Philippines Poised to Become Aviation Hub In Asia by 2028

Philippines Poised to Become Aviation Hub In Asia by 2028

By Kisho Kumari Sucedaram

Bernama (Malaysia)

02 October 2024

MANILA, Oct 2 (Bernama) — The Philippines aviation industry is on the cusp of a significant transformation and is poised to become an aviation hub in Asia by 2028, lifted by its airport privatisation initiatives and the completion of its new airport.

Department of Transportation Secretary Jaime Bautista said this advancement would be fueled by increased investment and private sector involvement in crucial areas like infrastructure, human capital, and sustainable development.

“We are in the process of privatizing the operations of selected regional airports as part of the strategy to improve airport operations and maintenance.

“The formula has been proven successful in the privatization of the operations of international airports such as Clark International Airport and Mactan-Cebu International Airport,” he said on the sidelines of the 2024 Aviation Summit Philippines today.

He said the government has difficulty modernizing the port because of the procedures and investment policies that need budgeting and finance.

So, we look at the private sector to help us modernize the airport. We’re privatizing just the operations as the private sector is more efficient and customer-centric,” he said.

Recently in April, the country has undertaken the privatization of Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to drive economic growth and position the Philippines as a premier tourism and investment hub.

The contract was awarded by the government to the consortium led by San Miguel Corp. (SMC) which offered the Philippines government a revenue share of 82.16 per cent.

Under the contract, the group, which includes the operator of South Korea's Incheon airport, would manage the Philippines' main gateway until 2039. It is the third major airport privatization in the country.

Through public-private partnerships (PPP), Bautista expects to finally raise NAIA’s capacity to 62 million from 35 million passengers per annum.

“The airport rehabilitation should generate more than 58,000 jobs due to increased tourism arrivals and spending,” he said.

The country will also see another new airport, the New Manila International Airport, which is also known as Bulacan International Airport, which is under construction on the coastal area 35 kilometers north of Manila, the capital of the Philippines.

The Philippine economy is projected to sustain over six per cent growth through 2029 and inflation to stabilize at three per cent.

— BERNAMA

New Clark City introduces first Self-Driving bus in PH

PH's First Self-Driving Bus Is Here-And You Can Ride It for Free

Story by Micah Avry Guiao
Spot.ph
13 September 2024

We’ve all been hearing about the rise of self-driving vehicles in the past decade or so but having them in the Philippines seems like a distant reality—until now. New Clark City just became a little more futuristic with the rollout of the first self-driving bus in the country.

The autonomous buses now serve major routes around New Clark City, Clark Freeport Zone, and Clark International Airport. The best part? You can hop on one for free—no fare charges until further notice. Or "until the Land Transportation Office and the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board advise the parties on fare collection," the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said in a statement.

A BDCA representative told Inquirer that the initial fleet will start with 17 vehicles.

Self-driving buses in New Clark City

This transport system is the brainchild of Japanese tech company Zenmov, Inc. in partnership with local firm MC Metro Transport Operation. 

Using the Smart Mobility Operation Cloud (SMOC), the buses adapt to real-time traffic conditions, reducing congestion and promoting low-carbon transport. The New Energy and Industrial Technology Development Organization (NEDO) agreed to fund the self-driving vehicle demo program, which will run until June 2025.

The project aims to position New Clark City as a model for smart, green urban development, with hopes of scaling similar transport innovations across the country.

"We can definitely learn a lot from Japan’s advanced and innovative transport system," BCDA COO Gisela Kalalo said. "By integrating their smart autonomous vehicle technology, we ensure a more sustainable and scalable transport solution here in Clark."

PSHS wins gold at Nuclear Science Olympiad

PSHS wins gold at Nuclear Science Olympiad

Story by The Manila Times
15 Aug 2024

MOHAMMAD Nur "Iman" Casib of Marawi City, an incoming Grade 12 student of Philippine Science High School (PSHS) Central Mindanao Campus, won not just gold at the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad (INSO) but was hailed as Nuclear Ambassador for obtaining the highest points overall among 55 contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries in the theoretical and experimental exams.

Mohammad Nur Casib and Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis (3rd and 4th from right, respectively) of the Philippines are among eight gold medalists at the 1st International Nuclear Science Olympiad in New Clark City, Pampanga on Aug. 1 to 6, 2024. Casib is hailed as Nuclear Ambassador for obtaining the highest points overall among 55 contenders from 14 Asia-Pacific countries in the theoretical and experimental exams. INSO PHOTO

PSHS Central Mindanao is located in Balo-i, Lanao del Norte.

A competition for junior and senior high school students ages 15 to 20, INSO was held at the New Clark City in Pampanga from August 1 to 6.

Neil Kyle Olaer Maniquis of Manila Science High School also won gold for the Philippines and six others for their respective countries in the olympiad.

Besides Casib and Olaer, the other gold medalists were Caldras Tan Hong Xun, Caleb Chia, Tran Doan Duy Phuc, and Wong Kheng Hshin (Singapore); M N Ahamed Mushab (Sri Lanka); and Nopparuj Sodsri (Thailand).

Silver medalists were Nonpawit Koheng, Rawisara Chokdeepanich and Tharatep Lertpetaiy (Thailand); Isaac Toh Thiam Tek and Lim Yee Jian (Malaysia); Subhan Kashif and Suleman Nouman (Pakistan); Pabasara Kaushalya Maduwage and W. A. Akila Chamodya Bandara (Sri Lanka); Seyedabolfazl Mahdaei (Iran); Jeremiah Auza (Philippines); Galvandi Ibrahim (Qatar); and Mohammed Akrikish (Saudi Arabia).

Bronze medalists were Ayda Bina, Seyed Mohammad Sajadiyan and Shayan Rezazadeh (Iran); Arell Yazid Fazrin Bin Mohd Fauzi and Saratt Suthagar (Malaysia); Ehban Awan and Qasim Salam (Pakistan); Ganzorig Khuslen and Nyam-Ayush Tuvshin (Mongolia); Azzam Khalid Abdullah Alomari, Hala Salman Al Abbad and Hasan Alawadh (Saudi Arabia); Hasan Aman (Bahrain); Omar Amjad Yousef Shbeita (Jordan); Aditya Vivek (Qatar); and Saayuj Ion Mathew (UAE).

According to INSO, the contestants came as teams representing their respective countries but competed as individuals.

Further, they were ranked according to the points they obtained in the two exams, where Casib emerged as the topnotcher.

Topics covered in the olympiad were the structure of an atom and nucleus, radiation, fission and fusion, radioactivity in the environment, history of nuclear science, risk and safety, and applications in energy, health, industry/agriculture, and the environment.

"The Olympiad is not just a competition but also building long-lasting cooperation for future activities,'' Helena Zhivistkaya, expert of the Nuclear Knowledge Management Section of the International Atomic Energy Agency Department of Nuclear Energy, reminded the contestants.

On opening day, Department of Science and Technology (DoST) Philippine Nuclear Research Institute Director Carlo Arcilla, PhD, said organizing the first-ever nuclear science olympiad was challenging.

"When we accepted the invitation to host this event, we did not know how big of a feat this would be for our country, but we are delighted to see all of you here with us today as the participants of this competition that is the first of its kind,'' he said.

Meanwhile, DoST Secretary Renato Solidum stressed that INSO aims to "increase global awareness on the peaceful applications of nuclear science and technology, particularly on how these are supportive to the current thrust of the science department."

56th International Chemistry Olympiad in Saudi Arabia

At the 56th International Chemistry Olympiad (IChO) held in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on July 21-30, 2024, the Philippine team showcased their exceptional knowledge and skills, securing bronze medals and honorable mentions.

The brightest young chemists from around the globe gathered to showcase their exceptional knowledge and skills. Amid this fierce competition, the Philippine delegation shone brightly, securing bronze medals and honorable mentions, highlighting the nation's talent and determination on the world stage.

Stellar performances from the Philippine delegation were witnessed as they triumphed over challenging theoretical and practical examinations.

Securing bronze medals for the country were Gelrays Jules Fornan of PSHS Soccsksargen Region Campus and Rex Alphonse Reventar of PSHS Main Campus.

Honorable mention were Ogden Michael Javier of PSHS Main Campus and Jacob Emmanuel Sadorra of PSHS Central Luzon Campus.

"We extend our deepest gratitude to all the organizations, coaches, mentors, families, friends and individuals who supported the Philippine delegation in the International Chemistry Olympiad. Your unwavering support and encouragement have been instrumental in their success," Solidum said of the students' achievement.

10th Asean+3 Junior Science Odyssey

PSHS students achieved remarkable success in competitions at the 10th Asean+3 Plus 3 Junior Science Odyssey (APT JSO-10) held in Siem Reap, Cambodia on July 22-26, 2024.

The APT JSO-10 is an annual educational event to gather young and talented students ages 13 to 15 who are passionate about science and technology.

The event provides a platform for these young minds to share their scientific insights, ideas, and experiences in applying science and technology to address common issues.

Winning gold in the quiz competition were Julius Benedict Rios and Bon Matthew Singayao, who also won the Excellent Award.

Silver medalists in the quiz competition were Sean Steven Duco and Gabriel Angelo Bacani of PSHS-Southern Mindanao Campus and Celyna Ahnya Daguro for the project pitching competition.

Bronze medalists were the Soccsksargen Region Campus team of Daguro, Emmanuel Neil Manzares and Singayao for the video competition, and Sean Steven Duco for the project pitching competition.

This year's event, themed "Racing Up Against Climate Change," gathered 225 students and representatives from secondary schools across the 10 Asean member countries plus China, Japan and South Korea.

The event was organized by Cambodia's Ministry of Industry, Science, Technology and Innovation in partnership with the Asean+3 Center for the Gifted in Science to foster scientific exploration and innovation among young talents in the region.

Philippines aims to be among top 3 in Asean in internet connectivity by 2028

Philippines aims to be among top 3 in Asean in internet connectivity by 2028

Louella Desiderio 
The Philippine Star
July 14, 2024 

MANILA, Philippines — The Philippines is aiming to be within the top three countries in Southeast Asia in terms of internet connectivity by 2028, according to the Department of Information and Communications Technology.

DICT Secretary Ivan John Uy said the agency wants to see the country’s score continue to improve in the ICT Development lndex being released by the International Telecommunication Union.

“We aim that if we continue this trajectory of a 14-percent increase in our index in the past years, then I’m hoping that by 2028, we could probably be in the top three in ASEAN,” Uy said during the Build Better More Infrastructure Forum held at the New Clark City in Tarlac.

The 2024 ICT Development Index showed the Philippines had an overall score of 74.4 out of 100, up from 65 in 2023.

Uy said the latest score places the country at sixth or seventh among the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.

To get into the top three in ASEAN, he said investments would be needed.

“Our ASEAN neighbors are not sitting back and relaxing. They’re also infusing huge amounts of investments in their internet connectivity. So, we need to double what they’re putting. If they’re putting P1, we need to put P2 because we are the ones trying to catch up,” he said.

While the agency is getting funding from the national budget to improve digital connectivity, he said the agency is also initiating other modes to secure funding to accelerate its efforts.

According to Uy, the $280 million Philippine Digital Infrastructure Program (PDIP) funded by a loan from the World Bank, forms part of efforts to improve connectivity.

“This is one of the strategies that we adopted in order to speed up our national broadband and our connectivity,” he said.

Approved by the National Economic and Development Authority Board chaired by President Marcos last month, the PDIP is the DICT’s flagship initiative to enhance broadband connectivity and bring high speed internet to disadvantaged areas.

The project involves the construction of a public broadband infrastructure network.

Aside from the PDIP, Uy said the DICT is also exploring public private partnerships.

“All countries all over the world are accelerating their digitalization programs, their connectivity because this is a very competitive world and unless we quickly scale up and speed up our connectivity, we will again be left behind,” he said.

United States will support the development of the Luzon corridor

US to launch Luzon corridor development

Louella Desiderio 
The Philippine Star 
April 11, 2024 

First project under Indo-Pacific Economic Framework

MANILA, Philippines — The United States will support the development of the Luzon corridor in the Philippines as the first project under an initiative that seeks to help accelerate investments in priority sectors in partner countries in the Indo-Pacific region.

Helaina Matza, acting special coordinator for the Partnership for Global Infrastructure and Investment of the US Department of State told The STAR yesterday the development of the Luzon corridor, as the first PGI-IPEF (Indo-Pacific Economic Framework) Accelerator project in the Indo-Pacific region, will be announced during the trilateral meeting among the US, Philippines and Japan this week in Washington.

“At the Trilateral Summit, we will be launching the first PGI-IPEF Accelerator project in the Indo-Pacific region, and this is our commitment to work together among the three countries in helping develop the Luzon Corridor,” she said.

The PGI-IPEF Investment Accelerator aims to scale up high-standard project financing to drive sustainable economic growth by increasing project-specific financing, upstream project development and improved enabling environments for investment in priority sectors defined in cooperation with each beneficiary country.

US Ambassador for Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Matt Murray said the Trilateral Summit is the perfect platform to highlight the Luzon economic corridor as the latest major expansion of the push to enhance US economic engagement with the Philippines.

“Under the PGI-IPEF Investment Accelerator, we plan to bring the whole suite of US government tools to advance the medium-term action plans to identify and address barriers to investments in key sectors and near-term infrastructure project work like the Luzon corridor that uses PGI’s model of creating a corridor of investments with those with public and private capital,” he said.

Matza said the US would work with partners in Japan and in the Philippines to support connectivity from Subic Bay to New Clark City or Clark City as a whole, to Manila and Batangas.

She said the vision involves looking at opportunities in port modernization and expansion, railways as well as clean energy.

As the US is looking to help improve efficiencies in existing infrastructure in the Luzon corridor, she said it is also looking to help ancillary industries grow.

Matza said there is an opportunity in the Philippines to bring down the percentage of food waste in North Luzon, which is at about 40 percent, when issues in transport are addressed.

“That would involve us working, of course, with the private sector on opportunities to help support cold storage facilities, but really improving the ability to transit not just on the main highway, but hopefully over time through freight rail,” Martza said.

Murray said strengthening US-Philippine relations is important for the Biden-Harris administration, with the effort going far beyond defense and security by expanding economic ties.

“As partners in prosperity, delivering tangible economic benefits to the Philippines of the trade and investment relationship with the US is critically important, and the administration is very focused on this goal,” he said.

As part of efforts to expand economic ties, he said the US and the Philippines would co-host next month the 6th Indo-Pacific Business Forum, the US government’s premier business event in the region.

He said the event would feature over 500 officials and business executives in Manila.

Through the CHIPS Act, the US is working with the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development to conduct a comprehensive assessment of the Philippine semiconductor ecosystem and with Arizona State University to bolster Philippine workforce capacity.

During the visit of US Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo to the Philippines last month, she said the US is looking to help the Philippines double the number of its semiconductor facilities.

Raimondo was accompanied by 22 US firms that are investing over $1 billion for projects in various sectors in the Philippines.