2nd ‘Takbo para sa Taklobo’ in Subic slated on December 9

With the success of the “Takbo para sa Taklobo” fund-raising and awareness campaign in December last year, the second edition of the environment-oriented fun run will be held here at the Subic Bay Freeport on Friday, December 9.

Amethya Koval, manager of the Ecology Center of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), said the fun run will be held to raise fund for the “seeding” of giant clams in Subic Bay and to increase public awareness of giant clams and marine resources management here.

“Most importantly, this is to encourage stakeholders to participate in managing the natural resources of Subic Bay, including the protection and propagation of marine species like the endangered giant clams,” said Koval.

Giant clams (tridacna gigas), which are locally called “taklobo,” are considered as endangered species and are an integral part of the coral reef system that serves as habitat for diverse forms of marine life.

The taklobo is a colorful mollusk which becomes self-sustaining upon reaching adult size, because its mantle with brown symbiotic algae is capable of photosynthesis. It reproduces by mass spawning, releasing millions of sperm and eggs in the reefs and thereby attracting more fishes in the area.

SBMA Chairman & Administrator Roberto Garcia said the “Takbo para sa Taklobo” project is part of the agency’s vision to make the Subic Bay Freeport an eco-urban center that harmonizes industrial development with ecological tourism.

“Eco-tourism is one of our major businesses in Subic Bay, and the bay is one of the best dive sites in the country not only because of its historical ship wrecks but also because of its beautiful ecological biodiversity,” Garcia said.

He added that the agency’s advocacy for the protection and propagation of marine species like the endangered giant clams underscores SBMA’s thrust for balanced development.

“Takbo” and “taklobo,” according to Koval, are two important things that sustain life for both marine organisms and human beings.

“Joining the marathon will enhance a healthy heart and body and at the same time, give life to our ocean by supporting the giant clam seeding program in Subic Bay,” she said.

Project coordinator Rhea Jane Pescador of the SBMA Ecology Center said the first edition of “Takbo para sa Taklobo” attracted more than 1,500 runners from around the Freeport area and raised a total of P54,000.

The money was used to buy 72 giant clam seeds at P500 each from the Marine Science Institute in Bolinao, Pangasinan. Measuring 15 centimeters when they were brought into Subic Bay, the clams can grow up to 1.54 meters in diameter and weigh up to 258.55 kilos.

“We hope to surpass last year’s record (of runner-participants) so that we could purchase more giant clams to be planted in Subic Bay,” said Koval.

This year the “Takbo para sa Taklobo” project is co-presented by RP Energy and sponsored by PTT Bloom, with DML, Johan’s Dive Center, Boardwalk Dive Center, and the Philippine National Police-Maritime Group as partner-stewards.

The fun run is open to the public and runners may choose from three categories: 3-kilometer, 5-kilometer, or 10-kilometer runs. Interested parties may contact Rhea Jane Pescador of the SBMA Ecology Center at telephone number (047) 252-4656. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

Read More

Subic remains a favorite venue for MICE events

The biggest gathering of certified public accountants in the country again proved that the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC) can deliver on its touted claim as a most ideal venue for all types of meetings and conferences.

According to Manuel Mapoy, chairman of the 66th Annual National Convention of the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (PICPA), the success of their group’s convention, which was concluded recently, was largely due to the attractiveness of the Subic Bay Freeport as a venue.

“The 66th Annual National Convention is the biggest event the PICPA has ever held,” Mapoy said, noting that some 3,000 certified public accountants who are either employed in the government or private corporations from all over the country joined the convention at the SBECC.

In particular, Mapoy said that the natural environment of Subic, including the lush forests, pristine beaches and clean surroundings, was a bestseller among PICPA delegates.

Moreover, the natural attractions are complemented by first class tourism facilities and quality services, he added.

Mapoy also told the PICPA delegates during the opening ceremonies at SBECC’s Plenary Hall 1 that the Subic Freeport is one attraction that the whole Central Luzon can be proud of.

For his part, Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia described the SBECC as “the Pearl of the Freeport” as he welcomed PICPA delegates led by its national president and regional (Central Luzon) chair Josefina Chua.

“We are honored that you have chosen SBECC to be your venue for this annual convention, and we thank you for giving us the opportunity to become part of the achievements that you are to accomplish here,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that the SBMA constructed SBECC to comfortably sit up to 5,000 delegates in a bid to become a major destination for corporate meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) at any period of the year.

Considered as one of the biggest convention centers in the country today in terms of floor area, the fully air-conditioned SBECC boasts of a 2,456-square meter main convention hall, a 3,992-square dining hall, an indoor trade/exhibit area that can accommodate 64 booths, an administration building, and a large parking area.

Most importantly, Garcia noted, SBECC is located at the heart of the Subic Bay Freeport where most of the facilities, such as duty free shops, restaurants, hotels and health care centers, are no more than ten minutes’ walk from each other. Meanwhile, beaches, theme parks and other recreational and eco-tourism parks are just a short drive away.

Garcia said that these SBECC features fulfill the requirements for an ideal MICE venue — a one-stop tourism destination that has the capability to host local and international events that require indoor and outdoor venues to guarantee a remarkable for delegates to enjoy during their stay. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

Read More

ACTA to boost Subic’s cruise destination bid

Subic Freeport’s bid to become the next cruise ship playground received a fresh boost recently with the formal launching of the Asian Cruise Terminals Association (ACTA), a group seeking to provide a unified marketing platform for the cruise ship industry in the Asian region.

According to Raul Marcelo, who is deputy administrator for business at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), cruise ship operators are expected to turn to Asian destinations as economies in Europe and the United States falter.

Marcelo, who represented the SBMA at the ACTA inauguration in Singapore, said that SBMA’s membership in the cruise terminal group would set the stage for Subic’s eventual establishment as a cruise ship destination.

“We have a very good reason to be optimistic about this, because not only does Subic have deep harbor and ports, it also has tourism facilities and tourism attractions. Then, Subic’s connectivity to other destinations in Luzon would also boost its potential as a good cruise terminal,” Marcelo said.

“With the formal launching of ACTA, Subic would have the network to bank on for support. We’d grow as ACTA grow,” he added.

Subic became a founding member of ACTA when it was organized last year by Singapore Cruise Centre Pte Ltd. (SCC) and other terminal operators in China, Taiwan, Japan, Korea, Sri Lanka and India — the lone port to represent the Philippines.

The SBMA said that Subic’s entry into ACTA was a strategic move because the agency was targeting major players in the industry to make Subic part of their cruise itinerary.

After Subic has been established as a cruise ship destination, the economic impact will trickle down to local businesses in terms of providing supplies, fuel, food, and even manpower, the SBMA said.

Marcelo said the SBMA has made a strong impression for Subic when SCCPL vice president Ivan Ng and other ACTA officials visited Subic early this year and determined that it has all what it takes to be a cruise ship destination.

In particular, the cruise ship terminal operators noted Subic’s port infrastructure, deep natural harbor, support facilities, security, and tourist attractions.

With the launching of ACTA, Marcelo said that Subic stands to get a windfall from the cruise industry, which also eyes the growing number of wealthy Asians as a “source market.”

He added that other ACTA members have already announced plans to expand their facilities because of the expected inflow of more tourists. This is especially true with the Singapore Cruise Centre, which is in the midst of a S$14-million upgrade; Shanghai Wusongkou (WSK) International Cruise Terminal, which forecasts a passenger throughput of 300,000 in 2012 and 800,000 in 2016; Taiwan’s Port of Keelung, which sees a 460,000 throughput by the end of 2011 from 116,300 in 2006; and the Japanese port of Sakai, which has increased its passenger traffic by more than 10 times.

“With this optimism, we are more determined now to convert Subic into a destination for these Asian customers,” Marcelo said.

ACTA, which was initiated by SCC and WSK last year, is primarily expected to provide members with a platform for regional cooperation in terminal development, operations and management.

As a regional organization, ACTA is also geared to provide best practices in the cruise industry; promote the exchange of cruise-related data and information; upgrade the skills and knowledge of cruise terminal personnel; promote cooperation in marketing, operations and management; and develop and maintain close relationships with other organizations in the cruise industry. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

Read More

Garcia named SBMA administrator

MANILA - President Aquino has appointed Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority chairman Roberto Garcia as the concurrent administrator, Malacanang announced.

Deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said in a press briefing the Office of Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. confirmed the appointment of Garcia as the new SBMA administrator in concurrent capacity.

Last April, the President appointed Garcia as SBMA chairman and Rafael Reyes as administrator and chief executive officer.

Garcia is a business executive and entrepreneur with over 40 years of experience in the manufacturing, food and leisure industries. He was the president and chief operating officer of Oriental and Motolite Corp. when he retired in 2004.

During his 34 years in the battery manufacturing industry, the Palace said Garcia played a pivotal role in growing OMC into the largest battery manufacturer in ASEAN and one of the most technologically advanced companies in Asia. The company also became one of the most fully integrated battery manufacturers in the world.

The SBMA is the operating and implementing arm of the government for the development the 262 square mile (670 square kilometer) area of Subic Bay Freeport in Subic Bay into a self-sustaining tourism, industrial, commercial, financial, and investment center to generate employment opportunities. (Aurea Calica, The Philippine Star)

Read More

SBMA seeking solar, wind investors

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is seeking out investors or project partners for its planned utility-scale solar and wind power projects.

The agency which is supervising and administering the Subic freeport zone indicated in its project brief that it may align itself as facility host; but it will also work on facilitating partnership arrangements between and among developers.

SBMA is packaging two sets of wind and solar projects to be located within the freeport.

One would be a 100-megawatt solar with 50-MW wind capacity to be developed along 800 hectares of lot in Mt. Sta Rita. The other would comprise of 112-MW wind and 131-MW solar for siting at 1,383 hectares lot in Redondo Peninsula.

The investors have to be involved in the development, installation and construction of the proposed renewable energy (RE) facilities.

The government-run entity emphasized that both projects are still at pre-development stages and feasibility studies are yet to be completed.

The implementation and financing method for the projects, according to SBMA, will be determined based on the outcome of the project blueprints being crafted.

Many of the wind and solar power projects being planned in the country have not advanced yet because developers are waiting for the regulatory decision on the feed-in-tariff (FIT) charges to be levied on emerging RE technologies.

Without the FIT or if the subsidy will be set too low, prospective investors may still shelve project plans if they deem it non-commercially viable to stake capital under such circumstances.

Even lenders are adamant yet at extending financing to RE ventures without an assurance that revenue stream from the projects will be aptly supported by subsidy schemes, such as the FIT.

Solar, in particular, has been drawing extreme opposition from various groups given the developers’ bid for relatively high FIT rates.

The Energy Regulatory Commission is scheduled to re-open public hearings on the FIT petition this December 5 but a final ruling may not be rendered until the first half of 2012. (Myrna M. Velasco, Manila Bulletin)

Read More

‘Heroes of the Freeport’ set for citation

The Subic Bay Freeport Development Foundation, Inc. (SBFDFI) is set to recognize the finest workers in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone in the upcoming Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers Awards night.

Lawyer Severo Pastor Jr., head of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Labor Department, said the 10 outstanding employees will be chosen from a field of 37 nominees originally recommended by their respective employers

He said that this year’s awardees will be selected from among the nominees submitted by 13 locator-companies in the zone, as well as seven nominees from the SBMA.

The awards, which are given annually by the SBFDFI in the past 10 years, will be a fitting tribute to the “heroes of the Freeport,” as the SBMA calls the workers here.

Pastor said that Subic workers are now globally-competitive workers, as proven by the continued stay of multi-national companies in Subic despite the economic crisis that has affected the United States, Japan, and parts of Europe.

“These workers, who were nominated, selected and had qualified for the awards are therefore considered the best of the best. They are exemplary employees not only of the corporations they represent, but also of the whole Subic Freeport,” Pastor added.

The nominees for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers Awards went through a rigid process of selection, as those who were nominated by their respective companies were screened and thoroughly interviewed.

Among the panelist that conducted the final interview of the nominees are Atty. Michael Angelo Villamor, who represented SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia; Dr. Roland Fronda, district school superintendent in Olongapo City; and Olongapo businessman Ramon Del Rosario.

The awarding will be held on November 29, Pastor said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

Read More

SBMA, Olongapo City to honor Subic Freeport volunteers

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and the city government of Olongapo will be observing the 19th annual celebration of Volunteers Day on Thursday, November 24.

The date marks the day when thousands of residents from Olongapo City and nearby communities in the provinces of Bataan and Zambales joined then Olongapo City mayor Richard Gordon to voluntarily guard, maintain and manage all properties left inside the former Subic Naval Base after the U.S. Navy withdrew in 1992.

Subic was the biggest US military installation outside the mainland United States until November 24, 1992, when the last American warship, the USS Belleau Wood, sailed off Subic’s port, carrying the last U.S. Navy personnel and families to leave Subic during the withdrawal.

Subic Bay’s experience became the country’s first successful story of converting a military base into a free port zone, thanks to the volunteers who worked as regular SBMA employees without compensation.

“This year’s celebration will be simple, but remains as important as the years before,” said event organizer Jimmy Mendoza, president of Bagumbayan, a local organization in Olongapo City.

Mendoza said that unlike the past years’ whole-day programs that included parades and other field activities, the 2011 celebration will only consist of an offering of thanksgiving prayer and the laying of wreaths at the Volunteers’ Shrine inside the free port.

Sen. Richard Gordon, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, Mayor James Gordon Jr., and some selected volunteers will also give inspirational messages.

Garcia said that the sacrifices and heroism of the Subic volunteers to protect and preserve the former military base against vandals and thieves in the early days of the SBMA still live in the hearts of every SBMA employee and worker in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

“The volunteers started what the Subic Bay Freeport flourishes on today — as Asia’s logistics and maritime hub and ideal tourist destination. We owe them all of these and what we shall leave behind for future generations,” Garcia said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

Read More

SBMA conducts bat count to preserve endangered species

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) recently completed a population survey of fruit bats, one of the most popular species endemic to this free port zone, to promote the conservation of these nocturnal mammals.

Led by the SBMA Ecology Center, which dubbed the survey as “Count Me In,” the survey engaged the participation of various stakeholders in the Subic Bay area to increase public awareness on the importance of fruit bats, or flying foxes; encourage stakeholders’ participation in the conservation program; and maintain the integrity of the forest to sustain their population.

The survey determined an estimate of the population of the flying foxes through exit count, and determined other exit routes of the flying foxes to serve as sampling locations.

“The last time we surveyed the number of bats here, it was around 10,000. But that number has dwindled due to human activities in the area,” noted Ecology Center chief Ameth Dela Llana-Koval. “There are still some people who hunt these bats for food, and some of these bats get killed when they roost at another place.”

According to the exit count for this month, only 2,070 bats exit to the Morong and Mariveles areas in Bataan during night time.

The biggest number of bats recorded on exit was around 14,000 in April of this year, while the smallest number exiting the Subic Freeport was only 400 in the month of September.

“We conduct surveys two times a year, trying to figure out their flight pattern,” Koval said. “The good thing about it is that when they come to roost here in the Freeport, they are very well protected. But when these bats roost outside our protective blanket, they are hunted and eaten as delicacies.”

This is where the idea of “Count Me In” came into play, Koval added, stressing that the public needs to be aware of the situation of these animals.

For the bat count project, the SBMA invited students and employees in the Freeport, limiting their age to 12 years old and above. The participants registered a month prior to the activity and paid P300 each to cover expenses for the training and orientation seminar for the bat-counting activity inclusive of the official “Count Me In” T-shirt that served to promote awareness of the project.

Only those that passed the training were allowed to join the bat survey on November 10-11.

The bat-counting activity was facilitated by the Ecology Center and undertaken by 10 teams at designated sampling stations. Each team was composed of an Ecology Center staff who acted as team leader, and five members who did the exit counts at specified sampling locations.

All data collected in the survey were collated by the Ecology Center. After the activity, the participants were put in the list of Ecology Center volunteer bat-counters who will be contacted periodically for future bat monitoring activities here.

Currently, the Subic Watershed and Forest Reserve is one of the few remaining undisturbed lowland dipterocarp forests in Luzon and serves as a habitat for various endemic wildlife species, among them the fruit bats or flying foxes.

A large roost of flying foxes composed of two species, Acerodon jubatus and Pteropus vampyrus are currently located adjacent to the Subic Bay International Airport, while a small roost of Acerodon jubatus is located in the Naval Magazine area.

Flying foxes, which have an average lifespan of up to 25-30 years, are the only mammals capable of true flight. They are nocturnal animals that travel to feed on fruits during the night, although some, especially mothers that nurse their young, hibernate and stay on their roost.

These mammals are known to be one of the most important agents of natural forest regeneration through flower pollination and seed dispersal. Unfortunately, these animals are endangered and hence need a high degree of conservation. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO: Fying foxes roost at the Subic Freeport forest. Although one of the most important agents of natural forest regeneration, these nocturnal animals are endangered because of growing human activities in their natural habitat.

Read More

SBMA links up with LGUs for ‘inclusive growth’ in Subic Bay area

Aiming to put in motion a program of shared growth in the Subic Bay area, directors of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) have devised a special project to link up with local government units and coordinate planning and implementation of development projects at neighboring communities.

SBMA chairman Roberto Garcia said the special program, dubbed as “Project Unity,” takes after the concept of “inclusive growth” which is one of the four commitments of President Benigno Aquino under his “Social Contract with the Filipino People.”

To implement this program, the SBMA board of directors recently created a special committee headed by director Bienvenido Benitez as chairman, with director Philip Camara as vice chairman. The committee also includes Garcia and directors John Philip Chua Chiaco, Ramon Diez Sesdoryo, and Alfonso Siapno.

Garcia said the project was especially designed to create synergy in development and investment projects that have large multiplier effects on local economies and the areas contiguous to the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

To push for the implementation of “inclusive growth” in the area, Garcia said that Project Unity would also make use of Executive Order No. 675 as vehicle to undertake the SBMA program.

EO 675, which was issued in November 2007, extended the secured area of the Subic Special Economic and Free Port Zone (SSEFPZ), as defined by Proclamation No. 532 dated February 1, 1995. Subic’s secured area enjoys tax- and duty-free privileges under Republic Act 7227.

Garcia said that Project Unity aims for a synergistic approach to sub-regional development, “which is why we are planning various initiatives that are geared toward pro-active stakeholders, and among the SBMA and the concerned local government units.”

He also said that Project Unity will be especially useful in deciding environmentally-sensitive projects (ESPs) that may possibly impact on local communities, the pooling of scarce resources toward better and more efficient project development and implementation, and the coordination of investment plans in the area.

Garcia said the SBMA has already made initial discussions with LGU officials of the provinces of Zambales and Bataan to get the program going.

Recently, the project’s vice chairman, SBMA director Philip Camara, introduced the project concept to officials of the provincial government of Zambales, including Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and Vice Gov. Ramon Lacbain II, during a session of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan at the Iba capitol.

Camara also invited the officials to a workshop to be hosted by the SBMA to provide a staging ground to flesh out the framework and concept of “inclusive growth,” as applied to sustainable sub-regional development. This will be the initial activity of Project Unity.

The workshop will be a participative and democratic process during which participants will identify possible areas or points of synergy, as far as planning and development are concerned, and hopefully arrive at a common vision for sustainable development, Camara said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (right) meets with Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. during a recent convention of municipal mayors in Central Luzon at the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

Read More

SBMA sets more projects for Aeta communities

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is planning more livelihood projects for the Aeta tribes in this free port zone to help boost the income of the tribesmen and promote economic development among the indigenous communities here.

This was announced by SBMA officials on Wednesday, as the Subic authority joined the nation in celebrating National Indigenous Peoples Month, which aims to recognize the unique culture and contributions to the society of the various native tribes in the country.

According to Armie Llamas, SBMA public relations manager, the agency has lined up various activities for the Aetas in this free port, such as an “immersion” activity with Aeta children.

The week-long program, she said, would also include a movie-viewing project to benefit Grade 1 students from the Aeta communities of Pastolan and Kanawan.

More important, the SBMA has set up programs for the Aetas that would go “even beyond the IP Week” and help boost the income of the ethnic communities here.

“We have set up some livelihood projects for them so that they may have some alternative sources of income. Our Aeta tribes have favored bead-making as one livelihood project, kasi mahilig sila sa mga accessories. And they really earn from them,” Llamas noted.

Knette Fernando, the SBMA deputy administrator for corporate communications, said the SBMA has provided assistance to Pastolan and Kanawan villages, as well as the Mampuweng, Limuran, Iram and New Cabalan tribes in Olongapo City, as part of the agency’s corporate social responsibility.

“We hold the Aeta people in high regard,” Fernando said. “They are the guardians of our forests and the stewards of the land. We base our knowledge about the forests on their natural skills to protect the land.”

She also noted that SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia has a soft spot for the Aetas. “This is why he always extends his assistance for their needs — food augmentation, calamity assistance, etcetera. He always makes it a point to help them,” she said.

Llamas, who coordinates agency projects with local IP communities, also pointed out that the SBMA respects the Aetas’ authority over their ancestral land, which are located inside the free port zone.

“The SBMA is just the manager of the land, but the IP’s are the ones who own them. Even if the (SBMA) board had approved a project, but when the IP’s say no, then it won’t materialize. That’s how important they are to us,” she added. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

PHOTO:
Aeta tribesmen from the Pastolan village in the Subic Bay Freeport perform a native dance during the celebration of the Indigenous People’s Week.

Read More

Subic eyed for disaster risk-reduction training, Red Cross HQ for Asia-Pacific

With its own elite corps of veteran rescuers and emergency response teams, the Subic Bay Freeport will soon be a center to train and develop emergency rescue teams in the Philippines and also become the regional headquarters of Red Cross for Asia-Pacific.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, who spoke during the recent Luzon Island Cluster Conference of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) at the Travelers Hotel & Convention Center here, the Red Cross will establish its regional headquarters in Subic and develop a facility to enhance the skills of rescue workers from all over the country on emergency operations and disaster preparedness.

Garcia was invited to welcome participants to the LMP conference, along with Zambales Gov. Hermogenes Ebdane Jr.; Daraga, Albay mayor and LMP Luzon Island Cluster president Gerry Jaucian; Dinalupihan, Bataan mayor and LMPBataan Chapter president Joel Jaime Payumo; and San Marcelino, Zambales mayor and LMP Zambales Chapter president Jose Rodriguez.

The three-day conference discussed issues and concerns related to climate change and disaster risk-reduction management.

Garcia said that the SBMA now boasts of its own “very good fire department, rescue team and experts who are trained in disaster-preparedness and emergency operations.”

With this, the SBMA “is always ready to provide trainings, as well as assistance in any kind of emergency and rescue operation, as may be requested by local officials,” he added.

At the same time, the SBMA chairman cited the conference theme “Nagkakaisang Luzon Tungo sa Ligtas at Progresibong Pamayanan” and stressed safety and cooperation as foundations of progress.

Garcia told LMP officials and members that the SBMA has just launched Project Unity, which seeks to promote cooperation with neighboring local government units in areas like agriculture, tourism, as well as disaster preparedness.

Garcia said that the SBMA board of directors has already paid a courtesy visit to Gov. Ebdane to talk about how SBMA and the province of Zambales can help each other enhance growth in the area.

Meanwhile, LMP Luzon’s Jaucian urged his colleagues to act on the collective task to help build a strong nation through LGU capability-building, especially in dealing with disasters.

“Let us think of creative approaches in dealing with various problems that confront us by getting the support and commitment of the national government, as well as the private sector. This task includes enhancing our disaster preparedness programs,” Jaucian said. (SBMA Corporate Communications)

Read More

SBMA still studying 600MW venture

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia has clarified that the planned expansion of the 300-megawatt coal power plant into a 600-megawatt coal plant inside Subic Bay Freeport has not been granted an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) and that the agency is yet to give the green light for it.

He said that it is the original project to construct a 300-MW coal power plant in Redondo Peninsula that has been granted an ECC by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources in 2008.

Garcia told The Manila Times that the new SBMA board appointed this year by President Benigno Aquino 3rd has questioned the planned expansion of the Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc (RPE) project.
“
Hindi maliwanag ‘yung cheaper energy . . . kailangan linawin nila sa amin kung paano mangyayari ‘yang cheap electricity na sinasabi nila because under the EPIRA law any producer has to connect to the national grid and once na pumasok sa grid may transmission cost na and then babalik din sa iyo ‘yun, so where is the lower electricity cost na sinasabi nila?” Garcia asked.

Moreover, environmental and social concern from stakeholders inside and outside the Freeport is growing. And Garcia has also questioned the low lease rate cost, although he did not mention the exact amount.

Original MOU

Garcia explained that the original MOU for the 300MW coal plant was approved because of two things: It is supposed to be a joint venture between SBMA and Taiwan Cogeneration company and it will result in lower electricity rates.

“That was the original MOU in 2008, but now the joint venture agreement has disappeared,” he said.

The new SBMA board of directors has entered into a new negotiation with RPE, specifically to question or get answers to the questions raised by Garcia.

SBMA has hired an environmental expert to study the environmental and social effects of the coal plants.

“We are now hiring consultants to evaluate and verify the statement of [RPE],” Gacia said.

“We have already sent RPE a letter detailing our agency’s concerns and we are expecting a reply by the end of the month, and after that we will start to review it with the help of our consultants and decide if we will approve it or not,” Garcia added.

Social acceptability

The SBMA, according to Garcia, has acknowledged the objections made by stakeholders of the Freeport, and that they are going through the process specifically to address this objection.

He said that SBMA will be conducting its own parallel consultation with its stakeholders as soon as RPE submits its reply. If the reply is acceptable, it is only then that SBMA will start the social acceptability consultation with its stakeholders.

He clarified that the SBMA will only approve the expansion if the plant will produce cheaper energy for the stakeholders, improve the commercial rates and address environmental concerns, and if it is acceptable to everybody in the Freeport.

Tourism industry in Subic

Tourist operators in Subic have expressed objections to the operation of the power plant. They said that the project will affect tourism in Subic, which is known for its lush forest, pristine beaches and beautiful coastal landscape.

But Garcia said that it is “too early to say” that tourism will be affected. (Anthony Bayarong, Manila Times)

Read More

Subic Freeport to supply seedlings for Central Luzon greening project

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced that it will supply most of Region 3’s need for narra and bani seedlings as part of the government’s National Greening Program (NGP).

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Secretary Ramon Jesus Paje said the program seeks the attainment of sustainable human development, and economic and ecological security.

Paje also said: “It’s a very ambitious goal, if it were just about planting 1.5 billion trees then NGP becomes a public relations ploy, and not about forests.”

“But that’s not NGP. NGP takes its strength from converging the skills and resources of just about every sector in our society, be it in public or private sector. What we really want are healthy and mature 1.5 billion trees. We want trees we can take care of, not just numbers.” Paje added. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

Read More

USS Germantown to Arrive in Subic Bay for PHIBLEX

The forward-deployed amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42) will arrive in Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Republic of the Philippines Oct. 22 for Amphibious Landing Exercise (PHIBLEX) 2012.

PHIBLEX is a bilateral training exercise with Marines of the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU), Essex Amphibious Ready Group (ARG) Sailors and units from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). The exercise is designed to improve interoperability of forces and operational readiness through exercises such as peacekeeping operations and humanitarian assistance missions through high-intensity combat.

“The U.S. and the Philippines have had a long standing relationship for many years,” said Capt. Bradley Lee, commodore, Amphibious Squadron 11. “Our participation in PHIBLEX will demonstrate our commitment to mutual security and our long time partnership with the Republic of the Philippines.”

Germantown will offload the Marines and their equipment to begin the start of the exercise shortly after they arrive in SBMA.

The Essex ARG consists of the forward-deployed amphibious assault ship USS Essex (LHD 2), the amphibious transport dock ship USS Denver (LPD 9) and the amphibious dock landing ship USS Germantown (LSD 42). (per US Embassy Press Release)

Read More

DOLE probes Subic shipyard tragedy

MANILA - Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz said she has ordered an immediate investigation into the Keppel Subic Shipyard incident that killed 6 workers and injured several others.

Baldoz, in a press statement Monday, said she ordered a team from the DOLE Regional Office in San Fernando, Pampanga to determine the cause of the incident and recommend measures t prevent another similar tragedy from happening.

"Your investigation should be thorough and exhaustive," Baldoz told DOLE Region 3 Director Leopoldo de Jesus.

She also told de Jesus to prepare the profiles of the victims and their families and help them.

De Jesus has sent a safety engineer and a labor inspector to the site, according to the DOLE.

The department said Keppel has suspended its operations in the work site to attend to the victims and give way to a joint DOLE-Keppel investigative team.

"The company also gave assurance to the families of the victims that it will shoulder all the burial and hospital expenses of their workers, on top of their insurance benefits," DOLE said.

A Keppel management report issued within hours of the incident showed that the incident happened on the stern ramp of M/V Tombarra, which is being repaired on the drydock, according to the DOLE.

"The fabricated tower support where the ramp stern was rested toppled and the stern ramp wire rope broke off, unable to hold the ramp from falling," the report said (ABS-CBNnews.com)

Read More