PASIG RIVER MASTER PLAN COMPLETED

The PRRC, in collaboration with UP PLANADES, designed the Pasig River Integrated and Strategic Master Plan (PRISM) with a vision that by 2032, the Pasig River and its surrounding basins are resilient life-sustaining ecosystems that are able to support diverse human needs and biodiversity towards inclusive, harmonized, and balanced development co-managed by competent and adaptive institutions with responsible and empowered communities.
This new restoration strategy covers water quality management, stream flow management, catchment management and riparian management so that the Pasig River will again enshrine socioeconomic, aesthetic, environmental, recreational and cultural values amid changing risks and natural perturbations.
The illustration below provides a brief summary of the integrated wastewater treatment systems, one of the 19 priority projects proposed in the PRISM to help improve the water quality of the Pasig River, and for concerned agencies to comply with concession agreement, and other environmental laws.

PH’S PASIG RIVER VIES FOR ASIA RIVER PRIZE AWARD; COMPETES WITH CHINA’S YANGTZE RIVER

The Philippines' Pasig River, the cradle of early Manila civilization, has been selected as a finalist in the first ever Asia Riverprize by the prestigious International RiverFoundation (IRF) which recognizes and rewards organizations who are making a difference through effective river basin restoration and management programs.

It is a back-to-back nomination for the Pasig River Rehabilitation Commission (PRRC) who just came from a successful campaign in the 2017 Thiess International Riverprize competition where the Pasig River was hailed as runner-up to the winner, San Antonio River of Texas, USA.

PRRC Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia says that “the consecutive entries of the Pasig River as a finalist in the 2017 and 2018 Thiess International and Asia Riverprize, respectively, is a testament that the world recognizes the efforts of the Philippine government to restore the Pasig River and its environs since PRRC was established in 1999.”

Initially, the competition was called the Asia-Pacific Riverprize Awards which was opened to entrants from New Zealand, Australia, and 45 other countries. However, according to the IRF, due the to the high number and quality of entries received, they have made the decision to split the promoted Asia-Pacific Riverprize into two: Asia Riverprize and another category for the Australasia Riverprize.

After a series of tedious deliberations, the IRF has announced and congratulates the organizations chosen as Asia Riverprize finalists with the highest honors in river restoration and protection namely: the Pasig River (Philippines) and the Yangtze River (China).

Goitia adds “last year, the Philippines is the only third world and developing country that made it into the international finals and bravely competed with the US and the United Kingdom. In this year’s Asia Riverprize, we will be facing another super power – the red dragon, China. However, with an indomitable spirit, we remain steadfast and optimistic that we will stand triumphant in the end.”

In behalf of the IRF’s board of river basin experts, IRF Director Professor Bill Dennison says that “these different river stories are united by a common theme: excellence in river management.”

The Riverprize is not a competition of which river is more beautiful or cleaner. This is the reason why the IRF, comprised of river management experts and professionals from around the world, has given importance and consideration to the rehabilitation efforts of the PRRC to bring back the Pasig River system to life. It has acknowledged PRRC’s commitment in delivering quality projects, programs, and activities in easement recovery, housing and resettlement, riverbanks development, waste and water quality management, and public awareness.

Compared to the 1990s when it was declared "biologically dead," the Pasig River's condition now has significantly improved. Although the Pasig River development is a work in progress, many areas along the historic river have already shown signs of aquatic life and it has already become conducive for transport, recreation, and tourism.

PRRC’s Executive Director Jose Antonio E. Goitia, together with Public Information, Advocacy and Tourism Division Head George Oliver G. De La Rama, will be presenting and defending the Philippines’ Pasig River entry to a panel of esteemed judges in the upcoming 21st International Riversymposium on October 14 to 18, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. Members of PRRC’s Management Committee will also form part of the Philippine delegation.

The winner of the 2018 Asia Riverprize will receive widespread global recognition which can build new partnerships, provide opportunities for exchange of knowledge and best practices, and open doors for international support. Furthermore, the winner will automatically qualify for Stage Two of the Thiess International Riverprize in 2019.

As one nation, the PRRC seeks everyone’s support to its Pasig River entry in the 2018 Asia Riverprize. The Pasig River's victory is the victory of the Philippines and every Filipino who works hard and shares the same vision of saving our waterways and the environment. It will be the triumph of all who believe that the dream of a clean and alive Pasig River is within reach!

Frank Lloyd Mamaril - Concert Director Aliw@40

Meet our Aliw@40 Concert 2018 Concert Director. He is only 33 years old but Communication Arts graduate Frank Lloyd Mamaril has already directed some of the top OPM artists in concert and music videos in the most memorable way.

If you watched Lani Misalucha’s “Love Catcher” concert in 2016 at Resorts World Manila and enjoyed it, the diva and her audience have Mamaril to thank for directing what eventually became Star Awards’ “Concert of the Year” winner. He is also behind “The Voice” discovery Morisette Amon’s first solo self-titled concert at the Music Museum, which sold out seats in the same year, among other live music events. (Manila Times)

The Grand Concert “Aliw@40” with two Young and Top Directors

To celebrate the 40th Year Anniversary of Aliw Awards Foundation, a benefit concert is set and dubbed as “Aliw@40 Concert” ‪on October 4,2018‬ at Aliw Theater with more than 10 performers to make the celebration grand and in full force to give you a night that you willnever forget,  here are the performers in this one night concert:

•    Pilita Corales
•    Hajji Alejandro
•    Jun Pulistico
•    Rico J. Puno
•    Imelda Papin
•    Liza Macuja Elizalde
•    Ballet Manila
•    LA Santos
•    Kuh Ledesma
•    Keith Martin
•    Val John
•    The Infinite
•    3rd Avenue
•    Asia’s Best Singing Competition Winners

What makes the event interesting is the combination of two young, amazing and top directors who are making a difference in their own ways both locally and abroad. The musical director is no other than Direk Adonis Tabanda who just arrived from Dubai for the sold out concert of Morrisette Amon. Concert Director Direk Frank Lloyd Mamaril on the other hand directed the 2016 Concert of Lani Misalucha, the Star Awards Concert of the Year. Both directors are in their early 30s and we’re excited for this collaboration. For them, they will make this event another showcase and a masterpiece for their careers.

Produced by Tag Media Group headed by Engr. Grace Bondad Nicolas and Co presented by Ballet Manila, Manila Broadcasting Company and Star City under Liza Macuja Elizalde, the event is a fundraising event for Aliw Awards Foundation to help entertainers who are in need. The Aliw Awards Foundation also was created to give due recognition to entertainers who perform live in the Philippines and abroad by the renowned journalist, Alice Hernandez Reyes.

For tickets and inquiries, please call ‪09778978877‬ or buy it directly via Ticketworld.  The event is still accepting sponsors and exhibitors.

EUROPEAN CHAMBER SEEKS TO ADDRESS WATER ISSUES, BUILD SUSTAINABLE WATER FUTURE FOR THE PHILIPPINES

Parañaque City, August 30, 2018 – The European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP), in partnership with the EU-Philippines Business Network (EPBN), is hosting the Water Challenge Forum at the Solaire Resort Hotel on the 30^th August, 2018. With the theme “Partnering with Stakeholders in Building a Sustainable Water Future”, this full-day event aims to address the ongoing water issues in the Philippines through providing a platform for the public and private sector to dialogue and support each other’s’ programs and water solutions.   

While much has been achieved in the Philippine water sector, there is still much left to be desired in terms of new developments. It is without a doubt that there needs to be more action taken in terms of securing the country’s sustainable water future. While people can live without most things, water is the very foundation of life and is something that all cannot live without. Despite this being a well-known fact, there is a low public appreciation on the importance of water to this day. Even if Filipino farmers are hit by drought, people suffer from temporary water shortages, and many have no access to clean water, on the whole no one feels that there is a serious water crisis hitting the country, at least enough to be alarmed about. So this leads to a “why act now” attitude.

ECCP President Guenter Taus shares, “Through the Water Challenge Forum, we hope to highlight the need for the private sector to increase their competitiveness by managing resources well, addressing market requirements, and ensuring businesses are built on the foundation of sustainability and resiliency. On the flip side, there needs to be faster development and progress in the water sector from the Philippine government in order to address these water challenges head on.”

The event aims to address four main goals:

To provide an update on recent developments in the Philippine water sector and discuss policy, programs, and projects initiated by the National Government Agencies and Local Government Units;

To engage non-government organizations and international organizations to share their insights and programs on developing the Philippine water sector;

To highlight business opportunities in the Philippine water sector;

And to showcase innovative technologies that address the Philippine water challenges

Speakers during the Water Challenge Forum include representatives from the European Union Delegation to the Philippines, DENR, NEDA, Philippine Water Partnership, National Water Resources Board, UNICEF Philippines, UNESCO-Jakarta, the Local Water Utilities Administration, the World Bank, Public-Private Partnership Center, Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System, Maynilad Water Services, Nestlé Philippines, and the InangLupa Movement.

The 2018 Water Challenge Forum is supported by Gold Sponsor Maynilad, Silver Sponsors ARUP, Nestlé, Unitec Pipe Manufacturing Corporation, Media Partner Business World, and Partner Organizations Philippine Association of Water Districts, Philippine Business for the Environment, and the Philippine Water Partnership.

Two days to go, Go Negosyo's Mentor Me On Wheels to kick off in Quezon City!

We will be heading to The Block Atrium for the seventh leg of Mentor Me on Wheels in two days. The free one-on-one mentoring session will happen this August 24, 2018. Attendees will get the chance to sit with a Go Negosyo mentor for a 30-minute mentoring session.

Through MMOW, Go Negosyo introduces mentors to micro-small business owners, offering technical and practical know-how on entrepreneurship through events in more convenient and accessible locations. This program is in line with the current administration’s vision to capacitate micro-small businesses in boosting the Philippine economy.

Interested participants can pre-register through https://www.tinyurl.com/MMOWNORTHEDSA. Walk-ins are also welcome and may register on the day of the event. Limited slots available.

The Mentor Me Mobile App is now available for download on Google Play Store. The iOS version will be released soon.

Become a Go Negosyo mentor! Register via www.tinyurl.com/beagonegmentor. For more information, call 637-9229 or 637-9347.

75 In­dian firms join INDEE flag­ship en­gi­neer­ing show The Philippine Star22 Aug 2018

Some 75 In­dian firms, en­com­pass­ing the en­tire value chain of the en­gi­neer­ing in­dus­try, would be scout­ing for trade and in­vest­ment deals in the Philip­pines and other mar­kets in South Asia by par­tic­i­pat­ing in the coun­try’s flag­ship high tech­nol­ogy ex­po­si­tion ‘INDEE,’ be­ing held in Manila be­tween Aug. 22 and 25, un­der the aegis of the EEPC In­dia with the ac­tive sup­port of the Com­merce Min­istry.

As In­dia and the Philip­pines are in the process of im­ple­ment­ing game-chang­ing eco­nomic re­forms, the two coun­tries are keen on giv­ing fur­ther im­pe­tus to the bi­lat­eral trade of about $2.5 bil­lion dur­ing 2017-18, which has grown well but re­mains be­low the po­ten­tial, said In­dia’s Am­bas­sador to the Philip­pines Jaideep Mazum­dar.

As In­dia and the Philip­pines are in the process of im­ple­ment­ing game-chang­ing eco­nomic re­forms, the two coun­tries are keen on giv­ing fur­ther im­pe­tus to the bi­lat­eral trade of about $2.5 bil­lion dur­ing 2017-18, which has grown well but re­mains be­low the po­ten­tial, said In­dia’s Am­bas­sador to the Philip­pines Jaideep Mazum­dar.

He said the en­gi­neer­ing sec­tor, in­clud­ing au­to­mo­biles, is one of the main ar­eas of In­dian in­vest­ment in the Philip­pines. Con­tribut­ing sig­nif­i­cantly to In­dia’s to­tal ex­ports to the Philip­pines, the en­gi­neer­ing ex­ports are grow­ing apace at ship­ments worth $670.43 mil­lion dur­ing 2017-18. The fo­cus of the bi­lat­eral com­mer­cial en­gage­ment has to be not only on trade but in­vest­ment as well, he said.

EEPC In­dia se­nior vice chair­man Ma­hesh De­sai said close to 75 In­dian en­trepreneurs are ex­pected to showcase smart man­u­fac­tur­ing tech­nolo­gies, metal cut­ting machin­ery, in­dus­trial sup­ply, in­dus­trial and elec­tri­cal machin­ery and sheet metal machin­ery, among oth­ers at the INDEE. It is for the first time that this pres­ti­gious ex­po­si­tion is be­ing held in the Philip­pines , as it would be its 39th edi­tion.

EEPC In­dia se­nior vice chair­man Ma­hesh De­sai said close to 75 In­dian en­trepreneurs are ex­pected to showcase smart man­u­fac­tur­ing tech­nolo­gies, metal cut­ting machin­ery, in­dus­trial sup­ply, in­dus­trial and elec­tri­cal machin­ery and sheet metal machin­ery, among oth­ers at the INDEE. It is for the first time that this pres­ti­gious ex­po­si­tion is be­ing held in the Philip­pines , as it would be its 39th edi­tion.

Both na­tions are un­der­go­ing much needed re­form pro­cesses with strong fo­cus on en­hance­ment of busi­ness, trade and in­vest­ments. Both are mov­ing to­ward a higher growth tra­jec­tory which is likely to sus­tain given the un­der­ly­ing strength of these economies.

In­take ca­pac­i­ties of both economies are in­creas­ing while they both hold an ever strength­en­ing bi­lat­eral re­la­tions. The time is apt to fur­ther deepen the In­doPhilip­pine re­la­tion­ship with mu­tu­ally ben­e­fi­cial mea­sures where role of these types of trade fairs and ex­hi­bi­tions would re­ally be in­stru­men­tal. I be­lieve this INDEE Philip­pines 2018 will be a whole hearted ef­fort to­ward a more con­sol­i­dated bi­lat­eral re­la­tions be­tween In­dia and the Philip­pines with a fo­cus on trade and in­vest­ments, he added.

In­take ca­pac­i­ties of both economies are in­creas­ing while they both hold an ever strength­en­ing bi­lat­eral re­la­tions. The time is apt to fur­ther deepen the In­doPhilip­pine re­la­tion­ship with mu­tu­ally ben­e­fi­cial mea­sures where role of these types of trade fairs and ex­hi­bi­tions would re­ally be in­stru­men­tal. I be­lieve this INDEE Philip­pines 2018 will be a whole hearted ef­fort to­ward a more con­sol­i­dated bi­lat­eral re­la­tions be­tween In­dia and the Philip­pines with a fo­cus on trade and in­vest­ments, he added.

In­vest­ment re­la­tions be­tween In­dia and the Philip­pines are also well es­tab­lished with the foot­prints of In­dian ma­jors like Aditya Birla Group, Is­pat Group, Tata and Mahin­dra in this West Pa­cific archipelago. Dur­ing the last few years, In­dian com­pa­nies have suc­cess­fully ex­e­cuted some small and medium sized projects in this ASEAN mem­ber na­tion that took the to­tal In­dian in­vest­ments to more than $650 mil­lion. Tex­tiles, gar­ments, IT and ITes, steel, air­ports, chem­i­cals, au­to­mo­biles and phar­ma­ceu­ti­cals are mainly the sec­tors that caught the at­ten­tion of In­dian in­vestors.

In­vest­ment re­la­tions be­tween In­dia and the Philip­pines are also well es­tab­lished with the foot­prints of In­dian ma­jors like Aditya Birla Group, Is­pat Group, Tata and Mahin­dra in this West Pa­cific archipelago. Dur­ing the last few years, In­dian com­pa­nies have suc­cess­fully ex­e­cuted some small and medium sized projects in this ASEAN mem­ber na­tion that took the to­tal In­dian in­vest­ments to