10 January 2014
Jessica Sanchez visits Subic
08 January 2014
SBMA to beef up disaster preparedness after Yolanda tragedy
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is all set to expand its existing disaster risk-reduction and management (DRRM) organization, as well as upgrade its emergency preparedness and response plan, in order to be able to handle Yolanda-like disaster scenarios.
SBMA DRRM officer Vicente Tolentino said this course of action was reached after SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia instructed disaster-management experts here to re-assess and re-evaluate the agency’s preparedness and response capacity in the wake of the Typhoon Yolanda tragedy in Eastern Visayas.
The assessment was made recently by the Subic Bay Disaster Risk-Reduction and Management Committee (SDRRMC), which is composed of representatives from various SBMA departments, government agencies, and other auxiliary groups in the Subic Freeport.
“The consensus is that there is a need to modify or upgrade the SBMA Disaster and Emergency Prepared and Response Plan, which was drafted in 2001, because some or most of its procedures, systems and protocols are already outdated,” Tolentino said.
“The new benchmark now in disaster and emergency preparedness and response planning is Typhoon Yolanda. We would like to see a level of preparedness and response capacity that can ensure our safety should a super typhoon like Yolanda hit the free port,” Tolentino added.
During the SDRRMC’s assessment and evaluation session, it was noted that while national and local government preparations were in place even before Yolanda hit the country, no one had anticipated the destructive effects of a Signal Number 4 typhoon, the equivalent of a Category 5 hurricane.
The committee also observed that communications systems broke down at impact areas, thus bogging down crucial government action.
Tolentino said that the two observations stressed the need for the SBMA to give importance to an information and education campaign on disaster preparedness for workers and residents in the Subic Freeport area, as well as to ensure a secure network of frequency-based radio communications units.
Roderic Grueso, deputy chief of the SDRRMC Operations Center, also said that in the wake of the Yolanda tragedy, Filipinos should change their perspective about typhoons, which commonly visit the Philippines during the rainy season.
“We used to define major disasters as volcanic eruptions, earthquakes or tsunamis. But with our experience with Yolanda, we should no longer discount the potential of typhoons to bring massive destruction,” Grueso said.
Disaster-management experts here also said that as part of updating Subic’s emergency response plan, the needs and constraints in the acquisition and depreciation of equipment and other resources should be identified.
They added that an update in emergency plans is also in order due to significant changes in DRRM measures, such as the enactment in 2010 of Republic Act 10121, or the Act Strengthening the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management System, which shifted DRRM approach from reactive to proactive.
Tolentino said that the SDRRMC also concluded that since limitations in staff elements and task units hamper the dissemination and implementation of DRRM programs, the body should undergo extensive reorganization to involve other SBMA departments, and government and private groups in DRRM activities.
The body also resolved to strengthen its legal mandate, require members and auxiliary groups to designate action officers as points of contact, and to submit a list of existing and available resources to be integrated into the inventory of SDRRMC assets. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)
06 January 2014
National triathlon set in Subic
A showcase of new talents of the Philippine triathlon and duathlon team will serve as the highlight of the opening leg of the 2014 National Age-Group Triathlon (NAGT) series which will start at sunrise on Jan. 19 at the Dungaree Beach, Subic Bay Freeport.
The new PHI team members composed of Jared Macalalad, Claire Adorna, Nestor Cagas, Vicky Deldeo, Justin Chiongbian, Baltazar Valencia and Nancy Papaya will compete against tough competitors in the special elite category which will determine their rankings as well as their preparations for this year’s Asian Games, Asian Beach Games and the Youth Olympic Games.
Also competing are national standouts like Nikko Huelgas, Jon Chicano, Km Mangrobang, Kevin Eijansantos, Robeno Javier, Pawee Fornea, Mirasol Abad and Magali Echauz.
The elites along with seasoned age-groupers will endure the Standard Distance 1.5 kilometer swim – 40 Km bike – 10 Km run course which will take them from Dungaree to Argonaut Highway (until Corregidor) and to Naval Mag in the freeport.
The event is sponsored by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc. (ACIP), Gatorade, Standard Insurance, Green Triathlon, Lifestyle Subic Bay and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).
The age-groupers (20 and above) and the 16-19 participants will handle the Sprint Distance course (750 meter swim – 20 Km bike – 5 Km run) while teen participants aged 13 to 16-years-old will engage in the mini-sprint course of 350 M swim – 16 Km bike – 2.5 Km run). Lastly, a SuperTriKids aquathlon side-event
will be held for participants aged 9-10 years (200 M swim – 400 M run) and 11-12 years (350 M swim – 1.5 Km run).
At around 8:30 a.m., participants will be allowed to take their post-race meal followed by the event’s awarding ceremony at about 10 a.m. Medals and gift items will be award to the Top 3 Male and Top 3 Female winners of the different categories covering all distances. Meanwhile, race participants will be entitled to finishers’ medals and t-shirts.
Registration is ongoing until Jan. 12 with entry fees set at P3,500 for standard distance events, P3,000 for sprint distance, P2,500 for mini-sprint and P1,000 for STK aquathlon races. BIKEKING (Bonifacio High Street) and SPEEDO Concept Stores (Alabang, SM Megamall, The Podium, Glorietta 4 and Bonifacio High Street) are the registration centers.
For inquiries, interested parties may contact the Triathlon Association of the Philippines (TRAP) via numbers 0915-6394233, 710- 8259, 399-6598, fax 809-3136 and email fabiedavid@yahoo.com and AFC_0412@yahoo.com. (Tempo)
http://sports.tempo.com.ph/2014/01/national-triathlon-set-in-subic/#.UstraNJDuGM
Subic community continues to extend Holiday cheers to needy children
Members of the Subic Freeport community, along with business investors and civic organizations, continue to extend holiday cheers to children from indigent families in neighboring villages, as well as those hit by recent calamities.
On New Year’s Day, students of the Special Education for the Gifted (SPED-G) and their parents coordinated with the San Roque Parish Church in the free port for the SPED-G Gift-Giving Project held at the parish ground.
The project provided toys and snacks to more than 300 children.
Parent and Olongapo City councilor Jong Cortez said that the activity endeavors to bring happiness to children amid hardship and calamities that they experienced last year.
“This is also an opportunity for the students of SPED-G to share the blessings that their families enjoy with less fortunate kids of their age,” said Cortez.
The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) had also earlier spearheaded gift-giving activities through its Public Relations Department, aside from initiating a collection drive for relief goods sent to victims of Typhoon Yolanda in Eastern Visayas.
On December 20, the SBMA-PRD conducted a gift-giving activity that benefited 200 children in an Aeta tribal community at Sitio Timak, Morong, Bataan.
Seven days later, the SBMA-PRD conducted a similar project for 300 kids at Barangay Asinan Proper in Subic, Zambales.
Meanwhile, Grande Island Resort, one of the more popular tourist destinations in Subic Bay, and operated by GFTG Property Holdings Corporation, will be conducting a feeding and gift-giving project in one of the communities hardest-hit by Typhoon Yolanda.
Karisha Cinco, Grande Island Resort executive assistant, said that the firm’s management and staff will undertake a feeding project and distribute toys to children in Hernani, Eastern Samar on the second week of the month. The project will be done in coordination with the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish there.
Hernani, Cinco noted, was one of the hardest-hit areas, yet has not received enough assistance.
“It is part of our corporate social responsibility,” Cinco said about the project, adding that Grande Island Resort is still accepting donations in any form to be added to toys and other children’s items collected to aid in the relief and recovery of children-victims in Hernani. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)
18 December 2013
Foreign businessmen seek use of Subic, Batangas ports
MANILA, Philippines – The Joint Foreign Chambers (JFC) is reiterating its calls to utilize ports in Batangas and Subic in an effort to “reduce cost and increase efficiency in the Manila port.”
In a statement on Monday, the JFC said its logistic firms are in talks with major port operators seeking “win-win solutions” to address congestion at the Manila port, truck-bans and route prohibitions.
“They are also looking at the lack of support infrastructure in form of easy access to the ports (including Batangas). The intent is to draw up short-term, mid-term, and long-term solutions. While undertaking these discussions, the JFC advocacy remains that the use of port assets in Batangas and Subic should be promoted and the impact of expanding the Manila port carefully evaluated,” the JFC said.
JFC said it has furnished a letter to the House of Representatives Committee on Ways and Means from the Arangkada Philippines 2010: A Business Perspective of the Joint Foreign Chambers of the Philippines and the recent Assessment on Infrastructure: Seaports and Logistics to address the underutilization of the Batangas Container Terminal.
JFC added that a private sector expert said the recommendation is not ongoing because “there is still resistance from customers to pay added trucking costs to Batangas.” (ABS-CBNNews.com)
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/business/12/16/13/foreign-businessmen-seek-use-subic-batangas-ports
PH to host Challenge triathlon 2014
CHALLENGE Family, the global series of long distance triathlons that is changing the face of ultra-distance racing around the world, is all set for its Philippine debut in February, featuring a spectacular and iconic tri-course that runs through Subic and Bataan.
Set on Feb. 22, the half distance Challenge PHL triathlon caps off a weeklong celebration of the Pinoy spirit and the beautiful traditions of the Philippines, in lifestyle, cultural and community engagements, as well as sporting events for the entire family
The Philippines is Challenge’s 14th destination country, after races in North America, UK, Europe, Asia, and New Zealand. The Challenge Family has mounted over 20 races around the world, participated in by 34,000 athletes – including multi-triathlon world champion Chris “Macca” McCormack – with over 915,000 spectators.
“The Challenge Family selects race courses that provide athletes with the best race experience connected to a community that embraces its vision,” said Dave Voth, Challenge Philippines race chairman, and president of Endurance Entertainment Asia, Inc.
“Challenge Philippines is shaping up to be the country’s most anticipated triathlon competition, offering finishers not only bragging rights for winning against the best in the world, but also cash prizes worth over P2 million,” Voth said. “Racing with the world’s best who are competing for one of the largest paydays in the sport will truly add to that once in a lifetime experience.”
Challenge Philippines offers Male Elite and Female Elite Top 10 finishers cash, trophies, and gift packs. Meanwhile, Philippine national team members, male and female; as well as, elite team members from countries in the SEA region are eligible to compete in the Southeast Asia (SEA) Elite Top 3. Special cash prizes will also be given to Fastest AG Split, male and female categories in Swim, Bike, and Run; as well as highest Team points for the top 3 teams. (Manila Standard Today)
http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/01/ph-to-host-challenge-triathlon/
13 December 2013
CL to host APEC 2015
Camp Olivas, Pampanga — All roads lead to Central Luzon when it hosts in 2015 the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders summit, participated in by 19 countries, with key venues identified yesterday as Clark Freeport in Pampanga, Subic Bay in Zambales, and a world-class resort in Bataan.
Chief Supt. Raul Petrasanta, Police Regional Office 3 director, said that as early as now the Philippine National Police (PNP) has started security preparations for the country’s hosting of the 2015 APEC Summit and its related ministerial and sub-ministerial meetings.
Describing the event as “another milestone in the country’s economic development,” Petrasanta said: “We had an ocular inspection and coordination meeting with officials of sites that are likely to host namely, Clark Freeport, Subic Freeport and Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar in Bagac town in Bataan.”
These efforts are being closely coordinated with the Departments of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and National Defense (DND).
Apart from the Philippines, other members of the APEC are Australia, Brunei Darrusalam, Canada, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, New Zealand, Singapore, Thailand, the United States, Chinese Taipei, Hong Kong, China, Mexico, Papua New Guinea, Chile, Peru, Russia, and Vietnam.
In Bataan, Governor Abet S. Garcia and Mayor Ramil del Rosario of Bagac town expressed pride over the choice of Las Casas Filipinas de Acuzar, a 5-star resort hotel in the coastal town, as the venue for the APEC leaders – many of whom are critical decision-makers not just in the region but in the world economy.
“Las Casas is primarily eyed as a possible site for the activity of the spouses of visiting heads of state and government, while the leaders’ summit is ongoing,” said Petrasanta.
Las Casas, owned by construction magnate Jerry Acuzar, is famed for its centuries-old houses and world-class hotel rooms.
By the time the APEC 2015 unfolds, additional facilities like the Galeria Victoria, a fully-air-conditioned mall, will have been established through a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) venture in Balanga City, Mayor Joet S. Garcia. (Manila Bulletin)
http://ph.news.yahoo.com/cl-host-apec-2015-164737975.html
11 December 2013
Subic theme park to give orphans early Christmas treat
The Zoomanity Group, owner of Zoobic Safari and one of the leading companies in the theme park industry in the country, will be giving an early Christmas gift to orphaned children.
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Yupangco said that this year, over 500 children will be given gifts and free entrance to all Zoomanity parks to enjoy one day of thrilling interaction with their favorite animals and other exciting animal shows.
He explained that the project to give orphans from different foundations the experience of one whole day of fun, love and care in the Zoomanity parks is part of the firm’s corporate social responsibility program.
The charitable activity, dubbed “Christmas Gift Giving”, will be held at Zip Adventure inside the Star City park in Manila on December 13; Zoocobia Fun Zoo in the Clark Freeport and Zoobic Safari in Subic on December 14; and Paradizoo in Mendez, Cavite, and Residence Inn in Tagaytay on December 15.
“We will make sure that these less-fortunate children will really feel the essence of Christmas, and that is to be loved and cared for,” Yupangco also said.
Meanwhile, Zoomanity also announced that it will continue to accept donations for victims of the Visayas earthquake and typhoon “Yolanda” until January 31, 2014 at all Zoomanity parks. These include Zoobic Safari, Zoocobia, Residence Inn Paradizoo, Zip Adventure, Zoocolate Thrill in Loboc, Bohol, and the Virtual and Actual Zoo in Tutuban Mall.
It added that as its way of saying thank you to those who bring donation or gift in cash or kind, donors will be getting a 20-percent discount on regular park entrance. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)
PHOTO:
Ayta tribesmen present a fire dance at the Zoobic Safari theme park in the Subic Bay Freeport. The theme park, which is one of three major theme attractions in Subic Freeport, offers “night safaris” every Saturday to showcase life inside the jungle at night time.
09 December 2013
SEZ awarded for good corporate governance
Subic EnerZone Corp. (SEZ), an AboitizPower subsidiary and distribution utility covering the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority franchise area, was recently awarded by the agency’s labor department in view of good corporate governance.
The SBMA Good Corporate Governance Award, in partnership with Subic Bay Workforce Development Foundation Inc., recognizes outstanding business practices, industrial relations, human resource management and compliance to occupational health and safety standards.
It also recognized SEZ as a leading employer in the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, developing employees with good values, high productivity and drive for excellence.
SBMA chairman and administrator Roberto Garcia presented the award to SEZ assistant vice president and general manager Warell Kern Sario in a ceremony held Nov. 22 at the Subic Bay Arts Center, Subic Bay Freeport Zone.
In his message during the ceremony, Garcia told SEZ, “You are an example of what we are trying to achieve here in Subic, better business relations, good customer service, honesty, no corruption, accountability, and transparency. Good governance means good business.”
“This recent accolade from SBMA reflects SEZ’s strong commitment to adhere to international labor standards. As an Aboitiz company, we strive for excellence in every field of our businesses,” Sario added.
Subic EnerZone was also recently granted a Tripartite Certificate of Compliance on Labor Standards given by Department of Labor and Employment.
The TCCLS is given to companies that show exemplary adherence to provisions on General Labor Standards, Occupational Safety and Health Standards, the Child Labor Law under Republic Act 9231, industrial peace, and enterprise stability and competitiveness.
SEZ’s authority to operate the Subic Bay Freeport Zone power distribution system was granted by the SBMA pursuant to the terms of the Bases Conversion and Development Act.
In 2007, AboitizPower bought the 20 percent equity of Team Philippines Industrial Power II Corp. (formerly Mirant Philippines) in SEZ for P92 million. (The Daily Tribune)
http://www.tribune.net.ph/business/sez-awarded-for-good-corporate-governance
06 December 2013
Olongapo starts dredging its river to lessen flood
OLONGAPO CITY - The local government of Olongapo will now start its massive dredging campaign after it formally received a backhoe from SM Super Malls worth P2.4 million.
"I have tasked the engineering office to immediately start the dredging of the Kalaklan River, this may not permanently rid out the flood but it will lower it," Paulino said.
Paulino explained that the donation of SM Prime Holdings is of big help to the city's effort to clear the river channels of Olongapo City.
"We have four dump trucks that have been lent to us by private individuals to operate hand in hand with the dredging machine in Banicain river and this backhoe from SM, I am very grateful to this individuals and SM for their help in this operation," Paulino said.
He added that a study is now being conducted by the Planning and Development Office of the city to determine the cause of flooding and find a solution to the problem.
Last August and September, the city suffered its worst flooding in years after the previous administration failed to desilt the long stretch of Kalaklan River that serves as the main water channel going out to Subic Bay. Another desilting effort is being conducted in the Banicain River which started in August.
He also asked residents in Olongapo and nearby areas that if they need sand or filling materials, they could coordinate with the engineering office to get it for free.
City Engineer Ed Santos however said that before they give out filling materials, they will first inspect the area. "It would be no use if we give out sand or filling materials from our desilting operation if it will return back to our rivers, we will first inspect the site to see if it fits our requirements," Santos said.
Zambales 1st district congressman Jeffrey Khonghun meanwhile said that he has already asked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to conduct a separate dredging program along the upstream of Sta. Rita River and at the mouth of Kalaklan River.
Khonghun's hometown of Subic also suffered massive flooding during the rainy season but he added that Olongapo was hit worst than them. He added that a desilting program is also in the works in the municipality of Subic. (Olongapo City PAO)
PHOTO:
Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino inspects the ongoing dredging operation at the East Bajac-bajac flood gate which serves as main water outlet of water coming from the inner part of the city.
04 December 2013
SBMA, San Antonio to jointly develop 10,000-ha. ecozone
SUBIC BAY FREEPORT – The municipal council of San Antonio, Zambales formally turned over to the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) an area covering 10,000 hectares for development into an economic zone.
The resolution further declared that the areas of Sitio Silangin, Nagsasa and Talisayin in the Redondo Peninsula be included within the additional area and entitled to the tax- and duty-free privileges of the Subic Freeport.
The resolution was passed by the San Antonio town council on November 19, 2013.
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia formally received a copy of the resolution from San Antonio municipal mayor Estela Antipolo during a turnover ceremony here on Monday, December 2.
Garcia said that he was pleasantly surprised by the swift action of the San Antonio municipal council in passing the resolution.
He added that the decision is very timely, since the Freeport is already lacking available land area for development.
“Many foreign investors are inquiring, and we are having a hard time to respond to them due to the lack of available land,” Garcia said, pointing out that there are only less than 300 hectares of land available within Subic’s fenced area.
The SBMA official, who just returned from an investment mission in Japan to promote the Subic-Clark Corridor, related that Japanese investors are very interested in doing business in the country.
“So the resolution comes at a very good time because of the high interest of foreign investors in the Philippines in spite of the difficulties that we are having right now because of Yolanda. We should take advantage of this,” Garcia said, stressing that investor confidence in the country remains strong.
Antipolo, for her part, said that the town council came up with the resolution to ensure the progress of San Antonio.
“We are doing this for the welfare of the people, to ensure economic prosperity, increase revenue for the local government, and provide employment opportunities for the people of San Antonio,” she said.
Antipolo assured everyone that the local government of San Antonio will do its part in attracting investors through programs that will promote transparency in government and cut red tape in business transactions.
“On behalf of the people of San Antonio, I look forward to an enhanced cooperation between our offices,” Antipolo told Garcia and other SBMA officials. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)
PHOTO:
Mayor Estela Antipolo of San Antonio, Zambales hands over to SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia a copy of the resolution declaring a portion of the town's southern coastal tip as economic development zone. The area is being eyed for development by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority under its expansion program. Also in photo are members of the San Antonio town council led by Vice-Mayor Lugil Ragadio and other SBMA officers.
03 December 2013
Subic traders laud SBMA chair for financial turnaround
Members of the Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, Inc. lauded Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia for “resurrecting” the country’s premier free port and turning it from being a negative performer to an achiever this year.
Newly-elected SBFCCI president and chairman of the board Rose Baldeo said that as “captain of the ship,” SBMA chairman Garcia has successfully led SBMA back to business with his leadership, commitment and perseverance.
The message was conveyed during the general meeting of the SBFCCI held at the Global Silk Pavilion here, where Garcia was invited as guest of honor and to give updates on the agency’s programs and prospects.
“The general membership of the Chamber is fully satisfied with the performance of the management of SBMA and the way it helps and supports the locators and investors in Subic,” Baldeo noted.
She added that through cooperation and understanding, both the Chamber and the SBMA could maneuver the Freeport towards greater progress to create more employment and generate more income that would help boost the economy of the country.
For his part, Garcia reaffirmed that SBMA maintains the tradition of support and cooperation with its locators and investors for mutual development.
“Because of your support, SBMA has already on its table a committed investment amounting to P24 billion compared to P2.3 billion for the year 2012, or an increase of 931.4 percent, with three months more to go this year,” Garcia said.
He also noted that a good number of Japanese investors have signified their intentions of transferring their businesses from China to Subic due to territorial disputes between China and Japan.
He added that while SBMA is gearing towards positive markings on almost all of its statistics, smuggling, especially oil, has been successfully curbed.
“Smuggling, particularly oil, in the Freeport is already a thing of the past and we hope to maintain this positive image. Thanks to the Bureau of Customs, which is requiring oil importers to pay duties prior to shipment,” he said.
In the same forum, SBFCCI members applauded Garcia after announcing that his office is pushing the issuance of a single certificate of registration and tax exemption (CRTE) instead of requiring two certificates—one for registration and another for tax exemption.
“We will make the registration process here as simple as possible, as easy as it should be,” Garcia said.
The SBMA chairman noted that unifying the certificates is part of the good governance practices being promoted by SBMA in compliance with the government’s program to eliminate graft and corruption.
“We want to make Subic a place where we can do business in peace and harmony. So, expect a lot of development in the nearest future,” Garcia also told the Subic traders. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)
02 December 2013
Javier, Abad rule national duathlon
MANILA - Robeno Javier reclaimed his billing as the country’s top male duathlete while Mirasol Abad extended her reign to four years on the distaff side as they ruled the 2013 Philippine National Duathlon Championships at the Remy Field, Subic Bay Freeport.
Javier kept pace with national triathlete John Chicano in the 10K run and 40K bike before pushing himself hard in the 5K run to submit the fastest time of one hour, 54 minutes, 48 seconds.
The event, which drew over 200 duathletes, was sponsored by the Subic Bay Mertropolitan Authority (SBMA) Tourism Department, Standard Insurance, Asian Centre for Insulation Philippines, Inc, Gatorade, David’s Salon, Fitness First, Lifestyle Subic Bay and Green Triathlon.
Former Asian duathlon champion and last year’s top ADC Filipino finisher Ryan Mendoza rallied from third place after the first run to eventually finish second in 1:55:22 while a cramping Chicano settled for the bronze medal (1:55:57).
Abad was simply awesome in her field as she led by a mile after the 10K run to anchor her 2:21:49 time. The only problem she encountered was when she missed the turnaround point in the bike but that hardly made a dent on her performance as Mary Pauline Fornea was still more than three minutes off the winning time (2:23:56). Third place went to Rowena Valdez (2:36:51).
Jeric Buhain and Cebuanos Justin Chiongbian and Shaia Ruth Uy dominated the junior sprint and mini sprint categories in the race organized by the Triathlon Association of the Philippines in cooperation with the SBMA tourism department.
The 16-year old Buhain, meanwhile, erased bitter memories of last year’s ADC at the same venue as he clocked an impressive 1:02:26.08 in the 5K run, 20K bike and 2.5K distance.
“I was leading (last year) when I had an infraction with my helmet in the bike transition. So my goal really is to win here,” said Buhain, a developmental pool member, who defeated Edward Jared Macalalad (1:03:30) and Jarwyn Banatao (1:05:40).
Chiongbian retained his title in the boy’s mini sprint (40:16.06) while Uy, 14, won her first duathlon race in 46:13.83. The good performance of the young duathletes boosted TRAP’s plan to put more young athletes in the pool next year.
“We will review the performances of our national athletes because we plan to revamp the squad next year with emphasis on youth and discipline,” said TRAP head Tom Carrasco Jr.
Age group winners: Raven Archer (18-19), Carlo Maniebo (20-24), Christopher Iblan (25-29), Francis Carlo Serrano (30-34), Dejan Glavnik (35-39), Raul Gaerlan (40-44), Jamie Leather (45-49), Arsenio Malibiran (50-54), Josef Gueta (55-59) and Killy Kunimoto (60-over) in the male division and Humma Saeed (20-29), Josette Tanghal (30-39) and Lyka Leather (40-over), girls. (Philippine Star)
http://www.philstar.com/sports/2013/12/02/1263250/javier-abad-rule-national-duathlon
29 November 2013
Subic firm supplies world-class shelters for “Yolanda” victims, relief crew
A Subic-based company is also playing an important role in the rehabilitation of areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda by constructing strong, light-weight tents for use by both victims and relief workers.
“We are proud that the ingenuity and innovation of Filipino workers manufacturing these temporary shelters are being recognized world-wide,” Garcia said.
“We are doubly pleased that these same Subic-made products are being put to good use in reaching out to our kababayans in their time of need,” Garcia added.
A registered company inside the Subic Bay Freeport Zone, Delta is the manufacturer of easy-to-install, flexible scaffold systems and temporary shelters that are made mostly of steel and aluminum.
The company is playing a significant role in providing its client, the World Food Program (WFP), with world-class temporary shelters that can accommodate up to 400 or 500 individuals each.
Delta special project and sales manager Jon Allen Eschenburg said that the company is now working double-time to deliver on time collapsible tents ordered by WFP for shipment to typhoon victims and responders in Tacloban and other areas.
Eschenburg said the tents, which have a standard width of 10 meters, height of about three meters and length of up to 32 meters, can be easily assembled and turned into temporary schools, hospitals or warehouses.
“It is lightweight. A 10x3x24-meter tent weighs only 1.6 tons and can withstand strong winds with strength of up to 170 kilometers per hour,” Eschenburg said, adding that this is far lighter than those offered by other manufacturers abroad.
He also mentioned that this November alone, WFP ordered 32 tents for shipment to calamity- devastated areas in Visayas and Mindanao, while it also made separate orders for distribution to the Philippine National Red Cross in Davao City and the United Nations contingent in Tacloban City.
In January 2010, Delta tents from Subic were shipped to Haiti to be used as temporary shelters for more than a quarter million residents who were left homeless after a magnitude 7.0 earthquake and several aftershocks struck that country.
“Many government and private organizations still believe that the best temporary shelters they can get for the victims can only be found abroad. What they don't know is that, among the best they got are from Subic,” said Eschenburg. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)
PHOTO:
Jon Allen Eschenburg (right), sales and special project manager of Delta Production Philippines Corp., supervises the preparation of collapsible tents to be shipped to Eastern Visayas for use as mobile hospitals and other temporary shelters for victims and relief crew in areas devastated by Typhoon Yolanda.
Ten outstanding Subic Freeport workers recognized
Ten workers who have shown exemplary performance and contributions in their respective companies were recognized by the Subic business community during 2013 Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers awarding ceremony at the Subic Bay Arts Center on Friday.
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Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, who was guest speaker during the event, said the awarding was one of the most significant parts in the celebration of the 21st founding
anniversary of the SBMA.
The SBMA official also told workers here that the major advantage of Subic over Vietnam, Myanmar and other countries in Asia, is not the cost of labor but human resources.
“English-speaking Filipino workers, even with their ‘carabao’ English, can communicate with foreign managers,” Garcia pointed out. “But the most important value of Pinoy workers is that they are loyal and credible workers.”
SBMA labor manager and concurrent SBWDFI president Severo Pastor Jr. said that the 10 awardees are the cream of the crop who represent the best of Filipino workers.
The awarded were chosen from hundreds of nominees who underwent a series of interviews, performance appraisal and screening by the board of judges headed by its chairman Evelyn Grace Sorongon, national president of the People Management Association of the Philippines (PMAP).
The awardees are Engr. Maricon Amano, inventory management assistant at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation; Lydia Baltazar, manager and CEO of the Subic Bay Multi-Purpose Cooperative; Edmund De Jesus, community development officer at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority’s Ecology Center; and Roseman Dinco, senior staff, and Israel Fontilla, line foreman, both of Wistron Infocomm Phils., Corporation.
The awardees also include Lovella Jarobel, a professor at the Mondriaan Aura College; Norlangen Morales, printing/assembly section head at Koryo Subic, Inc.; Justin Jay Navarro, engineering group manager at Subic EnerZone Corp.; Engr. Gorgonio Sisante, senior product engineer at Nicera Philippines; and Eduardo Sitjar, senior operator at the Philippine Coastal Storage and Pipeline Corporation.
For her part, PMAP Subic chapter president Merlin de Gracia said the 10 awardees exemplify the Filipino workers who are scattered around the world.
“The Filipino workers are the real driving force of our economy. You are the Philippines’ most valuable wealth,” she said.
The ceremony on Friday also recognized five Subic-based companies who were chosen to receive the Good Corporate Governance Award. These are Cartridges Recyclers Services Corporations (CRESC), Inc.; Global Maritime Logistics Support, Inc.; Hitachi Terminals Mechatronics Phils. Corp.; Nicera Phils. Inc.;
and Subic Enerzone Corp.
“These companies are examples of what we wanted to achieve in Subic. They were recognized for continuously working towards excellence,” said Chairman Garcia.
He also noted that the companies promote and maintain high levels of occupational safety standards, just salaries and benefits to workers, and participation in community services. They also observe labor codes and ethics and promote good worker-management relationships. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)
PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia (5th from left) joins onstage this year’s winners in the search for the Ten Outstanding Freeport Workers during the recognition ceremony at the Subic Bay Arts Center on Friday, November 22, 2013.
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