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Solon urges MMDA to fast-track flood-control measures before rainy season

January 3, 2023 6:30 p.m.

QUEZON CITY 1st district Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde urged the Metro Manila Development Authority to sustain efforts in preventing another flooding catastrophe in the Greater Manila Area.

Atayde expressed his gratitude to the MMDA for its response by planning to upgrade and add more pumping stations in Metro Manila, particularly in the Tatalon area in Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.

“Let’s not wait for another Ondoy tragedy to happen again in Metro Manila,” Atayde said, referring to the September 2009 flood disaster caused by typhoon Ondoy and nonstop heavy rains that affected 872,097 people, with 241 fatalities in the National Capital Region.

After expressing his concern regarding the implementation and improvement of flood control measures before the onset of the rainy season, the MMDA immediately buckled down to work last Wednesday in response to Rep. Atayde’s privilege speech last November in Congress.

“That area is very vulnerable to flooding, and in some cases, it only takes a few hours of intense rains to make it impassable to vehicles,” Atayde said, referring to the Tatalon area in Araneta Avenue in Quezon City.

Atayde praised the MMDA for its immediate response to address the heavy flooding in Metro Manila.

But he also pointed out that the MMDA “should continue working on identifying more flooded areas so that they can put in place flood mitigation measures before the wet season starts and typhoons bring about extraordinary rainfall.”

Also in his privilege speech, Atayde urged the government to designate a “flooding czar” to fast-track flood control projects in order to address paralyzing floods in the National Capital Region, particularly in Quezon City.

The freshman lawmaker said he was prompted to deliver a privilege speech on flooding in response to concerns raised by constituents and barangay officials in several areas, as well as in other parts of his district.

Atayde suggested for the DPWH to allocate P40 million to conduct a study to determine the feasibility of constructing retarding ponds in malls, basketball courts, playgrounds, parks, and other open spaces, as well as box culverts under Metro Manila roads;  relocating informal settlers, where retarding ponds will be constructed; constructing high rise walls and pumping stations at the San Juan River; and assessing the master plan for flood control of Metro Manila and surrounding areas.

QC 1st district Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde
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SCG prioritizes efficiency, sustainable growth in Q3, 9M/2024 report

1:41 p.m. December 11, 2024

SCG (Siam Cement Group) reported a slight revenue increase to 609.9 billion PHP in the first nine months of 2024. 

However, EBITDA (Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization, including dividends received from associates) amounted to 38,768 MB, a 10% decrease from the same period last year.

The company projects a three percent revenue increase for 2024 despite global economic turbulence, petrochemical downturn, geopolitical tensions, heightened domestic competition, and currency fluctuations. 

To navigate these challenges, SCG is implementing cost-cutting measures, including a $144 million reduction by 2025 and a $287 million working capital decrease by Q1/2025. 

The company is also streamlining operations, discontinuing unprofitable ventures like SCG Express and OITOLABS India, and exploring potential asset divestments. 

To enhance efficiency, SCG is increasing alternative fuel usage in Thai cement plants and automating tile production. 

While facing headwinds, SCG remains committed to its ASEAN expansion, with Vietnam and Indonesia driving 10% sales growth in the past nine months.

In the long term, green initiatives and Inclusive Green Growth approach present business opportunities and advantages. 

Therefore, SCG is accelerating its investment in the Long Son Petrochemicals ethane project, allocating $700 million to reduce costs and boost global competitiveness. This move aligns with the company’s long-term commitment to green initiatives and Inclusive Green Growth, contributing to lower carbon dioxide emissions. 

Additionally, SCG is driving innovation with its Generation 2 Low Carbon Cement, which has seen an 86% replacement rate, and expanding its SCGC GREEN POLYMER™ brand.

Meanwhile, SCG Chemicals faces ongoing challenges from global economic conditions and industry headwinds. 

The company is investing $700 million to upgrade its LSP plant to utilize cost-effective U.S. ethane and mitigate possible challenges. The LSP plant has temporarily halted operations due to market conditions.

Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG

“For businesses, adapting to climate-related regulations is essential. Beyond our collaboration with the Federation of Thai Industries on the Go Together project to enhance SMEs’ capabilities through eco-friendly innovation and technology, SCG has launched the NET ZERO Accelerator Program (NZAP) for small and medium enterprises, as well as young government executives. This program aims to equip participants with knowledge of public policies, trade mechanisms, and access to low-carbon business financing with the goal of reducing costs, increasing profitability, and fostering a green industry alongside a transition to a low-carbon society,” said Thammasak Sethaudom, President and CEO of SCG. 

SCG Green Polymer™ continues to gain traction, with recent partnerships yielding eco-friendly packaging solutions. 

The company is also advancing 3D printing technology in construction, collaborating with Samsung E&A to develop innovative solutions for the global market.

SCG’s cement and construction businesses are experiencing mixed results. While government infrastructure projects drive growth, the domestic market remains sluggish. The company focuses on sustainable solutions, such as low-carbon concrete and eco-friendly housing products. 

For Distribution and Retail, the company aims to expand its retail footprint in Indonesia, mainly through Mitra10 stores. It also invests in digital platforms like Q-Chang to enhance home services.

SCG Smart Living is innovating in landscape decoration and promoting prefabricated solutions for efficient construction. SCG Decor is reducing costs and expanding its market in Vietnam, while SCG Cleanergy focuses on clean energy solutions and innovative grid technologies.

SCG is actively growing its consumer packaging and medical supplies businesses. The company also prioritizes cost management, operational efficiency, and sustainable practices. SCG’s ASEAN operations, particularly in Vietnam and Indonesia, drive significant growth. The company remains committed to social responsibility, supporting communities through scholarships and disaster relief initiatives.

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Atayde named Siklab’s Trailblazer of the Year awardee

3:49 p.m. December 4, 2024

FOR putting premium on grassroots sports development, Quezon City first district Rep. Juan Carlos “Arjo” Atayde will be honored with the Trailblazer of the Year award in the Nickel Asia Corporation Siklab Youth Sports Awards 2024 on Thursday at the Market! Market! Activity Center, Ayala Malls BGC in Taguig City. 

Atayde’s efforts as a prime mover of the Youth Football League (YFL) will be recognized as well as for establishing the D1 basketball and volleyball leagues for the youth in Quezon City’s first district, where tournaments are shown live on Facebook everyday to inspire more kids to get into sports.

The QC District 1 Warriors, the team formed and supported by Atayde, crowned themselves champions of the 2024 CLS Cup in Indonesia last June after beating ACBA Tigers Sydney in the final. 

The actor-lawmaker is also a staunch supporter of the QCSEP fencing team of City Councilor Joseph Juico that produced the likes of Paris Olympian Samantha Catantan, while giving life-changing opportunities through the YFL with his uncle YFL president Mike Atayde in discovering and developing 18-and-under talents through the years. 

Organized by the Philippine Sports Commission-Philippine Paralympic Committee-Philippine Olympic Committee Media Group, the Siklab Youth Sports Awards’ Trailblazer of the year plum is awarded to outstanding individuals who promote quality grassroots sports development that created massive impact to the sporting community. 

Three more special awards will be presented to Olympic boxing medalist Nesthy Petecio as this year’s Sports Idol, longtime sports manager Agapito “Terry” Capistrano as Godfather of the Year and noted youth sports supporter Senator Christopher Lawrence “Bong’’ Go as the recipient of the Lifetime Achievement Award.

A total of 80 youth and junior athletes from 37 sports will be recognized in the fourth edition of the awards night supported by Nickel Asia Corporation, Philippine Sports Commission, Philippine Olympic Committee, MVP Sports Foundation, CEL Logistics, Go For Gold, Barley + WHEATGRASS Entrepro, Pacquiao Coffee, Milo, San Miguel Corporation, PLDT and powered by Smart.

World junior champions Tachiana Mangin of taekwondo, weightlifters Angeline Colonia and Lovely Inan headline the Young Heroes Awards together with 2024 US Junior Girls champion Rianne Mikhaela Malixi of golf and wushu’s Alexander Gabriel Delos Reyes.

Joining them are Asian junior gymnastics gold medalist Karl Eldrew Yulo, world youth champion Isabella Butler of ju-jitsu, Asian age-group swimming gold medalist Jamesray Mishael Ajido and table tennis youth champion Kheith Rhynne Cruz.

Muay thai world champions Janbrix Ramiscal and Lyre Anie Ngina, chess Olympiad gold medalist Ruelle Canino will likewise be honored in the Super Kids Award category.

Three-time jiu-jitsu world champion Aleia Aielle Aguilar, Palarong Pambansa multiple gold medalists Albert Jose Amaro II (seven golds) of swimming, Mitchloni Dinauanao and Francis Dave Sombal (five golds each) of dancesports will banner the Rising Stars Award category.

Also leading the list are world youth muay champion Royeth Rosa, fencers Yuna Canlas, Willa Galvez, Hagia Del Castillo and Nicol Amethyst Canlas along with golfers Francesca Nicole Gaisano Gan, Geoffrey Drew Ong Tan, swimmer Behrouz Mohammad Mojdeh and figure skater Dawn Jasmine Gothong.

Thirty awardees have been lined up in the Youth Heroes Award including Ana Bhianca Espenilla (athletics), John Andre Aguja (cycling), JR Pandi (badminton), Brandon Sanchez (baseball), Kieffer Alas (basketball), Marc Dylan Custodio (bowling), Nick Anjelo Payla (boxing) and Naina Dominique Tagle (archery), Gavin Moses Bangayan Ti (obstacle course racing), Micaela Jasmine Mojdeh (swimming), Jonathan Reyes (squash), Jeniva Consigna (sambo) and Joseph Godbout (modern pentathlon).

Meanwhile, Ella Olaso (wrestling), Danielle Escolano (bowling), Xian Baguhin (boxing) Elaiza Yulo (gymnastics), Sebastien Mañalac (karate), Julia Claret Bintulan (karate), Zyche Mae Cruz Jizmundo (pencak silat), Shai Nitura (volleyball), Mariam Grace Balisme (wrestling), Paul Sondrei Capinig (wrestling), Andreas Lucho Aguilar (wrestling), Johanna Jeiel Barbero (wushu), Mark John Lazo (wushu), Carlstein Jade Dulay (sailing), Josa Gonzales (sailing), Marvin Mandac (cycling) and Thirdy Mana-ay (cycling) complete the roster for the Super Kids accolade.

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Shop local at DTI’s Christmas Village Fair in SM Megamall’s Megatrade Hall

3:36 p.m. December 4, 2024

Celebrate the holidays at the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Bagong Pilipinas Christmas Village Fair at SM Megamall’s Megatrade Halls 2 and 3, happening from November 30 to December 4.

Discover unique gifts, festive treats, and handcrafted treasures created by talented local entrepreneurs. Shop local and make this Christmas truly special!

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