Aboitiz donates rescue boat, emergency gear to SBMA

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) received on Monday, August 13, a boat and other emergency response equipment from Aboitiz Foundation, Inc., the social development arm of the Aboitiz Group of Companies.

The donations were formally sealed with the signing of a memorandum of agreement between the Subic Enerzone Corp. (SEZ), an Aboitiz company represented by its senior vice president and COO Dante Pollescas, and SBMA chairman and administrator Wilma Eisma.

The equipment consisted of an aluminum rescue boat with engine, 10 heavy duty flashlights, two 200-meter polypropylene rope, two sets of heavy duty first aid kits, 10 life vests, 10 pieces of life ring buoy, and 10 pairs of heavy duty safety boots, with a total value of P247,000.

Eisma said the rescue equipment will augment the limited resources of the SBMA Emergency and Rescue Team, which also responds to requests for assistance during emergencies in the nearby communities of Olongapo City, Zambales, and Bataan.

She said that Enerzone and Aboitiz Foundation had always been partners in emergency response, pointing out that since 2007, Enerzone and Aboitiz Foundation have been allocating P125,000 annually for the maintenance of seven ambulances of the SBMA’s Emergency Medical Services through the “Adopt-an-Ambulance” program.

Aside from the SBMA, Pollescas said SEZ and Aboitiz Foundation had also donated disaster-preparedness and response equipment to community rescue groups in Olongapo City, including the barangays of Kalaklan, West Bajac-Bajac, Santa Rita, and Old Cabalan.

At the same time, the SBMA authorities also acknowledged the donation made by Crown Peak Estate Developers, Inc. which operates hotels and tourism and recreation facilities at the Upper Cubi Area in the Subic Bay Freeport.

Crown Peak president Anthony Trillo personally turned over the donation consisting of two motorcycles to SBMA senior deputy administrator for support services Ramon Agregado.

Also on hand to receive the donation were SBMA Law Enforcement Department (SBMA-LED) head Col. Vicente Tolentino and Maj. Jose Alquizar, head of the SBMA-LED physical security and community relations division. (Ric Sapnu, SunStar)

https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1758394

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Philippine Coastal expands fuel storage in Subic

The Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation (PCSPC), which operates the fuel depot here and the fuel pipeline linking Subic to Clark Freeport, has expanded its operations here with the inauguration of three new 180,000 barrel fuel storage tanks and two tank-truck loading racks on Friday.

The groundbreaking ceremony at the Maritan Hill expansion site was attended by top officials from the PCSPC, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and the Aboitiz Construction Group, Inc., which fabricated the new storage tanks.

The operation of the three new tanks will increase PCSPC’s total fuel storage capacity to 5.2 million barrels, or 827 million liters, said PCSPC Chairman Michael Rodriguez.

“This considerable increase in storage is in response to our customers’ demand for quality and available fuel storage in Subic Bay, and we are pleased to be able to provide this new expansion to accommodate their needs.” Rodriguez said.

He also boasted that the construction of the three new storage tanks and the two tank-truck loading racks was completed within one year without any accidents.

The construction was “on time and on budget,” Rodriguez added.

SBMA Administrator Wilma Eisma lauded the PCSPC project and noted that the construction of infrastructures within the Freeport can be done without any untoward incident. She added that the expansion of the fuel storage facility would also boost business in the Subic Bay Freeport.

PCSPC officials said the new tanks are on par with international standards and will increase the company’s total fuel storage by 540,000 barrels for various fuel products such as diesel, gasoline, jet and fuel oil.

The expansion also completed the PCSPC’s commitment to the SBMA to invest and build 1.8 million barrels of fuel tank storage at the Maritan tank farm.

The PCSPC’s strategic location inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone provides efficient importation of fuel products for storage and onward distribution along the network of well-maintained toll roads to Clark, Manila, Central and Northern Luzon.

“The Freeport also provides an efficient coastal location for hub operations with imports from regional refineries for onward export distribution to the region,” Rodriguez said.

The company has been operating the petroleum storage and pipeline facilities of the former US Naval Base in Subic. The facility was originally constructed in 1953 with a capacity of 2.4 million barrels, but PCSPC has doubled the fuel storage capacity over the past six years, with plans to further expand operation in the future. (JRR/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:

[1] Officials cut the ceremonial ribbon to inaugurate new fuel storage tanks at the PCSPC facility in the Subic Bay Freeport. From left: SBMA Senior Deputy Administrator Ramon Agregado, Ayta tribal elder Bonifacio Florentino, PCSPC Chairman Michael Rodriguez, SBMA Chairman Martin Diño, Aboitiz Construction President & COO Alberto Ignacio Jr., and PCSPC President & CEO David Attewill. (AMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Meralco names builder of Subic plant

Manila Electric Co. (Meralco) said Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) consortium has signed a construction contract with Azul Torre Construction Inc. and a supply contract with Doosan Heavy Industries & Construction Co. Ltd. for the construction of the 600 megawatts (MW) coal-fired power plant it is developing in Subic.

RP Energy which is currently composed of Therma Power, Inc., a subsidiary of Aboitiz Power Corp. and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp. each owns 25 percent equity interest while Meralco PowerGen Corp. (MGen), a subsidiary of Meralco holds 47 percent equity interest in the plant projected to go online by mid-2020.

Construction of the Subic coal plant estimated to cost $1.2 billion was halted when a Writ of Kalikasan was filed against it in 2012 but which was later junked by the Supreme Court (SC) for insufficiency of evidence.

Meralco also recently filed a power supply agreement application with the Energy Regulatory Commission to draw 225 MW from RP Energy once it is completed but is still pending for a decision.

Aside from RP Energy, other coal plant developments where MGen is involved in include the 455 MW San Buenaventura project and the 1,200 MW Atimonan both located in the Quezon province. (Malaya Business Insight)

PHOTO:
Artist's rendition of the power plant located at the REdondo Peninsula. RP Energy is building a $1.2Bn 600MW power plant within the Subic Bay Freeport Zone (SBFZ) using circulating-fluidized-bed technology.

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/meralco-names-builder-subic-plant

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Redondo Peninsula to stagger construction of Subic power plant

MANILA, Philippines – Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy) will phase the construction of its 600-megawatt (MW) coal-fired power plant in Subic pending the resolution of its transmission problems.

RP Energy is a consortium composed of Meralco Power Gen (MGen), Aboitiz Power Corp. and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp.

The consortium has been evaluating whether to push through with the whole 600 MW in one go or to phase it due to issues in the capacity transmission facilities.

When asked for updates on the project, Meralco chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said “the latest word is that we might phase it.”

“(We will start with) 300-MW first and then (another 300 MW) to 600-MW, depending on our capability to interconnect with NGCP (National Grid Corp. of the Philippines). If that takes a few months, then it’s just a few months before we can start the Phase 2,” Pangilinan said.

Construction of the 600-MW coal-fired power plant is targeted in the first quarter of this year and completion in the second half of 2019. (Danessa Rivera, The Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/business/2016/03/03/1558805/redondo-peninsula-stagger-construction-subic-power-plant

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RP Energy cuts Subic power plant capacity target to 300 MW

THE Redondo Peninsula (RP) Energy Inc. is lowering by half the target capacity of its newest coal-fired power plant at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in Zambales.

The consortium is set to change the project parameters to reduce the capacity from 600 megawatts (MW) to 300 MW, Meralco Chairman Manuel V. Pangilinan said.

RP Energy is a joint venture of Meralco PowerGen Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp.
Pangilinan attributed the changes to the issues surrounding the transmission line connection.

“There were issues on the distance of the connection of the transmission line to the grid,” Pangilinan told reporters.

He explained that the transmission line from the power plant to the grid will have to go through areas that are apparently occupied by indigenous people.

“There are pockets where there are reserved areas. So you know we cannot build on top of that. That’s prohibited by law,” he said.

The project was originally conceived as 600 MW power facility, composed of two 300 MW coal­fired plant.

Its construction was delayed because of the Writ of Kalikasan filed before the Supreme Court (SC) by groups opposing the power plant.

The High Court upheld the project’s environmental compliance certificate, as well as the lease and development agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

The project is now in the construction phase after the consortium has hired the engineering, procurement and construction contractor.
The consortium has tapped a group of local banks to help finance the project. The power plant is expected to contribute additional generating capacity to the Luzon grid. (Ritchie A. Horario, The Manila Times)

http://www.manilatimes.net/rp-energy-cuts-subic-power-plant-capacity-target-to-300-mw/195801/

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Aboitiz bets, Barnachea dominate Tour of Subic

ABOITIZPOWER cyclists Kristian Reyes and Jason Comandante scored a 1-2 finish in the premier Category 2 while Michelle Barnachea topped the female open class in yesterday’s AboitizPower Tour of Subic held at the Maritan Highway of the Freeport Zone.

Reyes, 17, although a rookie in a road race event, competed like a tested veteran, showing patience and determination in negotiating the challenging three-kilometer uphill climb starting at the Bataan Nuclear Power Plant before showing nerves of steel in the downhill stage to edge Comandante and Resty Aragon of Team Excellent Noodles in an electrifying sprint finish.

The three negotiated the 90-kilometer race organized by Bike King and presented by AboitizPower in two hours, 34 minutes and 29 seconds but Reyes emerged the clear winner with almost a bike-length advantage at the finish.

“Last year lang ako nag-cycling at first race ko ito at kinailangan talagang magpakita ng pagtitiis sa ahunan dahil alam kong kapag nalampasan ko ito ay maganda ang chance ko na manalo,” said Reyes, an incoming first year management student at
FEU.

Joey Delos Reyes, last year’s champion, failed to break free from the watchful eyes of his rivals and settled for 14th place overall in 2:37:24 time.

Barnachea, 27, of Team Philippine Navy-Standard Insurance, also needed a strong finish to edge Mari Maligaya of Sante Barley in their spirited battle for the female crown in the race also supported by SN Aboitiz Power Group, Sante Barley,
WeatherPhilippines, Subic Holiday Villas, Gatorade, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and GU.

Barnachea and Maligaya both clocked 3:04:34 while Irish Mae Wong of Corratec Philippines taking the bronze in 3:17:15.

“Sinuwerte lang. Ang hirap ng karera dahil sa ahon at hindi ko forte ito dahil spinter ako,” said Barnachea, who last competed in this event in 2011.

Last year’s women’s winner, Marella Vania Salamat, decided to test her skills against male riders, opting to see action in the Category 3 Intermediate class where she finished fourth with a respectable time of 2:34:12.

Ricky Pedrina of Tropang Boy Kanin clocked 2:34:10 to rule the race. In the Category 4 Novice division, Jhay-R Sotto of City Heights Hotel won in 2:45:14 while Rey Ramos of Tropang Boy Kanin (2:48:36) and Edson James Rosales of Franzia (2:48:38) finished second and third, respectively. (Malaya Business Insight)

PHOTO:
Kristian Reyes (middle) after crossing the finish line in a down-the-wire finish of the AboitizPower Tour of Subic. (Dante Peralta, Spin.ph)

www.spin.ph/fitness-health/active-lifestyle/kristian-reyes-17-year-old-cycling-greenhorn-fastest-rider-in-2015-aboitizpower-tour-of-subic#zP9qzHSiqSEjph0S.99

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/sports/aboitiz-bets-barnachea-dominate-tour-subic

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SBMA to resume talks with consortium for Subic coal-fired power plant

Negotiations between the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and RP Energy for a 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant will resume soon after the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the environmental compliance certificate issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to the Aboitiz-led consortium.

However, local government officials and an independent group of Subic Freeport locators vowed to press their opposition to the coal-fired plant despite the ruling of the high court, which also denied a petition for a writ of kalikasan against the power plant’s construction.

SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said they had been locked in negotiations with RP Energy -- the consortium of Aboitiz Power, the Manila Electric Co. and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp. -- when they were forced to stop by the petition for the writ of kalikasan.

The first issue, said Garcia, is the lease rate.

“Under the original lease agreement, the rental was for only P1 million per year. During our last negotiations, we were able to raise that to P200 million per year,” Garcia said.

The second issue was about which environmental standard to adopt in constructing the power plant.

“Because of (the need to protect) tourism, the SBMA board’s sentiment was that we should adopt higher air quality standards, which is the World Health Organization standard,” the SBMA chair explained. “Meralco’s position, on the other hand, was only to meet the Philippine standard, just like what is being imposed on other power plants.”

“Third, there were previous MOUs (memorandums of understanding) that were signed before involving local government,” he said. “Now, under the lease agreement, these rights were distinguished. In fact they did not have rights in the first place because there were only MOUs. That is the third point that we are discussing.”

“Now that the SC has finally decided on the issue, we will now continue discussions on these issues.”

However, the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber for Health and Environment Conservation, a group of locators, believes the fight against the coal-fired power plant is not yet over.

“The reversal of the validity of documents is not to say that the SC Justices favor coal as a fuel,” the SBFCHEC said in a statement.

“We believe that the coal is a dying fuel. It is on its way out of the world stage. We believe it will be banned by the world within 10 years, and it is foolish for RP Energy, Inc. to build something that will soon be banned by the world. It is foolish for the Philippines to allow such investments,” SBFCHEC president Gregorio Magdaraog stressed.

“Two hundred years ago, coal gained prominence during the industrial revolution and has become the basis of development. But since only few coal plants were established then, the plants did little in destroying the environment,” Magdaraog explained.

“Over the years, other energy options were discovered. But the American capitalists have already heavily invested in coal and related industries. The less than one percent who owns the world also owns coal so they are bound to protect coal, despite the existence of other energy generation options. That is the political economics of the coal industry. But sooner or later, they will junk coal, but they will sell coal first,” he added.

Magdaraog predicted that, “in ten years, we will almost be independent from Meralco for power supply because of other options like solar power.”

“If that is so, why should we embrace coal?” he asked. (Ansbert B. Joaquin, InterAksyon.com)

http://www.interaksyon.com/business/104510/sbma-to-resume-talks-with-consortium-for-subic-coal-fired-power-plant

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SC clears way for long-delayed Subic plant

THE SUPREME COURT finally cleared the way for a Meralco-led consortium to build its long-delayed 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in Subic, Zambales.

In en banc session on Tuesday, justices voted 13-0 to uphold the validity of the coal power project of Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc. (RP Energy) in Barangay Cawag.

The ruling upheld the validity of the environmental compliance certificates issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) on December 2008 and July 2010. It also upheld the validity of the June 2010 Lease and Development Agreement with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

Associate Justices Estela M. Perlas-Bernabe and Mario Victor “Marvic” F. Leonen voted in favor of RP Energy, but with qualifications, Supreme Court Public Information Office (PIO) Chief Theodore O. Te said in a briefing.

The high court also unanimously voted to deny the petition for writ of kalikasan filed by former Bayan Muna Rep. Teodoro A. Casiño and other individuals, as well as the organizations Advocates for Wildlife and Environment Protection, Wildlife in Need, Subic-Olongapo Cancer Foundation, Inc., and PAMALAKAYA (National Federation of Small Fisherfolk Organization in the Philippines).

Associate Justices Arturo D. Brion and Francis H. Jardeleza took no part in the voting, with the former being on leave and the latter inhibiting due to his previous involvement as Solicitor-General.

A full copy of the decision has yet to be issued.

The decision reversed the January 2013 ruling by the Court of Appeals invalidating the project’s amended environment compliance certificate (ECC) due to RP Energy’s failure to conduct a new environmental impact assessment.

The appellate court’s earlier decision was also based on the supposed lack of consent from the local government and the National Commission on Indigenous Peoples (NCIP) to support the Lease and Development Agreement with SBMA.

RP Energy is a joint venture of Meralco PowerGen Corp., Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp..

The project was originally expected to go online by the this year’s dry season but development was halted because of the writ of kalikasan filed against the project.

The Supreme Court first released a resolution on the writ dated July 31, 2010, against Environment Secretary Ramon Jesus P. Paje, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority and RP Energy.

Such writs serve as a judicial remedy to protect against projects inflicting possible environmental damage that affects inhabitants.

The petitioners claimed RP Energy violated its environmental impact statement and environment compliance certificate (ECC).

The petitioners also claimed the ECC was issued without complying with the conditions of affected indigenous people and without prior approval of local government units.

While the project proponents have yet to receive their respective copies of the court’s decision, they welcomed the development saying this would help the energy industry.

“We have yet to read the decision. Assuming it’s all positive, then it’s good for the industry,” said Alfredo S. Panlilio, senior vice-president of Manila Electric Co., the parent firm of Meralco PowerGen.

Stephen G. Paradies, senior vice-president of Aboitiz Equity Ventures, Inc. (AEV), also said AboitizPower has yet to receive a formal copy of the decision.

AEV is the parent company of AboitizPower.

“We intend to pursue this project. It’s very good news,” said Mr. Paradies. (Claire-Ann M. C. Feliciano and Vince Alvic A. F. Nonato, BusinessWorld)

http://www.bworldonline.com/content.php?section=Economy&title=sc-clears-way-for-long-delayed-subic-plant&id=102060

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Meralco pushes forward reparations at Subic plant site

The Subic freeport zone is likely the final plant site for the planned 600-megawatt coal fired power facility being lead-developed by the power generation arm of Manila Electric Company (Meralco) – primarily when a pending court case on the project eventually clears up.

A document from Meralco has hinted that the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is set to ratify the Lease and Development Agreement (LDA) for the proposed plant site “to reflect additional terms.” No further details were provided.

It must be culled that the original LDA was declared invalid by the Court of Appeals (CA), alongside its ruling on a Writ of Kalikasan filed by groups opposing the project.

The petition was filed before the Supreme Court, but it was subsequently remanded to the CA for hearing on the merits of the case.

The proposed 600-megawatt power facility was initially targeted for commercial operation by 2015, and it could have placed Luzon grid on ‘safe ground’ versus the feared power interruptions especially during the high-demand months of summer.

The project is to be undertaken under corporate vehicle RP Energy. Meralco PowerGen is the majority equity holder, while its partners are Therma Power, Inc. of the Aboitiz group and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corporation.

On pre-construction activities, the Meralco document indicated that “RP Energy is proceeding with certain development activities that are not hampered by the SC proceedings.”

As of March this year, it was emphasized that “site preparation work is almost complete and RP Energy has commissioned its contractor to conduct preliminary engineering works on the power plant in order to reduce the overall construction period.”

An environmental compliance certificate (ECC) was already issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) for the two blocks of 300-megawatt electricity generating units designed for the facility.

Full implementation, however, could not move forward until the legal hurdle of the pending Writ of Kalikasan is resolved by the courts.

While the appellate court has initially denied the Writ of Kalikasan petition, it conversely noted “certain deficiencies in the process of the DENR in its issuance of the original ECC for the 300MW coal-fired plant” which has also affected the LDA for the project site. (Myrna Velasco, Manila Bulletin)

http://www.mb.com.ph/meralco-pushes-forward-reparations-at-subic-plant-site/

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Power supply a challenge to investors

Power outages across the Philippines amid shutdowns at electricity plants and increasing summer demand are raising concern the country’s stunted generation capacity will stifle investment and economic growth.

Two of the Philippines’ three main islands are on “Red Alert” after supply fell below peak demand this week as aging facilities shut for repairs and temperatures rise to near 40 degrees Celsius (104 Fahrenheit). Delays in building new plants may slow the expansion of Asia’s second-fastest growing economy, according to Erramon Aboitiz, president of Aboitiz Power Corp., the nation’s second-largest utility.

“It’s time to worry,” Aboitiz said in an interview at the ASEAN Finance Ministers investor seminar in Manila on May 20. “Investors are always forward-looking and when they see projections of a potential power problem, they’ll decide to put their investments somewhere else.”

The strain this summer on power plants highlights how the Philippines’ under-performing electricity sector threatens the country’s economic growth, which is second only to China in the Asia-Pacific. Gross domestic product rose 7.2 percent in 2013 and is poised to remain among the world’s five fastest-expanding until 2016, according to economists surveyed by Bloomberg.

As the economy expands, so has the country’s demand for electricity. Consumption jumped 50 percent in the 10 years to 2012, more than three times the 16 percent growth rate over that same period for the nation’s generating capacity, according to government data.

Some new projects are being delayed because of environmental concerns, such as Aboitiz Power and Manila Electric Co.’s 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant at the Subic Freeport zone north of the capital, which was blocked by a court order. The companies in July 2011 said the first 300 megawatts of the plant will be available by 2014.

“The power crisis is going to be costly,” Ronald Mendoza, executive director of the Asian Institute of Management Policy Center in Manila, said in a telephone interview yesterday. “It will affect manufacturing and services, so there will be implications on production. Investors may scale back or delay investments.”

With peak power demand forecast to grow about 4 percent annually until 2030, the country will need more than 13,000 megawatts of additional capacity, or 80 percent more than what’s installed, according to Department of Energy data. The government estimates that will require 2.8 trillion pesos ($64 billion) of investment. About 1,800 megawatts of new generation has been committed so far.

The central Visayas region, home to the famous beaches of Boracay island, had zero power reserves yesterday. The southern Mindanao region is on a reserve deficit of nearly 100 megawatts, according to data from National Grid Corp. of the Philippines, a transmission company. Mindanao has suffered from outages for years as a third of supply comes from hydroelectric plants that are unreliable during dry season and subsidized electricity prices discourage constructing new plants. Summer temperatures are driving higher air-conditioning use.

The “Red Alert” warning means outages are to be expected in the two regions. On May 16, the Philippine capital Manila and nearby provinces under Manila Electric’s franchise experienced an hour of rotating power outages.

Aboitiz Power may spend about $5 billion building 2,000 megawatts of new capacity in the next five years, adding to its current portfolio of 2,300 megawatts, Aboitiz said in the interview. Profit in the three months ended March fell for the fifth straight quarter, down 9 percent to 4.2 billion pesos after revaluing its dollar loans and power sales declined. (BLOOMBERG)

http://www.mb.com.ph/power-supply-a-challenge-to-investors/

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SEZ awarded for good corporate governance

Subic EnerZone Corp. (SEZ), an AboitizPower subsidiary and distribution utility covering the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority franchise area, was recently awarded by the agency’s labor department in view of good corporate governance.

The SBMA Good Corporate Governance Award, in partnership with Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc., recognizes outstanding business practices, industrial relations, human resource management and compliance to occupational health and safety standards.

It also recognized SEZ as a leading employer in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, developing employees with good values, high productivity and drive for excellence.

SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia presented the award to SEZ assistant vice president and general manager Warell Kern Sario in a ceremony held Nov. 22 at the Subic Bay Arts Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

In his message during the ceremony, Garcia told SEZ, “You are an example of what we are trying to achieve here in Subic, better business relations, good customer service, honesty, no corruption, accountability, and transparency. Good governance means good business.”

“This recent accolade from SBMA reflects SEZ’s strong commitment to adhere to international labor standards. As an Aboitiz company, we strive for excellence in every field of our businesses,” Sario added.

Subic EnerZone was also recently granted a Tripartite Certificate of Compliance on Labor Standards given by Department of Labor and Employment.

The TCCLS is given to companies that show exemplary adherence to provisions on General Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, the Child Labor Law under Republic Act 9231, industrial peace, and enterprise stability and competitiveness.

SEZ’s authority to operate the Subic Bay Freeport Zone power distribution system was granted by the SBMA pursuant to the terms of the Bases Conversion and Development Act.

In 2007, AboitizPower bought the 20 percent equity of Team Philippines Industrial Power II Corp. (formerly Mirant Philippines) in SEZ for P92 million. (The Daily Tribune)

http://www.tribune.net.ph/business/sez-awarded-for-good-corporate-governance

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New faces reign in Subic Tour

New faces took the spotlight in the AboitizPower Tour of Subic Stage 3 road race with Globalport’s Jester Mendoza ruling the 90km race at the close of the event at the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday.

Mendoza, 15, dominated the field in the lung-busting race in the premier Category 3 Class, finishing in two hours, 27 minutes and 37 seconds to frustrate Von Dutch rider Ricky Calla again.

It was Calla’s third straight runner-up finish after the 20km individual time trial and the 40km Criterium race of the two-day event organized by Bike King Philippines and co-sponsored by AboitizPower and its subsidiary, SN-AboitizPower Group.

Aldrian Adlawan of Admor Team topped the Category 4 in the event backed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department, Unilab Active Health, Orbea, Corima, Crystal Clear, Garmin, Pocari Sweat and Mini Phlippines.

Adlawan, who settled for a pair of fourth place finishes in the ITT and criterium, turned in a 2:52:45 clocking to beat Rodel Ramirez of Franzia Wine and Nicasio Onan.

Former national cyclist Marita Lucas of David’s Salon, meanwhile, stamped his class in the shorter 85-km event with a 2:53.39 clocking.

Lucas defeated triathlete Keshia Fule and Marella Vanie Salamat in a fitting follow-up to her victory in the criterium event.

Salamat bucked a spill and took the bronze after ruling the ITT race and settling for second in the criterium.

A total of 273 cyclists, including 34 female cyclists, representing different clubs, saw action in the annual event which also drew entries from the Weather Philippines Foundation (WPF).

An advocacy of the Aboitiz Group in partnership with Swiss firm Meteomedia, WPF provided the participants with accurate, localized weather information and digital race course.

All winners received specially designed trophies and gift items from the organizers and sponsors led by Bike King executive Raul Cuevas.

For the complete results and list of winners, visit the organizer’s official website at www.bikekingphilippines.com and their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/BikeKingPhil. (Philippine Star)

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Tour of Subic draws huge field

MANILA - Close to 300 cyclists representing the country’s varied sports clubs slug it out for top honors in the Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic firing off at 7 a.m. tomorrow at the Subic Bay Freeport in Subic.

Organized by Bike King, headed by Raul Cuevas, the first day of action will have the 20km individual time trial which will start along Argonaut Highway. A total of 135 participants have listed for the 20km ITT. In the afternoon, the 40km criterium will be held utilizing the NCT road.

Race criterium for female have been set for 2 p.m. followed by Category 4 participants (3 p.m.) and Category 3 participants (4 p.m.).

On the final day (May 19) of the event sponsored by SN Aboitiz Power, Unilab Active Health, ORBEA, Corima, Crystal Clear, GARMIN, Pocari Sweat, Mini Cooper and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), the 90km RR will commence at 6 a.m.

Participants will start from the Travelers Hotel.

The awards rites will be held at the Rialto Ballroom of Travelers Hotel. At stake are specially designed trophies and gift items four units of Garmin Edge 500 to be raffled off.

The event is backed by Aboitiz Power for the 3rd year in a row and it continues to attract the participation of top executive teams such as Aboitiz Power Cycling Team, Von Dutch, PLDT Bike King, Fitness First, Franzia Wine and David Salon’s Cycling Team. A total of 273 participants have listed, including 34 females. For the complete list of Participants, Race Schedule, Race map and weather information, please visit the event website at www.bikekingphilippines.com. (The Philippine Star)

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SC stops Subic coal power plant project

The Supreme Court has issued a Writ of Kalikasan against the planned 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant of Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. at the Subic Bay Freeport.

The high court in a July 31 ruling restrained the company from proceeding with the construction of the coal power plant after Party-list Rep. Teodoro Casiño complained against the expansion of the power plant complex from its original capacity of 300 MW.

RP Energy is a joint venture among Meralco PowerGen Corp., a unit of Manila Electric Co., and Therma Power Inc. of the Aboitiz Group and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp. Meralco PowerGen owns a 50 percent plus two shares in the joint venture while Therma Power and Taiwan Cogeneration hold the balance.

The Supreme Court also remanded the case to the Court of Appeals for further hearings and judgment.

RP Energy said it was reviewing its legal options after the high court gave it 10 days to respond.

“We respect the process and are mindful of the rights of those who filed the petition. Although we cannot discuss the merits of the case, RP Energy reiterates its strong adherence to the laws that govern us in implementing the project such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources’ ECC process,” RP Energy said.

“Our records show that we have not violated or reneged on our commitment to safeguard the environment and the communities around us,” it said.

RP Energy president Aaron Domingo earlier said the company was hoping to get the environmental clearance certificate for the second 300-MW unit of the 600-MW project by the fourth quarter. RP Energy aims to complete the coal project by 2015.

“We have advanced the development significantly. The site preparation is almost complete we’re actually mobilizing people already. The ECC is a underway,” Domingo said.

The proposed Subic project will utilize two 300-MW units utilizing the latest clean coal technology. The entire project is estimated to cost $1.28 billion.

Meralco, meanwhile, is pursuing an aero-derivative combined cycle power plant in Calamba, Laguna.

“We have secured the site. We have an ECC and we’re continuing multi-partite monitoring process. The site is available for putting up peaking capacity should Meralco need it,” he said.

Domingo said Meralco PowerGen is also looking at liquefied natural gas and coal projects with a capacity of 300 to 500 megawatts each. (Manila Standard Today)

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2nd Aboitiz Power Tour held in Subic Freeport

Subic Bay once again played host to another exciting race as the 2nd Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic concluded here over the weekend.

The two-day biking event organized by Bike King in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) attracted more than 300 cyclists who competed in four race categories.

The biking event, which followed the highly successful Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon on June 24, further reaffirmed Subic’s reputation as a sports venue of choice, said SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia.

“Subic offers sports enthusiasts and event organizers a challenging environment for different sporting activities. You can go biking, trekking, running, swimming, diving, or boating here and you’d have a wide variety of areas where you can conduct the races,” Garcia said.

In last Sunday’s bike races, tricycle driver Jason Banate placed first in the 90-kilometer men’s road race, finishing the course in 2 hours, 27 minutes and 28 seconds.

Banate, who represented the Arts, Business and Science Professionals (ABS) Party list, had to borrow a mountain bike in order to join the race and surprised everyone by beating some of the more experienced racers.

Meanwhile, Ricky Calla of Team Von Dutch placed second in the road race with a time of 2:30:56, while Robert de los Reyes of Team VG & E Trading finished third with 2:30:56.

In the women’s 90-kilometer road race, Nora Senn, an accomplished triathlete and marathoner from Switzerland, emerged victorious by finishing at 2:49:31.

For the men’s team category, Team Von Dutch bagged the top slot, clocking in at 4:20:49.

On the other hand, BGC Multisport team bannered by Monica Torres, Kim Mangrobang and LC Langit, won the female team division with 1:03:13.

The event was also sponsored by Unilab Active Health, Pocari Sweat, TIMEX, 3rd District of Bohol, Crystal Clear Water, Subic Holiday Villas and Orbea Corima. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)
PHOTO:
Members of the Von Dutch squad race to the finish during the two-day Aboitiz Tour of Subic where they ruled the men’s team division.

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Aboitiz Power Tour draws huge field

Close to 300 cyclists and over 30 cycling clubs from around the country will slug it out for top honors in the second Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic at the Subic Bay Freeport this weekend.

Organized by Bike King in cooperation with the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Tourism Department and presented by Aboitiz Power, the event features three different stages of cycling challenges that will take participants around the Freeport and as far as Bataan. Stage 1 (40km time trial) and stage 2 (45-minute + 2 laps criterium) will both be held tomorrow.

For the second day of the event sponsored by Aboitiz Power, Unilab Active Health, Pocari Sweat, Timex, the 3rd District of Bohol, Crystal Clear Water, Subic Holiday Villas, Orbea, Corima and Bike King, the 90km Stage 3 will fire off at 6 a.m.

The field includes members of PLDT-Bike King, Aboitiz Power, Fitness First, Von Dutch and Franzia.

The awards rites will be held at Subic Holiday Villas with medals, trophies and gift items to be given to winners in various categories.

For details, contact Bike King at 856-3362 or email raulm4@yahoo.com or visit Facebook page at www.facebook.com/BikeKingPhil. (The Philippine Star)

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Unique races await cyclists

THREE unique races await cyclists from different sports clubs when the 2nd Aboitiz Power Tour of Subic is held on July 7-8 at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Stage 1 is a 40-kilometer time trial that begins at Causeway Road stretching out to two turnaround points (at Subic International Raceway and at Argonaut Highway and back.)

Stage 2 will be a 45-minute plus 2 laps criterium race for female racers, Category 4 racers, and Category 3 racers.

Stage 3 of the event sponsored by Aboitiz Power, Unilab Active Health, Pocari Sweat, Timex, the 3rd District of Bohol, Crystal Clear Mineral Water, Subic Holiday Villas, Orbea, Corima and Bike King will be a 90-kilometer road race for female, Category 3 and Category 4 entries that will begin at 6 a.m.

Entry fee is pegged at P1,200 per stage. Interested parties may contact Bike

King by sending an email at raulm4@yahoo.com or calling tel. no. 856-3362. (Malaya)

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Environment Impact: Subic Power Plant Undergoes Review

The $1.28-billion 600-MW Redondo coal fired power project in Subic Freeport is facing another review as stakeholders and experts call for a 're-scrutiny' of the power plant, approved during the previous SBMA Board, largely on environmental impact issues.

The review of the Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc., which is 50 percent owned by Meralco PowerGen Corp.

Aboitiz unit Therma Power Inc. and Taiwan Cogeneration Corp., was called after the completion of the Social Acceptability Process (SAP) conducted by the SBMA in December last year.

The power plant’s construction was scheduled to start in 2009 and the initial commercial operation of the first phase 300 mw was supposed to commence this year and the second phase of 300MW to start three years after the commercial operation of the first phase.

“Based on their analyses of the subject matter, the specialists recommended that the SBMA re-scrutinize the coalfired power plant project,” the SBMA’s final SAP report released recently said.

Based on the report, a revisit of the project, which was already approved by the former SBMA Board under the then administration of President Gloria Arroyo, is meant to effectively determine the impact on environment and health; ensure comprehensive impacts zone study; properly determine actual and potential cost; and, to ensure the project is coherent and compatible with SBMA's mandate, vision, mission and development plans, including its protected area management plan. (Bernie Cahiles-Magkilat, Manila Bulletin)

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Meralco says Subic plant running by ’15

The Manila Electric Co. (Meralco), the country’s largest power distributor, said it is on track to finish its 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant in the Subic Bay freeport zone by 2015 despite various challenges.

“The Subic project is moving, we recently filed for our Board of Investment (BOI) registration with the proper endorsement from the Department of Energy,” said Oscar Reyes, president and chief executive officer of Meralco.

Reyes said the biggest challenge, the transmission line, has been tabled for discussion with the National Grid of the Philippines (NGCP).

He added that certain matters raised by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) with the firm are being addressed as well.

“We are in constant communication with NGCP, SBMA, with the other stakeholders in the area, and the DOE,” Reyes said.

“We committed to bring this capacity on stream by 2015, and I think that remains to be our target because the Luzon grid clearly needs it,” he added.

The project is being undertaken by Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. (RP Energy), a joint-venture company among Meralco, Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogeneration International Corp. (TCIC).(Richmond S. Mercurio, Malaya)

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SBMA to institutionalize consultations on environment-sensitive projects

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) will institutionalize public consultations for environmentally sensitive projects to give stakeholders a voice in determining development directions and ensure transparency in the Subic Bay Freeport.

SBMA officials made this announcement last week, as they concluded the three-day Social Acceptability Process (SAP) public forum on the prospects of putting up a coal-fired thermal power plant here.

Angel Bagaloyos, chief of the policy and monitoring division of the SBMA Ecology Center, said the public consultations initiated by the SBMA board of directors will be institutionalized for environmentally sensitive projects, in particular.

“This is just a start. In the future, all projects that will be identified by the board as environmentally sensitive will have to go through this process of consulting with the different stakeholders. So this process will be institutionalized,” Bagaloyos clarified.

SBMA director Norberto Sosa said in the same forum that the consultation for the proposed coal power plant was just the first implementation of the SAP, a policy that the new SBMA board had recently approved.

“It happens that this coal-fired power plant project has been declared as one of these environmentally sensitive projects. So it has to undergo SAP so that we can hear out the stakeholders, employees, and the local government units regarding this,” Sosa said.

He added that a project would have to be declared as environmentally sensitive before the SAP could be conducted.

“If there is any project regarded as environmentally sensitive, then it must be declared that it is so, and if it is declared so, then this process will be carried out, similar to what we have been conducting during the last three days,” he stressed.

Sosa said that the SBMA board decided to conduct public consultations to reach out to various stakeholders in the Subic Bay Freeport, since they are the ones being directly affected. “We have to reach out, to listen, so we can have some basis for a decision,” he added.

Sosa also noted that the SAP will be a way to ensure transparency in the projects being developed in the Freeport. “It’s difficult for the SBMA, or for the business locators and project proponents to be perceived as hiding something,” he said.

In the said forum, Sosa, along with director Philip Camara, met with different stakeholders around the Freeport to discuss the 600-megawatt coal-fired power plant that is proposed to be built by the Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc., a business consortium formed by Meralco, Aboitiz Power Corp., and Taiwan Cogen Corp.

The consultation was attended by representatives from concerned local government units, business locators, socio-civic groups, and leaders of Aeta communities in the free port zone.

Also present during the forum were resource speakers Andre Jon Uchiaoco, a marine biologist; Dr. Visitacion Antonio, a noted toxicologist; and Dr. Rex Cruz, chancellor of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños, who discussed potential risks to health, marine life and the environment, in general, that may result from the coal plant. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
SBMA Directors Norberto Sosa and Philip Camara (center) answer queries from participants of the Social Acceptability Process (SAP) public forum on the proposed coal-fired thermal power plant at the Redondo Peninsula in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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