News Rundown: October 30-November 3, 2017
It’s finally November! Not only does it signal the month-long wait for the holidays, it also means we’re almost done with the year. We’ve rounded up some news for the week such as Japan pledging over US$ 1 billion in loans for Metro Manila Subway and donating five Navy training aircraft to the Philippines.
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Japan pledges over US$1 billion in loans for Metro Manila Subway
Php 60 billion worth of loans to the Philippines will be provided by Japan to support key infrastructure and development projects in the country like the Metro Manila Subway Project, which aims to help and lessen the traffic congestion in Metro Manila. The investment will also decrease climate change while improving the system of the Philippines. Around ¥104.53 billion may be given for the first phase by Japan.
Japan to donate 5 navy training aircraft to the Philippines
Japan will be donating 5 navy training aircraft to the Philippines towards the end of March 2018. Two TC-90 planes currently are currently on lease in the Philippines, with three more scheduled to be handed over for free. Japan hopes that the donation of the five planes will enhance the Philippines’ ability to protect its waters and help the country deal with Chinese efforts to build military facilities in the West Philippine Sea.
DFA issues passport advisory for November 13-15, 2017
The Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) released a public advisory regarding passport procedure on November 13-15, 2017. In line with the suspension of classes and work in Metro Manila and other cities, DFA-Aseana (Paranaque) and Consular Offices in Metro Manila and Pampanga will be closed on those days, although some DFA offices will still be open to the public and will entertain passport applicants depending on their appointment.
Baguio City one of the new UNESCO Creative Cities
Another achievement from the Summer Capital of the Philippines! Baguio City is named as one of the latest additions to the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Creative Cities Network. Baguio City is one of the many cities in the country that is full of culture and art. It was cited for its crafts and folk art and is the first city in the Philippines to join the exclusive club.
IMAGE www.skyway.com.phSan Miguel Holdings Corp. (SMC) plans to expand the South Luzon Expressway (SLEx), Skyway system, NAIA Expressway (NAIAx) and the Southern Tagalog Arterial Road. In an interview, SMC President and Chief Operating Officer Ramon S. Ang said that they hope the project will be completed in three years. The first phase will cover Alabang to Susana Heights and is scheduled to be completed next year. The remaining will be completed by 2021 once they get approval from the government.
Sources: ABS-CBN News, Nikkei, DFA on Facebook, Rappler, and BusinessWorld
