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A new landmark is set to rise in Mactan Newtown, right across the historic Lapu-Lapu Shrine.


 Plaza Magellan, a three level lifestyle mall is a project of real estate developer Megaworld as anchor development of its multi-billion township in the island.

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ICONIC FEATURES

It will have an iconic entrance plaza facing the famous Lapu Lapu Shrine, the site where the historic Battle of Mactan between Lapu Lapu and Ferdinand Magellan happened on April 27, 1521.
The plaza’s main feature will be a life-sized Spanish Galleon Victoria, a replica of the first vessel that circumnavigated the globe used by Magellan and his men, and the Spanish Steps which will lead visitors to the mall’s main entrance.


MAGELLAN MUSEUM

Plaza Magellan will also feature a museum which will be dedicated to the life and expeditions of Magellan.

 The mall’s design will be inspired by the hilltop towns of Portugal and Spain, both homelands of Ferdinand Magellan.


STRUCTURE DETAILS

Location: Mactan, Cebu City
GFA: 88,318 square meters
Completion date: TBA

OTHER ATTRACTIONS AND THEME PARKS IN THE PHILIPPINES

Here are other amusement and theme parks to try around the country:


 IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.
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WHERE TO STAY IN CEBU:
Cebu Hotels & Resorts | Cebu Transients for Rent

Plaza Magellan soon to rise in Mactan Island


This is another step for us to get a new source for the country's demand on energy.


BATAAN NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

The government is set to conduct a study to determine and develop the national position for a nuclear power program in the country, including the possible use of the mothballed Bataan Nuclear Power Plant (BNPP).

In Executive Order No. 116, President Duterte formed an inter-agency committee to evaluate and assess the need of viability of introducing nuclear power in the country's power generation mix.

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The Nuclear Energy Program Inter-Agency Committee, to be chaired by the Department of Energy, must take into consideration the economic, security, and environmental implications, as well as engagement of the public and the relevant stakeholders, according to the President.

Duterte issued the directive through EO No. 117 that he signed on July 24 but was only made public on Thursday.


Under this EO, all liabilities for real property tax (RPT), including any special levies accruing to the Special Education Fund, for calendar year (CY) 2019, on property, machinery and equipment actually and directly used by IPPs for the production of electricity under a Build-Operate-Transfer scheme and similar, whether denominated Power Purchase Agreements, Energy Conversion Agreements or other contractual agreements, with GOCCs, assessed by local government units (LGUs) and other entities authorized to impose real property tax for all years up to CY 2019, are reduced to an amount equivalent to the tax due if computed based on an assessment level of 15 percent of the fair market value of the property, machinery, and equipment depreciated at the rate of two percent per annum, and less any amount already paid by IPPs.

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THE ONLY COUNTRY IN SOUTHEAST ASIA TO HAVE A NUCLEAR POWER PLANT

Did You know that the Philippines is the only country in Southeast Asia and one of the 30 countries in the world having a Nuclear Power Plant?

Singapore Planned to build a Nuclear Power Plant but got scrapped due to political, Technical and other Problems.

Austria and the Philippines are the 2 countries never started to use its first nuclear plants that were completely built.

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PH gov't to study viability of nuclear energy


President Rodrigo Duterte places Cebu City, keeps NCR under GCQ.


The president has downgraded the quarantine classification in Cebu City to a less restrictive general community quarantine (GCQ) from a more stringent modified enhanced community quarantine (MECQ).


METRO MANILA AND CEBU BACK TO GCQ

In a taped public address aired on state-run PTV-4 on Friday morning, Duterte also announced his decision to retain the GCQ status in Metro Manila, the epicenter of the country’s coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) outbreak, due to the unabated spike in infections in the metropolis.

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As of June 30, Metro Manila has recorded 48,389 Covid-19 cases, with 34,489 recoveries and 1,013 deaths, according to the Department of Health’s Covid-19 tracker.

Duterte’s latest decision came despite Malacañang’s repeated warnings that Metro Manila could be once again placed under MECQ, which is second to the most stringent community quarantine if the situation worsens.

The provinces of Bulacan, Batangas, Cavite, Laguna, and Rizal, as well as the cities of Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, and Zamboanga, will also be under GCQ beginning August 1, he said.

Duterte said the rest of the country would be placed under modified GCQ until August 15.

ALSO READ: Pasig River ferry to resume service on August 3


Roque said “strict” localized lockdowns would be implemented in villages in Metro Manila and Calabarzon that have “80 percent” of Covid-19 cases.

He said there would also be stringent enforcement of minimum health standards, such as strict social distancing, washing of hands, and use of face masks, and massive targeted testing, intensified tracing, quarantine of close contacts, and isolation of confirmed cases would likewise be pursued.

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Roque also said government hospitals in Metro Manila and Calabarzon are directed to increase their Covid-19 hospital beds to up to 30 percent to 50 percent.

ALSO READ: Roque: face shields in public places is encouraged

Via PNA

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Both Cebu City and Metro Manila on GCQ

Pasig River Ferry Service is announced to be back on August 3, 2020.

The partial resumption of the operations of the Pasig River Ferry Service (PRFS) will start on Monday, with passengers getting free rides.


PASIG RIVER FERRY BACK TO OPERATE

“We are pleased to announce that everything is set for the partial resumption of the PRFS but only half of its capacity, inclusive of ferry boat crew. Also, we will continue to provide free rides for the ferry passengers,” Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Danilo Lim said in a news release issued on Friday.

Ferry stations that will initially operate on Monday are those in Pinagbuhatan, San Joaquin, Guadalupe, Valenzuela, Lawton, and Escolta.

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The service will operate Mondays to Saturdays from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. but at half of the capacity, based on IATF guidelines.


The ferry boat trip routes are from Pinagbuhatan to Guadalupe, Guadalupe to Escolta and vice versa, and Guadalupe to San Joaquin and vice versa.

“We look forward to serving our passengers, compliant with the physical distancing policy and other health protocols to ensure their safety,” Lim said.

In preparation for the resumption of PRFS operations, all ferry stations and ferry boats, including docking and maintenance facilities, have undergone mandatory disinfection.


Floor markings, stickers, and posters were placed at the ferry station to guide the passengers in observing physical distancing.

Moreover, according to Frisco San Juan Jr., MMDA deputy chairman and ferry service head, the PRFS committee has set standard operating procedures to further guide the passengers.

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These include the “no mask, no entry” policy; physical distancing shall be observed at all times; passengers who have colds, cough, or body temperature higher than 37.5 degrees Celsius would not be allowed to enter the PRFS premises; and only persons aged 21 years to 59 years would be allowed to board ferry boats.


Upon entering the ferry station, passengers will be required to undergo a temperature check, fill up the manifest form, and accomplish the commuter information sheet should contact tracing be deemed necessary.

"We will strictly implement these precautionary measures to ensure the safety of passengers. Personnel of PRFS can deny entry at the ferry station if a passenger refuse(s) to undergo those procedures," San Juan said.

The PRFS serves as an alternative mode of transportation for residents of Metro Manila.

Its operations were suspended on March 17, following the implementation of the enhanced community quarantine over the entire Luzon amid the spread of the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19).

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Pasig River Ferry to resume service with FREE RIDES

SM drive-in CINEMA near pasig, metro manila SM drive-in CINEMA near metro manila sm cinema drive-in cinema philippines 2021 drive-in cinema philippines 2022 sm moa cinema drive-in schedule drive-in cinema pampanga schedule sm cinema schedule

Missing watching movies in cinema? No problem! You can now watch movies in the "new normal" cinemas!


THE FIRST DRIVE-IN CINEMA IN THE PHILIPPINES

SM City Pampanga's Drive-in Cinema opens starting July 31 at the mall's Amphitheater.

 People can enjoy watching most anticipated horror movie from South Korea, Train 2 Busan: Peninsula (starting July 31, 5:30 p.m.), Sea Monsters (July 31, 8:20 p.m.), and My Spy on August 1 (5:30 p.m.).
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Entry to the SM Cinema Drive-in will start at 4:30 p.m. There will be two movie screenings per day. The first screening will start at 5:30 p.m. and the second screening will be at 8:20 p.m.


TICKETS AND FREEBIES

All tickets must be purchased online in advance. Each ticket costs P400 per person, which includes a Snack Time bundle of bottled water, regular-sized popcorn, and beef franks.
Food concessions will be available on-site. A separate menu will be provided upon entering the SM Cinema Drive-in. For additional orders, simply raise your flags and a server will approach your vehicle to take your orders.

MECHANICS

For the best movie-viewing experience, two persons are allowed per vehicle with a maximum of four persons. To optimize the viewing experience for all the guests, each vehicle will be assigned their parking spots upon arrival depending on the size of their cars. Traffic marshals will assist guests and direct them to their designated spot.
Once parked, guests will be instructed to turn on their car's FM radio to a specific frequency to broadcast the sound straight into their vehicles. Guests are also welcome to bring their own radio and other devices with FM capabilities.

 The venue can accommodate between 80 and 90 vehicles per screening, and individuals aged between 21 and 59 will be admitted in accordance with IATF Guidelines and Safety Protocols.

 On Thursday, SM City Pampanga hosted a preview screening at the Drive-in Cinema with Vin Diesel's movie "Bloodshot" on July 30.
Guests and drive-in cinema staff followed standard safety protocols including wearing of face masks and safe distancing during the preview screening.


Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Related To SM Drive-in Cinema

  • How to book for SM Cinema drive-in?
    To buy tickets, you will have to book online in advance at SM Tickets website (https://smtickets.com/). These cost P400. 00 per person with the inclusion of regular popcorn, bottled water, and beef franks, and a maximum of four persons per vehicle.

  • Can you bring your own snacks to a drive-in movie?
    You can pre-order snacks, candy, and drinks, or bring your own outside food.

  • How much is cinema ticket in Philippines?
    In the Philippines, the average price of a movie ticket is just under $5, or $4.95, which is about P250. That's just slightly below the minimum wage in the country, which varies from P316 to P537 per day in 2021.

  • Is the body of Marcos in Ilocos real?
    Come and enjoy a #SafeandFunMovieWatching with your family and friends. - Minors are no longer required to present proof of vaccination. - Food and drinks will be allowed inside the cinema.


WHERE TO STAY IN PAMPANGA

Here's a list of best hotels and accommodation nearby Clark (room rates from Php 1,000 to Php 5,000 per night):



IMPORTANT NOTE: The rates, contact details and other information indicated in this post are accurate from the time of writing but may change without IMFWJ's notice. Should you know the updated information, please let us know by leaving a message in the comment box below.
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WHERE TO STAY IN PAMPANGA:
Pampanga Hotels & Resorts | Pampanga Transients for Rent
SM drive-in CINEMA near pasig, metro manila SM drive-in CINEMA near metro manila sm cinema drive-in cinema philippines 2021 drive-in cinema philippines 2022 sm moa cinema drive-in schedule drive-in cinema pampanga schedule sm cinema schedule

SM City Pampanga opens first drive-in cinema in the Philippines


Residents in Makati can now avail of free flu and pneumonia vaccines from the local government, Makati City Mayor Abigail Binay announced Thursday.

In a Facebook statement, Binay said the local government will conduct large-scale flu and pneumonia vaccination drive for the residents in Makati.


FREE FLU VACCINE

“We want to give our Makatizens added protection against the coronavirus. Giving everyone flu and pneumonia vaccines, especially the most vulnerable sectors, will improve their resistance to SARS-CoV-2 -- the cause of Covid-19 infection,” she said.

Binay urged the residents to sign up online to avail of the free vaccines.

"The registration process is more efficient for Makati healthcare workers and can keep person-to-person contact at a minimum," she said.

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YELLOW AND BLU CARD
Makati residents can avail of the free vaccination using their Yellow Card or Blu Card by accessing the #ProudMakatizen website via proudmakatizen.com and selecting the button “Vaccination Registration” to complete the registration process.

Residents will be requested to enter their Yellow Card ID or Blu Card ID number for verification.

Once the registration is verified, registrants will receive a message confirming the schedule of their vaccination.

Those with Yellow Card may also register their dependents for the vaccination program, Binay said.

“We are implementing new strategies to ensure the unhampered delivery of healthcare services to over 500,000 Makatizens. This is part of our drive to innovate and set new benchmarks for the new normal,” Binay said.

She urged residents to avail of the free vaccination program from the local government.


"Protect your family. Get flu and pneumonia shots for free! Yellow and Blue card Makatizen holders can avail of our city's free immunization program," she said.

Binay said the local government will immunize residents with trivalent flu shots covering three strains of influenza which include influenza A or H1N1, influenza A or H3N2, and influenza B.

The residents will also receive free vitamins apart from vaccination, she added.


MAKATIZEN IMMUNIZATION

The Makati government earlier immunized some 5,130 Makati healthcare workers and other front-liners.

Meanwhile, Binay said the local government has been testing probable and suspected individuals as part of the city's preventive measures to halt the local transmission of the disease.

Binay reminded anew residents to stay safe against the risks of the Covid-19 infection.

Via PNA

Makati to conduct free flu vaccination drive for residents

Philippines logs 3,954 new COVID-19 cases, 38k recoveries today!


There are now 89,374 Filipinos infected with the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) after the Department of Health (DOH) reported a record-high 3,954 new cases on Thursday, 1,320 of which were “fresh” or newly validated and 2,634 were reported late.

This marks the first time that new cases breached the 3,000 mark and the 16th day in a row during which more than 1,300 new cases were announced.
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The DOH also reported a staggering 38,075 new recoveries, bringing the total to 65,064, while the death toll climbed to 1,983 after 23 more patients succumbed to the respiratory illness.

The department attributed the record-high new cases and recoveries to “enhanced data reconciliation efforts with local governments.”

“Early this month, the DOH created the COVID-19 Surveillance and Quick Action Unit which focuses on data collection, validation, and reconciliation of information available at the local and national level,” it said in a statement.


“These massive data reconciliation efforts have resulted in faster and more accurate tagging of health statuses, particularly on deaths and recoveries. Data on recovery reconciliations will be reported every 15 days,” it added.
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The DOH explained that the data reconciliation efforts led to the identification of over 3,000 new recoveries between July 12 and 14, while the “mass recovery adjustment” on July 15 re-tagged all mild and asymptomatic cases as recovered.

Health Undersecretary Maria Rosario Vergeire earlier said repeat tests would no longer be required for a COVID-19 patient to be tagged as a recovery.

“Current recovery policies now show that at the 10th day of illness, the risk of transmitting the virus to other people is significantly reduced,” the DOH said.

The number of active cases undergoing treatment or quarantine also dropped to 22,327, 88% of which are mild, 9.6% are asymptomatic, 1.4% are severe and 1% are in severe condition.

The department also removed 66 duplicate cases from the total tally of infections.

The government’s inter-agency COVID-19 task force is set to recommend to President Rodrigo Duterte another extension of the general community quarantine over Metro Manila.

Presidential spokesman Harry Roque earlier said “things will not be the same” after the chief executive announces changes to the country’s coronavirus response later on Thursday.

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PH tallied record-high 3,954 new COVID-19 cases; 38k recoveries


The toll company never stops on proving better services.

In line with the Department of Transportation’s (DOTr) intensified campaign on cashless transactions for motorists using the expressways, NLEX Corporation is working with Easytrip Services Corporation in improving its electronic toll collection system, particularly its radio frequency identification or RFID technology. This is to encourage contactless payments and ensure physical distancing at the NLEX-SCTEX amid the coronavirus pandemic.

The move will also help DOTr’s drive for toll collection interoperability. “We are grateful to our private partners who have always demonstrated their unparalleled support in this project. We need their assistance to fast-track the needed measures in order to fully implement toll interoperability. Hindi ‘ho namin ito kakayanin mag-isa. Tulung-tulong ‘ho tayo muli at dahil sa kinakaharap nating krisis, kailangan natin bilisan,” DOTr Secretary Arthur P. Tugade said in a statement.

 Among the enhancements being initiated by NLEX include the realignment and relocation of RFID antennas/sensors for better read range. Dubbed as the ‘advanced reading’ project, this covers a total of 100 lanes from Balintawak to Tarlac/Tipo, 72 of which are for the exclusive use of motorists with RFID stickers, while the 28 others function as mixed lanes which accept both cash and electronic payments. The said improvements will also increase the number of exclusive RFID lanes from 15 in February to 72 by July 2020.
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The tollway company is likewise replacing the lane status indicators for greater visibility especially for those driving at night. Recently, NLEX improved the automatic entry matching feature in its toll collection system to reduce the processing of entry lane data from four hours to almost real-time.

It also finished the upgrade of RFID web servers to accommodate the increasing RFID transactions and the modification of toll fare indicators in payment lanes to enable the display of updated balance for Easytrip prepaid accounts.

“We recognize the significant role of digital technology in enhancing customer experience and preventing the spread of COVID-19. Aside from promoting safety, the improvements in RFID would translate to faster and more convenient electronic transactions in our expressway network,” said NLEX Corporation President and General Manager J. Luigi L. Bautista.


Meanwhile, as part of their efforts to adapt to the new normal, NLEX and Easytrip Corp. have offered more ways to make it convenient for motorists to avail the RFID.

These involve the opening of RFID lane installation and reloading sites in Balintawak, Bocaue, Mindanao, Karuhatan, and Angeles toll plazas; and reopening the installation and reloading sites at rest and refuel stations such as NLEX Drive and Dine, Petron Marilao, Petron Bocaue and Shell Burol. These are open from Monday to Saturday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The RFID stickers will be free of charge but an initial minimum load of ₱500 for Class 1 and ₱1,000 for Class 2 and 3 vehicles must be paid.

Recently, Easytrip introduced the Stick-It-Yourself RFID, where Class 1 motorists can order it online and have it delivered at the comfort of their homes. The Stick-It-Yourself RFID kit comes with positioning guide, user guide, and card for reloading. It is also available in select NLEX-SCTEX toll booths in Meycauayan SB, Marilao SB, Bocaue Interchange SB Exit, Balagtas, San Fernando NB, Dinalupihan, and Tarlac.



For more convenience, motorists may top up through the Easytrip mobile application and online reloading partners such as PayMaya, Eon, GCash, Bancnet, Mastercard, Visa, UCPB, BPI, Metrobank, BDO, Coins.ph, and Smart Money. Service fees may apply. Aside from NLEX-SCTEX, the Easytrip RFID can be used in other Metro Pacific-led expressways: CAVITEX, C5 LINK, and CALAX.

“Rest assured that our teams will strive harder to keep on providing the best service for our customers,” Bautista noted.

Source: NLEX

NLEX boosts use of RFID and improves technology


The NLEX Philippine Arena Interchange in Bocaue town, this province will reopen to motorists starting on Saturday after being closed due to the coronavirus disease 2019 (Covid-19) crisis-caused restrictions and for the exclusive use of “We Heal As One” quarantine facility.

The reopening of the road network complements the recent opening of Tambobong Interchange.

Both are vital in the decongestion of Bocaue Interchange and in easing mounting traffic along Governor F. Halili Road in the Bocaue-Sta. Maria corridor.

These alternative roads provide better access and convenience to motorists bound for Sta. Maria, Angat, Pandi and other towns in eastern Bulacan.
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Kit Ventura, NLEX assistant vice president for corporate communications, said to curb the spread of Covid-19, the interchange requires contactless transactions through radio frequency identification (RFID).

“As part of NLEX Corporation’s effort to help motorists transition to cashless transactions, the tollway company will put up RFID installation sites at strategic areas of the Philippine Arena Interchange,” Ventura said in a statement.

Cash-paying motorists who will pass through the road will be required to sign up for an RFID account and have the RFID installed on their vehicles before entry/exit.


“The interchange is surrounded by a mega quarantine facility, a prospective terminal for northern provincial buses -- both are inside the Philippine Arena complex, and a molecular testing laboratory located at the western portion. For everyone’s safety, we are implementing the RFID-only policy at the interchange. This would ensure physical distancing through cashless payments,” NLEX Corporation president and general manager J. Luigi L. Bautista, said.

In its previous statement, NLEX Corporation said the move to promote contactless payments is in line with the Department of Transportation (DOTr) - Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board’s (LTFRB) directive on the mandatory use of RFID and the ongoing RFID interoperability project aimed at unifying the electronic toll collection systems of all expressways in the country.


“We are committed to provide our customers with safer and innovative payment solutions such as the RFID. We have several installation sites within the expressway and even offer 24/7 RFID installation for those who are not available during specified business hours,” Bautista said.

NLEX Philippine Arena Interchange reopens on August 1

The United States marked a grim milestone on Wednesday when its coronavirus deaths topped 150,000 -- far exceeding the toll in any other pandemic-hit nation.

Brazil is second to the US in terms of cases and fatalities, and also reported a sobering figure as it surpassed 90,000 deaths.

Nations around the globe, even those that believed they had largely curbed the disease, are seeing a rise in cases that are damaging economies and forcing protection measures that have disrupted all aspects of life.

The sacred hajj pilgrimage in Saudi Arabia has begun with some 10,000 Muslim faithful allowed, instead of the roughly 2.5 million that attended last year.
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Pilgrims were brought in small batches into Mecca's Grand Mosque, walking along paths marked on the floor, in sharp contrast to the normal sea of humanity that swirls inside its walls.

Even with efforts in place to contain the virus, it has killed more than 660,000 people around the world and total infections are approaching 17 million.

While US President Donald Trump sought to link a spike in cases to protests in some cities, leaders in Congress conceded late on Tuesday they were still far from a deal to support the world's leading economy.


Democrats had proposed a $3 trillion aid package and Republicans this week put forward a $1 trillion deal -- but many in their own party disagree on principle with such spending.
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Via Agence France-Presse



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US reached 150,000 COVID-19 deaths

A glimpse of hope in Marawi City.

Black Scoop opens a branch in Marawi City

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A taste of Spain in Metro Manila.

What to See and to Expect Inside Las Casas Quezon City


Manila to Bicol in four hours?


What is QUEBEX?

The SLEX-TR5 project stretches the South Luzon Expressway (from Pagbilao, Quezon to Matnog, Sorsogon) is set to cut travel time from Manila to Bicol to merely four hours, it will be significant ease for commuters who usually spend 10 hours on the road.

The development and progress among regions in Southern Luzon is expected to be enhanced by a bill seeking to establish the Quezon-Bicol Expressway, which has already been endorsed for plenary approval.

The House Committees on Southern Tagalog Development chaired by Rep. Isidro S. Rodriguez Jr. (2nd District, Rizal) and on Appropriations chaired by Rep. Isidro T. Ungab (3rd District, Davao City) have both approved House Bill No. 6475 or the proposed “Quezon-Bicol Expressway Act” and have endorsed it for plenary passage.

The bill substituted HB 5623 authored by Rep. Scott Davies S. Lanete (3rd District, Masbate) and HB 3741 by Rep. Aleta C. Suarez (3rd District, Quezon).


It provides for the creation of the Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QuBEx) which shall be financed, constructed, operated and maintained by a grantee, offeror, consortium or proponent, under and by virtue of Republic Act No. 6957, as amended by R.A. 7718, otherwise known as the Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) Law.

The QuBEx shall link the province of Quezon with the Bicol Region starting from Malicboy, Quezon and terminating in Sorsogon.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Engineering District concerned shall construct the connect road for the purpose of linking the terminus of the SLEX Toll Road 4 (TR4) in Lucena City and the entrance of the QuBEx in Malicboy.

The DPWH shall be the lead implementing agency of the Act. The amount necessary to defray the cost of undertaking and completing the feasibility study of the project and other activities relative thereto shall be included in the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

Lanete said the State has continuously failed to promote simultaneous development among the country’s regions as shown for example by the construction of expressways leading to Northern and Southern Luzon.

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Lanete said there are only two expressways leading to Southern Luzon, namely the South Luzon Expressway (SLEX) and the Star Tollway, and with these two combined lead up to Batangas only.
Whereas, Lanete said the Tarlac-Pangasinan-La Union Expressway (TPLEX), which opened in 2014, is the third expressway built connecting the country’s capital of Manila to the northern areas of Luzon.


Lanete, a vice chairman of the House Committees on Appropriations, on Poverty Alleviation, and on Public Order and Safety, said the TPLEX construction has brought immediate impact in the development of trade and tourism in Northern Luzon.

“It made Baguio City, a popular tourist destination, more accessible. In fact, travel time from Manila to Baguio City had been cut short from seven hours to less than five hours. Thus, Baguio City has experienced an exponential rise in the number of visiting tourists and consequently its revenues also increased significantly,” said Lanete.


Thus, compared to the expressways of Northern Luzon, which cover at least five provinces, it can be inferred that Southern Luzon has been spared from development according to Lanete.

“The promising tourist destinations located in the southern areas of Luzon have remained stagnant, untapped and under-appreciated due to difficulty in access. Along with the underdevelopment of these areas is the slow growth in terms of commerce,” he said.

To pursue optimum opportunity for development among the regions, the lawmaker said there is a need to give attention to Southern Luzon. “By constructing additional expressways that would make areas, as far as Sorsogon Province, more accessible by road, only one result will be achieved which is progress,” said Lanete.


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Lanete said through his proposal to create the Quezon-Bicol Expressway or QuBEx, the State will be fulfilling its responsibility in promoting optimum growth among the regions in Southern Luzon. “It is envisioned that there will be an improvement in the tourism industry which will translate to a developed and progressive citizenry,” said Lanete.

Meanwhile, Suarez’s proposal seeks to amend Presidential Decree No. 1894 which provides that the grantee of the franchise has the right and privilege to construct, maintain and operate the SLEX from Nichols, Pasay City to Lucena City.

“After almost 30 years from its enactment, there is a need to amend P.D. 1894 to respond to the changes of time. The proposed amendatory law will extend the SLEX from Lucena City to Malicboy, Quezon by an additional 21.96 kilometers,” said Suarez.


Suarez, a member of the Committees on Southern Tagalog Development, Appropriations, Reforestation, Health, and Accounts said the proposed extension of road network from Lucena City to Malicboy, Quezon aims to make travel to the Bicol Region faster and more convenient.

“It will decongest traffic within and around the area. As a result, it will improve the mobility of goods and products from Quezon Province and the Bicol Region. The faster and convenient travel would also translate to a growth of the tourism."

The project is part of the Luzon Spine Expressway Network.


UPDATE as of July 2020

The construction of SLEX-TR4, on the other hand, is still underway. It started in the first quarter of 2019, expected to be completed in 2022. The road stretches over 65 kilometers, starting from Sto. Tomas, Batangas and ending at Lucena City.

The development is composed of six packages, with kilometers of roads cutting across the towns of Makban and San Pablo in Laguna; and Tiaong, Candelaria, and Tayabas in Quezon. The four-lane expressway features seven interchanges. When completed, the toll road will take motorists from Batangas to Quezon in only an hour, a significant difference from the four-hour drive using Daang Maharlika.

Source: DPWH

Everything you need to know about Quezon-Bicol Expressway (QueBEx)


Build, Build, Build: A saga of big-ticket road projects to realize a dream travel across the Philippines.

CONNECTING THE PH ISLANDS: Soon We Can Travel Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao by Land!


Soon we do not need RORO to travel between Luzon, Visayas, Mindanao!

This bridge will connect Panay, Guimaras and Negros islands!

Taguig City COVID-19 CASE UPDATES
July 28, 2020

The local government of Taguig City is delighted to report 506 recoveries in two areas in the city subject to localized quarantine. No one was reportedly killed and there are no active cases of COVID-19 in the area.


This 100 percent recovery rate in cases from the BGC Construction Site and Area 5 and 6 in Lower Bicutan is just proof of the good city government is doing such as aggressive testing and comprehensive plans to stop The spread of COVID-19 virus.

Of the 2,013 confirmed cases in Taguig, 1,756 or 87.2 percent of these cases are recovered patients already. This number has been adjusted and recorded according to the new policies of the Department of Health.

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Taguig recorded 23 new CONFIRMED CASES yesterday. New cases are from Palingon-Tipas (1), Fort Bonifacio (3), North Hundred King (1), North Signal (1), Combined (1), South Signal (2), Upper Bicutan (13), and Western Bicutan (1). While the number of active cases in the city is now 228.

Meanwhile, other recoveries continue to monitor the number and expect updates in the next few days.

In total, starting January 27 until now July 28, 2020, the city has already conducted 23,503 PCR tests *, and has already recorded 2,013 confirmed cases, while 228 active cases, 29 deaths, and 1,756 recoveries in the city.

* The number of tests done here is PCR Tests only. Local government's Rapid Tests were no longer included because Rapid Tests results are still required for Confirmatory tests.


SMART testing or Systematic Mass Approach to Responsible Testing where the barangay-based testing and drive-thru tresting is located to expand the testing capacity of the city.

You can answer a self-assessment form at www.taguiginfo.com or call COVID hotline and health centers.
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The Barangay Health Emergency Response Teams (BHERT) continues to revolve around Taguig City Containment Team to monitor and contain COVID-19 cases in the city.

Taguig City government is asking for everyone's cooperation to monitor all cases and prevent more COVID-19 cases.

For questions or concerns, call the Taguig COVID-19 hotline at 8-789-3200 or at 0966-419-4510.



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Taguig COVID-19 cases surpassed 2,000 mark


The country’s two major telecommunication companies (telcos)  on Monday got President Rodrigo Duterte's warning to improve their services by December or risk getting shut down.

In his fifth state of the nation address (SONA) Monday, Duterte said he would take “drastic steps” against Globe Telecom Inc. and Smart Communications Inc., the wireless arm of PLDT Inc., if they do not improve by yearend.


“I call on our communication companies to improve their services lest we are forced to take drastic steps to address the less than ideal services that the public is getting from you,” he said.

He told the telcos not to make the public wait for “10 years” to experience the kind of service being enjoyed by other countries.

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“If you are not ready to improve, I might just as well close all of you and we revert back to the line telephone. At kukunin ko ‘yan i-expropriate ko sa gobyerno (And I will get that, I will expropriate it),” he said.

Duterte claimed he would “articulate the anger of the Filipino people” for their lousy services.


“Tell us now if you cannot really improve on it because I will work by December. I have two years. The next two years will be spent improving the telecommunications of this country without you. I will find a way. I will talk to Congress and find a way how to do it,” he said.

Previously, Duterte hit the telco duopoly, which paved the way for the entry of a third telco player.

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On July 8, 2019, Duterte awarded Mislatel Consortium, now Dito Telecommunity, the permit to operate as the Philippines’ third telco provider.

The corporation is a consortium led by Davao-based businessman Dennis Uy and composed of Uy’s Udenna Corporation, its subsidiary Chelsea Logistics, and China Telecommunications Corporation

In his fourth SONA, he vowed that the entry of the Dito Telecommunity is corruption-free.


Meanwhile, he also urged authorities to protect Filipinos’ data and privacy online and run after online scammers.

RELATED: Philippines among slowest in mobile internet speed worldwide

“We must continue to protect Filipinos in the new normal and remind the world that we are responsible stewards of data. I am committed to protect both the physical and digital lives of our law-abiding countrymen,” he said.

Amid the prevailing coronavirus disease (Covid-19) pandemic, he urged government agencies to prioritize “paperless” transactions.

Duterte threatens PLDT-Smart, Globe to improve services by December or else

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