Matadi Gateway Terminal (MGT), the Congolese unit of International Container Terminal Services Inc. (ICTSI), was recently cited as the best investment project in the infrastructure sector in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

MGT was awarded with the Prix de Reconnaissance aux Investisseurs (Investor Recognition Award) by DR Congo’s Agence Nationale Pour La Promotion des Investissements (National Agency for Investment Promotion) last 7 September, which recognizes outstanding investments that have greatly contributed to the country’s economic growth, in line with the country’s Investment Code.

Approximately 150 kilometers upstream from the Atlantic, MGT is the most important port on the Congo River and the natural gateway to the capital Kinshasa. The terminal brings in the most modern and world-class port infrastructure and facilities in Western DRC.

Tim Vancampen, MGT Chief Executive Officer, said: “ICTSI is one of the first multinationals that firmly placed a strong footing in DRC and believed in its potential in 2014. As the country’s premier maritime gateway, we are very proud to have contributed to the improving business and investment climate, and we remain committed to supporting DR Congo’s greater economic goals.”

Actress and Phoenix Petroleum brand ambassador Rhian Ramos is returning to the race tracks for the four-hour Endurance Formula V1 Race of the Tuason Racing Track Day happening on 16 November 2019 at the Clark International Speedway in Pampanga.

Rhian joins Phoenix PULSE Young Drivers Raffy Rabe, Tara Laconico and Patrichk De la Rosa as part of the Phoenix PULSE racing team.

“This is my first time competing with Formula V1. I just expect to learn a lot from this race. I’ve also never had the experience before of sharing a car with other teammates, so it’s going to be interesting turning this into a team sport,” Rhian said.

“Phoenix has helped me by supporting me through this whole learning experience. It’s become a very fun, enjoyable, and educational experience for me.”

Rhian said the game plan is to make sure that the car lasts long, so there is a need to take care of and connect with it. As for her teammates, she stated that whatever happens, there should be no blaming. She even expressed admiration for her co-racers, saying, “They’re young but they’re very talented, and I would hope to be like one of them.”

Rhian previously joined the Vios Cup and other competitions including Expert B Class of the 2015 Philminiracers series where she placed 1st runner up. It will be Rhian’s first time behind the wheel for a Formula V1 race, for which she has been practicing with the assistance of the Tuason Racing School.

During the event, FamilyMart will provide coffee and pastries to racers. Spectators will also be treated to other activities and attractions, including the Virtual Racing Challenge, a car exhibit and a kiddie carting area.

DoE, PDRF gear up Energy Resiliency Plan

The Department of Energy (DoE), through its Energy Policy and Planning Bureau (EPPB), and the Philippine Disaster and Resiliency Foundation (PDRF) conducted a three-day write shop to update the National Energy Contingency Plan (NECP) for “The Big One” on 11 to 13 November at the Quest Plus Conference Center.

In a statement, Secretary Alfonso G. Cusi expressed DoE’s commitment to ensure continuous and efficient energy services to the people with the Philippines being vulnerable to natural disasters.

“Our consumers are always counting on us, and it is our role as members of the energy family to work doubly hard together with all our partners from the public and private sectors to help mitigate the adverse impact of calamities,” he said.

The update of the NECP was developed to address both oil and power supply disruptions. It aims to harmonize the energy sector’s emergency response systems with identified scenarios to strengthen coordination, communication and interoperability of the concerned energy key stakeholders.

In her opening remarks, EPPB Assistant Director Melita V. Obillo said that the NECP write shop is a suitable avenue to synchronize the collective efforts and plans of the national energy sector to craft an efficient energy resilient contingency plan.

The workshop featured in depth discussions on the levelling of disaster and risk management knowledge, the proposed structure of the contingency plan, including how to prioritize critical services and facilities in disaster reporting, and communication flow.

There were also breakout sessions on oil, generation and power, as well as transmission and distribution.

Also present were representatives from the Task Force Energy Resiliency headed by Undersecretary Alexander S. Lopez, PDRF, National Power Corporation, National Grid Corporation of the Philippines, National Transmission Corporation, National Electrification Administration, Batangas Electric Cooperative, Pangasinan Electric Cooperative, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology, Aboitiz; Manila Electric Company, First Gen Corporation, Independent Electricity Market Operator of the Philippines Inc. and the Philippine Institute of Petroleum.