UST Rules Maynilad-backed BVR on Tour Manila Open

Wazzup Pilipinas!

University of Santo Tomas ruled Tour Manila Open, the sixth leg of the Beach Volleyball Republic’s BVR On Tour Series for 2018.

University of Santo Tomas ruled both the men’s and the women's division, with UST’s Krung Arbasto and newcomer Jeron Requinton fashioning out a 21-19, 21-14 conquest of National University's Bryan Bagunas and James Natividad in the Finals.  In the women’s division, Growling Tigress Sisi Rondina and Babylove Barbon scored a 21-18, 21-19 win over Perlas' Dzi Gervacio and Bea Tan in the gold medal match.

For the bronze, Smart's team of Grethcel Soltones and Alyssa Eroa carved out a 21-12, 21-14 victory over Kempal's Roma Doromal and Chantal Rodriguez in the women’s division. University of Perpetual Help System Dalta's Jayjay Solamillo and Gilbert Balmores also achieved a podium finish, rallying from a set down to escape with a 12-21, 21-19, 18-16 win over Air Force's Ranran Abdilla and Jessie Lopez.

The women's and men's champions took home P20,000 cash prize, with the second and third placers received P10,000 and P5,000, respectively courtesy of Maynilad.

A total of 32 teams - 16 in the women's and men's division - joined the three-day spikefest where the best collegiate and professional beach volleyball players converged.

Water services provider Maynilad gave the Beach Volleyball Republic and beach volleyball a renewed boost by partnering anew with BVR for its just finished Tour Manila Open tournament at Sands SM By the Bay. Maynilad became the beach volleyball circuit’s official hydration partner beginning with the highly-successful FIVB Beach Volleyball World Tour Manila Open last May. 

All players who participated in this leg were hydrated by ice cold Maynilad bottled water.

"We’ve been blessed to have long-term partner in growing this sport and I’m very happy that Maynilad has been there to support us in our legs this year," said BVR founder Charo Soriano."I would to thank the players who competed. We all know that you trained so hard for this tournament," said Soriano during the closing ceremony.

The Manila Open is the 32^nd leg of traveling beach volleyball tournaments organized by the BVR since it began in 2015.

COMELEC Commends DOE

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Department of Energy (DOE) received a commendation from the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) today for ensuring sufficient power supply during the nationwide Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on 14 May 2018.

COMELEC Acting Chairman Al A. Parreño presented the award to DOE Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi in appreciation of the Department’s unwavering commitment to protect the country’s democratic processes through genuine public service.

In support of the Duterte Administration’s objective to ensure orderly and peaceful elections, the DOE convened the Task Force on Energy Resiliency (TFER) in May.

The TFER is composed of representatives from the National Electrification Administration, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Power Corporation, National Transmission Corporation, Philippine National Oil Company, and the Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corporation.

The Task Force also worked closely with the national security group, which included the National Security Council, Armed Forces of the Philippines, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection and the Philippine Coast Guard during the election period.

MARINA Beefs Up Preps for Maritime Audit

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) beefs up its preparations for the International Maritime Organization (IMO) Member State Audit Scheme (IMSAS) scheduled in 2021.

To ensure the preparedness of the Philippine maritime industry for the mandatory audit, the MARINA drafted a proposed bill to ensure the country’s implementation of five (5) IMO conventions, specifically the Safety of Life at Seas (SOLAS), International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL), Convention on International Regulations for Preventing Collisions at Sea (COLREGS), International Convention on Load Lines, and International Convention on the Tonnage Measurement of Ships.

“The proposed bill is a proof of MARINA’s proactive approach to the issues confronting the Philippine maritime industry. With this, we hope to boost our collaboration with the legislators in passing laws that will enable the Philippines to effectively implement IMO conventions,” MARINA Administrator Rey Leonardo Guerrero said. 

The MARINA actively facilitates the translation of international maritime laws into national legislations in the performance of its obligations and responsibilities as an IMO member. 

In fact, MARINA aligned its proposed bill with House Bill 456 which ensures full and effective implementation and enforcement of several IMO-issued conventions to promote maritime safety and security. The MARINA’s proposed bill will support the implementation of House Bill 456 once it is finally passed into a law. 

MARINA Legal Service Director Atty. Maximo Banares, Jr. explained that the proposed bill aims to address the gaps in the mandates of maritime agencies.

“Our proposed bill will ensure proper delegation of authorities among maritime agencies by determining which should be given full and complete effect to a particular IMO convention,” Atty. Banares said.  

As part of its preparations for the IMSAS, the MARINA also conducted a mock audit of the country’s compliance with IMO agreements in the second quarter of 2018. Corrective action plans for the local maritime industry were developed based on the results of the mock audit.