U.S. PHL troops conclude CARAT with amphibious landing exercise

SUBIC BAY - Members of the United States and Philippine Marines concluded Monday the five-day Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercise with amphibious landing at the beach in San Antonio, Zambales.

The marines were on board USS Ashland and landed on the beach by hovercrafts or Landing Craft Air Cushion (LCAC) of the U.S. Navy.

On the beach were amphibious assault vehicles, also of the American Navy.

They conducted combat exercise on the beach and surrounding terrain unmindful of the heavy rains.

“The training is okay. There are lots of information from the U.S. about combat,” PFC Almond Estrada of the Philippine Marines said.

Corporal Chris Cavey of the United States Marines enjoyed working with their Filipino counterparts.

“They are good guys, it is fun working with them, good experience,” he said.

Lance Corporal James Martinez and his companions said they learned a lot like in martial arts with the use of knife techniques.

“I have great time here, they are very professional, no language barrier,” he said.

“We’ve learned a lot in the training like the first aid, combat and the use of their new equipment,” said Philippine Marines Sgt. Ramil Escandor. (PNA)

PHOTOS:

[1] San Antonio, Zambales - An amphibious assault vehicle arrives during an amphibious assault exercise with U.S. Marines assigned to the 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, and Philippine marines held in support of Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Jay C. Pugh/Released)

[2] San Antonio, Zambales – U.S. Marines, assigned 1st Battalion 8th Marine Regiment, Bravo Company, conduct joint amphibious landing exercises with Philippine Marines during Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014.(U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist 1st Class Gilbert A. Bolibol/RELEASED)

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SBMA, Jobin sign deal for $200-M solar/wind power project in Subic Freeport

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) has signed an agreement with Jobin-SQM, Inc., an all-Filipino corporation, for the establishment here of a $200-million renewable energy facility that will produce electricity from both solar and wind power.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia and Jobin-SQM, Inc. President Nancy Tan signed an agreement reserving an 800-hectare property on Mt. Sta. Rita where the firm eyes to produce 20-megawatts (MW) of solar energy and 50 megawatts of wind energy.

Garcia said the project was formally committed during President Aquino’s state visit to China in September 2011.

The proposal is in line with Republic Act No. 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy Act of 2008, which aims to accelerate the exploration and development of renewable energy resources, increase utilization of such and promote their efficient and cost-effective commercial application, and effectively prevent or reduce harmful emissions protecting health and the environment.

The national government has declared the development and promotion of renewable energy as among its priority projects under the Investment Priorities Plan of 2012.

Garcia said Jobin has successfully satisfied the requirements set by the Department of Energy (DoE) in line with its intention to develop the solar and wind power project and has signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with the SBMA for the reservation of the project site prior to signing a lease agreement.

Thomas Garcia, Jobin-SQM Inc. stockholder, said the firm is keen on developing the Subic project, which is expected to turn on power by June 2016.

“Subic, we believe, is a progressive place and there’s a lot of potential. I like Subic,” Garcia added.

The renewable energy project has been in the pipeline since 2011 when Jobin entered into a joint venture agreement (JVA) with Hydrochina International Engineering Co., LTD. (HIECL) for the development of the said project.

Hydrochina Subic LTD Corp., which is the Filipino counterpart of HIECL, has been tapped to undertake the Subic project.

Meanwhile, HIECL will be in charge of the technical aspect of the project, including engineering, procurement and construction. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto V. Garcia shakes hand with Nancy G. Tan, president of Jobin SQM Inc., after signing a memorandum of agreement for the establishment of $200-million renewable energy project in the Subic Bay Freeport. With them are other SBMA officials and representatives of Jobin SQM Inc.

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1,800 triathletes troop to Subic for 5i50 triathlon

Over 1,800 triathletes arrived in this free port for the 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon on Sunday, marking the biggest number of participants in any Olympic-distance race to be held in the country.

In the third straight year that Subic has hosted the race, participating athletes again pitted themselves against a challenging course set against the picturesque locale and well-preserved environment of this former military base.

Among last Sunday’s racers, Australian Casey Munro topped the men’s pro elite division after completing the course which involved a 1.5-kilometer swim leg, 40-kilometer bike leg, and 10-kilometer run course.

Munro, who placed fifth in the Ironman 70.3 Busselton and Geelong competitions, finished the race in 2 hours, 7 minutes and 22 seconds.

Coming in at second was fellow Australian and last year’s third placer Michael Murphy, who clocked in at 2:08:26, while 2008 Olympian Simon Agoston placed third with 2:09:13.

Caroline Steffen, who won this year’s Ironman Australia Asia-Pacific tourney, led the women’s pro elite division with 2:15:32, followed by Australian Belinda Granger with 2:25:05, and Monica Torres of the
Philippines with 2:28:20.

Jonard Saim led the local triathletes by topping the Filipino men’s elite with 2:13:45, followed by Banjo Norte with 2:14:46, and last year’s winner John Leerams Chicano with 2:15:20.

The Subic Bay Freeport has been earning raves as the triathlon capital of the Philippines after playing host to several major triathlon events like the Subic International Triathlon and the 2014 Family Challenge Philippines.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority Chairman Roberto Garcia said the agency has been maintaining the beauty of the free port and building better facilities and accommodations to further develop Subic as a premier sporting and tourist destination. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTOS:
"Mermaids" and “Ironman” on flyboard provide entertainment for spectators and triathletes at the start of the 2014 Century Tuna 5i50 Triathlon held at the Subic Bay Freeport on June 29.

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Swiss, Aussie rule Century Tuna 5150 triathlon

Subic Bay, Philippines — Debuting Caroline Steffen of Switzerland and Casey Munro of Australia wasted little time making their marks in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon, dominating the premiere pro division races right on their first tries here yesterday.

A champion in Ironman 70.3 competitions but vying in the 5150 Olympic distance triathlon race for the very first time, Steffen blitzed the opposition and wrested the women’s pro diadem from three-peat-seeking Australian Belinda Granger with so much to spare.

Steffen, nicknamed “Xena” after the TV heroine, finished the 1.5k swim, 40k bike and 10k run race inside the SBMA in 2:15:32, blowing past Granger who checked in much later at 2:25:05.

Local ace Monica Torres hoisted the Phl flag as she came in third with her 2:28:20 effort.

Steffen’s training buddy Munro made an equally impressive romp in the men’s pro category of the Century Tuna-sponsored event that drew 1,285 participants.

A former pro cyclist, Munro banked on his riding skills to lay the foundation for a victorious campaign in 2:07:22, beating compatriot Michael Murphy (2:08:26) and Simon Agoston (2:09:13) for the title.

Jonard Saim ruled the men’s Filipino elite category, clocking 2:13:45 against Banjo Norte’s 2:14:46 and John Chicano’s 2:15:20.

Ma. Claire Adorna topped the distaff side, submitting 2:32:45 against Jenny Rose Guerrero’s 2:42:28 and Lea Coline Langit’s 2:46:26. (Manila Standard Today)

PHOTO:
Swiss Caroline Steffen (left) and Casey Munro of Australia raise the finish line banner as they dominate their respective divisions in the Century Tuna 5150 Triathlon in Subic yesterday.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2014/06/30/swiss-aussie-rule-century-tuna-5150-triathlon/

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20th Annual CARAT Philippines Exercise Begins in Subic Bay

SUBIC Bay, Philippines - A U.S. Navy task group comprised of ships, aircraft, Sailors and Marines arrived in the Philippines to commence the 20th annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT), June 26.

The guided-missile destroyer USS John S. McCain (DDG 56) and the dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) arrived in Subic Bay, while the diving and salvage ship USNS Safeguard (T-ARS 50) arrived in Sangley Point. An opening ceremony was held on board the Philippine navy ship, BRP Ramon Alcaraz (PF 16), one of two former Hamilton-class Coast Guard Cutters transferred to the Philippines navy in recent years.

CARAT Philippines is part of a broader bilateral exercise series the U.S. Navy conducts with nine partner navies in South and Southeast Asia to address shared maritime security priorities, strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance interoperability among participating forces. The Philippines has participated since the series began in 1995, and the past two decades CARAT are a clear example of the longstanding and close U.S.-Philippines navy-to-navy relationship.

"It's safe to say that after two decades, many of the senior officers and enlisted here today probably participated in a past CARAT Philippines, and this coming week, more than 1,000 U.S. Navy Sailors and Marines will join the ranks of CARAT alumni," said Rear Adm. Stuart Munsch, commander of Task Force 74 and 7th Fleet's Executive Agent for CARAT Philippines.

Munch noted that CARAT was part of a broader series of U.S.-Philippines navy-to-navy exercises, exchanges and staff talks that occurred throughout the year.

"These engagements share a common theme, that our security cooperation not only supports mutual interests, it contributes to regional stability and prosperity - a formula that is truly positive sum," said Munsch.

The CARAT series promotes regional maritime cooperation with many participating navies. Planning for each phase of CARAT begins a year in advance and exercise phases take place during the same general timeframe each year. CARAT 2014 began in late May and recently completed phases with Malaysia and Indonesia. Additional phases will continue through end of year with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Singapore and Timor-Leste.

Continuing through July 1, this year's CARAT Philippines will focus on combined operations at sea, amphibious landings, diving and salvage, and maritime patrol and reconnaissance flights. Sailors and Marines will train with their Philippine Armed Forces counterparts during multiple drills, professional exchanges and seminars ashore. Civil action projects, community service events and band concerts will facilitate interaction with the local community.

2014 Exercise events will occur in several locations ashore and at sea including Subic Bay, San Antonio in Zambales, Sangley Point in Cavite City, and Ternate. Previous CARAT exercises were held in Mindanao (2012), Palawan (2011), Subic Bay (2010 and 2013), Cebu (2009) and other locations. As in years past, the sea phase will take place in international waters west of Subic Bay.

"We're very much looking forward to getting underway for the at-sea phase of CARAT," said Capt. Paul Schlise, commodore of Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7 embarked on McCain. "These training opportunities are critical to enhancing our interoperability, safeguarding freedom of the seas and ensuring we're ready to respond in partnership with the Philippines in case of an HADR scenario or other crisis."

More than 1,000 Sailors and Marines are participating in CARAT Philippines 2014. Participating units include McCain, Ashland with embarked Marines from 1st Battalion, 8th Marine Regiment, Safeguard with embarked Mobile Diving and Salvage Unit (MDSU) 1 and a P-3C maritime patrol aircraft. Also participating are Seabees from Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMCB) 1, a platoon from Riverine Squadron (RIVRON) 1, a platoon from Explosive Ordnance Disposal Mobile Unit (EODMU) 5, staff from Commander, Task Force 73 (CTF 73) and Destroyer Squadron (DESRON) 7, and the 7th Fleet Band Orient Express. (Task Force 73 Public Affairs)

PHOTO:
U.S. Marines aboard Whidbey Island-class amphibious dock landing ship USS Ashland (LSD 48) exhibit amphibious assault vehicles (AAVs) to embarked Philippine marines. Ashland is participating in exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) 2014, a bilateral maritime exercise series between the U.S. Navy, U.S. Marine Corps and the armed forces of Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, the Philippines, Thailand and Timor-Leste. (U.S. Navy photo by Mass Communication Specialist Seaman Raymond D. Diaz III/Released)

http://www.cpf.navy.mil/news.aspx/030433

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20th Annual CARAT Philippines 2014 starts, US ships to dock in Subic Bay

A U.S. Navy task group comprised of ships, aircraft, Sailors and Marines will commence today (June 26) the 20th annual exercise Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) Philippines 2014.

Five warships, including a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, and about 1,000 troops will take part in week-long CARAT exercises. Exercises will occur in several locations ashore and at sea including Subic Bay, San Antonio in Zambales, Sangley Point in Cavite City, and Ternate. The sea phase will take place in international waters west of Subic Bay.

The USS Halsey, an Arleigh Burke-class missile-guided destroyer, will dock in Subic Bay Freeport for the exercises. It will be joined by the USNS Safeguard and the USS Ashland.

BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a former US coastguard cutter, and the BRP Emilio Jacinto, a former British Royal Navy Peacock-class ship, will likewise join for the drills, along with Polish-made helicopters.

CARAT Philippines is part of a broader bilateral exercise series the U.S. Navy conducts with nine partner navies in South and Southeast Asia to address shared maritime security priorities, strengthen maritime partnerships and enhance interoperability among participating navies. The Philippines has participated since the series began in 1995, and CARAT exercises over the past two decades are clear examples of the longstanding and close U.S.-Philippines navy-to-navy relationship.

As a long-standing exercise, CARAT promotes regional maritime cooperation with many participating navies; it is not in response to current events. The 2014 CARAT series began in late May, is taking place in Malaysia now, and continues through end of year with Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Singapore and Timor-Leste. Joint planning for each phase of CARAT begins a year in advance and exercise phases take place during the same general timeframe each year.

This year’s CARAT Philippines focuses on combined operations at sea, amphibious landings, diving and salvage, and maritime patrol and reconnaissance flights. Sailors and Marines will exchange best practices and share information with their Philippine Armed Forces counterparts during multiple professional exchanges and seminars ashore. Civil action projects, community service events and band concerts will facilitate interaction with the local community. (SNL/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
Photo File of USS Halsey, expected to dock today in Subic Bay Freeport.

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PH becoming Asia’s shipbuilding, repair hub

The government has been preparing to become a hub for shipbuilding and ship repair in the Asian region.

Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) deputy administrator for operations Atty. Gloria Victoria-Bañas told exhbitors of the first international shipbuilding and offshore equipment and technology exhibit at SMX Convention Center that MARINA is preparing the country to become a major center for ship building and ship repair.

Bañas noted that there has been an increase in foreign investments on shipbuilding and ship repair in the country.

“In 2013, the Philippines was ranked as the fifth world’s largest shipbuilding country after China, Japan, Korea and Brazil, as more local shipyards are building more ships of larger tonnage capabilities like bulk carriers, container ships and passenger ferries, particularly Tsuneishi Heavy Industries, Inc. (THICI), Hanjin Heavy Industries Corporation Philippines and Keppel Philippines Marine, Inc., which cater to the export market,” said Bañas.

Bañas said that while the local shipyards is focused primarily on the ship repair of the country’s domestic fleet, ship building projects are limited to small ships and motor bancas.

There are 121 licensed shipyards, eight facilities for the construction and repair of big ships and 14 other shipyards for medium-sized ships and 99 yards to service smaller ships.

Banas noted that before the emergence of Japanese and Korean shipyards in the country, European yards dominated the world’s shipbuilding industry.

“While shipbuilding still exists in Europe, they are now focusing more on specialized ships. European yards had conceded that they could not compete with the low labor, materials and land costs of Asian countries,” Banas said.

“As a result, the shipbuilding industry of developing countries such as the Philippines benefitted with such development,” said Banas.

To encourage more local and foreign investors, MARINA offers incentives for shipbuilding and ship repair projects under Republic Act 9295.

These incentives include exemption from value-added tax on the importation of capital equipment, machinery, spare parts, life-saving and navigational equipment and steel plates; net operating loss carry-over and accelerated depreciation.

Under the government’s Investment Priority Plan (IPP), investors in shipbuilding and ship repair are exempted from the payment of imported duties and taxes for the importation of equipment and parts needed for their operations and modernization and income tax holidays for shipyard operators.

Banas said there are other incentive schemes that investors can avail from the economic zones and free port zones such as the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, Cagayan Export Processing Zone Authority, Aurora Pacific Ecozone, Zamboanga City Special Economic Authority and the Maritime Industrial Park at PHIVIDEC Industrial Estate in Misamis Oriental.

“I am confident that the needed speed and momentum can be created to further propel the shipbuilding and ship repair industry way beyond global competitiveness,” Banas added.

She also commended the shipbuilding industry exhibit organizer, Fireworks Philippines of the Fireworks Trade Media Group for holding the event which showcased the latest trends and developments in the maritime, offshore and shipbuilding industry and its ancillary industry that serves as a meeting place for international maritime, offshore and shipbuilding companies and association here in Manila.

“It is remarkable to know that the exhibition does not only show the latest products and techniques but it also serves as a venue for the exchange of ideas to improve the current shipbuilding technology and equipment and help maintain the Philippine current status as the world’s fifth largest shipbuilding industry in terms of order book by country,” said Banas. (Edu Lopez, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO FILE: Hanjin Shipyard in Subic Bay Freeport

http://www.mb.com.ph/ph-becoming-asias-shipbuilding-repair-hub/

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Subic feeder to provide better service to Central Luzon shippers

A faster, cheaper transport system will soon be available to cargo shippers in Central and Northern Luzon when a new feeder service that will ship containers from Manila to Subic begins its operation next month.

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) announced last Friday that a Manila-Subic shuttle service operated by the PTC Agency & Transport, Inc. will serve as a common feeder for shipping lines serving locators and shippers in and around Northern Luzon.

SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, who welcomed the shuttle project as a new gain for the Subic Bay Freeport, pointed out that it would make shipping more efficient and also help address difficulties that shipping lines and truckers face because of the truck ban imposed by the Manila city government.

Garcia also said that the Subic Bay Freeport would generate additional income from the feeder service, as it would increase ship calls in this free port.

“The common complaint of shippers in Manila is that we have very few ship calls here. But once the feeder service is established, eventually there will be an increase in container volume, thus attracting major shipping lines to make their calls here,” Garcia said.

Garcia added that because of this new development the SBMA is looking at doubling the current volume of cargo unloaded at Subic’s container terminal.

The SBMA official also pointed out that Subic is a better alternative to shipping via Manila, as it would be cheaper and more convenient for shippers, especially those in Central and Northern Luzon, to load and unload their cargo here.

“Out of the 2.8 million containers that are shipped through the port of Manila every year, 450,000 of these go to Central Luzon. So it is definitely cheaper and more convenient if they ship and deliver from here,” he said.

Garcia also said that the SBMA would coordinate closely with Manila North Tollways Corp. regarding the maintenance of the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway in order to accommodate trucks that will be coming in and out of Subic. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia (right) looks on as PTC Agency & Transport, Inc. President Edgar Milla discusses the schedule of the Manila-Subic shuttle service that will open early next month.

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Subic Bay tops freeports and eco-zones with P185-million dividends remittance

The Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) emerged as the highest dividends contributor among agencies of special economic zones in the country during the recent Dividends Day in Malacañang, an annual event recognizing government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs) with the highest remittances.

According to SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia, the SBMA remitted a total of P185 million to the National Treasury this year, the first time for the Subic agency after more than a decade.

“Overall, SBMA placed number 10 among the 50 GOCCs that remitted dividends out of the total 114 GOCCs in the country today,” Garcia said.

“Meanwhile, we ranked number one and surpassed eight other free ports and special economic zones, including Clark which remitted P110 million,” Garcia added.

Under RA 7656, GOCCs are required to declare and remit half or 50 per cent of their net income to the National Treasury as dividends. The remittances are used mainly by the government for its social services programs.

According to Department of Finance reports, this year’s top contributors were the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) which had the highest total remittances at P9.791 billion, and Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) which had the highest dividends remitted at P6.298 billion.

Other GOCC contributors were Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), with P3.616 billion; Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management Corp. (PSALM), P2.5 billion; Bases Conversion Development Authority (BCDA), P2.107 billion; Manila International Airport Authority (MIAA), P1.577 billion; Philippine National Oil Company-Exploration Corporation (PNOC-EC), P1.5 billion; Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), P1.422 billion; and Philippine Deposit Insurance Corporation (PDIC), P1.05 billion.

Meanwhile, next to the SBMA in the free port/special ecozone category were Clark Development Corporation (CDC), with P110 million; Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), P100 million; and Authority of the Freeport Area of Bataan (AFAB), P4.56 million.

In his Independence Day message, President Benigno Aquino III said that GOCCs have remitted a total of P95.38 billion in just the three and a half years of his administration, compared to the P81.54 million that the corporations remitted in eight years of the Arroyo government from 2002 to 2010.

Garcia explained that since 2004 until 2013, the SBMA failed to remit dividends after the agency suffered financial losses. However, with major financial and operational restructuring in the last three years, the SBMA has managed to recover and turn financial statistics upward.

Records indicated that the SBMA first complied with the dividends requirement by remitting P5.23 million from its net earnings in 1993. Then in 2003, the SBMA remitted P75.6 million from its net earnings from 2000 to 2003 as a result of the adjustment of the required dividends from 50 percent to only 10 percent for GOCCs with very low net earnings.

The GOCC Dividends Day started in 2011 as an annual ceremony spearheaded by the Department of Finance and later on by the Governance Commission for GOCCs (GCG), to recognize complying GOCCs and to raise support for the government’s “unprogrammed fund.”

A total of P32.3 billion was raised by the national government during the GOCC Dividends Day recently.

Garcia said that while the SBMA could use the amount it had just remitted as dividends for its various capital expenditure projects, the Subic agency is happy to comply with the law.

“For one thing, we are able to help the President with his developmental programs. That’s one significant contribution by Subic to national development,” Garcia said. (RFD/RAV/MPD-SBMA)

PHOTO:
SBMA Chairman Roberto Garcia hands over to President Benigno Aquino III a check worth P185 million, representing the Subic authority’s dividend remittance to the national government, during the GOCC Dividends Day at Malacañang Palace. Looking on are Vice President Jejomar Binay (left) and SBMA Director Joven Reyes.

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Philippines, U.S. to hold naval drills near disputed shoal in S.China Sea

(Reuters) - Philippine and American troops are set to hold naval exercises this month near a disputed shoal, which will almost certainly anger China with tension already high in the South China Sea.

China claims 90 percent of the South China Sea, potentially rich in oil and gas and fisheries.

The Philippines, Malaysia, Brunei, Vietnam and Taiwan also claim parts of the waters, and China has viewed with suspicion what it sees as U.S. moves to "provoke" tension by supporting its regional allies, notably Vietnam and the Philippines.

Five warships, including a U.S. guided-missile destroyer, and about 1,000 troops will take part in week-long Cooperation Afloat Readiness and Training (CARAT) exercises, which include live-fire drills 40 miles (64 km) off Zambales, on the western shores of the Philippine island of Luzon.

The drills are to be held about 80 nautical miles distant from two or three ships of the Chinese coast guard are stationed on patrol off the disputed Scarborough Shoal, control of which China seized from the Philippines in 2012.

In January 2013, the Philippines went to the arbitration court in The Hague to question China's "excessive" policy in the South China Sea, hoping the court would order China to pull its ships away from the rocky outcrop.

The exercises are aimed at strengthening the capabilities of both sides in amphibious operations, special operations and surface warfare, besides enhancing information-sharing, navy spokesman Lieutenant Rommel Rodriguez said.

Rodriguez said the drills were a regular annual event.

"They'll have targets at sea, called 'killer tomatoes'," he said, referring to the live-fire exercise. "All ships will aim at the hostile objects. Then they will take turns to fire their guns."

The USS Halsey, an Arleigh Burke-class missile-guided destroyer, will dock in the Philippine base Subic Bay on June 26 for the exercises. It will be joined by the USNS Safeguard and the USS Ashland.

Manila will send the BRP Ramon Alcaraz, a former US coastguard cutter, and the BRP Emilio Jacinto, a former British Royal Navy Peacock-class ship, for the drills, along with Polish-made helicopters. (Reporting by Manuel Mogato; Editing by Clarence Fernandez)

http://in.reuters.com/article/2014/06/19/philippines-usa-drills-idINKBN0EU0US20140619

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Ad execs cite Subic for ‘excellent job’

Top executives in the advertising industry have commended the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) and other tourism stakeholders in this free port for the successful hosting here of Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014 last month.

In a joint letter, Alex Syfu and Norman Agatep, chairman and president, respectively, of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As), praised Subic over the outcome of this year’s advertising conference held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center (SBECC).

“On behalf of the Association of Accredited Advertising Agencies of the Philippines (4As) and the Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014 management committee, we would like to thank you all for an excellent job during our mega event,” they said.

“It is a joy working with people who understand thoroughly the purpose behind our activities and the quality standards that we uphold. Your attention to detail, commitment to the job, and quick response all contributed to the success of the first ever Ad Summit Pilipinas 2014. Kudos to you,” they added.

With the theme “Age of Enlightenment”, the four-day summit drew over 2,000 advertising and marketing practitioners from all over the country, as well as acknowledged masters in the industry like CCI-Asia Chairman Emily Abrera, Omnicom Media Group CEO Cheuk Chiang, APAC CEO of JWT Tom Doctoroff, and Dentsu Aegis Network Chairman Dick Van Moltman.

The advertising summit set out to challenge industry practitioners to make the world a better place, and provide hope and relevance in the brands and messages that they create.

SBMA Chairman and Administrator Roberto V. Garcia said the SBMA, as well as other groups and establishments involved in hosting the event, “gave their 101% to make the summit successful.”

He noted that the Subic Bay Freeport has been hosting similar conventions in the past several years after the agency established the SBECC as the cornerstone of Subic’s MICE (meetings, incentives, conventions and exhibitions) program.

Because of Subic’s excellent conference facilities, the Department of Tourism in Region 3 (DoT-3)named Subic as the “Premier Convention Capital of Central Luzon,” having been chosen as venue for 293 MICE events in 2012, and in the process accommodating more than 130,000 guests.

Complementing the honor, the DoT3 also named the Subic Bay Freeport “as one of the Top Destinations in the Country” last December 2012 for its wide array of quality tourist facilities and the number of visitors it generated.

“Most of the event organizers prefer Subic because it is already a complete package for MICE events,” Garcia also said. (RAV/MPD-SBMA)

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Olongapo gets P54.3-M water system upgrade

OLONGAPO CITY— Two upland communities in this city which have been without piped water since time immemorial broke into celebration after private utility firm Subic Water and Sewerage Co., Inc. (SUBICWATER) activated its three water supply expansion projects worth P54.3 million on Monday.

Residents of Nagbaculao and Sibul areas of this city in their joy took a surprise shower as Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino and SUBICWATER Chairman Herbert Consunji led the ceremonial opening of water valves which, they say, signifies ‘the rush of developments’ coming to the 1,000 families who rely on spring water.

Included in this water infrastructure development are three concrete reservoirs with a total capacity of 5.6 million liters, a pump station, and some 7.2 kilometers of new pipelines, according to Consunji.

“These completed projects, aside from bringing piped water service to these two areas, will also increase water pressure in barangays Asinan, Pag-asa, New Kalalake, East Tapinac, and East Bajac-bajac,” said Consunji.

Consunji explained that SUBICWATER inherited a dilapidated water system in 1997 and thus, had to concentrate first on the low-lying areas of the city, where water pressure was ‘so weak that it can’t even reach the second floor of a structure’.

“So far, SUBICWATER has spent a total of P1.5 billion to revolutionize our water system— from catchment, treatment, distribution, and even sewage treatment in the Freeport,” he added.

“Now that we have successfully boosted our raw water supply and increased our treatment and distribution capacities, SUBICWATER is resolved to bring treated water to the communities sitting along and atop the high ridges surrounding Olongapo City,” the SUBICWATER chairman said.

Mayor Paulino, on the other hand, congratulated SUBICWATER for ‘another successful project finished’.

“We must thank SUBICWATER for going the extra mile to bring water to this area, which I recall to have been without water even during the US Navy times,” said Paulino to some 300 residents gathered at Nagbaculao.

“Instead of spending hours lining up for water, you can now devote more time to your families, yourselves, and most importantly, to your livelihoods,” Paulino said.

Having learned that it takes an average of P1,500 per month to hire someone to fetch water, Paulino urged the residents to immediately apply for a water service connection as the average water bill of those consuming around 10,000 liters a month is about P263 only.

In light of those who will lose their jobs fetching water, Paulino gave assurance that his administration has enough jobs in store for them.

“The Americans are starting to go to Subic Bay. Please visit our city hall as we have numerous job opportunities in store for you; don’t be contented fetching water for your neighbors for the rest of your lives,” said Paulino.

SUBICWATER implemented the first built-operate-and-transfer (BOT) scheme for a water and sewerage system in Asia when it took over the water supply and sewerage system of the Subic Bay Freeport and Olongapo City in April 1997.

The firm, which was formed by a joint-venture agreement in 1996, is owned by Filipino construction firm DM Consunji Inc. (DMCI), Singaporean water specialist Sembcorp Industries Ltd. (Sembcorp), Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA), and Maynilad Water Services Inc. (Hernan Habacon)

PHOTO
SHOWER OF BLESSINGS: A resident of Nagbaculao, Barangay Kalaklan gets sprayed with water as Olongapo City Mayor Rolen C. Paulino (leftmost) leads the inauguration rites of Subic Water and Sewerage Co., Inc.'s (SUBICWATER) recently-completed water supply expansion project— one of the three projects worth P54.3 that were activated on Monday. SUBICWATER Chairman Herbert Consunji (fourth from left) and company CEO Apollo C. Tiglao (in blue shirt), Barangay Kalaklan head Willie Umali (second from left) and other city officials joined the community’s celebration.

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Chinese firm pledges P9-billion investment at Subic Freeport

A Chinese steel manufacturer has pledged P9 billion for an export-oriented business project here in the Subic Bay Freeport.

The Panhua Group Co. Ltd. will engage in the pre-painting of steel coils and metal sheets for export and domestic trade and other allied industries.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) Chairman Roberto V. Garcia said the SBMA board of directors approved Panhua’s proposal on its 258th board meeting in February 2014.

The Chinese firm is also engaged in shipping, real estate, mining, steel manufacturing and logistics business in China.

Garcia said the entry of Panhua in Subic attests to the growing attractiveness of the country to foreign investments.

“The Philippines is currently enjoying a BBB rating from Standard and Poor’s, which means that the country has adequate capacity to meet financial commitments,” Garcia noted.

He added that more foreign direct investments (FDIs) are pouring into the Philippines because it has earned the trust of investors after it received investment upgrades from different rating firms.

The Panhua Group is a large-scale conglomerate, manufacturer, exporter, and wholesale supplier of cold-rolled steel coil, cold-rolled steel sheet, galvanized steel coil, galvanized steel sheet, pre-painted galvanized steel coil, and pre-painted galvanized steel coil sheet.

With an annual steel production capacity of 1.5 metric tons, Panhua Group Co. Ltd. is listed among the 500 top private enterprises in China.

The firm’s main manufacturing bases, which have a registered capital of $100 million, are located in Zhangjiagang City and Fuling District, as well as Chongqing City in mainland China.

Company officials said its proposed Subic Bay Freeport operations are expected to augment its production, as it has pegged its export target at 42,000 metric tons per month to begin in the first quarter of 2016.

Panhua’s newly-approved project in Subic will be located at Subic Bay Gateway Park Phase 2 and will initially be manned by 100 employees. (RFD/MPD-SBMA)

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Subic eyed as premier airsoft gaming destination

Subic is being eyed by an international publication to become Asia’s premier airsoft gaming destination.

Popular Airsoft, an online airsoft publication based in the United Kingdom, is looking at Subic to be the venue of the First Philippine International Airsoft Fiesta, an event envisioned to put the Philippines, particularly Subic, at a premier place in the international airsoft community.

The Airsoft Fiesta, which is scheduled for the first quarter of 2015, is also seen to complement the Philippine International Hot Air Balloon Festival held annually in the nearby Pampanga province.

Airsoft is a modern combat sport similar to paintball but gives players a more realistic war gaming experience.

Victor Serafica, publisher and editor of Popular Airsoft, said that they have been in talks with the Subic Clark Development Council since 2010 regarding the possibility of developing airsoft tourism in the country.

“We intend to attract hundreds of enthusiasts to take part in this event, with players coming in from Asia, Middle East, Europe and the Americas,” he said.

Some of the proposed events for the Airsoft Fiesta are military simulation, team and individual competitions, airsoft trade show, and static display of weapons from the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police.

Locations within the Subic Bay Freeport such as JEST Camp, Grande Island, Naval Magazine bunkers and the jungle area are being eyed as possible venues for the Airsoft Fiesta activities.

Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA) chairman Roberto Garcia said that the Subic agency welcomes this opportunity and that the locations preferred by the organizers are available for such activities.

SBMA has long been promoting Subic as a sports destination and has hosted several international sporting events. Subic has always been a top choice for sports tourism due to its well-preserved natural environment and world-class facilities. (FMD/MPD-SBMA)

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Hanjin christens five new vessels in Subic

Five new vessels were christened on Wednesday by Hanjin Heavy Industries & Construction-Philippines (HHIC-Phil) at their shipbuilding facility here – a historic feat and testament to the country’s growing capability in shipbuilding.

The five newly built 5,400 TEU (20-foot equivalent units) container carrier ships were ordered by Oaktree Capital Management, LP, a global asset management firm specializing in alternative investment strategies.

The five container carriers were named MV Wide Alpha, MV Wide Bravo, MV Wide Charlie, MV Wide Delta, and MV Wide Echo, respectively. Each has an overall length of 255m, breadth of 37.3m, depth of 22m, design draft of 12m, deadweight of 65,347M/T, guaranteed speed of 21.5 knots and main engine MAN-B&W 6G80ME-C9.2.

Among those present at the unveiling ceremony were Hanjin-Phil senior officials led by President Jin Kyu Ahn, Oaktree Senior Vice President Andreas Kraemer, Starboard Ventures Limited CEO Roger Iliffe, investors, high-ranking officials of multinational banks, and representatives from classification society DNVGL.

Ahn said Hanjin-Phil was extremely happy to collaborate with a professional and respected organization like Oaktree and hopes to continue the mutually beneficial relationship for future projects.

“We do turn great challenges into positive opportunities to improve our products even better to meet our clients’ increasing demands for high technology yet cost-efficient vessels. Hanjin-Phil Inc. never rested on its laurels as we continue to explore ways and means to further maximize and advance our shipbuilding capability for our clients’ full satisfaction,” Ahn added.

Hanjin has invested US$1.7 billion worth of foreign direct investments in the Philippines to establish a shipyard in Subic Bay Freeport. Being an export oriented enterprise for new vessels since 2009, Hanjin has consistently topped the list of exporters in the country, boosting the Philippines’ export sales portfolio year-on-year.

Hanjin Subic shipyard employs more than 20,000 Filipino workers. With the shipyard’s capital and labor-intensive operations, livelihood and job opportunities abound for many local companies, start-up enterprises, public establishments and local residents in the surrounding communities.

Hanjin Subic shipyard continues to be a reliable driver of inclusive economic growth and development in the countryside as the backbone of the Philippine economy.

The Philippines ranks fourth among the largest shipbuilding nations, while Hanjin-Phil Inc. is number 10 of less than a hundred shipbuilding companies across the globe, according to the May 2014 shipping journal. (Jonas Reyes, Manila Bulletin)

PHOTO:
PROUDLY PHILIPPINE-MADE — ‘M/V Wide Alpha’ (foreground), ‘M/V Wide Echo,’ and ‘M/V Wide Charlie’ are seen here at the quaywall of the Hanjin Shipbuilding facility in Redondo Peninsula, Subic Bay Freeport on Wednesday. The three are part of the five newly-christened 5,400 TEU (twenty-foot equivalent unit) container vessels made in the Philippines by shipbuilder, Hanjin Heavy Industries and Construction-Philippines. (Jonas Reyes)

http://www.mb.com.ph/hanjin-christens-five-new-vessels-in-subic/

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