MARINA Advocates Gender Equality in the Shipbuilding, Ship Repair Industry

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The Maritime Industry Authority, through the Shipyards Regulation Service (SRS), continues to advocate equal opportunities for both men and women in the shipbuilding and ship repair (SBSR) industry through a gender sensitivity workshop with SBSR stakeholders in Mindanao.

The MARINA believes that the active participation of every Filipino will lead to the fulfillment of the Maritime Industry Development Plan (MIDP) and part of it is employing more people in the maritime industry, regardless of gender.

Ms. Marichu Magpantay-Buergo, a Gender and Development (GAD) specialist, discussed the social construction of gender, concepts and tools for gender analysis, as well as gender-based inequalities in the society.

Buergo debunked the myth that men are stronger compared to women. She emphasized that no scientific study has proven the claim, clarifying that women may actually be stronger than men for their capability to carry an unborn child inside their bodies for nine months. She also highlighted that men and women only differed on their physiological aspect and biological make-up.

Finally, Buergo encouraged the participants to share their gained knowledge on gender sensitivity with their colleagues to further strengthen cooperation and oneness at the workplace.

To conclude, the MARINA reminded participants that a more inclusive and less discriminatory environment is instrumental in engaging more individuals in the maritime industry.

“This gender sensitivity workshop is not intended to devalue men by empowering women, but an opportunity to learn how to respect each and every individual," MARINA-SRS Director Engr. Ramon Hernandez said.

LRT 2 East Extension Project Enters Final Phase with Track Laying, EMS Installation

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The railway track laying and the electromechanical system (EMS) installation comprising Package 3 of the LRT 2 East Extension Project will kick off today, 16 April 2019, signaling the transition of the project into its final phase.

The EMS is comprised of the signaling system, overhead catenary system, telecommunications system, and the power supply and distribution system.

The winning contractor, the consortium of Marubeni Corporation and DM Consunji Inc., is set to start the track works and the integration of the EMS into the existing system, and these are expected to be completed by the fourth quarter of 2020.

Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur P. Tugade lauded the efficient implementation of the rail line extension project, citing its role in enhancing the mobility and connectivity within the Greater Manila Area.

According to Sec. Tugade, once the project is completed, travel time from Recto in Manila to Masinag in Antipolo, Rizal will be significantly reduced.

“To give the Filipinos a comfortable life as President Rodrigo Duterte directed, we at the DOTr are working on ways to efficiently and effectively ferry our commuters. The LRT 2 East Extension Project ranks among such projects, for this shall ease the travel of our kababayans coming from Rizal to Manila. Once this is completed, travel time from Recto to Masinag will be reduced to 40 minutes compared to up to three hours travel via bus or jeepney,” the transportation chief said.


Extension Project now 60% complete

Package 1 which involved the construction of a viaduct was completed in March 2017, while Package 2 which involved the construction of two stations is 78 percent done as of March 2019. Overall, the Line 2 East Extension Project is already 60 percent completed.

“The first two phases of the project had a smooth implementation. Today’s track laying and EMS installation signify the culmination of the project and the realization of the much-awaited answer to the clamor of the commuting public from the eastern areas of Metro Manila for a fast, affordable and convenient means of mass transit system,” LRTA Administrator Reynaldo Berroya emphasized.

The four-kilometer extension to the existing 13.8-kilometer LRT 2 line is expected to transport an additional 80,000 passengers daily from the current average daily ridership of 240,000, with two new stations, namely, Emerald Station in Marikina, and Masinag Station at the Masinag Junction in Antipolo City.

"The LRT 2 extension will provide a smoother commuting experience and, ultimately, a better quality of life for people in eastern Metro Manila. We appreciate the fact that Japanese technologies are utilized toward this end and contribute to the alleviation of the traffic congestion in Metro Manila," said Yoshio Wada, JICA Philippines Chief.


Private Partners

Marubeni and DMCI, whose partnership spans more than three decades, have expressed their commitment to the timely completion of the project.

"Both companies aim to further contribute to the social and economic growth of the Philippines," said Naoto Tago, President and CEO of Marubeni Philippines Corporation, and spokesperson for the consortium. “We understand the importance of this project to the Filipino people and we will make sure that we deliver a working, high-quality track works, and a functioning E&M system by the last quarter of 2020."

Currently, the LRT-2 System, with 11 stations and having its terminal stations at Santolan in Pasig and Recto in Manila, traverses the East-West routes of Metro Manila.

Child Star Jordan Lim, Mela Francisco Lead Araneta Center’s ‘Spacetacular Easter’

Wazzup Pilipinas!

An out-of-this-world party is happening at the Araneta Center this April 21, Easter Sunday. Leading the “eggs-ploration” in “Spacetacular Easter” are rising child star Jordan Lim, and the very cute Mela Francisco, daughter of “Pinoy Big Brother” couple Melai Cantiveros and Jason Francisco.Jordan, the nephew of actor Daniel Padilla, can be seen regularly on “Magandang Buhay” and “Home Sweetie Home.” He and Mela will be bonding with the kids who will sign up for the revelry at the Gateway Mall.

“Spacetacular Easter” will treat young participants and their families to a terrific time they will not forget. Registration starts at 11 am.

One of the highlights of the event is an egg hunt with a twist. Kids will have a grand time searching the grounds of the Gateway Mall, Ali Mall and Farmers Plaza for “cosmic eggs.” In exchange for these eggs, the kids who will find them will receive fantastic treats.

Participants aged 0 to 12 dressed as astronauts, space explorers, aliens, galaxy heroes and even cosmic figures may join the “Little Universe Costume Contest” at the Gateway Mall and Ali Mall, where exciting prizes await the winners.

Gateway Mall and Ali Mall will host a “Mad Science” show, which combines experiments and tricks that will definitely pique the interest of the young participants. A kiddie ball pit at the Farmers Plaza, meanwhile, will be decked out for a space travel feel. Families will also enjoy the photo booths and other activations in the three malls.

All kid registrants will receive loot bags and other freebies from Araneta Center and the event sponsors.

For more details, visit www.aranetacenter.net and follow our social media pages: @AranetaCenter on Facebook, @AranetaCenter on Twitter; and @thearanetacenter on Instagram.