DOE Calls on MERALCO, Other DUs to Expedite CSP Bidding of Stalled PSAs

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Department of Energy (DOE) Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi upheld the recent Supreme Court decision mandating the Competitive Selection Process (CSP) in the public bidding of power supply agreements.

"All affected power industry players must catch up and push under the CSP, those stalled supply agreements for the next 23 years," he said.

It may be recalled that the Supreme Court (SC) decision which maintained that “all Power Supply Agreement (PSA) applications submitted by Distribution Utilities (DUs) to the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) on or after 30 June 2015 shall comply with the Competitive Selection Process" was welcomed by the DOE.

Sec. Cusi said that the government will ensure the compliance of all affected parties in the energy sector to the SC ruling, with the DOE taking the lead in prodding industry stakeholders to expedite the CSP bidding of stalled power supply PSA applications of Meralco and other distribution utilities.

The Energy Chief has previously emphasized that the High Court’s ruling is a nod to the DOE's "longstanding conviction on the fundamental role of the CSP as a mechanism to ensure transparency and fair competition in the procurement of our power supply. It was designed to protect the consuming public from power rate spikes, pass-on charges, and avert predatory practices."

Lastly, Sec. Cusi reiterated the government’s responsibility to uphold and protect the right of the Filipino people to receive the full benefits of the country’s liberalized electric power industry, as envisioned by the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA).

He again underscored the wisdom of the EPIRA in providing for the deregulated and demonopolized generation and distribution of power as a means to "yield the delivery of the best services at the least cost to our consumers."

Consultative meetings with the concerned stakeholders are already underway, with the DOE also requiring all Distribution Utilities to submit annual supply demand projections to demonstrate the sufficiency of their supplemental power supply levels in the coming years.

Philippine Robotics National Team Bags Gold Award in Turkey

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The future looks bright for Philippine robotics.

Fresh from a double victory at the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology (FIRST) Lego League (FLL) World Championship held in USA last April 2019, thePhilippine Robotics National Team bagged another gold medal at the recent FLL European Open International Turkey 2019 last May 22 -26, 2019 in Izmir, Turkey.

The national delegation, represented this time by Kid Imagineers from Dr. Yanga’s College Inc., came home victorious after winning a Gold Award for Project Presentation and Finalist on Project Research. 82 teams from 41 countries and over 600 students (ages 11-17 years old) participated in the competition.

The theme, “Into Orbit”, challenged students to find solutions to physical and social problems associated with long-duration space flight.

The team won for Project Mu.S.C.A., an innovative, effective and systemized way of helping astronauts solve musculoskeletal problems they face during their stay in orbit. The suit gives a solution to different physical problems such as bone loss and loss of muscle mass in microgravity environment of space. Project Mu.S.C.A is a self-adjusting suit that can monitor the astronauts’ pulse rate, exercise their legs and arms, help them maintain proper posture in space, massage their arms and legs, help attain the right temperature for their body and protect astronauts from radiation.

The Kid Imagineers from Dr. Yanga’s College Inc. is composed of team members Gwyneth Sabusap, Aaron James Amar, Andrea Luz Guevarra, Daniella De Guzman, Annette Nicole Ambi, Nicole Flores, Shervie Dela Cruz, Gabriel Ortega, Michael Ronnie Estrella, Renz Daren Flaviano, with Assistant Coach RV Mendoza and Coach Romyr Gimeno.

Mylene Abiva, FELTA Multi-Media Inc. President/CEO, led the delegation and was selected as one of the judges during the event. Among the 41 judges, she was the only judge to represent Southeast Asia.

“Human space exploration helps address fundamental questions about our place in the Universe. Space Exploration drives us to explore the unknown, discover new worlds and push the boundaries of our scientific limits. Hopefully, with the victory of the Philippine Robotics National Team, the Philippine government will initiate a Space Education Program for the Filipino Youth,” Ms. Abiva said.

The Department of Science and Technology-Science Education Institute (DOST-SEI), through its Director, Dr. Josette Biyo, congratulated the team and thanked the national organizers for their efforts in helping young Filipinos’ maximize their potential in robotics.

“The Philippine Robotics National Team made the country proud and opened doors for future robotics experts. Robotics will play a crucial role in the country’s transition to Industrial Revolution 4.0. These victories will help us gain traction to push for more youth science programs that would prepare the youth for jobs of the future,” Dr. Biyo said.

Top 5 Attractions In Delhi For Every Traveler

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If you are planning to visit India and are more interested in visiting cities with rich cultural history, Delhi, the country’s capital has to be on top of your list. The stark contrast between Old Delhi with its amazing architectural heritage from Mughal times; and New Delhi with its
modern architectural feats are nothing short of amazing to witness. But concrete wonders aren’t the only thing to enjoy in Delhi, the city has some of the world’s most beautiful gardens as well as many other sights worth visiting at least once in your lifetime. So, get your Bangalore to Delhi flights plan ready to start the memorable journey. If you wish to make your trip to
Delhi worthwhile, keep this article handy because I am about to share with you some of the best attractions the capital city has to offer.

1. Red Fort
The memorable monument stands as a reminder of the powerful Mughal era and a symbol of India’s fight for freedom. Built by Shah Jahan, the fifth ruler of the Mughal empire, to symbolize his shift of Mughal capital from Agra to Delhi. The fort has a very rich history and runs a light and sound show each evening highlighting it.n

2. The Jama Masjid/Mosque
Another architectural marvel, the Jama Masjid is counted among the country’s largest mosques. The humongous structure can hold more than 25,000 people in its courtyard. Completed in the late 1650s, the mosque took 12 years to erect. Since it is a religious establishment, you need to be dressed appropriately to enter the premises. However, you need not worry about it as the attires are available on spot.

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3. The Akshardham of Swaminarayan
After sharing two wonders form the Mughal era, it would be only fair to share with you some modern sights as well. Beginning with the Akshardham of Swaminarayan. Dedicated to showcasing the Indian culture, this behemoth temple structure opened its doors to the public in 2005. Enjoying the whole complex thoroughly requires a good amount of your day. However, remember that visitors aren’t allowed to bring cameras or phones inside the temple premises, so prepare accordingly.

4. The Gandhi Smriti
Another spot that does not connect with the Mughal era is the Gandhi Smriti. A museum
dedicated to India’s Father of the Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. The place is filled with beautiful sculptures, paintings, photos and inscriptions. The room where Gandhi used to live is on display and has been kept in its original condition since his assassination. You can also visit the spot where he was shot as well the ground where Gandhi held congregations daily.

                                                                                                                                                               
5. The India Gate
Perhaps one of the most popular sites in Delhi, for locals as well as tourists, the India Gate stands at the center of the New City. A war memorial built in the honor of the Indian soldiers who fought the British during World War I. Surrounded by a very widespread garden, it is the perfect place to hang out and relax during summers. But if you really wish to be amused by the structure and its surroundings, I would suggest you visit it during the late evening hours when it’s light with a warm glow. You will truly be amazed.

Have you been to Delhi? Do you have another favorite spot? Do share with us in the comments
below.