IN BRIEF

NPC gets bomb threat through FB account

THE National Privacy Commission (NPC) on Friday received a bomb threat earlier through its official Facebook page.

In a statement, the agency said it took the threat very seriously and implemented “all necessary measures to ensure the safety and security of our premises and personnel.”

“Upon receiving the bomb threat, we immediately activated our emergency response procedures and notified the security office of the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC) where our office is located. We have already coordinated with the relevant authorities and will be working closely with them to ascertain the credibility and origin of the threat,” the NPC said in a statement.

COA also audits PH’s solid waste production

DESPITE the passage of the Solid Waste Management Law, the Philippines’ annual production of solid waste has been increasing over the years due to inconsistent policies and a lack of waste facilities and landfills, the Commission on Audit (COA) lamented.

In its performance audit of the country’s Solid Waste Management Program released last May 3, the COA noted that waste management continued to be a concern, adding that the country’s solid waste reached 16.63 million metric tons in 2020, rising to 19.76 million metric tons in 2030, and 24.50 million metric tons by 2045.

“After two decades of implementation, the program may not be seen as progressively achieving its goals and objectives, as manifested by the steadily increasing volume of generated solid waste, including the many gaps noted in the program implementation. Instead of reducing solid waste generation, it steadily increased through the years,” the COA said.

Solon: PhilHealth lacks health service providers

A PARTY-list lawmaker on Friday disclosed the lack of accredited service providers under the Philippine Health Insurance Corp.’s (PhilHealth) Konsultasyong Sulit at Tama (Konsulta) package.

Rep. Ray Reyes of AnaKalusugan, vice chair of the House Committee on Health, said the number of healthcare service providers was not enough to cater to PhilHealth members who want to avail themselves of the program.

Citing data from PhilHealth, Reyes said as of March 31, 2023, only 1,931 of the required 5,014 Accredited Konsulta Providers have enrolled in the program. Maricel V. Cruz

Pagadian gov’t inks accord on renewable energy

THE people of Pagadian City looks forward to enjoying a reliable and sustainable supply of renewable energy as a result of the completion of a hybrid power plant by mid-2025.

Pagadian Mayor Sammy Co signed a memorandum of cooperation with executives of the Oltama Development for the construction of the power project in ceremony held at the Acacia Hotel Davao last May 5.

The event was viewed as another milestone in Pagadian’s continuing struggle for economic growth.

Target completion of the project will be sometime in the 2nd quarter of 2025.

The cost of electricity in Pagadian is expected to be significantly reduced with the hybrid power plant in place.

“Renewable energy is our way forward in having consistent access to new sources of energy and maintaining a balance in our environment,” Co said.