Thousands race in co-op advocacy run

Thousands of runners from some 300 cooperatives in the seven provinces of Central Luzon raced for a cause here on Wednesday during the “Cooperative Advocacy Run” that was held as part of the simultaneous nationwide celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives (IYC).

The event, organized by the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) in Region 3, drew around 17,000 registered runners who competed in two race categories.

CDA-Region 3 Director Manuel Mar said the activity “was intended to promote the four P’s: peace, prosperity, planet and people, in line with the theme of the IYC.”

He added that the advocacy run, which was part of the culminating activities of the IYC celebration, drew the active participation and support of all local government units in the region and proved rhe cohesiveness of the different cooperatives across the region.

Assistant CDA director Mildred Esguerra meanwhile said that they were very happy about the success of the event.

“The number of runners who participated in the advocacy run is a clear indicator of success,” she added, also noting that the activity served as a healthy bonding opportunity among cooperative officers and members.

Esguerra also thanked the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority for providing the facilities for the event.
She said that organizers chose the Subic Freeport as venue because of the tourist attractions that the participants can visit afterwards.

The United Nations General Assembly has declared 2012 as the International Year of Cooperatives, highlighting the contribution of cooperatives to socio-economic development, particularly their impact on poverty reduction, employment generation and social integration. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Runners from various cooperatives in Central Luzon kick off an early morning fun run at the Subic Bay Freeport as part of the simultaneous nationwide celebration of the International Year of Cooperatives.

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Kanawan Medical Mission

Patients line up for free medical check-up and medicine in the remote upland village of Kanawan in Barangay Binaritan, Morong, Bataan, during a medical mission conducted by PJ Lhuiller Foundation, Inc. in partnership with Cebuana Lhuiller, United Laboratories Inc., and the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

Around 200 residents, mostly Aeta families, benefited from the project coordinated by the SBMA Public Relations Department. (Photo by Jun Dumaguing, MPD-SBMA)

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Subic online school donates 250 bags of rice for indigent families

An online language instruction company in this free port has turned over 250 sacks of rice to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) for distribution to less privileged communities in Zambales.

Moon-kang Myung, president of MoonKkang Talk, Inc., told SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia during a brief visit at the latter’s office that his company would donate 250 50-kilo bags of rice under the firm’s corporate social responsibility program.

First established in Daegu, Korea in 1996, MoonKkang Talk, Inc. is a company dedicated to enhancing the speaking skills of Korean students by providing excellent English as a Second Language (ESL) instruction.

Myung said the online academy helps their students become more confident and competitive.

While continuing to strive not only for excellent work ethic through its passionate and enthusiastic teachers, MoonKkang Talk also participates in social activities to promote better working relationship with the community it serves.

Chairman Garcia said that the donation by MoonKkang Talk was very timely. He said the rice, together with other food items, will form part of Christmas gift bags that the SBMA will distribute to indigent families around the Freeport area.

Garcia thanked Myung and expressed hope that the company’s gesture of goodwill would be emulated by other companies in the free port.

Myung said his company is thriving in Subic because many Korean students are seeking help to keep abreast with the rapidly-evolving education industry.

“In this age of fast real-time communication, learning English has become more important than ever,” Myung said.

MoonKkang Talk started operating in the Philippines in 2007 with no more than 30 teachers during its first few months. After 5 years in the online education industry, it now has more than 200 employees and 12,000 academy students.

The company provides quality English lessons in the form of 10- to 20-minute phone and video classes, from Mondays to Fridays.

Myung alo said that MoonKkang Talk continues to aim for the best service for its students, and also seek to strengthen the ties between students and teachers and the local community. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Decongest Manila: Cargo Diversion To Subic, Batangas Starts 1Q 2013

A new policy on how to decongest traffic to and from the Manila port by diverting container cargoes to the Subic and Batangas seaports will be in place by the first quarter of 2013.

This was disclosed by the consultants who made a study on the twin issues of decongesting Metro Manila traffic and making full use of the recently modernized alternate ports during a final consultation held at a hotel in the Ortigas business district in Pasig early this week.

The consultants were commissioned by the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) late last year and were funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

The consultants responded that the decongestion and diversion program will be finished by the end of this year and be ready for executive decisions by January.

A representative to the consultation from the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) informed the group that the council of Metro Manila mayors has passed a resolution imposing a new truck band during the holidays.

The resolution, if not rescinded on time, will impose a trucking ban from the streets of the metropolis between 4 in the morning to 9 in the evening from December 3 to 26 or the height of preparations for the long Christmas to New Year holiday.

The MMDA said the mayors made the decision after the truckers failed to submit a route plan for truckers to decongest city streets of heavy traffic after they were given a six-month notice.

Even at this late time, some reservations were still brought out during the consultation as to how practical the consultants’ recommendations will be.

It was pointed out that as a destination for imports, Metro Manila remains the biggest market compared to any other region in the country. This would mean, most ships for imported goods will still prefer to call at the Manila Port.

Secondly, the shipping lines, in order to sail directly to and from Subic and Batangas, must be able to pick up or deliver bigger volumes of cargo to make additional ships call on those ports more than just one or two ships a week.

Thirdly, the truckers that bring cargo in and out the ports are mostly based in Metro Manila. (Edu Lopez, Manila Bulletin)

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Russia eyes closer economic ties with PHL, Subic Bay

The Russian Federation is eyeing to forge closer economic ties with the Philippines and the Subic Bay Freeport in particular, as it sets its sight on wider trade with countries in the Asia-Pacific region.

Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev, who visited this free port recently, told officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) that Russia seeks to forge more bilateral trade agreements with the Philippines.

“Right now there is much focus in the Asia-Pacific region in terms of economic growth and stability and we wanted to take advantage of that,” he told SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia during a meeting here on November 28.

He also said that they are looking at joint activities with Subic in terms of disaster-response management.

Kudashev, who was on his first visit to the Freeport, was accompanied by other Russian officials and some businessmen.

They received a warm welcome from Garcia, who gave them an overview of the developments in the Subic Freeport today and briefed them on the Freeport’s land area, lease rates, and tax incentives given to investors.

Garcia also pointed out that Subic is one of the top tourist destinations in the country, with both locals and foreigners trooping to the Freeport during weekends.

Likewise, Garcia expressed hope for some future partnership with Russia, saying it would be a great opportunity for Subic in terms of economic development and international relations. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Russian Ambassador Nikolay Kudashev (left) discusses developments in the Subic Bay Freeport with SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia during a visit to Subic recently.

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DENR gives go-ahead to Subic power plant

The Redondo Peninsula Energy Inc. has finally secured an environmental compliance certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural resources for its second 300-megawatt power plant inside Subic Bay Freeport.

With the ECC, RP Energy’s coal fired power plant has formally increased its 300MW plant to a total of 600-MW power plant which is expected to start commercial operations in 2016.

In a statement, RP Energy said it was issued an “amended” ECC, which it considered a “major milestone toward the completion of the project that we hope will ease the burden of Filipino consumers who need stable, reliable, environmentally responsible and cost-efficient power in their homes and businesses.” (Manila Times)

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British Yacht Redesigning Firm Banks On Subic Bay For Growth

A British company engaged in the refurbishing and redesigning of old yachts has banked on Filipino ship-building skill and this premier Freeport’s tax perks and strategic location to chart its future growth.

Ocean Gecko Designs and Marine Services Inc. recently invested in this Freeport to recreate old boats and turn them into luxurious sea-going vessels. Although the managing team has been a part of an investor in Subic Bay Freeport for 10 years, the company only started in 2010.

Managing Director Duncan Trower said “our British management team has been based for over 10 years in Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Philippines with a wealth of experience in the marine field.”

“We consider good design paramount to successful projects and products. Our design team is actively involved in day to day production, development and fabrication ensuring accuracy of work and real time problem solving. This approach enables design, fabrication and engineering to evolve together as projects progress,” he added.

Currently, the company is working on a former buoy tender of the Norwegian government and has made it into a $10-million yacht complete with amenities such as a deck Jacuzzi, vip rooms, etc.

Christened as Anda, the boat was originally constructed in 1965 by Brodrene Lothe A/S (Norway). After serving as a buoy tender, the Norwegian Coast Guard used Anda for coastal patrol duties between Russian and Norwegian waters. She was constructed to DNV 1-A1-k, with steel hull and aluminum superstructure. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

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10 outstanding Subic Freeport workers honored

This year’s crop of “the best among the Freeport’s best” was finally known last Friday when the Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation, Inc. (SBWFI) recognized the 2012 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers who exemplified discipline, dedication, and commitment to excellence in their respective jobs.

The 11th batch of outstanding workers were chosen by SBWFI in cooperation with the Labor Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) from the more than 92,000 workers currently employed by various companies registered in Subic.

The winners were chosen by a panel of judges headed by Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) Undersecretary for Special Concerns Jose Mari Oquiñena, Maribeth Gopez of the National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB), and Ricardo Ednave of the Department of Education. The awarding, which was also attended by Leonida Romulo, labor attaché at the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), and Maria Cristina Mangalindan, officer in charge of NCMB-DOLE in Region 3, was held at the Harbor Point mall here.

This year’s outstanding Subic workers are: Gilbert Buhain of Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corp., Ryan Griva (Subic Enerzone Corp.), Charo Guerrero (Polarmarine Inc.), Mark Anthony Magno (Subic Marine Exploratorium, Inc.), Christine Manamtam (Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp.), Dandy Millama (Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp.), Jed Sprint Pino (Pacific Ocean Underwater Solutions, Corp.), Maria Luisa Pulanco (Nicera Phils. Corp.), Daisy Tagpines (Wistron Infocomm Phils. Corp.), and Virginia Umbina (Subic Water and Sewerage Co., Inc.).

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, who was guest speaker in the event, described the outstanding workers as “heroes of the Freeport” for their role in making Subic a catalyst in the economic development of the country.

“If all the workers would follow the examples the ten outstanding workers had shown, I am confident that the Philippines would have a very bright future ahead,” he said.

“Kayo ang nagpapakita kung gaano kagaling ang mga manggagawang Pilipino,” Garcia added.

Meanwhile, Oquiñena lauded the winners for their legacy of excellence. “Because of the stories you have shared with us, you made us more proud to be Filipinos. Thank you for being a source of good news about the Filipino,” Oquiñena said.

According to SBWFI records, the 10 outstanding workers were cited for their exemplary performance on the job. Buhain, who his known among colleagues as the “Action Man,” co-authored the formulation of an activated-carbon system to eliminate gas fumes and is widely acknowledged for his accurate and precise designs and execution of innovative projects.

Meanwhile, Griva was recognized for initiating Subic Enerzone’s Adopt-an-Area Program that made power distribution in the Freeport more efficient and reliable.

Magno, an assistant supervisor at Ocean Adventure’s Creative and Performing Arts Section, conceptualized and developed artistic direction for shows that made every visit to the said marine theme park a lasting and memorable experience.

On the other hand, Manamtam is an ISO14001 coordinator who authored different ISO and departamental procedures elevating the quality of performance standard at Wistron Infocomm.

Safety supervisor Millama, meanwhile, was able to maintain company-wide zero-accident mark through the creation of effective health and safety procedures.

Pino, who firmly believes that “no job is too difficult to handle if one truly believes in his self,” is an employee who stopped a fire accident that saved the life of a co-employee, as well as company properties.

A proactive and persistent leader, Pulanco contributed excellent ideas for process improvement that greatly enhanced work flow and created an effective production system. It also gained her the highest performance appraisals from her Japanese supervisors at Nicera Phils.

Guerrero, who handles quality management system and ISO programs, managed to boost her organization’s performance to reach sales of US$852,700, which is 39% higher than that at the time she assumed the post in 2008.

A key person in the management section, Tagpines was instrumental in gaining ISO9000, ESD S2020 and DELL QPA certification, and equipping her company with fruitful knowledge both in manufacturing and after-sales service operations.

Meanwhile, Umbina, a hardworking employee who rose from the ranks to become one of her company’s dedicated supervisors, ensures that all Subicwater’s 35,757 customers are billed correctly and on time.

The search for the 10 Outstanding Freeport Workers is an annual recognition program that started in 2001. The awarding coincides with the celebration of the turnover of the former US Naval Base to the Philippine government and the start of operation of the Subic Bay Freeport. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Awardees in this year’s search of the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers proudly display their trophies during a ceremony held at Ayala Mall’s Harbor Point, highlighting the 20th anniversary celebration of the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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Abad books slot to 2013 World Games

MIRASOL Abad made history for Philippine duathlon when she earned a sport in the 2013 World Games in Colombia with a strong third place finish in the Century Tuna ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships yesterday at the Subic Bay Freeport.

Competing against the best from Japan, Abad, a 27-year-old native of Davao City, engaged two-time Olympian Ai Ueda in a neck-and-neck race only to lose steam in the final two kilometers of the run leg.

“She (Ueda) maintained her strong pace in the last two kilometers so I decided to slow down to ensure I’ll be able to finish the race. I was really expecting to do well after a second place finish in the Malakoff Powerman, Malaysia last week and I’m very much satisfied with a third place finish,” said Abad, who negotiated the 10K run, 40K bike and 5K run event in 2:01.57.

A multi-awarded triathlete seeing action in only her second duathlon race, Ueda, 29, led from start to finish and won in 2:00:54 while teammate Eri Miyazawa outsprinted Abad in the last 150 meters to claim the silver medal in 2:01:47.

“It was a fruitful hosting as Abad became the first duathlete from the Philippines to compete in a World event. We will try to look for a good duathlon coach from abroad to help train Abad,” said TRAP president Tom Carrasco Jr.

John Chicano, 21, clocked (1:42:55) and joined Robinson Estevez (1:43:43) and Nikko Huelgas (1:44:11) in sweeping the men’s Under 23 Elite competition while Cebu’s Justine Chiongbian (37:51) and Olongapo’s Jose Nobles (37:54) posted a one-two finish in the mini-sprint race as they atoned for the poor performance of the men’s elite team.

The top five in the elite divisions advanced to the World Games, with former Asian champion Airi Sawada (2:04:57) and Joyce Cheung of Hong Kong (2:07:11) completing the cast in the female elite class of the event backed by Century Tuna and supported by the Philippine Sports Commission, Fitness First, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Standard Insurance and Gatorade.

“I’m very happy with the win since I am a triathlete racing only in duathlon for the second time,” said Ueda, a Beijing and London Olympics veteran who bagged the Asian women’s title.

Sergey Yakovlev of Russia, despite arriving in the country barely 24 hours before the race, dominated Japanese rivals Yuka Fukaura and Morimichi Iihoshi and topped the men’s elite class with a time of 1:43:14.

Fukaura settled for second, just four ticks behind, and retained his Asian title Iihoshi finished third in 1:43:41. Japan’s Tadashi Mori (1:43:44) and Thomas Bruins of Netherlands (1:44:27) completed the top five in the men’s elite class.

Ryan Mendoza, the 2006 Asian champion, emerged as the top Filipino in the elite race, finishing seventh in 1:46:59.

National pool member Victoria Deldio won a silver medal in the female mini-sprint (43:51). Malaysian Zoe Bowder won the gold in 43:28. (Malaya)

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Official Statement by the SBMA Board of Directors on the alleged waste dumping incident in Subic Bay

For the information of the public, and in the interest of truth and fairness, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) wishes to clarify and emphasize the following points contrary to some very damaging reports which have recently appeared in media.

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SBMA honors volunteers in celebration of 20th Subic Freeport anniversary

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) celebrated the 20th founding anniversary of the Subic Bay Freeport this week by honoring volunteers who helped develop the country’s first free port.

The SBMA, led by chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia, gave a fitting tribute to the pioneer volunteers who worked hard in protecting the facilities left here by the US Navy in 1992 and converting the former naval base into a special economic zone.

A special flag-raising ceremony held on Monday kicked off the week-long anniversary celebration, which included other activities like the Subic 20th Anniversary Photo Contest and Exhibit, as well as the Great Subic Weekend Sale organized by the local business community.

The week was capped with a thanksgiving mass and a recognition ceremony for the 290 volunteers who have been with the SBMA for the past 20 years, as well as ten pioneer investors who began operating in the Freeport in 1992-1993.

The ceremony was followed by the traditional lighting of the Christmas tree to start the Christmas season here, a fireworks display and an anniversary concert.

“Without the volunteers, the Freeport would not be the way it is today,” Garcia said. “The volunteers have a very, very significant role in creating a modern and progressive Subic Freeport.”

Garcia also noted that in the past 20 years Subic has grown into a premier logistics, tourism and investments hub, with over 1,500 locators doing their business in the Freeport and generating close to 90,000 jobs.

“Subic Bay Freeport is now very vibrant, a very exciting place especially now that a lot of attention has been focused on the Philippines because of reforms initiated by the Aquino administration,” he said.

Garcia also stressed that Subic helped thrust the country to the forefront of the global shipbuilding industry by enlisting Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation among its business locators, thereby making the Philippines the base of the fourth largest shipbuilding facility in the world.

Garcia added that he hopes to achieve the vision of making Subic the premier free port in Asia by enforcing good governance.

“Together with the board of directors we have been working very hard not just to achieve economic success, but also to achieve the vision of Subic under a program of good governance following the President’s program of ‘Daang Matuwid’,” he said. “This sets the right business climate for investors to come in and invest in Subic.”

In 1991, the Congress passed Republic Act 7227 or the Bases Conversion and Development Act, which created the Subic Bay Freeport and Special Economic Zone, and mandated the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority to govern the free port.

Subic, which was previously the biggest American military base outside the United States mainland, was formally turned over to the Philippines when the US naval forces left on November 24, 1992 after the Philippine Senate rejected the extension of the RP-US Bases Treaty. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia leads a special flag-raising ceremony on Monday in honor of Subic volunteers, which served to kick off the week-long celebration of the 20th anniversary of the Subic Bay Freeport. Assisting him are SBMA senior deputy administrator for operations Ramon Agregado, SBMA deputy administrator for business Raul Marcelo, and members of the SBMA Law Enforcement Department.

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Subic seen hub for general aviation

It was November 24, 1991 when the last American jet fighter took off from Subic, marking the end of their military stay, but now a new breed of jet have taken over the Subic Bay International Airport (Sbia)--business jets.

“This is our blueprint, to see our airport as a bustling hub for general aviation,” says Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Robert Garcia.

The former US military base cum- industrial-commercial complex turns 20 years old this November 24th.

“I will go very strongly into general aviation, which includes charters, flight training schools and corporate jets, he said, adding that logistical services, aircraft refurbishing and repair are also the ideal businesses for the SBIA.

With more than US$8 billion in foreign investment, Subic Bay remains the country’s top attraction in the foreign investment community.

Leading the pack in this mixed commercial and military thrust is Aviation Concepts, a charter jet firm, whose clients are as diverse as their fleet of commercial fixed wing aircraft.

“Most of our clients are in Asia. They are the corporate executives who need to shuffle from place to place quickly, efficiently, and comfortably,” says Joel Edmonton, Aviation Concepts general manager.

Edmonton witnessed the airport’s ups and downs. A Subic-based a US Navy pilot for 26 years, he led Federal Express’ team as chief pilot until the courier giant decided its business was better off in China.

“Because of national defense considerations, we would have to operate SBIA as a mixed use aerodrome,” Garcia explained, “meaning it might be used as a jumping off point for fighter squadrons, side-by-side with commercial jet charters.”

Just recently, the US Navy leased portions of the airport terminal to support its troops participating in the joint American-Filipino military exercises.

Garcia says Aviation Concepts fits with the SBMA plan, noting that corporate jet charter is a huge business: “Malaking negosyo ang magpa-charter.”

Globally the charter industry is worth about US$15 billion and growing significantly. The industry is forecasting nearly 10,000 new business jet deliveries worth about $250 billion from 2012 to 2022 with some 700 jet to be delivered to buyers this year.

The Asia Pacific region grew double digit during the past five years, according to Honeywell’s Aviation Business, and SBMA, with 200 hectare facility, together with Aviation Concepts, are prepared to catch some of the business.

Operating out of a former Fedex hangar, the firm manages seven jets, employs 51 workers, including six American pilots. The company operates throughout Asia and other parts of the world.

“Our aircraft are based here, we’re in Subic for the long haul,” Edmonton said. (Malaya)

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All Set For Asian Duathlon

Duathletes from Jordan, Syria and Iran are likely to crowd Continental powerhouse Japan for the elite honors in the Century Tuna ASTC Asian Duathlon Championships on Nov. 25 at Subic Bay Freeport.

Japan’s Yuya Fukaura and Morimichi Lihoshi, ranked Nos. 33 and 59, respectively, in the world, will be challenged by Jordan’s Isha bi Abedalaziz, Syria’s Samir Hajazi and Iran’s Mohammad Ashgari Khatooni for the men’s title.

Out to stop London Games veteran Ai Ueda of Japan in the distaff side are Iran’s Roghaye Sharifi and Zeinab Agha Hasan Nooshbadi and Singapore’s Zhiyun Lin.

Sharifi and Nooshabadi are Iran’s first elite female duathletes and their participation is a first in Asian duathlon history.

Mirasol Abad and Monica Torres, who was previously ranked No. 4 in the world, will spearhead the country’s campaign along with Augusto Benedicto and Javier Robeno.

Airman Ryan Mendoza topped the continent’s premier 10-kilometer run-40km bike-5km run grind in 2006.

Spicing the event sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Fitness First, Asian Center for Insulation Philippines (ACIP), Standard Insurance and Gatorade, are non-Asian duathletes vying for the limited qualifying slots staked for the 2013 Duathlon World Championships (World Games) in Colombia.

Brazil’s Andre Dos Santos (world number 46), Russia’s Sergey Yakovlev, the Netherlands’ Thomas Bruins and Great Britain’s Steve Lumley will see action in the international category. ( Manila Bulletin)

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OFFICIAL STATEMENT OF THE SBMA ON HAZARDOUS WASTE DUMPING ISSUE

Official Statement from the SBMA

For the information and safety of the public, contrary to what has been implied, there is no evidence that any toxic waste such as nuclear, chemical or similar hazardous waste has been discharged in the confines of Subic Bay. Neither is there evidence that oily wastes or sewage wastes have been dumped in our waters. Latest tests show that Subic Bay’s waters remain clean, safe, and continue to be within normal levels.

On the issue of oily water waste and sewage, our initial investigation shows the following:

1. On the oily/bilge water, the same has been hauled by an accredited waste hauler and brought to an accredited waste treatment plant. We are still in the process of determining if all oily/bilge water has been treated properly and is covered by the necessary certificates of treatment.

2. Based on the investigation of the ship logs by the Seaport Department, the raw untreated domestic waste water has been discharged in the high seas, approximately seventeen (17) nautical miles from the nearest land point – beyond the minimum twelve (12) nautical mile boundary set in the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL).

We are coordinating with other concerned agencies to verify compliance with other regulatory requirements which may be related to this matter. A formal report will be issued subsequently.

We wish to reiterate that the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority is committed to protecting the environment of Subic Bay and will continue to ensure that all environmental laws are respected and complied with.

Issued this 12nd day of November 2012. Quezon City.

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DoT declares Subic as ‘Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon’

The Department of Tourism (DoT) has declared the Subic Bay Freeport as the “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon” under its nationwide campaign to promote the country’s natural tourism attractions and cultural assets.

According to DoT Region III Director Ronaldo P. Tiotuico, the Subic Bay Freeport became the DoT’s “unequivocal choice” for the region’s convention capital following an assessment of all the convention facilities in Central Luzon.

“We are looking at the Subic Bay Exhibition & Convention Center (SBECC) as the most logical venue (for conventions, exhibitions, meetings and incentive travels) in consideration of its significantly spacious convention halls and meeting rooms, and a wide array of generally acceptable standard facilities and amenities suitable for big-ticket events like international conventions and conferences,” Tiotuico said in a letter to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia.

“After a careful and in-depth evaluation of all convention facilities in the region, I am pleased to announce our unequivocal choice of Subic Bay Freeport as the Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon,” he added.

Tiotuico said that with the DoT’s choice of Subic as convention capital, this free port will receive “all the accompanying promotional support and back-up activities to enable Subic to become the premier destination for conventions and conferences.”

These will include the production and distribution of a regional convention planners guide, technical assistance in tendering bids, as well as support to planning and management of conventions.

Tiotuico said that the DoT, under the leadership of Secretary Ramon Jimenez Jr., is aiming to draw an additional one million foreign tourists by the end of 2013 to enable the agency to reach at least 5.5 million arrivals.

“It is for this reason that we in the regional office envision to contribute in no small measure towards the achievement of this target by drawing warm bodies into our port of entry through the holding of conventions, conferences and incentive travels and tourism,” he added.

“We are determined to focus much of our effort in attracting a special market that can draw big numbers,” Tiotuico also said.

For his part, Garcia said that the citation from the DoT “would open up a brand-new opportunity for the Subic Bay Freeport.”

He said that since building its own convention center in 2007, the SBMA has been strengthening its bid to become a premier destination for the meetings, incentive travels, conventions and exhibitions (MICE) market.

“The SBMA has been vigorously pursuing the tourism market since Day One because it has numerous natural attractions to offer, aside from the modern amenities that are uniquely placed inside a peaceful and well-maintained environment. We even have a modern international airport for chartered flights,” Garcia explained.

He said the Subic Bay Freeport has a lot of good hotels and housing units, duty-free shops, casinos, restaurants, theme parks, and two malls within its central business district; as well as a marina and yacht club, theme parks, beach resorts, facilities for water sports, cycling and car racing, a golf course, and facilities for hiking, camping and horse-riding.

In welcoming the DoT's choice of Subic as Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon, Garcia said, "This is truly very timely, as the MICE market continues to expand and tourism arrivals in the country continues to post positive growth rates."

This month, the SBMA marks the 20th year of the formal turnover of the former Subic Naval Base to the Philippine government, paving the way for the conversion and development of the area into the country’s frist free port. (HEE/SBMA-MPD)

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