DOE to Review Franchise Compliance of ECs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi announced the review of all electric cooperatives' (ECs) compliance to the service requirements of their respective franchises, as part of the agency's initiatives to improve power services in the provinces by enhancing EC performance.

While ECs have been the government's long term partners in providing electricity in far-flung areas of the country, many ECs have failed to carry out their mandate for various reasons. These include inefficient management, corruption, unnecessary political interference, as well as institutional conflicts as is the case with DANECO.

The DOE will also look into the rise in missionary subsidies in areas which include, among others, Occidental Mindoro, Catanduanes, Marinduque, and Tablas.

The Energy Secretary will request the National Electrification Administration to submit the technical and financial performance reports of ECs for the last five years.

In addition, ECs will also be asked to submit their road maps and strategies for improving their services, operations and economic viability in the next three years.

"The review will be an inclusive process. We will ask the ECs to identify their main challenges and work with them in determining long-term and sustainable solutions. For transparency purposes, the results of the review will be made available to the public," Sec. Cusi said.

Depending on the review's findings, task forces may be created to assist underperforming ECs.

For non-performing ECs, on the other hand, the DOE may recommend the cancellation of their franchises.

"As we seek to attain total electrification of the country by 2020, we will ensure that all operating ECs are providing the best services to their consumers. Our fellow countrymen deserves nothing less," the Energy Chief concluded.

Tips for Creating an Ultimate Chill-Out Working Space

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Offices everywhere are experiencing a revolution as more and more workplaces shift from having a sterile, dull environment to sporting a more relaxed atmosphere. Not only does it make their working space hipper and cooler, but it also allows them to increase overall productivity as well as employee satisfaction. If you want to make your own office more chill than it currently is, too, then follow the pointers dished out below.

Let Your People Be Flexible

More likely than not, most of your employees will spend the majority of their work hours stuck behind a desk and connected to a computer. But just because they’re in the office and have to obey the regulations you set there doesn’t mean you shouldn’t let them be as dynamic and elastic as if they’re at their homes. Believe it or not, flexibility in the office can increase work efficiency and productivity. In fact, it’s one of the things often noted in freelancers working from home.

Bring Your Home to Work

So if you want a more relaxed office for yourself and your team, best give it a homey feel. The more similar the ambiances between the home and the workplace are, the warmer and more welcoming the latter will be―and the more productivity will increase. Start by adding furniture usually seen at home, especially sofas, carpets, plants, and what-not. Oh, and make sure some of the stuff you get is made of wood. Lots of people dig it more than glass; they think it looks and feels more comfortable and cozy. Don’t worry about finding the right things, though; there are lots of office furniture supplier in the Philippines and elsewhere for you to check out.

Install a Relaxation Room

But in case making your workspace homey isn’t enough, you can always have an extra room built for laying back and chilling. A separate breakout space gives you and your employees a spot to relax and unwind, allowing all of you to temporarily get away from the more-often-than-not-stressing environment of the central workplace. It doesn’t have to be a large room; it just needs to be soothing and closed.

Add Something Fun

Sometimes, though, soothing isn’t enough, and you and your workmates might end up looking for a couple of entertaining things to do. That’s why you need to have a few knick-knacks in your relaxation room and elsewhere to ease the tension. Things like dart boards, board games, or even a pool table can do wonders for your well-being at the office. It not only lets you relax, but it also builds camaraderie between you and your teammates, improving communication, teamwork, and productivity.

And Don’t Forget the Office Kitchen
The office pantry and kitchen is also a place where employees go to if they want to unwind. So if you want your workplace as a whole to be more welcoming and cozy, avoid having a kitchen that’s imposing and lifeless. Add friendly furniture like a dining table and chairs, a microwave, a coffee maker, and what-not. And make sure there are loads of snacks and beverages; it’s hard to chill without something to eat and drink.

Got Anything to Add?

Aside from these tips, there are many other ways to spruce up your working space and make it more relaxing and welcoming. If you know any of those unmentioned office hacks, please share them with us on the comments section below.

Featured Image: Envato.com


Author's Bio:

Angelo Castelda works as a contributor for a news magazine in Asia. He loves to learn and understand diverse cultures and aims to share through his writing his experiences around the world.

Top Investment-Worthy Properties in Tagaytay, Philippines

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Aside from being a top summer destination, Tagaytay is also fast becoming a favorite city outside Metro Manila to find a home in. Nestled between Batangas and Cavite, it’s relatively easy for everyone to come to and from the city. That, combined with the picturesque views of Taal Volcano and Lake, cool and breezy climates, and many fantastic commercial establishments, make investing in a property in Tagaytay worth it. 

If you’re also checking out smart-investment properties in the ridge, then here are suburbs you can start with.

Woodhills Residences

A real estate project of IPM Realty and Development Corporation, Woodhills Residences is a group of four towers (Primavera, Sequoia, Albizia, and Aspen) that feature some of the best prime studio and two-bedroom condominium units in Tagaytay City. Each unit is well designed and has floor areas ranging from 40 to 79 square meters, making it ideal for small families. Amenities include swimming pools for children and adults, basketball and tennis courts, and easy access to various commercial areas, business centers, and leisure establishments.

Tagaytay Highlands

Priding itself as the premier luxury living destination of the Philippines, Tagaytay Highlands offers stunning natural views and a breezy climate alongside its exclusive and posh homes. Amenities include two 18-hole golf courses, a country club with its own mini-golf course, swimming pools, and fishing pier, and a sports center complete with tennis court, basketball court, billiards hall, and bowling alley. Properties for sale in Tagaytay Highlands vary, from the high-quality homes of Nob Hill to the luxurious mountain resorts of Horizon Terraces Tagaytay Highlands.

Montebello

Situated in the mountainous parts of Alfonso, Cavite, Don Tim’s Montebello has a breezy environment and an exciting atmosphere that is ideal for retirees, balikbayans, and expats dreaming of a home in Tagaytay City. This 15.4-hectare gated village has 517 lots for you to choose from, as well as impressive amenities like the clubhouse complex that has basketball and tennis courts, swimming pools for adults and children, a view deck, and a multi-purpose hall. And the subdivision offers you a breathtaking view of Mount Batulao and its picturesque surroundings.

Alta Monte

Alta Monte is another great Tagaytay suburb from Don Tim, and it’s considered as his flagship project. The 13-hectare development offers you a pick among 218 lots, with construction, marketing, and financing included in your housing options so that you can get the property at a relatively lower price. And its location along Magallanes Drive makes it just a stone’s throw away from various commercial establishments, recreational areas, government offices, and schools.

Metrogate Tagaytay Estates

Metrogate Tagaytay Estates is a picture perfect subdivision that can provide you peaceful living at its finest. Situated in the heart of the city, the suburb blends Tagaytay’s cold climate, the perks of modern life, and the soothing ambiance of the ridge’s natural surroundings. In other words, Metrogate Tagaytay Estates offers you a comfortable and exclusive lifestyle. Amenities include 24-hour security, a centralized water supply, a perimeter fence, and pine trees, among others.

Look Them Up

Each of these real estate developments is investment-worthy, and they offer you some of the best properties available in Tagaytay. So if you really want to settle in the city, you might as well consider having a house in one of them.

Featured Image: Envato.com

Author's Bio:

Angelo Castelda works as a contributor for a news magazine in Asia. He loves to learn and understand diverse cultures and aims to share through his writing his experiences around the world.