After-the-typhoon remarks

We apparently have two concerns now that typhoons “Pedring” and “Quiel” have left: rice production – and consequently stocks after most of the country’s rice producing lands was devastated; and potholes in the metropolis – big and small, but too many to count, still not being repaired.

From our favorite rice expert, Manuel Bondad, is an estimate of how much rice fields had been damaged, its effect on the 2012 rice grains stock position, and the impact on any deliberations to import rice. Let’s hear from Bondad.

”Pedring” and “Quiel” losses to palay standing crops have risen from 39,000 metric tons (Sept. 29) to 448,000 MT (Oct. 4). The latter is the equivalent of 291,200 MT in milled rice, and sufficient for about ten days’ consumption based on published Bureau of Agricultural Statistics, 2010 net per capita.

“Ranged against these, let’s assume the “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” fury in September-October 2009, reported at 1.3 million MT, as the ultimate loss owing to “Pedring” and “Quiel,” the country’s stocks by year-end is placed at 2.5 MMT, sufficient for about three months’ consumption until the first quarter of 2012 - the summer harvest. The prescribed buffer stock is 15 days and 30 days during harvest and planting time respectively.

Justified

“Let’s elaborate: Against national milled rice inventory of 3 MMT as of June 30, 2011, the DA initially had projected paddy production at 3.2 MMT and 6.5 MMT for the third quarter and fourth quarter of 2011, respectively, or 9.7 MMT compared to 9.1 MMT and 9.7 MMT for the same period in 2010 and 2008 respectively.

“The estimates were attainable. First half 2011 output already surpassed by 1 MMT the prior year’s level. Downgraded due to the recent twin storms, and further adjusted to wastage, milled production for the second half was down to 4.9 MMT against consumption of 5.4 MMT – a shortfall of half a million metric tons to be compensated for by the June 30 stocks of 3 MMT, which level would be further boosted by undelivered portion of the 860,000 MT imports earlier approved by the Rice Council in March 2011.

“How’s [the situation in the] first semester of 2012?Assuming a return to first semester 2010 output in 2012, and a repeat of P3.4-billion “Ondoy” and “Pepeng” damage to irrigation (Source: Post-Disaster Report), the “El Niño” stock levels by June 30, 2012 [would be] at 28 days’ consumption. Buffer stock- rice importation for 2012, preparatory for the typhoon season, is justified.

“Importation is now met with skepticism owing to massive procurement in the past, as such any production shortfall ought to be corroborated, explained, and disseminated.”

Potholes everywhere

This experience had been wiped out of our short-term memory, but in recent days, daily rough rides going to work and coming back to our homes, or just going around the city, have made us remember something we surely don’t miss.

Oh yes, we’ve turned into the moon again with countless pockmarks and craters now dotting what had been of our smooth roads and highways. Worse, it’s been days since “Quiel” left, and the once-familiar road repair crews going after potholes are still nowhere in sight.

I forget whose responsibility this is: DPWH or MMDA? I guess it depends on where you’re standing. One thing I’m most certain though is that these bad roads are causing so much waste in terms of traffic slowdowns, higher fuel consumption, increased travel time and ergo, decreased productivity.

While we’re discussing roads and the current traffic problems aggravated by the long period of rains brought about by “Pedring” and “Quiel,” let’s reprint some of the comment of our online readers, particularly to our column about Metro Manila’s traffic problems.

One company, one route

Here is what henry21 posted to our view about the “over-population” of buses plying EDSA: “I agree. These buses can be seen in queue along the stretch of EDSA with few passengers and yet “our government” doesn’t do anything about it.

“They refuse to lessen the number of buses; in fact, they even increased it. My friend, a bus owner, said that LTFRB refused to listen their group.

“Instead of approving several franchises with different owners, why don’t we create one corporation consisting of all present bus owners as incorporators. With one bus company plying one route, there will be less buses, no competition, drivers will no outdo each other in getting passengers, and less accidents.

“Profits will be divided among the bus owners and it is easy to manage. Traffic will be less since buses in our roads will be limited. Transport fare is regulated so they cannot abuse it. No wasted precious fuel because there is less traffic.

“Those who want to enter into transport business, they need not to get new franchise, they just have to buy share to the corporation. At the same time, increase the number of [light rail] trains. Everybody will be happy.

“I hope Sec. Mar Roxas can read this. He can ask his planners to think about this suggestion. One corporation per one route, owned by all present bus owners: What do you think?”

Urging Mr Palengke to act

And from evangel07, another online reader, we quote: “Please have Mar Roxas read this column. I think Mr. Palengke can build a legacy in DPWH just by simply adding 10 or 20 trains. Filipinos in Metro Manila will celebrate once this is achieved. I am wondering why it does not happen? What is the road block? Identify the road block. Resolve the road block to progress.”

National Collegiate Championship

Ateneo Blue Eagles, UAAP four-peat champion and back-to-back National Collegiate champion, together with FEU Tamaraws, Adamson U Falcons, UST Growling Tigers, NCAA defending champion San Beda Red Lions, San Sebastian Golden Stags, Letran Knights and JRU Heavy Bombers, are in the Sweet 16 Finals of the Champions League (PCCL) 2011 National Collegiate Championship.

Eight seats in the Sweet 16 Finals are still vacant. Only 30 teams from “mother leagues” nationwide are in contention for these last seats. The regional championships and qualifying games to determine the other members of the elite circle are as follows: North/Central Luzon in Vigan City, Nov. 7 and 8; South Luzon-Bicol in Naga City, Nov. 11 and 12; Mindanao in Davao City, Nov. 15 and 16; and Visayas Islands in Ormoc City, Nov. 27 and 28.

Visit www.ChampionsChampionsLeague.net and join for free ongoing survey to pick the other qualifiers to the Sweet 16 Finals. Your correct choices may win for you gifts from Champions League sponsors.   

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Should you wish to share any insights, write me at Link Edge, 25th Floor, 139 Corporate Center, Valero Street, Salcedo Village, 1227 Makati City. Or e-mail me at [email protected]. For a compilation of previous articles, visit www.BizlinksPhilippines.net.