SBMA, Aytas, NCIP sign joint management agreement on ancestral land

The Ayta community inside this Freeport has more reason to be joyous in celebrating the Indigenous People’s Month this October, as the implementing rules and regulations (IRR) of the joint management agreement (JMA) covering the use by investors of tribal lands inside this free port has been signed on Thursday, October 10.

The signing of the JMA coincided with the celebration of the National Indigenous Peoples Month, which was declared in 2009 for the purpose of heightening peoples’ awareness and participation in celebration and preservation of indigenous people’s communities.

The agreement is designed to safeguard the rights of the Ayta Ambala tribe over parts of their ancestral land inside Subic Bay Freeport, while recognizing the management mandate of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) over the free port zone.

The JMA-IRR was signed by SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, tribal chieftain Conrado Frenilla of the Tribong Ayta Ambala sa Pastolan, and Region 3 director Ronaldo Daquioag of the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP).
The simple but historic ceremony was held at the SBMA Boardroom and witnessed by members of the Ayta tribal council, SBMA officials, and representatives of the NCIP.

Frenilla said that the JMA- IRR, which was written in Tagalog for easy understanding of the tribal members, will protect their rights and guarantee that all their benefits will be given the tribe for allowing investors in the Subic Bay Freeport to use their ancestral lands.

“Marami sa mga Ayta, lalo na iyong matatanda, ang naiyak dahil ngayon lamang magkakatotoo ang aming pangarap na magkaroon ng tunay na karapatan sa aming lupang ninuno,” Frenilla said.

The Aeta Ambala tribe of Subic Bay holds a Certificate of Ancestral Domain Title (CADT), representing ownership of more than 4,280 hectares of land. This covers parts of the Kalayaan and Binictican housing areas, and the tourism areas of Apaliin, Pamulaklakin and El Kabayo.

In September 2011, the SBMA and the Ayta tribal council signed the JMA, which authorized the SBMA to provide systematic management and development of the ancestral land to help uplift the economic, cultural and social life of the tribe based on programs implemented by the government.

With the signing of the JMA, the Subic Ayta tribe will collect 5 per cent of the gross income paid by investors for lands within their ancestral domain that have been leased starting May 12, 2009 when the CADT was registered. Above this, each qualified Ayta family will receive P20,000 a year in livelihood assistance.

Other benefits include priority hiring of able Aeta workers, implementation of community development assistance programs, construction of clinic and schoolrooms for the community high school, and an annual donation of P100,000 to the Pastolan village every fiesta time and Christmas.

Meanwhile, NCIP’s Daquioag said that the success story of Ayta Ambala in pursuance of their rights over their ancestral land will be used as template for other indigenous tribes all over the country.

“Ang agreement na nilagdaan ng SBMA at Tribong Ayta Ambala sa Pastolan ay magsisilbing template o pagkokopyahan ng mga kasunduan na isasagawa ng iba pang tribong katutubo kaugnay sa paggamit ng kanilang lupang ninuno,” Daquioag said.

For his part, Chairman Garcia thanked the Subic Ayta community for their support and assistance in formulating the joint management agreement.

“Nagpapasalamat tayo dahil ang IRR na matagal nating inaasam ay tinanggap na ng ating mga kapatid na katutubo upang lalong lumaki ang kanilang pakinabang sa lupain at mapabilis ang pag-unlad ng kanilang kabuhayan,” Garcia said (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia signs a joint management agreement covering parts of the Ayta ancestral domain in the Subic Bay Freeport with Pastolan Ayta chieftain Conrado Frenilla (right) and NCIP Region 3 director Ronaldo Daquioag.

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Olongapenos welcome Ms. World 2013 Megan Young back home

Ms. World 2013, Megan Young will be greeted by his fellow Olongapenos tomorrow as the city prepared a hero’s welcome for the recently crowned queen from this city.

photo courtesy of www.nripulse.com

The activity will kick of with her presentation at Ayala mall in Subic Bay Freeport, after which a motorcade along the main road of the city and a courtesy call to Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino in the morning.

After the courtesy call, Young will go straight to a feeding program at Holy Spirit in Barangay Sta. Rita for the affected flood victims.

She will then proceed to James L Gordon Hospital to visit the leptospirosis patients.

The 23-year-old actress and TV host is the first Filipina ever to win the crown of being the most beautiful woman in the World during the September 28 coronation night held in Bali, Indonesia.

“Proud na proud ako kay Megan, para sa kanya talaga at para sa Olongapo ang panalo, sa kabila ng trahedya na dulot ng baha, Olongapo pa rin ang nanguna,” Olongapo Mayor Rolen Paulino said.

Megan symbolizes hope to Olongapenos who was hit by heavy flood and an outbreak of leptospirosis. (Olongapo City PAO)

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DOH: Olongapo leptospirosis outbreak under control

OLONGAPO CITY, Philippines – Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona visited this city Thursday, October 10, after the death toll from leptospirosis rose to 8, and number of infected residents climbed to nearly 300.

In a press conference after talking to patients and staff at the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, however, Ona said the outbreak was under control.

He cited the fact that there was only one additional patient admitted to the hospital, compared to droves the past few days.

The DOH “expects it to go down,” he said. “I'm glad to say that everything is under control here.”

(We reported that it was DOH Assistant Secretary Eric Tayag who would check on the patients, based on an earlier advisory to the city government.)

The outbreak was caused by the slow cleanup of the city after it was heavily flooded and was placed under a state of calamity 3 weeks ago.

The health secretary said what caused the leptospirosis infections were “urban rats that are the carriers.” He said: “These are different from field mice. They are around our houses, and [ sewers], where they usually hide.”

He said that the rat infestation was probably caused by “poor garbage disposal and collection.”

Given the many storms still expected to hit the country, however, Ona said leptospirosis outbreak can be prevented by controlling the rat population, “especialy the carriers.”

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino contradicted Ona's statement, saying he believed the rats were washed down by the flashfloods from an abandoned mine in Mt. Redondo.

In a Facebook post, Paulino said that the abandoned Pili mine had “a million rats,” which presumably brought the lepto bacteria.

While Ona sought to allay concerns that more residents would be infected, the Philippine Red Cross had erected tents to house incoming patients since the hospital was already congested.

Edward Buena, Red Cross Olongapo City chapter administrator, said: “The hospital is already crammed with patients. They are already in the corridors. So we decided to erect at least two tents here, where we could tend to the patients.”

Buena said the Red Cross provided the Gordon memorial hospital with an additional 100 beds. Since the outbreak started on Monday, the Red Cross has deployed more than 20 volunteer nurses. (Randy V. Datu, Rappler.com)

PHOTO:
URBAN RATS. These brought the leptospirosis outbreak following poor garbage collection after the heavy flooding in Olongapo, says Health Secretary Ona (in blue) during a visit at the James Gordon Memorial Hospital. (Photo by Randy Datu/Rappler)

http://www.rappler.com/nation/41058-doh-olongapo-leptospirosis-under-control

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JICA officials in Subic to gauge funded projects

Officials of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and other Japanese financial institutions visited this free port recently to assess the status and financial and economic potentials of projects funded by the financial institution.

The group, led by JICA chief representative Takahiro Sasaki, was welcomed by Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia, together with several officials from the SBMA seaport department.

Sasaki said the group’s visit to Subic was part of their two-day tour of the Philippines to understand the actual financial and economic potential of the country and also to introduce JICA’s projects and programs here.

During the meeting, Garcia and seaport officials briefed the visitors on the seaport facilities available within the free port, as well as the performance of the New Container Port Terminal.

The terminal project, along with the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway that connected the two former bases of Subic and Clark, was completed with funding from JICA’s Official Development Assistance (ODA).

Last month, a group composed of members of the House of Councilors from Japan also visited Subic and commented that the Philippines has a huge potential and that it needs to take advantage the growing manufacturing sector.

The group added that the Philippines and Japan have a lot in common and that continuous communication and information exchange is very important for mutual development.

The group also stressed the importance of Subic port in decongesting the port of Manila. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (right) confers with JICA chief representative Takahiro Sasaki during a consultation meeting regarding the status of projects funded through JICA-ODA in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone.

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Safeguard 5i50 Triathlon in Subic a success

Subic again asserted its place as a sporting capital in Luzon after successfully hosting the Safeguard 5i50 Active Triathlon last Sunday, attracting triathletes from around the world.

The race was the second 5i50 triathlon event that was held in this free port this year after its being the venue once again of the Century Tuna 5i50 triathlon last June with over 900 participants.

The Subic Freeport has lately been the preferred venue for international races due to its challenging course set against a natural scenic background.

In the October 6 event, Australian Mitchell Robins topped the men’s pro division after completing the course in two
hours, five minutes and 22 seconds.

Robins was closely followed by Csaba Kuttor from Hungary who clocked in at 02:06:17 while third placer Peter Bajai, also from Hungary, finished with 02:08:18.

Another Hungarian, Ezter Dudas topped the women’s pro division after finishing the race in 02:21:32.

Filipino triathlon champion John Leerams Chicano proved once more his dominance in the local triathlon scene after topping the men’s Filipino elite division with 02:14:35. Chicano also finished sixth overall.

Employees from the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) tourism department also did well in the men’s relay after the SBMA Team placed 11th with 03:12:29. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Local bet John Leerams Chicano emerged as the top Filipino finisher in the inaugural Safeguard Active 5150 Triathlon held in the Subic Bay Freeport last Sunday. Chicano, a precious Zambales find in triathlon, finished sixth overall with a time of 2:14:35.

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'911' FOR MARINE MAMMALS | Stranding Network volunteers meeting in Subic

MANILA - With its famously long coastline, the Philippines is, not surprisingly, one of the places where stranded marine mammals end up and are rescued each year.

From Wednesday to Friday (Oct. 9-11) the network of volunteers and supporters that has made a vocation out of responding to stranded mammals is meeting at Subic.

Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) will hold its first national symposium on Wednesday to Friday at the Camayan Beach Resort Hotel and Ocean Adventure, Subic Bay Freeport Zone, to gather its members and supporters who have been involved in responding to stranded marine mammals for eight years now.

Around the same time last year, three whales were found stranded in Zambales, La Union, and Zamboanga, all in one week, eventually dying, or already dead.

The symposium aims to “share knowledge and experiences” in marine mammal stranding, to “discuss relevant data and issues” particularly on these creatures as “valuable sentinels of ocean and human health”, and to broaden the network while addressing the issues related to its functions.

They are composed of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, the University of the Philippines Institute of Environmental Science and Meteorology, local government units, coastal communities, and private individuals who have responded to strandings, said PMMSN.

It added that the network was established because of the Philippines’ “long coastline”, the threat faced by marine mammals, and the number of strandings in the country which involve live animals (seven out of ten stranders are alive).

It has certified over 2,500 responders in the country, especially since Regions 1, 3, 5, and 7 are noted as “stranding hotspots”, where more marine mammals are stranded than in other regions.

The symposium involves “hands-on stranding response training”, as well as talks on such topics as the techniques in the initial response to stranding, veterinary medical issues, and the rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals, said PMMSN.

There will be discussions on “Necropsy Procedures and Precautions for Marine Mammals”, “Impacts of Dolphin Watching on Dolphin Behavior and Dolphin Watching Protocols”, and “Special Case Studies of Stranding Response in Region 2”. (Tricia Aquino, InterAksyon.com)

http://www.interaksyon.com/article/72356/911-for-marine-mammals--stranding-network-volunteers-meeting-in-subic

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United States Provides Assistance to Monsoon Victims in Central Luzon

Manila -- The U.S. Government, through the U.S. Embassy Manila’s United States Agency for International Development (USAID) is providing Php4.3 million ($100,000) to assist in the Philippine Government’s relief efforts for victims of flooding and landslides in Zambales and Bataan.

The two provinces suffered massive damage due to the southwest monsoon intensified by Typhoon Odette (international codename: Usagi).

Ambassador Harry K. Thomas, Jr. said, “On behalf of the U.S. Government and the American people, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected.”

The assistance will provide for immediate relief items including hygiene kits and water purification supplies for up to 10,000 displaced and other affected people.

“I would like to commend the “bayanihan” spirit demonstrated by the communities in helping those in need. We will work with our Philippine Government counterparts to boost their relief efforts and help the victims overcome this tragedy,” the Ambassador remarked.

Over the past five years, the United States, through USAID has provided Php 3.4 billion in humanitarian assistance to help the Philippines cope with the effects of disasters through mechanisms to adapt, respond to, and prepare for these incidents. (http://manila.usembassy.gov/)

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Government plans to hire private company to dredge rivers to alleviate flood situation in Subic

MANILA - The Aquino government, through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), plans to hire a private company to dredge the rivers in Subic, Zambales in an attempt to alleviate the worsening flood situation a Palace Official said on Tuesday.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte assured during the regular press briefing in Malacanang that the DPWH is now addressing the concerns of the Subic communities that were hit by Super Typhoon Odette.

The monsoon rains, enhanced by Odette (international name Usagi), poured incessantly over the weekend, swelling rivers, causing floodings and triggered landslides in Subic and other areas in Zambales.

Calaclan River and other rivers that pass through Subic were heavily silted and overflowed, causing the floods.

"Apparently, there is already a dredger from DPWH that is on standby in Olongapo. But it has not been operational since August of 2011 because there is a certain part -it's called a converter module, na sira. It's not working because of that and there are no available parts in the market. That's why Secretary (Rogelio) Singson said that they are already considering contracting out the dredging to a private company," Valte said.

Aside from dredging the rivers, Valte said the DPWH also plans to widen watersways to address the massive floodings.

"It's not just the dredging kasi that is the solution. Siguro the knee-jerk solution to any siltation in a river would be desiltation and dredging. But, as what always Secretary Singson says, 'yung widening also of the waterways a kailangan," Valte said.

"And, normally, the widening is hampered by the presence of some structures along those rivers—or, at least, in this particular river—and the DPWH is dependent also on the local government to help in clearing the structures along the waterways," she said. PND (js)

Press Briefing by Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, 24 September 2013 (VIDEO)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SPR1GVQr5W0&feature=player_embedded
PCOO EDP

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SBMA rescue team shift action to flushing flood debris

After helping out in search, rescue and retrieval operations as floodwaters submerged a large part of the Subic Bay area, the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Fire and Rescue Team have now shifted their operations to clearing and flushing mud and other debris left by the receding waters.

“Our job never stopped in rescuing and retrieving. After the flood, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia has asked the SBMA Rescue Team to help fast-track the removal of debris, so we are now assisting in clearing activities,” SBMA Fire chief Ranny Magno said.

Using SBMA fire trucks, the agency’s volunteer operators continue to see action and are now working in Olongapo City—helping clear the mud from the public market, schools, churches, and streets.

“Everyone has volunteered to extend operations for several hours beyond their regular schedules,” Magno said.

Prior to this, the SBMA Rescue Team had been dispatched to flooded areas since Monday after rivers overflowed in Olongapo and the neighboring town of Subic, Zambales.

The job took them to the villages of Barretto, Sta. Rita, West Bajac-Bajac, and East Bajac-Bajac in Olongapo; Wawandue and Santa Monica in Subic town; Balaybay in Castillejos, Zambales; and in Dinalupihan, Bataan— rescuing residents who were stranded or trapped in flooded areas and bringing them to safety.

“It’s the worst flooding in local history, and in some areas the floodwater was ten feet deep,” Magno noted.

In Balaybay, Castillejos, and in Wawandue, Subic, the rescuers helped retrieve the bodies of landslide victims who were buried under tons of mud.

A total of 19 persons were killed in three separate landslides in Subic, while five perished in Castillejos.

The tragedy was caused by heavy monsoon rains, locally known as “Habagat,” which was enhanced by Typhoon “Odette.” The combination dumped a record volume of rain in the Subic Bay area, resulting in the flooding of low-lying barangays and coastal areas.

Despite the long hours of work, the SBMA rescuers remained in high spirit, Magno said. “Nobody complained, and all were willing to serve beyond the call of duty,” he added.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency’s rescue operators are acknowledged to be exemplars of malasakit and volunteerism, which are among the core values of the agency.

The SBMA Rescue Team was the recipient of the 2009 Gawad KALASAG Award: Special Citation and Special Recognition for Best Support Organization/Institution in the national level “for the extraordinary courage, heroism, self-sacrifice, and bravery against all odds in times of emergencies and disasters.”

The award was for the assistance provided by the SBMA team in recovering and retrieving trapped miners in Itogon, Benguet in September 2008.

In January 2011, Magno was conferred the 2010 KALASAG Award by President Aquino for being the best disaster manager in the country. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA firemen help clear mud left by the flood at Canda Street in Barangay East Bajac-Bajac, Olongapo City on Sunday. The SBMA Fire and Rescue Team also participated in the massive rescue effort to free residents trapped in their houses in Olongapo City during heavy flooding brought about by monsoon rains last week.

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Subic landslide areas declared permanent danger zones

SUBIC, Philippines – Areas hit by landslides triggered by the southwest monsoon in this town have been declared permanent danger zones.

Subic Mayor Jefferson Khonghun said residents of barangays Wawandue and San Isidro would not be allowed to return to their homes.

“We already relocated the residents living in those areas and we would no longer allow them to go back there,” he said.

Khonghun noted that the areas where the landslides occurred are not on the geohazard maps provided by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau.

“This is the first in the history of Subic that the landslides occurred in those areas,” he said.

Khonghun also stressed the need to dredge the Santo Tomas River, which is being blamed for the flashfloods in the town.

He appealed to the national government for more relief assistance to affected residents.

At least 128 families or 592 individuals are staying at evacuation centers – 78 families at Calapacuan Elementary School and 50 families at Wawandue sports complex.

Meanwhile, a massive cleanup is underway in Olongapo City, where 16 of the 17 villages were flooded.

Some parts of the city remain flooded, but city government officials and workers along with military personnel and employees from other agencies were clearing the streets of flood debris and mud.

Residents also started cleaning their homes while business owners resumed operations.

The flooding, the worst in the city’s history, swamped markets, stores, restaurants and offices, paralyzing school, work and business operations.

Even documents from the business permit and licensing office and assessor’s office were soaked from the flood.

Classes in all public and private schools may resume today.

Death toll

The death toll from the southwest monsoon stood at 33 as of yesterday.

Twenty-nine of the fatalities were buried alive in separate landslides in Zambales, three drowned and one died of hypothermia.

The lone fatality from Calabarzon was identified as Nonilon Mercado, 29, who drowned in Taysan, Batangas.

National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said seven persons also sustained injuries due to the southwest monsoon.

A total of 150,914 individuals have been affected in Central Luzon, Calabarzon and Metro Manila, according to the NDRRMC.

A majority of the displaced residents – 29,150 – are inside 140 evacuation centers. The remaining 4,875 persons or 1,009 families stayed with their relatives and friends.

Property damage has been pegged at P23.55 million but this could rise as this amount only covered infrastructure in Castillejos and San Antonio in Zambales.

The heavy rains and floods also damaged 65 houses in Central Luzon and Calabarzon, where at least 79 areas were affected.

The NDRRMC said floods have subsided in barangays Bukihan and Batuhan in Famy, barangay Lecheria in Calamba and barangay Bigaa in Cabuyao, all in Laguna.

The government also provided P1.77 million in assistance to affected residents.

P43-M assistance

The United States is providing P43 million in assistance to victims of flooding and landslides in Zambales and Bataan.

The assistance, which includes hygiene kits and water purification supplies, is coursed through the US Agency for International Development (USAID).

“On behalf of the US government and the American people, we extend our deepest condolences and sympathies to those who have lost their loved ones, homes and livelihoods. Our thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected,” Ambassador Harry Thomas Jr. said. (Rick Sapnu, with Pia Lee-Brago, Alexis Romero, Philippine Star)

http://www.philstar.com/headlines/2013/09/26/1238289/subic-landslide-areas-declared-permanent-danger-zones

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SBMA rescue team assists habagat victims

SBMA rescue personnel, along with local volunteers, carry the body of a landslide victim in Barangay Balaybay, Castillejos, Zambales after a search and retrieval operation on Tuesday. The SBMA team also participated in the massive rescue effort to free residents trapped in their houses in Olongapo City during heavy flooding brought about by monsoon rains last Monday. (MPD-SBMA)

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Olongapo in full swing to bring back situation to normal after flood

OLONGAPO CITY - The city of Olongapo is now in full swing in clearing out debris, mud and trash and handing out relief good to residents which was affected by the flood that hit the city Monday morning.

Olongapo City Administrator Mamerto Malabute has already instructed the engineering department to clear the main roads of the city and have ordered the distribution of relief good to residents and evacuees who are currently in the evacuation centers.

16 out of the 17 barangay have been affected by the flood Malabute said.

The city council on Monday morning declared a state of calamity in the city.

“I have instructed the city engineer to estimate the damage caused by the flood and clear the main road, schools and public market to bring the city into normal situation,” Malabute said.

Hilda Escobar, a resident of barangay Sta Rita drowned after being swept by heavy current Monday morning.

Gonzalo Pascua, head of the City Social Welfare and Development Office said that more than 600 families have been rescued and brought to different evacuation centers in the city.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said that he would cut his trip short in Virginia Beach, Virginia USA to manage the situation. (PAO Olongapo)

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Olongapo City under state of calamity

The city of Olongapo has been placed under a state of calamity Monday, September 23, as monsoon rains bring widespread floods to the city and in neighboring Subic.

The city government made the declaration as the city continued to be flooded by rain that has been pouring since Sunday evening, September 22.

An unidentified man reportedly drowned, while evacuation is underway for thousands of residents, with authorities fearing more people could be found dead.

Local officials put up ropes across flooded streets so people could hold on to them to keep from being swept away by strong currents, eyewitnesses said.

People there carried their shivering children as they waded through the floodwaters amid submerged cars, an Agence France-Presse reporter at the scene said.

Local publications Subic Bay News and Subic Times posted photos of flooded streets in the city.

Olongapo City Councilor Winnie Ortiz, in a post on Facebook, said the flooding in the city is the highest they have seen in history.

"[The] city council declared [a] state of calamity thru phone. Unanimous decision," Ortiz said in the post.

Ortiz added the city needs help from the national government, as the local rescue teams are being overwhelmed by the flooding with many people asking for help. As early as 3 am, rescue teams had been fanning out, particularly in the hard-hit village of Sta Rita.

Subic Times also said Mayor Rolen Paulino is coordinating with the US Ambassador Harry Thomas for the US Navy, currently in Subic for joint Philippine-US military exercises, to help in rescue and relief in Olongapo.

Paulino, however, is reportedly out of the country, causing anxiety to his constituents.

Classes have earlier been suspended in all levels by the city government. The city is also without electricity.

Subic landslides

Meanwhile, 6 people have been reported killed in landslides in neighboring Subic, radio dzMM reported, quoting Subic Mayor Jefferson Khonghun.

"We've been experiencing very heavy rain. We are now isolated. I can confirm there are two landslide incidents here. Six people were so far killed," Khonghun told Agence France-Presse.

"The flood water is chest-deep in many areas, and the rain is pounding and the water keeps on rising," he said.

It is not clear how many people have been left stranded in the town of 160,000, but one resident reported that "many" people were waiting on rooftops for rescuers.

Government employee Cristina Humbert, 35, said the ground floor of her two-story home had been flooded but she managed to evacuate her 63-year-old mother to higher ground.

"Many are on the rooftops, waiting for help. They are marooned, and are getting hungry and cold. We have no power, no electricity," she told Agence France-Presse.

Khonghun said four rivers that pass through Subic were heavily silted and had overflowed, causing the floods.


He called on the national government to come to the town's aid.

"We are appealing for rescuers, equipment, diggers, we need relief goods. We need help from the national government, please send in inflatable boats," he said.

Local authorities sent rubber boats and fire trucks to pick up residents but there were not enough to cope, Khonghun added. (Rappler.com)

PHOTO:
Vehicles are underwater as flood waters inundate an area in Olongapo City, September 23, 2013. (Photo courtesy Ryan Viduya)

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2,000 volunteers join Subic Bay Freeport coastal clean-up

About 2,000 volunteers consisting of students, workers from locator-companies in this free port, and employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) participated in a clean-up activity along the shoreline of Subic Bay on Saturday.

Other volunteers also cleaned up key areas in the different barangays of neighboring Olongapo City under the Shore It Up! International Coastal Clean-up program sponsored by the Metro Pacific Investments Foundation (MPIF).

The clean-up program was part of the International Coastal Clean-up Day, which was locally organized by The Lighthouse Marina Resort, and Ocean Conservancy, a non-profit advocacy group that promoteshealthy and diverse ecosystems.

Prior to the activity, the SBMA signed a memorandum of understanding with MPIF for the Shore It Up! program, agreeing to be partner-organizers for this year’s clean-up.

SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said that the SBMA supports the activity because it is in line with the Agency's mandate of protecting the environment.

He noted that the SBMA, through its Ecology Center, has initiated similar annual clean-up drives years before partnering with private organizations for a bigger clean-up effort.

“We have followed this up with other measures to protect the vast natural forest and coastline located within the Freeport, particularly with the ‘No Plastic Policy’ to help control pollution of both land and bodies of water here,” Garcia said.

“We hope that this clean-up activity would encourage people not just from the Subic Bay Freeport but also from other areas to commit in protecting Mother Nature,” he added.

For their part, MPIF vice president for corporate communications Melody del Rosario said they are “very happy to have the SBMA as partner” for this activity.

The International Coastal Clean-up Day is an annual event, which began in 1986 through the efforts of former Ocean Conservancy employee Linda Maraniss.

Since then, over 150 countries around the world have joined this activity, which is observed every third Saturday of September. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Volunteers collect trash and other debris washed ashore at the Subic Bay Freeport during the Shore It Up! International Coastal Clean-up project on Saturday, September 21.

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Emirates’ maiden flight brings bright prospects for Clark, Subic

CLARK FREEPORT — With the arrival of the inaugural flight of Emirates Airlines from Dubai to Clark on October 1, more investors are mulling over of moving into this vibrant free port which was once a former US military facility located some 80 kilometers north of Manila.

Economic indicators show that this free port and Subic, a former US naval base which lies some 50 kilometers west of this free port, are beginning their transformation into world-class business and travel hubs with the overhaul of the Clark International Airport (CIA) in preparation for Emirates Airlines and as the Philippines’ new international gateway.

“The renewed and increased economic activity and the positive future of tourism up north of Metro Manila make investors bullish about investing,” Gigie Baroa, Emirates Philippines country manager, said. This renewed development has also prompted the First Philippine Industrial Park Inc. (FPIP) of the Lopez group of planning to develop industry parks here and in Subic, complementing the rise in investor confidence.

Business indicators also show that industrial parks, offices and residential developments are on the rise, further fueling the area’s potential for economic and tourism development.

The same is true with the upcoming investments and expansion of manufacturing and business-process outsourcing (BPO) firms, which in turn, drive higher demand in the retail market. (Ashley Manabat, Business Mirror)

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