Energy Think Tank Urges Swift Action on Comprehensive Plan Following PBBM's SONA

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In light of President Ferdinand "Bongbong" Marcos Jr.'s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA), the Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP), a think tank in the energy sector, is reiterating its call for the adoption of its Seven-Point Energy Agenda. This comprehensive plan is designed to tackle critical issues essential for building a sustainable and resilient energy future for the Philippines.

Center for Energy Research and Policy (CERP), a pioneering energy sector think tank, is renewing its call for the implementation of its Seven-Point Energy Agenda following President Bongbong Marcos Jr.’s recent State of the Nation Address (SONA). CERP previously submitted this plan to the Office of the President, aiming to address critical challenges in the Philippines’ energy sector.


REGULATORY REFORM

In his speech, Marcos proposed amending the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), an initiative also included in CERP’s Seven-Point Agenda, to reduce power costs.

“While EPIRA has laid a crucial foundation for a secure energy sector, it must be amended to improve energy accessibility, affordability, and competition,” stated CERP co-convenor Atty. Noel Baga.

Baga outlined proposed amendments, including subsidizing electricity prices, increasing investment incentives, and operationalizing Retail Access and Open Competition (RCOA) within a decade.

CERP also advocates for amending the EPIRA alongside the National Grid Code and Philippine Distribution Code to strengthen the DOE’s and ERC’s regulatory powers over power generation, distribution, and grid management and operations.


UNIVERSAL ELECTRICITY ACCESS WITHIN THREE YEARS

President Marcos highlighted the completion of interconnection projects such as the newly inaugurated Mariveles-Hermosa-San Jose Transmission Line, the Cebu-Negros-Panay 230-kilovolt Backbone Project, and the Dumanjug-Corella line, which will enhance national energy stability.

"While the President's infrastructure plan will improve power supply, we urge greater ambition: electrify every household by 2028 and hybridize the existing diesel plants with solar PV and batteries. This would reduce costs and subsidies while enhancing reliability," said CERP co-convenor Dr. Joey Ocon.

CERP’s Seven-Point Agenda also addresses other critical issues aimed at building a sustainable energy future, including:

Exploration of indigenous resources to secure a self-sufficient power supply

Deploying renewable energy-powered microgrids and solar home systems

Fostering more collaborative discussions between regulators, academe, and the private sector

Increasing funding for energy research and development

“CERP remains committed to working closely with the administration and continues to advocate for sustainable energy policies that benefit all Filipinos,” Dr. Ocon added.

CERP invites policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the public to review the full Seven-Point Energy Agenda here. The think tank will be hosting a series of forums to discuss these proposals and gather input from various sectors in the coming months.

The Center for Energy Research and Policy is a think tank dedicated to developing a resilient and sustainable energy landscape for the Philippines. Co-convened by Atty. Noel M. Baga and Dr. Joey D. Ocon, CERP brings together experts and advocates to foster participatory governance in the energy sector. Anchored in inclusivity, CERP provides actionable insights on energy development, aiming to ensure efficient, affordable, and sustainable power for all Filipinos.

Januarius Holdings levels up Fighting Maroons training in Korea

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The UP Fighting Maroons are making full use of the pre-season to get ready for UAAP Season 87.

After a 2-week training trip to Novi Sad, Serbia where the Maroons won all their tune-up games against collegiate and pro teams there, the UP Men’s Basketball Team is off again to pursue training in Korea from July 28 to August 9.

Long-time UPMBT supporter, JJ Atencio, CEO of Januarius Holdings Inc. (JHI), has again enabled the Maroons to get better by continuing to sponsor their overseas preparations, in fulfillment of a promise he made the team in 2018 to be their “training buddy”.

Although Atencio hails from Ateneo de Manila University, he has been one of the staunchest supporters of the Fighting Maroons, pledging to take care of their athletic training abroad yearly to prepare them for the upcoming collegiate seasons.

Atencio supports the team in a very focused way - by funding their training in places where they could get better. He has funded the Maroons’ training in Las Vegas, Serbia, Japan and Korea in various years.

“In the beginning, when they were the perennial underdogs and had not yet won a championship, I was attracted to the UP story. I identified with them because they were underdogs and I had a similar experience. Through hard work, persistence, dedication, integrity, sincerity and prayer, you can reach your goal. And I did, they did.”

STATS Technical Sportswear, a subsidiary of JHI, has also outfitted the Maroons and produced their official merchandise since Atencio started supporting the team.

“JHI is one with the UP Men’s Basketball Team as we all strive to be stronger and better in Season 87,” said Atencio. “Since we entered into a partnership with UP, our goal is to be a contender every year, which we have done for several seasons now. But we are not stopping there.”

“The story of the UP Fighting Maroons, who were once an underdog and now is a team to beat, continues to resonate with me and our company. That’s what makes this team special. Some may see them as the top dog now, but deep inside, they still have that underdog mentality. They will keep trying and trying and will stay hungry all the time,” Atencio added.

UP Office for Athletics and Sports Development (UP OASD) Director Bo Perasol expressed the teams’ appreciation for the big impact of Atencio’s initiatives on the Fighting Maroons’ improvement on and off the court.

“JJ is like a father figure to the boys. We are really grateful for his generosity and help in our overseas training camps. More than that, we are extremely blessed to have him as a partner in guiding the players and looking after them beyond the corners of the basketball court,” said Perasol. Coach Bo was UP’s head coach when Atencio first partnered with the team in 2018.

Why the flood problem in Metro Manila has not been solved even after the September 2009 Ondoy

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Here's an investigative report on why the flood problem in Metro Manila has not been solved even after the September 2009 Ondoy, and comparing the disaster now caused by typhoon Carina and the Habagat this July 2024


Investigative Report: Persistent Flooding in Metro Manila

Introduction

Metro Manila's flood problems have persisted despite significant efforts and investments since the devastating Typhoon Ondoy (Ketsana) in September 2009. This report delves into the underlying reasons for the continuing flood issues, examining the recent impacts of Typhoon Carina and the Habagat (Southwest Monsoon) in July 2024, to understand why these disasters continue to wreak havoc on the region.

Background: Typhoon Ondoy and Its Aftermath

Typhoon Ondoy struck Metro Manila on September 26, 2009, causing catastrophic flooding. The deluge submerged 80% of the city, affecting millions of residents, and causing over 460 deaths. The government and various stakeholders launched multiple initiatives, including infrastructure projects, policy changes, and international collaborations to mitigate future flooding.

Persistent Issues and Challenges

Urbanization and Poor Planning 

Rapid Urbanization: The accelerated pace of urban development has led to increased impermeable surfaces, reducing the land's natural ability to absorb rainfall.

Informal Settlements: Many low-lying areas and riverbanks are occupied by informal settlers, exacerbating the flood risk and complicating relocation efforts.


Inadequate Infrastructure 

Drainage Systems: Many drainage systems in Metro Manila are outdated and insufficient for handling heavy rainfall. The lack of regular maintenance further impedes their effectiveness.

Flood Control Projects: Numerous flood control projects face delays due to bureaucratic red tape, funding issues, and land acquisition problems.


Environmental Degradation

Deforestation and Watershed Destruction: The destruction of watersheds and deforestation in upland areas have reduced the natural capacity to mitigate floods.

Waterways Pollution: Rivers and canals clogged with garbage and silt reduce their capacity to carry floodwaters effectively.


Climate Change 

Increased Rainfall Intensity: Climate change has led to more intense and unpredictable weather patterns, resulting in heavier rainfall and more severe flooding.

Recent Disasters: Typhoon Carina and Habagat (July 2024)

Typhoon Carina (2024)

Typhoon Carina hit Metro Manila in July 2024, bringing torrential rains and strong winds. Despite the extensive flood control measures taken post-Ondoy,

 many areas experienced severe flooding. The heavy rains overwhelmed drainage systems, leading to the inundation of streets and residential areas.Impact: Thousands were displaced, and several communities were submerged under several feet of water.

Response: Emergency services were quickly mobilized, but the scale of the disaster highlighted the persistent vulnerabilities in the city's flood management systems.

Habagat (Southwest Monsoon)

The Southwest Monsoon, intensified by Typhoon Carina, brought continuous heavy rains in July 2024, compounding the flood situation.Impact: Sustained rainfall led to prolonged flooding, further straining the already overwhelmed infrastructure and emergency response systems.

Response: The government issued warnings and conducted evacuations, but the effectiveness of these measures was limited by the ongoing challenges in flood management.

Comparative Analysis

Typhoon Ondoy (2009) vs. Typhoon Carina and Habagat (2024)

Severity and Scale: While Typhoon Ondoy was a single, catastrophic event, Typhoon Carina combined with the Habagat created a prolonged and cumulative disaster. The recent events underscore the growing complexity and intensity of flooding due to climate change.


Infrastructure and Response: Post-Ondoy, significant investments were made in flood control infrastructure, but these have proven inadequate in the face of increasing rainfall intensity. The responses to Typhoon Carina and Habagat were more coordinated, but still hampered by the fundamental issues that have not been resolved.


Public Awareness and Preparedness: There has been an improvement in public awareness and preparedness since Ondoy, with more efficient evacuation protocols and better dissemination of information. However, the persistent flooding indicates a need for more robust, long-term solutions.
Conclusion

The flood problem in Metro Manila remains unresolved due to a combination of rapid urbanization, inadequate infrastructure, environmental degradation, and the impacts of climate change. Despite efforts to address these issues post-Ondoy, the recent disasters caused by Typhoon Carina and the Habagat reveal significant gaps in the region's flood management strategy. Moving forward, a comprehensive and integrated approach involving sustainable urban planning, infrastructure upgrades, environmental conservation, and climate adaptation measures is essential to mitigate the flood risk in Metro Manila.