag operate for three to six months,” Asec. Batan said.

The procurement of a rehabilitation and maintenance service provider for MRT-3 is Part 3 of DOTr’s 4-Part Strategy for fixing MRT-3:

Part 1: promoting accountability with the termination of BURI

Part 2: ensuring continued service delivery by establishing the MTT and purchasing needed spare parts

Part 3: contracting a rehabilitation and maintenance service provider together with an Official Development Assistance partner

Part 4: putting in place a long-term, single-point-of-responsibility, operator and maintenance provider for MRT-3

Clark Intl. Airport Surpasses Passenger Target for 2017

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Clark International Airport (CRK) has surpassed its passenger target accommodated this year, an official bared today.

CRK Corp. President Alex Cauguiran said that from January to 30 December 2017, the airport registered more than 1.5 million passengers, surpassing its highest record of over 1.3 million passengers served last 2012.

Cauguiran attributed the significant rise in the passenger accommodated by CRK to the pronouncement of President Rodrigo Roa Durerte to distribute development outside the peripheries of Metro Manila, which was then pushed into reality by Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade.

“This achievement proves the high level of our public’s trust and confidence in President Duterte's vision for a multiple gateway under the administration's Build Build Build program,” Cauguiran said. “Secretart Tugade, although very silent, worked very hard to turn the President’s vision into reality. That is why from only seven (7) domestic flights a week in the previous years, we now have 200 international and domestic flights from Clark. All these happened in the first year of the Duterte administration,” he added.

Upon assumption into office, Secretary Tugade encouraged airlines to launch more flights from Clark in order to decongest NAIA, and also transferred some general aviation activities there. He likewise instructed CIAC to provide incentives to airline operators who express their willingness to fly from Clark.

Apart from improvements in policy decisions, Cauguiran also mentioned that strict implementation of security measures by airport personnel, as well as improved customer service, passenger comfort and convenience, have also attracted travellers to flock to the facility which is envisioned to be a premier gateway to both local and international destinations.

Last 20 December 2017, top government officials, such as former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, Senator JV Ejercito, Senator Dick Gordon, Executive Secretary Savador Medialdea, DOTr Secretary Arthur Tugade, and Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President & CEO Vince Dizon graced the groundbreaking ceremony of the new CRK passenger terminal building.

During the ceremony, Secretary Tugade said that the new terminal will complement other infrastructure projects in the area: Manila-Clark Railway, Subic-Clark Cargo Railway, and the New Clark City.

“Ikakabit po natin ang proyektong ito sa Manila-Clark Railway. Not later than 06 January 2018, we will mobilize the construction of the first segment from Tutuban to Malolos, and hopefully we will complete the entire line to Clark before the end of President Duterte’s term,” Tugade said.

For his part, BCDA President & CEO Vince Dizon said that the CRK expansion project will decongest the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, as the new passenger terminal would accommodate an additional 8 million passengers per year.

House Speaker and former transportation secretary Pantaleon Alvarez, also expressed his excitement over the many opportunities that the new terminal will be bringing to the Philippines.

“The expansion of the Clark International Airport will expand growth and opportunity outside Metro Manila. This means more business and more jobs for everyone. Clark airport will be the gift that keeps on giving,” he said.

Senator Dick Gordon, who played a vital role in establishing freeport zones in Luzon, likewise expressed his joy in finally seeing the airport being fully-utilized, calling it “a new beginning for our country.”

“Infrastructure is not a project of a government. It is a project of the people. It is a project of vision. This is about opportunity, the great equalizer. This is about making the future our friend,” he said.

Finance Secretary Carlos Dominguez, who represented the economic team of the Cabinet, assured that the delivery of the terminal will not be delayed.

“Before, projects take an average of 30 months under PPP. I assure you that this will not happen in the infrastructure projects of the Duterte administration,” Dominguez said.

He also reported that the Clark expansion project is considered the fastest to be implemented by the national government. It broke ground just six months after getting the NEDA Board approval.

Former President and now Representative of Pampanga Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, whose term saw the building of the CIA, was the special guest at the groundbreaking ceremony.

The construction of the new terminal is the first hybrid project under the BuildBuildBuild Infrastructure Program of the Duterte administration. Under the hybrid model, the government will build the infrastructure using its own funds to ensure fast delivery of the project.

Noche Buena and Media Noche Feasts

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The days before, between and after Christmas and New Year are the most abundant in terms of food. The left-overs of Noche Buena are still in the fridge, yet we are already preparing the dishes for Media Noche.

Media Noche is the most festive of all gatherings because there is a belief that life will become more abundant if we serve a lot.

There's also the belief about specific foods to bring good luck and fortune like 12 round fruits from oranges to grapes, "dalandan" to chico, and other round varieties, which makes me wonder why mangoes, pineapples and bananas are still seen on fruit trays and baskets.

Sticky desserts or "panghimagas" like "palitaw" or "dila-dila" or anything else that are sticky for a well-bonded family relationship.

Chicken is banned because of the fear for "isang kahig, isang tuka" life, so that probably goes the same for any of its relatives like duck, "itik" or turkey?

We're planning to prepare bangus sisig, beef kaldereta, pork imbutido "pininyahang manok with gata," no-bake lasagna and Graham cake, buko salad, - ooohhh and a lot more dessert since we need more sticky stuff.

All of these will definitely not be fully consumed throughout the night as expected but it is always pleasant and Instagramnable to look at for photo ops.

Well, whatever you decide to prepare to celebrate the occasion, please be sure to never forget that they are meant to be eaten together with the whole family - at the same time.

Here's wishing everyone an abundant year ahead. Happy New Year!!!


Image credit:
The picture's original owner is Marilyn Tumbaga and it is posted in her blog at http://movingcouchpotato.blogspot.com/2012/01/media-noche-2011-2012.html. It's actually a Media Noche pic. Just an FYI for everyone :)