Gov’t, JICA to develop 30-year railway plan IN BRIEF

DOTr through technology and knowledge transfer from JICA.

It is also expected to strengthen the DOTr’s institutional capacity and increase the knowledge of staff in transportation planning, project development and proficiency in industry-leading transportation planning software.

Japan has one of the most extensive rail networks in the world and pioneered bullet trains with top speed of more than 300 kilometers per hour.

Japan is also extending official development assistance loans for the NorthSouth Commuter Railway and Metro Manila Subway project.

By Alena Mae S. Flores

CUSTOMERS of Manila Electric Co.

may enjoy lower generation charges in August on reduced demand, an executive said Friday.

“While we have yet to receive the final billings from our suppliers, we expect a possible decrease in the generation charge this month. We’ve seen reduced demand in the last supply month, which likely led to lower WESM [Wholesale Electricity Spot Market] prices,” Meralco vice president and spokesman Joe Zaldarraiga said.

AMPLEON’S INVESTMENT. Trade Undersecretary and Board of Investments managing head Ceferino Rodolfo (left) meets with Ampleon chief executive Vincent Gerritsma to discuss the company’s ongoing operations in the Philippines and insights on recent incentives regime and Philippine investment climate. Ampleon, the top 3 among 8 global key players in radio frequency power products is headquartered in Nijmegen, The Netherlands and has a plant in Cabuyao, Laguna which employs around 1,100 skilled workers.