Q4 2017 THE IMMIGRANT NEWSPAPER

Q4 oct-dec

2017

‘Pressure’ on PAGASA p.4

Diving destinations p.10

Super Bohol p.8

Shoe much? p.9

Vol. 6 No.21 Q4 2017 Philippine Edition ISSN No.

Afraid of climate change? www.theimmigrant.com.ph

Global warming must not be taken lightly.

Law student Beata Carolino, whose works appeared on spot.ph and Rappler, gives a comprehensive report

Image from shutterstock.com

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newsbytes Government allots Php23B for flood control project

Commissioner Frances Veronica Victorio at the 43rd session of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC-43) in Nairobi, Kenya Source: http://www.iisd.ca/

Dubbed the Metro Manila Flood Management Project, about Php20 billion will be spent by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to construct and improve the 36 pumping stations of the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

This will be funded through a loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank and the World Bank.

The remaining Php 3 billion will be used by the MMDA to improve its “solid waste collection services, community mobilization and awareness campaigns, incentive-based waste collection, and to purchase more waste collection equipment.”

At least 760,000 households or 3.5 million people living in flood-prone areas will benefit from this project, which will be completed in 2023.

Duterte eyes Chinese company to become third telecom player

Afraid of climate change?

These occurrences are not new in the country, which is one of the most disaster-prone countries in the world.

From page 1 The World Risk Index in 2016 ranked the Philippines third in the world with the highest disaster risks, among limate change has brought forth catastrophic 171 countries. events of massive impact.

In the Southeast Asian region, the Philippines ranks While people have been generally moved the highest. and shaken by its ill effects, a lot have In past years, the country topped the world, especially remained quite insouciant as far as preventive measures after the onslaught of super typhoon Yolanda. are concerned.

Likewise, the economic damage that climate change Alternately known as “global warming,” it is the rise brings is monumental. in the Earth’s average temperature.

A report by the United Nations Office for Disaster Its causes have sparked a lot of debates worldwide, but Risk Reduction (UNISDR) released in 2015 showed that a large number of scientists believe that it is primarily the country suffered economic damage worth US$1.9 due to human activity, particularly, the ones that release million, or some Php95 million. carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases into the By 2100, the Asian Development Bank predicts that atmosphere, trapping the heat on the world’s surface, and the total damage incurred by the Philippines, Thailand, causing the known adverse effects such as the melting of and Vietnam could be equivalent to losing 6.7 percent of polar ice caps and rising sea levels. their combined Gross Domestic Product each year, which Generally, climate change causes fluctuations in the natural course of the environment, directly affecting lives. is more than twice the global average loss.

Unfortunately, natural disasters, the products of Its effects are easily and inevitably observable; every climate change, are not controllable. Typhoons, household in the Philippines is affected. earthquakes, drought, along with their The rising global temperatures due to impact, cannot be stopped or prevented. climate change are attributed to stronger Climate The best way to temper the adverse and more frequent storms, which likewise change causes effects of climate change is to regulate lead to great floods that result in massive fluctuations greenhouse gas emissions by cutting death and destruction. on human activities which contribute The prevalence and intensity of in the natural to such. But as a global phenomenon, earthquakes are also linked to rainfall course of the the issue must likewise be tackled and according to several studies. environment, addressed on a global scale.

Habitat of animals all over the world are In 2016, 174 countries and the also affected due to the melting of icecaps directly European Union signed the Paris and wildfires produced by the rising heat. affecting lives. Agreement.

Climate change also exacerbates The countries involved have the conditions where sicknesses thrive to the responsibility of keeping the global average temperature detriment of human health. rise to “well below 2 degrees Celsius above preFor example, high temperature makes it easier for industrial levels,” and limiting the temperature increase dengue virus to multiply faster. to “1.5 degrees Celsius above pre-industrial levels.”

During the first quarter of the year, the instances of The Philippines pledged a 70-percent cut in its dengue in Metro Manila increased by over 24 percent. greenhouse gas emissions by 2030.

Amplified by poor sanitation and dense cities, the This effort was conceptualized and collaborated World Health Organization also reported that there can in hopes of drastically reducing the consequences of be additional 25,000 deaths yearly due to climate change climate change, and promoting alternative and more from malaria, diarrhea, heat stress, among others. sustainable lifestyles.

Before the first month of the year ended, over 63,000 President Rodrigo Duterte’s administration ratified the people were displaced in only over 100 evacuation areas agreement in March 2017 after prior misgivings. in Visayas and Mindanao, after more than a month’s “After examining the text thereof, I find it advisable worth of rainfall poured in just one day. to accede to the Paris Agreement and seek the Senate’s Vehicles in affected cities were submerged in water. concurrence thereto,” he said.

People, on the other hand, were deprived of their homes In the household, efforts to take part in reducing the and livelihood due to the flash floods. Worst, seven were effects of climate change include saving up on electricity reported dead. by unplugging unused appliances, lessening carbon In February, Surigao was put under the state of dioxide emission by not burning trash, and recycling calamity after being rocked by a 6.7-magnitude materials as much as possible. earthquake in the middle of the night.

Individual efforts also go a long way.

Six people were reportedly killed, while over 100 During the observance of Earth Day, Climate Change people were injured.

Commission Vice Chairperson Vernice Victorio spoke to Two months later, a strong earthquake with a a crowd, mostly composed of the youth, to take part in 7.2-magnitude likewise hit Sarangani, causing numerous the movement to protect the environment. injuries and costs of damages.

“Try walking for short errands instead of taking the From the months in between up until the end of the jeep or tricycle, use energy-saving LED bulbs or turning year, in as much as it was during the past years, the Philippines has experienced many other natural disasters.

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C

2

China Telecom, China’s largest telecommunication company, would try to break the “duopoly” in the Philippine telecommunications market.

But first, it has to find a local partner since foreigners can only own up to 40 percent of public utilities, said Presidential Communications Secretary Martin Andanar on December 10.

Meanwhile, all applications from prospective new players should be filed at the Office of the Executive Secretary.

Presidential spokesperson Harry Roque told the press, “...Upon submission of documents, it will take 45 days to decide whether or not it’s a go or no go.

“That’s how serious the President is in allowing a third party carrier to come in.”

OFW IDs now in test phase

For easy transactions with government and private agencies concerning their overseas employment, the Department of Labor (DOLE) has started distributing overseas Filipino worker (OFW) IDs for free since December 5.

DOLE Secretary Silvestre Bello III said, “This is only the first phase of implementation and will cater to our Balik-Manggagawa (BM) until the system is ready for all OFWs. “We are doing this to secure the database and for further improvements in the system,” he added.

To apply, OFWs can either log in to their BM online accounts or create an account with the iDOLE OneStop Online Facility (iDOLE.ph).

Atty. Jose ‘Pepe’ Villanueva III Publisher Ernesto P. Maceda Jr. • Henry S. Schumacher • Katrina Legarda Editorial Board Karen Caliwara Editor-at-Large

Sonny Ramirez Art Director

Kristine Vinas Circulation Manager

Claire Madarang Copy Editor

Amar Estoya Distribution Manager

Mabel Fulo Editorial Coordinator ALL CONTENTS COPYRIGHT 2017, RESERVED for The IMMIGRANT. No part of this publication may be used or reproduced in whole or in part, without the express written permission of IMMIGRA PUBLISHING, the publisher of The IMMIGRANT.

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© 2017-2018 ON THE COVER:

It’s the kind of transformation we’re all afraid of.

If we don’t act now, the devastating consequences of this climate change looms in the near future.

Photo from Shutterstock

A second chance

“I have come to realize that second chances are a myth. It’s all about third, fourth, fifth, and sixth chances”

A

s much as I espouse the merits of coffee meetings (and frankly a good coffee with or without a meeting is still a wonderful thing), I often underestimate the power of having a quiet drink with a good friend, client, or colleague. I am not sure if it is the relaxed environment, the alcohol, or perhaps the chance to just unwind, but sometimes some of life’s greatest epiphanies comes from such interactions. Or maybe it really is just the alcohol kicking in on the second glass.

My point is that more often than not, a piece of a puzzle that I have been looking for just seems to find its way to me while sipping on a vodka, and talking nonsense with friends. Perhaps it is simply that such a relaxed state of being allows the mind to wander to places you wouldn’t ordinarily direct it to.

Two nights I ago, I met up with a good friend over a couple of drinks.

We are both men in our fifties, from the same country, and have some common interests, so the conversation is always easy and enjoyable.

“You know, in my thirties, I would have told you categorically that I would never leave my home town. Never! And look at where we are now,” my friend commented.

We were sitting in the middle of Manila in a quiet lounge talking nonsense and just relaxing over a couple of beers. Both of us are long-term expats having been out of our home country for more than 20 years.

And that got me thinking, not about alcohol, but about change.

About second and third and fourth chances. About resilience. About tolerance and bad tempers. About completely messing things up, and then starting again.

I am a firm believer that no one gets it right, that everyone struggles in his/ her own way.

My friend’s comment is so typical of so many expats who find themselves sitting in exotic places so completely alien to their home town, pushing them way outside their comfort zone, and redefining their concept of reality.

Many falter and fall, so many more never look at their lives the same way again. Some push through and become something greater than the person they could have been, working from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. in their home town.

I find expats, who are also entrepreneurs, to be inspiring, or at the very least entertaining.

Expat musings

Richard Watson Founder, Ethos (Hong Kong) Limited

And most of them got it completely wrong at some point—their businesses failed, families split, and their world crashed and burned.

You don’t see that in their faces.

Not until maybe the third drink kicks in and the story telling really begins.

Despite the fact that these people are all quite unique and their backgrounds so diverse, the common thread is that most have had some major life-changing event (call it an expat phenomenon), and had to redefine their realities.

Okay, let’s be honest: not one major life-changing event but often several, concurrently.

These are stories that any good fiction writer would be proud to have penned, but these are facts, not fiction.

These entrepreneurs and expats are not geniuses, certainly not saints, but are absolutely opinionated.

“Well, I’m gonna get out of bed every morning, breathe in and out, all day long.

Then after a while, I won’t have to remind myself to get out of bed every morning and breathe in and out.

“And then after a while, I won’t have to think about how I had it great and perfect for a while.” (Sleepless in Seattle) This is what I hear on the second or third drink. The first or second drink is usually about how great things are now. And by the time I get to the fourth drink, I am either usually totally inspired or asleep.

Joking aside, the expat community is littered with entrepreneurs and their phoenix stories.

I have come to realize that second chances are a myth (yes, I think I really am a slow learner). It’s all about third, fourth, fifth, and sixth chances.

Second chances are just the warm-up or perhaps the initiation. Maybe getting older doesn’t mean less failure; it just means we often look for the next chance sooner.

Another second chance to rise from the ashes. If nothing else, the trials and tribulations we had survived throughout our existence pays testimony to the fact that opportunities are not all second chances, but just a continuation of our life’s lessons.

Do we take up the challenge to live, learn, and move forward given these opportunities, or do we give up, give in, and wonder what could have been?

Richard Watson, who has set up more than 1,500 companies since 1998, is the Australian-born founder of Ethos (Hong Kong) Limited--a corporate and trust services company. He has been an expat for 20 years, and is now based in Hong Kong.

3

‘Pressure’ on PAGASA

By Tricia Alvarez

E

very year, the Philippines expects 20 tropical cyclones, eight or nine of which make landfall.

And it has been the duty of PAGASA (Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration) to issue forecasts and warnings of weather and flood conditions.

When it fails to deliver accurate bulletins, the institution would of course draw a lot of flak.

Remember the onslaught of Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan) in November 2013?

PAGASA Administrator Vicente Malano and KOICA Philippines Country Director Myung Seop Shin.

The Annual Audit report of Commission on Audit (COA) indicated that “The Agency does not have adequate early warning system for Storm Surge to forewarn the public…”

It also fell short in “the messaging aspect of its risk projection about the possible severe impact of storm surges generated by typhoon Yolanda that may have contributed to the thousands of lives lost in Eastern Visayas.”

At the time, an official from the PAGASA admitted that they were not “able to explain” the magnitude of storm surges in their press briefings and information materials.”

Among the areas which were badly-hit by the super typhoon was Tacloban City.

Its then-Mayor Alfred Romualdez complained that they were not warned about the “tsunami” nature of the storm surge that happened.

But Congressman Jerry Treñas argued that due to PAGASA’s accurate forecast, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) was able to give advanced warnings to local authorities for them to evacuate their constituents.

“But because people were used to the old hit-and-miss forecasts…many of them decided to stay home and ignore warnings for them to evacuate to safer grounds.

“Nonetheless, the number of casualties in Typhoon Yolanda could have been greater if not for PAGASA’s advanced warning.”

Death toll, according to reports, reached 6,300, but there were also claims that the actual figure was more than 15,000.

PAGASA has been long beset by “brain drain” problems and creeping modernization.

In 2014, the government’s Disbursement Acceleration Program (DAP) allotted Php275 million to ensure the institution would be equipped with “state-of-the-art IT facilities and research laboratories for weather and climate modeling predictions, as well as research and training on various weather-climate hazards.”

Another Php150 million was allotted for additional Doppler radars which could greatly help in the national weather watch, accurate forecasting, and flood early warning.

The new equipment helped the institute give accurate weather system predictions that forewarned the public of Typhoon Glenda (Rammasun) days before it made landfall in 2014.

“If not for DAP and if not for PAGASA’s restored credibility, a colossal typhoon like Typhoon Glenda could have been deadly for a lot of people.

“It’s good that our people now believe in PAGASA’s weather forecasts,” Treñas said.

Overall, PAGASA was given a Php1.3 billion budget for 2014, according to COA. At the time some projects remained uncompleted, thus delaying the establishment of facilities/equipment urgently

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4

Image from Shutterstock.com

For 45 years now, PAGASA has been doing its best to improve the speed and accuracy of its weather forecasts.

Tricia Alvarez monitors its ‘low and high pressures’ for the past three years

Columnist/host/registered financial planner Kendrick Chua illustrates how the proposed tax reforms affect the monthly income of Filipinos

I

t is finally happening.

On Tuesday, November 29, the Senate approved on its third and final reading its version of Tax Reform Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), or Senate Bill 1592.

It is a landmark by itself as it aims for a “fair income tax system,” said Senator Juan Edgardo Angara, the chair of the Senate Ways and Means Committee.

He added that it will be “the biggest income tax relief”

for workers, and it will benefit “6.8 million Filipinos.”

In the current tax rate, a taxpayer who earns roughly Php20,900 a month or Php250,000 a year is subjected to Php50,000 annual tax.

Turn to page 6

Here’s how Entrepreneur.ph illustrated it based on the detailed analyses of Action for Economic Reforms (AER), an economic policy and advocacy group.

Annual Net Taxable Income

Current Tax Code

TRAIN HB 5636

TRAIN SB 1592

Image from Shutterstock.com

Tax vs. take-home pay in 2018 Difference between HB 5636 and SB 1592

250,000

50,000

-

-

-

300,000

65,000

7,500

10,000

2,500

350,000

80,000

15,000

20,000

5,000

400,000

95,000

22,500

30,000

7,500

450,000

110,000

32,500

42,500

10,000

500,000

125,000

42,500

55,000

12,500

600,000

157,000

62,500

80,000

17,500

700,000

192,200

82,500

105,000

22,500

800,000

221,000

102,500

130,000

27,500

900,000

253,000

127,500

160,000

32,500

1,000,000

288,200

152,500

190,000

37,500

1,500,000

445,000

277,500

340,000

62,500

2,000,000

605,000

402,500

490,000

87,500

2,500,000

765,000

552,500

650,000

97,500

3,000,000

925,000

702,500

810,000

107,500

4,000,000

1,245,000

1,002,500

1,130,000

127,500

5,000,000

1,565,000

1,302,500

1,450,000

147,500

6,000,000

1,885,000

1,652,500

1,770,000

117,500

7,000,000

2,205,000

2,002,500

2,090,000

87,500

8,000,000

2,525,000

2,352,500

2,410,000

57,500

9,000,000

2,848,200

2,702,500

2,760,000

57,500

10,000,00

3,168,200

3,052,500

3,110,000

57,500

5

Afraid of climate change?

From page 2

Senator Loren Legarda delivered the keynote address at the COP23 side event “Innovative Climate Finance Strategies and Instruments by and for Climate Vulnerable Countries” organized by the Climate Vulnerable Forum (CVF) in November 2017.

Source: Climate Change Commission PH

‘Pressure’ on...

From page 4

needed for early warning systems and climate change adaption.

Image from Shutterstock.com

PAGASA KNOWS BETTER

6

There were also instances when PAGASA’s forecast differed from what was released by international meteorological agencies, particularly by the U.S. Joint Typhoon Warning Center (JTWC) and the Japan Meteorological Agency (JMA).

In December 2014, Mario Montejo, then-secretary of the Department of Science and Technology, said in his interview with radio station DZMM that Filipinos should trust the weather forecast model given by the country’s own state bureau.

“Of course, we are familiar with all the models. But what is different for us, we have to recognize our local meteorologists, because they analyze, not only the models, but including the climatology, meaning even the historical data.”

Montejo further explained that analyzing typhoons such as “Ruby” could be tricky, but giving consideration to the developments on the movement of the typhoon, PAGASA has been the most accurate compared with other international agencies.

He added, “Yesterday, we had different forecast tracks from different agencies.

“Without naming names, most of them have [a] different [forecast] from the track forecast by PAGASA. “But after today, it is PAGASA who got the closest forecast of what is actually happening now.”

RECENT ENDEAVORS

In November 2015, former President Benigno Simeon Aquino III signed Republic Act 10692 or the PAGASA Modernization Act. Under the law, the government will provide for PAGASA’s upgrading and acquisition of equipment, training, and other plans.

off lights when not in use, and eat more vegetables instead of meat.

“These acts are small enough to be done easily by individuals, and will mean so much more when they are collectively added up!” Victorio said.

Senator Loren Legarda, during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP23) meeting in Bonn, Germany, reiterated the necessity for the Philippines to actively take part in the efforts to lessen the country’s emissions.

She believes that the first step towards such is to raise awareness.

“Communication is a matter of survival. Effective communication can reduce vulnerability over the longer term and help communities to better cope with climate variability and uncertainty and sustain their development gains.

“Fundamentally, building resilience requires an informed population capable of taking action. We need a whole-of-society approach in addressing climate change.

“But most importantly, we all need to understand our roles as builders, not just of communities of today, but also of communities of the future,” Legarda said.

COP23 tackled different ways to resolve issues that face the movement against climate change, with the goal of unifying efforts and maximizing participation.

The scientific message of climate change, for one, should be translated and delivered to public officials in order to have policies that would support the movement.

Several countries have already taken drastic measures, such as stopping the use of coal power and encouraging the use of renewable energy to address climate change.

At the end of the day, climate change is an issue that is fed by the very people that it affects.

In 2016, PAGASA said it has “59 synoptic stations and 25 agro-meteorological stations deployed across the country.”

It also has a total of seven upper-air stations, which profile wind pattern changes, as well as 78 climate and rain stations deployed at strategic sites.

It was the same year it launched its upgraded version of DOST PAGASA mobile app, which must be able to provide users key information on weather, flooding, and hazard which can help them during times of disasters and typhoons.

It currently has 783 users.

In 2017, PAGASA formed strategic partnerships.

In May, the South Korean government, through the Korea International Cooperation Agency (KOICA, donated US$4 million or Php201 million, for the development and installation of the receiving system for a meteorological satellite.

The donation would also support the “acquisition of equipment for data reception and analysis in five different project sites all over the Philippines,” according to a statement released by the South Korean Embassy in Manila.

These equipment will be put up in Tuguegarao in Northern Luzon, the PAGASA Headquarters in Metro Manila, Legaspi City in Southern Luzon, Lapu-Lapu City in the Visayas, and El Salvador City in Mindanao.

Also in May, PAGASA entered into a three-year development cooperation agreement with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to enhance the country’s capacity on weather observation and forecasting through awareness-raising activities and seminars, dispatch of experts, and provision of equipment to boost the Philippines’ disaster awareness and resiliency.

Dubbed JICA-PAGASA on Weather Project or J-POW, around 140 technical personnel in PAGASA have so far undergone training in calibrating and maintaining instruments.

Prior to this, two radar stations for Aparri, Cagayan and Guiuan, Samar, were donated.

The project was funded by a grant aid amounting to ¥3.35 billion yen (approximately Php1.46 billion) from the government of Japan.

PAGASA’s “Modernization Road Map” stated on its website that this year had been about “automation and integration.”

And given that eight of the ten most disaster-prone cities in the world are in the Philippines, according to a 2015 research conducted by risk analysis firm Verisk Maplecroft, PAGASA faces its own ‘pressure’ every day.

Indeed, it cannot afford to commit a mistake.

E-jeepney’s long route

http://ejeepney.com.ph

Will the total phase-out of jeepneys happen in 2018?

Remember Darna, named after the Filipino female superhero, the first e-jeepney?

By Raven Pascasio and Karen A.P. Caliwara

E

-jeepneys have been on the streets of Makati for ten years.

Launched last July 4, 2007, they were part of the Climate-Friendly Cities project, which integrates waste management, energy generation, and sustainable transport programs for sustainable, climate-resilient city and community development.

The study conducted by Institute for Climate and Sustainable Cities (iCSC) indicated that “every liter of diesel avoided results in a reduction of 3,140 grams of CO2 (carbon dioxide) and 16 grams of NOx (nitrous oxide) that are released to the atmosphere.”

Hence, e-jeepneys became the cleaner, safer, and renewable alternatives to fossil-fuel based public vehicles.

The Philippine Utility Vehicle (PhUV) Inc. was then formed, and pioneered the assembly of e-jeepneys in the country.

Tax vs. take-home...

From page 5

That is equivalent to a fifth of his annual income.

But under the proposed Senate bill, the same taxpayer

Annual Net Taxable Income

Current Tax Code

According to PlanetPhilippines.com’s report, by 2011, “more than 30 e-jeepneys” had been operating in Makati City and Puerto Princesa City in Palawan.

To date, all jeepneys are “still running,” according to Rommel Juan, president of Electric Vehicle Association of the Philippines (EVAP).

And though only 450 electric jeepneys, tricycles, and quadricycles had been sold in the last 10 years, Juan is optimistic given the government’s Jeepney modernization initiative.

“The Department of Transportation is finally on the verge of implementing this historic modernization program for public utility vehicles which aims to drastically improve the mass transport landscape, and help reduce or eventually eliminate toxic air pollution on Philippine roads.

“This is because not only will the 15-year old jeepneys be upgraded to new ones but the power train will either have to be the environment-friendly Euro 4 engines or alternativefuel type like electric and hybrid, LPG, LNG, and CNG. will be exempted, thus, giving him an extra amount of Php50,000.

The House Bill 5636 or the version of House of Representatives gives a higher take-home pay for majority of taxpayers, as it will reduce their taxes by more than half of the current tax codes for those earning Php1,000,000

TRAIN 2018 to 2022

TRAIN starting 2023

250,000

50,000

-

-

300,000

65,000

10,000

7,500

350,000

80,000

20,000

15,000

400,000

95,000

30,000

22,500

450,000

110,000

42,500

32,500

500,000

125,000

55,000

42,500

600,000

157,000

80,000

62,500

700,000

192,200

105,000

82,500

800,000

221,000

130,000

102,500

900,000

253,000

160,000

127,500

1,000,000

288,200

190,000

152,500

1,500,000

445,000

340,000

277,500

2,000,000

605,000

490,000

402,500

2,500,000

765,000

650,000

552,500

3,000,000

925,000

810,000

702,500

4,000,000

1,245,000

1,130,000

1,002,500

5,000,000

1,565,000

1,450,000

1,302,500

6,000,000

1,885,000

1,770,000

1,602,500

7,000,000

2,205,000

2,090,000

1,902,500

8,000,000

2,525,000

2,410,000

2,202,500

9,000,000

2,848,200

2,760,000

2,552,500

10,000,00

3,168,200

3,110,000

2,902,500

motoring “With the political will of the Duterte administration, we think this will finally happen,” Juan said.

Meanwhile, local start-up QEV Philippines Electromobility Solutions and Consulting Group Inc. (QEV Philippines) took the jeepney in a different direction.

It sought government assistance to convert 10,000 jeepneys into electric-jeepneys.

The estimated cost is Php 6 billion.

The proposal entailed the conversion of an initial 50,000 jeepneys over five years, or 10,000 jeepneys annually starting next year, by replacing their diesel engines with lithium-ion batteries.

“What we propose is not replacement, but rehabilitation,” Spanish businessman Enrique Bañuelos said in an interview last July.

“Rehabilitate old jeepneys and make them like new, complete with electrical motors that will make it run on electricity instead of diesel. Help drivers pay for the rehabilitation, through a special program that the Philippine government will make out for them—and in the end put more money in their pockets because the costs of charging with electricity would be so much cheaper than filling it up with diesel,” he added.

An estimated 300,000 drivers and operators will be affected by the total phase-out, which was set by President Rodrigo Duterte on the first day of 2018.

In November 2017, Canada's Prime Minster Justin Trudeau rode an e-jeepney in Makati

and below.

With regard to the 13th month pay and other bonuses, the same threshold Php82,000 was maintained.

For micro, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), the value-added tax exemption was increased from Php1.9M to Php3M. These SMEs comprise 98 percent of the total registered business in the country.

For the business owners, including self-employed professionals, an eight percent flat tax on their gross sales was also introduced.

But to offset the loss in revenues from the reduction of income tax collection, the TRAIN bill proposed reforms on petroleum excise, sweetened and sugar beverage excise, automobile excise, among others.

The Senate Ways and Means Committee estimates that this version of the tax reform will allow the government to earn an estimated Php148 billion.

On December 13, the Senate and Congress ratified their reconciled version of TRAIN. It pretty much followed the Senate’s proposal, but come 2023, assuming the taxpayer still has the same amount for his/her taxable income, he/she will have additional tax cuts.

If President Rodrigo Duterte signs the proposed law, it will take effect after after 15 days.

In fact, his earlier pronouncement was to have it implemented on January 1, 2018.

The President is confident that TRAIN will be mutually beneficial to the taxpayers and the government.

In the letter he sent to Senate President Aquilino Pimentel III and Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez, he wrote, “The benefits to be derived from this tax reform measure will sustainably finance the Government’s envisioned massive investments in infrastructure, thereby encouraging economic activity and job creation, as well as fund the desired increase in the public budget for health, education and social programs to alleviate poverty.”

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Some say there are 1,260 hills, but there may be as many as 1,776 hills spread over the 50 square kilometers of land

Super Bohol Let’s revisit Bohol’s famous tourist attractions four years after it was hit by a magnitude 7.2 earthquake

By Michael Caliwara

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The Immaculate Conception of the Virgin Mary Parish Church, also known as Baclayon Church, was heavily damaged by the October 15, 2013 quake.

The portico and bell tower of this church founded in 1596 and later declared a National Cultural Treasure, collapsed.

To date, completion of its restoration is still underway, but the façade is nearly finished.

The Loboc River cruise has also remained a crowd drawer.

On the day of this writer’s visit, the floating restaurants were all jam-packed. Buffet prices start at Php 550.

Meanwhile, if you want some Vitamin Sea, Amorita Resort in Panglao, Bohol, can give you that tranquil seaside retreat.

Photos by Michael Caliwara

our years after the onslaught of super earthquake and super typhoon Yolanda, Bohol seems to have easily bounced back.

Of course, there are things you cannot undo, but the tenth largest island in the Philippines has shown what it is like to move on beautifully.

Its famed 1,776 Chocolate Hills, for instance, has recovered after suffering a significant decrease in tourist arrivals in 2014.

The following year, records from the Bohol Tourism Office indicated the 45.15 percent increase compared compared with 2013 and 2014.

The Baclayon Church four years after the earthquake

Don’t forget to drop by the Tarsier Sanctuary, and say hello to our little friends

The Loboc River Cruise

Amorita Resort Bohol offers the best view of Alona Beach and the Cebu Strait

Amazing ampalaya No need to feel bitter about this fruit which has at least 25 benefits

By Merla Teresa Fernandez

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t may be the most bitter and least favorite among all fruits (yup, it’s not a vegetable!), but ampalaya has been gaining popularity because of its health benefits, particularly in lowering the body’s blood sugar and blood pressure levels.

Also called bitter melon or bitter gourd, it is said to have high concentration of vitamins B1, B2, and B3, C, magnesium, folate, zinc, phosphorus, manganese, and has high dietary fiber.

It is also rich in iron, contains twice the beta carotene of broccoli, twice the calcium of spinach, and twice the potassium of a banana.

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Its juice can help do the following: ▪ enhance the uptake of glucose, thus, lowering blood sugar levels, and retarding the growth of cancer cells by cutting off their food supply ▪ promote insulin release ▪ alleviate symptoms of rheumatism and gout, fever, headache, and body pains, as well as mild coughs for children ▪ treat blood disorders like blood boils and itching due to toxemia, a condition in which the blood contains bacterial toxins ▪ Also treats other problems with tummy, stye and sore eyes, burns, wounds, and scalds ▪ improve energy and stamina level, even sleeping patterns ▪ cure hangover

Its leaves and seeds help treat: ▪ cough ▪ skin ailments such as eczema, psoriasis, and rashes ▪ hemorrhoids In the Philippines, the recommended varieties of ampalaya are the Sta. Rita Strain, which are 20 to 35 centimeters long; the Jade Star and native, which are 10 to 15 centimeters long.

The first two are good for sauteed recipes, while the native is preferred by the Ilocanos for their pinakbet, a tasty vegetable dish made more flavorful with either a shrimp paste or fish sauce.

Aside from the juice, this superfood now comes in the form of tea (from fruits or leaves), wine, extracts, and pills.

trends

Shoe much?

Pharrell’s NMD HU- @iammrfelix on Instagram

Here are this year’s most expensive shoes Merla Teresa Fernandez

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elieve it or not, some people are willing to spend a hefty sum on a pair of shoes.

Aside from the brand and craftsmanship, shoe-holics now also look at the wow factor.

Saint Laurent’s Niki Crystal Embellished Boots, for instance, have 3,000 Swarovski crystals.

They’re such showstoppers that Rihanna, Rita Ora, Kendall Jenner, and Celine Dion had been spotted wearing them.

This pair of over-the-knee boots has a price tag of US$10,000 or Php504,300.

Meanwhile, shoe collectors put value on the phrase “limited edition.”

When Pharrell Williams released the latest product of his collaboration with Adidas and Chanel, the retail price was US$1,180 or Php59,507.

Only 500 pairs were made so shoppers were asked to preregister online.

Guess how many signed up before the cut-off date, November 21? Some 120,000!

And the pair’s resale value had already shot up to US$32,000 or Php1,613,760.

A number of fashionistas like their shoes customized.

The most expensive pair so far was created by British

Saint Laurent’s Niki Crystal Embellished Boots -Polyvore.com

designer Debbie Wingham for an Arab businessman’s daughter last October.

Each shoe is made of gold, and has three huge and extremely rare large pink and blue diamonds, which are already valued at more than US$13 million or PHP659.5 million.

The pair is also embellished with three-carat flawless white diamonds and 1,000 pointer diamonds set in platinum.

The cost: A whopping US$15.1 million or Php765,992,000.

If given the chance to own any of the shoes, would you wear them?

The most expensive shoes, courtesy of Debbie Wingham

Choosing curtains

condoliving

Here are style ideas for the overhaul of your condo unit’s small window

By Merla Teresa Fernandez

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he small window in your condominium unit can be the focal point of your interiors.

Yup, size should not limit the aesthetics of your

curtains.

This piece of cloth should not just obstruct some of the daylight but enhance your view from the inside, too.

Did you know there are many types of curtains?

There’s the sash, for example, which hangs from spring tension rods or sash rods mounted inside the window casing.

Style idea: bowknots

The cafe covers only a certain portion of the window, and allows more light to come in

Style idea:

Festoon or pleats

Made from lace fabric, this curtain is used primarily for decoration

Style idea: pompoms

Style idea: lights

Sheer curtains are a great way to brighten your home.

Translucent in nature, they give your space a light and airy atmosphere

Excellent Home Decor can customize your curtain, including drapes and blinds, based on your preferred design, fabric, hardware, and accessories. Contact: 09359488384 or 09776220583

Photos from Pinterest

Pom-trimmed edges for the subtle boho vibe

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Clockwise from left: Mayon Volcano & the Sleeping Lion; Camvias Resort; Butter Chicken & Naan by Chachis Kitchen

Legazpi delights

Bicol University’s professor Indira Tabo enumerates the city’s major attractions aside from Mayon volcano’s perfect cone

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45-minute plane ride to Legazpi City is all you need to experience the perfect blend of city and island life.

Legazpi was the second most visited city in the Bicol region in 2016, attracting around 1.2 million tourists.

According to the Department of Tourism, its growth rate in terms of arrivals grew by 23.99 percent.

The capital of Albay is home to the world-famous Mayon Volcano.

Gastronomic adventure for foodies

The Legazpi Boulevard has the most picturesque view of Mayon and the Sleeping Lion (Kapuntukan Hill).

It’s also a perfect spot for strolling, jogging, or watching the sunset.

The area features an assortment of restaurants, mostly local,

some Korean, Japanese, Italian; others are kiosks and carts offering street food and drinks.

Best time to visit is during late afternoon to night time when the boulevard is lined with romantic street lights.

Family staycation

Camvias Private Farm Resort has the home’s comfort and coziness.

Located in Sta. Misericordia, Sto. Domingo, it is a 20-minute drive from Legazpi City.

Cottage rental ranges from Php3,000 to Php5,000 per day.

Reservations are required since only two or three groups are allowed per day to avoid overcrowding.

You may inquire via mobile numbers 09478462446 and 09272464025.

sports

Padoy Dive Camp’s adventure in Isla Verde, Batangas City

Masala experience

There has been quite an influx of Indians studying medicine at the Ago Medical and Educational Center - Bicol Christian College of Medicine.

With their presence comes a deluge of Indian cuisine in the Pinaric and Old Albay areas.

Vegetarian and non-vegetarian food like daal, roti, curry, biryani, pani puri, and samosa are now available any time of the day.

Chachi’s Kitchen, which is owned by an Indo-Pakistani and Legazpeño couple, has by far the highest rating in terms of service and the quality of food.

The restaurant started as an extension kitchen meant just for family meals, but in May 2015, the masala (spices) and curries have reached the palates of curious neighbors and close friends.

Prices range from Php85 to Php150 for a hefty single meal.

Must try is the Malai Kulfi, a traditional Indian ice cream, which costs Php100 per serving.

Photos by Dennis Mirabueno (Mayon Volcano)/ courtesy of Camvias Resort, Chachi’s Kitchen/ http://resortsinstodomingoalbayphilippines.blogspot.sg

cityfocus

Shopping spots

Mall-hopping has gotten more exciting with the addition of SM Supermalls to the city’s four major malls: PacificMall, Yashano Mall, LCC Mall, and the Ayala Mall, which is the most accessible and the busiest, often the venue of celebrity events, art and agro-industrial exhibits, pageants, and fashion shows.

Anilao’s coral reef

Pajermo said that you can swim with thresher sharks, manta rays, mandarin fish, pygmy seahorses, and much more.

San Agapito Verde Island, Batangas City “It has the highest marine biodiversity,” Pajermo remarked.

Master diver Padoy Fajermo talks about the country’s best destinations for scuba divers

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By Trish Alvarez

hough the Philippines is one of the best places in the world to dive, not many Filipinos get the chance to see its underwater wonders.

Why? Scuba diving is generally perceived as an expensive hobby.

Padoy Pajermo, who has been diving for 24 years, told The Immigrant, “Compared with other sports, it really costs more.

“The intro dive here in Padoy’s Dive Camp is Php2,500, inclusive of dive equipment , tank, and one dive.

“But after they experience it, all of them would say, ‘Worth it.’”

The dive master has been to a number of diving spots “all over the Philippines.”

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“In Luzon, there’s Baler, Batangas, Mindoro, and Palawan. In Visayas, Cebu, Bohol, Dumaguete, and Siquijor.

In Mindanao, Tawi-Tawi, Sulu, and Zamboanga.

“All beautiful. Once you see them, you will be awed. It’s like a silent fireworks display, very colorful, and peaceful.”

His top five diving destinations are: Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park Tubbataha Reefs Natural Park is a protected area of the Philippines.

According to Tubbataha.org, “It has an underwater nature reserve that is considered both a mecca for scuba divers and model for coral reef conservation.”

Apo Island, Dumaguete Lastly, Pajermo mentioned Apo Island in Dumaguete, Negros Occidental.

This 12-hectare volcanic island is known for its “rich marine life.”

For those who wish to have an Open Water course, Pajermo charges Php 18,000, inclusive of an e-learning code card.

The Rhinopias, “one of the most searched fish in the world”

Photos from Padoy Pajermo

Diving destinations

Apo Reef, Occidental Mindoro “It is the world’s second-largest contiguous coral reef system, and the largest in the country,” wrote Wikipedia.