DOE Briefs JCPC on Revised Rules on Financial Benefits to Power Plant Host Communities

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi led the energy family today in briefing the Joint Congressional Power Commission on the revised rules on the financial benefits to the communities hosting the country’s power plants, legally known as Energy Regulation No. 1-94 (ER 1-94).

"It is our duty to serve our people to the best of our abilities. Thus, we recently issued a Department Circular to enhance the ER 1-94 Program and maximize its benefits to host communities," Sec. Cusi said.

Under the ER 1-94 Program, communities hosting power generation facilities or energy resources are entitled to one centavo per kilowatt-hour (P0.01/kWh) of the total electricity sales of Generation Companies or Energy Resource Developers.

According to the Energy chief, one of the major changes introduced is the direct remittance of financial benefits to host communities for their immediate utilization. Streamlining the release of funding will eliminate the bureaucratic process which hampers socio-economic development of the communities hosting the power plants.

After conducting nationwide public consultations to solicit the inputs and comments of key energy stakeholders, Sec. Cusi signed Department Circular No. DC 2008-08-0021, amending Rule 29(A) of the Implementing Rules and Regulations of Republic Act No. 9136 or the EPIRA on 26 July 2018.

Sec. Cusi further emphasized, "It is high time that the Program is revised. The modifications we are introducing will support the government's Total Electrification Program to energize unserved and underserved areas. We want the host communities to immediately reap the benefits of hosting our power generation facilities."

The DOE is continuously working with all energy stakeholders to further improve the ER1-94 Program. Guidelines for the implementation of the Department Circular will be issued within 60 days, to be followed by information, education and communication campaigns to inform the public.

Cusi Orders Importation of Low-Cost Oil to Help Arrest Inflation

Wazzup Pilipinas!


Energy Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi takes steps to address slowing growth and high commodity prices by tapping the Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC) to import low-priced fuel.

PNOC-EC acquired in December last year, a trading function to generate added income for the government.

"PNOC-EC will source low-priced petroleum products particularly diesel, to mitigate the impact of volatile oil prices," Sec. Cusi said.

The measure is expected to have a ripple effect on taming the prices of basic commodities, thus controlling inflation. The resulting price relief would ease the plight of consumers.

Under the project, the trading function of PNOC-EC will be employed in the acquisition of low-priced fuel which will mainly come from state deals.

The PNOC-EC Board chaired by the Energy Chief is drafting the trading procedure and policy safeguards for the public on the proposed importation.

The products bought at a special price will be made available to dealers, operators and independent petroleum players under a Memorandum of Agreement.



EURO-II COMPLIANT DIESEL
The Department of Energy (DOE) also issued a Memorandum Order requiring oil companies to provide Euro-II compliant automotive diesel oil to help reduce fuel prices.

"Pursuant to existing Philippine National Standards on Diesel Fuel Quality and in accordance with the provisions of Republic Act 8479, otherwise known as the Downstream Oil Deregulation Law, Republic Act 8749, otherwise known as the Philippine Clean Air Act and for the purpose of reducing the impact of rising petroleum prices in the world market, all industry players are hereby directed to provide at the retail level Euro-II compliant automative diesel oil as a fuel option for the transport and industrial customers," the Memorandum Order stated.

It also directed oil companies offering Euro-II compliant diesel to submit a monthly compliance report, indicating the list of participating retail outlets.

According to Sec. Cusi, the sale of said diesel will be subjected to close monitoring by the DOE.

Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino 2018 Features Quality Genre Films Nationwide

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Eight incredible films have been selected by the Film Development Council of the Philippines (FDCP) for the Pista ng Pelikulang Pilipino (PPP), a one-week exclusive screening of films in all theaters nationwide. Catch the films and its stars during the biggest pre-event - the PPP Grand Fans Day and All-Star Parade on August 11 at the Quezon City Memorial Circle from 10 AM onwards, open to the public and free admission. 

The 2018 lineup which will be screened in all cinemas nationwide on August 15-21, 2018 offers a diverse set of films which pushes the envelope of the movie genres that Filipinos grew to love. These films are “Ang Babaeng Allergic Sa Wifi” directed by Jun Robles Lana under The IdeaFirst Company, “Bakwit Boys” directed by Jason Paul Laxamana under T. Rex Entertainment, “Madilim Ang Gabi” directed by Adolf Alix Jr., under Deus Lux Mea Films, “Pinay Beauty” directed by Jay Abello under Quantum Films and Epic Media, “Signal Rock” directed by Chito Roño under Cape Signal Rock (CSR) Films PH, “The Day After Valentine’s” directed by Jason Paul Laxamana under Viva Films, “Unli Life directed by Miko Livelo under Regal Entertianment Inc. and “We Will Not DieTonight” directed by Richard Somes under Strawdogs Studio Production.

  

In addition to the main entries, the PPP Special Feature Section will be featured which showcases the outstanding Filipino independent films which gained numerous awards from prestigious award-giving bodies as featured in independent local film festivals. Balanginga: Howling Wilderness directed by Khavn (QCinema 2017), Gusto Kita with all my Hypothalamus directed by Dwein Baltazar (Cine Filipino 2018) , High Tide directed by Tara Illenberger (ToFarm 2017), Kiko Boksingero directed by Thop Nazareno (Cinemalaya 2017), Paki directed by GianCarlo Abrahan (Cinemaone Originials 2017) and Tu Pug Imatuy directed by Arnel Barbarona (Sinag Maynila 2017) are all to be screened in SM Mall of Asia, SM Megamall, SM Manila, SM Sta. Mesa, SM North EDSA, SM Fairview, Robinsons Galleria, and Gateway cinemas along with the PPP’s main entries. 

Short films will also be featured in PPP through Sine Kabataan Short Film Competition which will be paired with the PPP full feature entries. Proudly presented by Official Ambassador Sine Kabataan, Mr. Ice Seguerra, the films include “Alas-Nuebe ng Tanghali” directed by Enalyn Legaspi,”Anonymous Student Vlog” directed by Christian Babista, “Bahay-bahayan” directed by Bryan Spencer Reyes, “Bato Bato Pik” directed by Ardinian Jaq Sanque and Lorys Plaza, “Isang Tula para sa Nawawala” directed by Rodemille Singh, “Koleksyong Pamalo” directed by Len Frago, “Masaya Ako” directed by Daniel Edwin Delgado and Tiara Angelia Nicolas, and “Runner” directed by Levi Jun Miscala.

Now on its second year, PPP showcases quality genre films for its audience and FDCP aims to further maximize this time to holistically conduct a series of events and forms of support for Filipino films, from celebratory fiestas for the public to educational fora and conferences for film industry professionals. 

PPP runs from August 15-21, 2018 in all cinemas nationwide and is presented in partnership with National Cinemas Association of the Philippines (NCAP), Unicef, Globe Play It Right, SOLAR Entertainment Corporation, Outpost Visual Frontier, Nestle, Camella Condo Homes, ThinkBit, Sequioa Hotel. It is also supported by the Society of Philippine Entertainment Editors (SPEED), CNN Philippines, PEP.ph, MOR 101.9 For Life, The Manila Bulletin, Malaya, Philippine Star, Wish 107.5, Push.com, Uniquely Pinoy, Adobo Magazine, FILCASPRO and Inquirer.net as well as by the following government agency partners, Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Movie and Television Review and Classification Board (MTRCB), Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), National Commission on Culture and Arts (NCCA), Department of Transportation (DOTr), National Youth Commission (NYC), Office of the Vice Mayor Quezon City (OVM) and Quezon City Film Development Commission (QCFDC).

  

PPP Entries

Ang Babaeng Allergic sa WIFI

Genre:                 Romantic Comedy

Writer:                 Jun Robles Lana

Director:              Jun Robles Lana

Cast:                    Sue Ramirez, Markus Paterson and Jameson Blake

A girl develops an allergy to Wi-Fi and is forced to live in a remote province, pushing her to reevaluate her relationships and the boy she believes is her one true love.

Bakwit Boys

Genre:                 Musical Romance

Writer:                 Jason Paul Laxamana

Director:              Jason Paul Laxamana

Cast:                   Vance Larena, Nikko Natividad, Ryle Santiago and Mackie Empuerto

Four brothers known as the Bakwit Boys get a shot at their dreams when a rich city girl discovers their music talent.

Madilim ang Gabi

Genre:                 Suspense Political Thriller

Writer:             Adolfo Alix Jr.

Director:              Adolfo Alix Jr.

Cast:                   Gina Alajar, Philip Salvador and Felix Roco

A couple is caught up in drug war when their son goes missing.

Pinay Beauty

Genre:                 Comedy

Writer:             Allan Habon and Rod Marmol

Director:              Jay Abello

Cast:                   Chai Fonacier and Edgar Allan Guzman

Pinay Beauty is about the perennial quest of a typical Filipina to look Caucasian and the cost they entail.

Signal Rock

Genre:                 Drama

Writer:                 Rody Vera

Director:              Chito Rono

Cast:                   Christian Bables, Francis Magundayao, Elora Espano and Mon Confiado

Intoy, a carefree no-hoper in a small town decides to help his sister in Finland win a child custody battle.

The Day After Valentines

Genre:                 Romance Drama

Writer:             Jason Paul Laxamana

Director:              Jason Paul Laxamana

Cast:                   Bella Padilla and JC Santos

A distraught man named Kai meets Lani, a woman who helps him mend his brokenness and soon tags her as his “Ms. Repairman.”

Unli Life

Genre:                 Comedy

Writer:             Ferdinand Aguas and Jan Freud Gallon

Director:              Miko Livelo

Cast:                   Vhong Navarro, Joey Marquez, Winwyn Marquez and Ejay Falcon

Benedict, a famous podcast DJ is given several chances to travel back in time to change events that affects his lovelife whenever he drinks ‘wishky’ in a bar called “Turning Point.”

We Will Not Die Tonight

Genre:                 High Octane Action-Thriller

Writer:             Richard V. Somes and Eloisa Francia

Director:              Richard V. Somes

Cast:                   Erich Gonzales and Alex Medina

Kray is a stuntwoman, an aspiring actress and an all-around racketeer who can’t seem to get a break. A botched deal gone into a total haywire will challenge her principles and skillset.

Special Feature Entries

Balanginga: Howling Wilderness (QCinema 2017)Writer: Khavn, Achinette Villamor and Jerry B. Gracio
Director: Khavn
Cast: Justine Samson, Pio Del Rio, Warren Tuaño

1901, Balangiga. Eight-year-old Kulas flees town with his grandfather and their carabao to escape General Smith’s “Kill & Burn” order. He finds an infant amid a sea of corpses and together, the two boys struggle to survive the American occupation.

Gusto Kita with All My Hypothalamus  (CineFilipino Film Festival 2018)Writer: Dwein Baltazar
Director: Dwein Baltazar
Cast: Iana Bernardez, Nicco Manalo, Dylan Ray Talon, Soliman Cruz, Anthony Falcon

Writer/director Dwein Baltazar takes us to one of Manila's smoky avenues, and sinks us in a compelling observation on desire following four men yearning for one enigmatic woman.
High Tide (ToFarm Film Festival 2017)Writer: Tara Illenberger
Director: Tara Illenberger
Starring: Arthur Solinap, Sunshine Teodoro, Dalin Sarmiento, Forrest Kyle Buscato, Christine Mary Demaisip, Riena Christal Shin

High Tide dives into how climate change, particularly rising sea levels impact the locals of coastal villages. At its core is the story of a young boy that is left an orphan, and as an effect of a massive typhoon, he loses his ability to speak.
Kiko Boksingero (Cinemalaya 2017)
Writer: Emmanuel Espejo Jr., Ash Malanum, Denise O’Hara
Director: Thop Nazareno
Starring: Noel Comia Jr., Yayo Aguila, Angel Aquino, Denise Soliva, William Buenavente at JM Canlas

Kikko Boksingero tells story of a child who was under custody of her Nanny Diday (Yayo) while the relatives are leaving on states. Kiko’s mother died while he is unfamiliar with his father. George (Yul Servo) returned, he tried to reestablish relationship with his son Kikko with boxing.
Paki (Cinema One Originals 2017)Writer: Giancarlo Abrahan
Director: Giancarlo Abrahan
Starring: Dexter Doria, Eula Valdez, Ricky Davao, Shamaine Buencamino, Paolo Paraiso, Ina Feleo, Noel Trinidad

Paki is a portrait of the modern Filipino family, and follows a 80-year old woman who decides that she will be an old maid. As the woman tries to leave her husband for sixty years, their children forbid their parents to separate to keep their long-lasting bond alive.
Tu Pug Imatuy (Sinag Maynila 2017)
Writer: Arnel Mardoquio
Director: Arnel Barbarona
Starring: Malona Sulatan, Jong Monzon, Luis Georlin Banaag III, Jamee Rivera, Jillian Khayle Barbarona, Henyo Ehem

Tu Pug Imatuy, which means "The right to kill" in Manobo, follows Lumad couple Obunay and Dawin who are uprooted from their traditional way of life after a military encounter. Soon, they find themselves unwilling instruments in the soldiers' anti-guerilla operations. What will it take for them to reunite with their family? Inspired by actual events, the film tackles the Manobos' struggles against environment plunder and the militarization of their communities.  

Sine Kabataan Entries

Alas-Nuebe ng Tanghali

Directed by: Enalyn Legaspi

Three children were about to change their lives after a police officer caught them inhaling a rugby.

Anonymous Student Vlog

Directed by Christian A. Babista

A young girl accidentally witnessed a crime while filming her vlog.

Bahay-bahayan

Directed by Bryan Spencer Reyes

A young girl who dreams of becoming a mother suddenly becomes one when a baby is left at her doorstep.

Bato Bato Pick

Directed by Ardinian Jaq Sanque and Lorys Plaza

Unwanted pregnancy has caught a young couple in the midst of turmoil.

Isang Tula para sa Nawawala

Directed by Rodemille Singh

A young man finds himself searching for his mother in Hong Kong bringing with him the hope of seeing her again after ten years.

Koleksyong Pamalo

Directed by Len Frago

A boy collects all stuff used by his mother to beat him for disciplinary sanctions.

Masaya ako

Directed by Daniel Edwin Delgado and Tiara Angelica Nicolas

A boy faces many challenges in his life - separation of parents, unfaithful love and bullying. Until when will he keep on smiling?

Runner

Directed by: Levi Jun Miscala

A boy wants to continue his secondary education by becoming an athlete but his inauspicious boss obstructed this aspiration.

PISTA NG PELIKULANG PILIPINO UPCOMING EVENTS:

Pista at the Park Frand Fans Day and All-Star Parade (FREE ADMISSION)August 11, 2018, 10AM
Liwasang Aurora, Quezon Memorial Circle
Parade:2PM from MTRCB Building at Timog to Quezon Memorial Circle

PPP Opening NIghtAugust 14, 2018, 7PM
Samsung Hall, SM Aura
 
Announcement of Partnership with the Busan International Film Festival and Asian Film Market 2018August 17, 2018, 4:30 PM-4:45 PM 
Novotel Araneta Center
 
Announcement of Partnership with the Singapore Media Festival 2018August 18, 5:00 PM-5:15 PM 
Novotel Araneta Center