DOTr eyes Japan, Korea, India ODA for railway projects

BY KHRISCIELLE YALAO

Nov 6, 2023 03:55 PM

  

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After China backtracked on its loan commitments to three major railway projects in the country, Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Jaime Bautista said the agency is looking at Japan, South Korea, and India as new potential funding sources.

“There are offers from other countries and we are exploring this. For ODA (Official Development Aid), we are looking at Korea, Japan, and India,” Bautista said in a forum "Powering the Economy Through Infrastructure Development" with the Economic Journalists Association of the Philippines on Monday, Nov. 6.

He has not disclosed details regarding these offers as of yet, but he noted that if the infrastructure projects will find other lenders, these respective countries’ will bring their own advisors onboard.

“If there is one country who is interested, they want their people to do the technical assistance, management and construction,” he said in a press interview.

Bautista emphasized that he is “open to working with anybody” for the agency’s infrastructure projects.

Previously, the national government entered into partnerships with China to fund three projects namely Philippine National Railways (PNR) South Long Haul Railway Project or PNR Bicol, Subic-Clark Railway Project, and the Mindanao Railway Project.

Last January 2022, the national government signed a P142 billion contract with Chinese contractors for PNR Bicol. P51 billion was awarded to China Harbour Engineering Co. in December 2020, and the Mindanao Railway Project Phase 1-Tagum-Davao-Digos Segment was agreed to be funded via ODA worth P83 billion. 

He mentioned that a feasibility study has been conducted for the PNR Bicol build, and all three projects have been approved by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA).

However last October, Bautista said that China’s interest in financing the railway projects have dissipated, with the agency seeing little to no progression.

Bautista said they have approved a loan worth P14 billion for technical assistance with the planning and implementation of PNR Bicol. “We have drawn P1.4 billion, but perhaps we have to terminate it,” he remarked.

He said the agency may terminate the PNR Bicol contract with China by the end of the year, but he emphasized that the agency is still willing to cooperate with China on other matters.

“[For China], the procedure is they will tell you they will lend you money while the loan is being negotiated, they will give you a list of three contractors who will bid. The bidding has been conducted, but since there’s no loan, we are not required yet to contract,” he explained.

For Bautista, funding is the main hindrance to the progression of the projects since the designs have already been set. The agency cannot also guarantee a timeline for the projects’ delays, he added. 

“Because of the delay, we may need to get NEDA approval for a change in costs because they might have increased. But we’ll study that,” he said.

However, Bautista guaranteed that the railways can be finished and operational within the term of the Marcos administration, noting that the railways can be constructed faster compared to the North-South Commuter Railway because of its existing alignment and its at grade roads and paths.

The agency is also continuing to work on processing the right of way for the roads, he said.

To date, the DOTr has 160 active infrastructure projects, particularly 28 in aviation, 26 in maritime, 59 in railways, and 47 for roads.

It has appropriated P222.607 billion for the first half of 2023, and aims for a proposed budget of P214.296 billion for 2024.

Among its main projects include the 800-km North Long-Haul Project that will connect the National Capital Region (NCR) to Ilocos Norte and Cagayan; the 17-km San Mateo Railway that will connect LRT Line 2 to San Mateo and Rodriguez, Rizal; and the 54.8-km Mindanao Railway Project Phase 3 in Metro Cagayan De Oro (CDO).

It is also pursuing its privatization of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA), with the awarding of contract to the qualified bidder slated for early 2024.

The agency has also completed 70 to 75 percent of land development for the New Manila International Airport in Bulacan worth P735 billion.

The anti-anxiety guide

10 ways to live in the present

BY AARON CABEZA

Nov 6, 2023 06:20 PM

  

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AT A GLANCE

• ‘Constantly thinking about the past and worrying about the future can make it difficult to enjoy the good things.’ 

How often do you find yourself brooding on what happened yesterday or what might occur tomorrow? 

 

Arlin Cuncic, MA, founder of About Social Anxiety, a handy website that offers assistance to individuals with social anxiety disorder, reminds everyone that dwelling on regrets or fears only hinders one to truly experience a happier, more fulfilled life. 

“Constantly thinking about the past and worrying about the future can make it difficult to enjoy the good things,” she says. 

 

The experts from the Benilde Well-Being Center (BWC) of De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde agree. “These are aspects which we are unaware of that might affect our life and wellbeing,” they explain. 

 

Cuncic, who has worked in various mental health and research settings, including the psychology department of the University of Western Ontario in Canada and the cognitive-behavioral therapy unit of the Center for Addiction and Mental Health Multi-Health Systems, highlighted the importance of being in the present. 

 

“Learning how to be more mindful and live in the moment can give you a greater appreciation for your life, help reduce stress, and minimize anxiety,” added The Anxiety Workbook author. 

 

To guide the community to be more aware of themselves and their surroundings, the professionals listed top 10 tips, as shared through the award-winning mental health platform Verywell Mind. 

1. Notice your surroundings.

Take this opportunity to observe your environment. Close your eyes as you take a deep breath. Open them. Take in everything around you.

2. Focus on one thing at a time.

Do not multitask. When your thoughts drift or you check on your phone, stop. Turn that attention back to what’s in front of you. You are more productive when fully engaged.

3. Be grateful for what you have now.

Do not be absorbed in things you do not have. Instill gratitude. List the blessings you are thankful for. Review them on a daily basis. 

 

4. Accept things as they are and not how you want them to be.

Sometimes life is going to be different than how you want it to be. Acknowledge the things that are beyond your control.

5. Practice mindfulness meditation.

It improves your concentration on current tasks. It helps you recognize your thoughts and feelings.

6. Spend time with people who make you feel happy and fulfilled.

Surround yourself with positive and supportive family and friends.

7. Be mindful of everything you do.

Focus on the details of the activities that you are doing. It helps bring more present-moment awareness into your life.

8. Do deep breathing exercises.

Take slow regulated breaths to prevent feelings of negative thoughts or panic. It allows you to be more in control of your current tasks.

9. Take a break from social media and technology.

Continuously checking social media affects your ability to be present. Do not let technology take over. It prevents you from being sensible about what is really going on around you.

10. Get regular exercise.

A stroll in the park or daily yoga can help you stay more focused especially if coupled with meditation. 

How do you say “fingers crossed” in German?

 

Christian Lauw

Chauffeur, gardener, tour guide. Native to Munich, Bavaria.

390 followers

19 following

I‘m a native Bavarian, with Northern-German roots.

Ever since a longer stay in the U.S. around age 16/17, I consider America as my second homeland (the political trajectory of recent decades pains me, and I am wishing America all the best. Who knows - maybe sometimes something bad will ultimately lead to something good?).

Throughout many years, I worked mainly as a professional driver in Munich, and also provide individual sightseeing-tours in the Bavarian capital & vicinity. Other professional work include garden- and house maintenance and, in broad terms, finding solutions to problems.

I find it enjoyable to contribute to people having a better, healthier, more fulfilled life that matches, or surpasses their hopeful expectations. As thus, my hope is that some of my content will be found to be helpful by somebody. (-:

All the best.

Christian

This is a case where there is no direct translation possible.

The way I understand it, in English one can “cross fingers” himself in a difficult situation. In German, all we have that is somewhat similar is the expression “jemandem die Daumen drücken”. It means to fold one´s thumbs into one´s fists and “press them” (to “press thumbs for someone” is the literal translation).

However - that, only someone else can do for your situation, you wouldn´t ever push thumbs on your own, on your own behalf, and for your own situation.

So if someone is about to go on a difficult mission, has an important exam coming up and so on and so forth, a German personally affected by this would then tell someone else: “Drück mir die Daumen!”, “please press thumbs for me!” Which, directly translated, would be the “wish me luck” we know in English.

So there you have it. As close as I can get.

On a side note: Germans are also familiar with “crossing fingers”. But here, this has an entirely different meaning. This gesture is also sometimes referred to as “Blitzableiter” (lightning rod). In the old times, when kids were made to swear something on the Bible, they would covertly do this gesture behind their back to avoid “having to go to hell”, in case they would break their oath.

November orchid of the month: Phalaenopsis

BY JAMES TABABA

Nov 4, 2023 01:00 PM

  

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Phalaenopsis aphrodite (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Phalaenopsis orchids, often referred to as moth, mariposa, or butterfly orchids due to their wing-like flowers which come in various colors and patterns, have captivated the hearts of many plant enthusiasts and hobbyists.

The Phalaenopsis orchid is classified as a monopodial orchid, signifying that it possesses a single point of growth and continues to grow indefinitely. In the Philippines alone, we are fortunate to be home to over 20 distinct species of Phalaenopsis orchids. This orchid variety holds a significant position in the global floriculture economy, primarily cultivated for two purposes — as cut flowers or as flowering potted plants.

Phalaenopsis equestris (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

The diversity of Phalaenopsis

The classic appearance of the Phalaenopsis orchid is characterized by a lengthy spike, with its flowers being round and evenly spaced. However, it's worth noting that within the Phalaenopsis family, there are numerous species that deviate from this rounded form and instead exhibit a star-shaped appearance. These unique varieties are often referred to as novelty Phalaenopsis.

Among the Phalaenopsis species from the Philippines that significantly contribute to the gene pool of Phalaenopsis hybrids are Phalaenopsis amabilis, Phalaenopsis aphrodite, Phalaenopsis stuartiana, Phalaenopsis schilleriana, Phalaenopsis philippinensis, and Phalaenopsis sanderiana.

 Phalaenopsis schilleriana (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Through intensive breeding efforts, growers have introduced a wide array of new forms into the market, featuring patterns like splashes, spots, and candy stripes. However, it's important to note that the classic white Phalaenopsis orchids remain the most sought-after and marketable. While they can be relatively pricey, with some flowering plants costing up to P700, they continue to be a preferred choice.

The perfect indoor plant

Phalaenopsis orchids have earned the reputation of being excellent indoor plants. When kept indoors, their flowers can maintain their beauty for an impressive three months, often producing between six to 15 blooms during this period. While they can rebloom, it may require up to six months of rest before they flower again. These orchids are not only compact and long-lasting but also relatively affordable, making them a popular choice for indoor plant enthusiasts.

Phalaenopsis hieroglyphica (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Another noteworthy quality of Phalaenopsis orchids is their compact size when compared to other orchid varieties, such as Vandas, which can grow up to 2 feet in height and have extensive root systems. Phalaenopsis orchids can thrive in relatively small pots and are highly adaptable to confined spaces, which makes them easy to package and transport.

Growing requirements and challenges

Phalaenopsis orchids naturally thrive in mountainous and forested regions characterized by cooler climates and high humidity. Cultivating them in lowland areas can pose challenges. To encourage blooming, people often transport their Phalaenopsis orchids to cooler provinces like Quezon and Batangas. Once the orchids bloom, they return them to Manila. While Phalaenopsis can adapt to warmer climates, flowering may be less conducive.

Phalaenopsis cornu-cervi (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Phalaenopsis leaves resemble broad tongues, rendering the plant vulnerable to sunburn. Therefore, they should be placed in areas with filtered sunlight. Adequate air circulation is crucial to prevent the development of pests and diseases, particularly red spider mites and certain piercing-sucking insects that target the leaves. Additionally, some birds have a tendency to peck at the orchid buds. Ideally, these plants should be housed in a greenhouse to shield them from these threats.

Watering should occur approximately once a week. Traditionally, coconut husk and charcoal are some of the commonly used growing media in the Philippines, but in large commercial production, white sphagnum moss is preferred due to its excellent water retention, reducing the frequency of watering. However, it's essential to compact the white sphagnum moss to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.

Phalaenopsis pulcherrhima var. chumpornensis alba (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Fertilization can be achieved through slow-release fertilizers that last up to two months or traditional foliar fertilizers applied once or twice a week.

One challenge with Phalaenopsis cultivation is its susceptibility to rot. While commercial Phalaenopsis exhibit upright growth, their natural growth tends to be pendulous, allowing water to run off and preventing moisture from accumulating in the crown. Training Phalaenopsis for upright growth makes them more susceptible to rot. To mitigate this risk, watering should be done in the early morning or afternoon, ensuring that the plant is dry before dusk.

Phalaenopsis bellina (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Versatile use

Phalaenopsis orchids are versatile and suitable for a wide range of occasions. They are commonly seen adorning offices, hotels, and homes, adding an elegant touch to interior decor. During special events like Valentine's Day, Phalaenopsis with shades of purple and red make for a thoughtful and romantic gift.

At weddings, brides often carry bouquets of pristine white Phalaenopsis as they make their way down the aisle, adding an element of grace and sophistication to the ceremony.

A hybrid Phalaenopsis (Manila Bulletin Agriculture)

Some traders resort to dyeing techniques by adding coloring agents to the water in which white flowering Phalaenopsis are placed. This enables the orchids to absorb the dye and bloom in specific colors, prominently with blue color. Blue is not naturally present in the Phalaenopsis genome. However, in Japan, a breakthrough was achieved by genetically engineering the Phalaenopsis plant using a gene derived from Commelina communis, resulting in the creation of a true blue Phalaenopsis variety. This innovation marked a significant milestone in the world of orchid cultivation, expanding the color spectrum of these beautiful flowers.

Phalaenopsis orchids, with their breathtaking beauty and adaptability, have rightfully earned their place as one of the most beloved orchid plants. Their charm, diverse forms, and relatively easy care make them an ideal choice for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike.

Photo courtesy of Manila Bulletin Agriculture

Read more about farming and gardening at agriculture.com.ph