German foundation donates Php2.5 million worth of medical equipment to Olongapo

The City of Olongapo recently received some P2.5 million worth of medical equipment from a German foundation in efforts to bring high value medical care to its residents.

26 units of medical equipment and instruments from Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. were inspected last March 4 at the Port of Manila by the German foundation led by its chairman, Heinrich Treutner, together with the city government representatives.

The equipment arrived in Olongapo City last week and were formally turned over by Toni Würkow of Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V. to the James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital.

The donation was made possible through the initiative of Dr. Amy Sanchez, president of the Association for Differently Abled Persons Zambales Inc. and Architect Tony Karr Balde III of CPDO.

Dr. Jesse Jewel Manuel, administrator of James L Gordon Memorial Hospital said that the equipment would significantly improve the medical services of the Hospital.

“As you know the city is low in cash and purchasing this kind of equipment for the hospital would be difficult for us. We are very thankful for the donation from Lotus Hilfsprogramme e.V,” Dr. Manuel said.

The donated medical instruments include a mobile electro-cardiogram system, ten blood sugar measuring system instruments, three dialysis machines, two dental chairs, four breath-therapy devices, one lung function machine, and other hospital items like gloves and syringes.

“Kinukulang ang mga machines. Ngayon dahil sa mga na-donate mas maraming maki-cater na pasyente at yong mga dating gamit lumang-luma na tulad ng ECG, at least ito bagong-bago na magagamit ng mga pasyente,” said Dra. Lugie Lipumano, consultant on health services.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino thanked Treutner and Würkow, adding that the donated machines would be of great help for patients, especially those who cannot afford to go to private hospitals.

“Tuloy tuloy po ang pagsasaayos ng ating hospital para po maserbisyuhan ng maganda ang ating mga kababayan at mga kapitbahay. Ito po ay dahan dahan nating aayusin at sa tulong po ng mga foundation tulad ng Lotus Hilfsprogramme ay maayos din natin ang ating pampublikong hospital,” Paulino said.

In addition, Paulino also implemented project SMILE since he assumed office last year.

“Simple lang yung project SMILE, sabi ko dapat lahat ng staff sa hospital laging naka smile, malaking bagay ito para sa mga pasyente. Hindi pwede yung naka simangot sa hospital, hindi magiging comfortable ang ating mga kababayan pag ganun,” Paulino added.

Lotus Hilfsprogramme is based in Germany and has been coordinating with the city since early April 2013 last year to bring the donations to the city.

PHOTO:
From left: Toni Würkow, Ronnie Dungog, Supply Officer of JLMGH Hospital, Dra Lugie Lipumano, Mr. Majarucon, Dr. Mendoza, Mr. Sanchez, Dr. Sanchez, Arch. TK Balde, Councilor Guerrero and Dr. Jewel Manuel.

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Subic Bay fisherfolk celebrate “Araw ng Mangingisda” with fund drive

More than 700 fun-run enthusiasts joined the “Takbo Para sa Pagmamahal sa Karagatan,” a fund-raising activity organized by fisher folks in the Subic Bay area in conjunction with the celebration of “Araw ng Mangingisda.”

The fun run was organized by the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council (SBIFARMC), which is celebrating its 13th year anniversary this month.

The run started and finished at the Boardwalk Park here and drew participants from various schools in the Freeport and Olongapo City, as well as members of the Olongapo City police force, the PNP Maritime Command, the local media, and employees of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and various locator-companies in Subic Bay Freeport.

SBIFARMC chairman Restituto Del Rosario said the successful fund drive will benefit the group’s information and education campaign, which focuses on uplifting public awareness on the importance of protecting and preserving marine resources against illegal activities.

“The fund will be used for our mangrove planting and rehabilitation projects, coastal river clean-up, conduct of forum, and the drive against illegal fishing,” Del Rosario said.

He also lauded SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia for the agency’s continuing support of SBIFARMC in terms of various livelihood training and the P4-million Environmental Guarantee Fund (EGF), which the SBMA approved in October 2010.

The fishers group has used the EGF to produce 60 artificial reef modules that were installed in the coastal areas of Subic Bay, Morong in Bataan, and San Antonio in Zambales; as well as for projects that provide additional income to members, and scholarship grants for their children.

The SBIFARMCI also received two units of newly-built motorized bancas for its monitoring, control and surveillance (MCS) program.

Del Rosario also thanked participants in the fun run, saying that each donation was crucial to the task of protecting the marine environment here.

“These steps are important to reach our vision of sustainable management of our marine resources and we hope that our efforts and commitments become successful to regain the bountiful resources of our municipal waters,” he added.

Aside from the SBMA, “Takbo Para sa Pagmamahal sa Karagatan” was supported by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources-Region 3 (BFAR-R3), Subic Bay Freeport Chamber of Commerce, SM Olongapo, Subic Water, Subic Ads, Redondo Peninsula Energy, Inc., and One Meralco.

In the event, BFAR-R3 also donated five units of gasoline engines for bancas, 10 Coleman portable lights, and 30 life vests. These were distributed among the four FARMCs of Morong, Olongapo City, Subic and San Antonio. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Participants in the “Takbo Para sa Pagmamahal sa Karagatan” break out at the start of the fun run organized by the Subic Bay Integrated Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council, which is celebrating its 13th year anniversary this month.

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JPEPA talks focus on use of ports

The further utilization of the Subic and Batangas ports emerged anew as one of the key points pressed by Japanese investors in the Philippines.

The Philippines and Japan yesterday convened the 8th meeting of the Sub-Committee on Improvement of Business Environment convened under the Japan-Philippines economic partnership agreement (JPEPA). the embassy of Japan said in a statement.

The embassy said that during the meeting, both sides noted the progress made on issues such as refund of value-added tax, the common carriers tax and gross Philippine billings (CCT/GPB) among other issues.

So far, the budget department has allocated funds to refund the VAT paid by Japanese investors. A law has been recently passed scrapping the foreign carriers’ tax.

Also discussed were topics on consistency of tax-related issues, sustainability of affordable and reliable supply of electricity, further utilization of Batangas and Subic ports, additional surcharges introduced by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, development of the Philippines as Human Resource Development (HRD) hub, and other issues and initiatives.

Batangas and Subic ports, both funded by the Japan Bank for International Cooperation have remained under-utilized.

The meeting was led by Ambassador of Japan Toshinao Urabe, and Undersecretary of the Department of Trade and Industry, Adrian S. Cristobal, Jr. co-chaired the meeting.

Representatives from various Philippine government agencies, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), and Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO) attended the meeting. The private sector was represented by Mr. Takashi Ishigami, President, Japanese Chamber of Commerce and Industry of the Philippines, Inc. for the Japanese side.

Among the JPEPA framework, the Sub-Committee on Improvement of Business Environment is of significant importance because it provides a forum for dialogue between public and private sectors of both countries to discuss specific issues in order to ensure transparent, predictable and consistent business environment. This regular semi-annual dialogue with parties concerned is indispensable for further improvement of business environment which is constantly evolving.

The next meeting of the Sub-Committee is scheduled in September 2014.

JPEPA, which entered into force in December 2008, is an important framework for enhancing economic ties between the two countries.

Both sides noted that recent trade and investment figures had been very encouraging. The existence of JPEPA has successfully promoted Japanese investment to the Philippines.

The abundant, diligent, and English-speaking workforce in the Philippines are finding jobs in and out of the country. Such win-win relationship is expected to be further enhanced by the adoption of Integrated Services Digital Broadcast-Terrestrial (ISDB-T) by the Philippines late last year, two and a half fold increase of bilateral air services including direct links to Haneda Airport, Japan’s on-going cooperation in Yolanda relief and rehabilitation projects, as well as other ODA projects. (Reuters)


http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/business/jpepa-talks-focus-use-ports

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Olongapo receives four rescue boats from sister city

Virgina Beach in the United States formally turned over four (4) rescue boats worth an estimated P1M to the City of Olongapo.

Olongapo City councilor Jong Cortez who is currently in the US to supervise the student exchange program between the partner cities, received the donation from officials of Virginia Beach lead by Councilor Jim Wood. Wood sponsored the ordinance authorizing the donation.

The boats were pledged by Virginia Beach during the official visit of Mayor Paulino and city officials for the sister city program following the September 2013 flood that struck Olongapo City.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino said the donated rescue boats will boost the city’s rescue capability especially during the rainy season when floods are expected to happen in Olongapo.

“Currently we don’t have any budget to purchase new boats. The donation is expected to arrive before the rainy season. We here in Olongapo are very thankful for this help from our sister city.” Paulino said.

The donated boats include a 24-footer Boston Whaler with a twin-225 horse power engine, two rigid-hull inflatable boats (RHIB) with 50hp and 75hp outboard motors, and an aluminum utility skiff, all conservatively valued at $25,000. All boats came with trailers, sirens, sonar/radar.

Virginia Beach officials said that the 225HP engine of the Boston Whaler was purchased for $18,000 and is only 3-4 years old.

Witnessing the turnover were officials from the Philippine Embassy in Washington, DC led by Capt. Elson Aguilar, Naval & Defense Attache and First Minister Elmer Cato representing His Excellency Ambassador Jose L. Cuisia.

PHOTO:
Councilor Jong Cortez accepts the deed of donation and papers of the four rescue boats from Councilor Jim Wood. Behind them is the 24 footer Boston Whaler police patrol / rescue boat, equipped with two (2) X 225 horse power Mercury engine, radar, siren and trailer for easy transport & deployment.

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SBMA gives all-out support for Ad Summit 2014

A full month before the movers and shakers of the country’s advertising and marketing industry gather here to share insights on the global creative scene, officials of the organizing group as well as the host agency said it’s all systems go for the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014.

According to Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto Garcia, the agency which manages the free port will give its full support to what has been billed as “the event that will rock the ad and marketing industry this year.”

“We will leave no stone unturned to help make the event successful,” Garcia said on Monday during a press briefing conducted here by the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As), the event organizer.

The SBMA official also recalled that the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC), which will serve as the venue for the upcoming occasion, has been especially designed to accommodate a similar advertising convention in 2007.

“That has been the mother of all conventions here in Subic,” Garcia explained, noting that since then the Subic Freeport has been drawing more convention-organizers and participants from all over the country.

4As Chairman Alex Syfu, meanwhile, said that “things are running smoothly” as well on the part of the organizers, who have scheduled the event on May 7 to 10.

Syfu said the Ad Summit is expected to draw from 2,000 to 2,500 participants, including “rock star” speakers who are icons in the advertising world.

These include industry pioneer Emily Abrera, now chairman of CCI-Asia, the content- production company behind Living Asia Channel; Omnicom Media Group CEO Cheuk Chiang, who was named by Internationalist Magazine as 2010 Agency Innovator of the Year; APAC CEO of JWT Tom Doctoroff, a sought-after speaker in the adverting circuit; and Dentsu Aegis Network Chairman Dick Van Moltman, author of two best-selling books on Chinese consumers.

Syfu said that with such global luminaries in the creative and marketing field, the Ad Summit Pilipinas will be “first and foremost a learning venue.”

On the same occasion, Ad Summit PR committee head Norman Agatep clarified that the upcoming convention will be a mind-opening event, as implied by the “Age of Enlightenment” theme.

“The principles of advertising remain the same, but the advertising industry is seeking to play a more valuable role in society today,” Agatep said.

He added that as the “Age of Enlightenment” theme implies, the advertising summit will challenge industry practitioners to make the world a better place, and provide hope and relevance in the brands and messages that they create. (HEE/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
READY FOR AD SUMMIT: SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia (center) gives a thumbs-up sign along with Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines chairman Alex Syfu (left) and Ad Summit PR head Norman Agatep to express readiness of the Subic Bay Freeport for the hosting of Advertising Summit Pilipinas 2014 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center on May 7 to 11.

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Subic Bay Int’l Triathlon expected to lure big field

Organizers expect a loaded two-day weekend when the K-Swiss ITU Subic Bay International Triathlon is held on April 26-27 at the Subic Bay Freeport in Olongapo City, Zambales.

“This is actually a 5-in-1 event,” said Triathlon Association of the Philippines secretary general Ramon Marchand during a press launch yesterday at the Seafood Island Restaurant at the Mall of Asia.

Marchand said the SUBIT Elite Open for men and women on April 27 will remain the centerpiece event and forms part of the Asia Cup 2014 Series where the winners will get International Triathlon Union points for Asian and world rankings.

“These ranking points will serve as part of their qualification for major international competitions,” he said.

Also on tap during the two-day meet is the National Age Group Championships where the winners in the boys’ and girls’ divisions will earn the right to represent the country in the World Age Group competitions in Edmonton Canada.

The event also serves as national tryouts “where promising athletes will be scouted for the national pool,” including the junior, Under-23 and Elite Open classes.

To spice up the event, TRAP has included the Asian Paratriathlon Championships for the second straight year in the event also sponsored by Century Tuna, Speedo, Harbor Point, Ayala Malls, Canon, SBMA, PSC, Gatorade, Standard Insurance, SM City Olongapo and Travelers Hotel.

Marchand stressed the SUBIT “remains a green event so we encourage all of our participants and fans to curb waste and pollution before and during the event.”

Part of entry fees during the two-day event will go to the TriGiving program supporting athletes in the national development pool. (Malaya)

http://www.malaya.com.ph/business-news/sports/subic-bay-int%E2%80%99l-triathlon-expected-lure-big-field

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USS Michigan arrives in Subic Bay

The USS Michigan (SSGN-727), an Ohio-class guided missile submarine of the United States Navy, is towed by tugboats as it arrives in Subic Bay Tuesday morning (March 25). The ship's routine port call will allow the 150-man crew an opportunity for rest and recreation and to conduct humanitarian projects in nearby communities.

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Olongapo ready for influx of tourists this holy week

The City of Olongapo is now ready for the influx of tourists during the holy week and summer vacation after it established Oplan Sumvac 2014 or the Olongapo Incident Management Team (IMT) to ensure public safety.

Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino activated the group to minimize untoward incidents due to the influx of both local and foreign tourist in Olongapo and Subic Freeport.

Olongapo City is well known for its rescue team that can handle any situation. “Hindi po natin kaya mag predict ng accidents pero ang gusto natin mabilis natin itong marespondihan, pero sympre mas gusto natin na walang mangyari para safe lahat at makapag enjoy ang ating mga bisita pati na rin ang mga residente.” Paulino said.

Olongapo’s use of Incident Command System provides a systematic and functional command organization which will increase the effectiveness of the operation, Carlo Elepongga, Research and Planning of DRRMO said.

Aside from the rescue team, the Olongapo Traffic Management and Public Safety Office, the local PNP, health department, James L. Gordon Memorial Hospital, volunteer groups and other government agencies will assist the IMT to be located at strategic locations in the city. (PAO Olongapo City)

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USS Michigan to arrive in Subic Bay

USS Michigan (SSGN 727), an Ohio-class guided-missile submarine, will arrive in Subic Bay on Tuesday, March 25, for a routine port call that highlights the strong historic, community, and military connections between the United States and the Republic of the Philippines.

This visit will allow the ship to replenish supplies as well as give the crew an opportunity for rest and relaxation. While in Subic the sailors of the USS Michigan will visit a school that helps persons with disabilities, and visit the Olongapo City Museum to learn more about Filipino culture and history.

The USS Michigan is part of the U.S. Pacific Fleet and is homeported in Puget Sound, Wash. The Michigan is commanded by CAPT. Erik A. Burian and crewed by approximately 150 sailors. USS Michigan was commissioned on 11 September 1982 and is the third United States Navy vessel to bear the name of the state. In 2003 the USS Michigan entered the Puget Sound Naval Shipyard in Bremerton, Wash. for conversion from a Fleet Ballistic Missile Submarine into a Guided Missile Submarine. In June 2007, the new USS Michigan SSGN-727 was returned to service as one of only four SSGN's in the submarine fleet.

For more information about the USS Michigan, visit the ship’s webpage: www.michigan.navy.mil or Commander, Submarine Group 7’s Facebook page: www.facebook.com/submarinegroup7 (US Embassy Manila Public Affairs).

PHOTO: File photo of USS Michigan (photo provided by US Embassy Manila)

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Ad Summit Pilipinas reveals ‘Rock Star’ speakers

The Age of Enlightenment begins as Ad Summit Pilipinas, touted as the event that will rock the ad and marketing industry this year, has announced the first batch of speakers who are set to share their insights on the ever-changing landscape of the global creative scene.

Scheduled from May 7 to 10 at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center, the summit promises to bring in “rock star” speakers, global land iconic luminaries whose works transcend creative boundaries.

First on the list is one of the pioneers of the industry, Emily Abrera, who is currently the chairman of CCI-Asia, the content-production company behind Living Asia Channel.

Abrera is also the president of the Foundation for Communication Initiatives, and chairs the boards of the Cultural Center of the Philippines and Children’s Hour Philippines. She is a founding member of the Women’s Business Council and currently a member of the Edsa People Power Commission, to boot.

Another local speaker is Merlee Jayme, chairman and CCO DM9 JaymeSyfu. Jayme was Executive Creative Director for BBDO Guerrero before starting her own agency, DM9 Jayme Syfu, almost seven years ago.

Before this, she was vice president and executive creative director of Ace Saatchi & Saatchi. Now as head of DM9 Jayme Syfu, her creative shop has been ranked the Philippines’ number one in the 2010 Campaign Brief Asia Ranking and was awarded the very first Campaign Asia Pacific Creative Agency of the Year for the Philippines 2012.

Going global, Ad Summit will also bring in Cheuk Chiang, CEO of Omnicom Media Group APAC. Chiang’s experience is broad and eclectic, and his career to date spans across account management, strategy planning, and agency management roles in creative, direct marketing, digital, and media agencies.

Over the past 23 years he has worked on a number of high profile brands including Coca-Cola, Heineken, Heinz, Hennessy, HP, Holden, HTC, Kraft, Mars, Myer, Motorola, Nestle, Nikon, Tiger Beer and Unilever.

In 2010, the Internationalist Magazine named Chiang as the Agency Innovator of The Year. In 2013, he returned to Cannes to serve as an awarding judge at the International Festival of Creativity.

Other international speakers to impart their knowledge is Tom Doctoroff, APAC CEO of JWT Asia and Dick Van Motman, chairman and CEO of Dentsu Network Asia. Doctoroff is a sought after keynote speaker for events such as the International Advertising Association’s global symposium, and the University of Chicago’s Global Management Conference.

He has also authored two best-selling books on Chinese consumers; “Billions: Selling to the New Chinese Consumer” and “What Chinese Want”, which was published in 2012. Doctoroff, who was selected to be an Official Torchbearer for the Beijing 2008 Olympics, lives in Shanghai and speaks fluent Mandarin.

Dick Van Motman, on the other hand, has spent over 20 years in senior account and regional management positions at DMB&B, Leo Burnett, and DDB in various European & Asian markets.

Most recently he was president and CEO of DDB Group, Greater China. He began his career in 1989 in his native Netherlands. Van Motman is responsible for the Dentsu Network operations in the ASEAN and Oceania region. He will also be a member of its global Operating Committee.

Last of the first batch of speakers is Sandipan Roy, APAC Regional Strategy Director, who has gone on to be a multi-dimensional marketer with a passion for uncovering deep human insights and developing big business building ideas.

Roy is deeply experienced in developing brand, advertising, digital, CRM/data, and shopper marketing strategies.

He has also held senior leadership roles at global, regional as well as in-country levels in strategy, P&L responsibilities as well business leadership in agencies such as OgilvyOne, Y&R, Wunderman, DDB/RAPP and now, Isobar where he has played a lead role with a range of global, regional and local clients such as Citibank, McDonalds, Stanchart, P&G, Kellogg’s, Land Rover, Jaguar, Samsung, Unilever, American Express, and Singapore Tourism Board.

“It remains our vow to create a programming that will definitely enlighten our attendees on the things that they have been wanting to discover about the ad and marketing scene,” Ad Summit chair Matec Villanueva said.

“That’s why we are bringing in the movers and shakers of our industry, because we aim for the Summit to be a world-class gathering of the creative, the curious, and the wise,” she added.

Interested participants may contact the 4A’s secretariat at 813-4397 or 893-1205, or e-mail: 4asp@pldtdsl.net. Registration may also be done through the summit’s official website (www.adsummit.ph).

http://infochat.com.ph/2014/03/ad-summit-pilipinas-reveals-rock-star-speakers-early-bird-extended/

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2 injured dolphins treated in Subic marine park

Two rescued spinner dolphins turned over to the Ocean Adventure Marine Park here for treatment and rehabilitation are now showing signs of recovery under the care of animal health experts.

The spinner dolphins (Stenella longirostris), both female, are believed to have been injured by blast fishing. One was rescued in Badoc, Ilocos Norte and the other in Masinloc, Zambales.

Ocean Adventure marine operations director Carlo Magno said both dolphins suffered from acoustic trauma that caused impairment of navigational senses and loss of buoyancy.

Aptly called "Valentina," the 1.7-meter-long and 50-kilogram spinner dolphin from Ilocos Norte was found beached on the eve of Valentine's Day with an old shark bite wound.

Valentina was transported to the Ocean Adventure rehab facility on March 1. Barely a week in the facility strapped with improvised floaters, Valentina began showing signs of full recovery including regaining buoyancy, according to Magno.

Meanwhile on March 5, "Scarlett", the other spinner dolphin, was found beached and wounded in an area in Masinloc where blast fishing was believed to have occurred.

The Philippine Marine Mammal Stranding Network (PMMSN) said that "Scarlett" was eating some of the dead fish after the blast when another blast came and injured her.

Scarlett was transferred to Ocean Adventure on March 8 with impaired navigational senses and loss of buoyancy. She was also strapped with an improvised floater but still remains under critical care, as she still cannot swim or stay afloat.

As of now, Valentina is already swimming in Ocean Adventure's open sea enclosure, while Scarlett stays in the round pool.

"We are giving both dolphins the necessary vitamins and food supplements to aid them into full recovery from their injuries and trauma," Magno said.

"We can only hope that Scarlett recovers from her injuries and trauma," Magno added.

Ocean Adventure houses the only center in the entire country that provides 24/7 rehabilitation of stranded marine mammals.

PMMSN said they intend to make the rehab center fully equipped to better nurse stranded mammals back to health. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Scarlett, a spinner dolphin believed to be injured from dynamite fishing blast, is being nursed back to health at the Ocean Adventure Marine Park in the Subic Bay Freeport.

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Grand Reunion of former Subic Naval Base Workers

[1] Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino (3rd from left), assisted by Architect Antonio Balde, inserts some memorabilia into a time capsule for a commemorative marker honoring former employees in the defunct Subic Bay Naval Base. Witnessing the event are SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia, (2nd from left), SBMA Director Cynthia Paulino, and Roberto Flores, co-chairman of the base workers’ grand reunion committee.

[2] SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia leads the ground-breaking ceremony for a commemorative marker honoring former employees in the defunct Subic Bay Naval Base, now the Subic Bay Freeport Zone. The ceremony kicked off a week-long grand reunion of former base workers in Subic, which marked the first commemoration of the “Former US Naval Base Workers’ Week” set by the Olongapo City council for the third week of March.

(photos by Jun Dumaguing)

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Group wants Clark, Subic free ports fully developed

ANGELES CITY — A group led by a former Land Transportation Office (LTO) chief and an anti-poverty crusader is pushing for the full development and utilization of the Clark and Subic free ports to ignite and sustain economic development in Central Luzon.

Former LTO Chief Reynaldo Berroya and Alfonso “Sonny” Dobles of this city said their 10-million strong Guardians International Unified Command (GIUC) “is determined” to end poverty by asking the national government to “walk their talk” in connection with turning the Clark International Airport (CIA) at the Clark Freeport into one of the two main international airports of the country. Dobles was recently chosen as GIUC president while Berroya is the group’s director.

“Our group will be aggressive in pushing for the development of the two free ports in Pampanga and Zambales until the Filipino people are liberated from the bondage of poverty, ” Dobles said in an interview on Saturday. “It will be remembered by the children of tomorrow that the Guardians pushed for progress and sustainable and equitable development.”

Meanwhile, SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia earlier said the Bureau of Internal Revenue was able to collect P1.39 billion, or 8.9 percent higher than the P1.27 billion collected in 2012 while the Bureau of Customs made an impressive lift in revenue collection from P6.32 billion in 2012 to P10.8 billion last year for an unprecedented combined cash collection of P12.2 billion. The collection, he added, attested to the sustained growth of Subic.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) is the implementing arm of the government for the development the 262-square-mile (670-square-kilometer) area of Subic.

There are at last 89,500 workers at Subic while Clark has a work force of 72,000.

“We could have thousands more jobs if we can fully use Clark and Subic. We have to improve the surroundings such as the infrastructures,” Dobles said.

Business tycoon Manuel V. Pangilinan earlier released statements, urging the full development of the CIA as one of the premier international airports of the country. He cited the “congestion” at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) terminals in Metro Manila.

Pangilinan and his group are determined to pour billions of pesos for a terminal at the CIA. He also expressed interest in investing on a high-speed train that will connect the CIA to the Naia terminals.

The 32-year-old Naia Terminal 1 airport, tagged by several international groups as one of the worst in the world, is designed to handle at least 4.5 million passengers yearly but is forced to accommodate 8 million passengers a year. The terminals of the Naia, including Terminal I, had at least 32.865 million local and international passengers in 2013. There were 31.877 million passengers in 2012, according to data gathered by the Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA).

There are at least 3,027 passengers per day, or 96,823 per month, at the CIA.

In 2012, there were at least 1.3 million passengers. The Clark International Airport Corp. has yet to issue the total number of passengers for 2013 but reports said it could be lower compared to 2012.

Bases Conversion and Development Authority President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Arnel Paciano Casanova is also calling for the full development of the Clark Freeport and its airport in Pampanga to help decongest Metro Manila.

Casanova, who spoke at the recent Clark Challenge: Stakeholders’ Summit at the Widus Convention Center here, said the development of the 4,500-hectare free port, including the ClA, is necessary to sustain the economic development of Pampanga and nearby provinces in Central and North Luzon.

Casanova said the 7-percent growth achieved by the country in 2013 could be sustained and improved if other cities such as Clark would be developed.

Casanova said, “Clark has the biggest airport in the country in terms of land area.”

The CIA sits on a 2,100-hectare area compared to the Naia’s 600 hectares of land.

CIA President and CEO Victor Jose Luciano said if the Naia is decongested, its operations will “max out” in 2018.

There are at least 168 flights per week at the CIA, including daily Clark-Dubai flights of Emirates and Doha-Clark flight via Qatar Airways. The other airlines operating at the CIA are Cebu Pacific, Tigerair, Asiana, Dragon­air and Jin Air.

Other GIUC officers in the recent meeting in Amsic, Angeles City, included Leborio Jangao, known as the founder and father of the GIUC, and GIUC advisor Reynaldo Pineda of Angeles City. (Joey Pavia, Business Mirror)

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Gapo health workers bring service to Aeta communities

OLONGAPO City - The local government of Olongapo City, in efforts to bring health service to its residents especially those in isolated places, recently conducted a medical and dental mission for Aeta residents in the mountains of Sitio Tralala in Barangay Gordon Heights, this city.

The medical mission headed by Dr. Lyod Bray Tubban and Dr. Leslie Palma and staff of the city health department and personnel from the Army reserve, trekked two hours to reach the tribal community.

There, the team gave multivitamins, amoxicillin, paracetamol, mefenamic acid, vitamin A, C, and vaccine for measles for the Aeta residents.

The medical mission is part of Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino's plans to bring health service to the needy in the city.

Just recently, the same group trekked to Sitio Mampueng and gave out medicines, held medical checkups and distributed mosquito nets to the Aetas.

“It is very hard for our Aeta residents to come down from the mountains. Imagine them bringing down small kids and babies to the city proper to get medicine.” Paulino said.

“That is why I have instructed our health workers to go to them, instead of them (Aetas) going to us,” Paulino added.

Aside from the medicines, the military reserve personnel also conducted free haircuts and gave out free tsinelas (flip flops) to the Aeta community. (Olongapo City Pao)

PHOTO:
A health worker gives a child anti-measles vaccine during their visit in Sito Tralala in Barangay Gordon heights, Olongapo City.

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Subic tourists to pay new fees

SUBIC BAY FREEPORT, Philippines - Tourism establishments here were directed by officials of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) to start collecting Environment and Tourism Administrative Fee (ETAF) from tourists as the new policy was officially implemented last March 4.

During a public forum held here last March 12, SBMA Chair Roberto Garcia reminded tourism establishments or facilities owners to follow guidelines on collecting ETAF to avoid being fined or penalized.

Garcia stressed that the fund from the collection would “defray the costs for the continued protection and conservation of the environment.”

The new policy imposes P100 per room per night for hotels and other accommodation facilities for the first 5 nights of stay, and P50 per room per night on the 6th night onwards.

Meanwhile, a P20 fee will be collected per head in theme parks, beaches, swimming pools, cinemas, museums, amusement and other tourism establishments or events with fixed entrance fees, or 10 % of the fixed entrance fee, whichever is lower.

Garcia reiterated that they have already carried out various information activities to properly inform tourists about the new fee. He added that they would provide tourism establishments with notices of the implementation of the guidelines.
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Investors who attended the forum, however, raised concerns related to losing clients and profit, saying the new fees would discourage tourists from visiting or staying inside the Freeport.

Hotels and theme parks owners said they are worried that ETAF collection might also create confusion among their patrons that might even lead to complaints concerning the fees.

Burden

Evelyn Renion, general manager of the Casablanca Hotel and Condominium here, said the new fees would be a “burden” to hotel guests who might be surprised to find additional charges in their hotel bills.

Danny Tan, President of Subic Bay International Hotel, also expressed apprehension over the collection of ETAF, especially because many locators like them were informed about its implementation just recently.

Tan said aside that from confusing tourists, the ETAF collection would also complicate their sales system since they were unsure how to add this new fee to their official receipts. (Randy Datu, Rappler.com)

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