BCDA inks MOU with Korean Economic Zone Authority

The state-owned Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said it recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with a South Korean  Economic Zone Authority that will pave the way for the BCDA  to gain new insights in building the Philippines’ first smart and green city in Central Luzon and position the new city as the international business district in the Southeast Asian region.  

BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said he recently signed a MOU with Incheon Free Economic Zone Authority (IFEZA)  Commissioner Jong-Cheol Lee to explore potential collaborative opportunities in relation to sustainable urbanization with  IFEZA’s experience with the Songdo International Business District and BCDA’s planned Clark Green City (CGC).

The signing ceremony was done via videoteleconferencing with IFEZA Commissioner Jong-Cheol Lee  in Korea and Mr. Casanova in Makati.

According to Casanova, IFEZA has successfully launched the Songdo International Business District within the Incheon Free Economic Zone in  2009 as an international city that integrates the best practices of urban planning and sustainable design principles with a synergistic mix of residential, commercial, retail land civic uses in a master-planned environment.

Casanova said with  the Songdo International Business District  as the international hub in Northeast Asia, the Clark Green City is envisioned to complement and create synergy with  Songdo by being the international business hub of the Southeast Asian Region.

“The  MOU is a first step,  and with further discussion,  it can lead to a possible strategic relationship between BCDA and IFEZA to foster technical cooperation that encompasses the whole range of assistance activities designed to develop human resources,” Casanova said.

He added that BCDA and IFEZA also intends to discuss other possible areas of potential collaboration to support the vision and efforts of BCDA for the creation and development of the CGC.

“BCDA’s vision is a community with embedded innovative IP-enabled technology in a green and sustainable city that will serve as the backbone to facilitate solutions to promote new economic opportunities,” Casanova said.

Also under the MOU, the BCDA and IFEZA agree to pursue cooperation and develop synergies towards common goals through  building on each others respective comparative strengths and advantages  by providing assistance aimed at strengthening individual and organizational capacity by providing technical training and expertise; technical assistance to personnel involved in the implementation and the management of the CGC; assistance for the implementation of joint studies on cooperative matters in the areas of mutual interest; and sharing of implementation policy and regulatory know-how regarding Free Economic Zones/ Special Economic Zones.

BCDA, US Embassy ink pact on Clark Veterans Cemetery

The state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the U.S. Embassy have recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes the pact between the Philippines and the United States on the upkeep of the Clark Veterans Cemetery (CVC) in Pampanga.

The MOU signing by BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg was witnessed by Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) Secretary Albert del Rosario at the DFA headquarters in Manila.

The seven-hectare CVC was established in 1947 as a final resting place for American veterans and Filipino scouts. It is said to contain the remains of more than 8,600 US servicemen, Filipino scouts and their dependents. After Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, Clark Air Base was abandoned along with the CVC. While attempts had been made by volunteers to restore the cemetery without US assistance, the MOU sets the stage for CVC’s full restoration.

Under the agreement, the US will provide a $5 million fund for the rehabilitation of CVC, while the Philippine government, through the BCDA, maintains ownership of the land.

BCDA president and CEO stressed the importance of the cemetery, saying that “it is but fitting and honorable to remember those who have fought for our freedom, our liberty and our democracy, [and] we are honored to stand side by side with the US government in upholding these ideals.”

For his part, Ambassador Goldberg said that the MOU will pave the way for the long-term maintenance of CVC, and noted the importance of the cemetery in honoring American and Filipino war heroes.

“Many men and women have answered the call to defend the values that we cherish, and many have willingly offered their lives for the good of countless others,” he said. “Those interred [at CVC] served faithfully and honorably for their countries, and their service and sacrifices will always be remembered.”

Seaoil Service Area soon to rise in SCTEX

Officials of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)  and Seaoil Philippines, Inc.  give the two-thumbs up following the signing of the contract where Seaoil will lease and develop a  two-hectare lot at the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway (SCTEX).  Photo shows (from left) Seaoil Vice President for Marketing Arturo S. Cruz, BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, Seaoil President and CEO Francis Glenn L. Yu, and  BCDA Executive Vice President Aileen An. R. Zosa. The Seaoil service area will be the first service area to  rise in the world-class toll road and will be located at the south-bound direction of the  Clark-Tarlac segment which is Clark-bound coming from Tarlac. The prescribed facilities and amenities of the service area include a gasoline station, rest rooms, sufficient and adequate parking slots, emergency First Aid station, potable water and lighting system, emergency vehicle repair shop and convenience stores.

BCDA and PPMC to spearhead PPP for airport upgrade

The state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and its subsidiary, Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC) is looking to launch another PPP (public-private partnership) project, this time for the upgrading of La Union’s San Fernando Airport to meet the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) requirements for catering to larger aircrafts for international flights. The upgrade will also include the development of an airport terminal with mall complex, touted to become a small-scale version of Singapore’s Changi airport. Rebel Group International BV is set to conduct the feasibility study until the financial close for the PPP project. In photo (seated right to left): BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova, PPP Center of the Philippines Executive Director Cosette Canilao, and Rebel Group International BV Team Leader Jeroen In’t Veld ink the contract for the Transaction Advisory Services. Witnessing the signing are (standing right to left) PPMC president and CEO Florante Gerdan, PPMC Director Jorge Banal and vice president for airport operations Josefa Catherine Bada.

Philippines, US ink pact on Clark Veterans Cemetery

The state-run Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and the U.S. Embassy have signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that formalizes the pact between the Philippines and the United States on the upkeep of the Clark Veterans Cemetery in Pampanga. The seven-hectare cemetery was established in 1947 as a final resting place for American veterans and Filipino scouts. Under the agreement, the US will provide a $5 million fund for the rehabilitation of the cemetery, while the Philippine government, through the BCDA, maintains ownership of the land. BCDA president and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova stressed the importance of the cemetery, saying that “it is but fitting and honorable to remember those who have fought for our freedom, our liberty and our democracy, [and] we are honored to stand side by side with the US government.” In photo: Casanova (left) and United States Ambassador to the Philippines Philip Goldberg (right) join hands after signing the MOU, as Foreign Affairs Secretary Albert del Rosario looks on.

Building a smart, green adn global city

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA)  President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova delivers his presentation on “Building new cities to sustain growth”  before the participants of the 4th Annual Asia Pacific Real Estate Investment Summit Philippines 2013 held recently at Hotel Intercon, Makati City.  Mr. Casanova said BCDA proposes to build a new metropolis to sustain economic growth and create safe urban areas adapted to climate-change effects. He noted that Central Luzon presents the most viable solution for the development of a new metropolis that will complement the development of Metro Manila. Mr. Casanova said the new city  will be a  smart, green and global city that is expected to  boost the country’s economy by creating  925,000 jobs and generate some USD1.29 Billion roughly Php50 Billion in government revenues from income taxes and USD1.76 Billion  roughly Php78 Billion annually from VAT.

FAQs: Donations and Volunteers for the Typhoon Yolanda relief effort

Where and how to donate
Cash donations through DSWD:

• Via Land Bank of the Philippines (Batasan Branch)
  • Contact person: Ms. Fe Catalina at +63 918-628-1897
  • Peso Current Account No. 3122-1011-84
  • US Dollar Savings Account No. 3124-0055-81, swift code TLBPPHMMXXX
• Via G Cash – http://disaster.dswd.gov.ph/online-donation/gcash
• Via Credit Card or Online – http://disaster.dswd.gov.ph/online-donation/

In-kind donations may be dropped off at any of the following locations:

• Ateneo de Manila University, Katipunan Avenue, Loyola Heights, Quezon City 1108
• De La Salle University, 2401 Taft Avenue, Manila 1004

Contact person: Mr. Charles Kevin Ronda at +63 905-342-7647
Other contact details:
International and local donations (DSWD):

• Usec. Angelita Medel at +63 928-550-0532
• Asec. Ted Romo at +63 947-996-1785
• Dir. Resty Macuto at +63 16-428-6557

International donations (DFA):

• Asec. Gary Domingo at +63 917-866-4297
• Ms. Rachel Oronce at +63 903-820-7123

What type of goods to donate

• Food (nonperishable goods, canned goods, ready-to-eat, does not require water to cook)
• Bottled water
• Basic medicine (e.g., paracetamol, for dehydration, for diarrhea)
• Clothes (fresh, comfortable, new underwear)
• Toiletries
• Blankets
• Tents

How to volunteer
Interested volunteers who wish to assist in the repacking of goods in NCR may contact the following numbers:

• DSWD NROC hotlines: (02)852-8081 / (02)851-2681 / (02)511-1259
• DSWD hotline: (02)459-2131

Note: Schedule by group of at least 5 members.
Repacking sites are the following:

Site	Address
DSWD NROC (National Resource Operations Center)	NAIA Chapel Road, Pasay City(at the back of CAAP)
Cargohaus	Ground Floor, Cargohaus Building,NAIA Complex, Barangay VitalezParañaque City 1700
Villamor Air Base	Pasay City 1309
Ninoy Aquino Stadium (formerly Rizal Stadium)	M. Adriatico St., cor. Leveriza St., Rizal Memorial Sports Complex, Manila

Who to contact or where to look for missing relatives

• Google person finder: http://google.org/personfinder/2013-yolanda
• Philippine National Red Cross: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/16aq0AH-OnEE_bM53iL5qInqHPZ28lntEXPs-rS01a88/viewform
• Official Gazette List of Casualties: http://www.gov.ph/crisis-response/updates-typhoon-yolanda/casualties/

Who to contact to request for relief operations in areas not yet reached by the government

• DSWD NROC hotlines: (02)851-2681 / (02)852-8081 / (02)511-1259
• DSWD Twitter account: @dswdserves

Where to check for updates
Official Gazette

• Website: http://www.gov.ph/crisis-response/updates-typhoon-yolanda/
• Twitter account: @govph
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/govph

NDRRMC

• Website: http://www.ndrrmc.gov.ph/
• Twitter account: @ndrrmc_opcen

DSWD

• Website: http://www.dswd.gov.ph/
• Twitter account: @dswdserves

DOST Project NOAH

• Website: http://noah.dost.gov.ph/
• Twitter account: @projectnoah

DOST PAGASA

• Website: http://www.pagasa.dost.gov.ph/
• Twitter account: @dost_pagasa

Are you looking for someone in the affected areas? This list will help

There is a growing list of initiatives online that aim to help those looking for information on persons affected by the typhoon. The two most prominent lists are the following:


1) #TracingPH Platform (Philippine National Red Cross)

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) has deployed assessment and rescue teams to the areas affected by recent typhoon Yolanda to evaluate the damage and to support rescue efforts.
Welfare Desks and tracing services are established in the affected areas. The form allows families without news of their loved ones in affected areas to contact the PRC Social Services Department.
The database on the Red Cross list is private.

2) Google Person Finder

An initiative of Google, the list allows relatives and friends to input names of people they are looking for or post information about themselves or people they know for others to find.

3. Survivor's list
Sunstar.com.ph has put together a list of survivors based of posts to the Facebook account of Rep. Ferdinand Martin Romualdez. Click this link to access the Sunstar list.


4. Official list of casualties
The Official Gazette has posted a list of casualties based on the annex of a report from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) issued on November 10, 6:00 a.m. The page is updated as official reports are issued.
 
Please refresh this page from time to time. It will be updated as new information comes in.

Relief Efforts for International Citizens who want to donate to the PH

The organizations below are mobilizing and deploying major disaster relief efforts. See how you can lend support, and check back for further updates.

World Food Programme
WFP has allocated an immediate $2 million for Haiyan relief, with a greater appeal pending as needs become apparent. The UN organization is sending 40 metric tons of fortified biscuits in the immediate aftermath, as well as working with the government to restore emergency telecommunications in the area. Americans can text the word AID to 27722 to donate $10 or give online. Learn more here.

Red Cross
Emergency responders and volunteers throughout the Philippines are providing meals and relief items. Already, thousands of hot meals have been provided to survivors. Red Cross volunteers and staff also helped deliver preliminary emergency warnings and safety tips. Give by donating online or mailing a check to your local American Red Cross chapter. Learn more here.

The Philippine Red Cross has mobilized its 100 local outposts to help with relief efforts. Learn more here.

AmeriCares
The relief organization is sending medical aid for 20,000 survivors, including antibiotics, wound care supplies and pain relievers. AmeriCares is also giving funds to local organizations to purchase supplies. Learn more here.

World Vision
The organization is providing food, water and hygiene kits at the evacuation centers. World Vision was also still actively responding to last month's earthquake in Bohol, which luckily was not struck by the eye of the storm. Learn more here.

ShelterBox
ShelterBoxprovides families with a survival kit that includes a tent and other essential items while they are displaced or homeless. Learn more here. 

UNICEF
Anticipating that children will likely be among the worst affected by the typhoon, UNICEF is working on getting essential medicines, nutrition supplies, safe water and hygiene supplies to children and families in the area. Learn more here. 

Salvation Army
100 percent of all disaster donations will be used for relief efforts and "to immediately meet the specific needs of disaster survivors." Text TYPHOON to 80888 to Donate $10 or give online. Learn more here.

UPDATED: Aftermath of Yolanda (Typhoon Haiyan): What we know

Here is a compilation what we know so far in the affected areas, based on news we receive and are able to verify from official sources and field reports.

If you have information that's relevant to this list, place your report in the comments section below with your contact details and we will contact you to verify the information.

What we know so far(Updated as of 11:49pm Nov 10, 2013)

---

Occidental Mindoro

• waiting for updates

---

Oriental Mindoro

• Electricity restored in Calapan and Naujan

---

Marinduque

• waiting for updates

---

Romblon

• Airport is open

---

Palawan

• Busuanga
• Airport is closed

---

Albay

• Legazpi City

Airport is open

---

Masbate

• Airport is open
• Communication lines partially restored

---

Aklan

• Caticlan
• Airport is open
• Kalibo
• Airport is closed until Monday, Nov 11, 2013

---

Antique

• State of calamity declared

---

Capiz

• Roxas City
• Second command center set up
• Airport is closed until Sunday, Nov 10, 2013

---

Iloilo

• Entire province under state of calamity
• Airport is open
• Communication lines cut off in towns of Carles, Ajuy, Barotac Viejo, Concepcion, Batad, San Dionisio, San Rafael, and Balasan
• Transmission lines restored
• Estancia
• 100% destroyed according to acting Gov Raul Tupas
• Sara
• Remains isolated

---

Negros Occidental

• State of calamity declared
• Transmission lines restored
• Bacolod
  • Airport is open

---

Negros Oriental

• Transmission lines restored
• Dumaguete
• Airport is open

---

Cebu

• Suspension of classes in 9 northern Cebu towns until Nov 15
• Communication lines down in towns of Bogo, Medellin and Daanbantayan
• Bantayan Island
• Completely isolated

---

Bohol

• Electricity intermittent

---

Leyte

• At least 10,000 estimated dead, according to provincial government
• Communication lines are cut off but some networks have been restored in several areas
• Still no power as of Sunday, November 10
• Ormoc
• Communication services are intermittent
• As of Sunday night, November 10, roads still impassable; relief goods can only be brought via choppers or boats
• Tacloban
• Land route from Manila passable
• Airport is closed to commercial flights
• Hospitals running at over capacity, in need of medicines
• Residents took to looting groceries, pharmacies, and shopping centers
• DSWD set up mobile internet station

---

Eastern Samar

• At least 200 feared dead, according to Rep. Ben Evardone
• Communication lines are still cut off
• Bridges unpassable in Lawaan, Borongan, and General MacArthur
• Giporlos and Guiuan
• At least 95% of the town severly damaged, according to Mayor Mark Biong. Solar TV News reporter David Santos also said Guiuan is badly damaged.

---

Samar

• Communication lines partially restored
• 300 dead, 2,000 missing

---

Northern Samar

• Communication lines partially restored

---

Dinagat Islands

• waiting for updates

LIST OF OPERATIONS CENTER FOR YOLANDA RELIEF

OPEN RELIEF OPERATIONS CENTERS

(as of 2:10pm, Monday, November 11, 2013)
Donors are advised to conduct due diligence before donating money directly to personal bank accounts. Ask the organization or individual receiving the deposit for an acknowledgement receipt and how they intend to spend the money.
For corrections or edits, make a comment in the comments page.

NATIONAL

• DSWD is accepting donations: NAIA Chapel Road, Pasay City (at the back of CAAP)
• Roel Montesa - 09263469927, roelmontesa@gmail.com
• Elma Pille - ecpille@dswd.gov.ph
• Cash deposits accepted - DSWD Bank Acct. at Landbank of the Philippines Nos. 3122-1011-84 (current) and 3124-0055-81 (savings) Fe Catalina Ea - 09186281897
• Repacking of relief goods ongoing at DSWD-NROC, Pasay City. Interested volunteers can call 8512681 to schedule.
• World Vision, an international Christian humanitarian, development and relief organization is accepting donations for Typhoon Yolanda survivors. Donor hotline 372-7777 or visit their website
• Operation Walang Iwanan - Gawad Kalinga
• World Food Programme Philippines is accepting donations through their website
• ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya pledge lines (02) 411-0183, 411-0182, 411-0115
  Accepting relief goods and cash donations, with other drop-off points nationwide: Cebu, Bacolod, Iloilo, Cagayan de Oro and Davao
• The Philippine Red Cross provides many ways to donate. Hotline: 143 Trunkline: 5270000
• You may also SMS donations by texting RED<space>AMOUNT to 2899(Globe) or 4143(Smart)
• Cebu Provincial Government, is in need of volunteers to repack relief goods for Northern Cebu, Leyte, and Bohol. Contact Ms. Evelyn Senajon at 254-7198 and 254-8397, PSWDO, Ground Floor Executive Bldg., Cebu Provincial Capitol.
• The Office of Senator Bam Aquino, Extension Room 23, 5/F Senate of the Philippines, GSIS Financial Complex, Pasay City, is accepting donations Monday to Thursday from 9am - 6pm. Contact Mr. Ares Goyena at (0917)621-6311.
• The Philippine Daily Inquirer is accepting cash donations through the following accounts:
• BPI - C/A 4951-0067-56
  Account name - Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.
  Metrobank - C/A 7286-8109-30
  Account name - Philippine Daily Inquirer Inc.
  Contact Bianca Casilag or Connie Kalagayan at 897-8808 or 899-4426.
• All LBC branches are accepting donations for typhoon Yolanda victims until November 30.
• Jollibee Foods Corporation (JFC), through Jollibee Group Foundation (JGF), is now accepting donations for our kababayans affected by Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan). Drop your donations in JGF coinbanks found in over 2,000 JFC stores (Jollibee, Chowking, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Mang Inasal and Burger King) across the country. You may also opt to directly deposit your cash or check donations to these bank accounts:
  
  • PESO ACCOUNT: Metrobank – Cubao Araneta Branch (Account Name: Jollibee Group Foundation - 473-7-47301401-3)
    DOLLAR ACCOUNT:BDO – Megamall BranchAccount Name: Jollibee Foundation, Inc.Account Number: 100661267008Swift Code: BNORPHMM

OVERSEAS/ONLINE

• For the Ayala Foundation's 'Laging Handa Fund', overseas donors can use this online portal for donations.
• ShelterBox is an international disaster relief charity that provides emergency shelter and life-saving supplies to families around the world who are affected by disasters. Donations are welcome through its website. Know more about their efforts in the Philippines for victims of typhoon Yolanda (international codename Haiyan) here.
• De La Salle University's Center for Social Concern and Action (COSCA) is accepting web-based donations from overseas individuals via GlobalGiving.com. Credit and debit card donations accepted. Contact Joseph Rosal, Coordinator for Community Engagement, COSCA at 525-4267 or local 147 for more information.

• The Catholic Relief Services is accepting donations through their website and through Caritas Filipinas Foundation.
• Victory is accepting online donations for Yolanda relief efforts via BPI Express Online or credit card.
• Save the Children is collecting donations through its website. Save the Children has a team on the ground in Tacloban working to respond to this emergency. They are focusing on blankets and mosquito nets for the affected families.
• UNICEF is accepting online cash donations thorugh its website.
• The 1000 Bear Hugs Project is accepting huggable-sized toys for Tacloban children from November 8 to December 9. Drop-off points for pre-loved toys will be announced on their Twitter profile shortly. Email 1000bearhugs@gmail.com or contact Mon Corpuz at (0917)796-1378
• ANCOP USA Foundation for international donations through this website.
• Aboitiz Foundation Command Center is accpeting cash donations through the Aboitiz Foundation’s UShare portal. Contact Danny Cerence at (0917)630-8172 for inquiries.
  You may also deposit to the following accounts:
• Union Bank of the Philippines Account No. 10026-1070944
• City Savings Bank Account No. 200-20031301
  Contact Rowena Astillo at (0917)630-4484 for inquiries.
• United States residents can make tax-deductable donations through the US Philippines Society.

LUZON
NCR
Quezon City

• UP Diliman USC Student Council, New CHK gym, UP Diliman, Commonwealth Avenue, Alex Castro, 0917-8725396, Tweet @uscupdiliman
• Tulong Kabataan: UP System, UP Office of the Student Regent are accepting donations in cash or kind. Dropoff point: Vinzon's Hall, UP Diliman, Quezon City. Contact Eds (0927)384-1392 or Zie (0916)796-5740) for more information.
• Ateneo De Manila Disaster Response and Management Team is accepting cash donations. Check this page on how to donate. For inquiries contact the Office of the Vice President for Social Development at (632) 4266001 locals 4051, 4054, 4099.
• Citizen's Disaster Response Center is calling for donations and volunteer's at 72-A Times St., West Triangle Homes, Quezon City. Call 929-9820 for inquiries.
• Rock Ed Philippines is focusing on donations of new underwear for victims of typhoon Yolanda. Drop off point is at Route 196 Bar along Katipunan Avenue, Quezon City. You may also deposit cash to BPI account# 3080-0073-44 of Rock Ed Phillipines. Tweet @gangbadoy for more details.
• AWANA Organization Philippines is accpeting donations starting Monday, November 10, 9am-6pm at 35-A Scout Tobias Street, Brgy Laging Handa in Quezon City. For cash donations, you may visit us at our office or deposit your donation to: BPI Family Bank (E. Rodriguez-Broadway Branch) Peso Current Account Number: 6871-0015-86 Dollar Current Account Number: 6874-0059-22 Swift: BOPIPHMM. Contact Jennifer Jansalin at (02) 376-5688 or 0928-8531693
• Tulong Kabataan Relief Drive is calling out for volunteers, food, medicine and non food donations. You can donate via Paypal or sign up to volunteer. Operations ongoing at the following addresses:
• Kabataan Partylist HQ: #5 Palosapis St., Brgy Amihan, Proj 3, Quezon City
• CEGP National Office: 37-C Yale St., Cubao, Quezon City
• LFS HQ,:1650 Sisa St., Sampaloc Karatula Up, Manila
• Lingap Gabriella Manila, drop off relief goods, medicines, and cash donations at 35 Scout Delgado St., Brgy. Laging Handa / 25 K-10th Street, West Kamias, Quezon City. Contact 374-3451 for more details or tweet @gabrielaphils.
• Oplan Kaagapay/NOYLeads, Junior Chamber International Philippines (Philippine Jaycees) is accepting donations at 14 Don A. Roces Avenue, Quezon City. Contact Ismael Penado at 749-9399 for inquiries.

Manila

• St. Scholastica's College is accepting donations (cash or in kind). You may drop off the donations at 2560 Leon Guinto St., Manila, located behind DLS-College of St. Benilde. For cash donation, you may look for Sr. Selene or Dr. Rebecca Cacho. For donations through check or deposit, account name is St. Scholastica's College Manila, BDO account number 4580-000-210. If the donor is not based in Manila, inform the BDO manager that the deposit is for relief operations and have your fees waived. You may then email your transaction receipts to lizaban2@gmail.com for proper acknowledgment.
• Phi Yolanda Relief Operations of Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity and Phi Lambda Delta Sorority of UP Manila, Pagkalma Park, UP College of Medecine, Pedro Gil St., Malate, Manila, Contact Miko - 09175129144 or Gela - 09277029488, tweet @PhiLambdaDelta
• Tulong Tomasino of the UST Simbahayan Community Development Office in Manila is accepting donations. Tweet @USTCSC
• Center for Social Action and Concern (COSCA) De La Salle University Manila, food and non food donations can be droped off at the COSCA Office 2nd Floor, Br Connon Hall. Contact Joseph Rosal at (0922) 899-2558 for inquiries.
• UP Ugnayan ng Pahinungod-Manila is organizing a university disaster response medical mission to Leyte with plans of relief distribution focused on Palo, Leyte. Contact Dr. Lulin Luz starting November 11, Monday (landline: 526-6950 and 526-6951) for inquiries and donations. In need of donations particularly medical supplies and volunteer MD's, nurses, and health care personnel and volunteers for packing of relief goods.
• Caritas Damayan, Caritas Manila Inc is accepting relief goods at 2002 Jesus St. Pandacan, Manila. Cash donation may be coursed through:

• Peso bank accounts:
• BPI SA# 3063-5357-01
• BDO SA# 5600-45905
• PNB CA# 10-856-660001-7;
• UNION BANK CA# 00-030-001227-5
• Dollar bank accounts:
• BPI #3064-0033-55 (swift code BOPI PH MM)
• PNB #10-856-660002-5 (swift code PNB MPH MM)

Pasig

• The MVP Tulong Kapatid Center will be open today from 9AM to 5PM to accept cash and relief goods at the Meralco Covered Tennis Court, Meralco Compound, Ortigas, Pasig City. Contact Eds Addun at (0939)913-3771 or 632-8301 for more details.
• The University of Asia and the Pacific is accepting donations (both in cash and in kind) for Typhoon Yolanda victims. Drop off point is at the Pearl Drive entrance of the school. For further information contact Erika Ng at 09175598862 or e-mail her at erica.ng20@gmail.com.
• Operation Blessing Philippines is accepting donations in cash and kind at E. Rodriguez Ave. C5 Road cor. Corporal Cruz Bagong Ilog, Pasig City. Call 477-7802 to 04 or (0917)581-2603 for more details. Operation Blessing is also accepting volunteers for their partners in Cebu and other nearby areas.

Taguig City

• Victory Church Fellowship at LGF Every Nation Building 32nd St. Corner University Parkway, Bonifacio Global City is now accepting relief goods.
• U! Happy Events is accepting donations at URBN Bar and Kitchen in the Fort Strip, Bonifacio Global City. Contact Harvard Uy de Baron at (0917)887-4278 for more details.
• St. Michael's Church at The Fort is accepting donations through Father Arnold. Water and food are badly needed. The church addesss is at 39th Street, North Bonifacio Triangle, Bonifacio Global City.
• TindogTacloban, a partnership among private individuals, Victory Christian Fellowship (VFC), and the City Mayor's Office of Tacloban are accepting donations and volunteers for deployment. Contact Ms. Joey Hernandez at 347-3975 for inquiries. Donations may be dropped off at the following locations:
• VCF Alabang - 4th Floor Filinvest Wing, Festival Supermall, Alabang, Muntinlupa City
• VCF Fort - 32nd Street corner University Parkway Bonifacio Global City

Mandaluyong City

• Give a Drop of Love, CFC Foundation, Inc. WWP at Apartelle 12, Starmall Complex, EDSA cor. Shaw Blvd., Madaluyong City are accepting food/non-food donations. For cash donations: CFCFI BPI Mandaluyong Branch, Dollar: 0184-0279-84 or Peso: 0181-0504-89. Fax your deposit slip to (+632) 718-2213. Contact Anna Arcaya at 718-2213 or (0923)583-8577 for more details.
• The Dream Project Philippines is accepting donations at the RFM Corporate Center, Pioneer cor. Sheridan Street, Mandaluyong City. Contact Prim Paypon at 09088100424.

Makati City

• ETYSBM Student Council of Mapua Institute of Technology is now accepting relief goods at 333 333 Gil Puyat Ave, Makati City. Contact Angeline Bernardino (0915)446-9715 or Edgar Aquino (0905)149-2319 for more information.
• Santuario de San Anotio Church at 3117 McKinley Road, Forbes Park, Makati will be accepting on November 10 at 9am at the Parish Center. The goods will have to be packed in Manila for immediate distribution in Tacloban and other affected areas. Call (632) 843-8830 to 31 for more details.

Other places in Metro Manila

• De La Salle College of St Benilde's Yakap Mo Yakap Ko Benefit Concert was originally a benefit concert for the kids in Smokey Mountain. The Betina and Catalino Yap Foundation was planning to build a library in the area. They will be accepting donations during the event on November 22, 2013, 6pm-10pm. Regular price for the concert is Php 300.00
• Dakila's Ride and Rock Relief is calling on artists, cyclicts, donors, and individuals willing to donate their talent, time, and relief goods on November 10, 9am to 4pm at My Little Arts Place, 222 Wilson St., San Juan City, Metro Manila. For inquiries call 435-4309.
• De La Salle Santiago Zobel through its Social Action Office (SAO) now accepts donations for the affected communities in the recent Typhoon Yolanda. Kindly bring all donations to Gate 2, 3, and 7 of the campus. For inquiries, contact Mr. Jayjay Jacinto at 0917-8597602 or Ms. Evangeline De Peralta at 0917-5638870.
  • Please deposit your cash donations to the school account with the following details:
    Account Name: De La Salle Santiago Zobel School
    Bank: Union Bank of the Philippines, Ayala Alabang Village
    Peso Account: 0180-3000-6691
    US Dollar Account: 0181-0100-9418
    Send a scanned copy of the deposit slip to lesacasr@dlszobel.edu.ph or jacintojn@dlszobel.edu.ph for proper acknowledgment.
    
• The Mu Sigma Phi Relief Operations of the UP College of Medicine s now again accepting donations for victims of Typhoon Yolanda. Eman (0925-884-3050) or Billy (0927-571-1017/0922-535-6100).
  • Monetary donations may be deposited at the following account:
    Account name: Mu Sigma Phi Relief Operations
    Account number: 504259500015
    Bank: Philippine National Bank (PNB) – PGH Branch
  • Donations from overseas may also be coursed through the following:
    Swift Code: PNBMPHMM
    Routing # 01008-0081
• The Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God (PGCAG), Inc., is accepting donations for the victims. Donations in kind may be dropped off in their office in Bethel Bible College Compound, Gov. I. Santiago Ave., Malinta Valenzuela, City. They may be reached through 0922.8653757 (SUN), 0908.8217812 (SMART), 0917.7965025 (GLOBE) or email them at PGCAGoffice@gmail.com.Cash donations may be coursed through the following peso bank account:
• Banco De Oro (BDO) Peso Savings Account (Karuhatan – Mc Arthur Highway Branch)
  Account Name: Philippines General Council of the Assemblies of God, Inc.
  Account Number: 3850000618
  Swift Code: BNORPHMM

Bicol

• Tarabanagan, Tara Bangon of the Bicol University (CU) College of Science Extension Office along with partner-organizations are accepting donations at the G/F BU College of Science Building 2, Legazpi City. Contact the ff for inquiries:
  JONATHAN JAIME G. GUERRERO - 09175928610
  JOHN JERVIE ALCERA - 09179270262
  MELLIE MORCOZO - 09153161527

Batangas

• Isla Verde in Batangas is also in need of donation. Drop-off point is at Meralco Site, Kumintang, Ilaya. Brgy Captain Arnold E. Briton will bring the goods to the barangay-island through a boat. Contact Briton at 0910-884-3334.

Laguna

• Operation Walang Iwanan of UP Gawad Kalinga - Los Baños & UPLB USC are accepting donations of relief packages and cash. Contact Cyril (0926)341-9140 or Rohanne (0915)449-0589 for inquiries.
• Oplan Sagip of the University of the Philippines Los Baños (UPLB) is accepting donations at the UPLB Baker Hall. For cash donations, deposit to: Plantersbank UPLB Branch, Account Name: UPLB University Student Council, Account Number: 017-604-0580. Contact Arthur at 09054155616
• The College of Arts and Science Student Council and PILAK of Malayan Colleges Laguna will be accepting donations in kind at the 2nd Floor Faculty Center located at J.P. Rizal Building starting Monday, November 10. Groups and individuals may contact Zk Guevarra at 09064339097, Anne Ramsey at 09069364858, or Paeng Palis at 09175747341 for more details.
  
  

Nueva Ecija

• #OperationBayanihan, Nueva Ecija Federation of Student Councils of Central Luzon State University will be accepting food, drinking water, medicines/sanitary/hygiene needs and cash to buy items for shipping to affected areas in the Visayas starting November 11 from 9am to 6pm. Contact (044)940-8416 or (0927)391-1172 for more details. Email: devinsagun@clsu.edu.ph and operationbayanihan@gmail.com

Pangasinan

• UP PALARIS CONFRATERNITY - Diliman Baguio Los Baños is having a relief drive this week for the victims of typhoon Yolanda. For those who are in or near Dagupan City, Pangasinan, please feel free to bring/send your donations to Kingfisher School Of Business And Finance Lucao, Pangasinan and look for Marudge Bravo. We encourage everyone to donate the following items: Drinking water, food (ready to eat packs/easy open cans), clothes/banig/towels/kumot, toiletries (soap/toothrbush/toothpast/sanitary napkins), medicine/vitamins, toys. We will be accepting donations from November 12 to November 16. For non-members, we will only be accepting donations in kind. If you want to send cash donations, please course it thru your relatives here in the province so that they may be to ones to purchase the items needed. Let's do our share!
  

VISAYAS
Cebu

• UP Cebu SC and UP Katilingban Han Leyteño Ngan Samarnon ug Biliranon, contact Darl Santos of KaLeSa-Bi and Ynna Bisnar of UPC SC - 09434116336, 09328637303
• Ramon Aboitiz Foundation, Inc. is accepting donations in cash or kind at 35 Lopez Jaena Street, Cebu City. Contact Edwin Marfil (local 510) or Totits Ocampo (local 204) at (032) 418-7234 for inquiries.
• YUPPIES Care Ministries of the Grace Baptist Church of Cebu City, Inc. is accepting donations at the 628B Happy Valley Road, Guadalupe. Contact Jaspher Obiña at 09231500219, 09183484294, or 09177149679 for inquiries.
• A barge docking off from Rigid Port beside Colorado Port, Consolacion, Cebu at 6pm to deliver relief goods (Rice Canned Goods, Noodles Water, Blankets, Tarpaulins/Tents, Medicine) to Ormoc, Leyte. A truck deployed by Mayor Duke Frasco of Liloan will be going around our drop off points in Cebu City and Liloan to collect the relief goods donated, and will thereafter be delivering it to the Barge. Contact Christiana Garcia Frasco via Facebook for more detials. Drop off points are in the following areas:
  In Cebu City:
• Titay's Liloan Rosquillos Cebu City Branch, Raintree Mall, General Maxilom Avenue, Cebu City (near Jollibee)
• Politics Cafe, Escario Central Mall, N. Escario Street. Cebu City
• GILT Artisan Lounge, Crossroads, Banilad, Cebu CIty
• All San Jose Bakeshops in Cebu City
• Rescue Bar and Lounge, The Forum Building (beside Grand Convention Center)

In Liloan :

• Municipal Social Welfare Department Office (MSWD), Ground Floor, Liloan Municipal Hall
• Help Malapascua is accepting relief goods and food packs to be distributed to affected communities in Malapascua Island. Drop off point is 35-B Amon Court , Salinas Drive, Lahug Cebu City. Contact Contact (0932)631-3864, (0916)561-4309, (0928)555-5443 and look for Prima for more details.

Bohol

• Lingap Gabriella Bohol, drop off relief goods, medicines, and cash donations at FARDEC Office, Lower Butalid St. Tagbiliran City. Contact (0912)5949170 for more details or tweet @gabrielaphils.

Bacolod

• Operation Yolanda, University of St. La Salle Bacolod, is accepting donations in cash or kind. Drop off point is 2nd Gate Security Office, Center for External Relations, Institute for Negros Development.

Iloilo

• Gawad Kalinga- Iloilo, have ongoing operations for badly hit areas of Panay. You can drop off relief goods at the following addresses:
• Maxximiler Warehouse, Fastcargo Logistics Corp, Lapus Norte, Iloilo
• The Mango Tree Restaurant, Guzman Street, Mandurriao, Iloilo City
• For Cash donations
  BPI Lapaz Branch
  Account Name: Gawad Kalinga Community Development Foundation Inc.
  Account Number 1471000325
• The Trea House is accepting relief goods for distribution from 10AM to 10PM on November 10. Bring your donations to the Smallville branch: 2nd Floor Red Square Buildingm Smallville Complex, Barangay San Rafael, Mandurriao

MINDANAO
Cagayan De Oro

• Liceo Ripple of Hope of the Liceo de Cagayan University is accepting cash donations at the R.N. Pelaez Boulevard, Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City from November 11 to 15. Cash collected will then be deposited to ABSCBN's Sagip Kapamilya account. Contact +63 (088) 858 4093 to 95 local 231 or +63 917 716 1613 for more details.

Iligan

• The Rural Missionaries of the Philippines-Northern Mindanao Sub-Region (RMP-NMR) Inc. is accepting donations at RMP-NMR Inc, Kalinaw Lanao Center for Interfaith Resources, 0016 Bougainvilla Puti, Villaverde, 9200, Iligan City. For inquiries, call +63 (63) 223 5179

BCDA, Turkey business group forge partnership to enhance business cooperation in trade and investments

The Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) and one of the biggest business and industrialist organizations  in Turkey  have agreed to work together to foster mutual cooperation that will  pave the way for direct and mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities between each other.

BCDA President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova said he recently signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Hittite Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (HITITSIAD) Chairman Teyfik Akpinar towards the establishment of effective platforms for cooperation  and expand channels of exchanges for joint business ventures in both the Philippines and Turkey or even in a third country.

“Our aim is to learn from each other. For instance, we will identify the best practices that we can adopt to ensure a long-term investment relationship with each other,” Casanova said.

He said the forged agreement will also promote inbound and outbound trade missions between BCDA and HITITSIAD.

“The inbound and outbound missions will not only  strengthen appreciation of actual business and industry conditions but  enable the speedy facilitation of potential investment agreements between HITITSIAD and  the BCDA administered zone,” Casanova said.

Casanova said the more than 150-member firms of HITITSIAD are potential investors and locators in the BCDA-administered economic zones and the country in general.  The BCDA administered freeports and special economic zones are the Clark Freeport Zone, Poro Point Freeport Zone, John Hay Special Economic Zone, and Bataan Technology Park which is located at the Morong Special Economic Zone.

He said the  inbound and outbound trade missions that will take place between the Philippines and Turkey  will pave the way for business matching  that will  eventually result in   HITITISIAD member firms to  locate and do business in the Philippines.

“Of course, we are not limiting the HITITSIAD firms to BCDA administered freeports or special economic zones.  If their business is more appropriate to be located in other freeports in the country, by all means we will endorse them to the appropriate freeport,” Casanova said.

He said what is important is to attract investments that will create jobs for the Filipinos towards inclusive growth for the country.

Casanova  noted that since last year, the BCDA has strengthened its business relations with Turkey through various inbound and outbound missions in cooperation  with the Turkey Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (TCCP). The MOU signing with HITITSIAD was through the TCCP led by its president Irfan Karabulut.   “We laud the TCCP for the investment opportunities they are opening up for the country,” Casanova said. 

PHOTO: Toward a more vibrant PHL-TURKEY investment environment

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova (second from left) and  Hittite Industrialists and Businessmen’s Association (HITITSIAD) Chairman Teyfik Akpinar  shake  hands after signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to foster mutual cooperation that will  pave the way for direct and mutually beneficial trade and investment opportunities between the BCDA and HITITSIAD. Looking on are Clark Development Corporation (CDC) President and CEO Arthur Tugade, Jr.  (left) and Turkey Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (TCCP) President Irfan Karabulut (right).  The MOU also promotes inbound and outbound trade missions between BCDA and HITITSIAD that  are expected to  not only strengthen the appreciation of actual business and industry conditions but  enable the speedy facilitation of potential investment agreements between BCDA administered freeports and special economic zones. The BCDA administered freeports and special economic zones are the Clark Freeport Zone, Poro Point Freeport Zone, John Hay Special Economic Zone, and Bataan Technology Park which is located at the Morong Special Economic Zone.

PHOTO: BCDA, DLSU ink lease contract for DLSU Graduate School in BGC

Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) President and CEO Arnel Paciano D. Casanova (fourth from left) and  De La Salle University President  Br. Ricardo P. Laguda, FSC  seal the deal with a handshake  after signing the contract that leases a 1,395-square-meter lot in the institutional area of the Bonifacio Global City  (BGC)  to DLSU. The DLSU will establish a graduate school in the BGC that will offer courses in MBA and Law. Photo shows (from left): DLSU Associate Vice President for Facilities Management Engr. Ronaldo Gallardo; BCDA VP for Finance and  Chairperson of the Asset Disposition Committee Atty. Nena D. Radoc; DLSU   Consultant on Finance - Office of the President  Nilo L. Pacheco, Jr.;  BCDA President and CEO Casanova; DLSU President Laguda; DLSU Chairman of the Board Jose T. Pardo; BCDA EVP Aileen An. R. Zosa; and DLSU Board of Trustee Carlos S. Rufino. Earlier, BCDA President and CEO Arnel Casanova said the presence of De La Salle, one of the country’s prestigious universities,  will play a major role in affirming the  BGC as not just as a premier business, commercial and residential area but a premier institutional area as well. De La Salle University joins the University of the Philippines which also is a lessee-locator in the institutional area of BGC.

PHL, CHINA ink MOU to improve Investment Promotion Cooperation

The Philippine Investment Promotions Plan Steering Committee (PIPP-SC) and the China-ASEAN Business Council (CABC) signed a Memoradum of Understanding (MOU) during the recently held 10th CHINA-ASEAN Expo in Nanning, China to improve investment promotion cooperation.

PIPP-SC Chairman Arnel Paciano D. Casanova who is also the President and CEO of the Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA) said the PIPP-SC and the CABC agreed to undertake steps to create a transparent, liberal and facilitative investment regime and to deepen bilateral economic development between each other.

“The signing of the MOU is based on the principle of equality, mutual benefit and win-win cooperation for both countries,” Casanova said. The MOU was signed by President Casanova and CABC Executive Secretary General Xu Ning Ning.

Casanova said the MOU re-affirms the existing strong investment promotion cooperation between the Republic of the Philippines and the People’s Republic of China stipulated in the ASEAN-China Framework Agreement on Comprehensive Economic Cooperation (ACFACEC).

According to Casanova the PIPP-SC and the CABC have agreed to position the Philippines in global supply chains by engaging CABC member associations in the areas of manufacturing, agro-industrial business and tourism infrastructure development.

The CABC is one of the five main cooperation and dialogue organizations between China and ASEAN. CABC consists of China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), ASEAN Chambers of Commerce and Industry (ACCI), the national business leaders, well-known enterprisers and experts members of ASEAN.

Casanova said PIPP-SC and CABC have also agreed to develop industrial linkages as a necessary step in investment promotion cooperation through special economic zones (SEZs) as part of a long-term process of strategic engagement between the host governments.
He said mutual investments shall be promoted through facilitating exchanges and mutual understanding among investment promotion agencies (IPAs) and CABC-member industry associations.

He added that that “inbound and outbound missions among the PIPP-SC and CABC will also be promoted to further strengthen appreciation of actual business and industry conditions to enable speedy facilitation of potential investment agreements.”

Casanova said the MOU also calls for the PIPP-SC and the CABC to facilitate the establishment of effective platforms for cooperation and expand channels of exchanges to enable, support and complement the offshore strategies of Chinese enterprises to the Philippines.

In addition, the MOU is expected to generate beneficial contacts to promote the interchange of educational experience, information and industrial strategic alliances.

“We shall achieve this by facilitating the participation of institutions of higher education, research and development institutions, and science and technology companies in the form of technical working groups (TWGs) in investment facilitation events, forums and exhibitions and conduct joint research & development efforts,” Casanova said.

He added that both the PIPP-SC and the CABC will facilitate the elimination of obstacles which may affect the deepening of bilateral investment cooperation through industrial linkages by identifying the barriers and finding out ways of managing or overcoming such barriers.

The PIPP-SC is a group composed of heads of member IPAs providing strategic directions in the implementation of the Philippine Investment Promotions Plan that aims to position the Philippines as among the prime investment destination in Asia and the world. It is tasked to formulate and implement common country branding and synchronized strategies in investment promotions for the Republic of the Philippines. It is composed of eighteen member organizations which are as follows: Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB); Aurora Pacific Economic Zone Authority (APECO);Bases Conversion and Development Authority (BCDA); Bataan Technology Park, Inc. (BTPI); Board of Investments (BOI); Clark Development Corporation (CDC);Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA); John Hay Management Corporation (JHMC);Mindanao Development Authority (MINDA);Philippine Economic Zone Authority (PEZA);Philippine Retirement Authority (PRA); Phividec Industrial Authority (PIA); Poro Point Management Corporation (PPMC); Regional Board of Investments- Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao (RBOI-ARMM); Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA); Tourism Infrastructure Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA); Tourism Promotions Board Philippines (TPB); and Zamboanga City Special Economic Zone Authority (ZCSEZA).

Cities are the wave of the future—and they won’t be Manila

Cities are the wave of the future—and they won’t be Manila

Why the key to PH’s sustained growth may lie outside the metro

The whole world is in the midst of a historic shift. According to a report by the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), for the first time ever in 2008, more than half of the world’s population was living in towns and cities. This number has continued to swell, and the UNFPA estimates that close to 5 billion people will be living in urban areas by 2030.

The case for why cities will play a monumental role in 21^st century global development—from social, economic, and cultural standpoints—has been well discussed and documented. This has led to increased scrutiny of the world’s cities to see if they can handle the influx. 

 

For instance, GMA News TV’s “Ang Pinaka” aired a feature a few months back on the most livable cities in the Philippines, tapping experts such as urban planner Felino Palafox as panelists. To come up with their top ten cities, the panel took into consideration ten criteria, including traffic management, safety, accessibility of transportation, environmental efforts, and having well-planned communities.

  

Starting off that list at no. 10 was the city of Manila. And while our capital city is certainly one of the country’s cultural, political and business epicenters (other “most livable” lists have ranked Manila even higher), it is arguably lacking in several of the “Ang Pinaka” list’s criteria. Traffic, pollution and flooding are perennial problems, and these are major factors to consider in city livability.

Even Palafox said that "Manila needs urban-renewal or urban acupuncture. It's really deteriorated. The flooding is still there, the garbage. There's no coordination." 

But Manila is not a solitary case. Metro Manila, in general, is suffering from the effects of heavy urbanization. As the most populous metropolitan area in the Philippines (and 11^th most populous in the world), its carrying capacity is about to be reached—as shown by ever-worsening traffic, flooding and informal settler problems.

Granted, Metro Manila is one of the country’s biggest growth drivers, making it a highly desirable location for dwellers and workers. It is responsible for 36% of the country’s gross regional domestic product (GRDP). But as the area becomes increasingly saturated, it becomes clear that for the country to thrive and sustain its remarkable growth in the decades to come, we must look to cities outside the metro.

Aside from latching on to already-established cities like Cebu and Davao, this means organically developing rural areas into urban centers over time, or building new “cities” from scratch and accelerating their growth, similar to what has been done with Bonifacio Global City.

And there is a huge potential to do this. While Metro Manila contributes 36% to the GRDP, its land area, which at 639 sq km, represents just a little more than 0.2% of the country’s total land area. Even the Greater Manila Area, which covers the area surrounding Metro Manila and accounts for 62% of our GRDP, covers less than 2% of the country’s total land area. 

Almost all economic activity and wealth are concentrated in megacities like Metro Manila with no spillover of benefits to neighboring regions. Yet it is clear that the staggering area of non-metropolitan land in the country is just out there, waiting to be tapped and developed!

It is definitely hard not to get excited about the prospect of seeing new metropolises around the archipelago in the future, cities that are comparable in size and function as Manila, but cleaner, more modern, better planned and more efficiently utilized. It will be a game-changer for the country.

But if want to be able to meet the demand for more cities, we need to act fast. Because the UN predicts that by 2030 the country’s population will reach 130 million. The Greater Manila Area will be accommodating 40 million people. Metro Central Luzon’s population will double to 10.25 million, while the whole of Region 3 will hit 20 million. Similar rises are expected for other regions.

This will be in 2030—which is just 17 years from now.

Without a doubt, the world is fast urbanizing and globalizing, and so are we. We need to build new cities, new livelihoods, and new modes of transport—and we need to do it outside Metro Manila.