IN BRIEF Global growth, El Nino pose risks to economy THE National Economic and Development Authority considers the sluggish global growth and the El Niño crisis as two of the major risks that could impact the further growth of the economy.

In its inaugural meeting this week, the newly created Economic Development Group, co-chaired by the Department of Finance and the NEDA secretaries, discussed potential solutions and ways forward for the country’s pressing economic issues.

Among these challenges are the potential impact of the impending El Niño crisis, slow global economic growth affecting the country’s trade performance, and the efficient implementation and consistent monitoring of high-priority government projects.

“The Economic Development Group remains committed to ensuring that the country stays on track to meet its mediumterm socioeconomic goals, despite domestic challenges and constraints and a weaker global growth outlook,” NEDA Secretary Arsenio Balisacan said in a statement.

The EDG also discussed updates on the monitoring system for the country’s infrastructure flagship projects under the government’s Build-Better-More program, the development of high-frequency monitoring systems for priority budget items, other government projects, and agriculture matters, and the proposed policy responses and contingency plans for addressing the impact of El Niño.

NEDA is developing a public dashboard for the infrastructure flagship projects to enhance transparency and accountability among implementing agencies. The dashboard will also help in identifying and addressing bottlenecks and constraints that may hinder the timely implementation of the projects.

The Department of Transportation tracks the progress of major transportation projects with respect to their right-ofway acquisition and construction, while the Department of Public Works and Highways monitors the progress of strategic projects related to traffic decongestion, seamless and inclusive connectivity, and sustainable and resilient communities. Julito G. Rada

Group asks LTFRB to probe Joyride tips

THE Coalition for Filipino Commuters has asked the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board to investigate a motorcycle taxi firm for allegedly requiring its customers tips before booking a ride.

Coalition for Filipino Commuters convenor Ira Pangani-

Revenue, Bureau of Quarantine, Energy Regulatory Commission, National Commission on Indigenous Peoples, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Mapping and Resource Information Authority, National Power Corp., National Transmission Corp., Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. and concerned local government units. EO 21 was issued to hasten the rollout of OSW projects by mandating a policy and administrative framework for the optimal development of OSW resource through a clear and streamlined process and timelines that eliminate red tape, facilitate efficient permitting process and promote greater investment in OSW projects.

ban said in a letter to LTFRB chairman Teofilo Guadiz “several complaints have been received by the coalition that Joyride, a Transport Network Company, has the tip requirement shown before a commuter can book a ride.”

“This system forces a customer to provide a tip to a rider even before they can appreciate the kind of service the rider gives,” he said. Panganiban said requiring tips before booking creates a bidding atmosphere among riders. They will always choose the highest tipper making this a premium charge instead.

“We are calling in the Land Transportation and Franchising Regulatory Board to put a stop to this practice as it is not fair to commuters,” he said.

“There have been prior rules against this and the rules should be upheld for the benefit of the poor Filipino commuters,” Panganiban said. Representatives of Joyride were unavailable for comments as of press time. LTFRB earlier warned motorcycle taxis of allegedly overcharging fares of commuters.

“We do not and we will not tolerate any violation such as overcharging of fares within the public transportation system. The fare matrix was crafted to ensure that the fares charged by all public transport operators from commuters regardless of vehicle type are fair and equitable,” Guadiz said, who also heads the Motorcycle Taxi – Technical Working Group. Darwin G. Amojelar Holcim, S. Korean firm partner for infra projects LEADING building solutions provider Holcim Philippines, Inc. and top South Korean cement and concrete producer Sungshin Cement Co. Ltd are partnering to support infrastructure projects in the country.

The two companies signed a memorandum of understanding on March 28 to work together on infrastructure projects where Sungshin is bidding to participate as a concrete supplier.

“This strategic partnership is aligned with our goal to increase our participation in important infrastructure projects that advance the country’s development. With our combined expertise in innovative and sustainable building materials, we are confident in helping clients build lasting structures that uplift lives in the Philippines,” said Holcim Philippines senior vice president and head of infrastructure and industrial sales Ram Maganti. Holcim Philippines will serve as the priority supplier of cement and aggregates for Sungshin’s ready-mix concrete batching plants.

The agreement comes as the Philippines and South Korea signed an agreement in December 2022 that allows Manila to access up to $3 billion in official development assistance loans from Seoul for infrastructure and green projects. Othel V. Campos

NEW HOSPITAL BRAND. Ayala Healthcare Holdings Inc. unveils the new Healthway Qualimed Hospital San Jose del Monte brand in San Jose del Monte, Bulacan. Attending the launch are (from left) Healthway QualiMed Hospital San Jose del Monte chief operations officer Rhobi-Zen Ignacio, Ayala Corp. chief finance officer Alberto De Larrazabal, Ayala Corp. chairman Jaime Augusto Zobel De Ayala, San Jose del Monte Rep. Florida Robes and San Jose del Monte City administrator Dennis Booth.