The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) missed its revenue goal again in May despite posting an increase in collections during the month.
Collections in May was P3.22 billion short against the P115.12-billion goal for the month.
BIR Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares said one of the reasons for the lower-than-target collection is the low-interest regime in the country.
She explained that part of the collection came from the revenues of the Bureau of the Treasury (BTr), the agency tasked to issue government debt papers.
There are monthly issuances of government securities.
“(But) it is better to get smaller revenues than pay for higher interest expense,” she said.
However, Henares cited that growth of their collections, which grew 18.35 percent last month, was already higher than the 7.8-percent growth of the domestic economy in the first quarter.
BIR revenue collection last May increased by 18.35 percent to P111.90 billion compared to the P94.55 billion same period in 2012.
“Our collection is already higher than GDP (gross domestic product) and that of previous years so it means our efficiency is improving,” she said.
The BIR chief said the monthly target set for the first 11 months of the year is higher compared to the goal for December because “we’re pushing ourselves to collect in the first 11 months.”
“We have lots of projects to further strengthen our collection efficiency like the enforcement tax compliance. I cannot predict how much the growth (of collections) would be but what I’m sure is everyone is pre-occupied to fully implement those projects,” she added.

While it is true that capital cost for renewable energy projects are higher compared to fuel-based energy generation projects, price of RE will generally cost lower in the long-run.
A study conducted by the Deutsche Gesellschaft fur Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH showed that the planned feed-in-tariff (FIT) system in the Philippines that aims to provide 750 megawatts (MW) capacity “will add about P5.4 to a 300-KWh electricity bill.”
“A household consuming 300 KwH monthly would only need to pay an additional P5.4 per month,” it said.
The German government study also highlighted the fact that the more RE players, the cheaper and more competitive the electricity cost would be.
“Fuel costs for coal have more than doubled since 2010 and are expected to increase in the future. Renewables have zero fuel costs; further cost reductions are expected due to learning curves,” it said.
The Department of Energy (DoE) eyes FIT-related power projects to start operations by 2015.
The FIT incentives will be given to RE proponents that will finish their power plants ahead of the rest or based on a “first come, first serve” basis.
The government has a 50MW quota for solar energy plants, 200MW for wind, 250MW for biomass and 250MW for mini-hydro.

Today’s young professionals are pro-active when it comes to their health. They are more likely to load up on what is good for them, and avoid the things that can cause lifestyle diseases later on. Fitness is the order of the day. Proof of this is the increasing number of fitness-conscious individuals joining marathons or yoga classes, and those who are making the right nutrition choices and taking health supplements.

Healthy habits
Active 20-something sisters Monica and Margaux Uy, and their cousin Chynna Mae Lesaca, make it a point to have not only regular work-outs at the gym, but also engage in sports such as running to de-stress and keep in shape.
Monica, an interior designer, says, “Being healthy makes me more productive at work and gives me extra energy to bond with family and friends.”
Chynna adds, “As a dental student with a busy study schedule, health for me is an investment that is worth more than anything else.”
Margaux, who is a chef, says, “Work is demanding, so being fit is a must. I feel good inside and out when I’m healthy.”

Balancing acts
Upwardly mobile couple Charlene Falcis and Lester Fuentes also prioritize their health and pay attention to their nutrition and fitness regimen while busy raising a one-year-old.
“As a first-time mom, I had to adjust my previous lifestyle of scheduling meetings from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. I try to be home by 7 p.m. If I can, I drop by the house for lunch. In between that, I’m in meetings in my capacity as an operations manager for our food business. I use the treadmill, lift weights and attend Plana Forma classes,” Charlene shares.
Lester, too, makes a conscious effort to spend time with his family. “I leave the house to go to work as a marketing director between 5 a.m. to 7 a.m., and go home in the afternoon. We’re enrolled in the gym and we try to go at least once a week. Charlene and I also run occasionally.”
They believe that their health is even more important now, as it will also affect how they take care of their baby and his future.

Fiber to the rescue
Margaux, Monica and Chynna all agree that C-Lium Fibre is key to their keeping fit and healthy. By ensuring that they get enough fiber in their diet, they are able to manage their weight so they can reach their health and fitness goals. They all take C-Lium Fibre every day even when they travel.
C-Lium is also the fiber supplement of choice for Charlene and Lester.
“I feel lighter and better after taking it,” Charlene says.
Lester adds, “C-Lium Fibre absorbs toxins and promotes regular bowel movement, so it keeps the body clean. We both prefer the husk form, which Charlene mixes with her orange juice.”
Fiber has been found to be a key to preventing lifestyle diseases such as obesity, diabetes, high blood sugar, hypertension and even colon cancer. Because C-ium Fibre is made from 100 percent natural psyllium plant, it has up to 14 times more natural fiber than oatmeal or cereal. It is a natural fat absorber that can help in weight management, because it creates a feeling of fullness that reduces hunger pangs and food cravings.
All these on-the-go individuals who are pro-active with their health agree that getting enough fiber in their diet keeps them fit and in their best form. They realize that staying healthy today not only lets them live more, it also lets them live young longer!