Ship owners to receive financial assistance, returning seafarers to get free COVID-19 testing

Wazzup Pilipinas!


The critically-impacted Maritime Sector will get needed relief as the Department of Transportation (DOTr), through the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), is set to waive the collection of some port fees for shipping companies/operators, and provide returning seafarers with free coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) testing.

The said initiatives will be implemented starting 01 December 2020, following the provisions under RA 11494, also known as the “Bayanihan to Recover as One Act” (Bayanihan 2).

To reduce the adverse effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on the shipping industry, the amount of P250 million will be utilized as financial assistance to subsidize the fees to be collected from domestic shipping owners, specifically, dockage (domestic) and lay-up fee (domestic).

For shipping companies/operators to avail of the financial assistance, they must be a holder of a valid Certificate of Public Convenience (CPC), Provisional Authority (PA), or Special Permit (SP) issued by the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA). Additionally, shipping companies/operators must be a holder of a valid accreditation certificate issued by PPA. Shipping companies/operators who have pending applications for accreditation are also eligible, unless otherwise said application has been denied by PPA.

The financial assistance shall also be on a ‘first come, first served’ and per vessel, per transaction bases.

Meanwhile, the other financial assistance amounting to P270 million allocated for the Maritime Sector will be utilized to fund the COVID-19 testing of returning Filipino seafarers.

Only inbound or returning Filipino seafarers who have disembarked through Philippine ports and airports are entitled to avail of the free COVID-19 testing, as covered by the Bayanihan 2 fund. This will be conducted by a service provider to be sourced by the PPA.

DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said the financial assistance, in the form of the waived fees and free COVID-19 testing, will be of great help to maritime workers who were greatly affected by the economic downturn.

“Patunay ‘ho ito na hindi pinapabayaan ng ating mahal na Pangulo ang ating mga kababayan, lalo na ang mga bayani nating seafarers. Malaking tulong ito sa kanila lalo pa’t wala pang kasiguraduhan kung kailan matatapos itong pandemya,” the transportation chief said.

For his part, PPA General Manager Jay Daniel Santiago affirmed that the financial assistance will be implemented immediately.

“We are grateful for the support coming from our beloved President Rodrigo Duterte for the allocation of funds to the critically-impacted Maritime sector. Ever since the COVID-19 broke out, our maritime workers have been vital to keep the economy thriving. They are also considered as frontline workers during these challenging times and so we will implement this as soon as possible,” GM Santiago said.

Suicide Incident at SM Megamall

Wazzup Pilipinas!

The afternoon sun kisses the 50-story SM Megamall Tower which is recognized for its sophisticated S-shape elevation, while the cube-like metal sculpture designed by National Artist for Visual Arts Arturo Luz that spruced up the BDO Corporate Center seems like a jealous spectator. 

But then again, the beautiful scenery outside does not totally make up for the horrible incident that just happened. An incident that has been happening for years but is never highlighted in the news.

I do not know when, but it seems like an hour ago, a woman had jumped from the 4th floor of SM Megamall. There are videos and photos circling around, most likely without trigger warnings, so please be careful when seeing tweets about it.

Another suicide incident in Megamall today. I saw the picture and my hand is shaking and I really can't afford to share or even stare it for a long time.

I am also seeing many tweets, telling people to not kill themselves because it upsets the people around them. Please, DO NOT EVER, say this to anyone who is thinking about committing suicide, are depressed or just are sad.

Guilting someone to not kill themselves is insensitive and triggering. You are doing more harm than good. Please just offer patience, understanding and an ear to those that need help.

That Megamall incident is a chilling incident. I'm at a loss for words. 

Just before lunch, the basement level is abuzz talking about the jumper. No other details. Security have cordoned off the elevator so that people will not see the blood. Guards have also surrounded and are covering by holding up tarp.

Friends, don't hesitate to reach us out when it comes to your problems. We are here to listen. 

SM Supermalls released a statement of the said incident:

"There was an incident in SM Megamall involving a female customer. Our Emergency Response Team was immediately on site and took the person to the nearby hospital. A joint investigation with the local PNP is already ongoing."

#MentalHealthMatters

Dwight Ramos: Just hand the UAAP trophy to Ateneo

Wazzup Pilipinas!

Gilas Pilipinas cadets blow out Thailand in the first of their two games in the FIBA Asia Cup qualifiers, 93-61!

Dwight Ramos shows off with a 20-point effort on a perfect 7/7 clip from the field. 

With 20 points, it was perfect game was an out-of-body experience. Congrats to you and to the rest of the team!

No wonder he is trending. The Philippines is so proud of him. Keep the rhythm going. Laban Pilipinas! 

Remember when they said “after Thirdy Ravena, wala na yan. makukuha na championship sa kanila”? 

OK SORRY SIR BUT—DWIGHT RAMOS IS MAKING HIS OWN LEGACY IN PHILIPPINE BASKETBALL

Dwight Ramos led Gilas with 20pts (perfect from the field 5/5 from 2, 2/2 from 3 and 4/4 FTs) also with 7rebs, 3asts, 3stls.

Ganda ng laro ni Dwight Ramos sa first half 

Hard work + inspired by KKD = beast mode

On the day Thirdy Ravena takes a rest from flying in Japan, heir apparent Dwight Ramos takes flight in Bahrain.

Dwight Ramos is PBA ready. Body, skills, shooting and IQ is pro-level already. Scary thing is, he has 2 more years of eligibility with Ateneo.

Dwight Ramos is killing. Showing more of his game. This dude is going to be a problem for other schools in the UAAP, especially since he's playing in Tab Baldwin's system.

and there's Eli Ramos, imagine if he's as good as his brother. 

Baltazar also has been solid. Actually everyone pretty much playing well.

Dwight Ramos is really scary. HE THE ONE!!! Handa na ba UAAP?

Just hand the UAAP trophy to Ateneo.