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SC taking climate action as set out in Qatar 2022 Sustainability Strategy . When Qatar was awarded the right to stage the first FIFA World Cup™ in the Middle East and Arab world, it not only committed to organising an amazing tournament – but also a mega-event delivered in a sustainable manner. In January 2020, the Supreme Committee for Delivery & Legacy (SC), FIFA and the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022 LLC (Q22) published the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ Sustainability Strategy. It was the f­irst such strategy to be planned and delivered jointly by FIFA, the host country and local organisers. Part of the strategy includes the delivery of the first carbon-neutral FIFA World Cup™ in the history of the event. To achieve this, all infrastructure projects – including the eight stadiums that will be used for Qatar 2022 – must meet stringent sustainability benchmarks. “From the beginning, our preparation efforts for Qatar 2022 have been undertaken with the goal of building a sustainable and lasting legacy,” said Engineer Abdulrahman Al Muftah, the SC's Sustainability & Environment Expert. “The sustainability initiatives we have implemented in our projects contribute to Qatar National Vision 2030 and will also have a positive impact on the way future World Cups and other large-scale sporting events are organised around the world.” When the SC, Q22 and FIFA set out its carbon-neutral objectives, several key areas were identified in their planning. Staging the most compact version of the World Cup in modern history was one important feature. “Achieving carbon-neutrality is a process made up of four key components,” added Al Muftah. “Firstly, it required raising awareness among key stakeholders, including the general public. This was followed by us creating a detailed estimation of what our carbon footprint will be. The third step is the one that most people will hear about, and that is the measures taken to limit carbon emissions, which will lead us to the final part of the process, which is investing in green projects that will offset any of the remaining emissions associated with Qatar 2022.” Many of the measures taken to reduce carbon emissions are centered around the compact nature of the tournament. Fans, players and officials will fly into one airport and stay in one accommodation during the tournament. With the longest distance between stadiums just 75km, fans will have the opportunity to attend at least two matches in a single day during the group stage, thanks to five of the stadiums being connected to the Doha Metro and the other three accessible by connecting bus services. The SC has also worked with the hotel sector in Qatar to encourage green practices to reduce carbon emissions from accommodation. The compact nature of Qatar 2022 will not only provide convenience for fans and an optimal performance environment for participating teams, it also eliminates the carbon footprint of domestic air travel that fans, players and officials were required to do to attend matches in previous World Cups. With air travel being recognised as one of the world’s largest sources of carbon emissions, this will undoubtedly have a significant impact on reducing the tournament’s carbon footprint. “The close proximity of our venues will see many people use our public transport infrastructure during Qatar 2022, particularly the impressive Doha Metro system,” said Al Muftah. “Even our light rail trams and fuel-efficient bus fleet will play an important contribution in mitigating carbon emissions, with a number of electric buses being deployed for the event.” Reducing carbon emissions was also factored into the building of Qatar 2022 venues – most notably the eight World Cup stadiums. Careful consideration was given during the design and construction of the stadiums for lower energy and water consumption, the reusing and recycling of water and materials wherever possible, highly efficient cooling systems, the use of renewable energy for lighting in some stadiums, creating designs that allows for natural light, native trees and plants in stadium parklands, and efficient waste management strategies. All eight stadiums which will be used during Qatar 2022 have been built to be water and energy efficient. Many of the stadiums have exceeded industry ratings by implementing non-mandated requirements for sustainability. One such example is Ras Abu Aboud Stadium. The 40,000-capacity venue will be the first fully dismountable stadium in FIFA World Cup™ history, with its components being used to create other sporting projects during legacy mode. This pioneering approach will set new benchmarks in waste reduction. Another key component to achieving carbon-neutrality will be the use of solar energy to help power Qatar during the tournament. Qatar is currently developing a large-scale 800MW solar energy plant on a 10km² plot. Once the tournament concludes, the plant will continue to produce clean renewable energy for decades, leaving a significant legacy as a carbon reduction project. These initiatives will leave an important sustainability legacy for Qatar and the region and provide an invaluable blueprint for the use of sustainable practices in future sporting events held around the world.

No challenge can hinder the Filipino Planning Engineers Association in serving its members especially towards the path of professional advancement. On 27th August 2021, the organization successfully held its 8th General Assembly, headed by the event chair and program director, Engr. Susana O. Nacario and Allen L. Nacario respectively. Attended by its members, sponsors and guests, the event took place at the DusitD2 Hotel in Doha, State of Qatar. In accordance with Qatar Ministry of Public Health COVID-19 protocols, the program smoothly started, commenced by the masters of ceremony, the energetic Engr. Jundee Mar B. Tejedo and the dazzling Engr. Mikaela L. Espiritu. The event was graced by several dignitaries including, POLO-OWWA Qatar Labor Attache, Hon. Adam A. Musa, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) Qatar Chapter President, Engr. Mark Anthony P. Abendan, Filipino Association of Material Engineers (FAME) Qatar President, Engr. Ruel N. Reyes, Philippine Institute of Certified Quantity Surveyors (PICQS) – Regional Coordinating Committee Qatar representative, Engr. Michelle Macaraig. Furthermore, it was equally supported by its generous sponsors with corresponding representatives including, Quantum Global Solutions represented by their Country Director Lucia Vernon and Director Dawn Francis, Al Abdulghani Law Firm with Atty. Neth Briones-Soller, IND-PHIL Construction Company with Business Development Manager Ms. Marie Geneve Pulido and Pil Daily Group of Companies with Founding President Engr. Felipe D. Catinoy. One of the highlights of the event was the Introduction and Oath Taking of the New Members. It was followed by the Introduction of 2021-2022 Board of Directors candidate then the election proceedings. The technical presentations were one of the most awaited parts of the program, as they greatly contributed to the continuous learning for the members to be more competitive in their profession. The topics presented by the respective speaker are as follows, Guidelines in Schedule Maintenance by Engr. Vanessa P. Gallego, Damages for Delay to Completion by Engr. Asuncion V. Lopez and Baseline Programme l Engineer’s Review of Contractor Submittal by Engr. Elvin D. Fajutagana. It was then followed by the company’s sponsors and affiliate organization's presentations. The General Assembly will not be complete without an inspirational message from dignitaries. The message of the Republic of the Philippines President, His Excellency Pres. Rodrigo Roa Duterte, the Philippine Embassy Doha Ambassador, Hon. Alan L. Timbayan, and Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) National, Pres. Engr. Peter Paul P. Dy, Jr. were read by Engr. Ryan Ace C. Tan. POLO-OWWA Qatar Labour Attache, Hon. Adam M. Musa, also delivered his message as the Event Guest of Honour. Another highlight of the event was the awarding of LIFE Members and Special Awardees/Sikatunay, a Certificate of Honorary Membership was given to PICE National Immediate Past President, Dr. Erdsan Rene S. Suero. To add up to the excitement of the attendees, there was also a raffle draw with a lot of prizes given away. To wrap up the event, the new set of Board of Directors for the term 2021-2022 was announced, namely: President - Engr. Susana O. Nacario, 1st Vice President - Engr. Ryan Ace C. Tan, 2nd Vice President - Engr. Aurora M. Asda, Secretary - Engr. Shielu L. Manantan, Treasurer - Engr. Vannielyn E. Belen, Auditor - Engr. Gregorio M. Balleta Jr., Public Relations Officer - Engr. Maria Fatima F. Rafael, Business Manager - Engr. Guillermo Sabadisto Jr., Sergeant-at-Arms - Engr. Richelle Joy S. Lutrago, Committee on Publications & Information (CoPI) - Chairman Engr. Felipe D. Catinoy, Committee on Ways & Means (CoWMe) - Chairman Engr. Wendell C. Gacula, Committee on Membership (CoMe) - Chairman Engr. Nestor C. Malinao Jr., Contributed by: Felipe Catinoy, FPEA CoPI Chairman

Isa sa mga pagbabago at inisyatibo ng Ministry of Administrative Development and Social Affairs (MADLSA) ay ang pagkakaroon sa website nito ng platform kung saan maaaring makita at madownload ng manggagawa ang kopya ng kanyang electronic contract. Narito ang link: http://empcont.adlsa.gov.qa/ Bagamat maaaring hindi available ang kopya ng e-contract sa lahat ng manggagawa dahil maaaring hindi updated ng kompanya ang kopya ng kontrata matapos ang implementasyon nito simula pa noong 2018.

Ngayong darating na Miyerkules (September 15) ay sisimulan na ng Ministry of Public Health (MoPH) ang pagbibigay ng booster vaccine doses sa bansa para sa mga nakatanggap ng Pfizer-BioNtech o Moderna vaccines sa nakalipas na lampas walong (8) buwan. Matatandaan na noong August 24, 2021 ay inaprubahn ng MoPH ang pagbibigay ng third dose vaccines kontra COVID-19 para sa Pfizer-BioNtech at Moderna, para sa mga taong mahina ang immunity. Dagdag pa ng MoPH, sa unang buwan ng pagsasagawa nito, nakatuon ang booster vaccination program para sa mga taong mahihina ang immunity at may seryusong komplikasyon ng impeksyon, tulad ng mga ang edad ay mahigit na sa 65, at mga may malalang sakit na maaaring magresulta sa malubhang komplikasyon kapag nahawa ng COVID-19 virus, bilang dagdag sa mga nagtatrabaho bilang mga first row health care cadres at iba pang personalidad. Para sa iba pang detalye: Read the news on MoPH website

Sa pinakahuling taya ng panahon na inilabas ng Qatar Meteorology Department (QMD), magiging kapansin-pansin ang pagbaba ng humidity sa susunod na dalawang araw. Sa post nito sa Twitter nitong Miyerkules, sinabi nito na ang pagbaba ng humidity sa susunod na dalawang araw ay bunsod ng northwesterly wind na umiihip ng banayad hanggang sa malakas sa araw. Dahil dito, inaasahan rin na magiging maalikabok at mababa ang visibility lalong lalo na sa mga open areas sa susunod na dalawang araw.

Simula July ng taong ito, maraming mga pagbabago ang naisakatuparan na ng Ministry of Administrative Development, Labor and Social Affairs (MADLSA) kaugnay sa pagpapalit ng employer o paglipat sa ibang kumpanya, katulad na lamang halimbawa ng online application platform o electronic system nito para sa aplikasyon sa paglipat sa ibang kompanya o pagpalit ng employer ng isang manggagawa. Maaari ng alamin ng manggagawa ang status ng kanyang change employer status sa pamamagitan ng electronic system ng MADLSA. Narito ang link: https://ecai.adlsa.gov.qa/default.aspx Kapag naka sumite na ng aplikasyon ang isang manggagawa para sa paglipat sa ibang kumpanya o pagpalit ng employer sa pamamagitan ng electronic o online system ng ADLSA, hindi na sya maaaring kasuhan ng absconding o run-away ng kanyang kasalukuyang employer, o kaya ay kanselahin ang kanyang QID. Ang kasalukuyang employer at ang magiging bagong employer ay makakatanggap lamang ng SMS mula sa ADLSA's electronic system kapag ang aplikasyon ng manggagawa para sa pagpapalit ng kumpanya o employer ay naaprubahan na ng ADLSA. Kapag ang aplikasyon naman ay hindi naaprubahan dahil sa mga sapat na dahilang itinakda ng batas, ang manggagawa lamang ang makakatanggap ng SMS na hindi ito naaprubahan. May bagong dagdag din na feature ang electronic system ng ADLSA dahil maaari na ring kanselahin online ng aplikanteng manggagawa ang kanyang aplikasyon para sa pagpapalit ng kumpanya o employer, kung ito ay nasa ilalim pa lamang ng pagsusuri ng ADLSA. Samantala, ang mga nasabing pagbabago at inisyatibo ng ADLSA at ng pamahalaan ng Qatar sa pangkalahatan ay lubos na hinahangaan at pinapasalamatan ng Filipino community sa bansa at maging ng iba pang mga working expatriates sa Qatar.

Sa ulat ng Ministry of Interior (MoI), isa na sa pinakamaraming violators ng COVID-19 precautionary measures na umabot sa 2,047 sa isang araw na operasyon lamang, ang nahuli ng kapulisan nitong nagdaang Sabado. Nasa 1,289 ang mga nahuli na hindi nagsusuot o kaya ay mali ang pagsuot ng face mask, samantalang nasa 736 naman ang nahuli dahil sa hindi pagsunod sa takdang social distancing, at 22 naman ang nahuli na di naka install ng Ehteraz app. Dinala na ang kanilang mga kaso sa Public Prosecution. Ayon sa Cabinet decision na halaw sa Law No. 17 of 1990 kaugnay sa nakakahawang mga sakit at mga preventive measures nito, ang mga hindi nagsusuot ng facemask kapag nasa labas ng kanilang bahay ay maaaring mapagmulta ng aabot sa QAR 200,000 o kaya ay mabilanggo hanggang tatlong (3) taon.

The 14-day course provides comprehensive information about Qatar’s history, environment and culture, and is required to obtain an official tour guide license. Qatar Tourism is offering its Tour Guide Training Programme to give practicing tour guides and eligible residents the opportunity to enhance their skills in the tourism sector. Developed by Qatar Tourism in collaboration with stakeholders, the programme aims to raise standards and regulate tourism service providers through providing official tour guide licenses to those who complete the required work. The initiative is part of Qatar Tourism’s efforts to achieve Service Excellence in the sector and provide an unforgettable experience to the visitors, especially as borders reopen and Qatar prepares to host mega sporting events. Dates of the upcoming training sessions will be announced in the coming months. Interested parties can register through the Qatar Tourism website or in person at the Ministry of Commerce and Industry office in Lusail, Al-Jassra Tower, first floor counter 44. The course will be conducted in English and the exam fee is QAR1,200 while the Tour Guide license fee is QAR1,000. Berthold Trenkel from Qatar Tourism said: “As the main point of contact for visitors, tour guides need to be able to tell stories, giving visitors information and insights into the country’s history, culture and heritage, that will help deliver an unparalleled experience. As part of our Tourism Sector Strategy, we are working closely with all tourism-facing entities to implement Service Excellence at every touch point of the visitor’s journey. With Qatar’s FIFA World Cup 2022 around the corner, we need more guides to cater to the huge number of visitors who will be arriving in the country.” The Tour Guide Training Programme uses the Tour Guide Manual that was developed by Qatar Tourism in partnership with stakeholders including Qatar Museums, Msheireb Museums, the Ministry of Municipality and Environment, Souq Waqif, Qatar Foundation, Qatar TV, and Sheikh Abdulla bin Zaid Al Mahmoud Islamic and Cultural Center (Al Fanar). While enabling tour guides to deliver insightful information about Qatar’s society and ecosystem, the manual also contains a section on tour group management, highlighting the skills tour guides need to provide an ideal visitor experience. Since the beginning of the programme in 2017, more than 100 tour guides have been trained, helping position Qatar as an ideal tourism spot.

Maituturing na isang milestone achievement ng Qatar para sa National COVID-19 Vaccination Program nito, dahil umabot na sa 2 milyon ang bilang ng populasyong nakatanggap na ng kompleto o dalawang doses ng COVID-19 vaccine. Sa post ng MoPH, nagpapasalamat ito sa lahat ng mga tumanggap ng bakuna. Pinapaalalahanan at inaanyayahan din ng MoPH ang mga iba pang hindi pa nakakatanggap ng bakuna na magpalista na para sa schedule ng kanilang vaccination. Samantala, bilang isa sa may pinakamaraming expat population sa Qatar, nagpapasalamat ang Filipino community sa pamahalan ng Qatar para sa libre at maayos na serbisyo at sistema sa pagsugpo sa COVID-19, serbisyong medical, at program sa pagbabakuna.

Isa ang Qatar sa mga nangungunang bansa sa buong mundo sa pagbabakuna laban sa COVID-19 sa dami ng nabakunahan sa populasyon nito, ayon sa ulat ng Our World in Data vaccination tracker. Pumapangalawa ang Qatar sa may pinakamataas na porsyento ng mga nabakunahan na ng at least first dose ng COVID-19 vaccine, samantalang panlima naman ito kung ang pagbabatayan ay taas ng porsyento ng populasyon na nabakunahan na ng kompletong dose ng COVID-19 vaccine, mula sa mga bansang may populasyong isang milyon pataas. Matatandaang inanunsiyo ng MoPH nitong Linggo na 92.3% ng populasyon ng Qatar na maaari ng makatanggap ng bakuna (12 years old pataas) ang nakatanggap na ng at least first dose ng bakuna, samantalang nasa 80.6% naman ang nakatanggap na ng kompleto o dalawang doses ng COVID-19 vaccine. Kung base naman sa kabuoang populasyon, nasa 80.1% na ang nakatanggap ng at least first dose ng bakuna, samantalang 69.9% naman ang nakatanggap na ng kompleto o dalawang doses ng bakuna.

On July 30, 2021, the Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners - KSA and Qatar Chapters made another spectacular milestone. Concurrent with the celebration of “International Friendship Day”, the first International Cluster Conference entitled “Collaborate 2” and with the theme: “Strengthening International Relations in Promoting the Environmental Planning Profession”, a free online seminar with 3.5 CPD points was attended by hundreds of environmental planners representing various chapters in the Philippines and from overseas. The support from the PIEP National Officers, and the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Environmental Planning made the event possible. The presence of Dr. Cora Cruz, Dr. Dina Magnaye, and EnP. Felicisimo Tejuco Jr. of the PRC CPD Councils were also highly recognized and appreciated during the event. The conference was brought worldwide via Facebook live streaming, and with the help of its media partner, Qabayan Radio 94.3 FM – the first and only Filipino Radio Station in Qatar. The masters of the ceremony, EnP. Joe Niño Orapa of PIEP KSA, and EnP. Arecles “Jak” Balde of PIEP Qatar flamboyantly handled the entire event through their hosting skills and charisma to engage the attendees in having a great learning atmosphere and experienced. PIEP KSA Charter President. EnP. Eldrid Refil in his opening statement, addressed the honorable dignitaries, officers, and fellow planners, and set the tone of the conference as he gave an overview of what the attendees can expect and learn from the technical speakers from their own field of expertise and specialization. The ambassador of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, H.E. Adnan Alonto, highlighted in his speech the importance of the environmental planning profession and its crucial role in shaping the community and the future. As for the ambassador of Qatar, H.E. Alan A. Timbayan, he emphasized that there is so much to learn from overseas Filipino environmental planners, particularly in improving the Philippines situation and resolving problems such as environmental degradation that results in climate change, setting Qatar as an example. In their inspirational talks, PIEP National Executive Vice President - EnP. Levi Espinas and PIEP National President - EnP. Joy Hakcholna commended all the dedication and hard work of KSA and Qatar chapters in spearheading the International Cluster Conference, and gave their high hopes by the end of the conference as well as for sharing the multiple Job opportunities awaiting in both national and local government once the Filipino Planners decided to go back home in the Philippines and practice the Environmental Planning Profession. Technical Sessions The main highlight of the conference are the technical sessions presented by three resource speakers from KSA and Qatar. Each speaker shared their knowledge and expertise in their fields and presented very timely topics. The first topic was entitled “Places for People – Strategies in Qatar Public Realm” and presented by EnP. Randy Panesa of Qatar Chapter. He effectively demonstrated strategies on how to establish an ideal community or public realm through various techniques and urban solutions. At the last part of the presentation, EnP. Randy showed some case studies in Qatar and interesting proposals and masterplans. The second topic, “Urban Development in Oil & Gas Setting”, presented by Ar. Lyndon Calibuso, aims to raise awareness about the proper urban planning approach for a highly industrial oriented setting, and for the planners to learn the process of balancing safety, environmental risks, business continuity and urban setting. Ar. Lyndon provided essential points in his presentation, such as spatial concepts for safety, the four pillars of development, and basic urban planning guidelines, to name a few. The third and last topic was presented by EnP. Jojo Utram of KSA Chapter, with the title “Strategic Water Supply & Distribution for Sustainable Development”. EnP. Jojo presented a complete and comprehensive study divided into five topics, dealing with Saudi Arabia’s water sector, desalination plants, Philippine water sector, wastewater disposal, and sustainable construction practices. The presentation was ended with a wonderful quote saying “Sa masaganang tubig, ay may masaganang buhay, kaunlaran, at pag-ibig.” To wrap up the technical session, PIEP Qatar Chapter President EnP. Mary Grace Hermosa-Pineda delivered a comprehensive summary review of the three presented topics in her conference synthesis, and wholeheartedly thanked all the speakers for sharing their knowledge and expertise. Consultative Meeting with POLO-OWWA Right after the conclusion of the International Cluster Conference, the consultative meeting with PIEP KSA and Qatar Chapter and POLO-OWWA took place. It started with an Inspirational message coming from Labor Attaché in Qatar, Hon. Adam Musa, who congratulates both chapters for the successful conference, followed by the Asst. Labor Attaché in Riyadh, Hon. Lucille Gayaman, who emphasized the appropriateness of the theme to the current situation. Hon. Evelyn C. Laranang, the Overseas Workers Welfare Officer of OWWA Qatar, presented an overview about the OWWA and its mandates, and their programs such as for social benefits, workers welfare assistance, repatriation, and other services. In separate breakout sessions, Asst. Labor Attaché Hon. Lucille Gayaman and Hon. Evelyn Laranang, clarified and answered some pressing OFW concerns for KSA and Qatar, respectively. Questions were raised about reintegration program, POLO support to PIEP professionals, Iqama/Visa issues, and some labor issues were addressed as well. Throughout the end of the Consultative Meeting, Filipino Workers in KSA and Qatar were reassured that POLO-OWWA will continue to open doors and serve Filipinos by all means, even in the midst of this COVID-19 crisis. Indeed, the first International Cluster Conference of PIEP KSA and Qatar Chapter was a huge success. The collective hard work and dedication of its executive committees and members resulted in a well-organized and fruitful event. It effectively conveyed new knowledge and fresh ideas to all the attendees, thanks to the technical speakers. Certainly, each session gave every attendees new tools in dealing with the current challenges in their field. This for sure will just be the beginning of many international conferences in the future that KSA and Qatar chapter will offer to our fellow Filipino planners across the world, as we all strive in promoting the continuous growth of our profession.

Walang problema si Senador-boxing champ Manny Pacquiao sa last-minute na pagbabago sa kanyang training bunsod ng pag-ayaw ni Spence sa laban dahil sa eye injury nito, at paghahanda naman para sa pumalit na WBA welterweight champion Yordenis Ugas. Gaganapin ang kanilang laban nitong darating na August 21 sa T-Mobile Arena sa Las Vegas. Nakatakda sanang kalabanin ni Pacquiao ang WBC, IBF welterweight champion na si Errol Spence Jr. ngunit nitong nakalipas na Martes, nagkaroon ito ng retinal tear, na naging dahilan upang mag withdraw ang huli sa nasabing laban. Na diskobre ang eye injury ni Spence sa ginawang pre-fight examination ng Nevada State Athletic Commission. Nakatakda na ring sasabak si Ugas para sa undercard laban kay Fabian Maidana, na nagwithdraw din nitong linggo dahil naman sa injury na natamo sa sparring. Halos 6 linggo rin ang ginugol ni Pacquiao para sa sparring at pagkakaroon ng stratehiya bilang paghahanda laban sa kaliwete, samantalang nakapag sparring naman sya sa loob ng 8 rounds laban sa mga right-handed fighters noong Martes, kung kaya't wala syang isyu sa pagkakaroon ng pagbabago sa magiging kalaban. Aniya, “I am a politician. I am used to dealing with changing stances. For the first thirty seconds things looked a little odd in sparring, but I adjusted quickly, and it was business as usual. Naturally I am disappointed in the situation but thank God the tear in Errol’s retina was discovered before it could be damaged further. I join his family, friends, and fans and pray that he has a full and complete recovery.” “As for Ugas, I am happy that he stepped up to replace Errol Spence. Ugas is a champion with a strong Cuban boxing background. This is a big fight, and we will give the fans an exciting show," dagdag pa ni Pacquiao.